February 2016 Volume 55 - Number 2 Shevat-Adar I 5776

What’s Going on in FebruaryWhat’s Going on in FebruaryWhat’s Going on in February

pages 7 & 8

World Wide Wrap World Wide Wrap World Wide Wrap

& Prayer Fair 2016& Prayer Fair 2016& Prayer Fair 2016

page 10

Family Shabbat Dinner Family Shabbat Dinner Family Shabbat Dinner

& Israeli Dancing& Israeli Dancing& Israeli Dancing

page 12

page 12

Sisterhood Challah Sisterhood Challah Sisterhood Challah

Demonstration (with Brunch!)Demonstration (with Brunch!)Demonstration (with Brunch!)

page 14

Talent Show to Benefit Talent Show to Benefit Talent Show to Benefit

Friends of the IDFFriends of the IDFFriends of the IDF

Building Community Since 1954Building Community Since 1954Building Community Since 1954

page 7

Scout ShabbatScout ShabbatScout Shabbat

Introducing Sunday CirclesIntroducing Sunday CirclesIntroducing Sunday Circles

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rabbi@tiflorida.org Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Sunday Please call or email for an appointment.

Staff Rabbi.................................... Joshua Neely

Cong. Life Coord. ...... Susan Bernstein

Off. Admin.... John-Patrick Alexander

Bookkeeper .................... Patricia Young

Executive

Committee President .............................. Mark Kluger

1st Vice President.. .......... Sharon Sachs

VP Membership ............ Geanne Share

VP Education ........................ Kris Crane

Comptroller .................... Michelle Bilsky

Secretary ............................ Mollie Savage

Sisterhood Rep. .......... Cathy Swerdlow

Men’s Club Co-Pres.. ................................ ........................ Wayne Bilsky & Joe Ihns

Past President. ................ Eric Hoffman

Trustees Ed Borowsky

Natan Brener

Lauren Brown

Ellen Calish

Andrew Feinberg

Bernie Kahn

Dick Katz

Susan Lackman

Art Louv

Mindy Markowitz

Paul Patti

Steven Sesit

Roz Weinstein

Daniel Wise

Arlene van de Rijn

Standing

Committee Chairs Adult Education ...... Michael Fineberg

Budget & Finance ........ Michelle Bilsky

Building & Grounds ................ Joe Ihns

Education - School .............. Kris Crane

Endowment ............. Andrew Feinberg

Ma’asim Tovim ...... Arlene van de Rijn

Marketing ............................ Larry Gutter

Membership .................... Geanne Share

Past Pres. Coun. ............. Eric Hoffman

Ritual ................................... Natan Brener

Ways & Means ............................................

..................... Ed Borowsky & Paul Patti

Youth.................................. Matt Gordon

From Our Rabbi By Rabbi Joshua Neely

G od’s mercies extend to all God’s creatures (Psalms 145:9)

The Torah itself teaches us about animals many times. Shoo away a mother bird before taking the young. Do not muzzle the ox as it threshes your grain. When the mule of your enemy collapses under the weight, you must help him unload and repack it. Do not force a mule and ox to pull together in one yoke. Do not eat a limb torn from a living animal. Eat only that which has been killed in the proper manner. Allow your animals to rest from work on Shabbat. Do not slaughter, even for sacrifice, a mother and her young on the same day. Allow the newborn to stay with its mother for at least 8 days. You must tend to your animals before you feed yourself.

The wording may seem legalistic but you must bear in mind the general view of animals in the ancient world. Telling you to let your animal rest on Shabbat would be the same as telling you to let your chair or bread rest. Animals were tools and commodities. They were appreciated and cared for because of the benefit they gave not because anyone thought they had an intrinsic right to such treatment.

The story of Genesis declares that we and animals were made by the same God. The story of Noah tells us that God wanted the animals to be saved as well. The Psalms frequently marvel at God’s providence towards the animal kingdom and the beauty of their world. Rabbinic literature uses animals as metaphors and po-etic teachings. The Sages also clarify our responsibilities towards them. Although we may eat certain animals we are prohibited from causing any suffering beyond the absolute minimum needed.

The modern world is slowly catching up but still many look with kindness upon animals because they feel uneasy seeing any suffering. It is not our unease that should concern us but their inherent right to live well. We may find suitable rea-son to press them into service or consume them but this does not reduce them to the level of pure property.

As Temple Israel works to help the animal shelter, please do all you can to help these animals who have been abandoned or mistreated by others. Our devotion to Torah is revealed in how we treat the silent creatures of God’s world who can offer no protest on their own behalf.

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From Our President

By Mark Kluger

B ehind the Scenes at TI,

Well, it’s been about a month-and-a half or so, since becoming your President. So

far so good, still. Things are happening, committees are meeting, and the vibe at TI is AWESOME! Can you feel it? I sure can.

Maybe you did not notice the sign out front is painted black on beige. I can only assume the in-crease in attendance at services means people now know how to find us. Artwork is hanging in our social hall, warming up our home. You will even notice that artwork from Marlene A. Davis, cour-tesy of Elliott Davis, hangs beautifully on the walls as you enter the Roth Social Hall from our sanc-tuary. Services also have greeters and Bimah reps, courtesy of Lynn Fenster and Arlene van de Rijn. Thank you to those greeting and sitting on our bimah.

Committees are actively meeting, making decisions to benefit our Synagogue Family. New software for management of our Synagogue is being vetted. Budget & Finance is hard at work managing our funds. Ritual is working on programming and is eager to hear your opinions. The Meitin Religious School is engaged in exciting programming, culminating recently with a religious book retirement/burial, along with tree plantings. I believe there might be some tree saplings for sale, courtesy of Laurence Morrell, benefiting our religious school. There is also a Barton’s candy sale at this time, also benefiting our religious school. Thank you, Arlene Silver, for making that happen.

So, what’s next, you ask? Temple Israel is the beneficiary of a generous financial donation from Harriett Lake, which will renovate our foyer in front of our sanctuary. Look for new flooring, new furniture, and likely new lighting and paint. Amanda Hoffman is going to take the lead to help get this major renovation moving forward.

Check our photos in the hallways, memorializing the many events happening at TI. It is our goal to keep you apprised of all that is going on with our Congregational Family. Take a look, leave with a smile.

Finally, on the subject of smiling, I have an easy request for all of you. If you have made any pur-chases from Amazon.com, I am asking you to go to smile.amazon.com. Log in, and enter Temple Israel in Longwood (in process of changing this). Make a new favorite on your PC, of smile.amazon.com. Start making purchases, and “poof,” Temple Israel gets a check from Amazon, and it’s because of your purchase. No increase in your prices, no hassle, but a benefit to our family. You simply cannot argue with that. Call the office with any questions, and help TI smile.

Honored to serve TI.

L’Shalom, Mark Kluger holmark@cfl.rr.com

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From Our Vice President

By Sharon Sachs

L ast month, our President Mark Kluger spoke to you about the strength of our congregational family and about making Temple Israel an even

warmer and more inviting home. Like all good Vice Presidents, I echo his senti-ments and enthusiasm for growing our family and welcoming members and pro-

spective members into our mishpacha.

I had the privilege of attending the 60th anniversary of Laurence Morrell’s Bar Mitzvah last Octo-ber. He was the third Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel and the first to celebrate his 60th anniversary. As he sat with his wife Ellen, daughter Dana, and grandson Nathan, he had an opportunity to ad-dress congregants about the role Temple Israel played in his family during his formative years. He remarked that Temple Israel was the centerpiece of his family’s friends and activities. There wasn’t the plethora of competing sports leagues, school clubs, and entertainment venues that exist today which, at times, lead us astray from our congregational family.

As I have reflected on Laurence’s observations concerning what are, in fact, societal changes, I have thought about what Temple Israel can do to play a more pivotal role in the lives of our congrega-tional family. There is no easy answer. I believe we must continue to strive to offer programming for the entire kehillah, whether it be Sisterhood or Men’s Club functions, adult education events and learning opportunities, religious school and youth groups, dinners, schmoozes, and galas, holiday programs, community service and social action opportunities, or weekly services.

The weekly handout at services and our website calendar are replete with rich and diverse program-ming week in and week out. We can, however, always improve, be innovative and think out of the box, and focus on what our congregational family wants and expects from their temple. It may very well be that the role our temple plays may already be exactly what our family wants it to be.

I hope you will offer your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions to Mark and me, and the Board of Trus-tees, so that our congregational family not only grows, but grows stronger, together. I view it as our collective obligation, and well within our power, to work collaboratively to enrich our congregants’ lives with our proud Jewish heritage – L’DorV’Dor.

L’Shalom, Sharon Sachs sharonsachs@bellsouth.net

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From Our Congregational Life Coordinator

By Susan Bernstein

T he vision statement of Fair Trade Judaica states “We envision a world in which Jewish consumers recognize fair trade as an expression of core

Jewish values, seek out fair trade Judaica products, and use their purchasing power to support thriving communities of artisans around the world”.

I will have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala this month to visit the community of native Mayan women who create beautiful Judaica through the help, guidance and support of MayaWorks. To learn more about their work, how this endeavor is helping them to be self suf-ficient and enabling them to improve their quality of life.

Fair Trade Judaica is guided by Jewish values: Tzedakah (supporting artisans, their families and communities to become self-sufficient); Tikkun Olam (using our power as Jewish consumers to cre-ate a more just trade system); Community (creating a Fair Trade Judaica movement in the Jewish community, and building connections between consumers and artisans in support of fair trade); and Integrity (expressing transparency as an organization and treating producers with respect).

It is my desire to bring back samples of their work which include challah, matzah and afikoman covers, tallitot, kippot, mezuzot, wall hangings & banners, cards and bookmarks. Our Temple Israel Gift Store will have these items available for purchase. Please make every effort to stop by on Wednesday evenings, Sunday mornings or anytime the office is open from 8:30 am-4:30 pm, and make a purchase that will enhance your home or religious observance and make a positive differ-ence in the lives of the women of Guatemala.

L’Shalom, Susan Bernstein kehillaclc@tiflorida.org 407.647.3055 ext. 304

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From Our Sisterhood

W omen having a role in services at Temple Israel is not unusual. On January 16, we celebrated Sisterhood Shabbat, and it was with great pride

that so many women participated. Yasher Koach to the service leaders, Torah and English readers and those who had Aliyot.

We also want to extend a thank you to everyone who attended to show their support for our fabulous Sisterhood.

And we can’t omit a huge thank you to Wayne Bilsky, Chuck Silverman, Ed Borowsky, and Michael Kaplin representing Men’s Club and Michele Borowsky for taking over the Kiddush hosting duties to allow Linda Silverman and her committee of volunteers to attend the service.

During the Kiddush, Sisterhood continued its Shabbat leadership during the Nutshell based on the book The Dovekeepers. Many thanks to Cathy Swerdlow for leading us in a stimulating, thoughtful and interesting discussion of zealots.

With Sisterhood Shabbat over, we now look forward to our next exciting activity. On February 21 at 10:00 am, we are thrilled to announce that Debra Markowitz, chef extra-ordinaire, will be our guest for a delicious cooking demonstration. In preparation for Purim we will be making a specialty challah with a “secret filling” as, in keeping with the spirit of the holiday, things are not always what they seem to be on the surface! Debra was the winner of the cheesecake bake off at Shavuot and is the creator of the beautiful beehive cake (complete with tasty little bees!) that helped us celebrate Rosh HaShanah.

More good things are coming up – our Torah Fund thank you event on March 13, Miriam’s Tea on April 3, meeting on May 1 (more details to follow!) and installation on June 5.

This is a fabulous group of dynamic women. Please consider joining a committee or serving as an officer. The more the merrier – and the result is a lighter load for every-one. It is an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge, learn new things, make new friends and make a huge difference for our wonderful Temple Israel.

We look forward to seeing you on February 21!

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Game Night at Temple Israel! Monday, February 1, at 7:00 pm in the Lounge

Whatever your game is … the first Monday of the month is your night!

Come and enjoy a great game of Texas Hold’em, Mah Jongg,

Chess or Pool (or learn how!). Refreshments will be available, and

it all goes down in the Lounge. When you arrive, enter through the

front of the temple. All are welcome!

Sponsored by Temple Israel’s Men’s Club

Questions? Please call Joe Ihns at 407.267.2000.

Get Ready to Wrap & Roll!

Join Temple Israel’s Men’s Club

Participate in the Mitzvah!

Experience the wonder & joy!

All members are welcome!

Remember to bring any and all tefillin you may have.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

9:00 am - 10:00 am

In the Savage Family Chapel

Scout Kabbalat Shabbat

Friday, February 12, Jewish scouts and their families will participate in our service

in honor of the birthday of lord Baden Powell, founder of the scouting movement

and scouts will exemplify reverence, one of the attributes found in the Scout law.

The service starts at 7:30 pm.

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Prayer Fair 2016Prayer Fair 2016Prayer Fair 2016 For the past two years Temple Israel has hosted a larger scale adult learning event on Su-

per Bowl Sunday following the World Wide Wrap. This year’s activity will be held on

February 7, from approximately 10:00 am-12:00 pm.

The purpose of the event will be to learn more about the prayers we say on Shabbat

morning. If we know what we’re saying and why we say it, we may find the experience

more inspirational.

Rabbi Joshua Neely and other volunteer teachers will present 15 minute mini-lectures on the prayers

listed below on the left. The talks will be presented as a series woven together by Rabbi Neely’s com-

mentary. Each mini-lecture will attempt to address the following topics listed on the right.

Introduction and Morning Brachot, page 146

El Adon, page 228

Amidah/Kedushah, pages 255-266

Kaddish (various), page 306

Berich Shemey and Bei Ana Racheitz, page 316

Aleinu, pages 402-404

Conclusion and Adon Olam, page 412

History/origin/authorship of the prayer

Location within the service and rationale for

that location

Function/purpose/theology of the prayer

Literary style of the prayer and implications

Impact of the prayer, what should the con-

gregant take away with him/her

We hope you can join us for this interesting and informative adult learning event.

If you need more information, please call the TI office at 407.647.3055. or email office@tiflorida.org.

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:

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The following article is from The Southern Jewish Weekly newspaper dated October 22, 1954. It comes to us via Laurence Morrell who

has been hiding it in a drawer all these years.

MUSINGS, a column written by Ethel “Teddy” Moscovitz

The Orlando story continues to grow for this year the fellow Jews of Orlando have molded a third congre-gation, astoundingly without animosity or ill will.

This September, Temple Israel was brought into being by a group of fifty families who had previously be-longed to the mother congregation, Ohev Shalom. Like the Reform element before them, these fifty fami-lies felt keenly that, in order to pursue their religious convictions with all integrity, they must strike out for themselves.

Without disturbing the peace of the community, they formed a Conservative congregation. It seems as if fate had meant it that way for they were immediately offered the purchase of a former Baptist Church build-ing for the unobtrusive sum of $40,000. And to add to their good fortune, a young rabbi, Philip Shnairson who had been born in Orlando, felt that he would like to return to the community where he first saw light. The triple ceremony has made a very happy marriage, and it’s newborn congregation has grown to over 100 members. But the complexion of the congregation is also something new. Obviously, the inspiration for the intensified religious observance stems from the rabbi. The enthusiasm to attain new heights comes from the heart of the membership.

Evidence of the spiritual rehabilitation can be seen in the love and devotion which is permitted to flow upon the Temple Israel building. The old church had to be redecorated and partly renovated, and this has been done manually by the membership itself. Rockwool was laid in the attic, painting was administered, carpets were laid, and empty rooms were converted into class rooms. Men and women who have hired by contract the decorating of their own homes pitched in and, with their own hands, have made Temple Israel a capti-vating sight.

I asked Frank Stein what is making this congregation, of which he is president, tick? “It is because this is a family congregation,” Frank beams. “Husband and wife serve on the board and on the committees to-gether. This arrangement,” says Frank “not only is good for the synagogue but it is wonderful for the fam-ily.”

At present, Temple Israel has no ladies auxiliary. There is a women’s division headed by Mrs. David Glass. Here strictly ‘women’s work’ is done like the sending out of sunshine notes, placing flowers in the urn, cook-ing, etc. But ladies do not have separate meetings. All business is handled at the congregational business sessions.

Temple Israel also has a painless and novel means of fund-raising. It’s monthly mortgage check is met by a congregational supper. This event serves also as a social outlet for the members. The suppers are held in the homes of the membership. Three women are given $100 by the congregation to serve the supper and to arrange it in such a way as to raise the mortgage money which is in excess of $200. The ladies are so ingen-ious that, although they are limited by a $5 charge for admission, they find that they do not have to use the $100 initial outlay. The last supper netted the congregation $300.

Congregational attendance at services is almost 100%. A Hebrew school is being instituted by the rabbi’s wife who is working as a volunteer along with the rest of the congregation. Sunday school is functioning under the direction of Bea Ettinger (Mrs. Leon).

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Religious School Simcha Kabbalat Shabbat

& Family Shabbat Dinner!

Admission to the Family Shabbat Dinner is $6.50 a person

with a cap of $15 to accommodate our larger families.

Tots ages 5 & under eat for free!

Stay for the Religious School Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7:30

and Israeli Dancing at 8:30 pm

Friday, February 19, starting at 6:30 pm

Click here to book a seat online!

(tiflorida.org/events/family-shabbat-dinner-2016-02-19)

RSVP by Wednesday, February 17

Or contact John-Patrick in the office at

407.647.3055 & office@tiflorida.org.

RSVP is a must, so please make your reservations today!

Online reservations close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 17.

Reservations made after that through the office will incur a $5 upcharge.

On Friday evenings after services we traditionally

enhance our Shabbat joy known as Oneg Shab-

bat. On Friday, February 19 we will have a special

Oneg Shabbat with Israeli Dancing.

You will have the opportunity to learn new dances as well as dance to old favorites.

That evening there is also a Religious School Kabbalat, Simcha Shabbat! It’s a fun night

of celebration and dancing. Come join the fun!

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Latino ShabbatLatino ShabbatLatino Shabbat Join us for another Latino Shabbat on Saturday, February 20 at 9:00 am in the Savage

Family Chapel. The service will be conducted in Spanish and Hebrew using a siddur in

both languages. It will begin with Birchot Hashachar and P'sukei D'Zimra, and con-

tinue with Shacharit; It will include a D'var Torah in Spanish. After the discussion on

the Parashat of the week, participants will join the congregation in the main sanctuary

for the service of reading the Torah and Musaf. After the service, a kiddush with Latin

flavor will be served in the lounge. The service is open to the entire Jewish community

of Orlando.

Únase a nosotros en otro Shabat Latino el Sábado 20 de Febrero a las 9:00 am. El servicio se llevará

a cabo en español y hebreo usando un sidur en ambos idiomas. Comenzará con Birchot HaShachar y

P’sukei D’Zimra, y continuará con Shacharit; se incluirá un D’var Tora en español. Al finalizar la

discucción sobre la parasha de la semana, los participantes se unirán a la congregación en el santuario

principal para el servicio de lectura de la Tora y Musaf. Después del servicio, se servirá un kidush con

sabor latino en el salón social. El servicio es abierto para toda la comunidad judia de Orlando.

Ever wish you could greet everybody that attends Friday night or Shabbat

morning services? Well now you can! This year, we are inviting all adult

synagogue members who regularly attend services to volunteer to serve as

Greeter at least once during the year. Members of the Temple Israel Ex-

ecutive Committee and Board of Trustees will automatically be asked to

serve in this function. If you are not currently on the Executive Commit-

tee and Board of Trustees and are willing to serve as a Greeter, please con-

tact Lynn Fenster at lynngfenster@gmail.com as soon as possible and let

her know of your willingness to help out in this role. In your email to her, please let her know

whether you prefer Friday night or Saturday and if there are any specific dates you have in mind to

serve as Greeter.

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Introducing Sunday Circles Join us twice a month for coffee and conversation. Suggested discussion topics include blending tra-ditions, being a Jewish parent, interfaith relationships, holidays, life cycles, technology sharing and learning, healthy relationships, and being OK with having an adult child who is single. Some days we expect to take our talk on the move and converse while going for a walk, playing basketball, or possi-bly even riding bikes.

Our first gathering will be "in house" on Sunday, February 21 at 9:30 am with the topic of Raising Jewish Kids in a Non-Jewish Setting. You are welcome to join the Sisterhood activity at 10:00 am and/or help the school children sew their own personal tallit at 10:45 am. Contact Kris Crane with any questions or suggestions at elijah1298@aol.com.

Sisterhood Challah Demonstration Sunday, February 21 at 10:00 am

Presented by Debra Markowitz.

Challah can be more than a simple braided bread for Shabbat –

see how Debra makes it special for Purim! At 10:00 am a light

brunch will be provided.

RSVP to Cathy Swerdlow by 2/18 at 407.862.2374 or sisterhoodcfs@gmail.com.

All God’s Creatures

Ma’asim Tovim and your Ritual Committee will join forces Saturday, February 13 at 7:00 pm for a

Havdalah service with the theme “All God’s Creatures.” Pets are invited. One can of pet food is re-

quested at the door. More details coming soon!

Ways & Means The Ways & Means committee will be having its first 2016 meeting on Wednesday, February 10 at

7:00 pm in the library. We will be establishing our Annual fundraising plan for presentation to the

Board. We welcome all interested parties!

- Ed Borowsky and Paul Patti, Co-Chairs Ways & Means

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One of the Mitzvot of Purim is to send a basket of ready-to-eat food to friends and family, known as Mishloach Manot. This year you will again have the opportunity to fulfill this mitzvah as you help support our congregation.

You will receive one Gift Bag along with a list of families who have honored you by their purchase of a Mishloach Manot. Do the same for others by ordering Mishloach Manot on the Order Sheet below.

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 24

Name:_____________________________________________________________

Phone number: ___________________

___ I wish to order _______ Mishloach Manot @ $5 each $ _________

___ I wish to send Mishloach Manot to Every TI Member (205 households) for $180

To perform the Purim mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim (gifts to the poor), please con-sider making a tax-free donation to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (Tzedakah Fund)

___ Yes, I am fulfilling the mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim.

Here is my donation of $_______

METHOD OF PAYMENT

____ check (payable to Temple Israel)

OR credit card _____________________________Exp. ______

____ I will pick up my personal Mishloach Manot on Sunday, March 13 at the TI Purim Carnival

____ I will pick up my personal Mishloach on Wednesday, March 23 at the Congrega-tional Dinner/Megillah Reading

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Talent Show to Benefit Friends of the IDF Our most recent Bat Mitzvah, Miriam Crane, requests your participation in what is sure to be an engaging and delightful Talent Show to benefit the Friends of the Israeli Defense Force. Mark your calendars now for Sunday, March 6 at 11:00 am, right after the quarterly town hall meeting. Please contact Miriam if you’d like to share your talents or experiences with the IDF mirimu-sic7000@aol.com or 407.829.7926. Rehearsal will be Sunday, February 28 at 2:00 pm. All donations received will go to Friends of the IDF.

Weekends are full of activities at Temple Israel! This weekend we held the follow-ing events: Tot program for Tu B'shvat, Meitin Religious School Tree planting, tree sale, book burial, and a visit from Blue Box Bob. L'Dor V'Dor went to the Maitland Art Mu-seum with Daniel Wise and made chalk rubbings of its elaborately designed tiles.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The Swerdlow Kids, children of Cathy & David:

Ben is pursuing a doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan

Jessica is writing master’s thesis for a Masters in Diplomacy Studies at the University of Haifa and just got engaged to Adam Edry. Summer wedding in Israel is planned

Deborah completed Masters in Public Administration in December 2015 from George Washington University

Becca recently married Lioz Noy (Sept 2015) in Israel Erik & Amanda are living in Atlanta and are the parents of Jonah and

Ethan

Prayerful Meditation

Saturday, February 27 at 9:30 am in the Savage Family Chapel

An experiential workshop to help open up the channels of spirit that

connect us to God. Led by Rabbi Joshua Neely, this will include medi-

tation, guided imagery, breathing exercises and more.

Held in the Savage Family Chapel every last Shabbat of the month.

February 28 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm in the Roth Social Hall

We’re here with bagels, beverages, newspapers, Wi-Fi and more! Drop the kids off at re-

ligious school. Support the minyan at 9:00 am in the Savage Family Chapel. Come early

for that 10:30 am or 11:00 am meeting. Or you can sleep in; we’ll be going till 12:00 pm!

Not a member? No problem. Come visit and have a bagel with us. We’ll be happy to

show you around.

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TEAM DOG vs. TEAM CAT - WHAT TEAM R U?

Temple Israel has partnered with Seminole County Animal Services to collect and donate canned dog and cat food to help feed the beautiful pets now available for adoption. The “WHAT TEAM R U” campaign runs through March 15. The collection station is located in the Temple Israel Social Hall.

Rabbi Joshua Neely said Jewish tradition reveres the love and care of pets.

“Torah teaches us in many places that we have responsibilities to animals,” Rabbi Neely reminds us. “Giving an animal a loving home is a wonderful act of kindness. If you can't take one, you can still help to take care of them.”

Nicholette the Cat and Sadie the Dog, now available for adoption at SCAS, represent their species as team mascots. Learn more about Nicholette and Sadie at the collection station, and vote for your fa-vorite pet with your canned food donation.

SCAS has requested ground food for dogs and pate style for cats. SCAS also accepts non-food pet donations. Please visit the collection station for details.

The Team that collects the most cans by March 15 will be crowned the Champion Pet.

Join us March 6 for The Great Pet Debate when three former Temple Israel presidents will advocate for their cause in a no-holds-barred showdown. Lori Pearson-Wise will argue that cats rule. Daniel Wise will speak for curmudgeons who don’t like dogs or cats and Eric Hoffman will make the case for Team Dog.

The entire Temple Israel family hopes Sadie, Nicholette and all their friends find loving homes soon. For more information on adopting your next best friend, visit SCAS’s website or Facebook page.

This project is being sponsored by the Ma'asim Tovim Committee. Ma’asim Tovim means Good Deeds.

Please make every effort to attend

Help make a minyan at 9:00 am

Bagels & coffee will be served

between 9:30 & 10:00.

Sunday, March 6

At 10:00 am

In the Roth Social Hall

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Kinneret Council on Aging Announces their 2016 8 over 80 Honorees

The Kinneret Council on Aging has announced the honorees for their 2016 8 over 80 event to be

held on Sunday, February 28, 2016. “We are once again thrilled with the support we have had from

the community and were truly inspired by the number of outstanding individuals over the age of 80,

who continue to contribute to our community and promote the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam,”

said Faye Novick, 8 over 80 Chairperson. “We hope the community will join in honoring our “8

over 80” once again with a traditional Jewish Holiday meal served in the Kinneret dining room.”

For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Leslie Collin at 407.425.4537. The Kinneret Apart-

ments are the Jewish community’s twin residence towers for low income senior citizens located in

downtown Orlando .

Standing L-R: Robert Geller; Dr. Marvin Newman; Dr. Harry Rein; Irwin Feldman

Seated L-R: Sheldon Greene; Judy Godorov; Edith Schulman; Carol Simpson

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Barton’s Kosher Candy - Passover 2016

Temple Israel’s Meitin Religious School is selling Barton’s Candy as a fundraiser with all

proceeds going to our Religious School.

Kosher - Parve - Dairy - Gluten Free - Selections

Orthodox Union - Letter of Certification

Packets are now available

Turn in by the end of February 2016, with payment

(made out to Temple Israel) attached to order form

Purchases will be delivered directly to Temple Israel (Pre-sorted in individual bags

with the order purchaser’s name) March 2016

Place your order with one of our religious school students, in our gift shop, or

through the office.

Candy not your thing? No worries. We’ll have an extra catalog with gifts for your family

and friends. This will be an easy sale to friends, Mahjong groups, poker nights, office

friends, etc.

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The paintings of Marlene A. Davis as they hang in the Roth Social Hall at Temple Israel

DO YOU KNOW? Temple Israel rents space Monday-Friday to a group known as Share the Care, a licensed adult daycare program.

TOYING & JOYING WITH JEWISH LIFE! The professional leadership team of “our” group has asked us to partner with them to provide some programming

activities for the adult daycare clients at the TI location. Do you cook, sing, play an instrument, work with crafts, like to talk about Jewish holidays and festivals, etc.? Or can you present a “project in a box,” a Jewishly-themed program

that is already prepared for you?

HOW CAN YOU FIT IN? We will begin in January with our own Debbie Markowitz who will demonstrate to our adult daycare group

how to make and bake a Challah. What is your specialty or interest? CREATING A CULTURE OF FRIENDSHIP!

Friendship can be created through an acts-of-kindness process that will challenge our congregants to interact with people on emotional and personal levels. This can be exceptionally rewarding.

WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT? This is a project under the auspices of the Ma’asim Tovim Committee. For more information, please contact Arlene

van de Rijn, Ma’asim Tovim Chairperson, 407.761.1243, or send her an email (asvdr1026@aol.com).

20

I Am The Face of Temple Israel

My family

My husband Richard and I have been married for 21

wonderful years (even including the year he was TI

President:)). We are blessed with four great children -

Elijah 17, Johanna 15, Miriam 12, and Rachel 10. We

have been members of TI since 2005.

Things I do in life

I try desperately to keep up with my kids and all of

their activities and interests. Aside from serving as

their "fresh air taxi service" as my mother in law calls

it, I am coaching Rachel's Odyssey of the Mind team.

Also, having just been elected VP of Education for

TI, I am learning how to best support my synagogue

family in this role. (I invite anyone interested in join-

ing me in this effort to become a member of one of

the committees!)

Things I love to do in my spare time

I enjoy reading, running, and I've recently taken up

tennis.

My favorite saying

Enjoy the little things in life … for one day you'll

look back and realize they were the big things.

Kris Crane

21

My family

I met my wife, Michelle, right here, at Temple Israel,

at the community Passover Seder in 2011. We dated,

were engaged, and in 2013, we were married by

Rabbi Neely in the sanctuary! We have a good sized

family in the Orlando area with daughters Hope and

Ashley, sons Aaron and Alan, and grandson Kaleb!

Things I do in life

I am a practicing attorney, and am involved in vari-

ous legal organizations. I have been very involved

with Troop 641, the only Jewish troop in the Orlando

area. I am serving a second term as Temple Israel's

Men's Club Co-President.

Things I love to do in my spare time

I enjoy walking the dogs with my wife, riding my

bike, kayaking, and exploring this great state with my

family.

My favorite saying

My favorite quote is from a James Taylor song: "The

secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." I am

thankful for finding a home with Temple Israel!

I Am The Face of Temple Israel

Wayne Bilsky

22

PURIM WILL BE HERE SOON!

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN AT TEMPLE ISRAEL

*Make your reservations for the congregational dinner / family Megillah reading and wine tasting on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:00 pm in the Roth Social Hall.

Cost: $10/person $40 family max. Special Tot Program at 6:00 pm

*Be on hand for the Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 13

Festivities begin at 10:00 am

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carnival Ticket Sales Advance Sale: 4/$1.00 50/$10.00

Return This Form With Payment By March 1 To John-Patrick Alexander

Temple Israel 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs 407.647.3055

(Tickets are required for all games, activities, and food)

Sunday, March 13 beginning at 10:00 am

Child’s Name _____________________________________________________________

Total number of tickets _______________ Total due _________

Tickets may be purchased at the Carnival: 3/$1.00

The Purim Carnival planning is underway and many volunteers will be needed to help run games, bake for our cake walk, and man the food and prize tables. We are also seeking donations of gift cards, pennies, 2 liter soda bottles and kosher baked goods. Please contact Kris Crane at elijah1298@aol.com or 407-829-7926 if you can help out.

23

TWO COUCHES LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME

Please contact the Temple office today if you would like to own either one

or both of these comfortable couches.

Temple Israel is on AmazonSmile! Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Temple Israel whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

Support Temple Israel by shopping at smile.amazon.com. (Amazon doesn’t provide a connection to AmazonSmile through their mobile apps.

You’ll need to visit the site using your computer or mobile device’s browser)

Currently, our address in the AmazonSmile system shows the old Longwood address. We’ve sent in our request to update it to Winter Springs and are waiting on Amazon to complete the process. Be assured, it’s still us and all donations go to Temple Israel of Winter Springs.

When you visit AmazonSmile through our referral link (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-6014181), please click on the “Start Shopping” button that is on the right side of the page. If you’ve already chosen a charity through AmazonSmile, you may switch over to Temple Israel.

At any time you can change your charity of choice. We hope you’ll choose Temple Israel and recom-mend us to your family and friends. Thank you.

24

December 2015 Donations

may be purchased or reserved. May their memories

always serve as a blessing. $360 for a perpetual

memorial plaque in the sanctuary.

Contact the synagogue office at 407.647.3055.

ADULT EDUCATION FUND Donor In Honor Of Edith Fenster William Lille

CEMETERY FUND Donor In Memory Of Ellen & Laurence Morrell Dorothy Morrell

EDUCATION FUND Donor In Memory Of Lori, Allan, Adam & Scott Struletz Marvin Gassman

ETZ HAYIM CHUMASH FUND Donor In Memory Of Barbara Swartz Beatrice & David Pfeffer, and Rosalie Dell

GENERAL FUND Donor In Memory Of Eileen & Joe Lefkowitz Shirley Jacob Miriam B. Cohen Bernard Baum & Selma Konan Lena & Rouben Sami Liza Nestle Robert Lille William Lille Lillian Tobias Bernard Tobias Dorie Goldberg Sol Goldberg Miriam B. Cohen Albert J. Cohen Lila Pittman & Naomi Williams Jack B. Hosid David Meltzer Rhoda Meltzer & Bernard Goldman Clair Sternberg Shaby George Sternberg Donor In Honor Of Bernice Sulman Joe Hare’s 90th birthday General Donation Julia Walton Aaron Baghdadi Fern & Ivan Lefkowitz Paul Patti Mark Kluger

JEWISH CAMPING SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donor In Memory Of Edith Fenster Gussie Epstein

LIBRARY FUND Donor In Memory Of Edith Fenster Harry Fenster

MA’ASIM TOVIM FUND Donor In Honor Of Judi Chisdes Sneakers that Fit Sara & David Danziger Sneakers that Fit

MARLENE A. DAVIS ART EDUCATION FUND Donor In Honor Of The Neely Family Trudie Derham

ONEG & KIDDUSH FUND Donor In Memory Of The Neely Family Trudie Derham Judith Cope Samuel B. Meitin Phyllis Kamenoff Harry Schulman Helen Hosid David Hosid & Alex Freilich

SIDDUR CHADASH FUND Donor In Memory Of Ruth Donenfeld Lillian Donenfeld Barbara Swartz Beatrice & David Pfeffer, and Rosalie Dell Ruth Donenfeld Anne Siegel

SISTERHOOD Donor In Honor Of Barbara Shargaa Barbara Weinreich’s birthday

TORAH PRESERVATION FUND Donor In Honor Of Edith Fenster Anne Fenster

TZEDAKAH FUND Donor In Memory Of Sandy Gillman Ben Rabinovich Barbara Freitag Molly Freitag & Fred Freitag Doris & Robert Glasser Hyman Nissman Susan & Jerry Roth Marvin Roth & David Rienner Andrea & Bijan Ravinoff Iraj Rahimoff Herbert Ross General Donation Julia Walton

December Kiddush Luncheon Hostesses:

Arlene Silver Andrea Ravinoff Julia Fineberg Linda Silverman

Sheri Stearns Marion Daitzman

Sharon Sachs Debbie Amdur

Mariela Cappelletti Susan Lackman

Special Kiddush Luncheon Mentions for:

Linda Silverman

Arlene Silver

Phyllis Kamenoff

Shirley Gold

25

February

February

3 Meyer & Sunnie Lichtenstein 4 Larry Gutter & Debbie Meitin 6 Andy & Erin Katzman 15 Robert & Doris Glasser 16 Justin & Dionne Foley 24 Chet & Irene Herman 26 Dave & Irene Share

If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please call the office at 407.647.3055 and we will add you to the list.

18 Wayne Bilsky 18 Dan Borowsky 18 Alan Moss 20 Bernie Weinstein 21 Julia Fineberg 21 Dorie Goldberg 23 Yang Berg 23 Henry Schilowitz 23 Brenda Seligson 23 Susan Shevitz 24 Lou Ehrlich 25 Steve Berg 25 Lisa Hart 26 Joe Ihns 27 Matt Gordon 28 Ellen Lang 28 Stephanie Simmens

1 Bob Kaplan 5 Eric Borowsky 5 Susan Monroe 5 Sharon Sachs 9 Andy Allison 9 Michael Fineberg 9 Bill Kahn 9 David Yanowitz 10 Holly Talley 11 Susan Bernstein 11 Leigh Schwartz 11 Benjamin Share 13 Richard Knapp 13 Elise Schilowitz 14 Nicki D'Amato 15 Tilly Raij 17 Ed Borowsky 17 Larry Richman

Thank You!

Sima Feldberg & Mollie Savage

For volunteering in the office during the months of December & January.

A special thank you to our volunteer copy editors, without whom the Bulletin & Shabbat handout

would be rife with grammatical mishaps!

Larry Gutter, Debbie Meitin, Penelope Neely, Arlene van de Rijn, Geanne Share,

& Cathy Swerdlow

If you are interested in being an office volunteer, please call 407.647.3055.

Kosher Scrolls for your mezuzah

$25 each - 2.75" x 2.5"

Ketubot by Joanne Fink

Three styles of Ketubot available

We also have an anniversary

commemorative Ketubah

Open on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings

& by appointment.

Like us on Facebook! Look for Temple Israel Judaica Gift Shop.

We hope to see you at Simcha Shabbat

Friday, February 19, 7:30 pm

Anniversaries, birthdays and all other simchas will be

recognized, and you will be blessed from the pulpit.

WITH THESE HANDS

A TASTE OF TEMPLE ISRAEL SISTERHOOD

$25.00 (inc. shipping & handling in the continental US)

If you would like to have a copy

of our Sisterhood cookbook, please let us know!

Synagogue Office: 407.647.3055, office@tiflorida.org

Cathy Swerdlow: 407.862.2374, cswerd@gmail.com

Proceeds benefit charitable projects supported by Sisterhood.

26

Donation Form (You can cut out this form and mail it into the office. Make donations online at www.tiflorida.org/donations)

My/Our Name making donation_____________________________________________________ Address (must include street, city, state & zip__________________________________________________________

Enclosed please find $____Please place contribution in the ______________________________Fund _____Date (default is the General Fund)

□In Honor of – person(s) name □In Memory of – person(s) name______________________________

On the occasion of________________________________________________________________________

Send notification of my/our donation to (please fill in complete name & address): Name_____________________________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________

For credit cards, include #_____________________________Expiration Date____ Signature_______________

Contributions may be made to honor someone on a special occasion or in memory of a departed relative or friend. Donations are tax deductible.

Giving Opportunities An important value in Jewish life is tzedakah. Temple Israel provides a simple and meaningful way of fulfilling this right-

eous act through our family of funds, and giving to Temple Israel in recognition, remembrance or celebration is an ap-

propriate way to enhance those special moments. A card will be sent acknowledging your contribution of $10 or more.

Congregation Funds

Adult Education | Cemetery | General | Library | Ma’asim Tovim | Men’s Club | Oneg/Kiddush | Rabbi’s Tzedakah

Religious School | Temple Israel Jewish Camping Scholarship | Torah Preservation | Youth Programming

Dedicated Funds

Michelle & Wayne Bilsky Education | Elaine Farb Memorial Choir | Friends of Ethan Gold Children’s Library

Harold & Hannah Rosenblum Education | Marlene A. Davis Art Education | Savage Family Chapel

Prayer Book/Torah Commentary Dedications

The dedication of a prayer book (siddur) or Torah Commentary (chumash) is a uniquely appropriate way to make a gift of

tzedakah that benefits the congregation for years to come. Your dedicated siddur or chumash will be utilized by the entire

congregation. A book plate with your specific dedication will be placed in the book prior to its addition into the congre-

gation circulation and an acknowledgement card will be sent. The appropriate minimum contribution for each sacred

book is as follows:

New Shabbat Siddur Chadash - $36

New Etz Hayim Chumash - $54

Sisterhood Funds

Temple Israel Sisterhood plays an active role in supporting all aspects of synagogue life. There are two funds that have

been established by Sisterhood:

Sisterhood Scholarship

Sisterhood General

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Temple Israel

50 South Moss Road

Winter Springs, FL 32708

407.647.3055

www.tiflorida.org

Building Community Since 1954

Friday Service: 7:30 pm, Saturday Service: 9:30 am Meet & Greet every Friday at 7:00 pm before services

Sunday Minyan: 9:00 am (in the Savage Family Chapel)

Prayerful Meditation: Saturday at 9:30 am every last Shabbat of the month (in the Savage Family Chapel)

Weekday Community Minyan at the Jewish Academy: 7:45 am, Monday-Friday

Rabbi Joshua Neely

Temple Israel’s Keepers of the Flame Not surprisingly, our membership dues do not cover Temple Israel’s expenses, and without generous dona-

tions we would be unable to fulfill our mission of building a sacred community. Thus our basic dues represent

a member’s minimum financial commitment. Recognizing that there are many members who have the ability

and the desire to provide greater support in addition to their basic dues, Temple Israel created a membership

category called Keepers of the Flame to provide a mechanism for this increased level of giving. The generosity

of our current and future Keepers is vital to the sustainability and growth of Temple Israel.

In appreciation of this increased-dues level of commitment, Keepers of the Flame are welcome at all Temple

Israel sponsored Shabbat dinners, synagogue Seders and program events without additional charge. Only a res-

ervation is required. Additionally, there is a designated “Keepers of the Flame” seating area at all of the High

Holiday services.

The following giving levels are suggested:

Benefactors $15,000 and up

Pillars $10,000 to $14,999

Defenders $7,800 to $9,999

Guardians $5,300 to $7,799

Protectors $3,300 to $5,299

Preservers $2,400 to $3,299

Kindlers $2,000 to $2,399

If you would like to be counted among our Keepers of the Flame, please send your giving level to:

Temple Israel

50 S. Moss Rd.,

Winter Springs, FL 32708-3002

For further information please contact our President, Mark Kluger, at 407.924.7035