January bulletin

Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.cbibpt.org

Volume 155, Number 6 Tevet/Shevat 5774 January 2014

Happy 2014!

Happy (secular) New Year from our clergy and staff, shown with our new Chanukah menorah, designed and built by Manny Lobel (missing: Theresa Silva)

2

James Prosnit, D.D. .................................................................... RabbiEvan Schultz ............................................................................... RabbiArnold I. Sher, D.D. ..................................................... Rabbi EmeritusSheri E. Blum, D.M. ................................................................ CantorRamon Gilbert, D.M. ................................................ Cantor EmeritusIra J. Wise, R.J.E. ............................................. Director of EducationRobert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ....................................... Educator EmeritusAlexa Cohen .............................................. Early Childhood DirectorAbby Rohinsky ..................................................... Director of Facility

OfficersMindy Siegel ......................................................................... PresidentSamuel Rosenberg ....................................................1st Vice PresidentMichael Blumenthal ...................................................... Vice PresidentShari Nerreau ................................................................ Vice PresidentRichard Walden ............................................................ Vice PresidentLori Underberger .................................................................. TreasurerLawrence Levine ................................................... Assistant TreasurerJulie Pressman ....................................................................... SecretaryDonna Tauss .......................................................... Financial SecretaryMark A. Kirsch ............................................. Immediate Past President

AffiliatesJim Greenberg ................................................. Brotherhood PresidentMaddy Lippman & Elizabeth Maisel .............. BIFTY Co-Presidents

2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604(203) 336-1858www.cbibpt.org

The Bulletin of Congregation B’nai Israelis published every month except July.

What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to [email protected].

Sharing Our Joy!Congratulations to:

Randy Dorfman on her recent marriage to Richard Post.Larry and Linda Ludwig on the birth of their grandson, Noah Khai Nguyen.Honey and Ken Sacks on the birth of their grandson, Carson Jack, son of Abby and Ian.Peter and Carol Mack on their 50th wedding anniversary. Noam Schaap and Rachel Ginsburg, daughter of Cantor Sheri Blum and Elliott Ginsburg, on their engagement.

Sincere SympathyWe extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

Beverly Weiss, mother of Michael WeissCarol EngelmanCaron Patrizio, daughter of Martin Goldfield Stuart Rosenburg, brother of David RosenburgJanet Kõper, mother of Judy Hochstadt

TLC/Temple Loving Care at B’nai Israel

Care to Share?Maybe you can share a meal, or a ride, or a bit of your time and talent! There are many in our congregation who would love this! And I promise that you will also reap the benefits. So please contact me to let me know what you’d care to share.

This month, as we begin 2014, I say thank you and hope that this year brings you the joy of good health, the love of family and friends, and peace.

Liz Nigrosh ([email protected], 203-268-9044)

Consider Giving to the Red CrossB’nai Israel will host our second Red Cross blood drive during this season of giving and gratitude, Monday, February 10, from 1:00 to 6:30 p.m. Schedule your appointment by calling the Red

Cross at 1-800-448-3543. Previous donors can log in at www.redcrossblood.org/account-login.Thank you for this vital gift!

3Check out our new health and wellness events—see p. 9 for more info.

Shabbat morning at B’nai Israel has a special feel. We’re proud of both an 8:00 a.m. service that all who participate consider a unique congregational gem and an 11:00 a.m. service that week in and week out engages congregants and visitors and ensures sacred

memories for our B’nai mitzvah and their families. From time to time the sense of simcha/joy is expanded when we include a baby naming and aufruf (marriage blessing). And in between, there’s time for some friendly conversation, coffee and bagels, Torah study, and our new Young Families Havurah. If you haven’t been here, here’s an invitation to stop by on a Shabbat morning. I think you’d agree that not only is there a lot going on, but what goes on fills the building with a Sabbath of sacredness and joy.

With that said, we’ve created a culture that works for many, but by no means works for everyone. The 8:00 a.m. service, for all its positive spirit, is just too early for some. The 11:00 a.m. service, while providing great connectivity and joy for the family and friends of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah, just doesn’t have a flavor and atmosphere that engages our regular congregants. (Conservative congregations I feel do a better job creating an inclusive community that draws these disparate needs together than do we and other Reform synagogues).

In recent months, the Religious Practices Committee and our Bar/Bat Mitzvah task force has spent a good amount of time talking about this, and the general conclusion has been that both of those experiences work well for those who attend. To tinker with the time and ambience of each of the services may be a solution worse than the problem.

But what to with congregants who wish to be here on a Shabbat morning and for the reasons already stated do not feel like they have a home?

And so we’re trying something new and announcing a third service! It’s designed to try and fill the gap and draw a new group of people near. Once a month for the next couple of months (January 18 and February 22 are the starting dates) we’re planning a chapel service to begin at 9:45 a.m. Worshipers can come a bit earlier and join the Brotherhood breakfast, which begins at 9:00 a.m., or just arrive at the time of the service. Our hope is to engage another congregational community for what will prove to be an uplifting and enjoyable morning of prayer, music, learning, and Sabbath delight.

You can help us by spreading the word and encouraging attendees. Help us respond to the needs and desires of the diverse community that makes us so strong! Rabbi James Prosnit

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Making Shabbat a Joy for More—T’filah Sh’lishi (the Third Service)

At Shabbat services on Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18, you’ll have the chance to enter the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation registry. A simple swab of the cheek is all you need to see if you can be a match. The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation facilitates bone marrow, blood stem cell, and cord blood transplants for children and adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses. As tissue type is inherited, a

patient’s best chance of finding a genetic match lies with donors of similar ethnicity. Thanks to Ellen Sheiman for coordinating our efforts in this interfaith Martin Luther King Weekend of Swabbing being encouraged by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Please contact Ellen Sheiman or Rabbis Prosnit or Schultz for more information.

“One who saves one life—it is as if he or she saved the world”—TalmudIn love and support of Ellen Kadden and someone else you’ve never met, participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Swabbing

4 Items of the month: peanut butter and jelly

Chanukah Candles Brightened the B’nai Israel Community

News From Around the Synagogue

Our Gift of Light Fundraiser, chaired by Marcia Cohen, Marcy Shinbaum, Perry Molinoff, Mindy Siegel, and Julie Pressman, was a wonderful success! More than 260 members of

our congregation received beautiful hand-packaged candles delivered by a team of wonderful Chanukah helpers. Thanks to Sam Rosenberg, Amy Rich, Amy

Newman, Stacy Giglietti, Evelyn Rubak, Shari Nerreau, Suzanne Phillips, Sherry Portnoy, and Marcia, Perry, Mindy, and Marcy for braving the pre-holiday roads!

If anyone has comments or suggestions regarding the Gift of Light fundraiser, feel free to contact Marcia Cohen at [email protected]. We’re grateful to Marcia and her group for helping to brighten the eight days and nights of Chanukah.

The Religious Practices Committee Needs Volunteers!

Interested in participating in discussions concerning the religious services, celebrations, and life-cycle events in our Jewish community? The Religious Practices Committee (RPC) at B’nai Israel may be for you. The RPC acts as an advisory body to the clergy and a sounding board for ideas that come from them and those ideas that flow from members of our B’nai Israel family to them. We have discussed new siddurim, services in other venues, bar/bat mitzvah practices, seating arrangements in the chapel, accommodating “seniors,” and a host of other issues.

Please join us on Thursday, January 23 at 7:30 and become a new, fresh voice on our committee.

Janet Jurow, Committee Chair

Super Bowl Saturday Tailgate HavdalahSaturday, February 1, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Come join our touch football game and enjoy snacks and Havdalah! If you are interested in helping to organize, please email Rich Walden at [email protected], Howard Rosenbaum at [email protected], or Norci Kochman at [email protected].

Join the B’nai Israel Book Group Temple book lovers are invited to join an ongoing group. We meet in the temple library the third Thursday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 17. For more information, contact Sue Shane at 203-345-4539. We look forward to seeing you!

5

It is 7:43 on a Thursday night, and I am sitting around a table at St. Gabriel School in Milford. I am speaking with Jews, Christians, and Catholics about the power of relationships, and how we can use those relationships as powerful catalysts for change here in the state of Connecticut. I look around and see other B’nai

Israel members engaged in similar conversations with people they have met only moments ago.

This is the transformative power of CONECT (Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut). The event was the CONECT delegates’ assembly, and I, along with five B’nai Israel members, traveled to Milford on a balmy December evening to represent our community.

B’nai Israel has been involved with CONECT since its founding two years ago, and we have recently deepened our involvement with this important coalition striving to improve the lives of Connecticut residents. This past summer, we formed a core committee of 12–15 members here at B’nai Israel who have led house meetings for almost 50 B’nai Israel members thus far. What happens at a house meeting? In short, it’s a chance for you to talk about what is important to you and to listen to what is important in the lives of fellow community members. It is a great way to connect on a deeper level with fellow congregants, even ones whom you feel you may know pretty well. I recently participated in a house meeting for ECEC parents, and I felt like I connected on a whole new level with people I see almost every day! The second goal of the meetings, of course, is to identify a potential issue or social concern that we as a community, or CONECT as a whole, can try to address moving forward.

If you have not yet participated in a house meeting and would like to, please let us know (see contact info below). If you say to yourself, “this is not for me,” I urge you to reconsider. Forty-five minutes of your time may be a transformative experience for you here at B’nai Israel. Another way to get involved is to consider attending the CONECT organizing training on Sunday, January 26. This is a chance to learn more about organizing and how to be a leader with CONECT.

The delegates’ assembly concluded with a roll call, as members of each congregation stood and received applause from everyone else in the room. We may not all know one another, but we have a common goal of a better Connecticut. Please speak to me if you would like to learn more or get involved. You can also speak with Janet Jurow or Anne Watkins, who was recently appointed to the CONECT Strategy Team (Mazel Tov, Anne!). To learn more about CONECT, visit their website, www.weconect.org.

Rabbi Evan Schultz

From Rabbi SchultzCare About Connecticut? Come CONECT!

Happy 2014!

B’nai Israel CONECT delegation (from left): Sharon Levy, Beth Lazar, Rabbi Schultz, George Markley,

Barbara Abraham, and Anne Watkins

6 Items of the month: peanut butter and jelly

From the Early Childhood Center

Learning to GiveOur nursery school children have been collecting tzedakah each week, and they have been very excited to know that the monies collected will help others.

We have decided to donate the tzedakah from the past few months to an organization called Al’s Angels. Founded in 2004 by Al DiGuido, Al’s Angels’ mission is to provide moments of joy and comfort to families

that are challenged by childhood cancer, rare blood diseases, AIDS, domestic violence, and financial hardship. Today, Al’s Angels is able to help thousands of children in the tri-state area by providing children in dire need of vital and lifesaving medical treatment with hope and support. The link to the Al’s Angel’s Web site is http://www.alsangels.org/.

We are proud to say that the children in the Early Childhood Education Center have collected almost $300 to donate to Al’s Angels. Al DiGuido visited our school this past month to pick up the check (Sam R. is giving to him in the picture here) and talk to the children about the importance of helping others. He told the children that the money they collected would feed three families.

The children look forward to collecting tzedakah each week, so we will continue the process of collecting and donating money to teach them about meaning of tzedakah and helping others who are less fortunate.

Fondly,Alexa Cohen, Director

At-Home Activities for Tu B’Sh’vatPlanting Activities

• Plant parsley seeds in sod pots by a sunny window. Harvest the parsley for your Pesach seder.

• Plant a flowering bulb kit for a sunny window. In the middle of winter this is a wonderful hint of the spring season that’s coming soon.

Crafts• Make leaf prints for paper placemats and use

the placemats at a Tu B’Sh’vat seder.• Take photos of beautiful trees and frame them.• Make an edible bird/animal feeder with

birdseed or plain popped popcorn and leave it in the branches of a tree.

Food Activities• Prepare a Tu B’Sh’vat seder and invite friends

to join you! Plan on serving fruits and wines from Israel.

Environmental Activities• Give tzedakah to

an environmental organization.

• Participate in an environmental clean-up project in your community.

Adapted from www.urj.org


From the Education Center

6,000,000 and Respect I apologize if you find the above title misleading. I am not writing about the Holocaust today. I am talking about a religious school teacher who had an incredible impact on me and hundreds of kids who grew up at my synagogue in suburban Chicago. His name was Sy Bierman, and my

friends and I took as many of his classes as we could. I first had him in 5th grade, studying Jewish history, beginning at the end of the biblical period. I had him again in 8th grade, learning about tikkun olam (social justice). During high school, I had him for ethics, Jewish life in the Soviet Union, Reform Judaism, and Israel today. Every time I had Mr. Bierman, he began the first session of the class the same way. He took a piece of chalk and wrote “6,000,000” and “Respect” on the board. He would say, “If you learn nothing else from me, you will learn these two things.” And we did. And we learned a lot more. He was awesome. He would talk with us. That meant he listened to our thoughts as much as he shared his thoughts and the curriculum.

Mr. Bierman was not a professionally trained teacher. I don’t think he had ever been a camp counselor. He was a treasury agent (the kind who chased after counterfeiters). And he was my friend Phil’s dad. I am still in touch with a lot of my friends from temple back then. We often reminisce about Mr. Bierman. He was our hero. So I would like you to consider being a hero to our students. You don’t have to be a professional teacher. You have to care deeply about being Jewish. You have to have a strong interest in passing Jewish values and identity on to the younger generation. You have to like kids. And like Sy Bierman, you have to be a good listener. So call me at 203-335-0745 or e-mail me at [email protected] and let’s have a conversation about teaching. I can help you with techniques and content. You can try it out as a sub. We can set up a course of study if you like. And our faculty is made up of some really great people! Join us! Ira J. Wise, Director of Education

Tu B’Sh’vat Begins January 15

Like Chanukah, Tu B’Sh’vat is a post-biblical festival, instituted by the rabbis. However, the holiday has biblical roots. Tu B’Sh’vat is first mentioned in the Mishnah, the code of Jewish law that dates back to around 200 C.E. The tithing system upon which it is based—in which Israelites had to bring one-tenth of their fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem, dates back to the Torah and its deep concern with trees, harvests, and the natural world, all of which are at the heart of Tu B’Sh’vat. Indeed, the Torah itself often is referred to as an eitz chayim (tree of life), based on a passage in the Book of Proverbs.

Although the celebration of Tu B’Sh’vat has a long and varied history, the theme most commonly ascribed to the holiday today is the environment. The month of Shevat is when, in Israel, the sap begins to run and the trees start to awaken from their winter slumber before beginning to bear fruit. It is considered a festival of nature, full of wonder, joy, and thankfulness for God’s creation in

anticipation of the renewal of the natural world. During this festival, Jews recall the sacred obligation to care for God’s world, and the responsibility to share the fruits of God’s earth with all.

Kabbalists, the Jewish mystics of the 17th century, created a special ritual, modeled after the Passover seder, to celebrate God’s presence in nature. As with the Passover seder, the Tu B’Sh’vat seder evolved to include four cups of wine or grape juice, but in varying shades of red, which represent the seasons. And various fruits are consumed in each part of the seder: those with a hard shell, those with a pit that cannot be eaten, and those that are completely edible—these include barley, dates, figs, grapes, pomegranates, olives, and wheat.

Adapted from www.urj.org and The Jewish Home (rev. edition) by Daniel B. Syme

8 Happy 2014!

SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE(Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.)

Friday, January 3 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Bo, Exod. 10:1-13:16 Haftarah – Jeremiah 46:13-28

Saturday, January 4 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Friday, January 10 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – B’shalach, Exod. 13:17-17:16 Haftarah – Judges 4:4-5:31

Saturday, January 11 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Samuel

Greenberg, son of James and Lisa Greenberg


Torah Portion – Yitro, Exod. 18:1-20:23 Haftarah – Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6

Saturday, January 18 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Duncan

Feldman, son of Todd and Stephanie Feldman

Friday, January 24 5:00 p.m. Mishpacha Service 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Mishpatim, Exod. 21:1-24:18 Haftarah – Jeremiah 34:8-22, 33:25-26

Saturday, January 25 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Elizabeth

Menkes, daughter of Michael and Linda Menkes


Torah Portion – T’rumah, Exod. 25:1-27:19

Haftarah – Isaiah 66:1-13, 23

Saturday, February 1 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah

Shabbat Shirah—Sabbath of Song Friday, January 10 at 8:00 p.m., Temple Shalom, Norwalk

Every year our congregation, Temple Israel in Westport, and now Temple Shalom in Norwalk, celebrate Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of song, together with our joint choirs for an evening celebrating Jewish music.

This year we will sing the original Shabbat service written by Rabbi-Cantor Mark Lipson of Temple Shalom in Norwalk. The

three choirs and the three cantors will be accompanied by a string trio. It will be a beautiful musical evening.

Join us for this annual celebration of Jewish music!

9Items of the month: peanut butter and jelly

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel

Introducing a New Health and Wellness ProgramSunday Morning Forums: Health and Wellness at B’nai Israel The first Sunday of every month, January 5, February 2, March 2, and April 6, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Join us for a four-part series on health and wellness here at B’nai Israel—all are invited to attend these communal meet-ups! Good news too: Free babysitting will be available! RSVP to Rabbi Schultz at 203-336-1858 or [email protected] if you would like a babysitter. Also, a light, healthy breakfast and tea and coffee will be served!

January 5: It’s Not Just About the Food—Surprising Paths to Wellness Meet and discuss with a panel of experts on the many factors that contribute to our overall wellness. The panel will include: Jason Hyde: author of Career Fulfillment Found Beth Grace: expert on home space and feng shui Laura Lehrhaupt: the power of music and creativity Rabbi Evan Schultz: infusing spirituality into the daily grind February 2: Play With Your Food! A parent’s guide to kids’ nutrition, with Dr. Judy Hochstadt.

March 2: Movie Screening: “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” and juicing demonstration with Laura Lehrhaupt April 6: Brighten Up: An educational workshop focused on breast and ovarian health

P.S.: Speaking of wellness, Rabbi Schultz is interested in starting an early Sunday morning running group for parents of Religious School students and community members. Interested? Contact Rabbi Schultz at 203-336-1858 or [email protected]. Veterans and beginners welcome!

Adult RoundtableThursday, January 9 and the first Thursday of each month at 12:30 p.m.This group holds a discussion about current events for anyone who wants to go deeper than the headlines and enjoys expressing their opinions and hearing those of others. Facilitated by Gloria Katz. Join us on the first Thursday of each month and bring a sandwich, your opinion, and an open mind.

Rosh Chodesh for 2014!Thursdays, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8 at 7:30 p.m.In an effort to allow more of our congregants to be a part of Rosh Chodesh, Rabbi Krieger is switching the Rosh Chodesh group to meet at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month beginning on January 9 for Tu B’shvat Seder—A Woman’s Perspective. Mark your calendars now with these Rosh Chodesh dates. We hope you can attend some or all of them!

But Where Is the Lamb?Fridays at noon, January 17–February 14Rabbi Prosnit leads a five-part series on the Akeidah—the Binding of Isaac. The famous narrative has challenged ancient interpreters and contemporary scholars. From Soren Kierkegaard to Bob Dylan and Woody Allen, it seems that everyone has a perspective on this section from Genesis. Our focus will be a new book by James Goodman entitled But Where Is the Lamb: Imagining the Story of Abraham and Isaac, which brings some of these disparate voices together.

10 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to [email protected].

Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary FundBarbara Abraham—congratulations to Barbara and Derek Solomon on the birth of their granddaughter, Sadie Galya; to rejoice with Randy Dorfman and Richard Post on their marriage; in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Mark Abrams—a donation.Helaine and Allan Alper—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Edie Baum—with deep gratitude.Lori Berger—in memory of father, Lester Davis.Marilyn Bissell—in memory of son, David Ziller.Elaine and Juda Chetrit—in memory of Sydell Jacobs, mother of Philip Jacobs.Gail Felberbaum—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman; in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz.Laurie and Dean Gaugler—in honor of Brian Gaugler becoming an Eagle Scout.Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman—with deep appreciation.Roberta Howard—in honor of the marriage of Ben and Kseniya.Janice and Bernard Jacobs—for the Yahrzeit of Marilyn Gerber.Janet Jurow—in memory of Barbara Yerkes, mother of Susan Preminger; in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Alan and Susan Kasson—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Nora Mayerson—a donation.Debbie and Ted Portnay—in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit for the support and guidance provided during Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah process.Judy and David Pressler and Midge Vas Nunes—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Lester Rand—in appreciation of the memorial service for Gloria Rand.Beth and Randy Reich and family—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Randy Reich—in honor of Brandon and Julie’s wedding.Ellen Rosoff—in memory of father, Lawrence Leon.Marc and Elaine Silverman—with appreciation and thanks.Cleo and Jon Sonneborn—in loving memory of Clark Rawdon, father of Cleo Sonneborn.Eileen and Howard Tolk—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Debbie and Dan Viens—in memory of Sydell Jacobs, mother of Philip Jacobs.

Rabbi Schultz Discretionary FundCindy and Michael Becker—in memory of Beverly Weiss, mother of Michael Weiss.Stephen and Molli Hourihan—in honor of the birth of Elie Hudson Schultz.Nora Mayerson—in honor of the birth of Elie Hudson Schultz.Shari and Brian Nerreau—in honor of the birth of Elie Hudson Schultz.Sharon Schloss and Amy Pressman—with our appreciation.Marc and Maggie Walowitz—in appreciation.

Music FundStacy and Rob Giglietti—in memory of Beverly Weiss, mother of Michael Weiss.Rosalind Gordon—in honor of Cantor Blum.Muriel Lefsetz—in memory of father, Louis Kaster.Karin Newman—in honor of Cantor Blum.Debbie and Ted Portnay—in appreciation to Cantor Blum for the support and guidance provided during Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah process.Marc and Elaine Silverman—with appreciation and thanks to Richard Walden.Nancy Henkin and Lynda Zimmerman—in honor of our father, Marc Zimmerman.Enhancement FundBeatrice Berger—in memory of mother, Ida Braunstein.Lori and Ken Berger—in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz.Luise and Edward Burger—in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz, and Elizabeth Henriquez, sister of Maggie Walowitz; in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman; for Ellen Kadden, our prayers are with you for health and healing.Elaine and Juda Chetrit—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Sylvia Edelson—in loving memory of father, Morris Gordon.Irma and Victor Gurvits—in memory of Julius Geiman, father of Irma Gurvitz.Carol Horowitz—in memory of aunt, Betty Keller.Dr. and Mrs. Edward Kamens—in memory of Arnold Kaplan, husband of Bobby Kaplan.Linda and Gene Koski—in memory of Barbara Yerkes, mother of Susan Preminger.Chris and George Markley—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Shari and Brian Nerreau—in memory of Stanley David Bulbin, father of Sharon Levy.Nina and Ken Rabine and family—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.

Martha Reich-Orenstein—in memory of mother, Libbie Katz.Amy and Glenn Rich—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman; in memory of Elizabeth Henriquez, sister of Maggie Walowitz; in memory of Barbara Yerkes, mother of Susan Preminger; in memory of James Baum, husband of Edie Baum; in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz.Gail, Ed, Dustin, and Tamara Schriffert—in memory of father and grandfather, Harry Vineberg.Eileen and Howard Tolk—congratulations to Ann and Abe Breslow on the marriage of their son Craig to Kelly Shaffer.Gail and Peter Weinstein—in memory of Joanne Bass.

Nursery School Enrichment FundSerena and Arnie Sher—in memory of Stanley Bulbin, father of Sharon Levy; in memory of Pauline Teckler, grandmother of Amy Pressman.

Nursery School Scholarship FundSerena and Arnie Sher—in honor of Julie’s marriage to Brandon Stein.Debbie, Dan, Matthew, and Jaime Viens—in memory of mother and grandmother, Beverly Weiss.Gail and Peter Weinstein—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.

Rabbi Martin Library FundSamuel Miller—in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz.

Religious School Enrichment FundDale and Jerome Demner—in memory of Lorraine Hirsch, sister of Jerry Demner; in memory of Jessie Demner, mother of Jerry Demner.Alan and Susan Kasson—in memory of Elizabeth Henriquez, sister of Maggie Walowitz, and Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz.Marge and Paul Krubiner—in memory of Barbara Yerkes, mother of Susan Preminger.Debbie and Ted Portnay—in appreciation to Claire Baker for the support and guidance provided during Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah process; in appreciation to Ira Wise for the support and guidance provided during Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah process.Stan Roth—a donation.Ken and Rita Weinstein—for the Yahrzeit of Dr. Albert Weinstein.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.


High Holy Days AppealNames appearing below are the most recent contributions—thank you!

Pillar of CongregationSteve and Jill ElbaumSerena and Arnie Sher

Benefactor of CongregationMolli and Stephen HourihanElizabeth and Mark NigroshAllan and Claire Shumofsky

President’s CircleMichael and Judy Blumenthal

Samuel Miller

General ContributionsGail and Gary Felberbaum

The Gaugler FamilyJack and Sandy Germain

Steven and Barbara GersenHelaine and Jonathan Greenbaum

Joni and Michael GreenspanTodd Haas and Ilene Robbins

Alice MadwedRuth Madwed

Alan and Joan NewmanLaura Sydney-Pulton and Ted Pulton

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

Religious School Scholarship FundChris and George Markley—in memory of Barbara Yerkes, mother of Susan Preminger.

Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action FundBrian and Linda Barlaam—in honor of Thomas Lanese Sr. receiving the 2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service.Elaine and Juda Chetrit—in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz; in memory of Stanley David Bulbin, father of Sharon Levy.Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman—with deep appreciation; in honor of the birth of Sadie Galya, granddaughter of Barbara and Derek Solomon.Shari and Brian Nerreau—in memory of Barbara Yerkes, mother of Susan Preminger.Margo Schiff—in memory of Sidney Silverman, father of Marc Silverman.Serena and Arnie Sher—in memory of father and grandfather, Sidney Silverman; in honor of Craig’s marriage to Kelly Shaffer.Eileen and Howard Tolk—in loving memory of father, Maurice Velenchik.

Vision Loan Reduction FundPaul and Michael Rosenberg—in memory of Frania Rosenberg, wife of Michael Rosenberg.Michael Rosenberg—in memory of Robert Wilson, brother of Patti Rosenberg.

Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish LeadershipLawrence Benson—in memory of Betty Keller, mother of Janet Jurow.Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman—in honor of the birth of Mesa, granddaughter of Wendy and Ralph Michel.Marge and Paul Krubiner—in loving memory of Betty Keller, mother of Janet Jurow, and grandmother of Loren and Daniel Jurow; in memory of Jim Abraham, husband of Barbara Abraham.Serena and Arnie Sher—in loving memory of Jim Abraham, husband of Barbara Abraham; in memory of Betty Keller, mother of Janet Jurow.Barbara Solomon—in memory of Betty Keller, mother of Janet Jurow.Eileen and Howard Tolk—in loving memory of stepmother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Beulah Tolk.

Bob and Marsha Gillette Judaic Enrichment FundSusie Blumenfeld—in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Portnay.The Phillip-Soberman family—in memory of Al Walowitz, father of Marc Walowitz.

Daniel Smith Cemetery FundSerena and Arnie Sher—in memory of Abraham Goldbloom; in memory of Minnie Green, mother of Samuel Green.

Judith Brav Sher Family Education FundJean and Hy Elias—in loving memory of father, Max Pearlman.Debbie and Ted Portnay—in appreciation to Elaine Chetrit for the support and guidance provided during Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah process.

Habitat for HumanityWidows and Widowers Group—in honor of Bobby Bresler.

YozmaGeorge J. Markley—in support of Congregation B’nai Israel.

12

Please Support Our Advertisers

Happy 2014!

The following members of the medical community join together in their

support of the B’nai Israel Bulletin:

Dr. Andrea Hagani Dr. Robert D. Chessin

Dr. David F. BindelglassDr. Alan M. NelsonDr. Glenn M. RichDr. Michael Sonick

Dr. Lawrence DinkesDr. Kenneth RabineDr. George P. Kelly

Dr. Howard B. TwerskyDr. Martha Yepes Small

Dr. Peter A. SmallDr. Edward Portnay

Dr. Michael ConnollyDr. Kenneth KingslyDr. Mark J. Hotchkiss

Dr. Alan LandauDr. Robert LandisDr. Andrew LeviDr. Jared Selter

Dr. Geoffrey Gladstein

• Appellate • Bankruptcy • Commercial Finance • Common Interest Communities • Corporate

Not Just a Law Firm. Your Law Firm. • Matrimonial & Family • Municipal • Personal Injury • Physicians Practices • Real Estate • Securities

• Elder Law & Long Term Care Planning • Employment & Labor • Land Use & Zoning • Litigation

• Securities Arbitration • Tax and Trusts & Estates • Telecommunications & Utilities

BRIDGEPORT DANBURY WESTPORT ORANGE 203-368-0211 203-792-2771 203-222-1034 203-298-4066

www.cohenandwolf.com

The following members of the legal community join together in their support of

the B’nai Israel Bulletin:

Michael Becker

Ken Beck

Eric Broder

Marcia Cohen

Stewart I. Edelstein

Irving J. Kern

Mark A. Kirsch

Richard Krantz

George Markley

Daniel Schopick

Nancy Wechsler

13What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to [email protected].


Family Owned and Operated Since 1920

Shop 24/7By Phone or Website

Bar, Bat Mitzvahs and Weddings Our Specialty

(203) 255-0461

Hansen’s Flower Shop

14 Happy 2014!

All Invitations Discounted •••• 203 795 5553

•

Très AmieInvites & Events

Your “Go-To Girls” foryour party needs!

[email protected]

Tracie Wizda Amy Gordon727-643-4521 203-246-3573


GEORGE J. MARKLEYATTORNEY AT LAW

HERITAGE SQUARE #E81700 POST ROAD

FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT 06824PHONE (203) 259-1177

FAX (203) 259-0477

12 Cambridge Drive, Suite 100 • Trumbull CT 06611OFFICE 203-372-4442 • FAX 203-372-5293 • TOLL FREE 888-LTC-Today

E-MAIL [email protected]

Michael J Lehrhaupt, CLTC

The following members of the financial community join together in their support of the B’nai Israel Bulletin:

Edward P. Burger, CPA Luise M. Burger, CPA



THE JEWISH HOMEexcellence in our home and yours

(203)396-1136 www.jhe.org

In-home care for short-term and ongoingneeds including nursing, physical therapy,personal care, meals, and transportation.

We make house calls

3-5 x 4_BW_Binai_israel_bull_HC_Layout 1 3/30/12 10:16 AM Page 1

Broder & Orland LLC

Matrimonial and Family Law

One Morningside Drive North

Westport, CT 06880 203-222-4949

www.broderorland.com

Eric J. Broder [email protected]

Carole Topol Orland [email protected]

STEVEN HELFGOTT Owner / Video Artist

Trumbull, CT H 203.261.9163C 203.685.9520

Specializing in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

and Weddings for more than 25 years

Fine & Unique Lines are Our Specialty

Members of Congregation B’nai Israel

...

(formerly Fabulously Yours Invitations)

...

By Appointment:203.261.9163

203.400.9058Trumbull, Connecticut

[email protected]

...

...

A once-in-a-lifetime event forever captured

EVP

JANE HELFGOTTInvitation Consultant/Owner

Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.cbibpt.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 171Fairfield, Conn.

What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to [email protected]!

The First B’nai Israel Art Show—February 6–16 Celebrating the Talent and Artistry of Our Congregants

From February 6 to 16 we’ll be exhibiting the work of some of the talented artists in our congregation. Some who will be displaying are professionals, while oth-ers see their work as an avocation. Either way you’ll be impressed by your fellow congregants! Stop by the pavilion during these 10 days and enjoy the paintings, sketches, photographs, and sculpture. The centerpiece of the show will be some special events, as follows:

A Fine Arts Weekend, February 7–9 February 7: Friday night services and Shabbat dinner followed by a talk from Philip Eliasoph, Fairfield University art history professor, “The Artless Jews: Idol Breakers or Icon Makers?” The cost for dinner is $20.00, paid in advance with your RSVP to Lynn at 203-336-1858 or [email protected] in the temple office.

February 8: Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., we will host an artists’ reception featuring wine, cheese, Havdalah, and a panel discussion from those artists who wish to participate on their creative process and the spirituality they find in their art. February 9: On Sunday at noon there will be a program for Religious School children and parents. Creating with our artists: Join our B’nai Israel artists along with your classmates and friends in making your own art—collage, sculpture, graphics, and calligraphy. Pizza lunch will be served. RSVP to Lynn at 203-336-1858 or [email protected].

January bulletin

Documents

Transcript of January bulletin