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

Volume 155, Number 3 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5774 October 2013

It’s Time for the 2013 URJ Biennial!The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial will bring together 5,000 Jewish lay leaders and professionals, youth, congregants, and clergy from across North America to learn, pray, share ideas, dance and sing, attend the largest Shabbat dinner in the world, and make decisions about the future of Jewish life. From December 11 to 15, in sunny San Diego, CA, Jews will gather to hear from inspiring guest speakers, reunite with old friends, make new connections, and converse about the most pressing issues currently affecting the North American Jewish community.

A significant part of the Biennial experience is learning sessions. This year, more than 100 learning sessions will be offered, representing a wide array of topic areas and

giving attendees the opportunity to learn from innovators and leaders at the forefront of the North American Jewish experience. Subjects will include social media for synagogues, Israeli-U.S. relations, social justice outreach, youth engagement, and skills and networking for congregational presidents.

For further information and to register, visit www.urj.org or call 212-650-4271.

The Road to Lesbian and Gay Ordination in the Reform MovementFriday, October 18, beginning at 7:15 p.m.

In 1990, the Reform movement’s rabbinical association voted to ordain openly gay and lesbian candidates for the rabbinate. At the time it was a bold move that placed the Reform movement in the liberal vanguard of American religious denominations.

But paradoxically, it was also inherently conservative, designed to reaffirm traditional Jewish values. Professor Jonathan Krasner will unpack this seeming contradiction through an exploration of the events that led up to this historic vote and discuss what the movement’s approach to LGBT Jews tells us about Reform Judaism today. Jonathan Krasner is an Associate Professor of the American Jewish Experience at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Shabbat dinner (reservations are required; RSVP to Lynn at 203-336-1858 or lynn@cbibpt.org) is at 7:15; the talk begins at 8:30.

Kristallnacht Commemoration—75 Years LaterFriday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9While much of the world was silent during the Shoah, a few righteous people spoke out and stepped up. One story just beginning to come to light is that of Aristides de Sousa Mendes. As Portugal’s consul in Bordeaux when Germany invaded France, Mr. Sousa Mendes provided about 30,000 people with Portuguese visas to escape Nazi persecution. After services and Shabbat dinner on Friday evening, we will have a conversation with Andrée Lotey, a board member of the Sousa Mendes Foundation whose family archives have revealed some of the story (Andrée is also the sister-in-law of our congregants Andrea and Deborah Goodman). And on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., the award winning film “Disobedience—The Sousa Mendez Story” will be screened.

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 PresidentMaia Butterfield & Hannah Greenhall .............. 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 lynn@cbibpt.org.

Welcome! Welcome!A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will enrich not only their lives, but that of our congregation as well.Alina and Natan Tsyrulnik, David and Simone Scenic Hill Road, Shelton Robin and Wayne Righter, Ethan and Abigail South Street, Fairfield Marilyn and Norman Weinstein Park Avenue, Bridgeport Jennifer and André Spitzer, Jessica and Sydney Reid Street, Fairfield Laurie Israel and Daniel Pitchenik, Margot, Oliver, and Eliot Center Road, Easton Eileen and David Landsman, Ethan and Cole Millard Street, Fairfield Shari and Erik Zamkoff, Aaron and Sienna Chandlers Lane S., Fairfield Allison and Howard Stupak, Grant, Asher, and Harper Osbourne Lane, Southport Jennifer Pleasure and Jeremy Kranowitz, Eden, Aaron, and Isaac Unquowa Road, Fairfield Rachel and Adam Cohen, Helena Henry Albert Drive, Milford Lea and Leonard Glantz Hilary Circle, Fairfield Elisa and Jordan Gurevich, Mia and Sydney Roseville Terrace, Fairfield Michelle and Stephen Dawes, Jacob and Alexandra Old Town Road, Bridgeport Sheila Pitchenik and Charles Simon, Owen and Casey Sturbridge Road, Easton

Sincere SympathyWe extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:Melinda Montrose Betesh, sister of Elora SweedlerJean Serlin, mother of William Serlin, grandmother of Laura Pappas, Jeffrey Serlin, and Ethan Serlin Betty Keller, mother of Janet JurowDonald G. Koch, brother of Vicki HeilweilArnold Kaplan, husband of Bobby Kaplan and father of Susan BauchnerJoel Leonard, brother of Alicia Brown Mimi Manton, mother of Mark MantonMichael Wilson, brother of Patti Rosenberg Jacob Zeldes, husband of Nancy Zeldes

Widows and Widowers GroupSaturday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.Please join us at the home of Leona (Lee) Attenberg, 51 Morning Glory Drive in Easton. Rabbi James Prosnit will speak on “Challenges Facing Congregations Today.” Call Lee at 203-374-9688 to RSVP and get directions.

Sharing Our Joy…Congratulations to: Rabbi Evan Schultz and Jenny Goldstein on the birth of their son, Elie; Vicki Heilweil on the birth of her grandson, Logan Tanner Reed, son of Madelyn Koch Reed and David Reed; Keri and Jason Adwin on the birth of their daughter, Ella; Pat Marchetti on the marriage of her son Christopher to Matthew Galik.

3Plenty of Adult Jewish Learning courses begin soon—see p. 9 to find out more!

If all goes according to plan, bulldozers will soon begin razing the JCC building on Park Avenue to prepare for the construction of a new Jewish community campus anchored by Jewish Senior Services (JSS), formerly the Jewish Home for the Elderly. Not

only will the new building have assisted living, state-of-the-art nursing care, and rehab services, but it will also be the address for Jewish Federation offices and some JCC activities.

For many old Bridgeporters who fondly remember growing up at the JCC, this is a huge loss. A half-century ago, when Jews were moving from Bridgeport to the suburbs, the JCC provided an important anchor and cohesiveness to the community. Many members of B’nai Israel speak glowingly about playing basketball and learning to swim at 4200 Park Avenue. Others tell of raising their children in the nursery school or summer camp.

But as many communities across the country have found, times and needs have changed. An aging building was taking needed dollars away from community programs and social service needs here and in Israel. The infrastructure was no longer serving our community. Most children have basketball hoops on their driveways, and some have pools in their backyard.

Competition among for-profit fitness gyms is fierce, and most of the synagogues in the area have established their own early childhood programs.

I salute the leaders of the JCC, Federation, and JSS for recognizing the changes and for responding in a proactive and positive way. Although some will no doubt bemoan the loss of the JCC facilities, the possibilities are bright. When the Thriving Jewish Community groups met to discuss the future of our community, few of us mentioned a need for a basketball court or a pool. Many spoke of expanding the educational and cultural opportunities for children, teens, and adults and were mindful of our role in investing in strong connections to Israel.

These things are possible for our community, as the Federation can use its funds in new and exciting ways. Support of the community campaign won’t take away from the needs of the synagogues (support that too) it has the potential for a symbiosis of activity that can make all parts of the Greater Bridgeport Jewish community even stronger.

Rabbi James Prosnit

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Same Address, But a Very New Vision: The Transformation of 4200 Park Avenue

B’nai Israel welcomes Chris Rocha to the temple office

staff. Stop by and say hello!

A big thank-you to all of our Adult Choir members who sang so beautifully during the High Holy Days! Their participation enhances our worship services.

Gary Rosoff, ConductorBarbara Rowe, Organist

Claire BakerAlicia BrownDavid CarassoJohn Dubrowin

Ronnie DubrowinAnne Flaxman

Marj FreemanHeidi Gassel

Jim GrutzmacherShelley KadishEllen KaddenRandye KayeLinda Koski

Brenda Kreuzer

Larry LudwigErnie MaleckiIlana Ofgang

Sherry PortnoyJudy Rankell

Paul RosenblattBarbara SaltmanNaomi Schaffer

Bill SchwartzEllen SheimanConnie SimonKaren SobelMarcia TubinSteve VerbilLori WarnerCarol Weir

4 L’Shanah Tovah!

From the Early Childhood Center

Emotional Intelligence in the Early Childhood ClassroomVery often, catchphrases become part of the world of education and parenting. From Ferberizing babies to giving preschoolers time-outs, there always seems to be plenty of advice to go around. Well, as a 22-year veteran of the early childhood education field, I can tell you that emotional intelligence is far more

than an attention grabber or a way to sell someone’s book. I am pleased to see emotional intelligence in the public discourse, as evidenced in a recent New York Times article titled “Can Emotional Intelligence Be Taught?” Without endorsing any particular method of teaching this, I wholeheartedly endorse the notion that successfully navigating and dealing with emotions will lead to a happier childhood and a most productive life.

Parents often lament their child’s readiness to enter kindergarten, the gateway to elementary education. The focus is often on the very specific skills around reading, writing, and arithmetic. While these are important, and have their basis in sound early education, this type of readiness is far less predictive of success than a child’s ability to function in a classroom; to interact with others and not fall apart under normal social pressures. Whether coming from a preschool or a home environment, children need to understand how to deal with frustrations, how to communicate, and how to really enjoy themselves.

So, how it is taught? It is taught through sincerity, understanding of children’s development, and empathy. Take this example:

Maya, age three, is playing in the block area. Jack, also age three, walks over and takes a block that is integral to the structure’s design. Maya sees this and throws herself backward, onto the floor, and starts to scream. Noticing the issue, the teacher comes over to intervene. What is the quickest way to eliminate the screaming? Pull out another block and replace the missing piece. But, this negates the teachable moment. By walking a child through the process, identifying feelings, you will help form a pattern for problem-solving.

Please don’t confuse this suggestion with over-talking every situation, or with having to negotiate every situation with a child. Your firmness will provide a child with needed boundaries (e.g., “I know that you’re angry that Jack took that block. But, I won’t allow you to scream in the classroom.”). However, children need to have words to describe their feelings if they are to resolve issues productively.

So stay strong in your zest for the best for your child. But put the most effort on the things that are most important. Nearly every kindergarten teacher will tell you that the child who can get along with others, and who can deal with situations, is the child who will do well in school. And, the parents and teachers in the child’s life will be pretty happy, too. Don’t go overboard with some “method” that seems unnatural. Just be yourself and respect each child’s right to have emotions.

David CohenSenior Director of Young Programming at the Greenwich YMCA

SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE

Friday, October 4 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Noach, Gen. 6:9-11:32 Haftarah – Isaiah 66:1-13:23

Saturday, October 5 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 Melanie

DelAngelo, daughter of Henry and Jennifer DelAngelo

Friday, October 11 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Lech L’cha, Gen. 12:1-17:27 Haftarah – Isaiah 40:27-41:16

Saturday, October 12 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 Ryan Lilly, son

of Robert and Lisa Lilly

Friday, October 18 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Vayeira, Gen. 18:1-22:24

Haftarah – II Kings 4:1-37

Saturday, October 19 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. B’nai Mitzvah of Hannah Cohen,

daughter of Mark and Helen Cohen, and Ian Konigsberg, son of Robert and Karen Konigsberg

Friday, October 25 6:00 p.m. Service – Junior Choir Sings Torah Portion – Chayei arah,

Gen 23:1-25:18 Haftarah – I Kings 1:1-31

Saturday, October 26 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 Owen Sherman,

son of Brett and Kimberly Sherman

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

5

I am quickly learning that with a newborn baby, life is not getting any less hectic. I’m sure that many of you reading this feel the same, especially at this time of year, when school is now in full swing, soccer tournaments fill the weekends, and homework and lessons occupy most evenings. It is acharei hachagim, after the holidays, as they say in Israel, a time when initiatives have

started, programs are running, committees are brainstorming, and meetings conquer many of our nights. Finding time to rest and reflect can certainly be difficult when fall is fully in motion, and even our Jewish designated hours of rest, Shabbat, can be filled with get-togethers, sports, Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties, birthday parties, family reunions, and more. So when can we find time to take a break and soak up the essence of Shabbat?

It turns out that we can extend the hours of Shabbat, at no extra charge! Consider this text from the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Berachot (Blessings), chapter 4, which tells of the story of a rabbi who prayed his evening Shabbat prayers (Kabbalat Shabbat, Maariv) on Friday afternoon, before it was dark. After praying, he strolled over to the local bathhouse to relax and have a nice steam. The rabbi started Shabbat several hours early, and the Talmud agrees that this is entirely within the bounds of Jewish law.

What does this mean for us? We can willingly accept Shabbat upon ourselves earlier in the day—we can, essentially, extend

the hours of Shabbat! Why would we want to do this? For just the reasons I stated above—sometimes the set hours of Shabbat, Friday night to Saturday night, for whatever reason, can get hectic and busy. So maybe you have a little time on Friday afternoon to be at peace? Take it upon yourself to pronounce that Shabbat has begun? Or perhaps Saturday night? Extend Shabbat a few more hours before officially beginning the week once again.

We at our Religious School actually do this every week. Our students, along with Ira Wise, begin school on Sunday mornings with a community-wide Havdalah service, formally ending Shabbat with the grape juice, spice, and Havdalah candle. It is an opportunity to join together as a community and taste that final sweetness of Shabbat right before jumping into the sea of Jewish learning that morning.

One thing I love about Judaism is that it is not an absolute-value religion. Jewish laws and practices take into account the realities of the world around us. Yes, ideally we would stop what we are doing on Friday night and resume everything on Saturday night, and relax and be at peace for a full 25 hours. Yet I know for many of us that is not possible for many valid reasons. So the rabbis of the Talmud give us an alternative: Start up Shabbat a little early, or end it late, and then maybe find the opportunity to fully engage in this weekly holiday of relaxation and joy. And it is all at no extra charge!

Rabbi Evan Schultz

From Rabbi SchultzExtend your Shabbat at no extra charge!

Riffing on Babylonian Talmud Tractate Berachot 27b

Food of the month: canned fruit

TLC/Temple Loving Care at B’nai IsraelDriving Assistance!

A number of you have so generously offered your help these past two years by driving congregants to and from B’nai Israel. Thank you!

And now I want to tell you about a wonderful community program that may make it easier to provide driving assistance. It’s called iTN Coastal CT: Dignified Transportation for Seniors. A meeting with the executive director and a co-president of the board clarified how this program is already working in surrounding towns, and we want to get involved!

A gathering will be set up as soon as possible to describe more about the program and how you can participate and also help B’nai Israel members.

More info and details to come! In the meantime, please check out their Web site at itncoastalct.org.

Shalom,Liz Nigrosh (lizziesmail@aol.com; 203-268-9044)

6 L’Shanah Tovah!

Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary FundLee Attenberg—get well wishes to Sheila Madow; get well wishes to Ilse Levi; in memory of Claire Peggy Irwin, mother of Barbara Solomon.Marty and Alayne Burger in memory of Arnold Kaplan.Diane and Patrick Duffy—thanks again for the service you did for my dad—it was perfect.The Goldshteyn and Ledvich families in memory of mother and grandmother, Sara Goldenfarb.William Greenspan—a donation.Janice and Marc Katz in memory of Jeanette Held.Mollie and David Keller—thank you to Rabbis Jim and Jonathan Prosnit for welcoming Ruby Wasserman.Debbie and Ted Portnay in memory of Kenneth Karnal.Beth and Randy Reich and family in memory of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Vivienne Zimmer Goldstein.Barbara Solomon in appreciation.Eileen and Howard Tolk in loving memory of mother, Justine Tolk.The Travisano family in appreciation of Haley’s Bat Mitzvah.Dr. Norman and Marilyn Weinstein in memory of Harold Strogoff, father of Marilyn Weinstein.Widow and Widowers Group in honor of David Beier speaking to the group about the problems of the regulations regarding the taxi industry in New York and other interesting facts not known to the public.The Yaffie family in loving memory of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Arthur H. Yaffie, and L’ Shana Tova to the Prosnit family.

Rabbi Schultz Discretionary FundBarbara Abraham—Mazel Tov to Evan and Jenny on the birth of their son, Elie Hudson.Elaine and Juda Chetrit in honor of the birth of your son, Elie.The Giglietti family in honor of the birth of your son, Elie.The Held and Butterfield family in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz.Anne and Mark Kirsch in memory of Jeanette Held, mother of Nancy Held.Lindsay Lee—in appreciation.Elizabeth and Elliot Miller—thank you for your generosity.Marc and Maggie Walowitz in appreciation for making Al’s 90th special.

Music FundJeff and Wendy Bender—to sponsor cello for Kol Nidre.Colette and David Carasso in memory of Joel Coffey, father of Dr. T. Coffey.William Greenspan—a donation.Marilyn and Bob Shook in memory of Harry Kay.The Sydney-Pulton family in memory of Scott Harris’s father, Arnold Harris; in memory of Sharon Harris’s father, Stanley Manasevit; in memory of Eddy Bakhash’s mother and father.The Travisano family in appreciation of Haley’s Bat Mitzvah.

Enhancement FundEdith Baum in memory of Rose Holtzman, my mother, and Meyer Needell, my father.

Eloise Epstein’s family in memory of Minnie Green.Muriel Lefsetz in memory of Harvey Kaster.Joanne and Neil Lippman in memory of Jeanette Held, Nancy Held’s mother.George and Chris Markley in honor of the birth of Elie Schultz, son of Rabbi Evan Schultz and Jenny Goldstein. Mazel Tov!Jim and Valerie Neary in memory of Jim Abraham.Jack and Karin Newman in memory of Pauline Newman, mother of Jack.Liz and Mark Nigrosh in memory of Mark’s sister, Diane Nigrosh.The Rosenberg family in memory of Murray A. Rosenberg, M.D.—from his children and his children’s children. The Rosenberg family—in memory of Lester Nichols.Suzanne and Hank Saletan in honor of Matthew Geller’s Bar Mitzvah.Eileen and Howard Tolk in memory of Jean Serlin, mother of Bill Serlin.

Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education FundMarge and Paul Krubiner in memory of Barbara Solomon’s mom, Claire Peggy Irwin.George and Chris Markley in memory of a great woman, Selma Rosenblatt.Nora Mayerson—L’Shanah Tovah to my fellow students in Saturday Bible Class; in beloved and dear memory of father, Harry L. Silverman.Esther Spiegel in honor of Beth Lazar’s Bat Mitzvah.The Sydney-Pulton family in memory of Nancy Held’s mother.

Nursery School Enrichment FundLinda and Brian Barlaam in memory of Jeannette Held, mother of Nancy Held.Joan and Alan Newman in honor of the birth of granddaughter, Ella Sage Adwin, daughter of Keri and Jason, sister of Jack and Alex.Esther Spiegel in honor of the birth of Elie Schultz, son of Rabbi Evan Schultz and Jenny Goldstein.The Sydney-Pulton family in appreciation of Elaine Chetrit.

Nursery School Scholarship FundGail and Peter Weinstein in honor of Justin’s Bar Mitzvah, grandson of Jerry and Jane Pressman; in honor of Justin’s Bar Mitzvah, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. David Winograd; in honor of Dale and Mal Chodos’s special anniversary.

Rabbi Martin Library FundGeorge and Chris Markley in loving memory of our mother, Mary Nahabedian.

Prayer Book FundEsther Spiegel in memory of Barbara Solomon’s mother, Claire Peggy Irwin.

Slepian Floral FundSheila Madow and family in memory of Marshall Madow; in memory of Lisa Madow.Barbara, Larry, and Mike Panisch in loving memory of Susan Panisch, daughter and sister.Esther Spiegel—get well wishes to Sheila Madow; get well wishes to Ilse Levi.

MAZONMyrna Kaufman in memory of father, Robert Newman.

Religious School Scholarship FundGeorge and Chris Markley—congratulations to Jerry Saunders and Elaine Appelloff on the birth of their grandson, Reuben Saunders.Sue and Bob Sussman in memory of Jean Serlin.Eileen and Howard Tolk in honor of Helaine and Allan Alper’s special birthday.Debbie, Dan, Matthew, and Jaime Viens in memory of Jeanette Held.The Yurdin family in memory of Jean Serlin.

Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action FundBarbara Abraham—congratulations to Deborah Goodman and David Abbey on the marriage of their daughter, Rachel, to John Ryan.Audrey and Larry Bernstein—best wishes to Ilse Levi on a speedy recovery.Michael Blumenthal and Judy Green in memory of Jeanette Held, mother of Nancy Held.George and Chris Markley in memory of Claire Peggy Irwin, mother of Barbara Solomon.Deena and Mark Spector in honor of the birth of Ellen and Larry Dinkes’s grandson, Spencer Dinkes Hoffman.

Etz Chaim Living Torah FunLiz and Mark Nigrosh in memory of Jim Abraham.

Vision Loan Reduction FundMarcy and Larry Shinbaum in memory of Jeannette Held; in memory of Claire Peggy Irwin; in memory of Jim Abraham.

Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish LeadershipSandra Timmermann Bonham—to honor a wonderful man, Jim Abraham.Nancy and Rick Freedman in memory of Jim Abraham.Anne and Mark Kirsch in memory of Jim Abraham.George and Chris Markley in memory of Arnold Kaplan.Sharon and Dan Steinhorn in memory of a wonderful gentleman, a remarkable human being, our dear friend, Jim Abraham.Myra and Marshall Watnick in memory of Jim Abraham.

Lee and David Lester Kesher FundRosalind Gordon in memory of mother, Annie Ruskin.

Alan Weinstein Scholarship FundJoni and Michael Greenspan in memory of Minnie Green.

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

7Plenty of Adult Jewish Learning courses begin soon—see p. 9 to find out more!

From the Education Center

The Value of ConnectionsThere are many Jewish values that make up our curriculum and the way we do things in general at B’nai Israel. It would be difficult to choose one as being more important than the others. That said, I cannot say enough about the value of our connection to the land and people of Israel. As I write this, we are all waiting with

bated breath to see how things will resolve in Syria and what if any impact that will have for our Israeli cousins and friends.

One of the ways we can deepen our connections is though our Shinshinot. Shin Shin is an acronym (in Hebrew) for Shanat Sherut—literally “A Year of Service.” We often refer to these Israeli students as “Young Emissaries.”

They spend a year in our community before reporting for service in Tzahal, the Israeli Defense Forces. They lead small groups in our school, teach classes, visit our middle and elementary grades, and participate in BIFTY. They do similar activities at the other synagogues and at the Jewish Home. They make Israel come alive in our corner of Fairfield County.

I hope that some of you have already had a chance to meet Ya’ara Avraham and Omer Mashiach, our current pair of Shinshinot. (Note: When we have at least one young man, they become shinshinim. The language is not gender neutral.) Below is a note they asked me to share with all of our members.

L’shalom,Ira J. Wise, Director of Education

A Note From the Young Emissaries

It was very exciting to share the High Holidays with our new community and our host families. It was our first holiday away from home. It was a very different experience for us, but in a good way! We missed home a lot, but with the warmth of our host families and the community everyone made us feel like we were home and not alone for a second.

Our families at home were thrilled to hear about the difference in celebrating the holidays in America vs. being in Israel. The things that were the same was that families come together and there is a lot of love in the air, lots of food on the table, and everyone is in a holiday mood – in Israel we call that mishpach’tiut. What we never experienced was seeing people driving their cars, and we missed seeing children on their bikes. Most surprising to us was that the world around us kept moving and in Israel everything stands still on the holidays. Walking to the synagogue on Yom Kippur we could smell the food coming from people’s homes, and it was odd because we were still fasting.This Yom Kippur was really special for us—being far away from home and having the services with the

community, it was a very different experience. It was very moving to see all the children on the bimah all blowing the shofar together at the end. We were very touched at the end of the Neilah and Havdalah service when the entire congregation sang “Hatikvah.” We were very moved, and our hearts were full.

Forty years ago, it was the Yom Kippur War in Israel. Remembering that, we hope we will have a peaceful year, for Israel and for the entire world.

We hope you had an easy fast and we wish you a Shana Tova and a Gmar Chatima Tova!

Your Israeli Emissaries,Omer and Ya’ara

P.S. Follow us on Facebook: Omer-Ya’ara Young Emissaries

8 Food of the month: canned fruit

Child Name: _____________________________________

Parent Name: _________________________________________________________________

Phone #: __________________________ Email: ____________________________________

# of tix: __________ x $16.00= __________ Checks payable to: Sound Tigers

TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BACK TO THE JUNIOR CHOIR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18TH.

NO DAY OF GAME ORDERS. DISCOUNT FOR ADVANCE ORDERS ONLY

9

What Phase of the Moon Are You In? Rosh Chodesh—Cheshvan Rosh Chodesh—Women’s Group With Rabbi Suri Krieger Thursday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.

The waxing and waning of lunar cycles has been a guiding force for women throughout the ages, both literally and spiritually. Since the Jewish feminist movement reclaimed

Rosh Chodesh in the 1970s, women have been gathering on a monthly basis to acknowledge and celebrate. The form of this celebration has taken on many faces...ancient text, contemporary outreach, food, and fantasy. Your input is greatly valued as we determine what direction the group will take this year. The following dates for Rosh Chodesh gatherings will be Thursday, November 7 (Rosh Chodesh—Kislev) and Thursday, December 5 (Rosh Chodesh—Tevet).

The ProphetsLifelong LearningFridays, October 4, 11, 18, and 25, and November 1 at noonThe prophets are some of the most fascinating figures in the Hebrew Bible. Many of the tenets of Reform Judaism are based on the teachings and words of the prophets. Join us for this class in which we delve into the writings of these extraordinary Biblical figures. With Rabbi Schultz.

The Journey Toward the Promised Land ContinuesIn the Book of Bamidbar/NumbersSaturdays at 9:30 a.m.Every Saturday morning we learn Torah together—some attend 8:00 a.m. services, others arrive in time for the study group. Some participate every week, and others drop in when they can. Some have solid biblical backgrounds, and others are novices to the study. Some know Hebrew, and most do not. Bottom line: Everyone is welcome! Join us for an enriching, enjoyable, and engaging hour of weekly learning of our most sacred text.

Sunday Morning Round Table With the Rabbis It’s Like “Meet the Press,” Jewish Style!Sundays, October 27 and November 24 at 9:30 a.m.Join Rabbi Prosnit and Rabbi Schultz to discuss pertinent issues of the day in an informal setting. Bagels and coffee will be served.

Jews and MoneyMonday Midrasha, beginning November 4 at 7:00 p.m.Rabbi Prosnit will focus on Jewish attitudes toward money in this five-part series—applying both an ancient and a modern lens to a study that combines sacred text and historical perspective. What is the Jewish attitude toward money? Is there nobility in poverty? Is

affluence a sin? Over the centuries we have been accused of being socialists and capitalists, beggars and wealthy financiers. How have such divergent attitudes evolved and shaped the image and reality of the Jewish people?

Mohamed, The Caliphs, and the JewsLifelong LearningFridays, November 8, 15, and 22, and December 6 and 20 at noonJoin Ira Wise for a trip through history and the real Arabian nights—at least from the Jewish perspective! Mohamed was a religious, political, and military leader from Mecca who unified Arabia under Islam. Sephardic Jews lived under Muslim rule from Turkey, across North Africa, and into Spain for centuries. And much of the time, it was a pretty good place to be! Come explore with us!

Medaber Ivrit? Learn Hebrew! Classes in formationWould you like to read the machzor (the High Holy Day prayer book) from right to left next year? Whether you are a beginner or have some basic Hebrew skills you would like to improve, we can find the class for you! Contact Ira Wise at iwise@cbibpt.org or 203-335-0745.

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel

L’Shanah Tovah!

Upcoming Fairfield University Lectures of Interest to the Jewish Community Rabbi Lawrence Kushner: “Tales of the Mystical God: When the Sacred Appears Within the Everyday” Monday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m., Dolan School of Business Dining Room Rabbi Kushner is the scholar-in-residence at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

The Collaboration: Hollywood’s Pact With Hitler, With Ben UrwandMonday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m., Quick Center for the Arts Reading, speaking, and signing at the Open Visions Forum.

Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Lecture: “American Jews Look at a Changing Israel: Peace, Prosperity, and Religious Pluralism” Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m., Dolan School of Business Dining Room Adolph Schnurmacher was an author, philanthropist, and past president of the Union for Reform Judaism.

10 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to lynn@cbibpt.org.

President’s High Holy Day Speech

Shanah Tovah! A little less than a year ago, I stood before you for the first time as the new president of Congregation B’nai Israel and told you my story. I told you about my family upbringing and my Jewish journey. Today I would like to tell you not about me but about you. I’d

like to share some of your stories. About how some of you came to be here and some of your Jewish journeys.

Today I would like to introduce you to—or perhaps reintroduce you to—three families among our congregation. These families represent the diversity of our community. One has been a member for only one year, another for more than 45. The third member I’ll tell you about has a unique and touching story that exemplifies the best of who we are and what we can be to our synagogue community. I want to thank all three of these families for allowing me to share their stories with you today. I hope that when you hear about them, you will reflect on your own synagogue experience at B’nai Israel and share your own stories with your fellow congregants.

First, a long-time temple family, the Levys. Harold and Shelley Levy joined Congregation B’nai Israel in 1968. That’s 45 years ago. They enrolled their three sons, Marc, Jay and Allen, in religious school, and Shelley joined the education committee. When Marc, the oldest, thinks back now, he does not remember his years in religious school fondly. Back then, he would have rather played outside with his friends than go to more school. But now as a parent of three girls that graduated from B’nai Israel Religious School, he feels his girls had a better experience than he did. Marc and his wife Joan love the relationships that they and their girls have made through the synagogue. Those relationships have helped to keep his family’s connection to Judaism alive for three generations.

Jay and Sharon Levy’s branch of the family began their connection through the Early Childhood Education Center 14 years ago when they enrolled their twin boys in the Twos, Threes, and Fours programs. Resonating with the Levys are the wonderful celebrations, like Bar and Bat Mitzvahs as well as when Rabbi Prosnit always

mentioned Grandma Rose’s big birthdays from the bema at the High Holy Days. But, they also feel connected by the emotional support offered by the clergy in difficult times. The comfort of the services and the community connections together really highlight the intrinsic value that B’nai Israel brings to this three-generation family.

The Levys understand that it is important to support the synagogue financially, now that they are in a position to do so. They see the importance of continuing the good work B’nai Israel does from generation to generation. We look forward to celebrating many more wonderful events together with the Levy family.

Next, the Lehrman-Rosen family. Emily, Adam, and their 7-year-old daughter, Naomi, joined B’nai Israel just one year ago. They belonged to Mishkan Israel in Hamden for 12 years, but when they moved to Fairfield they began synagogue shopping in the area. They attended Shabbat services at many synagogues and felt invisible at most of them. When their neighbors recommended they visit B’nai Israel, they did and were immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere and the fact that both Rabbi Prosnit and Rabbi Schultz remembered them and were very attentive to them. Emily was raised a Lutheran and when she married Adam, a Reform Jew, they agreed to raise their daughter Jewish. Emily taught herself Hebrew and now Naomi relies on her mom to help with her Hebrew School homework. Naomi loves attending B’nai Israel Hebrew School. Adam is very musical, and those of you who have attended Friday night services may have heard him play his cello there.

Emily also expressed to me her feeling that B’nai Israel fulfilled a sense of community that the family was lacking in their lives. Being from a small family made this especially important to them. Emily was also looking for a socially conscious congregation and told me that she was so pleased that B’nai Israel participated in the March for Change Against Gun Violence after the Newtown shootings.

As a professional fundraiser, Emily understands the importance, not only of giving generously, but of asking as well. She reminded me that it is a mitzvah to ask others to give which helps embolden me as I stand before you today to do just that.

11Plenty of Adult Jewish Learning courses begin soon—see p. 9 to find out more!

The Lehrman-Rosen family is looking forward to a long and happy relationship with Congregation B’nai Israel. Welcome to all of you. We are so happy to have you!

Next, I would like to introduce you to Bob Ford. Bob had a Catholic school upbringing and at 80 years old, he sits here with us on the High Holy Days in our Reform synagogue as a member for eight years. Bob and his life partner Jesse were together for 50 years and were looking for a place where they felt welcome. They spotted an article in the Trumbull Times written by Rabbi Greene and they were intrigued. Jesse was raised Jewish and Bob was willing to give it a try. Bob loved the warmth of the congregation and always felt like he belonged. Both Jesse and Bob studied Hebrew with Elaine Chetrit, and when Jesse got sick the class even showed up and studied in Jesse and Bob’s Trumbull home. Unfortunately, Jesse is not here with us today, but Bob is still studying with Elaine Chetrit and feels that continuing his membership has helped him keep Jesse’s memory alive.

Bob says that his favorite thing about Judaism and B’nai Israel is the freedom to ask questions. At Bob’s 80th birthday party he was able to give back to the synagogue that he felt did so much for him. He asked, in lieu of a gift, for his friends and family to make a donation to the temple. Bob has written over 40 thank-you notes to date and is so pleased that so many donations were made in his honor. But, I would like to say that the honor is all ours Bob! We, at B’nai Israel, are the lucky ones to have such a warm and generous man as a member of our congregation.

Congregation B’nai Israel is a social as well as spiritual home for so many of us. We all have a stake in maintaining our temple as a place in which Judaism is fostered and maintained. The time has come for those of us who love this congregation, those of us who depend on it, and yes, even those who only occasionally use it to realize our congregation’s needs and help provide for them.

In Deuteronomy, we find the words “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of Adonai, thy God, which Adonai has given thee.” This Biblical

concept of giving as much as we are capable of is the culture we here at B’nai Israel must embrace. The three families I have profiled today understand that Congregation B’nai Israel is not a fee-for-services-rendered organization but rather a means of supporting our community. The mitzvah of tzedakah is a key part of Jewish living, and support of a vibrant center of Jewish life in greater Bridgeport is crucial even if we do not choose to use all of the programs all of the time.

To that end, I would like to ask all of you here today to consider increasing your High Holy Day Appeal contribution. No matter at what level you are currently giving, please give just a little bit more. Every extra dollar helps!

We are also trying to grow our Tzedek Society. The Tzedek Society are those families that give over and above their regular annual contribution. They help ensure that B’nai Israel is available to all in our community. Please consider giving these additional, much-needed funds whether you come only three days a year or seven days a week. I thank you in advance for your consideration.

So, last year I told you about me and my family’s experiences with Judaism and B’nai Israel. Today we glimpsed the lives of three congregant families and their Jewish journeys. Next year, if all goes according to plan, our current First Vice President, Sam Rosenberg, will be here to tell you his story and share his Jewish journey with you. In the meantime, let me hear from you. I am looking for one volunteer journalist who would help me document more of these stories. Our stories. The ongoing story of our congregational family.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, clergy, staff, and my family, I wish you all a very sweet, healthy, and happy New Year! Thank you and Shanah Tovah!Mindy Siegel, President

President’s High Holy Day Speech

12

Please Support Our Advertisers

Food of the month: canned fruit

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. Twersky

Dr. Martha Yepes SmallDr. Peter A. Small

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

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

• 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

Stewart I. Edelstein

Irving J. Kern

Mark A. Kirsch

Richard Krantz

George Markley

Daniel Schopick

13What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to lynn@cbibpt.org.

Please Support Our Advertisers

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

SAT Prep Tutoring1-on-1. Right in your own home.

Flexible scheduling.

Guaranteed results.

203-366-0498www.AceInHomeTutoring.com

Gene McKenna, director

14 Food of the month: canned fruit

All Invitations Discounted •••• 203 795 5553

•

Très AmieInvites & Events

Your “Go-To Girls” foryour party needs!

tresamieinvites@gmail.comtresamieinvites.com

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

Please Support Our Advertisers

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 michael@strategies4ltc.com

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

15Plenty of Adult Jewish Learning courses begin soon—see p. 9 to find out more!

Please Support Our Advertisers

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 ebroder@broderorland.com

Carole Topol Orland corland@broderorland.com

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

www.fabinvitations.cominfo@fabinvitations.com

...

...

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 lynn@cbibpt.org!

B’nai Israel Is Looking to CONECT This Fall! B’nai Israel has partnered with CONECT (Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut), a faith-based organizing initiative, to identify and act on key social justice issues that matter most to our congregation. Our first step in this initiative is a community organizing campaign running through October. During this campaign, a core team of B’nai Israel lay leaders and clergy will host small “house meetings,” in which congregants will have an opportunity to both build deeper relationships with one another and identify their common values, concerns, and passions. Based on the conversations at these house meetings, our core team will work with Matt McDermott, lead organizer at CONECT, to identify a key issue for our congregation to organize around this year. This is a new path that we as a community are taking to fulfill our Jewish obligation to pursue justice and repair the world (tikkun olam).

Our core team will contact many of you in the coming months to join up for a house meeting. We really want to hear your voices! In addition, if you are interested in participating in or hosting a house meeting, or if you have any questions, please contact either Anne Watkins (acwatkins@gmail.com) or Janet Jurow (jjurow18@att.net) to learn more. You can also contact either Rabbi Prosnit or Rabbi Schultz to learn more about social justice opportunities and how to get involved with CONECT. To learn more about faith-based community organizing, check out CONECT’s Web site, www.weconect.org.