October Bulletin

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

Volume 154, Number 3 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5773 October 2012

Shanah Tovah! 5773 at B’nai Israel

Meet Our Shinshinim!

Celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah! See p. 11.

Religious School and Nursery School are under way

Check out Havurah Bet for children ages 5–8!

Join an Adult Jewish Learning course

Sincere Sympathy

We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert BerkowitzMartin Livingstone, brother of Francine (Frankie) SteinEvelyn Dachman, mother of Gary DachmanMarshall Madow, husband of Sheila Madow and brother-in-law of Barbara PanischStuart Levitt, brother of Nancy RosenthalLorraine Goldfield, wife of Martin GoldfieldJeffrey Blueweiss, husband of Lynn Blueweiss, father of Alison, Marissa, and Brett Blueweiss and brother-in-law of Robert (Barbara) LibermanTheodora Schwartz, mother of Paul Schwartz

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 their lives and that of our congregation.

Ilana OfgangSeaview Terrace, Bridgeport Deborah and Kenneth Hochhauser, Zachary and AlexShrub Oak Lane, FairfieldMolli and Stephen Hourihan, Jonah and EllaEvelyn Street, SouthportKathleen and Joseph Friedler and MadelineTaintor Drive, Southport

Sharing Our Joy…

Congratulations to: Gail and Gary Felberbaum who welcomed their new grandson, Evan Asher Felberbaum, son of Michael and Rachel Felberbaum; Paul and Jessica Rosenblatt in honor of the August 7 birth of their granddaughter, Maerav Lila Rosenblatt, daughter of Shira Wakschlag and Eli Rosenblatt; Alice and George Kelly in honor of the birth of their grandson, Asher Benjamin Kelly, born on August 21 to Matthew Kelly and Rachel Martin; Jeff Warren and Sandi Michaelson on the marriage of their son Eric to Andrea Steinberg on August 19

TLC/Temple Loving Care at B’nai Israel It has been just wonderful knowing that many in our synagogue have extended TLC to members of our B’nai Israel family. Some have offered transportation, others have prepared and delivered meals and made caring phone calls, and there were also those who helped out during our High Holy Days as ushers. Thank you all!

As we begin this new year, I hope that even more help reaches those in need. Please join the wave of good intentions and let me know how you’d like to contribute. I also hope you will contact me if you need Temple Loving Care. Shalom, Liz [email protected], 203-268-9044

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 EmeritusElaine Chetrit ...................................... Director of Family EducationAlexa Cohen .............................................. Early Childhood DirectorAbby Rohinsky ..................................................... Director of FacilityMatthew Rosen ............................................................. Youth Advisor

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

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

In This Issue

From the Rabbi’s Desk ............................................. 3Brotherhood News .................................................... 4From Rabbi Schultz ................................................. 5Early Childhood Education .................................... 6From the Education Center ...................................... 7Young Families Havurah .......................................... 8Adult Jewish Learning ....................................... 9, 11Donations ................................................................ 10Shabbat and Fall Festivals Services ......................... 11

Actually it’s Pray, Eat, Dance. A new year has begun. Our prayers of repentance have ascended. The Yom Kippur break-fast has been gobbled up. Now on to the fall festivals!

At our Saturday morning Torah study group I shared a parable from the midrash collection, Pesikta Rabbati. It tells the story of the king who sends out tax collectors, but in a particular village the people are unable to pay. He then travels to the town itself, but when the people beg for pity the king offers to reduce their tax by a third. This too proves too much for the townspeople and they once again plead for understanding. It happens a third time, and finally the king tears up the bill and says, “we’ll start over next year.” In gratitude, the people bring out palm branches and myrtle and hold a celebration in honor of the king.

With this understanding the midrashist teaches us of the vital link between the Holy Days and the festivals that follow so quickly. Sukkot provides us opportunities to express gratitude to God not only for the blessings of the harvest, but also for the themes we encountered on Rosh Hashanah. Avinu Malkeinu, we need your compassion, have mercy upon us and “awaken within us new vitality to make this a good year.”1

1 A new translation of a verse in “Avinu Malkeinu” from the CCAR draft Machzor.

While the number of Jews who typically engage in the coming festivals may be fewer than those celebrating the Holy Days, extending the message is as powerful. I’ve long believed that Sukkot and Simchat Torah are not just holidays for kids. While the act of building a sukkah is certainly something that families should consider doing in their own back yard, communal participation at the temple enhances the joy of the season. It drives home the message that God has forgiven us from our sins and it’s time to say thank you. And dancing with the Torah isn’t just organized chaos to mark the return to Genesis—it is the culmination of a month-long period with profound meaning. It may be our equivalent to the Muslim break-fast and celebration at the end of the month of Ramadan.

Please join us at various points throughout this fall season. We celebrate Simchat Torah on Sunday evening, October 7, at 6:00 and Monday morning, October 8, at 10:00.

It’s good to offer thanks and praise! It’s good to move! And it is especially good to dance with a Torah in our arms.

Rabbi Jim Prosnit

3Let’s go to the movies! See page 4 to find out why and when.

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Eat, Pray, Dance

A Big Thanks to Our Congregants!

On Saturday, August 25, B’nai Israel held its annual school supplies drive for the Classical Studies Academy in Bridgeport. Members of our congregation donated boxes

containing glue, crayons, pencil sharpeners, erasers, and other supplies for 136 children, B’nai Israel has

enjoyed a long relationship with the academy, and this event continued the tradition. Principal Helen Giles sent Rabbi Prosnit a thank-you note, stating “Your donation is a model for what we espouse at Classical Studies, and that is to be of service to others.” Many thanks to all of you for once again setting the bar high and giving so generously!

4 Come dance with us during the fall festivals!

Brotherhood News

Screening of “Saving Hubble” Movie and Q&A With Director David GaynesSaturday, November 10 at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel

Join the B’nai Israel Brotherhood as we host a screening of the movie “Saving Hubble” with award-winning documentary filmmaker David Gaynes. “Saving Hubble” examines NASA’s decision to cancel the famed Hubble Space Telescope and introduces us to the people who united to save it. “Saving Hubble” is also a larger conversation about human spirituality and our relationship to the universe.

David is a freelance artist and storyteller with a specialty in documentary films. His first feature film, “Keeper of the Kohn,” won Best Documentary at the Vail Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Palm Beach

Film Festival. He currently has his hands in a number of projects including teaching film-making at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. He is a good friend of Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit and his wife, Erin Gleeson. This movie is open to congregants of all ages and their guests. There will be a question-and-answer session with David after the movie, along with a wonderful Havdalah service and refreshments. A $5.00/person charge is payable at the door. RSVP with Lynn Lynch in the temple office at 203-336-1858 or [email protected]. Please join us!

Widows and Widowers GroupMark your calendars for Saturday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Lee Attenberg, 51 Morning Glory Drive, Easton. We will present a special program with our own Richard Walden, who will speak about his

family living in Richmond, Virginia, since before and during their participation in the Civil War. It is sure to be an interesting afternoon! Please join us. RSVP to Lee at 203-374-9688.

Save the Date!

A Ladies’ Night OutThursday, November 8, 7:00–9:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of shopping, schmoozing, champagne, and dessert!

Congregation B’nai Israel Lobby

Stay tuned for more information!

My father-in-law, Ken Goldstein, who passed away just over two years ago, was fascinated by the little things that most of us never really pay any attention to. With a degree in engineering, his interest lay in the way things work; the nuts and bolts of the world around us. For example, on a Sunday afternoon walk over the Brooklyn

Bridge, as I admired the Manhattan skyline and distant view of the Statue of Liberty, he pointed out to me how some of the beams and screws were rusted and needed replacing. Most of all, Ken loved talking about the weather. Whenever I would call his home in Arizona, he would begin the conversation by telling me about the desert weather that day. As an engineer, he was fascinated by it. While most of us check the forecast to know whether or not to bring a coat or umbrella, Ken found a deeper rhythm within the weather. I think, perhaps, there was something spiritual for him about the way weather operated within the world.

Every year, around this time, I think about Ken and his appreciation for the beautiful flow of the sun, rain, and wind. This is because right after the holiday of Simchat Torah, we officially transition in Jewish time from “summer” into “winter.” Winter is defined as the period from Simchat Torah through Passover, whereas summer is the period from Passover through Simchat Torah. I have always loved the fact that our Jewish Holy Days are so deeply interconnected with the weather and rhythm of the world around us.

The prayer we say during the winter and summer months are as follows:

Winter: Masheev ha-ruach u-moreed ha-gashem/You [God] cause the wind to shift and rain to fall.Summer: Moreed ha-tal/You [God] rain dew upon us.

The origins of these two prayers stem from the land of Israel. The winter months in Israel are the rainy season. The farmers in Israel are dependent upon rain during the winter months to produce ample fruits and crops. Conversely, the summer months in Israel are considered “dry months” (anyone who has traveled to Israel in July or August knows this quite well), as there is little to no rain for a period of several months. One would expect that without rain, the land would grow dry and brittle. The land remains lush, however, due to the dew that rests upon the ground every evening.

For those of us who do not think too often about the weather, these words draw our attention to the ways in which the weather can sustain lives by yielding crops, or devastate a region and food supply during a drought. These lines too help connect us to the Land of Israel. As we chant this prayer each week I think about the vineyards in the North of Israel that produce grape juice and wine, and the farms in the south that yield aromatic and delicious citrus fruit, such as oranges, pomelos, and the etrogs that we use during the holiday of Sukkot. Most important, this prayer enables to us to be more aware of our time and place in the world. When I am in services and reach this point in the service, I take a moment and think, “OK, what time of year is it? Which holiday is approaching?” Our words we recite connect us to Jewish time and space, a spiritual reminder of where and when we are. Happy winter!

Rabbi Evan Schultz

5

From Rabbi SchultzThe Rhythm of Jewish Weather

Please join us for Rabbi Schultz’s installation. See the back cover for details.

The temple has added another domain name that may be easier for congregants and interested Web browsers to key in: http://www.cbibpt.org. You can still use http://www.congregationbnaiisrael.org if you like. Now there’s a choice!

6 Come dance with us during the fall festivals!

From the Early Childhood Education Center

Nursery School Is Starting!

3-year-olds enjoying their first day of school

4-year-olds having fun with some sand

High Holy Day Torah and Haftarah Readers Many thanks to the following readers, adult and teenage congregants,

for their contribution during this High Holy Day season.

Maddie LippmanCarley Berlin

Eliana ChervinDan Shinbaum

Sam CarleyJesse SpearsLarry LevineAnat ShiloachJanet JurowAmy Rich

Elaine and Juda ChetritSusan Smith

Rachel SpearsLauren Chase

Samantha FerlegerCarrie O’Connell

Josh MadwedElizabeth Maisel

Rich Walden

Rosh Hashanah Yom KippurSarah RosenbergMichael KalmensIsaiah Mansour

Brittany O’ConnellIan Matz

Luise BurgerStuart Horowitz

Ken BergerNaomi Schaffer

Ronnie Dubrowin

Irv KernJason Hagani

Sydney SmilenLauren MontagnaMolly Blumenthal

Ari MatzMollie Rich

Alexa MolinoffSarah Stein

Devin Pulton

Joyful Noise—for Young FamiliesFridays, October 5–May 24, 9:30–10:15 a.m.Joyful Noise is our pre-Shabbat music, movement, and mitzvah class for children ages 2 and under and their parent or caregiver. Rabbi Evan Schultz will prepare children for Shabbat with singing, storytelling, learning activities, tzedakah, and Shabbat blessings. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other parents and young children in the B’nai Israel community. For more information contact Rabbi Evan Schultz at [email protected].

Mishpacha ShabbatFriday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m.Saturday Havdalah, November 3 at 4:30 p.m.Join in our monthly family (mishpacha) Shabbat experience, which includes Shabbat dinner and a service ideal for families with preschool and elementary school–aged children. We provide the chicken, challah, candles, and grape juice. You bring a side dish or dessert. The cost is $4.00/adult, $2.00/child.

Our pre-K children acting out parts from the book Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Train Ride with their classroom train set

It was early Sunday morning, about 90 minutes before the beginning of our first religious school class of the year, when one of our teachers, Susan Preminger, asked me, “So Ira, it’s your 18th opening day at B’nai Israel. Is it still exciting?”

What a great question at the perfect time. I didn’t need any time to think about it. I was and still am very excited! Every year we are doing new things in the school to raise the bar on Jewish learning and make it more enjoyable and accessible to all of our students and their families.

Our Religious School Vision team, led by Cindy Becker, worked throughout the summer to create the Etgar program, which Susan began teaching the morning we spoke. Etgar means “challenge.” We were presented with the challenge of considering logistical options to meet the needs of our families as well as a challenge to raise the learning bar higher and faster. The Etgar pilot program is our first class that integrates Hebrew and Judaic studies in one room with one teacher. It means taking a holistic approach, rather than segmenting the day. It also brings students together on a Sunday morning and a weekday, rather than two weekdays. In a few months, I will tell you how it is going. If the first day is any indication, we should be expanding to three grades next fall.

We also have taken another path to meeting logistical challenges. Makom Shlishi means “a third place.” That is how Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz envisioned his cafes—as the place you go between work and home. Makom Shlishi for us is a before-care setting for our Tuesday and Thursday students. For a nominal fee, they can be dropped off as early as 3:45 on days when we have religious school. A teacher will provide supervision and a snack. Our students can hang out, chill out, or even do homework while waiting for class.

As students arrived on that opening Sunday, a team of volunteers manned the Ohel Kabbalah—the Tent of Welcome—in front of the school wing. The weather was too nice to set up the tent, but the volunteers were there to welcome our newest students and their parents and to answer their questions. I was excited about the welcome and the teamwork of our members!

A few minutes after class began, all of Gan–Kitah Gimel met in the chapel for Havdalah. We instituted this last year as a way of beginning our week of work (which for kids is learning) together and saying goodbye to Shabbat, just ended the night before. Three of our teachers brought this idea back from their trip to Israel a few years ago. It mirrors the service held at the Leo Baeck Lower School in Haifa each Sunday morning. It has become a powerful moment of community. And this week, we introduced Amit and Ayelet, our new Shinshinim (emissaries), Rabbi Schultz, and a bunch of new Madrikhim to our students for the first time. And it is another reason I am excited.

Finally, our day ended with a fabulous picnic lunch. The Brotherhood Pressure Cookers manned the grill, and members of the Religious School Community-Building Team, led by Tracie Wizda, took care of decorations, provided Rita’s Frozen Ice, and brought Magic Sam (our very own Sam Panthauer), who had some of our children enthralled with his illusions! Seeing all of the adult members of B’nai Israel who pulled it together makes me excited.

I am excited about so much in my work. Some things we have been doing for years. Others are still relatively new, like the Chavurah, our new Tefillah (worship) curriculum, and our room parent program. So yes, Susan. As I begin my 18th year in the congregation I call home, I am still very excited about my work. And I know that as our new Etgar teacher (who has been a part of our faculty a bit longer than I have), Susan is excited about learning at B’nai Israel. And because all of you received a copy of our Adult Jewish Learning brochure at the High Holy Days services,* you are finding things to be excited about and will plan on doing some learning of your own!

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

*If you did not receive a brochure, drop in, call the office, or go to http://www.cbibpt.org/AdultLearning.html and download it!


From the Education Center

Is It Still Exciting? Yes!

8 Please join us for Rabbi Schultz’s installation. See the back cover for details.

From the Young Families HavurahHaving recently moved, I have had the opportunity to ponder our multi-faceted relationship with our homes. Most basically, they protect us from the elements, of course, but they also provide us with a creative pallet and a spot to create family memories. As we approach Sukkot, this has led me to consider the role of the sukkah as a temporary “home.”

Sukkot (plural of sukkah), whether they were originally laborers’ huts in the fields or desert dwellings for wandering Israelites, tickle my fancy. They are a most ridiculous excuse for a house! Imagine living in a house, even temporarily, with a porous roof (you must be able to look up through the roof and see the stars), walls made of tarp-wrapped 2 Í 4s, and no door. And yet in the Talmud we learn that we should consider them as our homes during the holiday, “All seven days [of Sukkot] one should make his sukkah his permanent abode, and his house his temporary abode. In what manner? If he has beautiful vessels, he should bring them into the sukkah; beautiful couches, he should bring them into the sukkah…he should eat and drink and pass his leisure in the sukkah; he should also engage in rabbinic study in the sukkah” (Sukkah 28b, as quoted in The Jewish Holidays by Michael Strassfeld). Not my couches in the rain.…

Not all temporary dwellings are similarly flimsy. In her article “Living, Thinking Houses” (New York Times, August 4, 2012), Diane Ackerman admires the “elemental simplicity” of igloos, an example of homes that would seem to be purely functional.

Inuits traditionally used bone knives to carve bricks from quarries of hardened snow. A short, low tunnel led to the front door, trapping heat in and keeping out fierce cold and critters. Mortar wasn’t needed, because the snow bricks were shaved to fit, and at night the dome ossified into a glistening ice fort. The human warmth inside melted the ice just enough to seal the seams. The idea behind such homes was refuge from elements and predators, based on a watchful understanding of both.

Ackerman continues, “The igloo was really an extension of the self—shoulder blades of snow and backbone of ice, beneath which a family slept, swathed in thick animal fur, beside one or two small lamps burning blubber. All the building materials lay at hand, perpetually recycled, costing nothing but effort.” A good igloo was an extension of the physical self, offering much-needed protection. And our everyday homes offer that same protection, albeit with less simplicity.

By definition, sukkot offer less protection than the flimsiest tent. But physical protection is not the entire purpose of a home. If so, what function do these “homes” serve? Like igloos, sukkot are an extension of our selves, but our spiritual selves. They are a most basic frame constructed to support our art and decoration; they are a container to hold Jewish celebration and autumn memories. After a week in the sukkah we may even remember that we humans also have loftier purposes than mere functionality.

The Young Families Havurah is for children and their families to celebrate and explore Judaism together. We meet every Saturday morning at 9:30 for bagels, family services, crafts, stories, songs, and playground time. We also celebrate Jewish holidays together. The Havurah is free and open to everyone in the community. For more information and to find out about upcoming programs, check out our blog at Youngfamilieshavurah.blogspot.com. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/youngfamilieshavurah.

Sukkot WorshipMonday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m.Sukkot services and program for children. Participate in kid-friendly services and then explore the theme of harvest together through art, songs, and yoga. Enjoy yoga with Louisa Correll, RYT from Yoga for Everybody. Afterward we will eat lunch together in the sukkah and play on the playground. Please bring a nut-free lunch and a personal care product to donate to Operation Hope for those who lack homes, and dress for messy fun.

Havurah BetHavurah Bet is for children in kindergarten through third grade and their families. Havurah Bet will meet monthly with Rabbis Evan Schultz and Nicole Wilson-Spiro for musical, age-appropriate services and educational programming. As with all Havurah programs, Havurah Bet is free and open to everyone!

Saturday, October 20 at 9:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome to meet the animals from the Beardsley Zoo in honor of Noah’s Ark (advanced registration is required).

Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro

9Come dance with us during the fall festivals!

The Journey Toward the Promised Land ContinuesSaturday Morning Torah Study at 9:30 a.m. Every Saturday morning we learn Torah together—some attend 8:00 a.m. services, while 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.

Adult RoundtableFirst Thursday of each month, beginning October 4 at 12:15 p.m.This group holds a discussion about current events for anyone who wants to go deeper than the deadlines and enjoys expressing their own opinions and hearing those of others. Facilitated by Gloria Katz. Bring a sandwich, your opinion, and an open mind.

What’s So Dark About the Dark Ages?Lifelong Learning—Fridays, October 5–November 11

Some of us have been following the journey of the Jewish people with Ira Wise for many years. Others have joined us along the way. We continue our journey this year beginning in the 6th century in Europe. The adventure begins October 5!

Rosh Hodesh Thursday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.Join Rabbi Ilene Haigh of Congregation Shir Shalom in Woodstock, VT, for a new season of Rosh Hodesh monthly women’s gatherings. The focus for this year’s sessions will be a look at women’s rituals in Jewish life. By both considering the ancient texts that underpin these rituals and looking at the creation of modern rituals, we hope to explore together how Jewish rituals help preserve and sanctify moments in our lives. The rabbinic tradition traditionally was deeply male-focused—there are many milestones in women’s lives that need our creativity and input in order to frame them in a Jewish understanding. Rabbi Haigh is a former student intern here at B’nai Israel and is now part-time rabbi at Shir Shalom.

Parent Learning CircleSundays, beginning October 21 at 10:30 a.m. The Parent Learning Circle (PLC) is an opportunity for parents of students in Gan–Kitah Gimel (Kindergarten–3rd) to connect, learn, and create community. Our learning and discussions will mirror the topics that students are learning in their classrooms. PLC will help parents feel better prepared to answer children’s questions about Judaism, God, birth, death, and much more, and gain confidence in celebrating Shabbat and holidays and engaging in Jewish rituals. Participants can also learn Hebrew during the first 20 minutes of each session, just like the children in their classrooms! Join us for the whole session, or drop in at 10:50 to participate in the Jewish living conversations. With Rabbi Evan Schultz.

New for 5773! B’nai Israel at Fairfield UniversityThree important lectures take place at Fairfield University this fall, with three times for us to join together for supper on campus prior to each talk. Lectures are sponsored by the Bennett Center for Jewish Studies; we will meet with Rabbi Prosnit prior to each at 6:15 p.m. to discuss the theme of the evening. The lectures all take place at the Dolan School of Business Dining Room. Please contact Lynn at [email protected] to reserve your place and for the location of the dinner. (There will be a nominal charge for the meal). Rising from the Rubble: Creating the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Monday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.The Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Lecture features Dr. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, professor of Performing Arts, New York University and program director, Core Exhibition, Museum of History of Polish Jews, Warsaw. When Christians Were JewsMonday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m.Seventh Annual Lecture in Jewish-Christian Engagement presents Dr. Paula Frederiksen, William Goodwin Aurelio Chair Emerita of the Appreciation of Scripture, Boston University. When General Grant Expelled the JewsThursday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m.The Bennett Center Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University, and chief historian, National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.

New for 5773! Friday Nights: Mixing Religion and PoliticsA very special series in which we focus on some “hot” topics presented by some talented, passionate, and articulate people who in most cases have been long connected to B’nai Israel. Each program will begin around 8:00 p.m., following 6:00 p.m. services and 7:00 p.m. dinner. (Reservations and a charge for dinner only—contact [email protected])

“Religion, Politics, and Sex: A Conversation for Polite Company” With Rabbi Dennis RossFriday, October 26

Just in time for election day, our special Shabbat eve series resumes. Rabbi Ross is the author of All Politics Is Religious: Speaking Faith to Policy Makers, the Media and the Community. Rabbi Ross directs Concerned Clergy for Choice, a nationally recognized multi-faith network of religious leaders supporting reproductive rights. He serves at Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, NY. The evening’s events will proceed as follows:

6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat7:15 Shabbat dinner (reservations required, $20.00 per person)8:15 ProgramContact Lynn in the office at 203-336-1858 or [email protected] for reservations. Please join us!

Continued on page 11.

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel

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

Rabbi Prosnit–Discretionary FundLee Attenberg in memory of Ellie Levin, mother of Elizabeth Wolfe; in memory of her mother, Esther Bergen Goldberg; in honor of Ethan Prosnit’s engagement.S. James and Edith Baum in memory of parents.Ken Berger in memory of his father, Jerome Berger. Bruce Braverman in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit and in memory of his father, George Braverman.Ann and Abe Breslow in honor of the naming of their grandson, Ryder Madden Palange.Gail and Gary Felberbaum in memory of father, Gerald Sacks.Alfred and Jeannette Goldreyer—a contribution.Janice and Marc Katz in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert Berkowitz.Jack and Karin Newman in memory of Pauline Newman, mother of Jack Newman.Paul Rosch in memory of his father, Meyer Rosch.Suzanne Saletan in memory of Ted Randolph and Stephen Randolph’s father and grandfather.Eileen and Howard Tolk in memory of sister, Helen Cramer.Helen Weinstein in memory of Myra Adler’s brother, Sam Handlovsky.Frederic West in memory of his mother, Dorothy West. Florence Yasser in loving memory of her husband, Dr. Isidore Yasser.

Rabbi Schultz–Discretionary FundAmanda and Richard Hewitt in honor of the naming of their daughter, Payton.Diane Bader, Lillian Cohen and family in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz for his kindness and in memory of husband and father, George Cohen.

Enhancement FundLeona Attenberg in honor of Karin Newman’s conversion.Lori and Ken Berger in memory of Marvin Preminger, father of Richard Preminger; in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert Berkowitz. Luise and Ed Burger—congratulations on the marriage of Eric to Andrea Steinberg. Jill and Steve Elbaum in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Kenneth Berger.Eloise Epstein in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert and Carson Berkowitz.

Karen and Ken Ferleger in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert and Carson Berkowitz.Steven and Barbara Gersen in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert Berkowitz.The Kadden family in memory of Michael Verbil, brother of Steve Verbil; Nadine Rubenstein, sister of Adele Josovitz; Marvin Preminger, father of Richard Preminger;Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn; George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman; Jerome Berger, father of Kenneth Berger; in honor of the engagement of Daniel Herzlinger, son of Robert and Paula Herzlinger.Alan and Andrea Landau in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert Berkowitz.Judith and Stanley Lessler in memory of Sam Handlovsky, brother of Myra Adler. Muriel Mann in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman. Paul and Gertrude Reisman in memory of father.Amy and Glenn Rich in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger.Robert and Marilyn Shook in memory of parents, Samuel and Sarah Shook.Francine Stein in memory of Marshall Madow.Eileen and Howard Tolk in loving memory of parents, Justine and Samuel Tolk.

Music FundKen Berger in memory of his father, Jerome Berger.Lilla and Milton Cooper in memory of Martin Livingstone, brother of Francine “Frankie” Stein. Rosalind Gordon in loving memory of her mother, Annie Ruskin; wishing a speedy recovery to Nancy Wechsler and Ellen Kadden.Jon and Cleo Sonneborn in appreciation to Mark Edinberg.Widow and Widowers Group—in appreciation to Cantor Sheri Blum for addressing their group.

Judith Brav Sher FundLuise and Ed Burger in honor of Juda Chetrit’s special birthday.Sylvia and Alan Neigher—best wishes to Juda Chetrit on his 60th birthday!Barbara and Derek Solomon in honor of Juda Chetrit’s 60th birthday.

Prayer Book FundJudith and Robert Lessler in loving memory of Judy’s brother, Robert Bretholtz.

Alan Weinstein Scholarship FundJoni and Michael Greenspan—Happy 45th anniversary to Bonnie and Len Blum; to the Weinstein family in loving memory of Dr. Alan Weinstein. Jan and Denny Magid in memory of Dr. Alan Weinstein on the 20th year of his yahrzeit.Ellen and Sam Rost in memory of Dr. Alan Weinstein.

Charles Fried Keshet FundDenise Fried in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman; congratulations to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on son Jake’s college graduation.

Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education FundArlene Kaminsky, Zack, Ian, and Sydney Foulk in memory of Rita Berkowitz, mother of Robert Berkowitz.

Slepian Floral FundLeona Attenberg in memory of Marshall Madow, husband of Sheila Madow. Barbara, Laurence, and Michael Panisch in loving memory of Susan Panisch.Ellen and Sam Rost in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman.

Rabbi Arnold I. Sher Social Action FundJim and Barbara Abraham in honor of Juda Chetrit’s special birthday. Barbara and Derek Solomon in honor of Marge Krubiner’s 60th birthday.

Vision Loan Reduction FundGeoffrey Gladstein in memory of Gertrude Elovitz.

MAZONJill and Steve Elbaum in honor of Juda Chetrit’s special birthday.Joni and Michael Greenspan in memory of Lil Volpe and best wishes to Bob Swarz for a rapid recovery.

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


SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE

Friday, October 5 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Hol Hamoed SukkotTorah – Ex. 33:12 – 34:26Haftarah – Ezekiel 38:18 – 39:7

Saturday, October 6 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. B’not Mitzvah of Emma

Garelick, daughter of Jason and Paul Garelick, and Jordan Serlin, daughter of Jeffrey and Annie Serlin

Friday, October 12 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Bereshit Gen. 1:1 – 6:8 Haftarah – Isa. 42:5 – 43:10

Saturday, October 13 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Daisy Ferleger,

daughter of Kenneth and Karen Ferleger

Friday, October 19 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Noach Gen. 6:9 - 11:32 Haftarah – Isa. 54: 1 – 55:5

Saturday, October 20 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Ben Elbaum,

son of Steven and Jill Elbaum and Elena Smith, daughter of Scott and Susan Smith

Friday, October 26 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Lech Lecha Gen. 12:1 – 17:27 Haftarah – Isa. 40:27 – 41:16

Saturday, October 27 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Ben Dachman,

son of Gary and Jill Dachman

Fall Festivals—Sukkot and Simchat Torah

Sunday, September 30 Sukkot Festival5:00 p.m. Sukkah decorating6:00 p.m. Erev Sukkot service6:30 p.m. Potluck picnic supper

Monday, October 1 10:00 a.m. Sukkot morning service

(Including program with Young Families Havurah and B’nai Israel nursery school)

Sunday, October 7 Simchat Torah Festival5:15 p.m. Flag-making

Design your own colorful flags and banners for the service and procession of Torah scrolls.

6:00 p.m. Simchat Torah serviceDance, sing, and be enveloped by the Torah as it is completely unrolled before our eyes!

Monday, October 8 Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah10:00 a.m. Festival service and Yizkor

memorial service

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

Raising the “Bar” in Bar and Bat MitzvahMonday, November 5, 6:00–7:00 p.m.Join Rabbi Evan Schultz for the first in a four-part series for parents of upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. The sessions will be an opportunity for parents to study together and to create an open forum for discussion on contemporary topics and issues related to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah process. As parents, you will have a space to talk about how you are feeling about this major upcoming event in the life of your family with clergy and like-minded adults. All parents of upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah students are encouraged to attend! Note: Supervised pizza dinner/study hall will be provided for students from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. RSVP to [email protected] by noon on November 5 if your child will be joining us for the pizza dinner.

Learning That Is Custom-Fit... Hebrew for BeginnersWe assure you 20/20 Hebrew vision following a 10-session proven and successful Hebrew course. $100.00 for 10 sessions. Class times and dates to be mutually agreed upon (minimum of five students needed for class). Contact Elaine Chetrit at [email protected] for more details and to register.

Continuing Hebrew This is for those who have some background in Hebrew reading or have been in Elaine’s classes before. $100.00 for 10 sessions. Class times and dates to be mutually agreed upon (minimum of five students needed for class). Contact Elaine at [email protected] for more details and to register.

Ta’amei Mikrah—Chanting Torah(By appointment)Have you ever wished you could chant Torah? Perhaps you did it once when you were 13, but would like to be able to be part of the growing group of B’nai Israel members who can chant on a Shabbat or Holy Day morning. Cantor Blum is eager to teach Torah cantillation to any who wish to learn! Contact her at [email protected] or 203-336-1858 to arrange a private tutorial.

Continued from page 9.

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Please join us for Rabbi Schultz’s installation. See the back cover for details.

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

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WESTPORT BRIDGEPORT DANBURY ORANGE203-222-1034 203-368-0211 203-791-8149 203-298-4066

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For information or to schedule your visit: 203.275.8448 [email protected] www.jhsct.org

Accepting Applications Now

2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Directly adjacent to the Town of Fairfield in the newly renovated

educational facilities of Congregation B’nai Israel

Family Owned and Operated Since 1920

Shop 24/7By Phone or Website

Bar, Bat Mitzvahs and Weddings Our Specialty

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51

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[email protected]

14 Please join us for Rabbi Schultz’s installation. See the back cover for details.

All Invitations Discounted •••• 203 795 5553

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25% off to Congregation B’nai Israel Members for invitations & stationery


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



Women’s Auxiliary of The Jewish Home

Fall Gala Thursday, October 25, 2012

Hilton Stamford Hotel

Honoring

Stewart Gross, MD Louis Lotstein Award for Distinguished Service Recipient

Joel C. Coleman Arthur & Gladys Lunin Humanitarian Award Recipient

For information please contact 203-365-6409 or email [email protected]

• Renovated upscale inn located in the heart of trendy Westport

• 117 tastefully appointed guestrooms and suites • 6,000 square feet of event space with on‐site catering services and banquet staff available

• Outside kosher caterers permitted • Restaurant, free wi‐fi, fitness center and indoor pool

203‐418‐2500 www.westportinn.com

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

of the B’nai Israel Bulletin:

Michael Becker

Ken Beck

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Irving J. Kern

Mark A. Kirsch

Richard Krantz

George Markley

Daniel Schopick

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

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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]!

A Formal Welcome to Rabbi Schultz

Join us Friday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. for a special service of installation as we formally welcome Rabbi Evan Schultz and his family to our congregation.

Our special guest speaker will be Merri Arian, HUC–JIR Faculty in liturgical arts, music education, and conducting. Following the service, please join us for

a festive Shabbat dinner and celebratory song session!

Reservations are needed. Contact Lynn in the office at [email protected] or 203-336-1858. $24.00 for adults, $18.00 for

those under age 13, and no charge for ages 5 and younger. We’re all looking forward to this celebratory event!

October Bulletin

Documents

Transcript of October Bulletin