Temple Beth El Bulletin July-August 2011

WOW! WHAT A YEAR!

TEMPLE BETH EL BULLETIN An Egalitarian Conservative Synagogue

www.tbe.org

July/August 2011 Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5771 Volume 37 Issue 6 (bi-monthly)

A YEAR AT TBE 2010-2011

JULY TBE Israel Adventure, Lobby renovation, TBE hosts JCC Retired Men’s Club weekly meetings, Shabbat Services, Friday evening services outdoors, Tot Shabbat, Board of Trustees, High Holiday Committee, Ritual Committee, Morning Minyan, Tisha B’Av services AUGUST

Barbeque and Barachu, Wine and Cheese Gathering, Morning Minyan, lobby renovation, TBE hosts JCC Retired Men’s Club weekly meetings, Friday evening services outdoors, Tot Shabbat, Shabbat Services, Kiddush and Konversations, Board of Trustees, High Holiday Committee, Ritual Committee, Taste of TBE Ice Cream Social, High Holiday Choir rehearsal, Young Jewish Professionals, Executive Committee, Religious

School Faculty meeting

SEPTEMBER Religious School resumes, High Holiday Choir rehearsal, B’Nai Mitzvah: Jenna Plotzky, Elias Litchman, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, Tot Shabbat, Nitzanim, Morning Minyan, College Workshop for High School Seniors, Shabbat Services, Junior Congregation, Selichot Services, K’tanim, Bimah assembly, Sukkah assembly, Beth El Cemetery Memorial Service, American Red Cross Babysitting Class, USY Car Wash Fund Raiser, USY & Kadima Paintball Trip, Adult

Education Classes, Executive Committee, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Board of Education, High Holiday Food Drive, Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Services, Sukkah Decorating for Tots, Sukkot Services, Tot Sukkot, Sukkah Hop at the Hammerman’s and Mordecai’s, YJP Sangria in the Sukkah, Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah services, TBE Discussion Group, Yom Kippur Services, Sukkah Decorating for All

OCTOBER Kirtan Shabbat, Shabbat Services, Morning Minyan, Tot Shabbat Morning, B’Nai Mitzvah: Matthew Arons, Emily Kaplan, Jonathan Pollack, Joseph Chimes, Emily Weinstein, Samuel Schulman, Charles Sosnick, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Early Childhood Center Meeting, Young Families Apple Picking, Harold E. Hoffman Memorial Lecture, USY Scavenger Hunt &

Dinner, Adult Education, Learning & Latte, Mah Jongg with Sisterhood, Shabbat Chaverim and Playdates with Ronnie Brockman, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, Junior Congregation, K’tanim, Executive Committee, Board of Education, Ritual Committee

Continued on page 10...

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WHERE TO FIND IT

Joshua Hammerman, Rabbi........................................................Page 3

George Mordecai, Cantor ...........................................................Page 3

Al Treidel, Director of Jewish Life Education ..............................Page 4

Ronnie Brockman, Early Childhood Center Director. .................Page 4

Rabbi Michelle Dardashti, Directory of Community Engagement ............ Page 5

July/August Service Schedule .....................................................Page 5

Sisterhood ..................................................................................Page 7

Men’s Club .................................................................................Page 9

TEMPLE BETH EL - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Peter K. Kempner, President 203-968-8079 Eileen H. Rosner, Immediate Past President 203-324-4096 Sylvan Pomerantz, First-Vice President 203-968-0605 Jared Finkelstein, Vice President 203-327-2187 Elissa Garber-Hyman, Vice President 203-316-8228 Scott Krowitz, Vice President 203-348-8680 Meira Rosenberg, Vice President 203-968-0260 Harold Schwartz, Treasurer 203-968-0460 Allan Lang, Assistant Treasurer 203-327-6418 Seymour Weinstein, Secretary 203-353-8873

TRUSTEES David Arditti 203-968-2798 Melvin Bloomenthal 203-322-2398 Gerry Ginsburg 203-322-1324 Denise Greenman 203-329-8594 Eric Kaplan 203-323-2383 Rona Katz 203-329-0666 Carol Krim 203-968-1075 Susan Leiterstein 203-322-5012 Claudia Lubin 203-329-8585 Eli Savransky 203-329-2990 Karen Singer-Freeman 203-655-0074 Norman Stone 203-866-2273 Ken Temple 203-968-9550 Carl Weinberg 203-322-8675 Mia Weinstein 203-595-0528 David Wolff 203-968-6361 Nicole Zussman 203-324-5383

SISTERHOOD Stacey Essenfeld, President 203-595-0368

MEN’S CLUB Stuart Nekritz, Representative 203-322-0872

PAST PRESIDENTS Gordon Brown 203-325-8911 Rosalea Fisher 203-323-1449 Fred S. Golove 203-322-0295 Ron Gross 203-325-3114 Martin Israel 203-325-8511 Herbert Kahan 203-322-3249 Alan Kalter 203-322-8220 Doug Karp 203-972-0910 Mark Lapine 203-329-9879 Gary P. Lessen 203-322-7616 Milton Mann 203-322-6161 Neil Perlman 203-354-8663 Brian Rogol 203-329-8276

OUR STAFF IS MOST EAGER TO ASSIST YOU

Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Phone: (203) 322-6901 Fax: (203) 322-0532

Joshua Hammerman, Rabbi ([email protected]) ext. 307 George Mordecai, Cantor ([email protected]) ext. 303 Sidney G. Rabinowitz, Hazzan Emeritus ([email protected]) ext. 309 Steven Lander, Executive Director ([email protected]) ext. 304 Al Treidel, Director of Jewish Life Education ([email protected]) ext. 305 Ronnie Brockman, Early Childhood Center Director ([email protected]) ext. 315 Rabbi Michelle Dardashti, Directory of Community Engagement ext. 311 ([email protected]) Debbie Bouchard, Education Office ([email protected]) ext. 306 Linda Rezak, Bookkeeper ([email protected]) ext. 302 Mindy Rogoff, Temple Secretary ([email protected]) ext. 301 Ellen Gottfried, Secretary ([email protected]) ext. 308 Alberto Eyzaguirre, Facilities Manager ([email protected]) ext. 314 Sisterhood Gift Shop ([email protected]) ext. 310

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

2020 Action Plan Committee Fred Golove 203-322-0295

B’nai Mitzvah Chairperson Terry Hazen 203-329-2202

Board of Education Karen Singer-Freeman 203-655-0074

Marketing Elissa Garber-Hyman 203-316-8228

Facilities Sylvan Pomerantz 203-968-0605

Finance Harold Schwartz 203-968-0460

Fund Raising Scott Krowitz 203-348-8680 David Wolff 203-968-6361

High Holidays Seymour Weinstein 203-353-8873

Beth El Remembers Fred Golove 203-322-0295

Human Resources Scott Krowitz 203-348-8680 Robert Lesser 203-321-8364 Nicole Zussman 203-324-5383

Membership Committee Terry Hazen 203-329-2202 Rona Katz 203-329-0666

Project Ezra Joy Katz 203-329-3359

Ritual Committee Gerry Ginsburg 203-322-1324 Susan Schneiderman Eitelberg 203-333-3331

Mitzvah Garden Harriet Weinstein 203-353-8873

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ON ONE FOOT

Sing. Pray. Love. (Adapted from my Annual Meeting report)

There are many things I could speak about in summing up where we are right now, as we enter the home stretch heading toward TBE’s hundredth year. But I would like to focus on what is fast becoming our crown jewel, our trademark, our Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service. And although I know that many of you have seen and love that service, I want to impress upon you just how extraordinary it is. I recently read an article entitled: “Who Needs Organized Religion?” The author concluded it: “So before you cancel your membership, look at your relationship with organized religion. Sometime, you may find that it is truly not responsive, and you may have to seek elsewhere. But you may also find another way, and other people right where you are, to help you transform your local organized religion into a living religious organism — a radiant center of vitality.” We are on our way to becoming a radiant center of vitality, joy and hope. We’ve been building the foundation for many years. But in the past year we’ve taken an enormous step. People who long ago swore off of organized religion are coming to our services regularly, and, wonder of wonders, they discover that they are actually…praying. I laid out the vision in an article that I wrote a decade ago, entitled: “The Show Must Go On.” Here are the most relevant excerpts: “In rabbinical school I was advised that services can’t possibly compete with Lincoln Center and Broadway, so best not to try. OK, I thought, so we’re not supposed to aim for that part of people’s souls that cry when they hear Aida or laugh at the banter of Neil Simon. We can’t compete, so let’s just be mediocre, weighed down by rote, suffocated by committee, callused by custom. I was led to believe that the only way to get people to return to services regularly is either by scheduling special events, (meals, guest speakers, honorees, special cantatas, special sermon themes), or by appealing to guilt. I never bought into that. It’s the service that matters, and my goal has always been to build my message from the power of the service itself, not to educate, but to connect; not to teach, but to inspire. I aim for the emotional jugular, all the time. And if that means adding a dramatic pause here and a well-timed joke there, if it means utilizing some of the tools of the actor and playwright, so be it. There’s nothing wrong with drama, as long as it doesn’t sink into melodrama. It can be real and still be a show. What people bemoan as clergy-centered “performance Judaism” has little to do with it being a performance and lots to do with it being a bad performance. How does one differentiate good from bad? The answer has little to do with how polished or aesthetically balanced the performance is; it’s based more on how intense and authentically human are the emotions evoked by it. Almost always, the people decide. They vote with their tears, their singing voices and their feet. There is a Darwinian aspect to this that we must understand. That which brings life to our worship will survive, and that which

Continued on page 15...

CANTOR GEORGE MORDECAI

What an amazing year we’ve had. Thank you! From the moment my family and I arrived at Temple Beth El, I knew we had come home. There is real positive energy and synergy in the air and I’m excited to be a part of what is happening. Rabbi Hammerman has been an incredible source of vision, insight and wisdom for me. His leadership has allowed me to flourish here. Thank you to Steve, Al, Ronnie, Eileen, Bracha, Judy, Mindy, Linda, Ellen, Alberto, Antonio, Debbie for all you that you do for TBE. Your hard-work and dedication to the synagogue has truly inspired me. You all embody the

essence of Avodat HaKodesh - sacred work in - עבודת הקודש

the service of a higher principle. With the help of Rabbi Hammerman and the entire TBE team, Friday nights have been transformed. We’ve also put on some amazing performances with special musical guests from across the globe such as, “From Baghdad to Beth El” and the recent “Treetops Shabbat.” There is more to come, I promise you. I am very grateful to all of you for your warm embrace of my musical and liturgical approach. I know that liturgical and musical changes can be very difficult. We have all been raised and nurtured on certain melodies that are at the very core of our Jewish identity. Friends, if there is a melody that is dear to your heart, one that you remember from your childhood or learned at TBE over the years, if there is a tune that you miss PLEASE let me know and I will do all that I can to include it in our services. You can always e-mail me at [email protected] or call me at the synagogue. If I am not familiar with the melody, I will make every effort to learn it. My door is always open. There are many fantastic things happening at TBE. Join us by coming regularly to services and attending the many classes and programs offered. I guarantee you that it with transform your lives.

...Brachot Rabot, Blessings - ברכות רבות Cantor George Mordecai

SAVE THE DATE!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 FAMILY DAY AT THE AUDOBON SOCIETY

IN GREENWICH

We will begin with morning minyan at 9:00 a.m., followed by a bird walk, hiking on the beautiful grounds of the Audubon Society, children’s activities and much more…

WATCH FOR DETAILS!

WE THANK OUR VOLUNTEERS

Betty Baer, Rhoda Dember, Beth Finchler, Roz Finchler, Phyllis Gofstein, Joe Rothman, Carol Sander, Barbara Taksel

HONORABLE MENSCHEN Todah Rabah to our Torah readers!

mailto:[email protected]

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AL TREIDEL DIRECTOR of JEWISH LIFE

L’dor Vador

The following is an abridged version of the report that I delivered at TBE’s Annual Meeting on May 24, 2011: Our school continues to flourish with a very strong faculty, supportive parents and an exciting student community. Without a doubt, we have the strongest supplemental religious school in the entire area. With the addition of Cantor George Mordecai, our students have enjoyed doing music with a dynamic and creative presence. Several new programs were instituted this year including an all-school family Shabbat on December 11 which brought out close to 80% of our school families along with day school families in attendance. The programs, speakers and activities caught the imaginations of all participants. We celebrated the best Purim ever with a Purim shpiel acted out by our staff followed by an exciting Purim Carnival. Students observed Pesach with activity centers that engaged their energies as they progressed through a series of learning stations. As always, we conducted High Holiday services and activities, decorated the Temple’s sukkah, and had a great time with Chanukah activities. We had Tu B’Shevat Round-Robins and, of course, there were Family Shabbat Dinners, Shabbat Morning Family Programs and an exceedingly successful 7th grade Shul-In. There was 100% participation by our 7th graders and several of our day school students joined us as well. Our school took a leading role at the Israel Fair on Yom Ha’Atzmaut held at the Stamford JCC. Last Saturday, our 7th graders kept us in awe at our Aliyah Service. We were so proud listening to one after another reading original essays speaking about why they love being Jewish, their special ties with one another and with Temple Beth El. Additional evidence of the effectiveness of our educational program can be measured by the large number of Religious School graduates who choose to return to our school as madrichim - especially on Sunday mornings when most teens prefer to sleep. We continue to develop and refine our curriculum which has been cited as one of the best in the nation. This year, teachers worked with me in identifying activities that accompany specific units of study as well as determining appropriate assessments that will be added to our curriculum over the summer. I am undertaking a special summer project of surveying and interviewing families to gain feedback on the effectiveness of our curriculum and ways that it can better serve our student community. Demographics continue to change. About 45% of our children attend day school and our overall population available to attend Religious School has declined. One bright spot is the record number of students who enrolled this year in our 3 and 4 year-old program known as K’tanim. With the emergence of our Shorashim Early Childhood Center, we will see enrollment pick up significantly as these children enter Kindergarten. It continues to be an honor and a privilege for me to serve the congregation and I look forward to the coming year to being the best one yet.

Al Treidel

RONNIE BROCKMAN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER DIRECTOR

Fun Food for Young Kids

Cooking with the participation of my daughter Sara and her friends, was always an instant spirit-lifter for all. I found this activity particularly successful between the ages of 5-8, when hand-eye coordination is excellent and the willingness to do adult-supervised activity is still a plus. By the age of 3, children can pour measured ingredients into bowls, peel bananas, tear lettuce, open packages, sort ingredients, and place toppings on food. From ages 4 and up they can help grease pans, knead and shape dough, slice soft foods like bananas, attempt to measure accurately, wash fresh produce, and spread jam, margarine, or peanut butter. Cooking teaches children the spirit of cooperation, a little bit of math, and a smidgen of chemistry. Best of all, it teaches them to appreciate the effort and artistry that goes into the preparation of food and the value of a family dinner. And when that lesson sinks in, they’re far more likely to eat something if they’ve helped make it! Here are several tried-and-true hands-on food projects, some more involved than others, that my daughter and her friends enjoyed and were most often requested.

MASHED POTATO “VOLCANOES” - 4 servings My daughter never wanted mashed potatoes until we read The Trouble with Grownups, a “Berenstain Bears” book, in which Mama and Papa scold the cubs for building volcanoes with their mashed potatoes. I see nothing wrong with making food more amusing, especially if that inspires kids to eat it.

“Volcanoes”

4 large potatoes, (we liked sweet potatoes) peeled and diced 2 tablespoons non-hydrogenated margarine 1/2 cup rice milk (or substitute), Salt to taste, optional “Lava” 1 cup rice milk, 2 tablespoons unbleached flour 1/2 cup grated cheddar nondairy cheese, optional 2 tablespoons ketchup “Greenery” About 1 cup peas, cooked, or small broccoli florets, steamed

In a large saucepan cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cover pot and simmer over medium heat until tender.

Drain potatoes and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add margarine, rice milk and stir. Mash with a potato masher, add a little salt if desired.

Now make the “lava.” Heat the rice milk in a small saucepan. Dissolve the flour in just enough water to make it smooth and flowing and add slowly into saucepan. Sprinkle in the optional cheese and stir until it melts. Simmer the mixture gently until smooth and thick. Stir the ketchup into the sauce, but leave some red streaks showing, so that it looks “fiery.”

Divide the mashed potatoes among four serving plates. Have everyone shape them into mountains, press the tops down lightly to flatten, and finally make a small indentation at the very top with their thumb. Have the children arrange some of the “greenery” around the volcano.

Let each child pour some of the “lava” into the indentation at the top of each “volcano” with a small ladle. It should flow down the sides. It’s fine if it drips over the “greenery.” Eat at once, before the lava solidifies into magma!

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SHABBAT AND FESTIVAL SERVICES

JULY 2011

Friday, July 1* Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat, July 2 Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m.


Shabbat, July 9 - D’var Torah by Nahum Daniels Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m.

Parents’ Night Out and Havdalah 8:00 p.m. at the home of Cantor Mordecai and Michal Frankel


Shabbat, July 16 - D’var Torah by Rhonna Rogol Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m.


Shabbat, July 23 - D’var Torah by Cantor George Mordecai Shabbat Services 9;30 a.m.


Shabbat, July 30 - D’var Torah by Rabbi Michelle Dardashti Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m.

AUGUST 2011

Friday, August 5* Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat, August 6 Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m.

Monday, August 8 - Erev Tisha B’Av Service 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 9 - Tisha B’Av

Friday, August 12* Barbeque and Barachu 5:30 p.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 p.m.






*outdoors - weather permitting or in the lobby Shabbat morning services will be held in the Chapel.

WE WELCOME…

RABBI MICHELLE DARDASHTI Director of Community Engagement

Rabbi Dardashti was ordained and received a Masters in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in May 2010 and has been working as the Marshall Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in New York. Before that she lived in Uruguay, teaching at a Jewish Day School, running Hillel programs, and writing for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Then she spent time in Israel on a Dorot Fellowship, volunteering at Israel Democracy Institute, studying at the Conservative Yeshiva, and learning Arabic. While at JTS, Rabbi Dardashti served as Director of Family Programming at Shaare Zedek, developing their youth program, a chaplain at Bellevue Hospital, and rabbi and hazzanit for JTS’s High Holy Day services. She also traveled to El Salvador as part of an American Jewish World Service Rabbinical Student Delegation, led a Birthright Israel tour in 2007 and served as an educational consultant for Birthright Israel NEXT. Rabbi Dardashti and her husband, Nathan Sher, reside in Stamford with their daughter, Eden. In welcoming Rabbi Dardashti to TBE, Rabbi Hammerman stated, “We feel fortunate that she has chosen to come here, as she was highly recruited by congregations, agencies and think tanks. Rabbi Dardashti has the energy and vitality to realize her vision, and our good fortune is that her vision closely corresponds to the one that we have been nurturing here: A congregation of engagement, inclusivity, passion, conscience and joy.”

TBE DAY OF CARING TEAM

As Mr. Rogers used to say, “It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” Our United Way sponsored TBE Day of Car-ing Team, Rosalea and Dick Fisher, Eileen H. Rosner, Suzanne Horn, Susan Holzman, Judy Fishman and Marlyn and Rich Agatstein, volunteered one morning in June at Kids in Crisis in Cos Cob.

We planted flowers, prepared and planted vegetables in the garden, spread mulch under the playground area, washed the children’s outdoor toys, and repaired the wooden gates. We were dirty and sweaty at the end, but we all had a sense of pride that we had beautified the outdoor area of this impor-tant agency.

Thanks to the United Way for connecting us to Kids in Crisis.

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Special Occasion?

Sponsor The Shabbat E-nnouncements (sent every week via e-mail)

The Shabbat Announcements (distributed each Shabbat at the Temple)

and the Shabbat-O-Gram (e-mailed every Thursday night)

All three publications for $72

All sponsors will be acknowledged at the

beginning of each of these announcements

and also listed in our bi-monthly Bulletin.

Call Mindy in the office at 322-6901 ext. 301.

MAZEL TOV TO…

Jennifer and Harris Meth on the birth of twins, Ilana Danielle and Madelyn Raya.

Jocelyn Avidan, Liz Diamond, Marlene Gatz, Leslie Moskowitz, Randi Price, Lily Schacht, Ilana Springer, Morgan Temple, Andrew Young and Daniel Young, for being named Volunteer of the Year by the JCC.

Mia Weinstein on being honored with the Young Leadership Award from Bi-Cultural Day School.

Amy and Mel Bloomenthal on the birth of a grandson, Quincy Alex, born to Erica Bloomenthal and Robert Trenczer.

Ellen Donen on being named Volunteer of the Year 2011 by the Jewish Home for the Elderly.

Summer hours: By appointment only

For appointments please call:

Nancy Mayer at 203-561-6157

or Steve Lander in the Temple office

at 203-322-6901, ext. 304.

HELEN GOLIN JUDAICA SHOP

At TBE

TORAH FUND

Instead of sending greetings from Hallmark, why not send a beautiful Torah Fund card? You can help celebrate a simcha, extend get-well wishes and send someone special a mazel tov. I like to keep them “on hand” for the convenience of having them in my own home.

What is Torah Fund?

It is a project of Women’s League for Conservative

Judaism to benefit the Jewish Theological Seminary in

NYC, the Ziegler School in L.A. and the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. Our Temple has already profited

from this wonderful organization. Rabbi Hammerman, Cantor Mordecai, Cantor Jacobson, Rabbi Kalev, Cantor

Littman and Hazzan Rabinowitz are all graduates of

these institutions.

How much are the cards?

$3 a piece or 7 cards for $20

Who do I contact? Suzanne Stone at (203) 866-2273

I will make this transaction as easy as possible for you! I can meet you at the Temple at a time that is convenient for both of us. I can drop them in your mailbox when you send me your check. Remember, if you write a check, you may use that donation as a tax deduction. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Suzanne Stone, Vice President of Torah Fund

SAVE THE DATE!

THIRD ANNUAL BARBEQUE AND BARACHU

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 at TBE

Barbeque at 5:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 p.m.

It will be the best barbeque you’ll attend all summer long! (even better than last year’s!)

WATCH FOR DETAILS… (Yes, veggie burgers will be served!)

IS YOUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH SIX MONTHS AWAY?

Visit our Gift Shop to view our large selection of invitation books. Make an appointment with Nancy Mayer at 203-321-1094 and she will guide you through the ordering process. We have all the popular books to choose from: C’est Papier, Encore, Jansson, Checkerboard and more! And we have the BEST DISCOUNTS! We also have Havdalah candles, Sunkist Fruit Gems sold in bulk, tallitot and yarmulkes for guys and girls and gifts. You can order your yarmulkes from us, too. We are a one stop shop for your simcha!

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PLEASE BE AWARE...

Because of strict confidentiality regulations, Stamford Hospital limits the access that clergy have to patient population lists.

Please help us to help you and your loved ones by contacting the rabbi directly, by voice mail (322-6901 x307) or email ([email protected]) when you know of someone in the hospital.

TREE OF LIFE

A beautiful way to commemorate a special occasion is to purchase a “leaf” on our beautiful “Tree of Life” sculpture adorning our Temple lobby. There are many more leaves available for your own personal inscriptions.

The following categories are still available: Triple Chai $5,400 Guardians of the Temple $1,000 Silver Leaves - Gold Border $750 Silver Leaves $250

Please contact Mindy in the Temple office at 322-6901, ext. 301 or [email protected].

DEDICATE A PRAYER BOOKDEDICATE A PRAYER BOOK

MAHZOR LEV SHALOMMAHZOR LEV SHALOM

The High Holiday Prayer Book, Mahzor Lev Shalem, was

used for the first time on the High Holidays to everyone’s

satisfaction.

For $50: One prayer book for your personal use or donate one

to the Temple.

For $250: Six prayer books will be donated to the Temple.

For $500: Twelve prayer books will be donated to the Temple.

For $1,000: Twenty-one prayer books will be donated to the

Temple. Four books will be given to your family.

OR HADASHOR HADASH

This very special book was intended to educate and

enlighten; indeed, Or Hadash translates as A New Light. “Its

purpose is to help the reader - no matter of what background -

to understand the siddur and to be able to pray from it with

great sincerity and meaning. Or Hadash enables the

worshiper not only to understand the texts, but how to actually

daven (pray with devotion),” said Rabbi Hammerman.

The dedication of this book costs $54.

CHUMASH (BIBLE) to DEDICATECHUMASH (BIBLE) to DEDICATE

The Etz Hayim Chumashim (Bibles) are available for

dedication. Having a simcha? Why not dedicate a Chumash

to honor the occasion? Observing a yahrtzeit? Why not

dedicate a Chumash in memory of your loved one?


SIM SHALOM SIDDUR for SHABBATSIM SHALOM SIDDUR for SHABBAT

Our Sim Shalom siddurim for Shabbat are available for

dedication.


SHIVA MINYAN BOOKS AVAILABLESHIVA MINYAN BOOKS AVAILABLE

FOR DEDICATIONFOR DEDICATION

Prayer Books for Shiva Minyans are available for dedication.


A lovely, personalized book plate will be placed inside

the front cover.

Please call Mindy in the office, 322-6901, ext. 301 or

[email protected], if you would like to dedicate one of these

books.

ACT NOW TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Research has shown that early involvement in a formal religious education program develops a strong comfort level in the Jewish community for children and builds a sense of Jewish identity in the formative years. Our Religious School has a variety of programs to meet the needs of young Jewish children:

K’tanim Program For ages 3 and 4 (5 year-olds not enrolled in Kindergarten) K’tanim meets one Sunday per month from 9:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. The K’tanim program is holiday based with many hands-on and movement activities. You do not have to be a TBE member to enroll your child.

Grades K, 1 and 2 Meets every Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. There is a spiral curriculum for these grades along with music, hands-on projects and a lot of inter-active programs. Special discounts are available to children who are among the 25 first-time registrants in these grades.

Grades 3 through 7 Meets every Thursday from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. There is a full curriculum of studies in Hebrew, Siddur, Bible, Ethics, Customs and Ceremonies, and History. Students engage in a number of hands-on activities and programs.

Our Religious School has a nationally-recognized curriculum, highly skilled and talented teachers (two of whom are recipients of the coveted Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award), state-of-the-art technology (including Smart Boards and a computer lab), music specialists and a remedial Hebrew teacher.

CHECK OUT OUR CURRICULUM ON OUR WEBSITE: www.tbe.org

Call us for additional information at 203-322-6901, ext. 305.

REGSTER YOUR CHILD NOW FOR A SPECIAL ADVENTURE IN JEWISH LEARNING!

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INFORMATION FOR YOU…

When making a donation in honor of or in memory of someone, an acknowledgement will be mailed to the designee for donations of $10 or more. Donations of less than $10 will be acknowledged only in the Bulletin.

All donations will be published in the Bulletin unless you state that you wish to be anonymous.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

www.tbe.org

Read Rabbi Hammerman’s Shabbat-O-Grams… Hear Cantor Mordecai’s Shabbat melodies...

View our photo albums… Learn about our upcoming events…

Find contact information... And much, much more!

MEMORIAL PLAQUES

Inscribe the names of your loved ones on a plaque for our Chapel wall along with a light to commemorate their yahrtzeit and yizkor observances throughout the year.

Please contact Mindy at 322-6901, ext. 301 for further information.

PROJECT EZRA

Would you like to perform a mitzvah that is right at the heart of our Temple? Join the Project Ezra team that

delivers pre-shiva meals to bereaved members of our

Temple. Participating is easy and so very rewarding.

To learn more, contact Joy Katz at 329-3359 or

[email protected].

TBE

We’re starting Bingo on TUESDAY NIGHTS

in the fall as a NEW FUND RAISER.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. To sign up,

e-mail Steven Lander [email protected]

or 203-322-6901, ext.304

TISHA B’AV

Monday, August 8, 2011

8:00 p.m.

The reading of Lamentations will take place at TBE, in the lobby, accompanied by magnificent vistas of Jerusalem.

Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the temples and other disasters in Jewish history, but it also places a focus on the need for Jewish unity.

Please bring a flashlight.

2011 MEN’S CLUB COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

At Shabbat Services on July 9, we introduced the winners of this year’s scholarships: Zachary Leeds was awarded the Eve K. Kaplin Memorial Scholarship. Zach has an outstanding record of accomplishments in art and design. He is the son of Peter and Randi Leeds. In addition to his artwork, Zach went on the March of the Living and was confirmed at Temple Sinai. He graduated from Stamford High School, and will be attending the Savannah College of Art & Design. Danielle Mizrachi was awarded the Edward J. Kaplin Scholarship. She is the daughter of Karen Mizrachi. Danielle was an AP Scholar, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and was very active in BuildOn at Westhill. She will be attending Brandeis University in the fall. Our heartfelt mazel tov to Zach and Danielle! Please consider naming the Temple Men’s Club Scholarship Fund for contributions to honor friends and loved ones on special occasions, as well as special contributions “just because”. It truly is a gift that will keep on giving year after year.

Gerry L. Ginsburg, Chairperson Men’s Club Scholarship Committee

10

NOVEMBER Morning Minyan, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Shabbat Services, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, B’Nai Mitzvah: Brett Mayer, Ross Levensohn, Gabriel Groz, Richard Greenbaum, Andrew Young, Tot Shabbat morning, Junior Congregation, Adult Education, Sisterhood Board, Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Brunch, Mah Jongg with Sisterhood, Learning & Latte, USY Shabbat Pot-Luck Dinner, 6th & 7th Grade New York City Trip, College Bound Workshop, Board of Education, Early Childhood Center Open House, K’tanim, Kadima Rock

Climbing, Temple Rock Café Meeting, Ritual Committee, 90th Anniversary Recognition Shabbat

DECEMBER

Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Morning Minyan, Shorashim Open House, Adult Education, Shabbat Services, Young Families Chanukah Fest, Junior Congregation, Tot Shabbat, Playdates with Ronnie, Shabbat Chaverim, “Don’t Let the Lights Go Out” Family Chanukah Celebration, Chanukah for 2’s and 3’s with Cantor Mordecai & Ronnie, K’tanim, Young Families Meeting, “Jewish Week” Ethics Panel featuring Rabbi Hammerman, Temple

Rock Café Meeting, Beth El Cemetery Meeting, Learning & Latte, Mah Jongg with Sisterhood, Sisterhood Board, Family Synaplex Shabbat, Israel Film Festival, USY & Kadima “Decorate for a Cause,” USY & Kadima “Operation Giving Back,” K’tanim, B’Nai Mitzvah: William Bralower, Rachel Goldblum, Jason Nekritz, Religious School celebrates Chanukah at the Government Center

JANUARY

Tu B’Shevat, Morning Minyan, Shabbat Services, Tot Shabbat, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, B’nai Mitzvah: Zoë & Ethan Finkelstein, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Synaplex Shabbat, Kirtan Havdalah, K’tanim, Kulanu, Adult Education, Israel Film Festival, Sisterhood Shabbat, Shorashim Opens for 2’s & 3’s, Playdates with Ronnie, Shabbat Chaverim, Junior Congregation, Kadima Ice Skating, USY Indian Havdalah Dinner, Havdalah in New Canaan,

Mah Jongg, Babka & Baklava, Learning & Latte, Mah Jongg, Board of Education, Executive Committee, Ritual Committee, K’tanim, Ritual Committee, Temple Rock Café Meeting, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Women’s Career Networking Group, 90th Anniversary Recognition Shabbat

FEBRUARY

Shabbat Services, Tot Shabbat, Morning Minyan, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Temple Rock Café, TBE’s 90th Anniversary Celebration, Young Families Shabbat 101 - dinner, Israeli Film Festival, Learn to Bake Baklava with Ann Treidel, Shorashim for 2’s & 3’s, Playdates with Ronnie, Shabbat Chaverim, K’tanim, Learning & Latte, World-Wide-Wrap, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, Kulanu, Kadima Bowling, Mah Jongg, Sisterhood Presents: Meet Vicki Kobliner, Board of

Education, USY Ice Skating, 2020 Action Plan Committee, Women’s Career Networking, Adult Education, Junior Congregation

WOW! WHAT A YEAR! Continued from page 1...

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MARCH Shabbat Services, Junior Congregation, Tot Shabbat, “Purim on the Rocks,” Purim Carnival, Morning Minyan, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Kulanu, B’Nai Mitzvah: Rachel Wolff, Tyler Zielinski, Michael Zielinski, Matthew Kobliner, Hannah Katz, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, ADL Confronting Anti-Semitism with Grade 7, Kulanu, Adult Education, Shabbat Across America, Shorashim, Shabbat Chaverim, Board of Education, Ritual Committee, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Learn to Bake Hamantaschen with Ann Treidel, Young Jewish Professionals

Meeting, Relaunch Your Career, Learning & Latte, Mah Jongg, Sisterhood Book Discussion, Film: “Race to Nowhere,” K’tanim, 90th Anniversary Recognition Shabbat

APRIL K’tanim, Morning Minyan, Shabbat Services, Junior Congregation, Tot Shabbat, Jay Michaelson, Scholar-in-Residence, Passover Wine and Food Tasting, Sisterhood’s Passover Food Sale, Siyum for the First Born, Passover Services & Yizkor, Tot Pesach, Passover Food Drive, Kulanu, Mah Jongg, Relaunch Your Career, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Board of Education, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Mah Jongg, Playdates, Shorashim, Shabbat Chaverim, TBE

90th Anniversary Shabbat Dinner, TBE 90th Anniversary Concert, Dr. Ruth Brennan - A Reader’s Theater Presentation, B’Nai Mitzvah: Rebecca Satz, Stephanie Hausman, Noah Durica, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, Kulanu, USY 70’s Game Show Night, Pre-Planning for Funerals, Learning & Latte

MAY First crop of tulips from our Gan Mitzvah delivered to our members at Atria Assisted Living, Ari Fleischer, Guest Speaker, Shorashim, TBE Annual Meeting, Grade 7 Aliyah Service, Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, Adult Education, Learning & Latte, Playdates, Shabbat Chaverim, B’Nai Mitzvah: Lucas Ehrlich, Alexa Baer, Sarah Goldberg, Jacob Goldberg, Morning Minyan, Shabbat Services, Junior Congregation, Tot Shabbat, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Kulanu Graduation, Relaunch Your Career, Sisterhood Book

Review, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Beth El Cemetery Association Annual meeting, Mah Jongg, K’tanim, Board of Education

JUNE Kabbalat Shabbat at Treetops, Board of Trustees, Trope Class with Bracha Moshe, Shabbat Services, Tot Shabbat, Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, Shavuot Services & Yizkor, Honoring Our Graduates, Social Networking - Teen Panel, Tot Shavuot, Shorashim, Playdates, Mah Jongg, Sisterhood Board Meeting, Ritual Committee Meeting, Board of Education, B’Nai Mitzvah: Ilana Olin, Sean Rose, Men’s Club Planning Meeting, Men’s Club - Men’s Night Out, Sisterhood Mah Jongg Tournament, Relaunch

Your Career, Executive Committee, Morning Minyan, Sanctuary Renovations Begin!

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR!!!

12

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING

Adult Education Programs

Beth El Cares

Beth El Seniors

Camp Scholarship Fund

Cantor George Mordecai Mitzvah Fund

Frank & Rose Rosner Memorial Fund (maintenance)

General Fund

Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz Mitzvah Fund

High Holy Day Appeal

Kiddush Fund

Men’s Club Scholarship Fund

Prayer Book Fund

Project Ezra

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman’s Mitzvah Fund

Religious School Fund

Youth Programs

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN MITZVAH FUND In honor of… In appreciation by Betty & Sherwin Baer, Phyllis & Gary Gladstein

In appreciation of Rabbi Hammerman for all his support and help with Noah’s Bar Mitzvah and Charlotte’s baby naming by Wendy & Jon Durica & Family

Stephanie Hausman becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

In appreciation for our daughter’s, Maryn, baby naming ceremony by Melissa & Steven Brooks

In memory of… Nettie Lebow, z’l, by Irv Lebow

Richard Turshen, z’l, by Sharon & Jeff Turshen

Marc Shapiro, z’l, by Kathy & Jeff Paseltiner

CANTOR GEORGE MORDECAI MITZVAH FUND In honor of… Cantor George Mordecai for making our wedding ceremony so special by Phyllis & Gary Gladstein

Noah becoming a Bar Mitzvah and the baby naming for Charlotte by Wendy & Jon Durica & Family

Stephanie Hausman becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

In memory of… Ephraim Friedman, z’l, by Susan & Martin Clarke

FRANK AND ROSE ROSNER MEMORIAL FUND In honor of… Eileen H. Rosner by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

Steven Lander by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

In memory of… Frank Rosner, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner, Linda Hempel & Keith Braun

Rose Rosner, z’l, by Joyce & Lewis Slayton

Israel Rubinovitz, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

Rose Rosner, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

Leonard Estrin, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

Barbara Rose, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

Claire Redniss, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

KIDDUSH FUND In memory of… Edward Golove, z’l, by Carol and Willy Sander

Fred Sheftell, z’l, by Rhonna and Brian Rogol

In honor of… The birth of Grant Ethan Bradley by Rhonna & Brian Rogol

The birth of Ida Mae, granddaughter of Lorraine & David Kweskin by Rhonna & Brian Rogol

MEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of… Edward Kaplin, z’l by Elaine Kaplin

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND In honor of…

Hannah Katz becoming a Bat Mitzvah by the Nekritz Family

Samantha Kraftsow on the first anniversary of her Bat Mitzvah by the Nekritz Family

Rachel Wolff becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Joan & Sheldon Katz

Rebecca Satz becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Joan & Sheldon Katz

Matthew Kobliner becoming a Bar Mitzvah by Joan & Sheldon Katz

Stephanie Hausman becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Joan & Sheldon Katz

Mara Hammerman by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

Dana Weinberg by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

The birth of Grant Ethan Bradley by Leslie & Herb Horowitz

Daniel and Andrew Young for being selected as Volunteers of the Year at the Stamford, JCC by Roni & Allan Lang

BETH EL SENIORS In memory of… Edward Golove, z’l, by Betsy Polakoff, Ilene & Jim Locker & Family

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING KIDDUSH

Lisa and William Baer Francine and Stephen Ehrlich

Vivian Rich Goldberg and Bruce Goldberg Suzanne and Craig Olin Julie and Solomon Rose

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING

THE SHABBAT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lisa and William Baer Francine and Stephen Ehrlich

Suzanne and Craig Olin

13

The deadline

for the SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

issue of the Temple Bulletin will be

Monday, August 1, 2011

PEW SEATS AVAILABLE!

Are you tired of scrambling for seats when you come to worship at the High Holy Days? There is a solution! Why not purchase the rights to pew seats for you and your family?

Pew seats may be paid over a three year period. For further information, please contact Steve Lander at ext. 304 or [email protected].

THANK YOU FOR DEDICATING

“SIDDUR SIM SHALOM”

In honor of… Stephanie Hausman becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Mindy & Jeff Hausman

In memory of… David Anis, z’l, by Mindy & Jeff Hausman Irving Marvin Meth, z’l, by Jennifer & Harris Meth Lily and Nathan Meth, z’l, by Jennifer & Harris Meth

“OR HADASH”

In memory of… Ethel Rosenthal, z’l, by Linda & Joseph Rothman

“ETZ HAYYIM”

In memory of… Donald Sosnowitz, z’l, by Bobbe & Ben Evans

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN MEMORY OF:

JOSEPH RALPH ON THE 90th ANNIVERSARY OF TBE Elsie Ralph EDWARD GOLOVE, z’l Esther & Howard Golove, Beverly & David Stein, Eileen & Burt Bobman, Rosalea & Dick Fisher, Stephne & Kerrin Behrend, Roni & Allan Lang, Leslie & Herb Horowitz, Lieba & Steven Lander ARNOLD SCHWARTZ, z’l Magida Family, Marilyn Sultan, Monica & Marc Meisel, Mathew Soltan, Marcia Fein, Carol & David Fishman EILEEN KLINE, z’l Rosalea & Dick Fisher, Sandy & Alvin Siegartel LARRY ROTH, z’l Sandra & Donald Armstrong CLAIRE REDNISS, z’l Myrna & Herman Alswanger, Dorothy & Leon Jaiven, Fran & Gerry Ginsburg, Stephen Hoffman, Burt Hoffman, Kate & John Freeman, Sandak, Hennessey & Greco Counselors at Law, Sandy & Bob Goldstein, USA Network, Stamford Downtown Special Services District, Carl & Paul Kuehner/Building & Land Technology

WE MOURN THE PASSING OF…

DONALD SOSNOWITZ, z’l MORTON KAHN, father of Robert Kahn

BARBARA ROSE, wife of Jerry Rose CLAIRE REDNISS, mother of Richard Redniss

EPHRAIM FRIEDMAN, father of David Friedman JACK KAHAN, brother of Herbert Kahan

DAVID LEICHTER, father of Jerrold Leichter

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN HONOR OF:

LOIS STARK & GARY LESSEN, OUR COUSINS & OUR BEST FRIENDS Sandra & Donald Armstrong NOAH DURICA BECOMING A BAR MITZVAH Jennifer & Harris Meth JENNIFER & HARRIS METH ON THE BIRTH OF TWINS, ILANA DANIELLE & MADELYN RAYA Lieba & Steven Lander DANIEL & ANDREW YOUNG ON BEING SELECTED AS VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR BY THE STAMFORD JCC Roni & Allan Lang THE NAMING OF JADYN ROSE LURIE Judy & Peter Feldman ELAYNE JASSEY ON THE MARRIAGE OF HER DAUGHTER Connie Elkinson DANIEL HAMMERMAN ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen JEFF COOPER ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen ZACH EISEN ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen ZAC KROWITZ ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen JAKE LEVENSOHN ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen PETER LEWIS ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen ZACH LYMAN ON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Jeff Turshen

14

REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES

Sandy & David Moreinis ........................................ FORTUNA ABADI Barbara & Stan Friedman ............................... NATHAN ALIENTUCH Mindy & Jeff Hausman ................................................... DAVID ANIS Maxine, Jay, Gary & Brian Freilich .......................... KARL ARONSON Maxine, Jay, Gary & Brian Freilich ................... RICHARD ARONSON Gloria & Seymour Baum ..................................... ISIDOR BAUM Meredith Reuben .............................. SADYE & GERALD BAUM Neva Bennett .................................................. HARRY BENNETT Nancy Greene ................................ ADELE & AUGUST BERMAN Norma & Miltin Mann ............................. BENJAMIN BIERMAN Sari & Alan Jaffe ........................................ EDWARD BLONDER Susan & Edward Bralower ............................ LOUIS BRALOWER Carol & Wil Brewer ........................................... LESLIE BREWER Michael Butterman .......................... EDITH & HY BUTTERMAN Bunny & Stan Rosen ................................................ SID COHEN Lisa Rome .......................................................... SAMUEL COHN Marsha Colten ................................................ ROBERT COLTEN Francine & Robert Plansky .......................... MILDRED COOPER Rhoda Dember ................................................ DAVID DEMBER Bruce Dennis ..................................................... JONAS DENNIS Joan Rosenthal .............................................. HYMAN DOCTOR Barbara & Edward Drotman ............................. LEO DROTMAN Sandy & Jerry Effren ....................... EDITH & HERMAN EFFREN Evelyn Kahn ......................................... MARGOT NEU-EPSTEIN Beverly Ferber ............................ AUGUSTA & HYMAN FERBER Norma & Milton Mann ....................................... EMERY FRANK Maxine, Jay, Gary & Brian Freilich ................... SEYMOUR FREILICH Cathy Bernstein & Bud Freund ...................... SHELLEY FREUND Sally & Jim Rothkopf .............................. EMANUAL FRIEDMAN Barbara & Stan Friedman ............................... JACK FRIEDMAN Bella Galynskaya ........................................... PAVEL GALYNSKIY Fran & Gerry Ginsburg ............................. BARBARA GINSBURG Barbara & Howard Malloy .............................. THELMA GLAZER Barbara & Marvin Gold .......................................... TILLIE GOLD Myra & John Graubard ................................DAVID GRAUBARD Elaine Erichson ............................................. EMIL GREENBERG Susan & Edward Bralower ..................... STEPHEN GREENBERG Grecia & Ronald Gross .................................... HERMAN GROSS Josephine Grushkin ................................... MERVIN GRUSHKIN Steven Grushkin & Family ......................... MERVIN GRUSHKIN Darlene & Larry Hornstein ....................... BELOVED FAMILY MEMBERS Harriet & Fred Dulaney .......................................... LEWIS HELD Phyllis & George Heller ....................................... MARC HELLER Roset Hendizadeh & Family..................... RAHIM HENDIZADEH Molly Bernstein ........................................... ISRAEL HOCHMAN Susan & Larry Holzman .................................. JOHN HOLZMAN Darlene & Larry Hornstein ............................. JACK HORNSTEIN Dana Horowitz & Peter Wolly ..................... BRUCE HOROWITZ Michael Jablon .................................................. BARRY JABLON Bobbi & Jerry Jacobs ........................................ MINNIE JACOBS Sari & Alan Jaffe ..................................................... TILLIE JAFFE Rita & Morton Johnson ................................. JENNIE JOHNSON Bruce Kahn & Family ......................................... GEORGE KAHN Ann & Julius Lasnick ........................................... JULES KAPLAN Elaine Kaplin .................................................. EDWARD KAPLIN Vivien & Arthur White .................................... MORRIS KARATZ

Mark Katz ............................................................ SANDRA KATZ Ilene & Mike Koester ....................................... ALLAN KOESTER Tillie Kohn ...................................... SUZANNE & ROBERT KAHN Susan & Richard Blomberg .................... KURT KONIGSBACHER Sharon & Steven Katz .................................... FRANN KRAVATS Sam, Hal & Robert Kravitz............................... FRIEDA KRAVITZ Gloria & Seymour Baum ................................. ESTHER KURZON Ilene, Jim Locker .............................ROSE & SAMUEL KWESKIN Ilene & Mike Koester ...................................... MORTON LEWIS Alan Locker ......................................... CELIA & MEYER LOCKER Myra & John Graubard .................................... REUBEN LUBITZ Stephanie & Larry Sherman ................................ JACOB MALIN Laura Markowitz .................................... ROSALIE MARKOWITZ Melanie Massell .......................................... MICHAEL MASSELL Herbert Kahan ........................................ GERTRUDE MATZNER Joel Mellis ........................................................ SAMUEL MELLIS Sandy & David Moreinis ............................ SAMUEL MOREINIS Norma & Milton Mann ............. DORA & MORRIS MUNOWITZ Norma & Milton Mann ................................ IRVIN MUNOWITZ Meryl & Hank Silverstein ................................ HARVEY NOVICK Eleanor Mirne ........................................... ARTHUR NUSSDORF David Oberhand .................................... EMANUEL OBERHAND Kathy & Jeff Paseltiner ............................ SAMUEL PASELTINER Ann Pearce ......................................................... MARY PEARCE Francine & Robert Plansky ................................ PAUL PLANSKY Gerald Rich ............................................................. EDITH RICH Susan & David Rich & Family ............................. FRANCES RICH Lisa & Michael Rome ...................................... HOWARD ROME Barbara & Jerry Rose ........................................... JOSEPH ROSE Bunny & Stan Rosen ................................................ SOL ROSEN Judy Schneiderman ................ RUTH & EMANUEL ROSENBERG Dorothy & Alvin Rosenfeld ...................... SARA LEE & JACK ROSENFELD Sally & Jim Rothkopf ..................................... DORIS ROTHKOPF Ann Pearce ................................................. JOSEPH SACHWALD Barbara & Edward Drotman ..................... MOLLY & MICHAEL SCHMALL Laurie & Dennis Keehn ....................... NORMAN SCHWIMMER Carol & Allen Krim .............................................. LOUIS SEAVER Barbara & Marvin Gold ...................................... MOLLIE SEIGEL Roslyn Nesin ................................................. MORRIS SHAPIRO Penny & Michael Horowitz .......................... ABRAHAM SILVER Penny & Michael Horowitz ................................ IRVING SILVER Beth & Peter Silver ...................................... ELIZABETH SILVER Joyce & Lewis Slayton ....................................... PAUL SLAYTON Susan & Larry Holzman ......................................... RAY SNIPPER Bernie Taub .......................................................... LILLIAN TAUB Muriel Siskind .................................................. MOLLY TENNEN Bruce Dennis & Shirley Dennis ........................... SADIE TEPPER Tomsky Family .................................................HARRY TOMSKY Marcia & Hal Trencher ................................ MELVIN TRENCHER Ronnie & Edward Fein ................................................ LILY VAIL Claire & Paul Stuken .................................... ANCHEL WALLACH Claire Redniss.................................. ANNE & JOSEPH WALTERS Phyllis & Harvey Walzer ................... SOPHIE & RUDOLPH WALZER Dana & Carl Weinberg & Family .............. HANNAH WEINBERG Karen & Phil Welt ................................................... ROSE WELT Benjamin Zysman ......................... DEBORA & FISHEL ZYSMAN

15

doesn’t will not. The Germanic-Eastern European music that energized synagogue life for two centuries did its job well, but its day is done, except as it is being synthesized into contemporary forms. The psalms themselves are imploring us, “Shiru L’Adonai, Shir Hadash,” “Sing unto Adonai a new song.” The caravan has already moved on to other ways of making our ancient, sacred prayers come alive. Service attendance will continue to decline until we all understand that it’s either good show -- or no-show.”

I wrote that in 2000 and those words were controversial. Truth be told, at JTS’ cantorial school, some professors railed against that article. One guest lecturer quoted from it so derisively, that a student sitting in the room who liked my ideas decided that maybe this was a place she would like to work. Her name: Deborah Jacobson. And Cantor Jacobson was instrumental in bringing us Cantor Mordecai, both directly (she was a behind the scenes shadchan) and indirectly, through the innovations she promoted here. And now, this year, with Cantor Mordecai here, I have finally come to fully understand what I was talking about. Funny how these things come full circle. It is noteworthy also that the JTS Cantorial School is now in the process of reinventing itself (as is the cantorial profession as a whole), precisely along the lines of the critique I outlined a decade ago. At our recent Friday Night service featuring Ari Fleischer, a regular attendee, sitting behind one of the many awestruck visitors (we had over 400 here that night), came up with a good marketing slogan: “Sing. Pray. Love.” I’ve been tossing around other ideas like “Jew-sion.” But the marketing that matters most is word of mouth. And the buzz is so good that a number of congregants who had left are returning to our transformed TBE. That’s hard to do – and we need to encourage them and welcome them. So what is so special about Friday night at Beth El? It is inclusive, it is real, it is joyous, it is accessible, it is authentic, it is intimate, it is musical, it is serious, it is funny, it is deep, it is varied, it touches people deeply, it teaches without preaching, it is communal, it is intensely personal, it resonates for all ages, for all backgrounds, for agnostics, too. It is warm and welcoming. It is multicultural, taking us on a journey throughout the Jewish world and beyond. It is deeply connected to Israel and Hebrew language, and traditional prayer. But it is utterly new. It is a “shir hadash.” It is the fulfillment of Rav Kook’s statement, “The old becomes new and the new becomes holy.” And it is utterly unique. There is only one Cantor Mordecai. And we are fortunate enough, by some quirk of destiny and timing, that he is here. We should not take for granted for a minute, just how unique he is. In fact, if I were to be given the chance to build the perfect cantor, I would not have built George, simply because I would not have been able to imagine what he does. It’s so different. It’s the cutting edge. We talk a lot about synagogues we model ourselves after – like B’nai Jeshurun or Kehillat Hadar in New York, Shira Hadasha in Jerusalem, Beit Tefilla Yisraeli in Tel Aviv. There are a number of model shuls and havurot who are singing new

songs. And because of my day job, I don’t get to see too many of them personally. But I know for a fact that no one is doing precisely what we are doing. And the word is spreading. I am not saying this to toot our horn. Surely not to toot my own. Cantor Mordecai has done this in other places and everywhere he has gone this style of service has been successful. But in his coming here and with our full support, we are beginning to see the full flowering of his creative vision which meshes so closely with our own. Not just my own. I only wrote about it. You hired the guy. Now, we have the chance to do something quite special, for Temple Beth El and for American Jewry. If we can nurture and grow this crown jewel that is our service, if we can help it to blossom into the phenomenon that it has the potential to become, we can do something really special here. I’m not saying that we can singlehandedly save the Conservative movement, but we can make a major contribution toward the creation of a vibrant and authentic liberal Judaism in a new, multicultural fusion that befits this century of global interconnection. And we will grow Beth El, so that our rising tide of joyous celebration might lift our greater community and all our families. It’s the service that matters. It’s the music and the memories, the dreams blending together in perfect harmony. It’s the service that matters. And we now have the service. What we are missing is just one ingredient. A hundred more people each Shabbat. Attendance has grown roughly 500 percent this year. But we can do better. And that’s where you come in. You may not like the service, and that’s your right. You may not be used to it, in which case, join the club. It’s new. But it feels old. It’s strange, but the melodies are easily accessible. If you like what you are hearing, come more often, and bring new friends each time. Make this your destination on Friday nights. It would be easy to become complacent now, after the first year. But now is precisely when we have to redouble our efforts. People check us out all summer long – all year long. We need you to greet them. Everything else we do emanates from the spokes of our Shabbat-centered wheel. Everything: Community building, membership, fund raising, school, social action, education, everything. That’s why we all need to be here on Friday nights – and Shabbat morning, too. While the focus is on the one, we also want to feed into the other. If we can continue to build it, they will come. During the summer, that means outdoors, on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Have a great summer – and see you right here at TBE!

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

On One Foot continued from page 3...

ATTENTION PARENTS

OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN

Rabbi Hammerman would like to stay in touch

with your child while he/she is away at college.

Please send his/her e-mail address to Ellen in the

Temple office at: [email protected].

Thank you!

16

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TEMPLE BETH EL 350 Roxbury Road Stamford, CT 06902

July/August 2011

CHECK US OUT ON

*We offer a nature-based curriculum enhanced by our natural elements and cycles. Plus...WE HAVE A GARDEN!

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For more info and to schedule a visit, call: Ronnie Brockman, Director

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Temple Beth El Bulletin July-August 2011

Documents

Transcript of Temple Beth El Bulletin July-August 2011