BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE ROBERT WEINER, PhD, CANTOR MARK SHRAGER, RABBI EMERITUS, ZT”L MORRIS SIEGEL, CANTOR EMERITUS, ZT”L
Bulletin September, 2016 28 AV – 27 Elul 5776 Vol. 9 Published Monthly
THE
UNITED SYNAGOGUE
OF
CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM
1545 BUSHKILL STREET • EASTON, PA 18042-3118 (610) 258-5343 • Fax: (610) 330-9100 www.bnaiabraham.org • email: office@bnaiabraham.org
DISTRIBUTION NOTICE If you would like family members or others to receive a copy of the bulletin, please send name, address and $15 payment to Bnai Abraham. If you have not sent your email address to Bnai Abraham office staff, please do so as soon as possible. We will be notifying congregants of emergencies and special events through email.
CONTACTS Gerald Weisberger
President & Programming Committee Chair
Howard Nathanson Shelly Blumenthal
Youth Chair Gift Shop Chair
Howard Nathanson Irwin Lewis, M.D.
Kadima Advisor Men’s Club President &
Diane Silverman
Ritual Committee Chair Sisterhood President
Ellen Lifschutz Aliette and Marc Abo, MD
Choir Director Theatre Club
Gerald Weisberger
House Chair
Lothar Gumberich
Memorials & Torah Restoration Committee
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS The deadline for submitting items Sept. 17th. Please have all items to BAS office no later than Sept. 17th. Any items received after that date will be published in the next month’s bulletin.
O F F I C E H O U R S: Closed on Mondays and Fridays. Hours open: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Services/Minyan Schedule Thursday: 7:25 AM Friday Night Services – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM Kiddush follows If you require a special minyan, please notify the office at 610-258-5343.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE … Shalom During our last meeting, the board voted to officially welcome Cantor Robert Weiner (PhD) to join Bnai Abraham as our (Scholar-in Residence). In this position Bob will officiate at our High Holiday services and lead us when available in celebrating other significant holidays and at times, Shabbat Services. He will also use his intimate knowledge of BAS and his long term connection with Hillel, at Lafayette College, to develop programs throughout the year. This is an exciting time for Bnai. We anticipate that with the Cantor’s guidance and the help and participation of the congregation, will fill a part of the void left by by Rabbi Stein’s departure. We will continue to operate our day school, which we offer in partnership with Brith Shalom, as well as participate with TCP, the ELC and the JFLV to keep Judaism flourishing in the Eastern end of the Lehigh Valley.
Sincerely, Gerald Weisberger President
Bnai Abraham Synagogue 1545 Bushkill Street, Easton, PA 18042
LEAGRAMS Dear Member: Below you will find the Leagram list for the fourth quarter of 2016. Leagrams costs $2.00 each. Indicate those people to who you want card sent. We would also appreciate if you would complete the form below. Please mail the entire sheet with your check payable to BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE to the office TOTAL NUMBER OF CARDS
_______
AT $2.00 EACH = __________
TOTAL AMOUNT = ___________ YOUR NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON THE CARDS: ___________________________________________________________________________ To bring the Leagram list up-to-date, please fill in the following with your anniversary, other anniversaries, you notice missing from the list, or scheduled Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and please return these changes/additions to us. NAME:__________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________ PHONE: ________________________________________________ WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: ________________________________ If you would like to be added to the Leagram listing, please complete the form with your name and wedding anniversary date and return to Bnai Abraham office.
anniversary CONGRATULATIONS October 21 November 9 December 13 December 22 December 24
Mr. & Mrs. David Kaplan Mr. & Mrs. Alan Abeshaus Mr. & Mrs. Lothar Gumberich Dr. & Mrs. Joel Brooks Mr. & Mrs. David Drill
103 S. 17th Street 9100 Beach Apt. 1908 3730 Timberlane Drive 251 Cobblestone Drive 3762 Tiffany Drive
Easton, PA Margate, NJ Easton, PA Bethlehem, PA Easton, PA
18042 08402 18045 18040 18045
THE HIGH HOLIDAYS – 2016-5777 Saturday, September 24th 10:00 AM Services with Bob and David Weiner followed by a Kiddush 8:00 PM Selichot gathering at 8:00 PM – Sing along with Bob and David Weiner followed by Dessert and Drinks Sunday, October 2nd, EREV ROSH HASHANAH 6:45 Musical Spiritual Warm-up with Bob and David Weiner 7:00 PM – Services Begin
Wednesday, October 12th, YOM KIPPUR 10:00 AM: Yom Kippur Services 11:40 AM: Yizkor (Memorial Services) 11:45 AM: Junior Congregation 5:30 PM Minha 6:30 PM Ne’ilah 7:30 PM Ma’ariv 7:40 PM Break-the-Fast (By RSVP Only) Babysitting Available at 10:30 AM Sunday, October 16th, EREV SUKKOT 6:00 PM – Candle lighting (at home)
Monday, October 3rd, 1st Day of ROSH HASHANAH 9:30 AM – Services 11:00 AM – Shofar Sounded 11:30 AM – Jr. Congregation Service 4:00 PM – Tashlich Service Babysitting Available at 10:30 AM
Monday, October 17th, 1st DAY SUKKOT 10:00 AM – Services Brunch in the Sukkah to follow 6:58 PM – Candle lighting (at home)
Tuesday, October 4th, 2nd Day of ROSH HASHANAH 9:30 AM – Services 11:00 AM – Shofar Sounded Babysitting Available at 10:30 AM
Sunday, October 23rd, EREV SHEMINI YATZERET 5:50 PM – Candle lighting (at home)
Sunday, October 9th Congregational Memorial Services at the Cemeteries 1:00 PM – South Side 1:30 PM – Forks 11th,
Tuesday, October KOL NIDRE 6:00 PM Musical Prelude 6:30 PM Sharp – Kol Nidre Begins
Friday, October 21st, Pizza in the Hut 5:00 PM Family Dinner 6:00 PM Family Services
Monday, October 24th, SHEMINI ATZERET 10:00 AM – Services 10:45 AM – Yizkor Memorial Service 7:25 PM – Candle lighting (at home) 6:00 PM – Simhat Torah Family Service 6:30 PM Mini Meal and Dessert to Follow Tuesday, October 25th, SIMHAT TORAH SERVICE 9:30 AM – Mini Brunch
HIGH HOLIDAY FLOWERS
Last year the flowers did so much enhance the beauty of our High Holidays Services that we are once again asking for your help. Two containers are now used, one each side of the bema. We would like to encourage as many families that so desire to contribute towards these flowers. If you so choose, you may contribute in honor of an event in your life, in memory of someone who has passed on, or just to wish happy holidays to your own family and friends. Your name will be announced at every service during this holiday season and also listed in a special place in our upcoming bulletin. We are suggesting donations of $50, $100 or $150. We would appreciate receiving your donations, by September 20, 2016. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE. You can also pay by telephone (610-258-5343), using your credit card.
---------------------------------------------------------------Name
__________________________________________
Total Amount Enclosed ___________________ Special Wording _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS BNAI ABRAHAM/TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE KNITTING GROUP WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th - 10:30 A.M. Please note the knitting group will be meeting at the home of Becky Civjan, 80 Sutton Place, Easton, PA 18045 Please contact Becky at 610-252-7681. Note that the knitting club is meeting a week earlier this month. WALLENBERG TRIBUTE LECTURE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th – 3:30 P.M. Sunday, September 18 @ 3:30pRaoul Wallenberg - A Humanitarian for an Inhuman Age - Then & Now Kati Marton, Best-selling & award-winning writer and human rights advocate Moyer Hall, Miller Forum, Muhlenberg College Cosponsored by: The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and The Berman Center for Jewish Studies Free and open to the public.
SERVICES WITH BOB AND DAVID WEINER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH 10:00 AM Services with Bob and David Weiner followed by Kiddush. At 8:00 PM Selichot gathering at 8:00 PM – Sing along with Bob and David Weiner followed by Dessert and Drinks.
Break – The – Fast At Bnai Abraham Saturday – October 12, 2016 Following Services – 7:40 pm $10 Per Adult – No charge for Children under 13 For Reservation and Payment, please send your check with the completed form below to: Bnai Abraham 1545 Bushkill St. Easton, PA 18042
For Reservation and Payment, by credit card, please do one of the following: Call 610-258-5343 E-mail office@bnaiabraham.org Pay Online - bnaiabraham.org
Name: ___________________________________________ Number of Adults: _________ Children: _________ Address: __________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Total Amount Enclosed: __________________ Credit Card Number: ______________________________ Expiration Date: ____________________
SUKKOT 2016 Estrog and Lulov Orders Each set consists of an Israeli Etrog, Lulov (palm branch) with its palm holder, Hadassim (myrtle branches), and Arovoth (willow branches). We have various levels of sets – they are, however, equal in kashruth. REGULAR
$35.00 Includes shipping and handling
PRIME
$39.00 Includes shipping and handling
DELUXE
$43.00 Includes shipping and handling
Each set is already assembled together in a holder with the Lulov, Hadassim and Arovoth as one unit. In addition, each set is separately wrapped and sealed to reduce your workload, thereby saving you precious time. Along with each set you will receive a basic guide as a complimentary gift to express our appreciation to you. It will contain a list of all the Brochoth (blessings) and Halochoth (laws) of the four species. PLEASE MAIL YOUR ORDER WITH YOUR CHECK TO THE SYNAGOGUE.
No orders will be accepted after September 20, 2016 NAME: _____________________________________
Price Per Set
Qty of Sets
Price
Regular -
$35.00
_____
$___________
Prime -
$39.00
_____
$___________
Deluxe -
$43.00
_____
$___________
Yahrzeit List In the Bond of Life September 2016 Sept. 6 Sept. 7 Sept. 7 Sept. 10
Contact Irwin Lewis, Ritual Chairman
Sept. 11 Sept. 12 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 17 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 Sept. 28 Sept. 30
Leonard Koplin, beloved brother of Ruth Reiter Esther Bragin, beloved mother of Brett Bragin Bobby Lee McCants, beloved father of Debrosha McCants Sheldon Oxenberg, beloved brother-in-law of Sid and Helene Kaplan Barbara Cooperman, beloved sister of Herbert Litvin Louis Shapiro, beloved father of Selma Jacowitz Robert Lyons, beloved husband of Anne Snyder-Lyons Allen Levin, beloved father of Sara Levin Max Rosenblum, beloved father of Doris Asteak Benjamin Asteak, beloved father-in-law of Doris Asteak Thomas Bianco, beloved father of Sande Phillips William Sigal, beloved husband of Helaine Sigal. Charlotte Kaye, beloved mother of Dan Kaye Aaron Ytkin, beloved father of Herman Ytkin Don Zuckerman, beloved father of Anne Zuckerman Susie Aufrecht, beloved mother of Nancy Cohen Bernice Brooks, beloved mother of Lori Lesser Barbara Nathanson, beloved mother of Howard Nathanson
BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE General operating expenses Please consider a donation to Bnai Abraham Synagogue to cover “General Operating Expenses”. Your donations support our Congregation and strengthen our Jewish community here in Easton. BEATRICE & LEON FRIEDMAN FUND 1. Support organizations that benefit minor children whose parents are unable to provide for their health, maintenance, support and education 2. Needy, elderly 3. Shelter for the homeless BUILDING FUND Extraordinary maintenance and repair of the buildings and property of the synagogue and parsonage SISTERHOOD CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND Interest only used to subsidize Bnai Abraham’s operating expenses GOLDMAN/MERBAUM TORAH FUND HERB SNYDER GARDEN FUND JESSE & TAYLOR COOPER FUND DR. JOEL LEWIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring stipends JULIUS COHEN MEMORIAL FUND 1. Religious School Scholarships 2. Assisting needy congregational youth in Jewish-oriented education, programming and activities (e.g. Yeshiva or Jewish Day School, trips, USY) RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ROBERT KUTNER LIBRARY FUND SHEILA GOLDBERG FUND To pay High Holiday fees for anyone who cannot afford to attend SILVERMAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Religious School Scholarships, Shofars SISTERHOOD BUILDING FUND SUE SEIGEL SHABBAT FUND 1. Shabbat programming, including kiddush lunches 2. Bagels and Books SY JACOWITZ TOT SHABBAT FUND Boker Tov Scholarships THEATER FUND Supports a wide variety of synagogue projects and functions
Bnai Abraham Synagogue Ilya and Ilona Alelov made a generous donation to Bnai Abraham Synagogue. Carolyn and Tom Evans in memory of Bayla Cohen. Selma Jacowitz – Mazel Tov to Pam Taylor and Paul Strikwerda on their recent marriage. Selma Jacowitz in memory of Bayla Cohen. Gwen Karnes in memory of Bayla Cohen. Judy, Allan, Michael and Daniel Levetter in memory of Bayla Cohen. Ruth Nester in memory of Bayla Cohen. Ruth Reiter in memory of Bayla Cohen. Teresa and Brian Sayago in memory of Bayla Cohen. JoAnn Trach in memory of Bayla Cohen.
Goldman/Merbaum Torah Fund Danny and Nancy Cohen in memory of Bayla Cohen.
Shelia Goldberg Fund Shelia Goldberg sending Danny and Nancy Cohen a thank you for their get well wishes.
Yahrzeit Sandy Abeshaus in memory of her father, Samuel Fingeroff. Aliette Abo in memory of her mother, Sonia Schneigeiger. Nancy Cohen in memory of her mother, Susie Aufrecht. Marilyn Herschler in memory of her mother Celia Soroker Cohen. Sid Kaplan in memory of his mother, Fannie Kaplan. Herbert Litvin in memory of his mother, Anna Litvin. Howard (Jill & Rebecca) Nathanson in memory of his mother, Barbara Nathanson. Mitch Rabinowitz in memory of his mother, Muriel Mitchel. Ruth Reiter in memory of her brother, Leonard Koplin. Bob Weiner in memory of his father, Moshe Weiner.
Todah Rabah Thank you Sally Brau, Becky Goldenberg, Merle Grollman, Selma Jacowitz, Linda Lewis, Doris Lifland, Ruth Reiter, Karen Popkave, Helaine Sigal, Diane and Art Silverman and Jessica and Herman Ytkin for helping with the meal of consolation for Bayla Cohen. Thank you to Ilya and Ilona Alelov for sponsoring the Kiddush on September 1, 2016.
Kiddush is a perfect way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, and it allows you the opportunity to celebrate with our community. To sponsor a Kiddush for $36, please contact the synagogue office. Do you have a celebration we should know about? Email office@bnaiabraham.org
Refuah Sh’lma (A Full and Complete Healing) To all who were sick or hospitalized, we wish a return to good health. David Denenberg Ilya Gabriel Shelia Goldberg Wendy Gumberich Helene Kaplan Sid Kaplan Andrew Shaw Marty Zippel
In memoriam May God in His Kindness Grant Comfort and Solace to the Mourners
Bayla Cohen, mother of Jacquelyn Brown
Sisterhood News
The Ritual Corner for September Submitted by Irwin Lewis
On the afternoon of Yom Kippur we read the story of Jonah and the Whale. Did Jonah really live in the belly of a great fish three days? “The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish for three days and three nights�. Ancient mariners looked to the sky and during the winter solstice the constellation Cretus the Sea Monster or the Whale was prominent in the Mediterranean night sky. For three nights in December, the time of darkness was the longest of the entire year Mariners described sailing into the constellation of Cretus as sailing into the belly of the beast. Probably Jonah was thrown overboard into the belly of the beast - the constellation Cretus and had three long nights to think about his disobedience to the Lord. Floating in the sea under the constellation, not literally in the belly of a whale.
Be Part of Sisterhood Join an extraordinary group of women to support the synagogue and have fun while doing it. If you have not yet sent in your annual dues -- just $20, please make check payable to Bnai Abraham Sisterhood and send to the office. Any questions please contact Diane Silverman at 610-258-5389
General Announcements
DON’T FORGET You can pay your dues on a monthly basis, and we also accept all major credit cards.
Campaign For New Members - Help Wanted!
We are asking every member of our congregation to help us locate prospective new members. They may be your neighbors, friends, vet, or whomever. Please relay the name and any pertinent information to the office staff at Bnai Abraham Synagogue.
Please notify Bnai Abraham Office in writing if you move, if there is a marriage, children, family member entering a nursing home, or change in membership status. We do need to keep your records up to date. Thank you.
General Announcements continued...... AL’S CLEANERS - FUNDRAISER FOR BAS! Bnai Abraham has been signed up at Al’s Cleaners, 1132 Northampton Street, to enable the synagogue to collect 10% of all sales of dry cleaning and laundry services that our congregants spend there. It’s easy. Just mention that you are a member of Bnai Abraham Synagogue, and they will credit the synagogue and send the proceeds periodically. Al’s is only about seven blocks from the synagogue, has very convenient hours, and does excellent work.
SHOPPING AT AMAZON…A FUNDRAISER FOR BNAI ABRAHAM! Click on the Amazon search link on the “Donations” page on the BAS website, and for any purchases made during your visit on Amazon.com, Amazon will contribute 4% to 15% of the purchase price to Bnai Abraham! How it works: Navigate to the BAS Donations webpage at http://www.bnaiabraham.org/donations.html and type any item keyword in the Amazon search box, and you will be transferred to Amazon.com. (You must use this link or purchases will not be traced to BAS). If you place items in your shopping cart and complete a purchase during your visit, Amazon will pay us a portion of the purchase price (not including shipping), that portion to range from 4% to 15% depending on the item category. Rates for categories are posted on our website. We encourage all of our members to shop on Amazon.com – but remember to only access Amazon.com through the BAS link at the below url or we will not get the purchase credit: http://www.bnaiabraham.org/donations.html Thank you for your continued support of BAS and HAPPY SHOPPING!
Tree of Life Permanently commemorate your simcha or celebrate a person! The “Tree of Life� sculpture is on display in the BAS Main lobby known as Founders Hall. It is used to honor and remember special events such as: Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Birthdays Anniversaries Memorials Engagements Namings Weddings and any other special milestone or celebration! Leaf: $140
Apple: $800
Or memorialize your loved one: Stone at base of tree: $1,100
Lothar Gumberich, Chairman: 610-253-5263 BAS office: 610-258-5343
Dedicate a memorial plaque to be located on the walls of the Sanctuary: $300 To honor your friends on the Walk of Life: $350
Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Family Service is committed to alleviating hunger in our community. Please join us in our efforts to accomplish this. Thank you to everyone who has so generously contributed to our food pantry with nonperishable items or financial support. We are supported in the Lehigh Valley by Second Harvest, as well as by the contributions of food drives and individuals. We are looking to expand into the entire Lehigh Valley to our Jewish community, and we ask for your support. If you have non-perishable items to donate, please either drop them at JFS or call and we will pick them up. Financial donations can be sent directly to JFS. In our outreach, we need everyone to spread the word. If you know someone, either affiliated or not, who could benefit from any JFS service, tell them about us and have them call. JFS maintains confidentiality and professionalism. We will deliver emergency food packages or supplemental food boxes anywhere in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to providing food, our Benefits Checkup Program (BCU) is designed to assist low-income persons of retirement age and younger adults with disabilities to find and apply for federal, state and local benefits. JFS seeks to help individuals and families live healthier, more stable lives by providing professional counseling, education and community programs. JFS would love to assist you in scheduling a food drive or creating a project that can help benefit persons in need. Please call JFS at (610) 821-8722 or go on our website for further information.
Our Advertisers… we thank you for your patronage
KAPLAN’S
ENTERPRISES, INC. Vertical Blinds Pleated Shades Mini Blinds Window Shades
American Flags Flags & Banners Custom Banner Canvas Work
CANVAS | AWNINGS Residential and Commercial 100 Northampton Street, P.O. Box 150 Easton, Pennsylvania 18042 610/258-5319 Fax 610/258-6036 NJ 800/458-7994 DAVID KAPLAN Established 1923
Denise Pollack, M.Ed. National Certified Counselor Licensed Professional Counselor Adolescent and Adult Counseling 2925 William Penn Highway, Suite 306 Easton, PA 18045 610-392-3862 www.denisepollackcounseling.com
Sandy Weiner Independent Senior Sales Director 3230 Highfield Circle Bethlehem, PA 18020 (610) 758-8800 1-800-258-8730 www.marykay.com/sweiner Swo226@aol.com Receive a $10 gift for scheduling a facial or glamour makeover
Our Advertisers… we thank you for your patronage
1134 Northampton St. Easton, PA 18042 610-258-7288
Barbara DeStefano “Our Quality is Etched In Stone” Easton Monument Studio Personalized Memorials & Distinctive Stone Art 203 North 7th Street, Easton, PA 18042
610-905-8523
Place an ad in the bulletin for twelve months and reach over 160 readers. Cost: $36/year Contact the Office 610 258-5343