B'nai review april 2016 final #2l

April 2016 Adar 11– Nisan 5776

Volume 5776 Issue 8

IN THIS ISSUE

Join your CBI Family for the First Passover Seder

Contacts Page 2

Announcements Page 3

Messages Pages 4-5 A Team Page 9

Adult Studies & Special Services Pages 6,10

PRECEC Page 12

Mitzvah Men’s Club Page 11

Youth Page 12-13

Calendar Pages 14-15

Women’s League Pages 16-17

Life Cycle Pages 18-19

Donations Pages 20

Tea/tee For Two Page 21

Advertisers

on Friday, April 22, following Erev Yom Tov Services.

Pages 23-27

Debbie Marmon Back Cover

B’nai Israel REVIEW April 2016

Our Mission

Through our congregational life, our goal is to provide the opportunity for our members and friends to experience Jewish life to its fullest. We want to transmit the ideals of Conservative Judaism to our children and grandchildren, to enable them to be knowledgeable and responsible participants in Jewish life, sensitive and ethical human beings and reliable custodians of an enduring heritage.

Through the synagogue, we want to find strength and inspiration in worship and study, in the sharing of life cycle events, in acts of caring, in reaching out to the wide Jewish and non-Jewish communities, and in concern and support for Israel.

Contact Us Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. 727.381.4900 x1008 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org

Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x1005 Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org

Executive Director Susan Goldstein 727.344.1017 execdir@cbistpete.org

Torah Reader/Educator Deborah Marmon 727.381.4900 x1005 dmarmon@cbistpete.org

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Rachel Bennett 727.302.9668 preschool@cbistpete.org

Accounting Assistant Dianne Gettler 727.381.4900 x1004 accounting@cbistpete.org

Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4901 officemgr@cbistpete.org

Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com

Men’s Club President Jesse Rodman jesse.rodman1@gmail.com

Women’s League Catering Livia Wein polyglatt@gmail.com

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President Susan Marger LeVine doc2roc@aol.com USY President Corey Sokolov cnsok4@gmail.com

Announcements You Don’t Want to Miss...

Kehilla

Community Women’s Seder Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 pm at Congregation Beth Shalom

BIKKUR HOLIM One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take very seriously. When our members are ill or hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are extremely cautious about sharing patient names, even with clergy. We need our congregants to communicate directly with us and to inform us of illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments of difficulty or stress.

First Passover Seder, Friday, April 22 AIPAC Tampa Bay Briefing at the Hilton Tampa, Wednesday, May 4 Light yellow Yom Hashoa candles after dark, Wednesday, May 4 Kabbalat Shabbat at the Beach, Friday, May 6, at 6:15pm Hebrew High School Graduation, Shabbat Morning, May 7 Community Yom Ha’atzma’ut Celebration, Thursday, May 12, at Temple B’nai Israel Daven & Dine at the Kotel, Friday, May 13, at 6:00pm Shabbat Morning Daven at the Kotel, May 14, at 9:00am Federation Women of Distinction Event Sunday, May 15, at Temple B’nai Israel Annual Congregational Meeting, Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00PM.

SHABBAT DINNER AT PBT The Benjamin Tower Foundation invites CBI congregants who would like to join PBT residents for Shabbat dinners. Dinner is $10 every Friday at 4:45 pm. This is a great opportunity to enjoy dinner and fellowship before walking over to CBI for Shabbat services. CBI will post each week’s menu to cbistpete.org on Monday afternoons.

RSVP with payment and entrée choice to Debbie Kobernick

by Wednesdays at 12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or dkobernick@benjamintowerfoundation.org.

SUNDAY MORNING UNIVERSITY 2016 Second Annual Joint Adult Education Event co-sponsored by Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg and Temple Beth-El Sunday, April 3, at Temple Beth-El

Great Class Choices!

Do you want to know how you can secure CBI’s future and bring in dollars today?

Call Susan Goldstein to find out.

Susan Goldstein: 727.344.1017 execdir@cbistpete.org

The Constitution: How We Got It & How We Figure Out What It Means The Warsaw Ghetto: A Survivor’s Story Shakespeare’s Shylock Art from the Torah in 16th and 17th Century Netherlands RSVP to: http://www.templebeth-el.com/ssundaymorninguniversity

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From the Rabbi The Haggadah: A Story of a Living Drama The Festival of Freedom 5776 Properly understood, the Seder is a unique and inspired tradition for blending the past, the present and the future into a simple, comprehensive, and transcendent experience. The Seder ceremony is not only an act of pious recollection, but it is our history. The actors in this story are not only the Israelites, freed from bondage by Moses, but also all generations of Israel throughout all of time. In an ideal sense, all Israel went forth out of Egypt, and all Israel stood at Sinai, before the presence of God. Whenever the trumpets sound in history, they sound for all generations, and the echo lives on forever.

The concept of the Seder as an experience, rather than a recitation, runs like a silver thread through the whole of Jewish tradition and finds a voice on every page of the Passover Haggadah. “Every person in every generation” says a passage in the Mishna, “must look upon himself and herself as if they personally had come forth out of Egypt. It was not “them” alone that the Holy one redeemed, but ourselves as well, today.”

The Haggadah is the script of a living drama. When we recite it, we are performing an act not only of remembrance, but also of personal identification in the here and now. The Passover story as told in the Haggadah recounts how Israel moved from darkness into light, from ignorance and the shame of idolatry to freedom and the glory of a high calling. The Passover story is a continuing saga, a permanent experience, and event with an eternal character, involving the children of all generations.

The door opened by the Exodus cannot and will never be closed again! We are free with an eternal freedom, with a moral, as well as physical liberty. This is the festival of freedom, which blew away the dust of abject misery, a fascinating miracle by which human dignity is restored to all its grandeur.

The Seder night forces Jewish men and women to face themselves. At the end of the “dialogue” it becomes quite clear that man has summoned man to join his brothers and sisters in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and Israel and, by that very fact, in the rebuilding of the world!

Join us at CBI for the first Seder on April 22, and at services throughout the Yom Tov. With my best wishes for a Hag Kasher V’sameah!

Shalom, Rabbi Jacob Luski

From the Cantor One of the highlights of the Passover Seder is the singing of Dayeinu. From a very young age, children learn the words and the tune and delight in learning the song. Perhaps some of our most loving memories of Passovers past are the family singing Dayeinu together.

But, did you ever stop to read the words in English? The beginning works well, but five or six lines in, we begin to wonder. “If He had brought us out of Egypt but not split the sea for us – it would have been enough.” Really? Surely we would have ended up dead. “Had He split the sea but not taken us through it on dry land – it would have been enough.” I’m not so sure about that. “Had He taken us through on dry land but not drowned our oppressors – it would have been enough.” What? “Had He drowned our oppressors but not provided for us in the desert – it would have been enough.” So we would die in the desert instead of at sea? Is that really enough?

Do you see the problem? It would not have been enough. Perhaps it would be better if, after lines such as these, the Hebrew word Dayeinu would be intoned not as a statement but as if it were a question – “Would it have been enough?” One may reasonably ask what the rabbis had in mind when writing this and including it in the seder.

The rabbis want to teach us something very deep. Often, people judge the present not for itself, but by its future outcome. The present will be judged favorably only if it leads to something positive. Not true, say the rabbis in Dayeinu. See the beauty and the wonder of the moment – at the moment. If God had delivered us from Egypt but not split the sea, then, yes, we would have died, but we would have died free, having experienced an amazing miracle. And who knew at the moment, when we were leaving Egypt, if everything would turn out well? We never know what the next moment will bring. But if we wait for the future to judge the present, then we will always miss out on the wonders and miracles of the moment. The rabbis are teaching us to be able to say Dayeinu for the blessing of the present regardless of what the future will bring.

Hag Sameah,

Cantor Jonathan Schultz

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From the President Bubbies baked Hamentaschen with our preschoolers in preparation for Purim, and the preschoolers decorated the congregational mishloach manot bags. It was particularly encouraging to see so many of our young families attend and participate in the Purim celebration this year. April 9 will be the next Tot Shabbat and Junior Congregation services. We are constantly striving to provide a welcoming environment for our youngest congregants and their families.

Join us at shul on April 1-2nd and April 8-9th to meet two top candidates for the position of Director of Lifelong Learning to direct religious education (including Bar/Bat Mitzvah training) and youth programming. Both candidates will also participate in reading Torah.

April 2nd is also our farewell Shabbat celebration for Debbie Marmon, our most amazing Torah reader and Bar/Bat Mitzvah trainer.

We will have a special Kiddush lunch with lox (Debbie’s special request) and we will present a gift to Debbie on behalf of our board.

We are one of the few Conservative Congregations in the Southeastern United States who have been able to maintain a full Torah reading every Shabbat. Debbie has graced our congregation for the past 13 years with her talent, her knowledge and her dedication to CBI. The Ritual Committee and Personnel Committee are aggressively working to try to maintain the tradition of Full Torah readings.

Our Engagement Director, Liz Sembler, has taken on a lion’s share of the task to find volunteers to read until we can hire a full-time reader. If the appropriate candidate is not available, we have discussed the option of switching to a Triennial Torah reading cycle.

Be on the lookout for the Tea/Tee for Two, Non-Event Fundraiser. What is a non-event fundraiser? Check out the notice in this month’s Bulletin, proceed to our website, and give to a personal meaningful level. We are trying very hard to make the synagogue fiscally sound and any donation is greatly appreciated.

Pesach is right around the corner. CBI will provide a Seder on the first night on Friday, April 22. Please join us for services during the eight day festival. May you all have a Hag Kasher v Sameach!

Susan Marger LeVine

From the Executive Director Being A Synagogue Executive Director Recently, I’ve given a great deal of thought as to what being the executive director of a synagogue means to me. It’s a vocation in which I’ve been privileged to engage for the last 13 years. During that time, my passion for Conservative Judaism has grown into a passion for serving Klal Yisrael. This passion has been nourished through working with dedicated lay leaders who give their time and talents lovingly to enhance their synagogues. It’s also been nurtured by talented colleagues who generously share their knowledge and experiences.

I’ve met most of these wonderful colleagues through membership in the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE). I am honored to have served on NAASE’s Board of Governors for the last five years, chaired last year’s Week of Study at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and just co-edited the first joint Journal with Reform colleagues from the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA). Participating in these projects, and others like them, are part of what make the executive director something very different from that of an office administrator, business manager, or office manager. Working in partnership with lay leaders, we undertake the challenges of finance, staffing, maintenance, calendar management, kosher kitchens, landscaping, communications, and anything else that comes along. And, most of the time, we love doing it! We also work to become a part of the community we serve by leading minyan services, chanting Haftarah, reading Torah (not so much that one in my case!), being part of Sisterhood and Men’s Club, and participating in community events.

A few weeks ago, I attended the NAASE International Conference in Tampa along with about 100 colleagues from the US and Canada.

At our closing banquet, I received my certification as a Fellow in Synagogue Administration (FSA). This certification was developed to recognize the critical role that executive directors play in the life of a congregation. The FSA credential is a standard of knowledge and experience that demonstrates the competence of an executive director, as well as his/her commitment to knowledge, personal growth, and improved professional performance. Achieving FSA certification is a goal to which I have aspired, and toward which I’ve worked, for several years. Receiving it means that my dedication to serving Klal Yisrael and my enthusiasm to growing as a Jew, expanding Jewish knowledge, and “doing” Jewish grows day by day.

Best wishes to you and to those you love for a Hag Kasher v’Sameah,

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PESAH SERVICES & EVENTS SCHEDULE 5776

Mehirat Hametz Authorization of Agent to Sell Hametz Please submit to Synagogue Office by 7:45 am Friday, April 22, 2016 I, _________________________________, hereby authorize Rabbi Jacob Luski to act as my agent to sell the hametz that may be at home, place of business, or elsewhere, in accordance with the requirements

Thursday, April 21 Evening Bedikat Hametz Search for Hametz Friday, April 22, 7:45am Siyum B'horim Service followed by Breakfast Siyum B’horim is the morning minyan and brief study session followed by a light breakfast and is the last hametz meal eaten before Pesah. Attendance at this minyan is a special mitzvah for all first born and all others who wish to attend are also welcome!

and provisions of Jewish Law. Name______________________________________ Home address_______________________________ Business address_____________________________ Signature___________________________________

Donation to Maot Hittim Fund The mitzvah of Maot Hittim (money for wheat) has evolved to ensure that all Jews are able to celebrate Pesach. By giving to CBI’s Maot Hittim Fund, you are helping us respond to the financial needs of those in our community who would not otherwise be able to participate in a seder.

YES, please count me/us in for this year’s Maot Hittim Fund.

Please find my check in the amount of $_________.

Please make your check payable to: CBI - Maot Hittim and send to Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58th Street N, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 or bring it to the CBI office.

Yom Tov: Friday, April 22, 6:00pm - Minha, Maariv, followed by Congregation First Seder at CBI Saturday, April 23, 9:00am - Yom Tov Services, 1st day Pesah, Includes Tal, the prayer for dew in Musaf Service.

Saturday April 23, 12:00pm- Minha Second Seder at home after dark Sunday, April 24, 9:00am - Yom Tov Morning Services 2nd day Pesah, 12:00 pm Minha Hol Hamoed Pesah: Monday, April 25, 7:45am - Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan 6:30pm Hol Hamoed Minha Tuesday, April 26, 7:45am- Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan 6:30pm Hol Hamoed Minha Wednesday, April 27, 7:45am- Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan 6:00 pm Passover BBQ 6:30 pm Hol Hamoed Minha Thursday, April 28, 7:45am- Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan Yom Tov: Thursday, April 28, 6:30pm -Minha, Maariv - 7th day Pesah Friday, April 29, 9:00am- Yom Tov Services, 7th day Pesah, 6:30 pm Yom Tov Service, 8th day Pesah Saturday, April 30, 9:00am -Yom Tov Services, 8th day Pesah, Yizkor & Memorial Plaques Dedication 12:00 pm Minha CANDLELIGHTING Friday, April 22 - 7:42 pm Saturday, April 23 - 8:42 pm Thursday, April 28 - 7:45 pm Friday, April 29 - 7:46 pm

Download the Passover Guide for 2016 at www.rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide

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Advocacy for Israel Committee

ISRAEL BONDS FOR AFIKOMEN Israel bonds eMitzvah bonds ($36, $54, $72, $90) are the most meaningful and convenient trade-for-the-afikomen gift ever (better than a gift card and no trip to the mall). Go to israelbonds.com or call 888.764.2631.

Purchasing eMitzvah bonds ($36, $54, $72, $90) and Mazel Tov bonds ($100, $10 increments to $2500) make meaningful (and convenient) b'nai mitzvah, baby-naming, or other life-cycle event gifts. Cash or check is just a gift, but an Israel bond is a gift and a mitzvah!

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Adult Studies & Special Services Rosh Hodesh Women’s Group

Kabbalat Shabbat

Sunday, April 10, 10:30 am This session will be facilitated by Sandi Rodman, at the home of Carol Marger.

Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat services feature melodies written by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.

Reb Shlomo, as he was known to his followers, was a teacher, composer, and singer who was known as “The Singing Rabbi” during his lifetime (1925 – 1994). Although his roots lay in traditional Orthodox yeshivot, he branched out to create his own style combining Hasidic Judaism, warmth and personal interaction, public concerts, and song-filled synagogue services.

Join other CBI women for this monthly get together. We’ll share a little learning, a little schmoozing, and a lot of noshing !

Todah Rabah to Linda Goldfarb, Claire Yogman, Sandy Brasch, and Valerie Hyman who have hosted, and to Sheryl Feinman, Ricki Lewis, Mavis Wallace, and Susan Turner who have facilitated these sessions.

For information, contact Sheryl Feinman at sherlam@tampabay.rr.com or 727.422.222.

You can find Rabbi Carlebach’s full bio on our website: cbistpete.org/calendar/upcoming-events/ carlebach-kabbalat-shabbat-5 Friday, April 15, 6:30 pm

CBI-Hadassah Book Club Please note that our April meeting is one week early due to Passover.

Introduction to Judaism Rabbi Luski is offering an Introduction to Judaism course for those considering conversion, or simply wanting to learn more about Judaism. If you know somebody who may be interested, spread the word! Those who are not members are requested to arrange an interview with Rabbi Luski. Classes are from 5:15 - 6:30 pm on Wednesdays April 6,13,and 20. For more information, contact Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org.

Wednesday, April 13, 10:00 am CBI Library Book: The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah Moderator: Delores Diamond Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 am CBI Library Book: The Laundry Room by Lynda Lippman-Lockhart Moderator: Lynda Lippman-Lockhart

Torah For Seniors with Rabbi Luski on Tuesday, April 12, at 11:00am at Philip Benjamin Tower.

Lunch with the Rabbi on Wednesday, April 13, at noon at CBI. RSVP and give your lunch order to Pam at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org by noon Tuesday, April 12.

Talmud Made Easy Steve Wein continues to lead Talmud study classes. He teaches in English, and explains all! Materials are provided. No special knowledge is required. Classes meet on Wednesday evening, April 20, at 7:00 in the Buns Family Library.

Download the Passover Guide for 2016 at www.rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide

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Monday, April 4

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February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) Spring has been filled with adventure for our little friends!

Some highlights from March at PRECEC; Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat came to school for a visit, we learned how to be brave at the doctor’s office with Ms. Iris from All Children’s Hospital, Rabbi Luski came to read to our VPK Caterpillars, we took a field trip to Philip Benjamin Towers for a pre-Purim celebration, AND we celebrated Purim with a costume parade and classroom parties!

To top off a fun-filled month, Ms. Rachel has also completed her National Administrative Credential and is now a nationally ranked administrator and preschool director.

Coming up in April: Tuesday April 5: Visit from the Dentist – Classrooms Saturday April 9: Tot Shabbat – CBI Friday April 15: Family Pre-Shabbat – CBI Wednesday April 20: Practice Seder - CBI Atrium Friday April 22 – Friday April 29: Passover Break

CALLING ALL STORYTELLERS! Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers to come read to our youngest learners. We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm.

Interested in getting involved? Please contact PRECEC Interim Director Rachel Bennett at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668.

PRECEC is accepting new enrolls for Summer Camp Shalom 2016!

Call today to book your tour, space is extremely limited.

PRECEC is BLASTING OFF! Stop by to say hello !

Rachel Bennett, PRECEC Interim Director

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M I R PU FUN

!!

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Adar 11– Nisan 5776 April 2016 Sun

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

Sundays 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm

Mon

Tue

*Shabbat Minha will begin approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of morning services

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9:00am Minyan, breakfast 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 9:00 am Sunday Morning 6:30pm Minyan University at Temple Beth-El 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Music with Mar 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Community Women’s Seder at CBS

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9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 10:30am Rosh Hodesh Group 6:30pm Minyan

Kitchen Closed for Passover Cleaning 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Music with Mar 11:00am Torah for Seniors at PBT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Women’s League “Talk of The Table”

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NO PRTT 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Music with Mar 6:30pm Minyan

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Pesach, Second Day NO PRTT 9:00am Yom Tov Service, 12:00pm Yom Tov Minha NO Evening Miyan

NO PRECEC this week 7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan 7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan 6:30pm Hol Hamoed Minyan 6:30pm Hol Hamoed Minyan 7:00pm Board of Trustees Meeting

See calendar for special holiday service times

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Wed

Thu

Fri

Download the Passover Guide for 2016 at www.rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide

Sat

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7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Debbie Friedman Kabbalat Shabbat 7:31pm Candlelighting

Parasha Shemini Shabbat Parah 9:00am Shabbat Service Honoring Debbie Marmon and Torah Study 12:30pm Shabbat Minha*

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7:45am Minyan, breakfast 4:45pm PRTT 5:15pm Intro To Judaism 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High Remix

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:00pm Men’s Club Kabbalat Shabbat followed by Got Shabbat? Dinner 7:34pm Candlelighting

Parasha Tazria/Rosh Hodesh Nisan/Shabbat Hahodesh 9:00am Men’s Club Shabbat Services, Simha Shabbat, Kiddush 10:30am Junior Congregation 11:00am Tot Shabbat 12:30pm Shabbat Minha* Sam Bartholomew Bar Mitzvah

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7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am CBI Hadassah Book Club 12:00pm Lunch with the Rabbi 4:45pm PRTT 5:15pm Intro to Judaism 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High Remix

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Carlebach Kabbalat 5:00pm Torah On Tap at Vinoy Shabbat 6:00pm JNF Tree of Life 7:38pm Candlelighting Award Dinner, Tampa 6:30pm Minyan

Parasha Metzora Shabbat Hagadol 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush 12:30pm Shabbat Minha*

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7:45am Minyan, breakfast 11:00am PRECEC Practice Seder 4:45pm PRTT 5:15pm Intro to Judaism 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High Remix 7:00pm Talmud Made Easy

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, Siyum B’horim Service and breakfast 1:00pm PRECEC and Offices Close Early 6:00pm Minha, Maariv, followed

by First Seder at CBI 7:42pm Candlelighting

Pesach, First Day 9:00am Yom Tov Services, Kiddush 12:00pm Yom Tov Minha* 8:42pm Candlelighting

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7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan NO Intro to Judaism 6:00pm Passover BBQ 6:30pm Hol Hamoed Minyan

7:45am Hol Hamoed Service 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Erev Yom Tov Service 7:45pm Candelighting

Pesach, Seventh Day OFFICE CLOSED 9:00am Yom Tov Services 6:30pm Yom Tov Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:46pm Candlelighting

Pesach, Eighth Day 9:00am Yom Tov Services, Yizkor, Memorial Plaque Dedication, Kiddush 12:30pm Yom Tov Minha*

Search for Hametz after dark

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Women’s League TORAH FUND DINNER, HONORING CAROL GRAY MARGER A HUGE SUCCESS BY: JOANNE LUSKI, TORAH FUND VICE PRESIDENT ON MARCH 8, 2016, WE GATHERED TO HONOR THE JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND CAROL MARGER, AS CBI WOMEN’S LEAGUE “2016 JACKIE JACOBS WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT.” MAZEL TOV TO CAROL ON RECEIVING THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD! WITH THE CAPABLE ASSISTANCE OF MARILYN LEVINE, SPECIAL GIFTS CHAIR, CBI WOMEN’S LEAGUE BOASTS 1 PATRON, 10 GUARDIANS AND 46 BENEFACTORS! HOPEFULLY WE’LL AGAIN MEET OUR GOAL OF $13,000. TO ENSURE THIS, CONSIDER INCREASING YOUR PLEDGE OR MAKING A CONTRIBUTION IN HONOR OF CAROL MARGER AND JTS. I ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO SCHEDULE A VISIT TO THE JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN NYC. THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS: HEAD CHEFS: SHERYL SUTTON AND SANDY BRASCH SETUP: SUSIE BERMAN, KAREN KAUFFMAN, VIVIAN LURIE, SHELLEY LYNN, REVA PEARLSTEIN, PHYLLIS WERNER, JACKIE WERTEL CLEANUP: JANET AUGENBRAUN, REISHA FREEDMAN, HELEN KAHAN, CHANDAYE PASTMAN, LAURIE REISKIND, EILEEN RICHMAN, LIVIA WEIN, JACKIE WERTEL CENTERPIECES: PHYLLIS WERNER SPEAKER: RABBI DANIELLE UPBIN PROGRAM: LORRI HELFAND TORAH FUND CARDS; JENNIFER STERNBERG AND KAREN KAUFFMAN SPECIAL GIFTS CHAIR: MARILYN LEVINE INVITATIONS AND RESERVATIONS: ANITA HELFAND THANK YOU TO ANYONE ELSE WHO HELPED MAKE THE DINNER A SUCCESS!

Gift Opportunities:_______________________________ Chai $18 Associate Patron $600 Koach $28 Patron $1200 Benefactor $180 Scholarship $2500 Guardian $300 Keter Kavod $5000 With your donation of $180 or more, you will receive this beautiful gold and silver pin.

Make your check payable to “Torah Fund,” and send to Marilyn LeVine, 1900 Park Street North, St. Petersburg, 33710

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tuesday, April 5: Community Women’s Seder Congregation Beth Shalom, Clearwater Saturday, April 9: April Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Tuesday, April 12: Women’s League Program 7:00 pm Saturday, May 14: Yom Ha’atzmaut Israeli Breakfast Kiddush, May Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Saturday, June 4: June & July Simha Shabbat and Kiddush

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Women’s League This month is full of preparations and gatherings, in the

FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW....

season of hope, springtime and Passover. Your Women’s

We are really thrilled with all the new Passover items and gift items we added to the Judaica Shop.

Just by looking through the showcases, you will see . we have so many beautiful gift items for every occasion and for everyone's taste.

League continues to welcome you to the synagogue on Shabbat with hospitality and refreshments. In other ways, any day, Sisterhood (our original name) helps to strengthen the connections between generations, making strangers into friends. JOIN US with your membership and

Please note that we special order and that we gift wrap.

Just stop by appointment and we would be happy to show you around. Some of the items we have available are: ceremonial objects for the home, jewelry and watches with Hebrew dial, yads, mezzuzot, klafs (kosher), ahava products, draydels, gifts for the mah jongg player and more.

JOIN IN at any event.

There’s a fun program, “Tale of a Table,” planned for Tuesday, April 12. It will be full of surprises with a sprinkling of laughter and a ladle of learning. You may come alone, but you won’t be alone for long. For a few hours that evening,

We invite you to call us for an appointment....

Diana Litt.............727.392.5554 Eileen Richman....727.393.6430 Anita Helfand.......727.347.2300

you can take a break from everyday concerns. Are you thinking, “Why do I need this?” We’ll be honest: we need you! Your smile could truly be the one that lifts the spirits of someone else. See you at shul!

May you and yours have a healthy, happy and sweet Passover.

Eileen, Karen, Diana and Anita

I appreciate every person who extended good wishes to me surrounding the March 8 Torah Fund dinner. It was truly gratifying to receive this honor. Thank you especially for expressing personal messages of support, which I carry in my heart.

Your generous donations to the Torah Fund and our Women’s League make a statement and, most importantly, make a difference. I know that, by working together, we can go from strength to strength.

Sincerely, Carol Gray Marger

Todah Rabah!!

Todah Rabah to the many Women League Volunteers who spent hours baking our homemade hamentaschen. This is a treat we all enjoy every year. It would and could not happen without the dough leaders, Irma Mayer and Esta Blaxberg, and their team Reisha Freedman and Dianne Bloom. Then, on one special night, many women come to CBI to roll, fill and bake the hamentaschen. Thanks to each of you who helped! The congregational family enjoyed your efforts. Additional thanks go to Amy, Chris and Christopher Hale who help in our kitchen to make sure the baking and clean-up is done.

Todah Rabah also to all of the CBI members who fulfilled the mitzvah of Misloach Manot on Purim by purchasing the Mishloach Manot bags from Women League. This fund raising project is a win-win for CBI and Women’s League as monies raised by Women’s League go directly back to supporting CBI in many significant ways. Todah Rabah to those who purchased the bags, and to the students of the PRECEC who decorated the bags with the enthusiastic cooperation from Director, Rachel Bennett, and to all who came to help prepare and fill the bags with treats.

Special thanks to Dianne Gettler for her administrative assistance, and to Laurie Reiskind who lovingly managed the Mishloach Manot project from beginning to end.

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Life Cycle Mazal Tov!

In Memoriam

Margot and Michael Benstock

Esther Fisch, z”l Mother of Margot (Michael) Benstock Grandmother of David (Erica) Benstock, Yael (Ben) Alpert, and Yona (Jeremy) Friedman

on the marriage of their daughter Yona to Jeremy Friedman and to Joan and Jerry Benstock, grandparents David (Erica) Benstock, brother Yona (Ben) Alpert, sister Susie and Alan Schwartz, and Tonya and Peter Benstock, aunts and uncles

Marvin Jacobs, z”l Husband of Kitty Jacobs Father of Jay Jacobs Brother of Rita Jacobs

Dr. David LeVine

Rene Silverstein, z”l

Chief Medical Officer, Menorah Manor on being named AMDA’s 2016 Medical Director of the Year

by AMDA-The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine

Rosalind Sue Ayes, z”l Daughter of Sylvia Ayes Sister of Dr. Irwin (Hannah) Ayes

Susan Jarvis Goldstein David Gil, z"l

on receiving her certification as a Fellow in Synagogue Administration from the North American Association of Synagogue Executives

Son of Patzi and Asher Gil Brother of Daniel Gil Partner of Donald Windover

INTO GOD’S HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT The Solitary Flame of the Yahrzeit light is a silent tribute to the preciousness and eternity of the human soul. Attending services, reciting Kaddish, and contributing to tzedakah are appropriate ways to commemorate your loved one’s memory.

May God comfort the families among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

If you are interested in purchasing a permanent Memorial Plaque and having it placed on our Memorial Wall, please contact Pam Askin at 27.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org for more information.

Etz Chaim Tree of Life Looking for a special way to honor family and friends celebrating a Simha?

BUNS FAMILY TREE OF LIFE is just the answer.

What a joy it is for someone to walk into our shul and see a tribute in honor of his/her Bar or Bat Mitzvah, special birthday, anniversary, or wedding. Order forms are in the synagogue office and lobby. Minimum donation $254

It is a Tree of Life to those who uphold it.

Proverbs 3:16-8 18

Life Cycle

April Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 9 10 11

Bob Warsaw Jessica Strait Sandy Brasch Robin Schroeder Dr. Naomi Abel Sandi Rodman Dr. Warren Abel Joan Redisch Joyce Seder Diane Jay

12 12 14 14 15 15 16 16 20 20 20

George Sakovich Barbara Karpay Rachel Wein Susan Turner Michael Hurwitz I. Jerome Rosenberg Dr. David Gross Naomi Berg Gerald Weisberg Bette Schroeder Dr. Steven Shwer

22 22 24 25 25 25 27 27 29 29 29

Claire Yogman Billie Bornstein Meni Kanner Pearl Brook Leslie Kirsner Joel Berman Liz Sembler Dennis Vorob Teddi Robbins Dr. Steve Warren Joanne Luski

Anniversaries 5 7 9 12 13 26

Jeremiah & Diane Weiner Dr. Robert & Jennifer Sternberg Dr. Harold & Anita Pollack Dr. Fred & Mali Feld Greg & Liz Sembler Michael & Bonnie Walker

Download the Passover Guide for 2016 at www.rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide

Celebrate your April Birthday and Anniversary at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, April 9, 9:00 am.

MITZVAH GRAM! Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, and B'nai Mitzvah. Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time supporting CBI's commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and kehilla through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund.

Do a Mitzvah; make a Minyan!

Your special simha is a wonderful opportunity to attend one of our twice-daily Minyan services.

See the calendar on Pages 14-15 for service times.

Circle the names of everyone you want to honor with a Mitzvah Gram. Send this form together with a check made out to CBI to: CBI c/o Kesef Accounting Services, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645. You can also donate online at cbistpete.org/donate.

CBI is proud to be partnering with TOP and the Grinspoon Foundation in the Life & Legacy Program.

We request a minimum donation of $10 per acknowledgement.

Your Name: ____________________________ Address: ______________________________ City:____________________ Zip: __________ Telephone: _____________________________

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Donations & Tributes Adult Education Fund Phil & Joan Redisch Don & Annette Weinshank

In Memory Of Loved Ones Gus Barshefsky

Gail Warren Leadership Fund Jack & Linda Goldfarb

Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Greg Liz Sembler

In Honor Of Marriage of Yona Benstock & Jeremy Friedman Carol Marger’s Award Birth of Merit Gross In Memory Of Dr. Hyman Rosenberg Esther Fisch

Library Music/Video Fund Ruth Lebowitz Bev Sherman

In Memory Of Robert Erman Gertrude Shure

Maller Education Fund Joel & Ellen Goetz

In Memory Of Gertrude Shure

Jack & Linda Goldfarb Greg & Liz Sembler

Minyan Fund Dr. Pat Cottrille Dr. Leslie & Reva Perlstein Mitzvah Fund Sam Koppelman Dr. Pat Cottrille Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Morry & Billie Bomstein Beverly Dikman Beverly Dikman Reisha Freedman Lenny & Millie Gelfond Jack & Linda Goldfarb Susan Goldstein Larry & Vera Green Valerie Hyman Byron Kolitz & Dr. Starr Silver Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Eileen Richman Eileen Richman Eileen Richman Dr. Mark & Debbie Sokolov Lenny & Millie Gelfond Judy Benjamin Ira & Susie Berman Reisha Freedman Larry & Helen Freid Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Susan Goldstein

In Honor Of April Birthdays & Anniversaries Speedy Recovery to Naomi Berg Birth of Merit Gross Anita Silver Dr. Warren Abel Engagement of Dr. Jocelyn Lewis Birth of Merit Gross Birth of Merit Gross Birth of Merit Gross Bev Sherman’s Birthday Dr. David LeVine Carol Marger Birth of Merit Gross Jay Kaufman’s Birthday & Bar Mitzvah Anniversary Michael Barth Birthday & Bar Mitzvah Anniversary Carol Marger’s Award Marriage of Yona Benstock & Jeremy Friedman Carol Marger’s Award In Memory Of Esther Fisch Esther Fisch Edith Sosonkin Maximus Bloom Sol Soman Esther Fisch

Steve & Linda Grau Jay & Terri Gross Moe & Pam LeCompte Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Arthur & Joan Richard Dr. Frank & Arlene Moss Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Jean Wittner

Dr. Sidney Grau Esther Fisch Ted P. Wittner Esther Fisch Martin Lurie Alan Koenig Norman & Raela Moss Robert Erman Sheila Reed Ted P. Wittner

Pauline Rivkind Fund Barry & Jackie Kanner

In Honor Of Birth of Merit Gross

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund Dr. David & Myra Gross

In Honor Of Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg’s New Home In Memory Of Esther Fisch Penna Skop Samuel Bernstein Jerry & Thelma Gilbert Fay & Alfred Sonn Rhonda Gale Janofsky Esther Fisch Myron Kaplan Charles Boux

Lou Bader Ed Bailey & Dr. Nancy Landfish Barbara Bernstein Mark Gilbert Larry & Myrna Irwin Sam & Sandy Janofsky Shelley Lynn Susan Turner Mike & Mavis Wallace USY Fund Rita Jacobson

In Honor Of Dr. & Mrs. Richard Melker’s New Home Marriage of Yona Benstock & Jeremy Friedman

Shelley Lynn

Frank & Arlene Moss USY Pilgrimage Fund Murray & Myrna Rubin Ellen Bernstein Ellen Bernstein

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In Memory Of Hortense Lasher In Honor Of Birth of Merit Gross In Memory Of Esther Fisch Robert Erman

Membership Directory Updates Sam Green 555 3rd Street N, Apt 13 St. Petersburg 33701 sam.green1130@gmail.com Judge Ronald Parker & Ms. Harriet Zimmer 6500 Sunset Way, #321 St. Pete Beach 33706 Rip5nj@aol.com

Robert & Elizabeth Weiner 8693 Bardmoor Boulevard, #3011 Largo 33777 rhweine@mail.usf.edu Dr. Ira Azneer 500 Trinity Lane N, #7210 St. Petersburg 33716

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MAZON: A Jewish Response To Hunger

BUNS FAMILY LIBRARY We have just placed some wonderful books on the shelves for you to borrow and enjoy !

NON-FICTION: Not In God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi oF the United Kingdom (170SAC) Ally by Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the US ( 953.22 ORE) Sacred Treasure: The Cairo Genizah by Rabbi Mark Glickman (902GLI) Isaac Stern—My First 79 Years: written with Chiam Potok (B STE) FICTION: The Marriage fo Opposites by Alice Hoffman (F HOF) - the early life of Camille Pissarro The Laundry Room by Lynda Lippman Lockhart (F LIP), Israel Resistance in 1946 by local author 22

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Congregation B’nai Israel B’nai Israel Review 300 -58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889 Tel: 727.381.4900 Fax: 727.344.1307 Website: www.cbistpete.org 24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail

Change Service Requested

Join us in honoring

DEBBIE MARMON for sharing her talent and love of Judaism with CBI as Educator and Torah Reader for the last 13 years during Shabbat Morning Services April 2, at 9:00am, followed by Kiddush Lunch.

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