January 2017 Tevet –Shevat 5777
Volume 5777 Issue 6
IN THIS ISSUE Contact Us
Page 2
Special Happenings
Page 3
Leadership Messages
Pages 4-5
Session Courses:
Sunday Morning University
What Makes The Sun Shine?
PRECEC & Youth
Storytelling and Identity in Jewish American Literature.
Pages 6-7
Pages 9-12
Adult Studies
Obstruction of Justice. Home Run or Strike Out?
Women’s League & Mitzvah Men’s Club
The Atomic Nucleus: Fission, Fusion and Uranium Enrichment
Life Cycle Events
Jewish Composers of The Great Depression
Pages 16
Pages 9, 17, 21 Pages 18-19 Tributes
Pages 20 Advertisers
Pages 22-28
When Your Z-Pac Can Kill You: How Antibiotic Misuse and Overuse Is Creating a World Health Crisis
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 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org
Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x1005 Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Rachel Bennett 727.381.4900 x2001 preschool@cbistpete.org
Torah Reader/Facilities/Finance Bob Weinrib 727.381.4900 x1004 Accounting@cbistpete.org
Congregant Support Pam Askin 727.381.4901 officemgr@cbistpete.org Director Of Communications Hana Cowart 727.344.1017 Hana@cbistpete.org
Lifelong Learning Maureen Sechan 727.381.4900 x1011 DLL@cbistpete.org
President Susan Marger LeVine doc2roc@aol.com Women’s League Catering Livia Wein polyglatt@gmail.com Men’s Club President Leo Lang leopoldlang@gmail.com USY President Danielle LeVine DanielleL3201@gmail.com
Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com
Kehilla BIKKUR HOLIM: about sharing patient names, even with clergy. We need our congregants to communicate directly with us to inform us of illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin at 727-381-4901 so that, as clergy and synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments of difficulty or stress.
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 takes very seriously. When our members are ill or hospitalized we want to know. In the interest of protecting confidentiality hospitals today are very cautious
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Special Happenings
The launch date for “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?” is January 27, 2017. Which means it’s not too late for you to sign up to host an initial Shabbat dinner! “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?” is part of a nationwide program in Conservative synagogues. Host congregants invite other members – where possible, those who have never been in their homes before – to Shabbat dinner on a specified Friday night (dates, once a month, have been cleared on the synagogue calendar.) Guests are asked to be hosts to other guests the following month! Reciprocity is not expected. Our aim is to be inclusive. The program has two goals: 1. To strengthen the synagogue community 2. To help members build meaningful memories and relationships To learn more, read the following article from the United Synagogue’s CJ magazine: http://www.cjvoices.org/article/guess-whos-coming-toshabbas/ We have 14 members who have already stepped up to host the January 27, 2017 dinner and we can use more. Contact the chairs, Maureen Shacter or Mary Ann Marger (contact info below) if you can join them. A planning session will be January 5 at 7:30PM at Mary Ann Marger’s house, 1901 80 Street North, St. Petersburg.
Mary Ann Marger artmarger@aol.com 727-345-3637
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Maureen Shacter weinma@gmail.com 727-393-3467
From the Rabbi Day in and day out, year in and year out, one of the most distinctive characteristics of Congregation B’nai Israel is our daily minyan. Walk into the Grossman Chapel on any weekday morning or evening and you will immediately become part of a significant experience, an amalgam of prayer, learning, friendship, sociability and community. We maintain a daily minyan at CBI for many reasons. It signals that the traditional rhythms of Jewish worship are built into the culture and priorities of the congregation. It provides a setting where each of us can potentially find a few moments of peace, reflection, spirituality, comfort and strength amid the many pressures of life. It ensures that those who have the responsibility of saying Kaddish for a loved one, whether during the period after the loss or for a yahrzeit, can do so with predictability. Our daily minyan serves many purposes, but does not function in a vacuum. It requires the presence of at least ten Jews at each service, male or female, the minimum number long ago stipulated as the definition for an official Jewish assembly. Without a minyan, we cannot say certain prayers, including Kaddish. In a congregation as vibrant as ours, having enough participants at the daily minyan should be axiomatic. Unfortunately, the reality is otherwise. Different times of the year compound the challenge further. I do not believe philosophically in assigning congregants to a specific minyan day and time. Attendance at minyan should be essentially self-motivated, precisely because we recognize the benefits it offers both to us and to our synagogue community. Therefore, a suggestion and a fervent plea: Please come to our CBI minyan “at least” once a month. You decide which day is convenient and practical for you, and whether morning or evening suits your schedule better. If it turns out that there are more than ten in attendance, ‘harei zeh meshubach’; it is all the more praiseworthy and delightful. Such a commitment will yield the following results: You will know that you have helped in sustaining the CBI minyan and all the values it encompasses, and you will have added a significant mitzvah to your personal roster. It does not get any better than that! What I am requesting is a relatively small investment of time. It is only “at least” once a month, but what a positive difference it will make at CBI. I thank you in advance for your understanding and for your response. Shalom, Rabbi Jacob Luski
From the Cantor By the time you read this, we will have just finished celebrating Hanukka, and we will be in the Hebrew month of Tevet. The month of Tevet contains one of the four minor fast days, the Fast of the Tenth of Tevet. This year, the Tenth of Tevet falls on Sunday, January 8, 2017. The Fast of the Tenth of Tevet commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia, which began on that date in 588 BCE (II Kings 25:1-4) and which ultimately culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple two years later. The first reference to the Tenth of Tevet as a fast appears in Zechariah 8:19 where it is called “the fast of the tenth month.” Other references to the fast and the siege of Jerusalem can be found in Ezekiel 24:1-2 and Jeremiah 52:4-6. According to tradition, as described by the liturgy of the day’s Selichot, the fast also commemorates other calamities that occurred throughout Jewish history on the tenth of Tevet and the two days preceding it. As with other minor fast days, the fast of the Tenth of Tevet begins at dawn (alot hashahar) and ends at nightfall (tzeit hakochavim). Unlike Tisha B’Av, there are no additional physical constraints beyond fasting, e.g. bathing and wearing leather shoes are permitted. Also, the exemptions from fasting of those who are ill, and pregnant or nursing women, are more lenient than the same exemptions on Tisha B’Av. The Tenth of Tevet is also similar to the other minor fast days in terms of the liturgy. The “Aneinu” prayer is added in the Amidah, Avinu Malkenu is recited at both Shacharit and Mincha, the Torah is read at both Shacharit and Mincha, and a Haftarah is recited at Mincha. The Tenth of Tevet is the only minor fast day that can coincide with a Friday in the current Jewish calendar. If the fast occurs on a Friday, the fast should be observed until nightfall, even though Shabbat begins before sunset. But don’t worry – this won’t happen again until 2020. Shalom,
Cantor Jonathan Schultz
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From the President
Our marathon-runner costumed-Dreidel, Richard Sorkin, runs a fast race! It wasn’t until half-way into the race that my son Marc, who runs Cross Country, passed him and secured a time of 23:40. My time was spent jogging and fast walking alongside Liz Sembler, as we rooted people on and enjoyed the camaraderie. As each of us crossed the finish line we received a hero’s welcome. The race is a huge win for our synagogue in so many ways: bringing together a vast coalition of skilled volunteers, raising funds and reaching out to the community. I believe our future success hinges on continuous community outreach. At CBI, we pride ourselves in embracing the beauty of being traditionally observant while remaining involved in the community at large. In the month of January, we offer innovative programming outside the confines of our synagogue through events such as Havdala in the City (January 7) and a new home hospitality initiative called “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?” Back home at CBI, make sure you sign up to participate in our Women’s League Shabbat with Got Shabbat? Dinner and Services at CBI (January 20-21) and our Sunday Morning University (January 22).
The CBI-Jewish National Fund “JNF” Parkland Project, spearheaded by Byron Kolitz, is over half-way to reaching the 5 thousand tree planting goal. Dedicate a tree for $18, or up to 36 trees for $180 in celebration or in memory of someone dear to you and help CBI reach its goal by calling 800-542-8733 and cite JNF Parkland Project #RN140633. Forms are available in the CBI lobby or can be downloaded at CBIstpete.org. I’d like to spotlight our Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) under the direction of Rachel Bennett. The Center maintains a profit with classrooms at peak capacity, which has necessitated a much-needed expansion. Rachel and leadership keep a close watch on teacher to student ratios while providing excellence in programming. The program is enriched with field trips, celebrations, a music program and Kidding Around Yoga. The front office at CBI is always buzzing with activity and we need more volunteers! Stop on by to check-out a library book, purchase a gift shop item or to volunteer a couple hours at the front desk. Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who have stepped forward to give their time to strengthen Conservative Judaism in St. Petersburg! See you in Shul!
Susan Marger LeVine
From the Director of Lifelong Learning
I recently read an article in eJewish Philanthropy that resonated with me. I’ve been trying to remove the word “should” from my vocabulary when talking with my learning community. There’s an inner buzzer that goes off more and more often when my brain starts to form the word. “Should” implies to me there is one way to do something, and if I “should be doing this” then what I’m currently doing is wrong. It just doesn’t feel good to hear it or to say it anymore. We all know there are lots of different paths to the same destination! There are too many “shoulds” in Jewish education as well. We’ve tried lots of approaches that no longer make sense to a large number of learners. While some Jews crave the content-based learning of texts and language, prayer and maps, many people find the content irrelevant and completely disconnected from the life they’re living, especially if their experiences are not “typical” and outside traditional communities and social context. In essence, the “shoulds” exclude a large number of potential learners from our community.
“For successful Jewish education to occur, we must declare that the most essential element of Jewish education today is not our curriculum, not our educators, not even our Torah and certainly not our houses of learning. The element that matters first and foremost in Jewish education today are our learners” (David Bryfman, Chief Innovation Officer, The Jewish Education Project). This doesn’t mean eliminating Torah or traditional Jewish texts from our learning or ignoring our tradition’s unique rituals. It does mean that our lives and our social context will determine how we relate emotionally to our traditions. We live in a time where we’re proud to be Jewish, and educators can make a big impact by focusing on students’ feelings and doing everything in our power to make them deeply happy: fulfilled and enabled to be the best version of themselves. This type of satisfaction allows our learners to be fully engaged in their lives socially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. I’ve learned to love probing questions far more than answers and information, and the questions I’ll be asking myself and my students are: Who am I? Where do I fit in this world? How can I live a more fulfilling life? How can I make the world a better place? We all have different answers to these questions because we all relate to the world and each other in a unique way. As a Jewish educator, I am trying to shape my thinking to understand that my task is not to transmit a single body of tradition to a group of learners, but to individuate Jewish learning to ensure that it impacts as many different people as possible. The ability to translate our tradition to the issues that matter in people’s lives today is essential to the success of Jewish education. We have a variety of learning experiences coming up this month. I hope to see you and I’m looking forward to the questions!
Maureen Sechan Director of Lifelong Learning
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BAY AREA CANTORIAL AASSOCIATION Invites You to our Joyous, Inspirational 14th Annual Concert
SHIRAT HA’AMA: JEWISH MUSICAL GEMS
Sunday, February 12, 7:00 pm Hosted by Temple B’nai Israel, Clearwater 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, Fl33764 727-531-5829
Sunday February 19, 7:00 pm Welcome Reception , 6:00 pm Hosted by Temple Sinai, Sarasota 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, Fl 34231 941-924-1802 ( Note: Enter form Proctor Rd)
Presented by Cantors & Cantorial Soloists of Tampa Bay/Sarasota Cliff Abramson Riselle Bain Laura Berkson Rick Berlin Deborah Cannizzaro Tanya Greenblatt Joy Katzen-Guthrie Diane Becker Krasnick Beth Schlossberg Jonathan Schultz Jodi Sered-Lever with Tara Richards Swartzbaugh, Pianist Tickets available at the door for a suggested donation of $18 each. Any donation gratefully accepted. No one turned away. All proceeds benefit scholarships for children of Reform & Conservative Schools of Sacred Cantorial Music. 8
TORAH FUND DINNER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 6:00 PM HONORING
SANDY BRASCH 2017 CBI WOMEN’S LEAGUE JACKIE JACOBS WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE
Guest Speaker: Liz Sembler Board of Advisors of William Davidson Graduate School of Education, Jewish Theological Seminary R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, February 14, 2017 to Anita Helfand, 347-2300 or email:anita1121@msn.com Covert: $20.00 Plus suggested donation Your check is your reservation, made payable to CBI Women’s League DONATIONS Contact Information: $180 Benefactor Torah Fund Chair: Joanne Luski $300 Guardian Level Torah Fund Cards: Jennifer Sternberg $600 Associate Patron Special Gifts Co Chair: Marilyn LeVine $1,200 Patron Assistant Gifts Chair: Vivian Lurie
Attention Parents of Young Children Coming January 27! The first in a series of conversations for parents on finding spirituality in parenting. Yes, being a parent is incredible, but it is often a challenge to find spirituality in the mundane moments of family life. Come to learn more from Maureen about Nurture the WOW by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. It provides a springboard for conversations on capturing the “Radical Amazement” of becoming a Jewish family.
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347-1741 391-9085 343-2196 391-7441
February 2014
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Happy 2017 from Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center We are so thankful for 2016 and the exponential growth that we experienced together. As we anticipated, we have grown at such a fast rate that we absolutely must expand our early education program. Call to book your tour today! Space is EXTREMELY limited.
CALLING ALL STORYTELLERS! Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers to come read to our youngest learners. PRECEC will be closed 12/19/16 – 1/2/17 Coming up in January Monday, January 2 PRECEC CLOSED, Teacher Planning Tuesday, January 3 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Monday, January 16 PRECEC CLOSED, MLK Day Tuesday, January 24 PTA Meeting, 4:30 pm Wednesday, January 25 Visit From The Dentist, 9:30 am Friday, January 27 Family Pre-Shabbat, CBI Sanctuary,10:00 am
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 Director Rachel Bennett at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668.
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YOUTH & FAMILY EVENTS A TASTY FUNDRAISER
Art & Heritage A beautiful new piece of Judaic artwork now adorns the halls of our synagogue. The meticulously hand-crafted quilt, located near the library, celebrates our many meaningful Jewish holidays and traditions and was created by renowned artist Jean Weissman of Columbus, Ohio, cousin of Claire and Ron Yogman.
Join HaNegev February 19th 2017 at
Jean showcased her multi-faceted artistic talents at the annual CBI Crafts Show.
Magic Kingdom Orlando
We will be at the park from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm!
$91
RSVP by January 25 to Maureen Sechan
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The artwork, for all to enjoy, was donated by the Estate of Beatrice F. Mehl, former CBI member who passed away in December 2011, in loving memory of her beloved parents, Miriam and Nathan Fischman.
2016 Chase The Dreidel We give the second annual Chase the Dreidel 5K two thumbs up! Over 125 runners (40% more than last year!) gathered to run and walk the beautiful course along 58th Street and the Pinellas Trail. A bounce house, craft table, and lovely basket display for PRECEC's Hanukka drawing meant there was plenty to do before starting the race. Afterwards, the social hall was full as everyone enjoyed a tasty latke dinner. Between latkes, Chase the Dreidel attendees perused art, Judaica, and other items from the Bid & Buy CBI online auction, which raised several thousand dollars for CBI! A big THANK YOU to the loads of volunteers who made the afternoon possible, from those handing out water along the course to the online auction team to our wonderful Chase the Dreidel committee. We're already looking forward to Chase the Dreidel 2017!
As Volunteer Coordinator for the 2016 Chase The Dreidel 5K Race and Auction, I would like to thank the people and organizations listed below for all of the work they performed and the donations that were made to make this so successful. Some worked for months, others worked for hours, but as a team, CBI came out ahead! We could not have had this happen without everyone's commitment. I especially want to thank the sponsors for their generous support in making this a reality. The Second Annual Chase the Dreidel 5K Race is now behind us and we have already started planning for the Third Annual Chase the Dreidel 5K Race in December of 2017. If you would like to be part of this, please let someone on the committee listed below know. There is certainly a place for everyone. And most importantly, I want to thank all of the runners and walkers. We had a huge increase in participants over last year. And we hope to continue this upward trend into the future. Thank you, Linda Weiss, Volunteer Coordinator VOLUNTEERS Stephanie Adelson Michael Barth Louisa Benjamin Eileen Berman Susie Berman Kathleen Buns
Audrey Dantowitz Fred Feld Lauren Freeman Reisha Freedman Ed Ginsberg Andy Giskin Judi Gordon Mark Gordon Larry Green Anita Helfand Lorri Helfand Dean Hershkowitz Helen Kahan Diane Litt Bill Marger Mary Ann Marger Gilad Melamed Nicole Melamed
Aliza Norstein Keith Norstein Reva Perlstein Eileen Richman Maureen Schacter Cantor Jonathan Schultz Fred Sechan Maureen Sechan Mike Slomka Randal Weinberg Bob Weinrib Livia Wein Ari Weiss Phyllis Werner Daniel Wertel Jackie Wertel Art Zinkerman
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DREIDEL Richard Sorkin SPONSORS The Merck Family Tampa Bay Rays Louisa & Mark Benjamin Larry & Sheryl Feinman & Family Linda & Jack Goldfarb Mark & Judi Gordon Valerie Hyman, Jocelyn & Soloman Howard LeVine Surgical Associates Reva & Leslie Pearlstein Reich Family, Sound Branding Ideas
Aaron, Noah & Eitan Wein Linda Weiss COMMITTEE MEMBERS Oren Adelson, Chair Michael Barth Louisa Benjamin Jocelyn Howard Valerie Hyman Richard Sorkin Linda Weiss
Tevet-Shevat 5777 January 2017 Sun
Morning Minyan
Mon
Tue
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HAPPY NEW YEAR ! NO PRTT 9:00 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
OFFICE CLOSED NO PRECEC 9:00 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
School Resumes 7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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Followed by Breakfast
Sundays 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am January 2 & 16 Minyan at 9:00am
Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm
Fast Day: Asara B’etevet 9:00 am Morning Minyan 9:45 am PRTT 9:45 am Gan Yom Rishon Drop In 1:00pm USY Laser Tag 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 9:15 am Kidding Around Yoga 11:00am Torah for Seniors at PBT 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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9:00 am Morning Minyan 9:45 am PRTT 9:45 am Gan Yom Rishon 10:30am Rosh Hodesh Group 6:00pm AIPAC Annual Event 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
Dr. Martin Luther King Day OFFICE CLOSED NO PRECEC 9:00 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 9:15 am Kidding Around Yoga 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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9:00 am Morning Minyan 9:45 am PRTT 9:45 am Gan Yom Rishon 10:00am Sunday Morning University 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 9:15 am Kidding Around Yoga 4:30 pm PRECEC PTA Meeting 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 7:00 pm Board of Trustees
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TBE Art Festival 9:00 am Morning Minyan 9:45 am PRTT 1:45 pm Pirate Cruise 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
9:00am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 9:00am Kidding Around Yoga 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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7:45 am Morning Minyan 4:30 pm PRTT 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 7:00 pm Men’s Club
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 6:45 pm Choir Rehearsal
7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 5:33 pm Candlelighting
Sedra Va-yiggash 9:00 am Shabbat Services, Kiddush 12:30 pm Minha* 6:30 pm Havdala In The City 7:30 pm Jewbilees Dinner at MEZE 119 CBI ish Dinner at Ceviche
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7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 6:45 pm Choir Rehearsal
7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 5:39 pm Candlelighting
Sedra Va-y’hi 9:00 am Shabbat Service, Kiddush 12:30 pm Minha*
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7:45 am Morning Minyan
11:00am PRECEC Storytime with Rabbi Luski 12:00pm LWR 4:30 pm PRTT 5:15 pm ITJ 5:30pm Haftarah Class 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 7:00 pm Hebrew High 7:00pm Talmud Class
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7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 6:45 pm Choir Rehearsal
Sedra Sh’mot 7:45 am Morning Minyan 9:00 am Women’s League 6:00 pm Women’s League Shabbat Service, Kabbalat Shabbat , Simcha Shabbat, Kiddush GOT SHABBAT? Dinner 10:00 am Tot Shabbat 5:44 pm Candlelighting 10:00 am Jr. Congregation 12:30 pm Minha*
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7:45 am Morning Minyan 10:00am Hadassah Book Club 4:30 pm PRTT 5:30pm Haftarah Class 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 7:00 pm Hebrew High 7:00pm Talmud Class
9:00 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 6:45 pm Choir Rehearsal
Guess Who’s Coming For Shabbos? 7:45 am Morning Minyan 10:00am PRECEC Pre-Shabbat Celebration 4:30 pm Nurturing The WOW 5:50 pm Candlelighting 6:00 pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
Sedra Va-era Rosh Hodesh Shevat 9:00 am Federation Shabbat Services 10:00am Learner’s Service 12:30 pm Minha* Kadima Lock-In, Kol Ami, Tampa
*Shabbat Minha will begin approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of morning services 15
Adult Studies & Special Events ROSH HODESH WOMEN’S GROUP SUNDAY, January 15, 10:30 am at the home of Valerie Hyman. A light brunch will be served. As always, lively participation and discussion will follow!! Please RSVP to Valeriehyman@betternews.com
TORAH FOR SENIORS WITH RABBI LUSKI TUESDAY, January 10, 11:00 AM PHILIP BENJAMIN TOWER Rabbi Jacob Luski meets for monthly Torah discussion at Philip Benjamin Tower.
I look forward to seeing all of you. Sheryl Feinman
LUNCH WITH RABBI AND MISHNA STUDY WEDNESDAY, January 11, 12:00 NOON, CBI ATRIUM Deli lunch and Mishna Study with Rabbi Luski meets monthly on Wednesdays at noon in the Atrium. Submit your lunch order by Tuesday, January 10 to Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org
CBI Learners’ Service
CBI-HADASSAH BOOK CLUB Wednesday, January 18, 10:30 AM, CBI LIBRARY Good news for those who like to sleep in: we'll be meeting a little later at 10:30 am until further notice. Please join us for lively and intellectual discussion at the CBI library. Note the two new selections at the bottom of the list. We still don't have a volunteer to facilitate the April and May meetings. Consider stepping up. We are a mostly selffacilitating discussion group needing someone to keep us on topic. You can prepare as much or as little as you prefer. 1/18/17 The Secret Chord: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks; Facilitator: Elaine Fein 2/12/17 One last thing before I go by Jonathan Tropper; Facilitator: Sheila Wasserman 3/15/17 Fault Lines by Nancy Huston; Facilitator: Carolyn Isakson 4/19/17 to be announced 5/17/17 to be announced
Shabbat Mornings 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Beginning January 28, 2017 Join us to unravel the meaning, structure, and choreography of the traditional Shabbat morning prayer service. If you’ve ever wondered why we say certain prayers, or even why we pray; if you’ve been confused during services, or even checked out at times; come learn with us how to decipher individual prayers and create a worship practice that is meaningful and inspirational to you. Each service will be led by either Jay Kauffman, Liz Sembler, or Steve Wein, and each will focus on one aspect or section of the service during a condensed Shacharit, Torah and Musaf service. This is a chance to learn how to pray in a low-key, non-threatening environment. These sessions will enable you to feel more comfortable and integrated when you join the main service in the Sanctuary. The ability to read Hebrew is not required.
HAFTARAH CLASSES with Liz Sembler
The Learner’s Service will be held on January 28, February 4, February 18, March 4, March 18, and April 1.
Develop the skills to prepare and present a Haftarah at services. Knowledge of Hebrew Required
Please let Liz know if you plan to attend any or all of these sessions. Call the synagogue at 381-4900, ext. 207 or email Liz at lizsembler@aol.com.
Beginning Wednesdays January 18 through February 15 Contact Liz Sembler at LizSembler@aol.com for more information.
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Mitzvah Men’s Club
Women’s League
Did you get the latest email from The Club with the news and current communication? If you did not, it may be because you are not a member. The simplest way to ensure your membership is to write a check for $54, made out to Mitzvah Men’s Club, put it in an envelope, write Mitzvah Men’s club on the outside, and drop it in the mail slot at CBI.
FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW We appreciate your support for shopping the Judaica Shop way for Hanukka. You can shop at the Judaica Shop by appointment by calling Eileen Richman.....727.393.6430 Diana Litt............... 727.392.5554 Anita Helfand........ 727.347.2300
If you have an account and assumed you could charge your dues to that, you are almost correct. On the CBI website in the area where you manage your account is a line specifically for paying your dues. If you enter $54 on the MMC dues line we will get the money and you will be a member.
Yes, we had Hanukka hours for your shopping pleasure and found it to be most successful. Some of our congregants asked us about establishing a registry for weddings and wedding showers, B'nai Mitzvah, engagements and more. Call us at the above numbers and we will help you by making a list or putting items aside for your simha.
What a deal! For just 15 cents a day you are involved in the 21 activities the club sponsors and supports. From parties to scholarships. From Yellow Candle drives to Break The Fast bags. From presenting the Sparks medal to organizing blood drives. For just 15 cent a day, membership has to be the best buy in town.
Thank you to the ladies in the office for helping out when someone walks in and needs a gift. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING EVENTS...
Coming in February is our famous World Wide Wrap. It is scheduled for Sunday, February 5th. We start in the morning with instruction on how to lay Tefillin. If you do not have a set we can provide you with one. We have knowledgeable folks that can assist you including the prayers involved. We have at least one left handed person that can help also. The help session is followed by a Minyan service and group picture on the Bema. We then supply a brunch with a speaker to address the gathering. It is always a well attended exciting event. You do not have to be a member to participate but it helps.
Remember we cater a delicious kiddush luncheon every Shabbat. Call Livia Wein, at 727.393.3289 for information on how you can sponsor. January 20 and 21, Women's League Shabbat. After Friday evening services a Got Shabbat? Dinner will take place. Saturday after services we will have a delicious kiddush luncheon. Thank you to Joan Redisch for coordinating the dinner. Reisha Freedman is our Service chair and will be in touch with WL members for participation. February 21, Torah Fund event to benefit the JTS. We are thrilled to honor Sandy Brasch as she will receive the Jackie Jacobs Woman of Achievement award
Keep your eye on the mail as our annual Yellow Candle fund raiser is coming. As we get closer we will need to get some volunteer help assembling the mailers. More on that later.
If you have any questions, please contact Carol Marger, 727.345.0433 or Anita Helfand, 727.347.2300.
At the last Board meeting it was decided to seek a project we could participate in to improve the synagogue. If anyone has suggestions let a board member know.
We need you and your help so WL can flourish. May you and yours have a happy, healthy New Year. With warm wishes, Carol and Anita
Down the road……... March brings the Men’s Club Shabbat and Shabbat service.
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April involves the Passover BBQ and the building of the Kotel in the social hall. Leo Lang, MMC President
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Life Cycle Events Mazal Tov! Birth of Aaron Eugene Ronay Parents, Alex and Alexia Ronay, big sister Annie Grandparents, Jorge & Masha Ronay
Celebrate your January Birthdays and Anniversaries at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, Janauary 21 at 9:00 am. Also, Junior Congregation & Tot Shabbat are at 10:00 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. 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. We request a minimum donation of $10 per acknowledgement.
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.
BUNS FAMILY LIBRARY New books come to the Library on a regular basis. Feel free to stop by, see our new selections and check out some great books. The Library is open for browsing during regular synagogue hours, except when there is a previously scheduled meeting in that location. You may ask for the key in the CBI office.
Your Name: ____________________________ Address: ______________________________ City:____________________ Zip: __________ Telephone: _____________________________
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 3:18
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January Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 7
Bonnie Walker David LeVine Barbara Colen Mike Slomka Jeffrey Strait Larry Goldberg Mark Gordon Phyllis Hirshfeild Jackie Wertel Moe LeCompte Fred Feld
7 9 11 11 11 12 12 12 14 14 14
Barbara Noonberg Nancy Landfish Lyle Cowart Jr. David Hutman Gerald Werner Aaron Abel Lou Bader Alice Ettinger Shirley Grossman Nancy Rosenberg Shevy Silverberg
15 17 18 18 19 19 20 22 23 24 24
Anniversaries 7 18 21 27
Robyn & Bryan Greenberg Starr & Byron Kolitz Amy & Andrew Giskin Livia & Steve Wein
Support Shabbat Kiddush Lunch Our Shabbat Kiddush luncheons have become a staple of the past year. Rather than rushing home to eat lunch the CBI community has enjoyed additional time after Shabbat morning services to socialize with friends and make new acquaintances. These lunches have encouraged the Mitzvah of participation in the Shabbat Minha Minyan. They have provided an additional opportunity for those saying Kaddish. Please help your Kehilla continue what has become a beloved part of the CBI Shabbat experience. To contribute to or sponsor a Kiddush luncheon please contact: Livia Wein at 727-393-3289 or email at polyglatt@gmail.com
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Jeffrey Ewig Stanley Rosenberg Thomas Epstein Michael Seltzer Larry Feinman Stephanie Stein Loren Isakson David Piper Jonathan Schultz Kory Blair Kathleen Buns
24 24 26 27 27 27 28 30 30 30 31
Martha Terry Charlene Wygodski Greg Engelman Yanina Fishman Dara Rosen-Gould Leo Weinshel Arthur Marlin Audrey Dantowitz Karen Kauffman Ellen Podgor Jack Eidelman
Donations & Tributes Adult Education Fund Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Carolyn Isakson Carolyn Isakson Mitch & Leslie Weiss Mitch & Leslie Weiss
In Honor Of Birth of Levi Feinman Appreciation of Liz Sembler Appreciation of Bob Weinrib Ellen Bernstein Birth of Levi Feinman
Camp Ramah Fund Sybil Rosen Mitch & Leslie Weiss
In Memory Of Don Silverberg Ed Reiskind
Cantor’s Fund Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Leslie Kirsner
In Memory Of Sally Cohen Sally Cohen
Gail Warren Leadership Fund Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Jack & Linda Goldfarb Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg
In Memory Of Adele Rosenberg Don Silverberg Dr. Paul Rosenberg
Jacobson Beautification Fund Family of Helen Applefield
In Memory Of Helen Applefield
Javitz Scholarship Fund Louis Orloff
In Memory Of Sylvan Orloff
Library/ Music/Video Fund Bev Sherman Bev Sherman
In Memory Of Helen Applefield Sally Cohen
Mitzvah Fund Akif Agayev Sam & Pamela Lowry Susan Turner Larry & Vera Green Larry & Vera Green Carolyn Isakson
Steve & Livia Wein
In Honor Of Appreciation of CBI Appreciation of CBI Birth of Levi Feinman Rabbi Jacob Luski Anita Helfand’s Birthday Hatanei Hatorah Honorees Joanne Luski, Laurie Reiskind, Ricki Lewis Jack & Marilyn Goldberg’s Anniversary Anita Helfand’s Birthday Selma Gaby’s Birthday Birth of Levi Feinman Birth of Levi Feinman Engagement of Josh Ludin & Ali Kitenplon Larry Feinman Hatanei Hatorah Honorees Joanne Luski, Laurie Reiskind, Ricki Lewis Rita Jacobson
Dee Dinsfriend Debbie Kobernick Frank & Kathy Mendelblatt Dick & Gerry Mensh Sharyn Jacobson Joel & Ellen Goetz Ira & Susie Berman Shari Craig Lenny & Millie Gelfond
In Memory Of Karen Dinsfriend Stephen Kobernick Dorothy Goffman Bertha Mack Harry Heller Helen Applefield Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Sally Cohen
Ruth Mauer Marc & Laurie Reiskind Marc & Laurie Reiskind Marc & Laurie Reiskind Greg & Liz Sembler Greg & Liz Sembler Greg & Liz Sembler Greg & Liz Sembler
Steve & Linda Grau David & Pati Gross Carolyn Isakson Ruth Lebowitz Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Shelley Lynn Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Lois Pardoll Brian & Debbie Taub Barnard Long Margaret Tribble Alfred May & Michelle Backlund Dianne & Daniel Soszka Marilyn Wittner Henry Simon & Dee Mosteller St. Petersburg College Foundation Willie & Gayle Day B.M. Brown & M.R. Wahl Joan Dithers Dinner Leslie & Reva Pearlstein Harold & Anita Pollack Marc & Laurie Reiskind Marc & Laurie Reiskind Joe & Diana Rosen Greg & Liz Sembler Mike & Sandy Slomka Linda Weiss Mary Wygodski
Don Silverberg Nyman Edward Myers Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Helen Applefield Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Sally Cohen Don Silverberg Sylvia Pearlstein Don Silverberg Alice Diamond Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Ann Barbanel Don Silverberg
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Carolyn Isakson
In Honor Of Appreciation of Rabbi Luski Judy Ross & Joel Banks New Home Marilyn Miller’s New Home
David & Myra Gross David & Myra Gross
Irwin & Barbara Feinman Irwin & Barbara Feinman Jack & Marilyn Goldberg Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Harold & Joyce Seder Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Ed Bailey & Nancy Landfish Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Helen Kahan Martin & Zina Rosenblum Alan & Susie Schwartz Bob Warsaw
In Memory Of Jeanne Faber Fay Feinman Sam Goldberg Alice Diamond Martin Seder Harry Solomon Harold Landfish Helen Applefield H Sobel Don Silverberg Don Silverberg Ben Warsaw
USY Fund Jack & Linda Goldfarb
In Honor Of Birth of Levi Feinman
Ellen Bernstein Ellen Bernstein Ron & Norma Maller
In Memory Of Helen Applefield Don Silverberg Woody Reiskind
USY Pilgrimage Fund Murray & Myrna Rubin
In Memory Of Sally Cohen
Donations & Tributes as of December 7, 2016
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We had a terrific response to our Kol Nidre Match Campaign. Congregants gave $43,000 in new and increased donations in 2016 over 2015. This is a quite a feat for a congregation of our size. Thanks to the match from the Benstock and Sembler families, we will receive an additional $86,000, for a total of $129,000 in new and increased donations. This will help reduce our borrowing and continue our engaging programming. Please give each other a pat on the back for the support you’re giving CBI. With gratitude to Valerie Hyman, VP/Fundraising
THE WOMEN’S LEAGUE JUDAICA SHOP Our Judaica Shop has many items for your home or gift-giving pleasure. Remember, we gift wrap and take special orders. We have an array of items for all the holidays including Hanukka, and Pesach. If you are a Mah Jongg enthusiast, we have several gift items. Please call us for an appointment. To volunteer, please call Diana Litt, 727.392.5554, Eileen Richman, 727.393.6430 or Anita Helfand, 727.347.2300
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NEW BOOKS IN THE BUNS FAMILY LIBRARY Halachic Rules Relating To The Blind R234TOI A Night Of Watching, Elliott Arnold FARN Danish Underground 1943 Tales Of The Hasidim, Later Masters, Martin Buber - 284BUB The Dignity Of Difference: How To Avoid The Clash Of Civilizations, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks - 170SAC Zalata’s Diary: A Child’s Life In Wartime Sarajevo, Zalata Filipovic T948 The Israel Secret Service, Richard Deacon - 953.5DEA Seventy and One Tales For The Jewish New Year: Folk Tales For Festivals, 398RUS The Talmud And The Internet, Jonathan Rosen - 231.01ROS Henrietta Szold, Nachum T. Gidal BSZO Tree Of Souls: The Mythology Of Judaism ( National Book Award Winner), Howard Schwartz - 398.2SCH The Complete Guide To Yarmulke Design, Ricky Wolbrom - 746WOL Just Say Nu: Yiddish For Every Ocassion, Michael Wex - 488.3WEX The Book Of Blessings: New Jewish Prayers, Marsha Falk - 262FAL
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