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FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE: Hebrew High Graduation Page 7 Pesah Schedule Page 12 Passover BBQ Page 17 Tampa Bay Jewish Heritage Day: Rays vs. Yankees at the Trop! Page 22

April 2015 Nisan 5775 - Iyar 5775

Volume 5775 Issue 9

Bâ€™nai Israel REVIEW APRIL 2015

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 lifecycle events, in acts of caring, in reaching out to the wide Jewish and non-Jewish communities, and in concern and support for Israel.

Youth Advisor Bianca Levi 727.381.4900 x1011 Youthdir@cbistpete.org

Accounting Denice Piller 727.302.9676 accounting@cbistpete.org

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

Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com

President Alice Ettinger aliceettinger112@gmail.com

Executive Director Susan Goldstein 727.344.1017 execdir@cbistpete.org

Torah Reader/Educator Deborah Marmon 727.381.4900 x1017 dmarmon@cbistpete.org

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Katherine Schaefer 727.302.9668 preschool@cbistpete.org

Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4901 officemgr@cbistpete.org

Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah Education Coordinator Ricki Lewis 727.381.4900 morah@aol.com

Communications Coordinator Carolyn Moritz 727.381.4900 x1001 receptionist@cbistpete.org

Menâ€™s Club President Steve Feld USY President Hannah Weiss

Announcements PESAH PREPARATION The Rabbinical Assembly Pesah Guide, which we hope will add to your observance of Pesah, includes the rules and procedures relating to the special food requirements of Pesah observance. They have been compiled by the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) of the Rabbinical Assembly and Conservative Movement. This information can serve as an annual reference for you. Any items not covered, and about which you have a question, should be discussed directly with Rabbi Luski. We hope that your preparations for Pesah will lead to a joyous holiday for you and your loved ones. You can access the 2015-5775 guide on the RabbinicalAssembly.org website: rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide. Hard copies are also available in the CBI office, or you may call to have one mailed to you. Visit Page 12 for a full schedule of this year’s Pesah services. MEMBER DIRECTORIES ARE IN BUCS TICKETS Todah Rabah to the many people who helped Tampa Bay Bucs with the CBI directory including soliciting ads tickets are available in the Mitzvah Men’s and helping with photos. Special thanks goes to: Club block (Section Ricki Lewis, Phil and Joan Redisch, Beth Ann 135 – great seats!) for Redisch and Mike Frye! PLEASE STOP BY THE the upcoming season. CBI OFFICE TO PICK YOURS UP IF YOU HAVE Contact Mike Slomka: 727.458.6703. NOT ALREADY RECEIVED IT. They will not be mailed this year. DINNER AT THE PHILIP BENJAMIN TOWER BIKKUR HOLIM The Benjamin Tower Foundation would like to One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is extend an invitation to CBI congregants who bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a would like to join PBT residents for Shabbat responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take dinners. Dinner is $10 every Friday at 4:45 pm. very seriously. When our members are ill or This is a great opportunity to enjoy dinner and hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of fellowship before walking over to CBI for protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are Shabbat services. extremely cautious about sharing patient names, CBI will post each week’s menu to cbistpete.org even with clergy. We need our congregants to on Monday afternoons. RSVP with payment and communicate directly with us and to inform us of entrée choice to Kelli Rolfe by Wednesdays at illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin 12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the krolfe@benjamintowerfoundation.org. synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments of difficulty or stress. 3

From the Rabbi The Passover story as told in the Haggada recounts how Israel moved from darkness into light; from ignorance and a history of idolatry into freedom and glory. A permanent and a continuing saga, Passover is an event which eternally calls people of all generations to hope and anticipation of a new dawn. Indeed, the springtime festival of Passover represents a new life for all who suffered during the long years of exile and oppression. Celebrating the joyful festival at the Seder table, we remember our long and stormy history. The Passover story is living drama, a script involving Israel's children of all generations: a story of a fight for freedom, for human dignity, and for a permanent home for all the children of Israel. Passover is a democratic struggle for human dignity. From generation to generation one must picture oneself as having been freed from Egypt. The ongoing struggle for dignity and freedom has given the Jewish people the will, the power and the determination to fight on. Today, Passover’s legacy sustains the Jewish people's struggle against terrorism and global anti-Semitism. We learned from history and gained faith and confidence to continue our struggle against all present enemies – toward the ultimate victory. The story of Passover commands all men and women to join in brotherhood, to join in the building of Jerusalem and Israel and, by that very fact, in the rebuilding of the world! This festival is the festival of human freedom, a fascinating miracle by which human dignity is restored to all generations. Join our CBI family as we usher in this special holiday of freedom at the First Seder on Friday, April 3. I look forward to celebrating with our CBI family this meaningful holiday. With best wishes for a Hag Kasher v’Sameah! Shalom,

From the Cantor We have a lot going on in April. Of course, the highlight of the month is Passover, but we also have three other observances: Yom Hashoah, when we remember those who perished in the Holocaust; Yom Hazikkaron, Israeli Memorial Day, when we remember all of the Israeli soldiers who have died serving their country; and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. I would also like to take a moment to tell you about some special services, events, and classes this month: On Friday, April 17, at 6:30 pm, we will have a special Kabbalat Shabbat service featuring the music of Debbie Friedman z”l. Debbie Friedman was one of the most prolific and influential Jewish songwriters of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and she was an icon in the Reform Movement. In a way, she was “the Reform Shlomo Carlebach.” And if you would like to learn the featured Debbie Friedman music in advance, come join me for the Debbie Friedman Sneak Peek on Monday, April 13, at 6:45 pm in the CBI chapel. Looking ahead into May, we have another special Kabbalat Shabbat service coming up. On Friday, May 8, at 6:30 pm, we will have Sephardic Kabbalat Shabbat, featuring music from the Spanish-Portuguese and Moroccan traditions. I learned this music in my first year of Cantorial School in Jerusalem when I had the pleasure of studying with Dr. Edwin Seroussi, who is an expert on Sephardic musical traditions. It will be my pleasure to share a portion of his teaching with you on that night. And if you would like to learn the music in advance, come join me for the Sephardic Shabbat Sneak Peek on Monday, April 27, at 6:45 pm in the CBI chapel. This April and May, beginning after Passover, I will also be teaching a class on How to Lead the Friday Night Service – on Tuesday afternoons from 5:30 to 6:30, beginning April 14, and ending May 26. If you would like to learn how to lead the Friday night service, or if you would simply like to better familiarize yourself with the prayers and melodies, then this is the class for you! This class is for Hebrew readers, as we will be using Siddur Sim Shalom. Hag Sameah,

From the President What is a kehilla? It is defined as a community, particularly of people who share the same purpose. So if we share the same purpose, does that mean we all have the same purpose for being part of a kehilla? I don’t think so! I think we are part of CBI for many different reasons. Each of us has come here because of our “Jewish Journeys.” I will share mine. My father was born in Bessarabia, and my grandmother always said that she didn’t know what country it was until she looked up and saw which flag was flying! My mother was born here. I grew up in Belmar, New Jersey, a small town at the Jersey shore that had one synagogue: Orthodox. My father’s parents, who were Orthodox, lived nearby in Asbury Park and had a tremendous influence on my religious beliefs. My parents were definitely Jewish, but were not religious. As a young girl, some of my friends were the seven other Jewish girls in my class. In fact, one of our group wanted to have a Bat Mitzvah like the boys. Her family convinced our Rabbi that we should learn, and he started classes for us. We eventually had a Sunday Confirmation / B’not Mitzvah. Our family moved to another New Jersey community that had a Conservative Synagogue. We became members and made many Jewish friends. My mother became the choir director. There was a Jewish sorority, Iota Phi, and I eventually became president. (Guess that was a precursor of things to come.) I was active in USY as well. Then came marriage, two sons, and the Reform Temple. I was not active in Jewish community life as I was working and going to school while raising the boys after a divorce. Then I met Larry, who was brought up “Conservadox.” We joined a Conservative Synagogue, started a kosher home, and worked hard together. We were involved in our synagogue, attended services on holidays and whenever we could, and I sang in the choir. We had synagogue friends and family around us. We retired to St. Petersburg 24 years later. I had always said that when we retired, I would become active in the Jewish community. We found CBI and immediately loved the people who made us feel welcome from the first minute. You know the rest! I have found the meaning of kehilla. For me, kehilla means my St. Petersburg family. Come and see what it means to you. Tell us about your Jewish journey. If you would like, we can publish it and get to know you better. Larry and I will be away for Pesah this year, but we send best wishes to you and those you love for a Hag Kasher v’Sameah. Shalom,

From the Executive Director One of the things I love about Judaism is its time-bound nature. The months of Nisan and Iyyar are punctuated with special moments in time. The “star” of the month of Nisan, of course, is Pesah, commemorating the exodus from Egypt and firmly heading us toward the future as we begin counting the omer and marching toward Sinai. Often, we’re so relieved to be done with the food-related challenges of Pesah that we overlook the Yoms that fall between Pesah and Shavuot. Yom Hasho’ah, observed by decree of the Israeli Knesset on the 27th of Nisan, is observed as Holocaust Memorial Day in memory of the victims of the Nazis and in honor of those who resisted their efforts at genocide. Our Mitzvah Men’s Club distributes yellow candles to CBI members to light on Yom Hasho’ah. Yom Hazikkaron, Memorial Day, is observed on the 4th of Iyyar and is dedicated to the memory of all those who have died in defense of the State of Israel since 1948. In Israel, everyone stops to observe a national moment of silent mourning as an air raid siren is sounded. On the 5th of Iyyar, the day corresponding to May 14, 1948 when the State of Israel was proclaimed, the mood changes to one of joy and hope as we observe Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Israel Independence Day. In Israel, there are parades, celebrations, and dancing in the streets! Here in Pinellas County, we’ll enjoy a community celebration sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties. The last Yom before Shavuot is celebrated on the 28th of Iyyar. Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, corresponds to the day in 1968 when the IDF entered the Old City of Jerusalem and reclaimed, among other things, the Kotel (Western Wall) from Jordan. This day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the sanctity of Jerusalem and to honor the men and women of the IDF who participated in its liberation. So when you savor that first taste of pizza after sundown on the last day of Pesah, remember the days ahead bring more Yoms to savor! Chag Pesah Kasher v’Sameach, (Information about the Yoms taken from “The Observant Life” by Martin S. Cohen and Michael Katz)

February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) Spring has sprung and so has the PRECEC Organic Vegetable Goodness Garden! Starting back in January 2014, our VPK Stars built and planted a simple three bed garden in the CBI Courtyard. Today, our garden is now four beds and includes various flowers, berries, herbs, and vegetables. The Goodness Garden is not just a matter of teaching children how to plant and harvest. Educators are able to utilize this space to draw inspiration in their daily lessons. From nutrition and wellness to art and math, the Goodness Garden is essentially an outdoor classroom for our children to quite literally grow and learn together. If you would like to donate certified organic soil, certified organic seeds/seedlings, mulch, or garden equipment, or you are interested in aiding in tending our garden, please contact me at 727.302.9668. In keeping with the Health and Wellness theme in our PRECEC community, we have also introduced weekly yoga lessons to our list of amazing extra-curricular activities for our students. PRECEC also offers dance, soccer, and gymnastics to a variety of ages throughout the week. PRECEC has grown tremendously over the course of the last few months, all thanks to the support of the CBI congregation, friends, and local families. What has grown from a mere 19 students and three classrooms in August 2014 is now a school with 65 families and 6 classrooms. Currently, our Tiny Owl Infant Room and Little Monkey Toddler Rooms are on waiting lists. If you are interested in getting a child you know on our waiting list program or enrolling them in one of the older classrooms, please contact the preschool office today! Want to see pictures of all of the fun we are having at Pauline Rivkind? Like our preschool Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/PaulineRivkind. Katherine Schaefer, PRECEC Director

Pictured: Youth from PRECEC, PRTT, and USY all helped create one of CBIâ€™s best Purim celebrations yet! Photographs courtesy of Michael Frye and Ricki Lewis.

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 that supports our Judaica! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved? Please contact Preschool Director Katherine Schaefer at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668. 6

Hebrew High Graduation You are cordially invited to attend Hebrew High School Graduation 5775 during Shabbat Morning Services Saturday, April 25, 9:00

5775 Graduates Peninah Flo Benjamin Hannah Hartung Hannah Nicole Kunins Rachel Esther Piper Jack Samuel Sutton Hannah Terzi Hannah Mae Weiss Ari Edward Zimmer

The graduates and their families are honored to celebrate this milestone with their Congregational family. A Kiddush luncheon in their honor follows.

Adult Studies CBI-Hadassah Book Club CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah co-host a monthly book readers’ Discussion Group on Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the CBI Library. If you are interested in leading the discussion for a meeting, please contact Sheila Wasserman at 727.347.5816. This month, the book club meets on Wednesday, April 15, to discuss The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible by Matti Friedman: Journalist Matti Friedman’s true-life detective story ... reveals uncomfortable truths about greed, state cover-ups, and the fascinating role of historical treasures in creating a national identity. Summary excerpt courtesy of Amazon. Want a head start on next month’s book? The May session will discuss Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English by Natasha Solomons.

Talmud Made Easy Join Steve Wein as he and his Talmud Class continue study of a new Tractate this year along with its selected commentaries. The classes are in English, and Steve explains all. Materials will be provided. The class involves both textual analysis and lively discussion, and is open to all. No previous knowledge is necessary. Meet at the Buns Family Library at CBI on select Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. Next Sessions: Wednesdays, April 8 and April 22

Adult Studies with the Rabbi Torah 4 Seniors Join Rabbi Luski for meaningful Torah discussion at the Philip Benjamin Tower. Tuesday, April 14, 11:00 am. Lunch With the Rabbi Deli lunch and Mishna study with Rabbi Luski on Wednesday, April 15, at 12:00 pm. RSVP your lunch orders to Pam Askin by12:00 pm Tuesday, April 14, at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org. Dialogue With the Rabbi Come participate in an informal question and answer session during Shabbat morning services on Saturday, April 18. If you would like to present a message on Shabbat evening or morning from May through August, please contact Lou Bader at 727.867.4913 or gemster@tampabay.rr.com. 8

Adult Studies Learn with Cantor Schultz! Debbie Friedman Sneak Peek! & Kabbalat Shabbat Come learn the Kabbalat Shabbat music of Debbie Friedman z”l! Monday, April 13, at 6:45 pm in the Chapel.You will have an excellent opportunity to learn the music for a special musical Friday night service on Friday, April 17. Debbie Friedman, z”l, was one of the most prolific and influential Jewish songwriters of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. She was an icon in the Reform Movement, although some of her melodies are sung regularly in Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Modern Orthodox congregations. Debbie’s early musical influences included Peter, Paul, and Mary; Joan Baez; Judy Collins; and a number of other folk music artists. She wrote many of her early songs as a song leader at an overnight camp in the early 1970s. She is best known for her settings of “Mi Shebeirach,” the prayer for healing, and “Oseh Shalom.” Some of her other greatest hits include “Miriam’s Song,” “Not by Might,” and “I am a Latke.” After her death in 2011, the School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College was renamed The Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. Find out more and check out her music at www.debbiefriedman.com. Sephardic Sneak Peek! & Kabbalat Shabbat By now you're a Debbie Friedman pro, so it's time to learn Spanish-Portuguese and Moroccan Shabbat melodies! This class meets Monday, April 27, at 6:45 pm in the chapel to give you a "sneak peek" into the Kabbalat Shabbat music of Friday, May 8, at 6:30 pm. Sephardic music is equal parts wistful and festive, with origins as diverse and colorful as its melodies. The Sephardi people descended from exiled Iberian Peninsula Jews who spread from Portugal and Spain into former Turkey, Greece,Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria. Their music evolved from Ottoman, Eastern Mediterranean, and Moroccan traditions into what we now know as Sephardic music. Learn the Friday Night Service! If you’d like to learn how to lead the Friday night service, or if you’d just like to become more familiar with the prayers and the melodies we use, this is the class for you! This class is for Hebrew readers, as you will be using Siddur Sim Shalom in class. Sessions:Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28; May 12, 19, and 26. Please note there is no class on Tuesday, May 5, as Cantor will be at a convention in Chicago.

Advocacy for Israel Committee Anti-Semitism in Europe: A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein In past articles, I have written about recent events in Europe linked to new anti-Semitism. What, then, is this “new anti-Semitism”? New anti-Semitism is the concept that a new form of anti-Semitism has developed in the late

twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, emanating simultaneously from the far-left, the far-right, and radical Islam, and tending to manifest itself as opposition to Zionism and the State of Israel. The concept generally posits that much of what purports to be criticism of Israel by various individuals and world bodies is, in fact, tantamount to demonization, and that, together with an alleged international resurgence of attacks on Jews and Jewish symbols, and an increased acceptance of anti-Semitic beliefs in public discourse, such demonization represents an evolution in the appearance of older anti-Semitic beliefs. Writing in 1973 (American Jewish Congress' Congress Bi-Weekly), Abba Eban, the Foreign Minister of Israel, identified anti-Zionism as ‘the new anti-Semitism’, saying: "Recently we have witnessed the rise of the new left which identifies Israel with the establishment, with acquisition, with smug satisfaction, with, in fact, all the basic enemies … Let there be no mistake: the new left is the author and the progenitor of the new anti-Semitism. Anti-Zionism is merely the new anti-Semitism. The old classic anti-Semitism declared that equal rights belong to all individuals within the society, except the Jews. The new anti-Semitism says that the right to establish and maintain an independent national sovereign state is the prerogative of all nations, so long as they happen not to be Jewish.”

Irwin Cotler, Professor of Law at McGill University and a leading scholar of human rights, has identified nine aspects of what he considers to constitute the "new anti-Semitism":         

Genocidal anti-Semitism: Calling for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. Political anti-Semitism: Denial of the Jewish people's right to self-determination, de-legitimization of Israel as a state, attributions to Israel of all the world's evils. Ideological anti-Semitism: "Nazifying" Israel by comparing Zionism and racism. Theological anti-Semitism: Convergence of Islamic anti-Semitism and Christian "replacement" theology, drawing on the classical hatred of Jews. Cultural anti-Semitism: The emergence of anti-Israel attitudes, sentiments, and discourse in "fashionable" salon intellectuals. Economic anti-Semitism: BDS movements and the extraterritorial application of restrictive covenants against countries trading with Israel. Holocaust denial Anti-Jewish racist terrorism International legal discrimination ("Denial to Israel of equality before the law in the international arena"): Differential and discriminatory treatment towards Israel in the international arena.

Jack Fischel, former chair of history at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, agrees that new anti-Semitism is a new phenomenon stemming from a coalition of "leftists, vociferously opposed to the policies of Israel, and right-wing anti-Semites, committed to the destruction of Israel, [who] were joined by millions of Muslims, including Arabs, who immigrated to Europe... and who brought with them their hatred of Israel in particular and of Jews in general." It is this new political alignment, he argues, that makes new anti-Semitism unique.

Pesah Services & Events Schedule 5775 Thursday April 2 Evening Bedikat Hametz - Search for Hametz Friday April 3 7:45 am 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 firstborn males; firstborn daughters and others who wish to attend are also welcome! Yom Tov: Friday Saturday

April 3 April 4

6:00 pm 9:00 am

Saturday

April 4

12:00 noon

Sunday

April 5

9:00 am 12:00 noon

Minha, Maariv, Congregation First Seder at CBI Yom Tov Services, 1st day Pesah Includes Tal, the prayer for dew in Musaf Service Minha Second Seder at home Yom Tov Morning Services, 2nd day Pesah Minha Hol Hamoed Pesah:

Monday

April 6

Tuesday

April 7

Wednesday April 8 Thursday

April 9

7:45 am 7:30 pm 7:45 am 7:30 pm 7:45 am 6:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:45 am

Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan Hol Hamoed Evening Minyan Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan Hol Hamoed Evening Minyan Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan Congregation Passover BBQ Hol Hamoed Evening Minyan Hol Hamoed Morning Minyan Yom Tov:

Thursday Friday Saturday

April 9 April 10

6:30 pm 9:00 am

April 11

6:30 pm 9:00 am 12:00 noon

Minha, Maariv, 7th day Pesah Yom Tov Services, 7th day Pesah Matzah Brei Kiddush Yom Tov Service, 8th day Pesah Yom Tov Services, 8th day Pesah Yizkor & Memorial Plaques Dedication Minha

Mehirat Hametz - Authorization of Agent to Sell Hametz Please submit to Synagogue Office by 7:45 am Friday, April 3, 2015

Donation to Maot Hittim Fund The mitzvah of Maot Hittim (money for wheat) has evolved to ensure that all Jews are able to celebrate Pesah. 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.

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 and provisions of Jewish Law. Name______________________________________________

YES, please count me/us in for this year’s Maot Hittim Fund. Please find my check in the amount of $__________.

Home address________________________________________ Please make your check payable to CBI - Maot Hittim and send to Business address______________________________________

Congregation B’nai Israel P.O. Box 159 Montvale, New Jersey 07645;

Signature____________________________________________ or bring it to the CBI office.

Special Upcoming Events Spring is an exciting time at CBI. Be sure not to miss out on any of our special events! Siyum Breakfast Siyum B’Horim is the morning minyan and brief study session followed by a light breakfast. It is the last hametz meal eaten before Pesah. Attendance at this minyan is a special mitzvah for all firstborn males; firstborn daughters and others who wish to attend are also welcome! Join us on Friday, April 3, at 7:45 am. Matzah Brei Kiddush Join us on Friday, April 10, for Passover Yom Tov Seventh Day services at 9:00 am followed by a Matzah Brei Kiddush. Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Day is Thursday, April 16. The Florida Holocaust Museum will feature a guest speaker at 6:30 pm: Dr. Suzanne Brown-Fleming will present “Love thy Neighbor”? Catholic Responses to the First Anti-Jewish Laws, April 1933. The program is free and open to the public. Visit Page 22 for a full description of Dr. Brown-Fleming and her work. Event information at flholocaustmuseum.org. Yom Ha'Atzmaut The State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948 (5 Iyar 5708). This year, we celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the Israeli Independence Day, along with Tampa Bay Jewish Heritage Day with a Rays vs.Yankees game at the Tropicana Field on Sunday April 19, at 1:10 pm.Visit Page 22 for information about special deals and group tickets. Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater will also do a special screening of the film Beneath the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front on Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 pm. Daven & Dine at the Kotel We are bringing the Western Wall right here to CBI on Friday, April 24, at 6:00 pm! Join us in our annual Daven & Dine at the Kotel, followed by a special Got Shabbat? Israeli Dinner. RSVP by Friday, April 17, by filling out the form on the back cover. Kabbalat Shabbat on the Beach On Friday, May 1, pull on your favorite sandals and bring a chair to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat on Upham Beach! Turn towards the beach on 67th Avenue off of Gulf Boulevard, drive two blocks, and you're there! There is metered parking from 8:00 am 8:00 pm: $1.25 per hour by cash or credit card. In the event of rain, we will relocate services to CBI. See you there!

Todah Rabah

A big Todah Rabah to everybody who helped make this year’s Purim a huge success at CBI: ✡ Cantor Schultz for conducting the Purim service while Rabbi Luski was on Sabbatical ✡ All Hebrew High students who participated in the Megillah reading: Marc LeVine, Hannah Terzi, Shoshana LeVine, Anna Walters, Jack Sutton, Corey Sokolov, Danielle LeVine, Jared LeVine, and Rachel Piper ✡ Liz Sembler for coordinating the Megillah readers ✡ Debbie Marmon for her traditional Megillah readings ✡ USYers for creating Shalach Manot for the children ✡ CBI Women’s League for their Shalach Manot project, and also to the Women’s League Hamantashen bakers Todah Rabah also to those who assisted with the Hevra Kadisha dinner: ✡ Joel & Ellen Goetz for chairing Hevra Kadisha ✡ David & Michael Gross for hosting the dinner 13

Nisan - Iyar 5775 April 2015 Sunday

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

Tuesday

PESAH DAY 2 9:00am Passover Yom Tov Services, Second Day NO PRTT 12:00pm Yom Tov Minha

PESAH DAY 3 7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan, Breakfast 7:30pm Hol Hamoed Minyan

PESAH DAY 4 7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Chess Club 7:30pm Hol Hamoed Minyan

Sunday: 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am 12

NO PRTT

PRECEC Re-opens 6:45pm Debbie Friedman “Sneak Peek!” with Cantor Schultz

11:00am Torah 4 Seniors Philip Benjamin Tower 5:30pm Friday Night Service Class with Cantor Schultz 6:00pm Chess Club 7:00pm Board of Trustees Meeting

USY Regional Convention 9:00am Minyan, Bar Mitzvah of Travis Zerin 9:45am PRTT 1:10pm Tampa Bay Jewish Heritage Day Tropicana Field 7:00pm Hadassah Concert in Memory of Chana Olmstead ROSH HODESH IYAR

ROSH HODESH IYAR

5:30pm Friday Night Service Class with Cantor Schultz 6:00pm Chess Club 6:45pm Ritual Committee Meeting EREV YOM HAZIKARON

6:45pm Sephardic Shabbat “Sneak Peek!” with Cantor Schultz

5:30pm Friday Night Service Class with Cantor Schultz 6:00pm Chess Club

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm

Monday

Please consult this calendar or the Passover service schedule on Page 12 for holiday service times. 26

9:45am PRTT

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

3/30 - 4/3: Pinellas Schools Spring Break Kitchen Closed for Passover Cleaning 6:30pm USY Chocolate Seder NO PRTT NO Hebrew High & Mehina

3/30 - 4/3: Spring Break Kitchen Closed for Passover Cleaning 10:00am Library Committee Meeting Search for Hametz after dark

3/30 - 4/3: Spring Break 7:45am Siyum B’Horim Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Minha, Maariv, First Seder 7:31pm Candlelighting

PESAH DAY 1 9:00am Passover Yom Tov Services, First Day* 8:32pm Candlelighting 12:00pm Yom Tov Minha

PESAH DAY 5 7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan, Breakfast NO PRTT 6:00pm Passover Barbecue 7:00pm Talmud Class NO Hebrew High & Mehina 7:30pm Hol Hamoed Minyan

PESAH DAY 6 7:45am Hol Hamoed Minyan, Breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Erev Yom Tov Pesah Service, Seventh Day 7:34pm Candlelighting

PESAH DAY 7 9:00am Yom Tov Services, Seventh Day, Matzah Brei Kiddush 6:30pm Erev Yom Tov Pesah Service, Eighth Day 7:35pm Candlelighting

PESAH DAY 8 9:00am Yom Tov Services, Eighth Day, Yizkor & Memorial Plaques Dedication* 12:00pm Yom Tov Minha

10:00am CBI-Hadassah Book Club 12:00pm Lunch with the Rabbi 4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina EREV YOM HASHOA

YOM HASHOA USY Regional Convention 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Debbie Friedman 6:30pm “Love thy Neighbor”? Kabbalat Shabbat Florida Holocaust 7:39pm Candlelighting Museum

USY Regional Convention 9:00am Shabbat Services, Dialogue with the Rabbi, Kiddush*

YOM HAZIKARON 4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Talmud Class EREV YOM HA’ATZMAUT

YOM HA’ATZMAUT 10:00am Library Committee

10:00am PRECEC at Kotel 6:00pm Daven & Dine at the Kotel, followed by Got Shabbat? Israeli Dinner 7:42pm Candlelighting

9:00am Daven at the Kotel, Hebrew High Graduation, April Simha Shabbat, Kiddush*

4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh 6:00pm Women’s League Torah Fund Dinner

10:00am Library Committee 6:00pm JNF Tree of Life Awards Dinner, Lilly Salcman Honored Tampa Grand Hyatt

7:30pm “Beneath the Helmet”

Film Screening Congregation Beth Shalom, Clearwater

EREV PESAH

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

Women’s League Congregation B’nai Israel Women’s League invites you to attend the

TORAH FUND DINNER on behalf of THE JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF AMERICA honoring ESTA BLAXBERG with “THE JACKIE JACOBS 2015 WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” For her years of dedicated service GUEST SPEAKER: CAROLYN KANTOR Director of Principal Gifts Florida Regional Office The Jewish Theological Seminary WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, at 6:00 PM Congregation B’nai Israel 300 58th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 RSVP by Wednesday, April 22 Anita Helfand: 727.347.2300 or anita1121@msn.com Your check is your reservation, made payable to CBI Women’s League

The Women's League of Congregation B'nai Israel is proud of our members who were honored as Women of Distinction by the Jewish Federation of Pinellas County on Sunday, March 29. We want to congratulate them for this well-earned recognition: Ellen Bernstein: CBI Women’s League Esta Blaxberg: St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah Linda Goldfarb: TOP Ricki Lewis: CBI Karen Sher: Philip Benjamin Tower Livia Wein: Israel Bonds Please mark your calendars, consider a level of giving, and join us for upcoming events at CBI: Sunday, April 19, 7:00 pm Concert honoring the memory of Chana Olmstead. Sponsored by Hadassah. ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡

Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 pm Torah Fund Dinner with guest speaker Carolyn Kantor and topic "The Kitchen Table and Torah." We wish to all of Congregation B'nai Israel a very happy, healthy Pesach!

Couvert: $20.00 Plus suggested minimum donation to Torah Fund Gift Opportunities: Minyan $ 10 Chai $ 18 Koach $ 28 Benefactor $ 180 Guardian $ 300 Associate Patron $ 600 Patron $ 1200

Mitzvah Men’s Club As you’ve undoubtedly heard by now, Bill Marger is the 2015 Man of the Year. Bill is a former Mitzvah Men’s Club (MMC) President and an active current CBI Trustee and member of the Executive Committee. He is always willing to pitch in and help, not only with his physical efforts, but also with his great problem solving and forward thinking. Yasher koach to Bill for this well-deserved recognition for his efforts. An additional reason to kvell is that our own Jeff Litt will be honored at the forthcoming international convention of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) with its Ma’asim Tovim (good deeds) Award. It is the highest honor bestowed by the organization, given only to those whose accomplishments and contributions span many years. Coming up on Wednesday, April 8 is our annual Passover BBQ, an event that always draws a crowd. MMC’s famous Mother’s Day Brunch follows close behind on Sunday, May 10. CBI’s MMC is the lead host club for Florida FJMC’s statewide Golf Tournament, held at Bardmoor Country Club on Sunday, May 31, featuring our own Moishe Pipick as Chief Marshall. The 1:00 pm shotgun start will be followed by a great dinner and appropriate frivolities.

Mitzvah Men’s Club’s Annual

PASSOVER BBQ Get out of the kitchen and let “the boys” cook for you tonight! Bring your kids and grandkids to this beloved annual CBI tradition.

Wednesday, April 8, 6:00 - 7:30 pm Come Enjoy: Grilled Chicken Hot Dogs Garden Salad Potato Chips Finger Foods Soda Dessert

And of course… Unlimited Schmoozing!

Adults: $20 Vegetarian Adults: $10 Teens 13 - 17: $10 Children 12 and Under: Free RSVP by Wednesday, April 1, to Carolyn Moritz at 727.381.4900 or receptionist@cbistpete.org. Please make checks payable to Mitzvah Men’s Club and send to 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg FL 33710

Life Cycle

In Memoriam Lillian Grau

Mother of Steve (Linda) Grau Martha Kimmel Barry Grau Sister of Edwin Brooklyn Sylvia Denhoff

Mazal Tov! Wendy Levine Engagement to Dan Insdorf

Sandy Herskowitz Partner of Pat Weber

Adele Morris Wedding of granddaughter Samantha Haber to Joshua Steininger

Jean Kraff

Mother of Eileen Richman Tina Hager Ron Kraff Sister of Frank Florence

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

From the Judaica Shop Crew We are prepared for Passover; hopefully you are too! If you are in need of items to brighten your table, we have it. If you are invited to a friend’s home, take a look at our many gift items. To whet your appetite, we have cards for the occasion at only $1 each. Check us out for ceremonials such as Kiddush cups, candleholders, Shabbat candles, challah covers, challah trays, and more. We have a wonderful crew of volunteers in the Judaica Shop. We need to bolster our staff, and more friends are welcome to join us so we can be open many more days.

JUDAICA SHOP HOURS For an appointment: Eileen Richman: 727.492.4509 Diana Lift: 727.392.5554 Anita Helfand: 727.347.2300

✡ Monday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tuesday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ✡

Thursday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

✡

We look forward to seeing you!

WE SPECIAL ORDER WE GIFT WRAP

Mitzvah Grams 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 B’nai Israel’s commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and Synagogue through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund.

MAZAL TOV!

YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!

Anniversaries

Birthdays

Jeremiah & Diane Weiner Dr. Bob & Jennifer Sternberg Dr. Harold & Anita Pollack Michael & Vicky Henry Dr. Fred & Mali Feld Greg & Liz Sembler Dr. Sheldon & Susan Scheinert Michael & Bonnie Walker

5 7 9 11 12 13 15 26

Carl Rubinsky Robert Warsaw Jessica Strait Sandy Brasch Dr. Naomi Abel Robin Schroeder Sandi Rodman Dr. Warren Abel Joan Redisch Joyce Seder Diana Jay Barbara Karpay George Sakovich Susan Turner Rachel Wein Michael Hurwitz I. Jerome Rosenberg Naomi Berg

2 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 14 14 15 15 16

Dr. David Gross Mike Frye Sanders Heller Bette Schroeder Dr. Steven Shwer Gerald Wiseberg Janet Shapiro Billie Bornstein Claire Yogman Meni Kanner Joel Berman Pearl Brook Leslie Kirsner Liz Sembler Dennis Vorob Joanne Luski Teddi Robbins Dr. Steve Warren

16 18 19 20 20 20 21 22 22 24 25 25 25 27 27 29 29 29

Do a Mitzvah on your birthday Attend the Daily Minyan!

Other Simhas

In Honor of:

___________________________

Check the names of everyone to whom you want to send a Mitzvah Gram. Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation for each acknowledgement to: CBI St. Pete, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645, donate online at cbistpete.org, or drop off your check in the synagogue office. *The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10. Please print: Your Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ City, _____________________________Zip: __________________ Telephone: ______________ 19

CELEBRATE YOUR APRIL BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9:00 AM

Donations Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.)

In Honor Of

Lillian Grau Joseph Alpert Gus Barshefsky

Lenny & Millie Gelfond

Building Maintenance Fund

In Honor Of

Michael Barth & Maureen Shacter

Wendy Levine

Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Carol Root Vivian Neumann

Buns Technology Fund

In Memory Of

Fred & Kathleen Buns

Abraham Buns Villa Buns Shirley Buns

Esta Blaxberg Livia Wein Ellen Bernstein Ricki Lewis Livia Wein’s Birthday Dr. Abrams CBI’s Women of Distinction Honorees Wedding of Adele Morris’ granddaughter, Samantha Haber Robert Robbins Gail Frye Jay Kauffman’s Birthday March Birthdays Sarah Fallas Speedy Recovery

Adult Education Fund

In Memory Of

Lou Bader Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Don & Annette Weinshank

Camp Ramah Fund

In Honor Of

Stacy Orloff, Charla Fogel, & Randi Rabin

Laurie Reiskind’s 50th Birthday

In Memory Of Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie

Joseph Elias Martin Lurie

Cantor's Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of

Morry & Billie Bornstein

Lee Schwartz

Ellen Glassman Adult Studies In Memory Of Jack & Linda Goldfarb

Jean Kraff

Gail Warren Leadership Fund In Honor Of Linda Goldfarb

Gail Frye

In Memory Of Phil & Joan Redisch Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg

Loved Ones Dr. Hyman Rosenberg Lillian Grau

Library Fund

In Honor Of

Bev Sherman

Harold’s Speedy Recovery Charlotte’s Special Birthday

In Memory Of Fred & Kathleen Buns

Villa Buns Abraham Buns Shirley Buns

Mitzvah Fund

In Honor Of

Fred Shuback Akif Agayev Marilyn Benjamin

Daily Minyan In Appreciation Jerry Gilbert’s Speedy Recovery Birth of Yael Golda Marlin Bill Marger March Birthdays and Anniversaries Anita Sher’s Birthday

Morry & Billie Bornstein Dr. Pat Cottrille Beverly Dikman

Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind David & Teddi Robbins Susan Scheinert Warren & Rebecca Simmons Rose Sutton

In Memory Of Michael Bender & Robin Perlman Judy Benjamin Drs. Steven Bloom & Charlene Wygodski Joann Bush Dr. Pat Cottrille Beverly Dikman Dee Dinsfriend Murray Fink Joe & Eva Fuchs Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Robert & Deborah Jacobs Audrey Kopelman Sam Koppelman Leo Lang Arlene Levine Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Ruth Mauer Tracy Benstock Solomons Barbara & Sanford Orkin Adele Morris Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind

Anne Perlman Joseph Alpert Joseph Alpert

David & Teddi Robbins Greg & Liz Sembler Warren & Rebecca Simmons Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Miriam Tambor Jean Wittner

Joseph Elias J. Leonard Azneer Lillian Grau Winifred Lowther Benjamin Fink David Meiv Ickowicz Lillian Grau Jacqueline Jacobs Karen Murburg Bert Koppelman Juan Jose Gerardino Max P. & Alys Levitt Karen Murburg Lenny Mauer Jill Engelman Joseph Alpert Louis Weisman Jean Kraff Joseph Alpert Lillian Grau Robert Robbins Leonard Mauer Joseph Alpert Leon Slomka Ricky Schroeder Ted P. Wittner

Music and Concert Fund

In Honor Of

Bev Sherman

Susan Turner’s Speedy Recovery

In Memory Of Bev Sherman

Gertrude Shure Mort Sherman

Donations Preschool Scholarship Fund

In Honor Of

USY Fund

In Honor Of

Michael & Bonnie Walker

Esta Blaxberg Ruth Mauer

Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon Steve & Linda Grau

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Honor Of

Philip & Diane Bloom Morry & Billie Bornstein

In Appreciation Wendy Levineâ€™s Special Birthday

Birth of Yael Golda Marlin Engagement of Adele Morrisâ€™ granddaughters Engagement of Rachel Luski to Alan Medvin Engagement of Justin Jay to Elexis Persino

In Memory Of

Drs. Warren & Naomi Abel Charlene Barshefsky & Ed Cohen Mary Wygodski Eliot & Audrey Dantowitz Anonymous Anonymous Steve & Linda Grau Larry & Myrna Irwin Sam & Sandy Janofsky Meni & Malina Kanner Audrey Kopelman Bob & Elaine Lachter Moe & Pam LeCompte Marian Lustigman-Rooth Dr. Frank & Kathy Mendelblatt Milton & Evelyn Smolowitz Susan Turner

Paul Abel Gustave Barshefsky Joseph Alpert Evelyn Krasnoff Karen Murburg Estelle Weinstein Sidney Grau Alfred & Fay Sonn Carrie Janofsky Ronda Gale Janofsky Frida Litwak Harvey Kopelman Norman Halem Beverly Halem Morty Lachter Ted P. Wittner Elaine Greenberg Leah Blacker Samuel Loshin Myron Jay Kaplan

Drs. Warren & Naomi Abel Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Larry & Myrna Irwin Bruce & Mary Ann Marger

Jill Engelman Sol Soman Karen Murburg Jill Engelman Herman Baum

USY Pilgrimage Fund

In Memory Of

Charla Fogel Charlotte Levine Frank & Arlene Moss Charles Possick

Paul Fogel Al Levine Hortense Lasher Meyer Possick

Looking for a special way to honor family and friends celebrating a Simha?

Etz Chaim Tree of Life

Leaves on the Tree of Life have been inscribed:

Happy 50th Birthday Laurie Reiskind With love from friends: Kay Bronstein, Chris Duerson, Abbe Ensminger, Alice Ettinger, Stephanie Goforth, Pam LeCompte, Brandi Rosenbluth, Debbie Saltiel, Debbie Sembler, Liz Sembler, Stephanie Stein, Suzie Elinger, & Stacey Slomka March 23, 2015 Happy 50th Birthday Laurie Reiskind With love from Ed, Arlene, Jodi, Andrew, & Stanton March 23, 2015

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 21

Happy 50th Birthday Laurie Reiskind With love: Mom, Dad, Marc, Elissa, & Jeremy March 23, 2015

It is a Tree of Life to those who uphold it. Proverbs 3:16-8

Around the Community Join a Havurah!

Yom Hashoah at Florida Holocaust Museum

Call Sandi Rodman today and let the committee know you are interested in becoming part of our celebratory "side by side" group.

Thursday, April 16, 6:30 pm Dr. Suzanne Brown-Fleming: “Love thy Neighbor”? Catholic Responses to the First Anti-Jewish Laws, April 1933

Dr. Brown-Fleming is Director of Visiting Scholar Programs in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Center for Advanced Come for a Friday night Shabbos dinner and stay for a Holocaust Studies. The Pinellas County Board of Rabbis lifetime, or fly on to another group of likeminded Angels! will lead prayers and the lighting of candles as part of the Commemoration. Kindle the Shabbos lights with strangers and leave with a The Commemoration is presented in partnership with whole new group of friends! the Pinellas County Board of Rabbis and the Bay Area Cantorial Association, and is part of The FHM’s Special interests? Let us know! The committee will work Genocide and Human Rights Awareness Movement. to find you a spot in our evolving network! Our community is welcoming and varied. Nothing is set in stone yet! No tablets have been carved!

Wishing you all a "Gut Shabbos!" Call today! Our tables have chairs waiting to be filled! Sandi Rodman: 727.348.4406

Sunday, April 19: Rays vs. NYY

Further discounted group tickets at $20 each are available for groups of 10 or more. If you are interested in attending with a CBI group, contact Carolyn at 727.381.4900 or receptionist@cbistpete.org.

Our sponsors make the B’nai Review possible. Please support them too! 22

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Women’s League needs YOU To help bake your own recipes/cake mixes to be used for Kiddushim. If interested, please contact Ruth Ann Mizrahi at 727.347.6688 or ruthannmizrahi@gmail.com ~

Women’s League Catering is Special Trust us with your simcha and you’ll discover that in addition to the delicious food, the great attention to detail, and the unbeatable value, there’s one thing that separates us from the rest. With everything we do, from the first phone call to the serving of each carefully prepared dish, we do it with all our heart. Give us a call and see for yourself. Contact Livia Wein at 727.393.3289 or polyglatt@gmail.com

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A 55+ independent living community that honors Jewish tradition Weekly kosher Shabbat dinners, traditional Jewish holiday celebrations, private van service, Katzâ€™s Korner minimart, and a full schedule of daily activities are available to our residents. Studio and one bedroom apartments are available through rental programs that offer affordable housing to seniors living on limited income. 250 58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 philipbenjamintower.org 727-347-5191 Ad sponsored by Benjamin Tower Foundation

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

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Petersburg, Fl. Permit # 618

DAVEN & DINE AT THE KOTEL

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 6:00 PM RSVP for Daven & Dine at the Kotel by 12:00 pm Friday, April 17 Name: _____________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________________________________ Number of Adults: _______ $20/person = _______ Number of Children 6 - 18: _______ $10/person = _______ Number of USY Volunteers: _______ FREE Number of Children 5 and Under _______ FREE Family Four-Pack (2 Adults + 2 Children) $50/family = _______ Total Number Attending: _______ Total Due = _______ Vegetarians: _______ Pay online at cbistpete.org by searching for “Daven & Dine” on our Calendar page and filling out the event form. Pay by check to CBI at 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 28