December Bulletin

Volume 5774 Issue 5

December 2013/ 5774 Kislev& Tevet

Rabbi’s Message

3

Engagement Committee

5 Scholarship Information

11

Cantor’s Message

3

A-Team

5 Life Cycle Events

16

President’s Message

4

Buns Family Library

6 Mitzvah Grams

17

Executive Director’s Message

4

Women’s League

7 Donations

18

Mitzvah Men’s Club

8 Calendar

14

Havdalah on the Beach Hanukkah Information

20 12,21

Youth Department

10

B’nai Israel Review

December 2013

Our Mission

CONTACTS

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.

The Ritual Committee of Congregation B’nai Israel encourages worshippers to participate in services by performing aliyot. If you like to receive an aliyah , please call the synagogue office at 727.381.4900, or kindly speak to one of the ushers when you enter the sanctuary, and every effort will be made to accommodate your request.

Those wishing to receive an aliyah on Shabbat morning are asked to arrive at services no later than 9:30 am. We look forward to your participation.

Daily Services

Office Drop Box As a reminder, there is a Secured Drop Box available at the shul and at your service when you are in the building. It is located outside the Synagogue office across from the Judaica Shop. You can drop off messages, contributions, etc when coming to classes, events, meetings, or when dropping off children at school. It is an easy way to communicate within the congregational family. Drop-in sometime!

Junior Congregation All B’nai Israel children, ages 9 -13, grades 3 - 7 are invited to participate in a special, age-appropriate Shabbat Service in the Chapel.

Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x305

Executive Director Susan Goldstein

Become a Minyanaire! Support our Daily Minyan in the Chapel: Sunday Morning: 9:00 Monday—Friday mornings: 7:45 Sunday—Thursday evenings: 6:30 Join the growing group of fellow congregants who find spending half an hour at evening Minyan is a very rewarding experience.

727.381.4900 x202 execdir@cbistpete.org Bonnie Halprin Pauline Rivkind Preschool Director 727.381.4900 x211 preschool@cbistpete.org Youth Director

Continental Breakfast The Mitzvah Men’s Club provides a Continental Breakfast for all worshippers on Minyan Mornings in the alcove of the Social Hall. Please join the Minyanaires for the morning Shaharit service and relax and schmooze over breakfast—bagels, cream cheese, coffee cake and coffee/tea.

Shalom, Morry Bornstein, Ritual Chair

727.381.4900 x207 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org

Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org

Ongoing Activities at CBI

Participate in Aliyot

Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D.

Sponsorship Opportunities If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat on Friday evening or a L’Hayim following a Morning Minyan in honor or memory of a loved one or a special occasion, please contact the Synagogue office.

727.381.7900 x 209 Youthdir@cbistpete.org Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.424.0513 lizsembler@aol.com Torah Reader/Educator Deborah Marmon 727.381.4900 x205 dmarmon@cbistpete.org Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4900 x203 officemgr@cbistpete.org Communications Coordinator Melissa Hertzfeld

Online

727.381.4900

LIKE us on Facebook

receptionist@cbistpete.org

Sign up to support us on GoodSearch.com

Accounting

You can also make payments and donations on our website! cbistpete.org B’nai Israel Review Publishes 11 times a year by Congregation B’nai Israel 300 58th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 727.381.4900 FAX 727.344.1307 cbisptete.org All rights reserved. No part of this document can be copied without the permission of Congregation B’nai Israel 2

727.381.4900 x204 accounting@cbistpete.org President Laurie Reiskind lauriesr@tampabay.rr.com Women’s League President Alice Ettinger Men’s Club President Jesse Rodman USY President Hannah Terzi

From the Rabbi

December 2013

I have a question for you concerning Hanukkah. What do you think was the probability of the small band of Maccabees winning the struggle against the mightiest army of the day at the outset of their endeavor? My own guess would have been minimal, at best. And yet they won and here we are, a surviving Jewish People so many years later, celebrating that victory.

I know there are many factors that went into the victory but I have come across a finding recently that seems to underscore, at least for me, a very important, even crucial, ingredient in the success of the Maccabees. When a group of two hundred executives were asked what makes a person successful, 80% listed enthusiasm as the most important quality. More important than skill. More important than training. Even more important than experience. I would add, even more important than numbers.

Before water will produce enough steam to power an engine, it must boil. The steam engine won’t move a train an inch until the steam gauge registers 212 degrees. Likewise, the person without enthusiasm is trying to move the machinery of life with luke-warm water. Only one thing will happen: that person will stall. Enthusiasm is electricity in the battery. It is vigor in the air. It is the warmth in the fire. It is the breath in all living things. Successful people are enthusiastic about what they do. Good work is never done in cold blood, heat is needed to forge ahead. Every great achievement is the story of a flaming heart. That is what the motivated Maccabees and their followers had. And that is what enabled them to persist, prevail and save the Jewish tradition.

The same holds true for all of us as Jews and as human beings. We must bring a heightened sense of enthusiasm to whatever we do. You may have sufficient skill, training and experience. Add enthusiasm to those assets and you will be truly unstoppable! Light the Hanukkah candles this year, watch the flames and light and warmth grow each night. Imagine yourself growing more enthusiastic about all your activities and whatever is important in your life and those around you. With the approach of the New Year 2014, make a resolution to do whatever you do with renewed enthusiasm.

With best wishes for a bright and joyous Festival of Hanukkah and a Happy New Year 2014, Shalom,

Rabbi Jacob Luski

From the Cantor This year, as we all know, Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving. It would be easy to write off this convergence of festivals as mere coincidence. However, if we look at both holidays, we see that there is in fact an idea that is common to both: Religious freedom. The Maccabean rebellion was the first time in recorded Jewish history that Jews fought against an oppressor for the express purpose of protecting their right to practice their religion. Eretz Yisrael had been conquered by the Syrian-Greeks, and their king, Antiochus, decreed that all inhabitants of the land should abandon their religions and practice his Hellenistic religion, and that anyone who refused would be put to death. Although many Jews obeyed, many other Jews refused, choosing to die rather than abandon their faith. Many years later, an army of Jews fought an organized rebellion, took back their land and their Temple from the Syrian-Greeks, and repaired and rededicated the Temple.

Along parallel lines, Thanksgiving traces its origins back to a group of Puritan Separatists who were the victims of religious discrimination in England. At that time in England, it was illegal not to attend official Church of England services, and anyone who missed a Sunday or holy day service was fined. The Separatists felt strongly enough about practicing the religion that they wanted to practice, that they left England, first moving to Holland in 1617, and then sailing to North America in 1620. The rest, as they say, is history.

We live in a country that has a long history of religious freedom, that freedom being protected in the First Amendment to our Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….” As such, we live in a society where we have the freedom to practice Judaism, and that freedom is protected by law. Not all countries protect this freedom, and there are even some countries that still excessively prohibit the free exercise of religion. So, on this Thanksgiving, and this Hanukkah, let us be thankful for this freedom, and for all the other freedoms we have.

Hag Sameah, Cantor Jonathan Schultz

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From the President

December 2013

I was fortunate enough to have attended USCJ’ s Centennial Convention, the Conversation of the Century in October.

There were about 1000 Rabbi’s, Cantor’s, educators and lay leaders from Kehillot throughout the world. The Pew Study had come out just before the convention, but even before that, USCJ had recognized that our next century would be full of change. Many things that established the conservative movement as a leader in its first century and attracted people to its beautiful synagogue buildings, daily minyanim and spiritual services are not what today’s conservative Jews are looking for.

There will be changes in tefillah, Jewish education, welcoming of interfaith families as well as our approach to marketing our product, Conservative Judaism.

Several years ago USCJ began its rebranding and one of the first things that occurred was the change from the use of the word “synagogue” to “Kehilla.” Why? A synagogue is a building and a Kehilla is sacred community of people. People and connections are more important than an edifice. That being said, CBI is so fortunate to have a relatively new, mortgage free building to house us.

USCJ, similarly to CBI, has had some significant changes in staff. Change can make us all uncomfortable but can also create opportunities. We need to seize those opportunities to plan for CBI’s future.

Many Kehillot, like CBI, struggle with how to pay our parent organization when we run a deficit budget. As USCJ revisits its procedure for collecting dues, let’s focus on the value of our membership. Some of our greatest value comes from our participation in USY/Kadima and Camp Ramah Darom for our next generation.

For those of you on facebook, I invite you to “like” the USCJ Centennial page for a lot of valuable information including keynote addresses by some of the most influential people in Conservative Judaism. I also welcome the opportunity to share some of what I learned. Just ask me.

Thank you for the confidence you have in me to lead our Kehilla into the future.

From the Executive Director Did you know…………….. …….that CBI is about to embark on an exciting journey?! It’s called a strategic plan. The committee, chaired by 1 st Vice President Alice Ettinger, will look at all aspects of our congregational life with a view to strengthening our kehilla (community). In order to do this, we will need YOUR input. There will be surveys and focus groups and lots of opportunities to participate. Please respond positively when you hear from Alice or another member of the committee. Look forward to regular updates from Alice!

In preparing for this journey, I would like to share a few thoughts about things I KNOW we’re doing right: Women’s League Catering – For years, I have heard about Women’s League/Sisterhood groups who go into their kitchens and prepare beautiful Kiddush lunches – but I had not personally observed such a phenomenon until I came to CBI. It is fun to be in the kitchen with this amazing group of women who give of themselves with such love and joy. It is also very good to sample the fruits of their labor! Yasher Koach to Alice Ettinger, Joan Redisch, Gail Frye, Ruth Ann Mizrahi, Ricki Lewis, Joanne Luski, Sheryl Sutton, Livia Wein, Chandaye Pastman, Esta Blaxberg, Maureen Weinstein, Phyllis Werner, Bebby Marlin, Shelly Mizrahi, Laurie Reiskind – and apologies to anyone whose name I inadvertently left out.

The Gift and Craft Show Committee – Wow! When they go into action, get out of the way. These ladies select beautiful merchandise throughout the year for a whirlwind pre-Hanukkah sale that is second to none. They also make a significant financial contribution to our operating budget. Yasher Koach to Susie Berman, Susie Schwartz, Marilyn Benjamin, Joanne Luski, Phyllis Werner, Judi Gordon, Vivian Lurie, Sheryl Sutton, Linda Goldfarb, Jennifer Sternberg, Vivian Lurie, Livia Wein, Sheryl Feinman, Phyllis Werner – and apologies to anyone whose name I inadvertently left out.

Mitzvah Men’s Club – They know how to have fun, and they know how to work. We recently saw an enthusiastic, committed group who hosted the Florida Region of Men’s Clubs Leadership Retreat and added ruach to our Shabbat service that week-end. They showed equal commitment (with only slightly less enthusiasm!) when they spent many hours assembling our beautiful sukkah. And let’s not forget the break-the-fast bags that we welcome each year. Yasher Koach to Jesse Rodman, Mark Reiskind, Larry Ettinger, Alan Gross, Phil Redisch, Michael Barth, and all members of the Mitzvah Men’s Club.

As we journey on, I wish you Chag Hanukkah Sameach and Happy Thanksgiving.

Susan Jarvis Goldstein Interim Executive Director 4

From the Engagement Committee

December 2013

In the Learning and Growing Opportunities booklet that was distributed during the High Holidays, the Engagement Committee announced a goal to build connections among the members of our Congregation. The program is called “SidebySide at CBI.” You’re encouraged to engage with others in prayer, study, spiritual growth, and fellowship. In the process, you’ll create new meaningful relationships.

Over time, you’ll see announcements about implementation of this initiative. In this month’s column, we focus on our children. Many SidebySide opportunities exist for children and parents/relatives, children and Chazzan, children and Rabbi.

To familiarize you with current and new initiatives, here is a list:

TORAH READING CLASS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY Do you want to learn how to chant from the Torah? Liz Sembler will be teaching a leyning class for Hebrew readers on Wednesday evenings, beginning in January. Participants will learn how to recognize, sing, and apply the trope symbols above and below the words of the Torah text, and how to use those skills to successfully prepare a Torah reading for presentation to the congregation.

• Young children are encouraged to accompany a relative with a Bima honor, e.g., opening or closing the Ark, leading a prayer, davening, Torah Aliyah, etc.

The first class will be

• Physically capable children (pre-B’nai Mitzvah through teens) are encouraged to sit and hold a Sefer Torah after Hagbah/G’lila (of course, with an adult on guard).

Wednesday, January 8, at 5:30 pm.

• All children (very young through teens) are encouraged to ascend the Bima to join the Chazzan from Ein Keloheinu through Adon Olam, and to join the Rabbi for Kiddush and Motzi (and chocolate).

In order to ensure that we have enough materials for all participants, please call Liz to register at 727.381.4900, x206.

As appropriate, students will be trained and prepared for these responsibilities during Junior Congregation, in the classroom, and by experience.

We look forward to seeing you and your children ritually involved, especially on Shabbat morning.

Margot Benstock and Byron Kolitz

A-Team: CBI’s Advocacy for Israel Committee All who wish to be counted as a member of CBI’s A-Team, please let the office or me know. You’ll not be bombarded with emails or phone calls. Only the most critical, time-sensitive information is disseminated via these means.

As an Israel advocate, you probably have one or more special interests. Please let me know your particular areas of concern. You’re encouraged to write brief pieces for the weekly E-News broadcasts and for the monthly Review bulletin.

Our Library contains a small reference section to aid in learning and explaining many of the detailed issues.

For a comprehensive, single source, daily report of wide ranging issues, I urge you to subscribe to the Daily Alert (dailyalert.org). This email is prepared for the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. The email contains a collection of summaries on a variety of issues, and links to the original sources.

Also, many excellent web sites provide background and current information. You can begin your exploration with the following sites:  

Advocates for Israel AIPAC - American Israel Public Affairs Committee

 

JNF - Jewish National Fund MEMRI – Middle East Media Research Institute



American Zionist Movement





CAMERA - Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America Embassy of Israel to the US Hadassah Honest Reporting Israel 21c Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs JerusalemOnlineU.com



MERCAZ USA – Zionist Organization of the Conservative Movement Myth and Facts

    

StandWithUs Stand for Israel TIP - The Israel Project World Jewish Congress World Zionist Organization

     

Please show your support for Israel by familiarizing yourself with the background and facts to become better informed. Each of us has a role in delivering the message – we’ll continue on the offensive in advocating for Israel.

Byron Kolitz 5

Buns Family Library

December 2013

Book Club Members Have Unexpected Visit From Author, Anne-Marie O’Connor

CBI– HADASSAH BOOK DISCUSSION CLUB MEETINGS The CBI-Hadassah Book Clubs will continue to meet monthly on Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the Buns Family Library for lively discussions of current books.

December 18, 2013 Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman January 15, 2014 The English Assassin by Daniel Silva February 19, 2014 The Righteous Man by Sam Bourne March 19, 2014 The Free World by David Bezmozgis April 23, 2014 The Innocents by Francesca Segal (be careful to get the right author) May 21, 2014 The Outside World by Tova Mirvis

The CBI/Hadassah Book Club members received an unexpectedly pleasant surprise when they met on November 20th to review The Lady in Gold, a book about a famous painting by Austrian artist Gustav Klimpt. The book’s author, AnnMarie O’Connor, had heard about the scheduled review from a friend in St Petersburg, contacted CBI, and offered to join the group’s discussion from Jerusalem by Skype.

Anne-Marie’s comment after the meeting was “Your members were so well-informed, it was a pleasure.”

Anne-Marie O'Connor is a veteran foreign correspondent, war reporter and culture writer

Book Review

who has covered everything from post-Soviet Cuba to American artists and intellectuals. She

All the Shah’s Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror, by Stephen Kinzer.

The continued threat of a nuclear Iran makes this a good time to learn about a series of actions over 50 years ago that had a critical role in shaping current events. This book is the story of how America and Britain helped to oust one Iranian leader and strengthen the power of the Shah, whose regime was infamously toppled in 1979.

attended Vassar and the San Francisco Art Institute and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, where she and fellow students co-created an award-winning documentary on the repression of mural artists after

Prior to World War II, Britain established the Anglo-Arabian Oil Company in Iran, an entity that shared little of its profits with its host country. In typical fashion for those times, the British set up a colony where the locals lived in hovels while the British dined in elegance. There were even water fountains in that country that were marked “Not for Iranians.”

The end of World War II brought a growing sense of nationalism to region and the rise of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, a charismatic leader who sought a more equitable share of the oil revenues for his people. All attempts at compromise were rebuffed, leading him to nationalize the oil companies.

the 1973 military coup in Chile. She is currently in Jerusalem, and writes for The Washington Post, where her husband, William Booth, is Post bureau chief.

The ongoing Klimt saga is currently continuing with more of his famous works, the largest being The Beethoven Frieze. These disputes don’t hinge on wartime plundering, but

Of course this did not sit well with the British, who began plotting to remove Mossadegh in order to reclaim what they deemed was properly theirs. Spearheading this effort was Winston Churchill, who had an overriding concern with preserving the British Empire as he knew it. He was aided by the Eisenhower administration, which, in the shadow of the Korean conflict, was worried about the rise of communism in the region.

rather on how stolen art was handled after the

Reading this book will give you a better understanding of the mind-set of the Iranians. Using a quote from Harry Truman, Kinzer reminds us that “there is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.”

film, Monuments Men.

Mark F. Lewis

war ended. This is a common theme of restitution cases arising from Nazi looting, further dramatized by an upcoming George Clooney

Ruth Lebowitz Library Co-Chair

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Women’s League

December 2013

Congratulations to

This year’s CBI Women’s League

Nominee for the Federation’s Woman of Distinction.

Gift Shop

Torah Fund

CBI Women’s League

Mishpachah: Family In choosing Mishpachah as the theme for the 5774 Torah Fund pin, as well as for the Women’s League focus for 5774, we acknowledge both the sanctity that comes with being one big family and the complexity of our families and relationships. Our families are diverse and this pin, reflecting that diversity, is something to be worn proudly by all women. Your Torah Fund donations support the Jewish Theological Seminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, and Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies.

We proclaim that we, as women, proudly shape the future of Judaism and our three-thousand year old Jewish family.

Judaica Shop Hours Mondays 11:00 am—2:00 pm 3:00 pm—5:00 pm Tuesdays 3:00 pm—5:00 pm Thursdays 1:00 pm—5:00 pm Shop the Judaic Way!

Contacts

SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 6:00 PM

Ellen Bernstein 727.345.0237

TORAH FUND DINNER~HONORING

Anita Helfand 727.347.2300

“LIVIA WEIN”

Visit the Judaica Shop for:

CBI’S 2014 WOMEN’S LEAGUE JACKIE JACOBS WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT

Hanukkah items, ceremonial objects, Kiddush cups, candlesticks, Shabbat Candles, shofars, honey dishes, tefillin, tallitot, Challah plates, boards, knives, and more!

DONATIONS $180 – Benefactor $300 - Guardian Level $600 - Associate Patron $1,200 – Patron

We special order!

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Contact List Joanne Luski 727.347.1741 Marilyn LeVine 727.343.2196 Jennifer Sternberg 727.391.9085

Women’s League

December 2013

Women’s League Catering is special. Trust us with you 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 Information: Alice Ettinger 727.954.4805

Mitzvah Men’s Club MITZVAH MEN’S CLUB HOSTS FLORIDA REGION MEN’S CLUBS “Probably the BEST retreat we’ve ever had!” “Great meeting. What hospitality.”

Just a few of the many comments received as attendees returned home from the Florida Region, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs Retreat held here at CBI October 18-20.

More than 40 men came from their homes from Jacksonville to Miami to join in learning, ruach, Torah study and planning. The CBI congregation was treated to a massive outpouring of ruach when the men joined the congregation at services Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Word was, “The joint was rocking!” Those who were there will not soon forget the experience.

Y’asher cochachem to all CBIers who pitched in, especially Sandy Brasch, Diane Litt, Marv Leibson and our kitchen and maintenance staff and, of course, our own MMC.

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9

Youth Department

December 2013

Talmud Torah

What is KADIMA?

Todah Rabah to the families and children who participated in the PRTT Shabbaton.

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, some of my best memories are from being involved in my synagogue’s youth group for middle school aged kids.

The children who conducted the Kabbalat Shabbat Service did very well. They performed with Ruach.

During Hanukkah, the PRTT Children will be going to Menorah Manorah to sing and light the candles.

Kadima is the international youth organization for Jewish pre-teens. Sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Kadima offers programs through local Conservative congregations.

Everyone is invited to The Village of Chelm. The PRTT Students have been working very hard!

Kadima activities include: games, sports, arts & crafts, conventions, holiday celebrations, cultural activities, and social action projects.

Yad B’Yad* Tzedakah Program is the Kadima tzedakah program. This program teaches Kadima members to be more aware and sensitive towards people

College Connection

who have learning disabilities or other special needs.

During the months of December and January, our Kadima chapter is having a Membership Contest. For every Kadima member who brings a new friend who joins our chapter, we will put your name in a jar. February 1 we will pull

Please see the list of

Do you have a college student in the family?

activities below and mark your calendars! 

CBI wants to stay connected. We need your help.

USY Dine and Dash:

Please email the following information to

Hanukkah Style!

Pam LeCompte at plecompte@wittner.com

Wednesday, December 4 at 6:00 pm 

USY Snowball Semi Formal! Rodeph Shalom,



Student name



Current college mailing address



Cell phone number



College attending, year in school, and graduation date



Parent name and email address

Saturday, December 7 

USY Airheads Saturday, December 14



KADIMA Cookie Decorating Contest,

Deliver to

Fire House, Sunday, December 15 at noon

Save the Date 

Kadima Shabbat at Toby Weinman for

dinner,

We will once again send mailing and “care packages” to our college students. To insure YOUR child receives his/ her mail and package we must have a current address and email address.

Friday, January 10 at 4:45 pm 

USY Pajama Party, PJ Library Havdalah, Saturday, January 11, 6:30 pm 10

Photo Caption Scholarships

December 2013

Summer Program Scholarships 

Congregation B’nai Israel offers its own scholarships for all USY and Ramah summer programs. The deadline for this application is February 12, 2014.

For a complete list of all 12 programs and their application visit the CBI website at: http://www.cbistpete.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ HERE.pdf 

New Scholarship offered by USY called One Happy Camper grant. This $1000. scholarship is offered by the Foundation of Jewish Camps and can be used for USY on Wheels or a Jewish summer camp.

Check out the website: https://www.onehappycamper.org/cipms/home.aspx



Covenant Fund applications are now available through January, 17, 2014 Check out the website: Www.jewishpinellas.org



Mercaz Women’s League Israel Essay Contest – This year’s theme is “Women in Zionism: Past & Present” celebrating the upcoming 30th anniversary of women in the Conservative rabbinate. Deadline is Friday, March 7, 2014.

Check out the website: www.mercazusa.org For more information about all scholarships contact Bonnie Halprin at Youthdir@cbistpete.org or 727.381.4900 x209

Adult Studies Jewish Calendar: So Today is December 4th. Nu? With Byron Kolitz Wednesday, December 4, 7:00 pm

Lunch with the Rabbi Wednesday, December 11, noon RSVP to the CBI Office at 727.381.4900

Torah For Seniors, led by Rabbi Jacob Luski

“Ask the Cantor” Sit Down Oneg Shabbat

Tuesday, December 10, 11:00 am

Friday, December 13 following Services

(Philip Benjamin Tower)

On Safari with Alice & Larry

Talmud Made Easy

Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 pm (Buns Family Library)

by Tuesday, 12:00 pm

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December 2013

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The Festival of Hanukka begins on the eve of the 25th of Kislev, the day when the Maccabees cleansed and rededicated the Holy Temple, having vanquished Israel’s tyrannical oppressors. It is told that they found only one little cruse of pure, undefiled oil, but miraculously, it burned in the Temple menorah for 8 days, In commemoration, our Festival lasts 8 days, and every evening we kindle lights of oil or candles in a Hanukka menorah. One is lit the first night, two the second night, and so on, until 8 lights are kindled on the final evening.

mes– is added every evening, so that if the light is inadvertently used, there will also be non-holy light.

Light first candle after dark Second Night Thursday, November 28, 2013 Light two candles after dark

The menorah should stand in a special place, where such oil lights or candles are not usually burned. It should be placed in a window facing the street or at the left of a doorway, at about table level, but protected against the wind—to proclaim the miracle of Hanukka.

✡

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Menorah’s light is holy and may not be used for any ordinary purposes, i.e., to read by. Therefore, an extra light, or candle—a sham-

✡

First Night

Third Night Friday, November 29, 2013 Light three candles before Shabbat Candles by 5:17 pm

The lights are to be kindled directly at nightfall, when the stars appear, with all the family present, and they should burn at least half an

Fourth Night

hour. If someone cannot light them at nightfall, they may do so later,

Saturday, November 30, 2013

as long as the family is awake to watch.

Light four candles after 6:20 pm ✡

In putting the oil lights or candles in the menorah, begin from the right end. In lighting them, begin from the left. The shames, the extra

Fifth Night

light, should be higher, but the Hanukka lights should be level, none

Sunday, December 1, 2013

higher or lower, and not too close to one another. ✡

Light five candles after dark

The Menorah is lit in the synagogue too, before evening services, Maariv, to heighten our awareness of the miracle of Hanukka. But this

✡

excuses no one, not even the person who lights the synagogue meno-

Monday, December 2, 2013

rah, from kindling lights at home.

Light six candles after dark

Women have the same obligation as men about kindling Hanukka lights. Therefore, if a man cannot be present when a menorah is lit, she should light one herself.

✡

Sixth Night

Seventh Night Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Light seven candles after dark

Late Friday afternoon, the Hanukka lights should be kindled before the Sabbath candles, and they should be able to burn until at least half an hour after nightfall. On Saturday night, the menorah is lit after havdala has been recited.

Eighth Night Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Light eight candles after dark

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December 2013

The candles are placed from right to left, as one faces the Hanukkia, as Hebrew is read, but they are lit from left to right, so that on each night, the new candle is given special welcome by being lit first. Only the Shammash is used to light the other candles.

The candles should be lit as soon as possible once dark. On Friday night, however, the Hanukka candles are lit BEFORE the Shabbat candles. At the close of Shabbat, the Havdala ceremony precedes the lighting of the Hanukkia.

Hanukkah Celebration & Musical Extravaganza Featuring CBI Congregants Tuesday, December 3, 2013 5:30—8:30 pm For all the details, check out the flyer on the back cover!

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December 2013

December 2013 Kislev/Tevet 5774 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wedn

1

2

3 Rosh Hodesh Tevet

4 Rosh Hodesh Te

9:00 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning M

1:00pm MMC Bucs Watch Party

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

4:45pm PRTT Menorah Lighting

5:00pm MMC Dinn

5:30 pm Hanukkah Celebration

6:00 pm USY Dine

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening M

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

7:00pm Hebrew Hi

7:00pm Jewish Ca Kolitz 8

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9:00 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning M

9:00am PRTT All Classes

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

11:00am Torah 4 Seniors

12:00pm Lunch wi

4:45pm PRTT, Alef-Hef Classes

6:30 pm Evening M

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

7:00pm WL Genera

5:00pm MMC Steak & Scotch Event 6:30 pm Evening Minyan

7:00pm Talmud Cl Wein

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9:00 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning M

9:00am PRTT, All Classes

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

4:45pm PRTT, Alef-Hef Classes

10:00am CBI—Had

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening M

10:00am The Village of Chelm 12:00pm Kadima Cookie Baking Contest

7:00pm On Safari w

6:30 pm Evening Minyan 22

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25 CBI Office Clos

9:00 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

9:00 am Morning M

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening M

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9:00 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

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December 2013

SHABBAT SCHEDULE 

Friday, December 6, 2013 Jeans Kabbalat Shabbat 5:30 pm Candlelighting 5:17 pm Saturday, December 7, 2013 Morning Service, 9:00 Sedra Vayigash, Minha, Maariv, Havdala, 5:20pm, Havdala on the Beach 6:45 pm



Friday, December 13 Shabbat Ruach, 8:00pm, “Ask the Cantor” Sit Down Oneg following services Candlelighting 5:19 pm Saturday, December 14 Morning Service, 9:00am, Sedra Veyehi, Minha, Maariv, Havdala, 5:20 pm



Friday, December 20 Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 pm, Candlelighting 5:21 pm Saturday, December 21 Morning Service, 9:00, Sedra Shemot, Minha, Maariv, Havdala 5:20 pm



Friday, December 27 Kabbalat Shabbat 5:30 pm Candlelighting 5:25 pm Saturday, December 28 Morning Service, 9:00, Sedra Va’era, Minha, Maariv, Havdala 5:25 pm

nesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

evet

5

6

7 Sedra Vayigash

Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

9:00 am Morning Services

ner

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

5:17 pm Candlelighting

5:20 pm Minha, Maariv, Havdala

e & Dash

5:30 pm Jeans Kabbalat Shabbat 6:45pm Havdala on the Beach

Minyan

7:30pm USY Snowball

igh & Mehina

alendar with Byron 12 Fast of Tevet

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14Sedra Veyehi

Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

9:00 am Morning Services

ith the Rabbi

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

5:19 pm Candlelighting

10:00am Junior Cong

8:00pm Shabbat Ruach, December Simha Shabbat, “Ask the Cantor ” Sit Down Oneg

5:20pm Minha, Maariv, & Havdala

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21 Sedra Shemot

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

9:00 am Morning Services

dassah Book Club 6:30 pm Evening Minyan

5:21pm Candlelighting

10:00am NO

Minyan

5:30pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

5:20pm Minha, Maariv, & Havdala

Minyan

al Meeting

lass with Steve

Minyan

with Alice & Larry

7:00pm USY Airheads

Junior Cong

sed

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27

28Sedra Va’era

Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

7:45 am Morning Minyan

9:00 am Morning Services

Minyan

6:30 pm Evening Minyan

5:25pm Candlelighting

10:00am Junior Cong

5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat

5:25pm Minha, Maariv, & Havdala

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Life Cycle Events

December 2013

Mazal Tov ACHIEVEMENTS: 

Dr. Charlene Wygodski, the 19th Annual Alfred M. Schick MD Memorial Award Recipient from the Maimonides Society

BAR & BAT MITZVAH: 

Marilyn and Dr. Morris LeVine and Susan and Dr. Steven LeVine on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter and daughter, Danielle Faith LeVine



Lorelei London and Dr. Dale Monast on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Rina Mae London

BIRTHS: 

Howard and Elaine Rothstein and Drs. Jay and Robin Schroeder on the birth of their granddaughter and daughter, Blake Lily Rothstein.



Bette Schroeder, Miriam Tambor, Robin Schroeder, and Kent and Jennifer Reeves on the birth of their great-granddaughter, granddaughter, and daughter, Stella Rose Reeves.



Dr. Joe and Diana Rosin and Jason and Morgan Rosin on the birth of their grandson and son Brady Henry Rosin.



Dotty Goldblatt, Mary Levine, Chuchie Weissman, Ron and Jayne Weissman, Bruce and Chesna Levine, and Lucas and Sherrie Levine on the birth of their great-grandson, grandson, and son, Jack Hudson Levine.

WEDDINGS: 

Masha & Jorge Ronay on the marriage of their son, Alejandro Ronay to Alexia Blystone Black



Mirla Kremer on the marriage of her son, Ricky Kremer to Laura Zel

Chana Olmstead Wife of Richard Olmstead

Bill Dolgoff Father of Arthur Dolgoff and Connie Ness

May He who comforts Israel, Grant you solace in your bereavement.

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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!" TO OUR

“YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!” TO OUR

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARY

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

CELEBRANTS □ 5 Rhoda & Leonard Bader □ 5 Drs. Hazel & Steven Shwer □ 6 Patty & Leonard Adelson □ 7 Janet & Ed Shapiro □ 11 Arlene & Dr. Frank Moss □ 11 Heather & Steve Craig □ 18 Charlotte & Harold Goldberg □ 19 Paula & Steve Dangler □ 22 Myrna & Larry Irwin □ 24 Nicole & Elan Melamed □ 25 Margot & Michael Benstock □ 26 Diana & Art Jay □ 26 Bille & Morry Bornstein □ 29 Rita & Ben Thomas

□ 1 Gerry Mensh

□10 Judi Gordon

□21 Susan Bartholomew

□ 1 Julie Morris

□10 Karen Sher

□21 Ina Sheppard

□ 2 Ronna Geffon

□11 Bill Marger

□23 Dororthy Goldblatt

□ 2 Susie Schwartz

□12 Amy Mendelblatt

□24 Ella Schlanger

□ 2 Susie Van Gelder

□13 Jennifer Sternberg

□24 Dr. Mark Walters

□ 3 Deborah Blanchard

□14 Arnold Kravitz

□24 Vicki Henry

□ 3 Charles Given

□16 Pam Askin

□25 Tikva Melamed-Goff

□ 3 Barbara Rubin

□16 Selma Rosenberg

□27 Stephanie Adelson

□ 5 Murray Rubin

□17 Rebecca Douglass

□27 Dr. Mark Benjamin

□ 5 Sharron Scott

□17 Dr. Larry Ettinger

□28 Myrna Rubin

□ 5 Dr. Michael Zimmer

□18 Vicki Greenfield

□29 Sheryl Sutton

□ 6 Maxine Buchholtz

□18 Aaron Koppel

□30 Joanne Given

□ 6 Amy Giskin

□18 Lawrence Litt

□31 Hannah Ayes

□ 6 Judy Kaye

□19 Janet Augenbraun

□31 Dorothy Liss

□ 7 Jack Mayer

□20 Jerry Gilbert

□ 30 Gail &Gerald Wiseberg □ 31 Cari & Joel Berman

In Honor of: ___________________________

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY AND

Check the names of everyone to whom you want to send a Mitzvah Gram.

Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation each, to: Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710,

ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT

or donate online at cbistpete.org *The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10.

Please print:

SATURDAY, December 14, 2013 9:00AM

Your Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ City, _____________________________Zip: __________________ Telephone: ______________ 17

Donations Adult Studies Carol & Bill Marger

Deborah & Richard Blanchard Mark & Ricki Lewis Building Maintenance Fund Dr. Leslie Pearlstein Deborah & Richard Blanchard Susan & Brian Kagan & Family

December 2013

In Honor of Byron Kolitz, his Hatan Maftir Dr. Charlene Wygodski, being honored by the Maimonides Society In Memory of Helen Rosch Milton Lewis In Honor of

Mitzvah Fund Vivian Neumann

In Honor of This year’s Hatanei Haftarahs: Gary Levine, Mariann Lustigman-Rooth, & Byron Kolitz

Ellen Bernstein Laurie & Marc Reiskind Rachel & David Wein Terri & Joseph Gross Billie & Morris Bornstein

Gerry & Mort Diamond’s 50th Anniversary The Birth of Emma Isabelle Gross

Audrey Kopelman

Anita Helfand Gary Levine

The Kanners

In Memory of Karyn Feld

Dr. Patricia Cottrille

Max Rubenstein Ruth Schaffer Buns Family Technology Improvement Fund Kathleen & Fred Buns

In Memory of

Cantor’s Fund Dr. Larry & Alice Ettinger

In Honor of The birth of Emma Isabelle Gross In Memory of Arlen Helfand

Anita Helfand Dr. Michael H. Diamond Endowment Fund Phyllis Silverstein Deborah & Richard Blanchard Gail S. Warren Legacy for Leadership Fund Laurie & Marc Reiskind Sandy & Mike Slomka Karen & Cary Reich Liz & Greg Sembler Linda & Jack Goldfarb Laurie & Marc Reiskind Liz & Greg Sembler Nancy & Dr. Stanley Rosenberg Karen & Cary Reich Gail & Michael Frye Library Fund Ellen Bernstein Dolores Diamond Dr. Ruth Lebowitz

Esta Blaxberg

Robert G. Campbell

Debbie Smith Rosa Russek

In Honor of The birth of Emma Isabelle Gross In Memory of Max Rubenstein

Linda & Jack Goldfarb Ina Colen Billie & Morris Bornstein

In Honor of Rachel Seldin’s birthday CBI Women’s League’s wonderful Simha Shabbat The birth of Emma Isabelle Gross Dr. Charlene Wygodski, being honored in the Maimonides Society The marriage of Joe & Stacey Gross The marriage of Joe & Stacey Gross In Memory of Ruth Schaffer Pauline Teckler Chana Olmstead Adele Rosenberg Max Rubenstein Chana Olmstead In Honor of Dr. Ruth Lebowitz’s “special birthday” Dr. Ruth Lebowitz’s “special birthday” November birthdays and anniversaries Rabbi Jacob Luski’s Birthday In Memory of Irving Parkoff

Murray Fink Audrey Kopelman Lyubov Pleskov, Faina & George Sakovich Joyce & Harold Seder Fred Silverman Lillian Rosen Sharon & Alan Koenig Selma Rosenberg Joan Fyvolent Kathy & Dr. Frank Mendelblatt Sally & Joe Cohen Harold Wolfson Lee Shenofsky Laurie & Marc Reiskind Rachel & David Wein Music & Concert Endowment Lee Shenofsky

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The birth of Jaron Liam Lynn The Birth of Emma Isabelle Gross The Birth of Emma Isabelle Gross The Bat Mitzvah of Danielle LeVine Mr. & Mrs. Murray Dunst’s 70th Anniversary Murray Dunst’s 90th birthday The Birth of Emma Isabelle Gross The Birth of Jaron Liam Lynn Larry & Alice Ettinger’s Anniversary Rabbi Jacob & Joanne’s Anniversary Jack & Linda Goldfarb’s Anniversary Dr. Mandel & Karen Sher’s Anniversary Rabbi Jacob Luski’s Birthday Cindy Weisberg’s Birthday Anita Helfand’s Birthday Sandy Slomka’s Birthday Michael Wallace’s Birthday Debbie Sokolov’s Birthday Linda Grau’s Birthday Thelma Gilbert’s Birthday Lilly Salcman Ana Masri’s birthday Dr. & Mrs. Bernardo Stein’s Anniversary In Memory of Michael Maroscia Sidney Colen Harold Bornstein Roberta Seigel Faye Fink Mrs. Sandra Hall’s Grandson Elka Kogan Vladamir Sakovich Martin Seder Ruth Schaffer Tanie Freedman Sarah Dotson Lillian Rosenberg Roberta Seigel Dorothy Goffman Loved Ones Abraham M. Wolfson Arlen Helfand Chana Olmstead The Birth of Emma Isabelle Gross In Memory Of Chana Olmstead

Donations

December 2013

Pauline Rivkind Fund Ruth Gray

In Memory of Her Mother, Yetta Pollack

Pauline Rivkind Preschool Fund Lee Shenofsky

In Memory of

USY Pilgrimmage Arlene Ludin

Karyn Feld

Sharyn Jacobson

Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah Fund Deborah & Richard Blanchard

In Honor of

Prayerbook Fund Bebby & Art Marlin Deborah & Richard Blanchard

In Memory of Toby & Sam Shkarofsky Pearl Abrams

Rabbi’s Fund Linda Grau

In Honor of Warren & Rebecca Simmon’s New Home Rabbi Luski’s Birthday In Memory of Sam Marantz Martin Schloss Pauline Teckler Harry Solomon Ben Warsaw George Lachter Julius Epstein Arlen Helfand Fannie Olenetzky Daniel Ginsburg Ross Lew Max Koenig Bertha Mack Pearl Abrams David Goldman Esther Mann Fay Feinman Jeanne S. Faber Wendy Benstock Yetta Blum Ethel Florence Max Florence His beloved wife, Chana

Gerry & Richard Mensh Dr. Joel Marantz Sharon & Arthur Schloss Anita Helfand Robert Warsaw Elaine & Bob Lachter Thomas Epstein Steven Feld Ed Gisnburg Yvette Lew Sharon & Alan Koenig Gerry & Richard Mensh Jane & Don Silverberg Dr. Irwin Feinman Barbara Feinman Joan& Gerry Benstock Eileen & Michael Richman

Richard Olmstead

In Honor of Danielle LeVine’s Bat Mitzvah In Memory of Her Uncle, Harry Heller

Debbie Marmon

You can now donate online at: www.cbistpete.org/donate Don’t miss an opportunity to donate to CBI! Visit cbistpete.org/donate and simply fill out the form with your credit card number. Couldn’t be simpler! We’re making some revisions to the site so, in the meantime, please indicate in the “add a message” section to whom you would like your donation acknowledged.

Send a check payable to Congregation B’nai Israel to:

USY Fund Charlotte Levine Carol & Bill Marger Elaine & Howard Rothstein Jennifer & Dr. Bob Sternberg Karen & Dr. Mandel Sher Beverly Tsernov Charlotte & Harold Goldberg Carol & Bill Marger Stephanie & Keyvan KohanShohet

In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Diamond’s 50th anniversary The birth of Emma Isabelle Gross The birth of Stella Rose Reeves The birth of Blake Lily Rothstein In Memory of Tillie Sakren Samuel Wolchock Dov Tsernov Miriam Soman Ruth Schaffer Arlen Helfand Ruth Schaffer

Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg c/o Kesef Accounting Services P.O. Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645 OR to the synagogue office.

Please indicate to which fund you wish to donate, the occasion for the donation (e.g., in honor of, in memory of), the name of the person you are honoring or remembering, and to whom you wish acknowledgement of your donation be sent. If the acknowledgement is not going to a CBI member, please note the recipient’s address.

Donation to Women’s League or Mitzvah Men’s Club should be made directly to those affiliate organizations.

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December 2013

www.jewishpinellas.org 22

December 2013

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December 2013

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www.goldbergeyemd.com

Come join us!

For membership information please contact:

Rhoda Ross – Membership VP

St. Petersburg Chapter

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December 2013

Please Patronize Our Advertisers!

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December 2013

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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

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