Bnai review december 2015 final by Congregation B'nai Israel

December 2015 Kislev - Tevet 5776

CELEBRATE HANUKKAH

Volume 5776 Issue 4

CBI!

IN THIS ISSUE Contact Page 2

Announcements Page 3

Messages Pages 4-5 Hanukkah Pages 6-7 A Team Page 8

Candel Lighting Page 9

Adult Studies & Special Services Pages 10-11

PRECEC Page 12

Youth Page 13

Calendar Pages 14-15

Women’s League/ Mitzvah Men’s Club Pages 16-17

Life Cycle Pages 18-19

Donations Pages 20-21

Sunday, December 6, 2015 5K Run-Walk! Games and Activities! Menorah Lighting! Latke Bar! Pages 6-7

Jewish Young Professionals Page 22

Advertisers Pages 23-27

Todah Rabah Back Cover

B’nai Israel REVIEW December 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.

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

Executive Director Susan Goldstein 727.344.1017 execdir@cbistpete.org

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

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Amy LaPiccirella 727.302.9668 preschool@cbistpete.org

Youth Director/ Religious School Educator Melanie Tolchin 727.381.4900 x1011 youthdir@cbistpete.org

Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4901 officemgr@cbistpete.org

Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com

President Susan Marger LeVine doc2roc@aol.com

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

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

USY President Corey Sokolov cnsok4@gmail.com

Announcements Mark Your Calendar

Kehilla

CBI HANUKKAH PARTY For the entire congregation! Come celebrate the first night of Hanukkah in front of CBI’s giant outdoor menorah. Join our children in Hanukkah songs with Cantor Schultz and his guitar, chant the beautiful blessings as Mayor Rick Kriseman lights the candles, and feast on a free gourmet latke bar in the social hall. We’ll have a big crowd, thanks to the families and runners participating in our first annual Chase the Dreidel 5K race. Don’t miss the biggest first-night Hanukkah party in Pinellas County! Sunday, December 6. Chase the Dreidel 5K & Activities: 4:00 pm. Singing and Hanukkah Kickoff: 5:30 pm. Menorah lighting: 6:00 pm.

ORDER YOUR 2016 MAH JONGG CARDS $8 Standard, $9 Large. Make checks payable to CBI Women's League. Mail to: Sheryl Feinman, 14047 Jennifer Terrace, Largo 33774. Deadline: Friday, January 15. Contact: Sheryl Feinman, 727.422.2221

See all of our Hanukkah events on Pages 6-7! TAMPA BAY ANNUAL AIPAC EVENT This year’s Annual Event features a conversation with Ghaith al-Omari, Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and Dr. Gil Troy, Professor of History at McGill University. The presentation, Prospects for Peace in the Middle East, takes place Wednesday, December 9, with a dessert reception at 7:00 pm preceding the 7:30 program. Grand Hyatt Tampa, $40 couvert. RSVP by Friday, December 4, at aipac.org/TampaBayAnnual or contact Nina Uribe at nuribe@aipac.org for more information. FEDERATION SHABBAT Saturday, January 9. Stay tuned for more information!

BIKKUR HOLIM One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take very seriously. When our members are ill or hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are extremely cautious about sharing patient names, even with clergy. We need our congregants to communicate directly with us and to inform us of illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments of difficulty or stress. SHABBAT DINNER AT PBT The Benjamin Tower Foundation invites CBI congregants who would like to join PBT residents for Shabbat dinners. Dinner is $10 every Friday at 4:45 pm. This is a great opportunity to enjoy dinner and fellowship before walking over to CBI for Shabbat services. CBI will post each week’s menu to cbistpete.org on Monday afternoons. RSVP with payment and entrée choice to Debbie Kobernick by Wednesdays at 12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or dkobernick@benjamintowerfoundation.org.

We expect that you have read or heard about CBI’s Life & Legacy Program which will ensure CBI's Jewish future. The program is about leaving a gift to CBI after you pass away, when you no longer need it. A first step in our program is to identify congregants who have already included CBI in their estate plans, either through naming CBI as a beneficiary in their life insurance policies, IRA accounts, wills, or trusts. Please contact one of the committee members listed below if you have already made plans to include CBI in your estate. We do not want to exclude anyone whose plan already is in place to secure CBI’s future. If you haven’t already thought about a legacy gift, it’s simple and costs nothing today. It can be as easy as naming CBI the beneficiary (or co-beneficiary) of an IRA account or an old life insurance policy that you bought years ago. Your gift will set an example for your children and grandchildren. Thanks to our participation in a grant through TOP and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, your plans will not only support CBI by providing funds after your life, but also will bring dollars today by helping us meet an incentive grant for legacy gifts to CBI. Todah Rabah for sharing your intent with us. CBI LIFE & LEGACY COMMITTEE Laurie Reiskind: 727.458.6873 Mike Slomka: 727.458.6703

lauriesr@tampabay.rr.com pepadoc@aol.com

Joel Shane: 727.573.5586 Susan Goldstein: 727.344.1017

joel.shane2@hotmail.com execdir@cbistpete.org

From the Rabbi

HAPPY HANUKKAH, THE "HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS!" Have you ever wondered about the whole eight-nights, one-flask of oil story, and whether it really explains how and why, we light the Hanukkiah the way we do? Think about it: imagine that indeed, one flask of oil lasted eight nights. You would start out with a bright flame, and then the flame would slowly flicker out and become smaller and smaller, as the remaining oil was stretched out to fit the eight-day dedication of the Temple. If we were lighting eight lights to commemorate the miracle of the oil, should we not then, start out with eight candles and trickle down to one, to remember how the oil lasted before it ran out? If you think that's a good question - well, I can't take credit for it. In the Talmud, the sage Shammai proposed lighting the Hanukkiah just that way: starting out with eight, and ending with one, in a re-enacting of the miracle as we imagine it might have happened. However, the sage Hillel ruled, that we light starting with one, and going to eight and we follow his more joyful less literalist interpretation of remembering the miracle. One reason that we follow Hillel is the principle of "ma'alin b'kodesh"- we ascend in spiritual levels. For example - we may turn an ordinary building into a synagogue, but we should not, if at all possible, turn a synagogue into an ordinary building. Thus, if lighting Hanukkah lights is a holy act, lighting two is a greater act than lighting one, and lighting three is a greater act than lighting two. Perhaps what Hillel means to teach us, is a variation on the idea that "mitzvah goreret mitzvah"- a mitzvah leads to a mitzvah. This is often understood to mean that once we turn our souls towards the doing of holy deeds, we strengthen and orient ourselves towards spiritual goals. In a wonderful "positive feedback loop," spiritual deeds lead to spiritual growth, which leads to the desire to do more spiritual deeds….and so on. The spiral can also start with study. Study leads to action, which leads to the desire for greater understanding, which leads to study, which leads to inspiration, which leads to action! In the days of the Maccabees, Judaism was at a low point, to say the least. Hillel wants to remind us, if your spirituality is a low point, start somewhere small, but start. Light one candle, and you will be inspired to light two. Light two, and it will lead to three. This applies to prayer, to tzedakah, to acts of lovingkindness, to anything that strengthens and enriches our souls. Start small, and great things will follow. We ascend in holiness, and with God's love flowing within us, keep growing. Hag Urim Sameah! Happy Hanukkah!

From the Cantor So you think you know everything there is to know about Hanukkah? Below is some information you may not know. Get ready for 9 illuminating facts (one for each candle, including the shammash) about the holiday. 1.

Though Judah Maccabee was one of the great military leaders in Jewish history, no one really knows the meaning of his name. 2. Hanukkah, along with Rosh Hashanah, is a best seller for the country’s largest greeting-card company, Hallmark. 3. Although today we are clear on exactly how to light the candles, the Talmud recounts that the schools of Hillel and Shammai disagreed on this matter. The House of Shammai argued that one should light 8 candles the first day, then decrease with each day of Hanukkah. On the other hand, Hillel said that we should light a single candle on the first day and add one candle each day. Of course, that’s what we do today. 4. Judah Maccabee died near Elasa, but don’t look for it on a map. Scholars have yet to identify exactly where that was. 5. During Talmudic times, as a way of publicizing the miracle, the rabbis recommended placing the Hanukkah menorot at the entrance of the house, directly opposite the mezuzah. This tradition continued for many years, though today most families prefer placing their menorah near a front window. 6. In Eastern Europe, Jewish children wore beitel, small handmade bags made of fabric scraps. Whenever the children visited friends and family on the holiday, they would receive a tiny gift of Hanukkah gelt to put inside their beitel bags. 7. Turkish Jews have a custom of weaving into Hanukkah candles a few of the fibers where once rested the Etrog from Sukkot. At the end of Hanukkah, remains of the holiday candles are then molded into another candle, used to search for chametz just before Pesach. 8. The Maccabi World Union, the international Jewish sports organization, is indeed named after Judah Maccabee. 9. Some Kurdish-Jewish children create a doll in the shape of the wicked king Antiochus and set it on fire at the end of Hanukkah. Happy Hanukkah!

From the President

Hanukkah this year will be grand at CBI with our first ever Chase the Dreidel 5K Run followed by our friend, Mayor Rick Kriseman, lighting our giant menorah. And of course, who could miss out on our Mitzvah Men’s Club carb-happy gourmet potato latke fest, including salad and traditional jelly doughnuts. There is plenty of opportunity to get involved in Chase the Dreidel. If you are a runner, this is a professionallytimed course and participants receive a race T-shirt and swag bag. Help sponsor the race with a donation, or volunteer and cheer the runners on! Also in the planning are children’s activities with PJ Library and a Diaper Dash for pre-walking infants. Many thanks to the dedicated and hardworking team of Valerie Hyman and Oren Adelson who have chaired this huge event! Music with Mar. and Mr. Froggy have come to CBI! Young children are singing, learning and dancing at our open to the community class, on Tuesdays at 10:00 am. Kids come with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, and each class is followed by a snack and social time. This class is open to the community, so please invite other families to come and experience the fun. Call Melanie, our youth director, for more details. Check out the fun photos posted on our website! Surf the Web and check out all the interesting happenings at CBIstpete.org. If you missed recent events, some of these are posted on the website. I particularly enjoyed Hannah Weiss’ summer USY experience, Rabbi Luski’s Nostra Aetate commemoration speech which he delivered at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, and A-Team’s Israel Advocacy informative updates. Also check out our calendar for upcoming events. At this time of the Festival of Lights, let’s rejoice in the continuity and strength of the Jewish people as we enjoy the holiday as a congregational family. I’ll see you at “Chase the Dreidel!”

From the Executive Director Who and What Light Up Our Lives This Month?! At the top of my list, of course, are family and close friends spread from coast to coast! But there’s a long list that follows, and many entries have to do with CBI. Here are a few: · Carolyn Isakson, Gail Frye, Chandaye Pastman, and Laurie Reiskind – extraordinary volunteers who have been “manning” the front desk while we search for a replacement for ….. · Carolyn Moritz, who graced our front desk for about a year while significantly enhancing our communications. She has moved on to her “dream job” at Eckerd College. We miss her and wish her and Avery well. They’ve promised not to be strangers! · Dianne Gettler, who has returned to us from extensive travels. Dianne will resume her responsibilities as Accounting Assistant and take on the role of Communications Coordinator as well. Welcome home! · Oren Adelson and his amazing team of volunteers, who have planned what we know will be a fabulous pre-Hanukkah 5-K, Chase the Dreidel. I don’t know about you, but I’m eager to meet that running dreidel! Will he twirl and run at the same time? Will the runners be allowed to twirl him during the race? So much we have to learn…………. · The Mitzvah Men’s Club, who will serve us a gourmet latke bar, salad, and soufganiyot after Cantor Schultz and our older PRTT students lead us in song on Sunday, December 6, between the conclusion of Chase the Dreidel and lighting the first Hanukkah candle. · Rebecca Horowitz, who stepped in to get this edition of the Review to press. · Susan Marger LeVine, Mike Slomka, Judi Gordon, Bill Marger, and Morry Bornstein who have provided advice and support during these weeks of staff turnover, and to Pam Askin who has hung in there with me. I relish these weeks when there are more hours of darkness because it makes all the things that light up my life sparkle even more brilliantly. There are so many. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to reflect on all those shining lights. Thank you for sharing your glow with me. I wish you and those dear to you a very Happy Hanukkah!

Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg “Chase The Dreidel” 5K Run/Walk at 4:00 pm with special activities for children: kids races, bounce house, crafts & fun followed by the

CBI “1st Night” HANUKKA PARTY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 5:30 PM

Meet in front of the Giant Menorah for Holiday Singing With Cantor Jonathan Schultz, PRTT & Preschool children

LIGHTING OF THE CBI GIANT MENORAH With Rabbi Jacob Luski, PRTT & Preschool children And special guest, St Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman! GOURMET LATKE BAR Compliments of the Mitzvah Men’s Club

Jelly Donuts too, of course! BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY for the 1st Night of Hanukka! No charge for this event. 7

Advocacy for Israel Committee

Hanukkah THE ORDER OF LIGHTING The candles are placed from right to left, as one faces the Hanukkiah, 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 Hanukkah candles are lit before the Shabbat candles. At the close of Shabbat, the Havdalah ceremony precedes the lighting of the Hanukkiah.

CANDLELIGHTING TIMES First Night Sunday, December 6 Light 1 candle after dark Second Night Monday, December 7 Light 2 candles after dark Third Night Tuesday, December 8 Light 3 candles after dark Fourth Night Wednesday, December 9 Light 4 candles after dark Fifth Night Thursday, December 10 Light 5 candles after dark Sixth Night Friday, December 11 Light 6 candles before Shabbat candles Seventh Night Saturday, December 12 Light 7 candles after Shabbat ends Eighth Night Sunday, December 13 Light 8 candles after dark

NIGHTLY HANUKKAH BLESSINGS

Barukh attah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitsvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukah. Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, whose mitzvot add holiness to our life and who gave us the mitzvah to light the lights of Hanukkah.

Barukh attah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, sheh-asa Nissim la’avoteinu, ba-yamim ha-heim u’va-z’man ha-zeh. Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who accomplished miracles for our ancestors in ancient days, and in our time.

TO BE ADDED ON THE FIRST NIGHT AFTER THE OTHER TWO BLESSINGS

Barukh attah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, she-hehyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higi’yanu la-z’man ha-zeh. Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, for granting us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this day.

Adult Studies & Special Services TALMUD MADE EASY Steve Wein and his Talmud Class continue their study of Sanhedrin this month 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 everybody. No previous knowledge necessary! Meet at CBI’s Buns Family Library. Wednesdays, December 2 & 16, January 6 & 27, 7:00 pm

CHOLENT KIDDUSH & TORAH STUDY Come together for fellowship after Shabbat morning services to enjoy a delicious cholent kiddush and an enlightening Torah study with Rabbi Luski! Saturday, December 5, following Shabbat services at 9:00 am

TORAH FOR SENIORS Join Rabbi Luski at the Philip Benjamin Tower for a meaningful Torah discussion. Tuesdays, December 8 & January 12, 11:00 am

LUNCH WITH THE RABBI Join Rabbi Luski for a kosher deli lunch and Mishna study at this month’s Lunch With the Rabbi. RSVP your lunch orders to Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org by Tuesday, December 8, at 12:00 noon for Wednesday, December 9 Save the Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2016,12:00 noon

CBI-HADASSAH BOOK CLUB CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah co-host a monthly book readers’ Discussion Group in the Library. If you are interested in leading the discussion for a meeting, please contact Sheila Wasserman at 727.347.5816. All books are available at the St. Petersburg Public Library! This month’s reading is The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant: Addie Baum was born in 1900 to immigrant parents who were unprepared for and suspicious of America. Growing up in Boston, Addie’s intelligence and curiosity take her to a world her parents can’t imagine: a world of short skirts and new opportunities for women. From the one-room apartment she shared with her family, to the library group for girls she joins, to her first, disastrous love affair, Addie recalls her adventures with compassion for the naive girl she was and a wicked sense of humor..

(Description courtesy of the St. Petersburg Public Library) Wednesday, December 16, 10:00 am Want to get a head start on next month's reading? In January, the Book Club will discuss An American Bride in Kabul by Phylis Chesler.

Adult Studies & Special Services CARLEBACH KABBALAT SHABBAT Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat services feature melodies written by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Reb Shlomo, as he was known to his followers, was a teacher, composer, and singer who was known as “The Singing Rabbi” during his lifetime (1925 – 1994). Although his roots lay in traditional Orthodox yeshivot, he branched out to create his own style combining Hasidic Judaism, warmth and personal interaction, public concerts, and song-filled synagogue services. You can find Rabbi Carlebach’s full bio on our website: cbistpete.org/calendar/upcoming-events/carlebach-kabbalat-shabbat-5 Friday, December 18, 5:30 pm: Blue Jeans Shabbat and Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, January 8, 5:30 pm: Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

DIALOGUE WITH THE RABBI During Shabbat services and December Simha Shabbat, enjoy a back-and-forth dialogue with Rabbi Luski. All are welcome! Saturday, December 19, following Shabbat services at 9:00 am

FEDERATION SHABBAT Come listen to a guest speaker from the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties (to be announced) during Federation Shabbat services, followed by Kiddush. Saturday, January 9, 9:00 am

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

You’re invited to the First Meeting of the Rosh Hodesh Group for Women! Sunday, December 13, 10:30 am at Linda Goldfarb’s Home We’ll talk about Hanukkah and the women who are important to it. If you have questions about the group, or to volunteer to host or facilitate one of our monthly meetings, please contact Sheryl Feinman at 727.422.2221 or sherlnan@tampabay.rr.com.

You’ll be glad you joined us! 11

February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) Shalom! November has been a very busy month at PRECEC! The Music with Mar program has been a huge hit with the children and families. Great Explorations came out and put on an “Animal Tales” presentation for the children. Matt Edmond from Wonders of Nature also came to the preschool for a visit. He brought with him many different animals and taught the students about taking care of the environment and protecting our wildlife’s “habitat.” Thanksgiving parties were so much fun. The children made crafts and decorations for our celebration. We enjoyed reading about the pilgrims and Indians, and the history of the first Thanksgiving. Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without a lot of yummy food to share! We are kicking off our Mitzvah a Day Program! The families are collecting warm blankets, socks, old purses, personal care items, and hand sanitizer for us to make care packages to distribute to the homeless. If you would like to donate any items or help deliver the care packages, please call Amy or Rachel in the PRECEC office at 727.302.9668. We look forward to celebrating Hanukkah! We will be exploring the meaning of Hanukkah, making latkes, and decorating the classrooms UPCOMING EVENTS AT PRECEC with all of the children’s wonderful artwork. If you would like to volunteer in the preschool, ✡ Wednesday, December 9,10:00 am please contact me in the office. PRECEC Hanukkah Celebration We appreciate all of our volunteer readers! ✡ Tuesday, December 15, 4:30 pm Sincerely, PTA Meeting Amy LaPiccirella, PRECEC Director ✡ Friday, December 18, 9:30 am ✡

Family Pre-Shabbat Celebration Monday, December 21 Monday, January 4 Winter Vacation: PRECEC Closed

CALLING ALL STORYTELLERS! Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers to come read to our youngest learners. We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved? Please contact PRECEC Director Amy LaPiccarella at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668. 12

UPCOMING EVENTS ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡

✡ ✡

Wednesday, December 2: Last fall semester session of Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00 pm Saturday, December 5: Havdalah, Dessert, and Movie at CBI. 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Youth Lounge Sunday, December 6: Chase the Dreidel 5K run and community Hanukkah party at CBI. Race and Activities: 4:00pm Candlelighting and Latke Fest: 5:30pm Saturday, December 12: West Coast Winter "Formal" - It's out with the new and in with the old! Join the West Coast at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Tampa as we ditch our formal wear for something a little more vintage. $20 early registration: rsholom.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=543 $25 at the door. 8:30 - 11:30 pm Blue Jeans Shabbat, December 18: 5:30 PM, CARLEBACH KABBALAT SHABBAT, Come as you are for this informal laid back Shabbat Services!! Special oneg after!! Sunday - Thursday, December 27 - 31: USY International Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

A MESSAGE FROM HANNAH WEISS

Hi, CBI! My name is Hannah Weiss and I am HaNegev's Regional Social Action/Tikun Olam VP for the 2015-2016 year. USY raises Tikun Olam in many different ways, and all of the money we raise goes to aid over fifty Jewish charities globally. This year, I am encouraging synagogues to help USYers raise money to allocate to Tikun Olam. If 100 CBI families donate $20 each, we'll raise $2,000, surpassing our $100 donation from last year! CBI - we can repair the world, together, one small step at a time. One small act of kindness at a time, Hannah Mae Weiss, HaNegev SA/TO VP 2015-2016 It's incredibly simple to donate - just send a check to, or drop off a check or cash at, the synagogue office. Your check should be payable to CBI Youth with the designation “Tikun Olam” on the memo line. If you’re donating $18 or more, you may also go to cbistpete.org, click the “payments” button, choose “other payment,” and type “USY Tikun Olam” in the box. You can donate more or less; any money is appreciated.

Kislev - Tevet 5776 December 2015 Sun

Mon

Tue 1 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Hadassah Meeting 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Board of Trustees

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

Sunday and Fridays December 25 and January 1: 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm See calendar for special holiday service times

9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 4:00pm Chase the Dreidel 5K 5:30pm CBI Hanukkah Party 6:30pm Minyan

HANUKKAH FIRST DAY

HANUKKAH SECOND DAY

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan Light Two Candles

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 11:00am Torah for Seniors Philip Benjamin Tower 5:15pm Into to Judaism 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Womenâ€™s League Meeting Light Three Candles

EREV HANUKKAH

Light One Candle

HANUKKAH SEVENTH DAY HANUKKAH EIGHTH DAY

ROSH HODESH TEVET 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan Light Eight Candles

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 4:30pm PRECEC PTA Meeting 6:30pm Minyan

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

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED

USY IC Baltimore

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED USY IC Baltimore

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

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

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

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 4:45pm PRTT 5:15pm Into to Judaism 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Talmud Made Easy

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:17pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Parasha Va-yeishev 9:00am Shabbat Services, Cholent Kiddush & Torah Study* 7:00pm USY Havdalah & Movie Night

HANUKKAH THIRD DAY 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am PRECEC Hanukkah Party 12:00pm Lunch with the Rabbi 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm AIPAC Tampa Bay Event Grand Hyatt, Tampa

HANUKKAH FOURTH DAY

HANUKKAH FIFTH DAY

HANUKKAH SIXTH DAY

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Minyan 6:45pm Choir Rehearsal Light Five Candles

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:15pm Shabbat Hanukkah Service 5:18pm Candlelighting Light Six Candles Before Shabbat Candles

Parasha Mi-ketz ROSH HODESH TEVET 9:00am Shabbat Hanukkah Services, Kiddush* 8:00pm USY Winter Formal Cong. Rodeph Shalom Light Seven Candles After Shabbat Ends

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am CBI-Hadassah Book Club 4:45pm PRTT 5:15pm Into to Judaism 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Talmud Made Easy

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 9:30am PRECEC Family Pre-Shabbat Celebration 5:21pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat, Blue Jeans Shabbat

Parasha Va-yiggash 9:00am Shabbat Services, December Simha Shabbat, Dialogue with the Rabbi, Kiddush*

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED USY IC Pre-Convention

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY: OFFICE CLOSED

Parasha Va-y’hi 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

Light Four Candles

7:45am Minyan, breakfast NO PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast OFFICE CLOSES AT 1:00PM 6:30pm Minyan 6:30pm YAD Vodka-Latke Epic, Tampa

9:00am Minyan, breakfast 5:24pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED USY IC Baltimore

7:45am Minyan, breakfast NO PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast

PINELLAS SCHOOLS, PRECEC CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY: OFFICE CLOSED

OFFICE CLOSES AT 1:00PM

6:30pm Minyan

9:00am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

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

Women’s League Adults $20 Children 6-18 $10 Children 5 & Under

Free Family Four-Pack (2 Adults + 2 Children)

$50 USY Volunteers Free

RSVP to 727.381.4900 or by sending check to 300 58th St. N. St. Petersburg 33710

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, December 6: “Chase the Dreidel” 5K run fundraiser 4:00-5:30 pm CBI Hanukkah Party 5:30 pm Saturday, December 19: December Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Friday, January 15, 2016: Women’s League Kabbalat Shabbat services 6:00 pm Followed by Got Shabbat? Dinner Saturday, January 16: Women’s League Shabbat and Kiddush Luncheon, January Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Tuesday, February 9: Women’s League Board Meeting 7:00 pm Saturday, February 20: February Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Tuesday, March 8: Torah Fund Dinner 6:00 pm Saturday, March 19: March Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Monday, March 21: Prepare Shalach Manot bags, Morning Hamentashen Baking 5:00 pm Tuesday, April 5: Community Women’s Seder Congregation Beth Shalom, Clearwater Saturday, April 9: April Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Tuesday, April 12: Women’s League Program 7:00 pm Saturday, May 14: Yom Ha’atzmaut Israeli Breakfast Kiddush, May Simha Shabbat and Kiddush Saturday, June 4: June & July Simha Shabbat and Kiddush

TORAH FUND 2015-2016 Nat’ah Karem - Family 5776 Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 pm

Women’s League for Conservative Judaism’s support of the Torah Fund Campaign helps strengthen Conservative/Masorti Judaism throughout the world, and enhances the Jewish community by recognizing and appreciating our diverse families. The new Torah Fund theme for 2015-2016 (5776) is Nat’ah karem, a phrase from the beloved prayer Eishet Chayil, taken from the biblical book of Proverbs. We re-envision this prayer today with appreciation for the hard-working, generous, family-oriented woman, who “plants a vineyard by her own labors” (Proverbs 31:7). We honor her productivity, independence, creativity, and her orientation to a hopeful future with the 2016 Torah Fund pin. DONATIONS $180 - Benefactor $300 - Guardian Level $600 - Associate Patron $1,200 - Patron $2,500 - Scholarship (Annual) $5,000 - Keter Kavod (Annual) This year your support of Torah Fund as a benefactor remains at a donation of $180. Checks made out to “Torah Fund,” mailed to Marilyn LeVine, 1900 Park St., St. Petersburg, 33710. With your pledge, you will receive this beautiful gold and silver pin. Higher gift giving is also available, $300 for Guardian, $600 for Associate Patron, see above opportunities.

MIZVAH MEN’S CLUB: SAVE THE DATE ✡World

Wide Wrap Sunday, February 7, 2016 With special speaker and brunch ✡Men’s Club Shabbat Friday, April 8, 2016, 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat & Got Shabbat Dinner - Man of The Year Presentation Saturday, April 9, 9:00 am Shabbat Services, April Simha Shabbat, Kiddush ✡Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 8, 10:30 am 17

Life Cycle Mazal Tov!

In Memoriam Jennifer Jay

Rabbi Jacob Luski The Good Help Award honors those in the community who have served with dedication and passion for the benefit of senior care, awarded at the Bon Secours-sponsored event The Graceful Art of Senior Care.

Daughter of Arthur & Diana Jay Sister of Scott (Cari) Jay & Justin (Elexis) Jay

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

INTO GODâ€™S HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT The Solitary Flame of the Yahrzeit light is a silent tribute to the preciousness and eternity of the human soul. Attending services, reciting Kaddish, and contributing to tzedakah are appropriate ways to commemorate your loved oneâ€™s memory. If you are interested in purchasing a permanent Memorial Plaque and having it placed on our Memorial Wall, please call Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 for more information.

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

Etz Chaim Tree of Life A leaf on the Tree of Life has been inscribed: To Honor Lou Bader On his 80th Birthday From CBI Friends, October 22, 2015 Pam Askin, Billie & Morry Bornstein, Sherrie & Brian Carroll, Gail & Mike Frye, Eddie Ginsberg, Linda & Jack Goldfarb, Susan Goldstein, Anita Helfand, Byron Kolitz & Starr Silver, Leo Lang, Pam & Moe LeCompte, Morrie & Marilyn LeVine, Susan & Steve LeVine, Ricki & Mark Lewis, Marian Lustigman-Rooth, Carol & Bill Marger, Ruth Mauer, Laurie & Marc Reiskind, Joan & Phil Redisch, Sandi & Jesse Rodman, Liz & Greg Sembler, Betty Sue & Joel Shane, Sandy & Mike Slomka.

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

It is a Tree of Life to those who uphold it. Proverbs 3:16-8 18

Life Cycle December Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays Gerry Mensh Ronnie Geffon Susie Schwartz Susie van Gelder Debbie Blanchard Barbara Rubin Murray Rubin Sharron Scott Dr. Michael Zimmer Amy Giskin

1 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 5 6

Judy Kaye Jack Mayer Judi Gordon Karen Sher Bill Marger Jennifer Sternberg Arnold Kravitz Pam Askin Selma Rosenberg Rebecca Douglass

6 7 10 10 11 13 14 16 16 17

Vicki Greenfield Aaron Koppel Larry Litt Janet Augenbraun Jocelyn Howard Ina Sheppard David Hutman Dotty Goldblatt Ella Schlanger Dr. Mark Walters

18 18 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24

Tikva Melamed-Goff Stephanie Adelson Dr. Mark Benjamin Myrna Rubin Sheryl Sutton Hannah Ayes

25 27 27 28 29 31

Anniversaries Dr. Steven & Dr. Hazel Shwer Leonard & Rhoda Bader Dr. Leonard & Pattie Adelson Dr. Frank & Arlene Moss Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Steven & Paula Dangler Larry & Myrna Irwin Elan & Nicole Melamed

5 5 6 11 18 19 22 24

Dr. David & Myra Gross Michael & Margot Benstock Morry & Billie Bornstein Arthur & Diana Jay Ben & Rita Thomas Gerald & Gail Wiseberg Joel & Cari Berman

24 25 26 26 29 30 31

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

Celebrate your December Birthday and Anniversary at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, December 19, 9:00 am.

Circle the names of everyone you want to honor with a Mitzvah Gram. Send this form together with a check made out to CBI to Kesef Accounting Services c/o Congregation B'nai Israel, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645. You can also donate online at cbistpete.org/donate. We request a minimum donation of $10 per acknowledgement.

Do a Mitzvah; make a Minyan! Your special simha is a wonderful opportunity to attend one of our twice-daily Minyan services. See the calendar on Pages 14-15 for service times.

Your Name: Address: City:

Zip:

Telephone: 19

Donations Adult Education

In Honor Of

Lenny & Millie Gelfond

Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman

Wedding of Sarah Blanchard and Forrest Feld Jackie Wertel Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday

Lenny & Millie Gelfond

Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman

Dr. Larry & Vera Green Mark & Ricki Lewis

In Memory Of Frank Green Milton Lewis

Buns Technology Fund

In Memory Of

Fred & Kathleen Buns

Villa Buns

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

In Honor Of

Ron & Claire Yogman

Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday

Gail Warren Leadership Fund

In Memory Of

Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg

In Honor Of

Avery Cooper & Carolyn Moritz

The Entire CBI Community December Birthdays and Anniversaries

Ruth Mauer

In Memory Of Lawrence Steinlauf

Library Music/Video

In Honor Of

Bev Sherman

Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

Bev Sherman

In Memory Of Jennifer Jay

Mitzvah Fund

In Honor Of

Akif Agayev

In Appreciation

Pearl Brook Murray Fink Jack & Linda Goldfarb Sharon Koenig Bob & Elaine Lachter Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Dr. Harold & Joyce Seder Anita Sher Bob Warsaw Beverly Dikman Beverly Dikman Beverly Dikman Beverly Dikman Beverly Dikman

Dr. Larry & Vera Green David & Sheila Hutman Greg & Liz Sembler Sam & Melissa Terzi Ron & Claire Yogman

In Memory Of Joe & Sally Cohen Sheri Frogel Joel & Ellen Goetz Steve & Linda Grau Ruth Gray Menni & Malina Kanner Sharon Koenig Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Andrew K. Gold Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg

Jennifer Jay

Library Fund

Dr. Patrice Cottille

Lenny & Millie Gelfond Lenny & Millie Gelfond

Wedding of Sarah Blanchard & Forrest Feld Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Dani Rodman’s Wedding Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday Sharon Koenig’s Birthday Anita Helfand Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday High Holiday Services Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

In Memory Of Bernard Brook Fay Fink Michael Maroscia Max Koenig George Lachter Linda Fisher’s Speedy Recovery Martin Seder Beverly Dikman Ben Warsaw Bea Wallace’s Birthday Adele Morris’s Birthday Marilyn LeVine’s Birthday Rabbi & Joanne Luski’s Anniversary Rabbi Luski’s Birthday

George & Faina Sakovich George & Faina Sakovich Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Linda Weiss

Loved Ones Marilyn Frogel Jennifer Jay Garry Freid Yetta Pollack Helen Kanner Max Koenig Morrie Lurie David Gold Jennifer Jay Adele Rosenberg & Dr. Paul Rosenberg Elka Kogan Vladamir Sanovich Jennifer Jay Leon Barbanel

Music & Concert Fund

In Memory Of

Jack & Linda Goldfarb

Jennifer Jay

Pauline Rivkind Fund

In Memory Of

Eileen Richman

Jennifer Jay

Prayer Book Fund

In Memory Of

Leonard & Rhoda Bader

Marilyn Goldburg Klein

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Honor Of

Lou Bader Barbara Bernstein

Rabbi Luski Mishebeirach, Ivan Bernstein Speedy Recovery of Lorri Helfand Harriett Lieberman Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

Anita Helfand Barry & Jackie Kanner Rabbi Leah Herz Esta Blaxberg Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Dr. Fred & Mali Feld

Donations Dr. Fred & Mali Feld Joel & Ellen Goetz Joel & Ellen Goetz Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Marv & Lee Leibson

Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Lucille Medvin

Eitan Wein’s Baby Naming Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Sid Werner’s Birthday Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th Birthday Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

In Memory Of Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Sam & Sandy Janofsky Sam & Sandy Janofsky Helen Kahan Joel & Betty Shane Don & Jane Silverberg

Arnold Ferrer Jennifer Jay Harry Solomon Jennifer Jay Arnold Ferrer Her sister , Sarah Morris Shane David Goldman

USY Fund

In Honor Of

Lillian Weiss

Hannah Weiss & Ari Weiss Wedding of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Dani Rodman’s Wedding

Michael & Rhoda Ross Michael & Rhoda Ross

Save The Date 43 Annual

HADASSAH ST. PETERSBURG CHAPTER HAPPY CHANUKAH FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT HADASSAH Please join us to celebrate Chanukah together DECEMBER 7, 2015

6:30p.m.

Phyllis Werner’s home: 14380- 84th Terrace North, Seminole

January 30,31 and

Phyllis has a wonderful collection of dreidles. If you haven’t seen them you will be in for a great treat!

February 1, 2016 We will have potato pancakes and donuts for snacking. Suggested donation $5 plus a wrapped gift worth $10- $18 for a fund raiser auction. Remember to include a clue. RSVP to Helene Debowsky before December 3 helenedebowsky@aol.com or phone 727-393-5800

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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

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