B'nai Review December

Volume 5775 Issue 5

December 2014 Kislev 5775– Tevet 5775

Happy Hanukkah CBI Announcements

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Rabbi’s Message

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Cantor’s Message

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President’s Message

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Executive Director’s Message

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Youth Mitzvah Men’s Club

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Jewish Journeys Women’s League Kol Nidre 5775 Hanukkah Guide December Calendar Life Cycle Events Donations Advertisements

8 9 10 12-13 14-15 19 & 21 20 23-27

B’nai Israel Review

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.

Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. 727.381.4900 x207 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x305 Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org

Ongoing Activities at CBI

Participate in Aliyot The Ritual Committee of Congregation B’nai Israel encourages worshippers to participate in services by performing aliyot.

Executive Director Susan Goldstein

Daily Services

Become a Minyanaire! Support our Daily Minyan in the Chapel: Sunday Morning: 9:00 Monday—Friday mornings: 7:45 Sunday—Thursday evenings: 6:30 Thursday, December 25: 9:00 AM Come just for the joy of davening together. You'll be glad you decided to join the growing number of CBI members and friends who do. Please sign in to be counted.

If you like to receive an aliyah, please call the synagogue office at 727.381.4900, or 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.

Shalom, Morry Bornstein Ritual Committee Chair

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.

727.381.4900 x202 execdir@cbistpete.org Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Katherine Schaefer 727.381.4900 x211 preschool@cbistpete.org Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah Education Coordinator Ricki Lewis 727.381.4900 morah@aol.com Youth Advisor Bianca Levi 727.381.4900 x 209 Youthdir@cbistpete.org Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.424.0513

Sponsorship Opportunities

lizsembler@aol.com

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 Susan Goldstein at execdir@cbistpete.org.

Torah Reader/Educator Deborah Marmon

Online

officemgr@cbistpete.org

Sign up to support us on GoodSearch.com

Communications Coordinator Carolyn Moritz 727.381.4900 x201

You can also make payments and donations on our website! cbistpete.org

receptionist@cbistpete.org

727.381.4900 x205 dmarmon@cbistpete.org Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4900 x203

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!

LIKE us on Facebook

Accounting Denice Piller 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 Alice Ettinger aliceettinger112@gmail.com Men’s Club President Steve Feld USY President Hannah Weiss

CBI Announcements

December 2014

FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW

Shabbat Minha Time

We are in high gear for the Hanukka season. Check us out for all your gift items for the home, Hanukka, ceremonials, jewelry. We have added some mah jongg items including mah jongg sets.

For the kids we ordered some books and other items including draydels of different sizes.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF YOM TOVIM- Shabbat Minha Service will be held at 12:30 pm, approximately 30-45 minutes after the conclusion of Shabbat morning services. Please direct any questions to Morry Bornstein, Ritual Committee Chair, 727.397.9955, or morborn@aol.com

REMEMBER, WE SPECIAL ORDER. Please call us for an appointment....

Eileen Richman...393-6430 Diane Litt...392-5554 Anita Helfand...347-2300 YES, we have hours for your shopping convenience...

Monday, 11:00 - 2:00; 3:00 - 5:00 Tuesday, 3:00 - 5:00 Thursday, 1:00 - 3:00

Mazel Tov & Todah Rabah

Come in and browse.

Shalom, Eileen, Diane and Anita

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and a grateful congregation, I want to congratulate the Gift & Craft Show Committee for their tireless effort that once again created a wonderful event.

Give Your Sister a Lift!

Need a ride to Sisterhood meetings or events? We are looking for our sisters who would like “a lift” to and from CBI’s Women’s League.

We want YOU here to enjoy the fun and learn along with us!

Alice Ettinger, President

Give Karen Kauffman a call AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, so arrangements can be made to give you and your friends “a lift.”

The more the merrier they say!

A Letter to Congregation B’nai Israel

Contact Karen at 727.392.1623 or 727.481.8212.

Dear Rabbi Luski,

If you’d like to “give a sister a lift,” give Karen a call.

I would like to personally thank you for having your congregation support our Operation Isaiah Food Drive.

The community was so generous this year, we have over 4,000 pounds of food donated!

Bikkur Holim

I also appreciate your support of the Chicken For Shabbat program. This program is a companion to the food pantry to provide families with the ability to purchase perishable food and celebrate family meals together.

Todah Rabah!

One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is bikkur holim –visiting the sick. It is the 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 727.381.4900, x 203, so that as clergy and the synagogue family we can be helpful in moments of difficult or stress.

Cindy Stern Minetti, Senior Director, Jewish Family & Refugee Services Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services

You’re Invited!

Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services (GFJFS)

CBI– HADASSAH BOOK DISCUSSION CLUB MEETINGS NO meeting in December

Bereavement Support Group A new group facilitated by Renee Baseman will meet at Thursdays at 1:00 pm on December 4 and 11 and January 8, 15 and 22.

For more information contact Renee Baseman at 727.450.7272.

Join us January 21 “I Am Forbidden” by Anouk Markovits 3

From the Rabbi

December 2014

In the spirit of gift giving that has become a part of the ritual of our celebration of this festival of lights, I offer you eight gifts that do not cost a cent that I hope you will share freely with all who are privileged to be a part of your lives. This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships. The author of these thoughts is unknown but deeply appreciated.

The Gift of Listening But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor Every day go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

These are eight important ways we can contribute toward whole and healthy relationships. They cost nothing, yet they may well be the most valuable gifts we can ever offer another.

With best wishes for a Hanukkah Sameah!

From the Cantor Now that we have just completed a month with no Jewish holidays, we are approaching the winter highlight, Hanukkah.

As we do every year, we will once again hold our annual CBI Hanukkah Celebration, which will be on Wednesday night, December 17. Come join us for an evening of fun, latkes, and a Hanukkah sing-a-long led by Yours Truly, with a little help from some friends.

Here’s an interesting tidbit about Hanukkah that you might not have known: the very first Hanukkah celebration was essentially a celebration of Sukkot two months late. By way of background, we know from I Kings 8:2 that King Solomon dedicated the First Temple during the Festival of Sukkot. Why do that during Sukkot? Because it was the major pilgrimage festival, and everyone was going to be there. We therefore have a record of King Solomon presiding over an eight-day Dedication of the Temple, during the eight days of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret.

Now, fast forward several centuries. The Maccabees have defeated the Syrian-Greeks, they’ve rebuilt and cleaned up the Second Temple, and they want to dedicate the new Temple. How do you do a dedication ceremony? They looked in their holy scriptures, and lo and behold, they found a blueprint for a Temple dedication ceremony in the book of I Kings!

We also find a direct reference to the Hanukkah-Sukkot connection in II Maccabees 1:9, in a letter sent from the Hasmoneans to the leaders of Egyptian Jewry: “And now see that you keep the feast of booths in the month of Kislev, in the one hundred and eighty-eighth year [of the Seleucid era, 124/123 BCE].” Several decades earlier, in 164 BCE, the Hasmoneans were holed up in caves fighting the Syrian-Greeks in Tishrei, and they therefore had to postpone the celebration of Sukkot until after they recaptured Jerusalem and purified the Temple (I Maccabees 4:36-59).

This connection between Hanukkah and Sukkot may also explain why we recite full Hallel on every day of Hanukkah, because full Hallel is recited on every day of Sukkot.

Happy Hanukkah!

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From the President

December 2014

Gift giving is a tradition during Chanukah in many families. What kinds of gifts do we give? How do we commemorate Chanukah in our personal and community lives? We can contribute to the Jewish community in many ways, with the gift of time.

Here at CBI we have many opportunities to support our CBI family and give of ourselves. There is volunteering in the office, attending minyan, coming to services, offering to drive someone to CBI for the Chanukah celebration, or just making a phone call to say “Hi” to someone you have not seen in a while or who is unable to get out. And in our Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center and Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah, we sometimes need someone to help read a story, help get snacks, or just help take a student to the bathroom.

Some of these things sound mundane, as if you are not really doing something meaningful, but often that can make a big difference. So as you light the candles, think how you can give the gift of giving by volunteering. It will make others happy, and give you a gift of feeling good as well.

The ultimate gift is enabling others to give. It has been noted that some families began a tradition in their home - giving each of their children an $18 check on the last night of Chanukah, payable to whatever charity the children selected. This Chanukah, teach others about the importance of sharing yourself, your time, and your resources with those around you. This is the time to search within ourselves for our real priorities.

Happy Chanukah!

Alice Ettinger

From the Executive Director I attended a NAASE (North American Association of Synagogue Executives) Board of Governors meeting in Rockville, Maryland, November 2 and 3. The agenda was full, and we had some very meaningful discussions. There are some issues that we agreed were important to share with our members; two of them are MERCAZ and Hillel.

MERCAZ is the Zionist arm of the Conservative movement, and represents Conservative Judaism in the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and the Jewish National Fund-KKL. As the official lobby of Conservative/Masorti Judaism in these world Jewish institutions, MERCAZ brings more than $2.5 million in benefits each year to Masorti institutions (e.g., Conservative kehillot) in Israel and around the world.

Why does this matter to us here in St. Petersburg, Florida? It matters if we care about the future of Conservative institutions in Israel.

Remember that The Conservative/Masorti movement does not receive financial support from the State of Israel. Funding from the WZO and JAFI allows Conservative/Masorti ideology -- pluralism, feminism, commitment to Jewish values, Tradition & Change – to exist in Israel.

The benefits we receive are accrued as a direct result of the size of our delegation to the Zionist Congress. The next Zionist Congress will be held in October 2015, but the composition of the US delegation (145) will be determined during the first quarter of 2015.

So, if we think it’s important, what can we do to support Conservative/Masorti Judaism? · Visit mercazusa.org and learn more about MERCAZ. · Join MERCAZ USA. The cost is minimal: $36 per individual or $54 per household. You may pay through CBI (one of the voluntary items on your monthly invoice) or pay online at mercazusa.org. · Vote to send MERCAZ delegates to the WZO. Print and electronic mailings will be coming your way soon.

Our guest speaker was Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of Hillel International, who spoke about the importance of developing relationships between our kehillot and Hillel. · He pointed out that an attribute that most Jews share is an awareness of the importance of education illustrated by the fact that over 85% of Jewish kids in America are in four-year colleges and universities. · Hillel is one of the largest providers of funds for Birthright trips. · Hillel developed a new database into which we can place the names of our students so that Hillel directors can reach out to them. Eric will share that information with us in the near future. What a great tool! · Eric noted that first-year college students are faced with many new experiences, and he underscored the importance of creating safe places for our students when they come home.

I’d also like to share with you some of the things I’m doing to enhance my professional growth with a view to becoming a better executive director · I served as co-editor of the NAASE Journal that should be in print by the time you read this. The Journal includes some insightful articles relating to the changes that are taking place in all our kehillot. We anticipate that our next edition will be a joint effort with our Reform colleagues in NATA (National Association of Temple Administrators). · I will serve as chair of the JTS Week of Study in June 2015. I will be working with Rabbi Julie Andelman, JTS Director of Community Engagement, to identify our scholar-in-residence and topic. There are SO many exciting possibilities!!

And on the home front, by the time we go to print, our new telecommunications system should just about be in place thanks to the generosity and vision of Kathleen and Fred Buns who allowed us to tap into the Buns Technology Improvement Fund. They also authorized use of the Fund to put TVs and ipads in our PRTT classrooms, thus enriching our childrens’ learning experience. Todah Rabah, Kathleen and Fred!

B’Shalom, Chag Hanukkah Sameach, and Happy 2015!

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February 2014

Youth Department

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

USY Hey USY... Got Shabbat?

Let’s have Shabbat dinner together December 5 home of Janice & David LeVine 6940 Greenbrier Drive Seminole RSVP by December 3 to Bianca (call or text) 727.455.6047 or email biancabonc@gmail.com

USY Got an idea for a program?

USY wants to hear from YOU! Planning Meeting Sunday, December 7 Meze 119 119 ~ 2nd Street North Downtown St. Pete Drop-off 10:00 am Pick-up 2:00 pm RSVP by December 5 to Bianca (call or text) 727.455.6047 or email biancabonc@gmail.com

KADIMA Calling all 6th-8th graders: Be on the lookout... we’ve got BIG plans for you!

December 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center -PRECEC As we wrap up the Fall Semester of our school year, it is incredible to look back on all that the preschool has accomplished in a few short months!

With our extremely successful Dreidel Drawing Fundraiser, unfolding our plans of including an Infant Classroom (ages 2 months to 12 months), in our growing school set to open February 2015, and the awesome recognition our VPK Programming has received from the Early Learning Coalition, Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is ready for another incredible upcoming semester!

The entire staff of PRECEC would like to extend a warm and gracious “Thank You” to everyone who has shown their love and support in the surrounding community! If you are interested in our Infant Care Program, please contact Katherine Schaefer in the preschool office via email (preschool@CBIstpete.org) or phone (727.302.9668).

During the month of December, the children will be celebrating Hanukkah with their Annual Preschool Hanukkah Party on Wednesday, December 17, as well as, making visits to the residents of both Benjamin Tower and Menorah Manor. What a special time of year to celebrate together – why not make this holiday extra special for your family by helping those in need?

We are encouraging families to donate gently used or new toys and books to charity and social services such as Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services so that other families can benefit from your Mitzvot this year!

Have a blessed and wonderful end to 2014!

Warmly,

Katherine Schaefer

PRECEC Director

Bianca Levi Youth Advisor

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A-Team: CBI’s Advocacy for Israel Committee

December 2014

Lord Sacks, the emeritus chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth, recently published (Wall Street Journal, Oct. 2 ) his thoughts on Europe’s new anti-Semitism. He feels that some of what we are seeing in Europe is the old anti-Semitism of the far right and the radical left, which never went away and merely lay dormant during the years when attacks on Jews were considered unacceptable in polite society. That taboo is now well and truly broken.

The assault on Israel and Jews worldwide is part of a larger pattern that includes attacks on Christians and other minority faiths in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia—a religious equivalent of ethnic cleansing. Ultimately, this campaign amounts to an attack on Western democratic freedoms as a whole. If not halted now, it will be Europe itself that will be pushed back toward the Dark Ages.

Anti-Semitism has always been, historically, the inability to make space for differences among people, which is the essential foundation of a free society. That is why the politics of hate now assaults Christians, Bahai, Yazidis, as well as Jews. To fight it, we must stand together, people of all faiths and of none.

Rabbi Sacks states, “The future of freedom is at stake, and it will be the defining battle of the 21st century.”

Leslie Pearlstein, MD

Mitzvah Men’s Club Hanukkah is rapidly approaching, and it’s hard to believe that not long ago, we were assembling the Sukkah! For that (in addition to taking it down), I want to thank all of the hard working volunteers who showed up on those weekends as well as our volunteers and participants for the Suds In The Sukkah meal.

Coming up, the MMC will host the Mort Sherman Watch Party on December 14 in the Benjamin Social Hall at CBI. We will be watching the Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All MMC members in good standing may attend for free. (New and renewal memberships will be available at the door for your convenience.) In addition, guests may come along for the low price of $10.

Cheer for your favorite team and get in the game-day spirit with your CBI family!

Steve Feld, MMC President

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, December 14 12:30 PM Benjamin Social Hall FREE to all MMC members in good standing New and renewal memberships will be available at the door.

RSVP to sfeldine@aol.com by Wednesday, December 10 Guests are welcome for only $10

NEW TIKVAH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Summer 2015 Dr. Audra Kaplan will join the staff to offer a four-week summer experience for children 12-17 years old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ASD. This Tikvah Program will be the first program in the Southeast focused on providing a traditional, immersive, Jewish summer camping experience to Jewish teenagers with ASD. The program will be fully integrated into a community that is steeped in Jewish celebration, learning, and ritual.

Applications for Ramah Darom’s Tikvah Program will open on December 1, 2014 at www.campramahdarom.org.

Camp Ramah Darom is an award-winning, ACA-accredited program which integrates experiential Jewish living and learning with an atmosphere of friendship and fun. In addition to top-notch sports and arts programs, campers find a caring approach to social, intellectual, and spiritual growth.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Dr. Audra Kaplan at akaplan@ramahdarom.org , or call (404) 531-0801 7

College Age Connection Let us keep up with your kids!

If you have a student in college or graduate school, please send the CBI Office their information. We would like their: school, year in school, major,address, email, and phone number.

Send this information to: receptionist @cbistpete.org, or call 727.381.4900 ext 201.

Jewish Journeys Anita Helfand…….

I grew up in Brooklyn, D.C. and Hyattsville, Maryland. My mother, who was a terrific cook, kept kosher and was very much into Judaism.

My grandfather, who lived with us, maintained Shabbat. As a teenager, I joined a Jewish sorority and enjoyed going to services with my girlfriends.

Years later, after I married my wonderful husband, Arlen, we moved to Rockville Maryland. I was very eager to make friends and decided to join Sisterhood. I was pregnant with my son, Norman, and quickly bonded with the other women, many of whom were just like me, starting young families. Soon, I was invited to join Sisterhood’s Bar Mitzvah catering committee. My children, Norman and Lorri, attended Hebrew school. I took Hebrew and adult education classes.

As we planned a move to St. Petersburg in 1974, my husband got to town ahead of us and contacted B’nai Israel so my son Norman could prep for his Bar Mitzvah and both of our children could continue their Jewish education.

After we moved to St. Pete, my desire to make friends led me to become involved in Synagogue activities again. It didn’t take long. In 1975, Dottie Goldblatt contacted me and asked me to take on Torah Fund vice president. I had served as Sisterhood president in Maryland and eventually took on the role here.

Over the years, I became active and held offices in many other organizations, including Florida Region of Women’s League, Brandeis Women, Hadassah and Menorah Manor Guild. My hardworking husband was active in the Men’s Club and served on the Youth Commission.

I continued my Jewish education and joined a class with six other women from B’nai Israel. We nicknamed ourselves the Magnificent 7 and we all celebrated our B’not Mitzvah in April of 1981.

I became involved in Sisterhood catering with my good friend, Jean Kraff, and I ran the Sisterhood Judaica shop with another dear friend, Ellen Bernstein.

Arlen and I were involved in several Jewish social groups and joined a fun-loving Friday Night Havurah for about 20 years. Years later, we joined another wonderful Havurah that I am still a member of.

In 1984, I began work as school secretary for Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah. About a decade later, I was offered a position in the synagogue office, where I continued to work until my retirement in 2013, shortly after my loving husband Arlen passed away.

My Jewish journey continues. I recently joined B’nai’s Board of Trustees and still help out in the gift shop and stay active in the synagogue, working on the Book of Remembrance, New Year Greeting and High Holiday tickets.

Torah Fund Mishpachah Family 5775 The mishpachah theme encourages us, as Conservative/Masorti Jews, to recognize the diverse character of our families. It also encourages our communities to be pluralistic, welcoming, and open hearted.

The Jewish family, in all its configurations, is the solid system of roots that supports our Tree of Life. The community lends its strength to each family and, in turn, draws renewed energy, wisdom, and direction from its cherished members. These Jewish With your pledge, you will family bonds have an immeasurable impact when cultivated in each new generation. receive this beautiful gold and silver pin.

Women’s League for Conservative Judaism’s support of the Torah Fund Campaign helps strengthen Higher gift giving is also Conservative/Masorti Judaism throughout the world, and enhances the Jewish community by available recognizing and appreciating our diverse families.

DONATIONS

$180 – Benefactor $300 - Guardian Level $600 - Associate Patron $1,200 – Patron $2,500 - Scholarship (Annual)

This year your support of Torah Fund as a benefactor remains at a donation of $180.

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO “TORAH FUND” mailed to Marilyn LeVine, 1900 Park St., St. Petersburg 33710 CONTACT: Joanne Luski~Challahmom@aol.com or Marilyn LeVine~Babamfl@aolcom or Jennifer Sternberg for Torah Fund Cards~Jjudysternberg@gmail.com 8

Women’s League

December 2014

The CBI Sisterhood has a long and proud history. In keeping with national policy in the Conservative Movement, we are now known as Women's League. The original name is still comfort able for many folks, and by any name, we are serving the congregation in traditional and updated ways. Join us, come to a meeting, and engage head, hands and heart in a sisterhood project!

When you walk into the CBI lobby, look in all the windows and then visit the Judaica Shop! Hours are posted, with specials for this Hanukkah season. Come to enjoy this part of our synagogue, side by side with new members and long-standing leaders.

Mark your calendars for Women's League Shabbat, January 16-17, 2015. Kabbalat Shabbat service will be at 6:00 pm, followed by a delicious Got Shabbat? Dinner catered by our own Dean Hershkowitz of Meze 119. Watch for the Shabbat dinner details so that you can RSVP in time and be a part of a very special, annual event. Saturday morning services (9:00 am) will be followed by a Kiddush lunch, prepared by Women's League. Thanks to volunteers from Men's Club for assisting in the kitchen on Shabbat morning as the women step up to participate in the service.

Each Women's League member has this chance to step up to the bimah! To participate in a part of the Shabbat services on Friday evening, January 16, or Saturday morning, January 17, please contact Carol Marger at 727.345.0433 or cmarger1@tampabay.rr.com.

Please join us on these dates: Tuesday, January 13, at 7:00 pm - Start the Year Off Right!

Friday, January 16, at, 6:00 pm - Women's League Shabbat, followed by Got Shabbat ? Dinner* *reservations required Saturday, January 17, at 9:00 am, - Women's League Shabbat, followed by Kiddush lunch for all Tuesday, February 10, at 7:00 pm - Chocolate Galore!

Monday, March 2, at 5:30 pm - Hamentaschen Baking Tuesday, March 10, at 6:00 pm - Torah Fund Dinner Wednesday, April 29, at 7:00 pm - Get Tech Savvy!

WOMEN’S LEAGUE MEETINGS The Women's League Paid-Up Membership Dinner held Wednesday, September 17, was a terrific event due to Shelly Lynn's creative menu and Shelley Harrington 's upbeat ballroom dance lesson.

Thank you to: Esta Blaxberg Millie Gelfond Anita Helfand Melissa Hertzfeld Rita Jacobson Karen Kauffman

TUESDAY JANUARY 13, 2015 7:00 PM. ‘START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT” A LITTLE BIT OF KNOWLEDGE CAN BE A GOOD THING. COME TO OUR MEETING AND GET READY TO START THE YEAR ARMED WITH INFORMATION TO HELP US FEEL GOOD AND STAY HEALTHY. WE WILL HAVE A MASSAGE THERAPIST, NUTRITIONIST, EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR AND/OR YOGA INSTRUCTOR, HOLISTIC PHYSICIAN GIVE US TIPS.

Laney Kay Vivian Lurie Joanne Luski Barbara Noonberg Laurie Reiskind Jayne Weissman Phyllis Werner

ATTENTION ALL WOMEN OF CBI: A survey was taken of Women’s League members.

There is an interest in Kosher Cooking Classes, A Book Club,

A special thank you to our great waiters, Alan Kay and Bob Sternberg.

A knitting, needlework,crocheting group and A discussion group on “Contemporary Jewish Women”.

These were the topics that had the highest interest.

With the support of our membership, we look forward to a successful year.

If someone is interesting in leading/organizing a small group in their home, or at the Synagogue, please contact Barbara Noonberg at: bnoonberg@verizon.net or 703-915-0556.

Jennifer Sternberg , VP Membership 9

Kol Nidre

December 2014

KOL NIDRE Founders $10,018- $15,017 Patrons $754 - $1017 Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Benstock Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Sembler

Legacy $5,018 - $10,017 Anonymous Mrs. Marilyn Benjamin Dr. & Mrs. Mark Benjamin Mr. & Mrs. Ira Berman Dr. Patricia Cottrille Dr. & Mrs. Edward Lurie Mr. & Mrs. Joel Shane Dr. & Mrs. Mandel Sher Dr. & Mrs. Michael Slomka Dr. Steve Warren Mrs. Jean Wittner

Builders $2,518 - $5,017 Dr. Naomi & Dr. Warren Abel Mr. & Mrs. Jack Goldfarb Dr. & Mrs. Mark Gordon Dr. & Mrs. Morris LeVine Dr. & Mrs. Marc Reiskind Dr. & Mrs. Bernardo Stein

Sustainers $1,518 - $2,517 Janet Augenbraun Ms. Judy Benjamin Mr. & Mrs. Peter Benstock Dr. & Mrs. Steven LeVine Mrs. Shelly Lynn Mr. Louis Orloff Dr. & Mrs. David Wein Dr. & Mrs. Robert Weisberg

Guardians $1,018 - $1,517 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Fred Buns Mrs. Rachel Domber Dr. & Mrs. Larry Ettinger Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Gilbert Mrs. Audrey Kopelman Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Mizrahi Dr. & Mrs. Leslie Pearlstein Mr. & Mrs. Don Silverberg

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Colen Mr. & Mrs. Cary Reich Mr. & Mrs. David Robbins Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Rosenberg Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Silverberg

Sponsors $518 - $753 Mr. & Mrs. Harold Goldberg Mr. Alan Gordon Ms. Valerie Hyman Mr. & Mrs. Morris LeCompte Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Marlin Mr. & Mrs. Michael Noonberg Mr. & Mrs. Eric Pastman Dr. & Mrs. Harold Seder Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sternberg Mr. Harold Wolfson

Donors

$254 - $517

Anonymous Dr. Ira Azneer Dr. & Mrs. Richard Blanchard Dr. Charlene Wygodski & Dr. Steve Bloom Mr. & Mrs. Michael Frye Mrs. Susan Goldstein Mr. & Mrs. Steve Grau Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gross Mrs. Anita Helfand & Ms. Lorri Helfand Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Janofsky Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kanner Mr. & Mrs. Meni Kanner Mrs. Sharon Koenig Mr. Leo Lang Dr. & Mrs. David LeVine Mr. & Mrs. Mark Lewis Mr. Walter Loebenberg Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Marger Mr. & Mrs. William Marger Dr. & Mrs. Frank Mendelblatt Dr. & Mrs. David Piper Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon Scheinert Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sheppard Mrs. Anita Sher Dr. Steven & Dr. Hazel Shwer Dr. & Mrs. Hugh van Gelder Mr. Robert Warsaw Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Wein

Contributors $118-$253 Mr. & Mrs. Oren Adelson Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Alpert Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Applefield Mr. Lou Bader 10

5775

Mr. Michael Bender & Ms. Robin Perlman Mrs. Esta Blaxberg Mr. & Mrs. Morris Bornstein Dr. Ben-Ami Braun & Dr. Anita Braun-Luria Mrs. Dolores Diamond Mrs. Marietta Drucker Mr. & Mrs. Larry Freid Mr. & Mrs. Louis Frey Mr. Carlos Garcia & Ms. Awilda Gonzalez Mr. & Mrs. Lenny Gelfond Mr. Eddie Ginsberg Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Giskin Dr. Lawrence Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Gordon Mrs. Lil Grau Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Green Mr. & Mrs. Alan Gross Miss Alma Hirsch Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jacobs Mrs. Rita Jacobson Mr. & Mrs. Alan Kay Mr. Byron Kolitz & Dr. Starr Silver Mrs. Debbie Marmon Mrs. Ana Masri Mrs. Ruth Mauer Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mensh Mrs. Adele Morris Dr. & Mrs. Harold Pollack Mr. & Mrs. Phil Redisch Dr. & Mrs. Joe Rosin Mr. & Mrs. Howard Rothstein Mr. & Mrs. Murray Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Seiden Mrs. Bev Sherman Dr. & Mrs. Mark Sokolov Mrs. Shirley Sommella Ms. Susan Turner Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wallace Mrs. Linda Weiss Mr. & Mrs. Ron Yogman

Chai $18 - $117 Anonymous Mr. Amnon Abayov Mr. & Mrs. Irwin Ayes Ms. Caryn Baird Mr. Marvin Bayles Ms. Naomi Berg Mrs. Ellen Bernstein Mr. & Mrs. Brian Carroll Ms. Rivy Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Steven Dangler Mrs. Beverly Dikman Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Douglass Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Epstein Dr. & Mrs. Fred Feld

Mr. Murray Fink Ms. Charla Fogel Mrs. Hannah Freid Mr. & Mrs. Joe Fuchs Ms. Malka Gerardino Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Gershuny Mrs. Lucille Ginsburg Mr. & Mrs. Jack Goldberg Mr. Jim Gordon Mr. Matthew Gould & Ms. Dara Rosen-Gould Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gross Mrs. Shirley Grossman Mr. Dean Hershkowitz Ms. Sandy Herskowitz & Ms. Pat Weber Mr. Mark Howard Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Irwin Mr. & Mrs. Robert Isakson Dr. & Mrs. Brian Kagan Mrs. Helen Kahan Mrs. Judy Kaye Ms. Leslie Kirsner Mrs. Mirla Kremer Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Leibson Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Levin Dr. & Mrs. Mitch LeVine Ms. Wendy Levine Ms. Yvette Lew Ms. Renee Lipman Mr. Lawrence Litt & Ms. Rosalind Litt Mrs. Arlene Ludin Mr. & Mrs. Elan Melamed Ms. Tikva Melamed-Goff Ms. Shelly Mizrahi Mr. & Mrs. Ben Pertcheck Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Pincus Ms. Ellen Podgor & Ms. Cheryl Segal Mr. Richard Polsky Ms. Beth Ann Redisch Mrs. Eileen Richman Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Rodman Mrs. Lillian Rosen Mr. & Mrs. George Sakovich Mrs. Rose Sutton Ms. Miriam Tambor Mr. & Mrs. Michael Walker Dr. & Mrs. Mark Walters Mrs. Claire Weinstein Mr. Ari Weisberg Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Werner Mrs. Mary Wygodski

As of November 19, 2014

December 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS We wish Rabbi Luski well as he begins the first part of his sabbatical.

Hold These Dates: · Friday, January 16 Got Shabbat? Dinner catered by Dean Hershkowitz/ Meze 119 ·

·

Saturday, January 17 – Women’s League Shabbat

Sunday, January 18, at 4:00 pm – Tizmoret, the Queen’s College A Cappella Choir · Wednesday, February 4 – Tu B’Shevat Seder

Talmud Made Easy Wednesday, December 3 & 17 Buns Family Library at 7:00PM Stephen Wein continues his class studying Talmudic texts, in English.

All materials provided. No previous knowledge necessary.

2015 MAH JONGG CARDS $ 8 standard $ 9 large

Library Shabbat Service

Make check payable to: CBI Women’s League Mail to : Susan Scheinert 9228 Silverthorn Road Largo 33777

Shabbat Service and, in honor of Jewish Book Month, Sandi Rodman reviews “The Bus On Jaffa Road”

DEADLINE to order is January 15

December 6, at 9:00 AM 11

Hanukkah

December 2014

The Festival of Hanukkah ✡ 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 hanukkiah. One is lit the first night, two the second night, and so on, until 8 lights are kindled on the final evening. ✡ 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 shamash– is added every evening, so that if the light is inadvertently used, there will also be non-holy light.

Hanukkah Candle Lighting Times First Night Tuesday, December 16 Light first candle after dark

✡ The hanukkiah should stand in a special place, where such oil lights or candles are not usually burned. It should be placed in a

Second Night Wednesday, December 17

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

Light two candles after dark

Hanukka. ✡ The lights are to be kindled directly at nightfall, when the stars

Third Night Thursday, December 18

appear, with all the family present; they should burn at least half an hour. If you cannot light them at nightfall, you may do so later, as

Light three candles after dark

long as the family is awake to watch. ✡ In putting the oil lights or candles in the hanukkiah, begin from the right end. In lighting them, begin from the left. The shamash, the

Fourth Night Friday, December 19 Light four candles before 5:20 PM

extra light, should be higher than the Hanukka lights, which should be level, none higher or lower, and not too close to one another. ✡ The hanukkiah is lit in the synagogue too, before evening

Fifth Night Saturday, December 20

services, Maariv, to heighten our awareness of the miracle of

Light five candles after 6:11 PM

Hanukka. But this excuses no one, not even the person who lights the synagogue menorah, from kindling lights at home.

Sixth Night Sunday, December 21

✡ Both women and men are obligated to kindle the Hanukka lights.

Light six 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.

Seventh Night Monday, December 22 Light seven candles after dark

Eighth Night Tuesday, December 23 Light eight candles after dark 12

Hanukkah

December 2014

The Order of Lighting 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.

Happy Hanukka h Nightly Hanukka Blessings

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.

Come Celebrate Hanukkah at CBI!

Bring your own family Hanukkiyah Hanukkah Sing-a-Long.

We’ll all eat latkes and make merry.

Wednesday, December 17, at 6:00 pm.

There’s no charge.

To make sure we have plenty latkes on hand, RSVP to 727.381.4900, x201, or info@cbistpete.org by Thursday, December 11.

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Calendar

December 2014

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wedne

1

2

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

21

22

23 Rosh Hodesh Tevet

24

28

29

30

31

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

9:00 Morning Minyan 9:45 PRTT Sunday School 10:00 USY Planning Meeting at MEZE 119 1:00 Sunday Movie Matinee: “Orchestra Of Exiles” 6:30 Evening Minyan

9:00 Morning Minyan 9:45 PRTT Sunday School 12:30 MMC Bucs Watch Party 6:30 Evening Minyan

9:00 Morning Minyan NO PRTT Sunday School 6:30 Evening Minyan Hanukkah—Light Six Candles

9:00 Morning Minyan NO PRTT Sunday School 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 5:00 6:00 6:30

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 6:00 6:30 7:00

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

Morning Minyan Women’s League Board Chess Club Evening Minyan

Morning Minyan Chess Club Evening Minyan Board of Trustees

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan Hanukkah—Light First Candle

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan Hanukkah—Light Seven Candles

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan Hanukkah—Light Eight Candles

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan

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3

7:45 Morning Minyan 4:45 PRTT, Alef—Heh 5:00 Intermediate Hebrew 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Hebrew High and 7:00 Talmud Class

10

7:45 Morning Minyan 4:45 PRTT, Alef—Heh 5:30 USY Board Meeting 5:00 Intermediate Hebrew 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 MMC Board Meeting

7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Preschool Hanuk 4:45 PRTT, Alef—Heh 5:00 Intermediate Hebre 6:00 CBI Hanukkah Party 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Talmud Class Hanukkah –Light Two

7:45 Morning Minyan NO PRTT / Hebrew High 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan NO PRTT / Hebrew High

December 2014

sday

Classes w Mehina

Classes

g w

g

kah Party Classes ew y

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

4

5

6 Sedra Va-yishla

11

12

13 Sedra Va-yeishev

18

19

20 Sedra Mi-ketz Hanukkah

25

26

27 Sedra Va-yiggash

7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 1:00 GCJSCF Bereavement Counseling 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal

7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 1:00 GCJSCF Bereavement Counseling 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal

7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal Hanukkah—Light Three Candles

7:45 Morning Minyan 5:17 Candlelighting 6:00 USY Dinner at the home of Janice and Dr. David Levine 8:00 Shabbat Ruach Service followed by Sit-down oneg and Ask The Cantor

7:45 Morning Minyan 5:19 Candlelighting 6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat, Speaker Ellen Richman

7:45 Morning Minyan 5:15 Kabbalat Shabbat and Hanukkah Sing-A-Long 5:21 Candlelighting Hanukkah—Light Four Candles

9:00 Library Shabbat Services, Sandi Rodman Book Review, and Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service

9:00 Shabbat Morning Service Speaker Debbie Sokolov, Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service

9:00 Shabbat Hanukkah Services/ Simha Shabbat, Speaker Valerie Hyman, Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service Hanukkah—Light Five Candles after 6:11PM

Candles

h

9:00 Morning Minyan OFFICE CLOSED 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 Morning Minyan 5:25 Candlelighting 5:30 Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

Happy New Year 2015 !

h

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9:00 Shabbat Services, and Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service

gcjfcs.org 14041 Icot Boulevard Clearwater Fl 33760 Phone: 727.479.1800 fax: 727.535.4747

December 2014

Chanukah Gift Bazaar

Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services will be hosting our annual event.

This is a free shopping experience to bring the miracle of Chanukah into the homes of our Jewish Pinellas & Pasco families.

The following donations are welcome: . New or gently used toys for kids ages 3-12 . Judaic gifts and Chanukah decorations . Socks and underwear of all sizes including XXL . Gift cards from Target or Wal-Mart . Personal toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing lotion, hand sanitizer, body soap (please, no trial sizes) . Kitchen items including paper towels, dish soap, hot mitts, serving utensils, cleaning supplies . Books for adults and children . Children’s bicycles . Chanukah foods- Latke mix, apple sauce, gelt . Cash or checks are always welcome! (please note “JFS” on memo line) For further information please contact Gail Allen, Family Support Services Coordinator, at 727.479.1806 or gallen@gcjfcs.org

Donate by December 5th, 2013 December 9th—December 23rd Private and confidential shopping by appointment only Drop off locations listed below: Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services • Chabad of St Petersburg • Congregation Beth Shalom • Congregation B’nai Emmunah • Congregation B’nai Israel • Inn on the Pond • JCC of West Pasco • Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties •Menorah Manor • Philip Benjamin Tower • Temple Ahavat Shalom •Temple Beth-El •Temple B’nai Israel • 16

December 2014

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT

SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEE JEWISH JOURNEYS THROUGH FILM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 1:00 PM ON THE BIG SCREEN IN THE BENJAMIN SOCIAL HALL FEATURING

“ORCHESTRA OF EXILES�

Written and directed by Josh Aronson with Itzhak Perlman, Zubin Mehta, Joshua Bell and Pinchas Zukerman.

Some stories get lost in the turmoil of their times. It is often only in retrospect that we can discover the true shapers of history. One such man is the prodigious Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman. Orchestra of Exiles explores this great man's 4-year odyssey, which culminates in the founding of the orchestra that would become the Israel Philharmonic. His fascinating story touches many of the major themes of the 20th century and the unfolding drama of his life is riveting. During the darkest days of a Europe being torn apart by anti-Semitism and Nazi aggression, Huberman's extraordinary efforts saved hundreds of Jewish families from the approaching holocaust and his achievements changed the landscape of cultural history. Before the Nazis came to power Huberman was focused only on building his own monumental career but witnessing Hitler's agenda was a call to action that Huberman could not ignore. Huberman's personal transformation and subsequent heroic struggle to get Jewish musicians out of Europe to found this orchestra will be at the heart of this film.

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December 2014

The Jewish Theological Seminary Hereld Institute for Jewish Studies proudly presents the 29th Annual JTS Tampa Bay Lecture Series in partnership with Congregation Beth Shalom Congregation Kol Ami Congregation B’nai Israel Congregation Rodeph Sholom and the Rabbinical Assembly Southeast Region

A Journey Through Biblical Commentary: Reading the Bible for Meaning with

Dr. Walter Herzberg Divine Reward: Exploring the Meaning of “Good” in the Bible Monday, January 12, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom 1325 S. Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL (727) 531-1418 Through a case study from the book of Exodus, we will examine the nature of divine reward for human action and consider its personal relevance.

The Song of Miriam: Women and Prophecy Tuesday, January 13, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Congregation Rodeph Sholom 2713 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 837-1911 Together we will study the reactions of traditional commentators to women in the role of a prophet as well as the interplay between music and prayer.

All are welcome. A dessert reception will follow each lecture.

Rabbi David Weizman, Coordinator Rabbi David Baum, RA President SE Region Carolyn Kantor, Director of Principal Gifts, JTS Florida Region www.jtsa.edu 18

Mitzvah Grams MAY 2014

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 DECEMBER 12/5 12/5 12/6 12/7 12/11

Rhoda & Leonard Bader Drs. Hazel & Steven Shwer Patty & Dr. Leonard Adelson Janet & Edwin Shapiro Arlene & Dr. Frank Moss

12/18 12/19 12/22 12/24 12/24

Anniversary

Charlotte & Harold Goldberg Paula & Steven Dangler Myrna & Lawrence Irwin Nicole & Elan Melamed Myra & Dr. David Gross

CELEBRANTS 12/25 12/26 12/26 12/29 12/31

Margot & Michael Benstock Diana & Arthur Jay Billie and Morry Bornstein Rita & Ben Thomas Cari & Joel Berman

“YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!” TO OUR DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS 1 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 5 6

Gerry Mensh Ronna Geffon Susie Schwartz Susie van Gelder Debbie Blanchard Barbara Rubin Sharon Scott Michael Zimmer Murray Rubin Judy Kaye

6 6 7 10 10 11 13 14 16 16

Maxine Buchholtz Amy Giskin Jack Mayer Judi Gordon Karen Sher Bill Marger Jennifer Sternberg Arnie Kravitz Pam Askin Selma Rosenberg

Do a Mitzvah on your birthday, Attend the Daily Minyan!

17 17 18 18 18 19 20 21 22 23

Larry Ettinger Rebecca Douglass Vicki Greenfield Lawrence Litt Aaron Koppel Janet Augenbraun Jerry Gilbert Ina Sheppard David Hutman Dottie Goldblatt

24 24 24 25 27 27 27 28 29 31

Mark Walters Ella Schlanger Vicky Henry Tikva Melamed-Goff Mark Benjamin Stephanie Adelson Shelly Mizrahi Myrna Rubin Sheryl Sutton Hannah Ayes

In Honor of: _________________________________________

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

CELEBRATE YOUR DECEMBER BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 9:00AM

Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation fro 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: ____________________________________________________

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Donations

Adult Education Fund Lou Bader Bill & Carol Marger Buns Technology Improvement Fund Lou & Yollette Frey

December 2014 Rabbi's Discretioary Fund Hymie & Judy Bader Philip Warren Lawrence Salzer

In Memory Of Max Bader Richard Erman In Memory Of Richard Erman

Marilyn Benjamin

Camp Ramah Fund Susan Goldstein Marc & Laurie Reiskind

In Honor Of Ari Weiss – Bar Mitzvah Ari Weiss – Bar Mitzvah

Gail Warren Leadership Fund Steve Warren

In Memory Of Gail Warren

Library Fund Ruth Gray Ruth Lebowitz

In Memory Of Yetta Pollack Richard Erman

Mitzvah Fund Akif Agayev Linda Weiss Joe & Eva Fuchs Joel & Ellen Goetz Ed & Vivian Lurie Moshe & Sharon Gershuny Beverly Levine Bill Rosch George & Faina Sakovich George & Faina Sakovich

In Memory Of

Bill Rosch

Sarah Fuchs Rachel Robinson Rachel Robinson Diane Terry George Levine Helen Rosch Elka Kogan Vladimir Sakovich In Honor Of Lou Bader’s birthday Janice and Dr. David LeVine’s Community Service Award Starr Silver Speedy Recovery Bob Weisberg

Prayer Book Fund Arthur & Bebby Marlin

In Memoery Of Toby Shkarofsky

Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Marshall & Lea Seiden

Warren & Rebecca Simmons

Sylvia Ayes Jerry & Joan Benstock Morry & Billie Bornstein Bob & Elaine Lachter Joel & Anne Marantz Dick & Gerry Mensh Richard Olmstead Shirley Sommella Bob Warsaw

In Appreciation

In Honor Of Rachel Luski’s Engagement In Memory Of Rachel Robinson Ruth Sheldon Harold Bornstein George Lachter Sam Marantz Sid Mensh Chana Olmstead Ronald Block Ben Warsaw

Tree Of Life Fund Jack & Linda Goldfarb

In Honor Of Dr. Ed and Vivian Lurie

USY Fund Steve & Linda Grau Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie

In Memory Of Gerry Fried Rachel Robinson

USY Pilgrimage Fund Pearl Brook Harold & Charlotte Goldberg

In Memory Of Bernard Brook Miriam Soman

Todah Rabah to Laurie and Dr. Marc Reiskind for chairing the Kol Nidre appeal and their

PRTT Fund Rowena & Steven Seltzer

tireless work on behalf of CBI. Also to Jerry and Thelma Gilbert, our honorary chairs.

In Memory Of Mario Moschina 20

Life Cycle Events

December 2014

Mazal Tov Engagement of

Rachel Luski, daughter of Joanne and Rabbi Jacob Luski, granddaughter of Rose and Abe Luski, and Vivian Neuman -

In Memoriam

to Alan

Medvin

Golden Kippa Recipient

Richard Erman

Rachel LeVine,

Father of Renee Lipman

daughter of Janice and Dr. David LeVine, Granddaughter of Marilyn and Dr. Morris LeVine,

Marion Samson Joseph Mother of Dori ( Bruce ) Nussbaum Barbara ( Dr. Irwin ) Guterman Paul ( Annette ) Samson Tal ( Jeanette ) Kramer

Esther Rothman Mother of Peggy McAvoy

Diane Terry Mother-In-Law of Martha Terry

www.jewishpinellas.org

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

BUNS FAMILY TREE OF LIFE is just the answer.

What a joy it is for someone to walk into our shul and see a tribute of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, special birthday, anniversary or wedding.

Order forms are in the synagogue office and lobby.

Minimum donation $254.

A leaf was dedicated by Linda and Jack Goldfarb in honor of their dear friends Vivian and Dr. Ed Lurie 21

December 2014

Do you want to be more active at your home away from home?

Here are a few ways! □

VOTE THE MERCAZ/CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT LINE IN THE ZIONIST ELECTIONS

Become a Minyanaire! We need at least ten Jews for public worship. Join with your CBI Family for the joy of davening and to support those in mourning, and join a close knit group of Minyanaires!

□

Help in the CBI Office! Join our fun and welcoming CBI Staff for a few hours and help them send out mailings, filing, or organizing to keep this ship smooth-sailing!

□

Become a greeter! Be the first to wish members of your CBI Family a “Shabbat Shalom” at Friday evening, or Saturday morning Shabbat Services. If you would like to take part in this tradition, contact Selma Gaby at 727.345.2887

□

MERCAZ, the Zionist arm of the Conservative Movement, represents Conservative Judaism in the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Jewish National Fund-KKL. As the official lobby of Conservative/Masorti Judaism in these world Jewish institutions, MERCAZ advocates in Israel for religious pluralism, environmental awareness and a negotiated two-state solution and brings about financial benefits in excess of $2 million annually to Conservative/ Masorti institutions in Israel and around the world.

The strength of the MERCAZ lobby within the “National Institutions” (WZO, JAFI and JNF-KKL) is in direct proportion to the size of the MERCAZ delegation at the Zionist Congress. The next Zionist Congress will take place in October 2015, with elections in the United States to determine the composition of the 145-delegate American contingent scheduled for the first quarter of 2015.

Read Torah! We have a wonderful teacher who can help you prepare for this honor. Liz Sembler, our Engagement Director, is always available to help you learn to chant Torah and Haftorah portions. If you are interested in learning more about how you may perform this mitzvah, contact Liz at lizsembler@aol.com, or 727.381.4900 x206.

Visit the MERCAZ website, www.mercazusa.org, for information about voter registration.

This is your last chance to join us for Winter Break Family Camp at Ramah Darom!

Registration closes December 8, 2014.

Enjoy a stress-free week in the beautiful North Georgia mountains December 30, 2014 - January 4, 2015!

Kids and adults will have time together and time apart to learn, play, eat, rest, explore and enjoy.

Nature hikes Second Annual Hot Chocolate 5K Run Talent show Rock wall Live reptile show Music Spectacular New Year's Eve celebration!

Visit ramahdarom.org/programs or contact Bennie at bcohen@ramahdarom.orgor (404) 531-0801 x9208.

Spots are filling up quickly and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.Register Now! Rates start at $1200 per family.

We can't wait to see you there!

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Advertisers

December 2014

23

December 2014

Please Patronize Our Advertisers!

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

24

December 2014

www.goldbergeyemd.com

25

December 2014

A 55+ independent living community that honors Jewish tradition Weekly kosher Shabbat dinners, traditional Jewish holiday celebrations, private van service, Katz’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.

CBI Women’s League Catering Your Simcha. Your Way. Only the best.

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:

250 58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 philipbenjamintower.org 727-347-5191

Livia Wein polyglatt@gmail,com, 727.393.3289

Ad sponsored by Benjamin Tower Foundation 26

December 2014

Enriching Lifestyle Loving Care -LIMITED TIME SPECIAL-

• Large Private Apartments • Life Enriching Programs • Personalized Support • Gourmet Cuisine • Respite Stays Available

Save $5,500 for the first year!

OFFER EXPIRES December 31, 2014 Call 727-302-3800 to schedule a tour and ask about a free 2 night trial!

240 59th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 (727) 341-1818 • www.TobyWeinman.org 27

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

Come Celebrate Hanukkah at CBI!

Bring your own family Hanukkiyah, and we’ll sing the Hanukkah Blessings and light our candles together to welcome the second night of Hanukkah.

Cantor Schultz and our youth will lead us in a Hanukkah Sing-a-Long.

Parents and grandparents will kvell.

We’ll all eat latkes and make merry.

Wednesday, December 17, at 6:00 pm.

There’s no charge, but we’d appreciate your letting us know you’re coming so we’re sure to make enough latkes.

To make sure we have plenty on hand, RSVP to 727.381.4900, x201, or info@cbistpete.org by Thursday, December 11.

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