B'nai Review February

February 2015 Shevat 5775 - Adar 5775

Volume 5775 Issue 7

Page 12!

In This Issue: CBI Announcements

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A Message From The … Rabbi … Cantor … President … Executive Director

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Adult Studies

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Tu B’Shvat

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Youth

8-9

A Message From MERCAZ

10

A-Team

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Sunday Morning University

12 - 13

February Calendar

14 - 15

Women’s League

16

Mitzvah Men’s Club

17

Life Cycle Events

18

Mitzvah Grams

19

Donations

20 - 21

Todah Rabah

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Around the Community

22

Advertisements

23 - 27

B’nai Israel REVIEW FEBRUARY 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.

Contact Us Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. 727.381.4900 x1008 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org

Youth Director Bianca Levi 727.381.4900 x1011 Youthdir@cbistpete.org

Accounting Denice Piller 727.302.9676 accounting@cbistpete.org

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

Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com

President Alice Ettinger aliceettinger112@gmail.com

Executive Director Susan Goldstein 727.344.1017 execdir@cbistpete.org

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

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

Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4901 officemgr@cbistpete.org

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

Communications Coordinator Carolyn Moritz 727.381.4900 x1001 receptionist@cbistpete.org

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Men’s Club President Steve Feld USY President Hannah Weiss

Announcements

LAW SHABBAT & SIMHA HEVRA KADISHA Join CBI on February 14, at 9:00 am to honor the The Hevra Kadisha Burial Society of CBI will be honored at a dinner on Tuesday, March 12. legal profession during morning services. This is For more information, contact Pam Askin also a Simha Shabbat, so come recognize our at 727.381.4901.

February birthday and anniversary celebrants!

FEDERATION SUPER SUNDAY FIRST SEDER Be a superhero this Super Sunday! Join the Join your CBI Family on Jewish Federation of North America on Sunday, Friday evening, April 13, February 8, in the annual phone-a-thon that as we welcome raises funds for the global Jewish Community.

Passover together.

Contact marksegel@jewishpinellas.org Jo-El’s will cater the for more information. seder dinner. Stay tuned!

PURIM Join us for readings of Megillah Esther on Wednesday evening, March 4, and Thursday morning, March 5.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATE SHALACH MANOT UPDATE We are very sorry that the photo directory has Watch your mail for order forms to order not yet been delivered. There have been several Women’s League wonderful homemade delays in publication from the production Hamentaschen. The office must receive orders company. In an effort to contain mailing costs,

by Friday, February 20. Please join us for baking you will be notified when they are available for on Monday, March 2, at 5:00 pm. pick up in the office. Todah Rabah to all of you No experience necessary! who supported this project with ads.

We apologize again for the delays.

FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW BIKKUR HOLIM We will soon be getting ready for Passover. It is One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is difficult to believe that Hanukkah is behind us; bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a thank you for your support! For your special responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take needs, we special order and gift wrap. Presently very seriously. When our members are ill or we keep the same Judaica Shop hours: hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of Monday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are Tuesday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm extremely cautious about sharing patient names, Thursday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm even with clergy. We need our congregants to Please call for an appointment: communicate directly with us and to inform us of Diana Litt 727.392.5554 illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin Eileen Richman 727.492.4509 at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the Anita Helfand 727.347.2300 synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments Come in and browse! of difficulty or stress.

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From the Rabbi

The Talmud relates that an old man was seen planting a carob tree as the king rode by.

“Old man,” the king called out, “how old are you?”

“Seventy years, your majesty,” the old man replied.

“How many years will it take for that tree to bear fruit?” asked the king.

“Perhaps seventy years,” the man replied.

Mockingly, the king went on: “Do you really expect to ever eat of the fruit of the tree?”

“Of course not,” the man said, “but just as I found fruit trees when I was born, so do I plant trees that future generations may eat from them.”

Tu B’Shvat, the 15th day of the month of Shvat, is the New Year of the Trees. The reason for this particular date is that until this point trees are sustained in Israel from the rainfall of the past year; from this point on, they are sustained from the water of the following year. Thus, Tu B’Shvat is primarily of agricultural importance, marking the renewal of the trees.

Trees are vital not only to the fertility of the soil, but especially for sustaining all of life. This recognition came early in Jewish history. Moses warns the Israelites prior to their entry of Canaan: “When in your war against a city…you must not destroy its trees. You may eat of them, but you must not cut them down.” (Deut. 20:19).

In modern times, the message of Tu B’Shvat has been broadened to include ecology and environmental issues. But even this idea is already found in the Midrash. When God created Adam, He showed him all the trees in the Garden of Eden and said: “See how beautiful and perfect are My works! All that I have created, I have created for you.

Therefore, be ever-mindful: “Do not abuse or desolate My world. For if you abuse or desolate it, there is no one to repair it after you.” (Kohelet Rabbah 7:28).

Tu B’Shvat therefore serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to the earth, our relationship to the Land of Israel, of our dependence on nature, and of our obligations to future generations. So many of our holidays and observances focus on our history, our past. Tu B’Shvat focuses on our future. And that future, to a large extent, will depend on how careful we are to preserve and keep safe our environment.

Celebrate Tu B’Shvat. Plant trees in Israel. Pay attention to ecological concerns. Protect the earth. Eat the fruits of Eretz Yisrael.

Join us on Wednesday, February 4, at 7:00 pm for our annual Tu B’Shvat Seder presented by our Hebrew High School students led by Janice LeVine in cooperation with JNF and our A-Team. Shalom,

From the Cantor A few days ago, I was watching a nature show about California redwoods. These trees are the tallest living things on Earth – many grow to more than 300 feet tall, and the tallest tree on record is 379 feet tall. I have stood in the presence of these giant, majestic trees, and they are massive, some more than 25 feet wide at the base. I have marveled at the immense scale of these trees both in their direct presence and through watching the nature show, where I watched footage of a man walking through a redwood forest, and he seemed like an insect next to these wondrous trees. The oldest California redwoods are also the oldest living things in the world – many are known to be 1,200 to 1,800 years old, and the oldest known specimen is about 2,200 years old.

They are also endangered. They were very much prized by the logging and lumber industries for the wood’s beauty, light weight, resistance to fire because of its low resin content, and resistance to decay. According to Wikipedia, “Before commercial logging and clearing began by the 1850s, this massive tree occurred naturally in an estimated 2,100,000 acres along much of coastal California (excluding southern California where rainfall is not sufficient) and the southwestern corner of coastal Oregon within the United States. An estimated 95% or more of the original old-growth redwood trees have been cut down….”

As we get ready for Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, let us thank the Almighty that we live in an age of ecological sensitivity, an age where logging of redwoods is limited and restricted to second growth trees. Let us also be thankful that we now recycle paper, so that trees do not need to be cut down so that we may write. At the same time, let us also thank God for creating fruit trees, so that we may eat of their bounty – on Tu Bishvat and throughout the year.

Happy Tu Bishvat!

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From the President The secular New Year has just passed. We may have made resolutions to ourselves, and they may have already been broken. In the spirit of the New Year I am asking myself and you to set aside 18 additional hours during the next year just for Congregation B’nai Israel.

How you use those 18 hours is up to you, and nobody but you will measure or record your progress. Some of the ways you can give to CBI include: attend more Shabbat services, tutor or read books in Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah/Early Education Center (PRTT/ PRECEC); help in the office; attend minyan and/or services more than you usually would; attend an adult studies session; and there are many more ideas that can come from you.

Finally, Tu B'Shevat is the Jewish New Year of the Trees. As you will recall, customs for Tu B’Shevat include planting trees and eating dried fruits and nuts, especially those native to Israel. I would like you to think about nurturing another planting you have already made. All of us have planted our religious roots at CBI and our congregational family. However, for those roots to flourish and become something spiritually meaningful, they must be watered, fed, and nurtured just like a sapling tree. In the spirit of Tu B’Shevat, think about how you will nurture your religious roots and help water and feed those roots by spending some more time at Congregation B’nai Israel.

Shalom, and I will see you at CBI.

From the Executive Director It’s February again, so it’s time to say, “Let’s ‘do’ Mitzvah Month at CBI!” What can we do to help repress the very real problem of hunger right here in Pinellas County?

We can make a difference on a local level by helping replenish non-perishable food items at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services (“GCJFS”) in three ways. 

 

Be a part of I Can, 1 Can. When you come to the shul for an adult education class, to pick up your child at preschool or PRTT, to volunteer, to daven at week-day minyan, or any reason whatsoever (except on Shabbat), bring a can of food to be donated to GCJFS. Write a check to GCJFS, and send it to 14041 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater 33760.

Buy a gift card to Winn-Dixie, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, or one of the many vendors available through our Mitzvah Gelt program. Write a check to CBI-Scrip, and let Carolyn Moritz (727.381.4900, x1001) know how much you’d like to spend. We’ll send the gift card to GCJFS.

Participate in the Pinellas County Crop Hunger Walk, sponsored by Church World Services, on Sunday afternoon, February 22 (AFTER you’ve participated in Sunday Morning University!), to benefit the St. Pete Free Clinic and Daystar. Registration is at 1:30, and the Walk begins at 2:00. Visit http://bit.ly/cropwalkpinellas for information.

We can help on a worldwide basis. Visit mazon.org to learn facts about the reality of hunger in America. Did you know that 49 million Americans – including 17 million children and almost five million seniors -- are hungry? Write a check or donate online at mazon.org, and make a difference. Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger is an organization that (a) provides for people who are hungry and advocates for other ways to end hunger and its causes; (b) educates and raises the consciousness of the Jewish community regarding its obligation to alleviate hunger and its causes; and (c) promotes making donating a portion of the cost of life cycle events (historically, at least 3%) to MAZON a permanent tradition in Jewish life. When you visit the website, check out some of the great links to information about hunger in America, references to verses in the Torah, and the halachic foundation of Jews caring for the hungry.

Yes, hunger is even a problem, not only around the world, but in the Jewish community right here in St. Pete/Pinellas County. In February, we’re saying “I CAN bring 1 CAN every time I come to CBI (except on Shabbat).” If we all join in, together we can repress hunger. Let’s do it!

B’Shalom,

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Adult Studies CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah The JTS mini-course Abraham: Father of co-host a monthly Book Readers’ Discussion Three Faiths explores the character of Group on Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the CBI Abraham as he is described in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, comparing biblical and Library. If you are interested in leading the rabbinic material with sacred texts and discussion for a meeting, please contact Sheila interpretations. Brought to you by JTS in Wasserman at 727.347.5816. This month join us on February 18 to discuss The Lemon Tree: partnership with CBI. Sessions three and four are An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Thursday, February 5 and 12, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. RSVP to Bonnie Smith at 561.852.3454 or Sandy Tolan. bosmith@jtsa.edu.

THE BEST OF TBJFF PRESENTS...

HUNTING ELEPHANTS

FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE AT WWW.TBJFF.ORG

Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and an impressive cast of Israeli top talent give bravura comic turns in HUNTING ELEPHANTS, a bank heist caper and coming-of-age tale from writer-director Reshev Levi (Lost Islands).

At the bank where his father works, 12year-old Jonathan (Gil Blank) watches helplessly as his father succumbs to a sudden heart attack while testing a new high-tech security system. In a cruel double blow, the evil bank manager (Moshe Ivgy) refuses to pay the father's pension. In the aftermath, widow Dorit (Yael Abecassis) leaves her son in the care of his cantankerous grandfather Eliyahu (Sasson Gabai) and mate Nick (Moni Moshonov), both former Zionist freedom fighters now barely existing in a nursing home. Guilt-ridden over his father's death, and mortified when his mother begins dating the bank manager out of financial desperation, Jonathan and the aging misfits hatch a plot to rob the bank that wronged his family. Joining the misadventure is Jonathan's great uncle, a disgraced British lord and frustrated actor (Stewart in a scenestealing role).

CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL OF ST PETERSBURG 300 58TH STREET NORTH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 7:30 PM OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Nominated for seven Israeli Academy Awards including Best Film, HUNTING ELEPHANTS is a delightful concoction of jocular hijinks and tender moments sure to leave audiences smiling.

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Do you wish you could chant a Haftarah at services? If you can read Hebrew, here's a great opportunity for you!

Liz Sembler will help you develop the skills to prepare and present a Haftarah. Classes are every Wednesday, 5:30 6:30 pm until February 25. For more information, contact Liz Sembler at lizsembler@aol.com.

Join Steve Wein as he and his Talmud Class begin a new Tractate this year along with its selected commentaries. The classes are in English, and Steve explains all. Materials will be provided. The class involves both textual analysis and lively discussion, and is open to all.

No previous knowledge is necessary. Buns Family Library on select Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 7:00 - 9:00 pm Congregation B’nai Israel 300 58th Street North • St. Petersburg, FL 33710 BRANCH OUT! GET OFF YOUR STUMP! LEAF YOUR CARES AT HOME! Join us for a complimentary seder featuring an interactive, family-friendly sing-a-long with David and Janice LeVine and the teens of Hebrew High.

JNF will make a special presentation to recognize CBI’s completion of a second Parkland Project and commencement of a Woodland Project.

In addition to CBI’s support in the greening of Israel, as a partner with JNF, CBI receives a 20% monetary benefit from your gift to JNF that is used for Zionist Education & Advocacy programming, which provides stipends for high school and college students to supplement expenses for advocacy events and programs in Israel.

RSVP by January 28 to CBI at 727.381.4900 in order to have enough materials for the event.

For more information, please contact Beth Glickman Morris at bmorris@jnf.org bmorris@jnf.org or 727.536.5263.

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February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) One of the most important aspects of building a growing school is being able to develop and foster a supportive community that is engaged and proactive. This semester, Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is reaching out to our surrounding community, families, and congregation members in order to build a stronger foundation. Inspired by the incredible parental support our school receives, we can all look forward to another fantastic semester learning and growing together!

As our school has focused on through our Torah Aura Flyer, “A home is more than a house. It is where a family lives. A synagogue is more than a building. It is where a community gathers.” Throughout the month of February, children will be learning all about what it means to be a community by studying Community Helpers, Transportation, Health and Wellness, and taking a closer look into Tu ’B’Shevat and taking great care of the earth. Children can look forward to visits from a nurse, a police officer, and many other special volunteers while working on problem solving skills and creative expression.

This month, we are delighted to announce the opening of our Tiny Owl Infant Room.

This classroom, serving families of children ages 2 months to 12 months, is a wonderful new addition to our school as we welcome our youngest students to our PRECEC family! For more information or enrollment questions, please contact me at 727.302.9668 or preschool@cbistpete.org.

Katherine Schaefer, PRECEC Director

Calling All Storytellers!

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers to come read to our youngest learners. We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story that supports our Judaica! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved?

Please contact Preschool Director Katherine Schaefer at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668.

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Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Presents Our Annual

Pasta Dinner & Silent Auction Sunday, February 22 5:00 - 7:00 pm CBI Social Hall Please join us for a delicious buffet-style pasta dinner for an evening celebrating community and student artwork.

All guests are welcome! Tables will be set up around the Social Hall displaying student and classroom artwork, as well as themed classroom gift baskets that are up for silent auction. The Silent Auction opens at 5:00 and will close at 6:15. Winners will be announced upon closing of auction. Payment is due upon item pickup and can be made in the form of cash, check, or credit card.

Menu: Pasta, Choice of Alfredo or Marinara Sauce, Mixed Greens Salad with Choice of Dressing, Challah Garlic Bread, Dessert Treats *All proceeds will benefit the reconstruction of our Organic Vegetable Goodness Garden and new classroom equipment* Dinner tickets are $6.00 per person. Children 12 months and younger are free. Please return bottom portion of this flyer to Miss Katie, along with payment in the form of cash or check, to pick up dinner tickets.

There is no limit on the amount of tickets you can purchase.

Money and ticket orders are due by Wednesday, February 18, 2015.

USY Important Summer Program Deadlines: Taglit-Birthright Israel: Israel Outdoors February 3 Covenant Fund Scholarship Application February 13 Applications for all USY Summer Experience programs are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Limited spaces are still available, so visit www.usy.org/escape to register for a program!

Come to CBI on Friday, February 6, at 6:00 for USY-led Kabbalat Shabbat services!

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A Message From MERCAZ THE ZIONIST ELECTIONS: MAKING YOUR VOICE COUNT IN ISRAEL Since the days of Theodore Herzl, Jews from around the world have been participating in the World Zionist Congress, shaping the direction of what is today our beloved State of Israel. Jews in the United States have the opportunity this coming winter to have their voices heard in Israel through a democratic election of delegates to the next Zionist Congress.

Conservative Judaism in the United States - the values we hold dear - will be well-represented by MERCAZ, the official lobby for religious pluralism, protection of Israel’s environment, and a peaceful two-state solution to Israel’s security challenges. Moreover, a strong MERCAZ voting block will ensure financial benefits of $2 million annually to Conservative-affiliated institutions in Israel and around the world.

Voter registration begins on Tuesday, January 13, and will continue until the end of April.

Register to vote MERCAZ. Visit www.mercazusa.org or call the Campaign Headquarters at 212.533.2061 to learn more.

Make your voice count this year in the Zionist elections.

Thank you.

Save the Date

ISRAEL BONDS Pinellas Cocktail Supper Sunday, March 22, 2015 6:00 pm St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater 12600 Roosevelt Blvd N St. Petersburg, FL 33716 For Information Contact: tampa@israelbonds.com - 727.282.1125

Sponsorship Opportunities Available 10

Advocacy for Israel Committee Anti-Semitism in Europe: A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein In my last article I wrote about current Anti-Semitic events in Sweden. Sweden has a checkered past when it comes to its role in treating Jews. Sweden’s treatment of Jews up to and during World War II was often anything but principled and accommodating. In 1685, King Charles XI prohibited Jews from residing in Sweden “on account of the danger of the eventual influence of the Jewish religion on the pure evangelical faith.” By 1800 Jews could live in Sweden, but under numerous restrictions.

Equal-rights legislation didn’t come until 1910. During World War II, the country served as a haven for Jews evacuated from Denmark. On October 1, 1943, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler ordered Danish Jews to be arrested and deported. Despite great personal risk, the Danish resistance movement, with the assistance of many ordinary Danish citizens, managed to evacuate 7,220 of Denmark's 7,800 Jews, plus 686 non-Jewish spouses, by sea to nearby neutral Sweden. Jews have long honored Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, posted in Budapest, for saving over 100,000 Hungarian Jews during World War II. Formally neutral, Sweden became a de facto ally in the Nazi war effort. Like Switzerland, it was a recipient of Nazi-looted gold. One of Nazi Germany’s biggest trading partners, it was a large supplier of high-grade iron ore to the German steel industry. Sweden permitted transit for German armies on their way to fight in Russia and to occupy Norway. The Swedish navy escorted German military supply ships, while Swedish industry helped the Germans make up for the losses suffered from Allied bombing raids. Sweden enforced their Jewish employment exclusion.

Even after the war, Sweden dragged out negotiations with the Allies to restore looted gold. Arguing that it was not accountable for gold acquired before a 1943 declaration invalidating wartime asset transfers in occupied countries, Sweden was able to postpone until 1955 millions of dollars in Dutch gold restitution. The lawyers and organizations involved in bringing lawsuits in the U.S. against Swiss banks and others for their Holocaust-era activities also had Swedish Nazi-profiteering industry as a target for litigation. But controversies about the Swiss, German and Austrian industries cases resulted in decisions to leave Sweden alone. Its undeserved image of purity remained largely intact.

Whereas in the past Swedish Anti-Semitism was mostly “vicarious “, current Anti-Semitic behavior is quite overt. Current population statistics do not bode well for future Jewish life in Sweden.

According to European Union reports, an estimated 574,000 Muslims lived in Sweden in 2012, making up 6.05 percent of the population, compared to 1998, when there were 284,000 Muslims, or 3.21 percent of the total population. Population increase during 2004-2012 has mainly been attributed to immigration from Muslim countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. This translates to an influx of Muslim immigrants as opposed to any other ethnicity.

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Shevat - Adar 5775 FEBRUARY 2015 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wedn

1 Temple Beth-El Art Show 8:30am Minyan, World Wide Wrap 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

2 Temple Beth-El Art Show 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 6:45pm All Task Force Meeting

3 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Chess Club 6:30pm Minyan

4 TU B’SHVAT 7:45am Minyan, Bre 4:45pm PRTT Alef5:30pm Haftarah C 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Tu B’Shvat 7:00pm Hebrew H

8 Federation Super Sunday 9:00am Minyan, Breakfast 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

9 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

10 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Chess Club 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Women’s League “Chocolate Galore”

11 7:45am Minyan, Bre 4:45pm PRTT Alef5:30pm Haftarah C 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew H 7:00pm Talmud Cla

15 9:00am Minyan, Breakfast NO PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

16 PRESIDENT’S DAY 9:00am Minyan, Breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

17 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Chess Club 6:30pm Minyan

18 7:45am Minyan, Bre 10:00am CBI-Hada 4:45pm PRTT Alef5:30pm Haftarah C 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew H

22 9:00am Minyan, Breakfast 9:45am PRTT 9:45am Sunday Morning University 2:00pm Pinellas County’s Hunger Crop Walk 5:00pm Preschool Silent Auction & Pasta Dinner 6:30pm Minyan

23 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

24 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Chess Club 6:30pm Minyan

25 7:45am Minyan, Bre 10:00am Hadassah 4:45pm PRTT Alef5:30pm Haftarah C 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew H 7:00pm Talmud Cla

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nesday

eakfast -Heh Class

t Seder High & Mehina

eakfast -Heh Class

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

5 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 10:30am JTS Scholar: Abraham, the Father of Three Faiths 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm BACA Concert Congregation Schaarai-Zedek, Tampa

6 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 5:57pm Candlelighting 6:00pm USY Kabbalat Shabbat

7 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush 12:30pm Shabbat Minha 7:00pm TBJFF Select Film Series

12 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 10:30am JTS Scholar: Abraham, the Father of Three Faiths 6:30pm Minyan

13 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:02pm Candlelighting

14 9:00am Law Shabbat Services, February Simha, Kiddush 12:30pm Shabbat Minha

19 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

20 21 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush 6:00pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat 12:30pm Shabbat Minha 6:07pm Candlelighting

26 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 6:00pm Florida Holocaust Museum’s “To Life, To Justice” The Mahaffey Theater 6:30pm Minyan

27 7:45am Minyan, Breakfast 10:00am PRECEC Shabbat Celebration 6:12pm Candlelighting 8:00pm Shabbat Ruach St. Petersburg Hadassah Chapter

High & Mehina ass

eakfast assah Book Club -Heh Class

High & Mehina

eakfast Mah-Jongg -Heh Class

High & Mehina ass

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28 9:00am Shabbat Zahor Services, Kiddush 11:30am Ritual Workshop “Aleinu” 12:30pm Shabbat Minha

Women’s League

The executive board and leaders of the CBI Sisterhood (aka Women's League) wants to thank all who attended and participated in our Women's League Shabbat 5775! The sanctuary was filled with our prayers and song. The Kabbalat Shabbat service was followed by a delicious Got Shabbat dinner, and Shabbat morning concluded with a fine Kiddush luncheon. Some women came alone, some with families -- and all joined together to celebrate sisterhood in ways old and new.

Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 pm “All About Chocolate!” This meeting promises to be interesting and delicious.

WATCH YOUR MAIL TO ORDER SHLACH MANOT! Monday, March 2, 5:30 pm “Hamentaschen Baking!” Join the long tables of women shaping pounds of dough and various fillings into delicious treats for Purim. Messy fun, and not in your own kitchen! For new and older bakers alike, filled with tradition and love.

Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 pm “Get Tech Savvy!” NOTE CHANGED DATE Tuesday, March 24 17th Annual Women’s Community Seder at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater. We are a sponsoring organization for this event, so save the date! Watch the Jewish Press and B’nai Review for the official announcement and invitation.

Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 pm Torah Fund Dinner.

Your Women’s League keeps a close eye on the needs and resources of the CBI kitchen and serving departments.

We connect and work cooperatively with all the other arms of the synagogue. We welcome all women to show up, join, and make and renew friendships at CBI! 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! Give Karen Kauffman a call AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE so we can make arrangements to give you and your friends a lift. The more the merrier! Contact Karen at 727.392.1623 or 727.481.8225 to give or request a lift.

TORAH FUND DINNER

“CHOCOLATE GALORE” Come join your sisters: Indulge in chocolate!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 6:00 pm Honoring Esta Blaxberg: 2015 Woman of Achievement $20 Couvert: Please make checks payable to CBI Women’s League

Bring your favorite “chocoholic” recipes to be put into a cookbook for everyone. Prepare to enjoy chocolate treats, drinks, and even poetry!

RSVP by February 5: Call the Synagogue at 727.381.4900 Tuesday, February 10, at 7:00 pm

GIFT OPPORTUNITIES Benefactor $180 Guardian Level $300 Associate Patron $600 Patron $1200

CONTACT Joanne Luski challahmom@aol.com Marilyn LeVine babamfl@aol.com Jennifer Sternberg (Torah Fund cards) jjudysternberg@gmail.com 16

Mitzvah Men’s Club The Mitzvah Men’s Club was honored to present Past President Jesse Rodman with his outgoing President’s plaque.

Good Evening, When planning this introduction, I was going to go into detail about all of the hard work that this dedicated man has accomplished for us throughout the last few years, but then I noticed that if I did that, we wouldn’t have much time for the meeting itself! Suffice it to say, he has worked endlessly and tirelessly to help keep the Mitzvah Men’s Club in tip-top shape while working alongside the various entities that make up this congregation. In addition, his business acumen has and will allow us to save money and time in various ways that were not known to us in the past. In our discussions, we turn to Jesse for his “I think we shoulds” that always precede his useful suggestions. As a result of his talent and hard work as Past President of the MMC, I now proudly present him with this beautiful plaque.

Steve Feld, MMC President

WORLD WIDE WRAP XIX Join the us for the World Wide Wrap!

Sunday, February 1 8:30 am Instructions on putting on the Tefillin 9:00 am Morning Minyan Minyan followed by brunch and a presentation by guest speaker Neil Solondz, the “Voice of the Rays.”

“The World Wide Wrap is a signature program of FJMC focusing on a unique ritual imbued with story and metaphor that spans ages and generations. We bind up, we engage, we use our whole bodies, we share ourselves as symbols for others while we involve ourselves in very personal and soul searching moments.

We teach and we learn. We participate in the ritual as an integral part of and vehicle for expressing our personal and community values. We lead by example and we teach through innovative engagement using any and all media, method and spirit.”

Orin Rotman, World Wide Wrap Chairman

Pictured: President Steve Feld (left) awards Past President Jesse Rodman (right) the outgoing President’s plaque

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Life Cycle Mazal Tov!

In Memoriam

Linda & Steve Grau, Lillian Grau, Hannah Freid Marriage of their daughter and granddaughter Sharon Grau to Marty Russell Arthur & Diane Jay Engagement of their son Justin Jay to Elexis Persino Audrey Kopelman New home at Lake Seminole Square Lisa Robbins New position as Assistant Director of the Young Adult Division at the Jewish Federation of North America Sandi Rodman New business venture in real estate at Keller-Williams Realty Ezra Sembler Graduation from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Elementary Education

Harold Berger

Brother of Beverly Dikman

Jacqueline Wellington Bush Mother of Caryn Baird

Asheri Engelman

Husband of Marcia Engelman Father of Dr. Greg Engelman

Jill Engelman

Wife of Dr. Greg Engelman Mother of Leigh Engelman Aimee Engelman Daughter of Morton Stenzler Sister of Robin (Dr. Jimmy) Post Cindy (Alan) Weisser

Camille Flashman

Mother of Ronnie (Fred) Geffon

It’s A Girl!

Jackson Hutch Benstock Daughter of Alexis Benstock & Michele Hutchins Granddaughter of Peter & Tonya Benstock Tracey (Benstock) Solomons Great-granddaughter of Jerry & Jean Benstock Lilly Shay Berman Daughter of Joel & Cari Berman Granddaughter of Ira & Susie Berman Lenny & Betsy Englander Debi Englander Layla Rose Lincoln Daughter of Drew & Stefanie Lincoln Granddaughter of Dr. David & Arline Dresdner Annie Ronay Daughter of Alex & Alexia Ronay Granddaughter of Jorge & Masha Ronay Great-granddaughter of Aron Bass

Elihu Nemiroff

Brother of Ricki (Mark) Lewis

Joseph Shure

Brother of Beverly Sherman

Harold Wolfson

Companion of Leatrice Tucker Father of Steve (Penny) Wolfson Karen (Jim) Dawkins Mark (Julia) Wolfson Ellen (Manny) Valladares Brother of Bette Schroeder Lorraine Denenberg

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

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Mitzvah Grams Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, and B’nai Mitzvah.

Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time supporting B’nai Israel’s commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and Synagogue through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund.

MAZAL TOV!

YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!

Anniversaries

Birthdays

Jesse & Sandi Rodman Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Alan & Laney Kay Lou & Yollette Frey Drs. Ben-Ami Braun & Anita Braun-Luria Ben & Yael Alpert Robert & Sheryl Sutton Dr. Frank & Kathy Mendelblatt Tom & Carol Epstein

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Do a Mitzvah on your birthday Attend the Daily Minyan!

Other Simhas

Masha Ronay Dolores Diamond Edward Ginsberg Joseph Fuchs Dr. Sheldon Scheinert Michael Noonberg Fred Geffon Terri Gross Carol Epstein Edward Bailey Marilyn Goldberg Patricia Adelson Ellie LeVine Marian Lustigman-Rooth Eileen Richman Bryan Greenberg Leah Sandler Beverly Sherman

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2 2 3 3 5 8 8 9 11 11 12 12

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Rony David Dean Hershkowitz Dr. Starr Silver Livia Wein Mark Howard Jeffrey Litt Sarah Blanchard Charlotte Goldberg Vivian Neumann Dr. Mark Sokolov Chaim Bloom Rosalind Litt Eric Pastman Dr. Maury Seldin Millie Gelfond Tertia Kunins Beverly Levine

In Honor of: ___________________________ Check the names of everyone to whom you want to send a Mitzvah Gram.

Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation fro each acknowledgement to: CBI St. Pete, C/O Kesef Accounting Services, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645, donate online at cbistpete.org, or drop off your check in the synagogue office.

Address: _________________________________________________

CELEBRATE YOUR FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT SATURDAY,

City, _____________________________Zip: __________________

FEBRUARY 14, 9:00 AM

*The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10.

Please print: Your Name: ______________________________________________

Telephone: ______________

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Donations Dr. Patricia Cottrille Harold & Charlotte Goldberg

Adult Education Fund

In Memory Of

Sharyn Jacobson Charlotte Levine Mark & Ricki Lewis

Harry Heller Harold Wolfson Milton Lewis

Building Maintenance Fund

In Memory Of

Jane Wood

Gerald C. Levin

Mirla Kremer

Buns Technology Improvement Fund

In Memory Of

Adele Morris

Fred & Kathleen Buns Fred & Kathleen Buns Fred & Kathleen Buns Susan Goldstein

Robert Campbell Dr. Allen Smith Leon & Lillian Smith Elihu Nemiroff

Gloria Abrams Gloria Abrams Janet Augenbraun

Camp Ramah Fund

In Memory Of

Dr. David & Janice LeVine

Ruth Shapiro

Larry & Vera Green

January Birthdays Our 65th Wedding Anniversary Charlotte & Harold Goldberg's Anniversary Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin's Engagement Harold Goldberg

In Memory Of

Ed Bailey & Dr. Nancy Landfish Marilyn Benjamin In Memory Of Cantor's Discretionary Fund Jerry & Joan Benstock Betty Elias Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Jerry & Joan Benstock In Memory Of Ellen Glassman Adult Studies Drs. Steven Bloom & Charlene Leon Glassman Ben & Rita Thomas Wygodski In Honor Of Gail Warren Leadership Fund Morry & Billie Bornstein Birth of Lily Berman Joe & Sally Cohen Jack & Linda Goldfarb In Memory Of Willard Fein Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Camille Flashman Sheri Frogel Dr. Mark & Debbie Sokolov Asheri Engelman Lenny & Millie Gelfond Library Fund In Honor Of Lucille Ginsburg Leslie Goldman Janet Augenbraun’s Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Birthday Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon In Memory Of Jay & Terri Gross Esta Blaxberg Harold Wolfson Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Moshe & Sharon Gershuny Evelyn Sackett Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Ruth Lebowitz Jack Lebowitz Robert & Deborah Jacobs Janet Sherman and Steven Deitel Al Koenig Arlene Ludin Bev Sherman Gerald Levin Ruth Mauer Mitzvah Donations Ruth Mauer Akif Agayev Keith and Carol Olsen Dorothy Bowser & Dr. Elizabeth Unruh In Appreciation Steve Moss Murray Fink Myrnalee and William Scheffer Jeff & Diane Litt Dr. Philip Warren Greg & Liz Sembler Rochelle Haber Susan Singleton In Honor Of Renee Lipman Marianne Goldstein Ed Ginsburg Janet Augenbraun Christine Grabenstein My Birthday Joe & Sally Cohen Adele Morris Cheryl Needle Lenny & Millie Gelfond Ellen Moss Esta Blaxberg, Hadassah Woman of Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Achievement

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Jill Engelman Harold Wolfson Jacqueline Wellington Bush Morris Landfish Asheri Engelman Wendy Benstock Ada K. Block Morton Wygodski Philip Schwartz Loved Ones Rebecca Steinberg Sarah Daneman Joseph Shure Gerald Levin Dr. Mel Robinson Helen Kanner George Gross Larry Solomon Isaac Winter Murray M. Jacobs Maurice Rubenstein Seymour Abt Ida Abt Harold Wolfson Helen Kanner Harold Wolfson Jill Engelman Helen Kanner Helen Kanner Jill Engelman Harold Wolfson Gerald Levin Helen Kanner Asheri Engelman

Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Martin McDermott & Karen Kindt Jerry & Selma Rosenberg Leah Sandler Alan & Susie Schwartz Alan & Susie Schwartz Joel & Betty Sue Shane Anita Sher Don & Jane Silverberg Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Sam & Beulah Steel Gerald & Gail Wiseberg Mark & Julia Wolfson

Jacqueline Wellington Bush Elihu Nemiroff Jerry Levin Harold Wolfson Harold Wolfson Louis Rosenberg Harold Wolfson Wendy Benstock Bernice Schwartz Morris & Edythe Shane Harold Berger Edward Goldman Bertha Slomka Betty Steel Harold Wolfson William Wolfson

Pauline Rivkind Fund

In Honor Of

Steve & Livia Wein

Ari Weiss' Bar Mitzvah

In Memory Of Mike & Gail Frye Ruth Gray Jesse & Sandi Rodman

Anna Pearlstein Lou Gray Elihu Nemiroff

Prayer Book Fund

In Memory Of

Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin

Herman Marlin

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Appreciation

Lou Bader Dr. Irwin & Barbara Feinman

Rabbi Jacob & Joanne Luski

Marv & Lee Leibson

In Honor Of Lou & Yollette Frey Michael & Barbara Noonberg Shirley Sommella Bob & Jennifer Sternberg Dr. Bob & Cindy Weisberg

Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin's Engagement Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin's Engagement Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin's Engagement Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin's Engagement Rabbi Luski

Donations Anonymous Tom & Carol Epstein Irwin & Barbara Feinman Irwin & Barbara Feinman Eddie Ginsberg Joel & Ellen Goetz Bryan & Robyn Greenberg Alma Hirsch Michael Hirsch Sheila Knapp Marian Lustigman-Rooth Marian Lustigman-Rooth Marian Lustigman-Rooth Marian Lustigman-Rooth Jay and Eleanor Whiteside L. Denenberg Anita Sher Fred Silverman Fred Silverman Susan Turner Susan Turner Mary Wygodski

Louis Gaby Yetta Bunting Gerald Levin Emanuel Faber Lillian Ginsberg Gerald Levin Lorraine Maller William Hirsch William Hirsch Freda Kriger W M Lustigman Sadie Lustigman Irvin Lustigman Judy Curtis Camille Flashman Harold Y. Wolfson Otto Weiskopf Julius Silverman Rebecca Silverman Joseph Shure Harold Berger Joseph Shure

USY Fund

In Memory Of

Lucille Ginsburg Steve & Linda Grau Larry & Vera Green Dr. Leslie & Reva Pearlstein

Martin Ginsburg Gerald Levin Isadore J Silverstone Theodore & Sylvia Pearlstein

USY Pilgrimage Fund

In Memory Of

Ellen Bernstein Ira & Susie Berman Ellen Bernstein Ellen Bernstein Pearl Brook Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Larry & Myrna Irwin

Harold Wolfson Camille Flashman Dr. Mel Robinson Harold Wolfson Jerry Levin Audrey Chenkin Gerald Levin Harold Wolfson Gerald Levin

In Memory Of Irwin & Hannah Ayes Sylvia Ayes Jerry & Barbara Colen Beverly Dikman

Reiva Levine Harry Winaker Carol Colen Gertrude Berger

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Todah Rabah: Tizmoret 2015 Todah Rabah to Tizmoret for a lively performance, to our Composer and First Chair sponsors, to Michael Frye for taking excellent photographs, and to all who helped make our 2015 Concert Series a success!

CBI Concert Series 2015 Sponsors: Composer

First Chair

Alice & Dr. Larry Ettinger Bebby & Dr. Arthur Marlin Sandy & Dr. Michael Slomka

Gail & Mike Frye Linda & Jack Goldfarb Susan Goldstein Marilyn & Dr. Morris LeVine Susan & Dr. Steven LeVine Ricki & Mark Lewis Laurie & Dr. Marc Reiskind Jane & Donald Silverberg

Around the Community

Temple Beth-El Art Show It’s not too late to stop by Temple Beth-El’s 42nd Art Festival! Free admission Sunday and Monday, February 1 and 2. Light lunch available for purchase on Sunday; $20 gourmet luncheon at 12:30 pm on Monday (reservation required). For more information contact 727.347.6136 or visit www.artfestivalbethel.com.

400 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg. 33707 Annual St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah Mah Jongg Tournament Fundraiser Wednesday February 25, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at CBI. $21 donation for continental breakfast, a great buffet lunch, and fabulous door prizes!

RSVP to Susan Scheinert at 727.394.1428 or isitme777@aol.com.

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Please Patronize Our Advertisers!

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If interested, please contact Ruth Ann Mizrahi at 727.347.6688 or ruthannmizrahi@gmail.com ~

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Contact Livia Wein at 727.393.3289 or polyglatt@gmail.com

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A 55+ independent living community that honors Jewish tradition Weekly kosher Shabbat dinners, traditional Jewish holiday celebrations, private van service, Katz’s Korner minimart, and a full schedule of daily activities are available to our residents.

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250 58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 philipbenjamintower.org 727-347-5191 Ad sponsored by Benjamin Tower Foundation

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Congregation B’nai Israel B’nai Israel Review 300 -58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889 Tel: 727.381.4900 Fax: 727.344.1307 Website: www.cbistpete.org 24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail

Change Service Requested

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

PURIM 5775 AT CBI! Wednesday evening, March 4, 6:30 pm Our High School students will read Megillat Esther Traditional Megilla reading

by Debbie Marmon Annual Costume Parade - All ages!

Dessert Reception to follow Dress in Costume! Applaud Esther!

Boo Haman! Cheer for Mordecai!

Shalach manot for children!

Singing! Ruach!

Thursday, March 5, 7:45 am - 9:00 am Purim Service & Megilla Reading followed by Purim L’Hayim for all Purim Carnival at Temple Beth-El Sunday, March 8, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon IT’S ADAR! IT’S PURIM! BE HAPPY! 28