B'nai Review January

Volume 5775 Issue 6

January 2015 Tevet 5775-Shevet 5775

CBI Welcomes Tizmoret A Cappella !

More Information on Page 3 Find us online at www.cbistpete.org 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

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A-Team

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Women’s League Town Hall Meeting January Calendar Camp Ramah Tu B’Shevat Life Cycle Events Donations Advertisements

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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.

Ongoing Activities at CBI

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

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 morning, January 1, 9:00 Monday morning, January 19, 9:00 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

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!

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat on Friday evening or a L’Hayim following a Morning Minyan in honor or memory of a loved one or a special occasion, please contact Susan Goldstein at execdir@cbistpete.org.

Online

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

Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. 727.381.4900 x 1008 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x 1005 Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org Executive Director Susan Goldstein 727.344.1017 727.381.4900 x 1002 execdir@cbistpete.org Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Katherine Schaefer 727.302.9668 727.381.4900 x 2001 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 1011 Youthdir@cbistpete.org Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.424. 0513 727.381.4900 x 1007 lizsembler@aol.com Torah Reader/Educator Deborah Marmon 727.381.4900 x 1017 dmarmon@cbistpete.org Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4901 727.381.4900 x 1003 officemgr@cbistpete.org Communications Coordinator Carolyn Moritz 727.381.4900 x 1001 receptionist@cbistpete.org Accounting Denice Piller 727.302.9676 727.381.4900 x 1004 accounting@cbistpete.org President Alice Ettinger aliceettinger112@gmail.com Gift Shop 727.381.4900 x 1010 Men’s Club President Steve Feld USY President Hannah Weiss

CBI Announcements

January 2015

Please Note Our New Numbers

FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW

The new phone system has been completed and is online. Our staff have new extensions or direct lines to more efficiently service our congregational family. Please take note of the changes listed on the facing page.

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

As always, we look forward to hearing from you.

Come in and browse.

Shalom, Eileen, Diane and Anita

Tizmoret A Cappella Concert

You’re Invited!

Sunday, January 18, at 4:00PM

CBI– HADASSAH BOOK DISCUSSION CLUB MEETINGS

Tizmoret is in its nineteenth year as Queens College Hillel’s professional Jewish a cappella group. Tizmoret draws singers from colleges throughout New York City and has taken

Tuesday, January 21, at 10:00AM “I Am Forbidden” by Anouk Markovits

Jewish collegiate a cappella to the next level, performing classic Jewish melodies, American pop music and contemporary Israeli tunes.

Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services (GFJFS)

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

They have produced six CDs, with their most recent release, “Start Listening,” receiving critical acclaim in contemporary Jewish and secular a cappella circles. Also, the track “The Ballad of Mona Lisa” from their most recent album was nominated for best arrangement at the CARAs. Tizmoret has performed for college campuses, countless b’nei-mitzvot and synagogues, and various music festivals across the Eastern United States.

They recently toured the east coast, won the 5th annual Long Island College A Cappella Challenge, won Kol HaOlam, (the National Jewish Collegiate A Cappella Competition) two years in a row, and performed in Italy at a New Year’s party!

For more information contact Renee Baseman at 727.450.7272.

Bikkur Holim 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.

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From the Rabbi

January 2015

Jewish tradition tells us that there are four days that may properly be called Rosh Hashana: The fifteenth day of Sh’vat when we plant trees, The first day of Nisan when spring begins, The first day of Elul when a new fiscal year begins, The first day of Tishri, the day we sound the Shofar January 1 should count as the fifth Rosh Hashana. After all, we sound horns to bring in the New Year, and we often begin the day with resolutions to make ourselves and the world better in the New Year. Just as we look back on Rosh Hashana to the year that has passed, so too should we assess where we are in January and look ahead as we begin 2015.

On January 1, we tend to make resolutions based on what we do on the “outside.” This year I will exercise more and take care of my body, spend more time with my family, and be less impulsive when responding to e-mail. On Rosh Hashana we make resolutions based on the kind of people we want to be on the “inside.” I will try to be more sensitive to those around me and more caring about the welfare of others, more appreciative of the blessings that touch my life daily and more immersed in the study of my heritage. Perhaps we should combine the two so that our resolutions match both “outside” and “inside.”

As we enter 2015, we need to make our resolutions in the spirit of Rosh Hashana.

To work harder to live by the ideals of Torah in all that we do.

To work for the achievement of true democracy so that all God’s children are granted equal dignity.

To exhibit mentchlehkeit as we work to strengthen our congregation and community.

To show more love and care for our families, giving them not only material things, but time, attention and guidance.

To set an example for the children of the right way in which to live.

To resolve to conduct our work in an ethical way as we strive to improve our character and to overcome our faults.

To treat our bodies as vessels containing a Spark of the Divine, worthy of watching what we put into it and how we keep it at its best.

To live with dignity, reflecting the Image of God in which we are all created.

May God be with all of us and with each of us as we renew ourselves in the New Year.

Shalom,

From the Cantor WE’RE HAVING A CONCERT!!!

Queens College Hillel’s award-winning Jewish a cappella group Tizmoret will perform right here at CBI on Sunday, January 18, at 4:00pm! After a winter tour of New England and eastern Canada last year, Tizmoret is coming to sunny Florida this January. Led by Jewish a cappella pioneer Daniel Henkin, Tizmoret has drawn college-aged singers from all over the New York City area for the past 19 years. Tizmoret is taking Jewish collegiate a cappella to the next level, with songs ranging from traditional Jewish melodies to radio pop songs to contemporary Israeli tunes. Their amazing six albums have received critical acclaim in both contemporary Jewish and secular a cappella circles, with several award-winning arrangements. In the meantime, make sure to grab Tizmoret’s brand new album, “Where We Begin,” coming out online and on iTunes this December. Check out Tizmoret on their website Tizmoret.com and on YouTube, Facebook, and iTunes!

For ticketing information contact Carolyn Moritz: 727.381.4900, x201, or receptionist@cbistpete.org.

AND AS IF THAT WEREN’T ENOUGH… I am very pleased to welcome back The CBI Choir, who will join me on the bimah on Shabbat Shirah morning, January 31, at 9:00 for a Musical Musaf Service. I would like to thank my choir members in advance: Sopranos Alice Ettinger, Phyllis Werner, Sarah Blanchard and Mali Feld; altos Ellie LeVine, Joan Epstein, Janet Augenbraun and Diana Jay; tenors Gary Levine and Mitchell LeVine; and basses Gerry Werner and Sidney Werner.

Also, the annual BACA Concert will be on Thursday, February 5, 7:00 pm at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa.

B’shalom,

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From the President

January 2015

What’s happening at CBI? I promised to keep you all in the loop regarding the inner workings of CBI -- and 1. Strategic Planning is moving along. Susan LeVine has graciously agreed to chair the committee and attended the New York meeting along with Rabbi Luski and me. We not only learned more about the process, but had the opportunity to interact with representatives from the other synagogues participating to plan for the future. We have had two visits by Jay Weiner, Transformation Specialist from USCJ, who has helped us with our work. We look forward to having him once again and look forward to our Townhall Meeting on Monday evening, January 26. (Details on page 9.)

2. The Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) has grown in the past few months. It has been approved to have infants from ages two months to one year and received the highest rating granted by the the State of Florida. Each week the children learn a new Hebrew word, and enjoy Kabbalat Shabbat with Morah Ricki (Ricki Lewis) on Friday mornings. As the census grows, more rooms are being opened.

3. The Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah continues under the directorship of Ricki Lewis. Although the attendance varies, there is a fine core of youngsters who are happily learning and growing at CBI. 3. The Finance Committee is looking for solutions to our ever burgeoning expenses. As we continue to work with our negative budget, we must continue to function by paying the bills which include salaries, utilities, facility upkeep, etc.

4. We have organized a Planned Giving Committee, chaired by Joel Shane. Susan Goldstein attended a meeting sponsored by TOP (Tampa Orlando Pinellas) Jewish Foundation outlining Life & Legacy, a two-year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). The program assists communities across North America through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations to promote after-lifetime giving to benefit local Jewish institutions. HGF has chosen TOP to be a partner in Life & Legacy; thus, CBI, along with all the Jewish institutions in the TOP service area is eligible to receive training, support, and monetary incentives to integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture as Planned Giving becomes more of a reality for our Jewish Community.

5. The Board is discussing the feasibility of hiring a professional for the role of Youth, Education, and Family Programs. Sharing resources with other synagogues is being considered as funding such a position would be difficult.

6. Sheryl Sutton has agreed to chair the Youth Commission and will offer assistance and guidance to Bianca Levi, CBI’s Youth Advisor, in her work with USY. 7. We continue to hear good reviews about Hebrew High and must thank Janice LeVine and Amy Piper, as well as each of the weekly volunteers who help with the program.

8. A new telephone system has been installed. The changes may not be apparent to us, but the upgrade has been invaluable to all of those who use it within CBI. This is just a smattering of the activities within and around CBI. I look forward to continuing the dialogue through calls, email, letters, or meetings with you. Don’t hesitate to contact me at aliceettinger112@gmail.com.

B’shalom, Alice

From the Executive Director Have you even given a thought to the fact that, as Jews, we are fortunate to celebrate TWO new years?! That’s TWO chances for new beginnings every year. At Rosh Hashanah, we take time to be reflective and decide how we can do better and make the world a better place. The secular new year offers us a time to relax and have fun with family and friends.

I’m grateful for both! And I’m grateful for two wonderful new employees, and am pleased to introduce them to you.

Carolyn Moritz, Communications Coordinator, has taken charge of our reception desk. She’s also given a new look to our web site; refreshed our e-news messages; made sure our press releases go out on time; and soon will update our monthly bulletins. Carolyn is a recent graduate of Eckerd College where her major was International Relations. You’ll find her in the CBI office from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm Mondays through Fridays.

Denice Piller, Accounting Assistant, will be glad to help with questions regarding your invoices, take information for donations, and research accounting questions. Denice is no stranger to CBI as her parents are CBI members Elaine and Howard Rothstein. She is available from 8:30 am until noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Rounding out our administrative staff is, of course, Pam Askin. Pam remains Rabbi Luski’s right arm and soon will be relocating down the hall to the area outside Rabbi’s office. Her hours are 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Mondays through Thursdays and 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Fridays.

I wish you and those dear to you much joy in 2015.

B’Shalom, 5

February 2014

Youth Department

Shalom Chaverim, CBI's St. Petersburg USY has had such a great fall filled with many old, but many new, happenings in 2014. We have continued past SPUSY traditions and started a few of our own, thanks to the never ending creativity of our board members. They have put in copious hours of hard work, to help our chapter continue to flourish, of which I am extremely proud.

Quickly approaching is West Coast Winter Formal on Saturday night, January 3, from 7:00 until 11:00, hosted by our chapter! The five USY chapters from the Tampa Bay area will all be present. Mark your calendar and plan on joining the fun!

Rodeph Shalom in Tampa will host a cluster program (joint event with four other chapters) on Saturday night, January 10. The program will begin at 5:30 with Shabbat-approved games, followed by Havdalah at 6:35. Then we’ll all enjoy a BBQ dinner and concert until 10:00. The cost is $10/person.

RSVP to me!

SPUSY will be renovating our youth lounge on Sunday, January 11. We have created a concept and would love for all to assist in decorating our spot. We have started a registry at Target for donations with wants and needs for the lounge.

You can search for us as first name: St. Pete, last name:USY. At the end of this month, USYers are invited to Dine and Dash at Chipotle on 66th Street. We will meet on Wednesday evening, January 21, at 5:30 and promptly leave by 6:30 to make it back for the first Hebrew High of the spring semester.

Don't forget USYers, we have your chapter shirts available!

I am utterly filled with excitement for 2015 and I can't wait for all to come!

Stay Sweet SPUSY,

Bianca Levi CBI Youth Advisor P.S. KADIMANIKS, I have mailed and emailed your membership forms for this year.

Hoping you stop by the youth lounge to see me and your updated

January 2015

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center -PRECEC After a wonderful Winter Break, the Pauline Rivkind students are back in full swing, refreshed and ready for 2015! With many new faces coming through our doors, we are thrilled to have expanded our school by the addition of two new classrooms! Opening Monday, February 16, our Tiny Owl Room will be serving families with children ages 2 months to 12 months from 8:30am – 4:30pm. If you are interested in touring our new classroom or any other classroom in the facility, please get in touch with the Preschool Director at 727.302.9668.

This month, the children will be celebrating the birthday of the trees, Tu B’Shevat, along with PJ Library. Working on reviving our Goodness Garden, students will be getting their hands dirty as we work to rebuild our organic vegetable garden for the Spring Semester. Taking care of the earth and learning all about nutrition, PRECEC students will be learning hands-on in nature.

We will wrap up the month of January with a tribute to all of the important men in our children’s lives! Fatherly Figure Football Friday will occur on Friday, January 30. Children can invite their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and brothers to come join us for a morning on the playground, enjoy a light snack, and celebrate Shabbat together.

Next month, on Sunday. February 22, at 6:00PM, Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center will host their annual Silent Auction and Pasta Dinner. Students will be working all month on incredible group and individual pieces of art to auction off while everyone enjoys a delicious pasta dinner. Each classroom is also creating a large themed gift basket to auction off as well. All are invited to join!

Dinner tickets will be on sale in the Synagogue Office and Preschool Office all month for $6 per person. Infants 12 months and under are free! All proceeds benefit PRECEC educational programs.

Warm thoughts and well wishes to all!

Katherine Schaefer PRECEC Director

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A-Team: CBI’s Advocacy for Israel Committee

January 2015

Sweden’s new Social Democratic-Green Party coalition government on Oct. 30 officially recognized “the State of Palestine,” over the opposition of Israel, the U.S. and other nations. Sweden was the first member of the European Union to take this action. This move comes on a rising tide of Anti-Semitism in Sweden. In 2010 the Jewish Daily Forward in New York reported that Swedish Parliament members attended rallies where anti-Semitic and anti-Israel displays were in evidence, including the burning of Israeli flags and the waving of banners for the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah. In 2012 Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress, said that Sweden had become “a center of anti-Semitism.” A 2013 report by the Coordination Forum for Countering Anti-Semitism, a clearinghouse established by the Israeli government, found “a marked increase in anti-Semitic incidents reported in Sweden,” including a 40% rise in the first half of the year. Recent examples of Swedish Anti-Semitic activity occurred in the spring and summer of 2014. CFCA reported that a youth center in southern Sweden was vandalized and sprayed with anti-Semitic graffiti, a Jewish man in Malmo was beaten with iron pipes for hanging the Israeli flag from his window and a Jewish woman in a suburb of Uppsala was severely beaten for wearing a Star of David. Is this rise in Swedish Anti-Semitism a new phenomenon? The answer is “No”. In my next article I’ll trace the history of Anti-Semitism in Sweden.

Leslie Pearlstein, MD

Todah Rabah from The 18 Annual CBI Gift & Craft Show th

The CBI Gift & Craft Show Committee would like to thank the more than 135 of you who volunteered and helped to make this event once again a great success! Not only was this our second biggest fund-raiser (next to Kol Nidre), but it was our biggest fun-raiser as well.

It raises our community visibility and makes our Hanukkah shopping a breeze! We could not do all this without each and every one of you.

Thank you again to all of our sponsors: The Sembler Company The Sembler, Kamins, Eichenbaum Family Superior Uniform Group The Sidney & Lillian Klemow Foundation Englander Fischer Harborside Gastroenterology/ Eric Weston Bernardo Stein Family Yanchuck, Berman, Wadley & Zervos Tampa Bay Orthopaedic freefall Theatre Company Jason Weisenfeld/ Goldman, Sachs & Co Jean Wittner Jack & Linda Goldfarb Menorah Manor And now for the really big news. SAVE THE DATE! THE 19TH ANNUAL GIFT & CRAFT SHOW WILL BE NOVEMBER 14 & 15, 2015

Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY) is a semester-long study abroad program in Jerusalem for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.

We are still accepting applications for spring and fall 2015, and don't want teens in your community to miss the opportunity to learn and grow with us in Israel.

TRY offers teens academic excellence, meaningful Conservative Jewish observance, and independent dorm living in a nurturing, supportive, and safe environment. Our students explore Israel and Poland, seeing history where it happened.

TRY is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and supported by USY. Though our partnership with Gratz College, students on TRY can earn up to 12 college credits for Hebrew and Israel Core Course (ICC).

We offer generous scholarships We would be delighted to reach out to anyone you think would be a good candidate for TRY. Please contact Loen Amer at (212) 280-6079or at loen@ramah.co.il. .

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Women’s League

Women's League of Congregation B'nai Israel Our upcoming meetings and special events are full of interesting topics and helpful discussion!

Tuesday, January 13, 7:00 p.m. “Start the Year Off Right!” presented by Barbara Noonberg. At this meeting we’ll kick off 2015 with something for everyone – massage, nutrition, exercise, and wellness.

Friday-Saturday, January 16-17 Got Shabbat? Dinner and Women’s League Shabbat – See the announcement in this bulletin with RSVP details, and watch your email and “snail mail” for reminders.

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

WATCH YOUR MAIL TO ORDER SHLACH MANOT !

Monday, March 2, 5:30 p.m. “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 p.m. “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 p.m. Torah Fund Dinner. NOTE CHANGED DATE 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!

Torah Fund

TORAH FUND DINNER ***SAVE THE DATE*** WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015 Torah Fund Campaign of Women's League for Conservative Judaism gives every person an opportunity to participate in preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Conservative/Masorti Judaism. The Torah Fund Campaign supports and provides scholarships to students at the following institutions: The Jewish Theological Seminary (New York, New York) Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles, California) Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (Jerusalem) Give to Torah Fund Campaign and wear your beautiful “Benefactor Pin” GIFT OPPORTUNITIES Chai~$18,

Koah~$28,

Benefactor~$180,

Guardian~$300,

Associate Patron~$600,

CONTACT: Joanne Luski:

Challahmom@aol.com

Marilyn LeVine:

Babamfl@aolcom

Jennifer Sternberg: Jjudysternberg@gmail.com (cards) 8

Patron~$1200

January 2015

You are invited to a Town Hall Meeting Strategic Plan Monday, January 26, 7pm Social Hall The CBI Strategic Plan Steering Committee invites all CBI members to attend this Town Hall Meeting to discuss progress to date on our Strategic Plan.

Research Findings Task Force Visioning We appreciate your participation in the online survey over the summer. This survey, as well as many other research methods, gathered demographics, opinions and ideas. The steering committee reviewed the research findings and have identified Task Forces and worked on Visioning to take our synagogue, as well as our Jewish community, into the future.

CBI is one of 10 congregations from throughout the United States participating in the USCJ’s Sulam for Strategic Planning. As we reach the half-way point in formulating our strategic plan, we invite you to attend this Town Hall Meeting so we can update you on our progress.

Refreshments will be served!

See you at Shul on January 26, Susan Marger LeVine, Chairman

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January 2015

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January 2015

Lunch with the Rabbi

Wednesday, January 14 , 12:00 pm RSVP with your Deli Lunch Order by Tuesday, January 13, at noon to Pam Askin at 727.381.4900, ext. 1003 or officemgr@cbistpete.org.

Join Rabbi Luski for a deli lunch and Mishnah study.

No previous Knowledge is necessary.

Torah 4 Seniors

Tuesday, January 13, 11:00 am At Philip Benjamin Tower

Talmud Made Easy Buns Family Library Wednesday, January 21, at 7:00PM Stephen Wein continues his class studying Talmudic texts in English.

All materials provided. No previous knowledge necessary.

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Rabbi Luski will lead Torah Study at Philip Benjamin Tower. All are welcome to join in the discussion.

January 2015

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January 2015

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Calendar

January 2015

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wedne

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5

6

7

11

12

13

14

18

19

20

21

25

26

27

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9:00 Morning Minyan, Breakfast 6:30 Evening Minyan

9:00 Morning Minyan 9:30 USY Renovates the Youth Lounge 9:45 PRTT Sunday School 6:30 Evening Minyan

9:00 Morning Minyan NO PRTT Sunday School 4:00 CBI Tizmoret Concert 6:30 Evening Minyan

9:00 Morning Minyan 9:45 PRTT Sunday School 3:00 International Holocaust Commemoration at The Italian Club of Tampa 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

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

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:30 JTS Outreach Lecture Series at Congregation Beth Shalom

Martin Luther King Day—Offices Closed 9:00 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Strategic Planning Town Hall Meeting

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7:45 Morning Minyan 11:00 Torah 4 Seniors at Benjamin Tower 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:30 JTS Outreach Lecture Series at Congregation Rodeph Sholom

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

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Board of Trustees Meeting

7:45 Morning Minyan 4:45 PRTT, Alef—Heh 5:30 Haftarah Class 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Women’s League, Start The Year 7:00 MMC Board

7:45 Morning Minyan 12:00 Lunch with the 4:45 PRTT, Alef—Heh 5:30 Haftarah Class 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Hebrew High Planning

7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 CBI-Hadassah 4:45 PRTT / Hebrew 5:30 USY Dinner 5:30 Haftarah Class 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Hebrew High 7:00 Talmud Class

7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan 4:45 PRTT / Hebrew 5:30 Haftarah Class 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Hebrew High

January 2015

sday

Thursday 2

3 Sedra Va-y’hi

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9

10 Sedra Sh’mot

15

16

17 Sedra Va-era

22

23

24 Sedra Bo

29

30

31Sedra B’shallah

7:45 Morning Minyan Classes 10:00 Library Committee Meeting with Liz Sembler 1:00 GCJSCF Bereavement Support Group 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal Right Meeting

7:45 Morning Minyan Rabbi 10:00 Library Committee Meeting Classes 1:00 GCJSCF Bereavement Support Group with Liz Sembler 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal Graduation 6:45 Ritual Committee

with Liz Sembler and Mehina with Steve Wein

High with Liz Sembler and Mehina

Saturday

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9:00 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan

Book Club High

Friday 7:45 Morning Minyan 5:30 Candlelighting 5:30 Kabbalat Shabbat

7:45 Morning Minyan 5:30 Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat 5:35 Candlelighting

7:45 Morning Minyan 5:40 Candelighting 6:00 Women’s League Service, followed by Got Shabbat? Dinner

7:45 Morning Minyan 7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 5:46 Candlelighting 10:30 JTS Scholar Class#1 with Rabbi Upbin 8:00 Family Ruach Service and 1:00 GCJSCF Bereavement Support Group Ask The Rabbi 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal

7:45 Morning Minyan 7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 5:51 Candlelighting 10:30 JTS Scholar Class#2 with Rabbi Upbin 6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:45 Choir Rehearsal

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9:00 Shabbat Services, Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service 7:00 USY Winter Formal

9:00 Shabbat Morning Service, Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service 5:30 USY Cluster Program at Rodeph Sholom

9:00 Women’s League Shabbat Services, Simha Shabbat, Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service

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

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

January 2015

Summer 2015 Enrollment is Open!

Make sure we have a bunk bed with your name on it.

The countdown to next summer has begun. What are you waiting for?

Register now!

Help share the magic of Ramah Darom by telling your friends about this exceptional experience. Or share their name with us so that we can reach out personally.

Our First-Ever Alumni Reunion!

February 20-22, 2015 Big Boppers Await! Register Today for Our First-Ever Alumni Reunion!

Don't miss out on this fun winter getaway at Ramah Darom. Call your friends and bring them with you for the first-ever alumni reunion in celebration of our "chai" anniversary.

Take advantage of a special referral gift - bring 8 friends and you come for free. Your name must be in the referral box when everyone signs up.

Whether you were a camper at Ramah Darom or a staff member, all alumni over the age of 21 are welcome to attend.

Announcing Summer T-Shirt Contest!

Design our shirt for Summer 2015

It was great to see so many of our Campers, Staff, and Alumni participate in the National Wear Your Ramah T-Shirt Day. Thank you all for posting great photos!

We had so much fun that day that it inspired us to launch a new contest to design this summer's shirt. Now is your opportunity to put your creative stamp on our summer!

Must include: camp name (in Hebrew and in English) and year Please submit designs to Sarah Attermann at sattermann@ramahdarom.org by Friday, January 16th, 2015.

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.

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January 2015

BRANCH out!!!

Get off your STUMP!!

LEAF your cares at home!

Come join our CBI family as we celebrate the Holiday of the Trees with a Tu B’Shvat Seder you won’t forget!

Wednesday, February 4 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm David and Janice LeVine, along with the teens of Hebrew High, will lead a unique, interactive, multi-generational, family-friendly, music-filled, hand-clapping, footstomping, taste-bud stimulating, uplifting experience you won’t want to miss!

Best of all … it’s FREE!!! (But RSVP to Carolyn Moritz at 727.381.4900, x201, so we’ll be sure to have enough supplies for everyone!)

Bonus feature: JNF will make a special presentation to CBI to recognize our tremendous accomplishment of completing our SECOND Parkland Project ... the purchase of 5,000 trees!!!! Everyone will be encouraged to contribute to CBI’s current JNF Woodland Project – donation forms will be distributed at the Seder.

PLANT yourself at our table and you will GROW from this experience!!!!!

In addition to supporting the greening of Israel, as a Partner with JNF, CBI receives a 20% monetary benefit from every gift to JNF that is used for our Israel advocacy programming. With this money, CBI provides stipends to our high school and college students to supplement expenses for advocacy events and for programs in Israel.

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January 2015

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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.

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

“MAZAL TOV!" TO OUR JANUARY 7 18

Bryan and Robyn Greenberg Byron Kolitz and Dr. Starr Silver

Anniversary

CELEBRANTS

21 Andrew and Amy Giskin 27 Steve and Livia Wein

“YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!” TO OUR JANUARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5

Bonnie Walker Dr. David LeVine Barbara Colen Dr. Mike Slomka Jeffrey Strait Dr. Lawrence Goldberg Dr. Mark Gordon Phyllis Hirschfield Jackie Wertel Moe LeCompte

7 Dr. Fred Feld 7 Barbara Noonberg 9 Roberta DeBlasio 9 Dr. Nancy Landfish 11 Gerry Werner 12 Leonard Bader 12 Alice Ettinger 14 Shirley Grossman 14 Nancy Rosenberg 14 Shevy Silverberg

CELEBRATE YOUR JANUARY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT

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Dr. Stanley Rosenberg Tom Epstein Michael Salzer Dr. Larry Feinman Stephanie Stein Dr. David Piper Cantor Jonathan Schultz Kory Blair Kathleen Buns Martha Terry

24 Dr. Charlene Wygodski 26 Dr. Greg Engelman 27 Dara Rosen-Gould 27 Leo Weinshel 28 Dr. Arthur Marlin 29 Sami Dayan 30 Audrey Dantowitz 30 Karen Kauffman 30 Ellen Podgor

In Honor of: _________________________________________

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

Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation for each acknowledgement to: CBI St. Pete, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645, donate online at cbistpete.org, or drop off your check in the synagogue office. *The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10.

Please print:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 9:00AM

Your Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ Zip: _________________ Telephone: ____________________________________________________

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Donations

January 2015

Adult Education Dr. Larry and Sheryl Feinman

In Memory Of Manuel Irving Fiel

Camp Ramah Fund Jack and Linda Goldfarb

In Honor Of Ari Weiss Bar Mitzvah

Gail Warren Leadership Fund Dr. Stanley and Nancy Rosenberg Dr. Stanley and Nancy Rosenberg Dr. Stanley and Nancy Rosenberg

In Memory Of Audrey Chenkin Adele Rosenberg Paul Rosenberg

Library Fund Ruth Lebowitz

In Honor Of November Birthdays and Anniversaries In Memory Of Rebecca Steinlauf

Ruth Mauer

Linda Weiss Harold Wolfson and Lea Tucker

Mitzvah Donations Akif Agayev Carlos and Awilda Garcia Marvin and Lee Leibson Drs. Steven Bloom and Charlene Wygodski Dr. Pat Cottrille Dr. Pat Cottrille Dr. Pat Cottrille Dr. Pat Cottrille

Beverly Dikman

Leo Lang Alan and Susie Schwartz Murray Fink Helen Kahan Audrey Kopelman Dr. Frank and Kathy Mendelblatt

Mitzvah Donations Dr. Marc and Laurie Reiskind Jerry and Selma Rosenberg Warren and Rebecca Simmons Ben and Rita Thomas

In Honor Of Charlene & Harold Goldberg Joanne & Rabbi Luski Billie & Morry Bornstein Janet Augenbraun Jerry Gilbert, Ellen Goetz, Anita Helfand, Thelma Gilbert Joanne & Rabbi Luski, Adele Morris, Bea Wallace, Bill Marger, Jerry Gilbert Carlos & Awilda Garcia Ari Weiss In Memory Of Fay Fink Esther Rothman Marion Samson Joseph Dorothy Goffman 20

In Memory Of Audrey Chenkin Lillian Rosenberg Matthew Rosenthal Ellen & Helen Glassman Ann Barbanel Abraham Wolfson

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund In Honor Of Helen Kahan Marilyn Benjamin Rachel Luski’s Engagement Mary Wygodski Charlene & Harold Goldberg’s Anniversary Jay and Terri Gross Rabbi & Joanne’s Anniversary Ruth Lebowitz Rabbi’s Birthday Arthur and Bebby Marlin Rachel Luski’s Engagement In Memory Of Esta Blaxberg Rosalie Blaxberg Dr. Irwin and Barbara Feinman Fay Feinman Dr. Irwin and Barbara Feinman Jeanne Faber Ed Ginsberg Dan Ginsberg Bryan and Robyn Greenberg Victor Greenberg Anita Helfand and Lori Helfand Harry Winters Helen Kahan Harry Sobel Helen Kahan Coleman Kahan Sharon Koenig Max Koenig Yvette Lew Ross Lew Martin and Zina Rosenblum Helen Kanner Dr. Harold and Joyce Seder Martin Seder Susan Turner Helen Kanner Dennis and Martha Vorob Audrey Chenkin USY Fund Lucille Ginsburg Dr. Mark and Judi Gordon Dr. Mark and Judi Gordon

In Memory Of Eva Warga Barbara Reich Nathan Fine

Life Cycle Events

January 2015

Mazal Tov Engagement of

Dana Benstock, Daughter of

In Memoriam

Tanya and Peter Benstock, and Tracy Benstock, Granddaughter of Joan and Jerry Benstock,

Audrey Rothblatt Chenkin

to Jordan Gluck

Mother of Helen Chenkin (John) Hill Grandmother of Jeffrey (Jessica) Strait Aunt of Sandy (Herb) Brasch

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

Here are a few ways!

Helen Kanner

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Mother of Meni (Malina) Kanner Phyllis Venda Edward Kanner

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!

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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!

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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

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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 x 1007.

Gerald "Jerry" Levin Husband of Barbara Levin Father of Ira Levin Barry Levin Kenneth Levin

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.

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January 2015

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Advertisers

January 2015

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January 2015

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

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January 2015

www.goldbergeyemd.com

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January 2015

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

January 2015

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

Please Join Us for

Women’s League Shabbat And Got Shabbat? Dinner Friday, January 16, 6:00 PM Service followed by dinner

Adults - $20/ person Youth (6-18) - $10/ person Children 5 and under - Free Family 4 Pack ( Two Adults & Two Children ) - $50 Contact Carolyn Moritz at 727-381-4900 for more information, or pay online at www.cbistpete.org RSVP by 12:00PM, Friday, January 9

Saturday, January 17, 9:00 AM Service followed by Kiddush luncheon 28