B'nai Review June/July

June/July 2015 Sivan 5775 - Av 5775

Summer Sermonette Series: Glimpses Into Jewish History Page 10

Volume 5775 Issue 11

B’nai Israel REVIEW June/July 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 Advisor 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 Rabbi Luski on Sabbatical

Kehilla

Rabbi Jacob Luski will be completing his Mini-Sabbatical, May 4 - August 12, which was spaced out in short segments during the fall, winter, and summer months to accommodate the needs of the Congregation.

BUCS TICKETS You’re in luck! There are still some Tampa Bay Bucs tickets available in the Mitzvah Men’s Club block for the upcoming season. These are great seats: Section 135! Contact Mike Slomka at 727.458.6703 for more information.

WHAT TO DO WHILE RABBI’S AWAY IF… A child is born in my family? There is an engagement in my family? There will be a wedding in my family?

Call the CBI office at 727.381.4900 to share the good news with the Congregation.

There is a death in my family?

Call the CBI office at 727.381.4900 during business hours or, after hours, call Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, on her cell phone at 214.263.8464. A member of the staff will help you make the necessary arrangements and will contact a Rabbi who will be in touch with you to plan the funeral.

For those who are not members, we request that you consult with David Gross or Michael Gross at David C. Gross Funeral Homes, 727.381.4911, for assistance with the funeral arrangements.

I have an emergency and need to talk to a staff member during non-business hours?

Call Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, on her cell phone at 214.263.8464.

We wish Rabbi Jacob and Joanne a most enjoyable last segment of their Mini-Sabbatical!

SHABBAT DINNER AT PBT The Benjamin Tower Foundation invites CBI congregants who would like to join PBT residents for Shabbat dinners. Dinner is $10 every Friday at 4:45 pm. This is a great opportunity to enjoy dinner and fellowship before walking over to CBI for Shabbat services. CBI will post each week’s menu to cbistpete.org on Monday afternoons. RSVP with payment and entrée choice to Kelli Rolfe by Wednesdays at 12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or krolfe@benjamintowerfoundation.org.

BIKKUR HOLIM One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take very seriously. When our members are ill or hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are extremely cautious about sharing patient names, even with clergy. We need our congregants to communicate directly with us and to inform us of illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments of difficulty or stress.

Cantor Schultz to sing National Anthem What's summertime without a Rays game?

Our very own Cantor Schultz will be singing the National Anthem at Tropicana Field.

Come cheer for him on Monday, June 29, at 7:00 pm, and stay to watch the Rays face off against the Cleveland Indians.

Michael Barth is the point person for getting group tickets! Anybody who is interested in game tickets should contact him at b21@tampabay.rr.com or 727.393.3467.

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From the Rabbi The month of June means that we are rapidly approaching the end of the Jewish Year.

Summer is a good time for all of us to start the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual tune-up for the New Year 5776 and the High Holy Day season. Take a look at this insightful quiz that helps focus on the real priorities of life. Answering the questions helps serve to establish some appropriate directions as to how our lives should move in the coming years. Answer the questions and think about what you have to do, so that you can join the list of those individuals who make a real difference in the lives of others.

HOPE YOU FIND THE QUIZ THOUGHTFUL: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.

Name the last 5 Heisman trophy winners.

Name the last 5 winners of the Miss America contest.

Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

Name the last 6 Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

HERE IS ANOTHER QUIZ. SEE HOW YOU DO ON THIS ONE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

Name 5 people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

Think of 5 people you enjoy spending time with.

Name half dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. Pass this on to people who have made a difference in your life.

Have a wonderful summer!

Shalom,

From the President What do I write when it is the last time I will be doing this? Do I get serious? Do I make some funny comments? Each time I have written this column, I never know what to say.

But with this one, I just want to confirm my deepest love for CBI, even when there was rough sledding. (You can take the girl out of New Jersey, but you can’t take the snow out of the girl!)

I want to confirm that the members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees are the smartest, most loyal, most loving, supportive, and most brave people I have ever known. (That also applies to their spouses, partners, friends, and families as well.) Words can never thank them enough for their dedication.

All of the employees of CBI deserve a special thank you for always being there with a smile and a helpful manner.

We would not be here without their love and dedication to CBI. Thank you for always making me look good and feel good no matter what was going on.

To all of our members who have been supportive, made suggestions (complaints), volunteered, came out in support, donated time and/or money and/or energy, prayed, laughed, cried, ate, cooked, schmoozed, and/or just plain belonged, I thank you for what you have let me share with you.

I am honored and proud to have served.

B’shalom, 4

From the Cantor I’m singing the National Anthem at a Tampa Bay Rays game on Monday, June 29, at 7:00 pm! If you’d like tickets to the game, please contact Michael Barth at b21@tampabay.rr.com or 727.393.3467.

And now, on a completely different note, let’s look ahead to the summer. We who live in the 21st Century tend to think of summer as a time for enjoyment and relaxation. I find it interesting that the saddest day on the Jewish calendar – Tish’a b’Av – falls during this season that we tend to think of as happy.

Tish’a b’Av is a day of mourning. According to tradition, both the First and Second Temples were destroyed on Tish’a b’Av, and traditionally, the destruction of the Temples is the primary thing that we mourn on Tish’a b’Av. Over time, this day came to be a day when we mourn all Jewish suffering, including the Bar Kochba rebellion, the expulsion from Spain, and the Holocaust.

The liturgical highlight of Tish’a b’Av is the reading of Megillat Eicha, the Book of Lamentations. In Eicha, the prophet Jeremiah describes and laments the destruction of the Temple. When we read Eicha, we create an atmosphere of mourning by sitting on the floor and reading by candlelight or flashlight. Also, Eicha has a unique trope, which is a hauntingly beautiful melody. When we hear the music of Eicha trope, we hear both deep sorrow and beauty at the same time.

But our summertime period of mourning is not confined to Tish’a b’Av alone. We start three weeks earlier on 17 Tammuz, when we commemorate the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE. Between 17 Tammuz and Tish’a b’Av, we observe a period of semi-mourning, when weddings and other simchas are not held.

Also, on the three Shabbatot during this period, we read three special Haftarot of Admonition that warn us about the consequences of sin. After Tish’a b’Av, we then have seven weeks when we read Haftarot of Consolation.

Altogether, that makes ten straight weeks when the Haftarot are related to the calendar, and not to the parshiyot.

B’shalom,

From the Executive Director The Kiddush Lunch Bunch “No eatin’; no meetin’!” Apparently that goes for Shabbat services, too!

Like many of you, I enjoy visiting with our members during the Shabbat Kiddush luncheons.

This practice has taken hold in the Conservative kehillot over the past few years. I remember very well being on the executive committee at my home shul, Anshe Emet in Chicago, when the rabbi came to us and announced that we NEEDED to have Kiddush lunch after Shabbat services because it would help build community.

Well, it took us a few breaths to think about going from challah and brownies to lunch – and it took a few more breaths to realize we had to find a way to fund it! You see, the kehilla was in transition. We were trying to move the culture from formal and stiff to welcoming and inclusive. The rabbi was sure this investment would pay off. And it did.

We learned the importance of investing in community, not just food.

Over time, little groups of Kiddush Lunch Bunches developed. When I go “home” to Anshe Emet, I know I’ll be having lunch with my chevre – friends – just as I have for years. The faces around the table may have changed over time. Some have died; some have moved; some newcomers have become regulars; and some, like me, pop in from time to time. Table hopping is welcomed and encouraged because, in the end, we’re all just one big Kiddush Lunch Bunch!

If you enjoy catching up with friends and welcoming newcomers during Shabbat Kiddush lunch, I encourage you to make a contribution to Women’s League to ensure that we’re able to continue to enjoy these times with our CBI family. Tell us that you want to join the Kiddush Lunch Bunch!

B’Shalom, 5

February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) The 2014 - 2015 School Year has officially drawn to a close. As we bid our graduates farewell, we celebrate all of their accomplishments as they begin their lower elementary school careers.

This year, our students scored in the top 98% for their academic achievements and we could not be more proud!

As we gear up for Summer Camp Shalom, we will have a full house! We are all looking forward to Water Days, Garden Time, and weekly themed pre-Shabbat celebrations every Friday morning.

Currently, we are looking for donations of water-play toys. If you would like to donate sprinklers, water toys, and other outdoor equipment or would like to make a monetary donation to Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center, please contact me at 727.302.9668!

This summer, our Summer Camp Shalom program will be adopting a dramatic play component to really make our themes come to life. With themes such as Ocean Life and Superheroes, students will be invited to dress up for our pre-Shabbat celebrations and learn through self-expression.

Have you liked our Facebook page? Check out upcoming events, photos from past events, and see all the fun that is happening at PRECEC. Like us at facebook.com/PaulineRivkind!

Katherine Schaefer, PRECEC Director

VPK Star Graduation Mazal Tov Class of 2015!

Graduates: Riley Calahan, Dov Cicco, Hunter Colton, Joel Douglass, Baela Comfort, Benjamin Hally, Savannah Hayko, Parker Ninis, Natalie Palms, Christopher Rhubottom, and Sydni VanKoevering. Photograph courtesy of Michael Frye.

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Hey CBI! I am sad that I will no longer be serving as SPUSY's Chapter President, but am extremely honored to be serving the HaNegev region of USY as Social Action/ Tikun Olam VP! I'll be bringing lots of social action back to the 'Burg, so look out for me and my projects!

Hannah Weiss, SPUSY Chapter President 2014-2015 HaNagev Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice President 2015-2016

USY Summer Experience Registration is still open for USY Summer Experience 2015!

Visit usy.org/escape for registration and brochure information.

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Advocacy for Israel Committee Anti-Semitism in Europe: A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein Since the Holocaust, Germany has measured its progress by how the country treats Jews. For example, the government provided generous funding to rebuild Jewish communities and allowed Jews from the former Soviet Union to relocate to Germany. But with a rising tide of anti-Semitism, there are now questions about how significant the culture of Holocaust remembrance has been in preventing hatred of Jews. The wave of modern anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence that inundated Germany in 2014 jolted Chancellor Angela Merkel and religious and political leaders to participate in a "Stand-Up: Jew-Hatred-Never Again!" rally organized on September 14, 2014 not far from the country’s national Holocaust memorial.

A long list of anti-Semitic incidents occurred between July and early September of 2014. Protests against Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in Gaza led seamlessly to Molotov cocktails tossed at a synagogue in Wuppertal, a city in western Germany, on July 29 — the first torching of a Wuppertal synagogue was during the Hitler era in 1938. Anti-Israel protesters attacked Jews for wearing kippot on the streets of Berlin in July. German authorities recorded 184 anti-Semitic incidents in June and July of 2014. According to a study by German human rights NGO Amadeu Antonio Foundation, there were 25 anti-Semitic incidents in August of 2014.

Merkel, who has cultivated German-Jewish life and fostered a robust relationship with Israel, delivered a tough speech at the rally. "It is our national and civic duty to fight anti-Semitism," the chancellor declared in front of the Brandenburg Gate — a symbol of German unification and democracy. "There is a startling indifference in the German public to the current display of anti-Semitism," said Samuel Salzborn, a leading expert on anti-Semitism at the University of Göttingen. Merkel’s rally on September 14 produced a mere 5,000 people. In comparison, after a firebombing of a synagogue in Düsseldorf in 2000, then-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder called for a nationwide protest against racism and anti-Semitism. Some 200,000 people marched in a procession through Berlin, and tens of thousands protested in other cities across Germany.

The apathy of today has many people wondering what’s gone wrong. In a commentary, Kirsten Serup-Bilfeldt, a journalist and author who writes about German-Christian relations, went as far as to argue that the "confrontation with Germany’s National Socialist past has failed." In a country that takes pride in its ability to confront the Nazis’ crimes, Serup-Bilfeldt issued a death certificate to illusions that remembrance of the Holocaust will alone be enough to stop anti-Semitism.

For Jews to feel comfortable in 21st-century Germany, rising anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiments will need to be blunted. Merkel’s appearance at the rally shows that she understands this. "Young Jewish parents are asking if it safe to raise their children here," she said to the small crowd in attendance. The pressing question is whether Merkel will match her characteristically tough speech against anti-Semitism with policy prescriptions — and whether Germans are listening. ◊◊◊ 9

Adult Studies Glimpses into Jewish History: Summer Sermonette Series Get a glimpse into summer history during summer Shabbat evening services or be inspired by our speakers with a D’var Torah during summer Shabbat morning services. If you would like to present a message on Shabbat evening or morning from June through August, please contact Lou Bader at 727.867.4913 or gemster@tampabay.rr.com.

Support your friends and family by coming out to hear them speak!

Friday Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 pm

Shabbat Morning Services, 9:00 am

June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26 July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 August 7 August 14 August 21

June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 July 4 July 11 July 18 July 25 August 1 August 8 August 15 August 22

Alan Gross Janet Augenbraun Naomi Berg Mali Feld TBD TBD Gail Frye Mary Ann Marger TBD TBD Joan Epstein TBD

CBI is proud to be partnering with TOP and the Grinspoon Foundation in the Life & Legacy Program.

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Morry Bornstein Valerie Hyman Larry Green TBD Jesse Rodman Leslie Pearlstein TBD TBD Cantor Schultz Oren Adelson Rabbi Luski Rabbi Luski

Adult Studies Summer Reading List for 2015-2016 Book Club Meetings The Girl from Human Street: Ghosts of memory in a Jewish family Roger Cohen At the heart of The Girl from Human Street is the powerful and touching relationship between Cohen and his mother. Tortured by the upheavals in her life yet stoic in her struggle, she embodies her son’s complex inheritance.

Discussion Group: Wednesday, September 16 The Difficult Saint Sharan Newman Catherine’s estranged younger sister, Agnes, is the prime suspect in her new husband’s apparent murder by poisoning. In spite of their differences, Catherine believes in Agnes’ innocence, and knows that she must do everything she can to save her sister’s life.

Discussion Group: Wednesday, October 21 The Zone of Interest Martin Amis Can we meet each other’s eye after we have seen who we really are? In a novel powered by both wit and pathos, Martin Amis excavates the depths and contradictions of the human soul.

Discussion Group: Wednesday, November 18 The Boston Girl Anita Diamant From the one-room apartment she shared with her family, to the library group for girls she joins, to her first, disastrous love affair, Addie recalls her adventures with compassion for the naive girl she was and a wicked sense of humor.

Discussion Group: Wednesday, December 16 An American Bride in Kabul: A memoir Phylis Chesler In 1961, when Phylis Chesler arrived in Kabul with her Afghan bridegroom, authorities took away her American passport. Drawing upon her personal diaries, Chesler recounts her ordeal, the nature of gender apartheid, and her longing to explore this beautiful, ancient, and exotic country and culture.

Discussion Group: Wednesday, January 20 Suddenly, Love Aharon Appelfeld Ernst is a gruff seventy-year-old Red Army veteran from Ukraine who landed, almost by accident, in Israel after World War II. Irena is the unmarried thirty-six-year-old daughter of Holocaust survivors who has been taking care of Ernst since his surgery two years ago. As she becomes an increasingly important part of his life, Ernst not only regains his sense of self but realizes, to his amazement, that Irena is in love with him. Even more astonishing, he discovers that he is in love with her.

Discussion Group: Wednesday, February 17 Future 2016 discussion dates (books to be announced): Wednesdays, March 16, April 13 (one week earlier than usual), and May 18.

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Sivan - Tammuz 5775 June 2015 Sun

Mon 1

2

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm SSP Priority Setting

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

7

8

9

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

First Day of Camp: Session 1 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

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

14

15

16

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

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

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

21

22

23

FATHER’S DAY 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 6:30pm Minyan 7:30pm Behind the Scenes with 7:00pm Board of Trustees AIPAC Lobbyists Part 2 Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

28

29

30

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

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

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

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

Sunday: 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm

Tue

12

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

3

4

5

6

Preschool Last Day 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:06pm Candlelighting

Parasha B’halalot’kha 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

10

11

12

13

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Annual Meeting

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:00pm Candlelighting

Parasha Sh’lah L’kha 9:00am Shabbat Services, June-July Simha Shabbat, Kiddush*

17

18

19

20

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

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:11pm Candlelighting

Parasha Korah 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

24

25

26

27

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

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:12pm Candlelighting

Parasha Hukkat 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

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

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Tammuz - Av 5775 July 2015 Sun

Mon

Tue

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

Sunday: 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm

5

6

7

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

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

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

12

13

14

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

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

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

19

20

21

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

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

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

26

27

28

9:00am Tisha B’av Service 1:00pm Tisha B’av Service 8:15pm Tisha B’av Service

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

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

14

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

3

4

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

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

OFFICE CLOSED 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:13pm Candlelighting

INDEPENDENCE DAY Parasha Balak 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

8

9

10

11

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

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:12pm Candlelighting

Parasha Pinhas 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

15

16

17

18

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

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:10pm Candlelighting

Parasha Mattot-Mas’ei 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

22

23

24

25

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

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:07pm Candlelighting

Parasha D’varim 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush* 8:30pm Erev Tisha B’av Service

29

30

31

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

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:30pm Summer Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 8:03pm Candlelighting

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

Women’s League Torah Fund Dinner honoring Esta Blaxberg a huge success

To the members of Women’s League

On April 29 we gathered to honor the Jewish Theological Seminary and Esta Blaxberg, CBI Sisterhood's 2015 Jackie Jacobs Woman of Achievement. Mazel tov to Esta for receiving this prestigious award. With Marilyn LeVine’s efforts as Special Gifts Chair, our Women’s League boasts 2 Patrons, 11 Guardians, and 46 Benefactors. We've surpassed our quota for Torah Fund once again.

I encourage all of you to schedule a visit to the seminary.

When you go, please note the plaque on the "Wall of Honor" outside the Women's League synagogue, and the several shelves in the library dedicated by CBI’s Women’s League.

We must have a program committee in order to have vibrant programs for our group.

This letter is a plea for people to come forward and help plan our meetings.

We will have 4 meetings next year: ✡ Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 pm ✡ Tuesday, December 8, 7:00 pm (Chanukah) ✡ Tuesday, February 9, 1:00 pm ✡ Tuesday, April 5, 7:00 pm You only have to volunteer to take one meeting. You can ask your friends to help you plan!

If we don’t get volunteers, we will not have any meetings it’s that simple.

If you are willing to step up and volunteer, or have any questions, please contact me: 703.915.0556 bnoonberg@verizon.net

Thank you to those who made the Torah Fund dinner such a success: ✡ ✡

✡

✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡

Head Chefs Sandy Brasch and Sheryl Sutton for a delicious dinner Setup: Susie Berman, Millie Gelfond, Linda Grau,Vicki Greenfield, Karen Kauffman,Vivian Lurie, Chandaye Pastman, Eileen Richman, Jennifer Sternberg, Phyllis Werner, and Jackie Wertel Cleanup: Janet Augenbraun, Susie Berman, Carol Marger, Chandaye Pastman, Dr. Starr Silver, Byron Kolitz, and Jackie Wertel Edible Centerpieces: Sandy Brasch and Sheryl Sutton Program and Place Cards: Lorri Helfand Invitations, Reservations, and Seating: Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Torah Fund Cards: Jennifer Sternberg Special Gifts Chair: Marilyn LeVine Anthems: Debbie Marmon Birkat Hamazon: Cantor Jonathan Schultz CBI Office Assistance: Pam Askin and Carolyn Moritz Guest Speakers: Carolyn Cantor Speaker Introduction: Liz Sembler D’var Torah: Rabbi Jacob Luski

Joanne Luski Torah Fund Vice President

THANK YOU! Barbara Noonberg Programming Chair

◊◊◊

◊◊◊ 16

Mitzvah Men’s Club The following is a letter from the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs (FJMC) regarding CBI’s very own Jeff Litt.

Dear Friends, Jeffrey Litt has been chosen by the FJMC Florida Region to receive the prestigious 2015 Ma’asim Tovim (Doer of Good Deeds) honor. The recognition will be made to Jeff by the region during the FJMC Biennial Convention, which will be held from July 8 thru July 12, at the Deauville Hotel and Resort, Miami Beach.

This honor is the highest and most cherished that any region of the FJMC can bestow upon one of its members. The honor recognizes significant accomplishments the honoree has made to his club, his synagogue, and the Jewish community. Jeff joins a small, but growing, fraternity of dedicated volunteers whose efforts and actions have helped to improve our lives and the world we live in.

Jeff’s biography, along with a summary of his accomplishments, will be published in the 2015 FJMC Virtual Convention Journal; a printed copy will be presented to Jeff as a memento of his honor. The journal is the vehicle we use to pay tribute to Jeff and the many other volunteers within the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and its affiliated regions and member clubs.

We encourage you to pay tribute to Jeff via the purchase of an ad in the 2015 FJMC Convention Journal in Jeff’s honor. Tribute price categories range from $54 for a listing, up to $5,000 for a Platinum Sponsorship. All tribute categories and prices are defined in the FJMC web site www.fjmc.org. Revenue from the convention journal helps the FJMC to continue to fund new initiatives and provide essential services to the member clubs.

We have known Jeff for many years and he is well deserving of this honor. Please join us in paying tribute to Jeff and his volunteerism by purchasing a tribute in Jeff’s honor. Tributes can be placed at wizadjournal.com/fjmc2015.

Thank you for your generous support.

Respectfully yours in Brotherhood,

Philip Redisch Florida Region Ad Chairman Ken Turkewitz FJMC Ma’asim Tovim Awards Chair Mark Druy FJMC Convention 2015 Chair

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Life Cycle Mazal Tov! Joel & Shoshana Blaiss Birth of son Noam Avraham Blaiss: Grandson of Karen & Jay Kauffman, Michael & Terry Blaiss; Great-grandson of Ellen Bernstein Sheryl & Larry Feinman Graduation of daughter Michaela Feinman from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; Graduation of son Alex Feinman from the University of Central Florida with a Master of Business Administration; Graduation of son Matthew Feinman from the University of Pittsburgh Law School

In Memoriam

June & July Anniversaries

Jerry Gilbert Husband of Thelma Gilbert Father of Mark Gilbert, Scott Gilbert Grandfather of Kimberly Gilbert, Candace Gilbert Claudette Kobin Mother of Cynthia Baldree, Stephanie Wilkerson, Greg Kobin Phylis Lapidus Sister of Helen (Aaron) Applefield William Osborne Son of Blanche Tuinakauvadra Stepson of Pei Tuinakauvadra

Arlene Reiskind Wife of Edwin “Woody� Reiskind, Jr. Mali Schantz-Feld & Mother of Jodi Reiskind, Fred Feld Dr. Marc (Laurie) Reiskind, Graduation of son Steven (Abby) Reiskind, Forrest Feld from the Andrew (Stanton) Reiskind University of South Florida Grandmother of Elissa Reiskind, with a Master of Business Jeremy Reiskind, Administration Dr. David & Janice LeVine Danyelle Reiskind, Michael Reiskind Graduation of daughter Janet Shapiro Shoshana LeVine from Dixie Hollins High School and Wife of Edwin Shapiro Sister of Beverly Weinstein acceptance into Florida Gulf Mother of Coast University Lauren (Scott) Zimmerman, Bev Sherman Susan Haskel.

Graduation of grandson David (Robin) Shapiro Ethan Sherman from the University of South California May God comfort the Thornton School of Music families among the with a Bachelor of Arts in mourners of Zion and Music: Studio/Jazz Guitar

Jerusalem.

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June Joel & Betty Sue Shane Richard & Barbara Karpay Dr. Michael & Ilene Worman Leonard & Millie Gelfond Mark & Ricki Lewis Ira & Suzie Berman David & Erica Benstock Michael & Mandi Gross Ralph & Ruth Ann Mizrahi Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Marshall & Lea Seiden Joel & Ellen Goetz Michael & Mavis Wallace Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Dr. Irwin & Hannah Ayes Meni & Malina Kanner Jack & Irma Mayer Ben & Helen Pertcheck Joseph & Sally Cohen David & Sheila Hutman Keyvan & Stephanie Kohan-Shohet Capt. Allan & Nancy Lonschein Ben & Randi Rabin Joel & Gaye Taller Sidney & Phyllis Werner Dr. Steven & Susan LeVine Eric & Judy Ludin

4 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 12 13 13 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 22 22 24 24 25 29

July Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Jerome & Selma Rosenberg Sam & Sherri Cohen Moe & Pamela LeCompte Seymour & Susan Gordon Moshe & Sharon Gershuny Dr. Richard & Deborah Blanchard Dr. David & Arline Dresdner Asher & Patzi Gil Dr. George & Alison Hitzel Dr. Hugh & Susie van Gelder Dr. Brian & Susan Kagan Dr. Mark & Debbie Sokolov

2 4 4 5 7 8 16 19 19 21 24 27 30

Life Cycle June & July Birthdays June Adam Goldstein Harold Seder Harris Meltzer Richard Blanchard Jack Goldfarb Nick Benjacob Abraham Luski Dr. Bernardo Stein Ari Weisberg Rivy Chapman Mussie Eidelman Carol Marger Andrew Catalfina Alan Gross Robert Jacobs Arlene Moss Ronald Weissman Jackie Kanner Stephen Cantor Susan Goldstein Tom Silverberg Shoshana David Lee Leibson Rose Luski Sam Cohen Joan Epstein Gail Frye

July 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 12 12 12 13 14 15

Frank Moss Leo Lang Susan Kagan David Benstock Mali Feld Marvin Leibson Mavis Wallace William Walters Jackie Catalfina Ilana Dayan Fred Buns Linda Diamond Lea Seiden Judy Buns Linda Goldfarb Joseph Gross Dr. Pat Cottrille Beth Figard Miriam Tambor Gary Levine Dr. Leslie Pearlstein Myra Gross Shelly Kamins Greg Sembler Margot Benstock Gaye Taller

15 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 28 29 29

Gerald Colen David Gross Diane Sembler-Kamins Debbie Kobernick Arlene Ludin Rita Thomas Marvin Freeman Dr. Frank Mendelblatt Amy Piper Ellen Bernstein Marietta Drucker Steven Grau Amnon Abayov Blanka Benjacob Ira Berman Sherrie Carroll Debbie Marmon Dr. Steven Bloom Jack Goldberg Ben Rabin Rhoda Bader Dr. Ben-Ami Braun Michael Henry Michael Pastreich Robin Post

1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 8 8 8 9 11 12 13 13 14 14 14

Dr. David Wein Dr. Ira Azneer Allison Shenofsky Dr. Richard Karpay Jack Buns Sharon Gershuny Anita Pollack Lucile Urvater Jesse Rodman Dr. Jerome Rubin Morry Bornstein Larry Figard Helen Freid Chandaye Pastman Robyn Greenberg Ben Alpert Aaron Applefield Pati Gross Byron Kolitz Don Silverberg Sylvia Cantor Judy Ludin Louisa Benjamin Marshall Seiden

14 15 15 17 19 19 19 19 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 25 26 30 30

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.

Celebrate your June & July Birthday and Anniversary Shabbat at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, June 13, at 9:00 am.

Do a Mitzvah on your birthday or anniversary, and attend one of our daily Minyan services!

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Donations Adult Education Fund

In Memory Of

Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.)

In Honor Of

Adele Morris Don & Annette Weinshank

Bessie K Weisman Miriam Barshefsky

Dr. Richard & Debbie Blanchard

Buns Technology Fund

In Honor Of

Susan Goldstein

Forrest Feld's Graduation

Fred & Mali Feld’s Anniversary Naomi Berg’s Birthday Greg & Liz Sembler’s Anniversary Liz Sembler’s Birthday Joyce Seder Joanne Luski's Birthday Rachel Luski's Engagement

Rose Sutton Dale Tessler Marilyn Benjamin

In Appreciation In Appreciation Lilly Salcman’s JNF Lifetime Achievement Award Birth of Noam Avraham Blaiss Jesse Rodman's Speedy Recovery Thelma Gilbert's Speedy Recovery Susan Turner's Birthday Naomi Berg's Birthday Joanne Luski's Birthday Esta Blaxberg's Torah Fund Recognition Helen Kahan's Birthday Kitty Jacobs' Birthday Gail Swartz's Speedy Recovery Torah Aliyah Jeff Litt Jesse Rodman's Speedy Recovery Hebrew High School Graduates Dr. Steve Warren's Speedy Recovery Helen Kahan's Birthday Birth of Noam Avraham Blaiss

In Memory Of Fred & Kathleen Buns

Lillian Smith Dr. Allan A. Smith Leon Smith

Cantor's Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of

Eileen Richman

Arlene Reiskind

Gail Warren Leadership Fund In Honor Of Jack & Linda Goldfarb Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka

David Wein Sara Fuchs’ Engagement Lenny & Millie Gelfond Dr. Steven Warren's Speedy Recovery

In Memory Of Jack & Linda Goldfarb Annette Eichenbaum Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Howie & Andrea Slomka

Arlene Reiskind Arlene Reiskind Murray Citrin Arlene Reiskind Arlene Reiskind

Jacobs Beautification Fund

In Memory Of

Dr. Richard & Debbie Blanchard

William Osborne Jerry Gilbert

Julius Green Scholarship Fund In Memory Of Alan Gross Judith D. Komer Beth Gail Resnick Mark & Abby Green Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka

Diane Green Shnider Diane Green Shnider Diane Green Shnider Diane Green Shnider Diane Green Shnider

Library Fund

In Honor Of

Ruth Lebowitz

Birth of Noah Abraham Blaiss Teddy Robbins’ Birthday Samantha Haber's Wedding

Anita Sher Bev Sherman

Esta Blaxberg

In Memory Of Esta Blaxberg Ruth Lebowitz Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Annette Rosch

Elaine Elman Jerry Gilbert Rose Lurie Lee Rosch

Maller Education Fund

In Memory Of

Henry Maller

Allan Maller

Mitzvah Fund

In Honor Of

Akif Agayev

In Appreciation

Larry & Vera Green Helen Kahan Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie

Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Norman & Ilene Sholk Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind

Milton & Evelyn Smolowitz Susan Turner

In Memory Of Michael Bender & Robin Perlman Brian & Sherrie Carroll Jerry & Barbara Colen Dr. Pat Cottrille Lenny & Millie Gelfond Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Susan Goldstein Sharon Koenig Wally Loebenberg Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Dr. Frank & Kathy Mendelblatt

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Martin Perlman Judith Banks Jerry Gilbert Jerry Gilbert Jack Rosenberg Anschel Gelfond Jerry Gilbert Jerry Gilbert Jerry Gilbert Arlene Reiskind Abe Scott Edith Loebenberg Jerry Gilbert Isaac Blacker

Donations Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.)

In Memory Of

USY Pilgrimage Fund (cont’d.) In Memory Of

Arlene Rothman Harold & Anita Pollack Bennett & Randi Rabin Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Annette Rosch Jerry & Selma Rosenberg Susan Scheinert Alan & Susie Schwartz Warren & Rebecca Simmons Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Bob Warsaw

Jerry Gilbert Sol Pollack Anne Miller Jerry Gilbert Regina Brescher Jack Wolfson Benjamin Scheinert Jerry Gilbert John Simmons Jerry Gilbert Janine Warsaw Sylvia Warsaw

Ellen Bernstein

PRTT Fund

In Honor Of

Eileen Richman

Jerry Gilbert

Pearl Brook Larry & Vera Green Michael & Barbara Noonberg Harriet Stein

Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Fund Anonymous Lou Bader Marilyn Benjamin Gerald & Joan Benstock Ira & Susie Berman Ellen Bernstein Esta Blaxberg Drs. Steven Bloom & Charlene Wygodski Brian & Sherrie Carroll Dolores Diamond Jeremy & Rebecca Douglass Dr. Larry & Alice Ettinger Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Andrew & Amy Giskin Joel & Ellen Goetz Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Jack & Marilyn Goldberg Jack & Linda Goldfarb Susan Goldstein Steve & Linda Grau Larry & Vera Green Anita Helfand Robert & Carolyn Isakson Robert & Deborah Jacobs Sam & Sandy Janofksy Helen Kahan Barry & Jackie Kanner Meni & Melina Kanner Frank & Carol Katz Byron Kolitz & Dr. Starr Silver Audrey Kopelman Hannah Krassner Mirla Kremer

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Honor Of Shirley Sommella

In Appreciation of Rabbi Luski Cindy Cummins' Speedy Recovery Jesse Rodman's Speedy Recovery

In Memory Of Irwin & Hannah Ayes Hymie & Judy Bader Lou Bader Ed Bailey & Dr. Nancy Landfish Moshe & Sharon Gershuny Steve & Linda Grau Jay & Terri Gross Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Moe & Pam LeCompte Yvette Lew Allan & Nancy Lonschein Marian Lustigman-Rooth Anita Sher Don & Jane Silverberg Fred Silverman Milton & Evelyn Smolowitz Susan Turner

Evelyn M. Gold Shirley Bulkin Shirley Bulkin Joyce Bailey Edna Sonkin Jerry Gilbert Evelyn Goldman Jerry Gilbert Sylvia Heller Wittner Jerry Gilbert Claire & Leon Lonschein Murray Lustigman Elsie Weiskopf Evelyn Goldman Helen Silverberg Jerry Gilbert Mary & Isadore Smolowitz Rosa Halpern

USY Fund

In Honor Of

“The Sher Girls”

In Appreciation

In Memory Of Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Dr. Mark & Debbie Sokolov

Theresa Baum Arlene Reiskind

USY Pilgrimage Fund

In Honor Of

Anonymous

Jesse Rodman's Speedy Recovery Laurie Reiskind's Birthday

Lisa Grove Raider

Siegfried Herschmann Jerry Gilbert Irving Nevetsky Frances Stone Florence Nevetsky Paula Green Arlene Reiskind Selma Stein

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Leo Lang Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Arlene Ludin Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Shelley Lynn Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Debbie Marmon Ruth Mauer Adele Morris Michael & Barbara Noonberg Bennett & Randi Rabin Phil & Joan Redisch Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Jerome & Selma Rosenberg Rhoda Ross Howard & Elaine Rothstein Murray & Myrna Rubin Dr. Sheldon & Susan Scheinert Alan & Susie Schwartz Dr. Harold & Joyce Seder Dr. Maury & Rachel Seldin Greg & Liz Sembler Joel & Betty Sue Shane Lee Shenofsky Beverly Sherman Shirley Sommella Dr. Robert & Jennifer Sternberg Lucille Urvater Claire Weinstein Linda Weiss Mary Wygodski

Our sponsors make the B’nai Review possible.

Please support them too!

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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 ~

Women’s League Catering is Special Trust us with your 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 Livia Wein at 727.393.3289 or polyglatt@gmail.com

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www.goldbergeyemd.com

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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

Support Shabbat Kiddush Lunch ✡ Our Shabbat Kiddush luncheons have become a staple of the past year.

Rather than rushing home to eat lunch, the CBI community has enjoyed additional time after Shabbat morning services to socialize with friends and make new acquaintances.

These lunches have encouraged the mitzvah of participation in the Shabbat Mincha Minyan. They have provided an additional opportunity for those saying Kaddish.

Please help your kehilla continue what has become a beloved part of the CBI Shabbat experience. To contribute to or sponsor a kiddush luncheon, please contact: Carolyn Moritz: 727.381.4900 | receptionist@cbistpete.org Livia Wein: 727.393.3289 | polyglatt@gmail.com

Todah rabah!

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