B'nai Review March

… Rabbi … Cantor … President … Executive Director

March 2015 Adar 5775 - Nisan 5775

Volume 5775 Issue 8

B’nai Israel REVIEW MARCH 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 PURIM Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 pm ✡ Family Megilla Reading by our High School Students & Costume Parade Sanctuary ✡ Traditional Megilla Reading

by Debbie Marmon Chapel ✡ Purim Dessert Reception to follow Social Hall Shalach manot for children! Singing! Ruach!

USY will sell “macaroni & cheese graggers” for $2. CBI will donate these to the food pantry of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services.

Thursday, March 5, 7:45 am ✡ Purim Service & Megilla Reading

by Debbie Marmon Chapel ✡ Purim L’Hayim for all!

Social Hall Sunday, March 8, 10:00 am ✡ CBI-TBE Purim Carnival Temple Beth-El Visit Page 6 for The Story of Purim!

PESAH PREPARATION Each year the Rabbinical Assembly publishes a comprehensive and helpful guide to preparing your household for Pesah.

You can access the most updated version at rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide.

Visit Page 8 for information about this year’s First Seder at CBI!

HEVRA KADISHA The Hevra Kadisha Burial Society of CBI will be honored at a dinner on Tuesday, March 12.

For information, call Pam Askin at 727.381.4901.

FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW The Judaica Shop has already set up for Passover.

If you don't see it we will be very happy to special order.

Remember, we will be happy to gift wrap.

Presently we keep the same Judaica Shop hours: Monday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Tuesday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Thursday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Please call for an appointment or to volunteer: Diana Litt 727.392.5554 Eileen Richman 727.492.4509 Anita Helfand 727.347.2300 SHOP THE JUDAICA SHOP WAY

BUCS TICKETS Tampa Bay Bucs tickets are available in the Mitzvah Men’s Club block (Section 135 – great seats!) for the upcoming season.

Contact Mike Slomka: 727.458.6703.

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.

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From the Rabbi The Book of Esther tells a thrilling, spellbinding story about "a certain people" scattered abroad and dispersed among peoples. It has acquired new relevance in our times, due not only to the genocidal intentions of Hitler, Ahmadinejad, and radical Islamists, but to their methods of pursuing Haman's diatribe.

The new Hamans echo anti-Semites throughout the ages. Jews are elitists, racists, terrorists, suppressors, occupiers, warmongers, and the like. In 1905, the Russian secret police fabricated a masterpiece conspiracy, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, purporting to show a diabolical Jewish plot to control the world. The forgery, widely circulated by Henry Ford and still published the world over, portrayed Jews as loyal only to themselves, not to the nation in which they lived, and intent on subverting all nations to their own purposes. "A certain people" is Haman's way of talking about the Jewish people (Esther 3:8), a formulation which has been one of the rallying cries of anti-Semites throughout history.

In 1896, French army Captain Alfred Dreyfus was wrongly convicted of treason and spying for Germany. Jews were seen as disloyal foreign elements who could not be trusted members of society. Not until 1995 did the French army admit that Dreyfus was innocent.

Today's Amalek is a constant reminder of how insecure and perilous life and freedom are in this world. The Purim story instructs us to remember Amalek and to consider how precarious life and freedom are in today's world. The slander that Haman proliferated 2500 years ago - Jewish peril, disloyalty, and the threat of a foreign element that could not be trusted continues unabated to this day!

Totally irrational, murderous accusations are made against the Jewish People and our beloved State of Israel. The aim of today's hatemongers is clear: to delegitimize the existence of the State of Israel, portraying it as a depraved, immoral apartheid state.

Purim gives us the strength, courage, and power, the tikva – the hope, that we, world Jewry and the State of Israel, will overcome the hatemongers' plan of annihilation. The Book of Esther is a book in which not just one period of Jewish history is depicted, but all periods. It is a book that remains forever new, because Jewish enemies will not allow it to be forgotten.

Purim is unique among Jewish festivals. Purim will be celebrated forever. It is the holiday of joy and love.

It is the holiday against hate and prejudice!

Hag Purim Sameah! Shalom,

From the Cantor Once again, it’s Purim time! One of the most fun holidays, a time for merriment, joy and celebration.

We read the Megillah in an atmosphere of unbridled happiness. We share Mishloah Manot (gifts of food) and we offer Matanot la’Evyonim (special tzedakah for the needy). And we rejoice at a festive meal filled with good food, good drink, family, and friends.

One of the most fun Purim traditions is the Purim Spiel, a play that typically reenacts the Purim story in a humorous manner. The tradition of the Purim Spiel dates back to fifteenth-century Europe, or perhaps even earlier, where it started out as family entertainment; i.e. a family would host a festive meal on Purim day, and students, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and artisans would deliver either a poetic monologue or a short play, wearing masks and costumes.

The subject of the monologue/play was usually, but not necessarily, the story of Esther. Sometimes, however, other Biblical stories were addressed, e.g. the selling of Joseph, David and Goliath, the Binding of Isaac, or Hannah and Samuel. Since most Jewish men were literate and traditionally educated, midrash/aggada (stories told by the sages which reflect or add to stories from the Torah) and commentary were also incorporated – along with satire directed at the rabbi, cantor, community leaders, and other authorities.

Purim Spiels sometimes included contests between cantors – sing-offs, if you will. One year at JTS, we put a modern spin on this tradition in the form of “Cantorial Idol,” in which several cantorial students took turns singing pieces of Hazzanut, and three other students acted as judges, doing spot-on impressions of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. We all got a good laugh out of that.

Another Purim tradition is to daven Purim services to secular music, such as Broadway favorites, movie music, popular tunes, etc.; a tradition that I will continue this year on Erev Purim, Wednesday evening, March 4, at 6:30 pm.

Hag Purim Sameah!

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From the President Let’s have a heart to heart. While we are working diligently on our Strategic Plan for our future, we must face the realities of today. Our realities are the same as so many other synagogues around the country. We face decreasing membership, decreasing financial sustainability, and many other issues.

But what we do have is tremendous love and caring for CBI. This caring means that we have to care for CBI first and embrace some relevant opportunities as we do.

One thing can be undertaken immediately: fostering member retention. What keeps people coming back? Of course, religion is our common denominator, but that’s not the sole reason to be part of the CBI Family. It’s people. As the song says: “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” We are lucky because we care for others and they care for us. So if you are coming to CBI for any reason, call a friend and ask them to join you. “Side by Side” is our motto, but if CBI truly is where you belong, I ask you to prove it and bring someone with you. Even if your friend can’t or won’t join you, you have made the phone call and reached out to them.

That makes them feel special.

We may bring out the old telephone tree that schools use to notify parent of important closings, etc. For CBI it can be a bridge to making people feel good and welcome. If you are asked to call someone, please remember that you are part of a chain and any link that is broken, makes the chain less strong. Help keep us strong.

If you are able to volunteer in any way, whether from home, making calls, or coming to CBI to stuff envelopes or read to the preschool kids, you are helping to keep the chain solid. We need everyone to be a link in the chain that wraps around us and makes CBI strong.

Stop in, call, introduce yourself at an event, program, or at a service when you see a new face. That helps to make the chain strong. Each of us is an important link. Keep the love for CBI flowing.

B’Shalom,

From the Executive Director As you know, we’re well into our strategic planning process. We all are grateful to Susan LeVine, Strategic Planning Chair, and the entire Steering Committee. We’re very excited that more of you have joined in by process by attending the Town Hall meeting in January and/or by becoming a member of one of our task forces.

One of the facts that has been underscored in meetings of the Financial Sustainability Task Force of which I’m a member is that we are extremely fortunate to have an endowment fund from which we draw money every year. Thanks to Joel Shane and his partners on the Investment Committee, our endowment fund remains healthy. We’re looking to grow that endowment to ensure our long-term financial health. One of the ways we expect to achieve that goal is through our participation in the Tampa Orlando Pinellas (TOP) Jewish Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY initiative, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. You’ll be hearing much more about this exciting program very soon!

Going forward, our financial focus will be two-pronged: (a) growing our endowment to ensure our long-term health; and (b) looking for creative ways to sustain our wonderful kehillah in the near term.

There are lots of challenges out there, and I promise that your leadership team is facing them head-on because we want CBI to be around for many generations to come!

B’Shalom,

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The Story of Purim Purim, one of the merriest of Jewish holidays, is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar and commemorates the deliverance of the Jews of Persia from the wicked anti-Semite, Haman.

The Book of Esther or “Megilla” is read each Purim and tells the dramatic story of Esther, Mordechai and King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus was the King of Persia about 2300 years ago that chose Esther as his Queen. At about the same time, he appoints Haman as his Vizier. The King is unaware that his Queen is Jewish and of Haman’s hatred of the Jews.

Through a twisting series of events, Haman gets the King to agree to the annihilation of all the Jews in the Kingdom. The date for the massacre is chosen through the casting of lots and falls on the 14th of Adar. The word “Purim” comes from the Persian word for “lots.”

When learning of this plot, Esther makes a bold move and goes before the King to plead for her life and the life of her people. Ahasuerus rescinds his order of annihilation and hangs Haman instead.

And so, the 14th of Adar became the day of deliverance for the Jewish people and in thankfulness, the day was proclaimed as a day of rejoicing. It is to be celebrated with “feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor."

Purim Observances The Fast of Esther – Ta’anit Esther: We fast the day before Purim in commemoration of the fast by the Jews in Persia, when Esther went before the king unsummoned.

Megilla Reading: The Megilla is chanted in Synagogue on the evening and morning of Purim.

Whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, we use “graggers” or noisemakers to drown out the name.

Purim Masquerading: Masquerading is very popular and adds to the fun of the day.

Masquerade parade for children and adults are part of our celebration.

Sending Shalach Manot: We are instructed in the Book of Esther to send gifts “one to another.”

These traditionally consist of at least two different foods or drink, fruit, candy and/or wine.

Matanot L’evyonim: It is customary to give “presents to the poor” on Purim.

This can also be done by giving money to Jewish charities.

Purim Seudah: A special meal with plenty of food and drink ends this festive holiday.

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February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) Purim is here and it is time to celebrate!

As our PRECEC students are learning the story of Queen Esther, we are baking Hamantashen, decorating our costumes, and getting ready for our annual parade. On Wednesday, March 4, our students will begin their parade around the Synagogue and school campus at 10:00 am dressed as kings and queens. We will end our celebration with a cookie party at the Philip Benjamin Tower and enjoy time with the residents.

Following Purim, we will be preparing our students for Passover. Our Practice Seder will be held on Wednesday, March 31. Students will learn how to ask the four questions, create their own Seder Plates, and hear the story of Passover.

Summer Camp Shalom registration is now open. Children will enjoy plenty of sunshine fun with water day, garden activities, and dramatic themes every week! Summer session starts June 8 and our classrooms fill up quickly! If you are interested in signing up a family member between the ages of 2 months and 5 years, please contact me in the preschool office.

The direct line is 727.302.9668.

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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FAMILY PESAH FIRST SEDER Friday, April 3 6:00 pm Rabbi Jacob Luski | Cantor Jonathan Schultz Bring your children, your grandchildren, and friends to enjoy a kosher, traditional First Seder with your CBI Family.

Bring a picture from your favorite Seder!

Menu Gefilte Fish with Horseradish Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls Fresh Mixed Salad with Passover Dressing Roasted Chicken or Vegetarian Option Roasted Potatoes/Vegetable Medley Fresh Fruit and Cake … and all Passover Accompaniments

RSVP for First Seder by Friday, March 27, 2015 Contact the CBI Office with questions at 727.381.4900 or receptionist@cbistpete.org Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Members and guests:

Non-Members:

Number of Adults: ___________________

$54/person = __________

$72/person= _____________

Number of Children (7-12): ____________

$18/person = __________

$36/person= _____________

Number of Children(3-6): _____________

$12/person = ___________

$18/person= ______________

Vegetarian(s) ______________ I/We would like to sponsor a seat at the table for $54 ________________ I/We would like to be seated with: ________________________________________________________________________ Total Number Attending: _______________ Total Due =

____________

Pay online at cbistpete.org by clicking “Payments” and typing “First Seder” in the box marked “Other.” You may type information about the attendees in the notes section. Pay by check to CBI at 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

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Pesah Service Schedule 5775 Friday, March 27

6:30 pm

Kabbalat Shabbat & Shabbat Hagadol

Saturday, March 28

9:00 am

Shabbat Hagadol

Friday, April 3

7:45 am 6:00 pm

Siyum B’horim followed by Breakfast Minha/Maariv, followed by 1st Seder at CBI

Saturday, April 4

9:00 am

Shabbat/Yom Tov Services, 1st day Pesah

Sunday, April 5

9:00 am 7:30 pm

Yom Tov Services, 2nd day Pesah Minha/Maariv Conclusion of Yom Tov

Monday, April 6

7:45 am 6:30 pm

Morning Minyan Evening Minyan

Tuesday, April 7

7:45 am 6:30 pm

Morning Minyan Minha

Wednesday, April 8

7:45 am 6:30 pm

Morning Minyan Minha

Thursday, April 9

7:45 am 6:30 pm

Morning Minyan Minha – Erev Yom Tov

Friday, April 10

9:00 am 6:30 pm

Yom Tov Services, 7th day Pesah Kabbalat Shabbat – Erev Yom Tov

Saturday, April 11

9:00 am 7:35 pm

Shabbat/Yom Tov Services, 8th day Pesah Minha/Maariv – Conclusion of Yom Tov

If it’s Adar, Nisan must not be far behind.

Don’t forget to make arrangements to sell your hametz!

Mehirat Hametz - Authorization of Agent to Sell Hametz

Donation to Maot Hittim Fund

Please submit to Synagogue Office by 7:45 am Friday, April 3, 2015

The mitzvah of Maot Hittim (money for I, _________________________________, hereby wheat) has evolved to ensure that all Jews are authorize Rabbi Jacob Luski to act as my agent to sell able to celebrate Pesach. By giving to CBI’s the hametz that may be at home, place of business, or Maot Hittim Fund, you are helping us respond elsewhere, in accordance with the requirements and to the financial needs of those in our provisions of Jewish Law. community who would not otherwise be able Name_____________________________________ to participate in a seder.

Home address____________________________________

YES, please count me/us in for this year’s Maot Hittim Fund.

Please find my check in the amount of $______.

Business address____________________________________

Please make your check payable to CBI - Maot Hittim and send to Congregation B’nai Israel at P.O. Box 159, Montvale, New Jersey 07645, Signature___________________________________ or bring it to the CBI office.

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Adult Studies CBI-Hadassah Book Club CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah co-host a monthly book readers’ Discussion Group on Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the CBI Library.

If you are interested in leading the discussion for a meeting, please contact Sheila Wasserman at 727.347.5816.

This month, the book club meets on Wednesday, March 18, to discuss To Wear the White Cloak by Sharan Newman: Catherine LeVendeur is an independent spirit, fiercely loyal to both her faith and her family.

The two sometimes conflict, but even though she has experienced joy and loss, her life remains committed to preserving what - and who - she loves.

Summary excerpt courtesy of Amazon.

Want a head start on next month’s book? The April session will discuss The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible by Matti Friedman.

Talmud Made Easy Join Steve Wein as he and his Talmud Class continue study of 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.

Meet at the Buns Family Library at CBI on select Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.

Next Sessions: Wednesdays, March 11, and March 25 Cholent Kiddush & Torah Study Relax after 9:00 am Shabbat morning services over a hot Kiddush lunch of “traditional” cholent, challah, and pastry while we study Torah with Rabbi Luski. Saturday, March 14.

Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival See what’s playing on both sides of the bay! Visit TBJFF.org for film screenings and ticket prices.

The Jews of Spain: Past, Present, and… Future?

Presented by Moisés Hassán Moisés Hassán is an educator and a scholar who recently joined the university Pablo de Olavide in Seville as an honorary lecturer on Holocaust-Shoah and Anti-Semitism Studies.

Hassán was born in Seville in 1967. His parents and grandparents were born in Morocco, and one of his great-grandparents was born in Tlemcen, Algeria.

Upon Hassán’s father’s arrival in Seville in 1964, he organized the few Jewish families that were living there at the time and inscripted the “Israelite Community of Seville.” He became the President until he passed away in 1995.

Lecture: Wednesday, March 25, 7:00 pm at CBI 10

Todah Rabah: Tu B’Shvat At a joyous, room-packed Tu B’Shvat Seder, JNF honored CBI for the completion of its second Parkland Project: 5,000 trees.

In addition to the mitzvah of creating a green Israel, we’re performing another mitzvah at CBI: the JNF-CBI partnership produces a commission of 20% on donations not specifically designated for a JNF event or activity. This money is restricted to Israel programming at CBI, and is used especially for our teens and college students.

We extend a yasher koach to Janice and David LeVine for organizing and conducting this wonderful tre(e)mendous event. We thank Maureen Shacter and Diane Bloom for cooking, and the youth of Hebrew High for creating the platters of fruits and nuts and setting up the room.

I encourage each of you to donate to CBI’s Woodland Project. Currently, this can’t be done online, but the donation form is available on CBI’s website at cbistpete.org/?p=80 and hard copies are in the Lobby at the entrance to the Sanctuary: ✡ 1 tree ($18); ✡ 2 trees ($36); ✡ Ring of 3 trees ($54); ✡ Circle of 5 trees ($72).

For support of the Woodland Project of $100 or more, the unit cost of a tree is $5 – thus, for $100, you can donate 20 trees; for $180, you can donate 36 trees; etc.

Byron Kolitz

Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah

Students at CBI’s Religious School held their own Sunday morning Tu B’Shvat seder on February 1.

There was singing and great food for all! Photographs courtesy of Ricki Lewis.

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The Zionist Elections: Making Your Voice Count in Israel You may never have heard of one of the more important institutions of the Conservative Movement, but it needs you now. The organization is MERCAZ. MERCAZ: The word means "The Center"; it refers to Israel, the cultural center par excellence of the Jewish people. MERCAZ is the Zionist organization of the worldwide Conservative Movement.

MERCAZ promotes and supports Zionist education, Israel programs, and aliyah within our movement. At the same time, MERCAZ represents the interests of Masorti (Conservative) Judaism in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and in the Jewish Agency for Israel. Within those bodies, MERCAZ advocates for religious pluralism within Israel, and is a force for funding the liberal religious movements (such as Reform and Conservative Judaism) in Israel.

It may sound Byzantine, but here is how it works: American Jewish federations raise money for Israel.

Much of this money goes to the WZO and the Jewish Agency. The WZO and the Jewish Agency distribute those monies. The apportionment of those monies is directly affected by the relative sizes of the delegations from each Zionist organization. Got it? The more delegates that we, the Conservative Movement, have in those bodies, the more money our movement in Israel receives and the more say we have in ensuring that the flow of money and the guiding philosophy of the Jewish Agency supports our concerns for pluralism in Israeli society.

The size of the MERCAZ delegation in the WZO is a direct result of votes in the World Zionist Congress election. The more Conservative Jews who register and vote for MERCAZ, the more MERCAZ delegates are elected, and the more money is allocated to the Masorti Movement in Israel, and the more we can make a difference.

That's where we come in. The election for the 37th World Zionist Organization Congress is almost here.You can help MERCAZ increase the size of our delegation simply by registering with the American Zionist Movement, the US affiliate of the WZO, and then voting for MERCAZ delegates when you receive your ballot. Registering costs just $10.00.You can register by going to www.mercazusa.org and clicking on “Register� or completing a mail-in registration.

Registration begins on January 13 and ends April 30.

How much does your vote help? A LOT! Less than 4 percent of the members of American Conservative Jews participated in the last Zionist Congress elections. If we doubled that percentage, an additional 1.7 million dollars could be allocated to Masorti institutions in Israel.

This could go a long way to strengthen liberal Jewish life in Israel.

Just think what you can achieve with just $10.00!

Register now and exercise your right to vote in the upcoming Zionist Congress election!

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Advocacy for Israel Committee Anti-Semitism in Europe: A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein Britain’s 300,000 Jews account for 0.4 percent of the total population. About two-thirds of British Jewry live in or around London. Less than a week after four Jewish men were killed in a Paris kosher supermarket by an Islamic extremist, Britain’s Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA) released the document titled “Annual Antisemitism [sic] Barometer: 2015 Full Report” (antisemitism.uk).

The report contained information from two surveys. One included a nationally representative sample of 3,411 British adults and the other 2,230 British Jewish people, equivalent to almost 1 percent of the Jewish population of Great Britain. The surveys identified that nearly half of Britons hold an anti-Semitic view. One in four Britons believes that “Jews chase money more than other British people” and one in five believes that “Jews’ loyalty to Israel makes them less loyal to Britain than other British people.”

Over half of British Jews say that they have witnessed more anti-Semitism in the past two years than ever before and they feel that anti-Semitism now echoes the 1930s. Anti-Semitic attacks recorded in Britain during the 2014 period accounted for 3.28 percent of a total of 9,103 hate crimes reported. That figure represented a 22 percent increase over the overall number of hate crimes recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Fifty-eight percent of the British Jews surveyed feel that Jews have no future in Europe and one quarter of British Jews have considered leaving because of rising anti-Semitism.

Hate crimes against Jews in London more than doubled last year, according to Scotland Yard. The police headquarters for metropolitan London reported 299 hate crimes against Jewish people between the start of April and the end of December of 2014.This represented a rise of 128 percent over the corresponding period in 2013, when there were 131 hate crimes.

The CAA report concluded, “Whilst antisemitism [sic] in Britain is not yet at the levels seen in most of Europe, the results of our survey should be a wakeup call. Britain is at a tipping point: unless antisemitism is met with zero tolerance, it will continue to grow and British Jews may increasingly question their place in their own country. Antisemitism is not a problem only for Jewish people, but for all of Britain, which must uphold its tradition of tolerance and pluralism.”

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Adar - Nisan 5775 MARCH 2015 Sunday

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

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm Please consult the calendar for holiday time changes.

Tuesday

1

2

3

9:45am PRTT

4:30pm Women’s League Board 5:30pm Hamentashen Baking

6:00pm Chess Club 7:00pm Men’s Club Board

8

9

10

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

Monday

Clocks Change: Spring Forward One Hour!

NO PRTT 10:00am CBI-TBE Purim Carnival Temple Beth-El

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11:00am Torah For Seniors Philip Benjamin Towers 7:00pm Women’s League “Get Tech Savvy” 6:00pm Chess Club

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9:45am PRTT 10:00am USY/Kadima Paintball 4:00pm Federation Maimonides Dinner Feather Sound Country Club

17 6:00pm Chess Club

22

23

24

9:45am PRTT 1:00pm USY Berry Picking 5:00pm Israel Bonds Pinellas Cocktail Supper St. Pete/Clearwater Marriott

Kitchen closes for Passover cleaning

6:00pm Chess Club 7:00pm Women’s Community Seder Beth Shalom, Clearwater

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30

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MERCAZ Subregional Youth Convention Cong. Rodeph Shalom, Tampa NO PRTT 5:00pm Federation’s Women of Distinction St. Pete/Clearwater Marriott

3/30 - 4/3: Pinellas Schools Spring Break

3/30 - 4/3: Pinellas Schools Spring Break 10:00am Preschool Practice Seder 6:00pm Chess Club

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Wednesday 4

Thursday 5

Friday

Saturday

6

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EREV PURIM PURIM 10:00am PRECEC Purim 7:45am Minyan, Parade Megillah Reading, 5:00pm USY Mishloach L’chayim Breakfast Manot Preparation 10:00am Library Committee 6:30pm Minha, Maariv 7:00pm Family Megillah Reading - Sanctuary Traditional Megillah

6:16pm Candlelighting 6:30pm “Blue Jeans” Kabbalat Shabbat

9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

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12

13

14

12:00pm Lunch With the Rabbi 4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Talmud Class

10:00am Library Committee

6:30pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat 7:20pm Candlelighting

9:00am Shabbat Parah Services, Torah Study, Cholent Kiddush* 8:00pm USY Campout Sleepover

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19

20

21

10:00am Book Club 2:00pm Scholarship Committee 4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina

10:00am Library Committee

6:00pm Men’s Club Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by Got Shabbat? Dinner 7:24pm Candlelighting

9:00am Men’s Club Shabbat Services, HaHodesh, Simha Shabbat, Kiddush*

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26

27

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4:45pm PRTT Practice Seder 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Talmud Class 7:00pm Moises Hassan: Jews of Spain

10:00am Library Committee 4:00pm Hebrew High Graduation Photographs & Rehearsal 7:00pm Board of Trustees Meeting

MERCAZ Subregional Youth Convention Cong. Rodeph Shalom, Tampa 10:00am PRECEC Shabbat Celebration 6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:25pm Candlelighting

MERCAZ Subregional Youth Convention Cong. Rodeph Shalom, Tampa 9:00am Shabbat Hagadol Services, Kiddush*

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

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Women’s League Thank you to all who took an active part in the services and planning of the services. Thank you, as well, for the meal planning and preparation, serving and clearing. While we share common bonds as old as the Matriarchs of our people, we also celebrate diversity. We are women in our teens, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's.

Together from many families and backgrounds, professions and avocations, we shared Shabbat joy as we read and sang, sat and stood in Shul. Let's continue to put aside our differences at that time each week, in order to nurture among us a sense of wholeness and peace. Shalom!

Carol Gray Marger, member of the CBI Women's League Board 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!”

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 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

JOIN WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF CBI

TORAH FUND DINNER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29. 2015 6:00 PM

Tuesday, March 10, at 7:00 pm to

HONORING “ESTA BLAXBERG” 2015 JACKIE JACOBS WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

“GET TECH SAVVY” Keith Smith of Weblicious will help us get comfortable with today’s technology BRING YOUR QUESTIONS RSVP by Friday, March 6, to Carolyn Moritz at 727.381.4900 or receptionist@cbistpete.org

GUEST SPEAKER: CAROLYN KANTOR Director of Principal Gifts Florida Regional Office The Jewish Theological Seminary

DONATIONS 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) westierns3@gmail.com

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Mitzvah Men’s Club Another month has passed, along with one of our yearly milestones, “The World Wide Wrap.” First, I again would like to thank the volunteers who worked so hard that day to bring us all a very scrumptious brunch. Along with the great food, we appreciated our outstanding speaker, Neil Solondz. His comments and insight into baseball and the Rays were both informative and riveting. Our next function is going to be the Men’s Club Shabbat, coming the weekend of March 21. I look forward to seeing you all there, so please RSVP early!

L’hitraot, Steve Feld, MMC President

MMC Shabbat Weekend Kabbalat Shabbat & Got Shabbat? Dinner Friday, March 20, 2015 6:00 pm & Over-the-Top Luncheon Kiddush Following Shabbat Services Saturday, March 21, 2015 9:00 am Join with your friends in honoring 2015's MMC Man of the Year!

RSVP for Got Shabbat? Dinner by 12:00 pm Friday, March 13, 2015 Name: _____________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________________________________ Number of Adults: _______ $20/person = _______ Number of Children age 6-18: _______ $10/person = _______ Number of Children 5 and under: _______ (Free) Family Four-Pack Option: 2 adults + 2 children $50 = _______ Total Number Attending: _______ Total Due = _______ Pay online at cbistpete.org by clicking “Payments” and typing ”Got Shabbat? Dinner” in the box marked “Other.”

You may type information about the attendees in the notes section.

Pay by check to CBI at 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

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Life Cycle Mazal Tov!

In Memoriam

Richard & Gerry Mensh New home in Seminole

Joseph Alpert

Father of Dr. Naomi (Dr. Warren) Abel Sarah Lisa Alpert

Carl & Gail Rubinsky Daughter Ariel Rubinsky’s engagement to Brian Collins

Roger Blair

Father of Kory Blair Husband of Dr. Sherran Blair

Bette Schroeder Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter Shayna Lalle

Karen Murburg

Sally Swale New home in Seminole

Daughter of Dotty Goldblatt Mother of Erica (Matthew) Munz Sister of Jayne Weissman Fran Bonhardy Ilene Goldblatt

It’s a Girl!

Rose Sunshine Bizer Daughter of Jessica & Andrew Bizer Granddaughter of Joe & Diana Rosin and Wayne & Sue Bizer

Lori Ann Reasoner

Granddaughter of Wilma Reasoner Daughter of David Reasoner Niece of Chris & Amy Hale Cousin of Christopher Hale

Layla Rose Lincoln Daughter of Stefanie & Drew Lincoln Granddaughter of David & Arline Dresdner, Charles Lincoln, and Deb Carter Yael Golda Marlin Daughter of Drs. Aviva & Evan Marlin Granddaughter of Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin, Rabbi Ronald & Nancy Androphy

Eileen Silverstein

Stepmother of Murray Silverstein

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

Board of Trustees Meetings Any CBI member in good standing is invited to attend any Board of Trustees' meetings as an observer. Our doors are locked for security purposes and the office is not staffed in the evening; therefore, we ask that you notify Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, before 5:00 pm on the day of the meeting you plan to attend so she can arrange for you to be admitted to the building.

Contact Susan at 727.344.1017 or execdir@cbistpete.org.

Any member in good standing who is interested in reading approved minutes of any meeting of the Board of Trustees is welcome to make an appointment with Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, to review them.

Contact Susan at 727.344.1017 or execdir@cbistpete.org.

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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

Philip & Phyllis Hirschfield Barry & Jackie Kanner Michael & Midge Seltzer Frank & Carol Katz David & Pati Gross Steve & Linda Grau Oren & Stephanie Adelson Dr. Larry & Vera Green Philip & Joan Redisch Eric & Chandaye Pastman Dr. Mark & Louisa Benjamin Nick & Blanka Benjacob Jared & Allison Shenofsky Marvin & Lee Leibson Bill & Carol Marger Ron & Jayne Weissman Jeremy & Rebecca Douglass Drs. Warren & Naomi Abel

Other Simhas

1 2 5 6 6 10 14 17 17 17 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29

Judy Benjamin Jayne Weissman Malina Kanner Arthur Zinkerman Araceli Gross Wendy Levine Mark Lewis Anita Sher Dr. Anita Braun-Luria Valerie Hyman Martha Vorob Mark Schantz Alan Schwartz Dr. Bob Sternberg Dr. Robin Schaffer Dr. Marc Reiskind Dr. Hazel Shwer Warren Simmons Sandy Janofsky Vera Green Helen Applefield

In Honor of:

___________________________

2 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 10 11 14 14 16 17 19

Marilyn Isaacs Jay Kauffman Keyvan Kohan-Shohet Bebby Marlin Dr. Steve LeVine Ruth Mauer Laney Kay Laurie Reiskind Rebecca Simmons Mandi Gross Samuel Steel Steven Dangler Rose Sutton Josh Ludin Patzi Gil Michael Barth Joan Benstock Erica Benstock Marvin Bayles Lenny Gelfond Yael Alpert

Do a Mitzvah on your birthday Attend the Daily Minyan!

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.

Address: _________________________________________________

CELEBRATE YOUR MARCH BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT SATURDAY,

City, _____________________________Zip: __________________

MARCH 21, 9:00 AM

*The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10.

Please print: Your Name: ______________________________________________

Telephone: ______________

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Donations

Adult Education Fund Jack & Linda Goldfarb Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Bill & Carol Marger Cantor's Discretionary Fund Jack & Linda Goldfarb Steve & Livia Wein Ellen Glassman Adult Studies Ben & Rita Thomas Gail Warren Leadership Fund Jack & Linda Goldfarb Susan Goldstein Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Dr. Pat Cottrille Valerie Hyman Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Jacobs Beautification Fund Michael & Barbara Noonberg Library Fund Dr. Leonard & Patty Adelson Dr. Leonard & Patty Adelson Mitzvah Fund Akif Agayev Anonymous Beverly Dikman Beverly Dikman Lenny & Millie Gelfond Lenny & Millie Gelfond Larry & Vera Green Jerry & Helena Nejman Steve & Livia Wein

In Honor Of Birth of Yael Golda Marlin In Memory Of Albert Braslow Bernard Elinoff Elliott, Louis & Joel Gray In Honor Of Cantor Schultz's birthday Cantor Schultz's birthday In Memory Of Karen J. Murburg In Honor Of

Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.)

Michael & Margot Benstock Morry & Billie Bornstein Audrey Kopelman Dr. Steve & Susan LeVine Harriett Lieberman Jack & Irma Mayer Hank & Donna Milcich David Glick David & Janet Hyink Fred Silverman Dr. Bernardo & Stephanie Stein Dr. Bob & Jennifer Sternberg Linda Weiss Music and Concert Fund Susan Goldstein Eileen Richman

Birth of Rose Sunshine Bizer Birth of Lilly Berman Rachel Luski's engagement In Memory Of J. Leonard Azneer Ken Hyman Karen Murburg Jerry Levin In Honor Of

Pauline Rivkind Fund Dr. Harold & Joyce Seder Prayer Book Fund Art & Sharon Schloss PRTT Fund Ruth Mauer Rabbi's Discretionary Fund Art & Sharon Schloss Jack & Linda Goldfarb

Birth of Lilly Berman In Memory Of Elihu Nemiroff Annette Portnoy In Appreciation In Honor Of Bruce & Mary Ann Marger's anniversary Leah Sandler's birthday Esta Blaxberg, Woman of Achievement Speedy recovery for Jerry Gilbert Bev Sherman Eddie Ginsburg Birth of Yael Golda Marlin

Barbara Levin Sylvia Ayes & Family Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon Yvette Lew Shirley Sommella Allan & Nancy Lonschein Vivian Neumann Bennett & Randi Rabin Dr. Harold & Joyce Seder USY Fund Ellen Bernstein Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie USY Pilgrimage Fund Pearl Brook Yvette Lew 20

In Memory Of Lori Ann Reasoner Harold Wolfson Elihu Nemiroff Jill Engelman Harold Berger Elihu Nemiroff Donna Rabinovitch Norman Glick Harold Y. Wolfson Karen J. Murburg Leon Stein Barnett Sakren Stanley Weiss In Honor Of Cantor Schultz and CBI choir Cantor Schultz's birthday In Honor Of Birth of Yael Golda Marlin In Memory Of Elihu Nemiroff In Memory Of Elihu Nemiroff In Appreciation In Honor Of Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin’s Engagement Anita Helfand's speedy recovery In Memory Of Karen J. Murburg Isadore Gordon Harold Wolfson Hannah LeBold Janete Lonschein Jack Neumann Paul Fogel Eugenia Seder In Memory Of Ruth Levine, Joseph Kauffman & Carola Herschmann Karen Murburg In Memory Of William Niedwesky Carmen Langston

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Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) provides critical support for the Tampa Bay Jewish community. CBI is a drop-off location for non-perishable goods that go to feed the hungry in the local area, so you can support JFCS any time you come to Shul. Look for their wicker baskets in the office, the lobby, and the preschool.

Our sponsors make the B’nai Review possible.

Please support them too!

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Advertisers

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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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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.

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

2015 WORLD WIDE WRAP

Change Service Requested

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

Pictures courtesy of Michael Frye 28