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November 2015 Heshvan - Kislev 5776

Volume 5776 Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE Contact Page 2

Announcements Page 3

Messages Pages 4-5

Gift & Craft Show Pages 6-7

A-Team Page 8

Jewish Young Professionals Page 9

Adult Studies & Special Services Pages 10-11

PRECEC Page 12

Youth Page 13

Calendar Pages 14-15

Women’s League Page 16

Mitzvah Men’s Club Page 17

Life Cycle Pages 18-19

Donations Pages 20-21

Kehilla Page 22

Sponsors Pages 23-27

Chase the Dreidel Back Cover

B’nai Israel REVIEW November 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.

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

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 Amy LaPiccirella 727.302.9668 preschool@cbistpete.org

Youth Director/ Religious School Educator Melanie Tolchin 727.381.4900 x1011 youthdir@cbistpete.org

Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4901 officemgr@cbistpete.org

Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com

USY President Corey Sokolov cnsok4@gmail.com

President Susan Marger LeVine doc2roc@aol.com

Men’s Club President Jesse Rodman jesse.rodman1@gmail.com

Women’s League Catering Livia Wein polyglatt@gmail.com

Announcements Mark Your November Calendar

Kehilla

CLOCKS CHANGE It’s time to “Fall Behind” and set our clocks back one hour to Daylight Savings Time! Sunday, November 1, 1:00 am. This means our Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat services will begin at 5:30 pm (except where otherwise noted). Refer to the Calendar on Pages 14-15.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services is sponsoring a bereavement support group, to meet at 12:00 noon on November 5 and 12 in the chapel. Renee Baseman will lead the group sessions.

ELECTION DAY Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day. The polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Any voters waiting in line at 7:00 pm will have the opportunity to cast a ballot. If you do not know where your polling place is, contact your county Supervisor of Elections (for Pinellas, that is Deborah Clark). Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with signature. Source: dos.myflorida.com/elections/for-voters/voting/election-day-voting/

KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION The Florida Holocaust Museum will begin this year's Kristallnacht Commemoration with a ceremony led by Rabbi Danielle Upbin, including prayers and a candlelighting with Holocaust survivors. Following the ceremony, Holocaust scholar Wendy Lower, Ph.D., will discuss her book Hitler's Furies, examining Nazism's brutal and murderous feminine side. Monday, November 9, 6:30 pm. COMMUNITY INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE Rabbi Luski, Cantor Schultz, and the CBI Choir will participate alongside other members of the Pinellas community at the Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service in Eckerd College’s Fox Hall. Service begins at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 22, at Eckerd College: 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, 33711. Guest Speaker: Dr. William Felice, Professor of Political Science. THANKSGIVING MINYAN SERVICE TIME Please note that morning Minyan services begin at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27.

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. 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 Debbie Kobernick by Wednesdays at 12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or dkobernick@benjamintowerfoundation.org.

Judaica Shop News To all our members, thank you for your support during our sale. We did great and we sold many items. We are now getting ready for the CBI Gift & Craft Show and you will find many new items for Hanukkah and for gifts for many occasions in the Judaica Shop. A new twist for the Judaica Shop is making an appointment for your shopping pleasure. You may call: ✡ Diana Litt 727.392.5554 ✡ Eileen Richman 727.393.6430 ✡ Anita Helfand 727.347.2300 Just to remind you the Shop will be open during the Gift & Craft Show Saturday, November 14 from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Sunday, November 15 from 10:00 am to 4:40 pm. We look forward to seeing you there. Anita, Karen, Diana, and Eileen

From the Rabbi HAKARAT TOV – SEEING THE GOOD

Being thankful is one of the qualities that define us as Jews. One of the roots of the word yehudi, Jew, is hoda’ah, thanks. So, one of the roots of being Jewish is giving thanks. This gives rise to the mitzva of hakarat hatov – acknowledging the good. There are two steps to this mitzva: first, to acknowledge what we have and second to appreciate it. It is one of the most valuable messages for modern society because it is about having enough, doing enough and being enough. Despite the fact that the root word for yehudi is to be found in hoda’ah, gratitude is not a natural state of being. Gratitude is not natural because we tend to assume that we are entitled to all the good things in life simply because we are good people. And so we pray and we give thanks, the whole time aware that though God may not need our prayers or our gratitude, God does need us to be the kind of people who know how to be grateful. The concept of hoda’ah implies that we do not fulfill our obligation of gratitude through words alone. From its root we also find the word yad – hand, so we learn that we must give God our hand as part of our Thanksgiving. At CBI, we do hakarat tov in many ways, by: ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡

Coming to morning/evening minyan and thanking God for our many blessings Visiting a shiva house and appreciating the comfort of community Volunteering our time on a mitzva project and saying thank you with our hands Making a gift to the synagogue in honor of happy occasions Inviting someone over for Shabbat dinner and acknowledging the blessings of a full house Thanking the greeter who welcomes us on Shabbat evening or morning Visiting those in the hospital or a nursing home Spending time in God’s presence in our sacred spaces And we acknowledge the good in our lives simply by walking in the doors of the building and allowing the community to do what it does best – comfort and celebrate, share and educate, inspire and uplift. With best wishes for a most pleasant and meaningful Thanksgiving, Shalom,

From the Cantor One of my former rabbis used to say that Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. I think it’s easy to see why – the message of the day is simple, yet fundamental. Although it was originally a day on which the pilgrims gave thanks to God for bringing them safely to America, for us it is a day on which we can reflect on and recall all that we are thankful for in our lives. In the spirit of the holiday, I would like to share with you some things for which I am thankful: I am thankful that I am able to work in a profession that I love, and that I have the opportunity to serve a congregation filled with such wonderful people. I am thankful that I have my family, who are there for me in both the best and the worst of times. I am thankful to be an uncle – my niece and nephew are adorable. I am thankful to have my friends, many of whom are also colleagues.

There are many places in our formal liturgy where we thank God. Upon waking up in the morning, we say “Modeh / modah ani:” “I thank You, enduring Sovereign, for restoring my soul to me in compassion. You are faithful beyond measure.” The psalm for Shabbat begins “Tov l’hodot Ladonai (It is good to thank Adonai).” In Hallel, we say “Hodu Ladonai ki tov (Thank Adonai, for God is good)” and “Od’cha ki anitani (I thank You, for You have answered me).” We even devote an entire brachah of every Amidah to thanking God: “Modim anachnu lach” (for all you Hebrew buffs, “modim anachnu” is the plural of “modeh / modah ani”). We say this brachah three times every day, and four times on days when we have Musaf. Let’s take a look at the end of this brachah: “For all these blessings we shall ever praise and exalt You. May every living creature thank You and praise You faithfully, God of deliverance and our help. Barukh Atah Adonai, ‘The Beneficent One’ is Your name, and it is fitting to give thanks to You.” Happy Thanksgiving, 4

From the President What is the perfect gift for a 90 year old? If it’s Morrie LeVine, the answer is easy…

Minyannaire regular Morrie LeVine shared his 90th birthday at a Wednesday morning Minyan service filled with congregants last month and it was indeed a memorable occasion. At the end of the service, congregants shouted “Yasher Koach” to the Davener Caryn Baird for leading the service. I saw some tears well up in Caryn’s eyes as she explained to me that this was her first time leading the service, as she took on the challenge to lead the service as her personal gift to Morrie. Morrie’s birthday celebration continued through Shabbat. He enjoyed many of his grandkids who came into town for the occasion, and his daughter, Sharon (LeVine) Rosenthal, from Texas, read Haftorah in honor of her dad’s big birthday. Oh yes, and the big 90th birthday present? We got together and honored him with a Golden Leaf on the Tree of Life and my kids insisted on a new blender for his famed ice cream milkshakes! The Spirituality of Welcoming, a book by Jewish motivation speaker Ron Wolfson, delves into the importance of Jewish camaraderie, the need to feel connected. We seemed to have missed this opportunity the last several years, with statistics showing that new members without senior family at our shul have not retained their memberships. Even though we have a bounty of programs, the feelings of warmth and connection are vital to the future of Conservative Judaism in St. Petersburg.

Minyan is multi-faceted, as it provides the necessary ten worshippers to pray alongside the bereaved to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish, the twice weekly Torah service, a pre-Simcha service and most importantly the Breakfast Club friendship group. It is a place where everyone feels welcomed. Other friendship groups are in the works at CBI. Newborn babies to toddlers are invited to come with mom, dad, bubbe or zaydie to an open to the community Music with Mar musical playdate on Tuesdays at 10:00 am at CBI followed by a social time. A Rosh Chodesh monthly women's discussion group has been organized and other outreach programs are soon to come. We are looking at proven programs to reengage different segments of our congregation. Please experience the vibrancy and great gift items at this year’s CBI Gift and Craft Show on Saturday night, November 14 (free evening preview reception) and Sunday, November 15. Volunteer or come to see your friends and fulfill your holiday gift list. I will display my brightly glazed functional ceramics alongside many talented craftsmen. Another way to support the event is to buy, buy, buy the $100 gelt giveaway tickets. Come see me or any Board Member to purchase your winning ticket! See you in Shul!

Visit Page 22 for Morrie’s Minyan L’Chaim photo!

From the Executive Director It’s November again, and time to kick back and reflect on all the things for which we’re grateful. In addition to my wonderful family and friends, I’m grateful for many people here at CBI. Over the next few months, I’d like to share some thoughts with you in celebrating what we do particularly well. This month’s focus is the Gift and Craft Show. This group of women amazed me when I first saw them in action, and that amazement has only increased during the past two years. They choose exquisite merchandise throughout the year and pull off a remarkable event that begins on Saturday night with a charming dessert reception, cash bar, and music a la the Reich family. On Sunday, enjoy a delicious kosher lunch from Jo-El’s after you’ve taken part in the workshop with artist-in-residence Loren Stein.

In addition to merchandise they’ve purchased, they bring in talented artists from around the country who offer antique jewelry, wood work, drawings, and much more. And don’t miss the opportunity to snare a unique piece of pottery from our president, Susan Marger LeVine (I have several pieces in my miniature kitchen!). This is an event that appeals to everyone who wants to volunteer, who loves to shop, or is on the hunt for treasures to give as Hanukkah gifts. Cherry on the ice cream sundae: they make money to help support our programs. I will miss this year’s show because I’ll be at my granddaughter’s wedding in Palm Springs. But I’ve purchased my Gelt Giveaway and Dreidel Drawing tickets and will make some purchases both before and after the event. If you’ll be in town, show up for the fun. You’ll be glad you did! Yasher Koach to Susie Berman, Susie Schwartz, Marilyn Benjamin, Joanne Luski, Phyllis Werner, Judi Gordon, Vivian Lurie, and Louisa Benjamin – and apologies to anyone whose name I inadvertently omitted. Happy Thanksgiving, 5

Advocacy for Israel Committee A LETTER FROM ISRAEL BONDS SYNAGOGUE DIVISION Long after the Book of Life is sealed, our congregation's Book of Participants in the Israel Bonds High Holy Days Appeal remains open for additional names. Participating in our Israel Bonds campaign strengthens Israel and strengthens the ties of our congregation to the land and people of Israel. For 64 years Israel Bonds has been standing with Israel. When you invest in Israel through Israel Bonds, you too will be standing with Israel. Less than 50 shopping days remain until Hanukkah. The best form of Hanukkah gelt are eMitzvah bonds for $36, $54, $72, $90, available online at israelbonds.com. No schlepping to the mall, standing in line, or searching for wrapping paper required. For more information, call 212.446.5883 or email martin.pasternak@israelbonds.com. Kol tuv, Rabbi Martin Pasternak National Director Synagogue Division

THE A-TEAM ANNOUNCES THE MERCAZ / WOMEN'S LEAGUE 2015-2016 BIENNIAL ESSAY CONTEST Awards: Win one of five scholarships in the amounts of: $1,000, $600, $400, and $250 (2x). The scholarship will apply to any Conservative Movement sponsored Israel program. Eligibility: Applicant must be a resident of Canada, Mexico, or the United States, in grades 7-12, and a member of a Conservative synagogue. Theme: "A Critical Defense of Zionism" - this year's contest celebrates the 37th World Zionist Congress.

Entry: Essay must be submitted electronically by Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Currently, the complete details and forms are on the MERCAZ-Canada website: www.mercaz.ca/WLCJ-essay.html This page includes detailed sections on the Background of the theme and the Question that is to be answered in the essay (up to 1,000 words). Participation is a wonderful teaching opportunity to learn about the connection between Jewish identity and Zionism.

Adult Studies & Special Services TALMUD MADE EASY Steve Wein and his Talmud Class continue their study of Sanhedrin this month 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 everybody. No previous knowledge necessary! Meet at CBI’s Buns Family Library. Wednesdays, November 4 & 18, 7:00 pm

VETERANS SHABBAT CBI welcomes guest speaker Father Francis Malloy, who will deliver a special presentation during Shabbat services in honor of Veterans Day. Father Malloy is a Catholic Chaplain at the C.W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines. Before entering the VA service, he served with the US Air Force for 25 years in both Reserve and Active Duty capacities. He has been stationed stateside, overseas, and in deployment assignments scanning all the Gulf conflicts and providing humanitarian support. Saturday, November 7, 9:00 am

HAVDALA ON THE BEACH Join us as we enjoy the new fall season with Havdala on the Beach! Meet at Upham Beach: 6700 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach 33706. Turn west onto 67th off of Gulf Blvd and drive two blocks. 67th ends at Upham Beach. Parking meters are $1.25 an hour from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. Bring a flashlight and a beach chair or blanket! Saturday, November 7, 6:30 pm

TORAH FOR SENIORS Join Rabbi Luski at the Philip Benjamin Tower for a meaningful Torah discussion. Tuesday, November 10, 11:00 am

LUNCH WITH THE RABBI Join Rabbi Luski for a kosher deli lunch and Mishna study at this month’s Lunch With the Rabbi. RSVP your lunch orders to Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org by Tuesday, November 10, at 12:00 noon. Wednesday, November 11, 12:00 noon

LIBRARY SHABBAT Janet Augenbraun will discuss The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman, along with the life and works of Jewish artist Camille Pissarro. Pissarro was a Danish-French painter born in St. Thomas, most famous for his contributions to the Impressionist movement. Saturday, November 14, 9:00 am

Adult Studies & Special Services CBI-HADASSAH BOOK CLUB CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah co-host a monthly book readers’ Discussion Group in the Library. If you are interested in leading the discussion for a meeting, please contact Sheila Wasserman at 727.347.5816. All books are available at the St. Petersburg Public Library! Dolores Diamond facilitates this month's reading: The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro: An inheritance from a mysterious stranger . . . An abandoned perfume shop on the Left Bank of Paris . . . And three exquisite perfumes that hold a memory . . . and a secret. London, 1955: The Perfume Collector weaves a haunting, imaginative, and beautifully written tale filled with passion and possibility, heartbreak and hope.

(Description courtesy of the St. Petersburg Public Library) Wednesday, November 18, 10:00 am Want to get a head start on next month's reading? In December, the Book Club will discuss The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM Rabbi Luski will begin an Introduction to Judaism course for those considering conversion, or simply wanting to learn more about Judaism. If you know somebody who may be interested, spread the word! Those who are not members are requested to arrange an interview with Rabbi Luski. Classes will begin November 18, and will be from 5:15 - 6:30 pm on Wednesdays. For more information, contact Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org.

CARLEBACH KABBALAT SHABBAT Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat services feature melodies written by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Reb Shlomo, as he was known to his followers, was a teacher, composer, and singer who was known as “The Singing Rabbi” during his lifetime (1925 – 1994). Although his roots lay in traditional Orthodox yeshivot, he branched out to create his own style combining Hasidic Judaism, warmth and personal interaction, public concerts, and song-filled synagogue services. You can find Rabbi Carlebach’s full bio on our website: cbistpete.org/calendar/upcoming-events/carlebach-kabbalat-shabbat-5 Friday, November 20, 5:30 pm

CHOLENT KIDDUSH & TORAH STUDY Come together for fellowship after Shabbat morning services to enjoy a delicious cholent kiddush and an enlightening Torah study with Rabbi Luski! Saturday, December 5, following Shabbat services at 9:00 am

February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) PRECEC students and visitors from the community had a great time at the preschool’s first Music with Mar class! Classes are Tuesdays at 10:00 am, followed by snack time. $10 for one class or $35 for five classes (price is per family!). Contact Youth Director Melanie Tolchin at 727.381.4900 x1011 or contact saugnhk@musicwithmar.com for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT PRECEC ✡

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Thursday, November 5, 9:30 “Wonders of Nature Show” In the CBI Courtyard Tuesday, November 10, 4:30 pm PTA Meeting Friday, November 20, 9:30 am Family Pre-Shabbat Celebration Tuesday, November 24, 11:00 am Thanksgiving Celebration Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27

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 PRECEC Director Amy LaPiccarella at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668. 12

FROM THE DESK OF THE YOUTH DIRECTOR: NOVEMBER 2015 October has been a busy month with the holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Since the High Holidays are over, we can now take a break and enjoy the cooler weather of fall and busy school routines and new programs we are implementing. Our PRTT students learned all about Sukkot by helping to decorate the Sukkah, eat in the Sukkah, and shake the lulav and Etrog. Our K-2 students decorated and made challah covers for the Shabbat table. USY Mercaz Fall Subs were October 9-11 at Kol Ami in Tampa. Hannah Weiss, Corey Sokolov, and Paris Orloff attended the fall convention. Our USY’ers had a great time and made new friends. We just launched a new program for young preschool families called Music with Mar. Our kickoff date was Tuesday, October 20, and we had 5 families attend the first session. Music with Mar meets every Tuesday at 10:00 am to 10:45 am in Classroom 3. Please contact me at youthdir@cbistpete.org for more information. $10 per class or $35 for 5 classes.

Every Wednesday is Hebrew High Remix at CBI! 7:00 - 9:00 pm Upcoming Events: ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡

All November: Canned food challenge for all USY’ers. If you bring in more than 4 cans of food to donate, you can get $5 off the next event. Wednesday, November 25: No Hebrew High. Classes resume Wednesday, December 2. 7:00 pm Saturday, December 5: Havdalah, Dessert, and Movie at CBI. 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Youth Lounge Sunday, December 6: Chase the Dreidel 5K run and community Hanukkah party at CBI. 5K: 4:00pm Hanukkah Party: 6:00 pm Sunday - Thursday, December 27 - 31: USY International Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Stay Tuned: December Winter Formal (more info to come).

Lots of great events to come, Melanie Tolchin,Youth Director/Religious School Educator youthdir@cbistpete.org 561.866.8630 727.381.4900 x1011

Heshvan - Kislev 5776 November 2015 Sun

Mon

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

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

Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm See calendar for special holiday service times

2:00am Clocks Change Fall Behind One Hour 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

8 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

Tue

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

ELECTION DAY 7:00am Polls open 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Womenâ€™s League Board 7:00pm Polls close

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 6:30pm Kristallnacht Program Florida Holocaust Museum

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 11:00am Torah for Seniors Philip Benjamin Tower 4:30pm PRECEC PTA 6:30pm Minyan

9:00am Minyan, breakfast 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 10:00am Gift & Craft Show 6:30pm Minyan

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

9:00am Minyan, breakfast NO PRTT 4:00pm Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Eckerd College Fox Hall 6:30pm Minyan

Pinellas Schools Closed 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

Pinellas Schools Closed 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 11:00am PRECEC Thanksgiving Celebration 6:30pm Minyan

9:00am Minyan, breakfast NO PRTT 6:30pm Minyan

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

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 4:45pm PRTT 5:30pm Bon Secours Gala Museum of Fine Arts 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Talmud Class 7:00pm Federation “Art of Giving” Dali Museum

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 9:30am PRECEC Wonders of Nature Show 12:00pm Bereavement Group 6:30pm Minyan 6:45pm Choir Rehearsal

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:26pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Parasha Hayyei Sarah 9:00am Veterans Shabbat Services, Kiddush* 6:30pm Havdala on the Beach Upham Beach

Rosh Hodesh Kislev 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 12:00pm Lunch with the Rabbi 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Men’s Club Meeting

Rosh Hodesh Kislev

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:22pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Parasha Tol’dot 9:00am Library Shabbat Services, Kiddush* 6:00pm USY/PCJDS Reunion Green Bench Brewery 7:30pm Gift & Craft Show

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 12:00pm Bereavement Group 5:30pm Cardozo Society Event Bank of Tampa 5:30pm Torah on Tap: Rabbi Torop St. Pete Brewing Company 6:30pm Minyan 6:45pm Choir Rehearsal

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am CBI-Hadassah Book 6:30pm Minyan Club 6:45pm Choir Rehearsal 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Talmud Class

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 9:30am PRECEC Pre-Shabbat Celebration 5:19pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

Parasha Va-yetzei 9:00am Shabbat Services, November Simha Shabbat, Kiddush*

PRECEC Closed Pinellas Schools Closed 7:45am Minyan, breakfast NO PRTT 6:30pm Minyan NO HEBREW HIGH

THANKSGIVING DAY PRECEC & Office Closed Pinellas Schools Closed 9:00am Minyan, breakfast Note special holiday time! 6:30pm Minyan

PRECEC & Office Closed Pinellas Schools Closed 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:18pm Candlelighting 5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Parasha Va-yishlah 9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

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

Women’s League Women’s League Paid Up Membership Fashion Show was a fun evening with the help of our fabulous models: ✡

Susie Berman

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Esta Blaxberg

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Wendy Levine

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Millie Gelfond

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Linda Weiss

A special thank you goes to Gail Frye, Reisha Freedman, Anita Helfand, Wendy Levine, Rita Jacobson, Laurie Reiskind, and our handsome waiters Lenny Gelfond, Alan Kay, and Robert Sternberg. Jennifer Sternberg Membership Chairman Anita Helfand Financial Secretary

TORAH FUND CAMPAIGN 5776 DONATIONS $180 – Benefactor $300 - Guardian Level $600 - Associate Patron $1,200 – Patron $2,500 - Scholarship (Annual) $5,000 - Keter Kavod (Annual) “Nat’ah Karem ~ She plants a vineyard ~ Torah Fund Theme ~ 5776” The words, nat’ah karem, “she plants a vineyard,” appear in chapter 31, verse 16 of the book of Mishlei (Proverbs) in the Hebrew Bible. Most of chapter 31 takes the form of a poem, and has long been known fondly in Judaism by its opening words, Eishet Chayil (“woman of valor”). It describes the exemplary woman. The words that precede nat’ah karem in verse 16 tell us that this extraordinary woman plants a vineyard mip’ri kapehah “by the work of her own hands.” In this poem, planting a vineyard is one of many labors the woman performs for herself and her family, both inside the home and by interacting with the outside world. Among the many other virtues mentioned in the poem are: helping the needy, being a deep source of emotional support for her spouse and her children, and always speaking with wisdom and kindness. This year your support of Torah Fund as a benefactor remains at a donation of $180 (checks made out to “Torah Fund,” mailed to Marilyn LeVine, 1900 Park St., St. Petersburg, 33710). With your pledge, you will receive this beautiful gold and silver pin. Higher gift giving is also available, $300 for Guardian, $600 for Associate Patron, see above opportunities. CONTACT: Joanne Luski: Challahmom@aol.com Marilyn LeVine: Babamfl@aolcom Jennifer Sternberg (for Torah Fund Cards): Jjudysternberg@gmail.com 16

Mitzvah Men’s Club

SAVE THE DATE ✡

November Mitzvah Men’s Club Board Meeting Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 pm CBI Atrium

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Men’s Club Shabbat Friday, April 8, 2016, 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat & Got Shabbat Dinner

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Saturday, April 9, 9:00 am Shabbat Services, April Simha Shabbat, Kiddush

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 8, 10:30 am 17

Life Cycle Mazal Tov! Dr. Fred & Mali Feld Marriage of son Forrest Feld to Sarah Blanchard.

Jesse & Sandi Rodman

INTO GOD’S HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT

Marriage of daughter Danielle Rodman to Sean Shoolbraid.

Linda Weiss Linda finished first in the world in Hadassah's 2015 Walking program. She traveled over 4 million steps along Hadassah's virtual route from St Petersburg to Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. She continues her commitment to health as she rustles up volunteers for CBI's Chase the Dreidel 5K in December.

The Solitary Flame of the Yahrzeit light is a silent tribute to the preciousness and eternity of the human soul. Attending services, reciting Kaddish, and contributing to tzedakah are appropriate ways to commemorate your loved one’s memory.

If you are interested in purchasing a permanent Memorial Plaque and having it placed on our Memorial Wall, please call Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 for more information.

Special congratulations to Rabbi Jacob & Joanne Luski (parents), Abe & Rose Luski, and Vivian Neumann (grandparents) on the marriage of Rachel Luski to Alan Medvin! Looking for a special way to honor family and friends celebrating a Simha?

Etz Chaim Tree of Life Leaves on the Tree of Life have been inscribed: Honoring Phil Redisch In Appreciation Mitzvah Men’s Club 5776 2015

It is a Tree of Life to those who uphold it. Proverbs 3:16-8

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 in honor of his/her Bar or Bat Mitzvah, special birthday, anniversary, or wedding. Order forms are in the synagogue office and lobby. Minimum donation $254 18

Life Cycle November Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays Carol Katz Adele Morris Ruth Lebowitz Rabbi Jacob Luski Pam LeCompte Dr. Brian Kagan Irma Mayer Joel Shane Claire Weinstein Cindy Weisberg Oren Adelson

1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 6

Sylvia Ayes Marilyn LeVine Aldena Lew Karen Reich Matthew Gould Sheila Hutman Dr. Leslie Weiss Selma Gaby Randi Rabin Elaine Rothstein Barbara Levin

6 6 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14

Ben Pertcheck Phyllis Werner Sheri Frogel Ellen Goetz Bonnie Halprin Asher Gil Joel Taller Anita Helfand Robin Perlman Bea Wallace Howard Rothstein

14 16 17 17 17 20 20 21 21 22 23

Robert Sutton Barry Kelmachter Eric Ludin Michael Benstock Frank Katz Ana Masri

25 26 26 28 28 28

Anniversaries Tom & Shevy Silverberg Jack & Marilyn Goldberg Jerry & Joan Benstock Chaim & Aliza Bloom Carlos & Awilda Garcia Ron & Claire Yogman

6 12 18 19 20 24

Rabbi Jacob & Joanne Luski Jack & Linda Goldfarb Jon & Carol Marcin Jay & Terri Gross Don & Jane Silverberg Larry & Beth Figard

25 25 27 27 28 30

MITZVAH GRAM! 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 CBI's commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and kehilla through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund. Circle the names of everyone you want to honor with a Mitzvah Gram. Send this form together with a check made out to CBI to Kesef Accounting Services c/o Congregation B'nai Israel, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645. You can also donate online at cbistpete.org/donate. We request a minimum donation of $10 per acknowledgement.

Celebrate your November Birthday and Anniversary at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, November 7, 9:00 am. Do a Mitzvah on your birthday or anniversary, and attend one of our daily Minyan services!

Your Name: Address: City:

Zip:

Telephone: 19

Donations Adult Education

In Honor Of

Janet Augenbraun

Birth of Esslyn Morgan-Yogman Birth of Sofie Jay

Don & Jane Silverberg Warren & Rebecca Simmons Steve & Livia Wein

In Memory Of Dr. Larry & Vera Green

Frank Green

Buns Technology Fund

In Honor Of

Susan Goldstein

Birth of Brantly Shephard

Camp Ramah Fund

In Honor Of

Mary Wygodski

Marilyn Benjamin's Birthday Sandi Rodman Joan Epstein, Kallah Maftir Jackie Wertel, Kallah Bereshit Cary Reich, Hatan Torah Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Forrest Feld & Sarah Blanchard Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday In Memory Of

Sid Werner's 65th Birthday Jackie Wertel, Kallah Bereshit Joan Epstein, Kallah Maftir Cary Reich, Hatan Torah Cantor Schultz's Simchat Torah Service Cantor Schultz & CBI Choir’s Beautiful High Holy Day Services

Bob & Elaine Lachter Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Ruth Mauer Warren & Rebecca Simmons Dr. Bob & Jennifer Sternberg

Jennie Burdman Joseph Fuchs Tessie Rosenberg Garry Freid Fanny Hagendorf Rose Segal Castle Carol Segal Piper Esther Cohen Piper Viola Marx Toby & Sholom Shkarofsky Henry Abt Bessie Simmons Dr. Lewis Sternberg

Gail Warren Leadership Fund

In Honor Of

Music & Concert Fund

In Honor Of

Dr. Steve Warren Jack & Linda Goldfarb

In Appreciation Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday

Robert & Carolyn Isakson Dr. Mark & Debbie Sokolov

Joan Epstein, Kallah Maftir Cary Reich, Hatan Torah

Jacobs Beautification Fund

In Honor Of

Pauline Rivkind Fund

In Honor Of

Adele Morris

Forrest Feld & Sarah Blanchard Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

Miriam Pardoll

Eitan Wein's Baby Naming

Prayer Book Fund

In Honor Of

Library Fund

In Honor Of

Brian & Sherrie Carroll

Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

Gloria Abrams

Esta Blaxberg’s Honor

Dr. Pat Cottrille Susan Goldstein Murray & Myrna Rubin Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Janet Augenbraun Jack & Linda Goldfarb

Robert & Carolyn Isakson

Lou & Yollette Frey November Birthdays and Anniversaries Joe & Eva Fuchs Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Lenny & Millie Gelfond th Phil Redisch's 80 Birthday Steve & Linda Grau In Honor Of Stanley Hagendorf Keyvan & Stephanie Kohan-Shohet Joan Epstein, Kallah Maftir

In Memory Of Gloria Abrams Leslie Kirsner

Lucille Ginsburg Pearl Sturman Benjamin Gallant

Minyan Fund

In Honor Of

Robert & Carolyn Isakson

Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday

Mitzvah Fund

In Honor Of

Akif Agayev Sylvia Ayes Dick & Gerry Mensh Bev Sherman Beverly Dikman

In Appreciation In Appreciation In Appreciation In Appreciation Mary Ann Marger's Birthday Bruce Marger's Birthday Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Sharon Koenig's Birthday Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Aleph Havurah Alan Gross Speedy Recovery Phil Redisch's 80th Birthday Birth of Brantly Shephard Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Hatanei Hatorah Honorees Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Susan LeVine's Birthday Bruce Marger's Birthday Alan Gross Speedy Recovery Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Joan Epstein, Kallah Maftir Cary Reich, Hatan Torah Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Jackie Wertel, Kallah Bereshit Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday

Lenny & Millie Gelfond Dr. Larry & Vera Green Robert & Carolyn Isakson Sharon Koenig Keyvan & Stephanie Kohan-Shohet Mirla Kremer Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Bill & Carol Marger Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Helen Kahan Ana Masri Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Murray & Myrna Rubin

In Memory Of Dorothy Bowser & Dr. Elizabeth Unruh Michael Scudero Mary Scudero Edward Messing Mark Messing Sarah Messing Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

In Honor Of

Murray & Myrna Rubin Ellen Bernstein Esta Blaxberg Joel & Ellen Goetz Jack & Linda Goldfarb Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand

In Appreciation Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Lorri Helfand Speedy Recovery Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Sid Werner's Birthday Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin Larry Irwin Speedy Recovery Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday Rachel Luski & Alan Medvin

Larry & Myrna Irwin Marv & Lee Leibson Arlene Ludin

In Memory Of Hymie & Judy Bader Rita Jacobson Ana Masri Dick & Gerry Mensh

Shirley Bulkin Barry Miller Dov Tsernov Joseph Masri Sammy Atri

USY Fund

In Honor Of

Janet Augenbraun Eileen Richman Murray & Myrna Rubin

Jackie Wertel, Kallah Bereshit Jackie Wertel, Kallah Bereshit Hatanei Hatorah Rabbi Luski's Good Help Award

USY Pilgrimage Fund

In Honor Of

Ellen Bernstein Bruce & Mary Ann Marger

Jackie Wertel, Kallah Bereshit Dr. Morrie LeVine's 90th Birthday

You made this the most successful campaign in years - you gave more, and more of you gave. This is your Jewish home and, thanks to your generosity, it thrives for us all. For their advice, institutional memory, sharp eyes, and the gift of time to the campaign, my personal thanks to Susan LeVine, Judy Ludin, Mandel Sher and, most especially, Laurie Reiskind. If you haven’t yet made a contribution or would like to increase your gift: Kol Nidre is active all year. Just give me a call or drop me a line. L’shana tova! Valerie Hyman • VP Fundraising & Kol Nidre Chair • 727.866.3232 • ValerieHyman@BetterNews.com

Kehilla

Murray & Myrna Rubin at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services. The Rubins’ efforts during Operation Isaiah helped CBI donate over 500 pounds of food to the GCJFCS food pantry!

Lots of family and friends turned out to celebrate Dr. Morrie LeVine’s 90th birthday and enjoy a bountiful post-Minyan breakfast. L’Chaim!

Cantor Schultz, the Most Reverend Bishop Lynch, and Rabbi Luski during the bishop’s visit to CBI for a community presentation on Jewish-Catholic relations.

CBI Past Presidents (above) and Hebrew High students (below) made up the Honor Guard joining the Most Reverend Bishop Lynch in the opening procession.

PRECEC’s first Music with Mar was a huge success as children from the community danced, sang, and learned with Miss Saugnh.

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