Volume 5775 Issue 1
October 2014 Tishrei-Heshvan 5775
Sukkot in St. Pete CBI Announcements Rabbi’s Message
3
Women’s League
4
Engagement Committee
Cantor’s Message
4
President’s Message
5
A-Team
5
Youth
6-7
Mitzvah Men’s Club Kol Nidre Adult Studies Mitzvah Grams Donations
8 Life Cycle Events 9 October Calendar 9, 21 Yom Kippur Information 10 Sukkot 10 Hatanei Hatorah 11 Advertisements 12-13
13 14-15 16-18 19-21 22 23-27
B’nai Israel Review
Our Mission
CONTACTS
Through our congregational life, our goal is to provide the opportunity for our members and friends to experience Jewish life to its fullest. We want to transmit the ideals of Conservative Judaism to our children and grandchildren, to enable them to be knowledgeable and responsible participants in Jewish life, sensitive and ethical human beings and reliable custodians of an enduring heritage. Through the synagogue, we want to find strength and inspiration in worship and study, in the sharing of lifecycle events, in acts of caring, in reaching out to the wide Jewish and non-Jewish communities, and in concern and support for Israel.
The Ritual Committee of Congregation B’nai Israel encourages worshippers to participate in services by performing aliyot. If you like to receive an aliyah, please call the synagogue office at 727.381.4900, or speak to one of the ushers when you enter the sanctuary, and every effort will be made to accommodate your request. Those wishing to receive an aliyah on Shabbat morning are asked to arrive at services no later than 9:30 am. We look forward to your participation.
727.381.4900 x207 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x305 Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org
Ongoing Activities at CBI
Participate in Aliyot
Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D.
Executive Director Susan Goldstein
Daily Services Become a Minyanaire! Support our Daily Minyan in the Chapel: Sunday Morning: 9:00 Monday—Friday mornings: 7:45 Sunday—Thursday evenings: 6:30 Come just for the joy of davening together. You'll be glad you decided to join the growing number of CBI members and friends who do. Please sign in to be counted.
Continental Breakfast The Mitzvah Men’s Club provides a Continental Breakfast for all worshippers on Minyan Mornings in the alcove of the Social Hall. Please join the Minyanaires for the morning Shaharit service and relax and schmooze over breakfast—bagels, cream cheese, coffee cake and coffee/tea.
727.381.4900 x202 execdir@cbistpete.org Pauline Rivkind Preschool Interim Director Katherine Schaefer 727.381.4900 x211 preschool@cbistpete.org Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah Education Coordinator Ricki Lewis 727.381.4900 x310 morah@aol.com Youth Advisor Bianca Levi 727.381.4900 x 209 Youthdir@cbistpete.org Community Engagement Liz Sembler
Shalom,
727.424.0513 Morry Bornstein, Ritual Chair
Office Drop Box As a reminder, there is a Secured Drop Box available at the shul and at your service when you are in the building. It is located outside the Synagogue office across from the Judaica Shop. You can drop off messages, contributions, etc when coming to classes, events, meetings, or when dropping off children at school. It is an easy way to communicate within the congregational family. Drop-in sometime!
Sponsorship Opportunities If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat on Friday evening or a L’Hayim following a Morning Minyan in honor or memory of a loved one or a special occasion, please contact the Synagogue office.
lizsembler@aol.com Torah Reader/Educator Deborah Marmon 727.381.4900 x205 dmarmon@cbistpete.org Office Manager Pam Askin 727.381.4900 x203
Online
officemgr@cbistpete.org
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Communications Coordinator
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Melissa Hertzfeld
You can also make payments and donations on our website! cbistpete.org
B’nai Israel Review Publishes 11 times a year by Congregation B’nai Israel 300 58th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 727.381.4900 FAX 727.344.1307 cbisptete.org All rights reserved. No part of this document can be copied without the permission of Congregation B’nai Israel 2
727.381.4900 x201 receptionist@cbistpete.org Accounting 727.381.4900 x204 accounting@cbistpete.org President Alice Ettinger aliceettinger112@gmail.com Men’s Club President Steve Feld USY President Hannah Weiss Kadima President Danielle LeVine
CBI Announcements
October 2014
Change in Shabbat Minha Time
With Love From the CBI Kitchen
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF YOM TOVS– Shabbat Minha Service, that had been held Saturday Evenings, will now be at 12:30 pm, approximately 30-45 minutes after the conclusion of Shabbat morning services. Please direct any questions to Morry Bornstein, Ritual Committee Chair, 727.397.9955, or morborn@aol.com
Noodle Kugel
1 pkg 8 or 10 oz noodles
5 Tbs sugar
1 stick margarine
3 eggs
1 can crush pineapple
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
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 meetings and programs. 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 arrangements can be made to give you and your friends ‘a lift.’ “The more the merrier” they say! Contact Karen at 727.392.1623 or 727.481.8225. PS If you can “give a sister a lift”, please give Karen a call.
Boil noodles, drain well. Mix margarine in hot noodles to melt. Add rest of ingredients, beating eggs first. Pour into 9x11 pan which has been greased with margarine. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Bake 300 degrees until brown on top and bottom (about 1 hour).
Don’t forget to bring canned goods and non-perishables for donation when you come to CBI through October 15.
Women’s League CBI Judaica Shop Crew We are delighted with all the new items in the Judaica Shop! Please note that all our greeting cards are $1 each. If you mention reading this article you will receive a 10% discount on your purchase.
CBI– HADASSAH BOOK DISCUSSION CLUB MEETINGS Wednesday, October 22, 10:00am Rashi’s Daughters Book 2 Miriam, By Maggie Anton
Our hours are: Monday 11:00-2:00 and 3:00-5:00 Tuesday 3:00-5:00 Thursday 1:00 –3:00 The Crew– Diana Litt, Karen Kauffman, Eileen Richman, Anita Helfand
Ill Family Member
Please call the synagogue office at 727.381.4900, and they will direct you to the store.
Our Clergy have asked that you notify the office in the event of a family member’s hospital stay or serious illness. Thank you. 3
From the Rabbi
October 2014
Spectators or Participants Our Sages teach us: “On the first day of Sukkot, a person cannot fulfill his obligation by waving a Lulav that does not belong to him or her.” Mishna Sukkah 3:13. The Lulav – palm branch together with the Hadas - myrtle, the Aravah - willow and the Etrog – citron, makes up the Arba Minim – the four species that symbolize the harvest. But they symbolize more than that. According to our Sages the Lulav represents the spine; the willow, the lips; the myrtle, the eyes; and the Etrog, the heart. Thus, there is a profound message in the fact that a person must use his or her own Lulav and not one that is borrowed. We cannot live our lives with someone else’s heart, or spine, or lips or eyes. We must bring to the adventure of living our own heart and soul. Too often we approach life as spectators, rather than as participants. We are content to sit on the sidelines and watch other people live. The football season is upon us and faithfully every week millions of people will watch as others play. I sometimes think that football is the great religion in American life. It moves us and inspires us. But it does not motivate us to participate. We approach Judaism the same way. We watch as others observe. We watch as others study. We watch as others pray. And then we wonder why Judaism doesn’t turn us on. The truth is that the spectator cannot possibly know the emotions, the feelings and the satisfactions of the participant. From its very inception, the Synagogue was an institution that involved the people and urged their participation. It was never meant to be the exclusive domain of the “professionals.” And so the Synagogue today invites and urges participation. It can give so much. But it needs your heart and soul. It needs your involvement. Let us join Side by Side to participate at CBI. No one can eat for me, or sleep for me, or live my life for me. No one can be Jewish for me. Whatever is worthwhile and has meaning for us, we must do ourselves. As we celebrate Sukkot, the Festival of Thanksgiving, let us resolve to become more active participants in Jewish life at CBI. Hag Sameah!!
From the Cantor Rosh Hashanah is now behind us. We have welcomed in the New Year of 5775 with wishes of a good and sweet year, and we now look ahead to the awe-inspiring solemnity of Yom Kippur, followed by the unbridled joy of Sukkot. But before we move on, I would like to extend a huge yasher koach to the CBI Choir, who lent their voices so beautifully to our High Holy Day services. The choir members were: Alice Ettinger, Phyllis Werner, Sarah Blanchard, Mali Feld, Joan Epstein, Ellie LeVine, Gary Levine, Mitchell LeVine, Gerry Werner, and Sidney Werner. Sukkot is one of my favorite holidays. We get to build and decorate a sukkah and eat our meals in it, or perhaps even sleep in it if you’re the adventurous or outdoorsy type. This simple temporary shelter, with open sides and a roof of tree branches, reminds us of our ancient heritage, that we were once a nomadic people wandering through the wilderness. The mitzvah of leshev basukkah involves our whole body, and so we wholly connect to our roots through the act of dwelling in the sukkah. I also like the lulav and etrog. We take these four species – palm, myrtle, willow and citron – and hold them together. We shake them in six directions both before and during Hallel, and we carry them around the sanctuary during the Hoshanot processions. I feel connected to nature and the full bounty of God’s creation every year when I take the lulav and etrog. In its earliest ancient form, Sukkot was largely an agricultural festival, celebrating the final harvest of the summer and the onset of the rainy season. And to this day, we still pay homage to the onset of the winter rains by praying Tefilat Geshem, the prayer for rain, on Shemini Atzeret. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: there’s one other vestige in our modern liturgy of ancient prayers for rain: the Hoshanot of Sukkot. We walk around with the lulav and etrog saying “Hosha Na!” – “Save us!” Save us from what? Save us from drought, send rain. In ancient times, the Hoshanot were rain dances. B’shalom,
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From the President
October 2014 MAY 2014
What is all the excitement about at CBI? The changes! We are in the midst of reviewing the results of the strategic planning survey, reviewing your thoughts about CBI, which involved as many people as possible. We will be developing emerging themes and focus groups based on these themes. It is extremely labor intensive to create a strategic plan. The team has and will continue to work hard for CBI’s future. What else is new? This year is devoted to our youth and the changes we have made for our most valuable resource! Kids have always been my passion and I am excited to see the young people in the classrooms and around the building. Be sure to read all of the school “doings” in this issue and in all of the coming ones. You will see new teachers, new classes, new strategies, and new curricula all around our schools. Other changes include upgrades to our air conditioning and grounds. I am sure that you will notice the differences. I received the following from Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and it is apropos all of the time, but particularly as we encounter changes and we begin the New Year. Fable of the Porcupine (based upon Schopenhauer; source unknown but possibly Ted Strom) It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After a while, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities. B’shalom,
From A:Team: CBI’s Advocacy for Israel Committee I was asked to write a series of Review articles concerning the rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe. I take this challenge very seriously. The recent spate of verbal and physical attacks, bodily injury, and murder of Jews in Europe is a serious and frightening topic. Some people think that the current rise of European Anti-Semitism is a “backlash” to the recent Israeli Government's Operation Protective Edge against the Hamas reign of terror. However, experts in the study of Anti-Semitism feel that the current events in the Middle East are just an opportunity to bring to the surface deep-rooted hatred of Jews. In future columns, my goals will be to cover the current events of Anti-Semitism (“Judenhass” - Jew-Hatred) in Europe, and to inform readers of the historic undercurrent of racism and Anti-Semitism that has been present for many centuries. I had the opportunity to practice surgery in rural Western North Carolina for number of years. One evening, while waiting to do an emergency surgical procedure, the young man assigned to assist with my case asked me a very serious question, "Why does everyone hate the Jews?” Initially I was taken aback by this question. Realizing that this young man had never known a Jewish individual before, I understood immediately the origin of his question. We discussed the stereotype that has been placed on Jews for centuries. I showed him that I did not have horns and he laughed. Although I could not give him an immediate answer covering all of the reasons for Anti-Semitism, I told him that I would get back to him. I then called my father-in-law, the late Rabbi J. Leonard Azneer, to pose the same question. His response was very simple, yet insightful. "It is because Jews gave the world a conscience.” Leslie Pearlstein, M.D.
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February 2014
Youth Department
October 2014
Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah Shalom! It is with great pleasure that I have taken over the reins of the Pauline Rivkind Religious School. CBI has a long and proud tradition of providing Jewish education for our children and I am honored to be able to keep our school going and growing. We were off to a great start, with a special program for Rosh Hashanah that involved a local Bee Keeper. I am grateful to the teachers, parents and volunteers who helped make this amazing event happen. A special Todah Rabah goes to Pam Himmel, for all her hard work on this project. A new curriculum is being created, specifically with you and your children in mind. If you haven’t yet filled out the parent survey, please pick one up and give us your feedback. We can best succeed if we work together towards our children’s futures. In this vein, we are dedicated to turning our Kehillah (congregation) into a community of learners. Education is a family affair. You can be expecting more family centered learning opportunities throughout the year to come. B’yachad (together) we can do this! I am looking forward to seeing you at CBI. L’hitraot, (see ya!) Ricki Lewis Interim Director PRTT
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) It is time to decorate the Sukkah and celebrate the harvest! Pauline Rivkind students are hard at work making windsocks, paper chains, lulav bouquets, and crop cut-outs! In learning about the harvest, we are reminded of how blessed and fortunate we are and celebrate that G-d is EVERYWHERE! As the Torah instructs us to dwell in our booth, the students will be sharing snacks in the Sukkah throughout the week. During the second week of the month, students will take a walking tour over to Philip Benjamin Tower to share PJ Library’s A Watermelon in the Sukkah story and The Very Crowded Sukkah. Students will listen to the residents read to them and then share a light snack.
Let us keep up with your kids!
Stop, Drop, and Roll! October is also Fire Safety Month! Small hands can cause big fires and here at Pauline Rivkind, we are committed to the safety of our children. We are lucky to have a team of Firefighters, along with their truck and equipment, coming to visit our school on October 23. Students will have the opportunity to talk to the Firefighters, climb aboard their truck, and see all of their tools.
If you have a student in college, please send Melissa their information. We would like their: school, year in school, major, address, email, and phone number. Send this information to receptionist@cbistpete.org, or call 727.381.4900 x201.
Pauline Rivkind has teamed up with Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services for A Chicken For Shabbat fundraiser. A Chicken for Shabbat is a children’s story by Bill Forster and Flora Goldstein. Each student and family in the preschool received a free copy by generous donation. The story shares how important sharing family meals are, including the Shabbat dinner, and how some families are not as fortunate. The hope is that this story will inspire you and your family to simply donate $36 in order to provide a family in need with a gift card to buy Shabbat dinner from their local grocer. For more information, please visit www.gcjfcs.org/about-you/donate
College Connection
If you have not done so yet, please “Like” us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PaulineRivkind for more preschool updates, photos, and event information.
Katherine Schaefer Interim Preschool Director 6
High Holy Days for the Kids
October 2014
Grades 3-7 Junior Congregation – Chapel, from 10:30 am until the conclusion of services. Grades K-2 K’tongregation - Youth Lounge from 10:30 am until the conclusion of services. Ages 2-5 Child Care – Classroom # 8, from 9:45 am until the conclusion of services. Infants and toddlers under age 2, accompanied by parent(s) are welcome in the Atrium. All services will be broadcast in the Atrium. We recommend that all children, ages 2-7, wear a name tag with their parent’s names so that we can locate parents if needed.
Following Neila and Maariv, our religious school youngsters will join on the bima for Havdala, the traditional liturgy that separates Sabbaths and the holidays from the rest of the week. Following the Havdala, our distinguished Shofar Blower will lead all of Congregation B’nai Israel’s Shofar Blowers in sounding the Tekiah G’dolah, to end the first service on a triumphant and powerful note. All members of the Congregation who wish to join in this final sound of the Shofar are invited to bring their Shofarot.
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Women’s League
October 2014
Save the Dates!
Here are the dates of our Women’s League Meetings for the 2014-15 year!
Mark your calendar for:
October 7, 4:00-6:00 pm, Decorate the Sukkah
January 13, 7:00 pm, Start the Year off Right February 10, 7:00 pm, Chocolate Galore
March 2, 5:30 pm, Hamentaschen Baking March 10, 7:00 pm, Get Tech Savvy
April 29, 6:00 pm, Torah Fund Dinner We look forward to seeing all of you at our meetings in the coming year! Torah Fund
WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL 2014~2015 TORAH FUND CAMPAIGN 5775 (from a letter by Marilyn LeVine, Torah Fund Special Gifts Chair) Your support of Torah Fund helps the students at the Jewish Theological Seminary and its many schools in their pursuit of knowledge of Jewish history, traditions and heritage. The funds help these students with needed buildings, resources and special programs and scholarships. As you attend High Holy Day services and receive inspiration from Rabbi Jacob Luski and Cantor Jonathan Schultz, both graduates of the Seminary, you can be proud you helped in the education of others to take on these leadership positions throughout the Jewish world. The new Torah Fund theme for 2014-2015 (5775) is “Mishpachah: Family and the Tree of Life.” The family in Judaism holds a central place, from the first family, beginning with Adam and Eve, through our own . We are all—the entire Jewish people—one big family! Our families are diverse and the new Torah Fund pin, representing that diversity, is something to be worn proudly. This year your support of Torah Fund as a benefactor remains at a donation of $180. {***CHECKS MADE OUT TO “TORAH FUND”***} With your pledge, you will receive this beautiful pin as depicted above. Wear your pin, representing our family theme, with pride, especially during the holiday season. Higher gift giving is also available, $300 for Guardian and $600 for Associate Patron, etc., and each pin is embellished with a special jewel. There are scholarship opportunities as well. Please send your check to Marilyn LeVine (made out to Torah Fund) and she will give you a pin, or drop it off at the Synagogue office where pins are also available. May this year of Torah Fund be a beautiful blessing for you and your family! DONATIONS $180 – Benefactor $300 - Guardian Level $600 - Associate Patron $1,200 – Patron
Contact Information: Fund Chair: Joanne Luski 347-1741 Torah Fund Cards: Jennifer Sternberg 391-9085 Special Gifts Chair: Marilyn LeVine 343-2196 900 Park Street N, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 8
Engagement Committee
October 2014
A time to count—CBI’s Daily Minyan By Mali Schantz-Feld Back in the 1800s, a French journalist once said, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” In a world swirling with changes, I have found refuge in those small circumstances in life that exude consistency. I find comfort in knowing that something is happening every day at the same time, in the same place, with the only change being the people who attend. CBI’s minyan takes place every day, in the morning at 7:45 and evenings at 6:30, and 9:00 on Sundays and holidays. Minyan-goers are adults, teenagers, seasonal visitors, business people, retirees, both men and women of various age groups and with different reasons for attending. Some go to say Kaddish, others just to be part of the “perfect 10.” In the chapel at CBI, it is easy to feel the warmth of ancient days, when people would pause to pray for integrity, truth, and safety; to give thanks for all that Hashem has given them, or to pray that soon life would take a turn for the better. For me, it is a time when I can be immersed in prayer and yet feel surrounded by people who understand my Jewish heritage; people who share my yearning for a more tolerant world where our children and grandchildren can grow up without fear. Recently, in a box found in storage, I found some belongings of my Uncle Milton, of blessed memory, who attended minyan in my Brooklyn-based conservative synagogue every day for all the days that I can remember. My childhood home harbored lots of family members, and Milton was one of them, living upstairs, with my Grandma Fannie and Poppa Louie. Milton came home each day from minyan with stories of his friends, kibbutzing around, having a nosh before going to work in the morning and then in the evening after work. One day, he received a dark blue velvet kippah with silver piping, embroidered with “Minyan Club.” I wanted one too! So as a teen in the 1970s, I asked our Rabbi if I could be counted in the minyan. I remember that he answered, “I will count you as soon as we have 10 men.” Not the response that a budding feminist would want to hear, but nevertheless, a tenet followed by the conservative movement at the time. Needless to say, I didn’t go because I wasn’t really needed. But, years later, when I discovered his Minyan Club kippah, I put it in my tallit bag. Fast forward to the present time — last week Liz Sembler called to tell me that I was going to be inducted into the CBI Minyanaires, as a result of being counted in the minyan at least 36 times during the year from the month of Elul to the next Elul. At services, I received a beautiful white croched kippah with silver piping, with the inscription, “The Minyanaires, Congregation B’nai Israel.” At home, I took Milton’s well-worn kippah out of my tallit bag and laid it side-by-side with my own new one. “Well, what do you think about that?” I said aloud, and of course, I knew that somewhere, Milton was smiling, knowing that he was the inspiration behind my minyan-loving ways. Our minyan at CBI recognizes everyone — all genders and age groups, to the short, but very meaningful service where only 10 are needed, but more are always welcome. I grew up inspired by Milton’s sense of fellowship and support of minyanim, but now, I am needed; and now, I count. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Mitzvah Men’s Club During this time of reflection leading up to the High Holy Days, we all take some time to look back and look forward. As the new president of Mitzvah Men’s Club, I want to thank Jesse Rodman for all of his hard work as past president. Following in his footsteps will be difficult, but I am looking forward to the challenge! I also appreciate all of the enthusiasm and participation by the members of Mitzvah Men’s Club, and encourage everyone to join in our activities during 5775! I am a life-long member of the Congregation B’nai Israel family, and I look forward to working with the various members and committees of CBI to help our kehillah grow. We have already started to improve our processes. Shortly before writing this introduction, I was informed that an initiative to alleviate the Sunday morning stress on our Talmud Torah parents has almost come to fruition! The Mitzvah Men’s Club will be underwriting an area in the Social Hall where parents can relax, have a nosh, schmooze and read the Sunday newspaper while waiting for their children to come out of class. We support this new “coffee klatch” in the hopes that the children who grow in our Hebrew school will to be the next generation of leaders here at CBI. Mitzvah Men’s Club events this month: I welcome your ideas and your participation! Monday, October 13- Suds in the Sukka La Shanah Tovah!
Sunday, October 19- Taking Down the Sukka
Steve
Sunday, October 26- Steak and Scotch
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Todah Rabah
October 2014
Ricki Lewis
CBI would like to say a very special TODAH RABAH to Ricki Lewis. She has served on the Executive Committee for 2 years and the Board of Trustees 3 years. She was Religious School Director of Rodeph Shalom and the Hillel Day School in Tampa. We are so thankful that she has recently volunteered to be our Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah Coordinator. She has given a new light to our Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah program, and we are so excited about what she has been doing! She has spent countless hours preparing for her incoming students, and we couldn’t be more thankful to have such a dedicated synagogue member and volunteer! Thank you Ricki (and to her husband Mark for letting us steal her)!
Kol Nidre Campaign CBI’s Kol Nidre campaign is the single largest fund raiser we have each year. Last year, just over half of CBI’s members contributed to the Kol Nidre campaign. This year, we are hoping to increase that percentage. If each of you who did not give last year gives $18, it is as if you are contributing an additional $3600 to CBI! If you can give $3/month and increase your gift from $18 to $36, you will be making a significant contribution towards CBI’s financial stability. No gift is too small; your collective participation is critical! For those of you who give consistently to the Kol Nidre campaign, Todah Rabah! As you decide how much you can and will give this year, we hope you realize that a gift of $180 is only $0.50/day and if you feel you are able to give $1/day to CBI, you can make a generous gift of $365. If you have been giving the same amount for several years, can you make a small increase? If you read this article after Yom Kippur, it is not too late to participate! Each gift from each family is necessary as we join together to provide financial support to CBI. You can bring your checks to the CBI office, mail them to Kesef Accounting Services or pay by credit card online: www.cbistpete.org: click Donate and then choose Kol Nidre. Todah Rabah to CBI staff and volunteers who work so hard to make Kol Nidre so successful. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Adult Studies
Lunch with the Rabbi Wednesday, October 22, 12:00 pm RSVP with your Deli Lunch Order by Tuesday, October 21, at noon to 727.381.4900, or officemgr@cbistpete.org. Join Rabbi Luski for a deli lunch and Mishnah study. No previous knowledge is necessary.
Philip Benjamin Tower
JTS “Go Soul-ar” with Rabbi Danielle Upbin for young professionals
Rabbi Luski will lead Torah Study at Philip Benjamin Tower. All are welcome to join in the discussion.
Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 pm, at Meze 119 RSVP to raupbin@jts.org
Torah 4 Seniors Tuesday October 21, 11:00 am
Wednesdays, October 22 & 29, 7:00 pm Study Talmudic text along with its selected readings. No previous knowledge is necessary, and all text will be provided. 10
Friday, October 24, 8:00 will follow services An informal question and answer period
MAY 2014
Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries and B’nai Mitzvah. Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time, supporting B’nai Israel’s commitment to help our schools, youth groups and Synagogue through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund.
“MAZAL TOV!" TO OUR OCTOBER Anniversary CELEBRANTS □ □ □ □ □
10 Audrey and Eliot Dantowitz 12 Karen and Dr. Mandel Sher 15 Myrna and Murray Rubin 16 Stacey and David Seldin 19 Pam and Arnie Kravitz
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20 Ronnie and Fred Geffon 21 Diane and Shelly Sembler-Kamins 23 Faina and George Sakovich 24 Stephanie and Dr. Bernardo Stein
25 Aldena and Larry Lew 28 Amy and Dr. David Piper 30 Arlene and Michael Hurwitz 31 Elaine and Howard Rothstein
24 Marsha and Jorge Ronay
“YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!” TO OUR CELEBRATE YOUR OCTOBER BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY AT SIMHA SHABBAT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 9:00AM Do a Mitzvah on your birthday,
OCTOBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
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1 Murray Fink 2 Jane Silverberg 2 Dr. Mitch Weiss 2 Sid Werner 3 Susan LeVine 3 Bruce Marger 3 Arlyne Popick 3 Sandy Slomka 4 Jorge Ronay 5 Sonya Horowitz 5 Larry Irwin 5 Rachel Seldin 7 Brian Carroll 7 Dr. David Greenfield 7 Myrna Irwin
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7 Dr. Morris LeVine 7 Kathy Mendelblatt 8 Lucille Ginsburg 8 Harold Goldberg 8 Richard Polsky 10 Sam Herman 11 Sandra Caplan 11 Janice LeVine 14 Caryn Baird 14 Michael Wallace 14 Melissa Hertzfeld 15 Alison Tralins 19 Elan Melamed 20 Debbie Sokolov
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20 Louis Zerin 21 Sharon Koenig 22 Lou Bader 22 Nancy Lonschein 22 Dr. Jeff Pincus 23 Linda Grau 23 Lee Shenofsky 24 Forrest Feld 24 David Seldin 26 Joanne Greenberg 27 Mary Ann Marger 27 Gail Rubinsky 29 Jean Wittner 31 Arlene Hurwitz
20 Seth Weisberg
Attend the Daily Minyan! Mahzor Dedication Opportunities The Ritual Committee wants to remind our Congregants that there are still opportunities to dedicate individual copies of our High Holiday Mahzorim in honor or memory of loved ones and friends, to commemorate a special Simha, etc. One Mahzor may be dedicated for $36, or you may dedicate 3 Mahzorim for $100. Please contact the Synagogue Office for more information. Thank you very much! Sincerely, CBI Ritual Committee
Other Simhas
In Honor of:
___________________________
Check the names of everyone to whom you want to send a Mitzvah Gram. Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation fro each acknowledgement to: CBI St. Pete, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645, donate online at cbistpete.org, or drop off your check in the synagogue office. *The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10. Please print: Your Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ City, _____________________________Zip: __________________ Telephone: ______________ 11
Donations
October 2014
Adult Studies Fund
In honor of
Mitzvah Fund
In memory of
Araceli and Alan Gross
Stephanie Kohan’s birthday Phil Redisch’s birthday Joel Goetz’s birthday Lillian Rosen’s birthday Lilly Salcman’s birthday Jeremiah Weiner’s birthday
Arlene and Michael Hurwitz
Max Rubenstein
Cye B Jacobson
Fay Jacobson
Susan and Dr. Sheldon Scheinert
Freida Scheinert
Kathy and Dr. Frank Mendelblatt
Dr. David Mendelblatt Reba Mendelblatt David Goffman
Doris and Jack Ohlhaber
Alan Koenig
Eva and Joseph Fuchs
Charles Fuchs
Marilyn and Karl Allison
Alan Koenig
Myrna and Larry Irwin
Lee and Jack Itzkowitz
Lee Shenofsky
Lenny Mauer Dr. Allen C Marmon
In memory of Judi and Mark Gordon
Lillian Schertzer
Mark Lewis
Rae Lewis
Anita, Lorri, and Norm Helfand
Arlen Helfand
Camp Ramah Fund
In honor of
Janice and Dr. David LeVine
Bonnie Halprin
Linda and Stuart Wagner
Janice and Dr. David LeVine’s’ honor as the Jewish Federation’s Yitzhak Rabin Recipients
Myrna and Murray Rubin
Bonnie Halprin’s service to CBI
Susan Goldstein
The birth of Debbie Marmon’s granddaughter, Mira
Linda Weiss
Sidney Barbanel Bonnie Barbanel Gordon
In Memory of
Marietta Drucker
Ernest Drucker
Millie and Lenny Gelfond
Sandi’s mother, Nancy
Sharon and Moshe Gershuny
Sara Gershuny
Selma and Jerome Rosenberg
Beatrice Wolfson
Gail S. Warren Legacy for In memory of Leadership Award
Audrey Kopelman
Yetta Schwartz
Nancy and Dr. Stan Rosenberg Lillian Schertzer
Nancy and Ed Shermon
Alan Koenig
Jennifer & Dr. Robert Sternberg
Harriet Sternberg
Rose Sutton
Ralph Sutton
Sharon and Moshe Gershuny
Yechezkel Gershuny
Irma and Jack Mayer
Sandi Rodman’s Mother, Nancy
Ellen Jo Glassman Endowment Fund
In memory of
Rita and Ben Thomas
Sol Glassman
Judy Kaye
Sol Glassman
Library Fund
In memory of
Esta Blaxberg
Sandi Rodman’s mother, Nancy
Janet Augenbraun
Barry Augenbraun
Leslie Kirsner
Dr. Matilda Gallant
Mitzvah Fund
In honor of
Anita Sher
A happy birthday and sweet new year to Beverly Dikman
Sharon Koenig
Ann Skott
Barbara and Jerry Colen
Dr. Ed Lurie’s birthday
Sheri Frogel
Meyer Frogel
Billie and Morry Bornstein
Harold Wolfson’s birthday
Dr. Pat Cottrille
Thelma and Jerry Gilbert’s anniversary
Svetlana Rubinchik
Lina Rubinshik
Pauline Rivkind Fund
In memory of
Cindy and Dr. Bob Weisberg
Joseph Melnick
Marilyn Benjamin’s birthday Joel Goetz’s birthday Phil Redisch’s birthday Laurie and Dr. Marc Reiskind
The birth of Maureen Schacter’s grandson, Finley
Pauline Rivkind Preschool Fund
In honor of
Millie and Lenny Gelfond
The birth of Debbie Marmon’s granddaughter, Mira
Claire and Ron Yogman
Bonnie Halprin
Livia and Steve Wein
Rebecca and Warren Simmon’s anniversary
Preschool Scholarship Fund
In Memory of
Sandray and Walter Huzyk
Rose Polsky
Rabbi’s Fund
In honor of
Rita Renshaw
Chief Tony Holloway’s new job
Ed Lurie’s birthday Marilyn Benjamin
Bonnie Halprin
Michelle Chador
The naming of her granddaughter, Natalie Iris
Susie and Alan Schwartz
Bonnie Halprin’s years of dedication and hard work
Rebecca and Warren Simmons Ellen Bernstein’s beautiful haftorah 12
Donations & Life Cycle Events Rabbi’s Fund
In memory
Anita Sher
Her brother, Calvin Weiskopf
The Ayes Family
Ted Ayes
Barbara and Michael Noonberg
Edith Noonberg
Detra and Dr. Howard Kay
Sarah Kay
Ellen Fogel
Sherrie Richman
Mali and Dr. Fred Feld
Dorothy Schantz
Irina Kalinias
Yalena Rabenovich
Judith Levee
Maurice Joephs
Lawrence and Renee Salzer
Reba Salzer
Lillian Grau
Mildred Jolles
Marvin Freeman
Dossy Freeman
Rachel Domber
Matthew Domber
Richard Mensh
Bea Mensh
Sharon and Moshe Gershuny
Nathan Sonkin
Sheila Knapp
Bessie Grusmark
Shirley Sommella
Her father, Stephen LeBold
Andy, Karen, and Melissa Hertzfeld
Arthur and Muriel Hertzfeld
USY Fund
In honor of
Claire and Ron Yogman
Matthew Wein’s marriage to Lisa Aronson
Reva and Dr. Leslie Pearlstein
Bonnie Halprin
October 2014 Looking for a special way to honor your family and friends who are celebrating a Simha?
BUNS FAMILY T REE OF LIF E Minimum donation $254.
This month one leaf has been added to the T he Buns Family Tree of Life:
In honor of Bonnie Halprin’s 18 years of dedication and service to CBI donated by her friends.
Mazal Tov BIRTH:
Maureen Schacter and Bryan and Michelle Weinstein on the birth of their grandson and son, Finley Michael Weinstein
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Janice and Dr. David LeVine for receive the Yitzhak Rabin Leadership Award for Community Service from the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties
Liz Sembler on being elected Chairman of the Governing Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
In memory of Mirla Kremer
David Kremer
Pearl Brook
David Nevetsky
Ruth Mauer
Bernie Mauer Constance Lazarus
USY Pilgrimage
In memory of
Ellen Bernstein
Rose Polsky Sandi Rodman’s mother, Nancy
Leah Sandler and Family
Lucille Markson Sayet
Rose Polsky Mother of Richard Polsky and Regina Witts
Nancy Selleck Mother of Sandi Rodman
Goldene Strauss Mother of Gloria Diamond Grandmother of Linda Diamond
May God comfort the families among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. 13
Calendar
October 2014
October 2014 Tishrei—Heshvan 5775 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wedne
1
7:45 Morning Minyan 4:45 PRTT, Aelf– Heh cl 5:30 USY Board Meeting 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Hebrew High and M 7:00 MMC Board Meetin
5
6
7
8
12
13
14
15 Hoshana Raba
19
20
21
22
28
29
9:00 Morning Minyan 9:00 NO PRTT 6:30 Evening Minyan
9:00 Morning Minyan 9:45 PRTT 12:00-6:30 Dairy Picnics in the Sukka 6:30 Evening Minyan
9:00 Morning Minyan 10:00 MMC Take Down Sukka 6:30 Evening Minyan
26
9:00 Morning Minyan 9:45 PRTT 5:00 Hadassah’s Celebrate the Tata’s Gala 5:00 MMC Steak and Scotch Event 6:30 Evening Minyan
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan
7:45 Morning Minyan 4:00 Women’s League decorates the sukka 5:00 Women’s League Board Meeting 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan
7:45 Morning Minyan 5:00 MMC Suds in the Sukka Event 6:30 Evening Minyan
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Executive Committee Meeting
7:45 Morning Minyan 11:00 Torah 4 Seniors, Philip Benjamin Tower 12:00 Deadline to reserve your spot for Lunch with the Rabbi 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan
27
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Evening Minyan
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 Chess Club 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Board of Trustees Meeting
14
7:45 Morning Minyan 1:00 PRECEC Closes 3:00 CBI Office Closes 4:45 NO PRTT 6:30 Evening Yom Tov S High, Mehina, and USY 6:50 Candlelighting
7:45 Hoshana Rabah Se the sukka 3:00 CBI Office Closes 4:45 NO PRTT 6:30 Erev Yom Tov Serv 7:00 Hebrew High 6:48 Candlelighting
7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 CBI Hadassah Bo 12:00 Lunch with the Ra 4:45 PRTT, Alef-Heh Cla 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Hebrew High and M 7:00 Talmud Class with
7:45 Morning Minyan 4:45 PRTT, Alef-Heh cla 6:30 Evening Minyan 6:30 Cordozo Society Ev 7:00 Hebrew High and M 7:00 Talmud Class with
October 2014
Change in Shabbat Minha Time WITH THE EXCEPTION OF YOM TOVS- Shabbat Minha Service, that had been held Saturday Evenings, will now be at 12:30 pm, approximately 30-45 minutes after the conclusion of Shabbat morning services. Please direct any questions to Morry Bornstein, Ritual Committee Chair, 727.397.9955, or morborn@aol.com
esday
lasses g
Mehina ng
Service, Hebrew Dinner in the Sukka
ah
ervices, Breakfast in
Thursday
Mehina Classes Steve Wein
asses
vent Mehina Classes Steve Wein
Saturday
2
3 Erev Yom Kippur
4 Yom Kippur
9 Sukkot Day 1
10 Sukkot Day 2
11Hol Hamoed Sukkot
16 Shemini Atzeret
17 Simhat Torah
18 Sedra Bereshit
23
24 Rosh Hodesh Heshvan
25 Rosh Hodesh Heshvan Sedra Noah
7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 11:45 Soup’s On Event, St. Pete Coliseum 1:00 GFJFS Bereavement Group 6:30 Evening Minyan
9:00 Yom Tov Services, Sukkot Day 1, Kiddush in Sukka 6:30 Yom Tov Evening Service 7:49 Candlelighting CBI Office Closed
9:00 Yom Tov Services, Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor Memorial Service, and Memorial Plaques Dedication 6:30 Minha, Maariv, and Torah Procession, vice, Shemini Atzeret Erev Simhat Torah, Youth Celebration 7:42 Candlelighting CBI Office Closed
ook Club abbi asse
Friday
7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee Meeting 1:00 GCJFS Bereavement Group 5:30 “Go Soul-ar” with Rabbi Upbin, Meze 119 6:00 GCJFS Celebration, Ruth Eckerd Hall 6:30 Evening Minyan
30
7:45 Morning Minyan 10:00 Library Committee 1:00 GCJFS Bereavement Group 6:30 Evening Minyan 7:00 Planned Giving Committee
7:45 Morning Minyan 1:00 Minha 1:00 CBI Office Closes 6:56 Candlelighting 7:00 Kol Nidre Service
8:30 Yom Kippur Services 9:45 Babysitting opens for 12 months-5 years 10:00 Junior Congregation 4:45 Minha Service 6:05 Neila
9:00 Yom Tov Services, Sukkot Day 2, 9:00 Shabbat Hol Hamoed Services, and Kiddush in Sukka Kiddush in Sukka 6:00 Yom Tov Minha and Hol Hamoed Sukkot 12:30 Minha Service Service, CBI Sukkot Dinner 6:48 Candlelighting CBI Office Closed
9:00 Simhat Torah Yom Tov Services, Hatanei HaTorah, and Kiddush 6:30 Yom Tov Minha, Maariv 6:41 Candlelighting CBI Office Closed
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:00 USY Shabbat Dinner 6:34 Candlelighting 8:00 Shabbat Service with Sit Down Oneg: Ask the Rabbi
31
7:45 Morning Minyan 6:30 Kabbalat Shabbat and Mini Oneg 6:29 Candlelighting
15
9:00 Shabbat Morning Services and Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service
9:00 Conservative Movement USY and Ramah Summer Speakers Shabbat, October Simha Shabbat, and Kiddush 12:30 Minha Service
1 Sedra Lekh L’kha
9:00 Shabbat Morning Services and Kiddush 11:45 Torah Blessings Workshop directly following morning services 12:30 Minha Service
Friendly Reminders
October 2014
Open seating and saving seats: We offer reserved seating for those with physical disabilities; i.e, members in wheel chairs, etc. Requests for handicapped seating should be made in advance through the synagogue office. Seating is done on a first come first served basis. Spouses and relatives may save seats up until 9:30 am. At 9:30 am, the ushers will ask for unoccupied saved seats to be released to others. Your tickets will be checked at the door prior to entering the synagogue. You must have a ticket to enter the building. This precaution is designed to protect you, not cause inconvenience. Tickets serve as our first line of security for the congregation.
All worshippers attending religious services in our Congregation are asked to bring their own talitot and kipot. High Holiday prayerbooks, as well as a good number of talitot, will be provided by the Congregation.
CBI’s
has a variety
of talitot available for purchase.
Each person, including children, seeking admittance to the Synagogue will be required to present a ticket to Security Personnel.
Tickets are not transferable. Please allow sufficient time for parking and getting to your seats. All are encouraged to bring their own kipot and talitot. Open Seating:
Seats may be saved up until 9:30 am.
Please respectfully follow the directions of our volunteer ushers. Please silence all cell phones and beepers. Please note the listing of youth services & supervised activities provided for all children.
By order of the Fire Department, the lobby, halls and aisles must be kept clear at all times.
A dignified atmosphere enhances the beauty of our High Holiday worship. Be friendly, greet and meet your fellow worshippers.
Friday, October 17, 9:00 am We will be honoring: Hatan and Kallah Torah, Ralph and Ruth Ann Mizrahi Hatan Bereshit, Jesse Rodman
Members are reminded to remain at the rear of the Sanctuary: when the Congregation is standing at prayer, when the Rabbi is speaking, and
Kallah Maftir, Mali Feld
when the Cantor is chanting solo. Our volunteer ushers will signal appropriate entrance times for late comers. Please cooperate with our ushers. 16
Yom Kippur Prayers
October 2014
“
”
– as your “ True Self” – This Yom Kippur, take a step in
the right direction by wearing sneakers, and come as you are by being fragrance-free. The five interpretations of “afflicting one’s soul” include: No eating and drinking No wearing of leather footwear (or at least avoiding leather soles) No bathing or washing No applying perfumes, colognes, oils, or lotions No marital relations Refraining from using fragrances also is a courtesy to those who fast and are prone to getting headaches. Also, on Yom Kippur, dressing in white is particularly appropriate given the symbolic importance of white as reflected in the verse: “And your sins which were as red as scarlet shall become as white as snow.”
Let us now make the confession that we so often feel and so seldom say: We have done our share of evil along with the good that we do. Let us admit it, and may this admission prepare our hearts for the fast, just as this means prepares our bodies. We did not mean to do evil, but too often our failure to listen, to respond when we are called, to appreciate and to say thanks, caused more harm than any deliberate wrong could have done. Frequently we acted in haste, wrongly and to our sorrow. Many times our judgment was needlessly rash and harsh. We retorted to excuses many times and we blamed others instead of ourselves. We hurt most the ones we love the most. Therefore let us admit it, and let us say we are sorry. More than that, let us promise each other that we will try our best not to repeat our mistakes. Let us now make up with each other, and resolve to love each other more in the New Year. May God forgive us as we forgive each other, and may this be a sweet new year. Amen.
: Eternal God, with feeling of reverence and love I recall the memory of my dear ______________ on this sacred eve of Yom Kippur. I am grateful for the years we shared, for the abiding influence of those years, and for the memories that live in my heart. I am grateful too, O God, for the healing which time brings and for the hope which faith and trust inspire. May the remembrance of my loved ones encourage me to live with integrity and with compassion. May my deeds reflect honor on my family; and may they add the “merits of the ancestors” which has sustained the house of Israel throughout the generations. I now light this Memorial Light in memory of my departed _________________ whose English name was __________and whose Hebrew name was ______________. May the memory of ______________ strengthen my resolve to be a source of blessing for all those whose lives touch mine. Amen. 17
Yom Kippur
October 2014
Chai, Y’all! This is the 18
th
year of your CBI Gift & Craft Show.
We are anticipating another successful event, but it absolutely
cannot be done without your help! Whether you are a man or a woman, a USYer or a Senior… Whether you want a time limited job or want to join our friendly committee or want to take one shift on the day of the event… Would you like to be creative or cook, match a child with a book, sell gorgeous gifts, crunch numbers or welcome folks as they come through our doors…
Phyllis Werner wants to hear from you! Call: 393-2520 Email: werner1116@aol.com
CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL OF ST. PETERSBURG YOM KIPPUR 5775 - SCHEDULE OF SERVICES EREV YOM KIPPUR MINHA – Friday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. KOL NIDRE - Friday, October 3, 7:00 p.m. We urge everyone attending to have their tickets with them and to allow sufficient time for parking to be seated before services begin. YOM KIPPUR DAY – Saturday, October 4 Introductory Service & Shaharit 8:30 am Torah Reading 9:30 am Musaf Service 10:45 am Sermon & Yizkor 1:00 pm Minha Service 4:45 pm Neila 6:05 pm Neila Services will commence at 6:05 pm, and all worshipers are requested to remain in their seats until the conclusion of the Maariv Service and the final sound of the Shofar at approximately 7:50 pm. CANDLELIGHTING: YOM KIPPUR Friday, October 3 6:56 pm 18
Sukkot
October 2014
Sukkot Services & Events Schedule 5775 Yom Tov Services Wednesday, October 8 - Erev Sukkot Erev Sukkot evening service, 6:30 pm Hebrew High, Mehina & USY Yom Tov Dinner in the Sukka Thursday, October 9 - 1st Day Sukkot Yom Tov morning services - “Shake A Lulav” Hoshanot Processions, 9:00 Yom Tov evening service, 6:30 Friday, October 10 - 2nd Day Sukkot Yom Tov Morning services - “Shake A Lulav” Hoshanot Processions, 9:00 Yom Tov Minha & Hol Hamoed Service, 6:00 Sukkot Dinner following services Hol Hamoed Services and Events: Saturday, October 11 Shabbat morning services, 9:00 Shabbat Minha 12:30 Sunday, October 12 Morning Minyan 9:00 am and Breakfast in Sukka Picnic in Sukka - Sukka available for dairy only picnics, Noon - 6:30 Evening Service 6:30 Monday, October 13 7:45 am Minyan and Breakfast in the Sukka 5:00 pm Mitzvah Men’s Club “Suds in the Sukka” 6:30 pm Evening Service Tuesday, October 14 7:45 am Minyan and Breakfast in the Sukka Noon Pinellas County Board of Rabbis Lunch in Sukka 6:30 pm Evening Service Wednesday, October 15 - Hoshana Rabah Hoshana Rabah Services, 7:45 am followed by Breakfast in the Sukka. Hoshana prayers for a good harvest in the year to come are recited during a procession seven times around the bimah after which five aravot bound together are beaten. Yom Tov Services: Wednesday, Octrober 15 - Erev Shemini Atzeret Service, 6:30 pm Thursday, October 16 - Shemini Atzeret Shemini Atzeret Yom Tov morning services includes Yizkor Memorial Service and Memorial Plaques Dedication, 9:00 Minha, Maariv & Torah Procession, 6:30 pm - Erev Simhat Torah Includes Youth Simha Celebration Friday, October 17 - Simhat Torah Simhat Torah Yom Tov morning service, 9:00 Honoring our Hatanei Hatorah – “Princes of the Torah” Yom Tov Minha & Shabbat Maariv, 6:30 pm Child Care is available on Yom Tov mornings upon request to the synagogue office prior to the holiday. SUKKOT CANDLELIGHTING Wednesday, October 8 – 6:50 pm, Thursday, October 9 – 7:49 pm, Friday, October 10 – 6:48 pm, Wednesday, October 15 – 6:43 pm, Thursday, October 16 – 7:42 pm, Friday, October 17 – 6:41 pm 19
Sukkot
October 2014
20
Sukkot
October 2014
21
Hatanei HaTorah
October 2014
SIMHAT TORAH CELEBRATION Congregation to Honor Four Leaders for Outstanding Service The festival of Sukkot reaches its joyous climax on Simhat Torah, which is the last day of the Holiday. It is the happiest holiday of the Jewish calendar because we celebrate our joy and pleasure in Torah. Because of Israel’s love of the Torah, a tradition evolved in ancient times to honor three individuals for their commitment to the Torah, to the Synagogue, and the Jewish way of life. On this day we read the last portion of Deuteronomy and then the first portion of Genesis.The individual called to the Torah when the last section of Deuteronomy is read is called Hatan or Kallah Torah. The individual called for the reading of the first portion of Genesis is called Hatan or Kallah Bereshit. The individual honored with the chanting of the Maftir on this day is called Hatan or Kallah Maftir. We continue this year the tradition at Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg to assign these portions to individuals who, because of their devotion to Judaism and their record of service to the Synagogue and the Jewish Community, have merited public tribute. To express our high regard and respect for the honorees, they are escorted under the Huppah to the Bimah for the special honor where they publicly reaffirm their love of Torah, God and Israel. We are honoring these individuals with these three very special Aliyot on Simhat Torah Morning, Friday morning, October 17, 2014.
Ralph and Ruth Ann Mizrahi, our Hatan and Kallah Torah, members of CBI for more than 50 years, Ralph and Ruth Ann continue their dedicated service to the congregation where they said their “I do’s” in June of 1960. Working his way through school in the early years of marriage, Ralph earned his degree in accounting and graduated in the first class of the University of South Florida with a major in taxation and a minor in economics. During this time, Ruth Ann was a homemaker while they both focused on starting a family. Ralph was the first CPA in St. Petersburg to have a computer. He continues to stay in the know on all things taxes and believes that knowledge is power. In 2013 he was honored as Man of the Year by the CBI Mitzvah Men’s Club. Ralph is currently treasurer of CBI. Ruth Ann worked alongside Ralph in growing his business while raising their two daughters, Rochelle and Sheryl. She encouraged her daughters through her volunteer efforts at CBI and various community organizations including Meals on Wheels, Reach to Recovery and the Holocaust Museum. She is a lifetime member of Hadassah. In 2011 she was voted Woman of Distinction by Sisterhood, and in 2012 Ruth Ann received the Jackie Jacobs Woman of Achievement award for her many contributions to Sisterhood during her 30 plus years of membership.
Jesse Rodman, our Hatan Bereshit, Jesse has been a member of Congregation B’nai Israel and Mitzvah Men’s Club for eight years. Prior to this he resided in Chicago where he had a lengthy career in the hospitality industry. In addition to serving on the CBI Board of Trustees and president of the Men’s Club, Jesse actively serves on the shul’s ritual, house, engagement, finance and minyanaire committees. During his third year of membership at CBI he was honored with receiving the Man of the Year award. Jesse’s a “davener” for CBI’s daily morning and evening minyanim. He’s proud that through self study and help from minyan regulars over the past few years, he’s now a regular minyan leader. This has led to a personal commitment to learn more about Torah and Judaism, to which he devotes part of each day. Jesse is involved in numerous synagogue and community activities including serving as Vice President of the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. He also played a major role in revitalizing Chapel Hill Memorial Park after it was purchased by the Jewish Burial Society in 2011.
Mali Feld, our Kallah Maftir, was born in Brooklyn, New York and relocated with her brother, Mark, in 1982 to seek adventure in the Florida sunshine. She has a Master’s Degree in English and taught freshman English at University of South Florida and University of Tampa before becoming a research editor. Currently, she is managing editor for Arizona-based MedMark publications, as well as a freelance medical writer. She has been happily married to St. Petersburg dentist, Dr. Fred Feld for 28 years, and they are blessed to have two grown children, Mandi and Forrest, a son-in-law, Michael Gross, future-daughter-in-law, Sarah, and a very cute granddaughter, Emma Isabelle. Mali notes that the CBI congregational family has been an integral part of life, celebrating with her and offering support during both happy and sad life-cycle events. Mali has been a member of the CBI Choir since she joined the congregation 30 years ago. She is proud to have been a part of Rabbi Luski’s B’nai Mitzvah Class of 2007, where she was challenged by her children to read Torah. Since then, Debbie Marmon has encouraged her to continue, by guiding her through trope, Hebrew, and bima jitters. She adds that being Kallah Maftir during this Simchat Torah is an honor that she is humbled by and gratefully appreciates. 22
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October 2014
23
October 2014
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October 2014
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October 2014
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October 2014
27
Congregation B’nai Israel B’nai Israel Review 300 -58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889 Tel: 727.381.4900 Fax: 727.344.1307 Website: www.cbistpete.org 24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail
Change Service Requested
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Petersburg, Fl. Permit # 618