Issuu

October 2015 Tishrei - Heshvan 5776

S U K K O T

Volume 5776 Issue 2

P A G E 3 Pages 6 - 7 Jewish-Catholic Community Event

Page 9

B’nai Israel REVIEW October 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

Communications Coordinator Carolyn Moritz 727.381.4900 x1001 communications@cbistpete.org

President Susan Marger LeVine doc2roc@aol.com

Men’s Club President Jesse Rodman

USY President Corey Sokolov

Women’s League Catering Livia Wein

Announcements Sukkot Events & Services

Kehilla

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 7:45 am Minyan, followed by breakfast in the Sukkah 11:30 am Dairy Picnic in the Sukkah 6:00 pm Men's Club Annual Suds in the Sukkah (Page 17) 7:00 pm Evening Service

BEREAVEMENT GROUP Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services is sponsoring a bereavement support group, to meet for 6 weeks at 12:00 noon, Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5 and 12. The October meetings will be in the Library and the November meetings in the chapel because of the Gift Show. Renee Baseman will lead the group sessions.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 7:45 am Minyan, followed by breakfast in the Sukkah 6:00 pm Shabbat Hol Hamoed Service, followed by Kiddush in the Sukkah & Got Shabbat? Sukkot Dinner in the Social Hall 6:59 pm Candlelighting SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 9:00 am Shabbat Hol Hamoed Services, September & October Simha Shabbat, followed by Kiddush in the Sukkah 12:00 pm Minha SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 9:00 am Hoshanah Rabbah Service, followed by breakfast in the Sukkah 9:45 am PRTT in the Sukkah & classrooms 6:30 pm Erev Shemini Atzeret Yom Tov Service 6:56 pm Candlelighting MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 Office & PRECEC closed for Shemini Atzeret 9:00 am Shemini Atzeret Yom Tov Services, Yizkor Memorial Service, Memorial Plaques Dedication 6:30 pm Minha, Maariv, & Torah Procession, Erev Simhat Torah & Youth Simhat Torah Celebration 7:55 pm Candlelighting TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Office & PRECEC closed for Simhat Torah 9:00 am Simha Torah Tom Tov Service, honoring Hatanei Hatorah, followed by Kiddush in the Sukkah (Pages 20 - 21) 12:00 pm Yom Tov Minha

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 Kelli Rolfe by Wednesdays at 12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or krolfe@benjamintowerfoundation.org.

Life & Legacy We look forward to creating CBI's Legacy Society. Some of you have already made provisions in your wills and estate plans to support CBI. If you have already made these plans, please let us know so we can acknowledge your generosity now. ✡

Laurie Reiskind lauriesr@tampabay.rr.com

✡

Joel Shane joel.shane2@hotmail.com

✡

Susan Goldstein execdir@cbistpete.org

From the Rabbi COME AND SAY “THANK YOU” Most people see Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as belonging together, while Sukkot, which comes four days after Yom Kippur, is perceived as being something entirely different. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur comprise the “High Holy Days.” Sukkot is grouped together with Pesah and Shavuot as part of the three Pilgrimage Festivals. What relationship, if any, can be said to exist between Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot? We must begin by understanding that in reality there is no such thing as the “High Holy Days.” Our ancestors referred to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as Yamim Noraim, Days of Awe, because it was on these days that one’s personal fate was sealed for the forthcoming year. They never meant to imply that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were more important or stood higher in sanctity than other days in the Jewish calendar. As a matter of fact, the claim could be made that as long as the Temple stood it was the three Pilgrimage Festivals that were probably considered to be of greater importance. For it was on those days that one was required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and to appear at the Temple. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have no such requirement. But human feelings take precedence over religious requirements. It is precisely because Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur deal with each individual’s future that they have come to occupy their pre-eminent place in the Jewish calendar. Nonetheless, I feel sad. While on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur our Sanctuary overflows with worshippers, on Sukkot, four days later, the crowds are gone and the Sanctuary appears empty because there are insufficient worshippers to fill its many seats. My sadness is for those who missed the opportunity to express their gratitude for all the good things in life we all enjoy. For Sukkot is our holiday of thanksgiving. It is time to ask for life, for health, for prosperity, for naches from children, when everyone is there. But when it comes to thanking God for these gifts, many are absent. It was great having you in shul for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I am now asking that you join me in shul also on Sukkot, to say “Thank you.” Hag Sameah! Shalom,

From the Cantor As I write this, we have just observed the sweet and regal holiday of Rosh Hashanah and the solemn day of Yom Kippur, and we now look ahead to the joy of Sukkot, Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Before we move on, I would like to thank the CBI Choir for another job well done on S’lichot, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The choir members were: Susan Goldstein, Phyllis Werner, Mali Feld, Sarah Blanchard, Rebecca Douglass, Joan Epstein, Eve Epstein, Ellie LeVine, Mitch LeVine, Cary Reich, Gerry Werner, and Sidney Werner. Simchat Torah is the final day of the Fall festival season, and its name literally means “the rejoicing of/in the Torah.” It is the day on which we complete the annual cycle of reading from the Torah by reading the final chapters of Deuteronomy, and we then immediately begin the next cycle by reading the first chapter of Genesis. Additionally, the Haftarah for Simchat Torah is the first chapter of Joshua, which is the next book in the Bible after Deuteronomy.

So, that’s the “Torah” part of Simchat Torah. The “Simcha” part is that we take all of the Sifrei Torah out of the ark, we dance with the Torahs, we sing songs while we dance with the Torahs, and we complete seven Hakafot (circuits) around the sanctuary with the Sifrei Torah. It is also the only holiday on which we take the Sifrei Torah out of the ark and read from them at night, and the only holiday on which everyone in the congregation gets an Aliyah, including children under the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah. When I was studying in Israel during my first year at JTS, I went to Simchat Torah morning services at Shirah Chadashah, an independent Egalitarian Orthodox minyan (they have a mechitza, but they let women read from the Torah and lead parts of services that don’t contain an Amidah, such as P’sukei D’zimrah and Kabbalat Shabbat) that is well known for their spirited singing and melodies. After those services were over, I walked to the Kotel, and the Hassidim were still dancing around with the Torahs all through the afternoon. It was a marvelous experience. Hag Sameah,

From the President A close friend recently lost her mother and she worked through her grief by filling her home with the smells and tastes of her mother’s best recipes from the Jewish holidays. Instead of the traditional custom of having her friends cook for her, she greeted her friends by cooking for them! I tasted dishes I had never experienced before. It was sorrowful yet joyful as the spirit of her cooking was shared. I am always excited to learn new recipes, and I hope that as a congregational family, we can continue to learn and care about each other. The tradition of festive food thrives at CBI! Don’t miss our delicious “Got Shabbat” dinners, Sukkot parties, Shabbat Onegs, Latke fest, and more. The 50th Anniversary of the Pope’s Nostra Aetate, which addresses interfaith dialogue, is being observed with Reverend Bishop Lynch giving a community address at CBI on October 21 and Rabbi Luski speaking to the community at the Cathedral of St. Jude on October 28. In addition, Rabbi Luski is being honored with the Bon Secours coveted “Good Help” award on November 4 at the Museum of Fine Arts. Contact me if you’d like to make a table. Volunteers are requested as we host our big CBI Gift and Craft Show, set for Saturday evening November 14 (free dessert reception) and all day Sunday, November 15. If you enjoy sports, join the volunteer team to present “Chase the Dreidel,” our first-ever Chanukah 5-K run which will kick-off our Menorah lighting and Latke feast on Sunday, December 6. This Yom Kippur, my father-in-law, Morris LeVine, wore his sneakers with his white suit into shul and he looked handsome. It is difficult to believe he will be turning 90 years old on October 7. As is his every day ritual, Morrie plans to go to morning minyan and Marilyn will make sure the breakfast following services is especially festive to celebrate his milestone birthday. Become a Minyanaire! With the New Year starts the new count. Attend 36 non-Shabbat/Holiday minyanim over the course of the year (sign-in sheet is at the back of the Chapel). Be a Mensh, do a Mitzvah and make a Minyan! After a recent morning minyan, Sandy Heller shared a toast and a toasted bagel with some congregational friends before bidding them farewell as he moves to the New York area to be closer to his sons. I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year!

From the Executive Director The High Holy Days are behind us and, as you read this, we’re enjoying the beautiful Festival of Sukkot and looking forward to solemnity of Shemini Atzeret and the joyous celebration of Simhat Torah. What’s next? How about joining me for coffee on Tuesday morning, October 13, at 10:30 to consider ways you can use your talents to volunteer at CBI? Think broadly. We’re looking for all kinds of help. Here are a few examples: ✡

Use your computer skills to help us enter information into our membership management database;

✡

Bring your smiling face and welcoming voice to “man” the reception desk from time to time when Carolyn is on vacation or working on a communications project;

✡

Read to our youngest students in the Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC);

✡

Work with our Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah (PRTT) students on Wednesday afternoons or Sunday mornings;

✡

Make phone calls;

✡

Help with mailings; or

✡

Act as Volunteer Coordinator.

Clearly, this list is NOT exhaustive. Think about what YOU would like to do to help CBI. In addition to the opportunities for working in the office and schools, the Gift & Craft Show Committee, Women’s League, and Mitzvah Men’s Club always need volunteers. Meet me in the Sembler Family Atrium at 10:30 on Tuesday morning, October 13, and let me know how YOU want to volunteer! Hag Sameah, 5

Advocacy for Israel Committee

Marvels in Israel

A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein Israel is home to a successful high-technology industry and a young, highly educated workforce, including a talented pool of physicians and biologists. This makes the country a natural breeding ground for Biotechnology development. Biotechnology is a relatively young industry worldwide. The founding of Biotechnology General and of Interpharm - a subsidiary of the Swiss pharmaceutical company Ares-Serono - in 1981 catalyzed the birth of Israel's Biotechnology industry. For over a decade, these two companies were virtually the only players in the field, despite the active research taking place in the country's hospitals and universities. As the high-tech wave gathered strength in the early 1990s, the first Biotech start-up companies began to emerge. By 1996 there were close to 90 Biotech companies, but many were unable to survive the difficult market conditions in the latter half of the decade. By the turn of the century, however, numerous Biotech companies were performing the first clinical trials in the arduous process of obtaining regulatory approval for new drugs and medical technologies. As of today there are over 100 Biotech companies listed on the Israel Science & Technology web page (http:// www.science.co.il/Biomedical-Companies.asp), running the gamut of technologies from therapeutic pharmaceuticals to diagnostics and bioinformatics. There are 42 companies just developing new pharmaceuticals alone. Israel has an enviable pool of human talent and research facilities, with more than 1,700 students a year graduating in the life sciences. Life sciences represent about 35% of civilian research activities, mainly at Israelâ€™s seven universities. Funds for life science research equal half of the total research funding in Israel. All of the country's major hospitals are involved in advanced Biomedical research and some 60% of the country's scientific publications are in biology and related medical and agricultural fields. The industry employs 4,000 people and sales have reached over $800 million a year, with 80% of Biotech products going to export. Yet despite the industry's growth over the past few years, the country's combined sales of Biotechnology-derived products is just a small fraction of Israel's gross domestic product ($93 billion). A number of factors may be responsible for these facts. The majority of Biotechnology companies are still at an early stage of development and many suffer from a lack of adequate funding. Currently funding for these companies comes from many sources including venture capital financing, the financial resources of the stock market, foreign investors and government aid. In my next article I will cover the major Israeli Biotech companies and their areas of research and development. 8

Adult Studies & Special Services TALMUD MADE EASY Steve Wein and his Talmud Class continue their study of Sanhedrin this October 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. Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 pm

CARLEBACH KABBALAT SHABBAT This month’s Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat services will 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. Carlebach is considered by many to be the foremost Jewish religious songwriter of the 20 th century. In a career that spanned 40 years, he composed thousands of melodies and recorded more than 25 albums that continue to have widespread popularity and appeal. His influence also continues in “Carlebach minyanim” and Jewish religious gatherings around the globe. Carlebach was considered a pioneer of the Baal teshuva movement (“returnees to Judaism”), encouraging disenchanted Jewish youth to re-embrace their heritage. Reb Shlomo’s daughter Neshama is a popular performer on today’s Jewish musical scene, often appearing with Jewish rock star Josh Nelson. Friday, October 9, 6:30 pm

TORAH FOR SENIORS Join Rabbi Luski at the Philip Benjamin Tower for a meaningful Torah discussion. Tuesday, October 13, 11:00 am

LUNCH WITH THE RABBI Join Rabbi Luski for a special Lunch With the Rabbi Siyum this month! The Mishna group will complete the fourteenth Tractate, Orlah, on this 301st session of Lunch With the Rabbi. Here’s looking forward to many more engaging lunch and Mishna Study to come! RSVP your lunch orders to Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org by Tuesday, October 13, at 12:00 noon. Wednesday, October 14, 12:00 noon

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 CBI 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! This month's reading is The Difficult Saint by Sharan Newman: Catherine’s estranged younger sister, Agnes, has returned to Paris with the news that she has been promised in marriage to a German lord. When Catherine and Hubert arrange for Agnes to be escorted to Germany with her dowry, they assume that they have seen the last of her. But then one of Agnes’s escorts returns to Paris with terrible news: Agnes’s new husband appears to have been murdered by poisoning, and Agnes is the prime suspect. In spite of their differences, Catherine believes in her innocence, and knows that she must do everything she can to save her sister’s life.

(Description courtesy of the St. Petersburg Public Library) Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 am Want to get a head start on next month's reading? This November, the Book Club will discuss The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro.

“ASK THE RABBI” SIT-DOWN ONEG Come for a lively session of Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Luski at the Oneg Shabbat following Shabbat Ruach services at CBI on Friday, October 16, at 8:00 pm. Friday, October 16, 8:00 pm Rabbi will engage in a dialogue with the congregation at Dialogue With the Rabbi during Shabbat morning services. Be sure not to miss it! Saturday, October 24, 9:00 am

RAMAH ISRAEL SEMINAR & KIDDUSH LUNCH Former USY President Hannah Weiss will speak on her experiences from Ramah Israel Seminar during Shabbat morning service. Ramah Israel Seminar is a six-week travel program in Israel designed for entering 12th graders who previously participated in Camp Ramah. Hannah is now the Social Action/Tikun Olam (SATO) Vice President on the 2015-2016 HaNegev Regional USY Board. Saturday, October 31, 9:00 am

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 in November, 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. 11

February 2014

Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC) It has been a very busy month at Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center. On Tuesday, September 8, Miss Iris Merryweather visited our preschool, from All Children’s Hospital. She used a black light and “magic” soap to do a fun presentation about the importance of proper hand-washing. On Wednesday, September 9, Rabbi Luski helped us celebrate Rosh Hashanah! He talked to the children about the Jewish New Year, and the children enjoyed hearing the blowing of the shofar. Of course it wouldn’t have been a celebration without the apples, honey, and sweet challah to signify the start of a sweet New Year. The children visited both Phillip Benjamin Tower and Menorah Manor. The residents lit up with joy and excitement as the children colored with them, read stories, and shared a special snack together. Lori Collins from the St. Petersburg Police Department came out with a 9-1-1 simulator and gave the children a presentation on how and when to dial 9-1-1. The children had the opportunity to dial 9-1-1 and interact with a simulator to practice dialing 9-1-1. October will be equally busy, as we have many upcoming in-house field trips planned for our precious little ones.

In October the preschool will be audited by the Early Learning Coalition, this is the first step towards going for the National Accreditation process. The teachers and I are excited about getting Pauline Rivkind nationally accredited. Sincerely, Amy LaPiccirella, PRECEC Director

UPCOMING EVENTS AT PRECEC ✡

✡ ✡ ✡ Irv Weissman Adult Day Center participant Sue Walker and PRECEC student Emma Schuck enjoy a Rosh Hashanah coloring project.

Monday & Tuesday, October 5 - 6 PRECEC Closed for Shemini Atzeret & Simhat Torah Tuesday, October 13, 4:45 pm PTA Meeting Monday, October 19 PRECEC Open, No VPK Friday, October 30, 9:30 am Family Shabbat Celebration

CALLING ALL STORYTELLERS! Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers to come read to our youngest learners. We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story that supports our Judaica! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved? Please contact Preschool Director Amy LaPiccarella at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668. 12

FROM THE DESK OF THE YOUTH DIRECTOR: OCTOBER 2015 It has been a busy few weeks as we have begun the fall routines of school and the High Holy Days. Our PRTT students made beautiful ceramic honey pots and plates during our opening day program a few weeks ago. They have learned all about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and are getting ready to decorate and have a meal in the Sukkah. If you are interested in your child attending PRTT, please contact me! We are currently in the planning stages of starting the Kadima youth group again. If your child is in Grade 6 - 8, please contact me. We are planning to start a group for Grade 3 - 5 as well. Our USY’ers bagged apples and honey to give out to members of the congregation after Selichot services. They also helped to set up the sanctuary for the High Holiday Services. A big thanks to USY’ers, Marc and Danielle, who read Torah during Junior Congregation Services on Rosh Hashanah. Hebrew High students created individualized Tzedekah boxes with ceramic pieces thanks to Sandy Brasch. Enrollment for Hebrew High & Mehina is still open. Upcoming Events:

Friday, October 2: Got Shabbat? Sukkot Dinner following services. If you are a USY’er and are planning to help plate or serve dinner, please let me know if you are attending. USY volunteers eat free! Lots of great events to come, Melanie Tolchin,Youth Director/Religious School Educator youthdir@cbistpete.org 561.866.8630 727.381.4900 x1011 ✡

B’RUCHIM HA’BA’IM: WELCOME BACK! Are you in Grade 8 - 12? Registration is still open for an all-new Hebrew High & Mehina, freshly remixed for this upcoming season. Join your friends for learning, light fare, and laughs!

Tishrei - Heshvan 5776 October 2015 Sun

Mon

Tue

Morning Minyan Followed by Breakfast

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

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

4 HOSHANAH RABAH 9:00am Hoshanah Rabah Service, breakfast in Sukkah 9:45am PRTT 6:30pm Erev Shemini Atzeret Yom Tov Service 6:56pm Candlelighting

SHEMINI ATZERET

SIMHAT TORAH

Office & PRECEC Closed Office & PRECEC Closed 9:00am Shemini Atzeret Yom 9:00am Simhat Torah Yom Tov Services, Yizkor, Services Honoring Memorial Plaques Hatanei Hatorah, Dedication 6:30pm Erev Simhat Torah & Youth Kiddush Celebration 12:00pm Yom Tov Minha 7:55pm Candlelighting

Tov

USY MERCAZ CONVENTION - Tampa

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 11:00am Torah for Seniors Philip Benjamin Tower 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Womenâ€™s League Paid Membership Fashion Show

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

Pinellas Schools Closed PRECEC Open; No VPK 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan

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

9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT 11:30am Menorah Manor Re-Dedication 1:00pm USY Ice Skating Clearwater Ice Arena 6:30pm Minyan

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

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Board of Trustees

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

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

October 7, 7:45 am

The Family of Dr. Morrie LeVine invites you to Minyan and special breakfast honoring Morrie on his 90th birthday!

7:45am Sukkot Minyan, breakfast in Sukkah 10:00am Library Committee 11:30am Dairy picnic in the Sukkah 6:00pm Suds in the Sukkah 7:00pm Sukkot Service

7:45am Sukkot Minyan, breakfast in Sukkah 6:00pm Hol Hamoed Sukkot Service, Got Shabbat? Sukkot Dinner 6:59pm Candlelighting

Shabbat Hol Hamo’ed SUKKOT 9:00am Shabbat Hol Hamoed Services, September & October Simha Shabbat, Kiddush*

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm MMC Board Meeting 7:00pm Talmud Class with Steve Wein

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 12:00pm Bereavement Group 6:30pm Minyan

USY MERCAZ CONVENTION - Tampa

Parasha B’reishit

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 12:00pm Lunch With the Rabbi, Siyum Celebration 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 12:00pm Bereavement Group 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast Parasha Noah 6:43pm Candlelighting 9:00am Shabbat Services, 8:00pm Shabbat Ruach, Ask the Kiddush* Rabbi Sit-Down Oneg

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am CBI-Hadassah Book Club 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Jewish-Catholic Event CBI

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 12:00pm Bereavement Group 5:00pm Engagement Committee 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:37pm Candlelighting

Parasha Lekh L’kha 9:00am Shabbat Services, Dialogue with the Rabbi, Kiddush*

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 4:45pm PRTT 6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Hebrew High & Mehina 7:00pm Jewish-Catholic Event St. Jude’s Cathedral

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee 12:00pm Bereavement Group 6:30pm Minyan

7:45am Minyan, breakfast Parasha Va-yera 9:30am PRECEC Family Shabbat 9:00am Shabbat Services, Ramah Israel Celebration Seminar Speaker 6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Hannah Weiss, 6:31pm Candlelighting Kiddush*

7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat 6:51pm Candlelighting

USY MERCAZ CONVENTION - Tampa

9:00am Shabbat Services, Kiddush*

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

Women’s League 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

Life Cycle Mazal Tov! Sam & Sherri Cohen New home

Jack & Linda Goldfarb Wedding of son David Goldfarb to Rebecca “Becca” Slatin

INTO GOD’S HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT

Michael & Arlene Hurwitz New home

Rabbi Jacob & Joanne Luski, Abe & Rose Luski, & Vivian Neumann Appointment of Jeremy Luski to the University of Florida’s Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute (EFTI) Advisory Board.

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.

Bill Rosch New home

Jeff & Jessica Strait New home

Etz Chaim Tree of Life

Looking for a special way to honor family and friends celebrating a Simha?

Leaves on the Tree of Life have been inscribed: To honor Morrie LeVine on his 90th birthday from his loving family October 7, 2015 Happy 80th Birthday Phil Redisch Love your CBI Friends September 5, 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 October Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays Murray Fink Jane Silverberg Dr. Mitch Weiss Sid Werner Susan LeVine Bruce Marger Arlyne Popick Sandy Slomka Jorge Ronay Sonya Horowitz

1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5

Lawrence Irwin Rachel Seldin Dr. Elizabeth Unruh Brian Carroll Dr. David Greenfield Myrna Irwin Dr. Morrie LeVine Kathy Mendelblatt Harold Goldberg Richard Polsky

5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8

Janice LeVine Caryn Baird Mike Wallace Alison Tralins Elan Melamed Debbie Sokolov Lou Zerin Sharon Koenig Lou Bader Nancy Lonschein

11 14 14 15 19 20 20 21 22 22

Dr. Jeffrey Pincus Linda Grau Lee Shenofsky Forrest Feld David Seldin Joanne Greenberg Mary Ann Marger Dorothy Bowser Jean Wittner Arlene Hurwitz

22 23 23 24 24 26 27 27 29 31

Anniversaries Eliot & Audrey Dantowitz Dr. Mandel & Karen Sher Murray & Myrna Rubin David & Stacey Seldin Arnold & Pam Kravitz Fred & Ronna Geffon Shelly Kamins & Diane Sembler-Kamins George & Faina Sakovich

10 12 15 16 19 20 21 23

Dr. Bernardo & Stephanie Stein Jorge & Masha Ronay Lawrence & Aldena Lew Steve & Sasha Cantor Dr. David & Amy Piper Michael & Arlene Hurwitz Howard & Elaine Rothstein

24 24 25 26 28 30 31

Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, and B’nai Mitzvah.Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time supporting B’nai Israel’s commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and Synagogue through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund. Celebrate your September & October Birthday and Anniversary at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, October 3, 9:00 am. Do a Mitzvah on your birthday or anniversary, and attend one of our daily Minyan services!

Simhat Torah Celebration CBI HONORS THREE 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, 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’s tradition of assigning 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, Tuesday morning, October 6.

Simhat Torah Celebration Cary Reich, our Hatan Torah, is a native of New Jersey. Cary attended the University of Florida where he honed his music skills with the UF Vocal Jazz Troupe while majoring in Business Administration. Since 1985 Cary has been writing and producing award winning jingles. He recently launched his own company, Sound Branding Ideas and brings custom musical ad campaigns to businesses across the United States. He recently completed a “throw-back” jingle for the Tampa Bay Rays. Early in his career he composed Jewish music with the late Rabbi Jan Bresky. Together they wrote and produced the album, A Time for God. Cary was honored to have some of his music published by Sounds Write Music for a contemporary compilation of weekly Torah portions in collaboration with the late Debbie Friedman. Cary has served on the boards of CBI and the Pinellas County Jewish Day School and chaired the shul’s Youth Commission and Mitzvah Day. In 2012 he was honored with the Gail S. Warren Legacy Award. He is a member of the CBI Choir and serves as the Ba’al Tekiah for the congregation. He and his beautiful bride Karen, married 25 years, are the proud parents of Yael, Ariel and Avi Nissim.

Jackie Wertel, our Kallah Bereshit, is no stranger to CBI or the greater community, having moved from New York to St. Petersburg at the tender age of one and a half. She attended the Pauline Rivkind Preschool and the Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah (PRTT) and is a graduate of the University of South Florida where she received her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Public Administration.

Over the years Jackie has been an active participant in shul life. In addition to co-chairing CBI’s Mitzvah Day in 2013 Jackie has ushered on the High Holidays, helped with the Women’s League catering service, assisted with the Kol Nidre campaign, and volunteered at the Gift and Craft Show as well as countless other events. In the greater community Jackie has volunteered at many events including the Times Festival of Reading and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s fall and spring commencements. She currently lives in St. Petersburg with her brother Daniel. Joan Epstein, our Kallah Maftir, has been a member of Congregation B'nai Israel since 1979. A native of St. Petersburg, she earned degrees from Smith College and the Yale University School of Music before returning here to teach. Since 1981 she has been a music professor at Eckerd College, where she has offered courses in composition, music history, and interdisciplinary humanities. At CBI Joan has been involved with adult education, organizing cholent Kiddush study sessions, short courses and special events. When her three daughters, Ariel, Eve and Eliza were growing up she was involved with youth programming. In recent years she has sung with the CBI Choir.

Donations

(as of September 17)

Adult Education

Melvin & Minnie Goodman

In Honor Of

Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.)

In Honor Of

Steve Wein's Teaching Talmud

Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind

In Memory Of

Warren & Rebecca Simmons

Speedy recovery of Alan Gross Birth of Brantly Shepherd Phil Redisch's 80th Birthday Birth of Eitan Wein Birth of Rebecca Norton Birth of Brantly Shepherd

Anita Sher

Lucille Ginsburg

Buns Technology Fund

In Honor Of

Susan Goldstein

Birth of Rebecca Norton

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

In Honor Of

Sid & Phyllis Werner

Birth of Emery Kanner

Steve & Livia Wein

In Memory Of

Marsha Sundick Linda Weiss

Dr. Matilda Gallant Bessie Grusmark Freda Kriger Esther Lachter Sandy Bush Lucille Ginsburg Jerry and Thelma Gilbert Lucille Ginsburg Colin Van Gelder Lucille Ginsburg Frieda Scheinert Arlene Helfand Sidney & Bonnie Barbanel

In Memory Of

Pauline Rivkind Fund

In Honor Of

Dr. David & Janice LeVine Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind

Gail Warren Gail Warren

Steve & Linda Grau

Library Fund

In Honor Of

Rafael Ufret

In Appreciation

Birth of Esslyn Morgan-Yogman Birth of Esslyn Morgan-Yogman

Gail Warren Leadership Fund In Honor Of Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Lenny & Millie Gelfond Dr. Mike and Sandy Slomka Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Greg & Liz Sembler

Birth of Esslyn Morgan-Yogman Jay Kauffman Charlie Bresinger's 60th Birthday Charlie Bresinger's 60th Birthday Birth of Sofia Jay

In Memory Of Charlotte Levine Bev Sherman

Lucille Ginsburg Lucille Ginsburg

Mitzvah Fund

In Honor Of

Beverly Dikman

Marilyn Benjamin's Birthday Speedy Recovery of Teddi & David Robbins Speedy Recovery of Alan Gross Speedy Recovery of Araceli Gross Birth of Esslyn Morgan-Yogman Birth of Rebecca Norton Speedy Recovery of Alan Gross In Appreciation Birth of Brantly Shephard Phil Redisch's 80th Birthday Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind’s Anniversary

Hannah Freid Joel & Ellen Goetz

Susan Goldstein Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon Sam & Sandy Janofsky Judy Moore Adele Morris

Jodi Reiskind

Leslie Kirsner Sheila Knapp Bob & Elaine Lachter Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Ruth Mauer Bruce & Miriam Jacobs Adele Morris Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Sheldon & Susan Scheinert

Bev Sherman

Prayer Book Fund

In Honor Of

Jack & Linda Goldfarb

Lucille Ginsberg

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Honor Of Susan Turner Lou Bader

In Appreciation Phil Redisch's 80th Birthday

In Memory Of Ed Bailey & Dr. Nancy Landfish Esta Blaxberg Vivian Neumann Joe & Diana Rosin

Shaine Raisel Lucille Ginsburg Lucille Ginsburg Lucille Ginsburg

Torah Covers

In Honor Of

Byron Kolitz & Dr. Starr Silver

In Appreciation

USY Fund

In Honor Of

Charla Fogel Ruth Mauer

Harold & Joyce Seder

In Appreciation Birth of Rebecca Norton Birth of Brantly Shepherd Birth of Esslyn Morgan-Yogman Birth of Rebecca Norton

USY Pilgrimage Fund

In Honor Of

Ellen Bernstein

Birth of Eitan Wein

In Memory Of Ellen Bernstein

Lucille Ginsburg

Advertisers

Congregation B’nai Israel B’nai Israel Review 300 -58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889 Tel: 727.381.4900 Fax: 727.344.1307 Website: www.cbistpete.org 24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail

Change Service Requested

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