December 2016 Kislev –Tevet 5777
IN THIS ISSUE Contact Us
Page 2
Special Happenings
Page 3
Leadership Messages
Pages 4-5
Sunday Morning University
Pages 8-9
PRECEC & Youth
Pages 10-11
Adult Studies
Pages 16
Women’s League & Mitzvah Men’s Club
Pages 17
Life Cycle Events
Pages 18-19 Tributes
Pages 20 Advertisers
Pages 22-28
Volume 5777 Issue 5
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 life cycle events, in acts of caring, in reaching out to the wide Jewish and non-Jewish communities, and in concern and support for Israel.
Contact Us Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. 727.381.4900 Rabbi.luski@cbistpete.org
Cantor Jonathan Schultz 727.381.4900 x1005 Cantor.schultz@cbistpete.org
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Director Rachel Bennett 727.381.4900 x2001 preschool@cbistpete.org
Torah Reader/Facilities/Finance Bob Weinrib 727.381.4900 x1004 Accounting@cbistpete.org
Congregant Support Pam Askin 727.381.4901 x1003 officemgr@cbistpete.org Director Of Communications Hana Cowart 727.381.4900 x1002 Hana@cbistpete.org
Lifelong Learning Maureen Sechan 727.381.4900 x1011 DLL@cbistpete.org
President Susan Marger LeVine doc2roc@aol.com Women’s League Catering Livia Wein polyglatt@gmail.com Men’s Club President Leo Lang leopoldlang@gmail.com USY President Danielle LeVine DanielleL3201@gmail.com
Community Engagement Liz Sembler 727.381.4900 x1007 lizsembler@aol.com
Kehilla BIKKUR HOLIM: about sharing patient names, even with clergy. We need our congregants to communicate directly with us to inform us of illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin at 727-381-4901 so that, as clergy and synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments of difficulty or stress.
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 takes very seriously. When our members are ill or hospitalized we want to know. In the interest of protecting confidentiality hospitals today are very cautious
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Special Happenings
The launch date for “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?” has been postponed to January 27, 2017. Which means it’s not too late for you to sign up to host an initial Shabbat dinner! “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?” is part of a nationwide program in Conservative synagogues. Host congregants invite other members – where possible, those who have never been in their homes before – to Shabbat dinner on a specified Friday night (dates, once a month, have been cleared on the synagogue calendar.) Guests are asked to be hosts to other guests the following month! Reciprocity is not expected. Our aim is to be inclusive. The program has two goals: 1. To strengthen the synagogue community 2. To help members build meaningful memories and relationships To learn more, read the following article from the United Synagogue’s CJ magazine: http://www.cjvoices.org/article/guess-whos-coming-toshabbas/ We have 14 members who have already stepped up to host the January 27, 2017 dinner and we can use more. Contact the chairs, Maureen Shacter or Mary Ann Marger (contact info below) if you can join them. We’ll give you details of a planning session December 5 at 7:30PM.
Mary Ann Marger artmarger@aol.com 727-345-3637
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Maureen Shacter weinma@gmail.com 727-393-3467
From the Rabbi Hanukka and Christmas Redefined For the first time in many years, Christmas coincides with Hanukka. Aside from the warnings about not leaving your candles burning when you go to the movies, what difference should it make? Both holidays have undergone a significant redefinition over the years, and especially in America. For American Jews our recasting of Hanukka as a holiday of light and joy and religious freedom is a good thing, and worth considering. The story of the Maccabees is a story of religious intolerance. They fought a war not as much against the GrecoAssyrians as against the Hellenized Jews of their own community. In fact, were most of us living in those times, we would likely be the targets of Maccabean rage. The Maccabees were fundamentalists, convinced that the influences of other cultures and ways of thinking were polluting the sanctity of the Temple and the Judaism practiced around it. Mattathias sought to purge the community of corrupting influence – and corrupting people. The Hasmonean descendants of the original victors were themselves corrupted after a few generations and became far worse than the fellow Jews they had defeated. By the time the rabbis of the Talmud answered the question “What is Hanukka?” the historical event had evolved into a theological one that reflected more accepted values. When we speak of Hanukka as the struggle for religious expression, we are using the miracle of the oil as an example for affirming an American value - one that has been embraced by contemporary Judaism, but definitely not part of either the original Hanukka story nor the rabbinic retelling. What is lost in Hanukka’s particular meaning – the Temple, the purity of sacrifices, fidelity to the covenant – is gained in universal meaning. In this case, I consider the revisionist version the better choice, especially in a world that needs no further justification for campaigns against heretics, reformers and foreign influencers. The same evolution has transformed Christmas into a “holiday season” of peace, good will and material indulgence. That most Christians consider Christmas an inclusive and universal holiday, as opposed to the celebration of a particular religious belief, gives us hope that our human family are moving closer together, rather than farther apart. We must remember that both holidays remain religious celebrations. While similar, they are not interchangeable. Let us offer the same respect to Christians about Christmas as we expect Christians to offer us about Passover, Shabbat and Hanukka. Join us for our CBI Hanukka celebration on Wednesday, December 28th. Daven with us at the daily morning minyan as we celebrate the eight days of Hanukka.
My family and I The Champagne Seudah Shelishit at 5:30 pm on the last night of Hanukkah 12/31/16 were deeply touched by your kind expressions will be fun as we enjoy Havdala, kindling the eighth night Hanukka lights and of sympathy and comfort following the recent welcoming 2017. passing of my dear mother. We were privileged to have my mother with us for over 89 years. Hag Urim Sameah! Happy Hanukka! Our memory of these years are indeed a blessing to us. Shalom, With sincere appreciation, Shalom, Rabbi Jacob Luski and Family
Rabbi Jacob Luski
From the Cantor Now that we have just completed a month with no Jewish holidays, we are approaching the winter highlight, Hanukka. As we do every year, we will once again hold our annual CBI Hanukka Celebration, which will be on Wednesday night, December 28, 2016. Come join us for an evening of fun, latkes, and a Hanukka sing-a-long led by Yours Truly, with a little help from some friends. Here’s an interesting tidbit about Hanukkah that you might not have known: the very first Hanukka celebration was essentially a celebration of Sukkot two months late. By way of background, we know from I Kings 8:2 that King Solomon dedicated the First Temple during the Festival of Sukkot. Why do that during Sukkot? Because it was the major pilgrimage festival, and everyone was going to be there. We therefore have a record of King Solomon presiding over an eight-day Dedication of the Temple, during the eight days of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. Now, fast forward several centuries. The Maccabees have defeated the Syrian-Greeks, they’ve rebuilt and cleaned up the Second Temple, and they want to dedicate the new Temple. How do you do a dedication ceremony? They looked in their holy scriptures, and lo and behold, they found a blueprint for a Temple dedication ceremony in the book of I Kings. We also find a direct reference to the Hanukka-Sukkot connection in II Maccabees 1:9, in a letter sent from the Hasmoneans to the leaders of Egyptian Jewry: “And now see that you keep the feast of booths in the month of Kislev, in the one hundred and eighty-eighth year [of the Seleucid era, 124/123 BCE].” Several decades earlier, in 164 BCE, the Hasmoneans were holed up in caves fighting the Syrian-Greeks in Tishrei, and they therefore had to postpone the celebration of Sukkot until after they recaptured Jerusalem and purified the Temple (I Maccabees 4:36-59). This connection between Hanukka and Sukkot may also explain why we recite full Hallel on every day of Hanukkah, because full Hallel is recited on every day of Sukkot. Happy Hanukka! Cantor Jonathan Schultz
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From the President
Joy emanates from the eyes of a child as he/she experiences the lights of the Menorah. During Hanukka we kindle the Menorah, fry latkes and sufganiyot, spin dreidels, unwrap gifts and chocolate gelt and share in the spirit of the holidays, as we’ve done for generations. Get ready for some pre-holiday fun by joining me at the starting line as we see who can run faster than a life-sized spinning Dreidel at our 2nd Annual Chase the Dreidel 5K Run/Walk on December 4th at 4:00 pm. This professionally-timed race course leads runners through the streets alongside the synagogue down to the Pinellas Trail and back again through the Finish Line. Free supervised bounce house, a fun run for youngsters under 11 and a Diaper Dreidel Dash for pre-walkers are part of the race excitement! Look in this Bulletin for more race-day activities including the CBI Bid and Buy online Auction. Race registration is online at cbistpete.org and the event is open to the community.
Other December highlights open to everyone in December: Let your light shine as we celebrate Hanukka with a 60s beat. Wear your favorite tie-dye for a costume contest! Decorate tie-dye cookies. Sing your favorite Hanukka songs. Bring your family Hanukkia and join us as we light the largest Hanukkia in St. Petersburg! USYers will lead us in a special musical Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night, December 16th. Help light our giant yard Menorah at CBI’s Hanukkah Celebration on December 28th. We will sing music with Cantor Jonathan Schultz and enjoy the Mitzvah Mens Club’s Latkes, Salad and Sufganiyot! Our Board of Trustees is working with staff to transform our synagogue into a welcoming, relevant congregation. About a fourth of our board is now comprised of young leaders, still balanced by a healthy representation from all age groups. Please welcome Stephanie Adelson as our newest board member, taking an open 1-year seat. Stephanie and husband Oren have two children Noah and Lily. Enjoy the lights of Hanukka. See you in Shul! Susan Marger LeVine
From the Director of Lifelong Learning
When my oldest child was about 2 and a half, we joined the Conservative synagogue in our suburb. Until she turned five, services pretty much began at 11:00 when Tot Shabbat started. It was a parent-led service and, being an early childhood teacher at various synagogue preschools by then, I often led the service and follow up activity. I still laugh remembering the Rabbi’s four year old son who shook my hand and complimented me on leading Tot Shabbat. I was proud of getting my kids there and happy that they enjoyed the service, including the “dessert service.” I was very focused on their Jewish education and upbringing. Looking back, I ask “Where was my spiritual connection during services?”
Coincidentally, a mom recently told me about the strategy she and her husband have to get their youngest child used to being in shul. A Friday night is a little easier for them, she explained, and it was a good opportunity to have the child get used to synagogue expectations. If the child needs some activity, the hallways are available to blow off some steam, which is ok, but it does take one or the other of the parents away from the service. Yes, they’re in the thick of Jewish parenting and in great, exhausted company! Can we nurture the spirituality of the young families in our community, the committed Jewish families who are juggling parenting, school, jobs, childcare, and hoping for meaningful Jewish experiences? These families are combining established family traditions and, hopefully, creating their own traditions. How do we provide support and nurture them as they nurture their children? Do they know we’re here and eager to provide that support? Can we give them an opportunity to reflect on their incredible journey of being Jewish parents? Nurture The Wow, by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, is a guide to help parents identify the spirituality inherent in their experiences, and provides an excellent platform for communal reflection. I’m looking forward to convening some parent meetings to reflect on our experiences in an upcoming series of “Nurture The Wow Conversations” centered on Jewish parenting. Let’s find some time to get together as a community soon! I’ll be collecting convenient meeting times via e-blast, email, and phone calls, and I am eager to facilitate many enriching conversations! Maureen Sechan Director of Lifelong Learning
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Nightly Hanukka Blessings S
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The Festival Of Hanukka
The Order Of Lighting The candles are placed from right to left, as one faces the Hanukkia, as Hebrew is read. They are lit from left to right, so that on each night, the new candle is given special welcome by being lit first. Only the Shamash is used to light the other candles.
✡ The Festival of Hanukka begins on the eve of the 25th of Kislev, the day when the Maccabees cleansed and rededicated the Holy Temple, having vanquished Israel’s tyrannical oppressors. It is told that they found only one little cruse of pure, undefiled oil, but miraculously, it burned in the Temple menorah for 8 days, In commemoration, our Festival lasts 8 days, and every evening we kindle lights of oil or candles in a hanukkiah. One is lit the first night, two the second night, and so on, until 8 lights are kindled on the final evening.
The candles should be lit as soon as possible once dark. On Friday night, however, the Hanukka candles are lit BEFORE the Shabbat candles. At the close of Shabbat, the Havdala ceremony precedes the lighting of the Hanukkia.
First Night Saturday, December 24 Light first candle after dark
✡ The Menorah’s light is holy and may not be used for any ordinary purposes, i.e., to read by. Therefore, an extra light, or candle—a shamash– is added every evening, so that if the light is inadvertently used, there will also be non-holy light.
Second Night Sunday, December 25 Light two candles after dark
✡ The hanukkiah should stand in a special place, where such oil lights or candles are not usually burned. It should be placed in a window facing the street or at the left of a doorway, at about table level, but protected against the wind—to proclaim the miracle of Hanukka.
Third Night Monday, December 26 Light three candles after dark
✡ The lights are to be kindled directly at nightfall, when the stars appear, with all the family present; they should burn at least half an hour. If you cannot light them at nightfall, you may do so later, as long as the family is awake to watch.
Fourth Night Tuesday, December 27 Light four candles after dark
✡ In putting the oil lights or candles in the hanukkiah, begin from the right end. In lighting them, begin from the left. The shamash, the extra light, should be higher than the Hanukka lights, which should be level, none higher or lower, and not too close to one another.
Fifth Night Wednesday, December 28 Light five candles after dark
✡ The hanukkiah is lit in the synagogue too, before evening services, Maariv, to heighten our awareness of the miracle of Hanukka. But this excuses no one, not even the person who lights the synagogue menorah, from kindling lights at home.
Sixth Night Thursday, December 29 Light six candles after dark
✡ Both women and men are obligated to kindle the Hanukka lights.
Seventh Night Friday, December 30
✡ Late Friday afternoon, the Hanukka lights should be kindled before the Sabbath candles, and they should be able to burn until at least half an hour after nightfall. On Saturday night, the menorah is lit after havdala has been recited.
Light seven candles before 5:28pm
Eighth Night Saturday, December 31 Light eight candles after dark
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February 2014
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center Happy Hanukka from PRECEC
CALLING ALL STORYTELLERS! Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers to come read to our youngest learners.
Don’t Get Left Out in The Cold! Upcoming Events: Monday, December 5 10am Walking Field Trip Benjamin Towers Wednesday, December 14 9am Hanukka Breakfast CBI Youth Lounge Friday, December 16 Last Day of Fall Semester December 19-January 2 PRECEC CLOSED Winter Break Tuesday, January 3 First Day of Spring Semester
PRECEC is expanding their toddler program in January Now accepting new students of all ages – space is EXTREMELY limited Call to book your tour TODAY!
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We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved? Please contact PRECEC Director Rachel Bennett at preschool@cbistpete.org or 727.302.9668.
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Kislev-Tevet 5777 December 2016 Sun
Morning Minyan
Evening Minyan Sunday Thursday: 6:30 pm
Tue
*Shabbat Minha will begin approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of morning services
Followed by Breakfast
Sundays 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:45 am December 26 Minyan 9:00am
Mon
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9:00 am Morning Minyan 9:45 am PRTT 9:45 am Gan Yom Rishon Drop In 4:00pm Chase The Dreidel 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
6 7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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9:00 am Morning Minyan 9:45 am PRTT 9:45 am Gan Yom Rishon 10:30am Rosh Hodesh Group 1:00 & 3:00 pm Maccabeats Concert 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 11:00am Torah for Seniors at PBT 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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NO PRTT 9:00 am Morning Minyan 12:30pm USCJ Conference 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 7:00 pm Board of Trustees
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NO PRTT 9:00 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan Jewbilees Christ-Mitzvah Light 2 Hanukka Candles
OFFICE CLOSED 9:00am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan Light 3 Hanukka Candles
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan Light 4 Hanukka Candles
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Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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Rosh Hodesh Kislev 7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:17 pm Candlelighting 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Sedra Toldot 9:00 am Grandparents Shabbat, Simha Shabbat Services, Kiddush 10:30am Jr. Congregation 10:30am Tot Shabbat 12:30 pm Minha*
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7:45 am Morning Minyan 4:30 pm PRTT 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 7:00 pm Hebrew High 7:00 pm Men’s Club
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:18 pm Candlelighting 5:30 pm Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
Sedra Va-yetzei 9:00 am Library Shabbat Service in Honor of Jewish Book Month, Kiddush 12:30 pm Minha*
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7:45 am Morning Minyan 11:30am PRECEC Pre-Hanukka Party 12:00am Lunch with the Rabbi 4:30 pm PRTT 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
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Sedra Va-yishlakh 7:45 am Morning Minyan 10:00am PRECEC Pre-Shabbat 9:00 am Shabbat Service, Kiddush Celebration 12:30 pm Minha* 5:21 pm Candlelighting 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat, USY Kab Shab
NO PRTT 9:00 am Morning Minyan 7:45 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan 10:00am Hadassah Book Club 6:30 pm Evening Minyan
7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:24 pm Candlelighting 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat, Blue Jeans Shabbat
Sedra Va-yeishev 9:00 am Shabbat Services, Dialogue with Rabbi 12:30 pm Minha* 6:21pm Light first Hanukka Candle 8:00pm Vodka Latke
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7:45 am Morning Minyan NO PRTT 5:00pm CBI Hanukka Party 6:30 pm Evening Minyan Light 5 Hanukka Candles
9:00 am Morning Minyan 6:30 pm Evening Minyan Light 6 Hanukka Candles
Rosh Hodesh Tevet 7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat, Hanukkah Light 7 Hanukka candles before Shabbat Candles 5:28 pm Candlelighting
Sedra Mi-ketz 9:00 am Shabbat Services, Hanukka, Kiddush 12:30 pm Minha* 5:30pm Champagne Seudah Shlishit, Maariv, Havdala 6:25pm Light 8 Hanukka
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Adult Studies & Special Events ROSH HODESH WOMEN’S GROUP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, HOME OF Reisha Freedman I wish each of you a happy and healthy new year. Our next Rosh Chodesh meeting is Sunday, at 10:30 am Light brunch will be served. As always, lively participation and discussion will follow!! Please RSVP to 610-746-9077 or EMAReisha@gmail.com I look forward to seeing all of you. Sheryl Feinman TORAH FOR SENIORS WITH RABBI LUSKI TUESDAY, December 13, 11:00 AM, PHILIP BENJAMIN TOWER Rabbi Jacob Luski meets for monthly Torah discussion in the social hall at Benjamin Tower. LUNCH WITH RABBI AND MISHNA STUDY WEDNESDAY, December 14, 12:00 NOON, CBI ATRIUM Deli lunch and Mishna Study with Rabbi Luski meets monthly on Wednesdays at noon in the Atrium. your lunch order by Tuesday, December 13 to Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or officemgr@cbistpete.org
BUNS FAMILY LIBRARY New books come to the Library on a regular basis. Feel free to stop by, see our new selections and check out some great books. The Library is open for browsing during regular synagogue hours, except when there is a previously scheduled meeting in that location. You may ask for the key in the CBI office.
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CBI-HADDASSAH BOOK CLUB DECEMBER 21, 10:30 AM, CBI LIBRARY Good news for those who like to sleep in: we'll be meeting a little later at 10:30 am until further notice. Please join us for lively and intellectual discussion at the CBI library. Note the two new selections at the bottom of the list. We still don't have a volunteer to facilitate the April and May meetings. Consider stepping up. We are a mostly selffacilitating discussion group needing someone to keep us on topic. You can prepare as much or as little as you prefer. 12/21/16 A Guide for the Perplexed: A Novel by Dara Horn; Facilitator: Mary Ann Marger 1/18/17 The Secret Chord: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks; Facilitator: Elaine Fein 2/12/17 One last thing before I go by Jonathan Tropper; Facilitator: Sheila Wasserman 3/15/17 Fault Lines by Nancy Huston; Facilitator: Carolyn Isakson 4/19/17 to be announced 5/17/17 to be announced LEARN TO CHANT HAFTARAH BEGINS WEDNESDAYS EVENINGS, JANUARY 18, 5:30-6:30 PM Please join us on Wednesday evenings, 5:30-6:30 pm, beginning January 18, for a six-week class on Haftarah chanting taught by Liz Sembler. Participants should be able to read Hebrew. Please call Liz at CBI: 381-4900, ext.1007 for more information and to sign up, or email her at lizsembler@aol.com.
Mitzvah Men’s Club
Women’s League
Our membership drive is ongoing. We participate in over 20 charitable and synagogue based activities. The main way we pay for these is with your dues so you are contributing to many a mitzvahs when you join. If you would like to know what they are see a board member.
From the Judaica Shop Crew The Judaica Shop is fully stocked for Hanukka. Come check out our awesome holiday items: Menorahs, Hanukkah gelt, decorations, dreidels, jewelry, Kiddush cups, candles, toys, children’s books and much more! We sell wrapping paper, and we gift wrap, too.
Coming soon you will be able to see them on our web site being developed now. It will be under the programming tab on the CBI web site. Hana Cowart the new Communications Director is organizing the site now.
Remember Hanukka begins Saturday evening Dec. 24. Call the Judaica Shop crew for an appointment: Eileen Richman: 727.393.6430 Diane Litt: 727.392.5554 Anita Helfand: 727.347.2300
The next big event is the traditional Latkes at the CBI Hanukka Party and Candle lighting. The applesauce and sour cream plus salad and sweets is already ordered so we hope to see you there on Wednesday December 28.
Plus, for your convenience, the Judaica shop will have special holiday hours: · · · · · · ·
Down the road on February 5th we will be sponsoring our popular World Wide Wrap celebration including instruction with tefillin, a brunch and a speaker in the social hall. Make sure and mark this on your calendar.
Sunday, Dec. 4 - 3 to 8 p.m. (Chase the Dreidel) Wednesday, Dec. 7 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 - 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 - noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 - 4:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 - 2 to 5 p.m.
We have many more activities planned so keep your eye on the monthly review.
Have an upcoming Simcha? Contact Eileen, Diane or Anita to find out about the Judaica Shop’s new Simcha Registry.
Looking Ahead: Sunday, December 28th cook and serve Latkes to the congregation Sunday, February 5th World Wide Wrap instruction, minyan Friday, March 24th Men's Club Kabbalat Shabbat, Got Shabbat? Dinner. Saturday, March 25th Men's Club Shabbat service and Kiddush Thursday, April 13th Passover BBQ Sunday, April 30th Put up Kotel Sunday, May 14th Men's Club Mother's Day Brunch
Mark Your Calendar for Women’s League events Women’s League Shabbat: Jan. 20 & 21. Friday Evening - Got Shabbat Dinner. Saturday after Shabbat services Kiddush luncheon. Torah Fund Dinner to benefit the Jewish Theological Seminary: Feb. 21. Mazel Tov to Sandy Brasch, the 2017 Jackie Jacobs Woman of Achievement! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Carol Marger, 727-345-0433 or Anita Helfand, 727-347-2300. In order to make WL flourish, we need you.
Our advertisers make the B’nai Review possible. Please support them too!
With warm wishes, Anita and Carol
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Life Cycle Events In Memoriam
Mazal Tov!
Sally Cohen, z”l
Bette Schroeder on the B’not Mitzvah of her granddaughters Rehna Nicole Halprin and Abrianna Eden Lalle
Wife of Joseph “Joe” Cohen Mother of Stephanie Sittman and Gilbert Cohen
Abraham Luski, z”l Father of Rabbi Jacob (Joanne) Luski Grandfather of ten, Great-grandfather of twelve
Engagement of Jeremy Luski and Stacy Grobe Son of Rabbi Jacob and Joanne Luski Grandson of Vivian Neumann
Alice Diamond z”l Sister of Audrey Kopelman
Engagement of Josh Ludin and Ali Kitenplon Son of Eric and Judy Ludin Grandson of Arlene Ludin and Marietta Drucker
Don Silverberg z”l Husband of Jane Silverberg Father of Edward Silverberg, Tom ( Shevy) Silverberg and Terri Gross (Jay)
May God comfort the families among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Wedding of Eli Greenfield and Sonya Flores Son of Dr. David & Vicki Greenfield
INTO GOD’S HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT
Wedding of Dana Ann Hershkowitz and Bask Hostomsky
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.
Chaim Bloom on his new position as Sr. VP of Baseball Operations with the Tampa Bay Rays
If you are interested in purchasing a permanent Memorial Plaque and having it placed on our Memorial Wall, please contact Pam Askin at 727.381.4901 or
Etz Chaim Tree of Life Looking for a special way to honor family and friends? Celebrating a Simha? 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
A Leaf has been inscribed In honor of Karen Reich on her 50th Birthday 11-8-16, With Love, CBI Friends: Louisa & Mark Benjamin, Charlene Wygodski & Steve Bloom, Linda & Jack Goldfarb, Pam & Moe LeCompte, Susan & Steve LeVine, Janice & David LeVine, Robin & Jimmy Post, Laurie & Marc Reiskind, Liz & Greg Sembler, Ina & Bob Sheppard, Sandy & Mike Slomka, Stephanie & Bernardo Stein, Sheryl & Robert Sutton, Rachel & David Wein, Livia & Steve Wein and Leslie & Mitch Weiss. A Leaf has been inscribed In honor of Ricki Lewis Kallah Torah 5777 - 2016 by Mark Lewis It is a tree of life to those who uphold it. Proverbs 3:18
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December Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays 1 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 7 10
Gerry Mensh Ronnie Geffon Susie Schwartz Susie van Gelder Debbie Blanchard Barbara Rubin Murray Rubin Sharron Scott Michael Zimmer Amy Giskin Judy Kaye Jack Mayer Judi Gordon
Anniversaries 5 5 6 18
Leonard & Rhoda Bader Steven & Hazel Shwer Leonard & Pattie Adelson Harold & Charlotte Goldberg
10 11 13 14 16 17 18 18 18 19 20 20 21
Karen Sher Bill Marger Jennifer Sternberg Arnold Kravitz Pam Askin Rebecca Douglass Vicki Greenfield Aaron Koppel Lawrence Litt Janet Augenbraun Jocelyn Howard Maxine Kaufman Susan Bartholomew
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21 22 23 24 24 25 27 27 27 28 28 29 31
Steven & Paula Dangler Larry & Myrna Irwin David & Myra Gross Elan & Nicole Melamed Michael & Margot Benstock
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Ina Sheppard David Hutman Dotty Goldblatt Ella Schlanger Mark Walters Tikva Melamed-Goff Stephanie Adelson Mark Benjamin Nancy Weil Reva Bartell Myrna Rubin Sheryl Sutton Hannah Ayes Morry & Billie Bornstein Art & Diana Jay Ben & Rita Thomas Gerald & Gail Weisberg Joel & Cari Berman
MITZVAH GRAM!
Celebrate your December Birthdays and Anniversaries at Simha Shabbat on Saturday, December 3 at 9:00 am. Also, Junior Congregation is at 10:30 am.
Do a Mitzvah, Make a Minyan! Your special simha is a wonderful opportunity to attend one of our twice-daily Minyan services. See the calendar on Pages 14-15 for service times.
Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, and B'nai Mitzvah. Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time supporting CBI's commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and kehilla through your donations to our Mitzvah Fund. Circle the names of everyone you want to honor with a Mitzvah Gram. Send this form together with a check made out to CBI to: CBI c/o Kesef Accounting Services, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645. You can also donate online at cbistpete.org/donate. We request a minimum donation of $10 per acknowledgement.
Your Name: ____________________________ Address: ______________________________ City:____________________ Zip: __________ Telephone: _____________________________ 19
Donations & Tributes IN MEMORY OF ROSE LUSKI RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Mary Ruth Baumgartner Michael & Margot Benstock Ellen Bernstein Barbara Bernstein Dr. Richard & Debbie Blanchard Esta Blaxberg
MITZVAH FUND Dr. Irwin & Hannah Ayes Lou Bader Marilyn Benjamin Ira & Susie Berman Chaim & Aliza Bloom & Family Dr. Steve Bloom & Dr. Charlene Wygodski Morry & Billie Bornstein
Phillip & Diane Bloom Dr. Barry & Sandra Caplan Dr. Pat Cottrille Beverly Dikman Charla Fogel
Johanna Bromberg
Ed Ginsberg Dr. Larry & Vera Green Dr. David H. & Myra Gross Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Dean Hershkowitz Sonya Horowitz Carolyn Isakson Samuel & Sandra Janofsky Barry & Jackie Kanner Marvin & Lee Leibson Dr. Morris & Marilyn LeVine Arlene Ludin Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Shelley Lynn Ron & Norma Maller
Lou & Yollette Frey
Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Richard & Gerry Mensh Bruce & Dr. Stacy Orloff Ellen Podgor & Cheryl Segal Ben & Randi Fogel Rabin Eileen Richman David & Teddi Robbins Murray & Myrna Rubin Dania Kier Schwartz Sharron Scott Beverly Sherman Ed, Nancy, Aaron, Ethan & Daniel Sherman Fred Silverman Shirley Sommella & Family Judy Tawil Susan Turner Claire Weinstein Sid & Phyllis Werner Dr. Michael & Ilene Worman Mary Wygodski
Alan & Judith Cohan Bill Cook Sharon Feen-Wallace Larry & Helen Freid Jack & Linda Goldfarb Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon Steve & Linda Grau Nancy Grobe Alan & Araceli Gross & family David & Pati Gross Michael & Mandi Gross Jay & Terri Gross Rabbi Leah Herz Alma Hirsch Meni & Malina Kanner Mirla Kremer Dr. Ruth Lebowitz Dr. Morris & Marilyn LeVine Ross & Jennifer Levy Larry & Aldena Lew Jeff & Diane Litt Ana Masri Ruth Mauer Jack & Irma Mayer Israel & Elaine Miller Dr. Peter & Lois Pardoll Todd & Miriam Pardoll Dr. Leslie & Reva Pearlstein Cary & Karen Reich Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Dr. Stan & Nancy Rosenberg Greg & Elizabeth Sembler Joel & Betty Sue Shane Anita, Mandel, Karen, Craig & Jan Sher Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Dr. Mark & Debbie Sokolov Dr. Robert & Jennifer Sternberg Bob & Fran Tropp Michael & Bonnie Walker Dr. David & Rachel Wein Steve & Livia Wein & Helen Kahan Robert Weinrib & Family Linda Weiss Pearl Weiner
ADULT EDUCATION Larry & Sheryl Feinman
In Honor Of Ricki Lewis
BUNS TECHNOLOGY FUND Bob & Jennifer Sternberg Bob & Jennifer Sternberg
In Honor Of Hatanei Hatorah In Memory Of Fred Buns
GAIL WARREN LEADERSHIP FUND Larry & Sheryl Feinman Jack & Linda Goldfarb Jack & Linda Goldfarb
In Honor Of Laurie Reskind Ricki Lewis Kallah Torah Laurie Reiskind Kallah Bereshit
JACOBS BEAUTIFICATION FUND Robert & Deborah Jacobs
In Memory Of Helen Applefield
MITZVAH FUND Marc & Laurie Reiskind Marilyn Benjamin Marilyn Benjamin Marietta Drucker Jack & Linda Goldfarb Bob & Ina Sheppard Mike & Sandy Slomka Mike & Sandy Slomka Mike & Sandy Slomka
In Honor Of Wendy Levine Laurie Reiskind Joanne Luski Joanne Luski Kallah Maftir Joanne Luski Kallah Maftir Laurie Reiskind Joanne Luski Hatanei Torah Laurie Reiskind Hatanei Torah Ricki Lewis Hatanei Torah In Memory Of Helen Applefield Sidney Greene William Gelfond Miriam Soman Michael Maroscia Edwin Reiskind Morrie Lurie Helen Applefield Edwin Reiskind Vladimir Sakovich Elice Kogan Edwin Reiskind Edwin Reiskind Edwin Reiskind Leon Barbanel
Lenny & Millie Gelfond Stanley Hagendorf Lenny & Millie Gelfond Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Jack & Linda Goldfarb Mark & Judi Gordon Ed & Vivian Lurie Ron & Norma Maller Edwin & Marilyn Warner George & Faina Sakovich George & Faina Sakovich Brent & Debbie Sembler Bob & Ina Sheppard Mike & Sandy Slomka Linda Weiss RABBIS’ DISCRECTIONARY FUND Fred Silverman Eileen Richman Shirley Sommella
Steve & Linda Grau Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand PRAYER BOOK FUND Victor & Elise Shernoff
MINYAN FUND Carol & Tom Epstein PRAYERBOOK FUND Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin USY FUND Leah Sandler
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In Honor Of Ricki Lewis Joanne Luski, Laurie Reiskind & Ricki Lewis Hatanei Torah Joanne Luski, Laurie Reiskind & Ricki Lewis Hatanei Torah In Memory Of Garry Freid Helen Applefield In Memory Of Helen Applefield
JACOBS BEAUTIFICATION FUND CBI Leadership Bill, Bob, & Debbie Jacobs Ron & Claire Yogman
THE WOMEN’S LEAGUE JUDAICA SHOP Our Judaica Shop has many items for your home or your gift-giving pleasure. Remember, we gift wrap and take special orders. We have an array of items for all the holidays including Hanukka, and Pesach. If you are a Mah Jongg enthusiast, we have several gift items. Please call us for an appointment. If you would like to volunteer, please call Diana Litt, 727.392.5554, Eileen Richman, 727.393.6430 or Anita Helfand, 727.347.2300
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SAVE THE DATE~TORAH FUND DINNER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017
HONORING “SANDY BRASCH” 2017 WOMEN’S LEAGUE JACKIE JACOBS WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE Pri yadeha, which means “the fruit of her hands”, is a phrase from Eishet Chayil, in the Book of Proverbs. In the 100th year of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and the 75th year of the Torah Fund Campaign, we celebrate women’s achievements and creativity. The wheat branch in this year’s pin signifies the sustenance we wish for our family and friends. The olive branch represents our prayers for peace. The Torah Fund Campaign of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism helps strengthen Conservative/Masorti Judaism through its integral support of the five Conservative/Masorti seminaries around the world. The Torah Fund Campaign is a year-long endeavor, running from July to June every year. This year’s benefactors, $180 donation, receive the above pin/pendant. Consider supporting the legacy of Conservative Judaism through a contribution to Torah Fund. DONATIONS $180 Benefactor $300 Guardian Level $600 Associate Patron $1,200 Patron
Contact Information: Torah Fund Chair: Torah Fund Cards: Special Gifts Co Chair: Assistant Gifts Chair:
MAH JONGG CARD ORDERS Large cards - $9.00 - Small cards $8.00 ALL ORDERS MUST BE IN BY DECEMBER 31, 2016!!!
Checks are to be made out to: CBI Women’s League Send to: Sheryl Feinman 14047 Jennifer Terr., Largo, FL 33774 Or call or text Sheryl at 727-422-2221 Or email sherlnan@tampabay.rr.com Sheryl Feinman
Joanne Luski Jennifer Sternberg Marilyn LeVine Vivian Lurie
347-1741 391-9085 343-2196 391-7441
Support Shabbat Kiddush Lunch Our Shabbat Kiddush luncheons have become a staple of the past year. Rather than rushing home to eat lunch the CBI community has enjoyed additional time after Shabbat morning services to socialize with friends and make new acquaintances. These lunches have encouraged the Mitzvah of participation in the Shabbat Minha Minyan. They have provided an additional opportunity for those saying Kaddish. Please help your Kehilla continue what has become a beloved part of the CBI Shabbat experience. To contribute to or sponsor a Kiddush luncheon please contact: Livia Wein at 727-393-3289 or email at polyglatt@gmail.com
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Congregation B’nai Israel B’nai Israel Review 300 -58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889 Tel: 727.381.4900 Fax: 727.344.1307 Website: www.cbistpete.org 24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail
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