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CHAI TIMES at CBI
January
Index January Calendar February Calendar Messages: Rabbi Weintraub Cantor Schultz Director of Lifelong Learning, Maureen Sechan Chase The Dreidel Changes to Minyanaire Program / Tizmoret Concert Book Talk with Alex J Sinclair Home Security / Jewish Thought at Jo - Els Torah Fund Lunch / Adult Bar - Bat Mitzvah Class Guess Who’s Coming To Shabbas Biking with Rabbi / Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner Virtual Jewish Grief Support Series Guess Who Came To Shabbas / Coffee Talk with Rabbi Minyan Fun Jews & Brews / Iyun for Young Professionals Steak and Scotch / Israeli Innovations Parent Education Class / Lunch and Learn Meet American Jewish Heroes History of the Jewish People Israeli Dancing / MLK Day Parade CBI Library CBI Birthdays CBI Anniversaries
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
January Sun
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
3
Thur
4
New Years Day CBI Office Closed
Fri
5
6
Torah at 10 (Zoom)
Simcha Shabbat Service
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
7
8
9
10
11
Torah at 10 (Zoom) Beginning Hebrew Reading Jewish Thought at Jo-El's
PRTT Religious School
Introduction to Judaism Class
Coffee talk with Rabbi
Israeli Dancing
Tizmoret Concert Young Professionals class
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group Israeli Dancing
15 MLK Day CBI Office Closed
16 Lunch with the Rabbi
22
17
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
18
Introduction to Judaism Class
PRTT Religious School Parent Education Class
24
25
Coffee talk with Rabbi
Beginning Torah at 10 Hebrew Reading (Zoom)
Israeli Innovations
PRTT Religious School Some of us: Meet American Jewish Heroes
Israeli Dancing
26
Biking with the Rabbi Kabbalat Shabbat Service Shabbat Dinner
Israeli Dancing
28
29
30 Introduction to Judaism Class
Shabbat Service
20
Sisterhood Shabbat Service
Junior Kabbalat Congregation Shabbat Service and Tot Shabbat
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
Men’s Club Steak and Scotch
19
Beginning Torah at 10 Hebrew Reading (Zoom)
Jews & Brews
Introduction to Judaism Class
23
13
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Young Professionals class
21
12
Family Shabbat and youth service
Biking with the Rabbi Sisterhood General Meeting
14
Sat
31 Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
27
Shabbat Shirah Morning Service
February Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
1
Fri
2
Beginning Torah at 10 Hebrew Reading (Zoom)
Sat
3
Simcha & Refugee Shabbat Morning Service
Family Shabbat Refugee and Youth Service Kabbalat Shabbat Service
4
PRTT Religious School
5
History of Israel Course
6
Wise Aging LIBRARY
Intro to Judaism
Torah Fund Lunch
7
Coffee talk with Rabbi Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
8
Beginning Jewish Thought Hebrew Reading at Jo-El's
11
12
History of Israel Course
13
Intro to Judaism Lunch with the Rabbi
14
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
Young Professionals class
19
Rosh Chodesh Women's Group
Some of Us: Meet American Jewish Heroes
20
21
Wise Aging LIBRARY
Coffee talk with Rabbi
Intro to Judaism
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
15
25
Israeli Dancing
16
Author Event on Zoom: Perfect Enemy, by Alex J Sinclair Beginning Hebrew Reading Jews & Brews
Torah at 10 (Zoom)
22
23
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
26
27
History of Israel Course Intro to Judaism
28
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
29
Beginning Hebrew Reading
17
Volunteer Shabbat Morning Service Kabbalat Shabbat Service Junior Congregation and Tot Shabbat
Beginning Torah at 10 Hebrew Reading (Zoom) Biking with the Rabbi Shabbat Dinner
Israeli Dancing
PRTT Religious School Parent Education Class
Law Shabbat Morning Service
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Israeli Dancing
18
10
Biking with the Rabbi
Israeli Dancing
PRTT Religious School World Wide Wrap
Torah at 10
9 (Zoom)
24
Shabbat Morning Service
The world is turning their calendars from 2023 to 2024, and on the Jewish calendar we are already a few months into the year. As Jews, we are blessed to have multiple new years, multiple opportunities to reflect on our values and our lives. Historically, the Jewish people recognize the new year of kings, calendars, festivals and trees. In the modern world, we are privileged to also celebrate the secular new year. Each of these new years offers different possibilities for reflection and renewal. No matter what calendar we use, we should not neglect an opportunity to ensure that we acknowledge our past, present and future. As Jews, we continue to look to our past. We look to our history to remember who we are, what values guide us, and what can continue to inspire us. We are Jews, first and foremost. We are part of a diverse family across the world that share practices and beliefs—and a covenant, a Brit, with the Divine.
As Jews, we look to the future. We help our children get the best educations they can, helping prepare them for whatever the future may hold. We use our past experiences and the past experiences of our people to do our best to support them and our own legacies. We give tzedekah, share our gifts and talents with the next generations, we teach and we inspire to support all that will be. The most challenging place to be is the present, yet it is the only one we can truly live in. For the last 18 months I have participated in a fellowship with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. While they have thoughtful, meaningful, spiritual programming for Jews of all backgrounds, my fellowship is exclusively for clergy. It has taught me Jewish texts and practices that were new to me and brought me closer to ideas that I had previously examined. It has demanded regular study and inspired new teachings within my soul. The program has included two retreats filled with yoga, meditation, contemplation, spirited prayer, and Jewish study. In 2024, I will have two more retreats, one in January and in July. The central teaching of the fellowship has been awareness of the present. How often are we detached from whatever we are facing? How often do we look away from the world or our own souls? We fill our lives with business and busy-ness, we do, but forget to be. Since Creation, Judaism has taught us the value of be-ing, of Shabbat, of taking time away from action and focusing on appreciation of blessings. Shabbat is said to be a taste of the world to come. As we enter this secular new year, I encourage you to BE, as well as to DO. If it is challenging, join us for prayer, join us for study, join us for community. We will try to help you slow down and appreciate the blessings of this remarkable life and gift we have been given. Rabbi Philip Weintraub
Several years ago, I wrote a Tu Bishvat article about California Redwoods, which are one of the most massive trees in the world, and are also endangered. I recently re-read that article, and it inspired me to do some research on other endangered trees. Here are a select few: Pennantia Baylisiana is probably the rarest tree in the world, with only one known plant growing in the wild, on the Three Kings Island off the coast of New Zealand. Bois Dentelle is a close second, with only two known specimens remaining in the wild in Mauritius. The Dragon Tree is currently found in Morocco, Madeira, the Cape Verde Islands, and some of the Canary Islands. Although widespread in ancient times, it is now rare. Red pine is native to northeastern North America. It is relatively common in Canada but is endangered in Illinois, with just one tiny population left there. Koyama’s Spruce is a tall conifer native to just a few isolated locations in Japan. It is extremely rare in the wild, with only a few hundred trees remaining. It is critically endangered because it is being out-competed by other tree species that are being planted nearby for timber. Dawn Redwood is a Chinese relative of California redwoods and sequoias. Dawn redwood is unusual in that it is a deciduous conifer, losing its needles in winter and regrowing them in spring. It was originally known only from fossils. We thought it had been extinct for millions of years, but then some dawn redwoods were discovered growing in a small area in central China. It is endangered in the wild in China because of over-harvesting and habitat destruction, which is made worse because the trees reproduce very slowly. As we approach Tu Bishvat, let us reflect on these wonders of nature, and let us do everything we can to support conservation, keep deforestation to a minimum, and thank God for creating all varieties of trees. Happy Tu Bishvat! Cantor Jonathan Schultz
I am always inspired by the incredible spirit of the Jewish people at all times and especially during difficult ones. Research says that trauma caused by antisemitism and persecution through the ages has affected Jewish genetics. You may have heard the old story about the rabbi who breaks the plate on the floor during a celebration to curb the merriment. You may have seen the groom break a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding. The latter example, though, leads to shouts of “Mazal Tov!” We may have absorbed centuries of trauma, but Jews are amazingly resilient and happy people. In fact, a Times of Israel post dated March 20, 2023 reads: “Israel soars to 4th place in the global happiness list.” Where do we get this resilient determination to be happy? I am very excited to share with you a new adult educational series beginning on January 28, 2024 at 1:30pm in the CBI Youth Lounge. We will be continuing last year’s popular video and discussion series, Jews in Unexpected Places, with a focus on us: “Some of Us: American Jewish Heroes.” We’ll begin the series with a video detailing how the American Jewish story began, and subsequent videos will focus on specific “Jewish Heroes” and their contributions to American life and culture. You can check the CBI website for information here: https://www.cbistpete.org/event/some-of-us-interesting-jews-in-american-life.html Please join us for this exploration of Jewish American culture. Our Jewish journey never stops!
It’s the news you’ve been waiting for. The link to your FREE Chase the Dreidel photos! That’s right! Chase the Dreidel and photographer James Schultz are giving you these images without charge to top off the fun of the December 10 event. Notice the smiles! https://lapsetheburg.com/event-list We loved hosting you for this annual gathering. We hope to welcome you to our 10th annual running of Chase the Dreidel next year. Details to follow. The very best to you in 2024!
Click Here For Photos
Changes to the Minyanaire Program Attend 36 non-Shabbat/Holiday minyanim and sign in over the course of the year (JulyJuly) and you will be recognized as a Minyanaire. Please note that while Minyanaire status has no expiration date, at the heart of the Minyan is the fact that we must, in fact, continue to show up, either in person or on Zoom, to be counted to achieve its intended purpose. (On Zoom, in order for us to be able to say certain prayers, your camera must be on.) As we move forward, to be invited to the Minyanaire recognition ceremony, you must attend and sign in to 36 non-Shabbat minyans over the previous 3-year period. To be current this year you have until July 26, 2024 to sign in 36 times. Minyanaires are honored during our annual Minyanaires Dinner. Awards are given throughout the year including pins, books, and a special Minyanaires kippah. More than 130 members of CBI and our community have already become Minyanaires, but our minyan still needs you!
Winter 2024 Sessions
Virtual Jewish Grief Support Series Mondays, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm | Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12
Sessions are via Zoom to make it available to all in the Jewish community. This support group provides an opportunity for people in the Jewish community affected by grief to share their experiences in a safe, confidential and healing environment. Sessions include discussions of grief experiences through a Jewish lens and resources available through Empath Health, Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast and the local community. The sessions are open to residents of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. This support group is led by Empath Health Community Partnership Specialist Kelly Siegel and retired bereavement counselor Sandi Sunter, LMHC, in partnership with Temple B’nai Israel. For registration and information, contact Kelly Siegel at KellySiegel@EmpathHealth.org or (727) 735-8743.
Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life. – Anne Roiphe
EmpathHealth.org
EHDE-23-1212
Guess Who’s Coming To SHabbas We welcomed back to Florida snowbirds, Jerry and Barbara Rubin. Others pictured are Maureen Shacter, Michael Barth, Starr Silver, Byron Kolitz and a new member of our community, Carol Greenberg. Carol was the first time guests at Kathleen’s home.
Minyan FUn! One of the best Minyan attendances of 2023 with 24 people joining Rabbi Weintraub for morning Minyan.
HISTORYOF THE
JEWISH PEOPLE IN THE
LAND OF ISRAEL A THREE-PART LECTURE SERIES PRESENTED BY
Rabbi Ed Rosenthal in partnership with Congregation B’nai Israel, The Florida Holocaust Museum, Temple Beth-El, and The Sher Endowment Fund
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
SESSION 3
4,000 YEARS IN 40 MINUTES
A PEACE TO END ALL PEACE
WORDS MATTER
Feb 5, 2024 | 7 pm
Feb 12, 2024 | 7 pm
Feb 27, 2024 | 7 pm
Congregation B’nai Israel 300 58th St N
The Florida Holocaust Museum 55 5th St S
Temple Beth-El 400 Pasadena Ave S
ABOUT RABBI ED ROSENTHAL Rabbi Ed Rosenthal is Founder and CEO of Repair the Sea | Tikkun HaYam, the only Jewish environmental organization that focuses solely on water and the aquatic environment. The Mission of Repair the Sea is to share the spiritual wonders of water and the Sea from a Jewish perspective, promote interfaith harmony and cooperation, and raise awareness and encourage action to address the many threats facing the aquatic environment. Before founding Repair the Sea, Ed was a congregational rabbi for 12 years in New Zealand and Texas, followed by 23 years with Hillel. He spent 2 years as the Campus Rabbi at Emory University, 8 years as the Executive Director of Cornell University Hillel, and then 13 years as the Hillel Regional Director in Tampa Bay. He is a recipient of Hillel International’s Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence award and the AIPAC Ally of the Year award. He also served as a chaplain in the US Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant from 1983-1991.
LEARN MORE HERE
thefhm.org/events
Registration is required. In lieu of a registration fee, please bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services’ food pantry.
CBI Library Click Here for CBI ONLINE Buns Family Library – Browse our Library! (virtually or in the synagogue).For any questions about the site, log in, or book check out, contact Jill Weisberg at bellallure1@aol.com or 717-917-3748 (Jill is also happy to check out books for you). Library Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm M-F. Browse the shelves. To check out a book, please complete the "Check Out A Book" sheet by the library computer. The library is open during Friday night and Saturday morning. Books cannot be checked out during these Shabbat hours. Five years ago December, we lost a prominent Israeli author and passionate peace advocate for Israel. Our Buns Family Library has several of Amos Oz's books:
We happily accept donations that are intact and do not have tears or yellowing. Help in reshelving and moving around books is needed. Contact Jill Weisberg at bellallure1@aol.com
Karen Tovey Jeffrey Fasick Phillip Bloom Bonnie Walker David LeVine Daniel Sheffer Barbara Colen Michael Slomka Jacqueline Wertel Mark Gordon David Reingold Lawrence Goldberg Morris LeCompte Erin Eichenbaum Fred Feld Nancy Landfish Marissa Miller Lyle Cowart Beth Kaplan Simon Pels Shevy Silverberg Shirley Grossman Raphael Kaplan Jeannie Straussman Eva Gutman
DiAnna Zelt Larry Feinman Stephanie Stein Irene Knupp Sari August Jeff Straussman Sharon Feinman David Piper Jonathan Schultz Charlene Wygodski Kathleen Buns Martha Terry Drew Gordon Alla Solyar Dara Rosen-Gould Reisha Freedman Christopher Edelmann Audrey Dantowitz Ellen Podgor Karen Kauffman Carol Marcin
Happy Birthday!
Andrew & Amy Giskin Stephen & Livia Wein Bryan & Robyn Greenberg Drew & Carol Daley Eve Sembler & Jonathan Mest
Happy Anniversary