December 2015 Bulletin - Congregation Beth Israel, Portland Oregon

Bulletin December 2015 Kislev-Tevet 5776 Vol. 65, No. 3

Chanukah Family Festival Friday, December 11 Celebrate with us at Congregation Beth Israel’s

Chanukah Family Festival!

Friday, December 11 • 6pm • Goodman Hall Portland food carts! Latkes! Donuts! Fun for people of all ages!

Dance the night away to the festive music of our own house band, Def Schlepper!

Please bring your family menorah and candles to fill the room with celebration and light.

To RSVP, contact Marisa at 503-222-1069 or marisa@bethisrael-pdx.org.

In keeping with the Chanukah theme and to support the Greater Portland community, please bring a donation of cooking oil for our partners at Lift Urban Portland.

CHANUKAH - LIGHTING THE CANDLES Candles are added to the Hanukkiyah from right to left, but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first.

On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the Chanukah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.

Light the shamash - the helper candle set higher or lower than all the rest of the candles first using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights; say or sing: Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam a-sher ki-d’sha-nu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tzi-va-nu l’had-lik ner shel Hanukka.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You make us holy with Your Mitzvot, and command us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam, sheh-a-sa ni-sim la-a-vo-tei-nu/l’i-mo-tei-nu ba-ya-mim ha-heim ba-z’man ha-zeh.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You showed wonders to our fathers/mothers in days of old, at this season.

On the first night only we add: Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam, she-heh-cheh-ya-nu, v’ki-y’ma-nu, v’higi-anu, la-z’man ha-zeh.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

Bar Mitzvah

Upcoming Events

Gabe Rosenfield

Of Musical Interest from Cantor Ida Rae Cahana:

Gabe Rosenfield will become Bar Mitzvah on December 5th. He is the son of Lynne and Richard, and older brother of Peri. He is a seventh grader at the da Vinci Arts Middle School. For his Mitzvah Project, Gabe has been working with Project Lemonade, an organization that provides foster youth with a back-to-school shopping experience and offers support to inspire self-esteem and promote success. Project Lemonade has a retail space in the Lloyd Center to make the shopping experience just like a regular shopping day! Gabe chose Project Lemonade because he thinks “every kid should have clothes they are proud of wearing” and that all kids should “have clothes they not only can wear, but enjoy. [Gabe is] focusing on athletic clothes because kids are very active.” He notes, “From personal experience, I’d rather wear athletic shorts than jeans while I am running around. It should not be hard to have fun because of your clothes. Project Lemonade is a great non - profit organization because it gives foster kids quality clothes, for prices they can afford. Every child should be able to say, ‘This is my favorite shirt.’“

UPCOMING EVENTS CBI Book Group Herbert & Shirley Semler Board Room

Everyone is welcome to join us for a morning of pleasant literary discussion. There is no need to sign up.

Sunday, December 6, 9:00 AM

Our December book selection is: The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.

Sunday, January 3, 9:00 AM

A Parade of Pianos!

Many of you who attend services in the Main Sanctuary have noticed a progression of different pianos being used over the past few years. From 2013-15, we were delighted to serve as the temporary home of a magnificent nine foot Artist Steinway belonging to the exceptional Michael Allen Harrison.

When Michael needed his beloved piano back, another of our wonderfully talented pianists, Tim Ribner, decided to loan us his baby grand, which we have used for the past several months.

It seems to be the season for generosity; our beloved Michael Barnes purchased an eight foot piano for himself and has lent it to us for use at parties and other events in Goodman Hall!

Meanwhile, Thomas Lauderdale heard from me after we had to return the Steinway and asked if we would like to house a warmtoned Baldwin baby grand which had belonged to the late great Norman Leyden. So, we now have that lovely instrument in the main sanctuary, Tim’s baby grand on the stage of Blumauer Auditorium waiting for young artists to play for a talent show or other performance, and yet another terrific grand piano in Goodman Hall. All three instruments are on loan to us from loving and talented friends.

I know that you will join me in offering heartfelt thanks this Chanukah season to these musicians who have added light to our music here at Congregation Beth Israel: Michael Allen Harrison, Tim Ribner, Michael Barnes, and Thomas Lauderdale.

The first selection of the new year will be: An Officer And A Spy: A Novel by Robert Harris.

Special Thanks to Sydney’s Celebration Committee

The Rise and Demise of Blacklisting

Thank you for making my retirement celebration so fun and memorable. I will be forever grateful. - Sydney

Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 PM Pollin Chapel Presenters: Ron Silver and Michael Simon Were you a premature anti-fascist? That was the label given to many of the intelligentsia, writers and actors who favored the Republicans against the Franco Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War from 1936-1939. At the end of the Second World War these same people were now believed to be Communists (some were) or Fellow Travelers (some were) and a threat to the American Way of Life (almost none were).

This was the dark time of the Blacklist, when people were made to name names, sign Loyalty Oaths and the most dreaded phrase became, “Are you now, or have you ever been...” Well- known writers and actors disappeared from the public eye, many of them Jews. At least the writers could go underground and use “fronts.”

Actors, teachers, and others had no refuge.

Join Michael Simon and Ron Silver as they discuss how this period came to be and, thankfully, how it passed its course.

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Celebration Chairs: Ilene Davidson, Michelle Gradow, Linda Georges, and Joanie Rosenbaum Committee: Susan Graber & Bill June, Ned Duhnkrack, Rabbi Cahana, Cantor Cahana and Rabbi Joseph, Jen Feldman, Ben Sandler, and Marisa Reby Speakers: Rabbi Cahana, Rabbi Rose, Jeff Wolfstone, John Rosenthal, Jill Rubinstein, and Ned Duhnkrack Slide show: Robyn Barbon Bakers: Alina Aliyar, Ilene Davidson, Sarah Epstein, Linda Georges, Michelle Gradow, Renee Holzman, Morrie Jackson Mary Klein, Jill Neuwelt, Joanie Rosenbaum, Sally Rosenfeld, Davia Rubenstein, and Lois Schnitzer Memory Box: Allison Baer Team CBI: Perry Meekins, Susie Young, Dallas Van Winkle, Shalamar Washington, Keith Powers, Tracy Alifanz, Vicki Greif, Sara Miller, and Alyssa Mandula The Bendis Family for sharing the hosting of our Oneg

Congregation Beth Israel

Our Leadership

L’hitraot, Sydney

Oh what a night…..

First I thought Thanks for the Memories was fun, but then realized Dayenu was better. I was so touched by Ned’s kind words during High Holy Days, the blessing from the clergy and the many expressions of appreciation from all of you. Dayenu. I have been overwhelmed by the “Sydney stories” as Ned calls them….dayenu.

And now this thank you celebration. If I had known this send-off was going to be this great, I might have done it sooner. This is right up there with grandchildren and grand-friends.

As I have said, this is truly bittersweet. This has been so much more than a job for me, this has been a sacred partnership. This, like Judaism for me, is a way of life! I have loved working closely with our families, community, clergy, devoted lay leaders, my NATA colleagues (peeps) and our staff. This has been an extraordinary professional privilege. I have been involved in Jewish communal service since my teens, first as a leader within my youth group, in college as a youth group leader and then as a volunteer for CBI for many years. While in college and working closely with the congregation’s Exec Director, I recall admiring him and the fleeting thought, “well that is a cool job, and you get to walk your talk every day.” Little did I know or could even imagine that this would then be the frosting on the cake of my career!

I have been about the high points during the last 15+ years. It was really fun to look at our old bulletins. It made me think about all we do here in a day, a month, and any given year. And while our yearlong sesquicentennial (oh how we love that word) celebration was a high point, I don’t really have a few memorable highlights. For me, my favorite moments and memories come from being a part of the heart and soul of this community. I love that we are constantly creating new traditions, brightening and nurturing Jewish lives, and creating memories for all of us. I love that we are committed to welcoming the stranger and that we are all about connecting and creating connections within our community. I love our legacy of being leaders within the community, of being ahead of the curve when we take a stand for social justice and equality, and that we continually strive for excellence within our schools, worship services and programming. I love that it feeds our soul and we feel success when we have made you feel the joy and relevance of being part of our kehilah kedosha (sacred community). We don’t sell widgets here, we are in the relationship business, and lucky for me, that is my favorite part and the part I will miss the most.

Again, thank you for this extraordinary, meaningful and memorable professional opportunity. I have always appreciated that we are a business with a heart and that core Jewish values are an essential part of every decision every day.

Thank you for a magnificent commemoration of my service to CBI. Please know I am feeling the love and will be forever grateful. I have run out of room to thank everyone by name. Personal thank you notes to follow!

May we continue to go from strength to strength.

Fondly, Sydney

May the Chanukah Force Be With You!

by Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana

Twice a year, for Chanukah and Purim, Congregation Beth Israel sends “care packages” to our college students and young adults in the armed services, around the country and around the world.

Many thanks to our CBI Sisterhood/Women of Reform Judaism, Kathleen Doctor, and the Urman Family College Communications Fund for making this possible! This month they sent out 80 packages to remind our young adults that we care about them.

Besides the holiday goodies, Rabbi Cahana includes an often humorous letter relating to the holidays. This is his latest - in celebration of Chanukah and the highly anticipated new Star Wars movie. . .

May the Chanukah Force Be With You! Ok, so this may feel like a “Forced” comparison. After all, Chanukah is the Festival of Light (sabers). What does that have to do with the mythical “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...”?

Actually our Chanukah story bears some strong similarities.

Chanukah is not just a celebration with candles, dreidles, gelt, and gifts, it is a time of retelling an ancient tale that occurred long ago in a land far, far away. A group of poorly armed rebels battled the evil Imperial army that threatened domination.

Antiochus was the Emperor Palpatine of his day, and the Seleucid soldiers were his Stormtroopers. The secret power the Rebel Maccabees had was not some mysterious Force, but G d’s Spirit (“’Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit’, says the Lord of hosts” the prophet Zacharia proclaimed (Zac. 4:7). Or perhaps it could be translated as “trust your feelings, Luke.”)

And ultimately, the power of the few prevailed. As we read in the special “Hodaah”(Thanksgiving) prayer inserted during the Amidah on Chanukah: You (G-d) delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the unclean into the hands of the pure, the evil into the hands of the righteous. . .

So much for the Dark Side.

No surprise that George Lucas, in his creation of the Star Wars legacy, drew on ancient themes. But it is our pride in knowing that the baseline story of Freedom conquering Tyranny was invented by our people’s experience. The “myth” lives on today as we retell our story and watch it play out in our modern mythology. So have fun with it! Tell the story, share its meaning and hold on to our Jewish pride.

Judah Macabbee as a Jedi Knight? The mind reels!

Chanukah Sameach!

Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana

December 2015

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Developing CBI

Education

Given the opportunity – what would you do to save a life?

by Jenat Levison Feldman Development Director This is by far the most difficult article I have ever written. I have proudly spent my professional life striving to make a difference to those in need. Now, I find myself coming forward as someone in need. My doctors, along with many members of the CBI community, have encouraged me to “go public” by asking you to consider helping save my life or the life of one of the over 122,000 others waiting with me for the gift of life through an organ transplant. Someone is added to this list every ten minutes.

I gave up one kidney to cancer and am losing the battle with my diseased remaining one. Yet every day – or at least most days – I get up with a smile on my face and commit myself to making a difference.

In moments of reflection, I’ve wondered why I was put on this path.

I was raised to believe: Life is not a matter of what happens to you, but of how you deal with what happens to you. So I believe since I have the gift of this column, I have a responsibility to share my story in the hope it will make a difference.

I have been fortunate to have lived out my passion for helping others for the last five years as Development Director here at CBI. So it’s strange and quite uncomfortable to be asking for help for myself. The courage to do so has been fueled by the fact that eight

Biennial Connections: Learning & Engaging

By Ben Sandler Education Director I have recently returned from the 2015 URJ Biennial, where I had the opportunity to learn, study, listen, and engage with many fine people in our Reform movement. Our Congregation Beth Israel delegation gained a deeper understanding of how our own community fits into the larger picture of North American Reform Judaism, and explored ideas and issues both universal in nature and more specific to like congregations.

Board of Trustee member Glen Levy and CBI Faculty member Shoshanna Pro joined me for an amazing thirteen hour opening day in the URJ’s Community of Practice (CoP) Building a Brand with your Early Childhood Center. We knew we had started down an amazing adventure. Together with eleven other congregations from around the country we began the deep exploration which will continue for eighteen months on the important work we do with and for families with young children. From preschool programs to family programs, our movement brings unique opportunities and life enrichment possibilities for this essential demographic of our synagogues. Like writers critiquing each other’s work, our cadre of synagogues will push each other towards excellence in the realm of Early Childhood Engagement.

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wonderful friends came forward to help, only to be told that they did not qualify as a match. I am hopeful that by raising awareness of the impact you can make – YOU can actually save a life, be it mine or the life of someone else in need – you and others hearing this story will be inspired by this season of “miracles” to make a miracle happen.

Because truly – if you are healthy you can save a life, be a hero, and add a whole new family to your life.

The life you choose to save could be the life of a mother or father, a sister or brother, or even a child. As a fundraiser I am guided by the adage that God gives you two hands, one to give and one to receive.

I always believed the pleasure came in having the hand to give, yet now I can say in all seriousness that for those in need, pleasure can be had by both hands.

I recognize this is a big ask; I also know most of you are blessed with two kidneys and I am living proof that as long as your kidneys are healthy, you can live normally with just one. My mother did it for fifty years; I have done so for nineteen.

Organ donors – of whom I am proud to know several – have said while they know their “gift” saved a life, the true impact was on their own life. My friend and kidney organ donor Marshall Spector said it best at Cantor David Rosenberg’s funeral: While some say I added days to David’s life – the truth is David added life to my days. Years ago I tried to be a kidney donor; little did I know the tables would turn and I’d be the one in need.

I hope at the very least I have given you food for thought. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact me jen@bethisrael-pdx.org. or 503.222.1069. I would welcome the chance to talk more with you on this matter.

Following the Communities of Practice work, our delegation had opportunities to engage in learning and networking on three main tracks; strengthening congregations, audacious hospitality, and Tikkun Olam. During the sessions, speakers, and workshops I approached these three themes though the lens of religious education, our school community, and the important work we do with kids and families. For me important themes and questions emerged. How we can continue to clarify our school vision for learning and engagement? How can we develop and collaborate with strong leaders interested in education? How can we continue to expand on our openness, commitment to diversity, outreach and putting inclusion into action in all aspects of our school content and experiences? How can we focus on our strengths in the area of Tikkun Olam and together with our students and families do greater good for our community and the world?

I know that the other 5,000 attendees of the URJ Biennial are also each returning to their home congregations inspired and revitalized to continue the important and joyful work we do to be a kehilah kadosha, a sacred community, and to inspire others to connect through their congregation, to become more engaged, and to help to create a more socially just society.

L’shalom, Ben

Congregation Beth Israel

Social Action

Library

THE SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU! RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS The Social Action Committee is doing more than we ever have before! In addition to our favorite annual events, like the High Holiday Funds for Food Drive and Mitzvah Day, we have many exciting new activities that need volunteers throughout the year.

We are also excited to announce that we have started an advocacy arm that includes education and lobbying on issues of social justice, hunger, and gun violence prevention.

Come to our next meeting to get all the details and get involved. We meet on the first Wednesday of every other month from 5-7 PM in the Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2nd.

to ensure a festive event for the guests. In fact, more than 100 volunteers join hands to serve about 600 dinners.

Volunteers are needed before, during and after the dinner: to prepare and decorate, fill gift bags, greet our guests, serve meals, and clean up. You can sign up at www2.mysignup.com/ liftupdinner2015.

CHANCES TO GIVE AND VOLUNTEER

NW Tower Coat and Boot Drive Each year we provide all the children of NW Tower & Annex with a new coat or new boots. If you would like to contribute, please donate to the General Social Action Tribute Fund.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

NW Tower Christmas Gift Drive

Gun Violence Prevention Sermon/Discussion Friday, December 18, 6:00 PM Pollin Chapel At this special Shabbat Service, Mike Reese, former Chief of Portland Police, will give the sermon on gun violence prevention and follow the service with a question-and-answer session. We hope you will join us at this important event. Information on how to get more involved will be provided at the service and on the SAC section of the CBI website: www.bethisrael-pdx.org/community/social-action.

Lift Urban Portland Holiday Dinner Friday, December 25, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Goodman Hall Every year for the past 30 or so years, Congregation Beth Israel has graciously hosted a community holiday dinner. This year the dinner is on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Many volunteers generously offer their time

Please help make the holiday season merry for the twenty or so children who are our neighbors at NW Tower & Annex. Check the SAC section of the CBI website (www.bethisrael-pdx.org/community/ social-action) for a link to the Christmas gift drive.

THANKS TO OUR HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS Thank you to everyone who joins us at all our activities. Our activities rely on CBI members and we are so grateful for the hard work and commitment of our volunteers. We would particularly like to acknowledge some young volunteers who are now a regular addition to our weekly tutoring at NW Tower & Annex.

Thank you to Levi Margolis, Benjamin Olshin, Cole Powers, Dylan Audley, and Nikhil Saha. These young men are helping to tutor the kids at NW Tower. They have focused on New Math, which has been challenging for most of the adult tutors, and have shown infinite patience and compassion during all the sessions. We really appreciate that they are taking time in their busy schedules to reach out to our neighbors.

Goldsmith & Spear Library Happenings The Goldsmith & Spear Library reinvention has been a page turner!

We have had three successful Special Sundays featuring CBI President Ned Duhnkrack and her family tree search, members Anne and Lewis Young and their experiences growing up in the south, and most recently Lisa and David Sarasohn and being Jewish in PDX. We have new books for adults and children, laptops loaded with ancestry.com, and we are starting a Genealogy Club email list to communicate with members interested in solving the puzzle of their family trees.

searches in the Temple Library. Members will be introduced to search on Ancestry.com free of charge. Ms. Lifshitz began working in genealogy over 30 years ago, speaks 9 languages, and is knowledgeable in laws and regulations related to archives in different countries. If you are interested in her help and want to be on the Genealogy Club email list, please contact Stephanie Siegel at takoma66@gmail.com.

If you are interested in starting your family tree and researching your roots, Tatiana Lifshitz, a member of our congregation, will help members learn research tools and begin their family tree

Look for a list of the spring 2016 Special Sundays in the January Bulletin.

A thousand thanks to Marge Congress, the Special Sunday speakers, and the Nettie Director Library Fund.

December 2015

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L’Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation

Brotherhood

Mazel Tov to Barbara Durkheimer and Gary Larsen on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Asher Cohen on October 10, 2015 in Chapel Hill, NC. Asher’s parents are Marc and Pam Cohen. Asher’s great grandparents are Leah and Stuart (CBI Past President) Durkheimer, z”l.

Congregation Beth Israel’s WRJ/BIS, who have been honored with the Silver WRJ Or Ami Award for their “Network PDX” program and with two Honorable Mentions for their “Becoming a Bat Mitzvah” and “Miss Representation” Programs.

Congregation Beth Israel’s URJ Biennial Delegation, including Rabbi Michael Cahana, Rabbi Rachel Joseph, Rabbi Sam Joseph, Ben Sandler, Shoshanna Pro, Bob Kravitz, Glen Levy, and Steve Gradow, as well as Stephanie Siegel, Debbie Brayer and Lynn Gelber, who attended both the WRJ and URJ Biennial Conferences.

Condolences to Stuart and Nikki Director on the death of his brother-in-law Kenneth Kimmel, who passed away August 21, 2015 in Newton, Massachusetts.

Vodka & Latkes Sunday, December 6, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Blumauer Auditorium Once a year, it happens. We get that craving for fried food that can’t be denied, and that happens to coincide with a religious mandate to indulge! We at Brotherhood believe it is our mission to help CBI’s members satisfy that unstated craving by hosting a special event. For our event, we could provide a “secret” ingredient that represents a fair number of species from the world’s fourth-largest food crop. Teams (solos, spouses, groups, whatever) can then utilize the secret ingredient to create oh-so-tasty foodstuffs for all to enjoy.

Nikki and Stuart Director and family on the death of her uncle Orrin Howard, who passed away October 7, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.

Marge Cohn on the death of her brother-in-law and Marti and John Rosenthal and family on the death of her uncle Richard Bernheimer, who passed away October 29, 2015 in Sacramento, California.

Gerry & Morrie Jackson on the death of her cousin Rolaine Vines Copeland who passed away November 4, 2015 in Seattle. Rolaine grew up at CBI where her family were long time members.

Janet Zell on the death of her husband, Lauren Zell and Evyn Zell on the death of their father, Martin and Beverly Zell on the death of his brother, Cathy and Dave Zerba, Linda Zell and David Zell on the death of their uncle and Leonard Zell, Ted Zell, Emily Zell, Alexandra Zell, Richard Singer and Donald Singer on the death of their cousin Alan Zell, who passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015.

Knit-a-Mitzvah Wednesday, December 16, 10:00 AM Shirley and Herbert Semler Board Room Cantor Schiff began Knit-A-Mitzvah at Beth Israel in 2004 with the intention of creating one warm, handcrafted bit of Tikkun Olam at a time. Over the years we have created thousands of handcrafted items, for groups ranging from Afghans for Afghans, Goose Hollow Shelter, Portland PTA Clothes Closet, Northwest Medical Teams’ work in the Guatemalan Highlands and in India, the William Temple House and our own Christmas Dinner.

Come join us! Even if you can’t make our monthly meetings, we welcome your handcrafted hats, gloves, mittens, or sweaters of any size or color.

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Photo courtesy of The Bilow Group, Inc.

That’s right... I offer you: Vodka & Latkes 2015!!!!!!

Think you have what it takes? Have you tasted someone’s latkes and thought, “it would be so much better if these had ________ in them”? Well, come and put that theory to the test. Participants will have license to make latkes, any kind of latkes. Resurrect that recipe for your Bubbe, create wasabi cream-topped sweet potato latkes, see if anchovies really do work in latkes, or microwave the frozen potato speed bumps from Trader Joe’s and try to pass them off as your own... we welcome all (or as many as can fit) to Congregation Beth Israel’s kitchen, and our wise panel of latke judges (selected through a top-secret balloting process) will decide if your latkes are... luminous or lackluster.

The Brotherhood will provide basic latke ingredients (potatoes, onions, cooking oil), but all participants are encouraged to bring any special ingredients they feel will enhance their chances of winning one of our secret-special prizes.

I would be remiss not to mention the Vodkas... several will be available to speed your time in the kitchen... the full effect hopefully not to kick-in until after completing the chopping duties. Awards will be presented to the top three latkes makers (after our latkes judges go through a pain-staking analysis, more secret than the Oscars).

Congregation Beth Israel

Sisterhood

Next Generation (NG) Sisterhood Iron Chef Saturday, December 5, 6:00 PM Location TBD Join the Next Generation for a twentyone and over Chanukah Iron Chef party that will feature prizes and a chance to show off your cooking (or drink mixing) skills. This is a plus-one event, so feel free to bring your SO! Please bring a dish to enter into one (or more!) of the following categories: Appetizer, Side Dish, Latke, Entree, Dessert, or Drink. We’re fundraising for the Food Bank, so a donation of either five dollars or five cans of food gets you a plate for tasting. were energized by the WRJ and URJ commitment to Tikkun Olam, and we are excited to work towards this goal with our clergy, our youth, and our community. We thank the entire CBI delegation for its audacious hospitality and we thank the many supporters of Sisterhood.

Check the NG Sisterhood page (www.facebook.com/ groups/1481053455458330/?ref=br_tf ) for updates and to RSVP, or reach us via email at NGSisterhood@gmail.com.

Sisterhood Shabbat Friday, January 22, 6:00 PM Pollin Chapel

Gift Shop News

Please join us as we celebrate Sisterhood Shabbat with a service led by members of WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood. If you would like to help lead the service, contact Kate Royston at kroyston@gmail.com. NG is hosting the oneg following the service. NG members, if you want to help with the oneg, please email NGSisterhood@gmail.com.

Sisterhood Report from the WRJ Assembly/ URJ Biennial - Orlando, FL Sisterhood President Stephanie Siegel and Board members Ellen Bick, Debbie Braymer and Lynn Gelber represented WRJ/ Beth Israel Sisterhood at the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Assembly, held in conjunction with the URJ Biennial. Sisterhood received a Silver Or Ami (Light of Our People) Award for our program Network: PDX and two honorable mentions for programs we did for our religious school: Miss Representation and Becoming a Bat Mitzvah.

WRJ passed resolutions to advocate for pay equity and for paid family and medical leave. An additional resolution encourages Sisterhoods to partner with congregations to educate temple youth about the dangers of distracted driving: texting or calling on cell phones and other electronic devices. We have initiated a dialogue with Education Director Ben Sandler to help our youth understand these dangers.

In addition to attending workshops led by Jewish luminaries Anat Hoffman, Anita Diamont, and others, your Sisterhood reps

Please come to the Sisterhood Gift Shop for your Chanukah shopping! We have oodles of new merchandise for kids and adults, lots of chocolate gelt, and menorahs of all sizes. Buy local, very local, and support the CBI Youth with every purchase. Also, we need volunteers in the Sisterhood Gift Shop, especially on Thursdays. If you are a religious school parent with a child who comes on Thursday, please consider volunteering. Contact Debbie Braymer at dsjbraymer@gmail.com if you can help out.

Help us support CBI and the PDX Community!

PLEASE HELP LEAD SERVICES AT THE ROBISON HOME Sisterhood is responsible for providing a service leader(s) the fourth Friday of every month. This is a mitzvah that will make you feel good. We can teach you everything you need to know. Please contact Kate Royston at kroyston@gmail.com.

HELP IN THE LIBRARY Marian Librarian - where are you!? If you can help out in the library, please email Marge Congress: maven345@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER FOR GOOSE HOLLOW FAMILY SHELTER Contact Daureen Morris at figgymorris@comcast.net.

December 2015

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Very Thoughtful People Adult Education Fund

In Memory of Spencer Daniels Debbie Friedman and Gary Peterson In Honor of Rabbi Cahana and Cantor Cahana Leslie and Robert Peltz

Altar Flowers and Oneg Shabbat

In Memory of Eve Black Rose Black Dr. Herbert D. Black In Honor of Ellie Zusman (Speedy Recovery) Barbara and Howard Cohn

Amy R. Goldsmith Library In Memory of Harry Shleifer Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Shleifer

Caring Community Fund

In Memory of Eloise Spiegel Don Spiegel and Deborah DavisSpiegel

Cemetery Beautification In Memory of Josef Neuberger Hans Neuberger Rosalyn Neuberger Josef Neuberger Patricia Neuberger Joy Alkalay Pierce Ethier Herbert H. Lauterstein Lee B. Lowenson Loudelle Lundberg Michael, Tim, Becky, and Adam Tannenbaum David Lipman Loree and Ken Sakai Jackie Spivak Henry Spivak Dr. Harry Semler Gertrude Semler Helen Spivak and Family Alan Zell Rena and Cheryl Tonkin

Rabbi Cahana Discretionary In Memory of Jack Bulwa Richard and Shirley Plotzker David Bloom Wendy and Bob Steinberg Barbara Singer Lois and Arden Shenker Philip Stratiner Sally and Debbie Mink

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Alan Green Nancy Green Olga Lewin Jean Layton Harry Yurman Louise Ruben In Honor of Sara Miller (Hospitality) Peggy and Dennis Frank Sarah and John Epstein (Anniversary) Raye Kaplan In Appreciation Rabbi Cahana The Lehman Family Rabbi Cahana Gordon Brotinsky General Contribution Given By Anonymous

Cantor Cahana Discretionary In Memory of Mary Plotzker Richard and Shirley Plotzker Albert Mandelbaum Alan and Lynn Lertzman Harriet Packouz Towne Wendy and Bob Steinberg Abe Friedman Debbie Friedman and Gary Peterson Corinne (Corky) Zelinka Bob Zelinka Ann Goldsmith Eleanor Goldsmith Lewis Barr Judith Meller (Holocaust Survivor) Megan Brown Edwin I. August Josephine August David and Anita August General Contribution Given By Anonymous

Rabbi Joseph Discretionary In Memory of Aaron Plotzker Richard and Shirley Plotzker Morton Steinhorn Arthur and Benjamin Steinhorn In Honor of Sydney Baer (Retirement) Judith B. Joseph General Contribution Given By Jason and Shonda Waxman Anonymous

Cantor Schiff Discretionary In Memory of Irene Crane Jim Crane and Karla Forsythe

Richard Bernheimer Marie Moe Sandee Blank

Rabbi Rose Discretionary In Memory of Jennie Y. Enkelis Myra Enkelis

General Administrative

In Memory of Mollie Schnitzer Levin Gilbert Schnitzer Lillian S. Steinberg Thelma Schnitzer Gilbert Schnitzer Kenneth and Deborah Novack David Bloom Harriet Packouz Towne Lance and Mary Steinberg Frank Hochfeld Marilyn Gilbert Leo L. Matin Harry Glickman Miriam Aike Fran Wolfe Myra Schwartz David Schwartz Edna Lautmann John Lautmann Jeffrey Stevens Joy Alkalay Pierce Ethier Melvin Leon Gross Karen Stern Estelle Ellner Dr. Harold Ellner Joseph Margolin Phillip Margolin In Honor of Sydney Baer (Retirement) Don Spiegel and Deborah Davis-Spiegel In Appreciation of Sydney Baer Jen Feldman Sally Rosenfeld and Andrew Frank General Contribution Given By Gordon Bronitsky

Hal Ruthizer Cultural Arts In Memory of Joan Sitwell Barbara Glazer Neale Creamer Jack and Barbara Schwartz Sara Bazelon Jim and Michael Richman

Jill Newman Slansky Early Childhood Leader Fund In Memory of Paul Skolnick Jill Ann Slansky

Congregation Beth Israel

Judith Anne Epstein Education Director’s Fund General Contribution Given By Anonymous

Miller Room Refurbishment and Restoration Fund In Memory of David H. Byer Howard and Raquel Byer In Honor of Sydney Baer (Retirement) Alan and Lana Miller

Oseran Family Lecture In Memory of Peggy Louise Lehman Ted and Davia Rubenstein David Finkelstein Henry and Nancy Oseran David Eisenberg Theresa Eisenberg Preschool

In Memory of Anna Feves Marlene Weiner Family Homer Kiser Sarah Kinder Evelyn Galen Patricia L. Nemer Michael Grunbaum Marilyn and Hans Grunbaum General Contribution Given By Paul Schmidt

Rosenfeld Family Assistant/ Associate Rabbi Fund In Memory of Betty Donoghue Nancy Caplan Bess Steinman Feldstein Benjamin Feldstein Tammy Kramer

Ruth Semler Youth Activities In Memory of Lena Holzman M’Liss Gilbert Irwin and Renee Holzman Sherry Caplan Nancy Caplan Pearl Friedman Barry and Barbara Caplan Morris Pollin Harold and Jane Pollin Minnie Spivak Abe Spivak Jackie Spivak Henry Spivak Alysmae Nudelman Victor Nudelman Helen Spivak and Family

Very Thoughtful People Max J. Swerdlik Joan and Louis Soriano

Sanny Snell Preschool Scholarship In Memory of Max Rubenstein Ruth Rubenstein Sanny and Nick Snell

Social Action (General)

In Memory of Bernard Carr Thomas Carr and Leonard Carr Bernie Rosencrantz M.H. Rosencrantz Jacob Solomon Roza Willer Dick Solomon Erna Neuberger Rosalyn Neuberger Betty Lou Margulis Dolorosa and David Margulis Dorothy Asher Joan Liebreich Evelyn Maizels

Food

In Memory of Frances Utay-Wolf Evelyn Laster Benjamin Brown William R. Brown Alice Carr Bernard Carr Shirley Gittelsohn Robert and Lore Labby Erna Neuberger Hans Neuberger Patricia Neuberger Fred Rabiner David and Liz Lippoff Babette Horenstein Gail Marracci Marla Forsythe-Crane Jim Crane and Karla Forsythe Eloise Spiegel Julie Durkheimer and Mark Dohrmann Victor Feibelman Ms. Gertrude Joseph

Mollie Katz Pearl Trachtenberg Sam Shleifer John E. May Susan and Stuart Schleifer Bluma Goldberg Jan Goldberg & Family David Frisch LouAnn Frisch Thea Grunbaum Marilyn and Hans Grunbaum Rose Baron Harry Baron Roger Baron and Michele Frisella Sara Bazelon Mimi Richman Ruth Saul Davia and Ted Rubenstein Charles Berne Frank and Lee Berne In Honor of Sydney Baer (Retirement) Beverly and Marty Zell Sydney Baer (Retirement) Rena and Cheryl Tonkin

I Have A Dream

In Memory of Alan Green Shemaya Blauer Samuel Chaimov Gregory Chaimov Ruth Semler Abe Wexler Gilda Wexler Clarice Libby Helen Spivak and Family In Honor of Jen Feldman (For Good Health) Shemaya Blauer Robert Caplan (Special Birthday) Jerry Goldstone (Special Birthday) Barbara and Barry Caplan

Temple Improvement

In Memory of Henry Kaplan Sarah and John Epstein Amy Lichtgarn Freedman Joyce and Stan Loeb and Family

Sherie Lyn Hildreth Geri and Jerry Matin Milton Reiter Eva Freedman Geri Matin and Family In Honor of Sydney Baer (Retirement) Bunny and Jerry Sadis Sydney Baer (Retirement) Linda and Sidney Rothschild Sydney Baer (Retirement) Paul and Alice Meyer

WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood Funds

Bikkur Holim - Hope in Life In Memory of Julia Adler Gregory Chaimov Carol Gevurtz Meisels John and Myra Gevurtz In Honor of Debbie and David Braymer Jim Crane and Karla Forsythe

Urman Family College Communication

Prayer Book

Heims Family Youth Activities Endowment

Service to the Blind

In Honor of Julia Urman (Marriage) Marvin and Lois Urman

In Memory of Alfred J. Davis Sarah Davis Nathan Dickson I. Kenneth Davis

Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund In Memory of Sherie Reiter Hildreth Hildreth Family

Nettie Director Library Book Endowment In Memory of Nettie Director Bruce Director Ken Kimmel Orrin Howard Bunny and Jerry Sadis Fannie Director Nathan Rosen Nettie Margolis Stuart and Nikki Director

In Memory of Berta Delman Nicole and Jeff Gullish Nancy Caplan Bernie Caplan

In Memory of Bertha Mayer Holtzman Wilma Jane Balick and Sandra Kailes Biller Babette Horenstein Marcus Horenstein

Sisterhood Lubliner Leadership Fund

In Honor of Raye Kaplan Sarah Epstein Stephanie Siegel Diane Lowensohn Rabbi Cahana Cantor Cahana Rabbi Joseph Bonnie Barg Stephanie Siegel and Jeffrey Whalen 2015/16 Sisterhood Board Eve Rosenfeld General Contribution Given By Susan Silver and Irving Fink Sally Rosenfeld Rose Rustin

CBI Team Senior Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana rabbicahana@bethisrael-pdx.org Senior Cantor Ida Rae Cahana cantorcahana@bethisrael-pdx.org Associate Rabbi Rachel L. Joseph rabbijoseph@bethisrael-pdx.org Rabbi Emeritus Emanuel Rose, D.H.L., D.D. rabbirose@bethisrael-pdx.org Cantor Emerita Judith Blanc Schiff cantor@bethisrael-pdx.org

Education Department Education Director Ben Sandler, M. Ed. ben@bethisrael-pdx.org Youth Group Director Shoshanna Pro shoshanna@bethisrael-pdx.org Education Administrator Ziva Sholin ziva@bethisrael-pdx.org

Development Director Jen Feldman jen@bethisrael-pdx.org

Accounting Assistant Vicki Greif vicki@bethisrael-pdx.org

Century Catering 503-849-2605 Allen Levin

Engagement Coordinator Marisa Reby marisa@bethisrael-pdx.org

Facilities Staff Perry Meekins, Facilities Manager Shalamar Washington Susie Young Dallas Van Winkle

Culinary Artistry 503-232-4675 Jenn Louis

Office Administrator Tracy Alifanz tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org

Member Services

Clergy Administrative Assistant Sara Miller sara@bethisrael-pdx.org

Interim Executive Director Alanna Hein alanna@bethisrael-pdx.org

Finance Director Jim Baldwin, CPA jim@bethisrael-pdx.org

December 2015

Catering Panel Alfresco Catering by Sheraton 503-335-2858 Shellie Engelquist Art of Catering 503-231-8185 Larry Grimes

Devil’s Food Catering 503-233-9288 Charles Stilwell VT Group: Vibrant Table, Food In Bloom, f&b CafÊ 503-297-9635 Karen Rich

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In Remembrance ~ May their memory be for a blessing.

December 4 & 5 Lettie Adler Harry Lewis Baron Ida Bergman* Robert Blank James D. Bromberg Sherry Caplan Nancy Caplan Samuel Chaimov Regina Cohen William Cohen Theodore B. Davidson* Arnold Dayan E. Frieda Dobrow* David Finkelstein* Pearl Friedman David Frisch Frieda Gideon* Betty V. Goldman Leslie Dell Hughes Beth Israel* Daniel Kivel Nettie Margolis Leonard Meeker Robert J. Neuberger* Samuel Oldstein Rita Kantor Pearlmutter* Barbara Prebish Miriam J. Reinhardt* Jeane Rosenberg Wilma (Billie) Rosenblum Miriam F. Rosenfeld* Miriam Rudnick Anna Saltzman Nathan Shapiro Harry Shleifer* Joan Sitwell Minnie Spivak Hilda Steinbock Caroline Berg Swann* Nancy P. Thalhimer Dorothy Warner Yvette G. Weil* Ira Weiner Margie Winkler Lawrence Winthrop Frances Utay Wolf Albert A. Woolach Arthur Zacks December 11 & 12 Jack N. Barde* Dorothy Baruh Arthur Bergman Albert Berkowitz* Marilyn Blaushild Rose Bloom Helena Borman Sylvia Davis Campf* Elizabeth Canter Della Cohen

Alfred Edelman David Eisenberg David Exposito Ryan Ferrante Charlotte Friend Evelyn Galen Ann Goldsmith Barr Bertha Grenley Harry Gross Nathan Helman* Rosebelle Himelstein* Frank Hochfeld Bertha Mayer Holtzman* Albert Kipnis* Adele Labow Hannah R. Lang Herbert H. Lauterstein* Julius and Lena Levistein and Children* Selma Lindberg David J. Lipman Burton L. Lipman* Moses Mark Leo L. Matin Paul Matusow John May James Donald Monteith Josef Neuberger Hyman B. Nudelman Phillip Leo Nudelman Elsie K. Payne Milton Reiter Jerrold (Jerry) Richard Lottie Roffe Rabbi Abraham J. Rose* Jacob Rosenberg* Louis Sandoz Jack Schneiderman Bess Shavzin Sigmund Sichel* Bessie Silverman Jacob Solomon Lucille Almeleh Spring Eleanor Stern Erick Thompson Leon Winters Mildred Zell December 18 & 19 Robert Adams Miriam B. Aiken Herbert Alexander Frances Bettman* Rebecca Bilow Fred Carr Booth Colman Irene Crane Fannie Director Frank Director Marjorie Easton Eugene Eiseman

Herman Fagin Anna Feves* Esther Fishman Mara Rosanne Forsythe-Crane Samuel G. Gilbert* M’Liss Gilbert Mary E. Greenberg* Lily Grover Thea Grunbaum Cecilia Hobin Victor T. Hoeflich Lena Holzman Robert Stuart Joseph Mollie Katz Homer Kiser Ruth Kullman Ben Meyer Levin* Olga Lewin Joseph Lipshutz* Rose Lyman Evelyn Mandelbaum Dora Manheim* S. Julius Mayer* Judith Meller Robert Arthur Nagel Fannie Oldstein Jacob Ovetz Mary Frances Peters Morris Pollin* Anna Press Anita Reinhorn Nathan Rosen Charlotte Rosen Bernice Rosencrantz* Charles L. Rosenthal Harry Rubin Jack Ruby Jean Moss Rustin Adele Savinar Sol Sax Milton Schatz Cynthia Sherman Alan E. Shevach* Nisa Menashe Shleifer Max Solomon Flora Spaiser Morton Steinhorn Gertrude Sussman Milton Tenzer Joseph Munroe Thom Elise F. Wendel Gilda Wexler* Spencer Wing Ethel Young Daniel Zell Norman Zimmerman December 25 & 26 Joseph Alkalay* Dorothy Asher Josephine August

(*) next to a name indicates a memorial plaque has been purchased to ensure the beloved departed is remembered in perpetuity.

For information about memorial plaques in the Temple, please contact Tracy at (503) 222-1069 or tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org.

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Congregation Beth Israel

Edwin I .August Maxine Bauer Sara Bazelon Charles Berne Rose R. Black Eve Black David Bloom Mary Ann Bustamante Ronald Cohen Eugene R. Cohn Alfred J. Davis* Berta Delman Louis Diamondstein* Nathan Dickson Ian Douglas Victor Feibelman Benjamin Feldstein Jerome Freiberg Anna Geller Leonard Geller Bluma Goldberg Abraham Goldstein Joseph Greenwald Michael R. Grunbaum Goldie Hammel Ethel Harrison Mae Hasman Sherie Hildreth Seymour Kaufman Philip Kipnis* Morris Klein Anne Levitt Janice Alexander Levy Samuel Lowengart* Morton Mills Morrie Mink Stanley B. Nagel Matthew Neuwelt Augusta Newmark Burton Nudelman Olive Owen Reva B. Reingold* Shirley Rickles Louis Rosenberg* Ruth Saul Max Schlesinger Theodore Schoenfeld Jacob G. Senders* Anne Siegel Max J. Swerdlik* Harriet Packouz Towne Bilah Vilner Stanley Wand Roza Willer Jack Winkler Sophie Jean Wolf Harry J. Yurman Corinne “Corky “Zelinka

December 2015 SUNDAY

Kislev-Tevet 5776

MONDAY

TUESDAY 1 Kislev 19

Save the Date

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2 Kislev 20

3 Kislev 21

4 Kislev 22

5 Kislev 23

Social Action Committee 5:00 PM SBR

IHP 4:30 PM SEC

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

Tot Shabbat 9:00 AM PC

JND Shabbat Service 7:30 PM PC

Shabbat Morning Service: Bar Mitzvah of Gabriel Rosenfield 10:30 AM Temple

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SHABBAT & CELEBRATION Friday, January 15, 2016 6:00 pm, Temple

Next Generation (NG) Sisterhood Iron Chef 6:00 PM

6 Kislev 24

7 Kislev 25

8 Kislev26

9 Kislev 27

10 Kislev28

11 Kislev 29

12 Kislev 30

Chanukah Begins 1st Candle

Chanukah - 2nd Candle

Chanukah - 3rd Candle

Chanukah - 4th Candle

Chanukah - 5th Candle

Chanukah - 6th Candle

Chanukah - 7th Candle

Executive Committee 12:00 PM SBR

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

IHP 4:30 PM SEC

Chanukah Family Festival 6:00 PM GH

Shabbat Morning Service 10:30 AM PC

Book Group 9:00 AM SBR Religious School (K-7) 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM SEC

WRJ/BIS Board Meeting 6:00 PM SBR

ECE Chanukah Family Program 10:00 AM HH Vodka & Latkes 1:00 PM BA Midrasha (grades 8-12) 12:15 PM - 2:15 PM SEC

13 Tevet 1

14 Tevet 2

15 Tevet 3

Chanukah - 8th Candle Religious School (K-7) 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM SEC

16 Tevet 4

17 Tevet 5

18 Tevet 6

19 Tevet 7

Knit-a-Mitzvah 10:00 AM

IHP 4:30 PM SEC

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Board of Trustees Meeting 6:30 PM SBR

Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

Shabbat Morning Service 10:30 AM PC

24 Tevet 12

25 Tevet 13

26 Tevet 14

Winter Break - No Classes

Offices Closed

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Midrasha (grades 8-12) 12:15 PM - 2:15 PM SEC

20 Tevet 8

21 Tevet 9

22 Tevet 10

23 Tevet 11

Winter Break - No Classes

Lift UP Christmas Dinner 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM GH Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

27 Tevet 15

28 Tevet16

29 Tevet 17

30 Tevet 18

Winter Break - No Classes

Shabbat Morning Service 10:30 AM PC

31 Tevet 19 Winter Break - No Classes

Location Key HH = Harris Hall BA = Blumauer Auditorium GH = Goodman Hall LB = Library LF = Lipman Foyer MR = Miller Room PC = Pollin Chapel SBR = Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room SC = Shemanski Chapel SEC = Sherman Education Center SFC = Schnitzer Family Center

Administration Offices & Clergy

Education Department & Preschool Fax Machine

WRJ/BI Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Beth Israel Cemetery 426 SW Taylors Ferry Road

503-222-1069 503-222-1069 503-274-1400 503-222-1069 503-222-1069

View our calendar and campus map online at

www.bethisrael-pdx.org

Congregation Beth Israel

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Congregation Beth Israel

1972 NW Flanders Street Portland, OR 97209-2097

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 594

Board of Trustees 2015/2016 Officers

Trustees

Ned Duhnkrack President

Stacy Friedman Steve Gradow Glen Levy Robin McCoy Sharon Meieran Joanne Van Ness Menashe Yale Popowich Bob Rosenbaum David Sarasohn Arthur Steinhorn Tony Urdes

Ted Nelson VP/President Elect Ilene Davidson Vice President Ali Garfinkle Vice President Brad Tonkin Vice President Mark Peterman Secretary John Epstein Treasurer

Auxiliaries Stephanie Siegel - WRJ/BI Sisterhood President David Goldwyn - Brotherhood President

FOOD! DRINK! FUN!

Taste of Temple 2016

Sunday,

January 31, 2016 5 PM - 8 PM

Castaway 1900 NW 18th

FEATURING

Fantastic Food & Beverage Vendors

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 1879

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Congregation Beth Israel