Shelanu: High Holy Days 2022

Shelanu VOLUME XXXVII SEPTEMBER 2022 | ELUL 5782 - TISHREI 5783

h a n a L'Sh ah!

Tov

2200 Yamato Road Boca Raton, Florida 33431 cbiboca.org | 561.241.8118

Shanah Tovah Everyone, It’s hard to believe that we are once again together and starting off the Jewish New Year. We love seeing everyone slowly return from summer camps, vacations and getaways. It’s nice to see everyone back! Now that we have retuned, we are thrilled to share that our holy Congregation B’nai Israel community has grown. With each new member that joins us, and each member that is already part of our congregation, we celebrate this new Jewish year of 5783 beginnings.

Together, may our new year be filled with health, happiness, sweetness and joy.

We are proud to announce the arrival of Rabbi Samantha Kahn. Rabbi Kahn joins us most recently from Sarasota, FL, but she grew up in Miami. She joins us with her husband, Matt, and two children: Roey and Stella Mae. Rabbi Kahn is a seasoned rabbi who has been in the rabbinic world for more than 12 years. She brings with her an expertise in Jewish programming, education, a love of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and years of education experience. We are thrilled to have Rabbi Kahn as a member of the clergy team and of our congregation. Rabbi Kahn’s arrival is certainly one of the reasons why we begin our year together with sweetness and joy.

Our sweetness continues in our Nadel Center for Early Childhood Education (NCECE). Linda Harris, of course, remains an integral part of the CBI early childhood program as she continues her work as the Director of Lifelong Learning. And now, Allison Sands, who has been the Assistant Director for NCECE is now, as of July 1st, our new NCECE director. We are elated to continue to have Allison and her family as part of CBI. We look forward to many years of growth, fun, Judaism and learning.

As we begin a new year, we are also continuing the outstanding growth in our Barry Ira Graff School for Living Judaism (SLJ), otherwise known as our religious school. With Rachel Wolff (née Sherman) at the helm, we have been blessed to add two new staff members to the youth team. We are happy to welcome Myriam Rofrano as the SLJ Assistant Director.

Myriam most recently comes to us from the Boston area and is a graduate of Lynn University, so she is no stranger to South Florida. She has many years of experience in curriculum writing, programming, and educational leadership. We are blessed to have her at CBI. Last, but certainly not least, we welcome Annie Rosenthal as our Youth Engagement Professional. Annie moved to Boca from Phoenix and has a vast history in working with youth both in formal and informal educational settings. Annie is sure to bring lots of fun into the lives our students.

These introductions of our new staff bring sweetness to our community, but of course, our sweetness is rooted and flows through each individual and family here at CBI. I hope this next year will be filled with joy, happiness and meaningful moments for all of us.

Lisa, Aviv, Leor and I wish you and your family a safe, happy and healthy 5783.

Shanah Tovah!

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Rony S. Keller, RJE Senior Rabbi 1

CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

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High Holy Days 5783 Service Schedule SELICHOT SERVICE Saturday, September 17 2022 7:00 PM TIME FOR MEMORIAL Thursday, September 22, 2022 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Hollander Family Chapel EREV ROSH HASHANAH Sunday, September 25, 2022 7:00 PM Open to Members & Member Guests ROSH HASHANAH I Monday, September 26, 2022 SERVICE I 8:30 AM Junior Congregation Open to Members & Member Guest SERVICE Il 12:00 PM Junior Congregation Open to All Children's Service 3:15 PM Open to Members, Member Guests & School Families Tashlich 4:00 PM Open to All ROSH HASHANAH II Tuesday, September 27, 2022 10:00 AM Open to All SHABBAT SHUVAH Friday, September 30, 2022 6:30 PM and Saturday, October 1, 2022 8:30 AM EREV YOM KIPPUR/KOL NIDRE Tuesday, October 4, 2022 7:00 PM Open to Members & Member Guests YOM KIPPUR Wednesday, October 5, 2022 SERVICE I 8:30 AM Junior Congregation Open to Members & Member Guest SERVICE Il 12:00 PM Junior Congregation Open to All Children's Service 3:15 PM Open to Members, Member Guests & School Families Fast Talk 4:00 PM Open to All Afternoon Minchah Service 4:30 PM Followed by Yizkor, Neilah & the sounding of the Shofar Open to All

Register online at: cbiboca.org/hhd

Fall Shabbat Schedule September 1 - November 31 Friday Night Shabbat Services - 6:30 PM Saturday Morning Shabbat Services - 8:30 AM In-person in the Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary or via Livestream www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDsOhjGcByS93LGEVj9AtA Saturday Morning Torah Discussion - 8:30 AM In-person in the Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary or via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87667364244 RSVP to attend Shabbat in person: login.cbiboca.org/fridayeveningshabbat Both services will be live-streamed on YouTube on our CBI Boca Livestream channel

Shabbat Highlights Shabbat Shuvah October 1 at 6:30 PM, Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary Tot Shabbat October 14 at 5:00 PM, North Social Hall Noach's Ark and Bark and Pink Shabbat October 28 at 6:30 PM, CBI Front Lawn and Hollander Family Chapel Tot Shabbat November 4 at 5:00 PM, Virtual, link and supplies to be provided Veteran's Shabbat November 11 at 6:30 PM, Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary New Member Welcome and Chardonnary Shabbat November 18 at 6:30 PM, Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary

*All times/locations are subject to change.

Save the Dates September 5

Labor Day (offices closed)

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NCECE & SLJ Parent Kickoff Fiesta

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SLJ Kindergarten Consecration

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NCECE Parent Organization Volunteer Fair

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SLJ Kindergarten Consecration

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Virtual Membership Open House

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Club 678 Shabbat Event

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Selichot

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Chaverim Youth Group Event

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Rosh Hashanah Food Bags Stuffing with Sisterhood

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Club 345 Shabbat Event

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Erev Rosh Hashanah

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Rosh Hashanah I (offices closed)

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Rosh Hashanah II (offices closed)

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Brotherhood Kickoff at Duffy’s

October 1

Shabbat Shuvah

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BISY Youth Group Event

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Erev Yom Kippur (offices closed)

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Yom Kippur (offices closed)

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Erev Sukkot

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Brotherhood Sukkah Building

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Sukkot (offices closed)

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Bourbons and Bros

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Tot Shabbat and Sukkah decorating

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Club 345 Youth Group Event

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Celebrate the Sweetness of Simchat Torah

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Simchat Torah Festival Service with Yizkor (offices closed)

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NCECE Open House

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Book Club: “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin

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Chaverim Shabbat Event

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Club 678 Youth Group Event

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NCECE Waterplay-A-Thon

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Noach’s Ark and Bark / Pink Shabbat

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BISY Youth Group Event

November 3

CBI "Homecoming" Auction

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Virtual Tot Shabbat

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Daylight Savings

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Veteran's Day / Veteran's Shabbat (offices closed)

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Club 345 Youth Group Event

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NCECE Book Fair / Thanksgiving Shows

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BISY Shabbat Event

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New Member Welcome/Chardonnay Shabbat

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Feed the Community

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Thanksgiving (offices closed)

For detailed information: cbiboca.org/events

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A message about Ukraine and our Global Movement:

By Tadd Schwab

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Friends, the war in Ukraine has had an effect on us all.Our own World Union for Progressive Judaism has become very involved in helping Ukrainians both Jewish and not Jewish. Perhaps you are not aware of the wonderful work of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). The WUPJ is the global arm of our Reform/Progressive Jewish Movement. With congregations (including our own) in 50 countries the WUPJ supports our movement in many ways.

When war broke out in Ukraine the WUPJ created a fund to use to help our congregations and people there. To date over $2,100,000 has been collected and more is needed. If you have donated, your support of the WUPJ Ukraine Crisis Fund is making tremendous positive impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by the war.

If you have donated we appreciate your contribution.

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DONATIONS ARE SUPPORTING DIRECT EFFORTS ON THE GROUND: Safe Transport for Ukrainians seeking security and safety across borders

Support & Community for refugees through Progressive Jewish congregations in Europe

Monetary Assistance to Ukrainians in desperate financial need

Legal Assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Israel

Emergency Food Packages

THE WUPJ HAS HAD SEVERAL ONLINE RECAPS WITH UKRAINIANS WHO HAVE GOTTEN TO SAFETY OR USED OUR FINANCIAL HELP IN OTHER WAYS. BELOW WE HEAR FROM OLGA, YULIA, AND VENIAMIN. Olga was able to leave her home city of Bucha, where it is very unsafe, and get to Israel with her daughter. She says: “Thank you for your support. I am safe now in Israel, and one day plan to return to Ukraine. I am very grateful to the communities of Progressive Judaism who accepted me into their family and did not leave me alone in such a difficult situation for the world and for me in particular.”

Yulia Parvenova and her family were forced to leave their home and their business, a small flower shop in Kharkiv, when war broke out. They were left with no money and three children to support. Yulia says: "Your help was vital for us and the money goes to food and necessary things for children. Our eldest daughter, Sofia, 20 years old, is now in Poland. Our sons Igor, 17 years old, and Dima, almost two years old, are with us in Western Ukraine, where it is quieter. Thank you again very much! We are waiting for the end of the war, and dream of returning home and re-starting work."

within and beyond Ukraine

Pesach Food & Shabbat Observances for individuals and families in Ukraine and refugees across borders

Programming & Assistance for Refugee Children with special needs and their families

Support to the Refugee Crisis Center in Warsaw

Veniamin Ievchenko, a member of the Hatikvah Congregation in Kyiv, fled Ukraine with only a few winter clothes. After making Aliyah, your support has helped buy new clothes to get him through the Israeli summer.

He said: "I am very thankful for the financial support I received and will always remember your kindness."

The congregation Veniamin mentioned above in Kyiv (Kiev) is the Congregation our friend Rabbi Alex Dukhovny is the rabbi at. Perhaps some of you saw Rabbi Dukhovny speak several years ago at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca. Rabbi Dukovney is now in Israel and along with other rabbis from Ukraine conducts Shabbat and holiday services via zoom in an effort to keep the congregations together.

Proposals for additional and continuing funding continue to be received by WUPJ and the EUPJ (European Union for Progressive Judaism). The two organizations are working in partnership to evaluate and prioritize needs, said Rabbi Igor Zinkov of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in London, who will visit Poland this month to evaluate funded projects and potential new ones.

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“We have undertaken the task and responsibility of overseeing the allocation and distribution of these essential funds,” he said. “To this end, we are coordinating our efforts with reputable and knowledgeable people on the ground.”

WUPJ is also coordinating with other global organizations such as the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), HIAS Europe, and the World Zionist Organization (WZO) to ensure successful streamlining and to avoid duplication of efforts.

“The humanitarian needs are growing daily,” said Carole Sterling, WUPJ Chair, noting the decimation of Ukrainian communities leading to one of the largest flows of refugees — 3 million so far — in Europe.

The plan has 4 parts: Rescue, Relief, Resettlement, and Rebuilding. We are not finished and will not be for a long time.

We are not finished and will not be for a long time. Please consider support for this important cause.

Contributions can be made online at https://wupj.org/give/ukraine

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 7PM VIP BALLROOM A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the ongoing building enhancement projects.

The Kantor Family Center for Justice

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Written by Leslie Kantor

KANTOR FAMILY CENTER FOR JUSTICE

Social Action was a strong imperative in the founding of Congregation B’nai Israel in 1984.

Our founding rabbi, Richard Agler, and his wife Mindy, were instrumental visionaries in the beginning. Many people have given their time and treasure to move the Center for Justice forward.

Have you found your sanctuary at Congregation B’nai Israel? It could be a place within the curved walls of our Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary where so many of us gather for the High Holidays, weekly shabbat services and for decades of simchas. It might be the more intimate Hollander Family Chapel, home of the 9 AM Torah service and smaller scale life cycle events.

The Kantor family always had strong leanings towards social action. We officially added Kantor Family to the Center for Justice in 1994/95. We are very proud of all the outstanding acts that have been accomplished under the KFCJ. It has provided a place within CBI that many have found their way to benevolent volunteerism.

But for some of us, a sanctuary can be found without the the confines of walls and a ceiling —it comes from within, and originates in the desire to give back.

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Many years ago, our family was approached and asked to dedicate something at CBI. This was at a time when there were loads of naming opportunities on our new Yamato Road campus. We thought long and hard about what we’d like to do.

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David’s father, Milton Kantor z”l , set a great example for the family to live by.

He loved helping others live better, by supporting various causes in Dayton, Ohio. Athletics was his passion, as was making sure the elderly had free buses to use to do their errands. He and Marlene belonged to every schul in Dayton, they simply wanted to be of help every place they could. Wherever Milton saw a need, he tried to be of help. Our family saw that the Center for Justice was doing the same thing, performing acts of kindness that benefited others: the High Holiday food collection, Feeding the Community at Ebenezer Baptist, and the incredible day that helps both on campus and in the community at large, Mitzvah Day! Thus, we chose to name an additional “sanctuary” of CBI, the Kantor Family Center for Justice. It is not a physical place, it is not something you can touch.

It is a spot that grows when we all participate. Since its inception more activities have come under the auspices of KFCJ including the Sandwich Brigade and various monthly collections.

CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

Thanks are truly due to all those who have helped lead. The social action arm of CBI began in 1984 under Mindy Agler.

The torch has been passed on to Chuck Wender, Lori Sklar z”l, Vicky and Gary Weiner, Cindy and Greg Jacob, Diane and Gary Glick, and now chaired by Andrea Cannon with the assistance of our staff representative, Minda Shaiman, CBI’s programming/special projects manager.

We could find no better way to set an example for how our children and grandchildren should lead their lives.

From the smallest acts of kindness to grandiose givebacks of repairing the world…. we look forward to sharing lots of projects with you, in our Sanctuary without walls! leslie and david kantor niki and cole rubin + raya, mason and judah ali and adam shapiro + miles, nora and bryce oren and megan kantor + micah and oliver gavi and zach green + river

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Summer Mitzvah Makers Free Summer Lunch Program This summer, CBI teamed up with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church to provide over 400 free lunches to members of our community.

Thank you to all our volunteers who brought in donations, baked cookies, and helped us pack and hand out lunches. We appreciate you and your time!

"Congregation with a Conscience "

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CBI CHOIR & BAND Contact Cantor Muchnick for more information

cantormuchnick@cbiboca.org

Lulav and Etrog Sale Let's Get Shaking!

Sukkot is Sunday, October 9, 2022.

Order your Lulav and Etrog set today! $36 per set Purchase online at: login.cbiboca.org/lulav or contact Natalie Matus at 561.241.8118 or natalie.matus@cbiboca.org Deadline to order is September 20, 2022 Orders can be picked up in the CBI Administrative Office October 4 - October 7 9:30 AM - 4 PM 2200 Yamato Road Boca Raton, Florida 33431 561.241.8118 | cbiboca.org

A message for the Women of CBI from: We need you to tell us...

What Women Want

Attention all women! We are embarking on a new engagement initiative, an opportunity for all CBI women to help decide the direction and future personality of our group.

You can participate by cutting off the bottom of this page and returning it to the office, or by scanning the QR code and quickly answering online.

Please participate by sharing your feedback before Rosh Hashanah.

Tell Us What You Want What would you like our organization to focus on? __ Luncheons __ Happy Hours __ Learning Opportunities __ Jewish "How To" Programs __ Social Justice & Community Service

__ Health & Well-being __ Spirituality __ Women's Activism Other:

What is your ideal meeting time? __ 10 AM Wednesdays __ 4 PM Wednesdays

__11 AM Sundays __ 7 PM Wednesdays

What should our new name be?

Share your ideas:

A Letter From..

CBI BROTHERHOOD This coming New Year, 5783, is The Brotherhood’s Year of Connection and Reconnection. We have enjoyed a rich history of celebrating our Jewishness and camaraderie with enjoyable and entertaining social events. This year’s events will be especially meaningful to everyone at CBI as we connect people of all ages (and their families) by enjoying great food, great drinks, great company, great entertainment, and the greatness of our Jewish values in a variety of social settings (on campus & off campus).

We will be starting the year with some of our biggest and most well attended events; first up is our Barry Glick Football Kickoff event at Duffy’s near Boca Town Center Mall on September 29th. This is a chance for everyone to hang out, make new friends, watch a football game, nosh and drink together (between RH & YK).

Right after that, on October 9th, we get together for our annual Sukkah Build.

Fulfilling the mitzvah of building our CBI Sukkah is important for our Brotherhood and our congregation. People of all ages are welcome to partake in this mitzvah.

Along with the religious aspect that is part of building the sukkah, we get to kid around and socialize for a couple of hours on a Sunday morning (right after SLJ carpool drop off, no tools required). It’s a great way to continue getting to meet new people and make some great friends. We also take a moment to honor some of the greatest mensches that have served our Brotherhood and CBI as we drink a toast in their honor under the schach of our beautiful sukkah.

Schah, honor, drink! But wait, there’s more! No sukkah is complete without a party in it. Get ready for a fantastic gastro and drink event as we celebrate Bourbon ‘n Bros in our sukkah. If you haven’t been to one, now is the time to check it out. The food prepared by VIP Caterers is beyond delicious and the bourbon selections are stellar.

Old Bros, new Bros, Sis’s, and all adult members of CBI are invited to join for what is sure to be a great bash. This amazing party will require a reservation and will be limited to the first 100 RSVPs. As in past years, JNF has been a great part of Bourbon ‘n Bros. It is only fitting that we show JNF and Israel some love as we start our tree planting drive during our event. We hope to get at least 100 trees planted by our party goers.

Watch your email inbox for many other Brotherhood events and social opportunities.

If you want to get connected to CBI, have a good time and share your Jewish values with like-minded, nice Jewish guys, then Brotherhood is great place to be. If you have any questions feel free to call or text me directly at 954-650-6742. 5783 is going to be AMAZING! Howie Newmark, President of CBI Brotherhood

Best Summer Ever!

Fall B'nai Mitzvahs Brooke Hescheles - August 27, 2022 - Re'eh Daughter of Craig & Sara Hescheles Grandchild of Victor z"l & Claudia Hescheles and Barouh z"l & Margarita Behar School: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School Hobbies: Dance, lacrosse, cross country, and track Mitzvah Project: Brooke will participate in Remember Us by honoring Brakha Hershkovitz z"l at her service, who was lost in the Holocaust at the age of 4.

Alexander Liszt - August 27, 2022 - Re'eh Son of Joshua & Caryn Liszt Grandchild of Ronald & Iris Liszt and Susan & Peter Michalow z"l School: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School Hobbies: Flag football, basketball, swimming, beach, video games, movies, and animals Mitzvah Project: Alex set up a website and donation bin to collect items and funds which were used to make backpacks full of school supplies for underprivileged children.

Emma Alcalay - September 3, 2022 - Shoftim Daughter of Meredith & Ziv Alcalay Grandchild of Rochelle & Arthur Miller and Ronny & Hanna Alcalay School: Eagles Landing Middle School Hobbies: Basketball and soccer Mitzvah Project: Emma is collecting athletic shoes to donate to In Jacob's Shoes

Dylan Mandel - September 10, 2022 - Ki Tetze Daughter of Allison Bass Mandel and daughter of Douglas Mandel Grandchild of Cynthia & Paul Bass, Leni & Marty Cohen, and Bruce & Barbara Mandel School: Pine Crest School Hobbies: Cheerleading Mitzvah Project: Dylan is collecting school supplies and backpacks for Speak Up For Kids.

This organization helps abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Palm Beach County.

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Jakob Howe - September 24, 2022 - Nitzavim Son of Eric & Rosanna (Shoshana) Howe Grandchild of Yigal & Marcel Mizrachi School: American Heritage School Palm Beach Hobbies: Lacrosse, basketball, legos, video games, music, and travel Mitzvah Project: Jakob is collecting athletic shoes to donate to In Jacob's Shoes.

His goal is to collect 180 pairs.

Leah Popper - October 22, 2022 - Bereshit Daughter of Mo & Michael Popper Grandchild of Harriet Popper and George Stewart School: BAK Middle School of the Arts Hobbies: Cello and volleyball Mitzvah Project: Leah interned at a Kids Only Gym Facility with children 9 months to 7 years old.

Noah Brauner - October 22, 2022 - Bereshit Son of Robin & Ruben Brauner Grandchild of Joan & Lennard Katz and Sara & Leo Brauner School: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School Hobbies: Baseball and electronics Mitzvah Project: Noah is volunteering at Tri-County Animal Rescue.

Kennedy Knote - October 29, 2022 - Lech Lecha Daughter of Julie & Ted Knote Grandchild of Doris Gold z"l and Virginia & Daniel Knote School: Florida Virtual School Hobbies: Cheerleading Mitzvah Project: Kennedy created a free library for children and adults.

Cassidy Knote - October 29, 2022 - Lech Lecha Daughter of Julie & Ted Knote Grandchild of Doris Gold z"l and Virginia & Daniel Knote School: Florida Virtual School Hobbies: Soccer, ice skating, and riding ATVs Mitzvah Project: Cassidy created a free library for children and adults.

We are so proud of you!

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Fall B'nai Mitzvahs Craig Zeller - October 29, 2022 - Noach Son of Nicole Zeller & Victor Jaffe Grandchild of Adele & Noel Zeller z"l School: North Broward Preparatory School Hobbies: Swimming, bicycling, reading, movies, and video games Mitzvah Project: Craig is cleaning old cemetery headstones that have been forgotten or are no longer visited and cared for.

Trevor Edgar Meddoff - November 5, 2022 - Ha'Azinu Son of Andrew & Floramay Meddoff Grandchild of Michael & Gail Meddoff and Mila Spencer School: West Boca High School Hobbies: Basketball and video games Mitzvah Project: Trevor collected athletic shoes for In Jacob’s Shoes and food items for CBI's Feed the Community.

Samantha Halpern - November 5, 2022 - Lech Lecha Daughter of Stacey & David Halpern Grandchild of Karen & George Silver and Judy & Lewis Halpern School: Pine Crest School Hobbies: Cheerleading and basketball Mitzvah Project: Samantha is teaching technology to senior citizens.

Matthew Vitale - November 11, 2022 - Chayei Sara Son of Sara Vitale & David Vitale Grandchild of Hedda & Shephard Lane School: Somerset Academy of Boca Raton Hobbies: Fishing, football, baseball, and golf Mitzvah Project: Matthew is volunteering at Tri-County Animal Rescue.

Molly Emerson Miller - November 12, 2022 - Vayeira Daughter of: Louis & Heather Miller Grandchild of Francine & Milton Miller and Suzanne z"l & Lawrence Siegel z"l School: Saint Andrew's School Hobbies: Wrestling, harp, track, kickboxing, and spending time with family and friends Mitzvah Project: Molly is raising awareness and funds for CDLK5 deficiency disorder.

Mazel Tov! We are so proud of you!

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L'Shanah Tovah!

Ken and Lisa Rosen and the Rosen and Green Families

2200 Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 561.241.8118 cbiboca.org