Notes from the Hazzan

Tales of Rediscovery

Many of you are aware how much I like cars, especially older ones like ‘American Muscle’ from the 1960’s and early 70’s. I was reading my hard copy Muscle Machines magazine of February 2023, when I came across an interesting editorial entitled ‘Tales of Rediscovery.’

The writer, Terry McGean, refers to a video he watched on YouTube of famed rock musician Peter Frampton being handed a favorite guitar he played forty years back in some of his most well-known recordings and many concerts. The guitar was lost for decades when a plane carrying gear for his band crashed and burned. It was assumed everything had been destroyed. Frampton said at the time that the crew’s loss of life made investigating the equipment further seem trivial. He accepted that his cherished Les Paul guitar was gone for good.

The writer describes Frampton’s reaction as he was handed the guitar for the first time, as “a reunion… that is nearly incredible,” and he compares it to stories of vintage car owners rediscovering long-lost rides. He states that “muscle cars and electric guitars are things associated with youth, and the sorts of possessions many people let go of when the next phase of life begins.”

As I was reading the article, I was reminded of something that was said when I was honored by CBI past-Presidents for 12 years of service at an event this past Hanukkah. That statement profoundly moved and affected me. I see a strong analogy with the above-described Frampton guitar episode. After many participants had spoken and reminisced about their association with me, Bill Garber (with kind permission to quote him) recalled nostalgically how much he loved accompanying his grandfather to synagogue in Boston years back, and particularly hearing the Cantor. He thought he would never again experience that kind of live Cantor. Then, Bill said, “you arrived at CBI and, incredibly, I was transported back to those joyful years of my grandfather’s Shul and his wonderful Cantor.” This, like Peter Frampton, was Bill’s own ‘tale of rediscovery.’

My entire career I have tried to balance tradition and change, or, the past, adaptation and modernity. During a recent Shabbat drash, I spoke about Exodus 13:19 which states that Moses took Joseph’s bones with him when the Children of Israel left Egypt, as they had sworn to Joseph they would do, for interment in the Promised Land. Our sages point out that the Hebrew word atsmot – meaning ‘bones’ is identical to atsmut – meaning ‘essence,’ except for the placement of a dot. In other words they were NOT taking Joseph’s bones with them, rather Joseph’s essence. Since Joseph’s moniker in our tradition is ‘hatsadik’ –the righteous one, it was incumbent upon the Children of Israel to emulate Joseph’s essence when they entered the Promised Land, to establish ‘a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ (Exodus 19:6)

As a Hazzan I have humbly tried to emulate the ‘essence’ of my late father and other traditional Hazzanim of the past, while at the same time adapting to contemporary needs and styles. Yet, one has to be careful, as adaptation can be dangerous. Anyone recall the ‘rock services’ of the 60s and 70s? What happened to those? Styles are fleeting and quickly becoming clichéd, while authentic value generally endures, although I realize that “authentic value” is a very subjective term, regardless whether it is a Les Paul guitar or 60’s/70’s muscle car. Change for the sake of change can be cheap. Both Reform and Conservative Judaism have changed much with the times. Their enduring effect remains to be seen.

Purim and Pesach, which we shall soon celebrate, are imbued with traditions that have lasted over thousands of years that we all cherish. While we each celebrate in our own ways, the traditions present a common thread that ties it all together. Same with the melody of synagogue prayer and Hazzanut. Go to any Ashkenazic synagogue around the world, and try to find the common thread, what we call the “matbe’a shel tefilah.”

Let us all join together for meaningful Purim and Pesach celebrations!

Hazzan Ivor Lichterman

March Special Birthdays

A Hearty Mazal Tov & Happy Birthday wishes to the following congregants on the occasion of their milestone birthdays!

Doris Steinberg

Bill Garber

Dane Bringman

Ellen Federman

Susan Kale

Alan F. Mintz

Ellen Williams

Sheryl Gold

Daryl Yourist

Charles Traugott

David Zucker

March 1st

March 2nd

March 6th

March 14th

March 15th

March 20th

March 20th

March 20th

March 23rd

March 24th

March 28th

March Special Anniversaries

Sheila & Bruce Post March 17th 40 years

Meira & David Zucker March 27th 35 years

Special Birthdays & Anniversaries reflect the "0" or "5" year of the birthday or anniversary.

Todah Rabah

Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD!

Set your clocks

FORWARD 1 HOUR before bed on SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Daylight Savings Time begins on SUNDAY, MARCH 12 at 2:00 a.m.

New Members

Dana Greenblatt

Mazal Tov

• Cantor Ivor & Jan Lacker-Lichterman on the birth of their grandson, Myles Liam. Proud parents are Jaclyn & Alex Strauss. Proud great-grandmother is Harriet Lacker.

• Eta & Randy Auslander on their grandson Nicholas' bar mitzvah. Proud parents are Jessica & Dan Auslander.

• Hedva & Buz Romanoff and Dina & Moshe Katz on the birth of their grandson, Asher Joseph. Proud parents are Michelle & Dror Katz.

• Karen & Steve Weisman and Andrea & Gary Delman on the birth of their granddaughter Lena Rose. Proud parents are Samantha & Aaron Delman. Proud great-grandparents are Ira Weisman and Ruth & Ralph Delman.

TO OUR KIDDUSH LUNCH SPONSORS:

Jo Jo & Stuart Goldberg

January 28

In Honor of the 50th Anniversary of Stuart's Bar Mitzvah

Judy & David Weinberg

February 11

In Honor of the 65th Anniversary of David's Bar Mitzvah

Condolences

OUR SYNAGOGUE FAMILY MOURNS THE LOSS OF LESLIE ALAN WALTMAN

Father of Tracy (Brad) Schusterman, grandfather of Aaron and Alex.

• Cathy Sperling & Paul Causman for coordinating the "Havdallah Have Fun!" event on February 25, 2023. Ellen Wilensky & Hope Davis coordinated the kid's portion of the evening. May the

CBI Installs Additional Guard Rails in Handicapped Stalls

CBI has installed sturdy guard rails in the handicapped stalls in both the men's and ladies' main hallway restrooms. The rails lift if needed for easier access.

This project was paid for with funds from the Marian & Stanley Oberlin Fund.

Chesed Meals

If you are aware of a congregant who is ill and in need of short term meal assistance, please contact Cantor Lichterman by email at ilichterman@cbitoledo.org. Please, do NOT submit names to the CBI office staff. The assistance provided the congregant in need is short term. There is absolutely no cost to the congregant receiving the meals.

Cbi 2023

Summer Camp Scholarship Information

Each year, Congregation B'nai Israel awards scholarships to help subsidize the cost to attend overnight Jewish Summer Camp. In addition, there is a special fund designated for Camp Ramah.

This program works in conjunction with funding offered by the Toledo Jewish Federation. CBI members in good standing with children that attend the David S. Stone Religious School are eligible. Please contact the office at 419.517.8400. to receive the application.

New Torah Mantles for the High Holidays

This past year, the Women of CBI generously donated funds to purchase three beautiful custom Torah Mantles for the High Holidays, replacing a few of the older mantles that were discolored and in need of repair.

The Torah Mantle committee worked with talented textile artist, Margery Langner of Custom Judaica, to create a cohesive design for all ten Torahs in our ark. The price of each Torah Mantle is approximately $2000.

Traditionally, Torah Mantles are purchased as a lasting tribute to honor a simcha or in memory of a beloved loved one. If you or your family would like to purchase one of these beautiful Torah Mantles for the High Holidays, please contact Ann Rosenberg at annrr@bex.net or Anne Bauer at anneb2003@ gmail.com for more details.

ATTENTION: FAMILIES WITH STUDENTS GRADUATING SPRING 2023...

We will again be featuring our CBI family graduates in the June bulletin. Please send us the student’s name, parents’ names, where they are graduating from and what they will be doing next. We need all information by Friday, May 12, 2023. Please email your info to gmallin@cbitoledo.org.

FEDERATION OF JEWISH MEN'S CLUB BIENNIAL CONVENTION

The convention will take place on Thursday, June 29 – Sunday, July 2, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you are interested in attending the FJMC Biennial Convention this summer, you can now attend as an individual. FJMC is offering individual memberships even if our synagogue is not an FJMC member. Regional subsidies of up to $500 are available.

Please contact Dale Levy at dlevy82@gmail.com for more information. http://fjmcconvention.org/

SHARE YOUR SIMCHA…

if you have a simcha or special news that you would like to share with our congregation, we will happily post details in the CBI bulletin, if space allows. Deadline is the 15th of the previous month.

Calling all CBI Members!

CBI Adult Ed presents a virtual interactive Jewish adult learning option without the hassle of leaving the comfort of your home.

Welcome to the Fall 2022-23 Catalog of classes from JLearn, where adult Jewish learning meets today’s lifestyles.

Offered via Zoom by the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, JLearn offers classes in history, religion, Talmud, ethics, Hebrew, the arts, current events and much more. Type in the following link for course information and registration details: https://www.jccdet.org/jlearn/

Call (248) 205-2557 and ask for special pricing for members of Congregation B'nai Israel Toledo.

Donating Religious Objects To Cbi

We realize during this time many congregants are cleaning out their homes. Please be aware that it is permissible to throw away old kippot. We would be glad to receive your old prayer books, tallitot or other religious objects for burial or disposal.

PASSOVER BEGINS THE EVENING OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

See page 9 for Pesach candle lighting & services information and the form for selling Hametz

The CBI office will be CLOSED for Pesach:

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 12:00 PM Erev Pesach

Thursday, April 6, 2023 Closed 1st Day of Pesach

Friday, April 7, 2023 Closed 1st Day of Pesach

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Closed 7th Day of Pesach

Thursday, April 13, 2023 Closed 8th Day of Pesach

Toledo Jewish Cemeteries PESACH HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

Beth Shalom, Oregon

420 Otter Creek Rd., Oregon, Ohio 43616

Eagle Point, Rossford

515 Eagle Point Rd., Rossford, Ohio 43460

Wednesday, April 5 Erev Pesach Closed at 4 PM

Thursday, April 6 1st day of Pesach Closed

Friday, April 7 2nd day of Pesach Closed

Tuesday, April 11 Erev 7th day Pesach Closed at 4 PM

Wednesday, April 12 7th day of Pesach Closed

Thursday, April 13 8th day of Pesach Closed

Regular hours are:

Sunday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed at 4 p.m. Friday for Sabbath Eve • Closed Saturday for Shabbat

Photos from the WCBI Rosh Chodesh Shevat Event, "Chocolate & Friends: The Rich Things in Life"

On January 24, 2023, a bevy of women from CBI and the Toledo Jewish community enjoyed a delicious and chocolatey event at CBI where they sampled a luscious array of different types of chocolate paired with prosecco. The many smiliing faces confirmed that the evening was a huge success.

The attendees were asked to bring a shelf-stable soup to benefit Jewish Food Service Pantry as part of the Tikkun Olam for the program. Participants were generous with their contributions as seen in the photo on the lower left portion of the page.

Special thanks to the coordinators of this event who worked together to create a memorable evening for all. The coordinators were: Anne Bauer, Jan Kasle, Sheila Odesky, Bonnie Berland, Ann Rosenberg, and Cheryl Rothschild. We look forward to the next WCBI Rosh Chodesh event on March 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM at CBI. See page 8 for details.

Join us as we observe the three mitzvot of Purim: Tzedakah • Mishloach Manot • Megillah Enjoy a delicious dinner, and "Spiel Cabaret at Club CBI"

CBI's Purim Celebration & Dinner

Monday Evening, March 6, 2023 at 5:45 PM In-person at CBI

5:45 PM: Mincha in the Chapel

6:00 PM: Mishloach Manot & Mingle

6:15 PM: Dinner

6:30 PM: Megillah Reading & Singing with Cantor Lichterman

6:50 PM: "Spiel Cabaret at Club CBI"

7:20 PM: Dessert & Coffee

8:00 PM: Maariv & Full Megillah Reading in the Chapel

KLEZMER MUSIC • *DONATE NEEDED ITEMS TO JFS • MISHLOACH MANOT STATION

CREATE-YOUR-OWN SAVORY HAMANTASCHEN • ENJOY A ROUSING "SPIEL CABARET AT CLUB CBI"

SING JOYFUL PURIM SONGS WITH HAZZAN LICHTERMAN & HEAR THE MEGILLAH

YUMMY GOURMET HAMANTASCHEN DESSERT MADE BY CBI BAKERS EXTRAORDINAIRE

The cost for the CBI Dinner & Event is $5 per person.

*Please bring full bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash & liquid hand soap to donate to JFS.

RSVP deadline is Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Please email kbrody@cbitoledo.org or call the office at 419.517.8400.

THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO THE MEMBERS OF ALL LOCAL CONGREGATIONS

This event is supported by a grant from the JSS Fund of the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation.

Torah Portion Of The Week

Join us each Friday morning to discuss and study the weekly Torah portion with lay-leader, Miriam Beckerman

Friday Mornings at 10:00 - 11:00 AM

In-Person at CBI March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023

March 3: Parashat Tetzaveh: God describes to Moses the clothing and anointing process of the priests.

March 10: Parashat Ki Tisa: God continues describing the Tabernacle to Moses: the people worship the Golden Calf, Moses pleads on their behalf, God forgives them.

March 17: Parashat Vayak'hel-Pekudei: The Israelites bring so many materials for the construction of the Tabernacle that Moses tells them to stop; Bezalel, Oholiab, gifted craftspeople, construct the elements of the Tabernacle.

March 24: Parashat Vayikra: God commands Moses regarding various types of offerings; under what circumstances they should be offered and what they should consist of.

Let's all learn together!

Nosh & Knowledge: CBI Adult Education Series

Create2Gether Artist Residency in Budapest

with speaker Deborah Orloff

Sunday, March 26, 2023

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at CBI

The Partnership2Gether Western Galilee-Central Area Consortium connects Jewish communities across the globe through a variety of programs. Their “Create2Gether” program offers opportunities for Jewish artists to connect internationally by bringing them together to make and view art, collaborate, and share culture as part of a broader goal of fostering Jewish community and connection. Deborah Orloff was an artist in residence for the Partnership’s Fall 2022 program which brought together Jewish artists from the US, Israel, and Hungary for an intensive week in Budapest. Orloff will share her experience as a participant in the Create2Gether Artists Seminar.

Deborah Orloff is a Professor of Art, Head of Photography & Digital Media, and Associate Chair of the Department of Art at the University of Toledo. Her artwork has been included in numerous exhibitions at national and international venues including: the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, The Museum of Fine Arts in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, and the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, Scotland. Orloff's current project, Elusive Memory, was selected by the Museum of Contemporary Photography as part of their Midwest Photographers Project and received corporate sponsorship by Hahnemühle Paper. Orloff has been the recipient of dozens of grants and awards including the Ohio Arts Council’s 2019 Individual Excellence Award and the University of Toledo’s 2021 President’s Award for Excellence in Creative and Scholarly Activity.

Thursday, March 23, 2023 6:30-7:30 PM McQuade Law Auditorium

University of Toledo College of Law, 1825 West Rocket Drive

Preceded by a reception from 5:00 - 6:00 PM

Presented by Howard Friedman, Professor of Law Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor, University of Toledo College of Law

Friedman will address the growing number of court decisions protecting those who have religious objections to a variety of regulatory requirements— from bakers who refuse to provide wedding cakes for same-sex weddings, to individuals who object to vaccine mandates, to social service agencies that limit their services to those who agree with their religious doctrines.

Celebrate �osh �hodesh �Is AN

Join the Women of CBI when we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Nisan & the beginning of Spring

����� AM IN�peRsoN

We will hear a presentation about our wonderful, outstanding, Metroparks and enjoy a delicious spring-inspired lunch.

The Tikkun Olam for this program will be a monetary donation to a local Veteran Equine Assisted Therapy program.

RSVP by Friday, March 17, 2023 to Miriam Beckerman at mesb@bex.net.

The registration fee for this program is $10. Please make your check payable to "Women of CBI" and mail to: Nancy Goldberg, 4236 Appomattox Dr. , Sylvania, OH 43560.

THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO THE WOMEN OF ALL LOCAL CONGREGATIONS

SAVE THE DATE: WOMEN OF CBI BOOK CLUB

People Love Dead Jews

by Dara Horn

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

10:30 AM In-Person at CBI

It is not necessary to have read the book to join the discussion.

THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO THE WOMEN OF ALL LOCAL CONGREGATIONS

Please RSVP to Ellen Federman at efederman@sbcglobal.net by Sunday, April 23, 2023.

SAVE THE DATE:

�oMeN�s �AtheRING

The journey continues...

Thursday & Friday, October 19 & 20, 2023

Be sure to mark your calendars with the October 2023 dates for the much anticipated, twice cancelled, much needed, Women's Gathering

CBI PESACH CANDLE LIGHTING & SERVICES SCHEDULE 5783

Wednesday, April 5

Erev Pesach (First Seder after dark)

Service/ Siyyum Bechorim (FastoftheFirstBorn)

Thursday, April 6

First Day Pesach (Second Seder after dark)

Friday, April 7

Second Day Pesach

Saturday-Tuesday, April 8-11

Chol Hamoed Pesach

Saturday, April 8

HaShirim/Song of Songs

April 9

Wednesday, April 12

Day Pesach

Thursday, April 13

Eighth Day Pesach/Yizkor

Siyyum Bechorim

Fast of the First Born

Wednesday, April 5 at 8:00 AM In-Person & Zoom

Join us for minyan and study

Join Congregation B’nai Israel for a Siyyum Bechorim.Those who participate are exempted from fasting.

All are welcome; it is not limited to the first-born. Because the first-born of the Israelites were saved from the tenth plague, tradition requires that all first-born Jewish males fast from Erev Pesach until the Seder. The fast is called Taanit Bechorim. However, the law states that when any Jew hears the completion of a tractate of Rabbinic Literature, it is cause to celebrate and cancels the fast.

Service of Reaffirmation

Thurs., April 6 at 9:30 AM on In-Person & Live Stream

Since Pesach is exactly six months from the High Holidays, we are afforded the opportunity to reaffirm our connection to God, to Judaism and to Torah, not just once, but at least twice a year. Pesach, when we became a free nation, is the most appropriate time other than the High Holy Days to reaffirm this connection.

Our special service of Reaffirmation will be on the first day of Pesach Saturday, April 16th along with Shabbat and Pesach Morning Services.

Eruv Tavshilin

There is a tradition to make an Eruv Tavshilin for the Holidays when they fall before Shabbat. Since we do not cook on Yom Tov for the next day of Shabbat and we cannot cook meals on Shabbat, we make an Eruv Tavshilin by setting aside two cooked items on Erev Yom Tov, such as a hard boiled egg, challah, meat or fish, and make the following declaration:

Baruch ata Ado-noi Elo-heinu melech ha-olam, Asher kid-shanu bi-mitzvo-tav Vi-tzee-vanu, al mitzvat eiruv.

"We bless You our God, Creator of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and taught us concerning the observance of the eruv." By means of this eruv, may we be permitted to bake, cook, keep dishes warm, light candles, and prepare during the Holiday for Shabbat.

"Shevet Achim Gam Yachad"

Share Your In-Person or Virtual Seder

In most years, friends and family gather to celebrate the Passover Holiday, enjoy a festive Seder meal and the retelling of our ancient Exodus. If you would like to welcome a visitor, student or neighbor as an in-person or "virtual" guest, please contact Hazzan Lichterman at ilichterman@cbitoledo.org.

"Shir HaShirim" - Song of Songs

Saturday, April 8, 2023

9:30 AM In-Person & Live Stream

Join us to hear Hazzan Lichterman explain and chant excerpts from "Shir HaShirim" in English and Hebrew.

"Shir HaShirim" otherwise known as the "Song of Songs" or "Song of Solomon", is a romantic love poem from the Tanakh that is also interpreted as a love song between God and the People of Israel.

Memorialize Your Loved Ones Come to the Yizkor Service

Saturday, April 13: Services begin at 9:30 AM, Yizkor at 10:45 AM In-Person & Live Stream

Yizkor is a brief service held four times a year, during which individuals ask for Gd's blessing and formally recall the memories of their loved ones who are no longer alive. It is appropriate to quietly recite the names - Hebrew names particularly, or in English, of the loved ones we recall. It is recited for immediate family, but also for grandparents, cousins, and dear friends. It is also customary to light a yahrzeit candle the previous evening in memory of your deceased relatives.

Mehirat Hametz: The Selling of Hametz

The ceremony of removing leaven (bedikat Hametz) is to take place Tuesday evening, April 4, 2023. Hametz may be eaten until 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The Passover home atmosphere is created each year by the traditional practice of thoroughly cleansing the home, and by the removal of hametz, or leaven, in preparation for Pesach, as well as throughout the Passover days, both at home and away.

The term hametz is applied not only to foods, but also to the dishes and utensils in which the foods are prepared or served during the year. “Any manner of hametz (leavened food or utensils) owned by a Jew during the Passover holiday is forbidden to use.”

Since conditions make it impossible to literally fulfill the Biblical command to destroy all leavened products, our sages instituted a practice called Mehirat Hametz, the selling of hametz. We are reminded of the necessity to divest ourselves of ownership of hametz, and make our home ritually ready.

The sale of hametz is conducted between a representative of the synagogue and a non-Jew. After Passover the hametz is repurchased by the Jewish community.

If you would like Cantor Lichterman to sell your hametz, please fill out the form below and return it to the synagogue office no later than Wednesday, April 5th, following morning minyan, or no later than 10:30 AM that day.

Don’t Sell All your Hametz!

When cleaning out your cupboard and pantries in preparation for Pesach, consider donating unopened packages of hametz and canned goods to a food pantry such as JFS. Items such as crackers, rice, cookies, lentils, tuna, and peanut butter will be gratefully accepted by these organizations and passed on to those whose cupboards are empty.

Let those who are hungry this Passover season share in your celebration by receiving food that you might otherwise “sell” or dispose of. Please call JFS directly at 419.885.2561 to coordinate drop-off of your food donation.

Authorization for Sale of Hametz

I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Hazzan Ivor Lichterman to act in my behalf to sell all hametz possessed by meknowingly or unknowingly - as defined by Torah and rabbinic law, and to lease all places wherein hametz owned may be found. This transaction will be in effect for the duration of Pesach. This form must be in the office by no later than 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. And to this I hereby affix my signature on ____________ of _________________, in the year 2023.