December 2015-January 2016 bulletin

Congregation B’nai Israel 6525 Sylvania Avenue Sylvania, Ohio 43560 (419) 517-8400 www.cbitoledo.org

A congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservatiave Judaism 149 years of consecrated service to God, Torah and Israel

December 2015/ January 2016

19 Kislev - 21 Shevat 5776

Hanukkah Rockin’ Shabbat Latke Dinner and Musical Program Friday, December 11 5:45 p.m. snacks for children 6 p.m. service 6:45 p.m. dinner Join us for a special Hanukkah celebration with a delicious latke dinner followed by a high energy service welcoming Shabbat.

Rabbi Jason Miller will be here along with the fabulous musician Gabe Lawler who will be leading us in singing Hanukkah songs.

Adults $14 each | No charge for children under age 18 RSVP by Friday, December 7th

Schedule of Services Monday – Thursday

7:00 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

Friday

7:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Saturday

9:30 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Sunday

9:30 a.m. (when Sunday

School is in session)

Special Service Hours Thursday, December 24

7:00 a.m.

no evening services Friday, December 25

9:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 31 7:00 a.m.

no evening services

Friday, January 1

9:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Monday, January 18

7:00 a.m.

no evening services

Rabbinic Insights from Rabbi Jason The Real Story of the Hanukkah Miracle How much do you know about Hanukkah? Is it more than what young children learn in Hebrew school? As adults, I believe we need to know more about the history of Hanukkah than the simplistic version we retell year after year. There’s certainly more to our annual winter festival than simply latkes, chocolate gelt, menorahs, dreidels and gift giving.

Why do we light the candles of the menorah each night and what was the real miracle that we commemorate? Hanukkah marks the victory of the Jews, led by members of the priestly Hasmonean family (especially Judah Maccabee), over the GrecoSyrians (Seleucids) in 164 B.C.E. The Seleucids repressed the practice of Judaism and converted the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem into a house of pagan worship. The Hasmoneans restored the Temple and its altar. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “rededication” and comes from the phrase, chanukat ha-mizbayach, “rededication of the altar.”

Two Jewish sages disagreed on the order that we should light the candles of the chanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah). The sage Shammai rules: On the first day of Hanukkah, we light eight candles; each day thereafter, we diminish the lights by one. But the sage Hillel rules: On the first day of Hanukkah, we light one candle; each day thereafter, we increase the lights by one.

The rabbis decided to go with Hillel’s opinion

based on the famous quote from the Talmud: “one increases things of holiness, and does not decrease them.” We therefore light the candles progressively each night: one candle the first night, two the second, and so on.

Hanukkah lights do not have to be in a menorah, and it is permissible to light them in individual holders that are lined up. It is preferable to place the menorah in a window facing the street for the sake of pirsumey nisah (to “publicize the miracle” of Hanukkah), but the menorah also may be within the home where it can be observed by all members of the household.

Regarding a major theme of the Hanukkah holiday, Rabbi David Hartman writes in his book “The Courage to Put our Jewish Lights in the Front Window”: “The major question, which we must ponder on Hanukkah, is whether the Jewish people can develop an identity that will enable it to meet the outside world without feeling threatened or intimidated. The choice, hopefully, need not be ghettoization or assimilation.

We can absorb from others without being smothered.

We can appreciate and assimilate that which derives from “foreign” sources and at the same time feel firmly anchored to our particular frame of reference.”

Elissa and our children, Joshua, Jonah and Talya, join me in wishing everyone in our B’nai Israel family a warm and bright Hanukkah with delicious potato latkes, chocolate gelt, and of course sufganiot -- jelly donuts!

Rabbi Jason Miller

Consecration Class

Alice Hively

Dylan Merer

Harris Merer

Hunter Smith

Notes from the Cantor ROCK OF AGES No discussion of Hanukkah ritual observance or music is complete without referencing the holiday’s most commonly associated hymn – Ma’oz Tsur, often translated into English as Rock of Ages. No-one really knows who composed it except for the composer’s first name MORDECAI which forms an acrostic that begins each of the first five stanzas of a total six stanzas.

It is believed to have been composed in Germany in the 13th or 14th centuries. Its’ title is an inversion of the words (l’)tsur ma’oz contained in Psalm 31: 3 which states, “May God be a rock, a stronghold for me, a citadel of my deliverance.” Some believe the composer to be Mordecai Ben (Bar) Yitzhak to whom the table-hymn MAH YAFIT is ascribed. Others believe just the 6th stanza that was later added, probably in the 15th century, is by him since both the 6th stanza of Ma’oz Tsur and the final Mah Yafit stanza contain the acrostic ‘hazak.’

The 1st stanza of Ma’oz Tsur refers to the Temple and the rededication of the altar, which are central themes of Hanukkah. The next four stanzas offer praise to God for salvation from Egypt (Pesach), Babylonia (rebuilding of the Temple), Persia (Haman Purim), and Syria-Greece (Hanukkah). The later final 6th stanza calls for divine retribution for continued Jewish suffering, and yearns for salvation as predicted in the words of the prophet Micah.

The often used (rough) English translation entitled

• Do we have your current cell or home phone number?

• Have you changed your email address?

• What is your winter address and phone number?

• Are you getting our weekly email updates?

• Is your Hebrew name in our records?

• Are you receiving yahrzeit notices for your loved ones?

Rock of Ages, written by the American Rabbis Marcus Jastrow and Gustav Gottheil at the end of the 19th century, has led to some confusion with the well-known Christian hymn by the same name. It is possible that Jastrow and Gottheil were deliberately referencing the Christian hymn in their singable English translation of Ma’oz Tsur. A more accurate translation of the first words Maoz tsur yeshuati might be ‘Powerful Rock of my Salvation.’

Although Maoz Tsur is not part of the Sephardic tradition, it, like Kol Nidrei and other famous Ashkenazic prayers, has been adapted into some Sephardic observances, as have some Sephardic practices crept into popular Ashkenazic usage. The most familiar melody for Ma’oz Tsur dates back to a manuscript from Hanover, Germany dated 1744. It is an adaptation of a German folksong and is taken from a Lutheran hymnbook.

Today there are many other melodies for Ma’oz Tsur, some of them much more contemporary sounding, such as Sol Zim’s and Seymour Rockoff ’s compositions. In addition today many other songs in several languages have been added to local Hanukkah celebrations as Hanukkah has grown in popular observance and significance.

At CBI we are planning at least two upbeat Hanukkah celebrations. Friday night Rockin Shabbat December 11th with Rabbi Jason Miller followed by dinner and a program, and Saturday December 12th a special Hanukkah musical Shabbat celebration.

Wishing you all a joyous Hanukkah holiday and a wonderful new secular year of 2016!

Hazzan Ivor Lichterman

If the answer to any of these questions is no, please call Rhoda at the office to update your records

HANUKKAH BEGINS SUNDAY NIGHT, DEC. 6

That miraclethe triumph of the spirit, the victory of faith—we celebrate when we light the Hanukkah candles: first candle – Dec. 6; eighth candle – Dec. 13.

KINDLING THE LIGHTS On Shabbat Hanukkah, the Hanukkah lights are kindled before the Shabbat candles. On Erev Shabbat, it is customary to use special, extra-long Hanukkah candles, since the fulfillment of the mitzvah requires that the Hanukkah lights burn for at least one half hour after dark.

The candles in your Menorah should be placed in a straight row, since no day of Hanukkah is superior to another. Only the Shammeskindler and guardian of the lightsthe 9th candle, should stand higher than the others.

The Hanukkah lights should be kindled after dark.

This is the proper way to kindle the lights: On the first night place one candle in the Menorah at the extreme right. On the other seven nights, place the candles from right to left, adding one each night. Light the Shammes. With it light the candle on the left first.

Before lighting the candles, each night two brachot (blessings) are recited, except for the first night when three brochot are recited.

On all nights light the Shammes and recite:

Barukh attah adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neyr shel hanukkah.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by Thy commandments, and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Barukh attah adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, sheh-asah nissim la-avoteinu bayamim ha-heim ba-z’man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has performed miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

The following blessing is added and recited on the first evening only:

Barukh attah adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, she-he-che-yanu, v’ki-y’-manu, v’hi-gianu, la-z’ man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us in life, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

On Friday the Hanukkah lights are lit before the Sabbath candles. At the conclusion of the Sabbath the Havdalah candle is lit before the Menorah candles.

Message from the President

quently when he penned:

“I hate winter” exclaimed one of my friends recently.

“Everybody hates winter you know”. If that were so, everyone would live in Florida.

Frankly, it’s not the cold that bothers me, it’s the short days and the temptation of wanting to go to bed at 9 o’clock… or earlier. It was John Updike who complained most elo-

“The days are short, The sun a spark Hung thin between The dark and dark” While many of our congregants have begun to travel to warmer climates for the winter, most choose to stay in the Toledo area. Those that travel can keep up with Congregation B’nai Israel happenings by visiting our website at www.cbitoledo.org.

Shabbat morning services are always a reason to get moving early on Saturday where you can join your friends or make new friends. Cantor Lichterman shares the joy of Shabbat with his exuberant chanting and interesting sermons. A delicious Kiddush always follows

the service and provides opportunities for good kibitzes.

Our popular S.O.A.P meets each Wednesday afternoon to discuss current topics and culture. Sundays, our David S. Stone Religious School is bustling with youth and our dedicated teachers. Two Sundays a month our Religious School sponsors a Parent and Tot program for parents and pre-K children.

Read the bulletin and watch your emails for frequent adult education programs presented by engaging speakers. Rabbi Sokobin will present lectures on Sunday, January 10 and 24 and are open to the public. Buz Romanoff and his Adult Education committee recently initiated the first of a series of religious study programs for adults with the Tarbuth Society. A cultural video series continues with stimulating movies on provocative topics. Dates for these videos are presented elsewhere in our bulletin.

Congregation B’nai Israel welcomes back Rabbi Jason Miller on Friday, December 11 who will co-officiate with Cantor Lichterman when we present A Hanukkah Rockin’ Shabbat. Join us for a latke/meat dinner along with music performed by Gabe Lawler. Childrens’ meals are free and adult dinners are very reasonable.

We have four long months of winter, so include Congregation B’nai Israel as part of your program to stimulate both your mind and your soul.

Jeff Bauer

Hire A Mensch B’nai Israel Confirmation Class Fundraiser for 2016 Israel Trip

Do you need yard work done, snow shoveled, a garage cleaned, computer help or small projects done around the house?

Hire a Mensch to help you out!

Donations will be put toward the Menschs’ trip to Israel.

Contact Kim Brody 419-517-8400 or kbrody@cbitoledo.org or Stephanie Mahoney stephaniekaplan@hotmail.com to set up a date and time.

Congregational News

Adult Education with Rabbi Sokobin

Todah Rabah Thank you to the many volunteers who have given their time to answer phones in the office, fold bulletins for mailing, housed, fed, and chauferred for the CRUSY Kinnus, worked in the garden, cooked in the kitchen, participated in services, etc. The office staff and board is very appreciative of your assistance.

Thank you to the Sisterhood for the gift of a beautiful large electric menorah which will be on display during Hannukah.

10:30 a.m. CBI Library Sunday, January 10th: Judaism Reaches the Modern World Sunday, January 24th: The Long Walk from Jerusalem to Toledo Please join us for a special discussion with Rabbi Alan Sokobin on two wonderful topics.

Special Birthdays December 12 Paul Goldner

January 4 Joan Kripke

22 Irwin Rosenbloom

18 Sheldon Frankel 18 Marc Meyer

23 Shani Abernathy

31 Saundra Yaffe

Special Anniversaries

Love from Israel

S.O.A.P. Every Wednesday at 1:00 in the Library Join Hazzan Lichterman for a lively discussion.

No SOAP December 23 and 30

December 9 Mindy and Ruslan Slutsky 19 Carol and Bill Richman 26 Joan and Larry Kripke

15th 45th 50th

January 1 Debbie Katz and Jon Liebenthal 21 Ruth and Jerry Gold

10th 65th

Condolences to Deborah Orloff and Bari Resnick on the death of their beloved mother and grandmother, Betty Matz Erin Labbie and Sophia Skiles on the death of their beloved father and grandfather, Stephen Labbie The family of Alfred Levison, father of Nancy Kelly and Barbara Levison May their families be comforted amongst all those who mourn in Zion.

December Yahrzheits 1 19 Kislev Jadzia Greenbaum, Gertrude Shane, Robert Price, Anne Davis 20 Kislev Helen Brown, Morris Burack, Ida Petler, Florence Singer, Sadie Katz 2 3 21 Kislev Jeanette Wiegler, William Lewis, Frances Burstein 22 Kislev Samuel Liber, Ann Botsch, Stanford Schwartz, Robert Wexler, Harold Pintis, Arthur Kaminsky, 4

Oscar Rappaport, Sarah Steinberg 5 23 Kislev Isadore Cousin, William Aronoff, Myron Karp, Sara Chabler, Max Moskowitz 24 Kislev Max Romanoff, Bernice Bernstein 6 7 25 Kislev Fruma Simon, Florence Kezur, Goldie Adler, Janet Romanoff, Shulamith Benstein 26 Kislev William Aiduss, Jennie Williams, Hilda Siegle 8 9 27 Kislev Jack Rosenbaum, Bert Bateman, Kirsten Alexander, Daisy Spielberg, Helen Greenberg, Violet Hamerman 28 Kislev 10 11 29 Kislev Ruth Markowicz, Zila Tuchman Askenazi, Fred Fleischer, Rose Stark 30 Kislev Jean Judashko, Celia Cohen, Joseph Jacobs, Louis Stizmann 12 13 1 Tevet Bess Sperling, Samuel Albert, Manuel Shavin, Sherman Kripke 14 2 Tevet Frances Penkower 15 3 Tevet Alice Fishbein, Alexander Conn, Noel Romanoff, Gertrude Weinstein 16 4 Tevet Nettie Steinman, Philip Miller, Dorothy Unger, Rabbi William Seligman 17 5 Tevet Edith Rosenbaum, Jean Winter Lacker, Florence Greenberg, Sidney Kezur 18 6 Tevet Irma Sitzmann, Bernard Shoched, Molly Harbor 19 7 Tevet Kurt Odenheimer, Robert Mahler, William Diamond, Dora Mostov, Harry Cousins 20 8 Tevet Esther Schoichet, Meyer Straus, Jeanne Leibovitz, David Kaufman, Reuben Kaplan 21 9 Tevet Esther Toby Abramson 22 10 Tevet Bessie Rosen, Evelyn Sandler, Jack Richman 23 11 Tevet 24 12 Tevet Robert Siegel, Harry Rubins, Martin Krauss, David Reinwald, Viola Lewis, Ben Aronoff,

Harry Stupsker, Arthur Mintz 25 13 Tevet Frances Gometz, Ned Sack, Mervin Goldstein, Gertrude Goldman 26 14 Tevet Herman Fishbein, Rita Malkin, Aaron Willinger, Ben Trattner, Irving Sack, Abraham Leibovitz 27 15 Tevet Ann Kozel, Carl Shiff, Morton Zaft, Sarah Phillips 28 16 Tevet Rudy Ertis, Calvin Katz, Miriam Leizerman, William Raeder 29 17 Tevet Ruth Yuro, Klaus Hess, Cody Leslie Morse, Isidor Wiegler, Henry Lipson 30 18 Tevet Frances Rosenblum, Charles Swolsky, Anita Beckerman, Bert Fox, Ida Stein 31 19 Tevet Shirley Sanders, Helen Laks, Jessie Meisel, Rabbi Morton Goldberg

January Yahrzheits 1 20 Tevet Fannie Teitlebaum, Bluma Goldberg, Herman Bookman, Alex Zimbler, Sylbert Friedman, Honey Feingold 2 21 Tevet Kayla Salzberg, Elaine Millman, Zelda Lasky, Jill Green, Shirley Sattler, Dorothy Schroeder 3 22 Tevet Belle Epstein, Gerald Stark, Jacob Schuller, Estelle Freimer 4 23 Tevet Rose Katzman, Jerry Baron, Betty Davis 5 24 Tevet Michael Schwartzberg, Abraham Russell, Syma Fraidenraich, David Greenbaum,

Albert Kaminsky, Lillian Sussman, Sadie Russell, Benjamin Green, 6 25 Tevet Esther Young, Israel Rosenblum, Moses Dorf, Harry Goldman, Jeanette Bauer,

Dr. Samuel Korman, Nicholas Goldhammer, Ray Malkin 7 26 Tevet Joseph Bloom, Alex Hoffman, Anna Litwin, Charlotte Rappaport 8 27 Tevet Norman Shoffer, Dora Chester, Sylvia Fink, Leona Harris, Sam Burke, Jennie Segall, Leah Ginsberg Epstein 9 28 Tevet Jen Newmark Meiland, Nathaniel Boss, Anna Schreibman

January Yahrzheits continued on next page

January Yahrzheits continued from previous page 10 29 Tevet Welcha Nistel, Rufus Rosenbloom, Mamie Yuro 11 1 Shevat Robert Damrauer, Sol Oster, Nicholas Rubin, Florence Schwartz, Abraham Palman, Abraham Cohen 12 2 Shevat Herman Rappoport, Samuel Alloy, Libbie Baron, Joseph Fingerhut, Barbara Straus 13 3 Shevat Ethel Grossman, Anna Krawetz, Howard Gerbie 14 4 Shevat Jasha Glasser, Melvin Albert, Alfred Harris, Anna Waldman, Aron Kaplan, Barbara Edellstein,

Dorothy Mindel, Gertrude Reinwald 15 5 Shevat Bernard Newman, Rina Gudelman, Morris Baker, Ben Harris 16 6 Shevat Edith Friedman, Eva Goldman, Sara Volkin, Yuriy Zaurov 17 7 Shevat Louis Fingerhut, Ruth Kay, Evelyn Teman, Irwin Dorf 18 8 Shevat Jacob Cooperman, Selma Bergher, Louis Lipszyc 19 9 Shevat Charles Gutowitz, Willard Bentley, Samuel Schuster, Charles Liber, Harry Katz 20 10 Shevat Helen Boslov, Sheldon Lubow, Rose Silverstone, Isabel Korman 21 11 Shevat Abram Rotshtein, Fredda Barnes, Lois Steinberg 22 12 Shevat Jacob Friedes, Arthur Katz, Barbara Kale 23 13 Shevat Harry Bustow, Hyman Duchon, Sol Mendelson, Melvin Fogel 24 14 Shevat Eva Friedmar, Anna Kaminsky, Selma Zimmerman, Harold Friedman 25 15 Shevat Betty Fogel, Sarah Mozen, Maurice Kripke, Sheldon Goldstein 26 16 Shevat Selma Guttenberg, Fay Aronoff, Grace Laderman, Norman Podolsky 27 17 Shevat Rose Friedman, Esther Schulak, Irving Shore, Esther Goldberg, Charles Rabinowitz,

Morris Neiberg, Isadore Marcus, Max Manoff, Eva Joseph 28 18 Shevat Marie Odenheimer, James Levison, Charles Shapler, Sean David Schroeder 29 19 Shevat Bernard Saxon, Theodore Torchin, Rae Jacobs, Hayim Leizerman, Edith Kramer, Elsie Berkowitz,

Margaret Goldner, Harry Yaffe 30 20 Shevat Belle Swartz, Margaret Jablonski, Hettie Berenson, Sam Stohl, Hyman Auslander, Morris Freimer,

Lori Kremer Immergluck, Bertha Treuhaft, Rebecca Fishman 31 21 Shevat Mary Pintis, Rose Swolsky, Freda Cohen, Marilyn Swartz

Social Action Committee The Congregation B’nai Israel Social Action Committee (Bruce Post, Ellen Federman, Michael Leizerman and Stu Goldberg) arranged for holiday mitzvah projects.

We are looking for volunteers to participate at the following facilities:

December 24 Kingston Care Center of Sylvania 4121 King Road, Sylvania, OH 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Toledo Area Humane Society 827 Illinois Avenue, Maumee, OH 8:00 am -noon 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

St. Paul’s Community Center 230 13th Street, Toledo, OH 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Sunset House 4020 Indian Road, Toledo, OH 10:00 am – noon 1:30 pm -3:30

December 25 Kingston Care Center of Sylvania 4121 King Road, Sylvania, OH 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

The Sight Center of Northwest OH 1002 Garden Lake Parkway, Toledo, OH 10:00 am – 3:00pm

To sign up for any or all of the above, please call the synagogue at 419-517-8400 or email ctraugott@cbitoledo.org

Youth & Education News David S. Stone Religious School

Todah rabah to our congregants for supporting our Confirmation Class Trip to Israel by hiring our students to help with various projects. We have had our students raking leaves, helping with the rummage sale, organizing garages, computer assistance, and so much more! The “Hire a Mensch” fundraiser is still going strong, and not only helps our students financially, but helps them get to know our congregants as well. It’s a beneficial project for all involved.

Please email kbrody@cbitoledo.org or stephaniekaplan@ hotmail.com for requests for work. Our students continue to learn about current events in Israel as preparation for their visit in June. The students have really stepped up to help those in our congregation and we are so proud of them.

The parent/tot class is always an exciting morning for all. We are looking forward to celebrating Hanukkah with our youngest students and their parents. There is no charge for these classes. Our music teacher, Nick Thanasiu, will lead the singing Hanukkah songs with our toddlers, and Megan Miller has many exciting activities planned as well.

We are looking forward to celebrating Hanukkah Palooza here on December 13. This year we will light up Hanukkah and have a glow in the dark Hanukkah party!!

A special Tu’BShevet seder is planned for January 24.

Students will be tasting a variety of fruits that are grown in Israel. This is a fun filled interactive learning experience.

Youth Department Report

Our youth department is still “kvelling” over the success of the CRUSY Kinnus and Fall boards. Many thanks to all the families who helped by opening their homes, driving, serving meals, etc. A special thanks to Megan Miller, Darlene Portnoy, Dena Zack and our USY members for their tireless efforts to coordinate the housing, make decorations, plan the events and handle any unforetold issues that arose during the week-end.

The USY calendar includes the Fall Kinnus in Pittsburgh, PA. and several of our CRUSY members will be attending the 2015 USY International Convention in Baltimore, Md. from December 23-31, 2015.

Other social events for our BITUSY are in the planning stage and include another trip to Kalahari waterpark.

The success of the Fall Boards and the ability of so many members to come together for the benefit of our BITUSY prove we have an excellent future for generations to come. B’nai Israel continues to shine as a place of spiritual fulfillment and commitment to Jewish leadership. I look forward to seeing you at shule.

Michael Portnoy, Vice President, Youth and Education

December Religious School Calendar 2 6

Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00 Sunday Religious School 9:30-12:00 Parent Tot Class 10:00-11:30 9 Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00 13 Sunday Religious School 9:30-11:30 Parent Tot Class 10:00-11:30 Hanukkah Palooza Celebration at 11:30 16 Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00

No Religious School December 20, 2015 thru January 3, 2016

January Religious School Calendar 6 10

13 17 20 24

27 31

Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00 Sunday Religious School 9:30-12:00 Parent Tot Class 10:00-11:30 Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00 No Religious School Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00 Sunday Religious School 9:30-12:00 Tu’BShevet Seder Parent Tot Class 10:00-11:30 Wednesday Religious School 4:30-6:00 Sunday Religious School 9:30-12:00

BITUSY Upcoming Events December 9 USY/Kadima Hanukkah Party and Gift Exchange

6:15 - 8:00 p.m.

RSVP required by Wednesday, Decembe 2nd

Each child will be given a name to buy for

based on RSVP. 23rd – 31 USY International Convention January 14 Kadima Cake Boss 24 Pancake Breakfast before Sunday School 29-31 Kadima Kinnus

Sisterhood

Stop by the Gift Shop for all your Hanukah gifts!

New items include LED Window Decorations w/suction cup Chanukah Shortbread Cookies Jewelry Menorahs Dripless Chanukah Candles Chanukah Gelt

Chanukah Shopping Spree Hours December 6, 9:30 a.m. - Noon

December 1 Tuesday 2 Wednesday

3 Thursday

7 Monday

8 Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m

Sisterhood Book Club December 22, 2015 The Sisters Weiss, by Naomi Ragen 10:30 a.m. B’nai Israel Library

NEWS

“So, how did we do?” This is the question often asked as soon as the doors close on the last day of our rummage sale.

“Don’t know yet!” is the response given to that question.

BUT NOW….we are pleased to report the following: THE NET PROFIT OF THE FALL 2015 ETZ CHAYIM/B’NAI ISRAEL RUMMAGE HAS SURPASSED THE PROFIT OF ANY PREVIOUS SALES! To our donors, our workers, our volunteers and our hired hands we say TODAH RABAH! Kathryn Linver and Luann Garber Chairwomen, B’nai Israel

Joint Synagogue Book Club meeting The Secret Chord

by Geraldine Brooks

Pen to Palette Docent Tour and Book Discussion at the Toledo Museum of Art

Snowbirds!

Please let us know your winter address and how long you will be gone.

Do we have your email address?

Call the office at 419-517-8400 or email ctraugott@cbitoledo.org or rmiller@cbitoledo.org

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $5.00 per person This program is limited to the first 40 people who R.S.V.P. Please call Elsa in the Etz Chayim office, 419-473-2401 or email elsa@etzchayimtoledo.org by Friday, January 15, 2016, to make your reservation Lunch will be available at your own expense in the Museum Café which features vegetarian and dairy options.

Everyone will meet at the Grove Street entrance at 10:45 a.m.

Contributions through November 20, 2015 Minimum Contributions are $10.00 Please note: More generous contributions will be indicated in the following ways: * denotes B’nai Mitzvah ** denotes Chai *** denotes Silver **** denotes double Chai A box denotes Gold A double box denotes Platinum A bold box denotes Diamond

$13.00 $18.00 $25.00 $36.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00+

150th Anniversary In Honor of B’nai Mitzvah Aaron and Alex Schusterman Fagie Benstein** Linda and Joel Beren, Special Anniversary Fagie and Eli Benstein** Michelle Bader, Special Birthday Fagie and Eli Benstein In Memory of Florence Soldinger Zisman Lannie and Roanne Katzman*** Betty Matz, mother of Deborah Orloff Fagie and Eli Benstein Speedy Recovery Steve Goldberg Anne and Jeff Bauer** Yahrzeits Marshall Shapiro Lannie and Roanne Katzman** Shulamith Benstein Goldie Adler Eli and Fagie Benstein*** Hilda Davis Siegle Lannie and Roanne Katzman Benjamin Berkman The Yaffe/Rusgo Family** Fruma Simon William Aiduss Peggy and Marvin Damrauer** Daisy Spielberg Stephen Spielberg**

Cantor's Discretionary Fund In Appreciation

Cantor Lichterman Cary and Michelle Kart

Shabbat Prayer Book Etz Hayim Bible Tree of Life Leaf Tree of Life Stone Memorial Plaque

Remember CBI in your estate planning

Yahrzeits Elias Wajskol Dr. And Mrs. Aron Wajskol*** Rudy Ertis Jan Steinberg and Family***

Harry Gometz Fund In Honor of Al Levison, Special Birthday Harriet and Marty Davis Yahrzeits

$65.00 $100.00 $100.00 $1,000.00 $500.00

Anne Davis Marty and Harriet Davis

Frances Gometz Marty and Harriet Davis

Hiddur Fund In Honor of Clara Rona, Special Birthday Cary and Michelle Kart Speedy Recovery Jerry Russell Anne and Jeff Bauer** Yahrzeits Jerome Gerber Felice Wolff**

Jack Richman Bill and Carol Richman

Samuel Liber Elsie Liber

Dora Sack Elsie Liber Sara Chabler Robert Price Ellen and Allan Chabler**

Jadzia Greenbaum Howard and Ann Rosenberg*** Katz Sanctuary Yahrzeit Calvin Katz, beloved Father and Grandfather Susan, Steve, Eli and Max Kaufman*** Bernice Katz

Kezur library In Memory of Steve Kezur Esther Kezur

Yahrzeits Sidney Kezur Steve and Nancy Kezur

Sidney Kezur Esther Kezur and Family

Kripke Fund Yahrzeits Edith Levy Joanie and Larry Kripke** Robert Wexler Rhoda Miller and Family Bernard Shoched The Shoched Family

Lily Baron Fund Yahrzeit Harry Cousins Barry and Beckie Cousins***

Michael and Renee Quiroga Fund In Memory of Sandy Redler Jerry and Ruth Gold Yahrzeit Morris Goldberg Bill and Dorothy Goldberg****

Religious School Speedy Recovery Jennifer Wasserstrom Leslie and Dave Risley

Yahrzeit Sarah Phillips Jerry and Arlene Russell

Youth Activities and Scholarship Fund Yahrzeits Sidney William Gordon Helen Goodman Gordon Edna Rosen*** Leah Gersz Judy Gersz and Family

Tribute Fund Speedy Recovery Dave Shall Arlene and Jim Rose Steve Goldberg Chuck and Sandy Traugott

Additional Kol Nidre Contributions

Steve and Cathy Sperling Richard Papurt

In Honor of Blair Grubb Chuck and Sandy Traugott Yahrzeits Anna Fingerhut Linda Shyavitz and Nancy Holczer*** Rabbi Morton Goldberg David R. Goldberg Doris R. Goldberg Stu and JoJo Goldberg Harold Pintis Zale and Shirley Kohler*** Ida Petler Shirley Bader Helen Brown William Touran Max Romanoff Esther Abramson Noel Romanoff Eli Abramson and Nora Romanoff***

BITUSY

Jonah Kripke

Cantor and Ian

Torah Fund In Honor of David and Joan Katz, Special Anniversary

Bill and Luann Garber Clara Rona 95th Birthday

Arnie and Marlene Remer

Phyllis Diamond Joel and Linda Beren, Special Anniversary Shirley Gerber, Special Birthday

Bill and Luann Garber

In Good Health Miriam Beckerman

Bill and Luann Garber Doris Stark

Harry and Leeta Nistel

Phyllis Diamond Beryl Ravin

Arnie and Marlene Remer Anne Bauer Eli Eisenberg

Bill and Luann Garber

In Memory of Jewel Fishkin Sharon Kalniz Susan Mainwold Johnson Jane Bloom Francine Koslow Miller

Bill and Luann Garber Harvey Rosen

Bill and Luann Garber

Phyllis Diamond

Arthur and Maarcia Friedman Richard Gloth

Arnie and Marlene Remer

Bill and Luann Garber Iva Shiff

Harry and Leeta Nistel Sylvia Steinberg

Dave and Lil Perlman

Phyllis Diamond

Marvin and Peggy Damrauer

Gary and Ilene Damrauer

Bill and Luann Garber

Do You Remember When?

Everything was closed on Thanksgiving? When turkey could ONLY be roasted? Those were “the good old days”.

At CBI in celebration of our upcoming 150th Anniversary, we are trying to remember “the good old days”, too and hope that you will help. As you sit around with your family and friends this holiday season please spend a few minutes recalling memorable stories from your early days at B’nai Israel that you would be willing to share with others. We are trying to reach people who may have moved out of town but were raised, became a bat or bar mitzvah, married, studied, suffered a loss or celebrated a simcha at our shule.

Send us any memorabilia you may have tucked away with your family photos of events that took place in “the good old days”. Especially the old bulletin from your wedding or confirmation or the picture from the Toledo Blade when you modeled at a Sisterhood luncheon.

Keep up with our 150th Anniversary plans ...

• “Like” our Facebook page www.facebook.com/CBIsylvania/ • Visit our website www.cbitoledo.org • Email your fond and fun memories of your days at B’nai Israel to bnaiisrael150@gmail.com • Send us email addresses of individuals who would like to hear of our fabulous plans for our celebratory weekend September 16-18, 2016.

CELEBRATE Friday, September 16, 2016 Family-Friendly Interactive Special Kabbalat Service, followed by Shabbat Family Dinner.

INSPIRE Saturday, September 17, 2016 Evening Services Seudah Shlischlit which will feature Havdalah followed by a Reunion Reception.

HONOR Saturday, September 17, 2016 Kavod Shabbat morning service with a festive Kiddush luncheon to follow.

“When we honor others, we bring S A VE T H E D A T E S honor to ourselves”. (Adapted from More information and additional events in 2016Pirke Avot).

2017 will be announced in future bulletins.

HONOR Sunday, September 18, 2016 Bus tour of Old Jewish Toledo including visits to Forest and Beth Shalom cemeteries.

HONOR *CELEBRATE *INSPIRE Saturday, December 3, 2016 Cantorial Concert featuring guest cantors. Dessert Reception to follow.

Todah Rabah to our over 100 volunteers who are eagerly collaborating to make this a momentous year! We need you to be involved! Call the office (419) 517-8400 to join a committee.

Volunteer Opportunities

1) REUNION PLANNING COMMITTEE: We are expanding our committee for the Reunion Reception being held on September 17, 2016. Please contact Cathy Sperling at: sperlingcathy@gmail.com to join the committee.

2) SPIRITED RUACH CHORUS: We are forming a chorus for the 150th Anniversary events beginning with the September 16, 2016, weekend. ALL AGES WELCOME. Contact Cantor Lichterman at 419-517-8400 to join the chorus.

Rehearsals to start in early 2016. We need you to lend your voice to this special service.

“Like” our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CBIsylvania Visit our webpage for more information: cbiToledo.org

D e c e m b e r

2 0 1 5

December 2015

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

December 2015 Tu

1 8 15 22 29

We

2 9 16 23 30

Th

3 10 17 24 31

Fr

4 11 18 25

Sa

5 12 19 26

January 2016

Su

Mo

Tu

We

Th

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

Fr

1 8 15 22 29

Sa

2 9 16 23 30

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Nov 29

30

Dec 1

2

3

4

5

6:30pm 92 Street Y Event

1:00pm SOAP 4:30pm Religious School 6:15pm BITUSY Hanukkah Party

4:46pm Light Candles

Parsha Va-yeishev 9:30am Services 5:50pm Shabbat Ends

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Parent and Tot Class 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Services 9:30am Gift Shop Shopping Spree

Hanukkah (Jewish Religious Holidays)

Hanukkah (2nd day) (Jewish Religious Holidays)

1:00pm SOAP 4:30pm Religious School 6:15pm BITUSY Hanukkah Party

12:00pm JSS Luncheon

4:46pm Light Candles 6:00pm Rockin Shabbat Dinner

Parsha Mi-ketz 9:30am Services 5:50pm Shabbat Ends

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

1:00pm SOAP 4:30pm Religious School

6:30pm Executive Committee Meeting 7:30pm CBI Board Meeting

4:48pm Light Candles

Parsha Va-yiggash 9:30am Services 5:53pm Shabbat Ends

23

24

25

26

1:00pm Office Closes

OFFICE CLOSED 4:51pm Light Candles

Parsha Va-y'hi 9:30am Services 5:56pm Shabbat Ends

31

Jan 1, 16

2

Parent and Tot Class 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Services 11:30am Hanukkah Palooza

20

21

22 10:30am Sisterhood Book Club

28

January 2016

1:00pm Office Closes

Paul Causman

29

30

USY International Convention 1:00pm Office Closes 1:00pm Office Closes

1

1:00pm Office Closes January 2016 Su

Mo

Tu

We

Th

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

Fr

1 8 15 22 29

Sa

2 9 16 23 30

Su 7 14 21 28

Mo

1 8 15 22 29

February 2016

Tu

We

2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24

Th

4 11 18 25

Fr

5 12 19 26

Sa

6 13 20 27

11/22/2015 5:40 PM

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Dec 27

28

29

30

31

Jan 1, 16

2

New Year's Day (United States) Office Closed 4:56pm Light Candles

Parsha Sh'mot 9:30am Services 6:01pm Shabbat Ends

8

9

5:03pm Light Candles

Parsha Va-era 9:30am Services 6:08pm Shabbat Ends

15

16

5:11pm Light Candles

Parsha Bo 9:30am Services 6:15pm Shabbat Ends

3

2 0 1 6

Mo

SUNDAY

27

J a n u a r y

Su

4

5

6

7

1:00pm SOAP 4:30pm Religious School

10

11

12

Parent and Tot Class 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Services 10:30am Adult ed: Rabbi

17

13

14

1:00pm SOAP 4:30pm Religious School

18

19

Martin Luther King Day (United States) Office Closed

20

21

22

23

1:00pm SOAP

6:30pm Executive Committee Meeting 7:30pm CBI Board Meeting

5:19pm Light Candles

Parsha B'shallah Shabbat Shira 9:30am Services 6:23pm Shabbat Ends

28

29

30

24

25

26

27

Parent and Tot Class 9:00am BITUSY Pancake 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Services 10:00am Adult Ed

Tu B'Shevat

11:00am Joint Sisterhood Book Club (Museum of Art)

1:00pm SOAP 4:30pm Religious School

31

Feb 1

2

3

Kadima Kinnus 5:28pm Light Candles Parsha Yitro 9:30am Services 6:31pm Shabbat Ends

4

5

6

Kadima Kinnus 9:30am Religious School 9:30am Services 3:00pm Jewish Paul Causman

1

11/22/2015 5:42 PM

SUPPORTED BY

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER TOLEDO

H A K K U N HA

A Z O O PAL Sunday, December 13 11:30 a.m.

Congregation B'nai Israel Light up Hanukkah, and join us for a glow in the dark Hanukkah party!

FREE EVENT Please bring paper or personal hygiene products to donate to the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry

g:

Includin

DJ booth Photo ace painting bar kf cheese the dar Glow in macaroni and /salad/ ore!

Potato Much m

RSVP to Hallie Freed at 419-724-0362 or hallie@JewishToledo.org by Friday, December 11.

Walk-ins will be accepted.

YO U R C A M PA I G N G I F TS AT WO R K

UPCOMING SENIOR EVENTS The Senior Adult Programs of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo are supported in part through your campaign dollars and through a generous grant from the Jewish Senior Services Supporting Organization.

All events are part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo and occasionally take place at the various synagogues. Please note registration deadlines for all programs! To register for a Jewish Federation Senior Program, please call 419-724-0354 or email registration@ JewishToledo.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 Annual Latke Luncheon Noon Congregation B’nai Israel, 6525 Sylvania Avenue $5 per person, includes lunch and entertainment by Frank & Dean Celebrate the festival of lights together with a celebratory Hanukkah lunch and wonderful entertainment, a not to be missed event! Back in Toledo again will be the famous duo of “Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.” Sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful music.

Registration and payment requested

by Monday, November 30.

Full information regarding all programs can be found in Toledo Jewish News.

To register for a Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo senior program, please call 419-724-0354 or email registration@ JewishToledo.org

SAVE THE DATE The Toledo Jewish community will celebrate JEWISH DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

Sunday, February 28

Featuring guest speaker, Rabbi Michael Ungar

Howard Rosenbaum .........................Minyan Leader

Congregation B’nai Israel Bulletin 6525 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, OH 43560

Kim Brody ...................... Religious School Principal kbrody@cbitoledo.org

Address Service Requested

CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL STAFF Ivor Lichterman............................................ Hazzan ilichterman@cbitoledo.org

Chuck Traugott .............. Synagogue Administrator ctraugott@cbitoledo.org

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Sylvania, OH Permit No. 42

Rhoda Miller ...... Community Outreach Coordinator rmiller@cbitoledo.org Megan Miller................................... Youth Director meganbmiller@bex.net Cindy Robertson ....................... Sisterhood 2.0 Rep cmurphy311@yahoo.com Bruce Post ...................................... Men’s Club Rep Miranda Hupp ................................. USY President EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President ................................................... Jeff Bauer Vice President of Administration......Howard Rosenberg Vice President of Religious Affairs ............ Greg Davis Vice President of Youth Activities ..... Michael Portnoy Secretary .......................................... Fran Weinblatt Treasurer....................................... Stephen Goldberg BOARD OF TRUSTEES Stuart Brody, Ellen Federman, David Friedes, Marc Glasser, Stuart Goldberg, Jill Kripke, Michael Leizerman, Gabrielle Mallin, Bruce Post, Cindy Robertson, Bennett Romanoff, Jerry Russell, Honorary Trustees: Phyllis Diamond, Howard Rosenbaum www.cbitoledo.org

December 6

Hanukkah Shopping Spree

December 11 Hanukkah Rockin Shabbat Dinner and Program Rabbi Miller here

Office Hours

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

December 24 and December 28-31

Office will be closed

December 25, 2015

January 1, 2016

January 18, 2016

December 22

Sisterhood Book Club

January 10

Adult Education with Rabbi Sokobin

January 24

Adult Education with Rabbi Sokobin

January 25

Tu B’Shevat

January 26, 2016

Joint Sisterhoods Book Club