September 2017 bulletin

Congregation B’nai Israel

A Congregation Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

6525 Sylvania Avenue Sylvania OH 43560 (419) 517-8400 www.cbitoledo.org

151 Years of Consecrated Service to God, Torah and Israel 5778

Saturday, September 16

Hazzan Ivor and Jan Lichterman and Family, and the officers and staff of Congregation B’nai Israel wish our members and friends a happy and prosperous New Year filled with good health and peace.

Selichot Program, Movie and Refreshments 8:00 p.m.

Selichot Service

9:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 17

Beth Shalom Cemetery

11:00 a.m.

The Hazzan will assist those wanting special memorial prayer(s) recited at the graves of loved ones.

Please call the office 419-517-8400 if you need a ride.

Sunday, September 24, 9:45 a.m.

Bring your own bread and meet us at the lake behind the campus.

Join B’nai Israel for

BREAK THE FAST Yom Kippur Saturday, September 30, 2017 Immediately following Neila service at approximately 7:58 p.m.

$18 adults $9 children ages 3-12 children 2 and under no charge

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Open to everyone. Your check is your reservation.

Please send it to the office by September 20.

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Hot Dish, Salad, Tuna, Soup, Lox, Bagels, Cream Cheese, Fruit, Veggies, Egg Salad, Desserts

Notes from the Cantor ……………………………………….

‘TODAY’

I write this article in mid-August as I am coincidentally preparing a drash/sermon for Shabbat parshat Re’eh which occurs on August 19th. Some of this content is based on my drash for that Shabbat. I am immediately struck by the famous first sentence in our parshah:

“Re’eh anochi noten lif-nei-chem hayom bracha uklala – Behold I present before you TODAY a blessing and a curse.” (Deuteronomy 11: 26) The question arises in my mind, what “today” in that context refers to?

A simple answer could be that it was the day on which Moses gave that particular speech. Moses knew that he was about to die, so over a period of 36 days from the beginning of the Torah’s final Book, Deuteronomy, till his death on the 7th of Adar, he revealed his ethical will to our People.

But before I attempt further answers to the meaning of that “today”, with the High Holidays foremost on my mind now that summer has quickly passed us by and school has again begun, that word hayom – ‘today’ is immediately reminiscent of one of our all-time favorite High Holiday hymns - Hayom t’am-tseinu. It is per haps a favor ite because it has many catchy, familiar melodies, each line ending in a resounding AMEN chorus from a (hopefully) enthusiastic congregation, or perhaps even more so because it occurs near the end of a long service, by which time I assume everyone is happily relieved…? The hymn is about what God can do for us, listing 7 r equests, though some Sephar dic r ites include a complete alphabetical acrostic of 22 requests.

So back to our original question – what did Moses/the Torah mean by “today” in Deuteronomy 11?

I suggest it means EVERY DAY! When we wake up miraculously from our sleep, God offers us the opportunity to make that particular new day in our lives a blessing - to others, to ourselves, and thereby maybe even to God. Consider for what purpose God might have put each of us here in the first place?

Similarly, a better understanding of the essence of the High Holidays is NOT what God can do for us, as in Hayom T’amsteinu, rather WHAT WE CAN DO FOR OTHERS, and for OURSELVES! The High Holiday period is really a 7-week period that is already in full swing, our office in frenzied preparation to get everything done on time. Ritually every morning during this last Hebrew month of Elul except Shabbat, at the conclusion of our daily minyan, we sound the shofar as a wake-up call that the actual ‘Days of Awe’ are fast approaching. And twice each day we recite Psalm 27 which states, “One thing I ask, that I may dwell in God’s House all the days of my life…”

Don’t wait till Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. It’s hard to just walk in suddenly after an extended absence and expect to be abruptly inspired. There are a myriad opportunities to act TODAY. Consider attending our wonderful Selichot program and service, visit loved ones at our Kever Avot Cemetery service, join our children at the lake for Tashlich, join our spectacular CBI Israel/Amsterdam trip next May/June if you haven’t visited Israel or Jewish Amsterdam recently, or ever, or attend some of the many worthwhile adult education and cultural events currently being planned.

Do for others, do for yourself, do it now, today, HAYOM! Wishing our dear congregational family ketivah vachatimah tovah– a sweet and wonderful new year!

Hazzan Ivor Lichterman 2

President’s Message…………………………….…………...

At the End of Our Torah, Ready to Roll to a New Start This is the time of year when we are rapidly reaching the end of the Torah. You may have noticed this if you have had an aliyah lately. It is especially evident if you have had the honor of lifting and displaying the Torah [Hagbah] with almost the whole Torah on the right side as you lift and hold it up. Here is a physical parallel to the ebb and flow of seasons, a clock of our Jewish calendar. Soon enough, we will roll it back to Bereshit, and all the Torah will be in the left hand during Hagbah. When we roll the Torah back to Bereshit, we are not simply rewinding. We should think of it as completing the circle and starting anew. How we think about this finishing and re-starting the annual cycle of Torah is symbolic of how each of us deals with the High Holidays. Superficially, the New Year marks our starting another cycle around the annual clock, a familiar and comfortable trip. But take a moment to reflect on the message of the High Holidays. Reconsider what you have and have not done, and to whom. Take stock of yourself and your place in the world. Imagine a better you contributing to a better world. Not just starting back around on the same circuit but starting a new, more challenging yet meaningful trip.

The annual cycle of the Jewish year provides a framework for our own re-invigoration and rededication. However, unlike the Torah, there is no expectation of a never-ending series of future cycles for us.

Eventually, there is no return to Bereshit for us as individuals. Yet what we do or fail to do while we are here prepares the world for our families and friends who come after us. This also is a way to think of the important message of the High Holidays.

I wondered if this analogy might be worth considering for our congregation. Do we somehow keep returning to a beginning, each time offering a chance to make our congregation part of a better world? If we think of ourselves this way we can point to some events in our congregational history that could be thought of as marking a new beginning. These might include events such as becoming a Conservative congregation or moving to a new synagogue or having new clergy. But this is really not a great analogy.

Even when there is an obvious change we are not starting anew. These, and other events, are chapters in our evolving history. We are always changing, though most often not in a dramatic way. The challenge for our congregation, just as it is for us as individuals at the High Holidays, is to look toward the future while remembering our core ideals and history.

Whatever our future, it is certain that it will be shaped in part by events and trends that are out of our control, but also by what we do, or fail to do, in the coming year and beyond. Of course, we all know what that means – investment and involvement. As I stated in my remarks at the annual meeting we are financially stable right now. But whichever way things change in the next few years this stability will not last. Thanks to the generosity of many of our congregants who voluntarily pay higher dues and those who contribute a significant amount to the Kol Nidre drive, or help in other ways, we have been able to hold the line on dues making membership affordable to many more. We also need to thank our many volunteers.

Their involvement makes it possible to continue our worship and programming without having to hire additional staff. So, as you prepare to return to Bereshit, please think about how you can make a better congregation now and for the future.

From Ann and myself, from the officers and trustees, and from all your B’nai Israel family our warmest wishes for a sweet year. May you be inscribed in the book of life for good.

Howard Rosenberg

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High Holiday Schedule Please see page 9 for Junior Congregation and babysitting schedule.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH

EREV SUKKOT Wednesday, October 4 Service 5:45 p.m.

Dinner in the Sukkah 6:00 p.m.

Candlelighting 6:52 p.m.

Wednesday, September 20

Mincha/Maariv Candlelighting

5:45 p.m.

7:16 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH (first day)

SUKKOT ( first day)

Thursday, September 21

Morning Service Family Service Mincha/Maariv Candlelighting

Thursday, October 5 Morning Service 9:30 a.m.

Mincha/Maariv 5:45 p.m.

Candlelighting 7:50 p.m.

8:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

8:14 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH (second day)

SUKKOT (second day)

Friday, September 22

Morning Service Family Service Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat Candle Lighting

Friday, October 6 Morning Service Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat Candlelighting Shabbat, October 7 Shabbat Chol Hamoed

8:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

7:13 p.m.

Shabbat September 23 (Shabbat Shuvah) Morning Service 9:30 a.m.

Mincha 1:00 p.m.

Shabbat Ends 8:10 p.m

9:30 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

6:49 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

Please see page 5 for Lulav and Etrog information.

SHEMINI ATZERET Wednesday, October 11

Evening Service

YOM KIPPUR

Thursday, October 12 Morning Service Yizkor

Friday, September 29

Kol Nidre Candlelighting

5:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:01 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

SIMCHAT TORAH

Shabbat, September 30 Morning Service 9:00 a.m.

Family Service 10:30 a.m.

Yizkor 11:00 a.m.

Break- approx. 2:00 p.m.

Mincha 5:00 p.m.

Neila 6:15 p.m.

Fast Ends 7:58 p.m.

Thursday, October 12

Simchat Torah Celebration 6:30 p.m.

Friday, October 13

Morning Service Evening Service Candlelighting

9:30 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

6:35 p.m.

Saturday, October 14

Please see front cover for details on the Break the Fast meal at CBI.

Shabbat Bereishit Shabbat Ends

9:30 a.m.

7:33 p.m.

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.

We bless You our G-d, 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.

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High Holiday/ Sukkot Schedule Lulav & Etrog

Get Involved with the High Holidays: Be Honored with a Part in the Service

ORDER YOURS NOW

If you wish to purchase a set for Sukkot, please call the office at (419) 517-8400 or email ctraugott@cbitoledo.org

Choose from:  Chant from the Torah  Chant Haftorah  Read in English  Carry, lift or dress the Torah  Open/Close the Ark  Usher

by

Friday, September 8, 2017 Price: $48 per set

TASHLICH

Sunday, September 24 at 9:45 a.m.

If you would like to be a part of the High Holiday services please call the office at (419) 517-8400, or Greg Davis at 419-704-8893.

On Rosh Hashanah it is tradition to go to a river or spring (preferably one that has fish in it) and recite special penitential prayers. Tossing bread crumbs in the water is symbolic of casting away our sins and starting a new year with a clean slate.

Bring your own bread and meet us at the lake behind the campus.

CBI S U K K A H B U I L D Sunday, September 24, at 8:30 a.m.

(Rain date– Sunday, October 1)

Sukkot Dinner

Bring your own tools! Ladders, socket sets, ham-

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

mer etc. would be helpful. We will have juice, bagels coffee, juice and donuts.

Call the office for more information 419-517-8400

6:00 p.m.

There is NO Charge, but please RSVP to the office at (419) 517-8400 or email ctraugott@cbitoledo.org

SAVE THE DATE!

(More Details in the October Bulletin)

Simchat Torah Celebration

Thursday, September 28, 2017 by

CBI office will be CLOSED on the following days: Monday, September 4 Thursday, September 21 Friday, September 22 Friday, September 29, close at noon Thursday, October 5 Friday, October 6 Thursday, October 12 Friday, October 13

Thursday evening, October 12, 2017

Toledo Jewish Cemeteries HOLIDAY CLOSINGS Beth Shalom – Oregon

Wednesday, Sept. 20 Thur., Friday, Sept. 21, 22 Wednesday, Oct. 4 Thurs., Fri., Oct. 5, 6 Wednesday, Oct. 11 Thursday, Oct. 12 Friday, Oct. 13

Eagle Point – Rossford

Close 4 p.m.

Closed Close 4 p. m.

Closed Close 4 p.m.

Closed Closed

Eve Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah Eve Sukkot 1st & 2nd days Sukkot Eve last 2 days Sukkot Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor Simchat Torah

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 Sabbath

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Congregational News………………………………………….

September Special Birthdays 5

Judy Gersz

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Eva Bernblum

New Members

Please welcome our new members!

Daryl Yourist Elana Lauber

Belated wishes to Sheila Odesky 8/28

Todah Rabah

September Special Anniversaries 10

Irina and Greg Zaurov

30 years

28

Andrea and Mark Richards

20 years

Paul Causman and Sandy and Chuck Traugott for sponsoring the Kiddush luncheon on August 26

Condolences

Our synagogue family mourns the loss of

Miriam (Mickey) Sokobin

Beloved wife of Rabbi Alan Sokobin

Conversion Celebration August 5, 2017

May you be comforted amongst all who mourn in Zion.

Becoming a Jew by choice is a very serious and difficult decision made by an individual. After several years of study with Cantor Lichterman four adults completed the course of study. In August after a traditional immersion at the mikvah, a very meaningful and emotional ceremony, attended by family and friends, was held at B’nai Israel.

You have supported B’nai Israel during your lifetime.

Please consider B’nai Israel in your will and other estate planning.

Shop at MEIJER. You can help fight local hunger!

The converts were called to the bimah for their first aliyah on August 12 and 19, 2017. We were happy to share this joyous occasion with our newest members of the Jewish People.

The Meijer Simply Give campaign runs from from August 20 to September 16 at the Central Avenue store and benefits the

Jewish Family Service Food Pantry!

You can help by purchasing a $10 card at Meijer during those days.

Meijer will then give $20 to JFS.

Celebrating the first time they can be called to the bimah and counted as part of a minyan are Christina Katz, Daniel LaPlante, Michael Ross and Kim Smith.

Make your dollars go ever further!

Double Match Days September 1 and September 2

We welcome you warmly into our B’nai Israel family and the Jewish People.

During these two days, purchasing a $10 card will result in a $30 donation!

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE FALL HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE COME JOIN IN AND HELP TO MAKE IT A HUGE SUCCESS!!!

B’nai Israel USY (BITUSY) will be collecting non-perishable items for the Jewish Family Service Food Bank. Stop by the Synagogue and pick up a paper grocery bag (or use your own).

Bring your filled bag to B’nai Israel during the High Holidays.

VOLUNTEERS WILL TRANSPORT BAGS TO JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Please keep in mind that all canned goods must be sealed, non-dented, and cannot be past the expiration date.

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Congregational News…….…………... ………...……..………..

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL SHABBAT SERVICE Saturday, September 9, 2017 9:30 a.m.

We will be honoring our Congregation B’nai Israel treasured Matriarchs.

Please join us as we recognize their dedication to CBI Evelyn Auslander Helen Boxenbaum Phyllis Diamond Shirley Drube Barbara Fisher Marcia Friedman Shirley Gerber Irene Gerhardstein Ruth Gold

Leona Goldman Marian Goldner Shirley Kirshner Elsie Liber Viola Miller Lil Perlman Marilyn Reinstein Rhea Scheinbach Sherrie Zaft

A delicious Kiddush luncheon will follow the service.

Jewish Lives, Jewish Learning:

S.O.A.P.

Adult Education Series

(Synagogue Organized Afternoon Program)

Join us for our stimulating snack and learn programs continuing each month through June.

NO charge. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

SOAP is back!

Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

August 30, September 6 and 13

10:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

"What I said to the Catholics"

Join Hazzan Ivor Lichterman for a discussion of Jewish current events in the CBI Library

Presenter: Rabbi Alan Sokobin

No charge

ALL ARE WELCOME LUNCH WILL BE SERVED

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Commemorate Kristallnacht at CBI

CBI

Never Again– Music Out of the Ashes American premier concert "Music from the Holocaust"

Program by conductor and composer, Sara Jobin 7

David S. Stone Religious School

Message from the Principal…………………………………….

Our new school year recently began with another successful welcome back breakfast followed by an informative parents’ meeting. The parents’ meeting focused on a new program designed for all parents of kindergarten through college age students. The course is a series of workshops to cover the challenges of parenting Jewishly in a small Jewish community.

We are thrilled to continue our partnership with our chaverim from Etz Chayim joining the David S Stone Religious School for the second year. Last year was a tremendous success and we are looking forward to another great school year!

We are fortunate to have such an amazing and dedicated teaching staff again this year! Each and every one of them is teaching our students because they value the very best Jewish education for our kids. Three of our teachers had the opportunity to travel to Israel to learn about our Partnership region in the Western Galilee, Paulette Sherline, Peter Silverman and Gina Black all brought back incredible ideas to strengthen our relationship with our chaverim in Israel. They will continue to incorporate these ideas within the classroom.

Our preschool class is off to a great start as well. This class meets during normal religious school hours without parents attending. As long as students are ages 3-5 and potty trained we welcome them to stay from 9:30-12:00 for a fun filled hands on Jewish experience. They will learn about synagogue symbols, Jewish holidays, Hebrew and much more. This class is focused on feeling comfortable in a Sunday school and synagogue environment and the excitement of Jewish learning.

Another exciting program we have implemented is the CBI Young Children’s Enrichment Program. This program is for ages 3-7 and will be offered this month on Wednesday, Sept 13 from 4:15-5:30 pm. The program is a drop off program with age appropriate Jewish activities. The cost is $5.00 per session and open to CBI members and unaffiliated prospective members. Contact me for more details.

Our Hire a Mensch Program through USY and Kadima will continue this year. Students can earn money to offset the cost of their conventions and programs throughout the year by helping you! Simply contact Kbrody@cbitoledo.org to request a mensch (or few) to help you with various projects around the house or yard. This is also a great way for you to get to know our amazing students and all they have to offer. We thank you for your support and look forward to another great year!

Kim Brody 419-517-8400 kbrody@cbitoledo.org

Attention Parents: A New CBI program designed just for YOU!

David S. Stone Religious School Calendar

“The Challenges of Jewish Parenting in a small Jewish Community”

SEPTEMBER 2017 Sunday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday

3 6 10 13

NO RS RS 4:30-6:00 RS 9:30-12:00 RS 4:30-6:00 Young children’s enrichment program 4:15-5:30 (ages 3-7)

Sunday Wednesday Sunday

17 20 24

Wednesday

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RS 9:30-12:00 NO RS Erev Rosh Hashanah RS 9:30-12:00 Tashlich 9:45 followed by class RS 4:30-6:00

A Workshop Series Dedicated to parents with children ages kindergarten through college Sundays at 10:00– 11:30 a.m.

December 17, 2017 January 21, 2018 February 4, 2018 March 4, 2018 "How it Feels for Your Child to be the Only Jewish Kid in Class/School" "How to Help Your Child Make Dating Decisions" "As an Intermarried Family, How Do We Respectfully Navigate Life Cycle Events On Both Sides?"

"How Prepared is my College-Bound Child to Stand Up as a Jew and Supporter of Israel?"

HIRE A MENSCH!

Help support BITUSY and Kadima Contact Kim Brody at Kbrody@cbitoledo.org to hire a Mensch for household tasks.

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Youth and Education News………………………………….

HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES JUNIOR CONGREGATION Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur.

Sam Falk will be leading the services with the help of our Youth Department. All activities will be age appropriate for Pre-K through 6th grade.

BABYSITTING will be available DURING HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES 10:30 am-12:30 pm INFANT THROUGH 4 YEARS OLD (Children must be pre-registered) $5.00/PER CHILD/PER DAY Call the office to register 419-517-8400

This service is designed for parents with children ages 0-5 years old

Save the dates for these upcoming Tot Shabbats October 28, December 2, February 3, April 14 11:15 a.m.– Noon Kiddush lunch will follow Let us know if you plan to attend! Call the office at 419-517-8400 or email kbrody@cbitoledo.org

or email kbrody@cbitoledo.org

BITUSY and Kadima Ages 6th –12th grade Lounge Night

BITUSY/Kadima Kick off Event in August

Wednesday, September 14: 6:15-8:00p.m.

ALL USY and KADIMA kids are invited!

Ninja Theme!

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Sisterhood……………………………... ………...……..………..

Sisterhood 2.0 Maj Nights are back!

Watch your email for upcoming Sisterhood 2.0 Book Club Nights!

Please join us

Sunday, September 10 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the CBI Library

No experience needed.

All are welcome!

No previous Torah study is needed!

How many wives did Adam have?

Who was his first wife and why did he dump her, or did he?

What are the different views offered by commentaries? Boring it is not!!!!

JOIN US FOR Interactive Torah study and conversation on “ Our matriarchs, and how they could be our girlfriends today! “ These interactive discussions will explore what Torah means to woman through the voices of our Matriarchs. How does their dialogue speak to us as Jewish daughters, mothers, grandmothers, past and present? Please join us as together we introduce a cast of characters who could easily become our girlfriends today.

Facilitator, Fagie Benstein Thursdays, October 19 and 26, November 2 and 9

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the CBI Library SAVE THE DATE!

Sisterhood Opening Meeting Continental Brunch, Sunday, October 15th at 10:00 a.m.

The speaker will be Jill Clever of the Department of Local History and Genealogy of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. She will speak on researching your family tree.

The brunch is free for Sisterhood members.

Please look for your Sisterhood membership dues statements in the mail.

Congregations B’nai Israel and Etz Chayim

Rummage Sale Please save your time and your treasures for us!

Please contact Fagie Benstein (419) 843-7223 with questions or to volunteer.

Sale at Etz Chayim:

Drop off at Etz Chayim: Monday, October 29 Tuesday, October 30

Sunday, November 5 and Monday, November 6

Please note: Two drop off days only, NO exceptions. Thank you.

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Kitchen Corner

by Miriam Beckerman

Many congregants have asked me what I did to the cauliflower a few weeks back to make it so delicious. Here it is:

    

Fresh or frozen cauliflower pieces (if using frozen, defrost and drain them) Place on sheet pan in one layer Season with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning Mix in whatever vegetables you have in the refrigerator (I used red onion and whole garlic cloves) Toss all veggies with extra virgin olive oil (I also added parmesan cheese)

Bake at 350 uncovered for at least 30 minutes or until veggies are soft and brown on the edges.

Serve hot. ENJOY! I want to also remind everyone that Sautter’s in Sylvania now has kosher wines– red and white from California and Israel. Please think of Sautter’s when preparing you holiday shopping list.

Happy New Year, Miriam

Volunteers Needed at JFS! Looking for a way to make a difference?

The Patient Advocate Program offers an opportunity to engage in a rewarding experience. This program connects trained volunteers with Jewish seniors to ensure they get the most out of their medical appointments. Volunteers experience personal growth through meaningful connections to the individuals we serve.

VOLUNTEERS CAN BE JEWISH AND NON-JEWISH.

CBI has a very limited number of complimentary tickets for the Sunday September 17 7:00 p.m. performance of The Cemetery Club.

Please call the office at 419-517-8400.

Volunteers will assist individuals in preparing for medical appointments, accompany them to appointments, and act as an advocate by facilitating communication between doctor and patient. This program offers volunteers flexibility and a chance to enhance the lives of seniors and therefore, our community.

Contact Liz Witter – 419-724-0406, liz@jewishtoledo.org

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September Yahrzeits………………………………………

CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL STAFF Ivor Lichterman .......................................... Hazzan ilichterman@cbitoledo.org Howard Rosenbaum ................... Minyan Leader Kim Brody ................... Religious School Principal kbrody@cbitoledo.org Chuck Traugott .......... Synagogue Administrator ctraugott@cbitoledo.org Rhoda Miller Community Outreach Coordinator rmiller@cbitoledo.org Leslie Podolsky... Communications Coordinator lpodolsky@cbitoledo.org Megan Miller .................................. Youth Director meganbrookemiller@gmail.com Cindy Robertson .................... Sisterhood 2.0 Rep cmurphy311@yahoo.com Emmie Brody……………………... USY President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President…………………………………….Howard Rosenberg Vice President of Administration………...Bennett Romanoff Vice President of Ritual Affairs…………………….Greg Davis Vice President of Youth Activities………….Gabrielle Mallin Secretary………………………………………….Fran Weinblatt Treasurer……………………………………..Stephen Goldberg Past President………………………………………….Jeff Bauer BOARD OF TRUSTEES Stuart Goldberg, Sue Ann Hochberg, Ian Katz, Lannie Katzman, Jill Kripke, Eric Lauber, Michael Leizerman, Helen Michaels, Bruce Post, Carol Richman, Jerry Russell, Mindy Slutsky Honorary Trustees: Phyllis Diamond, Howard Rosenbaum www.cbitoledo.org

emmie.brody@gmail.com

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Contributions …………………………………………………..

Minimum Contributions are $10.00 Please note: More generous contributions will be indicated in the following ways: * denotes B’nai Mitzvah $13.00 ** denotes Chai $18.00 *** denotes Silver $25.00 **** denotes double Chai $36.00 A box denotes Gold $50.00 A bold box denotes Diamond $100.00+ All contributions listed are before August 17, 2017 CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In Honor of

Hazzan Ivor and Jan Lichterman, Marriage of Daughter Jackie Lichterman and Alex Strauss Sue Ann Hochberg Bonnie Ross Hazzan Ivor Lichterman, In Appreciation Laura Clubok***

In Memory of

Mickey Sokobin Bonnie Ross

Yahrzeit

Raymond Russell, Beloved Brother Albert Russell, Beloved Brother Merv and Marlene Russell* Manny Ganch Dan and Barrie Galvin

HARRY GOMETZ FUND

In Memory of

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

Please note we have concluded the 150th Anniversary Fund.

Thank you and please continue to suppor t our other funds.

HIDDUR FUND

In Honor of

Gretchen Zyndorf , Speedy Recovery Arlene and Jerry Russell Paul Causman, Special Birthday Howard and Ann Rosenberg** Sandy Traugott, Special Birthday Howard and Ann Rosenberg** Shirley Kohler, Speedy Recovery Arlene and Jerry Russell Eli Benstein, Special Birthday Sandy and Chuck Traugott Bert Spangenthal, Speedy Recovery Sandy and Chuck Traugott Bill and Carol Richman Marlene and Arnie Remer Sheila Odesky, Special Birthday Ann and Howard Rosenberg***

In Memory of

Bonnie Lieberman Howard and Ann Rosenberg** Mickey Sokobin Carol and Bill Richman Shirley Gerber Howard and Ann Rosenberg***

Mickey Sokobin Yahrzeit Chari Katzman Fogel and Family** Raymond Russell, Loving Brother Greg and Hope Davis and Family** Albert Russell, Loving Brother Jerry and Arlene Russell* Yahrzeit Saul Korman David Fettman Marlene and Arnie Remer** Harry Gometz Max Steinberg Hope, Greg, Jeremy, Adam, and Michelle and Carey Kart** Andy Davis Martha Gerber Deann Shapiro Shirley Gerber Roanne and Lannie Katzman** Leona Davis Soldinger Roanne and Lannie Katzman Harry Gometz Harriet and Marty Davis

$65.00 $100.00 $100.00 $1000.00 $500.00

KATZ SANCTUARY FUND

In Memory of Mickey Sokobin Susan and Steve Kaufman

Yahrzeit

Evelyn Simon, Beloved Mother Bernice Katz

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KEZUR LIBRARY FUND

In Memory of

Bonnie Lieberman Jack and Diana Lipszyc** SHERWIN AND NAOMI KRIPKE FUND

In Honor of

Bill and Luann Garber, Rachel and Jeffrey’s Wedding Fran and Chuck Weinblatt Paul Causman, Special Birthday Fran and Chuck Weinblatt

In Memory of

Mickey Sokobin Sharon and Bobby Kripke**

Yahrzeit

Dave Blumberg Anthony Grande Alan and Michele Blumberg** MARILYN DEVENOW BUILDING FUND

Yahrzeit

James Schroeder Richard Schroeder RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND

In Honor of

Bill and Luann Garber, Rachel and Jeffrey’s Wedding Sonja and Ted Pinsky

In Memory of

Mickey Sokobin Lee and Gail Kwait**

Yahrzeit

Howard Yaffe Saundra Yaffe* Samuel Kohler Margie Kohler

Vivian Portnoy The Portnoy Family

Contributions…………………………………………………….

SAFETY AND SECURITY FUND

Yahrzeit

Shirley Post Bruce, Sheila, Jordon, Brynna and Jay Post**

Bonnie Lieberman Bob and Gayle Retske** Mickey Sokobin Stu and Jo-Jo Goldberg** Sandy and Chuck Traugott

SUMMER YOUTH FUND

Yahrzeit

Brenda Lynne Forman Nina Ridgley**

Yahrzeit

TRIBUTE FUND ABE AND DOROTHY STEINBERG SKIP FUND

In Memory of

Bonnie Lieberman Doris and Buz Steinberg** Mickey Sokobin Rhoda Milller and Family**

Yahrzeit

Ida Benstein Fagie and Eli Benstein*** Abe Steinberg Lyn Kremer and Jeff Kremer Family** Sally Wexler Rhoda Miller and Family**

In Honor of

Paul Causman, Special Birthday Eli and Fagie Benstein** Andy and Marci Klumb, Special Anniversary Uncle Eli and Aunt Nora Marilyn Reinstein, Special Birthday Shirley Tochtermann Betty Benjamin** Sonja and Ted Pinsky, Special Anniversary Eli Abramson and Nora Romanoff Irv and Camille Alloy, Special Anniversary Shirley Tochtermann Marilyn Reinstein

In Memory of

Helene Sherman Inez Cane**

B’nai Israel Hosts Syrian Refugees

Seymour Greenspoon Robert Perlman Diane and Jim Perlman Norman Levitin Gertie Levitin, Jae and Micki Zakas, Howard & Jenny Levitin, Barry & Nancy Tiemeier*** Sadie Damrauer Peggy and Marvin Damrauer** Maurice Levey Elaine Levey

Yahrzeit

YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND

Bela Lipszyc Jack and Diana Lipszyc***

(photos on back cover)

In early May, Cindy Roberts, a member of Christ the King Parish, stopped into the B’nai Israel office. She was putting together a program for Syrian women and children who were refugees being resettled in Toledo. The purpose of the program was to focus on our common humanity, and the beauty, diversity, and amazing kindness of all Toledoans in making newcomers welcome!

Having been involved in the resettlement of Russian Jews, I was immediately drawn to this program. It would be an amazing way for Jewish Toledo to welcome Syrian refugees. This was undoubtedly the first time any of the participants had seen or met anyone Jewish. What an opportunity for both groups!

When I mentioned the upcoming program to Sharon Lapitsky, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Toledo, she loved the idea of the visit. We wanted to give the children a gift (without any symbols of Judaism of Israel). Sharon enlisted the help of Hallie Freed at the Federation and they were able to assemble 30 brand new backpacks full of school supplies for the Syrian children.

The visit to B’nai Israel was in early August. Our fabulous Cantor, Ivor Lichterman, showed the group our sanctuary, torah, and explained a little about Judaism. Corine Dehabey, herself from Syria, is program coordinator and director of Toledo’s resettlement agency US Together. She acted as the interpreter for the visit. The group of 50 refugees was the largest attendance of any program planned by US Together. Obviously, they wanted to see a synagogue and Jews! Interestingly, US Together was started by HIAS (Hebrew Integration Aid Society).

As the group came into the B’nai Israel sanctuary, the children immediately noted the Hebrew letters looked a lot like Arabic. The torah in hand written script, kosher and halal meat, and reading right to left, surprised everyone with the similarities, too. The visiting children learned that our children attended religious school twice a week. Sharon Lapitsky warmed everyone’s heart when she spoke to the group with some Arabic. She told them that Arabic was part of the curriculum in Israel. They were impressed.

Words cannot express the excitement, gratitude, and love shown the moment the children received the backpacks. I have been involved in volunteer work for over 50 years, and this was one of the most rewarding events in which I have ever participated. To see the joy on the mothers’ and children’s’ faces was awesome. The hugs and kisses that were shared as our guests left B’nai Israel did more for Muslim/Jewish relations than anything in the world did!

We bid our new friends goodbye with Shalom and As-salaamu 'alikum. This was one fabulous afternoon for all.

Rhoda Miller 14

Thank you letter from a recent Shabbat visitor, Angie Demitry, Mercy College of Ohio Cantor Lichterman,

July, 2017

Thank you and your congregation for welcoming me to worship with all of you and to experience a Conservative Jewish Shabbat liturgy. This worship experience provided a glimpse into traditions I have read about so many times in the Old Testament and to see a modern version of those illustrations was intriguing. I would also like to extend a special thank you to those who guided me to follow along in the liturgy, and for our wonderful conversation at the meal your congregation invited me to attend as well.

I enjoyed learning about the prayer shawl (tallit gadol) worn and how, I believe you said, the knots represent the 613 guidelines for conscious living from Numbers 15:39. Even more interesting was what you mentioned about the strings or cords of the tassels and how the number of strings represent a Hebrew letter and when you put it all together mathematically you get God is One. Lastly, I also enjoyed the readings from the Torah on the account of the twelve spies, each a representative of his tribe, who were sent to scope out Canaan the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb were the only two spies who came back to say, “We can surely do it!” Numbers 13:30. This is just one example of how a person’s perspective can make all the difference in the world.

Praise be to God! Shalom Sincerely, Angie Demitry Mercy College of Ohio Healthcare Administration Student Class - World Religion’s, Dr. Lee Krahenbuhl

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Visit the CBI

Gift Shop

Sundays

9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or by appointment

CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL BULLETIN 6525 Sylvania Ave Sylvania OH 43560 Address Service Requested

Please contact

Roanne Katzman at (419) 882-2111.

Daily Services Schedule Mon.-Friday:

7:00 a.m., 5:45 p.m.

Saturday:

9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.

Sunday minyan will resume on Sunday September 10 at 9:30 a.m.

CBI WELCOMES LOCAL SYRIAN REFUGEES See article on page 14.

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