Temple Bulletin September 2014 by Ira Wise

Volume 156, Number 2

Elul 5774/Tishrei 5775

September 2014

L’shana Tova. We wish you blessings and peace in 5775

High Holy Days Services 5775/2014 Selichot Services— Saturday, September 20 8:15 p.m. Beth El, Fairfield (see back cover for details) Erev Rosh Hashanah — Wednesday, September 24 5:30 p.m. Service at Jennings Beach (no ticket needed) 7:30 p.m. Service at Temple Rosh Hashanah —Thursday, September 25 10:00 a.m. Morning Service: Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Morning Service: Tent 10:00 a.m. Youth Program: Grades Pre-K thru 3rd (advance registration required) 3:30 p.m. Family Service** (no ticket required) – New Start Time This Year

Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day — Friday, September 26 10:00 a.m. Service 12:30 p.m. Tashlich (on Brooklawn Parkway near Stratfield Road, Fairfield) Sunday, September 28 1:30 p.m. – Memorial Service in the B’nai Israel Cemeteries Kol Nidre — Friday, October 3 6:30 p.m. Early Service (broadcast on WVOF 88.5 FM) 8:45 p.m. Late Service Yom Kippur — Saturday, October 4 10:00 a.m. Morning Service: Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Morning Service: Tent

10:00 a.m. Youth Program: Grades Pre-K thru 3rd (advance registration required) 1:00 p.m. Adult Learning (See Page 4) 1:30 p.m. F amily Service** (no ticket required) 2:45 p.m. Afternoon Service 4:45 p.m. Yizkor Service (no ticket required) 5:45 p.m. N eilah Concluding Service (no ticket required) **Two Family Services will run simultaneously. For families with elementary school-age children, Rabbi Prosnit will lead an age-appropriate service in the sanctuary. For families with preschoolers, Rabbi Schultz will lead a service designed for them in the tent.

Please remember that your first-quarter annual contribution must be received in the Temple office before High Holy Day tickets can be mailed. For more High Holy Days information (purchasing additional tickets, enrolling in Youth Programs and Babysitting), please go to www.cbibpt.org.

Inside This Issue Bulletin Board ............................ P.2 Sharing Our Joy .......................... P.2 Welcome! Welcome! .................... P.2 From the Rabbi’s Desk ................ P.3

Beach Service .............................. P.4 Adult Education ........................... P.4 Rabbi Schultz ............................... P.5 Meet the Emissaries ..................... P.6

From the Education Center .......... P.7 One of Us .................................... P.9 Shabbat Services Schedule ......... P.11 An Inspiring Journey ................. P.16

Sharing our Joy… Congratulations to: Rich and Becky Rosen, on the wedding of daughter Julia, to Dan Gombos Ruth and Eric Gross, on their new grandson, Gabriel Michael Gross, son of Josh Gross and Helen Rubeiz. Bob and Anne Citrin, on the wedding of daughter Kim, to Rob Shames Jim Kauders, on his wedding to Barbara Abramo Luise and Ed Burger, on the engagement of son Daniel, to Randi Martin

Welcome! Welcome! A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will not only enrich their lives, but that of our congregation. Tranquilli-Bausher, Ann Marie and Bausher, Benjamin, Lilah and Hallie Wilcoxson Avenue, Stratford Pearlberg, Marci and Richard, and Joey Nonopoge Road, Fairfield Goodman, Melissa and Marc, Maddy and Meredith Woodridge Avenue, Fairfield

Bulletin Board Library Lines As we start a new year, we’re asking you what we can do to help make our temple library a vibrant part of our Jewish experience at B’nai Israel in 5775. We’re looking for feedback on what types of books would you enjoy reading, sharing with others and discussing with family and friends. Please email us at library@ cbibpt.org, and we’ll take all feedback into consideration when stocking the library shelves. Speaking of stocking the shelves, have you seen our children’s collection, books on all the Jewish holidays, Israel, folk tales, Bible stories and the Holocaust? We’ve got books, fiction and non-fiction for all ages. Stop in and check one (or more) out today! Infertility Clinic Monday, September 15, 6:15p.m. New infertility support and meeting group Speaker: Dr. Andrew Levi RSVP to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org Questions: Gina Arnold at gnagna33@ aol.com or (203) 221-8188

Judiaca Shop September Specials All Shofars.............. 25% OFF All Shofar Bags....... 25% OFF All Kiddush Cups...... 25% OFF Calling All College Students & Families It’s time to head back to school for our college students and their families. Let us know how you are doing, what you are up to and any big news. To send you little holiday surprises and for you to keep connected with your temple friends, we need your school address and email address. Please send your information to Lynn in the main office at lynn@cbibpt.org. Food for the Soul Before each Shabbat service, the temple provides a small Oneg in the lobby. These small (nut-free) snacks and drinks are a great ice-breaker, a perfect quick bite, and a helpful distraction for toddlers and younger children. If you are interested in volunteering to bring in Shabbat treats, please contact Naomi Schaffer at naomilev@optonline.net.

Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Dr. Stanley Altman, father of Jane Klopp Jack Newman, husband of Karin Newman

2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 336-1858 • www.cbibpt.org The Bulletin of Congregation B’nai Israel is published every month except July. James Prosnit, D.D. ............................ Rabbi Evan Schultz ................................... Rabbi Arnold I. Sher, D.D. ............... Rabbi Emeritus

What Happened To Happenings? The Temple bulletin comes once a month, but how do you stay on top of everything that happens at B’nai Israel in between? Subscribe to our weekly email, now renamed Hashavua. Contact Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org to sign up.

Sheri E. Blum, D.M. ........................... Cantor Ramon Gilbert, D.M. .......... Cantor Emeritus Ira J. Wise, R.J.E. .......... Director of Education Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ... Educator Emeritus Alexa Cohen .......... Early Childhood Director Abby Rohinsky ............... Director of Facility

Officers Samuel J. Rosenberg ........................ President Michael Blumenthal .......... 1st Vice President Larry Levine ............................. Vice President Shari Nerreau ........................... Vice President Julie Pressman .......................... Vice President Lori Underberger ............................ Treasurer Jim Greenberg ................. Assistant Treasurer Evelyn Rubak ................................... Secretary Joe Varon .......................... Financial Secretary Mindy Siegel ........... Immediate Past President

Affiliates Caroline DelAngelo & Harper Wise .................. BIFTY Co-Presidents

What’s happening at Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to lynn@cbibpt.org.

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Reflections on Israel at War … Again The episodes remind us that as Jews, we are linked not only in our own selfunderstanding, but in the minds of others. Interestingly and significantly, emigration of Jews from France and other parts of Europe to Israel has never been higher. It seems that some Jews would gladly trade the protection of the French legion or local police for that of the Israel Defense Forces.

As of early August it’s difficult to know what the situation will be between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. News gets stale very quickly, and new challenges will most certainly emerge. I hope that by the time this Bulletin is being read, the guns of July and early August will have been silent and a ceasefire will have been in place for some time. The images are difficult, the suffering among Palestinians in Gaza is huge, but the responsibility for the events falls on the leaders of Hamas – an organization that has never sought co-existence with its neighbors and has done all it can to undermine any possible peace agreement. The array of weaponry, the network of tunnels and the discipline of its fighters seem greater than even the IDF had imagined, and it has led to the harshness and tragedies of war that we witness. We need to do what is necessary to save ourselves, but even when we are protecting ourselves, we must allow ourselves to weep for the other. As of my writing, more than 3,000 rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza; some struck Israel and some were intercepted by the amazing technology known as the Iron Dome. Each rocket fired was intended to do nothing but harm civilians and cause terror. Also disturbing has been the increase in episodes of anti-Semitism, especially those in Europe. While Israelis remain in the firing zones, we are reminded that, like it or not, we are connected. In recent weeks, pro-Palestinian rioters marched into a Jewish suburb in Paris. They torched cars, lobbed firebombs into a synagogue, and burnt Jewishowned stores to a chorus of “Death

to Jews!” and “Hitler was right!” In Berlin, mobs urge the destruction of the Zionist Jews, in Italy graffiti desecrated Jewish businesses, and in England there has been a doubling of anti-Semitic incidents over the last several weeks, from verbal abuse to physical attacks.

“While Israelis are in the firing zones, we are reminded that, like it or not, we are connected.” Even in Boston, Jewish students reported that police had to rescue them from a “die-in” protest against Israel’s operation in Gaza. The demonstrators had swarmed the students, pushing, shoving and screaming “Jews back to Birkenau” and “Drop dead, you Zionazi whores.”

Item of the Month: Canned Fruit

And the reason has little to do with the operation in Gaza. I have long believed that what Jews do or what Israelis do does not lead to anti-Semitism; it just reveals and gives cover for what sadly has long existed. This summer marked the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people. In two decades no suspect has ever been detained or taken to court. Many Argentinian and South American Jews moved to Israel in the wake of that event. It’s why Israel matters to those who live in situations more vulnerable than they at times would like to admit. Because only in Israel can these Jews know in their bones that that they will be defended. We are rightfully proud that the Modern State of Israel has moved the Jewish people from powerlessness to power. That has meant much for worldwide Jewry. And we continue to pray that Israel always uses this new power with a strong memory of what it was like to be powerless. That memory makes us responsive to the suffering of others even as we defend ourselves.

Rosh Hashanah: Sand or Sanctuary

(Photo by Meg Barone/Courtesy of the Fairfield Citizen-News) Rabbi Schultz leads congregants in an alternative Rosh Hashanah service at Fairfield’s Jennings Beach last year.

Some like to welcome the New Year in a traditional, formal manner; others prefer a more informal greeting. We give you both. Last year many congregants (and guests) celebrated erev Rosh Hashanah at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, while others joined for a more traditional gathering in the sanctuary. The venues were markedly different, but the feedback was the same – exceptionally

positive – so we plan on repeating the same thing this year. You can welcome the New Year on Wednesday, September 24, informally with song and prayer at the beach at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own chair or blanket. If you prefer the more traditional way, join us at the Temple at 7:30 p.m.

If the weather is inclement, we will have only the one service at the Temple. If the weather is questionable, on the afternoon of the service we will post an announcement prominently on the Temple website www.cbibpt.org and an outgoing message on the Temple answering machine (203) 336-1858 to inform everyone if a cancellation is necessary. L’shana Tova!

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel Who By Fire: Grappling with Difficult High Holy Day Prayers Lifelong Learning – Fridays at noon, September 5, 12 and 19 Join with Rabbi Schultz for this threepart course, exploring some of the more challenging prayers in the High Holy Day Liturgy. Participants will have an opportunity to study these prayers in-depth, and read commentaries and responses by great Jewish thinkers and rabbis. We hope this will be an insightful and spiritual way to prepare for the upcoming High Holy Day season. Class Schedule: 9/5 – Kol Nidre; 9/12 – Un’taneh Tokef; 9/19 – Ashamnu and Al Chet Torah Study at B’nai Israel with Rabbi Mark Borovitz Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.

When Rabbi Mark Borovitz teaches Torah, he guides learners to put themselves into the text, to become a part of the story, and to make their own story part of the sacred text. He will lead our weekly Torah study group in his inimitable style. Everyone is welcome, even if this is your first time! You are also invited to join us for Shabbat worship at 8:00 a.m. and/or to join us for the Brotherhood breakfast at 9:00 a.m. as well! See the back cover for more about Rabbi Borovitz. T’shuvah, Slichah, Gaza – Repentance, Forgiveness and War Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m. In 1948, on the eve of the War for Independence, Golda Meir apocryphally told King Abdullah of Jordan: “I can forgive you for killing our children. I cannot forgive you for making our children kill yours.” During We wish you blessings and peace in 5775.

these Days of Awe – the Yamim Noraim – we are called to repent and to forgive. At this writing, Israel was at war with Hamas. Hopefully that has concluded. Join Ira Wise on Yom Kippur afternoon for a conversation and study session on how we might move forward and perhaps to seek shleimut – wholeness in our world and our land. Meanwhile, Back in Europe, Part I Lifelong Learning – Fridays at Noon, October 10, 17, 24 and 31 Last year we followed the Jewish Diaspora into Muslim Lands – across North Africa, Arabia and into Spain. At the same time – the Middle Ages – we found ourselves spreading throughout Europe as well. This year Ira Wise will take us on a visit to Prague, Krakow and points west. No need for a Eurail Pass! Continued on Page 8

From Rabbi Schultz

Spiritual Awakenings Mornings are tough. Everyone has their routines, whether it’s to hit the snooze alarm for an hour, to get up early to go for a run, or to find coffee as quickly as humanly possible. I wish my mornings could sound and feel like Edvard Grieg’s “Morning Mood,” but the reality is that most mornings are more akin to something by AC/DC, with at least one child shouting for attention by 5:07 a.m. Despite all the morning chaos and grogginess, there are Jewish rituals and affirmations to encourage us to start the day off right. Here are a few of my favorites that you might like to try at home or with your family to add a little Jewishness to your morning. Be Strong Like a Lion! I recently discovered in Pirkei Avot, the Teachings of our Rabbis, a text by Yehudah, son of Taima, who encouraged us to recite this affirmation in the morning: “Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and strong as a lion.” What does Yehudah mean by this? To be “bold as a leopard” means that you should never be ashamed of who you are. “Light as an eagle” means to view the world with keen and sharp eyes. He says to turn your eyes toward people doing good deeds and you will be inspired to do

“Modeh Ani…,” and ask them for what they are thankful. It’s a quick conversation to have over breakfast or in the car on the way to school, and once in the habit, one may develop an approach of gratefulness each and every day.

good as well. “Swift as a deer” refers to the legs, for your legs should run to do good things. “Strong as a lion” is a reference to the heart, that all of our actions through the day should begin with the heart (“Strong as a lion” also means to get out of bed with vigor, even on really cold days). Tape this phrase to the top of your coffeemaker and you now have a Jewish affirmation to help you start the day off with intention. Modeh Ani Traditionally the first prayer one recites in the morning is the Modeh Ani prayer. Modeh Ani means “I am thankful.” It is a prayer that expresses gratitude to God for giving us the ability to wake up and for refreshing our souls and beings as we prepare to begin the day. One nice ritual to try, especially with kids, is each morning to offer them the prompt

Blessings for Body and Soul Jewish tradition teaches that the body and soul are deeply intertwined – if either is not in order, we cannot be our full selves throughout the day. We thus have two blessings we say in the morning, one thanking God that our bodies are in working order, and the other that our souls and beings are fully calibrated. Try both or either of these blessings as part of your morning routine, to simply pause and be aware of body and soul and their intimate connection: Baruch atah Adonai, rofeh chol basar umafli la’asot Blessed are You, Adonai, who heals all flesh, working wondrously. Baruch atah Adonai, asher b’yado nefesh kol chai v’ruach kol basar ish Praised are you, Adonai, in who hand is every living soul and the breath of humankind.

From the Early Childhood Education Center ............................. to Bonim We had a very successful summer camp, with as many as 70 children per session. We started our new full-day Infant Program in early June with two full-time and two part-time infants. The four- and five-year olds enjoyed visiting Jewish Senior Services each week, bringing games and crafts and celebrating Shabbat. We had special visits from Chef Mike and the Maritime Center as well as yoga with Miss Louisa and Jump Bunch with Miss Denise. Our camp cookout days

featured hotdogs, chips, watermelon and Italian ice. It was so nice to have the whole camp together on a Friday for lunch to help welcome Shabbat. Now, we are very excited to welcome 75 children to the start of the 20142015 school year. As the school year approaches, so does Rosh Hashanah and a time for new beginnings. With the help of Ira Wise, Rabbi Prosnit and Rabbi Schultz, we sought out to find a new, more When does religious school start? See Page 9.

meaningful name for our school. I am happy to announce that we have chosen the name Bonim Preschool. Bonim in Hebrew means builders. Builders of what, you ask – builders of friendship, builders of community, builders of thoughtful, creative, Jewish children. WELCOME TO BONIM PRESCHOOL AT CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL! 

Alexa Cohen

Meet the Israeli Young Emissaries SHALOM TO OUR NEW SHINSHINIM OUR 2014-15 ISRAELI YOUNG EMISSARIES Welcome to Yuval Hochman, Yarden Bengio and Lidor Osmo, who are joining our community as part of the Israeli Young Emissary program sponsored by UJA/Federation WWWN, UJA Federation of Eastern Fairfield County and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Yuval, Yarden and Lidor are recent high-school graduates who have chosen to postpone their army service to spend the year working with our preschools and religious schools as well as in our adult education programs, local high schools, day schools and the Jewish Home for the Elderly. If you are interested in inviting Yarden, Yuval and Lidor to have a meal with your family or just spend the day, please call contact Stacy Kamisar at stacykamisar@optonline.net or Cheryl Podob at cpodob@optonline.net. Now, let’s meet our newest Young Emissaries. YUVAL HOCHMAN Hey! My name is Yuval Hochman. I am 17 years old, and I am from Moshav Ram-On next to the Gilboa Mountain in the north of Israel, where I live with my parents, Hezi and Yael, my older brother Bar, who is now serving as an officer in the army, and my younger brother Peleg, who is 13. I learned in Kibbutz Ein-Harod, where my majors were social science and history. I love traveling in Israel and cooking and reading. Music is a big part of my life; I love singing and I took part in the school musical. I just graduated from high school! For the

past two years, I’ve been a counselor in a youth movement in my moshav called Bnei HaMoshavim. In my first year, I guided seventh-graders, and in my second year, I led fourth- through sixth-graders and was responsible for preparing weekly activities for them. I also took a part in a school delegation that traveled to Poland, where we visited concentration camps and sites that were once a main part of the Jewish community but were destroyed. I love my country so much and want to serve her and spread all of her best things in my eyes about Israel. I heard about this year of service and thought it was the best way for me to serve Israel, because I understand the huge importance of the connection between the Jewish communities abroad. I’m looking forward to being a part of your community, spending time with the kids and families and simply receiving s much as I can from your culture and Jewish lifestyle. YARDEN BENGIO Shalom! My name is Yarden Bengio. I live in Gan Ner on the Gilboa Mountain in the north of Israel. My mother, Inbar, is a food engineer. My father, Izik, is an economist. I have one brother, Idan, who is 14 years old, and a sister named Nitzan, who is 11. I go hiking with my family and my youth group often. I also enjoy working out, specifically running. I used to take ballet classes for 12 years. I majored in physics, math, English and theater. For three years I was a guide in a youth movement, and for the last year I also coached younger guides. I have been a guide for fourth-, sixth- and eighthgraders. This year I’m working with

the guides of the fifth-graders; the guides themselves are 10th-graders. I was also a guide in a program called “Etgarim,”which means challenges in Hebrew. In the program, I guided eighth-graders in extreme sport activities such as climbing and rappelling. I also worked with children with special needs. One of the activities I am proud of is organizing the year-opening seminar. Along with the youth movement’s activities, I was also the director of a play, as a part of my final exam in theater, dealing with integration of people with special needs in the society. I decided to become an emissary in the United States because I’m aware of the importance of the connection between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. I hope to serve as a living bridge between Israel and Westport-Fairfield and be meaningful to the community. LIDOR OSMO

Hello everyone! My name is Lidor Osmo, and I will be a Young Emissary in Westport and Fairfield.

I am 18 years old, and I live in Nesher, which is a small city next to Haifa. My father, Rafael (Rafi), is the head of the Sports Department in Nesher, and my mother, Simha, is an Economics teacher. My older brother, Liad is currently in the army, in the Intelligence Force, and my younger brother Shaked is almost 13, and this year is his BarMitzvah Year. I just graduated from Nesher’s high school, where my studies included Chemistry, Physics, Middle East Studies and English Translation. I’ve

Tell us your B’nai Israel story. See One of Us on Page 9 for details.

Continued on Page 8

From the Education Center

The Rockets’ Red Glare (or My July Odyssey) I was afforded some amazing opportunities this past July. Some were life altering. Others were really cool. Our senior Youth Group, BIFTY, is a member of NFTY (the National Federation of Temple Youth), which runs the Israel programs to which we send many of our teenagers. They asked me to chaperone 46 of them on their flight from New York to Europe, where they joined three other groups, including four teens from B’nai Israel. The trip began in Prague and continued to Terezin to Krakow to Auschwitz and Warsaw, before heading to Tel Aviv. The point was to see that the Zionist dream was born of thousands of years of yearning. We visited places where Jews had lived for over 800 years and learned about the lives they led. And we learned about the Shoah (Holocaust) – visiting Terezin, Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II), which is also the largest Jewish cemetery in the world. I won’t pretend to know everything there is to know about the Shoah, and I certainly do not have answers for many of the questions that each of us

A new sound of hope for Jews in Poland.

was asking. I do know that I have never felt what I felt standing in front of the remains of one of the crematoria. Friday morning we took the bus from our hotel in Krakow to Birkenau/ Auschwitz. After touring both camps, punctuated by a series of shared survivor testimonies read by participants and a ceremony to honor and remember the dead, we were all pretty drained emotionally. We returned to the hotel for a shower and Shabbat and tried to return to the land of the living. Who knew all we needed was an accordion, a baritone tuba and a hammer dulcimer? We traveled to Beit Krakow – a Progressive congregation that holds services at the Galicia Museum, in a large open space amid exposed brick and an art exhibit. The room was filled with more than 160 of us with NFTY, plus more than 100 members of the community and visitors in town for the annual Jewish Festival. Rabbi Tanya Segal led the service, joined by three musicians playing a hammer dulcimer, a flute, an accordion and finally a baritone tuba. Most of the tunes were familiar to our teens, some of whom got up to dance. The phrasing

was a little different, but it was a joyful noise! Realizing that we had spent the day quite literally in the valley of the shadow of death, it was amazing to see how Polish Jewry is coming back to life! On to Israel! We landed in Tel Aviv just before Hamas began aiming their rockets further afield. NFTY did a wonderful job of altering the itinerary so the teens were never in any real danger. They were told about what was happening, but they only experienced it directly when two of their counselors were called up for reserve duty. I said goodbye to the teens at the airport and headed into Tel Aviv and then on to Caesaria, where I had dinner with our new Young Emissaries – Lidor Osmo, Yarden Bengio and Yuval Hochman. They are wonderful, and I hope you will take the time to meet them. The rest of my time was spent in Jerusalem, where I met with other Jewish educators, attended a conference on improving how we teach about Israel and visited a bomb shelter. Really. Although I was never in real danger in Jerusalem, there were two red alerts telling us to seek cover. Both times I Continued on Page 8

To find out more about Ira’s European journey, go to http://nextleveljewisheducation.blogspot.com/.

Emissaries …....................... Continued from Page 6 been playing the guitar since I was 12 years old; I love listening to music, hanging out with friends, watching movies and playing tennis. Most of my time, I volunteer in organizations in school and in the community. In school I am the Chairman of the Student Council. I am one of the founders of the Debate Club, and I participated in the Tournament of Champions of the World Scholars Cup at Yale University last November. I am also an active member of a group called “Halas,” where students counsel and mediate between students and between students and teachers. Outside of school, I am the Chairman of the Municipal Student and Youth

Council of Nesher. I am also a member in the Regional Student and Youth Council of Haifa district and a member in the National Student and Youth Council. As you can probably assume from all the things that I do, I love my country. Therefore, I chose to be an Emissary in the United States. I believe that the real voice of Israel and the story of what is really going on here are not being told as it should be in the world’s media. I want to come to your communities and tell you everything that I know and love about Israel so you would also have the chance to taste a little of it, to get to know all the nice and beautiful sides of the country and the amazing people in it.

Adult Ed

Continued from Page 4

Adult Round Table Thursday, September 4, 12:30 p.m. A discussion about current events for anyone who wants to go beyond the headlines. Facilitated by Gloria Katz. Join us the first Thursday of every month, and bring a sandwich, your opinion and an open mind.

School Days The Religious School year begins September 9. See Page 9 for details.

ROCKETS .......................................................................................................... Continued from Page 7 heard the distinctive BOOM of the Iron Dome system knocking rockets out of the sky. (The literal translation of the Hebrew is the Iron Kippah – I love that image!) I learned many things in Jerusalem: The light rail is amazing; the best falafel is still on Agrippas Street; and any American Jew who doesn’t believe he or she has a personal stake in Israel’s survival is mistaken. This is not a defense of the government in all situations. It is a statement that Israel is ours, and we all need to work to make it the place we know it can be. I have believed this my whole life, and it was reaffirmed for me this July. And it was reaffirmed again at Eisner camp after my return to the United States. There is a delegation (mishlachat)

of over 25 Israelis at Eisner, including Omer and Ya’ara, who just spent a year in our community. They were all in a very somber mood as they followed the news seven time zones away from the war. They were given the option of going home, but they all chose to wait until they were needed to serve. Yet they did something that was remarkable, uplifting and gave a real context to what was happening for the campers, who live “under the bubble” of camp, safe from the outside world.

if anyone is crying because they know one of the names.” And he thanked the campers and staff members for making them feel they were not so far from home.

They led a worship service one evening in which they shared what they were feeling and experiencing. One of them said, “We check the news when we have a break at camp. And when the names of the dead and wounded are published, we begin looking at one another to see

L’shalom,

Item of the Month: Canned Fruit

So this summer I learned our Jewish family is large, diverse and spread out. And I learned (again) that they are our family – not-so-distant relations – and we need them and they need us. And I came home to make sure we are sharing that message with one another.

Ira J. Wise, R.J.E. Director of Edcuation.

One of Us: Roz Gordon Living in the ‘Now” You hear the name Congregation B’nai Israel and you rightfully think of a place of worship. We are, after all, a synagogue. Yet, more than the place, we are a congregation – a gathering of people. We want to know what brings you and your fellow congregants to B’nai Israel, and what you have truly discovered here. “One of Us” spotlights some of those journeys to our congregation. It was a snowy, bitterly cold afternoon, too cold for someone over 90 to venture out and too icy and ugly for this writer to make a visit. I called Roz Gordon to cancel for the second time in two weeks. Her response: “Skype, do you have it? Just put me in your contact list …” And so we spent more than an hour using the most up-to-date technology to communicate. Roz lives “now.” She greets each day with excitement and gratitude. She says these later years in her long life have been some of her most wonderful, and she credits B’nai Israel for much of it. But one has the feeling that Roz makes her own happiness by following her curiosity, learning in new and sometimes challenging areas, and participating in everything she can despite increasing physical difficulties. After her husband’s death 40 years ago, for example she became ill with the flu and remained in bed for several weeks. The only thing she had to read was

her collection of Jane Austen. Picture Roz some years later dressed in period costume, attending a Jane Austen convention in California. Picture her in London, staying with a friend at the Jane Austen House for two nights with the current curator. About 12 years ago, Roz was “at loose ends” after losing two close friends. She came to B’nai Israel, and “from that moment, I fell in love.” A Bridgeport native who has resided here for all but eight years of her life, Roz, her husband and her two children were longtime members of Rodeph Sholom. She worked in the Admissions office of the University of Bridgeport, the Child Guidance Clinic, the city Tax Collector’s office, and retired as secretary for several buyers at the executive offices of Caldor, but her most satisfying work was with young children. At B’nai Israel she began volunteering at the nursery school, and it was a special delight to her. Roz has “grandchildren” from her time with our preschoolers and remains in contact with some to this day. Roz began studying Hebrew and became a Bat Mitzvah at 83. She has a “whole new world of friends” here, and her classmates have become like family to her. She is now in the intermediate Hebrew class and has studied with Cantor Blum and Elaine Chetrit. She

says members of this group have often demonstrated concern and been helpful to her over the years. A highlight for Roz was her 90th birthday service at the synagogue, with 125 people attending her party. A child she had met at the nursery school undressed the Torah. Illustrating these wonderful years of her life, Roz told of reading the book “Wonder” as part of Fairfield’s “One Book One Town” initiative. Enraptured by the book and seeing herself in its story, she wrote a letter to the author, R.J. Palacio, who contacted Roz and said it would be a privilege to meet her when she came to Connecticut. So, Roz went to the reception at the Fairfield Woods Library and then to hear Palacio speak at Fairfield University’s Quick Center. Palacio told the crowd about Roz and showed the letter Roz had written her. The story was published in the Fairfield Citizen-News, and subsequently the publisher asked Roz if he could put her letter in a special edition of the book. In Roz’s autographed copy of the special edition, the author wrote, “To Rosalind who is my wonder.” And that she truly is. 

By Janet Jurow

We want to know what makes each of you One of Us. Email us at ssmith@ cbibpt.org.

School Notebook Here are some important Religious School dates: Tuesday, September 9 – Kitot Daled – Vav (4th – 6th) Opening Day Thursday, September 11 – First day of Etgar classes Sunday, September 14 – Gan-Kitah Gimel (K- 3rd) Opening Day; Family

Picnic follows at noon! Monday, September 15 – Kitot Zayin & Chet (7th & 8th) Opening Day Sunday, September 28 – Gan-Kitah Gimel Back to School Day Friday, October 11 – Kitot Bet & Gimel (2nd & 3rd) Shabbat Dinner and Service

Please be sure you have enrolled your children prior to Opening Day! Visit http://www.cbibpt.org/RSForms. html for forms, or call the Education Center at 203-335-0745

What’s happening at Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to lynn@cbibpt.org.

Donations

Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund David Abbey and Deborah Goodman, in memory of Harriet Abbey and David Goodman. Anne and Bob Citrin, in honor of Kim and Rob’s Wedding. Carmela Daquila, in memory of Shirley Winnick. Mark and Barbara Edinberg, in honor of and in appreciation for Stewart Edelstein; in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Block’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman, in honor of Wendy Bloch and Rabbi Jim Prosnit’s 40th Anniversary. Maxine, Stewart and Jena Gross, in memory of dad/grandpa, Louis Schafrank. Bennett Hersch, in memory of father, Jack Hersch. Margaret P. Jacobs and George Rosenberg, in honor of Rabbi Jim Prosnit and Wendy Block’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. Carol Krim, in loving memory of husband, Michael Krim; in appreciation of Barry Diamond. Shirley Jacob Lantz, in gratefulness and loving memory of Sherman Greenwald. Chris and George Markley, in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Wendy Bloch and Rabbi Jim Prosnit. Sandi Michaelson, Mazel Tov to Wendy and Jim on their 40th Anniversary. Sylvie and Allan Neigher, in memory of Jack Newman, husband of Karin Newman. Richard and Rebecca Rosen, in honor of the wedding of daughter, Julia, to Dan Gombos. Suzanne Saletan and Hank Widrow, in memory of Neal Coffman; in honor of Rabbi Todd Markley becoming a senior rabbinic partner at Temple Beth Shalom. Laurie and Daniel Schopick, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Block’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. Esther and Rhea Spiegel, in memory of Shirley Winnick. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory of sister, Helen Cramer. James and Emma Wittstein, in memory of beloved father, Martin D. Wittstein. Florence Yasser, in memory of Dr. Irv Yasser.

Music Fund Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in honor of the marriage of Rachel Ginsburg and Noam Schaap. Linda and Gene Koski, Mazel Tov to Cantor Blum on the marriage of her daughter. Adele Ruderman, in memory of Shirley Winnick. Abby Schine, in memory of Shirley Winnick. Robert and Marilyn Shook, in memory of Sarah Shook. James and Emma Wittstein, in memory of beloved father, Martin D. Wittstein. Enhancement Fund Jeffrey and Wendy Bender, in memory of mother, Ruth Bender. Jim and Lisa Greenberg, in memory of Jack Newman, husband of Karin Newman. Sylvia R. Fidellman, in loving memory of Shirley Winnick. Alida and Al Kleban, in loving memory of our father, Joseph Shulkin. Linda and Gene Koski, in memory of Henry Mayer. Jack and Karin Newman, in memory of Pauline Newman, mother of Jack Newman. Gail Nickowitz and Family, in memory of Arlen D. Nickowitz. Paul Rosenberg, in honor of brother, Dr. Samuel Rosenberg, becoming President of the Temple; in memory of great friend and father, Michael Rosenberg. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory of father, Samuel Tolk. Frederic West, in memory of Abner West. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Lori and Dan Underberger, in memory of Mildred Rubinovitz, mother of Fran Morris. Nursery School Enrichment Fund Janice and Bernie Jacobs, in memory of Jerry Hyde, father of Jason and Kyle Hyde. Religious School Scholarship Fund Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in memory of Burton Klein, father of Lenny Klein.

Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Barbara Abraham, in honor of Serena and Arnie’s 10th Anniversary. Carson and Robert Berkowitz, in memory of Isadore Nachimson, father of Barbara Gersen. Ellen and Lawrence Dinkes, in memory of Henry Mayer, father of Eve Rothbard. Sandi Michaelson, Mazel Tov to the Kerner family on Sienna’s arrival. Samuel Miller, in memory of Harriet Miller. Shari and Brian Nerreau, in memory of Isadore Nachimson, father of Barbara Gersen. Amy and Glenn Rich, and Mark and Anne Kirsch, in honor of the 10th Wedding Anniversary of Arnie and Serena Sher. Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish Leadership Barbara Solomon, in memory of mother, Claire Irwin; in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit. Prayer Book Fund Cleo Sonneborn, in loving memory of mother, Peg Rawdon. Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund Chris and George Markley, in memory of Jack Newman, husband of Karin Newman. Arnold and Doris Tower Fund Steve and Ellen Tower, in memory of Sandra Elstein. Slepian Floral Fund Marty and Alayne Burger, in memory of Sandra Horn Elstein. Rabbi Martin Library Fund Muriel Lefsetz, in memory of brother, Harvey Kaster. Endowment Fund Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Pollack, in memory of Mildred Rubinovitz, mother of Francine Morris.

Fun Fact: Bridgeport’s Klein Memorial Auditorium was a gift from a B’nai Israel congregant.

SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.)

Friday, September 5 5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Ki Teitzei, Deut. 21:10-25:19 Haftarah – Isaiah 54:1-10 Saturday, September 6 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Hannah Mallon, daughter of Erik and Lisa Mallon, and Joshua Vaughn, son of Brian and Stephanie Vaughn Friday, September 12 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Ki Tavo, Deut. 26:1-29:8 Haftarah – Isaiah 60:1-22

Saturday, September 13 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Alissa and Matthew Schwartz, daughter and son of Jonathan and Mara Schwartz Friday, September 19 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Vayeilech, Deut. 29:9-31:30 Haftarah – Isaiah 61:1063:9 Saturday, September 20 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Dustin Brown, son of Douglas and Kathryn Brown

Friday, September 26 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Haazinu, Deut. 32:1-52 Haftarah – Hosea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:1527 Saturday, September 27 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Kyle Beck, son of Kenneth and Dana Beck

College students and families, to stay connected with the temple, send your information to lynn@cbibpt.org.

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Join Us for Rabbi Borovitz’s Inspiring Journey Mark Borovitz has seen it all. He was a mobster, gangster, con man, gambler, thief and a drunk. When Mark was 14 years old, his father died and his world came crashing down. He stole, gambled and drank, beginning a 20-year life of crime, all the while trying to be the good son, the good brother and the good boy, but his life only spun more out of control until the mob put a hit out on him.

On Saturday night, September 20, Rabbi Borovitz will share his personal journey at a special Selichot program. Co-sponsored by Congregations Beth El, B’nai Israel, B’nai Torah & Rodeph Sholom, the event will take place at Beth El, 1200 Fairfield Woods Road, in Fairfield. Havdalah begins at 8:15 p.m., followed by Rabbi Borovitz’s presentation at 8:30 p.m., Selichot at 9:30 p.m. and refreshments at 10:30 p.m.

After his release from prison, the drinking and thieving continued until, at the edge of oblivion, he experienced a moment of true divine intervention, a startling revelation that saved his life. Mark Borovitz is now the rabbi at Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles, The House of Return, a rehabilitation facility for addicts of all kinds. (http://www. beittshuvah.org)

Rabbi Borovitz also will offer his story and guidance during events at B’nai Israel. On Saturday, September 20, he will lead our Torah Study at 9:30 a.m. in his inimitable style. Everyone is welcome, even if this is your first time! On Sunday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Borovitz will present “For Teens: Being Good Enough!” All of

the Jewish high school students in in our community are invited. We are all created in the image of God – B’tzelem Elohim. So we are always good enough! Let’s explore what that means to you! Lunch will follow. Rabbi Borovitz also will meet with area religious school teachers at noon on Sunday, September 21 to discuss “Finding the Niggun of the soul of our students and the Niggun of our own souls.” A niggun is a song without words. It has no words in order to allow us fill it with meaning. Teachers will join the teens for lunch.