Temple Bulletin February 2015 by Ira Wise

Volume 156, Issue 7

Tevet/Sh’vat 5775

February 2015

Vote for Israel’s and Your Future worldwide.”

There is still time to be heard on the future of Israel and Reform Judaism. Elections are ongoing for delegates to the World Zionist Congress (WZC) that will convene in Israel this fall. The Congress, which takes place every five years, determines many important issues in the State of Israel, including how funds are distributed through the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Jewish National Fund. This is our opportunity as Reform Jews to have a significant say and to influence decision making. According to ARZA, our Reform Zionist organization, explains: “The composition of the American delegation [to the Congress] is critically important to Reform Jews in the United States

and Israel because the American delegation of 145 delegates is the largest delegation from outside of Israel to the Congress. The decisions of the Congress influence hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, over $4 million of which is currently allocated to the Reform Movement each year. In addition, the Congress will help determine the leadership of the major global Jewish organizations, budgetary decisions, and policy in Israel and

A Celebration Of Our Artists Artistic talent abounds in our congregation. Come appreciate the efforts of your fellow congregants during the Second B’nai Israel Art Show February 5 to 15. A gallery of members’ works will be on display in the Temple. The event also includes: “Chagall’s Artistic Vision” Legendary artist Marc Chagall’s granddaughter, Bella Meyer, will speak at 8:15 p.m. on Friday, February 6. Shabbat services begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:15 p.m. For reservations, contact the Temple office via lynn@cbibpt.org.

Artists Reception & Havdallah Come meet and celebrate the artists with a reception on Saturday, February 7 at 4:00 p.m. Art of the Future Children will get a chance to show off their talents after Religious School at Noon on Sunday, February 8. The Sunday school students will be invited to sit with some of the artists at the project table of their choice after a pizza lunch. This workshop is free of charge. Please come and share in this wonderful experience with your child!

You can still vote through April 30 for the Reform Movement’s slate of delegates. Register and vote online in one session. When you register at www. reformjews4israel.org, you can cast your vote for ARZA – REPRESENTING REFORM JUDAISM. (Paper ballots are available in the Temple office for those who choose not to vote online.) To vote, you must be 18 by June 30, 2015, Jewish and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. There is a fee to cover administrative costs of the election: $5 for those ages 18 to 29, the fee is $5; and $10 for those who are 30 and older. Think of it as an investment in the future of Reform Judaism in Israel.

Inside This Issue Welcome!................................. .P.2 Sharing Our Joy.........................P.2 Sincere Sympathy......................P.2 From the Rabbi’s Desk..............P.3 BIFTY........................................P.4 Rabbi Schultz........................... P.5 Cantor Blum..............................P.6 Adult Jewish Learning..............P.6 From the Education Center.......P.7 Bonim Preschool.......................P.8 ReConnect.................................P.8 Donations..................................P.10 High Holy Days Appeal............P.11 Shabbat Services Schedule.......P.16

Bulletin Board

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. Samara and Matthias Mildner, and Gabriel Lakewood Drive, Trumbull Sharing our Joy . . . Congratulations to: Nina and Ken Rabine, on the birth of grandson, Julian Paolo Cabrera, son of Bari Rabine and Dennis Cabrera Laura and Howard Twersky, on the engagement of son, William Twersky, to Elizabeth Soltesz Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Matthew Cooper, grandson of Lilla and Milton Cooper Jacob Epstein, father of Bob Epstein Pat Marchetti Lester Rand, father of Jill Dachman Stanley Rosoff, husband of Elaine Rosoff, father of Renee Noren Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum Cynthia Dworken, wife of Jeffrey Dworken, mother of Stephanie, Benjamin and Jared Dworken

Donate Blood The next Red Cross Blood Drive at B’nai Israel will take place on Monday, February 9. Despite “difficult” weather, we collected 24 pints of blood at our last blood drive on December 10. Thank you to those congregants who donated, including Alexa Cohen, Ken Rabine, Ira Wise, Mark Cohen, Lori Underberger and Marisa Underberger. We received the following message from our Red Cross contact Paul Leahy: “At this wonderful time of year, I want to pause and take a minute to recognize you, and to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for all your time, effort and commitment to the American Red Cross blood services program... Our jobs and lives are made easier because of your dedication and tireless efforts. I started this job September 2013, and I realized how fortunate I am to count you as a friend (there are over225 of you on this email)! ... I would like to share with you that communally YOU have collected

And we thank those in the B’nai Israel community for their help in getting the word out, setting up and taking down to make it all possible:Lynn Lynch, Abby Rohinsky, Samuel Rosenberg and Ira Wise. Food for the Soul We need your help! 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 as you meet fellow congregants, a perfect quick bite if you’re ravenous after a long day, and a helpful distraction for toddlers and younger children. However, they do not appear by magic! If you are interested in volunteering to bring in treats on a Friday, please contact Naomi Schaffer at naomilev@optonline.net. You can drop them off at the Temple at any time that’s convenient for you.

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

SHARE YOUR SUCCESS!

Evan Schultz ................................... Rabbi

We want to hear the great achievements of our congregants. When you or your family members have something noteworthy to share, let’s share it in the Bulletin. Send the details to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

Ramon Gilbert, D.M. .......... Cantor Emeritus

10,008 life-saving units of blood that touch 30,004 patients during these past 15 months!...Thank you everyone for always helping, guiding, and supporting, it is greatly appreciated!”

Arnold I. Sher, D.D. ............... Rabbi Emeritus Sheri E. Blum, D.M. ........................... Cantor 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 Marisa Underberger ............................................ BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist Caroline DelAngelo & Harper Wise .......................................................... BIFTY Co-Presidents

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

From the Rabbi's Desk

One Temple, One Book! "Being Mortal" Provokes a Lively Discussion Let me recommend a book I read over New Year’s called “Being Mortal,” by Atul Gawande. You may know of him from the New Yorker, as he writes regularly on medical issues. He’s a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, a professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, and the author of three other books. “Being Mortal” has become a best-seller, and I know a lot of people have read it. Once you do, you want to talk about it. As a result, I’d like to suggest it become our One Temple, One Book selection for 2015. We’ll plan the conversation for Monday, March 30. It’s a quick read, but it is not easy. It’s not Jewish, per se. But if one of the hallmarks of being a good Jew is to ask pertinent questions, then this book is as Jewish as they come. Gawande makes us think about our lives – and how for many folks the priority may not just be to live longer. The medical system, however, is not set up that way, he suggests. He writes, “The simple view is that medicine exists to fight death and disease, and that is, of course, its most basic task. But the enemy has superior forces. Eventually, it wins. And in a war that you cannot win, you don’t want a general who fights to the point of total annihilation. You don’t want Custer. You want Robert E. Lee, someone who knows how to fight for territory that can be won and how to surrender when it can’t be.” This is not a book that’s just focused on the right to die. Its concern is how best to live as we age and how best to protect ourselves and our loved ones when end-of-life illnesses and diminishments approach.

• What do you want at the end of your life? • What are your fears and worries for the future if your health should worsen? • What are the tradeoffs or sacrifices you would make to maintain your life commitments?

“THE SUBJECT IS TOO IMPORTANT TO AVOID.” Dr. Gawande interviewed over 200 patients facing terminal illness across the lifespan. He also interviewed doctors, geriatric and palliative care and hospice professionals. What he discovered is not such a surprise; namely, that people facing the end of life express a diversity of quality-of-life desires. Doctors, however, rarely ask about them, and family members frequently overlook them in helping loved ones make such decisions. Gawande suggests being sensitive and curious in framing such questions:

Of course, knowing the answers to these questions and making the choices is not easy or simple. The old system, Gawande suggests, was simpler: You took the most aggressive treatment available, even if it wasn’t always in the patient’s best interests. He writes, “Mortality can be a treacherous subject. Some will be alarmed by the prospect of a doctor’s writing about the inevitability of decline and death. For many, such talk, however carefully framed, raises the specter of a society readying itself to sacrifice its sick and aged. But what if the sick and aged are already being sacrificed – victims of our refusal to accept the inexorability of our life cycle? And what if there are better approaches, right in front of our eyes, waiting to be recognized?” The subject is too important to avoid. Jewish tradition has much to say on the matter as well. Read the book, and let’s talk!

Join Us In Israel At the end of this year, B’nai Israel will team with the First Congregational Church of Fairfield for an interfaith trip to Israel. Join Rabbi James Prosnit and the Rev. David Spollett from December 30, 2015, to January 10, 2016, for a tour of the Holy Land. For details, follow this link to view the flyer and flipbook: http://www.arzaworld.com/Flipbook/

Congregation_bnai_israel_&_first_ church_fairfield/ For congregants interested in hearing more about this trip, Rabbi Prosnit and Reverend Spollett will be holding an Information Session at the Temple on Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. Contact the Temple office at (203) 336-1858 if you have questions or are interested.

Donation Item of the Month: Peanut Butter & Jelly

BIFTY February BIFTY Events All events are held in the BIFTY Lounge from 7:00-8:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted: February 12 – TuB’aav (Jewish Valentines’ Day) February 21 (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) – Celebrate Havdalah with BIFTY! We are excited to welcome all 7th and 8th graders to this fun event! Join us for dinner, Havdalah, snacks and a fun program! Please RSVP to youth engagement advisor Marisa Underberger at munderberger@cbibpt.org if you are interested in attending. February 26 – Culture Extravaganza Like “BIFTY” on Facebook! Follow “BIFTYPage” on Instagram!

BIFTY teens have a sweet time celebrating Chanukah at a December event.

A “Fresh” Perspective On Joining BIFTY Freshmen Melanie Del Angelo, Kaleigh Karnal and Jenna Rosenstein serve on BIFTY’s board. Melanie is the social action vice president, Kaleigh is the communications vice president, and Jenna is the freshman representative. These three highschoolers play a vital role in planning BIFTY’s events and recruiting members. Read below to find out why they joined BIFTY and why you should, too! How did you hear about BIFTY? MD: I heard about it through my sister, who is the current BIFTY president. She brought me to some events when I was in 8th grade, and I had a lot of fun. JR: I heard about BIFTY last year during the 8th-grade program and it was immediately something I

built with other Jewish teenagers and the fun programs. My favorite KK: I heard about BIFTY through program was the Halloween event seeing their presence at the where we dressed up and played Temple and through my friend, different games. Jenna, who encouraged me to be on board. Why should other teens join BIFTY? What do you like most about BIFTY? Do you have any favorite MD: Other teens should join events? BIFTY because it is really fun and it is a great break from homework. MD: I really like the people. The I always look forward to Thursday board gets along really well, so nights at BIFTY! it makes events and meetings enjoyable. My favorite event was JR: BIFTY is always something the first event, which was a temple I look forward to, and it allows scavenger hunt. It was a great way me to connect with other Jewish to start off the year! teenagers that I otherwise would not have known. JR: I enjoy hanging out with the people and doing Jewish activities KK: BIFTY is really fun and a great in a relaxed setting. My favorite way to stay involved in the Temple. event was also the temple hunt. It is fun and Jewish without being overly Jewish. KK: I enjoy the relationships I have wanted to be a part of.

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

From Rabbi Schultz

That Wooden Spoon? There's More to That One of the things that I love about many of our Jewish texts is that they direct us to notice and find meaning in the seemingly mundane, little details of life. Take serving utensils, for example. Our tradition teaches that when you buy new utensils, specifically metal or glass utensils, one isrequired to immerse them in the mikvah, the Jewish ritual bath. One usually associates the mikvah as a human endeavor, but walk down the streets of Meah Shearim in Jerusalem, for example, and you will notice these little ritual baths scattered about the neighborhood, as Jews arrive with their new spatulas and salad tongs to dunk them in water and raise them to a level of holiness. Personally I never quite understood the reason for this practice, asking why our utensils need to reach a certain state of purity. Humans I understand, but utensils? Jewish law states that metal and glass utensils require the mikvah, but wooden utensils do not. I thought to myself, “Why metal and glass but not wood?” Perhaps it has something to do with the natural state of being of the

wooden object. A utensil made of wood does not require chemical reactions or engineering in a blacksmith’s workshop or glass blower’s studio. The wood comes straight from the earth, and is thus already in a state of purity and holiness. It is in its original state of God’s creation. The metal and glass, however, require further steps – some type of chemical reaction must take place to create metal and glass objects. The materials lose their natural state; they are melded and fused together. They become distanced from their original state of creation, from God, and thus lose their level of holiness and purity. Several years ago, hiking in the mountains of northern Thailand with my wife, Jenny, our tour guide, Simsak,

had prepared a wonderful lunch for us. As we sat down alongside a river for lunch, he ran off for a moment with his machete and returned with three large leaves. We asked what they were for, and he replied that the leaves were our plates. There was something wonderful about eating our meal on a leaf, rather than a plate. There was a connection to nature and food that I had never experienced before. As we enter into the Jewish holiday of TuB’Shevat on February 4, we take time to celebrate trees and all the wonders of nature. Perhaps the reason we need a mikvah for our metal and glass utensils is to symbolically return them to nature; to immerse them in fresh water is to bring them back into God’s realm, to return them in a symbolic sense back to a natural state, just like wood or leaves. We think so much now about the food we eat and intentionality about eating foods that are natural and organic. Our traditional so teaches us to be aware of the utensils we use and how eating off of natural surfaces can elevate holiness and bring us to a higher awareness of creation and God. Happy TuB’Shevat!

Rabbi Schultz (right) and his guide, Simsak, have a truly all-natural meal during a hiking trip in Thailand. We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

From Cantor Blum

Singing Aveinu Malkeinu, and How It Made Me a Cantor As many of you know, my Mother, Jan Blum (1933-2014) passed away at the end of December. I wrote this article a few years back for the Temple blog, and I would like to reprint this now in my Mom’s memory. Cantor Sheri Blum

we would look at each other and she would give me a special smile before I started. Through all my years as a student Cantor and then Cantor, thru the 35 High Holy Day seasons I have sung, Aveinu Malkeinu has been a spiritual moment for me.

I grew up in a Reform congregation in Northern California. My favorite prayer at the High Holy Days was when the choir sang Aveinu Malkeinu, composed by Max Janowski. We were still using the old Union Prayer book in those days, and I would look ahead each service and count the pages until they sang Aveinu Malkeinu. Later, when in high school, I joined the adult choir, and, since they did not have a Cantor, Aveinu Malkeinu became my big solo. It spoke to me. It moved me. Every time before I would sing it, I would look at my mother, who never missed a service I sang, and

One of the hardest things for me about the High Holy Days was a few years ago, when my parents were unable to attend services anymore from California anymore due to health issues, my aunt died, my uncle went into a nursing home and my daughter went to college, all in the same year, looking out at the empty seats in the front row where they had all formerly sat and not have my Mother to wink at before I sang the prayer. I can honestly say this one prayer was what inspired me to become a Cantor. When I auditioned for cantorial school

at the Hebrew Union College, I sang it. When I auditioned for my student pulpit in Long Island, I sang it. When I auditioned for my previous job in Worcester, I sang it. The Rabbi I worked with there said that when I sang Aveinu Malkeinu, he could see my soul. And then, when I auditioned for B’nai Israel, I sang it. Music is very powerful. When we hear the special melodies from the High Holy Days, it makes us feel that the holidays are here. The music is special, the holidays are special. What is hard is when we are unable to be with our families anymore at holidays. Luckily, we are all part of the B’nai Israel family, the most wonderful group of people. I hope that all of us receive the comfort from the holidays we seek, renew ourselves and put us in a positive frame of mind for the next upcoming year. And I hope that the music we sing will inspire all of us.

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B'nai Israel One Temple! One Book! “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande Monday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. We invite you and, if you have one, your book group to read “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande between now and March 30, and then join Rabbi Prosnit for a conversation about the book. Please see his article about the book on Page 3 of this Bulletin. He writes: “This is not a book that’s just focused on the right to die. Its concern is how best to live as we age and how best to protect ourselves and our loved ones when end-of-life illnesses and diminishments approach.” This is an enormously compelling topic and should lead to a wonderful conversation. Last year we had a fantastic conversation with over 60 people for Ari Shavit’s “My Promised Land.” We expect an equally lively meeting on the 30th. Books are available for purchase in the temple office. Are We Still One People? Defining

Jewish Pluralism in the 21st Century Monday Midrasha, February 2 and 9 at 7:00 p.m. As indicated by recent studies, the nature of Jewish identity and notions of Jewish peoplehood are rapidly changing in the United States. Join with Rabbi Dan Satlow as he explores some of the latest ideas and thinking on what it means to be a Jewish people and how we can redefine Jewish pluralism in the 21st century. Adult Round Table First Thursday of Every Month at 12:30 p.m. Next meetings are February 5 and March 5 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. Rosh Chodesh – Women’s Group With Rabbi Suri Krieger Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., February 19 The Modern Jewish Short Story Lifelong Learning Fridays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 Noon-1:30 p.m. Join Rabbi Schultz to read some of the best Jewish short stories of the past century – from Yiddish tales to modern stories. Judaism and the Afterlife Lifelong Learning – Fridays at Noon, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 Our tradition may be less definitive, but it is nonetheless strong about life after life. Learn more with (soon-to-be Rabbi) Barbara Paris!

B’nai Israel congregants can be your customers, too! To advertise in the Bulletin, contact Nina King at nking@cbibpt.org.

From The Education Center

FROM THE EDUCATION CENTER – Above, Rabbi Prosnit teaches the families of our current cohort of B’nai Mitzvah about the meaning of the service; below left, Kitah Alef (first grade) traveling with Abram (Young Israeli Emissary Lidor Osmo) to the land that God promised; while, below right, students have a blast during the 21st Annual Chanukah Music Festival.

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

ReConnect Join Us and ‘Bad Jews’ Join our B’nai Israel ReConnect Group (formerly the B’nai Israel Empty Nesters) on Saturday, March 21 for a 6:00 p.m. nohost dinner at Brazi’s Restaurant in New Haven, followed by the 8:00 p.m. performance of “Bad Jews” at Long Wharf Theatre (across the parking lot from the restaurant). “Bad Jews” is a comedy with a bold take on our complex relationship with family, legacy and tradition.

B’nai Israel purchased 25 tickets for the March 21 performance. Tickets are available through the Temple office for $60 each, a 20 percent group discount, on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Chris at 203336-1858 to order your tickets now. Tickets must be purchased by March 1. No tickets will be held without full payment. We hope you will join us for a fun night of dinner and theater!

Bonim Preschool Help Your Child Take Control of His or Her Emotions Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start offered this advice to parents: “Young children have very strong emotions. In the process of learning to express them in words, they sometimes lose control. When you help your child manage feelings, you teach self-control and social skills. Both are important for school success.” Here are some tips they offered; I expanded on a few of them. • Use words—in English or your home language—that your child understands. Remember, most children do not know what the word behave means. Tell them what you want them to do. Just telling a child to behave before dropping them off at school is unclear for young children. Instead, say something like “Be a good friend, be a good listener, and be safe.”

• Encourage your child to talk about feelings. Respond with empathy. For example: “I hear that you are mad. What can I do to help you?” • Use books and pictures — or songs and videos — to talk about how people look and act when they feel different emotions. Ask your child’s preschool teacher for suggestions, or go to your local library. • Discuss new ways your child can respond when feeling stressed. Encourage children to run or play ball outside to help dissipate negative energy. Some children respond well to singing and dancing to help “blow off steam” • Describe positive ways to help them calm down when emotions feel out of control. Sometimes jumping up and down a few times or pressing the wall can help children re-focus. Taking deep breaths also helps. Consider a children’s yoga class. By Alexa Cohen

A Guide For The Perplexed Have you resolved to spend a little time this winter getting to know more about our Jewish heritage, customs and literature? B’nai Israel is fortunate to have a really lovely library, filled with volumes of interesting fiction and nonfiction for learners and readers of all ages. Our “library ladies” are themselves well-read book enthusiasts who have worked with our Clergy and Religious School personnel to organize the reading material as well as the check-out/checkin procedures to make access to the library easy and fun. Among the many books we could display as the hallmark of our diversity, one that stands out is an intriguing and complex novel with many layers of relationships, Dara Horn’s “A Guide to the Perplexed.” Drawing deeply from the well of Maimonides’ writings of the same title, as well as from issues from centuries of history and contemporary living, this book is a challenge well worth diving into. There are so many other available books that it would take a lifetime to write about them all. For children, there are some familiar classics and there are new ones, such as “Yuvi’s Candy Tree,” by Lesley Simpson. Simpson’s beautifully illustrated book shares the moving story of a young Ethiopian girl who immigrates to Israel. “Green Bible Stories for Children,” written by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard, takes a hands-on approach to the Bible with activities that can be shared by the whole family. For adults who will always be interested in the story of Anne Frank, “The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank,” by Ellen Feldman, tells the story of what might have happened if Peter had lived. And on the more scholarly side, Bruce Feiler’s “America’s Prophet: Moses and The American Story” gives us a fascinating look at the connections between Moses and a wide range of events in American history. Great reading! So, if you are perplexed about what to read next on your Jewish journey, stop by the library on your way in or out of the Temple. We would love to see you here! The Library Ladies

Congratulate Ira Wise on his 20th anniversary as our Director of Education!

ONE OF US: Bob Sussman Connecting With The Greater Good You hear the name Congregation B’nai Israel and you rightfully think of a place of worship. Yet, more than the place, we are a congregation – a gathering of people. Our paths to B’nai Israel are distinct and individual. Find out what makes each of you One of Us. Bob Sussman is all about connections. No, not the kind you need to get ahead in business or to feel you belong to the in group. Bob’s connections are humanitarian. Through his community involvement, he creates remarkable results and ongoing relationships that spread exponentially. His operative word is always “yes” when it comes to reaching out to others in friendship and support. He glows when he speaks of his work, and it is infectious. Bob and his family are lifelong members of B’nai Israel. He is the third generation to run the family business, Fairfield Center Jewelers. He was born into the congregation, consecrated, became a Bar Mitzvah and was confirmed at the temple. His wife, Susie, was one of Rabbi Prosnit’s first conversions. Rabbi Prosnit made Susie feel completely comfortable and welcome at B’nai Israel. Bob’s passion for community service was kindled during his involvement with BBYO in high school. As he reconnected with B’nai Israel as an adult, he began volunteering at St. John’s Church in Bridgeport through the Social Action Committee. For six years, he made the trip down to the corner of Fairfield and Park Avenues. He was in his mid- to late twenties and was working with six bubbies, but he was hooked. Helping those in need and connecting with the other volunteers provided a special kind of spirituality and satisfaction. The birth of their daughter, Carleigh, reinvigorated Bob and Susie’s attachment to B’nai Israel. For the 13 mitzvot for Carleigh’s Bat Mitzvah, Bob and his family brainstormed ideas. Bob suggested

food pantry and a cancer support group for women, the only one in Bridgeport for underserved women. Bob is B’nai Israel’s ambassador to all of these people.

Bob Sussman volunteering at St. John’s. However, that was not a viable choice as it was already being managed by the Social Action Committee. So Bob contacted every reverend and minister he knew in Bridgeport and Fairfield. Eventually, he found Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Intiatives at United Congregational Church. He and Carleigh started going there together every week. After four weeks, one of the reverends announced for all to hear, “There’s Bob Sussman, my favorite Jew!” Bob’s reply: “Jesus is the first one, so I’ll take second place.” Bob had built a bridge, not just from one human being to another, but also one from our synagogue to the community. Bob is now vice president of the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach board. He credits B’nai Israel and its mitzvot program with guiding him in the right direction. While in high school, through BBYO, he would go to the Jewish Home for the Elderly to make minyan early in the morning before school. He would patrol the Jewish Community Center on Park Avenue at night due to problems with vandalism. Bob’s enthusiasm for volunteering is infectious. “This interfaith collaboration is amazing,” he says. “I go there very proudly Jewish. The board members and the deacons all know that I am there to stay and to help.” The Norma F. Pfriem Outreach Committee, under the auspices of the church, oversees projects beyond the kitchen, including a Donated Item of the Month: Peanut Butter & Jelly

Bob lives and breathes Tikkun Olam. It’s been three years since Carleigh’s Bat Mitzvah, but Bob continues to bring down Bar and Bat Mitzvah students from the temple so they can experience what it is like to help others in need. He believes that investing in young adults and guiding them through community service sets a foundation that hopefully will continue into their adulthood and they pass these values on to their children. Often these kids return for more visits, even though their Bar/Bat Mitzvah has come and gone. He is deeply committed to the future of Judaism and how it is perceived in our community and the world. He believes the perception is too often negative, that Jews are not as united as we should be. He hopes that synagogues will find a way to support each other’s strengths and unify to build a better world. Bob’s community involvement also includes participating in the Tent of Abraham, essentially a community meeting of people of all faiths. He has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club for 22 years. It’s all about kids, as the club sponsors bike safety events and car seat inspections, awards scholarships and much more. Bob will write a check, but believes his contributions through deeds are so much more meaningful. His life has always been about hands-on giving, about paying it forward, about getting in there and working with and for others. It’s all about making a personal connection. By Ruth Gross

We want to know what makes each of you One of Us. Please share with us your Congregation B’nai Israel story. Email the B’nai Israel Storytellers at ssmith@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 Alyssa Cohen, in memory of Marcia Cohen. Cynthia and Joel Davis, in honor of the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Elisabeth and Sheldon Woolf. Eloise Epstein, in memory of Bernie Gerber; in memory of husband, Dr. Gerald Epstein. Michael and Diane Farber, a donation. Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in appreciation. Jim and Lisa Greenberg, in memory of Pat Marchetti. Joe Greenberg, in memory of parents, Dorothy and Samuel Greenberg. Laurel and Harris Greenberg, with thanks to Ira Wise and Rabbi Prosnit for their wonderful classes on Friday at noon; get-well wishes to Roz Gordon. Ruth and Eric Gross, in memory of Gertrude August, mother of Jon August. Janice and Bernard Jacobs, in memory of Gertrude August, mother of Jon August; in memory of Phyllis Weisblatt; in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum; in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Geoffrey and Melanie Kooris, and David and Jessica Kooris, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Liz and Gary Krebs, in memory of Bernard Lipin, stepfather of Stacy Giglietti. Carol Krim, in appreciation of our wonderful Temple Office Staff. Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich, in memory of aunt, Shelya Sotnik. Andrew and Carol Lubin, a donation. Muriel Mann, in appreciation for the Holiday Candles, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit; in memory of mother and father, Mary Zamelsky Plotkin and Barnet Plotkin. Nora Mayerson, in memory of friend Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and wife, Wendy Bloch, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and becoming grandparents to Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Meg Murray and Ivan Maisel, a donation. Joan and Alan Newman, in honor of Jakob Newman’s Bar Mitzvah. Andy and Kathy Olschan, and Patty and David Kusovitsky, in appreciation. Barbara Panisch, in memory of Matthew Cooper, grandson of Lilla and Milton Cooper. Beth and Randy Reich, wishes for the recovery and an easy recuperation of Abe Breslow. Julie and Howard Rosenbaum, in honor of Abigail Rosenbaum’s Bat Mitzvah. David Rutkin and Wendy Rutkin, in memory of our mother, Ricki Kinzler. Roberta and Sanford Small, in memory of Harold Sternberg, uncle of Roberta Small; in memory of Edward Small, father of Sanford Small.

Cleo Sonneborn, in memory of father, Clark Rawdon. Ken and Rita Weinstein, in memory of Dr. Albert Weinstein. Dr. Norman and Marilyn S. Weinstein, in memory of Jennie Rome Weinstein and Dr. Albert Weinstein. Ronni and Fred Zinn, in memory of David Zinn. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Annette and Hunter Norton, in honor of the baby naming of daughter, Chloe. Julie and Howard Rosenbaum, in honor of Abigail Rosenbaum’s Bat Mitzvah. Naomi Schaffer and Roger Jackson, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Adam and Stephanie Schechter, in memory of Gene Schechter, father of Adam Schechter. The Sommer, Mader and Newman Families, in honor of, and with thanks to, Rabbi Schultz. Music Fund The Beckers, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Carson and Robert Berkowitz, in memory of Gertrude August, mother of Jon August. Audrey and Larry Bernstein, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Edward and Luise Mann Burger, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Colette and David Carasso, in memory of Sarah Popkin, mother of Judy Brand; in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum; in memory of Lloyd Rubinstein. The Caston Family, in fond memory of Dr. Ralph Heine. Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Ellen Kadden. She will be deeply missed. Alexa and David Cohen, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Linda and Barry Diamond, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum; in honor of Ronnie and John Dubrowin’s 10th Anniversary. Eloise Epstein, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. The Giglietti Family, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. The Greenberg Family, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Linda and Gene Koski, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Shirley Jacob Lantz, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Ilse Levi, in memory of Paul Reisman, husband of Gertrude Reisman; in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Muriel Mann, in honor of the marriage of Cantor Blum’s daughter, Rachel Ginsburg.

Nora Mayerson, in honor of the recent marriage of Cantor Blum’s daughter, Rachel. Meg Murray and Ivan Maisel, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Joan and Alan Newman, in honor of Jakob Newman’s Bar Mitzvah. The Portnay Family, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Jane and Richard Potzebowski, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. David and Judith Pressler, in loving memory of Beatrice Pressler; in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Beth and Randy Reich and Family, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. The Reznikoff Family, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Julie and Howard Rosenbaum, in honor of Abigail Rosenbaum’s Bat Mitzvah. Abigail Schine, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Esther Spiegel, in memory of Stanley Rosoff, husband of Elaine Rosoff, mother of Renee Noren and Gary Rosoff. Debbie and Michael Weisman, in memory of Mary Frauwirth, Max Frauwirth and Nancy Frauwirth; in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Debbie Weisman, in appreciation of Douglas Brown. Ken and Cindy West, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Adele and Larry Zuckerman, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Enhancement Fund The Benman Family, in memory of Jack H. Newman. Edward and Luise Mann Burger, in memory of Manny Wohl, father of Allysa Barnett; in memory of Gunther Stile, father of Twody Schless; in memory of Stephen Lessler, father of Terri Green; in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in appreciation to, Elaine and Juda Chetrit, Andy and Carol Lubin, Mark Schiff, Jeff and Mindy Siegel, Richard and Susan Walden, and Matthew and Patty Wunder; thank you all for thinking of us at Chanukah. Edward and Luise Mann Burger, Allie, Marc, Dan and Randi, in loving memory of Herbert Mann, Samuel Burger and Mary Plotkin; in memory of Barbara Haflich. Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Gertrude August, mother of Jon August. Mark and Barbara Edinberg, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. The Friday Print Group: Liz Dexhiemer, David Dunlop, Fran Henry-Meehan, Nancy

Continued on Page 11

We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

Donations

Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. MacTague-Stock, Missy Savard and Michael Zack, in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Helene Brier. Marvin Gelfand, in memory of Nathan and Cyril Gelfand. Jim and Lisa Greenberg, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in memory of Bernard Lipin, stepfather of Stacy Giglietti; in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Joe Greenberg, Past President Temple Judea of Coral Gables, in honor of Rabbi Ethan Prosnit’s Ordination at AUC. Paula and Bob Herzlinger, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Molli and Steve Hourihan, a donation. Janice and Bernard Jacobs, in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Alisa Jacoby and Family, in appreciation. Susan Keller and John Wheeler, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Nancy Kern, a donation. Alida and Al Kleban, in memory of Irving Kleban, father of Al Kleban. Andrew and Carol Lubin, a donation. Ruth Madwed, in memory of son, Steven Madwed. Phyllis Medvedow, in memory of our beloved Gertrude August, mother of Jon August. Karin Newman, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Julie and Steve Pressman, in memory of Gertrude August, mother of Jon August; in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Nina and Ken Rabine, in memory of Ellen

Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Mary Ann and Dan Rothstein, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of niece, Abigail Rosenbaum, daughter of Julie and Howard Rosenbaum. Mindy and Jeff Siegel, a donation. Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in memory of Gunther Stile, father of Twody Schless. Esther Spiegel, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. The Springer-Novick Families, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Lori and Dan Underberger, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Christopher Uphues, in memory of Ellen W. Kadden. Richard Walden, a donation. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Barbara Abraham, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in honor of Barbara and Derek Solomon’s 40th anniversary; in honor of Jeff Ackerman. Judi and David Beier, in honor of Jerry Demner’s 65th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah; in memory of Leon Rosenthal, stepfather of Ronnie Dubrowin; in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; Mazel Tov to the Prosnit Family on Ethan’s installation to the Rabbinate. Beth Lazar, in memory of a compassionate friend, Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Chris and George Markley, in loving memory of a dear friend, Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden.

HIGH HOLY DAYS APPEAL

Names appearing below are the most recent contributors. Thank you! Pillar of Congregation Ann and Arthur Nishball Serena and Arnie Sher Benefactor of Congregation Anne and Mark Kirsch Carol and Peter Mack Karen and Peter Montagna Peter and Gail Weinstein President’s Circle Joni and Michael Greenspan Janice and Bernie Jacobs Mark Schiff Caren and Bill Schwartz Lawrence and Marcy Shinbaum General Contribution Carson and Robert Berkowitz

Michael and Judy Blumenthal Val Bogner Mark and Helen Cohen Noel and Danielle Forma Beryl Kaufman Albert and AlidaKleban Barry and Judy Kramer Alice Madwed Judith and Michael Meshken Shari and Brian Nerreau Barbara J. Norton Barbara Panisch Ken and Honey Sacks Daniel and Laurie Schopick Marshall and Myra Watnick Marilyn and Norman Weinstein

Nursery School Enrichment Fund Amy and Jeff Pressman, in memory of Bernard Lipin, stepfather of Stacy Giglietti. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in memory of Michael Giglietti. Serena and Arnie Sher, in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Rabbi Martin Library Fund Jerry and Dale Demner, in memory of Elaine Hirsch, sister of Jerry Demner; in memory of Jessie Demner, mother of Jerry Demner. Muggs Lefsetz, in memory of Matthew Cooper, grandson of Lilla and Milton Cooper. Geraldine and Harvey Levine, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. David and Judith Pressler, in honor of Jakob Newman and Family, congratulations on Jakob’s Bar Mitzvah; in loving memory of aunt, Cynthia Farber Stern. Abigail Schine, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Prayer Book Fund Michael Blumenthal and Judy Green Blumenthal, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Chris and George Markley, in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Naomi Schaffer and Roger Jackson, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Ellen and Robert Sheiman, in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum. Mazon Nora Mayerson, in memory of beloved mother, Lily Silverman Shereshefsky. Religious School Scholarship Fund The Giglietti Family, in appreciation to Elaine Chetrit, Yardin Bengio, Cantor Blum and Mrs. Montagna. Meg Murray and Ivan Maisel, a donation. Religious School Enrichment Fund Andrew and Carol Lubin, a donation. Julie and Howard Rosenbaum, in honor of Abigail Rosenbaum’s Bat Mitzvah. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Audrey Bernstein, in memory of father, Ned Mellen. Michael Blumenthal and Judy Green Blumenthal, in memory of dear Bess Halpert; in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon; in memory of Gertrude August, mother of Jon August; in memory of Gunther Stile, father of Twody Schless.

Continued on page 13

This year, Congregation B’nai Israel commemorates more than 100 years of Confirmation classes!

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Donations....CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Joni and Michael Greenspan, in memory of Pat Marchetti; get-well wishes to Elizabeth Russell. Bea and David Lazar, in honor of Beth Lazar. Leonard and Suzanne Lazar, a donation. Ilse Levi, in memory of good friend, Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Laurie and Daniel Schopick, in memory of Sylvia Washton, mother of Laura Orr; in memory of Frances Cohn, mother of Marilyn Banach.

William and Lorraine Smith, in memory of brother, Harry Smith; in memory of stepmother, Fanny Smith; in memory of Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum.

Vision Loan Reduction Fund Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in memory of greatuncle Mejlich Rosenberg; in memory of Bernard Lipin, stepfather of Stacy Giglietti; in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden; in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon. Brad and Linda Rothbaum, in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe Varon.

Judith Brav Sher Family Education Fund Jean and Hy Elias, in loving memory of parents, Max and Gussie Pearlman, and Jack and Sophie Elias.

Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund Bob and Marsha Gillette, in memory of Ellen Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden. Meg Murray and Ivan Maisel, a donation.

Habitat for Humanity Chris and George Markley, in memory of Stanley Rosoff, husband of Elaine Rosoff, father of Renee Noren and Gary Rosoff.

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

Friday, February 6 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Yitro, Exod. 18:1-20:23 Haftarah – Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-9:6

6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – T’rumah, Exod. 25:1-27:19 Haftarah – 1 Kings 5:26-6:13

Saturday, February 7 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Friday, February 13 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Mishpatim, Exod. 21:124:18 Haftarah – 11 Kings 12:5-16 “Prayer Stories” video No. 2

Saturday, February 21 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 10:30 a.m. New “Rabbi’s Table” Shabbat Service with Rabbi Schultz in the Library

Saturday, February 14 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Friday, February 20 5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat

Friday, February 27 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – T’tzaveh, Exod. 27:2030:10 Haftarah – Esther 7:1-10; 8:15-17 or 1 Samuel 15:2-34 Saturday, February 28 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah

Introducing the "Rabbi's Table" Experience a New Shabbat morning service in the round. Join with Rabbi Schultz on February 21 and March 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. around the library table for an alternative Shabbat morning service, filled with singing, community and stories. All ages are welcome to join; come as you are. And you can bring your coffee, too! We can hire child care, too. Email Rabbi Schultz at eschultz@cbibpt.org to learn more. Also, experience our new Prayer Stories film series. We created eight short films featuring B’nai Israel congregants sharing their personal prayer stories. We will show the films at Friday night services, to our Religious School students and on our website. To watch a preview, visit http://bit.ly/ prayerstories.