Volume 156, Issue 4
Heshvan/Kislev 5775
November 2014
Past is Present Last year we marked the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night in 1938 when Germans unleashed a series of unrestrained pogroms upon the Jewish community. Sometimes it’s easy to look past the next anniversary, when it’s not such a milestone. Yet, that historical moment takes center stage at B’nai Israel on Saturday, November 8, with the showing of the Israeli film “The Flat.” More details can be found on Page 6. UNIVERSAL MESSAGE – The High Holy Days at Congregation B’nai Israel are not limited to the Synagogue. Above, members celebrate Erev Rosh Hashanah at Jennings Beach in Fairfield. Right, BIFTY members gather food donations for the Connecticut Food Bank on Yom Kippur in the temple parking lot (see details on Page 16). Below, congregants “cast away their sins” for Tashlich.
Some might wonder why a 75-year-old event resonates so clearly today? The answer, whether direct or indirect, can be found in our feelings toward Israel. Rabbi Prosnit takes a deeper look at that on Page 3, and you can learn even more through our Adult Learning programs (see Page 6). You also will find out why it is not just a Jewish issue.
Inside This Issue From the Rabbi’s Desk ................P.3 Bonim Preschool...........................P.4 Rabbi Schultz…............................P.5 Bulletin Board…...........................P.5 Adult Jewish Learning..............…P.6 BIFTY.................................P.6 From the Education Center….......P.7 President’s Message…..................P.8 One of Us…..................................P.9 Shabbat Services Schedule......…P.16
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. Bonnie Alterman Lance Circle, Bridgeport David and Joy Herbst, Ari and Benjamin Sedan Terrace, Fairfield Josh and Melissa Weinstein, Tea, Jacob and Luca Orchard Hill Lane, Fairfield Peter Greene, Jr. and Liane May, Patricia and Macey Applegate Road, Fairfield Larry and Jamie Brown, Zachary, Zoie and Lila Broad River Lane, Southport Michael and Lara Trensky, Scarlett and Brooke Daybreak Road, Southport Samantha and Peter Wilson, Georgia, Kennedy and Brooklyn Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield
Help to Fulfill a Dream at Classical Studies Academy B’nai Israel, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, has embarked on an exciting and ambitious project to benefit Classical Studies Academy, the Bridgeport school with which we have a long-standing relationship. The school currently has no playground or attractive play space in which the students can enjoy recreational activities. All they have is a barren, concrete area adjacent to the school. The vision is to create an attractive, multi-functional play area that will be a resource not only for the school but the entire neighborhood. The Classical Studies students themselves will be integrally involved Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Laura Kant, mother of Steve Kant Jill Tarlov, wife of Michael Wittman, mother of Matthew and Anna Wittman Stephen Lessler, father of Terri Green
in the planning of the play space and will work on this project over the next several months. The project needs volunteers from B’nai Israel to join the after-school planning sessions that 18 4th- and 5th-graders will hold every Thursday through the end of January. We need two B’nai Israel volunteers at each session. The sessions run from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m., and a teacher from Classical Studies or a representative from the Trust for Public Land will facilitate each class. Our volunteers will assist the students in any way they can with the work they need to do that day. No special skills are needed – just a love of kids and a desire to be part of this exciting project. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact Shari Nerreau at Shari. Nerreau@raveis.com. If you would just like more information about this project, you can contact David Berkowitz at dsberk@gmail.com. Continued on Page 4
Rhonda Trust Schwartz and Jason Schwartz, Ryder and Ezra Woodrow Avenue, Southport Jamie and Spruille Braden, Emma, Elodie and Hailey Mill Plain Road, Fairfield Stephanie and David Rothberg, Michael, Ella and Olivia Stoneleigh Square, Fairfield Caryn and Kevin Sullivan, and Kyle Dogwood Place, Milford Abe and Sarah Fridman, Jacob and Lia Orchard Hill Lane, Fairfield Elaine Borno Vincelette Street, Bridgeport Rabbi Shaul and Beth Praver, Noah, Shane and Charlotte Greenbriar Road, Fairfield
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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 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 Marisa Underberger ............................................ BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist Caroline DelAngelo & Harper Wise .......................................................... BIFTY Co-Presidents
What’s happening at temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.
From the Rabbi’s Desk
Meet and Travel with Good Friends of Israel Rabbi Arnold Sher and I are fortunate to have found good friends in the Christian ministry. Despite the theological distinctions, sometimes it’s a fellow member of the clergy who can best understand the day-to-day challenges that we each encounter. It’s especially reassuring to have Christian colleagues who steadfastly stand behind the State of Israel. Reverends William Harter and David Spollett are two such men who in their own ministries have recognized the nuances and complexities of the Middle East and have taken an active, if at times controversial role in defending Israel while promoting peace and reconciliation between Israel and her neighbors. Rabbi Sher and Rev. Harter’s friendship goes back to their days at Williams College. Each found fulfilling paths in their congregational work and in their involvement with their denominations. As a Presbyterian minister, Dr. Harter served his church in Chambersburg Penn., for almost 40 years. Not only was he committed to the religious development of his church, he participated in several organizations whose work is focused on Jewish– Christian relations and Middle Eastern affairs. He has traveled extensively in the Middle East, including 36 trips to Israel. Rev. Harter was only the seventh recipient of the prestigious Isaiah Award given by the American Jewish Committee in 2006. The award
Perfect for Chanukah: The Gift of Light Just in time for the holiday season, B’nai Israel’s community-building Gift of Light Fund-raiser is coming. You can send beautiful Chanukah candles and greetings to your family and
denominations to take such an action. Rev. Harter will be with us on Friday night November 14 to talk about the vote and his lifelong support of Israel.
recognizes extraordinary achievement in inter-religious affairs. Rev. Harter was one of the most vocal opponents of the recent vote by Presbyterian Church (USA) to endorse divestment from three companies that do work in Israel. The controversial vote – by a count of 310-303 – is part of a larger strategy known as BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) and makes the Presbyterians the largest of the historic mainline Protestant
Rev. William Harter
friends in the B’nai Israel community. The candles will be beautifully wrapped and hand-delivered by a special team of Chanukah helpers. Plus, this year, you can enter your order online and send personalized greetings to each recipient! (Whether greetings are sent from one friend or 20, recipients will receive a single box of candles with greetings from every sender.) Watch
As the minister of First Church Congregational in Fairfield for 30 years, Rev. Spollett is well known to many in our congregation. Deeply involved in areas of social justice, David was a co-founder of Operation Hope in 1986 with Beth El’s thenRabbi Laibel Waldman. And David is also an incredible friend of Israel and the Jewish People. He was instrumental in advancing the work of the Town of Fairfield’s Holocaust Commission and spent a sabbatical studying at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Over the years of our friendship. we’ve talked about co-leading an interfaith trip to Israel for congregants of First Church and B’nai Israel and have finally moved those plans from talk to reality. Join us from December 30, 2015 to January 10, 2016. Information about this amazing experience for us and we hope and trust for you is available at http://www.arzaworld. com/cong-bnai-israel-and-firstchurch-interfaith-trip-2015.aspx and soon on the Congregation’s web site. Speak to me if you have questions or interest. Opportunities for study and conversation will precede next year’s travels.
your email for your family’s unique link to use our new online ordering system. What a fun way to help generate muchneeded funds for B’nai Israel! If you would be willing to help wrap and/or deliver candles, please contact Marcia Cohen at mcohen@cbibpt.org.
Item of the Month: Pasta and rice, for the Mercy Learning Center
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Bonim Preschool
What Do Your Children Do at School All Day? We are now into our third month of the school year. We are past all the High Holidays and back to our typical preschool days. What does that mean? What do your children do at school all day? Many parents have told me that they attempt to ask their children that question each day and what is the response they get? “NOTHING” Here are some ideas for parents from Liz Evans’ Huffington Post article “25 Ways to Ask Your Kids ‘So How Was School Today?’ Without Asking Them ‘So How Was School Today?’” • What was the best thing that happened at school today? (What
was the worst thing that happened at school today? You might get some interesting answers. • Tell me something that made you laugh today. • Where is the coolest place at the school? • Tell me a weird word that you heard today. (Or something weird that someone said.) • If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed someone up, who would you want to them to take? • Where do you play the most outside on the playground/recess? • Who is the funniest person in your class? Why is he/she so funny?
• If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do? We all know that at Bonim Preschool we spend our days reading, singing, gluing, painting, running, jumping, building, sleeping, eating, hugging and so much more! Alexa Cohen
Taking Our Camps on the Road
Dream Continued from page 2
One of the champions of this Classical Studies Academy project was Jill Tarlov, who before her tragic death in September had begun recruiting volunteers from the Congregation to help. We can best honor Jill’s memory by helping to see this dream become a reality. George Markley
Sarah Stein is a graduate of our Religious School and of Merkaz. She was also a Madrikhah in our school while she was in high school. She has been a camper and has served as counselor at our own URJ Crane Lake Camp. As she begins her sophomore year at college, she is taking all she has learned here and at camp and using it to meet a new challenge. We are very proud of her! This year I will be serving as the URJ Service Corps Fellow for Temple Shalom of Newton (Mass.). The goal of this program is to promote attendance at URJ camps, particularly those in the host temple’s area. I have been going to Crane Lake Camp for nine years as a camper and counselor, but I will be working to create camp-inspired programs that capture the essence of both CLC and Eisner throughout the year.
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The Young Families Havurah enjoyed an outing to pick apples at Silverman’s Farm in Easton recently
Growing up at B’nai Israel played a huge part in first sending me to the camp I now call my home. Because so many of my temple friends attended camp, we were able to share the special, indescribable connection that occurs between fellow campers throughout the entire year. I hope that I can inspire groups of kids at Temple Shalom to do the same as my friends and me. I am very excited to play a part in growing our camp family! Although I am promoting URJ camps at one particular temple, I am always available to my home community as well. If you have questions about Crane Lake, Eisner or camp in general, please feel free to contact me at sarahns@brandeis.edu. Thanks!
Tell us your B’nai Israel story. See One of Us on Page 9 for details.
Sarah Stein
From Rabbi Schultz
The Jewish Warmup Baseball players take batting practice. Surgeons scrub in. Chefs sharpen their knives. Certain activities require preparation before they can actually take place. Jewish tradition makes no exception. In Leviticus 19:18 it says, “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” What does that mean to “prepare” before meeting God? Our Rabbis interpret this verse by providing us with several steps that one is encouraged take before engaging in sacred activity, such as attending prayer services. As I read this list, however, I think one could expand these (as I often like to do) beyond just prayer preparation, but to any major moment in life, whether it be before your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or prior to a Jewish holiday. We could even expand it to preparation before a key life moment, such as moving to a new home or running your first marathon. These Jewish “warmups” help us to be present in whatever it is we are about to do, and to engage in that activity with proper intention and focus. Here’s the step-by-step guide to Jewish “warmups:” 1) Give Tzedakah. It is good to give charity, as it says in Ecclesiastes,
keyboard, or with hammer and nails. Take a cup and run the water over your hands, symbolically preparing them for the task at hand. The blessing we recite after washing is: Baruch atah Adonai, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam, asherkideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu al netilat yadayim. “As for me, with righteousness I will behold Your Presence.” (Ecc. 4:7) Giving tzedakah enables one to think not only of themselves. Before you come to synagogue for a Friday night service, think of one charity you’d like to donate to before heading on your way. Or bring a small donation to give in our tzedakah box by the front door. Giving tzedakah is the Jewish way of bringing justice into the world. 2) Ritually Wash Your Hands. Surgeons scrub in, and Jewish people “wash in.” Our hands enable us to do so much good in this world, from giving hugs to loved ones, to holding our sacred books, to giving to charity. It is with our hands we most often create and express our creativity, whether with pen or with
3) Rush. This may sound like the opposite of what you want to do before a big event, but Jewish tradition actually encourages us to rush to the sacred moments in life. In the book of Hosea it says, “Let us run to know God.” (This is a great quote for all your runners out there as well.) To rush means to enter into prayer or the moment with a great excitement and enthusiasm, rather than with nervousness and anxiety. To rush is to create just a little more time at the event itself! (Just make sure when arriving at the synagogue to then walk. ☺) Perform one or all of these Jewish “warmups” before coming to synagogue or before a major or sacred life event. May it enable you to be present and engage with intention each step of the way.
Bulletin Board
AARP Driving Class with Instructor Ernest Malecki Monday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Temple Library
enmalecki113@gmail.com. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members (make checks payable to AARP).
bring your homemade latkes to be judged by a panel of celebrity judges at 6:00 p.m. after Havdalah. The LeeVees then take the stage at 6:30 p.m.
Please join our congregant, Ernest “Ernie” Malecki, who is well versed in training this four-hour, one-day class designed by AARP for senior drivers. Not only will Ernie give you tips to save on your insurance costs, but more importantly, he also will offer driving tips that may save your life and the safety of those around you. Please pre-register to Ernie directly by calling (203) 922-0048 or by email at
Latkes & LeeVees Saturday, December 20, 5:30 p.m.
The LeeVees, featuring Adam Gardner of GUSTER and Dave Schneider of The Zambonis, have released the critically acclaimed record “Hanukah Rocks” (Warner Brothers/Reprise Records). The Macaroons are that rare kids band that kids and parents both love. They are also the only band in the world with a bagel mascot named Billy.
What better way to celebrate Chanukah than with music and good food? The Latkes and LeeVees Concert will take place December 20 at Congregation B’nai Israel. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a special intimate performance by the Macaroons for preschool-age children. Feel free to
Do you want your news in the Bulletin? Email editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.
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BIFTY B’nai Israel teens, come join our youth group! Thank you to everyone who supported the Yom Kippur Food Drive!
It’s serious fun for the members of BIFTY.
November Events BIFTY lounge, Thursdays, 7:00-8:30p.m. November 13 – Minute to Win It
November 20 – Soup Kitchen (time may change) If you have questions, contact presidents Harper Wise (harper. wise@icloud.com) and Caroline DelAngelo (cgdelangelo@gmail. com) or advisor Marisa Underberger (munderberger@cbibpt.org) We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel Adult Roundtable Thursday, November 6, 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. Parenting Jewishly Monday Midrasha – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., November 3, 10 and 17 Pundits often joke that there is no instruction book for being a parent. But the Torah, the Talmud and our tradition do give us some very useful guideposts in raising children who are self-sufficient, confident menschen. (A mensch is a good person, who lives an ethical, values-driven life.) Ira Wise will help us find our inner Jewish Parent, and we will discuss methods for applying this learning with our own children. Jews and Money Lifelong Learning – Fridays at Noon, November 7, 14, 21, December 5 and 12 Rabbi James Prosnit will focus on Jewish attitudes toward money – applying both an ancient and modern lens to a study that combines sacred text and historical perspective. What is the Jewish attitude toward money? Is there nobility in poverty? Is affluence a sin? Over the centuries we have been accused of
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being socialists and capitalists; beggars and wealthy financiers – how have such divergent attitudes evolved and shaped the image and reality of the Jewish people? The Cinema comes to CBI: The Flat Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. We will commemorate Kristallnacht by showing the award-winning Israeli film, “The Flat.” When Arnon Goldfinger’s grandmother died in Tel Aviv, his whole family came around for the necessary disposition of her property. There, Arnon made a shocking discovery: evidence that his German Jewish grandparents had a friendship with a senior Nazi SS officer before and after World War II. His repulsion and confusion sends Arnon on an international search for the truth. In doing so, Arnon learns about a complex relationship where family, sentiment, history and human nature can combine to produce a kind of denial in reaction to the worst of reality. Disinvesting Israel Our Shabbat Dinner Series resumes on Friday Evening, November 14 At 8:15 p.m., following services and dinner (reservations needed for dinner – llynch@cbipbpt.org) Rev. William Harter, Presbyterian Minister, longtime friend of Rabbi
Arnold Sher and the State of Israel, will speak on the recent Presbyterian Vote on divestment from the companies that do business with Israel. Rev. Harter was the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Isaiah Award given by the American Jewish Committee for extraordinary achievement in interreligious affairs. Rosh Chodesh—Women’s Group with Rabbi Suri Krieger Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., November 20 and December 18 The waxing and waning of lunar cycles has been a guiding force for women throughout the ages, both literally and spiritually. Since the Jewish feminist movement reclaimed Rosh Chodesh in the 1970s, women have been gathering on a monthly basis to acknowledge and celebrate in myriad ways. The Jews in the Time of Jesus Monday Midrasha – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., December 1, 8, 15, 22 As we head into the season so important to our Christian neighbors we wonder about the Jewish life of Jesus. Who were the Jewish people in the first century? What did they believe? Do some of the recent best-sellers that have tried to uncover some “truths” about the historical Jesus teach us about the Jewish experience in the 1st Century? Rabbi James Prosnit leads the conversation.
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
Tikkunim – Repairing the world together I am proud of many aspects of our school. Kitah Chet (8th grade) is one of which I am most proud. We bring together all of those students into one space – the pavilion. Most of them are already B’nai Mitzvah, so their focus is on one another and the learning. It is taught by a team led by Rabbi Schultz and includes Keri Adwin and Allie Burger – two adult alumni of our school – and Lidor Osmo, one of our Young Israeli Emissaries. The format feels more like camp than school, and the students seem to really enjoy it. Each week, Rabbi Schultz sends the parents an e-mail about what’s happening. Let’s take a peek… Dear families, We began last night with current events with Lidor and our first student “moral dilemma” presentation. Jacob W. presented about a time when he hit a ball through a neighbor’s window and his dilemma of whether or not to tell anyone about it. (He did decide to tell his neighbor). Everyone agreed that was the right thing to do. We then delved into their second theory of morality – libertarianism. Many may think of the Libertarian political party when they hear the term, but in fact, libertarianism is also a way to think about what is right and what is wrong. Whereas Utilitarians think about maximizing happiness, the central
pretty phenomenal idea, nice way to help out those in need. Anyways, wanted to just give you the heads-up on this one before you read about it in the newspaper or got the bill in the mail. Hope all is great in Seattle! Maybe see you in the Super Bowl again this year?
claim of the Libertarian is that each of us has a fundamental right to liberty – the right to do whatever we want with the things we own, provided we respect other people’s rights to do the same. (I told the class that they cannot come home and claim to be libertarian to get out of cleaning their room) We began by having the students pretend that each of them is Bill Gates, worth $81 billion. They receive a faux letter from President Obama, which reads Hi Bill, Hope all is great! I love my new Microsoft Surface tablet, it’s great for lots of things. Anyways, I’m writing because I am about to introduce a new law that requires the top 400 richest Americans to each year give $1 million of their savings to a hundred poor Americans, $10,000 each. That’s 4,000 people whose lives will be changed forever for the better, and you rich folks wouldn’t even miss that million for a second. I think it’s a
Talk soon, Barack
The students then had to write a letter back to the president, stating whether or not they agreed with this proposed law for the rich. The responses varied – some thought that the ultra-rich should be required to give some of their money to charity, while others thought that one should only give voluntarily. This led us to play a game, “Are you a libertarian?” We read eight scenarios, and asked students if they agreed with them or not. For example: 1) You think there should be no helmet laws – nobody has a right to dictate what I wear on my head when I ride my bike or my motorcycle. It’s my risk if I don’t want to wear it. Opinions were mixed. Some thought it is the right thing to have laws that require others to wear a helmet for their own safety, while others felt a person has the right to do with their body and life what they want, as long as they’re not hurting or infringing on anyone else’s rights. I am continually impressed by these students; the year is off to a great start! Your teachers, Lidor, Allie, Keri and Rabbi Schultz I don’t know about you, but I think Kitah Chet is pretty amazing! L’shalom, Ira J. Wise, R.J.E. Director of Education
Keri Adwin, right, leads Kitah Chet students in a discussion. What’s happening at temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.
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Perform a Mitzvah: Get Involved Following are the remarks that Congregation President Sam Rosenberg delivered to the congregation during the Rosh Hashanah morning service in the Sanctuary. L’Shana Tova. My family has been members of B’nai Israel for a long time, almost 50 years. I was a Bar Mitzvah here, confirmed here – I’ll show you my photo on the confirmation wall if you catch me at a particularly weak moment – and both of my parents’ funerals were held here, my mother 30 years ago and my father this past April. My parents were Holocaust survivors who moved to Fairfield from Brooklyn, and it was my mother’s responsibility to find a synagogue for us. Of course, in Poland they only knew about Orthodox practice, yet after visiting all the synagogues in the area, my mother asked whether we should join a synagogue we’d feel comfortable two days a year or every day of the year, so we joined B’nai Israel. Rootless Holocaust survivors grew roots here at B’nai Israel and are now buried together in the soil of our cemetery on Kings Highway. When my wife Patti and I moved here from Colorado, there was little doubt which synagogue we would join. And so, all three of our daughters are graduates of our preschool, became B’nai Mitzvah and Confirmands here, and now are all mostly out of the home with pretty firm Jewish identities. But it is the start of our High Holy Days, a time for introspection and confession, and I thought I’d get the ball rolling. We have some pretty incredible volunteers here at B’nai Israel. They serve on our committees and our Board, work as room parents at our religious school, create our Purim carnival and other holiday events, prepare food for the Saint John’s community supper, help students at the Classical Studies Academy, and so much more. But I must confess I am not as good as these
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volunteers. Unlike them, I did not volunteer to serve this congregation, I needed to be asked. Ten years ago, Serena Sher asked me to serve on the Board, and I could not say no, and I was the nursery school liaison to the Board, working closely with Gail Weinstein. And when Amy Rich asked me to be the synagogue’s Financial Secretary, I could not say no, and I had the honor and the sacred task of adjusting congregants’ dues so they could remained connected to the synagogue and Judaism and the less pleasant task of reminding people to fulfill their financial commitment to our congregation. And when Richard Krantz asked me to serve eventually as President, I again could not say no, and I worked with Mark Kirsch and Mindy Siegel on things as critical as negotiating our Assistant Rabbi’s contract to as mundane as ordering the food for a Shabbat dinner. Right about now you may be inclined to lean over to the person sitting next to you and whisper in their ear, “Our new President is a putz. If he didn’t want to do these things, he should’ve said no.” Now, normally I would not disagree with that characterization, but, you see, in our home we have this rule that says if you have an opportunity to do a mitzvah, particularly for the synagogue, you cannot say no. When our daughters became B’nai Mitzvah and asked whether they needed to continue in religious school, we said yes because education is a mitzvah. And when they received the Cantor’s letter inviting them to chant Torah on the High Holy Days and they asked whether they had to, we told them yes because it’s a mitzvah to chant Torah. I think by their junior year, they got the idea and stopped asking us and just emailed the cantor “yes.” And when I asked them to help me with MailChimp, Powerpoints, or synagogue photographs, by now they got the message and said yes and
did the work. So you see I could not say no when the synagogue asked me to become more involved in lay leadership. It’s been a remarkable three months as President of our congregation, and I hope everyone likes some of the things we’ve been working on, such as the new synagogue logo, updated emails and the digital monitor in the lounge by the main entrance. On Yom Kippur, we will read the story of Jonah. It is one of our most beloved tales, with Jonah, the whale and that gourd which grows and withers all in a day. But my favorite part is at the very beginning. God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell everyone to repent or the city will be destroyed. So, what does Jonah do? He says heck no and instead flees to Tarshish. What courage. What strength. What chutzpah. God tells him to go this way and he goes that way. Amazing. If I said no all those many years ago to Serena Sher, I wouldn’t be up here on the bimah but rather way in back with you, sitting uncomfortably on those plastic chairs. This is a large congregation, and it is wonderful to see everyone here today. But it’s difficult for me to reach out personally to every congregant and ask them to join us in the life of the synagogue. So, instead I’ll ask you now, as a congregation. Come to a Shabbat service, join us for a lecture or a movie – we’ll even supply the popcorn – meet with me about an exciting idea or an unhappy complaint. I’ll listen carefully to both. If you’re at all hesitant, come in, find me, introduce yourself. There will always be a seat for you next to me. I guarantee Rabbi Prosnit is a lot more fun at Purim, with sunglasses, flip-flops, straw hat and tropical shirt. The sanctuary is a whole lot louder at Simchat Torah with flags waving and the entire Torah unscrolled for all to behold. Make yourself a Jewish New Year’s resolution. We can fulfill it together. Again, L’Shana Tova.
Food for the Soul: To help with the Oneg Shabbat, contact Naomi Schaffer at naomilev@optonline.net.
One of Us: Wendy Hyman Putting Her Faith in the Community teacher and loves to cook. After dinner the family listened to music. Broadway show tunes were a favorite, and one of the girls loved “West Side Story” in particular, so Don suggested she write a note to conductor Leonard Bernstein, as he was living here in Fairfield at that time. You can see the lovely framed response from Bernstein thanking Emily and wishing her and her family a happy Passover. What a memory!
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. True, we gather here in the common interest of being Jews, but in truth, our paths to B’nai Israel are distinct and individual. For some it’s spiritual, others it can be educational or social, and for some it is a sense of belonging. We want to know what brings you and your fellow congregants to B’nai Israel, and what you have truly discovered here. These profiles spotlight some of those journeys to our congregation. Find out what makes each of you One of Us. To say Wendy Hyman is an active part of the Fairfield community is to say too little. She was a Representative Town Meeting member for 10 years, President of the League of Women Voters, and on the State League of Women Voters for two years. She established and was president of the Mill Hill PTA, coordinated the Fresh Air Fund in Fairfield, and served as a guide at the Connecticut Audubon Society. Wendy was also involved with teaching and training for walks and talks with children at the Mill River Wetlands. Plus, she has been a teacher in Bridgeport, Stamford and Stratford, and a full-time wife, mother and member of B’nai Israel. Yet, not until Wendy Hyman was grown, married and the mother of two did she discover that she had Jewish grandparents on her father’s side. However, from the time of their wedding, Don, her husband of 34 years, had questions about Wendy’s background. Why was it that some of the wedding guests on her father’s side had a name that was most identifiably Jewish? But the questions remained unasked for many years until Wendy’s
Wendy Hyman
elderly paternal grandmother told her that she had Jewish relatives that had chosen not to identify. However, being raised a Methodist and then floating in and out of various Christian denominations, Wendy’s Christian identification was a part of who she and her nuclear family were. The family rituals, holidays and observances were related to a Christian foundation. The Hymans’ was a marriage of two people with divergent religious backgrounds, but the idea of asking the other to convert was not part of the deal. While Don’s insistence that his girls be raised as Jews was not a source of conflict for Wendy personally, the unhappy response of her parents with whom she was very close was understandably problematic. Wendy has made a Jewish home for Don and her daughters. Regular synagogue attendees, the Hymans observe Shabbat, and it is indeed a Sabbath of peace. When the girls were young, phones were off, a fire was lit in the fireplace and a special dinner was prepared; Wendy is a home economics
Wendy identifies the “ancient feel,” the language and the long history of the Jewish people as some of the things she likes about Judaism. The give-and-take that she experiences at Torah study on Saturday mornings, the idea that questioning is welcomed and answers don’t need to be “correct” to be accepted keeps her coming back. Belonging to a Chavurah within the synagogue years ago gave the Hymans a network of Jewish friends, adding to the richness of their lives as Temple members. They have made and retained these relationships throughout their 34 years at B’nai Israel. Will Wendy someday take the final steps to conversion? She has been wearing Jewish shoes and walking a Jewish road a long time. It has to be the right time, without hurting family members who might not understand, and it must be deliberated with all due respect to her past, and it must be natural to her. The time may be in question, but never the place – it will be at B’nai Israel.
Janet Jurow
We want to know what makes each of you One of Us. We are the B’nai Israel Storytellers, a group of your fellow congregants gathering the stories of what brought you to our congregation and what you have found here. Please share with us your Congregation B’nai Israel story. Email us at ssmith@cbibpt.org.
Item of the Month: Pasta and rice, for the Mercy Learning Center.
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Donations
Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund Dale, Stew and Lindsay Barcham, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Carol and Nate Barsky, Mazel Tov to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit; in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit. Jeffrey and Wendy Bender, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Luise and Ed Burger, Mazel Tov to Wendy Bloch and Rabbi Jim Prosnit on their special wedding anniversary, and to Jim on his special birthday. Joan and Stanley Carp, in memory of Barbara Haflich. Colette and David Carasso, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Elaine and Juda Chetrit, Mazel Tov to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Julie and David Chivo, in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Claire and Allan Shumofsky. Linda and Barry Diamond, in memory of Sylvia Washton, mother of Laura Orr. Barbara and Mark Edinberg, in celebration of the birth of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch’s grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Alan and Helene Ferris, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Diane Fried, a donation in support of education programs. Friends of the Orrs, in memory of Sylvia Washton, mother of Laura Orr. Ellen and Art Gaug and Family, in honor of Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on becoming first-time grandparents to Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Bob and Marsha Gillette, Mazel Tov to new grandparents Wendy Bloch and Rabbi James Prosnit. The Goldshteyn and Ledvich Families, in memory of mother and grandmother Sara Goldenfarb. Terri and Daniel Green, in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit. Miranda Hammer and Andrew Shear, in honor of our wedding; in memory of Alexander Shear. Robin Isaacson and Ben Rottman, in memory of Stephen Lessler, father of Terri Green. Janice, Marc and Matthew Katz, in memory of Louis Radam, father of Janice Katz. Richard and Joanne Krantz, in appreciation of the many contributions of Rabbi Prosnit to Congregation B’nai Israel. Carol Krim, in memory of our parents. Stanley and Judith Lessler, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Karen and Peter Montagna, a donation. Karin Newman, in honor of Wendy Bloch and Rabbi Jim Prosnit’s 40th Wedding Anniversary, and Mazel Tov on your new grandson; with gratitude to
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Rabbi Prosnit for all of the support during this time. Judy and David Pressler and Family, and Midge Vas Nunes, congratulations to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Beth and Randy Reich, with thanks to Rabbi Prosnit, and in honor of grandson Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit; in memory of mother and grandmother, Beatrice Burchman. Kelly and Glen Reznikoff, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Judy Rudikoff, a thank you for your help during this difficult time. Honey and Ken Sacks, Mazel Tov to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Jonathan and Mara Schwartz, in honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of Alissa and Matthew Schwartz. Serena and Arnie Sher, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Norman Solomon, in memory of his father, Louis Solomon. Esther Spiegel, Mazel Tov to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in honor of brother Henry Valenchik on his special birthday. Gail and Peter Weinstein, in honor of the baby naming of our granddaughter, Chloe Samantha Weinstein; in memory of Susan Weinstein Shapiro. Ken and Cindy West, and the Stoller Family, with deep appreciation. Sheila and Burton Yaffie and Family, in loving memory of father, grandfather and great-grandfather Arthur H. Yaffie; in memory of Barbara Haflich; in honor of Wendy Bloch and Rabbi Jim Prosnit’s 40th Wedding Anniversary and L’Shana Tova! Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Jan Feinman and Kim Gleit, in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz for leading such a lovely service for our mother, Barbara Haflich. Richard and Joanne Krantz, in appreciation of the many contributions of Rabbi Schultz to Congregation B’nai Israel. Jonathan and Mara Schwartz, in honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of Alissa and Matthew Schwartz. Music Fund Larry Levine and Alison Bonds, in honor of Judy and David Beier. Miriam Caston, in memory of Shirley Winnick and Dorothy Bernstein. Jan Feinman and Kim Gleit, in appreciation to Cantor Blum for leading the service during Shiva for our mother, Barbara Haflich. Richard and Joanne Krantz, in appreciation of the many contributions of Cantor Blum to Congregation B’nai Israel. Stanley and Judith Lessler, in honor of the marriage of Cantor Blum’s daughter, Rachel. Ilse Levi, in memory of husband, Peter Levi. Karin Newman, Mazel Tov to Cantor Blum on the marriage of her daughter, Rachel, to Noam; in appreciation to Cantor Blum.
Judy and David Pressler and Family, and Midge Vas Nunes, Mazel Tov to Cantor Blum on the marriage of her daughter, Rachel, to Noam Schaap. Beth and Randy Reich, with thanks to Cantor Blum, and in honor of Rachel’s marriage. Abby Schine, a get-well wish to Bobbie Bresler. Jonathan and Mara Schwartz, in honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of Alissa and Matthew Schwartz. Sandy and Bob Sherman, in loving memory of Dr. Bernard Sherman. Bob and Marilyn Shook, in memory of Samuel Shook. Enhancement Fund Elaine Appellof and Jerome Saunders, in memory of Harris Shapiro. Wendy and Jeffrey Bender, in memory of our father, Mortimer Aaron. Beatrice Berger, wishing the clergy, staff and lay leadership of B’nai Israel a New Year filled with health, happiness and blessings. L’Shana Tova! Luise and Ed Burger, in memory of a wonderful woman, Jill Tarlov, wife of Michael Wittman, mother of Matthew and Anna Wittman. Eli and Katerina Kharaz, L’Shana Tova! Victor and Irma Gurvits, in memory of Frieda Gurvits. Susan Rona Kasson and Alan Kasson, in memory of Jill Tarlov, wife of Michael Wittman, mother of Matthew and Anna Wittman. Richard and Joanne Krantz, in memory of Suri Krieger’s father, Mordecai. Shirley Jacob Lantz and Family, in loving memory of Robert Jacob and Rabbi Jacob Lantz. Beth Lazar, in loving memory of uncle Fred Greenberg. Alan and Sylvia Neigher, Mazel Tov and congratulations to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the arrival of their first grandchild, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Liz and Mark Nigrosh, in memory of Jack Newman, husband of Karin Newman. Marlene and Mark Polansky, wishing a speedy recovery to Randy Reich. Shelley and Larry Rothbard, in honor of Henry Benjamin, new grandson of Larry and Ellen Dinkes. Naomi Schaffer and Roger Jackson, in memory of Sylvia Washton, mother of Laura Orr. Allan and Claire Shumofsky, best wishes to Randy Reich for a continued speedy recovery. Ann Small, in memory of Barbara Haflich; in memory of Jeanette Bloom, sister of Estelle Glass; in memory of Sol Postyn, brother of Bernie Postyn. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in honor of Judie and Bob Jacobson’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. Sherri Steeneck, in memory of Sylvia Wesleton, mother of Laura Orr. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Larry Levine and Alison Bonds, in memory of Barbara Levine, wife of Hal Levine; a donation. Beth Lazar, in loving memory of Reuben Weisbein. Ken and Cindy West, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit.
Thank you to those who responded to the High Holy Day Appeal. We will acknowledge those who contributed in the December Bulletin.
Donations
Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Alison Bonds and Larry Levine, in support of Early Childhood Education, in honor of Rich and Susan Walden. Beth and Randy Reich, in honor of Gail and Peter Weinstein, with wishes for an easy and comfortable recuperation, and a happy and healthy New Year. Nursery School Enrichment Fund Samuel Miller, in celebration of the joyous arrival of Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit. Religious School Scholarship Fund Mark Borovitz, in honor of Ira Wise. Alison Bonds and Larry Levine, in support of Religious Family Education, in honor of Elaine Chetrit, for her wonderful and loving way of inspiring us all. B’nai Israel Brotherhood, a donation. Bob Ford, in memory of Jesse L. Goldbaum. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory of mother Justine Tolk. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Carson and Robert Berkowitz, in memory of Jill Tarlov, wife of Michael Wittman, mother of Matthew and Anna Wittman. Estelle Baer and Beryl Kaufman, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Sherman, grandson of Sandy and Bob Sherman. Audrey and Larry Bernstein, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of their grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit; in honor of Barbara and Mark Edinberg on the wedding of their son.
Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Jill Tarlov, wife of Michael Wittman, mother of Matthew and Anna Wittman. Stanley and Judith Lessler, in loving memory of parents, David R. Lessler, Claire Lessler Alpert, Nathan Bretholtz, and Sophie R. Bretholtz, and aunt, Anne Selcow. Ellen and Samuel Rost, in memory of Barbara Haflich; in memory of Stephen Lessler, father of Terri Green. Mark and Deena Spector, in honor of the birth of Henry, grandson of Larry and Ellen Dinkes. Eileen and Howard Tolk, congratulations to our son Josh, and daughter-in-law Jessica, on the opening of their restaurant, The Lunch Box, in Weston.
Alan H. Weinstein Scholarship Fund Serena and Arnie Sher, in memory of Helen Crist.
Vision Loan Reduction Fund Bob Ford, in memory of Sam Goldbaum. Larry Levine and Alison Bonds, in memory of Michael Rosenberg, father of Sam Rosenberg. Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in memory of Michael Wilson, brother of Patti Rosenberg. William and Lorraine Smith, in memory of father Simon Smith; in memory of sister Ida Lax; in memory of brother-in-law Irving Lax.
Etz Chaim Living Torah Fund Judi and David Beier, in memory of Sylvia Washton, mother of Laura Orr. Karin Newman, in appreciation to David, Mollie and Jennifer Keller.
Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish Leadership Larry Levine and Alison Bonds, a donation. Prayer Book Fund Ellen and Robert Sheiman, in memory of Sylvia Washton, mother of Laura Orr. Ken, Cindy, Eric and Aaron West, in loving memory of mother and grandmother, Mildred Stoller.
Slepian Floral Fund Barbara Panisch and Family, in memory of Sol Panisch and Lisa Madow. Rabbi Martin Library Fund Muggs Lefsetz, in memory of dear friend, Barbara Haflich. Judith and David Pressler, Maxine Teller and Midge Vas Nunes, in loving memory of Esther Unger Farber, mother, grandmother and sister; in loving memory of Abraham Unger, father and grandfather.
Endowment Fund Fran and Rob Morris, in memory of Pearl-Ellen Shure.
Thank you to all who responded to the High Holy Day Appeal. See the December Bulletin for more information.
Tell us your B’nai Israel story. See One of Us on Page 9 for details.
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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, November 7 6:00 p.m. Service with the B’nai Israel Band Torah Portion – Vayeira, – Gen. 18:1-22:24 Haftarah – II Kings 4:1-37 Saturday, November 8 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. Bat Mitzvah of Madison Gassel, daughter of Robert and Heidi Gassel
Friday, November 14 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Chayei Sarah, Gen. 23:1-25:18 Haftarah – I Kings 1:1-31 Saturday, November 15 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 Blake Epstein, son of Michael and Terri Epstein
Thank You for Your Mitzvot As always, our Congregation stepped up for good causes during the High Holy Days. Thanks to Gift of Life – The Bone Marrow volunteers Ellen Sheiman (team leader) and Lisa Knicos, Harvey, Larry and Jennifer Levine, Sherry Portnoy and Bob Sheiman – plus the 73 donors whose “cheek juice” is now part of the Bone Marrow Registry program.
Thank you also to all the BIFTY teens for collecting groceries during their Yom Kippur food drive for the Connecticut Food Bank. Our hardworking teens were there in the rain to collect 4,954 pounds of food, which provides 4,128 meals. The total surpassed last year’s efforts.
Friday, November 21 5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Tol’dot, Gen. 25:19-28:9 Haftarah – Malachi 1:1-2:7 Saturday, November 22 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 Jakob Newman, son of Eric and Amy Newman Friday, November 28 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Vayeitzei, Gen. 28:10-32:3 Haftarah – Hosea 12:13-14:10 Saturday, November 29 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study