TEMPLE BETH EL BULLETIN An Egalitarian Conservative Synagogue A member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism www.tbe.org Volume 37 Issue 3 (bi-monthly)
January/February 2011
Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5771
PLAYDATES at TBE
7th NIGHT OF CHANUKAH for TWO’s and THREE’s
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL STUDENTS in CONCERT CHANUKAH SONGS at the GOVERNMENT CENTER
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Temple Beth El - Board of Trustees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Eileen H. Rosner, President Gary P. Lessen, Immediate Past President Peter K. Kempner, First-Vice President Jared Finkelstein, Vice President Scott Krowitz, Vice President Harold Schwartz, Vice President Seymour Weinstein, Vice President Allan Lang, Treasurer Denise Greenman, Secretary
203-324-4096 203-322-7617 203-968-8079 203-327-2187 203-348-8680 203-968-0460 203-353-8873 203-327-6418 203-329-8594
TRUSTEES David Arditti Michael Arons Melvin Bloomenthal Gordon Brown* Rosalea Fisher* Gerry Ginsburg Fred Golove* Ron Gross* Terry Hazen Elissa Garber-Hyman Martin Israel* Herbert Kahan* Alan Kalter* Eric Kaplan Doug Karp* Rona Katz Carol Krim Mark Lapine* Susan Leiterstein Claudia Lubin Milton Mann* Neil Perlman* Sylvan Pomerantz Brian Rogol* Meira Rosenberg Eli Savransky Norman Stone Ken Temple Mia Weinstein David Wolff
203-968-2798 203-323-8436 203-322-2398 203-325-8911 203-323-1449 203-322-1324 203-322-0295 203-325-3114 203-329-2202 203-316-8228 203-325-8511 203-322-3249 203-322-8220 203-323-2383 203-972-0910 203-329-0666 203-968-1075 203-329-9879 203-322-5012 203-329-8585 203-322-6161 203-354-8663 203-968-0605 203-329-8276 203-968-0260 203-329-2990 203-866-2273 203-968-9550 203-595-0528 203-968-6361
SISTERHOOD Wendy Durica, President
914-764-8246
OUR STAFF IS MOST EAGER TO ASSIST YOU
203-322-0872
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Phone: (203) 322-6901 Fax: (203) 322-0532
MEN’S CLUB Stuart Nekritz, Representative
2020 Action Plan Committee Fred Golove
203-322-0295
B’nai Mitzvah Chairperson Terry Hazen
203-329-2202
Board of Education Sheryl Young Communications Elissa Garber-Hyman Facilities Sylvan Pomerantz Finance Allan Lang Fund Raising Scott Krowitz Peter K. Kempner High Holidays Seymour Weinstein Beth El Remembers Fred Golove Human Resources Scott Krowitz Robert Lesser Membership Committee Terry Hazen Rona Katz Project Ezra Joy Katz Ritual Committee Gerry Ginsburg Susan Schneiderman Eitelberg Synaplex Roni Lang Youth Programming Walter Morgenthaler
*past president
203-975-1990 203-316-8228 203-968-0605 203-327-6418 203-348-8680 203-968-8079 203-353-8873 203-322-0295 203-348-8680 203-321-8364 203-329-2202 203-329-0666 203-329-3359 203-322-1324 203-333-3331 203-327-6418 203-968-8581
Joshua Hammerman, Rabbi (rabbi@tbe.org) ext. 307 George Mordecai, Cantor (CantorMordecai@tbe.org) ext. 303 Sidney G. Rabinowitz, Hazzan Emeritus (hazzan@tbe.org) ext. 309 Steven Lander, Executive Director (execdir@tbe.org) ext. 304 Al Treidel, Director of Jewish Life Education (eddir@tbe.org) ext. 305 Ronnie Brockman, Early Childhood Center Director (Earlychildhood@tbe.org) ext. 315 Ariela Pelaia, Programming Director (programdir@tbe.org) ext. 311 Debbie Bouchard, Education Office (education@tbe.org) ext. 306 Linda Rezak, Bookkeeper (bookkeeper@tbe.org) ext. 302 Mindy Rogoff, Temple Secretary (office@tbe.org) ext. 301 Ellen Gottfried, Secretary (TempleSec@tbe.org) ext. 308 Alberto Eyzaguirre, Facilities Manager (maint@tbe.org) ext. 314 Sisterhood Gift Shop (giftshop@tbe.org) ext. 310
WHERE TO FIND IT Joshua Hammerman, Rabbi ....................................... Page 3 Al Treidel, Director of Jewish Life Education ................. Page 3 Ariela Pelaia, Programming Director ............................ Page 4 Ronnie Brockman, Early Childhood Center Director. ...... Page 4 Adult Education ....................................................... Page 5 Sidney G. Rabinowitz, Hazzan Emeritus ....................... Page 5 January/February Service Schedule ............................ Page 6 B’nai Mitzvah........................................................... Page 6 Sisterhood .............................................................. Page 9
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ON ONE FOOT
AL TREIDEL DIRECTOR of JEWISH LIFE
History is being made here this month, with the opening of our Shorashim Early Childhood Center’s first class for two-yearolds. Since our official start is not until the fall, this would more accurately be called a pre-opening. I was thrilled to hear that we’ve got enough interested parents to get started, and can’t wait to hear the kids coming through the halls. It’s a great sign of vitality for any congregation. Another important contributor to congregational vitality is social action. We exist primarily to make an impact on the world. Sure, we also need to look inward, to refine our own souls, but that can only happen if we are simultaneously looking outward, through acts of kindness and conscience. In January we’ll host Rabbi Jill Jacobs, one of American Jewry’s foremost advocates of advocacy. In a short time, she has become a leading spokesperson for helping the needy and building a culture of community service. And that’s precisely what we need. Rabbi Jacobs is the Rabbi-in Residence at Jewish Funds for Justice (JFSJ), a national public foundation dedicated to mobilizing the resources of American Jews to combat the root causes of domestic social and economic injustice. She is the author of There Shall be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition, and writes and speaks widely on Jewish approaches to the economy, poverty, housing, labor, and other social and economic concerns. She’ll join us on the weekend of January 21-22. That weekend we’ll also welcome back Barb Moskow, our former educational director, who will work with our seventh grade during their class in-house Shabbaton (which Mara and I will host at our home), and then with the rest of the Religious School on Sunday morning, with one of her famous, fun, round-robin activities for the students celebrating Tu B’Shevat. Speaking of that New Year for Trees, join us also on Friday night, January 14, when Ronnie Brockman, our Early Childhood Educator and resident environmentalist, will share some reflections on “Judaism and the Environment.” This will give people the opportunity to meet Ronnie who has been a fabulous addition to our community. Working our way backward, on the prior Friday night, January 7, I’ll moderate a timely and important panel discussion on the shifting boundaries of privacy in this age of social networking. A group of our teen leaders will discuss some of the most pressing ethical issues of the day, including cyberbullying, cheating and how we fabricate false images of who we really are. I encourage all adults, teens and college students to attend. This will give college students who are home for the holidays a chance to interact with high school upperclassmen, as well as have a mini-reunion of their own – plus to hear what all the great buzz is all about regarding our fabulous Kabbalat Shabbat services. For one evening at least, let’s trade off Facebook for some real face time. Of course, there’s much more coming up including Sisterhood Shabbat and Temple Rock. It’s why TBE is the place to be! Happy Secular New Year!
L’dor Vador Is there Jewish life after Bar/Bat Mitzvah? That’s an important question that we must address if we are to ensure a next generation of Jews. A number of our students join Jewish youth groups and other Jewish-oriented programs which is very important; however, research shows that continuing Jewish education is the single greatest factor in ensuring Jewish identity. In a report entitled “Making Jewish Education Work” produced by JESNA, they cite important findings by the studies of Fishman and Goldstein. Their conclusion is: “Extensive Jewish education is related to greater ritual observance, greater likelihood of belonging to and attending synagogues, greater levels of volunteerism for Jewish causes and greater chances of marrying a Jew.” Community supplemental Jewish high schools, like Kulanu, can provide a high quality post-Bar/ Bat Mitzvah educational experience with positive and lasting results. As a Jewish educator with an 18 year tenure at Merkaz, the High School of Judaic Studies in Greater Bridgeport, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impacts that such a program can have on Jewish adolescents. Regardless of their background, many of these students find and attach themselves to positive Jewish role models. They often sign up for every course that these instructors teach and develop special relationships with these mentors that last far beyond the classroom and even into the college years. Such individuals may be found on the Kulanu faculty. I taught a course entitled, “Adopt A Survivor,” in which high school juniors and seniors were paired up with Holocaust survivors. They developed special relationships with these people and often became surrogate grandchildren. These students will become the voices of these survivors after they are gone. I taught a debate course in which students argued over a number of ethical issues from a Jewish perspective and often continued these “dialogues” in the halls after the classes had ended. My students took part in mock negotiations sessions in “Tensions in the Middle” class gaining an in-depth understanding of the complicated issues that need to be resolved if Israel and its neighbors can finally achieve a lasting peace. These students understand and can meaningfully dialogue these problems in high school and college. Those attending the College Bound course left with a greater understanding and commitment as to what Jews need to look for on a college campus as they pursue the search and admissions process. Jewish students are often over-programmed, but by making Kulanu attendance a high priority we are establishing an important mind set for our teens. There is no guarantee that, even after attending Kulanu, a teen will maintain his Jewish identity; however, it is clear that non-attendance will make that outcome less likely. 3
ARIELA PELAIA PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR
RONNIE BROCKMAN Early Childhood Center Director When was the last time you made a snow angel? Brrrrrr! It might be cold outside but that is no reason why children should be denied the pleasure of being outdoors. In actuality, spending time outdoors is more than a pleasure – it’s a necessity. Playing in the winter wonderland is good for our children, helping them stay healthy and fit. Most adults played in the snow with joy, welcoming the day they would see white flakes fall from the sky so they could go outside and build that year’s best snow fort, make snow angels, and finally defeat the neighbor’s kid in the end-all, do-all snowball fight of the century. Nowadays, it’s not so much. With the advent of technology – the television, Atari, Nintendo, and other video games – kids and families are more likely to curl up in front of the TV or grab the game controller. Parents often worry that playing outdoors is a sure way to catch colds. We fear that as the temperature drops so does our children’s resistance to flu and infections. But just the opposite has been proven. It’s not necessarily the cold weather that brings on the flu but time spent indoors without the benefit of fresh, circulating air. In reality, getting outdoors in the cold weather for some fresh air actually helps cut down on the amount of colds and flu our children pick up. And then there’s the TV screen factor. Did you know that the average American child spends only 15 minutesa-day outdoors while up to five hours-a-day are spent watching TV or playing video games? These numbers are even higher during the winter months. This sedentary lifestyle has added to the frequency of childhood obesity with pediatricians urging parents to get their children playing outdoors…even when the temperatures are low. And…our children benefit both physically and mentally as the bonds between children and nature strengthen. It doesn’t take much to get your children involved with winter. A simple sled (Don’t forget the helmet!) is inexpensive and can be exhilarating for our young children. But enjoying winter can be as simple as taking a frosty walk together, building a snowman or constructing a snow fort. When was the last time you made a snow angel?
Last year Temple Beth El’s USY group hosted a Bedouin Havdalah Dinner, where over fifty teens learned about the Jewish Bedouin culture of Israel. The event was so popular that we’ve decided to make learning about different Jewish cultures a youth group tradition. So what will we be learning about this year? The Jews of India, who are collectively known as the Bene Israel. Some members of this community believe they are descended from the “lost” ten tribes of Israel and today they represent a small segment of Indian culture. In 2001 there were less than 5,000 Jews in India but there were more than twenty synagogues in the country. More than 60,000 Bene Israel have moved from India to Israel. On January 8 members of our USY group will be learning all about the origins and traditions of the Bene Israel while also participating in a Havdalah service and enjoying Indian food. If you are an 8th – 12th grader and want to join this fantastic celebration, check out www.tbe.org for more info! USY INDIAN HAVDALAH DINNER Saturday, January 8 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for a great night of food and fun! We’ll learn about Indian Jewish culture, enjoy making and eating Indian foods and participate in a teen-led Havdalah service. For 8th-12th graders in TBE’s Rosner Room USY and 8th Grade Kadima Members $10 Non-Members $20
Note to non-members: If you join USY we will apply half your event fee towards your membership! RSVP by Sunday, January 2. Questions?: Email Ariela at programdir@tbe.org or call her at 203.322.6901 x 311.
PLAY MAH JONGG
KADIMA ICE SKATING SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
with TBE SISTERHOOD
Stamford Twin Rinks (1063 Hope Street, Stamford)
th
For 5 -7th graders: Make friends and have fun on the ice while enjoying this great winter activity.
Second Tuesday of every month!
$5 for Kadima members / $10 for non-members Questions? Email Ariela at programdir@tbe.org or call her at 203.322.6901 x 311.
For information call 203-325-8836 4
TBE 90th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
THE HAZZAN’S VOICE
On November 12, we began the celebration of our 90th anniversary with a gathering of families whose members had joined our congregation between 1920 and 1972. At the Kiddush, there was a display of pictures from that time period mingled with gifts from some of the confirmation classes. We found pictures of the Sisterhood board from the late 1920’s, Hebrew School classes and post-bar mitzvah classes from the 50’s and 60’s, the booklet from the dedication of the Prospect Street building and the program from the ground breaking for our current building on Roxbury Road. Children and grandchildren of our founders spoke about their families. Among the multigenerational families who joined us were: Gladys Martin Cohen, who introduced her daughter Barbara Aronica-Buck and her granddaughter Molly Aronica; Sherwin Baer who introduced his grandchildren Alexa and Lewis; Elsie Ralph who talked about her time as Sisterhood president and introduced her daughter, Carol Maxon, and her great-grandchildren Jacob and Sydney; and Gail Gruber Trell whose great-grandfather and grandfather were founders, talked about her son, Jeff, and her grandchildren, Max and Hailey Trell, who bring the Gruber family to SIX generations of TBE members. Bob Abrams reminisced about his father, and Ruth Miller Kwartin recalled meetings at her parents’ home when her father was the president of the Temple. A letter from Maximilian Miller was shared which stated that if more congregants, especially board members, attended services regularly there would be more harmony in the congregation. Herb Kahan talked about the early years on Roxbury Road. It was a very warm evening and brought back many memories. On December 4, another display was part of the “Don’t Let the Lights Go Out” Chanukah celebration. Pictures from each decade of our past were presented. Highlights of the 1946 minutes were the raising of dues to $50 and the approval of four of the stained glass windows for the sanctuary. Those windows are now a part of the chapel which is a recreation of the sanctuary in our Prospect Street building. The exhibit included a shirt from “Hazzan the Musical,” and the newspaper article about Alberto being honored for 25 years of service to Temple Beth El. On January 28 we will hold the next Recognition Shabbat honoring families who joined us between 1973 and 2000. Please come and share your memories whether they include moving into the building on Roxbury Road, Man of the Year Dinner Dances, performances of “A Plaque for Me and a Pledge for You” or “Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Religious School or milestones in your life or that of the congregation. We are looking for pictures and other treasures connected to Temple Beth El. We can copy and scan them or keep them in our archives. Please send them to Eileen H. Rosner at president@tbe.org. Additional events are being planned and we hope to see you there.
The Zamir Chorale Foundation, an umbrella organization for an extensive network of Jewish musical groups (including the prestigious New York-based Zamir Chorale, which, this year, is celebrating its 50th year of existence) has commissioned a survey to determine if there is a correlation between Jewish choral singing and Jewish institutional affiliation. The survey, which was e-mailed to about 15,000 Jewish choral singers, cantors and music lovers in the spring, shows that Jewish choral singers ARE more involved in Jewish life than the average American Jew. Specifically, choir participants are more likely to volunteer under Jewish auspices, give to Jewish causes and belong to synagogues. Jewish researchers stopped short of drawing a casual relationship between singing and Jewish involvement. They said the results give strong evidence that many people who are not otherwise involved in Jewish life find their way in through their love of Jewish music. Results from 2,000 respondents were compared to figures from the United Jewish Communities National Jewish Population survey in 2000-2001. “There is a somewhat faulty assumption that people who sing in Jewish choral groups are already engaged in Jewish life,” said Diane Ticklon Schuster, a researcher of the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, CA, who analyzed the study with Ezra Kopelowitz, CEO of the Jerusalem-based Research Success Technologies. We at Temple Beth El, not too many years ago, experienced a marvelous Annual Cantors Concert presented by the Boston Zamir Chorale, conducted by the reknowned Joshua Jacobson. Our own TBE Adult Choir also participated with them. Singers from Stamford have sung with both the New York and Boston Zamir Chorales, which inspired them to become cantors. TBE has contributed some singers of our Junior Choir to the New York Youth Zamir Chorale. For many summers I attended the Annual Jewish Music Choral Festival in the Catskills. It was thrilling to be part of a gathering of Jewish men and women, all interested in lending their voices to a chorus of 500, harmonizing together. With each successive year, attendees looked forward to renewing acquaintances and welcoming new participants. The common bond was Jewish music and Jewish involvement. Moti Lazar, Director of the Zamir Chorale Foundation, has stated that increasing Jewish sense of connection to each other and to their heritage was one of the goals when he created the foundation. If you interpret this article as a pitch for new members to our TBE Choir, you are absolutely correct. You’ll never know how much joy you will receive from being part of a Jewish musical group unless you take that first affirmative first step. 5
SHABBAT SERVICES JANUARY 2011 Shabbat, January 1
B’NAI MITZVAH
FEBRUARY 2011 Friday, February 4
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 7
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
Shabbat, January 8
Grades 5 & 6 Family Shabbat Dinner & Shul-In 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m. Recognition Shabbat honoring those who joined TBE from 1974 - 2000
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m. Havdalah Program Grades 5-6 - 5:00 pm Havdalah in New Canaan 6:30 p.m. At the home of Mary & David Harrison
Friday, January 14
Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m. Ronnie Brockman “Children & Nature”
Shabbat, January 15
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. ZOE & ETHAN FINKELSTEIN B’NAI MITZVAH Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
Friday, January 21
Synaplex Shabbat Grade 7 Family Shabbat Dinner & Shul-In 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Scholar-in-Residence
Shabbat, February 5
Friday, February 11
Shabbat, February 12
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Grades 5 & 6 Shul-In Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
Friday, February 18 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m. Recognition Shabbat honoring those who joined TBE from 2001-2010
Shabbat, February 19
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
Friday, February 25
Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.
Attention New Canaanites!!!
HAVDALAH
in New Canaan January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, January 28 Shabbat, January 29
Please visit our website at www.tbe.org/2010/10/20102011-mitzvah-projects/ for full descriptions of these outstanding projects.
Shabbat, February 26
Synaplex Shabbat, January 22
SISTERHOOD SHABBAT Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
January 15 (morning) ETHAN FINKELSTEIN Son of Elizabeth & Jared Brother of Zöe Attends Pierrepont School Mitzvah Project: Pitch In for Baseball
Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m.
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Grade 7 Shul-In Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Nitzanim for Tots 10:45 a.m. Kirtan Havdalah 7:30 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.
January 15 (morning) ZÖE FINKELSTEIN Daughter of Elizabeth & Jared Sister of Ethan Attends Pierrepont School Mitzvah Project: “Wish List” for Pacific House Shelter for the homeless
Join Rabbi Hammerman & Cantor Mordecai for Great Music and Great Food-for All Ages at the Home of Mary and David Harrison. RSVP by January 5 203-322-6901, x 308 or templesec@tbe.org 6
ADULT EDUCATION
RABBI JILL JACOBS Synaplex Shabbat Scholar-in-Residence January 21-22, 2010
BABKA and BAKLAVA with Dr. Harry Romanowitz & Cantor George Mordecai Thursdays, starting January 6 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
On Friday night, Rabbi Jacobs will speak, following services, on “Taking Judaism Public.” What traditional wisdom can teach America. Should America live by Jewish values? A look at how Jewish thought should and shouldn’t influence American policy decisions.
Almost every Jew in America can proudly trace his/her roots to Ashkenazic (generally Yiddish) and/or Sephardic culture. The purpose of this seven-session program is to explore both of these rich Jewish traditions. Cantor Mordecai will conduct the first three sessions dealing with the Sephardic tradition followed by Dr. Romanowitz for the next three sessions. There will be a meeting of the minds on the final (seventh) session of the program with a dialogue between the two instructors and the participants followed by a wonderful buffet of luscious desserts from both traditions. You have the option of studying Yiddish culture, Sephardic culture or both, or just joining us for the final session.
Kabbalat Shabbat Services begin at 7:30 p.m. Services on Shabbat morning begin at 9:30 a.m. At that time Rabbi Jacobs’ topic will be “Work, Workers and Employers.” We will consider the role of work in Jewish thought, the relationship between workers and employers, and strategies for creating workplaces that reflect Jewish values. After lunch she will speak on “When the Water Runs Out: Sharing Precious Resources in a Globalized World.” How do we distribute resources fairly in a world with so much need? Through a close look at some texts, we will consider how to allocate our own money and time.
Sephardic Culture: January 6, 13 & 20 Ashkenazic Culture: January 27, February 3 & 10 Joint Session: February 17 Cost: TBE members $20.00, Non-Members $36.00
Rabbi Jill Jacobs is the founding director of Ma’aseh: The Center for Jewish Social Justice Education and the author of There Shall be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition (Jewish Lights 2009), and the forthcoming Where Justice Dwells: A Hands-On Guide to Doing Social Justice in Your Jewish Community (Jewish Lights 2011). Rabbi Jacobs has been named to The Jewish Daily Forward’s list of 50 influential American Jews (2006 and 2008), to The Jewish Week’s first list of “36 under 36” (2008), and to Newsweek’s list of the 50 most influential rabbis in America (2009 and 2010). She lives in New York with her husband, Guy Austrian, and their daughter, Lior.
Space is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register, call : (203)322 -6901, ext. 306 or email : education@tbe.org TEMPLE BETH EL ISRAELI FILM SERIES: “MY FATHER MY LORD” Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. “My Father, My Lord” is the debut achievement by film maker, David Volach. Taking place in the ultra-Orthodox Israeli community, the film presents a way of life in which one adheres to the teachings of the Torah with complete obedience. Questions are not asked, and even more so, not allowed. The poignant drama captures life’s complexities as revealed through the eyes and mind of a Hasidic rabbi and his young son.
Sponsored by Penny and Michael Horowitz in loving memory of Bessie Silver, z’l, and Millie Reiss, z’l.
No charge. All are welcome. THE GREAT JEWISH BOOKS Sunday, January 30 at 9:45 a.m. with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman CONTINUING: As a Driven Leaf, by Milton Steinberg and Goodbye Columbus, by Philip Roth When Bad Things Happen to Good People, by Harold Kushner on Sunday, March 13 We’ll cover several books each year. All readings will be done in translation and no prior knowledge of the subject is required, but it will enhance the discussion if you’ve had the chance to look at the book ahead of time. Each session will be independent of the other sessions, so come to all or come to one.
LEARNING & LATTE January 11 and February 8 at 7:30 p.m. Stamford’s long-running, monthly interfaith, free-flowing “tri-alogue” - Christianity, Islam and Judaism featuring Rabbi Hammerman, in dialogue with other local clergy of all faiths. At COSI, 1209 High Ridge Road, Stamford Meets monthly on the second Tuesday from October-May.
For information on our Adult Education programs, go to: http://www.tbe.org/2010/09/adult-ed-programs-for2010-2011/
The class is being run in conjunction with the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut. 7
TOO MUCH INFORMATION Privacy in the Age of Social Networking Friday, January 7, 2011 Immediately following Kabbalat Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. A roundtable conversation with teens, college students and adults, featuring panelists Zac Krowitz, Jackie Schechter, Annie Cohen, and others TBA. What defines “too much information?” Are Facebook friends really friends? Can adults and kids get along on Facebook? Have we all become too self-absorbed? What about the epidemic of cheating? HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS Zac Krowitz: A senior at Westhill High School. Plays baseball for the Westhill team, Ombudsman on the school newspaper, The We stwo rd , an d participates as a captain on the debate team. Jackie Schechter: A senior at Westhill High School. Editor-in-Chief of The Westword, Westhill’s award-winning, student-run newspaper. Participates in Write On For Israel, an advocacy program that examines how Israel is portrayed in the media. Annie Cohen: Annie is a senior at Westhill High School and is the associate editor of Westhill’s national award-winning newspaper, The Westword. COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS Ethan Hammerman Sophomore at Brown University And Alexa Petersen Sophomore at Tufts University Jewish Family Service & Temple Beth El Present
MARTHA FRANKEL Hats & Eyeglasses: A Memoir A Personal Journey of Gambling Addiction Thursday, January 6 from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
NITZANIM A Shabbat Program for Young Children
At Temple Beth El
A humorous and heartbreaking story of one family’s love affair with gambling told by an entertainment journalist whose work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Details and Hollywood Life.
Meets every Shabbat morning from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Introduced and Facilitated by Dr. Laurel Schwartz, JFS Jewish Family Life Education Coordinator.
Baby sitting and snacks will be provided by our madrichim!
Free and open to the public. To register call Dr. Laurel Schwartz at 203-921-4161 or LSchwartz@ctjfs.org.
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It’s MEZUZAH MADNESS at the Helen Golin Judaica Shop!
Special Occasion? Sponsor The Shabbat E-nnouncements
10% off all mezuzahs purchased in January and February*
(sent every week via e-mail)
The Shabbat Announcements (distributed each Shabbat at the Temple)
and the Shabbat-O-Gram (e-mailed every Thursday night)
All three publications for $72 All sponsors will be acknowledged at the beginning of each of these announcements and also listed in our bi-monthly Bulletin. Call Mindy in the office at 322-6901 ext. 301.
PLEASE BE AWARE...
Regular Hours: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Because of strict confidentiality regulations, Stamford Hospital limits the access that clergy have to patient population lists.
For appointments, please call Nancy Mayer at 203-561-6157 or Steve Lander in the Temple office at 203-322-6901, ext. 304.
Please help us to help you and your loved ones by contacting the rabbi directly, by voice mail (322-6901 x307) or email (rabbi@tbe.org) when you know of someone in the hospital.
IS YOUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH SIX MONTHS AWAY?
TORAH FUND
Visit our Gift Shop to view our large selection of invitation books. Make an appointment with Nancy Mayer at 203-321-1094 and she will guide you through the ordering process. We have all the popular books to choose from: C’est Papier, Encore, Jansson, Checkerboard and more! And we have the BEST DISCOUNTS! We also have Havdalah candles, Sunkist Fruit Gems sold in bulk, tallitot and yarmulkes for guys and girls and gifts. You can order your yarmulkes from us, too. We are a one stop shop for your simcha!
Instead of sending greetings from Hallmark, why not send a beautiful Torah Fund card? You can help celebrate a simcha, extend get-well wishes and send someone special a mazel tov. I like to keep them “on hand” for the convenience of having them in my own home. What is Torah Fund? It is a project of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism to benefit the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC, the Ziegler School in L.A. and the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. Our Temple has already profited from this wonderful organization. Rabbi Hammerman, Cantor Mordecai, Cantor Jacobson, Rabbi Kalev, Cantor Littman and Hazzan Rabinowitz are all graduates of these institutions.
SISTERHOOD SHABBAT
How much are the cards? $3 a piece or 7 cards for $20
JANUARY 29, 2011 Services begin at 9:30 a.m. This special service is led by our Sisterhood. All are welcome!
Who do I contact? Suzanne Stone at (203) 866-2273 I will make this transaction as easy as possible for you! I can meet you at the Temple at a time that is convenient for both of us. I can drop them in your mailbox when you send me your check. Remember, if you write a check, you may use that donation as a tax deduction. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
SISTERHOOD FASHION SHOW THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
Suzanne Stone, Vice President of Torah Fund
Watch your mail for details... 9
RELAUNCH YOUR CAREER @ TBE
MAZEL TOV TO…
A Six-Part Monthly Series
Toby and Andy Miller on the birth of a grandson, Jack Elias, born to Susie and David Miller.
Starting January 24, 2011 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Barbara and Stan Friedman on the birth of a grandson, Clark Engleman, born to Jocelyn and Cord Chase.
With Vivian Steir Rabin Harvard Business School graduate, Vivian Steir Rabin, relaunched herself after a multi-year career break before writing Back on the Career Track with her business partner, Carol Fishman Cohen. She and Carol have presented their return-to-work strategies at more than 100 events, and is regularly quoted in the national press, including TIME, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, Money, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Family Circle, and MSNBC.
Minerva Kweskin on the birth of a greatgranddaughter born to Marlene and Mandeep Sandhu. Barbara and Philip Finn on the birth of twin grandchildren, Claire Sylvia and Gabriel David, born to Rachael and Jason Levitt.
THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING KIDDUSH Susan and Edward Bralower Cheryl Bader-Goldblum and Stephen Goldblum Allison and Frederic Greenbaum Robbin Juris and Marc Groz Nancy and Steven Mayer Stacye and Stuart Nekritz Sheryl and Daniel Young
TBE members: Free/Non-members: $5.00 RSVP to 203-322-6901, ext. 304. This series is sponsored by Temple Beth El Sisterhood.
THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING THE SHABBAT ANNOUNCEMENTS
ISRAEL AND THE MEDIA WHAT ARE THE FACTS???
Susan and Edward Bralower Cheryl Bader-Goldblum and Stephen Goldblum Allison and Frederic Greenbaum Robbin Juris and Marc Groz Nancy and Steven Mayer Stacye and Stuart Nekritz Sheryl and Daniel Young
Monday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. With Adam Weiss Join us to hear Adam Weiss, the Israeli Shaliach at the JCC, discuss the complex topic of Israel and the media. How accurate are the media accounts of what goes on with Israel? Is the media biased? Are Israel’s accounts totally factual? Where can one go to receive balanced news accounts? Adam will address these issues and more on the 24 th. He will provide you with websites and other sources to go to when important events occur and you are looking for balanced reporting.
WE THANK OUR VOLUNTEERS Rhoda Dember Beth Finchler Roz Finchler Phyllis Gofstein Sam Kravitz Carol Sander Barbara Taksel
Adam Weiss was born in Jerusalem to native Israeli parents. His grandparents are Holocaust survivors. Weiss served in the IDF as a paratrooper for three years. He majored in Jewish Studies in Sede Boker and has taught Jewish studies on both the elementary and high school levels.
HONORABLE MENSCHEN
Todah Rabah to our Torah readers!
Adam is not new to bringing Israel to the Diaspora; he volunteered in summer camps in South Africa and Wisconsin. His goal is to strengthen the connection of the Stamford Jewish Community with Israel and to present Israel’s perspective on Jewish themes.
JOIN US! TBE SISTERHOOD & HADASSAH TU B’SHEVAT SEDER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 7:30 p.m. at TBE
Join us for what promises to be a very stimulating evening of meaningful dialogue. Space is limited, so please reserve a seat by calling 203-322-6901, ext. 306.
Details to follow... 10
First it was Kirtan Shabbat (with over 150 people attending)
Now experience Kirtan Havdalah for the first time at TBE! Join Jackie Tepper - Robinov and Cantor George Mordecai and special musical guests as they lead us in...
Kirtan* Havdalah at Temple Beth El
Saturday, January 22nd 7:30 p.m. *What is Kirtan? Kirtan is an ancient participatory musical experience emanating from India. Rabbis and Cantors all over the world are increasingly turning to Kirtan to help our people connect with our rich liturgical traditions. Havdalah Kirtan at Beth El will allow us to participate in this musical experience regardless of our level of Hebrew fluency. Come add your energy and voices to this sacred experience! No reservations needed 路 Everyone Welcome 11
FEATURING RABBI JILL JACOBS Scholar – in – Residence* Rabbi Jill Jacobs will speak on Friday after Kabbalat Shabbat Services, Saturday morning and Saturday following lunch.
Choose from a diverse selection of Shabbat Services · Meditative · Traditional · Learners
Delicious FREE Kiddush LUNCH
Everyone Welcome!
FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE GO TO WWW.TBE.ORG
*Sponsored by Penny and Michael Horowitz in loving memory of Bessie Silver, z’l, and Millie Reiss, z’l. 12
JOI NU OPE S FOR Tue N O sda HOU UR y, SE 7:30 Janua p.m ry 11 .
BY JANUARY 31, 2011
OPEN HOUSE Thursday, January 11 7:30 p.m. PROGRAMS FOR TWO YEAR OLDS & THREE YEAR OLDS Nature-based curriculum enhanced by our natural
elements and cycles and our Garden Exploration of Jewish culture offering the seeds for
establishing a Conservative Jewish identity Recognizing and acknowledging the differing needs of each family and creating various
programs to meet those needs Viewing children as competent learners and providing a purposive strong child-directed
curriculum model 13
DEDICATE A PRAYER BOOK
Come celebrate with us… It’s our 90th Anniversary!!! TBE through the Decades A special event each month marking our 90 th
MAHZOR LEV SHALOM The newly published High Holiday Prayer Book, Mahzor Lev Shalem, was used for the first time on the High Holidays to everyone’s satisfaction.
Some of the celebratory events in the works are…
For $50: One prayer book for your personal use or donate one to the Temple.
January 28 - Recognition Shabbat: Recognizing members whose families joined TBE from 1974 - 2000
For $250: Six prayer books will be donated to the Temple.
February 5 - Temple Rock
For $500: Twelve prayer books will be donated to the Temple.
March 18 - Recognition Shabbat: Recognizing members whose families joined TBE from 2001 - 2011
For $1,000: Twenty-one prayer books will be donated to the Temple. Four books will be given to your family.
April 8-10 - Gala Weekend
OR HADASH
May - Sisterhood Fashion Show Interested in helping? Contact Eileen H. Rosner at president@tbe.org.
This very special book was intended to educate and enlighten; indeed, Or Hadash translates as A New Light. “Its purpose is to help the reader - no matter of what background to understand the siddur and to be able to pray from it with great sincerity and meaning. Or Hadash enables the worshiper not only to understand the texts, but how to actually daven (pray with devotion),” said Rabbi Hammerman. The dedication of this book costs $54.
You are cordially invited to attend...Any Bar or Bat Mitzvah, aufruf, yahrtzeit, baby naming, birthday, anniversary or other family milestone celebrated in our sanctuary at any scheduled service!
CHUMASH (BIBLE) to DEDICATE
Our services are celebrations for the entire community. Each milestone of yours is one we all have a stake in. Each joy is one we all share, each sorrow is one we all want to allay.
The Etz Hayim Chumashim (Bibles) are available for dedication. Having a simcha? Why not dedicate a Chumash to honor the occasion? Observing a yahrtzeit? Why not dedicate a Chumash in memory of your loved one? The dedication of this book costs $72.
If you have a special milestone approaching, let us know so you can share it with your Beth El family. If you simply want to be part of a congregation that laughs, cries and shares life together, join us any week - join us every week!
SIM SHALOM SIDDUR for SHABBAT Our Sim Shalom siddurim for Shabbat are available for dedication. The dedication of this book costs $36.
SHIVA MINYAN BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR DEDICATION
NO INVITATION REQUIRED
Prayer Books for Shiva Minyans are available for dedication. The dedication of this book costs $36.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
www.tbe.org
A lovely, personalized book plate will be placed inside the front cover. Please call Mindy in the office, 322-6901, ext. 301 or office@tbe.org, if you would like to dedicate one of these books.
Read Rabbi Hammerman’s Shabbat-O-Grams… View our photo albums… Learn about our upcoming events… Find contact information... And much, much more!
FRIDAY NIGHT AT TBE
PEW SEATS AVAILABLE!
Every week at 7:30 p.m.
Are you tired of scrambling for seats when you come to worship at the High Holy Days? There is a solution! Why not purchase the rights to pew seats for you and your family?
Hear our new melodies at www.tbe.org.
Pew seats may be paid over a three year period. For further information, please contact Steve Lander at ext. 304 or execdir@tbe.org.
Reawaken, Reimagine, Reboot
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THANK YOU FOR DEDICATING
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
AN “ETZ HAYIM CHUMASH”
RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN MITZVAH FUND
In memory of…
In honor of…
Gerty G. Hayworth, z’l, by Karen, Rich & Geoff Hainbach
In appreciation by Burt Piaser Jenna becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Susan & Mark Plotzky
AN “OR HADASH” SIDDUR
Brett Mayer becoming a Bar Mitzvah by Rebecca Rakowitz
In honor of…
Rabbi Joshua & Mara Hammerman on the occasion of Rebecca becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Julie & Leonard Rakowitz
CANTOR GEORGE MORDECAI MITZVAH FUND
In honor of…
Jenna becoming a Bat Mitzvah and Cantor Mordecai’s first Bat Mitzvah at TBE by Susan & Mark Plotzky
In memory of…
Larry Pollack, z’l, by Matthew Wunder
In memory of…
Eve Doctor, z’l, by Susan & Martin Clarke
A “MAHZOR LEV SHALEM” In loving memory of…
MEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Paula Cohen, z’l, by Barbara Jacobs & Ken Cohen
Eve Kaplin, z’l, by Elaine Kaplin
In memory of…
George Freedberg, z’l, by Francine & Robert Plansky Morry Jacobs, z’l, by Barbara Jacobs & Ken Cohen
In honor of…
In honor of...
FRANK AND ROSE ROSNER MEMORIAL FUND
Elaine Kaplin by Gail & David Kaplin
Leslie & Herb Horowitz on their 64th wedding anniversary by Carol & Irv Horowitz & Family
In honor of…
Eileen H. Rosner by Barbara Jacobs & Ken Cohen
Steven Lander on the occasion of Jenny becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Susan & Mark Plotzky
Al Treidel by Barbara Jacobs & Ken Cohen
Eileen Rosner by Linda Hempel & Keith Braun
Steven Lander by Barbara Jacobs & Ken Cohen
In memory of…
Robert Terk, z’l, by Susan & Mark Plotzky
Leslie & Herb Horowitz by Barbara Jacobs & Ken Cohen
Thelma Liszt, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner
A LEAF ON THE TREE OF LIFE
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
In honor of…
In honor of…
Joseph Chimes becoming a Bar Mitzvah by the Chimes Family
Judy Aronin, Mara Hammerman, Carol & Allen Krim, Bracha Moshe, Al Treidel & Dana Weinberg on the occasion of Jenna becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Susan & Mark Plotzky
The deadline
KIDDUSH FUND
for the MARCH/APRIL 2011
In memory of…
issue of the Temple Bulletin will be
Eve Doctor, z’l, by Rhonna & Brian Rogol
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
George Freedberg, z’l, by Rhonna & Brian Rogol BETH EL CARES
In honor of…
Down 1.Hammerman 2. Havdalah 4. Ninety 5. Mussaf 7. Rose Rosner 8. Prospect Street 10. Alberto 14 Seventythree
Samuel Schulman becoming a Bar Mitzvah by Jennifer & Harris Meth A speedy recovery for Todd by Michele & Scott Piskin
In memory of…
Robert Terk, z’l, by Jennifer & Harris Meth YOUTH FUND
In memory of…
Across 3. Amazng 6. Guitar 8. Pearlman 9. Shorashim 11. Rabinowitz 12. Helen Golin 13. Prayer
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE (on back page)
Zelda Solomon by Susan & Leonard Mark 15
REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN MEMORY OF:
Joanne & Marshall Goldberg ................. RUTH ABRAMS Irene Karas ............................ ARKADY ALPEROVICH Gloria & Seymour Baum......................... SARAH BAUM Maddy Shapiro ................................ MORRIS BELITZ Sabrina & Daniel Benjamin........... MARTIN BENJAMIN Barbara & Allen Shanen ....................... MAX BENNETT Neva Bennett ................................. MEYER BENNETT Marcia & Mark Staines & Family ... HANNAH BRESSLOUR Muriel Siskind .................................... STELLA BRODY Jeffrey Cohen .................................. DONALD COHEN Stephen Cohen ................................. ROBERT COHEN Elizabeth Libner .............................. LILYAN DONNER Barbara & Ed Drotman ..................... RUTH DROTMAN Lois Hofshi .................. PEARL & BENJAMIN ELLMAN Barbara & Joe Field .......................... DOROTHY FIELD Barbara & Joe Field ............. CELIA & GEORGE FREED Irene Karas ............................ HERMAN GAVRONSKY Amy Rosenberg ............................ NORMAN GEISLER Fran & Gerry Ginsburg........... NATHANIEL GINSBURG Elaine Erichson ........................... BETTY GREENBERG Jerry Rich ................................. BETTY GREENSTEIN Carol & Willy Sander ............... MILDRED GROSSMAN Beth & Jerry Cooper & Family................ JEROME HERZ Susan & Larry Holzman ................. SYLVIA HOLZMAN Muriel Novack............................ MARION JACOBSON Ilene & Jim Locker & Family ................ YALE KWESKIN Norma & Milton Mann............................ LAURA MANN Laura Markowitz ........................ DAVID MARKOWITZ Sandy Oberhand ..................................... OTTO MARX Myra & Arthur Harrison............ HAROLD NATHANSON Violet Tehrani .................................... RAHIM NEMAN Sari & Alan Jaffe ................................... DAVID JAFFE Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz & Family .............. DAVID JAFFE Eileen Nemoitin ....................... BERNARD NEMOITIN Roset Hendizadeh & Family ................. RAHIM NEMAN Andrea & Eric Bass........................ ARTHUR NEWMAN David Oberhand............................ CELIA OBERHAND Ann Pearce ................................... ROSE SACHWALD Claire Redniss................................ ESTHER REDNISS Penny & Michael Horowitz................... SAMUEL REISS Jerry Rich ......................................... MAURICE RICH Bunny & Stan Rosen ......................... LILLIAN ROSEN Rosalea & Dick Fisher .................. MILDRED SANDLER Susan & Carl Shapiro & Family ........ IRVING SHAPIRO Claire Redniss................................ OSCAR SHULMAN Barbara & Marvin Gold ........................... MOE SEIGEL Jeff, Joanna & Lee Shapes ...................... LEO SHAPES Muriel Siskind ....................................... LEE SISKIND Stuart Sobel .......................................... FRED SOBEL Magida Family ..........................................AL SOLOVE Mary Weber ............................... HERMAN STOLMAN Violet, Alex & Cyrus Tehrani .... MIRZA BABA TEHRANI Claire Redniss..................................... SARA WALTER Phyllis & Harvey Walzer ................... DUSTIN WALZER Seymour Weinstein ................... ADOLPH WEINSTEIN Joan & Larry Wexler ............................ FRED WEXLER Nancy Wolfson & Family ................. JAMES WOLFSON
ZELDA SOLOMON, z’l Evelyne & David Klein, Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz & Parry Berkowitz, Susan & Martin Clarke, Evelyn & Bruce Kahn, Beverly & David Stein, Loralee & Philip Granowitz SHERRY BRODER, z’l Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz & Parry Berkowitz, Susan Wise HELENE HEMPEL, z’l Denise & David Greenman EVE DOCTOR, z’l Evelyn & Bruce Kahn, Roni & Allan Lang GEORGE FREEDBERG, z’l Evelyn & Bruce Kahn ROBERT TERK, z’l Elissa & James Hyman
WE MOURN THE PASSING OF… LARRY POLLACK, father of Michael Pollack MOLLY MALEN, mother of Scott Malen MARTIN MELTZER, father of Tammy Meltzer SYLVIA BIENSTOCK, mother of Susan Friedman
PROJECT EZRA Would you like to perform a mitzvah that is right at the heart of our Temple? Join the Project Ezra team that delivers pre-shiva meals to bereaved members of our Temple. Participating is easy and so very rewarding. To learn more, contact Joy Katz at 329-3359 or joyakatz@yahoo.com.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING
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Adult Education Programs Beth El Cares Beth El Seniors Camp Scholarship Fund Cantor George Mordecai Mitzvah Fund Frank & Rose Rosner Memorial Fund (maintenance) General Fund Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz Mitzvah Fund High Holy Day Appeal Kiddush Fund Men’s Club Scholarship Fund Prayer Book Fund Project Ezra Rabbi Joshua Hammerman’s Mitzvah Fund Religious School Fund Youth Programs
A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America’s Children
ATTENTION PARENTS OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN Rabbi Hammerman would like to stay in touch with your child while he/she is away at college. Please send his/her e-mail address to Ellen in the Temple office at: templesec@tbe.org. Thank you!
Meet Vicki Kobliner, MS RD, contributing author Sunday February 13 at 9:30 a.m. A Compromised Generation reveals how seemingly benign elements of American culture are making millions of children chronically ill, disabled, or dysfunctional. Children are being diagnosed with illnesses such as autism, asthma, allergies, and ADHD at a breathtaking rate. Vicki reveals how environmental factors, specific American lifestyles, and pharmaceutical over-usage are at the root of the epidemic, and offers advice on how it can be reversed. “A Compromised Generation is a thorough and gripping account of the new reality for millions of children and their families. Vicki, an integrative dietitian, works with children and adults suffering from seemingly unrelated illnesses that in reality stem from common causes. She explains how environmental insults have compromised the health and future of an entire generation and also provides well-researched strategies aimed at prevention. “A Compromised Generation is a must read for protecting our children.” -- Deirdre Imus, president of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology. Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian with extensive experience using diet, nutritional therapy and lifestyle changes to help children and adults with allergies, asthma, ADHD, autism and other chronic illnesses. A book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
CELEBRATING A SPECIAL EVENT? COMMEMORATING A YAHRTZEIT? Please consider sponsoring a Kiddush, following Shabbat Services, or an Oneg Shabbat, following our Friday evening services. Contact Steven Lander in the office for all of the new reasonably priced Kiddush options at 322-6901, ext. 304 or execdir@tbe.org. For information about any of the sponsorship opportunities listed above, please call Steven Lander at ext. 304.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES Inscribe the names of your loved ones on a plaque for our Chapel wall along with a light to commemorate their yahrtzeit and yizkor observances throughout the year. Please contact Mindy at 322-6901, ext. 301 for further information.
TREE OF LIFE A beautiful way to commemorate a special occasion is to purchase a “leaf” on our beautiful “Tree of Life” sculpture adorning our Temple lobby. There are many more leaves available for your own personal inscriptions. The following categories are still available: Triple Chai $5,400 Guardians of the Temple $1,000 Silver Leaves - Gold Border $750 Silver Leaves $250 Please contact Mindy in the Temple office at 3226901, ext. 301 or office@tbe.org.
INFORMATION FOR YOU… When making a donation in honor of or in memory of someone, an acknowledgement will be mailed to the designee for donations of $10 or more. Donations of less than $10 will be acknowledged only in the Bulletin. All donations will be published in the Bulletin unless you state that you wish to be anonymous. 17
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METROGUARD
Debbie’s
security service provider for
TEMPLE BETH EL
Alterations on Men’s And Women’s Clothes Debbie Soifer 203-348-4475 PARENTS! HELP IS HERE FOR YOUR STUDENTS!
italMath Learning Center Prof. Vitaly Drucker, PhD
Residential Keyholding Residential Security Service Security Alarm Response 800-495-0400 info@metroguardinc.com www.metroguardinc.com
Comprehensive Mathematics Program from Basic Math to AP Calculus for Grades K - 12 One-On-One Instruction Evening and weekend hours available FIRST SESSION IS FREE! Call (203) 327-1332 vdrucker@optonline.net www.mathtutor101.com Stamford resident and member of Temple Beth El since 1989
One-On-One Tutoring
STUDIO A PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Audrey Heller
20 Joan Road Stamford, Connecticut 06905 203-322-3861
203-661-3393 cell: 914-629-2204 fcanpolat@aol.com studioadigital.com
CERTIFIED TEACHER -- 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE SAT PREPARATION STUDY SKILLS
ACH TESTS SSAT-ISEE GED
Experience working with TBE for over 20 years. Ask your friends!
TOEFL ACT ESSAYS
Please note: The appearance of an advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of their kashrut.
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ALSO
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BETH TORAH KOSHER CATERERS Glatt Kosher Custom Catering Catering for all occasions, on-premises or off-premises at location of your choice. American, Middle Eastern & International foods. China, Silver, Linens, Waiters & Bartenders 106-06 Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, NY 11375 Phone: (718) 261-4775 Fax: (718) 261-4607
Accepting Applications Now 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Directly adjacent to the Town of Fairfield in the newly renovated educational facilities of Congregation B’nai Israel
For information or to schedule your visit: 203.275.8448 admissions@jhsct.org www.jhsct.org
SUPERSOL KOSHER
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1066 WILMOT ROAD SCARSDALE, NEW YORK 10583 Phone: 914-472-2240
Fax: 914-472-2215
Glatt Kosher Meats, poultry, Prepared Foods, Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Bakery... CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS DAILY DELIVERY TO STAMFORD UNDER THE RABBINICAL SUPERVISION oF tHE va’ad Harabonim oF QuEEns
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Attention Temple Beth El Congregant and CL&P Customer:
How would you like to donate $75.00 to TBE and be part of Connecticut’s best value: The Home Energy Solutions (HES) Program? Did you know that through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, because you are a CL&P customer, you can receive all the following services? A HES assessment is a complete energy service performed by HE-Energy Solutions LLC, certified professionals. It includes the following: ·The installation of up to 25 compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs - specialty and standard. ·Sealing of wasteful drafts and air leaks. ·Windows and Doors will be assessed - v-seal and weather stripping provided where necessary. ·Water saving strategies - replacement to low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. ·Kill-a-Watt - a household energy monitor- a $25 value, yours, FREE. ·Pipe Insulation - provided if necessary. ·Inspection of attic, floor and wall insulation. ·Hundreds of dollars of additional rebates that you may qualify for. This service is valued at over $700 and is available to you as a CL&P customer for the low cost of $75, which we will donate, in your name, to Temple Beth El. The Home Energy Solutions is one of the innovative programs supported by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and administered by CL&P and UI. Sign up today and start saving.
Please call Vivian at 203.307.5395 HE-Energy Solutions LLC, an approved CL&P HES vendor provider, and use reference code Tzedakah to start saving today.
HE-Energy Solutions LLC 144 Barnum Avenue, Stratford, CT 06614 · 203.307.5395 23
TEMPLE BETH EL
Non-Profit
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
350 Roxbury Road Stamford, CT 06902
STAMFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 42
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 Down 1. He started Tot Shabbat at TBE 2. The service at the end of Shabbat 4. The age of our TBE congregation 5. This service comes at the end of Shabbat morning service 7. The Rose Rosner Award was named for this person 8. The original TBE building stood on this street 10. The name of our maintenance supervisor 14. The year we moved into our present location (last two digits) 2
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Across 3. Steve Lander’s license plate 6. Cantor Mordecai plays this 8. Name of the rabbi whose portrait is in the TBE library 9. Name of TBE’s new early childhood center 11. He was our cantor for 30 years 12. TBE Gift Shop is named for this person 13. The Shema is one
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ANSWERS ON PAGE 15
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