B'nai Israel Bulletin September 2012

Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.congregationbnaiisrael.org

Volume 154, Number 2 Elul 5772/Tishrei 5773 September 2012

High Holy Days for 5773

S’lichot Saturday, September 8

(Annual Service with Congregations Beth El, B’nai Torah, and Rodeph Shalom)

This year here at B’nai Israel!8:30 p.m. Havdalah and S’lichot program

with storyteller Joel Ben Izzy10:00 p.m. refreshments followed by service

of prayer and meditation

Erev Rosh HashanahSunday, September 166:30 p.m. Early Service*8:45 p.m. Late Service

Rosh Hashanah 1st DayMonday, September 17

10:00 a.m. Morning Service (Sanctuary and Tent)10:00 a.m. Youth Program (Grades 1–6)

3:00 p.m. Family Services**

Rosh Hashanah 2nd DayTuesday, September 18

10:00 a.m. Morning Service12:00 p.m. Tashlich (Corner of Stratfield Road and Brooklawn

Parkway, Fairfield)

Memorial ServiceSunday, September 23

1:30 p.m., B’nai Israel Cemetery (Fairfield)

Kol Nidre***Tuesday, September 25

6:30 p.m. Early Service*8:45 p.m. Late Service

Yom KippurWednesday, September 26

10:00 a.m. Morning Service (Sanctuary and Tent)10:00 a.m. Youth Program (Grades 1 –6)

1:30 p.m. Family Services**1:30 p.m. Study session with Ira Wise

2:45 p.m. Afternoon Service4:45 p.m. (approximate time) Yizkor Service

5:45 p.m. Neilah (Concluding) Service and Havdalah

*Our family-friendly early services will take place this year on both Erev Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with features designed for families with children. Midway through the service Rabbi Schultz will lead the children to the chapel for a special interactive program. After about a half hour they’ll rejoin the rest of the congregation for Kiddush (Rosh Hashanah only) and concluding prayers.

**There will be two Family Services running simultaneously. Elementary-age children and their families will meet in the sanctuary with Rabbi Prosnit, Cantor Blum, and the Junior Choir. Preschoolers, nonreaders, and infants are welcome to attend a service designed just for them in the tent with Rabbi Schultz and Rabbi Wilson-Spiro.

***Kol Nidre Radio BroadcastWVOF, 88.5 FM in Fairfield, will broadcast the Kol Nidre service from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. The broadcast is underwritten by Congregation B’nai Israel and is intended for those who are unable to attend services. We are grateful to Fairfield University for making this live broadcast possible.

In addition, if you are unable to attend High Holy Days services, you can now listen to all of our services on special radio receivers that are available to you on loan from the temple. Please contact Cantor Blum to pick up a radio.

SukkotMonday, October 1 10:00 a.m. Service

Monday, October 8 10:00 a.m. Yizkor

Sincere Sympathy

We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

George Braverman, father of Bruce BravermanMarvin Preminger, father of Richard PremingerJerome Berger, father of Kenneth BergerSam Handlovsky, brother of Myra Adler

Welcome! Welcome!

A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will enrich not only their lives, but that of our congregation as well.

Michael and Elona Logue, Rachel, Noah, and EzraIronside Road, FairfieldRobert and Susan RosenblittSalem Road, FairfieldRobert and Wendy SwainSouth Trail, StratfordSean and Laura Fuhr, Emma and IsabelJennings Road, Fairfield

TLC/Temple Loving Care at B’nai Israel

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. —Winston Churchill

Recently, I came across this gem of a sentiment from the famous and respected statesman. These meaningful words elevate the concepts of compassion and generosity of spirit. As members of B’nai Israel, we are all part of a caring community, one that hopefully seeks to lend a hand and respond with kindness. I hope that in extending ourselves to friends and family, we are also recipients of the goodness shared by others. Our TLC group is just one way that we, as a congregation, can help out. Please continue to contact me with any ideas you may have or if you, or someone you care about, could use some Temple Loving Care.

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I wish you a new year filled with an abundance of good health and good laughs, and most important, the time to enjoy them.

Shanah Tovah,Liz Nigrosh ([email protected], 203-268-9044, 203-414-1843)

James Prosnit, D.D. .................................................................... RabbiEvan Schultz ............................................................................... RabbiArnold I. Sher, D.D. ..................................................... Rabbi EmeritusSheri E. Blum, D.M. ................................................................ CantorRamon Gilbert, D.M. ................................................ Cantor EmeritusIra J. Wise, R.J.E. ............................................. Director of EducationRobert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ....................................... Educator EmeritusElaine Chetrit ...................................... Director of Family EducationAlexa Cohen .............................................. Early Childhood DirectorAbby Rohinsky ..................................................... Director of FacilityMatthew Rosen ............................................................. Youth Advisor

OfficersMindy Siegel ......................................................................... PresidentSamuel Rosenberg ....................................................1st Vice PresidentMichael Blumenthal ...................................................... Vice PresidentShari Nerreau ................................................................ Vice PresidentRichard Walden ............................................................ Vice PresidentLori Underberger .................................................................. TreasurerLawrence Levine ................................................... Assistant TreasurerJulie Pressman ....................................................................... SecretaryDonna Tauss .......................................................... Financial SecretaryMark A. Kirsch ............................................. Immediate Past President

AffiliatesJim Greenberg ................................................. Brotherhood PresidentMaia Butterfield & Hannah Greenhall .............. BIFTY Co-Presidents

2 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to [email protected]!

In This Issue

From the Rabbi’s Desk ................................................ 3Brotherhood News ..................................................... 4From Rabbi Schultz ................................................... 5Early Childhood Education ....................................... 6From the Education Center ........................................ 7Young Families Havurah .......................................... 8Adult Jewish Learning .............................................. 9Donations ................................................................... 10Shabbat Services ...................................................... 11Fall Family Festivals ................................... back cover

It wasn’t Tim Tebow who caused the traffic jams and drew them there—it was the Talmud.

In early August, 90,000 Jews, mostly men and mostly ultra-Orthodox, packed MetLife Stadium, home of the Giants and Jets, to celebrate a Siyum HaShas, the conclusion of a 7½-year cycle of

Talmud study. Daf Yomi means “a page a day,” and since the concept began in 1923 there have been 12 celebrations at the end of study of the 2,717-page (double sided) text of a classic Talmud. For those involved, the Talmud outstrips even the Bible in influence and importance. It explicates and builds upon the Torah’s laws, stories, and ideas.

No doubt the siyum on August 2 was the largest in history; a powerful symbol not only of the significance of the Talmud, but also of the growth of traditional Judaism in America.

As an outsider to that world, I was in awe—and more than a bit jealous. And while I have no interest in participating or linking myself to the fundamentalist mindset of most of the participants, I think there is something worth considering from their discipline and commitment to daily study. For Jews there is nothing more essential. Of the three pillars of Jewish life, “study”, “worship,” and the “practice of good deeds,” study ranks highest. The rabbis of old held that only through study

could the details of what constituted proper worship and true goodness be derived. Each morning’s service lists a variety of mitzvot and includes the words “…and the study of Torah exceeds them all because it leads to them all.”

And while a daf yomi may be beyond the ability of all but a few (although online sources and English translations do make it a lot more accessible), the concept of time for daily study is not beyond the reach of liberal Jews. I wonder how many of us avail ourselves of the Reform movement’s 10 Minutes of Torah (http://www.URJ.org/learning/torah/ten) or other learning opportunities widely available.

So with wishes for a good New Year goes an encouragement to make and fulfill a Rosh Hashanah resolution of increased Jewish learning. We’ll be passing out a listing of adult learning opportunities at B’nai Israel during the Holy Days, but certainly other possibilities for meaningful connections and study exist. Some very smart people in the congregation have limited knowledge of Judaism. No one needs to feel embarrassed or hesitant from where they begin. This could be the year to learn more. Both Rabbi Schultz and I would be very pleased to discuss ways to open the door.

Shanah Tovah!

Rabbi James Prosnit

3For our High Holy Day Food Drive, please fill the bag you received at Rosh Hashanah (or any other paper bag) with

nonperishable items and bring it to Yom Kippur services. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Fulfill a Rosh Hashanah Resolution

4 The High Holy Days are here! See the cover for the schedule of services.

Brotherhood News

Welcome back from what we hope was a wonderful summer!

This year kicks off with two great events. The first is our Annual Fall Sunday School BBQ that will take place on September 9 as we celebrate our students’ return to school. All Sunday Religious School students and their families are welcome.

On that same day, the B’nai Israel Brotherhood and Beth El Men’s Club have organized a Habitat for Humanity build. If you wish to join the Build Team, or would like to make a financial donation to this wonderful cause, please contact Lynn Lynch in the temple office.

Later this fall, the Brotherhood is sponsoring an exciting event during which we will screen the movie “Saving Hubble.” This is a movie about the people of America’s successful fight to save the Hubble Space Telescope from becoming space junk. It is also about the expansion of the universe, the power of images, and the correlation between the spiritual and scientific worlds. David Gaynes, the independent filmmaker responsible for this documentary, will be on hand to lead a discussion along with Rabbi Prosnit in what should be a wonderful post-movie discussion and Q & A session. Please check Happenings for further details.

We wish to thank both Jim Grutzmacher and David Kayne for two years of devoted service as our Brotherhood representatives on the temple’s Board of Trustees. Jerry Demner, an active member of our Brotherhood, will now begin a two-year term and we thank him for his energy and commitment.

Brotherhood welcomes special pledges to honor a moment in your life, to remember a loved one, or “just because.” Our special breakfast program includes lox, whitefish salad, and a few other extras outside our normal breakfast fare. If you wish to sponsor a special Brotherhood breakfast, please see Steve Verbil each Shabbat or contact Jim Greenberg at [email protected].

To all men in the B’nai Israel community: your membership is the single most important contribution you can make to ensure the continued success of our efforts. Each and every man in our community can make a difference. If you wish to join Brotherhood, please send a $40.00 check made out to B’nai Israel Brotherhood to:

B’nai Israel Brotherhood2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604

At Brotherhood we measure our success by the mitzvahs we make and the joy they bring…whether you are already a member, or are looking for a fun and productive way to get more involved in temple life, come on out and lend a hand in the company of some really great guys who love to have fun! Drop me an email anytime for more information.

L’shalom,Jim Greenberg, Brotherhood [email protected]

2012 Confirmation Class Gift—Check Out the Parking Lot!

A big thank you to the Confirmation Class of 2012 and parental chair Kristen Carley for their fundraising efforts that helped provide some new trees, roses, and other

plantings to beautify the temple grounds. A special gift—just in time for the High Holy Days!

“Please explain the importance of fasting in your faith and for you personally,” I asked, as I moderated a panel comprising two Muslims, a Christian minister, a rabbi, and a Buddhist monk last month on McLevy Green in downtown Bridgeport. The panel discussion was just piece of the very powerful Tent

of Abraham’s Interfaith Iftar event on August 1. More than 150 members of different synagogues, mosques, churches, and temples joined together to mark the breaking of the fast of the month of Ramadan.

The event was an opportunity to learn about the fast of Ramadan and for interfaith dialogue. Keynote speaker Dr. Jimmy Jones, a Yale professor and leader of the Masjid al-Islam mosque in New Haven, spoke about the textual commonalities between the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths. He provided an opportunity to study one another’s holy texts, attempting to discern their origins. The program then shifted to a panel discussing the practice of fasting in the various faiths. Participants then joined in communal prayer to break the fast of Ramadan, followed by a communal break-fast under the stars. As I looked around McLevy Green, I saw B’nai Israel congregants learning and engaging in dialogue with Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists from Bridgeport and Fairfield. It was certainly a seminal moment in my short time here at B’nai Israel; we all agreed that the evening was a major success.

As I sat under the summer sky enjoying Turkish food with new Christian and Muslim friends, I began to think about two ideas in preparation for our own upcoming fast during the holy day of Yom Kippur that I had not previously considered. The first idea relates to the Jewish concept of time. Muslims fast for 30 days each year. Buddhists engage in a minor fast (they eat lunch) two to six days per month. In the Jewish faith, we have seven fast days, although many of us (including myself) fast only on Yom Kippur. So I asked myself,

“Why, in the Jewish tradition, do we engage in only one day of fasting on Yom Kippur, when others fast for 30 days?” One answer is that in Judaism, our practice or ritual is often a re-enactment or retelling of a chapter of our story. Maimonides writes that, “The reason for the Fast of Atonement is… [that] it provides for the idea of repentance. It is the day on which the master of the prophets [Moses] descended [from Mount Sinai] with the second set of tablets of the Law and communicated to the people forgiveness…. This day became forever a day of repentance and true worship” (Guide for the Perplexed 3:43). We thus fast for one day to re-create a space of sacred time; to see ourselves as standing before Moses in that moment when he brought the tablets to the Israelite people.

The Iftar event also pushed me to think about the nature of food, and its role vis-à-vis our relationships with those around us. For many, food can be a defense. Oftentimes if we are uncomfortable, we eat. There are times when food can serve as a comfort in the midst of challenging situations. I have certainly had moments when I have avoided a difficult conversation with someone by instead taking that person out for a drink or a meal. When we sit across the table, the food lies in front of us, potentially acting as a barrier to real and significant conversation. Thus on Yom Kippur when we fast, we eliminate that defense of food. The fasting enables us to be present with those around us and with God, encouraging and pushing us to say what we need to say in that moment of the Jewish calendar.

The great power of interfaith dialogue and an event such as Iftar is that it not only builds bridges between people of different faiths, but it also enables us to more deeply contemplate and consider our own practices and rituals. The more we dialogue with others, whether they are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist, the greater the possibility that we will unlock new doors to our own faith and find deeper personal meaning in our Jewish rituals and practices.

Rabbi Evan Schultz

5

From Rabbi SchultzFaiths United Through Fasting (and what it means for us on Yom Kippur)

Build a sukkah at home—see the back cover for details!

6 The High Holy Days are here! See the cover for the schedule of services.

From the Early Childhood Center

Aha!

As we get ready to begin a new school year and end our summer camp program I am reminded of an article by Dale Cooperman and Idie Benjamin, Jewish In the Summer –Counting Our Blessings (Torah Aura Productions Bulletin, URJ)

“In some Jewish early childhood programs, a summer program can be a vacation from the Jewish focus that guides the school year. Of course, there is Shabbat to celebrate every Friday, but without a holiday to learn about and then celebrate, our programs can seem no different than any other center-based summer program.

This gets to the heart of two realities we face. The first is that Jewish early childhood education is overwhelmingly focused on holidays. Of course, our traditions and holidays are important in helping to develop young Jewish identities, but they are not all there is to living a Jewish life. The second reality is that we see our programs as having separate Jewish and secular sides, and integrating them can be a challenge.

Early childhood education emphasizes teaching the “whole child” and integrating all of the “selves.” One essential “self” is the child’s Jewish identity. Our programs must find ways to bring Jewish ideas and values into the program all of the time. A vibrant Jewish life is enriched by the entire world, and our world experiences are enriched by Judaism.

So how do we “root” a summer program in teachable Jewish moments? It is actually a blessing that there is no holiday to distract us. During the summer we can show that a Jewish life is not only celebrating a holiday but a way of interacting with the world every day.

Summer programs are all about being outside and having opportunities to enjoy the natural world. Outdoor classrooms are sensory laboratories for exploring and learning about God’s amazing world. Outside there is water, sand, dirt, mud, trees, a marvelous variety of animals, people, habitats, and endless opportunities for hands-on learning.

Childhood should be all about wonder and “aha” moments. Nature gives us so many moments for awe. Brakhot/blessings give us the words to express our appreciation. And simply “being” in nature provides opportunities to show

appreciation and wonder with a blessing, a brakhah. These remarkable opportunities provide the basis to teach how Jews can respond to the beauty of these experiences.

Are children eating fruit that has a wonderful smell? There is a blessing for that. Are children finding that some tree, bush, or flower has a beautiful smell? There is a blessing for that.

Depending on where you live, thunder and lightning abound in the summer. It’s not unusual for children to be frightened by these storms. Don’t just assure them that everything is fine. Teach them that Judaism appreciates nature with special words about what is happening and say the blessing for thunder and lightning. Help the children be comforted by the ritual. And if the children are fortunate to see a rainbow, remember the story of Noah, and say the blessing for seeing a rainbow.

Is there a field trip to a zoo or a nature preserve? Will animals visit the school? Do the children have a favorite animal, or one that they think is truly beautiful—or unusual? There are blessings to mark when we see these creatures.

Saying a blessing is putting the brakes on the moment. We don’t just gobble down our food; we stop and help the children appreciate what we have by saying thank you. We don’t just smell or look at something, we stop and consider it and express our thanks. When we do this with children, we help them learn to stop and really see the world around them and be thankful for all of its blessings, even those creatures that are unfamiliar, odd, or just plain strange!

We will bet that as you help the children to stop and take notice of the gifts that summer offers, you will, too. And won’t that be a blessing?

All of these blessings begin the same way, and each has its own ending phrase. We begin each blessing with the same words, acknowledging God’s presence in our lives, and then each has its own, special ending phrase.”

We all need to “put on the brakes” sometimes and take time for that “aha” moment.

Alexa CohenDirector, Early Childhood Education Center

The late Tip O’Neill, long-time Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said that “all politics is local.” If you listen to the campaign ads, the economy has improved over the last three years, although job growth is lagging. Or it is worse than it has

ever been, and job growth is lagging. I don’t know who is right. I do know that each of us lives our own local situation, not a national trend.

Last year we raised $8,000 for the Religious School Scholarship Fund, which supports the enrollment of students in the Religious School. We awarded all of that money, completely depleting the fund as 22 students received assistance. Hopefully some of those families are in better shape financially. Some are not. And we know for certain that others have fallen on hard times.

This past year, the Bob and Marsha Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund assisted six of our students who went to Israel this summer with NFTY (our national Reform youth movement). And it also helped four campers from B’nai Israel go to Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. We have depleted that fund as well.

We have many funds at B’nai Israel that support a lot of important activities. Scholarships for Religious School, the Early Childhood Center, our camps, and Israel programs just scratch the surface. Special Needs programs for children and adults, Social Action, prayer books, Adult Jewish Learning, Family Education, Habitat for Humanity, and our rabbis’ discretionary funds are just a few of the areas supported by contributions by you and your friends. You can see the complete list at http://bit.ly/BnaiIsraelFunds. I hope you support them.

I want to make a special appeal. Religious School enrollment is nearly complete. We know we have a number of students whose families are in very difficult financial situations. Camp and Israel enrollment begins over the next several months. Help us help our children and their families. Please make a contribution to the Religious School Scholarship Fund or the Bob and Marsha Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund. Please go to http://bit.ly/MembersArea, sign in with your user name and password, and make a contribution to one of these—or any of our other funds. Make it in honor or in memory of someone you love. Make it because you want to help. Make it because we are a community and we support one another. But please make it.

L’shalom,Ira J. Wise, Director of Education



From the Education Center

Is It the Economy?

Opening Days for Religious School:

Gan–Kitah Gimel (grades K–3) and Etgar ................................................................. Sunday, September 9Kitot Daled–Vav (grades 4–6) ....................................................................................... Tuesday, September 11Kitot Zayin and Chet (grades 7 and 8) ........................................................................ Monday, September 24Merkaz (high school) ......................................................................................................... Tuesday, October 16

We are also pleased to announce that this fall, based on direction from the Religious School Committee’s Vision Team, we are running a pilot program for future enhancements to the Religious School curriculum called Etgar, meaning Challenge. In general, these enhancements include a more integrated and experiential learning environment and curriculum.

A special enrollment for this one integrated Hebrew and Jewish Studies Kitah Daled (4th grade) class was held in July, and enough families were willing to go on this exciting journey with us that we can offer it. We will update the congregation on the program’s progress during the year.

8 Build a sukkah at home—see the back cover for details!

The B’nai Israel Young Families HavurahRosh Hashanah, which always falls at the beginning of the American school year, seems to be perfectly placed to help harmonize our children’s Western and Jewish sensibilities. Rosh Hashanah, which means literally “head

of the year,” is all about beginnings. It is a time to pause and reassess. Our tradition calls this cheshbon hanefesh, literally “spiritual accounting” or “spiritual reckoning.” We ask ourselves: “What have we done well in the last year? What could we have done better?” And bolstered by enthusiasm for freshly made promises to do better, we begin another school year.

Organizations also benefit from cheshbon hanefesh. The Young Families Havurah has done a lot good over the past year. We have grown well past our infancy stage to start our third year with a solid group of families who connect both during and outside of Havurah programming. We continue to attract new young families regularly, and as some of our members join the congregation we know that we are functioning effectively as an outreach program for the larger community. And we have created a new blog (http://youngfamilieshavurah.blogspot.com/) and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/YoungFamiliesHavurah) to communicate with our membership and to catch the attention of new young families.

Yet our work is not done. We recognize that as children grow older, they grow out of the Havurah but not out of their need for an opportunity to celebrate Shabbat on Saturday mornings with their families. This fall we are proud to announce the beginning of Havurah Bet, a

new part of the Young Families Havurah especially for children in kindergarten through third grade and their families. Havurah Bet will meet monthly with both Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro and Rabbi Evan Schultz for musical, age-appropriate services and educational programming. As with all Havurah programs, Havurah Bet is free and open to everyone. Please contact Rabbi Nicole if you are interested in participating at [email protected].

Our first Havurah Bet program will be Saturday, September 8. There will be concurrent Havurah services for younger children (birth through age 4) as always. Bagels are at 9:30 a.m., and services start at 9:45 a.m. Of course, we continue to welcome children in kindergarten through third grade at regular Havurah services and programming on those weeks when Havurah Bet does not meet.

And please join us for our third annual pre–Rosh Hashanah apple picking! We’ll meet on Sunday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Silverman’s Farm, 451 Sport Hill Road (Rt. 59) in Easton.

Rabbi Nicole Wilson-SpiroCheck out our blog (http://youngfamilieshavurah.blogspot.com/) and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/YoungFamiliesHavurah).

Rachel Yurdin and her daughter Kylie enjoy the

fruits of their labors.

Merkaz Registration InformationMerkaz 2012–2013/5773 is just around the corner! Registration packets will be mailed to students’ homes

during the first week of September. Merkaz registration will open at the JCC on Tuesday, September 11 at 9 a.m. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

We look forward to welcoming all our new and returning students and faculty!

9The High Holy Days are here! See the cover for the schedule of services.

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel

Laying the Groundwork: High Holy Days Lifelong Learning—Fridays, September 7 and 14 at noonJoin Rabbi Schultz to prepare our spirits and selves for the upcoming High Holy Days. These interactive sessions will focus on the three main themes of the High Holy Days: Shofarot (the symbolism of the shofar), Malchuyot (God’s sovereignty), and Zichronot (remembrance). Together we’ll explore and examine biblical, rabbinic, and contemporary texts and writings on these three themes that permeate the upcoming Holy Days. Participants will have the opportunity to both learn and share to help lay the spiritual and theological groundwork for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. All are invited!

A Big Fish and an Important Lesson Yom Kippur Afternoon, Wednesday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m.

We’ve all read the story of Jonah and the big fish, but have you considered what this story suggests about loneliness? Or how to talk about this story with

our children and grandchildren? Or what he would have said in conversation with our other prophets? Ira Wise will lead us in an exploration of our afternoon’s Haftarah with the help of a special issue of Sh’ma magazine’s special High Holy Day Issue. We will have hard copies available at the session, but you can get a sneak peak at the many articles inside at http://bit.ly/ABigFish. If you find one of them particularly compelling, let Ira know at [email protected]!

What’s So Dark about the Dark Ages?Lifelong Learning—Fridays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, and November 2, 11Some of us have been following the journey of the Jewish people with Ira Wise for many years. Others have joined us along the way. We continue our journey this year beginning in the 6th century in Europe. The adventure begins October 5!

B’nai Israel takes the Bronze Medal!Of the 181 congregations who are eligible to send campers to Eisner and Crane Lake Camps, we are ranked third in terms of number of campers this summer, with 30 of our children spending part or all of the summer at one of our two URJ camps in the Berkshires! We also have one staff member at Eisner and four at Crane Lake. Here are photos of our second session groups with Ira Wise, who served as faculty at Eisner camp this summer.

First Session Eisner campers included Emma Hotchkiss, Aidan and Kaleigh Karnal, Hunter Lightman, Alexandra List, Leo Spears, Ally Underberger, and Ethan and Harper Wise.

First Session Crane Lake campers included Sophie Bogner-Beauchemin, Caroline and Melanie DelAngelo, Alexander Glass, Jason and Shaye Manton, Rebecca Molinoff, Jenna Rosenstein, Jacob Rudolph. and Ben Stein.

(l to r, row 1) Second Session campers Benjamin Wunder, Sarah Rocco, Ellie Rocco, Isaac Hendler, Max Fink, Alexandra List, Becca Fink, Alex Weisman; (row 2) Ethan Wise (counselor), Jacob Wunder, Harper Wise, Ira Wise, and Leo Spears

(l to r, row 1) Second Session campers Jenna Rosenstein, Rebecca Newman, Jacob Newman; (row 2) Ira Wise, Jacob Rudolph, Alex Taylor, Ben Stein, Samantha Taylor (counselor). Missing are Jacob Rodier and Machon counselors Mollie Blumenthal and Sarah Stein.

10 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to [email protected]!

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi ProsnitJeffrey Bender in memory of his family.Barbara and Mark Edinberg in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Eloise Epstein in memory of her brother, Dr. Alvin Turken.Michael Friedman in memory of Jerome Friedman.David Abbey and Deborah Goodman in memory of Harriet Abbey.William Greenspan—a contribution.Sherman Greenwald—a contribution.The Haber family in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit and in honor of Craig’s Bar Mitzvah.Bernard Jacobs in memory of Nadine Rubenstein, sister to Adele Josovitz.Jan and Bernie Jacobs in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman.Alida and Albert Kleban in memory of our father, Joseph Shulkin.Gale Lubchansky in loving memory of my mother, Faye Steuerman.Samuel Miller in memory of Joseph Kot.Lesley and Paul Palange in celebration of the naming of their son, Ryder.Beth and Randy Reich in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman.Sheila and Burton Yaffie in honor of the birth of a new grandson to Gail and Gary Felberbaum, the son of Michael and Rachel Felberbaum.

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi SchultzEd and Luise Burger—welcome to B’nai Israel, Rabbi Schultz.Richard and Susan Preminger and family in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz and in memory of father, Marvin Preminger. Patti and Samuel Rosenberg in honor of Rabbi Schultz’s arrival.Debbie and Michael Weisman in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman.

Music FundRosalind Gordon in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.William Greenspan—a contribution. The Haber family in appreciation to Cantor Blum and in honor of Craig’s Bar Mitzvah.Samuel Miller in honor of Bonnie and Leonard Blum’s anniversary.

Religious School Enrichment FundLisa and Eric Broder in appreciation of the Etgar Pilot Program.Richard and Joanne Krantz in appreciation of the Pilot Program for the fourth grade.Beth and Randy Reich in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger.Audrey, Ira, Ethan, and Harper Wise in honor of the birth of Michaela Danae, granddaughter of Geoffrey and Melanie Kooris and daughter of David and Jessica Kooris.

Religious School Scholarship FundAudrey, Ira, Ethan, and Harper Wise in memory of Marvin Preminger, father of Richard Preminger; in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman; in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger.

Prayer Book FundSheila and Marshall Madow in loving memory of their daughters, Debbie and Lisa.

Nursery School Enrichment FundPeter and Gail Weinstein—congratulations to the Viens family on Matthew’s college graduation; congratulations to the Marks family on the graduations from college and high school of Maddy and Aaron.

Nursery School Scholarship FundSerena and Arnie Sher in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce and Laura Braverman. Gail and Peter Weinstein in honor of Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah; in honor of Edward Goldstein’s special birthday; in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman; in memory of Carol Weisfeld, sister of Ralph Loew.

Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education FundEsther Spiegel in memory of her brother Philip; in memory of her sister-in-law, Regina Hirsch.Ken, Cindy, Eric, and Aaron West in memory of Jerome Berger, father and grandfather of Ken and Lori Berger and family.

Judith Brav Sher Family Education FundElaine and Juda Chetrit in memory of Marvin Preminger, father of Richard Preminger; in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman; in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger.Bob Ford/Jesse Goldbaum in memory of Sadie Goldbaum; in thanks to Elaine Chetrit from her “Oldest Hebrew Class.”

Rabbi Martin Library FundMuriel Lefsetz in memory of mother and grandson, Adam.

Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action FundAudrey and Larry Bernstein in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Bari Dworken in honor of Juda Chetrit’s birthday (for Habitat); in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneorn (for Caring Committee).Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo and Jon Sonneborn; in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce and Laura Braverman.Robert and Paula Herzlinger in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Chris and George Markley in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Samuel Miller in memory of Harriet Miller.Serena and Arnie Sher in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken and Lori Berger; in honor of Jim Abraham’s special milestone birthday.

Enhancement FundEdward and Luise Burger—congratulations to Mindy Siegel on becoming President of B’nai Israel; thank you to Mark Kirsch for all his hard work as President of B’nai Israel; in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger; in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman; congratulations to Don and Wendy Hyman on the marriage of their daughter; in memory of Lisa Grant’s mother.

Richard and Joanne Krantz in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Joanne and Neil Lippman in memory of Edythe Morris, grandmother of Jill Elbaum.George and Chris Markley in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger.Marc and Maggie Walowitz in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Ken Berger, and George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman.

Etz Chaim Living Torah FundJudith and Stanley Lessler in honor of Jim Abraham’s special birthday.Linda and Brad Rothbaum in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Kenneth Berger.

Alan Weinstein Scholarship FundThe Ledvich family in loving memory of mother and grandmother, Emilie Ledvich.

Gillette Judaic Enrichment FundBarbara and Jim Abraham in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Chris and George Markley in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman. Samuel Miller in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.Serena and Arnie Sher in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn. Nancy and Irv Silverman in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn. Steven Soberman and Suzanne Phillip in memory of George Braverman, father of Bruce Braverman.

Charles Fried Keshet FundGeorge and Chris Markley in memory of Marvin Preminger, father of Richard Preminger.

MAZON FundJoan and Alan Newman in honor of the wedding of Larry Barnett and Diane Nickleberg.

Vision Loan Reduction FundPatti and Samuel Rosenberg in honor of Sarah’s confirmation; in memory of Marvin Preminger, father of Richard and Susan Preminger; in memory of Jerome Berger, father of Kenneth and Lori Berger.William and Lorraine Smith in memory of Peg Rawdon, mother of Cleo Sonneborn.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.



SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE

Friday, September 7 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Ki Tavo Deut. 26:1-29:8 Haftarah – Isaiah 60:1-22

Saturday, September 8 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. B’not Mitzvah of Carly

Sappern, daughter of Matthew and Rianne Sappern; and Jamie Verchin, daughter of Scott and Lisa Verchin

Friday, September 14 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Nitzavim Deut. 29:9-30:20 Haftarah – Isaiah 61:10-63:9

Saturday, September 15 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Max

Vaughn, son of Brian and Stephanie Vaughn

Friday, September 21 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Vayeilech Deut. 31:1-30 Haftarah – Hosea 14:2-10;

Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27

Saturday, September 22 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Gabriel

Mansour, son of Malek and Nina Mansour

Friday, September 28 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – Ha’azinu Deut. 32:1-52 Haftarah – 2 Samuel 22:1-51

Saturday, September 29 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Rachel

Lewis, daughter of Jonathan and Nanci Lewis

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

Special thanks to the following families for their donations to the 2012 Confirmation class:

Brian and Linda BarlaamKenneth and Lori Berger

Robert and Carson BerkowitzMichael and Judith BlumenthalVal Bogner and Linda Torzsa

Joav and Lisa BurgerKevin and Kristen CarleyRobert and Susan CarronJuda and Elaine Chetrit

Michael Connolly and Myra ShapiroSteven and Jill Elbaum

Michael FriedmanRichard and Marisol Fromme

Jack and Sondra GermainJames and Lisa Greenberg

Lawrence and Robin GreenhallStuart and Susan Horowitz

Howard and Robyn KaisermanRichard and Joan Kalmans

Arlene KaminskyMarc and Janice KatzMark and Anne Kirsch

Richard and Joanne KrantzPaul and Marjorie KrubinerAndrew and Angelique Levi

Neil and Joanne LippmanJoyce Moriber

Brian and Shari NerreauPeter and Judith Panthauer

Richard and Susan Preminger

Rabbi James Prosnit and Wendy BlochRandy and Beth Reich

Paul and Gertrude ReismanGlenn and Amy RichMichael Rosenberg

Samuel and Patti RosenbergFrancis and Renee Ruben

Arnie and Serena SherLawrence and Marcy Shinbaum

Jeff and Mindy SiegelWilliam and Lorraine SmithDan and Lori UnderbergerJoseph and Leslie Varon

Richard and Susan Walden

12

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Join Us for B’nai Israel’s Fall Family Festival Celebrations!

Sukkot Sunday, September 30, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Make new acquaintances and join family and old friends as we decorate our synagogue sukkah, worship together, and enjoy a potluck dinner under the stars. Bring fruits, vegetables, gourds, dried flowers, cards, and any of your favorite

hanging paraphernalia to beautify our lovely sukkah. Following our Sukkah decoration, we’ll join in our 6:00 p.m. Sukkot Family Service. We will conclude the evening with our harvest meal. In celebration of our bounty, bring a nut-free dish that can feed eight to share at our picnic. Last names beginning A–L, please bring a main dish, and last names beginning M–Z, please bring a side dish.

Simchat Torah Sunday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m.Design your own colorful Simchat Torah flag or banner to wave and parade around the Sanctuary during our spirited Simchat Torah Family Service, which will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Build your own backyard sukkah!Celebrate the week of Sukkot in your own backyard sukkah. It’s easy. Contact Elaine at 203-336-1858 or [email protected] to order your sukkah kit, which includes an assembly manual and all of the hardware for an 8 x 8-foot sukkah. The materials (wood and lattice) will be delivered to your door the weekend of September 28, and you can arrange to have a volunteer B’nai Israel Sukkah Squad of able and willing B’nai Israel builders arrive at your house to help you construct your beautiful sukkah on the morning of Sunday, September 30.

The one-time expense for a lifetime of Sukkot celebrations is $300.00. Orders must be placed by September 14. Contact Elaine by September 14 to order your lulav and etrog set for $60.00 as well!

Documents

B'nai Israel Bulletin September 2012