January 2016 Administrative Assistant: Susan Rubin [email protected]

January 2016 Administrative Assistant: Susan Rubin Office@Congadathisrael.Org

Adath Israel Tradition

Serving the Adath Israel Chavurah since 1904 Newtown, Monroe, Bethel, Brookfield, Southbury, Trumbull, Oxford, Danbury

(The Little Synagogue that Could: First building: 1919, First rabbi: 1923) Ritual: Conservative Social: Progressive Oneg Shabbats: Priceless

January 20 Tevet - 21 Shevat 2016 5776

Wishing all of our members and friends a HAPPY and HEALTHY 2016

Support Adath Israel Family friendly Sponsor an Oneg; Purchase a Bronze Memorial Nameplate or a leaf on our Passover Hagaddahs Tree of Life; Shop through Amazon for sale Smile; Attend Events; Tell your Friends about us; Volunteer.

For forms and additional information contact See page 5 for more information. Susan at [email protected]

In This Issue Upcoming Activities Happy 2016 1 Just For the Record 6 11 Community Events Vice - President’s Message The Nezvesky School In Memoriam 2 7 12 Community Care Committee Pre-School Playgroup Contact Information Donations Ritual 3 School Chanukah Program Photos 8, 9 13 Hosting an Oneg / Kiddush Chanukah Party Photos Meet our Educators 4, 5 10 January Calendar 14 Haggadahs for Sale Members in the News; Sisterhood

SYNAGOGUE UPDATE… from our Vice Presidents

Happy New Year to everyone! Last year at this time, we had already received feet of snow, and this year there has not even been a flurry . . . yet! Now that the winter solstice has passed and the shortest day of the year is behind us, we are looking forward to the days becoming longer and moving us towards Spring.

Just to update you, during December there has been a lot of activity at the synagogue. First, we have had several wonderful Shabbat services. The smooth success of these services was made possible by our Ritual Com- mittee; headed by Katherine Kohrman. Many thanks go out to this committee for their time and hard work. In addition, Katherine has worked diligently to help our visiting rabbis prepare for their services and it has been wonderful meeting our rabbi candidates in the context of a service.

As you know, we have been actively working toward hiring a new Rabbi for our shul. We would like to give a big shout out to Tod Bogdanoff and his Search committee for all their hard work screening, interviewing and checking references of our Rabbi candidates. He and his team have done a huge amount of work and have done it excellently. Thank you to all of you who have attend the services lead by our Rabbi candidates. The Board is very interested in everyone’s feedback of the candidates, so please feel free to call us or send an email with your thoughts. Our search continues, so please watch for announcements of when we will be having other guest Rabbis. A final decision should be coming soon; hopefully within the next month or so.

Our synagogue is hard at work trying to provide a robust religious, cultural and community oriented experience for all. Another event that occurred during December included the Religious School Chanukah celebration for the children. The children had a great time thanks to our Education Committee, chaired by David Smith. The Membership and Programming, committee headed by Jodi Markowsky with Pam Tassiello and Stacey Schumer, put on a family Chanukah party which was really enjoyed by all who attended. A big thank you to all who contributed time and food, it was terrific. In addition, this committee is hard at work planning more community events. STAY TUNED for more information about upcoming events such as a lecture series, Pub Night, and field trips.

The Caring committee, led by Sue Morse, has been hard at work. These volunteers have been actively engaged in reaching out to our congregants in their time of need and providing meals as required. Thank you to all who have given of their time and resources to support those in need in our community.

The synagogue is also working to secure additional funding. The Sisterhood has started the process of planning for our next big fundraiser and we have established a Grant Writing committee. The Grant Writing committee, spear headed by Lynn Wiener, is working on applying for grants to develop a music and art cultural program. The goal is to create a robust Jewish/Israeli arts and music program for both the religious school and for our community at large. We hope that these programs will enrich the lives of our congregants, as well as attract new members to our shul. Parallel to this effort, the group is also working on grants for general funds to sustain the synagogue. If anyone knows individuals at a foundation that might support our work, please let us know!

We wish you all a happy and healthy New Year filled with blessings of peace! Amy Greenfield, Susan Wilson, Rosalie Newman Community Care & Share

During the month of December the Community Care and Share Committee has reached out to several families in need. We are there for the Congregation to provide a little TLC to those who are in need. If we can be of any assis- tance or support please contact Susan Morse ([email protected]) or Susan Rubin ([email protected]) if our committee can be of any service to you or if you know of any member in need of our support. We hope everyone had a joyous Hanukkah and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Susan Littlefield Secretary

From The Ritual Committee

SERVICE REMINDER

No service will be held on Friday, January 1st . Friday January 8 will be the family service.

Shabbat Services in December CALLING ALL SENIORS We thank those congregants who have led our Shabbat services in the month of December: Katherine Kohrman, Art come celebrate with us at a Gruber and Bonnie Goldstein. We also thank our Torah and Haftorah chanters in the past month: Michael and Jim SENIOR SHABBAT CELEBRATION Arena, Mark Rebb, and Katherine Kohrman chanted verses from Parshat VaYeishev, and Art Gruber chanted Haftorat Saturday morning, January 23rd VaYeishev. A special Mazal Tov to Jim Arena who chanted Torah for the very first time and did so beautifully. A a Shabbat morning service and a pot-luck special Thanks to Art Gruber who chanted Musaf on the luncheon to honor all of you who have spur of the moment because the Shabbat spirit and the will reached an age of wisdom, grace, and of the congregation moved him to stay on the bimah after dignity. Come sing and schmooze and the Haftorah was completed. k’vell and nosh together. RSVP (for the luncheon) to Katherine Kohrman at Thank you to Steve Bamberg who conducted our [email protected] or call her at "Learning Service" and another thank you to David Smith 203 426 4744 for his D'Var Torah on December 25th! Thank you David for also assisting me on the 25th...it was fun!!! the service will begin at 9:30 am and On December 11th, we had our first prospective rabbinical the luncheon will start between candidate lead our Shabbat Service. We appreciated his 11:30 and 12:00. leading our service, and getting to know a little bit about him. Thank you Mark and Bonnie Rebb for sponsoring our Oneg! It was awesome! We also appreciated hearing our second candidate, who lead our service on December 19th. Both turnouts were very well attended. Thank you SHIVA INFORMATION to all who came out to hear our candidates and schmooze During this interim period when we are with them!!!! without a Rabbi… If you have a loss in

Bonnie Goldstein your family, please contact Susan Rubin our synagogue administrator or board Rituals member Amy Greenfield. We want to support all the families in our congregation. We will share the information you CEMETERY PLOTS AVAILABLE give us within our community in any way that you request. We will help you or- FOR FAMILIES OF CAI MEMBERS ganize any Shiva’s that you plan to hold. Adath Israel Cemetery There are several lay leaders who can (a division of B’nai Israel Cemetery) lead a Shiva Minyan Service for you at 472 Moose Hill Road, Monroe, CT your home. Let us be there with you. Amy can be reached at 203-610-0293 or Information packets are available. Susan can be reached at Please contact Susan Rubin at [email protected] [email protected]. or call 203-426-5188 and leave her a message.

CHANUKAH PARTY December 12

Photos by Bonnie Goldstein

ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS Passover Haggadahs for Sale IN THE NEWSLETTER Believe it or not, it’s time to think about Passover which Business card size: is April 22 of 2016! $10 monthly / $90 yearly 1/4 page: $15 mo. / $135 yr. This year, order a personalized Haggadah for everyone attending your Seder. Each Haggadah is customized 1/2 page: $25 mo. / $225 yr. with a first or family name. Full page: $45 mo. / $405 yr. Simply order at www.PersonalizedHaggadah.com and Email: [email protected] select “Connecticut – Newtown - Congregation Adath Israel” during online check-out. You will receive your beautiful family keepsake Haggadahs, and we receive Shop at 20% of your Haggadah sale!

and Amazon will make a donation to: The Haggadah features appealing illustrations, it’s easy to understand, and it is concise, yet traditional. You can view the entire Haggadah online. They are just $11.50! Congregation Adath Israel A sample book will be available for AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. viewing at Adath Israel or view it Same products, same prices, same service. here:

Support Congregation Adath Israel by starting http://personalizedhaggadah.com/ flippingbook/magazine/view/id/1/ your shopping at: #page/1 http://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-1365965

JUST FOR THE RECORD Among others, Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd Lesser Known Jewish and Lynn Anderson Recording Artists have also recorded her ~ Contributed by Charles Berger songs. Karla has had On Saturday night, November 21st, our some of her records on party of four went to the Ridgefield Play- Billboard and Cashbox house to see songwriter Jimmy Webb, from 1978 to 1984, but the writer of such classic pop tunes as ironically the only Top "Wichita Lineman", "By The Time I Get 20 hit has been To Phoenix", "Galveston", "Up Up And "Personally" (featured) Away", and the strange "MacArthur from 1982 which she Park". However, before he went on, a 63 did not write! year old female singer, not quite as well known but still a fine songwriter, per- It appears that she has formed for an hour on guitar and pi- never been married or ano, Karla Bonoff is her name. has had children. She did have Kenny Ed- Radiologist Dr. Chester Bonoff and teacher Shirley Ka- wards of "Bryndle" as a "boyfriend". There are perform- hane are the parents of Karla, born in Santa Monica, CA ers who feel that they owe their audiences only a good on December 27, 1952. She has a sister Lisa, who is performance and not too much knowledge of their per- three years older. As a pre-teen, Ms. Bonoff took piano, sonal lives. Karla Bonoff seems to be one of them. violin and guitar lessons. When Karla was only 15, she started to write songs and with Lisa performed as "The Daughters Of Chester P". At 16, she and Lisa audi- tioned for Elektra Records, but they were not signed to the label. (Lisa eventually became a teacher). Your Ad Here

Karla eventually met Linda Ronstadt and Kenny Ed- Please email Susan at wards and with several others formed the group [email protected] "Bryndle" in 1970. An album for A&M Records was to find out how to advertise your business never released to the public and the group soon broke up (although it re-formed in 1991 and issued several in our newsletters albums until 2003). She then did backup singing on albums for former group members Wendy Waldman and Linda Ronstadt. In addition, she contributed several compositions for the Ronstadt albums.

Stuffed Animal Collection Have an opinion? Like to write? Ongoing...

Newsletter contributions are al- We will be continuing our stuffed animal collection ways welcome… for several different organizations. Your stuffed

Have family or student news you would like animal donations (in any condition) will bring to share? smiles to many children.

Contact: [email protected] Just drop your plastic bags of stuffed animals in the designated box in the lobby of Adath Israel. Please note that current and past copies of the newsletter can be found on the synagogue website, Bud & Bernice Ullmann www.congadathisrael.org

THE NEZVESKY SCHOOL

Welcome to 2016!

In December we celebrated Chanukah with the entire religious school and a splendid time was had by all. I’d like to thank our volunteers, Tod Bogdanoff, Rosalie Newman, Susan Rubin, Bob Rubinstein, Matt Schumer, Cara and Chad Tingley for preparing the crafts, Mardi Smith for running the gift shop, and especially our teachers and parents who all helped to make it an enjoyable experience. The Chanukiyah contest showed many unique variations on the basic design - as you can see from the photos in this newsletter. First place was awarded to Max from our 1st grade class; second place went to Cameron from our 2nd grade class, and there was a third place tie of Abigail and Steven from our 2nd and 3rd grade classes. Yashir Koach to all who participated.

I regret to announce that Dalia Coleman, our education director has decided that she can no longer fulfill that role. We appreciate her service and look forward to seeing her around at other synagogue events.

In January we are beginning the second term of Religious School and the report cards will be handed to parents on Sunday, January 10. Remember also the School Dinner on Friday January 22 - it’s a great way to get to know other parents in the school and participate with your children. Also, the same weekend, we will be holding the Tu B’Shevat Seder on Sunday January 24. This is a special program to commemorate the new year of the trees and the Seder is a lovely tradition. The Second and Seventh Grades will sponsor it so we will be contacting you.

David Smith, Education Chair 203-364-1788 [email protected]

Ima Abba v’Ani (Pre-School Playgroup)

For children ages 2 to 5 (children not yet enrolled in Kindergarten) and their parent or caregiver. Chil- dren learn about the Jewish holidays in an age-appropriate way, make crafts, sing and dance, and have a GREAT time. This program is led by Jodi Markowsky and meets once a month from 9:30 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings during the school year. And it is FREE to attend.

We ask that a parent or caregiver remain with the child during the class and that you bring a small snack and drink. It is strongly encouraged that the snack be nut-free (i.e. no peanut butter products).

Playgroup dates: October 4 • November 1 • December 6 • January 10 • February 7 • March 6 • April 5 • May 1

Call or email the office to reserve your spot! 203-426-5188 or [email protected]

SCHOOL CHANUKAH PROGRAM December 6

Chanukah Crafts

Chanukiyah Contest Entries

Chanukiyah Contest

Photos by Leslie Murray

Chanukah Snacks

Getting to know our educators…

Each month, a brief biography of one of our school educators will be featured. This month we feature Lynn Wiener, our first grade teacher.

Shalom. My name is Lynn Wiener and I am teaching this year’s 1st grade class in the Religious School at Congregation Adath Israel. My family joined this congregation approximately 12 years ago. Three of my four children became B’nai Mitz- vah here and both my husband and I have served on many committees and had the honor of serving on the board in various positions and working with the Education Committee.

My background is in Education and Administration. I hold two Master’s Degrees one in Education and another in Public Administration and am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Currently, I work as the Assistant Director of the Day Care Centers at Yale-New Haven Hospital. There are two day care centers which are affiliated with the hospital as well as Yale Medical School. I am also an instructor of early childhood and child develop- ment at Yale University and the University of Phoenix.

When I am not working I enjoy my four children Daniel (26), Katherine (23), Sam (22) and Emily (15). Two of my older children are working and one of my children is a senior in college. My oldest son will be getting married in the summer of 2016. My youngest is in High school. I also enjoy hiking, climb- ing, skiing, snowboarding, and reading. My husband and I live in Newtown not far from the synagogue.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS The National Honor Society recognizes students who exhibit high qualities in Scholarship, Service, Leadership & Character.

Congratulations to the new National Honor Society inductees:

Julia Bogdanoff, Gillian Chanko, Kenneth Foss, Megan Nahmias, Arielle Rosenthal

SISTERHOOD Sisterhood met at Sweet Mango's for our monthly meeting on Thursday, December 17th. We have decided that our fundraiser will remain in the fall and not be switched to the spring. We are go- ing to secure plans for around Sept 2016. Details will follow once they are secured. ~Bonnie

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & COMMUNITY EVENTS

MAH JONG MADNESS

Mondays 7:00 PM at

Adath Israel

For both experienced and beginner players

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Tu B’shevat SEDER

January 24

THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY of FAIRFIELD COUNTY

See website: http://www.jhsfc-ct.org/ programs.html

IN MEMORIAM CONTACT INFORMATION

Yahrzeits: January 2016 Administrative Assistant: Susan Rubin [email protected]

3 Jan 22 Tevet Ruth Hesselson, Grandmother of Jodi Bialik 2015 – 2016 Officers of the Board 4 Jan 23 Tevet Isadore Blau, Father of Alan Blau 4 Jan 23 Tevet Pauline Weiss, Mother of Florence Rubinstein President: Bob Rubinstein [email protected] 6 Jan 25 Tevet Barry Hesselson, Father of Jodi Bialik Vice - President: Amy Greenfield 7 Jan 26 Tevet Arthur Golombik, Father of Lori Hillman Vice - President: Rosalie Newman 8 Jan 27 Tevet Irving Gruber, Father of Arthur Gruber Vice - President: Susan Wilson [email protected] 8 Jan 27 Tevet Ingeborg Klein, Mother-in-law of Karen Klein Treasurer: Lauren DiMartino 11 Jan 1 Shevat Rachel Flint, Sister of RachelLattin [email protected] 15 Jan 5 Shevat Jack Chiprut, Grandfather of Jack Nahmias Secretary: Mark Silverman 17 Jan 7 Shevat Selig Goldin, Father of David Goldin [email protected]

17 Jan 7 Shevat Shalom Nahmias, Father of Jack Nahmias Member at Large: Jim Arena 24 Jan 14 Shevat Margery Korhman, Mother of Katherine Kohrman Member at Large: Steven Bamberg

25 Jan 15 Shevat Stephen Portnoy, Father of Susan Wilson 2015 – 2016 Committee Chairpersons

Birthday Books: Mardi Smith … and let us not forget Education Chairperson: David Smith [email protected] 7 Jan 26 Tevet Clara Ushkow School Parent Coordinator: Cara Tingley 10 Jan 29 Tevet Minnie Kaufman [email protected] 12 Jan 2 Shevat Richard Karl Goosman Teen Volunteer Coordinator: Stacey Schumer 16 Jan 6 Shevat Hyman Goodman Federation Rep: (position available) 17 Jan 7 Shevat Barbara Gottlieb Hurok Fundraising: (position available) 22 Jan 12 Shevat Ella Rachel Davidson [email protected] 27 Jan 17 Shevat Abraham Moskowitz Honorarium: Susan Rubin 31 Jan 21 Shevat Isadore Kaufman [email protected]

31 Jan 21 Shevat Monroe M. Frankel House: Mark Silverman [email protected]

Membership: Jodi Markowsky [email protected]

In Sympathy Men’s Club: Tod Bogdanoff [email protected] Our condolences to the Markowsky family on the passing of Jodi’s grandmother, Ina Abo. Newsletter: Susan Rubin [email protected]

Programs: (position available) [email protected]

Publicity: Karen Klein [email protected]

Ritual: Katherine Kohrman BRONZE MEMORIAL NAMEPLATE [email protected]

If you wish to install a memorial nameplate in the sanctuary, Safety: David Wiener [email protected] please contact Susan Rubin at 203-426-5188 or by email [email protected] Sisterhood: Bonnie Goldstein [email protected]

DONATIONS HOST

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to temple funds: AN ONEG

General Fund OR KIDDUSH Ed Baulsir in memory of his father, Joseph Baulsir Marc Falkowitz in memory of Noah Pozner Hosting a Friday Oneg or Saturday Kid- Meyer Glaser in memory of his mother, Agathe Glaser dush is performing a Mitzvah for our Rosalind Berger in memory of her father, Joseph Yale Levy community. After services is a time Florence & Bob Rubinstein in memory of Florence's mother, when we have a chance to slow down Pauline Weiss and catch up on the weekly events Susan Morse in honor of Katherine Kohrman and all who have helped with our fellow congregants. lead the congregation in this time of transition Mark & Bonnie Rebb It’s not only a Mitzvah, but a way for Michelle & Steve Tenenbaum in memory of Pesach Tenenbaum you to celebrate an event in your fami- Lil & Julie Rosenberg Foundation ly and share the good news with our Michael Gertner in memory of his father, Morris Gertner congregation. Many people host to Eleanor Finkelstein commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, awards, gradua- Caring Community Fund tions, victories and other happy occa- Susan Morse in honor of Amy Greenfield sions. You may also host in memory of Chuck & Rosalie Newman in memory of Regina Shedd a loved one. Of course, you don’t Chuck & Rosalie Newman in memory of Murray Mapen need a reason to host and you may also buddy up and host with a friend.

THANK YOU If you wish to participate in this Mitz- vah or for more information, please For sponsoring our December Kiddush & Onegs e-mail the office at [email protected]

Saturday, Dec 5 —School Families Friday, December 11—Mark & Bonnie Rebb Friday Oneg Dates Available

Friday, December 25—Bob & Florence Rubinstein and Linda & Ed January 8, 15 Baulsir in honor of their anniversaries February 5, 12, 19 March 11, 18 April 15, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27 “LEAVE YOUR LEGACY June 17, 24 August 12, 26 ON THE TREE OF LIFE” Saturday Kiddush Dates Available

March 19 • May 21 A great way to honor past and present

family members and friends Celebrate a special day with us!

Large Leaf—$1800. each; Honor an achievement, birthday or Small Leaf—$180. each anniversary. Do a mitzvah. Sponsor an Oneg or Kiddush this year.

Order forms available at the synagogue or by emailing [email protected] Reserve your date now!