Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek

The WholeMegillah

November & December 2013 Heshvan 28, 5774 – Tevet 28, 5774

Inside this issue Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Chanukah 11

Wally Lamb Comes to Books & Bagels...... 5

Judaism and Recovery: A D'var by Stu Baker...... 6–7

Sol LeWitt's Biennial Yarmulke…...... 9

Remembering Howard Kaplan...... 10

Religious School Schedule for the Academic Year…...... 12

www.cbsrz.org Chanukiah from in Zamosc, Poland. T H A N K Y O U to the following donors from 7/16/2013 to 10/1/2013 IN THIS ISSUE

Music & More Inc. Donations Linda Polomski: in memory of Carol Neil Gottfried & Marilyn White- Doron & Eve Ber: in memory of Ruth Goodman From Our Gottfried: in memory of Barbara Joseph Ber Irving Reiner: in memory of Elinor Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg Margolis 3 Richard & Marilyn Buel: in Reiner 860-526-8920 David Zeleznik & Maxine Klein appreciation of the Holy Scrollers Saul & Hila Rosen: in memory of [email protected] Social Action Fund group Marcia Cohen Worship Services and Sandy & Andrea Seidman: donation Richard & Marilyn Buel: in honor of Steven & Frani Ross: in memory of Belinda Brennan for Food for Klez picnic Lary Bloom and his 100 year old Ann Samuels, Barney Levine and Nov./Dec. Events Educator & Collective piano Muriel Levine Boothman Steven Barasz & Shelley Sprague 4 Cantorial Soloist Jeffrey & Karen Burzin: in memory Joel & Marcy Saltzman: in memory 860-526-8920 Lary Bloom & Suzanne Levine of Sondra Burzin of Daniel Weintraub [email protected] Jeff & Beth Brewer James & Hyla Cohen: in memory of Joel & Marcy Saltzman: in memory From Our President Ethan Goller & Rona Malakoff Louis Alcon and Sidney LeWitt of Milton Weintraub Lary Bloom Neil Gottfried & Marilyn White- Michael & Pamela Crair: in memory Joel & Marcy Saltzman: in memory 5 President Gottfried: in memory of Samuel of Natt Crair of Rose Weintraub Schaffer 860-526-9401 Arnold & Barbara Davis: in memory Susan & Charles Savitt: in memory of [email protected] Henry & Elizabeth Gottlieb of Joseph Belport Joseph Savitt D'var Torah: by Stu Baker Ethan & Tracy Kleinberg Jeffrey & Barbara Davis: in memory Adele Saykin: in memory of Martin 6–7 Miriam Gardner-Frum Debra Landrey of Milton Davis Saykin Vice President Michael & Susan Perl Martin & Elizabeth Drobiarz: in Jerome & Marlene Scharr: in honor 860-526-2292 Deborah Rutty memory of Henry Drobiarz of Howard Kaplan's 80th birthday Exhibition of Photographs [email protected] Susan Savitt Philip & Susan Fine: in honor of Sandy & Andrea Seidman: in Community Garden Eileen Ilberman receiving the Spirit memory of Frances Seidman by Peter Walker Sandy Seidman Anthony & Linda Rigono: in memory of Service award Financial Vice President of Irene Kemp Ruth Solomkin: in memory of Joan Nancy Fischbach & Martin Wolman: 8 860-399-5709 Food/Beverage Fund Hoberman in memory of Beatrice and Harry Sharon Taubman: in memory of [email protected] Michael & Lori Bruskin Fischbach Lynn Coville Blossom Glickman Sol LeWitt's Biennial Yarmulke Irving Friedman: in memory of Corinne Weber: in memory of Henry Resnikoff Stephen & Clo Davis Raymond O. Fielding Secretary Janet Scharr Gochberg Beatrice Gottfried Betty Gilman: in memory of Rose 9 860-767-0547 Ethan Goller & Rona Malakoff Christopher George Wich Heller Daniel & Jacqueline Wolff: in [email protected] Laura Hesslein Norman Hanenbaum: in memory Harvey Hoberman memory of Morris Wolff Remembering Howard Kaplan of Rose Hanenbaum David Zeleznik & Maxine Klein: in Kevin B. Fox Sandra Kerzner Laura Hesslein Treasurer Stephen & Maya Liss memory of Pearl Klein 10 Harvey Hoberman: congratulations Rabbi Discretionary Fund 860-597-6302 Chris & Beth Mercier to Lon & Melissa Seidman on the [email protected] Michael & Susan Peck ANONYMOUS - in honor of Michael birth of Keira Ann Peck and Geri Ficarra All about Chanukah David & Trudy Ripin Harvey Hoberman: congratulations Samuel Chorches: in memory of Wendy Bayor Michael Roth & Kari Weil 11 to Sandy & Andrea Seidman on the Adeline K. Chorches Administrator Deborah Rutty birth of their granddaughter Marilyn White-Gottfried: in memory 860-526-8920 Joel & Marcy Saltzman Harvey Hoberman: in memory of of Bruce White [email protected] David Stein & Christine Dokko Whole Mishpacha Jeanne Hoberman David Shiling & Trina Shipuleski: in Corinne Weber Barry & Eileen Ilberman: in appreciation of Rabbi Goldenberg 12–15 David Zeleznik & Maxine Klein appreciation of Rabbi Goldenberg Jacqueline Zwillinger: in memory of Torah Fund Brad & Lori Jubelirer: in memory Sigmund Balka Dr. Richard Zwillinger Photo Gallery of James Jubelirer A Special Thank You from the Religious The Whole Megillah Kevin Fox: in honor of the birth of Gene & Marilyn Kalet: in memory Affairs Committee Emet Israel Resnikoff 16–17 Published bi-monthly by of Irving Kalet, Sy Reiner, Anna Our Ark was graced by the beautiful new Kevin Fox: in honor of the birth of Congregation Beth Shalom Kandell, Doris Reiner, Rose Kalet, Torah mantles this High Holiday season. The Mason Nicholas Resnikoff Sara Swing project of researching, finalizing choices and Social Action Rodfe Zedek Joel & Elizabeth Pear: in appreciation Anne Kent-Wald: in memory of Felix the ultimate purchasing of new Torah mantles of the Honor during Rosh Hashanah 55 East Kings Highway Wald took many hands. We would like to thank 18–19 services PO Box 438 Lorraine Klappholz: in memory of the following people for their involvement in Patrick Smith & Melinda Alcosser: in Chester, CT 06412 Lowell Klappholz this endeavor: Chesed Voice: 860-526-8920 honor of the Confirmation class Carol LeWitt: in memory of Dr. The Minyonaires Samuels Scholarship Fund Abraham LeWitt Linda and Tony Rigono Fax: 860-526-8918 David & Trudy Ripin 20 Juan Carlos Lopez: in memory of Kevin Fox www.cbsrz.org Religious School Fund Arnold & Barbara Davis: in honor of Maria Lopez Infeld family Board of Directors Meeting Editor Cole Irving Davis Arthur & Marcia Meyers: in honor Stephen and Clo Davis Sean Konecky Harvey Hoberman: in memory of of Norman Hanenbaum for his Lynne Zimmerman 20 Joan Hoberman dedication to and Veterans Ed and Linda Pinn Editor Emeritus David & Laura Roman Leonard & Ellen Nodelman: in The Burzin family Lary Bloom Judy Joslow Fund memory of Adam Nodelman Melinda Alcosser and Pat Smith CBSRZ News Ray & Liz Archambault: in memory Joseph Pear: in memory of Jack Pear and family Photo Editor of David and Judy Joslow Joseph Pear: in memory of Leah The Kleinberg family 22–23 Deborah Rutty Katz Pear Rita Fink Art Gallery Fund The Whole Mishpacha Jerry & Judy Goodman: In honor of Joseph Pear: in memory of Michael Henry Resnikoff and Daphne Nielsen Remembrances and the marriage of Paul Nathan Peck to Pear Carol LeWitt and Bruce Josephy Editor Barbara Ann Boeckeler Michael & Susan Peck: in memory of Maia and Kay Chiat Mi SheBeirach Leslie Krumholz Adeline Koppelman Chorches Lary Bloom and Suzanne Levine Neil Gottfried & Marilyn White- Editorial Assistant Gottfried Michael & Susan Peck: in memory of Peg Palmer and Rick Hornung 25 Wendy Bayor Cemetery Fund Meyer White Miriam Gardner-Frum Myron & Merle Bernstein Michael & Susan Peck: wishing Mazel Sandy & Andrea Seidman Bernard & Lillian Levine: in memory Tov to Lon Seidman and Melissa Brad & Lori Jubelirer November and December Calendars Design/Production of the Levine and Zelvin family Ozols on the birth of their daughter George & Norma Glassman, in Justin Marciano members Michael & Susan Peck: wishing Mazel memory 26–27 Jo-Ann Price Education Fund Tov to Sandy and Andrea Seidman Rachel Goldenberg & Jim Talbott Edward & Linda Pinn: in honor of on the birth of their granddaughter Laura & David Roman Michael Price's 75th birthday Edward & Linda Pinn: in memory of Dr. Abraham Baskin 2 From ourRabbi By Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg

y now, I imagine most of Washington was criticized for his message by some, you have seen the blogs, the including a Massachusetts clergyman named Ebenezer Bmemes, the Facebook posts Bradford. In his Thanksgiving sermon, Rev. Bradford and the articles about this year’s preached, "to leave Christ therefore out of the account in once-in-a-lifetime confluence of so important a matter as a National Thanksgiving must be Thanksgiving with the first day of Chanukah. Or, as some an unpardonable neglect; for He is our creator, preserver, have been calling it, “Thanksgivukkah.”! benefactor and redeemer, and therefore we are bound to do all in His name." I’m not going to go into all of the mathematical calcula- tions here (if you’re interested, look here: http://jew- Others defended Washington. David Tappan, a Harvard school.com/2013/01/17/30051/thanksgivukkah-faq/) divinity professor spoke on the same day, saying that the President aimed "to unite in one general thanks- Suffice it to say that it is very rare for the first day of giving all the inhabitants of our favored land, whether Chanukah to overlap with Thanksgiving. The last time Christians, , or Deists; that those who were joint it happened was 1899, when Thanksgiving was cel- partakers of the national prosperity might all conspire in ebrated on the fifth Thursday of November, which was celebrating its glorious author." (See http://tmt.urj.net/ the fourth day of Chanukah. This was before FDR offi- archives/2socialaction/112205.htm) cially proclaimed Thanksgiving for the fourth Thursday in November every year, to create a longer Christmas shop- Over the centuries, Jews around the world have found ping season and to stimulate the economy. Though the ways to integrate aspects of the surrounding culture into first day of Chanukah won’t fall on Thanksgiving again Jewish religious culture. For instance, our braided Chal- in the near-to-medium future, the first night of Chanukah lah bread likely comes from the twisted white breads that will again fall on Thanksgiving night in the years 2070 and were found through central Europe and the Slavic coun- 2165. After 2165, we’ll have to wait another 70,000 years tries in which Ashkenazic Jews lived. or so. This year, as Chanukah and Thanksgiving overlap, we What interests me more than the math is what this all can dip our latkes in cranberry sauce and brine our means for us as American Jews. I think one of the reasons turkeys in Manischevitz (see http://www.buzzfeed. there’s so much excitement about this confluence this com/christinebyrne/thanksgivukkah for more Thanks- year is that a meld of Thanksgiving and Chanukah does givukkah recipes), all the while giving thanks for the not present us with conflicts of identity or religion as does lights of freedom and hope that this country has given the confluence of Chanukah with Christmas. As American our Jewish People. Jews, we have positive associations with Thanksgiving: it is one of those holidays where we feel included in the national culture and celebration. In fact, George Washington set a universalistic, inclu- sive tone in his Thanksgiving proclamation in 1795 when he announced: I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all Religious Societies and Denomina- tions, and to all Persons whomsoever with the United States, to [observe] a day of public thanksgiving and prayer...particularly for the possession of Constitutions of Government which unite and by their union estab- lish liberty with order.

3 NOVEMBER EVENTS DECEMBER EVENTS

Sunday, November 3, 8:30–9:30 AM, Advanced Hebrew; Sunday, December 1, (No Religious School) , 8:30–9:30 AM, November Worship Services 9:15–10:30 AM, Breakfast with the Rabbi, Grade K/1; Advanced Hebrew; 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 9:30 AM, Religious 12:00 PM, Latke Making and Freezing; 4:00 PM, B'not Friday, November 1, 5:45 PM, Tot Shabbat; 6:15 PM, Dairy School; 11:00 AM, Program on Ashkelon Dig with Elliot Benefit Concert Schwam; 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Confirmation Potluck Dinner; 7:00 PM First Friday Erev Shabbat Service Wednesday, December 4, 8:45 AM, Religious Affairs; 1:00 Wednesday, November 6, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan Wednesday, November 6, 8:45 AM, Religious Affairs; 1:00 PM, Mah Jongg Lessons; 4:15 PM, Religious School PM, Mah Jongg Lessons: 4:15 Religious School Friday, November 8, 7:30 PM Erev Shabbat Service Thursday, December 5, Last Day of Chanukah; 7:00 PM, Saturday, November 9, 9:30 AM, Religious School (in lieu Executive Committee Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM, Second Saturday Shabbat of Sunday November 10) Service and Kiddush Lunch Sunday, December 8, 8:30–9:30 AM, Advanced Hebrew; Sunday, November 10, 8:30–9:30 AM, Advanced Hebrew; 9:15–10:30 AM, Breakfast with the Rabbi, Grade 2/3; Wednesday, November 13, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 5:00–9:00 PM, 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 9:30 AM, Religious Friday, November 15, 7:30 PM Erev Shabbat Service Jewish War Veterans Remembrance of Kristallnacht School; 11:00 AM, Books & Bagels: Wally Lamb, We Are Water; 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Confirmation Wednesday, November 20, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan; Monday, November 11 (office closed for Veteran's Day) Tuesday, December 10, 3:00 PM, Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Friday, November 22, 7:30 PM, Erev Shabbat Service Tuesday, November 12, 3:00 PM, Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantry Board Meeting; 7:00–8:30 PM, Adult Bat Pantry Board Meeting; 7:00–8:30 PM, Adult Bat Mitzvah Sunday, November 24, 4:00 PM, Interfaith Thanksgiving Mitzvah Workshop Workshop Service at the United Church of Chester. Wednesday, November 13, 1:00 PM, Mah Jongg Lessons; Wednesday, December 11, URJ Biennial San Diego; 1:00 PM, Wednesday, November 27, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan; 4:15 PM, Religious School Mah Jongg Lessons; 4:15 PM, Religious School Friday, November 29, 7:30 PM, Chanukah Service and Thursday, December 12, URJ Biennial San Diego; 12:00 PM–1:30 Celebration Thursday, November 14, 12:00–1:30 PM, Lunch & Learn: Jewish Responses to Ethical Questions; 7:00 PM, Board PM Lunch & Learn: Jewish Responses to Ethical Questions of Directors Meeting Friday, December 13, URJ Biennial San Diego Saturday, November 16, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM Habitat for Saturday December 14, URJ Biennial San Diego Humanity House in MIddleton Sunday, December 15, URJ Biennial San Diego; Sunday, November 17, 8:30–9:30 AM, Advanced Hebrew; 8:30–9:30 AM, Advanced Hebrew; 9:30–10:30 AM, 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 9:30 AM, Religious Beginner Hebrew; 9:30 AM, Religious School; 9:30 School; 2:00–4:00 PM, Listening Campaign Feedback; AM,–11:00, ComCom in Library; 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, December Worship Services 4:30 PM, Beat the Winter Blues Film Club Confirmation; 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Gesher Wednesday, December 4, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan; Wednesday, November 20, 1:00 PM, Mah Jongg Lessons; Monday, December 16, 12:30–6:00 PM, Red Cross Bood Drive 4:15, Religious School Friday, December 6, 5:45 PM, Tot Shabbat; 6:15 PM, Dairy Wednesday, December 18, 1:00 PM, Mah Jongg Lessons; 4:15 Potluck Dinner; 7:00 PM, First Friday Shabbat Service Thursday, November 21, 5:30 PM Social Action PM, Religious School; 7:00 PM, Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, December 11, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan; Sunday, November 24, 8:30–9:30 AM, Advanced Hebrew; Thursday, December 19, 7:00–8:30 PM, Adult Bat Mitzvah 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 9:30 AM, Religious Rehearsal Friday, December 13, 5:45 PM, Erev Shabbat Service, School; 9:30 AM, Parent Hanukkah Program; 11:30 AM Followed by Dinners in Congregants' Homes Sunday, December 22, (No Religious School) 8:30–9:30 AM, – 1:00 PM, Confirmation; 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Gesher; Advanced Hebrew; 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew; 12:00 PM, Latke Making and Freezing Saturday, December 14, Second Saturday Shabbat Service 4:00 PM, Beat the Winter Blues Film Club; 4:00–6:00 PM, and Kiddush Lunch Tuesday, November 26, 7:00–8:30 PM, Adult Bat Mitzvah Chester Soup Kitchen Workshop Wednesday December 18, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan; Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day (Office Closed) Friday, December 20, 5:45 PM, Erev Shabbat Service Wednesday, November 27, 1:00 PM, Mah Jongg Lessons; First Night of Chanukah (No Religious School) Thursday, December 26, 7:00 PM, Executive Committee Wednesday December 25, 7:45 AM, Morning Minyan Sunday, December 29, (No Religious School) 8:30–9:30 AM, Thursday, November 28, First Day of Chanukah— Advanced Hebrew; 9:30–10:30 AM, Beginner Hebrew Friday, December 27, 5:45 PM Erev Shabbat Service Thanksgiving Day (Office Closed); Saturday December 28, 10:30 AM, Shabbat Service and Bat Friday, November 29 (Office Closed) Mitzvah of Casey Elkin UPCOMING EVENTS 2014

Sunday, January 12, 11:00 AM, Tu B'Shevat Seder and Dairy Lunch Friday, January 17, 7:30 PM, Erev Shabbat Service in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Holy Scrollers Don’t Be Afraid of CBSRZ’s Social Media: facebook, Blogs, and Twitter Just the words alone can cause tremors for some but, like it or not, they are here to stay. CBSRZ is using one or more of these sites and invites members to come along, it’s really not hard, and explore Torah Study the joys of cyberspace.

Begin by clicking on www.cbsrz.org to bring up the Synagogue’s site and then click away at any of the colorful sites that you want to access. Click on the Facebook icon at the bottom of the page and you will be directed to the CBSRZ Facebook page and a treasure trove of information beginning with Ellen every Shabbat Nodelman’s blog about what it is like to be an adult B’nai Mitvah. Click on the Like icon so you can be counted as a Friend of CBSRZ and thus receive postings as quickly as they are sent. 9:00 –10:30 AM Charles Savitt has launched a Twitter site. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @CBSRZ

4 From our years later from Oprah I have established a writing forum Winfrey. (After two of in Praiano, Italy, at Carol LeWitt’s his books were cho- ancestral home, Casa L Orto. (www. President sen for her TV show’s praianowriters.com). book club). This connection led to Clo inviting Why Wally Lamb is The “inauthentic” Wally to CBSRZ’s Books & Bagels character that Wally program. (Clo is chair of the Program Coming to CBSRZ wrote about in his Committee). And so he will be here on By Lary Bloom first piece became Sunday, December 8, at 11 a.m. (Note, Delores Price in this is a little later than most B&B read- She’s Come Undone, ings.) The event is free and included in a character that has the “price” are coffee and, of course, become one of the bagels. (The Cream Cheese Subcom- iconic figures in American literature. mittee also provides orange juice.) his year’s convention of pub- And aside from his blockbuster novels, You’ll see that Wally is a gentle and lishers and agents featured a Wally has had a great impact on soci- generous soul unspoiled by success. banner that stretched across the T ety in other ways. And you’ll be as awed as I was three top of the Jacob Javits Center with the For thirteen years he has taught writ- decades ago when you hear him read words “Wally Lamb” in huge letters. ing at York Correction Facility in East from We Are Water, which features Wally’s publisher was certain his new- Lyme, giving the female prisoners characters affected by the great flood est novel, We Are Water, would climb there not only useful instruction but in Norwich a half century ago. the best-seller list, just as others had. an opportunity to tell their stories. He Early reviews have been glowing, This would have seemed farfetched even convinced his publisher, Harp- including this starred review from back in 1984. He was then a teacher of erCollins, to publish a book of their Library Journal that begins with a English at Norwich Free Academy with memoirs titled, Couldn’t Keep it to quote from the book: “‘We are fluid the dream of being a fiction writer. He Myself. and flexible when we have to be. But summoned the courage to send off his Of course, as we very well know, no strong and destructive, too.’ That’s evi- first short story, “Keep in a Cool, Dry good deed (even one by a literary dent in this emotionally involving new Place,” to Northeast, the Sunday maga- angel) goes unpunished. After the novel from the author of She’s Come zine of the Hartford Courant. news spread that each of the prisoners Undone….Clear and sweetly flowing; I was the magazine’s editor at the time. whose work appeared in the collec- highly recommended.” I remember reading his piece with a tion would receive a royalty of $6,000, With all of his success he has also written sense of awe and delight even though the Department of Correction sent bills This Much I Know Is True, The Hour I it did not have a happy subject. It was to them for their room and board over First Believed and other books he remains written in the voice of a teenage girl the years. humble and easy to talk with. who, among other impediments, had One of the inmates, having been an unhealthy self-image. When I asked Sometimes, if not very often, nice guys imprisoned for 18 years, received a my associate editor to read it she came finish first. tab for nearly a million dollars. After back into my office with a smile on a great public clamor, the DOC policy her face, and said, “I like it but we was dropped. And a second book of shouldn’t publish it.” memoirs was published in the years “Why not?” I asked, surprised. afterward. Elena Seibert “Because it’s written in a female voice Not only that but over a 20-year period by a man. It’s not authentic. Men don’t he helped David Fitzpatrick, our Octo- understand how a woman thinks.” ber Books & Bagels author, write a She was a brilliant editor, and I won- memoir about his epic struggle with dered for a time if she was right. But in mental illness just because he wanted the end I had to tell her that my deci- to see David succeed. sion was to purchase the short story Recently Wally has had a very close and run it as soon as possible. connection with several people at In many of Wally’s recent speeches he CBSRZ. refers to the phone call that I made to Long ago, he and my wife Suzanne him in 1984, when I told him we were were fellow students in Vermont buying his story, as the best call he ever College’s MFA program. And Wally, Wally Lamb received even better than those many along with Suzanne, Clo Davis, and

5 understanding of the struggle of get- ting sober. Following his last relapse, after he D'VAR threatened the woman he loved, his sponsor helped him one last detoxi- fication and then enter a long-term treatment program through the Salva- TORAH tion Army. By Stuart Baker, LADC David returned to us with six months of sobriety. He was ready now to begin doing battle with his demons. n the 24th of Elul congregant He got honest about his childhood. Stuart Baker, LADC, offered the Prior to this he had never been will- O following D'var Torah on the ing to talk about his childhood. He theme of Judaism and Recovery. Stuart is Stuart Baker shared with me the horror that had a licensed substance abuse counselor. been his life when he was young. likely he was one of their best and most At age of five he had been taken Good evening, Rabbi, Belinda, fellow reliable customers. away from his mother, abducted by congregants… his father. His witnessed his father David’s fall from grace had been a come home drunk regularly and beat Thank you for asking me to speak journey. his stepmother. David was told how tonight…. I guess what drew my attention to worthless he was, threatened and I’ll begin with a quote from Isaiah 62:4 him to me initially was that we shared beaten. Then his father suddenly from this week's Haf Torah portion: a passion for photography. He had died, and David was faced with mak- ing his way in the world. Nevermore shall you be called seen some of my photographs in my “Forsaken,” office, and we began to talk about David’s enemies were inside of him. them. He told me that at one point Nor shall your land be called They were the echoes of his past of his life, he had also worked in “Desolate.” haunting him. When he was on the the human services field as a case verge of success—getting a new job, Rejoicing and an expression of grati- manager. Here was a kindred spirit. completing a treatment episode, tude towards G-d for victory over our He was articulate and, when he was finishing a training program—he enemies as well as a recognition of the sober, a soft spoken, kind soul. His relapsed: drank, smoked crack costs of trampling our foes characterize wife of more than two decades had cocaine, and got arrested. this weeks reading. stood by him through good times and bad. The good times had been great: He was now attending 12-step meetings In biblical times, as in our own, years of sobriety, steady employment, and his wife’s church. He agreed, reluc- enemies are very real. The thought happy memories with a woman he tantly, to attend our Men’s Trauma and that someone or something “out adored. But something was there Recovery group. Meeting weekly with there” can seek our destruction can always lurking in the background. other men who had been through awful be frightening, even paralyzing. All There was this low level sadness in experiences, David began to speak one needs to do is read the headlines his life that would never go away. about the unspeakable. He told his story to see stories of tragedy from natural to others in small pieces and received events, violence fueled by hatred, David met with one of our best attention, compassion, and understand- greed, or intolerance. In our everyday psychiatrists. He prescribed some ing from his brothers. At the same time lives the enemy can be very private, medications, but to no avail. Our team in the rooms of Alcoholic’s Anonymous secret, and lethal. decision was to work with him on and in his church he began to develop engaging in 12-step programs and to Let me tell you a story of one person’s relationships with people who genu- continue working with groups, indi- struggle with his enemies. inely cared for him. He grew to be good vidual, and couples counseling. Mean- friends with his pastor and was being David first came to us as a drunk while, David continued his pattern considered for a position as an elder in doomed to failure. He had been of brief sobriety, detoxification, and the church. through countless detoxification facili- return to treatment. He found a very ties and treatment programs. He would strong sponsor in AA, someone who But the enemy never sleeps. sober up briefly, for about two or had met him in our program and who About 18 months ago, David began to three weeks, then relapse with crack had several years of sobriety under experience excruciating gut pain. Mul- cocaine and alcohol. He was on inti- his belt. This is a person who works a tiple trips to the emergency department mate terms with his drug dealers. Most very spiritual program and has a deep were futile. The pain was apparently

6 real, but no cause was found. Finally, a from anger, despair and hopeless- Our days are a stream of choices and gift from G-d, a clever doctor decided ness to serenity, gratitude, and hope opportunities. Have I done the “right to run one more test and there it was… requires us to travel through the proc- thing?” What is the right thing? What pancreatic cancer. ess of acceptance and surrender. is the loving and caring thing to do or say? If I have genuinely turned my will In the past David would have used The members of Alcoholics Anony- and life over to the CARE of G-d – what this as an excuse. “See, my father was mous make a suggestion of the steps to does that look like? How do I let oth- right, I am messed up!” He would be this journey: ers in? How do I show care to others so drunk and high on cocaine. This time “We admitted that we were powerless… they know that they are not alone? was different. David chose to stand and our lives had become unmanage- his ground and fight. He underwent My will is “I want what I want…and I able.” What are we powerless over? In chemotherapy, attended groups for want it NOW!” This includes all sorts a word…our enemies… whatever that support, and continued his close ties of stuff … things like toys, money, who may be… addiction, disease, natural dis- with his church. my relationships are with, how can I asters, the actions of others. move forward in my career or my life. He and I have had long conversations “We came to believe that a power It's all about me: Ego, satisfying myself, about staying focused on today… The greater than ourselves could restore my wants and needs. slogan from AA about “one day at a us to sanity.” Taking a leap of faith, time” took on a new and deeper mean- This is a daily struggle; so I make a that someone or something outside ing. Every day had become precious to conscious decision—a prayer—“G- of me…something bigger, greater David. Every moment with his wife a d’s will not my will.” Then the events and grander than I can get rid of this blessing. in my life will play out accordingly. mishugas in my life. I look around and remind myself of In Isaiah, we are told that G-d makes a And, “We made a decision to turn what I am grateful for: a loving wife, promise to us: our will and our lives over to the family, and friends, ample food and The Lord has sworn by his right care of G-d, as we understood him.” shelter. For David it is time with his hand, by his mighty arm: Here’s the crunch. Its not enough wife and having loving friends. Each Nevermore will I give your new to just believe. We have to trust that of us needs to find the answer: to take grain G-d will help, that we will be held, an inventory of our lives daily and and cared for. express gratitude. To your enemies for food, Father Joseph Martin ran a treatment Let me quote Father Martin again: “We Nor shall foreigners drink the center outside of Baltimore. As a have to put feet on our prayers.” The new wine young counselor I had the privilege act of turning our will and our life over For which you have labored. of hearing him speak while I was in to Care involves action, not just prayer. But those who harvest it shall Richmond, Virginia. He described the This is how we build Hope: by demon- eat it first three steps of the Twelve Steps strating care for ourselves, accepting of AA this way: from and giving care to others. And give praise to the Lord; Step One … “I can’t handle it.” Isaiah directs us: And those who gather it shall Step Two… “I believe someone or I will recount the kind acts of drink it something can help.” the Lord, In my sacred courts. Step Three… “I’m going to let G-d help.” The praises of the Lord – (Isaiah 62: 8–9) So, how do I move from believing in David’s journey, our journey, is from G-d to letting G-d into my life? For all that the Lord has wrought for us, feeling and believing that we are David teaches me that this involves “hopeless”—that no matter what, letting other people care about me. The vast bounty to the House nothing can help us triumph over our More importantly, I believe that they of Israel “enemies”—to feeling a sense of hope, do care. I am not alone in the strug- That he bestowed upon them a belief that somehow we can be victo- gle. The other half is that I show According to His mercy and His rious. We are not alone in the struggle. that I care about others. They are great kindness. But, how do we do this? not alone in their struggle. My hope for recovery comes from being with If we do the work, then the promise is I only wish that I could flip a switch, and comes through other people. get the Hope APP on my iPhone, push Nevermore shall you be called Each day is precious. Each day holds the right button or tab, and miracle of “Forsaken,” promise, renewed. miracles, I have Hope! Nor shall your land be called I explain HOPE to clients as Having But we know from our life experi- “Desolate.” Opportunities Presented Everyday… ences, this just is not the case. To move Thank you.

7 The Photography of often at his own expense; his laughter joyous and frequent; and his welcome warm and wholehearted. Peter Peter Walker is an actor, singer, Caryn B. Davis lyricist, and photographer. He has played the stages of the world from Asia to Europe and in every major city Walker: in North America. While under con- Exhibition on tract to Warner Brothers, he worked for ten years in Hollywood doing Main Street film, theater, and TV (everything from ”The Twilight Zone” to “Perry by Linda Pinn Mason” and “Colombo” to Alfred Hitchcock Presents”). Ironically, one In the world of the visual arts, Peter of his best known roles was Madison Walker's photographs celebrate Avenue's Marlboro Man.” He worked “perfection of image, balance, and for twenty-five years doing Broadway form. His eye is flawless. In my long and Off Broadway plays and musicals, life of observing such things, with the including two national tours, Hello exception of George Balanchine, I have Dolly and Into The Woods. known no other artist with his gift.” So Peter enjoyed a forty year collaboration Peter Walker writes David Hays in his appraisal of of writing musicals with fellow actor our next Main Street Gallery artist. and composer, Max Showalter. Har- tlefields of life, Jess Maghan. rigan N' Hart, for which Walker Peter comes across as a man larger than Still performing occasionally at the wrote the lyrics, opened Goodspeed life. His smile is constant and fills his Goodspeed, Eugene O'Neil Theater at Chester's Norma Terris Theater whole being with explosive delight. His Center, and Ivoryton Playhouse, in East Haddam. In his last produc- sense of humor is clever, delightful, and Peter spends his time reconfiguring tion in New York, his sculptures (yes he does that too), Walker co-starred traveling, and photographing exotic with the beloved locales such as Nepal, India, the Imogene Coca in Republic of Georgia, Singapore and My Old Friends for Africa. The Masai are so beautiful in which he received their generosity of spirit, and their Ser- a Drama Desk engeti has got to be the most incred- Nomination as Out- ible God-made place on the planet. standing Actor in a The Tanzanians believe it is the origi- Musical. nal Garden of Eden...and they just may While visiting be right,” Walker reflects. with Showalter in Walker lives his life with grace, zest Chester, Peter was and fervor,” writes Jess, a retired hiking with Show- university professor. In the end he alter's Boston Ter- believes it all boils down to this: For rier, Bessie, when every privilege there's a responsibil- he stumbled upon ity...Never let education get in the way a small house for of learning...Avoid people who have sale on Old Depot lost their capacity for enthusiasm. That Road. Respond- is quintessential Peter Walker, and ing to what he how he continues to live his life to the swears was a cry fullest,” concludes Jess. from the house, “If you don't buy me Peter Walker's photography exhibit you'll be sorry as will be on view in the CBSRZ Main hell!” Walker pur- Street Gallery from mid-Novermber, chased the home 2013 through January, 2014 and is and moved in with open to the public Monday–Friday, his trusted friend 10AM–3PM (no charge). Although and foxhole- the photographs are not for sale, Peter Peter Walker, Third Avenue Figure Robert VanKeirsbilck buddy on the bat- says that he will consider requests. 8 Safe Futures Covering the Jewish People Benefit Concert One Keppie at a Time By Bruce Josephy

As a new member of the Union for Board, I had an idea: make the Sol LeWitt yarmulke the official yarmulke for the upcoming URJ Biennial, December 11–15, in San Diego. The URJ Biennial is described as bringing together “5,000 Jewish lay leaders and professionals, youth, congregants, and clergy to learn, pray, share ideas, and make decisions about the future of Jewish life.” What better target market for LeWitt yarmulke sales? Carol LeWitt loved the idea, as did Michael Price, who has served on the URJ Board for a number of years and is chair of the URJ Development Committee. The yarmulke will have special imprinting for the Biennial and will be offered to attendees for pre-order and onsite during the Biennial. The LeWitt yarmulke has covered over 1,100 heads so far. And that’s just the beginning. With 13 million Jews in the world, that leaves another 12,998,900 keppies for the LeWitt yarmulke still to cover. It’s a revenue stream for CBSRZ that could This late afternoon concert features Save last another 5774 years. the Train, a well-known group who has entertained the Shoreline for over 40 years with their renditions of folk music, Irish tunes, and zany ballads. They clearly enjoy their music and you will too! The band features Norm Rutty (husband of Deb) on twelve-string guitar, penny whis-

Photo courtesy of URJ tle, and minstrel bones, Dave TIezzi on bass, Roger Goodnow on guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and their newest member, Ted Phillips, on guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Their lively and energetic performances entertain adults and children alike. This concert is sponsored by the eight CBSRZ women (Pamela Crair, Sandee Gelven, Sandy Herzog, Polly Kipp, Ellen Nodelman, Linda Rigono, Deborah Rutty, and Johanna Schaefer) who are prepar- ing for their group B’not Mitzvot this coming January. As their Mitzvah Project, the proceeds from the concert will be donated to Safe Futures, a New London- based organization which is dedicated to helping women and families who are affected by domestic violence. Proceeds from the concert will benefit their Vio- lence is Preventable Education Programs. The benefit will be held at the syna- gogue on December 1. Tickets are $15.00, sold at the door; children ages 12 years old and younger are free of charge. Refreshments will be served. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President holding the biennial kippah designed by Sol LeWitt. Call Wendy to reserve your advance tickets at 860-526-8920. 9 Remembering

Howard Kaplan News The Valley Editor's Note: Howard Kaplan, a member of our congregation since 1972, died on September 28. If you did not know him personally, you certainly know what his challah tastes like. He

made it for us countless times. And he Wilson,Jerome courtesy of supported the congregation in many other ways. The founder of Howard's Bread drew hundreds of mourners to his funeral service. What follows is the eulogy delivered by Lary Bloom. Fifteen years ago, on a congregational trip to Israel, Howard Kaplan, Si Taub- man, and I spent a lot of time together. There were nights when we were on our own for dinner. There, in the hot town of Jerusalem, the three amigos. This circumstance set up one of the most intense challenges in tourism history. Si, who considered any food that is green to be an alien substance, was on a per- petual hunt for cholent, the traditional meat preparation that cooks for about four months and tastes like it. Howard, on the other hand, believed that every day presents an opportunity for culinary adventure and discovery. It was my job to mediate the meal. As the three of us explored the streets of the old city look- ing for a place to eat that would accom- Howard Kaplan modate both tastes I ran ahead to check menus in the windows. It was a fool’s were so grateful to be there, and to discussing the creation of the earth. errand of course. Howard tried his best meet real Americans, if Chesterites can One of the Torah commentaries in to teach Si there is such a thing in this be called real Americans, and to be a our book notes that God was happy world as wonderful food, but, alas, these part of it. They were not great bocce with the results, even the idea of the efforts met defeat. players, and that was fortunate for inevitability of death. Knowing our Not so when Howard was entirely in Howard, who, even when he was play- days are numbered invests our deeds charge. And he was in charge in the ing special Olympic athletes who could and choices with greater significance. days he was host at his home to the hardly walk, wanted to win. He did win Although the death of someone we Chester bocce club. We met every that night. But that night we all won. love is searingly painful, we can rec- ognize that a world in which people other Tuesday night, and Howard Later that summer, the island of Antigua die and new souls are born offers the often prepared delicacies to go along was devastated by a Hurricane. There promise of renewal and improvement with the main point of the night: the was great property destruction and loss more than a world in which the origi- case of Heineken that we had to con- of life. Our new bocce friends survived nal people live forever. sume. In all the years we did this, one it, but they needed help. Howard helped night stands out, a night that showed organize a fundraising effort that helped Even so, Howard left an admirable leg- Howard’s generous heart. them recover. Perhaps then, in the acy. I say this not only as his friend but It was in 1995, and Special Olympics greater scheme of worldly and theologi- as a fellow member of his synagogue. World Games were being held in New cal things, his invitation for a game of What he gave to this place in time, Haven. Howard invited the bocce team bocce had been no accident. effort, resources, and love will be hard to replicate. We gratefully accept and of the island of Antigua to join our It is likely no accident that Howard cherish what Howard Kaplan gave us: Tuesday night crowd. These young died at the very moment our Torah a lot more than bread alone, delicious people were instantly huggable. They study group, the Holy Scrollers, was though it was. 10 Chanukah a menorah. The correct Don’t forget to bring your chanukiah name is chanukiah. The menorah (see #8 in Chanukah facts), your left Some Spell it has only seven branches. over pie, freshly made laktes, or other desserts. CBSRZ will supply the 9. Chanukah begins four days before apple sauce and sour cream. We will the new moon, which is the dark- also make sufganiyot to be enjoyed Chanukah, est night of the month of . by all! The winter solstice, the longest and darkest day of the year, occurs Other Chanukah Happenings….. Some Spell it in Kislev. Like the celebrations of many other faiths, the Jewish holi- • November 24th, 9:30 am. Rabbi will day of Chanukah brings light in the hold a program for parents entitled, Hanukkah darkest time of the year. “Inspiring Ways to Celebrate Chanu- kah". The discussion will include the Ten interesting facts about 10. Ingredients you can use to fill your many ways to celebrate this holiday Chanukah that you may sufganiyot, other than jelly: marsh- and the relevant values that can be not have known: mallow crème, dulce de leche, chai incorporated into old and new family sufganiyot with orange pumpkin traditions. 1. Chanukah is not the right time to buttercream, apple cider sufganiyot • November 24th, 11:00 am – noon. start a diet! In Israel, about 17.5 with salted caramel, PB&J, peaches Religious School celebration of million oil donuts (sufganiyot) are and cream. Chanukah! Games, crafts, oily food! eaten during this holiday! THE NOVEMBER DILEMMA…WHAT • Latke University – This year’s course TO DO WITH THAT LEFT OVER PIE? 2. People have spent a lot of time on will include the art of making latkes Bring it to CBSRZ on Friday, 11/29, the fact that Chanukah and Thanks- ahead of time and freezing them. yes…the day after Thanksgiving…to giving overlap this year. Just google Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, celebrate Chanukah! Can you imag- it and see how many sites there are our main chefs will not be available ine...tables laden with cherry pie, that deal with it. Amazing!` on Nov. 29th. But don’t fear; the pumpkin pie, apple pie, laktes, and latkes will still be made! Date and 3. The word Chanukah means dedica- sufganiyot (donuts or fried dough with time to be announced in the weekly tion. That’s what it takes to launch sugar and honey). Thank goodness for e-mails. a war against a superpower. stretch pants! Of course, we will have Remember, the Maccabees were just services first, so join us at 7:30 for Shab- We hope that you and your family are a small tribe of bochers. bat and Chanukah service as Rabbi able to join us as we celebrate Chanu- 4. Spinning the dreidel was originally Goldenberg, Belinda and Meg Gister on kah/Hanukah/Hanukkah at CBSRZ on done by students who were study- the piano lead us in the singing of our Friday evening, November 29th. How- ing Torah. When the Greek soldiers favorite traditional songs. ever you spell it! would raid a home, the students would whip out the dreidel and start to play. 5. Each menorah burns through 44 candles in total over the 8 nights of Chanukah. That’s a lot of light! 6. The candles used for lighting the Chanukah candelabrum are sup- posed to burn for at least half an hour after the stars come out. 7. The principle event of the holiday, the battle between the Maccabees and the Greeks, is post-Biblical. The Chanukah story is not written about in the Torah. It happened hundreds of years after the Torah is believed to have been given to the Jewish people, on Mount Sinai. 8. It is a misnomer to call the nine- branched candelabrum used on Colorful dreidls

11 The Whole Religious School & Family Activities

Family and Religious Chanukah at CBSRZ programs were held during the holidays School Calendar in lieu of certain religious school days. The Religious School: All following are two parents' perspectives November are Welcome on this new experiment: On Sunday, November 24 the Religious 3 Sunday Session School will hold its Chanukah Celebration. From Beth Mercier: Breakfast with the Rabbi (Grades K/1) At 9:30, Rabbi G. will lead a program for My family enjoyed the recent Sukkot and Confirmation 6 Wednesday Session Parents (open to all congregants) on the Simchat Torah religious school programs. 9 2nd Saturday Shabbat Service and Kiddush Luncheon topic of "Inspiring Ways to Celebrate Cha- The school year is back in swing and with 10 No School: Classes come on the 9th nukah." Discussion will include the many September being so busy, the mid-week 13 Wednesday Session ways to celebrate this holiday and the celebrations gave us a chance to enjoy the 17 Sunday Session relevant values that can be incorporated fun . Our boys, Joe and Ben, Community Gathering (led by Grades 2/3) 20 Wednesday Session into old and new family traditions. attended the synagogue's religious educa- 24 Sunday Session Following the Program, at 11:00, tion program. Joe didn’t mind substituting Parent Chanukah Program all will gather together to enjoy latkes, the festivities for his regular 4th grade Gesher & Confirmation bimeulos, Chanukah arts and crafts, Wednesday class. I asked the boys to tell and dreidl games until noon. me their three most favorite things about December Sukkot, and they said “the food, the food Observations on Recent and the food!” They were all smiles: eating 1 No School: Thanksgiving outside, proudly showing off their Sukkah 4 Wednesday Session Changes to Religious 8 Sunday Session School Calendar decorations, and running around the play- Breakfast with the Rabbi (Grades 2-3) ground with their friends. As for Simchat Confirmation Editor’s Note: Last Spring the CBSRZ Torah, I asked the boys again, “what did 11 Wednesday Session Education committee made some chang- you enjoy most?” “The food, the food and 15 Sunday Session es to the 2013-2014 School calendar, the food!” But the marching around with Gesher & Confirmation 18 Wednesday Session based on parent feedback, to allow more the flags and inside and outside the 22 No School: Holiday Break family participation. Family education Temple and the Klezmer band weren’t 25 No School: Holiday Break 29 No School: Holiday Break

Happy Birthday! Dass Sinnappen Yom huledet sameach!

November 2013

1st Alex Infeld 15th Sarah Conley 21st Morgan Corpuel 24th Erin Brennan

December 2013

7th Rachel Cohen 13th Jeremy Evans 14th Samuel Applegate 18th Annika Liss 19th Matthew Cohen 28th Casey Elkin First day of Religious School

12 Mishpacha Compiled by Leslie Krumholz

far behind. All in all, the holidays were a Sukkot was on a Friday night, and at temple, and we think it was enriching fun experience, and we have to say that we were lucky to have David’s mother, to our children to see they were part of CBSRZ has some terrific cooks!!! Andrea Stein, with us. It was the usual a larger community made up of all ages. scramble to leave the house with the Missing the Wednesday classes was a From Christine Dokko: kids, and by the time we arrived, the trade-off, but we’re thankful for it. As a family from Guilford, we were buffet was covered with dishes and the relieved to learn that there were no sukkah filled with revelers. (About the Bat Mitzvah of Wednesday religious school classes for sukkah: it was amazing. Andrea took a our Kitah Dalet son Noah in the busy, picture for her synagogue.) Our Kitah Casey Elkin busy month of September. Instead, twice- Bet son, Evan eagerly led us into the suk- Date: Saturday, December 28 a-week students were asked to come to kah to show us the gourd bird he made Torah Portion: Va-eira Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in religious school, while Noah ran off to early in September, and Sukkot and Sim- the playground to join the other kids. At Please tell the congregation a chat Torah services later in the month. We the service, the congregation welcomed little about yourself. a bima-ful of new members. Other than attended all those services last year, when I am in the 8th grade. I like to paint, having to leave before eating Andrea’s our kids only had Sunday classes, but this dance (my favorite is modern and con- lemon cake, it was a good night. year, it would have been pretty hard to get temporary dance) and do gymnastics. Simchat Torah, falling on a Wednes- to them on top of Wednesdays. I also like to play lacrosse. My favorite day night, was a little harder to get to, subjects are reading and writing, but but also worth the trip. We sang and I like science a lot and math (but it is danced with the Torahs, inside and pretty difficult). I am the last student in outside. We witnessed the consecra- my Olim class to become a bat mitzvah. tion of the children new to the religious My 13th birthday is Dec 28! school. We carefully unrolled a Torah and encircled the congregation’s children. Kitah Hey read the beginning of Genesis. The kids followed Rabbi Goldenberg like a flock of ducklings as she led them on a quick trip around the Torah. Today, we asked our kids what they thought of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Noah said he liked them because they were happy holidays. Evan said he liked the singing and being able to sit down during services. Even though Septem- ber brought a lot of trips to temple (eleven, but who’s counting), the kids didn’t really complain, and when we got there, all of us felt glad that we made the effort. In a way, the intensity of the experience was a good jump start to the year. After a summer of being away, we got reacquainted with other members very quickly. And we felt at home at temple again. Evan Stein, son of Christine Dokko and David Stein Lives are busy. No one has time to do celebrated his seventh birthday party recently, and everything they want, not even children, instead of presents, he asked his friends to make maybe especially not children. We were contributions to the Guilford Food Bank. glad to experience the holidays as a family Casey Elkin 13 The Whole Mishpacha (Continued from page 13)

Yellow Submarine for my art elective. Dear Ms. Price, What excites you the most We were able to add a clarinet to the I would like to thank you personally for about your bat mitzvah? music, making it our own. I had a lot of my summer at Crane Lake. This sum- I am eager to join the rest of my class fun playing tennis as my instructional mer at camp was truly a wonderful ex- who have all become bar and bat mitz- sport. Every Friday night after services, perience for me, both as a 14-year old vah—so I can be part of the group. we had a very energetic song session. and as a . At camp I had the chance It was so much fun because it was like to bond with my bunkmates and coun- What does becoming a bat a big concert, with everybody jumping selors, and make connections that will mitzvah mean to you? and singing. last a lifetime. Without the help of the It means becoming a Jewish woman. You Limud, , was congregation I would never have been feel fulfilled—you are now an official where we did our learning. It was able to have the summer of my life. part of being a Jew. mostly outside. Our main idea was God and his attributes. We had ser- Many thanks, Can you share a little of your vices daily. I learned that God can be Max D’var Torah with the congre- anywhere at any time. We also did gation? something called God shopping. In it, Dear Congregants of CBSRZ, we “buy” some of God’s qualities, such Since my Bat Mitzvah is not for three My name is Lili Kleinberg, and I attended as God created the world. more months, we have not started learning Eisner Camp for the first time this sum- At Eisner camp, we also learn its interpretation yet. mer. It was a truly unforgettable experi- about ourselves. At the ropes course, ence, and I believe I gained a lot from I learned that if you put your mind Have you done a mitzvah it. I had never gone to sleep-away camp to something, you can do it. We also project? before, and I was very nervous. What if I had half of a day learning about stop- We haven’t done it yet but we have a plan. made no friends, what if I got lost, what ping bullying. It was very powerful. My mom and I are going to collect sanitary if I didn’t like the food? There were so They taught us how to act when we items, like soaps, shampoos and sanitizers many things I was unsure about. I am see someone being bullied. We also and give them to homeless shelters. I will pleased to say, however, that the minute learned about important life lessons, probably go door to door in my neighbor- I got there I received a warm welcome like not gossiping, which can hurt hood after handing out flyers. from the counselors, who did their best other people’s feelings. That happened to make sure I felt at home. By the first during services. Any advice for kids who day I knew that I wasn’t going to go So, that was my experience at Eisner haven’t begun preparing yet? through camp alone, I would have help camp. As I hope you see, it is amazing to Since everyone in my class doesn’t need with whatever I needed from counselors me. I hope you enjoyed the letter. Once my advice, I would tell the class that is in and returning campers alike. again, thanks for creating the scholarship Olim now to definitely study and don’t be I also think that being at camp fund. Bye for now! too nervous because once you’ve learned helped me develop more of a Jew- it, it is not very difficult. It is an exciting Sincerely, ish identity, I learned new prayers and process to be in—it’s great. Alex Infeld hymns, I took Kesher classes, I learned about Jewish values, and so much more. Some Very Special Dear CBSRZ, Now I know more about Israel, and the Thank-you's from CB- actual language of Hebrew, thanks to the I am writing a letter to you about variety of different Gesher courses. I will SRZ Jewish Summer Camp Eisner. First, I would like to tell be able to bring this learning back to Campers: you about some of the things I en- CBSRZ and share it with my peers. joyed most about camp. One of the Camp didn’t help only my Jewish Dear Jo-Ann and Congregants, most wonderful things about Camp identity but also my overall personality. Eisner is all of the relationships that Before camp I was shy, quiet, and depend- Thank you for the money that I got staff and campers have. I made friends so I could go to Eisner camp. I had ed on others. I became so much more with a girl named Adina Feldman. We independent and learned to come out an awesome time! This letter will tell played lots of games together. At camp you about my amazing time. I am going of my shell a little. I did my best to make I learned some wonderful things about friends, and I learned to advocate for my- to tell about what I enjoyed doing, myself. One of the things that makes and what I learned about Judaism and self. I am so grateful that Ms. Jo-Ann Price Eisner special is the Shabbat services— and the camp scholarship committee myself. Once again, I had a great time. they were AMAZING! If you are going Enjoy the letter. made it possible for me to have this life- to Eisner then you should definitely changing experience! Many, many thanks! At Eisner camp, I had a lot of fun. look forward to them! Here are some of the things I en- Sincerely, joyed. In the recording studio, I sang Your friend, Lili Kleinberg Amina 14 Dear Jo-Ann Price and Congregants of CBSRZ, Thank you so much for the scholarship to attend Crane Lake Camp! Camp was the best! I had a great time and I did lots of swimming in the lake and the pool. I got to jump off the “wibbit” a huge inflatable in the middle of the lake! I had the chance to sail and kayak and paddle board! I went zip lining and did the low ropes course where I learned to work as part of a team. Playing with the animals was lots of fun. There were puppies and llamas! Once I even picked up a chicken! I volunteered at the NY state food bank for a day and got to see how they pre- pare and distribute food that has been donated. On trip day we went to Lake Compounce. It was super fun! I went on Benjamin Rosenblum-Jones (left) at Crane Lake Camp with two friends roller coasters that went upside down! There was t’fillah every morning and on Sunday, November 10. Highlights honors and celebrates our Jewish past, Limud every day. And the last week of of the day will include: Eldridge Street present, and future. For more informa- camp my Unit led the Shabbat services. Synagogue, walking tour of the Lower tion, check out www.motl.org. I was in song group! I really liked being East Side, kosher lunch and dinner, 9/11 Speaking of trips to Israel … it is part of a Jewish experience! I learned Memorial, and Times Square. Teens will never too early to start thinking about some new Hebrew words, the bunk next travel to and from NYC by train. JTCon- a NFTY experience to Israel! Teens to mine had a counselor from Israel, and nect will also be holding their second must be at least 15 years old in 2014 one day we built the city of Jerusalem Annual Chanukah Party Bus Scavenger to participate. There is an Early Bird out of Legos! Hunt on Saturday night, December 14. Discount if you register by January 1, The last week of camp there was Teens will be in teams and travel around 2014—you will receive a $400 discount Maccabia! It is color war. There were West Hartford in style while learning off any NFTY Israel program. For more lots of contests between the two teams, about Chanukah through a specially detailed information about NFTY Israel and you get to have lots of fun in your designed scavenger hunt. We have also programs, check out www.nftyisrael.org. Unit while doing it. The best part of been invited to participate in the JT- Scholarships are available for both NFTY camp was meeting new friends and Cares program, a monthly Social Action Israel and March of the Living. doing things together with them. The program. Specific details will be emailed Lastly, we are very excited about our counselors were awesome! I can’t wait out as they become available. New Youth Lounge! We are planning on to go back next year! Calling 10th–12th Graders! Join launching our new space in December. At Sincerely, hundreds of other Jewish teens from a recent youth group meeting, our teens Benjamin Rosenblum-Jones & Family all over the country on Capitol Hill came up with a wish list: couch(es), flat in March! The L’Taken Social Justice screen tv, gaming system, computer, carpet, YOUTH NEWS Seminar will take place March 7–10 in mini fridge with lock. If you possibly have Youth Group is off to a great start and Washington, DC. In partnership with the any of these items and would like to donate we are looking forward to having an- Religious Action Center of Reform Juda- them to the Youth Lounge, please be in other fantastic year. ism (RAC), teens will have the opportu- touch. Watch for pictures of our new space Last month we kicked off the year nity to engage in our political process as coming in a future Whole Megillah issue! with an afternoon at Flight, an indoor they share their views on social justice It is also never too late to get in- Trampoline Park in New Britain, with topics with decision makers on Capitol volved with Youth Group. If I haven’t met 13 teens. It was a fun afternoon as we Hill. During the program we will visit the you yet, I hope you will give our Youth jumped on over 50 connected tram- National Holocaust Memorial Museum, Group a try and hope to meet you soon. polines, played trampoline dodge ball, Smithsonian Mall, Havdallah at the Jeffer- If you are not on our email list yet, and jumped off of launching decks of differ- son Memorial and much more! Available you are an 8th–12th grader or a parent ent levels, and did tricks into the foam spaces are limited! of an 8th-12th grader, send me an email pit. It was definitely a fun and tiring day! Also for 10th–12th graders is March at [email protected] to be added to This year again, we have been invited of the Living, a two-week experiential our list. If you have any questions about by JTConnect (Jewish Teen Learning journey for high school students from any of the programs mentioned above, Connection) of West Hartford to par- April 24–May 8, 2014. Join teens from please contact me. ticipate in programs when we are able around the world for an extraordinary -Marc Fink, Youth Advisor to. There is a trip to NYC being planned educational trip to Poland and Israel that 15 PICTURE GALLERY Paula Retsky Paula Deborah Rutty Deborah

Danny Kleiman and his sister Michele Kleiman at a party celebrating Congregation members disembarking from the Chester ferry after Tashlich the exhibition of his paintings on Main Street. Paula Retsky Paula

Our beautifully decorated Sukkah

16 Paula Retsky Paula Deborah Rutty Deborah

Carrying the torah scroll at Simchat Torah Paula Retsky Paula

Rabbi Goldenberg surrounded by young Torah scholars and the unfurled scroll during Simchat Torah.

Shofar apprentice Sara Gelven Paula Retsky Paula Retsky Paula

Hostess Suzanne Levine with Miriam Swidler and an elegant Stephen Davis at Mason & Hamlin's 100th.

Dan Pardo, who delighted his audience at the celebration of Mason & Hamlin's 100th birthday.

17 ment in Middletown for a homeless last session of the legislature but can person. We have worked in conjunction be accomplished this year. with End in Ten, a multi-organization SOCIAL effort supervised by St. Vincent de Paul, Prison Reform a Catholic charity. This year, we will Following a year in which SAC presented continue that effort and add at least several programs on prison reform ACTION one project with Habitat for Human- issues, we will continue to work for ity of Middlesex, in which congregants policy changes in this area, including COMMITTEENEWS will have an opportunity to work with sentencing laws, issues in the women’s Habitat to help build a house. The first prison in Niantic, and the overuse of project will take place in Middletown on solitary confinement, which has been A NEW YEAR — Saturday, November 16, carrying on the shown to create mental health issues work of hundreds of other volunteers within the prisons. (see related article in this issue). A RENEWED SET Tolerance OF PRIORITIES Health Care Although SAC would welcome ideas We continue to sponsor two Red Cross for specific projects on tolerance, we The Social Action Committee will con- blood drives at CBSRZ each year, staffed continue to work with non-Jewish tinue themes we supported last year in part by CBSRZ volunteers. The first communities on our social action with our programming: hunger, home- blood drive will be on December 16. activities, thereby encouraging toler- lessness, health, children’s rights, prison This event raises blood for the blood ance. This has included work with var- reform, and tolerance. Within these bank and awareness of this critical need ious churches on SAC projects, some areas, there are new projects and pro- throughout our area. of which are ongoing. grams about which we are very excited. SAC continues to distribute important We welcome — and need — support Legislative Advocacy information on the federal Affordable from the entire congregation to make Although SAC continues to focus on Healthcare Act and health exchanges. these programs a success. Please con- many local individuals who need food, tact [email protected] to volun- This year, we are looking at projects in housing, and healthcare, and upon the teer for any projects, or if you have an two additional areas of health: mental organizations providing that assistance, idea for another project. health and the environment. Men- we also continue to face many issues tal health programs, which have been that can best be addressed through changes to laws and policies on a local, Focus On Hunger severely underfunded, received renewed state, or national level. SAC was suc- This coming year, as in previous years, policy focus last year following the cessful last year in addressing gun con- SAC will focus on addressing hunger repeated gun violence throughout the trol issues and in encouraging action by within our community. Activities include country by persons with a history of other groups, including United Action the food drive donation and sponsoring mental illness. SAC team leaders plan of Connecticut, an organization of soup kitchens in both Chester and Deep to look at this issue from personal, com- more than ten faith congregations (of River for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and munity, and policy perspectives. Similarly, which CBSRZ is the only Jewish com- Pantries, the CBSRZ community garden, we are considering environmental action munity). As the broad geographic reach and raising money for MAZON. In addi- with a very local focus — including of the CBSRZ congregation permits a tion, members of the SAC are working orchards and bird sanctuaries on CBSRZ correspondingly broad impact in these with SSKP and other community orga- property — and policy issues which are areas, we will continue to seek to influ- nizations on a new task force to address getting more attention in Connecticut ence change where appropriate, and we issues of hunger and self-sufficiency with and throughout the world, including food hope to provide the opportunity and research, publicity, and specific policy initiatives relating to genetically modified resources to allow many CBSRZ con- initiatives on the local and statewide lev- organisms. More to follow. gregants to join in those efforts. els. These community activities can help to alleviate this growing problem, which Children’s Rights SAC continues its role in collect- Look for new SAC webpages on should not persist in this country, and ing and providing essentials such as CBSRZ website certainly not in our region. Hunger was clothing, toys, and books directly to New pages will contain the yearly nearly eliminated in the United States in children and various area schools. On calendar of activities along with brief the late 1970s and should be again. the policy front, following proposals descriptions of all initiatives. This will bring more detailed information to Housing outlined by speakers SAC brought to people who visit the website encour- Each of the past two years, CBSRZ CBSRZ last year, we have also been aging involvement and volunteerism. has combined forces with the United involved in urging legislation to change Please visit: http://www.cbsrz.org/index. Church of Chester to furnish an apart- the sentencing guidelines for juvenile defenders, which did not pass in the php?page=social-action

18 The house will be fully accessible on storage facility, said that the CBSRZ Help Us Build A House on the first floor with master bedroom, delivery each year is the largest she November 16 bath, laundry room, kitchen, and liv- has seen, commenting that when the ing area configured for easy access. CBSRZ delivery arrived last year, her The house design was developed first day volunteering, she was con- with the assistance of Architecture cerned with the ability of the volun- for Humanity, a National non-profit teers to handle all the bags and that agency committed to assisting agencies no other delivery throughout the year Photo TK credit and organizations through the volun- came close to that size. Volunteers also teer work of professional architects noted that the variety of food from throughout the world. CBSRZ was greater than most dona- As partners with Middlesex Habitat, tions, which would make recipients feel the homeowners are participating in special. the construction of their home, com- Laura Dean-Frazier, manager of the pleting at least 400 hours of “sweat food pantry for SSKP, noted that SSKP equity” in construction and with other distributes 1,700 pounds of food per Habitat for Humanity activities. Con- week, and the delivery helped restock struction, for which over 300 volun- the shelves of needed staples. teers have helped, is expected to be Andy Schatz, chair of the Social Action completed in late fall. Committee at CBSRZ, who helped Help us build it! unload the truck, thanked all who had contributed to the food drive. Rona Malakoff supervised the food drive, Liberty Street house as of early August 2013 CBSRZ High Holiday Food and her son, Mack Goller, and several Drive a Ton of Success teenage friends helped load the truck at CBSRZ. Paula Feder, Beth Gottlieb, Once again, the CBSRZ High Holiday The Social Action Committee is Johanna Schaefer, and Debby Trautman food drive was a resounding success, recruiting ten to twelve congregants to organized the distribution of bags and delivering 2,630 pounds of food to the volunteer for Habitat for Humanity on materials at CBSRZ. Lary Bloom made Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries Saturday, November 16, from 8:30 am a special appeal for congregants to in Old Saybrook on September 16, the to 3:30 pm. We will be helping to build deliver food. And, most importantly, day following the Yom Kippur weekend. a house for a family in Middletown. most of the congregation responded Willing workers of all skill levels are Jeannie Abrahamson of Old Saybrook, overwhelmingly, providing hundreds of needed. On-the-job training is avail- who volunteers at the SSKP food bags of food. able and, if you already have building skills, you might even be asked to lead a team. Rabbi Goldenberg has given her approval for this Shabbat mitzvah. Volunteers are asked to contact Wendy at the Temple or Debby Traut- man, who is supervising this Social Action project, at debbytrautmann@ comcast.net. After purchasing property in Novem- ber 2012 and removing a damaged structure, Middlesex Habitat for Humanity is currently building its twelfth house in Middlesex County with a Habitat Partner Family. The three bedroom house is being con- structed to full Energy Star standards and is designed to blend in with the existing homes on Liberty Street and the surrounding area. Laura Dean-Frazier, pantry manager of SSKP, in the truck filled with donations from the synagogue.

19 Congregation Beth Chesed Corner Shalom Rodfe Zedek September 12, 2013 by Linda Sherman Board of Directors So often, we think of Chesed in terms of specific things that we do to Highlights help members of our congregation who are grieving or in the hospi- tal. But it is also about the unique little things that we each do that can • Rabbi’s Report: preparation for the High Holi- make a big difference in someone else's life. One of the most wonder- days, Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Working with ful things about CBSRZ is how well we already do this, as Evelyn Foster Davis to create a workshop to discuss global beautifully describes below. issues like the Syrian situation. Passed first round of grant application with New Haven Federa- Asked to write about my experience of Chesed, I thought, sure, I’ll just tion for the funding of a senior coordinator. look at what I said three years ago in my Rosh ha Shana reflection. At that time I spoke of my recovery from the initial, too long misdiagnosis • Financial: too early in season to report but dues and consequent amputation of my right hand. are coming in on pace as last few years. “No new thoughts?” the Universe seemed to ask me. “We can help you • Endowment is earning at an annualized rate of with that. We can give you something new to write about.” And so the 4.1% Universe did. • The estate of Dick Schneller gave a $50,000 gift Four days in the hospital with intravenous antibiotic and the infection which has been put into the endowment. was under control. But from the very moment it was known that I was • The Board approved funds for the President to headed to the hospital and frightened, the word spread. The outpour- attend the December Biennial URJ meeting. ing of support, comfort, prayers, cards, and offers of help began and • The LeWitt kippa is now the official kippa of continued until well after I was home. URJ. 1,000 have been ordered for the Decem- I’d driven myself to the hospital and fully intended to drive myself ber Biennial meeting. CBSRZ will get $18 per home after discharge. Not gonna happen. kippa sold for its general fund. Friends insisted on picking me up. We stopped to see their garden. We • New Members voted in: picked perfect pears from the tree and sun warmed pears, also perfect, Susan and Robert Furman, Killingworth from the ground. We hung out in the art studio, chatted, eventually drove Teresa and David Fogel, Old Saybrook to my house in tandem, where we hung out some more. The day’s main Shelley Sprague and Steven Barasz, Killing- event was no longer the struggle for an appropriate discharge plan. worth Instead, it was a balmy late summer afternoon spent with friends. Paula Retsky, Chester The critical matter in the discharge plan was how to continue intra- • Bloom piano fund raiser brought in about venous antibiotics. Medicare options were ten days in a nursing $5,000 of net proceeds for the operating fund. home for two doses a day or outpatient infusion center for one dose • Three capital projects were approved with the a day but 30% less effective. Medicare would not cover the cost of a funds coming from the Capital Fund: nurse coming to the house at one third the cost of a nursing home. $5,000 for retrofitting windows in the School wing (this is a test as there are more windows On the spot, six friends volunteered to learn how and took turns to be replaced); administering the antibiotic infusion, not something I could do with $1,500 to place a permanent awning over the one hand. kitchen door; I was able to be home with good company. I could enjoy deepening $3,500 to install an automatic assisted door friendships while benefitting from the best available treatment. Many opener to one set of the main entrance doors others said they too, would have been happy to join what someone • Centerpiece discussion was presentation of a called my SWAT team, so many, probably enough to have a different white paper on secular staffing at CBSRZ. After person for each of the remaining twenty infusions. a lengthy discussion the President appointed The generosity of time and meals, the inconvenience and trouble an Ad Hoc committee to report back to the endured to enable me to be in my own house, the comfort, kindness, Board at the November 10th Board meet- caring and support given freely, all gifts of healing for body and spirit. ing with specific recommendations regarding secular staffing at CBSRZ. Three years ago I said, “Never underestimate the value of Chesed and Bikoor Cholim.” It bears repeating. Never underestimate the value of • Music and More schedule was announced: Chesed and Bikoor Cholim. Whatever traditional or alternative, East- March 9 Howard Fishman ern or Western medicine is able to do, Chesed and Bikoor Cholim will April 20 Patricia Schuman & David Pittsinger enhance. I thank you all for once again getting me through. May 18 Eva Virsik June 22 Picnic with A Klez Act

20 Second Saturday December Honoree: Kevin Fox

t’s a long drive, but Kevin Fox Kevin recalls his was the first Bar Last year, Kevin chanted Torah for the makes it regularly, commuting Mitzvah in the congregation he first time at a CBSRZ Second Saturday Ifrom his home in Farmington to attended in his native Manchester, Shabbat. He says it was a challenging CBSRZ in Chester. Kevin will be hon- New Hampshire. After that he did experience but one that he enjoyed. “I ored at the second Saturday Shabbat not attend regularly. “I avoided it,” wanted to do it, because I had never service at 10:30 on December 14, not he says. But years later, Saturday done it. It was a good thing, a terrific for the mileage he puts on his car, but morning Torah study at CBSRZ’s thing to do,” he recalls. It was so reward- for his services to the synagogue. Holy Scrollers drew him back to ing, in fact, that he will chant again at a synagogue. He describes what hap- Second Saturday service this year. Kevin is one of CBSRZ’s three gab- pened with attendance at Holy bais, whose duty it is to ensure the Kevin describes CBSRZ as a vibrant Scrollers as an epiphany. smooth running of services. That and encompassing synagogue but can mean anything from handing Now he is a fixture at Torah study, a adds that its vibrancy depends on out prayer books to making sure regular attendee who sits always in the participation of its congregation. that those congregants with honors the same corner seat. He enjoys his “People have to come,” he says. get to the bima at the correct point role as a listener. “There are people Those attending the second Satur- in the service. (The other two gab- who know so much more than I do,” day service to honor Kevin Fox on bais are Laura Roman and Henry he says. The area he feels informed December 14 at 10:30 are encouraged Resnikoff.) Kevin volunteered for and ready to speak on is his worka- to bring a dairy dish for the com- the job and is glad that he did. “I day world. “I know finance,” he says. munal lunch that follows the service. love it,” he says. Kevin is a financial advisor for Stifel The synagogue provides bagels and Nicolaus in Avon. In addition, Kevin is CBSRZ’s treas- assorted toppings. urer, responsible with finan- cial vice president Sandy Seidman, for the ongoing economic health of the syna- gogue. He is the synagogue’s representative to the Greater New Haven Jewish Foun- dation, with which CBSRZ invests its funds. According to Kevin, the synagogue’s investment committee decided to place its funds with the foundation some three or four years ago. “So far so good,” he says of the investment results. For the last two years, Kevin has also been in charge of the CBSRZ golf tournament, played at Fox Hopyard Golf Club in East Haddam. “We’ve raised some money but not as much as we should have,” Kevin admits. This year, the tournament will be scheduled on a Sunday. “That’s so peo- ple can’t tell me they can’t take a day off from work,” Kevin explains. Kevin Fox

21 CBSRZ NEWS

THE WOMEN OF into our existing wisdom by building Mason Nicholas Resnikoff was born on relationships can only strengthen us. August 20. He is the grandson of Henry CBSRZ Resnikoff and Daphne Nielsen and the by Suzanne Levine Please, if you did not get a notice of son of Jacob and Dana Resnikoff. our September meeting and want to Mazel tov! Twenty-four of us met in September to be involved, let me know at susahtfd@ begin building a community of women yahoo.com. The Social Action Committee is hop- who are psyched to foster sisterhood ing to get ten to twelve congregants and build relationships through a deeper to volunteer for Habitat for Human- awareness of our spirituality. There are ity on November 15th. We will be a myriad of opportunities: the Women’s helping build a house in Middletown Seder, honoring our all female B’Not between the hours of 8:30-3:30. Vol- Mitzvah class, exploring the Jewish unteers are asked to contact Wendy Women’s Renaissance Project, assist- at the Temple. ing the Chesed Committee, and the gift shop, for starters! THE CBSRZ JOB Not to worry, there will still be books BANK to read, trips to take, cookbook plan- ning with Lynne Stiles, more social job bank activities and on and on, although, New noun Rules: know that when you pitch an a data file or agency for match- idea, you basically own it. No more ing persons seeking work with suit- “drive-by” dropping off great ideas. If an able job openings. idea is truly important to you, do the research; find out what’s involved and Do you need work, or do you need bring it up at the next meeting. Tapping Mason Nicholas Resnikoff, one month old. reliable employees? If so, become part of the CBSRZ job bank, which matches employ- ers and qualified people in our congregation to fill key positions. The new head of our job bank is fellow congregant John Hausman. Write him at [email protected]. All of the information submitted is treated as confidential.

Bea and Lew Case have recently moved to Mas- sachusetts to be closer to their son Ed. They would love to stay in touch. Bea and Lew's new address is is Stone Institute, 277 El- liot St., Room 4, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464. Please contact Wendy at the CSBRZ office if you would like their phone numbers.

Women Torah scholars, (from left to right) Susan Peck, Suzanne Levine, Meg Magida, and Dana Dixon, pondering the text of Bereshit as the cycle of reading the Torah begins anew. Michael Greenaway and David Hays are in the background. Linda Sherman 22 The Archaeology of Ashkelon

November 3rd, 11AM Elliot Schwam

Elliot Schwam will share his recent experiences as a team member with the Leon Levy Harvard Expedition in Ashkelon, Israel that has unearthed 3000 years of settlements in this an- cient port city from the Canaanites to the Crusaders.

Meet our “New” CBSRZ Members at the next Shabbat Oneg and discover which one is a portraitist? Is she the one with the camera? Who is the sculptor? Does he have clay under his fingernails? The dentist? Is he wearing a mask? Excavation at Ashkelon A financial planner? The one with the calculator? Teresa and David Fogel from Old Saybrook months, when we will gather for movies, The Other Son, to be shown on munchies, and schmoozing. December 22 at 4:00 pm, explores Susan and Robert Furman from Killing- cultural and religious biases through worth Fill the Void tells the story of eighteen- the story of two boys born in the Shelley Sprague and Steven Gay Barasz year-old Shira, who is the youngest same hospital, one Israeli, the other from Killingworth daughter in an Orthodox Hassidic fam- Palestinian. They're evacuated during ily. She is set to be married to a prom- a missile attack, accidentally switched Paula Retsky from Chester ising young man when her sister Esther and raised by each other's families dies in childbirth. The grief that follows for the next 18 years. The mistake is And don’t forget our mantra for 5774, overwhelms the family, postponing discovered when the Israeli boy regis- the Year of Engagement. Shira's match. When the girls' mother ters for the army which requires DNA finds out that Esther’s widower may testing, revealing his Arabic roots. leave the country with her only grand- The families must then decide how to Engage, engage! child to marry again, she proposes a proceed and confront what makes a match between Shira and her son-in- person who he is. The film is French BEAT THE WINTER law. Shira will have to choose between with English subtitles. her heart's wish and her family duty. BLUES FILM CLUB The acclaimed film, directed by Rama The film club will also present selec- Burshtein, herself an Israeli Orthodox tions on January 19th and February 23rd. The film club's inaugural offering,Fill the Jew, won seven Israeli Academy Awards For further information or to suggest Void, will be screened at the synagogue and a Best Actress award for newcom- movies, please contact Gay Clarkson at on November 17 at 4:30 pm. Three er Hadas Yaron (Shira) at the Venice [email protected] or Clo Davis at other presentations will follow on Film Festival. The movie is in Hebrew [email protected]. Sunday afternoons through the winter with English subtitles.

23 1654 Bo ston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 • 860-399-4166

We hope you enjoyed the bagels and lox platters at the Yom Kippur Break- the-Fast! Please come and visit us for more delicious food. REMEMBRANCE Florence Klein Eva Fisher Yetta Sacks Memorial Plaques Leonard Klein Memorial Plaques Rose Frankel Sadie Samuels Heshvan 28 – Kislev 27, 5774 William Kotchen Kislev 28 – Tevet 28, 5774 Jack Freed Selick Samuels Jack Banner Rosamond LeWitt Eleanor Adler Mary Pinkus Goldstein Arthur Schur Bunie Baron Joseph Mager Lawrence Joel Adler Sol Harris Irving Schwolsky Esther Baron Gladys Oppenheimer Samuel Adler Irving Isaacson Rayann Seidman Jack Baron Hyman Peck Abraham Altman Herbert Kabatznick Frances Siegel Sam Chiat Philip Peckeroff Leah Baron Edna Kleiman Ruth Silverman Harry Debowsky Rabbi Alexander Schindler Sarah Baum Harold Leichtman Max Simon Isadore Elson Sonia Schulman Benjamin Beizer M.C. LeWitt Esther Sivin Jerome Fischbach Lillian Shaftel Martha Bernstein Jack Lifshitz Fannie Sober Nathen Frankel Morris Sigel Rosalind Berwick Victor Marko Samuel Sondak Helen Friedman Samuel L. Sollins Harry Breitman Pauline Mazer Arthur Tobias Rachel Friedman Lester Sondak Bella Breslow Yetta Michael Pearl Weiner Rachel Friend Abraham Sprecher Harris Breslow Marvin Palmer Max Zavadnick Florence Gage Benjamin Sprecher Abraham Buchzeiger Abraham Peckeroff Irving Ziprin Harry Glazer Julius Starr David Cirulnik Jacob Rabinowitz Paul Jaffe Justine V. Tobias Davida Schatz Edelson Rita Rogers Joseph Katz Regina Waldinger Dora Feingold Minnie Rogow Miriam Klar Dora Zelvin Max Fine Jacob Ronor

Yahrzeits Heshvan 28 – Kislev 27, 5774 Yahrzeits Kislev 28 – Tevet 28, 5774 William Beckerman – father of Barbara Beckerman Eleanor Adler – mother of Jacqueline Michael Jerome Boardman – son of Jennie Shapiro Lawrence Joel Adler – brother of Rochelle Dauenheimer Celia Braunstein – grandmother of Natalie Lindstrom Samuel Adler – father of Jacqueline Michael Barbara Bruno – sister of David Bruno Sylvia Baker – mother of Stu Baker Frances Fine – mother of Philip Fine Norman Bass – father of Susan Fine Dora Fink – mother of Hyman Fink Pearl Bass – mother of Susan Fine Jerome Fischbach – father of Nancy Fischbach Howard Beckerman – brother of Barbara Beckerman Erwin Fischer – grandfather of Rick Hornung Rosella Berkon – grandmother of Rebecca Blake Helen Friedman – sister of Estelle Breslow Alvin Bielot – father of Doreen Joslow Rachel Friend – grandmother of Sheila Friend Byrne Gilda Biener – cousin of Eve Ber Barry Gilman – cousin of Ellen Gottfried Breindel Bloch – grandmother of Michael Crair Helen Gilman – aunt of Ellen Gottfried Bella Breslow – mother-in-law of Estelle Breslow Adaline Barbara Goodman – sister of Linda Polomski Max Case – father of Lewis Case Lawrence Gottfried – brother of Ellen Gottfried David Cirulnik – grandfather of Ellen Friedman Benjamin Greenberg – father of Penny Robiner Leroy Averill Cohen – father of Hila Rosen Richard Hays – brother of David Hays Gertrude Coville – grandmother of Lynn Coville Marcus Hoberman – father of Harvey Hoberman Hyman Farber – father of Beverly Glassman Benjamin Jackoway – father of Rita Fink Irving S. Frum – father of Miriam Gardner-Frum Bernard Kalet – brother of Gene Kalet Herb Golden – uncle of Leslie Krumholz Joseph Katz – father of Leah Pear Arthur Goldstein – father of Harvey Goldstein Miriam Klar – wife of David Klar; mother of Iris Klar Mary Pinkus Goldstein – mother of Jackie Hastings Florence Klein – stepmother of Maxine Klein Ethel Goodman – mother of Linda Polomski Leonard Klein – father of Maxine Klein Victor Gottfried – father of Corinne Weber Rosamond LeWitt – mother of James Cohen Max Guttman – father of Evelyn Foster Joseph Mager – brother of Estelle Breslow Victor Heller – father of Betty Gilman Beverly Gilman McCaffrey – cousin of Ellen Gottfried Constance Hieatt – sister of Ellen Nodelman Eileen Moran – sister-in-law of George Amarant Alanna Hitschmann – friend of Marilyn and Gene Kalet Sylvia Price – mother of Michael Price Hanna Issner – grandmother of Marlene Scharr; Lubah Peck Ruben – beloved parent of Michael Peck great-grandmother of Janet Scharr Gochberg Dorothy Rubin – mother of Matthew Rubin Anna Kandell – mother of Marilyn Kalet Rabbi Alexander Schindler – father of Debby Trautmann Kurt Kaufmann – father of Janie Pittendreigh Lillian Shaftel – mother of Maxine Leichtman Edna Kleiman – wife of Howard Kleiman; mother of Michele Kleiman Esther Smith – mother of Susan Furman Howard Kurtzberg – mother of Howard Kurtzberg Sol Stolowy – grandfather of Ethan Goller Harold Leichtman – father-in-law of Maxine Leichtman Justine V. Tobias – mother of Justine Redak Dolores Malakoff – mother of Rona Malakoff Silvia White – mother-in-law of Marilyn White-Gottfried Ann Marcus – mother of Natalie Lindstrom; Jerry Wolfe – father of Lynne Triebel grandmother of Lauren & Meg Gister Olive Wright – mother of Doris Helbling Yetta Michael – mother-in-law of Jacqueline Michael Muriel Moran – mother of Donna Moran Dr. Tage Nielsen – father of Daphne Nielsen Mi SheBeirach List Condolences Laurette Pinn – mother of Ed Pinn Linda Thal Israel Resnikoff – father of Henry Resnikoff Our heartfelt condolences Rita Rogers – wife of Samuel Rogers Marilyn Buel are extended to: Jo Watanabe Esther Schaffer – mother of Marilyn White-Gottfried Louise Ross Tyler Thorpe, Jeannette Georganne Schrepferman – mother of Lisanne Kaplan Irving Schwolsky – father of John and Peter Schwolsky Eileen Ilberman Ickovics and Sam and Ethan Jill Nadler Rayann Seidman – wife of Sandy Seidman Thorpe on the recent loss of Marc Sherman – brother of Linda Pinn Leonard Nodelman Tyler's father, Charles Thorpe. Michelle Palmer Cynthia Shiffman – wife of Irving Shiffman Noah Lourie-Mosher Frances Siegel – grandmother of James Cohen Pauline and Xander Kaplan Rose Stolowy – grandmother of Ethan Goller Jeffrey Rosenberg on the recent loss of Pauline's Michael Zemmel Rev. Robert Trautmann – father of Bob Trautmann Regan Konecky husband and Xander's father, Victor Udoff – father of Erica Udoff Robb Prchal Howard Kaplan. Yvonne Young – friend of Bob & Debby Trautmann Joyce Krempel Gilbert Ziff – brother of Barbara Edelson Jackie Michael Lisa, Sean, Bryce and Ella Joel Pear Connelly on the recent loss of Pat Smith Lisa's grandfather, Herbert Small. Gene Kalet

Please remember to inform Linda Sherman, chair of the Chesed Committee, if you or someone you know is ill, in need of help, or has experienced a death in the family. Our Chesed Committee is here to help.

28 Heshvan- NOVEMBER 27 Kislev, 2013 5774

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 28 HESHVAN 2 29 HESHVAN 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat 9:30 am Holy Scrollers 6:15 pm Dairy Potluck Dinner 7:00 pm First Friday Erev Shabbat Service

3 30 HESHVAN 4 5 2 KISLEV 6 3 KISLEV 7 4 KISLEV 8 5 KISLEV 9 6 KISLEV 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced 7:45 am Morning Minyan 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service Religious School (in lieu of Nov Hebrew 8:45 am Religious Affairs 9:15 am - 10:30 am Breakfast 10th) 1:00 pm Mah Jongg 10:30 am 2nd Saturday Shabbat with Rabbi (Grades K/1) 4:15 pm Religious School 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner Service and Kiddush Luncheon Hebrew 9:30 am Religious School 11:00 am Archaeology of Ashkelon with Elliot Schwam 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Confirmation

10 7 KISLEV 11 8 KISLEV 12 9 KISLEV 13 10 KISLEV 14 11 KISLEV 15 12 KISLEV I 16 13 KISLEV 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced Office Closed 3:00 pm SSKP Board Meeting 7:45 am Morning Minyan 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn: 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Habitat for Hebrew 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Adult Bat 1:00 pm Mah Jongg Jewish Responses to Big Ethical with Choir Humanity House in Middletown 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner Mitzvah Workshop 4:15 pm Religious School Questions Hebrew 7:00 pm Board of Directors 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Jewish War Veterans - Remembering Krystallnacht

17 14 KISLEV 18 15 KISLEV 19 16 KISLEV 20 17 KISLEV 21 18 KISLEV 22 23 20 KISLEV

8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced 7:00 pm - 9:00 am UACT 7:45 am Morning Minyan 5:30 pm Social Action 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service 9:30 am Holy Scrollers Hebrew Meeting 1:00 pm Mah Jongg 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner 4:15 pm Religious School Hebrew 9:30 am Religious School 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm UACT Listening Campaign Feedback; 4:30 pm Beat the Winter Blues Film Club

24 21 KISLEV 25 22 KISLEV 26 23 KISLEV 27 24 KISLEV 28 25 KISLEV 29 26 TISHRI 30 27 KISLEV 8:30 am Advanced Hebrew FIRST DAY OF CHANUKAH CHANUKAH CHANUKAH 9:30 am Beginner Hebrew 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Adult Bat No Religious School THANKSGIVING DAY 9:30 am Hanukkah Program Mitzvah Workshop 7:45 am Morning Minyan Office Closed 9:30 am Religious School 1:00 pm Mah Jongg 7:30 pm Hanukkah Service and 11:30 am Confirmation Celebration 11:30 am Gesher 4:00 pm Beat the Winter Blues Office Closed Film Club 4:00 pm Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - United Church of Chester 12:00 pm Latke Making and Freezing

26 28 Kislev- DECEMBER 28 Tevet, 2013 5774

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 28 KISLEV 3 29 KISLEV 3 30 KISLEV 4 1 TEVET 5 2 TEVET 6 3 TEVET 7 4 TEVET CHANUKAH CHANUKAH CHANUKAH CHANUKAH LAST DAY OF CHANUKAH 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat 6:15 pm Dairy Potluck Dinner No Religious School 7:45 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Executive Committee 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced 8:45 am Religious Affairs 7:00 pm First Friday Erev Shabbat Hebrew 1:00 pm Mah Jongg Service 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner 4:15 pm Religious School Hebrew 4:00 pm B'not Mitzvah benefit concert 12:00 pm Latke Making and Freezing

8 5 TEVET 9 6 TEVET 10 7 TEVET 11 8 TEVET 12 9 TEVET 13 10 TEVET 14 11 TEVET 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced 3:00 pm SSKP Board Meeting URJ Biennial - San Diego URJ Biennial - San Diego URJ Biennial - San Diego URJ Biennial - San Diego Hebrew 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Adult Bat 7:45 am Morning Minyan 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch & 5:45 pm Erev Shabbat Service 9:15 am - 10:30 am Breakfast with Mitzvah Workshop 1:00 pm Mah Jongg Learn: Jewish Responses to Big followed by Dinners in Congregants 10:30 am 2nd Saturday Shabbat Rabbi (Grades 2/3) 4:15 pm Religious School Ethical Questions homes Service with Kiddush Luncheon 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner Hebrew 9:30 am Religious School 11:00 am Books & Bagels: Wally Lamb - "We are Water" 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Confirmation

15 12 TEVET 16 13 TEVET 17 14 TEVET 18 15 TEVET 19 16 TEVET 20 17 TEVET 21 18 TEVET URJ Biennial - San Diego 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Adult Bat 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm Red Cross 7:45 am Morning Minyan Mitzvah Rehearsal 5:45 pm Erev Shabbat Service Hebrew Blood Drive 1:00 pm Mah Jongg with Choir 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner 4:15 pm Religious School Hebrew 7:00 pm Board of Directors 9:30 am - 11:00 am ComCom 9:30 am Religious School 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Confirmation 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Gesher

22 19 TEVET 23 20 TEVET 24 21 TEVET 25 22 TEVET 26 23 TEVET 27 24 TEVET 28 25 TEVET

No Religious School 5:45 pm Erev Shabbat Service 10:30 am Shabbat Service and Bat 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced No Religious School 7:00 pm Executive Committee Mitzvah of Casey Elkin Hebrew Office Closed 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner 7:45 am Morning Minyan Hebrew 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Chester Soup Kitchen 4:00 pm Beat the Winter Blues Film Club

29 26 TEVET 30 27 TEVET 31 28 TEVET No Religious School 8:30 am - 9:30 am Advanced Hebrew 9:30 am - 10:30 am Beginner Hebrew

27 FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 415 NEW HAVEN, CT

55 East Kings Highway PO Box 438 Chester, CT 06412

Return Service Requested

The Whole Megillah may be viewed in color on the web at www.cbsrz.org

Many thanks to these recent Oneg sponsors

Suzanne Levine Beth Gottlieb Beth Brewer Evelyn Foster Marilyn Kalet Rita Fink Susan Fine Lynne Stiles Linda Rigono Hila Rosen Linda Sherman Adele Saykin

and Howard Kaplan for providing the beautiful challah