CHAICHAI November / December 2019 “A joyful community that inspires the soul, builds relationships, and engages the world”

STEVEN W. ENGEL

JMICHAEL G. KANCHER Executive Director

SHERYL R. SACHAROFF, Ed.D. Director of Education

BLAINE SMITH Youth Director

JULIE BEGANI Events & Marketing Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MARK E. LEVITT President

BARBARA ZASLOFSKY Secretary

IAN ROBINSON VP Budget & Finance LISA LEVIN VP Education & Youth Programming BEVERLY MURPHY VP Worship & Compassion

MITCH BARNETT VP Fundraising & Development

CATHY LIEBLICH Co-VP Membership ALLISON LEVIE CO-VP Membership DONNA ABRAMSON VP Communications, Marketing & Social Media CAMY B. SCHWAM-WILCOX VP Leadership Development HELENE BECKER VP of Volunteerism & Congregant Engagement FRED SCHOTT VP Human Resources SUSAN MCKENNA Immediate Past President

CONGREGATION OF REFORM Founded 1950 Affiliated with Union for 928 Malone Drive, Orlando, Florida 32810 • Ph: 407-645-0444 • Fax: 407-645-2393 • www.crjorlando.org from the Rabbi: Please mark your calendars now! Steven Engel Fundraiser Throughout history Sunday evening, April 19, 2019 Hanukkah has always been considered a relatively minor Honoring Larry and Susan Halperin Jewish holiday. CRJ’s annual spring fundraiser will take But like many things in Judaism, historical place at the Orlando Hilton Hotel in realities and social situations change the ways we view Jewish observances. Given Maitland. This year’s deserving recipients the current situation we find ourselves in, it of the CRJ Lifetime Achievement Award warrants a renewed bolstering of Hanukkah who will be honored at the event are as a Jewish holiday. Its themes of standing up Larry and Susan Halperin. Both have to religious persecution and fighting against been very active in the temple in a variety religious intolerance ring true in a world of volunteer roles including Larry’s where anti-Semitism is on the rise and where service as a Board officer for many years White Supremacy and Nationalism are being and as a member of the Rabbi Search given a voice once again. The Jewish leaders Committee, and Susan’s involvement on of the Hanukkah story include the family numerous committees (such as the Youth Maccabee, often translated as “Hammer.” Education Committee and Chair of the Show of Hands fundraiser) and as The name suggests that, to those who seek a weekly office volunteer for over 11 years. to perpetuate hatred against us and seek The Halperin’s fortuitous meeting while students at Tulane University to stop us from practicing Judaism, we are was the beginning of a genuine love story that continues to this day. A to come down upon them like a hammer. It first semester freshman, Susan was on a trolley with her friends heading is one of the few instances in early Jewish to a party with Larry’s fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu. Larry, a junior pre- history where there is no attempt to seek med student, was on the trolley too. They socialized in group settings a understanding, no compromise, no flexibility, couple of times before Larry asked Susan out on a date one month after but instead decisive and strong reaction, the trolley ride. Susan’s response: “What took you so long?” because of the nature of the adversary. When Larry was raised in Long Island where his family belonged to Temple it comes to our safety and survival there EmmanuEL in Lynbrook. Larry was a proud member of BBYO in which he can be no settlement. Make no mistake, this held leadership positions, including Regional Chairman, and attended new anti-Semitism is insipid and those who international conferences. Susan is an Orlando native whose parents, support it or stand on the sidelines and do Stanley (z”l) and Lynne Bloom (z”l) moved here from Rockford, Illinois nothing about it should feel the strength of a strong response. We need to do what we before she was born and joined CRJ (then known as CLJ, Congregation can do to not let our government officials of Liberal Judaism) in 1958. Susan was President of the local BBG chapter pull back the hammer. We must continue as well as attending national and international BBG conferences. to form coalitions with those who fight After marrying at CLJ in July 1981, the Halperins’ moved to Brooklyn against religious persecution. We have to where Larry was already enrolled at the State University of New York, take measures to ensure our security and Downstate College of Medicine. Susan completed her coursework at safety. But we must also, like our Maccabee Hunter College in New York City, but graduated from Tulane with a B.A. descendants, keep the light of hope, of in communications. They later lived in Queens, Long Island and Syracuse, courage, and of persistence burning. To where Larry completed his fellowship. The winter climate of upstate New strengthen our commitments to Judaism and York prompted Larry, at Susan’s urging, to interview in Orlando while to our Jewish community is also a necessary they were in town for a wedding. Although the initial opening at Orlando response to those who want to make us Orthopedic Center went to a good friend of Larry’s, Larry joined the afraid to be Jewish. Let the hammer go down practice when another vacancy occurred soon thereafter. The Halperins’ on them by us doing even more to declare still live in the house they first purchased when relocating to Orlando that are here to stay with strength in 1990. and determination. We will continue to not As a hand specialist at OOC, Larry’s career has been a remarkably only survive, but we will continue to thrive successful one, including serving as a Florida representative to the as an important part of America’s fabric of American Medical Association, an officer of the Florida Orthopedic diversity. As the popular Hanukkah song Society, and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Lucerne Hospital. Susan goes “Don’t let the light go out, it’s lasted for and Larry raised their three children, Allyson, Daniel and Samantha, at so many years…” CRJ and have many wonderful memories of their involvement in temple Wishing you a bright Hanukkah! activities and CRJ sponsored trips. Rabbi Engel Please help us honor Larry and Susan on April 19! 2 from the Director of Education:

Sheryl Sacharoff, Ed.D

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Gratitude and light are most wonderful themes of this season. With the approaching holidays of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, I find myself thinking of the miracles all around us. A story by Barbara Rush reminds me of these miracles. The Hanukkah Menorahs that Could Not Be Lit is a short tale of a teacher who was sharing a lesson on storytelling with her students. At the time, the children were studying about the Holocaust and the teacher asked each of them to bring in something from home relating to the subject. Students brought in family photos and family treasures from their relatives who had survived and those who had not been as fortunate to escape the Nazis. One child brought in a Hanukkah menorah (hanukkiah) which we, as Jews, are obligated to light each Hanukkah. The author tells us that lighting the menorah relates to both historical facts as well as legend. In the second century B.C.E., a small group of Jews fought and obtained religious freedom over mighty tyrants who had desecrated the Temple and forbade them from practicing Jewish life. Legend tells us that after the victory, a great miracle happened in which the oil, which was supposed to last for only a day, lasted for eight days. Each hanukkiah has oil receptacles or candle holders for eight days and one more space for the shamash or helper candle which lights the rest. The hanukkiah that the student brought in had room for eight candles but did not have a shamash. As the story went on, it was revealed that this treasure was saved by the student’s grandfather whose shop was destroyed by the Nazis during Kristallnacht. Quite fortunately, the grandparents escaped, but the hanukkiah was rescued without the shamash. The teacher, realizing that she had once bought a hanukkiah on a trip to Poland, ran to get her treasure. The miracle was that her special menorah had a shamash, but it was made to hold a candle unlike the rest of her spaces which were made to hold oil! The teacher added the candle holder as a shamash on the boy’s rescued hanukkiah which fit perfectly! On the next Hanukkah, the student’s family invited the teacher over to share in the lighting of the miraculous candles. I wish you and yours the joy of the holidays and the Everyone looks through a particular color, but the brightness of God’s miracles all around us. Here are some candle is always there.” - Mohammed Naguib wonderful quotes to light your spirit. “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” - “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle James Keller or the mirror that reflects it.” - Edith Wharton “A thousand candles can be lit from the flame of one “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. the darkness.” - Anne Frank Happiness can be spread without diminishing that of “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” - yourself.” - Budhha Maya Angelou L’Shalom, “Religion is a candle inside a multicolored lantern. Sheryl 3 Understanding the December Dilemma: Celebrating the Winter Holidays at Home December 15th @ 9:45am in the Schott Family Chapel Join us for an interactive discussion led by CRJ congregant, Rabbi Rick regarding the Hanukah/Christmas dilemma. Topics include the families, demanding decisions quandary that faces Jewish families about whether to celebrate one or when their kids encounter all of both holidays and how to deal with the Christmas celebrations in their hurt feelings or disapproval from Friday, November 1 | 6:00 pm school and feel left out as well as extended family. Tot Shabbat understanding that December can RSVP www.crjorlando.org/event/ Let’s do a ! be a stressful time for Interfaith december-dilemma

Sunday, November 3 | 9:30 am Mommy & Me ALL NEW AT CRJ!! SHABBAT ON THE BLOCK Nature Walk & Bird Feeders The perfect Friday evening beginning with Shabbat blessings followed by food and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Members open their Friday, December 6 | 6:00 pm homes for a potluck-style dinner for a little Shabbat ruach (spirit), music Tot Shabbat and fun. The evenings begin at 6:30pm and usually Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel! conclude at about 8:30pm. Whether you are a host or a guest, you will have a fantastic evening celebrating Shabbat with your congregational neighbors. Saturday, December 7 | 9:30 am Bubbles on the Bima December 6th: Hosted by Helene and Gary Becker We’re making latkes! (Longwood) Members of all ages are warmly welcomed. Space is For more information visit crjorlando. limited to 12 people unless otherwise noted. Exact addresses of our org/kids_community hosts will be provided once you make your reservation. Please RSVP to Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ Helene by December 1st [email protected]. groups/kids.kehillah Email Zipporah, Kids Kehillah WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOST A POTLUCK SHABBAT ON THE BLOCK? MESSAGE MEREDITH AT [email protected] Coordinator, [email protected] 4 Youth Groups

Yeladim showing how teamwork is done Yeladim will be having their famous Noah’s Ark Live Animal Show on November 17th! They will also be celebrating a very special Mickey Mouse Chanukah on December 15th! We are excited to end 2019 with some great events.

Chaverim Chaos in Bubble Chaverim recently had bubble soccer. Now they get to Soccer experience a one-of-a-kind cooking challenge on November 3rd and in November they get to be part of the Noah’s Ark Live animal show as well on the 17th.

Club 56 prepping Club56 got to race at K1 Speed and jump around at DEFY. Now for their they get to give back to the community on December 8th. They Race will be participating in a day of service and help give back to the environment, people, and animals.

Jr GORFTY Jr GORFTY just had their first Lock-In. Now they get to go to gearing up Hatikvah Kallah in Boca Raton. This is a special event where with head gear they get to see all their friends from other youth groups for their in our region! I know myself and many Jr GORFTites are BIG RACE looking forward to this one. Oh and did I forget to mention their MYSTERY BUS RIDE IS IN DECEMBER!

GORFTY enjoying a break GORFTY, they just got back from their Fall Kallah. Now they in action get to prepare for their Overnight on November 15th-16th. They also will have their MYSTERY BUS RIDE in December and Winter Kallah right here in Orlando at the Airport Marriott.

5 Sisterhood Do a “Mitzvah” "Without You, We Are One Sister Short” Sisterhood is off to a great start this year! We had a Thanksgiving Baskets for wonderful turnout for the Chai Tea. Welcome to all our Jewish Family Services new members! We are looking forward to our upcoming Believe it or not, events: November 7th Art and Wine - a fun night with Thanksgiving is right around painting, snacks and wine. No prior experience necessary the corner and for most all levels or artists are welcome so join us! Believe it or people, Thanksgiving is a not we also need to mention our Pre-Hanukah dinner happy holiday where families is December 13th. Last year we had lots of families join and friends get together. the fun and celebration so sign up early! The sisterhood Unfortunately, for some social action committee will be focusing on the refugee people in our city, it is a very lonely time. The Social crisis and housing insecurity; we have a Habitat Build Action committee at CRJ has been working with Jewish day scheduled for Nov. 21 (contact Jean White for more Family Services to make it a little less lonely for many. information - [email protected]) and on December Each year CRJ prepares Thanksgiving Bags filled with 1st a program on housing insecurity. Keep an eye for fresh fruit, baked goods, and snacks for home bound more social justice programing in the spring as well. clients of Jewish Family Services. The number of clients As always, anyone is welcome to attend our monthly is different every year, but usually as many as 60-70 meetings, usually the second Tuesday of the month, at people. The children in our Early Jewish Learning Kitah 6pm. Please call to find out our meeting place. Bet class (3 & 4-year olds) help us decorate the bags with Looking forward to seeing more ‘sistah’s’ at our fun stickers and paint which helps them learn about doing events ahead! good deeds & mitzvot. The bags are then filled with For more information on all Sisterhood programs, visit the special treats and delivered to the JFS office on the www.crjorlando.org/sisterhood Monday before Thanksgiving. JFS delivers the bags and meals to their clients. If you are interested in helping with this wonderful project, please call Amy Feinberg at 407-869-4024.

Deliver Christmas Meals on Wheels For just an hour or two of commitment, you can help a senior citizen by helping to deliver Meals on Wheels Christmas Day. CRJ will once again partner with Senior’s First, UPS, and Toasted Restaurant to help deliver Meals on Wheels for Christmas day to needy seniors in Orange County. I’m sure that most of you are aware of our campaign to gather volunteer drivers for this project. Drivers meet at CRJ on Christmas day around 10am Women of CRJ Membership “Chai Tea” where they are given meals and a route for delivery. The routes usually take about 1 hour to complete. This is a very rewarding experience for volunteers of all ages, and much appreciated by our seniors. In addition to drivers, we also need volunteers Christmas Eve Day to begin the portioning and packing of the meals. If you would like to volunteer for either or both days, please contact Becky Welch at [email protected]. I will be happy to provide more information and put you on the list.

Women of CRJ HABITAT BUILD DAY! Nov 21, 2019. from 8:00am - 2:00 pm Contact Jean White to register: [email protected] or 407-529-5806. Details will be provided upon registration.

6 SNEAKERS THAT FIT In memory of Dr. Barry Levin

Who doesn’t enjoy a new pair of sneakers? For a child Study it is the promise of running races, shooting baskets, an Bring your lunch and join us for a stimulating air of “cool” and just plain being comfortable! That is the conversation Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon, case for most of our children, but right here, in our local November 6, 13, 20 | December 4 Orlando area community, there are children for whom All sessions will be LIVE STREAMED at this is only a dream. This is the reason that over 20 years www.crjorlando.org/livestream ago Congregation of Reform Judaism began the project SNEAKERS THAT FIT. Book Club Each year, beginning All Meetings begin at 11:00 AM on Tuesdays November 1 and lasting at CRJ. through December 7, the Social Action Committee November 19: “The Clockmaker’s Daughter” by Kate of CRJ presents the Morton, Facilitator: Ellen Pressman SNEAKERS THAT FIT December 17: “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean project. During this period Facilitator: Marsha Freeman of time we partner with 4 For more information about book club contact Title l schools, one of which is ASPIRE Academy housed [email protected] here at CRJ, for students in need of new sneakers. For one month, with the participation of the congregants, we collect monetary donations as well as donations of shoes NOSH of Judaism in specific sizes to deliver to the designated schools An Eight-Week Course on Basic Judaism before the winter holiday break. Wednesday Evenings | 7:30 - 9:30pm We need you! This is one of the easiest, yet one of the most impactful projects, we undertake during the Congregation of Reform Judaism school year. The information will appear in the Chai as January 22, 29, February 5, 19, 26, March 4, 18, 25 well as on a bulletin board placed outside the sanctuary. Topical material taught by Rabbi Steven Engel The bulletin board will contain ID cards for the needs of Practicum taught by guest experts specific students. Last year we provided over 300 pairs Especially for ... of sneakers. In addition to the shoes that are donated Jewish people who want to brush up on their basics, by you we need to raise approximately $4,000 to fill the those Contemplating Conversion & Interfaith Couples need. You have the choice of making the shopping a Hanukah family life lesson or donating to the project. Learn About. . . . Your dollars go far in this endeavor. A $25 donation will Holidays, Lifecycle Events, History, , the buy a new pair of sneakers as well as a pair of socks. Our Holocaust, Modern Israel, Ritual Objects, and the partner, The Reebok Outlet, has loyally assisted us with Differences between Judaism & Christianity purchasing the most for our money in fitting these little Experience. . . . feet in need. Page of the , Jewish Cooking, the Jewish Internet Start now! It is never too early to start sending in your Find Out What Judaism Says About. . . . donations! Please designate on your check, SNEAKERS God & Prayer, Circumcision & Afterlife THAT FIT. NOW YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE using the CRJ website. Click on “Donations”, November 1 will be $80 per person/ $130 per couple. The fee will cover here before you know it! supplementary materials & food. Books are extra; a link Corporate or business sponsors are most welcome in will be e-mailed out so everyone can order their books. addition to individuals. Thank you for your continued Space is limited. CRJ Members are given priority; support! register by January 3rd. Pamela Levin, Chairperson, SNEAKERS THAT FIT REGISTER ONLINE www.crjorlando.org/event/NOSH

Single Social Club (SSC) Welcome to the Single Social Club (SSC) at CRJ, a new social networking group where 40-50ish singles meet to do anything from drinks on Park Avenue to kayak down the Wekiva River. Come find your special match, meet new friends or just hang out! For more information, please contact Stacey Osber at 407-701-2659 or [email protected].

7 Join CRJ’s Justice Advocacy Group Women of CRJ enjoy a Sunday Brunch The Justice Advocacy Group (JAG) is CRJ’s response to the Reform Movement’s call to action to work as a community to build a world of wholeness, justice and compassion, one that is more equitable and safer for all. This year, the JAG will focus its efforts on Gun Violence Prevention and Racial Justice as CRJ joins in the second phase of the Union of Reform Judaism’s Religious Action Center’s (RAC) Brit Olam initiative, approved by the Board of Directors. Launched in 2017, Brit Olam asks congregations to publicly commit to meaningful social justice work, grounded in our enduring Jewish values, and to act in concert with a strong network of congregations and communities to repair our world. In 2018, CRJ participated in the RAC’s first ever nonpartisan civic engagement campaign to mobilize hundreds of thousands of voters to make their voices heard. JAG members worked to support the passage of Amendment 4 in Florida and to educate congregants about local, state and national candidates’ positions on Gun Violence Prevention. This next phase of the initiative asks the 200-plus Brit Olam Reform Jewish congregations and communities to work together toward a common goal by focusing their efforts over the next year on one or two of five issues, called cohorts. Besides Gun Violence Prevention and Racial Justice, the two cohorts CRJ’s JAG will continue to work on, the other RAC issues are Immigration Justice; Environmental and Climate Justice; and Reproductive Justice (in partnership with Women of Reform Judaism.) Please join the JAG as it continues to work on Gun Violence Prevention as well as on Racial Justice by supporting the effective implementation of the passage of Amendment 4 by Florida voters to ensure voting rights restoration for felons. For further information on JAG and our next meeting, please contact Donna Abramson at [email protected]. Recycle Your Newspapers (and used shopping bags) at CRJ

Women of CRJ Justice Advocacy Presents Don’t forget to bring your newspapers to Housing Insecurity Awareness: Raising the Temple for recycling. Please place awareness of housing challenges in Central them in the big green dumpster. Florida and identifying ways we can make a No plastic and phone books please! also.... difference. Donate your used shopping bags (plastic Dec. 1, 2019 at 1:30 pm and reusable) to JFS’s Food Pantry! You More information to follow, check can drop them off in the office at CRJ. www.crjorlando.org/sisterhood

8 B’nai Mitzvah Mazel Tov

Riley Hayden Wilcox, son of Alfredo Mendez Saldana & Elena Haas welcomed Luisa Camy B. Schwam-Wilcox & Elena Mendez Saldana home on August 21st.

Jeffrey M. Wilcox, will be will be honored at the 2019 Atlantic Peace called to the Torah as a Bar Pam Kancher & Dialog Awards Dinner hosted by the Atlantic Institute. Mitzvah on November 9, 2019. Riley is a 7th grade, honor roll student in the gifted/honors Sheloshim List program at Teague Middle Zichronam Livracha, May their memories be for a blessing School. He has a thirst for knowledge and a passion for science and math. Riley focuses his studies on classes that help him develop Sheloshim, loved ones who have passed between skills that he will use in the future for his career in August 1st and October 1st. quantum physics. Riley loves classical music, creating Leonard Tager, Dear Friend of Marsha Freeman and playing video games, the thrills of roller coasters, Elizabeth Gartner, Sister-in-Law of Karen Watzman and making people laugh. Riley loves to swim, snorkel, Estelle Rose Eisenberg, Aunt of Mitch Barnett and he enjoys time with the family snorkeling in as many , Husband of Edith Blum places in the world as he can. Riley enjoys spending John Blum time with his friends and family. He is a fabulous big Alice Malerman Perlmutter, Aunt of Cathy Lieblich brother, son, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend. Riley Jose “Tito” Berrios- Rodriguez, Father of Joseph enjoys helping others by tutoring them in math and Berrios-Zaborsky assisting with Meals on Wheels each year. Riley would Simon Cohen, Brother of Pearl Metz like to thank his tutor Dr. Sulkes-Freeman, Rabbi Engel, Anita “Nicky” Kaplan, Mother of Jeffrey Kaplan Cantor Jacki and Justin Sacharoff for their guidance and , Mother of Cathi Epstein support over the past several years of religious training. Joyce Kirkey Riley has been working very hard and is looking Howard Kreitner, Father of Pam Alonso and Cindy forward to celebrating his accomplishments with his Weiss Blechman parents, grandmother, sister Bradleigh, and his friends Howard Sacharoff, Father of Alex Sacharoff and family. Riley knows that his Papa, GrandMary and Max Reis, Son of Richard & Gayle Reis and Brother Pop pop are super proud of him and always with him in of Rachel Reis his heart. Robert Milsom, Father of Justice Milsom Reid Chaykin Intro, son of Curt and Leslie Intro of Longwood, will be called to Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 23rd at 12:00pm Saturday, December 21, 2019. This is a monthly meeting set around the Reid is in the seventh grade at new moon; designed to bring women Teague Middle School where he together and connect their spiritual plays saxophone in the school being through various types of Jewish band. His interests and hobbies programming. Each month will present a new activity; include baseball, hanging out chosen as a vehicle for learning about women’s traditions with the kids in the neighborhood and playing video and practices that highlight the connection between our games. spiritual life and our lives as Jews. By having the circle, Sharing in the family’s simcha will be Reid’s brother, we also honor the traditions and wisdom of Jewish Logan; grandparents, Mark and Carol Chaykin, and Max women who have come before us. and Philis Intro; as well as family and friends from near and far.

From the CRJ Board, Clergy, and Staff we with you a very Happy Thanksgiving and Chanukah!

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10 Birthdays Anniversaries

November 2019 December 2019 November 2019

1 Brian Davis 16 Tessla Castellano 1 David Cohen 15 Laura Toye 1 Charles & Carol Haile 1 Allan Clayman 16 Alfredo Mendez- 1 Ada Rappaport 15 Jonathan Knudsen 2 Jonathan & Rika Albert 1 Samuel Bernbaum Saldana 1 Dana Demsky 15 Angelina Ludwig 2 Richard & Gayle Reis 1 Steven Engel 16 Jill Shargaa 2 Brittany Armbrust 16 Ella Miller 2 Lee & Renee Seltzer 1 Dori Gerber 17 Harrison Gold 3 Susan Harman 16 Valerie Feldman 3 Martin & Emily Glickstein 2 Mark Kruger 17 Ruth Wallace 3 Adam Tanielian 16 Nicholas Abrudescu 3 Jason & Stacey Paul 2 Shelley Taylor 18 Joshua Weiss 4 Jordan Schursky 16 Malcolm David 3 Jordan Schursky & Aubrey Carp 2 Julie Begani 18 Evan Forster 4 Samara Schwartz 16 Etta Lazarus 5 Philip & Dale Perreault 2 Deborah Mintzer 18 Barbara Aggarwal 4 Nadia Fakira 16 Ryan Leavitt 5 David & Gail Cohen 2 Justin Hendelson 18 Rosalind Greenhut 4 Jeffrey Lang 16 Mark Theisen 6 Dan Freeman & Zena Sulkes-Freeman 2 Jacob Robinson 18 Heidi Fiacco 4 Barbara Silverman 17 Aaron Smargon 6 Wayne & Shelley Taylor 2 Arlene Guss 18 Kari Miller 4 Suzanne Salzman 17 Marilyn Goldman 7 Matitiahu Braun & Rachel 2 Leah Bisbee 19 Joshua Birnholz 4 Jason Silver 17 Stacy Conrad Heimovics-Braun 2 Marian Posdamer 19 Dirce Smily 4 Leslie Intro 17 Logan Intro 8 Martin & Ellen Prague 2 Velaina Koren 20 David Newman 5 Jason Paul 18 Audrey Unger 9 Larry & Cathy Slung 3 Scott Miller 20 Sylvia Jade Smily 5 Angela Blum 18 Elwood Dodge 10 Robert & Rebecca Bauer 3 Andrea Anderson 20 Sarah Peisner 6 Shane Davis 18 Ellen Prague 11 Lee & Elizabeth Bernbaum 3 Elissa Sherwin 21 Jan Ellington 6 Abigail Kutschinski 19 Les Goldberg 12 Joseph & Lindsay Schwartz 3 Joshua Paolantonio 21 James Welch 6 Karen Wolman 19 Asher Pinsky 13 David & Judy Rosen 3 Andrew Paolantonio 21 Faye Wall 6 Melvin Kohn 19 Mindy Warren 15 Marc & Maggie Morrison 3 Julia Mastando 21 Benjamin Makler 6 Bethanne Weiss 19 Cindy Reyes 16 Marvin & Judith Schaffer 4 Cassandra Flores 21 Cody Henderson 7 Cathi Epstein 20 Leia Hixon 17 Shirley & Gordon Engel 5 Paige Rosenblatt 21 Samuel Tilton 7 Charles Render 20 Adam Milsom 19 Jeffrey & Sheila Keiner 5 Mark Wolman 21 Jory Engel 7 Ian Pope 20 Aaron Isler 21 Brian & Michelle Davis 5 Judy Albertson 21 Afsahneh Eframian 7 Nina Scanlon 21 Elise Cohn 21 Brent & Felecia Ziegler 6 Reese Odza 22 Reid Intro 8 Elizabeth Stack 21 Diane Clayman 23 Stuart Lewis & Dana Sussmann Lewis 7 Charles Steinmetz 22 Lee Chepenik 8 Marni Ward 21 Maya Trezza 23 Jeffrey & Bonnie Yarmuth 7 Matthew Maulfair 22 Noah Zeide 8 Mimi Hull 21 Gary Weissman 23 Inna & Roman Malkin 8 Simon Snyder 22 Joseph Begani 8 Mark Levitt 22 Brian Yeager 24 Harold & Rosalind Kaplan 8 Ashlyn Hoffman 22 Ekaterina Abakumova 9 Sheri Croft 22 Arnold Sherman 24 Tim & Michele Niemi 8 Mitch Menaker 22 Nicholas Falgiatore 9 Danielle Mastando 23 Robyn Lagina 25 Steven & Laurie Bedell 9 Bernis Hecht 23 Trecia Wiener 9 Alan Helman 23 Philis Intro 9 Natalie Siegel 23 Marc Ossinsky 9 Adam Yeager 23 Valerie Silberstein December 2019 9 Elena Haas 23 Betty Monroe 9 Adam Berger 23 Leeor Nussbaum 9 Brooke Levitt 24 Barry Kudlowitz 9 Michael Conrad 24 Mitchell Maulfair 1 Lawrence & Cathi Epstein 9 Claire Sinoff 24 Arlene Blackmore 9 Renner Silver 24 Sharon Gralish 2 Jack & Catherine Adler 9 Michelle Carlton 25 Gayle Reis 10 Jonathan Landa 25 Austin David 7 Debra Sirkin & Brian MacLeod 12 Jill Theisen 25 Jeffrey Wilcox 10 Shelby Kurland 25 Lorie Lee 8 David & Risa Katz 12 Lillian Fender 26 Bradley Freed 10 Miriam Levy Pope 25 Wendy Fisher 8 Christopher & Heather Sauls 12 Charlotte Hill 26 Linda Bender 10 Jill Goldsmith 26 Mark Ackerman 11 Jeffrey & Heather Barkin 12 Ainsley Powers 26 Sharon Kudlowitz 11 Lucas Mastando 26 Marni Chepenik 14 Bert & Ronnie Schoemann 12 Seth Kaplan 26 Jolene Blaer Smith 11 Erin Rosenblatt 26 Avery Bayla Silverman 15 Mitch Barnett & Michele Brennan 12 Jamie Mendelsohn 26 Lois Alpert 11 Maxim Porges 27 Gary Becker Barnett 12 Nicole Mastando 26 Gillia Silver 11 Stacey Paul 27 Morton Bender 16 William & Adrienne Katz 12 Keith Schiff 26 Sarah Blechman 11 Jessica Nolte 27 Eric Adelson 17 Sean Bogle & Lauren Sigman - 13 Jordan Spector 26 Jay Glick 11 Matthew Poteshman 27 Larry Feinberg Bogle 13 Stan Heyman 27 Sallee Ann Rosen 12 Jodi Ackerman 27 Bette Ann Leider 18 Irving & Yetta Benedon 13 Judith Schaffer 27 Gary Walton 12 Lisa Gold 28 William Zornek 18 Seymour & Peggy Benson 14 Katie Reents 27 Susan McKenna 12 Kyle Spector 28 Casey Henderson 19 Stan & Robyn Heyman 14 Janna Ossinsky 27 Allison Watzman 12 Teagan Chaney 28 Rebecca Kurzon 20 Barry & Sharon Kudlowitz 14 Riley Wilcox 28 Annette Zeide 12 Rachel Barkowitz 28 James Knudsen 20 Steven & Elizabeth Stack 14 Raleigh Kaplan 28 Michael Masur 13 Michele Bloom 28 Jessica Watzman 21 Diane & Greg Warren 14 Dennis Pope 28 David Albertson 13 Leah Unell 29 Stephanie Schott 22 Al Gross & Linda Flower Gross 14 Shoshanah Dietz 28 Teresa Paolantonio 13 Andrea Eliscu 29 Susan Ventura 23 Arnold & Lynne Sherman 14 Herbert Mendelsohn 29 Liza Pinsky 13 Jacob H. Rappaport 29 Ryan Rudd 24 George & Jacqueline Greenblatt 14 Toby Mendelsohn 29 Debbie Kantor 14 Jennifer Peltz 30 Natasha Rudd 24 Evin & Carole Rubin 15 Brady Clayman 29 Colby Turner 14 Robert Birnholz 30 Dan Bachrach 26 Michael & Ava Maxwell 15 Jeremy Udell 29 Gary Borenstein 15 Marvin Newman 30 Jaden Slone 27 Eric & Andrea Adelson 15 Eric Gair 30 Judith Isaacson 15 Michael Slone 31 Allyson Wolman 27 Gary & Lorna Forster 30 Isabella Barkin 15 Mason Osber 31 Gail Gold 28 Lee & Marni Chepenik 15 Beverly B. Smith 31 Rebekah Barkowitz 28 Alan & Laura Landerman 29 Tim & Tracey Dunbrack 29 Michael & Andrea Sperling If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed please contact 30 Alan Breus & Eloise Stiglitz Julie Begani at [email protected] so we can celebrate with you! 30 Darren & Rachel Pierce 30 Morris & Mollie Solomon

11 Donations (August 1 through October 1, 2019) The Congregation of Reform Judaism respectfuly requests a minimum donation of $10.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN FUND In Memory Of Siegmund Goldman, Beloved Husband In Memory Of Helen Manetas and Leslie Marcus of Marilyn Goldman, from Marilyn from Albert Marcus & Estelle Goldman Dorothea Murphy, mother of William FRIEND US! Murphy, from Bev and Bill Murphy Stetz-Marcus Leon Ettinger, Father of Marilyn Crotty, Rosanne Resler from Brad & Janie Dorothy Pelofsky, Joel Weissman, from Marilyn Crotty Baskin & Scott Weissman from Marilyn Phillip Streimish, Beloved father-in- Lorena Levy Simons from Stephen Weissman law, from Paula Streimish www.facebook.com/ & Dorey Wolf Merwin Adler, Father of Marshall ______CRJOrlando Robert Freedman, Beloved Brother Adler, from Marshall & Debbie of Paula, from Paula Streimish Adler RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EDUCATION School of Chai James Keith Abbott, cousin of Harriet Corey from Max & Linda FUND Carolyn Weinstein, from Carolyn Amon In Honor Of https://www/.facebook.com/ Weinstein Roy Relyea from Roy & Jeanne Bernice Kaspin, Mother of Joan SchoolOf Chai Ruth Borenstein, from Barbara and Silberstein Kaspin, from Joan Kaspin Lawrence Reich from Stephen & Gary Borenstein In Memory Of Shyla Reich ______Cathy Sulkes, Daughter-in-law of Zena Samuel Silverman, Father of Sulkes, from Dan Freeman & Zena Charles Silverman, from Charles CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Sulkes-Freeman In Honor Of Silverman Cantor Jacki, in gratitude and Hank Dreyfus, Dear Friend, from On Behalf Of appreciation for spiritual mentoring, Charles Silverman The Bauer Family from Robert & guidance and support in preparation Oscar Tetenbaum, Beloved Rebecca Bauer for Torah service from Joan Kaspin Husband of Helen Tetenbaum, from ______Helen Tetenbaum Alan Berman, Husband of Marcia SOCIAL ACTION FUND DENISE COHEN LIBRARY FUND Berman, from Marcia Berman In Memory Of In Honor Of David Berman, Father of Robin Phillip Alpert, Father of Marty Alpert, Karen Bernstein from Joy Dreyfus Angel, from Robin Angel from Dr. Martin & Lois Alpert ______Martin Becker from Gary & Helene Buy In Memory Of Becker Hank Dreyfus, Beloved Husband of GORFTY GOLDMAN FUND Rose Kushner, Mother of Robert Joy, from Joy Dreyfus In Honor Of Kushner, from Robert & Vicki Kushner Publix ______Marilyn Goldman’s Special Birthday Samuel Levie from Melvin Kohn from Andrew Goldman ______Gift Cards FEED THE HOMELESS FUND ______In Honor Of SOCIAL ACTION FUND SNEAKERS Contact Michael Kancher Nathan Esquenazi’s Bar Mitzvah MATT BEERMAN YOUTH FUND THAT FIT from Louise Frankel 407-645-0444 or In Memory Of In Honor Of [email protected] In Memory Of Bebe Hersh, Beloved Aunt, for her Sharon Silver’s Special Birthday from Traci Kristall, Daughter of Adrienne undying love and affectionf from Joy Dreyfus and Ray Kristall, from Adrienne and Paula Streimish Sharon Silver’s big birthday. from Robin Ray Kristall ______Angel Harold Warren, Father of Gregory Pam Levin’s newest grandbaby from and Diane Warren, from Dr. Greg & PRAYER BOOK FUND Robin Angel Diane Warren In Memory Of Pam Levin from Ruth Nebel Helen Simon-Beloved sister of Gertie Reinhartz, grandmother In Memory Of Betty Stone from Betty Stone of Stuart Dropkin, from Dr. Stuart Dr. Julius Hornstein from Pamela Levin SUPPORT YOUR ______Dropkin & Roxane Abelow Dr. Julias “Boo” Hornstein from Steven CONGREGATION Bertl Schiffman from David & Susan & Sheryl Kurland Newman RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ______Tree of Life Samuel Benson from Seymour & In Honor Of Harrison Daniel Carp-Schursky Engraved Leaves $250/each Peggy Benson STANLEY S. BLOOM SOCIAL HALL/ from Steven and Elissa Pollack Engraved Bricks Simon Cohen, Brother of Pearl Metz KITCHEN RENOVATION Located under the overhang by from Barbara & Bonnie Rothman In Memory Of In Memory Of the front doors - $118/ea Joseph Rothman, Father-in-Law of Harry Kudlowitz and Anna Fay Darlow, Beloved Mother of Ellen Memorial Plaques Barbara Rothman from Barbara & Kudlowitz Carch from Barry & Snyder, from Simon & Ellen Snyder Sanctuary - $650/one- $1000/two Bonnie Rothman Sharon Kudlowitz Joseph Snyder, Father of Simon Oneg Shabbat Yale Lanier, Brother in law of Joseph Benedon, loving Father Snyder, from Simon & Ellen Snyder Barbara Bogle, from Barbara Bogle Sponsor an Oneg after a Shabbat from Irving & Yetta Benedon ______service- $250 donation Bessie Aronowitz, Mother of Joseph Benedon, loving Father Barbara Bogle, from Barbara Bogle from Irving & Yetta Benedon STEPHEN FEINBERG MEMORIAL FUND Chai Sponsorship Rosalie Petchesky, Mother of Louise Ruth Sackner--Mother of Deborah In Memory Of Cost includes printing & mailing $550 Frankel, from Louise Frankel Goldring from Lee & Dr.Deborah Helen Fallik, Beloved Mother of bi-monthly- 6 issues per year Simon Cohen, Brother of Pearl Metz, Goldring Cynthia Milligan, from James & CRJ Cemetery from Louise Frankel Joseph Brown from Mark Pinsky & Cynthia Milligan Have you thought about pre-planning? ______Sallie Brown Abe Bloom, Beloved Father of Stewart Cemetery plots are available in the CRJ Oscar Pinsky from Mark Pinsky & Cemetery at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bloom, from Stewart & Michele Bloom Gotha, FL GENERAL DONATION FUND Sallie Brown In Honor Of James Hynes Eddy, Husband of Contact Michael Kancher at Fred Schott from Karen and Randy Ellen Prague from Martin & Ellen 407-645-0444 or Almond Prague [email protected] Nathan Esquenazi’s Bar Mitzvah Joseph Scianna, Dear friend of from Martin & Emily Glickstein Helen Tetenbaum, from Helen Tetenbaum 12 Who Do Sisterhood You Contact?

Rabbi: Gift Shop Steven W. Engel, [email protected] Check out our display window! Executive Director: Michael Kancher, [email protected] Director of Education: Dr. Sheryl Sacharoff, [email protected] It’s a British Chanukah! Youth Director: Blaine Smith, [email protected]

Sip tea with your latkes and fried doughnuts as the CRJ Sisterhood Gift Events and Marketing Director: Julie Begani, [email protected] Shop goes all out BRITISH to celebrate Chanukah this season! Clergy Assistant: Shop for all your Chanukah needs such as: Menorahs, candles, dreidels, Annie Hernandez, [email protected] jewelry and unique gifts for family and friends. Maintenance Supervisor: Michael Velez DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER ALL REGULAR PRICES ITEMS WILL BE 10 %OFF. SUPPORT AND HELP

Gary Becker, Clergy Aide: Customers who are already entitled to a discount (clergy, Sisterhood [email protected] members and fulltime CRJ employees) get only one discount. Stop by Care Team (help with dr visits, etc) and let us help you have a “SMASHING” good holiday!!! CRJ Office 407-645-0444 (Extensive selection of Judaica always available) Hospital Visits: Beverly Smith, [email protected]

The gift shop is operated by CRJ Sisterhood. All proceeds go COMMUNICATION CHAI / WEBSITE toward needs for CRJ and the Religious school. Events and Marketing Director: Regular hours when Steinmetz School of Chai is open are: Julie Begani, [email protected] Sundays: 9:15am-12:45pm. Also, you may call the Temple office CHAI Designer: (407-644-0444) to check if a staff member is available to assist you. Gary Borenstein, [email protected]

PROGRAMMING Brotherhood: Anil Aggarwal, [email protected] College Outreach: Felicia Zeigler, [email protected] Gift Shop: Ellen Snyder, [email protected] Prime Timers: Eloise Stiglitz [email protected] Sisterhood: Sheryl Odza [email protected] Social Action: 4.75” x 4.5” Beverly Murphy, [email protected] Volunteers: Helene Becker, [email protected]

For a full listing of the CRJ Activity Directory and Contact Information visit www.crjorlando.org/activitydirectory. To receive EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS of events at CRJ, email [email protected]

Thank for being a you member of CRJ

13 CRJ

CARE HOSPITAL TEAM TEAM What the CRJ Care Team What the CRJ Hospital Team does for CRJ Congregants: does for CRJ Congregants: Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel • Driving those in need to • Visits to the hospital when a Dedicated to serving the Jewish community for 28 years Doctors’ Appointments, congregant is admitted for an Grocery Store, Pharmacy, extended stay Samuel “Sammy” Goldstein CRJ Services and Events • Celebrate Shabbat and Executive Director holidays with congregants • Delivering and/or Preparing in the hospital 407-599-1180 / Fax: 407-599-7749 Meals after a Hospital Stay or Giving Birth • Be a cheery face to talk to [email protected] during your stay! www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com 640 Lee Road, Orlando, Florida 32810 Need care support or have a member visit you in the hospital?

new media art

& design CONTACT: gary borenstein BEVERLY SMITH • 407-461-1663 or [email protected] 407-463-3496 Due to HIPPA laws we do not receive information on congregants from the Hospital anymore, garboartworks.com so please let us know so we can check in and visit you. Call 407-645-0444. FINE ART DIGITAL AND PHOTO-GRAPHICS

14 For more information about CRJ and other CRJ programs please visit www.crjorlando.org/calendar November 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 (3 Cheshvan) 2 (4 Cheshvan) 6:00p Tot Shabbat Noach 7:00p Shabbat 10:00a Shabbat Kabbalat Service led by Joan Kaspin

3 (5 Cheshvan) 4 (6 Cheshvan) 5 (7 Cheshvan) 6 (8 Cheshvan) 7 (9 Cheshvan) 8 (10 Cheshvan) 9 (11 Cheshvan) 9:30a School of Chai 5:30p Yala 12:00p 5:30p Brotherhood Hatikvah Kallah Lech L'cha 9:30a Mommy & Me 4:00p School of Chai Men's Night Out 7:00p Shabbat Hatikvah Kallah 12:30p Chaverim 6:30pm Board of 7:00p Sisterhood Art & Kabbalat 10:00a Bar Mitzvah Cooking Directors Meeting Wine Event of Riley Wilcox 10 (12 Cheshvan) 11 (13 Cheshvan) 12 (14 Cheshvan) 13 (15 Cheshvan) 14 (16 Cheshvan) 15 (17 Cheshvan) 16 (18 Cheshvan) Hatikvah Kallah Veterans Day 6:00p Sisterhood 12:00p Torah Study 6:30p GORFTY Vayeira 9:30a School of Chai Meeting 4:00p School of Chai Overnight 10:00a Bagels & 9:30a EJL: Kitah 7:00p Shabbat Bible w/ Rabbi Aleph Kabbalat Engel 1st Grade 6:30p Trivia on Tap Mishpacha Day 17 (19 Cheshvan) 18 (20 Cheshvan) 19 (21 Cheshvan) 20 (22 Cheshvan) 21 (23 Cheshvan) 22 (24 Cheshvan) 23 (25 Cheshvan) 9:30a School of Chai 9:30a Cooking for 11:00a Book Club 12:00p Torah Study 6:00p Shabbat Chayei Sarah 9:30a EJL: Kitah Bet Homeless @ CRJ 4:00p School of Chai Service 10:00a Bagels & 12:30p Chaverim & 5:30p Yala Bible w/ Rabbi Yeladim Noah's Ark 5:45p Serve homeless Engel @ Coalition 12:00p Rosh Chodesh 24 (26 Cheshvan) 25 (27 Cheshvan) 26 (28 Cheshvan) 27 (29 Cheshvan) 28 (30 Cheshvan) 29 (1 ) 30 (2 Kislev) 9:00a - 3:30p Yala Day of Service CRJ Office Closed CRJ Office Closed Tol'dot Hanukkah Photo Thanksgiving Day 5:10p Candle 10:00a Bagels and Shoot Lighting Bible with Rabbi Sherwin 

For more information about CRJ and other CRJ programs please visit www.crjorlando.org/calendar

December 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 (3 Kislev) 2 (4 Kislev) 3 (5 Kislev) 4 (6 Kislev) 5 (7 Kislev) 6 (8 Kislev) 7 (9 Kislev) Vayeitzei 9:00a - 3:30p 5:30p Yala 12:00p Torah Study 6:00p Tot Shabbat 9:30a Bubbles on the Hanukkah Photo Shoot 4:00p School of Chai 7:00p Shabbat Bima 1:30p Housing Kabbalat 10:00a Bagels and Bible Insecurity Awareness - with Rabbi Engel Sisterhood Social TBA Jr. GORFTY Justice Program Mystery Bus Ride

8 (10 Kislev) 9 (11 Kislev) 10 (12 Kislev) 11 (13 Kislev) 12 (14 Kislev) 13 (15 Kislev) 14 (16 Kislev) 9:30a School of Chai 5:30p Yala 6:00p Sisterhood 4:00p School of Chai 6:00p Kabbalat Vayishlach 9:30a EJL: Kitah Aleph Meeting 6:30p Board of Shabbat Service 10:00a Bagels and Bible 12:30p Club 56 Day of Directors 7:00p Pre-Hanukkah with Rabbi Sherwin Service Dinner 1:00p Prime Timers: Hanukkah Luncheon 15 (17 Kislev) 16 (18 Kislev) 17 () 18 (20 Kislev) 19 (21 Kislev) 20 (22 Kislev) 21 (23 Kislev) 9:30a School of Chai 9:30a Cooking for 11:00a Book Club 12:00p Torah Study 7:00p Shabbat Vayeishev 9:30a EJL: Kitah Bet Homeless @ CRJ 4:00p School of Chai Kabbalat GORFTY Mystery Bus 9:45a December 5:30p Yala Ride Dilemma – Hanukkah & 5:45p Serve homeless 10:00a Bar Mitzvah of Christmas @ Coalition Reid Intro 12:30p Yeladim Hanukkah 22 (24 Kislev) 23 (25 Kislev) 24 (26 Kislev) 25 (27 Kislev) 26 (28 Kislev) 27 (29 Kislev) 28 (30 Kislev) Mikeitz Erev Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah CRJ Office Closed GORFTY Kallah GORFTY Kallah GORFTY Kallah Christmas Day 6:00p Shabbat 10:00a Bagels and Bible 11am Meals on Service with Rabbi Engel Wheels Delivery 6:27p Havdalah 29 (1 Tevet) 30 (2 Tevet) 31 (3 Tevet) Hanukkah Hanukkah GORFTY Kallah GORFTY Kallah  15 NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID MID-FL, FL PERMIT NO. 93396 928 Malone Drive Orlando, Florida 32810

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The mission of the Congregation of Reform Judaism is to offer a culture that is inviting and respectful, with inspiring worship services and programs that promote lifelong Jewish learning, within a caring, innovative and vibrant congregation.

Congregation of Reform Judaism (CRJ), located at 928 Malone Drive, Orlando, Florida 32810, is a non-profit religious organization. This newsletter is published for the information of its congregants.