Congregation B'nai Jacob

B’nai Jacob - Jersey City’s Contemporary Egalitarian Congregation Congregation B’nai Jacob Jersey City’s Contemporary Egalitarian Congregation Congregational Newsletter July-August, 2011

Tisha B’Av Friday Evening Services 7 PM, Monday, August 8th Saturday Morning Services Light Supper Followed by begin at 8:00 PM followed begin at 9:15 AM, followed Reading of Megillat Eicha by Oneg Shabbat by a Kiddush Lunch and Traditional Songs

Of the Jews of Rome and Let Freedom Ring! Upcoming On a recent visit to Italy, David and I had Events the pleasure of davening at the largest and oldest synagogue in Rome, Temple Tuesday, July 12th Maggiore (The Great Synagogue). This synagogue, situated in the Old Jewish Indoor BBQ at Ghetto, follows a traditional Orthodox litur- Temple Emanu-El gy. Men daven downstairs on the first floor level; women daven upstairs and must make a long climb up the stairs – there was no elevator –even elderly women, to Cantor Dubrow July 15th, 8 PM what is about a fourth floor level. Filligreed Friday Night Live! screens separate the stadium pews ‘up second remarkable aspect was musical in the bleachers’ in the women’s section and had to do with the actual melodies Musical Service from the large space of the synagogue. that were being chanted by the Hazzan. with Cantor Dubrow Aside from the separation of genders, It was these melodies that spoke, or shall this spacious building has much to rec- I say ‘sang,’ volumes about the history of ommend it: high ceilings, beautiful artistic the Jews of Rome. Friday, August 5th decoration, an impressive bimah and a These melodies sound nothing like our special reading table more forward toward traditional Ashkenazic melodies, nor do Kabbalat Shabbat the first floor pews and at they sound anything like In the Park pew-level for Torah reading. those of the traditional Bayonne One level below the ground Sephardic tradition, for floor and next door to the those of you familiar with synagogue is the Jewish that tradition. Rather the Monday, August 8th Museum of Rome, closed Roman liturgical chant on Shabbat, so we needed tradition, or Roman Rite, 7 PM to return on Sunday to see as it is known, is com- Tisha B’Av Service the Museum. pletely idiosyncratic, Reading of Eicha There were two remark- sounds a bit like early Light Supper able aspects of the Shabbat Christian chant, and has service, and really only two, much to do with the very that differentiated the service history of the Jews of August 19th 8 PM from our traditional Saturday Rome. morning services – besides, Jews came to Rome Friday Night Live! of course, no women on long before the common Musical Service the bimah. First, there was era (C.E.) and the de- with Cantor Dubrow the special device used for Rome’s Temple Maggiore struction of the Second framing the ‘parasha’ when Temple in Jerusalem the Torah scroll was open, It looked like (70 C.E.). According to Macabbees I, the some kind of an architect’s old-fashioned first Jews in Italy were the ambassadors In This Issue wooden frame and had cloth covers at- sent to Rome by Judah Maccabee in 161 Sid’s Column, page 3 tached on the vertical sides of the frame B.C.E. and they signed a treaty with the Calendar, page 4 rectangle. Thus, they were able to keep Roman Senate, although modern schol- Year in Review, pages 5, 6 & 7 the torah scroll open to the parasha and ars have argued that this did not happen. Tributes & Donations, page 8 then simply open and close the cloth cov- It is accepted in modern times, however, Yahrzeits, page 9 ers before and after aliyot readings. The Continues top of page 2

The B’nai Jacob Newsletter is supported by a donation in memory of Betty Cole. We thank the “Violet Zall Hordes Foundation, Inc” for their very generous grant to be used for membership growth, educational and religious programs and community outreach. Congregation B’nai Jacob Jersey City NJ July-August, 2011 Newsletter © 2011 Congregation B’nai Jacob bnaijacobjc.org Page 1 B’nai Jacob - Jersey City’s Contemporary Egalitarian Congregation Cantor Dubrow, continued... that an embassy was sent later by Si- over many centuries, even if interrupted in mon Maccabeus to Rome to strengthen certain times. High Holy Day Services the alliance with the Romans against the Across the sea, this time the Atlantic, 5772 Hellenistic Seleucid kingdom. And it is re- not the Mediterranean, freedom has al- corded that the ambassadors received a ways been an entitlement for Jews since cordial welcome by other Jews who were the very beginning of the founding of the Saturday, already established there. Large num- United States. The freedoms we take bers of Jews lived in Rome even during for granted in the United States today September 24th the Roman Republican period, largely and in the last few centuries of the mod- Selichot poor and spoke Greek. Due to military ern era for Jews arriving from countries and trade dealings with the Greek-speak- throughout the world where they have Thursday, ing eastern Mediterranean, suffered persecution are September 29th during the 2nd and 1st cen- represented beautifully in Rosh Hashana I turies B.C.E., many Greeks, the new National Museum Jews among them, came to of American Jewish His- Friday, Rome as merchants or were tory, newly opened on the September 30th brought there as slaves. Mall of Independence in Rosh Hashana II The most known remnant Philadelphia. (www.namjh. of Jews being brought to org) I visited the museum Friday, Rome as slaves, of course, recently along with 84 other October 7th can be seen on the Arch of members of the Women Kol Nidre Titus, which depicts the Ro- Cantors Network as part of man conquest of the Temple our annual conference. The Saturday, in Jerusalem in 70 AD and WCN commissioned a new October 8th the carrying by Jewish cap- piece of choral music for tives of the Temple’s Meno- the occasion based on the Yom Kippur rah to Rome. Hebrew inscription on the Times and Details will The fact is, then, that Jews Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell side America’s Liberty Bell have lived continuously in from the Book of Leviticus: be printed in the Rome since over 150 years before the “Proclaim Liberty thro’ all the Land to all September Newsletter common era. While expulsions occurred the Inhabitants Thereof – Levit. XXV 15.” over the centuries of late antiquity and the How interesting that our American forefa- middle ages, both from the Roman and thers (and foremothers) saw fit to invoke A Note to Pauline Danton from Renée the Christian eras in Italy, and indeed per- Moses right on our very Liberty Bell, the Bousso, a frequent visitor: secutions of various types throughout the icon of America’s independence! And ages, right up to the 20th century and the ‘Proclaim Liberty’ we women cantors did Dear Pauline, Holocaust, Jews have continued to survive – all 85 of us – as we sang out in Eng- and thrive in Rome right up to the present lish and Hebrew in the museum’s atrium On Sunday, June 5th, Albert and I day. In fact, there are now 14 synagogues while those visiting the museum looked ejnoyed a lovely afternoon perfor- operating in greater Rome! And the melo- down from four floors of American Jewish mance of “The Melting Pot” by dies chanted in Temple Maggiore by the history to hear our voices raised in song. first-rate stage actors. Hazzan on Shabbat morning sound like From Rome to Philadelphia, let us cele- The friendly and heartwarming ancient Gregorian chant melodies and brate the freedom we all so cherish! Let atmosphere and ambiance which may actually pre-date those melodies! Freedom Ring! Proclaim Liberty! Happy welcome us each time we visit Con- While the Jews of Rome and Italy in gen- Independence Day to All! And to all, a re- gregation B’nai Jacob are deeply eral, may have suffered persecutions and laxing summer! appreciated. We thank Cantor expulsions through the centuries, Rome Dubrow and all members of your always served as a ‘safe haven’ in some congregation for their wonderful manner or other. Thus, we can think of Cantor Marsha Dubrow, Ph.D. and warm friendship. the Roman cantorial nusach as reflective [email protected] Chag Sameach - Renée of this tradition of continuous Jewish life 201-910--4334 Here Comes the Honey Wagon! 5772 will be here before you know it, so get in your honey orders while the bees are busy! Don’t miss out. Get your orders in by August 15th Price is $11 per jar, postpaid to any domestic address. Make checks payable to Congregation B’nai Jacob. Please be sure to include your full name, address, and zip code when you order. Send your order and payment to: Lenore Berkowitz, 28 Delmar Road, Jersey City 07305 201-333-3682

Congregation B’nai Jacob Jersey City NJ July-August, 2011 Newsletter Page 2 © 2011 Congregation B’nai Jacob bnaijacobjc.org B’nai Jacob - Jersey City’s Contemporary Egalitarian Congregation Sid’s News and Views

On Sunday, about Jewish immigrants who came to make our building look ready for summer. May 1 we held New York’s lower East Side following the Many thanks to Anna and Nazam Khan for our 46th Annual Kishinev pogrom. Assimilation and inte- helping make the evening perfect and to Yom Hashoa gration into American society were themes all who helped in the preparations. Holocaust Me- of the play also. On Sunday afternoon, June 26th we had morial obser- Mazal Tov to some special birthday our final performance of a series of three vance. Cantor people who recently celebrated; Joyce Ki- plays, presented by the Actor’s Shake- Marsha Dubrow nigstein, Bob Canter and Natey Saltzman. speare Company of New Jersey City Uni- and Rabbi Ken May they all have many more to come, in versity. They presented a staged reading Brickman were good health. of “Arcadia” by Tom Stoppard which just scheduled to Congratulations to Carol Klein who re- completed its run on Broadway (except conduct the ser- ceived a Silver Medallion Award from the that on Broadway tickets cost a lot more vice but unfor- American Conference of Diversity at a din- than our “free admission”!). Our sanctuary tunately Rabbi ner in Bayonne for her volunteer work for was well filled with over 60 people from Brickman’s mother died. Rabbi Robert so very many years. Keep on Carol! B’nai Jacob and the wider community. A Scheinberg of United Synagogue of Hobo- Thanks to Abe Langer for his continuing pre-show explanation by director Bethany ken (UHS) graciously filled in. We saw the donations of spirits for Shabbat and other Reeves helped us understand the mystery film “Luboml”, a story of a town in Poland events. It helps lift our spirits! which switches back and forth from the as seen through the eyes of survivors. We wish best luck to Rabbi Ken Brick- 1800’s to 100 years later later. As always, Rabbi Scheinberg also led the UHS choir man on his retirement from Temple Beth we had a wine and cheese reception after which was followed by a candle lighting El after many years of service and we look the performance, presenting the audience ceremony in memory of the six million, forward to meeting Rabbi Debby Hachen with a chance to meet the actors. The se- and the Righteous Gentiles, which was lit and welcoming her to the Jersey City Jew- ries was free. “Arcadia” followed “The Mil- by Father Michael Becton from St. Peter’s ish community. lionairess” by George Bernard Shaw and College. Yasher koach to Cantor Dubrow We also wish a speedy recovery to Helen “The Melting Pot” by Israel Zangwill. This on her excellent program. Berman and hope to see her back at ser- completes a stimulating theater season On May 6th as part of our continuing vices and events in the very near future. under the auspices of the ASC and Can- Speaker Series Brenda Pulaski spoke to We extend condolences to families of tor Marsha Dubrow, who planned and ar- us about housing and feeding indigent the following members and former mem- ranged the entire program. members of our community. Jessica and bers who died recently: Henry Botuck who Mazal Tov to Gloria and Abe Langer on Alan Lemmon are in charge of collecting was living in Florida; Carol Bresnick who the marriage of their granddaughter. Barrie food and clothing for the New Jersey Food was a longtime member, and Arnold La- Langer, mother of the bride, is in the choir Bank and St. Lucy’s shelter in Jersey City. zarus who with his family belonged to Bnai photograph hanging in our Rubin Lobby, A barrel located in our Rubin Lobby is full Jacob for many years. May their families taken in the mid 1970’s. Time flies - too and will be distributed soon. When you know no further sorrow. Condolences also fast Have a good summer. come to our building please remember to To Rabbi Ken Brickman on the loss of his Please note, the High Holy Days are bring canned and/or boxed food and no mother. quite late this year! A full schedule will ap- longer wanted clothing. PLEASE NOTE: we will no longer have pear in the next newsletter. On Saturday May 7th Andy Silikowitz services on Friday nights EXCEPT when celebrated the 30th anniversary of his Bar Cantor Dubrow is on the Bima leading ser- Mitzvah by chanting from the Torah (the vices. Please consult the calendar in each Sid Canter full Kriyah instead of our usual Triennial Newsletter issue to see when the Cantor is reading) and he also chanted his Haftorah scheduled to be at services. This decision very beautifully. A large crowd attended is a result of lack of a minyan on Friday From Jane Canter: services that morning and it was a treat to nights but the decision can be reversed if look upon a full sanctuary. Andy may even we get promises from enough members to Sid and I just received a wonder- come back and do this again next year on attend services. There is no change to our ful letter from Marilyn and Robert his 31st anniversary! After services we all Saturday Shabbat service schedule. Milden. Their 3 sons are grown, 2 took part in a beautiful Kiddush. We had our seasonal closing supper on have already been Bar Mitzvah and On June 4th Jessica Lemmon beautifully Friday night, June 24th. It was a great eve- the 3rd is studying for his. The oldest chanted her Bat Mitzvah Haftorah and her ning, the food was delicious and the cama- father, Mark Mandlebaum, read excellently raderie made it perfect. The caterer provid- is at a special school for outstand- from the Torah. Another treat for our Shab- ed a new, different menu; lemon chicken, ing students interested in science bat attendees. If you would like to chant a kasha varniskas, stuffed cabbage, veggie and mathematics, having been one haftorah that has special meaning to you lasagne and grilled veggies plus delicious of 1400 who applied and only 350 please contact me or Cantor Dubrow. cookies and fresh fruit, wine and more fol- were accepted! Robert is very busy In the beginning of May we had a perfor- lowed a cocktail hour with wine courtesy at work and Marilyn is a very busy mance by the Actor’s Shakespeare Com- of the Langers. All this for $24 per person! full time mom. They send regards to pany of New Jersey City University. They Our Friday Night Live! service, lead by all and sent photos that we will bring read the play “The Millionairess” by George Cantor Dubrow, had us all toe-tapping and to shul for you to see. In addition Bernard Shaw and did an outstanding job. was enjoyed by our out-of-town guests they made a very generous donation Afterwards we had wine and cheese and a from Hoboken as well as our members. that we will apply to the General chance to talk to the actors. The second in The marigold plants decked out on each Fund and we are most appreciative. the performance series was in June, “The table added to the festive look of the room Great to hear from old friends. Melting Pot” by Israel Zangwill, a drama and now they have been planted outside by Anna Roque, our head caretaker to

Congregation B’nai Jacob Jersey City NJ July-August, 2011 Newsletter © 2011 Congregation B’nai Jacob bnaijacobjc.org Page 3 B’nai Jacob - Jersey City’s Contemporary Egalitarian Congregation July-August 2011/Sivan-Tammuz-Av-Elul 5771 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wedesday Thursday Friday Saturday July 1 29 Sivan 7/2 30 Sivan Candles 8:11 Rosh Hodesh Tammuz Parasha Hukkat

7/3 1 Tammuz 7/4 2 Tammuz 7/5 3 Tammuz 7/6 4 Tammuz 7/7 5 Tammuz 7/8 6 Tammuz 7/9 7 Tammuz Candles 8:09 Parasha Balak

7/10 8 Tammuz 7/11 9 Tammuz 7/12 10 Tammuz 7/13 11 Tammuz 7/14 12 Tammuz 7/15 13 Tammuz 7/16 14 Tammuz Indoor BBQ Candles 8:06 Parasha Pinchas Temple Emanu-El Friday Night, Live! CANTOR CANTOR

7/17 15 Tammuz 7/18 16 Tammuz 7/19 17 Tammuz 7/20 18 Tammuz 7/21 19 Tammuz 7/22 20 Tammuz 7/23 21 Tammuz Candles 8:01 Parasha Mattot

7/24 22 Tammuz 7/25 23 Tammuz 7/26 24 Tammuz 7/27 25 Tammuz 7/28 26 Tammuz 7/29 27 Tammuz 7/30 28 Tammuz Candles 7:55 Parasha Mase Birkat HaHodesh

7/31 29 Tammuz August 1 1 Av 8/2 2 Av 8/3 3 Av 8/4 4 Av 8/5 5 Av 8/6 6 Av Candles 7:47 Shabbat Hazon Parasha D’Varim Kabbalat Shabbat In the Park

8/7 7 Av 8/8 8 Av 8/9 9 Av 8/10 10 Av 8/11 11 Av 8/12 12 Av 8/13 13 Av Erev Tisha B-Av Fast of Tisha B’Av Candles 7:38 Shabbat Nahamu CANTOR Parasha Megillat Eicha VaEtHanan Light Supper 7 PM

8/14 14 Av 8/15 15 Av 8/16 16 Av 8/17 17 Av 8/18 18 Av 8/19 19 Av 8/20 20 Av Candles 7:29 Parasha Ekev Friday Night, Live! CANTOR CANTOR

8/21 21 Av 8/22 22 Av 8/23 23 Av 8/24 24 Av 8/25 1 Av 8/26 1 Av 8/27 1 Av Candles 7:18 Biakat Hahodesh Parasha Re’eh

8/28 28 Av 8/29 29 Av 8/30 30 Av 8/31 1 Elul 9/1 2 Elul 9/2 3 Elul 9/3 4 Elul

CANTOR CANTOR Back to Shul!

B’nai Jacob’s Year In Review in Pictures 5771 was a great year for exciting events at B’nai Jacob. From feeding the hiungry to field trips to special Simchas; from Lox ‘n Learnings to live perfor- mances by the Actor’s Shakespeare Company, there was something for all.

Tikkun Olam - Making sandwiches for Jersey City’s underfed. Gomez Mill House Field Trip

Gomez Mill House and Kedem Winery Field Trip

Dylan Jade Lemon’s Baby Naming Ceremony and Party

Shabbat Chanukkah with Haifa’s Orit Perlman

Shabbat Chanukkah Lox ‘n Learning with Ben Laden

More Lox ‘n Learning with Ben Laden Women of the Bible

Lox ‘n Learning: Women of the Bible

Shakespeare’s Queens Purim

Purim

Lox ‘n Learning with Florette Lynn L ‘n L, Artist Deborah Ugoretz

L & L, Jewish Paper Cutting Actor’s Shakespeare Company’s Three Staged Readings

Congregation B’nai Jacob Jersey City NJ July-August, 2011 Newsletter © 2011 Congregation B’nai Jacob bnaijacobjc.org Page 7 B’nai Jacob - Jersey City’s Contemporary Egalitarian Congregation d Tributes and Donations c TORAH FUND From Audrey and Shelden Cohen in honor of the 30th anniversary of Andy Silikovitz’s Bar Mitzvah From Min Natovitz in memory of Ted Jacob, brother of Mr. and Mrs. S. Susskind From Pauline Danton in memory of Ted Jacob, brother of Mr. and Mrs. S. Susskind From Bea Rubin to Norman Bresnick in memory of beloved mother and grandmother Caryl Bresnick From Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Jacobs to the Bresnick Family in memory of Caryl Bresnick DANIEL STRULOWITZ BIMAH FLOWER FUND From Pauline Danton in honor the Bar Mitzvah of Eleanor Aronoff’s grandson From Pauline Danton in honor of the graduation from law school of Sylvia Paul’s grandson From Pauline Danton in honor of the college graduation of Betty Arenson’s granddaughter From Min Natovitz in honor of the graduation from law school of Sylvia Paul’s grandson From Gloria and Abe Langer on honor of the wedding of Doris Mangel’s granddaughter From Etta Hershfield wishing Helen Berman a speedy recovery From Betty Arenson, Pauline Danton, and Min Natovitz in honor of the wedding of Gloria and Abe Langer’s granddaughter ARTHUR D. SMITH MEMORIAL FUND In memory of Rose Finkelstein from her loving daughter, Sylvia Ull In memory of Martin Arenson from his loving wife, Betty Arenson In memory of Rose Arenson from her loving daughter-in-law, Betty Arenson In memory of Charles Feit from his loving daughter, Betty Arenson YAHRZEIT DONATIONS

Member Deceased Relationship Eleanor Aronoff Sinai Rosenthal Mother Sonia Azarow Edith Kurz Mother Gary Berman Henry Berman Father Gary Berman Sally Berman Mother Mary Buchbaum Albert Pomerantz Brother Alvin Canter Manny Canter Father Pauline Danton Rosaline Loss Sister Pauline Danton Anne Purvin Friend Myrna Erhlich JOseph Ehrlich Father-in-law Myrna Ehrlich Adele Ehrlich Mother-n-law Myrna Ehrlich Morris Levin Father Ruth Hirschorn Samuel Levine Father Zelda Jacobson Leonard Jacobson Husband Boris Kaplan Olga Kaplan Mother Doris Kiken Jack Kiken Father Esther Kleinman Arthur Kleinman Husband Abe Langer Fannie Langer Mother Ruth Muraskin Marvin Murashkin Husband Minnie Natovitz Howard Natovitz Son Minnie Natovitz Dora Daves Mother Mattee Polin Fannie Baden Mother Florence Rosenthal Margery Stern Sister Bea Schimel Minnie Schimel Mother Renee Schwerber Yaakov Rosman Grandfather Carol Shilling Henrietta Schultz Aunt Lorain Silver Rae Eig Mother Mort Silver Bertha Silver Grandmother Lillian Weinman Clara Weinman Mother Harold Zwain Anna Zwain Mother

July Yahrzeits August Yahrzeits Date Name Date Name 1 Leonard Jacobson 4 Vivian Nelson 2 Sarah Smith 7 Anna Silver 4 Ida Rubin 10 Milton Natovitz 5 Sitndy Rotz 11 Sadie Kreisler 6 Rose Knapp 12 Stella Price 7 Sylvia Gottleib 14 Irving Silver 8 Jacob Shapiro 17 Rose Brody 10 Charles Feit 18 Jean Steil 10 Erich Blass 19 Lee Daves 13 Henry Ast 23 Peggy Shustrin 24 Getzel Polinsky 16 BEtty Cole 25 Joseph Price 17 Louis Silver 27 Philip Rubin 18 Grigory D Radomiselsky 27 Harry Millinger 19 Sol S. Ull 29 Freida Finkel 23 Josehp Langer 30 Annie Aruty Berger 24 Isadore Finkel 29 Jack Danton 29 Rose Arenson Shabbat in the Park 30 Arthur Smith 31 Paula Goldberg Shabbat in the Park is August 5 at 6 PM in Hud- son County Park, just north of 37th St. Come for 31 Molly Opkins Roog Kabbalat Shabbat Service, singing & light supper. 31 Irving Botuk Candlelighting is at 7:47 PM. Sing, eat, and enjoy Shabbat in the great outdoors! The very talented and charming Mark Young will be our leader to welcome Shabbat! Please reserve your place no later than July 28, by sending your check ($20 per Temple Emanu-El’s Annual Summer BBQ! adult; $5 for people below age of Bar/t mitzvah) to Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30pm (everyone is invited to 6pm Temple Emanu-El. minyan). Enjoy great food, friends, & fun! Again, there will be door prizes and raffles! $20 per person (same as last year). Reservations & pre-payment required by Thursday, July 7. We have a Busy RSVP to Renée Bousso 201-858-8480 or Temple office 2011-12 Planned! 201-436-4499. Ask about children’s rates. Here are some (and only some) of our previous and coming events: • Lox & Learning Breakfast and Programs on 7 PM, Monday, August 8th Sunday mornings Friday Night Live! Monthly Services Tisha B’Av • Friday night Speaker Series Light Supper Followed by • Holiday dinners Reading of Eicha • Purim celebration with Arts and Crafts program for kids of all ages and Traditional Songs • Shabbat and holiday services led by Cantor Dubrow • Fighting hunger: Tikkun Olam community Donations Requested programs

Congregation B’nai Jacob Leadership Spiritual Leader: Cantor Marsha Dubrow, Ph.D. ([email protected]) Administration and Contact Information Presidium: Lenore Berkowitz, Jane Canter, and Minnie Natovitz ([email protected]) Vice-presidents: 1st - Abe Langer; 2nd - Sam Chapnick; Recording Secretary - Claire Silverman Newsletter Editor - David Rosenberg ([email protected]); News Editor - Sid Canter ([email protected])