The Bulletin TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL’S MEMBERS & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER

“...to do justly, love mercy, and SIVAN-TAMMUZ/TAMMUZ-AV 5776 JULY/AUGUST 2016 walk humbly with thy God.” 106 Years and growing!

Quiet Corner Refugee Resettlement (QCRR) Program

How you can help:  Volunteer.  Participate in the many opportunities to become informed about refugees, US and UN policies, and the culture, beauty and strengths of the families we welcome as new neighbors.  Help raise the $6-7,000 we need for each family; mail checks to: WAIM - PO Box 221 - Willimantic, CT 06226. Please note “QCRR” in memo line.  Donate material goods like household furnishings through WAIM, Tuesday - Saturday 9am- Noon. Turn to page 10 for more information in the Tikkun Olam Committee’s article

Board of Directors 2 Answers to last month’s Library art work 13 Summer Vacation Information, challenge 2 Administrative hours update Donations 15 President’s Message 3 Yahrzeits for July and August 16, 17, 20 Rabbinic Reflections 4 Donations 15 In this issue Services 5 Opportunities for Giving 19

July/ August Jewry Duty Participants/ 6-7 Thanks to our advertisers 22 Needs WAIM’s Back-to-school clothing program 23 Library 8 July and August Weekly Readings 9 Art work by member Tammy Hunter 25 Committee Reports 10 July/August calendars 26, 27 Temple Family News 11 Bnaifactor Update Back cover OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Immediate Past President David Golden David Stoloff

THE BULLETIN is a Vice President, Mishkan/Building & Operations publication of Jim Baber TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL 345 Jackson Street Kesher/Secretary & Communications PO Box 61 Gloria Gerald Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone: 860.423.3743 Tikkun Olam Fax: 860.423.7594 Anne Willenborg Submission deadline: 3rd Monday of each month. Brit/Community & Membership Mona Friedland Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz Office hours: Torah/Education & Programming

Tuesday through Friday Karen Drazen To schedule an appointment call 860.423.3743 Ext. 0 or e-mail Avodah/Religious Life [email protected] Judy Stein

Confidential Voice Mail: Kemah/Treasurer 860.423.3743 Ext. 1 Glenn Blumenstein [email protected]

Affiliations: Members at Large: The Jewish Gerry Berkowitz Reconstructionist Movement Alex Nishball www.jewishrecon.org Ellie Shane Jewish Federation of Doreen Simonsen Eastern Connecticut Thank you for your service to our shul. www.jfec.com

Windham Area Interfaith IMPORTANT SUMMER UPDATE Ministry (WAIM) Rav Jeremy will be away from the office for vacation www.waimct.org and other commitments: Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger July 5 through July 11 www.mazon.org July 24 through August 1 Religious August 3 through August 15 School Administrator Morah Dara Bowling The administrator’s office hours Email: [email protected] for July and August will be: Monday, 10:00am to 4:00pm Office Administrator Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12:00pm to 5:00pm Marlene Aulten No Wednesdays 860.423.3743 Ext. 0 Deviations from this schedule can be seen on [email protected] Monday 10am-3pm the Temple calendar at: Tues/Wed/Thurs noon to 5 http://www.templebnaiisrael.org/temple-bnai-israel-calendar/ 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Shalom, Emmanuel Buzay, Jim Baber, Lex Nishball, Ellie

Firstly, I want to apologize to you for the delay in Shane and myself. The proposal that was approved and will be implemented is as follows: sending out this edition of The Bulletin. Marlene was waiting for this message from me in order to Signage: complete and mail this issue out, and I wasn’t able We will be placing signage on the downstairs door to get it to her in time. Especially for those of you that says ‘please enter upstairs’ after the start of any reading this via hard copy (because the date of event, and we will place ‘warning’ and ‘security mailing may result in you not receiving this until camera’ signs at the back door, parking lot, and after the first of the month), I am sorry. Now that outside kitchen area. We may possibly install my mea culpa is out of the way, on to this month’s inexpensive cameras on the grounds as well. important message: Locking Doors: I wanted to take the time to update you on a recent We will lock the downstairs door after the start of TBI Safety and Security Committee proposal that any Temple event. Whenever possible, we’ll have a was approved by the Board, and will be designated person (greeter) to keep an eye on the implemented at our Shul over time. We take the front door during services and other events (starting safety of our congregants, staff and tenants very with members of the Safety and Security Committee, seriously in these troubling times, and as a result we and later to be expanded to include other worked very hard to come up with a few policies volunteers). If it so happens that such a person is that will be beneficial to our community, but won’t not available, the event will nevertheless continue as be overly burdensome to, or intrusive upon, planned. everyone’s experiences at the synagogue.

I’d also like to express a very special thank you to Continued on page 21 the members of our Safety and Security Committee who worked hard on this proposal, namely

MISSION STATEMENT Temple Bnai Israel is a welcoming Jewish community which offers a spiritual, religious, and social home for all Jews. We cherish a belief in one God, the Torah, prayer and the music and beauty of our Jewish culture. We are commanded and committed to passing these blessings on to all future generations.

We observe and celebrate Jewish traditions and laws, while remaining open to change which meets the needs of our time, and which will stand the test of time.

We intend to be a force for good and comfort as individuals and as a whole. We seek to offer justice, tolerance, and charity within the Temple Bnai Israel community, the larger Jewish community, and the non-Jewish worlds within which we live.

Our synagogue recognizes the equality of all Jews. Jewish men and women, including those Jews in interfaith marriages, are entitled to participate equally in all religious rites, and all secular and religious leadership positions. Our congregation also reaches out to all who welcome Judaism into their lives.

We believe in the ancient teaching: “to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.” 3 RABBINIC REFLECTIONS

Rav Jeremy Schwartz

Should a synagogue stay out of politics?

If I can trust you to keep reading as I explain exactly what I mean and why, I’ll give you my basic answer up front…..

No. As a Jewish institution, I think a synagogue must oppression we have experienced: stereotyping and hatred engage in some kinds of politics, though there are some of “strangers,” attempts to compel beliefs, etc., whether it should stay out of. In filling out that statement, I want the victims are Jews or not. to address some problems with it: What about the For many of us, our Judaism in not just about ethnicity/ separation of church and state that Jews value so highly? community/family, but also about a relationship with What about the divisiveness and lack of consensus about God. But to be in relationship with God is to know that politics; we agree we’re a Jewish organization, but we the Godliness of the world needs our actions to be don’t necessarily agree on our politics. What about the actualized. We’re called upon by Judaism to make the IRS and our non-profit status? Those are important world more Godly. To condense what might be a whole questions that will influence how and when we do treatise into a sentence, I think there’s broad Jewish politics Jewishly, but let me first explain why I think we consensus over time, and over diverse Jewish do need to engage in politics and then address them. approaches to a few core propositions about what a Our core, foundational story, is about God engaging more Godly world means: in the relationship between supernatural battle with the despotic Pharaoh, releasing individuals and God, it means more humility and joyous an enslaved nation from his country, and giving us a awe (these are essential components of tikkun nefesh – Torah that not only teaches about how we are to relate healing the soul); in the relationship between people, it to God, and to each other, but about how we are to means limiting the power of one person over another order our society. Our God is a political God. and increasing the love between one person and another

Ok, but that’s a story. We’ve evolved since Torah times. (essential components of tikkun olam – healing the world). In particular, we don’t live in a society governed by Torah and we wouldn’t even want to! So, whether we’re religious or ethnic Jews or both, we’re

True. But, what are our current Jewish values, actually supposed to get certain things done in the world. commitments, and obligations? Here, I know, we don’t We’re supposed to change it, reducing oppressions and all agree. Let me share some of what I, personally, suffering, and increasing love. Since politics is one of believe, and about which I think we have broad the ways humans arrange their relationships, one of the consensus. For many of us, Judaism and our Temple ways of both exercising and limiting oppressive power community are an ethnic home-base, someplace we feel (of governments, individuals, and institutions), one of comfortable with our extended Jewish “family”. That the ways of acting on or acting against stereotypes and home-base is not without its obligations. As Hillel said, hatred, one of the ways we can arrange to accomplish “If I am only for myself, what am I – uh’she’ani l’atsmi, acts of love and caring for each other, Judaism demands mah ani?” Being part of the Jewish family means we have an engagement in politics. Jewish individuals should be obligations for the well-being of our fellow Jews. (More involved in politics because of their Judaism. And Jewish on whether those obligations are political below.) Being institutions should be involved in politics because of part of the Jewish story, means, I think, that we must their Judaism. It’s one of the ways to act on the have a particular sensitivity toward the sorts of commitments flowing from our heritage and our religion. Turn to page 14 4 SERVICES, BAGEL & BIBLE, T.G.I. SHABBES. TIKKUN OLAM VANEFESH

SATURDAYS: 1st: Bagel & Bible study, 9:30am, abbreviated service 10:30

All other Saturdays: service at 10:00am

Bagel & Bible: Saturday, July 2nd and August 6th 9:30am For July, we’ll study commentary on an appropriate Torah passage of the July 4th weekend: “As for the congregation, there shall be one statute both for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute forever through-out your generations; as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. One law and one ordinance shall be both for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.” (Numbers 15:15-16. Old JPS translation)

Our August 6th Bagel & Bible will be lead by Faye Ringel.

T.G.I. Shabbes, Friday, July 8 and August 12, 6:15pm

Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Service, Friday, July 15 and August 19, 7:30pm

Shabbes Dinner Friday, July 22 at the home of Steve and Nora Stein. Host/Hostess needed for August 19.

5 JULY JEWRY DUTY PARTICIPANTS Friday, July 1, 2016 Captains David & Ellen Brodie 1st Friday, Traditional Shabbat Service Participant Needed 1st Friday, Traditional Shabbat Service Paul & Annette Shapiro 1st Friday, Traditional Shabbat Service Adrienne Marks Saturday, July 2, 2016 Captain(s) and one additional Participant Needed Saturday Kiddish David & Debbie Stoloff 1st Saturday Bagel & Bible Faye Ringel Saturday Kiddish Gloria & Michael Gerald Friday, July 8, 2016 Captain(s) and 2 additional Participants Needed 2nd Friday, T.G.I. Shabbes Fran & Drew Jaffe Saturday, July 9, 2016 Captain(s) Service Leader - Beth DeRicco Saturday Kiddish Leanna Loomer Saturday Kiddish Gail & Joe Petrowsky Friday, July 15, 2016 Captain(s) Paul & Annette Shapiro Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Services - 3 Participants Needed Saturday, July 16, 2016 Captain(s) Beth & Philip DeRicco Saturday Kiddish Alex & Ramona Nishball Saturday Kiddish Stefan Marmon Friday, July 22, 2016 Host/Hostess Assistance Steve & Nora Stein 4th Fridays - Shabbes Dinner Host Sheila Amdur Saturday, July 23, 2016 Captain(s) and 2 additional Participants Needed Friday, July 29, 2016 Leader's choice; Captain(s) Sid & Brenda Rosen 5th Friday - Leader's Choice Shabbat Celebration Steve & Nora Stein 5th Friday - Leader's Choice Shabbat Celebration Mona & Todd Friedland 5th Friday - Leader's Choice Shabbat Celebration Debra & Paul Sarazin Saturday, July 30, 2016 Captain(s)/Service Leader Martha Cutter/Faye Ringel Saturday Kiddish - 2 additional Participants needed

6 AUGUST JEWRY DUTY PARTICIPANTS

Friday, August 5, 2016 Captain(s) Steve & Nora Stein 1st Friday, Traditional Shabbat Service Adrienne Marks 1st Friday, Traditional Shabbat Service Gloria & Michael Gerald 1st Friday, Traditional Shabbat Service, 1 other Participant Needed Saturday, August 6, 2016 Captain(s) Stephen & Teresa Gochros 1st Saturday Bagel & Bible followed by Shabbat Service Elisabeth & Emmanuel Buzay 1st Saturday Bagel & Bible followed by Shabbat Service Beth & Philip DeRicco Friday, August 12, 2016 Captain(s) Susan Meisler 2nd Friday, T.G.I. Shabbes Fran & Drew Jaffe 2nd Friday, T.G.I. Shabbes Steve & Nora Stein Saturday, August 13, 2016 Captain(s) and 2 other Participants Needed Saturday Kiddish Faye Ringel Friday, August 19, 2016 Captain(s) Sheila Amdur Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Services Steve & Nora Stein Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Services Susan Meisler Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Services Miriam Drew Saturday, August 20, 2016 Captain(s) Jim Baber & Karen Drazen Saturday Kiddish David & Debbie Stoloff Saturday Kiddish Leanna Loomer Saturday Kiddish Stefan Marmon Friday, August 26, 2016 4th Fridays - Shabbes Dinner Host Participant Needed Saturday, August 27, 2016 Captain(s) and 1 other Participant Needed Saturday Kiddish Naomi Cohen Saturday Kiddish David & Ellen Brodie If you have not completed your 6 Jewry Duty dates for 5776, (and even if you have), please consider signing up for one of the many available spots, at : https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/644418/

If you prefer to have Marlene sign you up at “Lotsa”, just let her know; she is happy to take care of that for you. [email protected], 860-423-3743

7 SARAH RATNER LIBRARY - YOUR LIBRARY - a wonderfully quiet space to sit, read, and reflect. Sue-Ellen Kirkham [email protected] & Brenda Rosen, [email protected]

Thanks to Sue-Ellen for this month’s art challenge:

Where in the synagogue does this art work reside?

What is the name of the painting?

What other works by this renowned artist does Temple Bnai Israel house?

What events do they depict?

Do they evoke thoughts and/or feelings?

Send your answers to: [email protected]

Be sure to check our September edition of The Bulletin for the answers!

Artist: Raphael Abecassis Raphael Abecasis is a modern Israeli artist born in Morocco in 1953. His works are composed of the symbols of long-standing Jewish tradition, Sephardic motifs, vibrant colors, whimsy, the natural and the mystic. Once you see a work by Mr. Abecassis, you will recognize his unique compositions almost anywhere in the world.

Turn to page 13 for the answers regarding

last month’s ”painting of the month”

8 JULY READINGS

SATURDAY, JULY 2 SATURDAY, JULY 9 פרשת קורח/Korah פרשת שלח־לך/Sh’lah Numbers 13:1 - 15:41 Numbers 16:1 - 18:32 This year: 15:8 - 15:41 This year: 17:25 - 18:32 Haftarah: Jeremiah 11:1 - 7 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 6:20 - 7:4

SATURDAY, JULY 16 SATURDAY, JULY 23 פרשת בלק/Balak פרשת חקת/Hukat Numbers 19:1 - 22:1 Numbers 22:2 - 25:9 This year: 21:11 - 22:1 This Year: 23:27 - 25:9 Haftarah: Judges 11:1 - 11:33 Haftarah: Micah 5:6 - 6:8

SATURDAY, JULY 30 פרשת פינחס/Pinhas Numbers 25:10 - 30:1 This year: 28:16 - 30:1 Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1 - 2:3

AUGUST READINGS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 AUGUST 13 פרשת דברים/Devarim פרשת מטות־מסעי/Matot-Masei Numbers 30:2 - 36:13 Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22 This year: 33:50 - 36:13 This year: 2:31 - 3:22 Haftarah: Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4 Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1 - 1:27

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 פרשת עקב/Eikev פרשת ואתחנן/Va’ethanan Deuteronomy 3:23 - 7:11 Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25 This year: 6:4 - 7:11 This year: 10:12 - 11:25 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1 - 40:26 Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14 - 51:3

9 COMMITTEE NEWS CARING COMMITTEE DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM BOOK CLUB Caring for each other in times of need Carol Kraus [email protected] Fran Jaffe Ellie Shane Next meeting 860.228.2390 860.423.7418 Tuesday September 20th, 7:00pm [email protected] [email protected]

Thanks to Carol and Merle, our e-leaders in June.

Fortunately, it was another quiet month! Sheila Amdur We will be discussing an and Sue Schmerl have volunteered for July, and we have Interfaith selection, Gail, Jeanne and Ramona for August. The Bible,the Qu'ran I still have not heard from members about what tasks and Science they are willing to undertake, i.e., cooking, driving, by Maurice Bucaille schlepping, etc. Please let me (Fran) know (my e-mail is noted above) so I can update the list as you all Enjoy your summer, and requested. Thanks. join us in September at

Please keep thinking of ways to recruit new members The Right Trac offices, and/or consider joining us in helping our fellow 110 Main Street congregants when they’re in need. It’s a pretty simple Manchester commitment!

If you or anyone you know needs some help, you can contact the monthly leaders, the committee co-chairs or

Rav Jeremy.

Hope you’re enjoying a great summer! Carpooling available! TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE, Anne Willenborg [email protected] 860.429.8725 How do we become more vocal with our support Would you like to add to our list? We welcome for the issues that are important to us, and are your feedback and support, and please read consistent with TBI’s mission statement and Rav Jeremy’s Reflections article in this Bulletin Judaism commands us to act upon? We have about why this work is part of our heritage at: studied and learned that Judiasm demands political Quiet Corner Refugee Resettlement action. How do we take action in the context of Program volunteer update: being part of a congregation? Advocacy. This is what we are considering in our committee You have received a separate email calling for work. program volunteers. You can give a little or a lot of your time, and you can choose the type of activity The topics we want to address are wide and varied. with which to be involved. To sign up as a We grapple with how best to demonstrate our volunteer, go to (you can click on the link in the support for our Muslim neighbors. We presented e-mail you received): an Energy Challenge to the entire congregation, and https://docs.google.com/forms/ hope that you have taken some of those ideas and d/1ZPd9u7NKK_b1zzfajT- made changes in your home. Our congregation _IinRu96Dj2iMg9pwgvGF0Mk/viewform is supporting QCRR - the Quiet Corner Refugee Our office administrator, Marlene, can send you Refugee Resettlement Program. (Please watch for an this link in an e-mail so you do not have to type upcoming fund raiser to support new refugees it! Just let her know you want the link for the in our community.) We hope to share Sukkot again QCRR Volunteer Program. with the No-Freeze Shelter staff, residents and supporters. We will have a work day at WAIM, maybe even two. Most consistently, we make Continued on next page sandwiches at the Covenant Soup Kitchen every month. Are any of these interesting to you? 10 TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS

Hamakom yenachem המקום ינחם Condolences Scott DeShong for the passing of his sister Karma Steinman. Art Kirschenbaum and Cheryl Pomerantz for passing of his daughter-in-law Brenda Kirschenbaum. May their memories be a blessing.

Refuah Shleyma - Get Well רפואה שלימה Todd Friedland Robert Moskowitz

!Mazal Tov - Congratulations מזל טוב

A new Grandson for Fran and Drew Jaffe; Rylan Vincent Jaffe, born May 13, 2016 to the proud parents, Seth and Erin Jaffe.

TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE continued from previous page In addition, financial contributions are always as a liaison between TBI and WAIM. It is not time welcome and can be sent to WAIM, P.O. BOX consuming, and involves attending 3-4 meetings a year 221, Willimantic, 06226. Be sure to state in the with other WAIM members and bringing back memo portion of your check that the donation is for information to the congregation. Please let me QCRR. Donations go directly to support the know if you are interested. refugees as they enter our community. (WAIM is serving as the check processing center for QCRR at Thank you! Anne Willenborg this time).

Contributions go towards a security deposit for rent, volunteer reimbursement and items needed upon arrival such as mattresses, cribs, car seats, groceries, socks, underwear and pillows.

WAIM is also providing many items for new families such as clothing, furniture, and household items. Donation of goods to WAIM will indirectly go to the refugee resettlement program.

To be clear, one of the major goals of refugee resettlement is financial independence within SIX months of arrival to the United States. Federal funds provide rent support over the first six months but that support decreases over the six month period (to zero).

And while speaking of WAIM and all the good they do for our community, we are searching for a WAIM representative from TBI. This person

11 Glenn Blumenstein and Brian Romanowski Where service is friendship in action

456 Jackson Street (Rte 195), Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 423-2211 Fax: (860) 423-1706

www.potterfuneralhome.com

A 76-year commitment and dedication to serving and honoring the memories of families for generations. Serving Jewish and Interfaith 366 Windham Road families. Member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America. Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 456-8658

Richard Brooks

[email protected] tricountymemorials.com 640 Farmington Avenue Hartford, Connecticut 06105 Phone: 860.233.2675 Toll Free: 877-233-2680 email: [email protected] www.weinsteinmortuary.com

12 Kimball Piano For Sale

Paid ad Dear Friends, many of you knew my mother, Ruth Russian. I am in the process of selling her Willimantic home, and its contents. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in a recently tuned, well cared-for, Kimball Piano, please call me, Rona Schaffel, at 401-787-5347. Asking $500.00 or best offer.

Answers to last month’s questions about the painting pictured in the Library’s article:

 Where in the synagogue does this painting reside? The Temple Library  What is the name of the painting? Unknown  What is the artist’s name? Marian Lancucki  What else is known about this painting? Painted in Rynek-Ratusz, Wroclaw, Poland 13 RABBINIC REFLECTIONS, continued from page 4

BUT, Let’s come back to some of those real and “A synagogue is for Jewish spirituality.” But Jewish legitimate worries about Jewish political action in a spirituality connects us with the liberating God, synagogue context. who commands us to change the world. “A

Let’s address the legal stuff right off. Basically, our synagogue is a community home for our ethnic/ IRS status requires that we not get involved in religious family.” But our family heritage leads us campaigns for elected office and that lobbying not to feel we need to change the world to make it safe constitute a “substantial portion” of our time or for Jews and all people. “A synagogue just doesn’t budget. We can lobby a little. We can also take do politics.” But the Hassidim went to the Tsar, stands on issues being debated in the political the Mussarniks went to the Kaiser, the Reform sphere, but we must be careful that such stands rabbis gave social justice sermons every Shabbat, don’t violate the campaigning restriction. (The the Conservative rabbis supported Israel, Mordecai IRS considers it campaigning, for example, if a Kaplan advocated for a more just society. congregation suddenly takes a stand near an Basically, for hundreds of years, Jews of every election that it hasn’t taken before and that denomination have been engaged in politics through their core institution, the synagogue. prominently distinguishes one candidate or party from another, or if, in its promotion of the issue, it Finally, perhaps the toughest question: What about mentions the election or the names of the divisiveness? One thing most Americans on both candidates. If, though, a congregation has been the right and the left seem to agree about is that consistently writing about the dangers of climate politics in our country isn’t pretty these days, and change in its newsletter, for example, it doesn’t we definitely don’t want to bring the divisiveness need to stop writing about it during campaign and ugliness of politics to our congregation. I Season, even if the issue presents an important think we avoid the unpleasant and unproductive ugliness by difference between candidates; however, it should building any political activity we undertake on a basis of be careful not to refer to the election or to the consensus in two senses. candidates, even indirectly.) First: I suspect that we have more consensus in the

Beyond the legal issues: Our Jewish experience congregation than might be supposed, especially makes the separation of church and state very about fundamentals, as opposed to detailed beloved of American Jews. Does that mean we programs. Freedom of religion, for example, is a shouldn’t mix Judaism and politics? No. It means fundamental principle that is important to Jews. that the government doesn’t get to tell us we have We might disagree about how to promote that to do something because a particular religion says freedom when there are subgroups of the major we should. And we don’t get to tell the government religions that don’t support it, sometimes violently or our fellow citizens that, either. But we don’t so. But the basic principal is something we have to deprive them of the insights we’ve derived probably do agree on and something that is from our tradition and experience. We share those important to promote. I’ve often said that it is, or insights in the spirit of pluralistic, democratic should be, a fundamental Jewish point of consen- discourse: ‘Here’s something Judaism has taught us; sus that peace is an essential goal and is ultimately does that help us all to figure out a solution to possible, even while we might disagree on how to problem X?’ get there. That, too, is an important and nontrivial stand. Methods have been developed that help “Ok, Judaism compels political engagement, but groups discuss issues civilly in ways that help why through synagogue?” I have to admit, this discover and promote consensus, while usefully seems like a reasonable question to me, but clarifying the real differences among participants. however I think about it, I come up with “yes, Second: We should base our activities on through synagogue.” What’s a synagogue? Our consensus in a technical sense of “consensus visioning process is answering that for us, but let’s decision making.” In consensus decision making, try some provisional answers: “A synagogue is the ongoing health of the community takes where we do Jewish.” But doing Jewish is changing precedence over individual particular decisions. the world based on our heritage, which means sometimes being political. Continued on page 21

14 DONATIONS - THANK YOU!

Bnaifactors Rita Pollack Glenn & Tiffany Blumenstein Jerome & Nina Rosen

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Board of Directors in honor of Marilyn Moir David & Lily Golden in honor of Willow’s Bat Mitzvah Ellie Shane in memory of her mother, Helen Berkman, and her grandmother, Minnie Berkman. Faye Ringel in memory of Karma, sister of Scott DeShong; may her memory be a blessing. Rona Schaffel in memory of her mother, Ruth Russian and her father, Samuel Russian.

General Fund Sam Gordon James & Susan Schmerl LGF Foundation, Inc. Doreen & Bill Simonsen

BEAN DONATIONS REMINDER

It’s been a while since we’ve reminded you to donate to the bean basket in the upstairs lobby. Dried beans, canned beans, boxed beans - all forms welcome.

Jelly, jam, and peanut butter are also good items for the bean basket. Thank you!

Your donations will be delivered to Northeast Community Food Collaborative via Access Agency for distribution to food shelters and soup kitchens in the area.

15 YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

Remember to light your Yahrzeit candle on the night before the date shown. It is also appropriate to come to shul to say Kaddish on the Shabbat when your loved one’s name is read, and to give tzedakah in your loved one’s memory. May their memory be a blessing. The following Yahrzetis will be read on July 1 and July 2 Joel R. Weiner Father of Jill Marocchini 26 Sivan July 2 Mother of Annie Segal. Grandmother of Herb Segal. Fannie Goldstein 27 Sivan July 3 Dorothy Kinstler 27 Sivan July 3 Belle Rothblatt 27 Sivan July 3 Hyman Rothblatt 27 Sivan July 3 Carmen Mangino Father of Annette Shapiro 29 Sivan July 5 Harry Fox 30 Sivan July 6 Jack Ogushewitz 30 Sivan July 6 Esther Gruber Mother of Gloria Gerald 1 Tammuz July 7 Samuel Cohen Grandfather of Carol Colombo 1 Tammuz July 7 Hannah Rubenstein 2 Tammuz July 8 The following Yahrzetis will be read on July 8 and July 9 Abraham I. Nadel 3 Tammuz July 9 Rose D. Zenchoff 4 Tammuz July 10 Paul Chasen 5 Tammuz July 11 Batia Fishman Grandmother of Bernie Schreiber 7 Tammuz July 13 The following Yahrzetis will be read on July 15 and July 16 Victor Nishball Father of Alex Nishball 11 Tammuz July 17 Murry Shapiro Father of Paul Shapiro 11 Tammuz July 17 Charlotte Ballon Cousin of William Israel 11 Tammuz July 17 Susan D. Gottesman 13 Tammuz July 19 Leo Schretter 13 Tammuz July 19 Bessie Berens 13 Tammuz July 19 Abraham Butelman 15 Tammuz July 21 Max Rabinowitz 16 Tammuz July 22 The following Yahrzetis will be read on July 22 and July 23 Jay Israel Brother of William Israel 17 Tammuz July 23 Samuel Ratner 18 Tammuz July 24 Evelyn Chasen 18 Tammuz July 24 Bessie Goldberg 18 Tammuz July 24 Rosalyn Mislin Dvorak 18 Tammuz July 24 Leonard Bader Father of Jane Moskowitz 18 Tammuz July 24 Bertha Rosen Grandmother of Ralph Marshall 20 Tammuz July 26 Kurt Goldfarb 21 Tammuz July 27 Goldie Schwartz Mother of Jeremy Schwartz 21 Tammuz July 27 Sylvia Eisler 22 Tammuz July 28 Philip Goldberg 22 Tammuz July 28

16 YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

The following Yahrzetis will be read on July 29 and July 30 Carl Israel Father of William Israel 24 Tammuz July 30 Frank Rosen Grandfather of Ralph Marshall 24 Tammuz July 30 Harold Eisler 25 Tammuz July 31 Bruce Dardick Father of Ken Dardick 25 Tammuz July 31 Morris Foster Grandfather of David Foster 26 Tammuz August 1 Rebecca Colonomos Grandmother of Mona Friedland 26 Tammuz August 1 Rivka Kesslbrenner Mother of Sima Lessner and Ada Mitlitsky 27 Tammuz August 2 Charles N. Loeser Husband of Sue-Ellen Kirkham 27 Tammuz August 2 Selina Bernstein 27 Tammuz August 2 Frieda Friedland Mother of Todd Friedland 28 Tammuz August 3 Sarah Saltzman Mother-in-Law of Larry Schiller 1 Av August 5

YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

The following Yahrzetis will be read on August 5 and August 6 Gloria Wollner Mother of David Wollner 4 Av August 8 Henry DeRicco Father-in-Law of Beth DeRicco 4 Av August 8 George Sachs Father of Benjamin Sachs 5 Av August 9 Hyman Gruber Father of Gloria Gerald 5 Av August 9 The following Yahrzetis will be read on August 12 and August 13 Maurice Davis 9 Av August 13 Paul M. Schretter 12 Av August 16 Murray Jaffe Father of Drew Jaffe 12 Av August 16 Frances Kosto Mother of Susan Meisler 12 Av August 16 Jacob Meir Duker 13 Av August 17 Fannie Moskowitz 13 Av August 17 Anna Berger Guny Mother of Ida Millman 13 Av August 17 Max Brettschneider Great-Uncle of Bruce Brettschneider 14 Av August 18 Hilda Climan Grandmother of Dara Bowling 14 Av August 18

continued on page 20

17 Kenneth R. Dardick, M. D. Nelson C. Walker II, M.D Ayaz T. Madraswalla, M.D. Ross L. Winakor, M.D. Sandra Hughes, M.D. Maura E. Baker, MSN, APRN Tammy M. Gendron, PA-C

CELEBRATING OVER 35 YEARS!

18 Opportunities for Giving

Your legacy Please consider Our future the Temple in your estate planning.

FUNDS : Rabbi's Discretionary Capital Improvement Beautification Endowment Library Good & Welfare Cemetery Religious School High Holiday Cantor Tikkun Olam Anne & Meyer Russian Youth Fund Muni Berkowitz Lighting Fund

Habonim Board Donor ($500-999) Patron ($1,000-2,499)

Benefactor ($2,500-4,999) Habonim ($5,000+) Sanctuary Seat Plaques & Books Yizkor Memorial Plaques Humashim (Torah & Haftarah Books) $250 each $75 each for a bookplate

Siddurim (prayer book) $30 each for bookplate Tree of Life in Greer Auditorium Mahzorim (High Holiday Prayer Books) $90 for a leaf $30 each for a bookplate $180 for a branch

19 SAVE THE DATES YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Remember to light your Yahrzeit candle on the night before the date shown. It is also appropriate to come to shul to say Kaddish on the Shabbat when your loved one’s name is read, and to give tzedakah in your loved one’s memory. May their memory be a blessing.

The following Yahrzetis will be read on August 19 and August 20 Pearl Shrinsky Rinne Mother of Sheila Amdur 16 Av August 20 Isadore Jacob Heller Grandfather of Paul Heller 16 Av August 20 Dora Foster 16 Av August 20 Jacob Schiller Father of Larry Schiller 16 Av August 20 Trudy Loomer Mother of Leanna Loomer 16 Av August 20 Joseph Stone 17 Av August 21 Minnie Eisenberg 18 Av August 22 Pauline Ballon 19 Av August 23 Second Cousin of Bruce Brettschneider Abraham Brettschneider 20 Av August 24 Kay Rothenberg Aunt of Sandy Roth 20 Av August 24 Martin Stoloff Father of David Stoloff 21 Av August 25 Anabelle Mae Blakely Granddaughter of Sue-Ellen Kirkham Peterson 21 Av August 25 Lawrence Cohen Grandfather of Naomi Cohen 22 Av August 26 Harry Chasen 22 Av August 26 The following Yahrzetis will be read on August 26 and August 27 Isaac Weinstein Grandfather of Carol Colombo 24 Av August 28 Mary Horn 24 Av August 28 Minnie Lecker Grandmother of Marilyn Moir 25 Av August 29 Samuel Marshall Father of Ralph Marshall 25 Av August 29 Lena Israel Grandmother William Israel 26 Av August 30 Rose Weitzman 27 Av August 31 Charles Verne Moir Brother of Dick Moir 27 Av August 31 Susan Prague Lundberg Daughter of Edith Prague 28 Av September 1 Steven Elliot Gerald Brother of Michael Gerald 29 Av September 2

20 RABBINIC REFLECTIONS, continued from page 14

The goal is to make decisions that everyone in the community can live with, even if sometimes they don’t agree with them. A formal consensus decision-making process I’m familiar with has people vote “agree,” “live with,” or “object” (accent on the second syllable). “Live with” means “I don’t agree with this decision, but I can stay a member of this community if it’s made.” “Object” means, “I can’t stay part of a group that makes this decision.” A group using this system tries to find a decision that elicits the most “agree” votes and no “object” votes. “Object” is essentially a veto that each group member has, and members have to use it sincerely, only when they really feel they can’t live with a decision as part of the group. Usually, there’s some extremely difficult method of overriding an “object.”

We at Temple Bnai Israel don’t usually use this voting system formally. However, we do already have a policy about taking political advocacy stands, which has been reported in The Bulletin, and whose spirit is based on the consensus decision-making model.

The policy allows the Temple to take advocacy positions that are consistent with our Mission Statement, are not “objected to” (in the formal sense above) by our members, and are approved by a 2/3 majority of the board.

http://www.templebnaiisrael.org/advocacy-policy

I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from page 3

Panic Button: We will purchase several wired and/or wireless panic buttons tied into our alarm system for use at the Bimah, our offices, the Natchaug wing, the Chapel, etc. This button will send a silent alarm to the Police if pressed.

Regular Exit Reminders: We will regularly remind the congregation of all exits from the building, even those not regularly used, via The Bulletin, email and in person at events – “in the event of a fire or other emergency...” We will have regular walk-arounds where we point out to everyone where all the exits are, as part of an event or some other gathering.

Meetings with Law Enforcement: We’ll conduct at least yearly meetings between the Willimantic Police Department and the Safety and Security Committee/Board for continuing education purposes, and to keep everyone sharp/up-to-date.

High Holidays: During the High Holidays, we will pay to have a police cruiser and officer stationed in the parking lot on the grounds, but not in the building, for deterrence.

Thanks again for taking the time to read this important information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let any of the members of the Safety and Security Committee know.

Take care, be well, and do good.

David Golden Temple President

21 THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS

Dear Friends, we have many advertisers who support the production of this newsletter and our yearly Directory via their advertising dollars. Please consider doing business with them when you are in need of what they have to offer. In this Bulletin

Tri-County Memorials, page 12 Weinstein Mortuary, page 12 Willimantic Brewing Company, page 18 Wilcox & Reynolds Insurance, page 24 Sarazin Contractors, page 24 Willington Pizza House, page 24

In your 2015-2016 Directory

Stump Hollow Design, page 11 Vanilla Bean Café, page 14 Sarazin Contractors, page 18 Willington Pizza House, page 22 South Windham Post and Beam, page 26 Willimantic Brewing Company, page 30

If you would like to see your ad in our Bulletin or our yearly Directory, or if you know of a business who would be interested in advertising with us, please have them e-mail Marlene at [email protected] or call 860.423.3743 for all the details.

22 WAIM’S BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

It’s Time to Think about WAIM’s “BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM” Clothing and Supplies for low-income families!

Soon, WAIM will begin registering families for our annual Back To School Program (BTS). Last year, with your support, we sent 140 students back to school with the partial payment of a brand new uniform or outfit for the first day of school.

The BTS program assists Low-income families, in 12 Windham area towns, needing to purchase clothes and school supplies for the new school year for their child(ren).

Parents can choose to purchase two uniform shirts or receive a voucher to purchase necessary clothing and school supplies at a local store. WAIM provides an average of $25.00 per student.

Your financial help would be greatly appreciated! Please send your donations, made payable to WAIM/BTS to:

WAIM/BTS P.O. Box 221 Willimantic, CT 06226 For additional information or questions, call: 860-456-7270 Ext. 12

DEADLINE for donation submission is July 15, 2016

Thank you.

23 Would you like to see your ad here?

Do you know of a local business who would like to see their ad here?

Contact Marlene at [email protected]

VERY reasonable advertising rates.

24 A DRAWING BY MEMBER TAMMY HUNTER

“Letters of the Formation of the Human as described in the Sefer Yetzirah”. This drawing is similar to one made while studying Sefer Yetzirah, an ancient Hebrew text attributed to Abraham Avinu. Section 8 of the book writes of the formation of the Human through letters. This version of the drawing was made white on black, inspired by “The Order of the Creation of the Embryo” for the Talmud, beautifully performed by the vocal artist Victoria Hanna along with some of the work of Rabbi Abraham Abulafia, and the Song of Songs.

Sefer Yetzirah is online with Hebrew and English at sacred-texts.com/jud/sy/sy02. For the performance of Victoria Hanna go to: https://youtu.be/jL_v-XKEZEo

25

See pages 6 and 7 for July and August Jewry 9:30am Bagel & Bible 7:30pm Shabbat Duty Participants and needs. Service 10:30am Shabbat Service

10:00am 6:15pm T.G.I. Shabbat Service Shabbes, wine, cheese, music & celebration; Leaders: Ken Dardick & Judy Stein

12:30pm 7:00 pm First meeting of 10am LTPC Meeting the Interfaith Under- Shabbat Service

standing & Knowledge; 7:00pm all are welcome 7:30pm Spirituality Task Tikkun Olam Force/Ritual VaNefesh Service Comm. Mtg.

9:30am 10am Shabbat Tikkun Olam Service Comm. Mtg. 6:30pm Shabbes Dinner at the

home of Steven and Nora Stein

10am Shabbat 10:00am 7:30pm Leader’s Service, Leader Sandwich Making Choice Shabbat Faye Ringel

Celebration

26 Leader : Faye Ringel 9:30am Bagel & Bible

7:00pm 10:30am Spirituality Task Shabbat Service Force/Ritual 7:30pm Shabbat Comm. Mtg. Service

10:00am Shabbat Service

6:15pm T.G.I. Shabbes, wine, cheese, music and celebration

10am Shabbat Service 9:30am Tikkun Olam BULLETIN Comm. Mtg. ARTICLES 7:00pm DEADLINE Board Mtg. 7:30pm Tikkun Olam

VaNefesh Service

10am Shabbat 6:30pm Shabbes Service Dinner HOST, HOSTESS NEEDED

10:00am Sandwich Making

27 BNAIFACTORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL

In May, the Development Committee launched a new initiative to help ensure that Temple Bnai Israel is sustainable as a vibrant Jewish community today and into the future. Through direct solicitation of our members and past supporters, we asked people to step up their annual contribution to the Temple and be recognized as Bnaifactors, a clever take on the word “benefactor” and Bnai “children of ” paying tribute to all those who have played a role in supporting our congregation.

We are delighted to report that the following individuals have taken this pledge and are infusing our budget with needed dollars to continue our mission, and the renewal we have undertaken this past year. Many thanks go to:

Judy Stein & Ken Dardick Jane & Robert Moskowitz Sheila B. Amdur Rav Jeremy and Merle Potchinsky

Rita Pollack

Jerome & Nina Rosen

Glenn & Tiffany Blumenstein

We are accepting pledges for the next fiscal year which begins July 1, 2016. Payments may be made throughout the year.

For more information about becoming a Bnaifactor, please contact Sheila Amdur at 860-477-0339 or e-mail her at [email protected]