Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek
The WholeMegillah
March & April 2015 10 Adar–11 Iyyar
Hans Jordaens, Crossing the Red Sea, Curtius Museum (Wikimedia Commons). Inside this issue The Rabbi Introduces a New High Holy Days Prayer Book Photography by Ophelia2.
Purim & Passover Programs...... 6–8 Meet Iris Freeman Community Care Coordinator...... 19 Preview of Scholar in Residence...... 10 Notes from Congregational Meeting...... 24–25 Music & More Presents www.cbsrz.org Ivory and Gold®...... 15 T H A N K Y O U IN THIS ISSUE to the following donors from 12/7/2014 to 2/6/2015 From Our Rabbi 3 Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg Music&More Donation Linda Polomski: in memory of Ethel Goodman and 860-526-8920 Rita Christopher & David Frank Adaline Barbara Goodman Worship Services and [email protected] Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg & James Talbott Charles Savitt: condolences to Johanna Schaefer on March/April Events Michael & Susan Peck the loss of her sister-in-law Belinda Brennan 4 Educator & Anthony & Linda Rigono Charles Savitt: in memory of Kim Turner Cantorial Soloist Charles Savitt, Susan Savitt and Norman Shulkin: Food/Beverage Fund From Our President 860-526-8920 in memory of Stephen Baran 5–6 [email protected] Rochelle Dauenheimer Susan Sbrolla: in honor of Carol, Eva and Joseph & Lillian Friend Fund Sofia LeWitt Religious Affairs Stephen Davis Sheila Byrne: in memory of Lillian and Joseph Friend Patrick Smith & Melinda Alcosser: in memory of President 6–8 203-245-8167 Albert Alcosser Library Fund [email protected] Lenny and JoAnn Goldberg Ava Tyler: in memory of Ira Burack New High Holiday Prayer Book Arthur & Margaret Weisenburger: in honor of Carol Prayerbook Fund 9 Brad Jubelirer LeWitt, Bruce Josephy and family Vice-President Rochelle Dauenheimer: in memory of David, Dora Today I am a Soul/ 860-349-2386 and Larry Adler Year-End Appeal Living a Soulful Life Neil Gottfried & Marilyn White-Gottfried: in Ray & Liz Archambault Sandy Seidman 10 Financial Vice President memory of Meyer and Sylvia White Jeffrey & Karen Burzin 860-399-5709 ® Samuels Scholaraship Fund Stephen & Clo Davis SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK [email protected] Merito & Josephine Elmoznino Sheila McPharlin: in appreciation of Evelyn Foster 11 Kevin Fox Maxine Klein and the Adult Hebrew class Susan & Robert Furman The Whole Mishpacha/ Secretary Youth Scholarship Fund Abraham & Beverly Glassman 80 Olander Lane Religious School Calendar Middletown, CT 06457 Lenny and JoAnn Goldberg Lenny & JoAnn Goldberg 12–14 860-346-2399 Art Gallery Fund Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg & James Talbott Rochelle Dauenheimer: in appreciation of Linda Alva Greenberg Ivory & Gold® Kevin B. Fox Pinn’s efforts with the Art Gallery Brad & Lori Jubelirer 15 Treasurer Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: in honor of Sandy 860-597-6302 Holy Scrollers and Andrea Seidman for their generosity [email protected] Neil Gottfried & Marilyn White-Gottfried: in Picture Gallery Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: in honor of Stephen memory of Samuel and Esther Schaffer 16–17 Wendy Bayor and Clo Davis Administrator Donations Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: in thanks to Chesed Corner 860-526-8920 Stuart Baker & Mar-C Peraza-Baker: in memory of Betty Gilman for her friendship and support 18 [email protected] Sylvia Baker Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: with thanks to Estelle Breslow: in memory of Bella Breslow George Amarant and his big red truck Iris Freeman The Whole Megillah Estelle Breslow: in memory of Charles Breslow Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: in thanks to Phil and 19 Published bi-monthly by Estelle Breslow: in memory of Helen Friedman Linda Scheffler for their friendship Congregation Beth Shalom Estelle Breslow: in memory of Louis Mager Bernard & Rose Madnick Updates from Iris Rodfe Zedek Kevin & Amy Conley: in memory of Marguerite Conley Arthur & Marcia Meyers 20 55 East Kings Highway Eva Davis: in memory of William Weiner David Miner & Penny Robiner PO Box 438 Ellen Gottfried: in memory of Beverly Gilman Norman Needleman Project 100 Chester, CT 06412 McCaffrey, Barry Gilman, Lawrence Gottfried Michael & Susan Perl 21 Voice: 860-526-8920 and Helen Schreiber Gilman Edward & Linda Pinn Fax: 860-526-8918 Barry & Helaine Hanenbaum: for the wellness of Henry Resnikoff & Daphne Nielsen Social Action www.cbsrz.org John DeNicola Saul & Hila Rosen 22–23 Editor Norman Hanenbaum: in memory of Israel Hanenbaum Sandy & Andrea Seidman Sean Konecky John Hausman: for tzedakah collective Andy Schatz & Barbara Wolf CBSRZ Congregational Meeting Philip & Adrienne Hutt: in memory of Reva and Patrick Smith & Melinda Alcosser 24–25 Editor Emeritus Lary Bloom Samuel Raymer Rabbi Discretionary Fund REFORM JEWS 4 ISRAEL.ORG Barry Ilberman: in memory of Debra Mellion Prastien Emily Case & Brett Bentson, Jonah and Oren: in Gene & Marilyn Kalet: in memory of Max 26–27 Photo Editors honor of Lewis Case’s 98th birthday Deborah Rutty & Hitschmann Max & Nancy Case: in honor of Lewis Case’s 98th CBSRZ News/Mavens Paula Retsky Gerald & Mary Kelly: in memory of Hedwig Rook Kelly birthday 28 Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: in memory of Scott Case and Annemarie Vaeni: in honor of Lewis Editorial Assistant Celeste LeWitt Case’s 98th birthday Condolences, Wendy Bayor Carol LeWitt & Bruce Josephy: in memory of Alex Case: in honor of Lewis Case’s 98th birthday Isabelle Medina Mi Sheberach, Remembrances Design/Production Rochelle Dauenheimer Justin Marciano Norman Needleman: in memory of Meyer Needleman Lenny & JoAnn Goldberg 29 Joseph Pear: in memory of Anna Katz Jess Maghan & Peter Walker Calendars Joseph Pear: in memory of Sarah Pear Solomon Tilles 30–31
2 From ourRabbi By Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg
Last year, we held two pilot services with the new machzor, Mishkan testing out a Rosh Hashana service and the Kol Nidre serv- ice. The response was clearly positive, from our lay people Hanefesh to our service leaders, and in January the Board of Directors approved our purchase of these new volumes on recommen- Sanctuary dation from myself and our Religious Affairs committee. I feel great pride and gratitude for this congregation’s openness to of the Soul and embrace of change. I believe that this new machzor will only add to the beauty and spirit of our High Holy Days at CBSRZ, and I can’t wait to crack the new binding and start ates of Repentance—that slim, maroon High Holy putting post-its all over its crisp pages! Day machzor (prayerbook)—sits on my shelf, waiting G patiently for another New Year season. The pages are soft from use, and they are plastered with yellow post-its, tell- ing me what to read, what the choir will sing, which pages we Mishkan Hanefesh are skipping, when to call someone up for an honor. From the Rosh Hashana morning service: This machzor was published three years after I was born. It is the only one I’ve ever known. I remember sitting in the blue “. . . Unetaneh Tokef is an artistic wrestling with imper- and gold sanctuary of my childhood, counting how many manence and death, with deeds and their consequences, pages were left until the long service would finally be over. I with power and powerlessness, with fear and reassur- am still stirred as I read those opening lines of the Erev Rosh ance, with mistakes and second chances. Perhaps the ulti- Hashana service, “In the twilight of the vanishing year, we lift mate paradox is that life hurts but is still worth living.” up our hearts in thanksgiving.” —Margaret Moers Wenig
But over the last several years, the English readings, the theol- From the shofar service on Rosh Hashana: ogy of a harsh, judgmental God, and the lack of transliteration have grated on me. This beloved book is now glaringly dated. “Today the world is born anew. This day, the whole of And this is why, although I will feel a sense of loss when I creation stands before You to be judged. As we are Your don’t pick up that Gates of Repentance next year, I am thrilled children, love us in the way of mothers and fathers. As we that our congregation is making the transition to the new are Yours in service, guide us by the light of Your justice, Reform Movement machzor, Mishkan Hanefesh. grace, and holiness. Mishkan Hanefesh translates to “Sanctuary of the Soul,” and Taste the sweetness our lips sing to You, God Most High. I believe it speaks to the soul and the spirit of American Jews You are knowing and attentive, watchful and aware when today, and particularly to the spirit of our congregation. This we call out: ‘T’kiah!’ Lovingly, favorably receive our Serv- new machzor allows us to continue to create services that mix ice of Malchuyot!” traditional with contemporary forms. The traditional Hebrew prayers remain, and we can continue to incorporate the music A creative translation of the Sh’ma and V’ahavta, that we love. At the same time, it makes High Holy day prayer from the Kol Nidre service: more accessible and more relevant to our diverse congregation. “Listen, all you who wrestle with your fate: the intimate Every Hebrew prayer is transliterated, so that non-Hebrew and the infinite are one. Trust that unity with your whole readers can join in those prayers. Every page has a range of heart, doubt and all; with your whole soul, and with all choices in English readings and poetry as well as commentary, the powers at your command. Remember it; repeat it which provides background on the liturgy. The language used everywhere, working or resting, sitting or walking, night to talk about God is gender-neutral, but in a much more natu- and morning, alone and to all you love, See it written on ral way than the previous book. And God’s attributes of com- your hand, on your brow, in every common place and in passion and forgiveness are emphasized over the attributes of every face.” judgment and punishment.
Please support the synagogue’s adoption of the new machzor with your donation or by ordering copies. An order form will be found on page 9.
3 March Worship Services APRIL EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday, March 4, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan Friday, March 6, 5:45 PM, Tot Shabbat; 6:15 PM, Dairy Wednesday , April 1, 8:45 AM, Religious Affairs; 9:00 AM, Chair May 1–3, Scholar-In Residence Weekend (see page 10 for Potluck Dinner; 7:00 PM, First Friday Shabbat Service Yoga; 7:00 PM, Program Committee complete program schedule) Saturday, March 7, 10:30 AM, Shabbat Service and Bat Thursday, April 2, 7:00 PM, Board of Directors Friday, May 8, 5:45 PM, Erev Shabbat Service Follwed by Din- Friday, April 3, Mitvah of Katie Burzin First Night of Passover ners in Congregants’ Homes Saturday, April 4, 6:00 PM, Congregational Seder Wednesday, March 11, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan Saturday, May 23, Erev Shavuot with Yizkor and Tikkun Study Friday, March 13, 6;00 pm, Shabbat Across America Sunday, April 5, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew Saturday, March 14, No Second Saturday Shabbat Service Tuesday, April 7, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 5:30 PM Facilities Committee; Wednesday March 18, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir Friday, March 20, 7:30 PM, Erev Shabbat Service Wednesday, April 8; 9:00 AM, Chair Yoga Saturday, March 21, 10:30 AM, Shabbat Service and Bat Thursday, April 9, 12:00 PM, Lunch & learn; 7:00 PM, Meditation Mitvah of Sarah Conley Saturday, April 11, 10:30 AM, Prayer Lab Wednesday March 25, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan Sunday, April 12, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew Friday, March 27, 5:45 PM Erev Shabbat Service with Tuesday, April 14, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 3:00 PM, SSKP Board Meeting; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir Holy Piano and Jewish War Veterans’ 10th Anniversary Saturday, March 28, 10:30 AM, Shabbat Service and Bar Wednesday, April 15, 9:00 AM Chair Yoga Mitvah of Benjamin Crair Thursday, April 16, Yom HaShoah; 7;00 pm, Adult Education, Committee; 7:00 PM, Meditation Sunday, April 19, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 10:45 AM, Sunday Morning Torah Study; 5:00 PM, Music & More with Scrollers Ivory & Gold April Worship Services Tuesday, April 21, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir Wednesday, April 22, 9:00 AM, Chair Yoga Wednesday, April 1, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan Thursday, April 23, 7:00 PM, Executive Committee; 7:00 PM, Friday, April 3, First Night of Passover, No Erev Shabbat Service Meditation Torah Wednesday, April 8, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan; Saturday, April 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Looking Both Ways Friday, April 10, 7;30 PM, Erev Shabbat Service to Conclude Passover with Yizkor, Followed by Chametz Oneg Sunday, April 26, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 11:00 AM, Education Committee; 1:00–4:00 PM, Stuff a Truck Saturday, April 11 No Second Saturday Service Tuesday, April 28, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir; 7:00 Wednesday, April 15, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan; 7:00 PM, PM, Membership Committee Study Erev Yom HaShoah Service at Temple Beth Tikvah Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 AM, Chair Yoga; 7:00 PM, Conversion Friday, April 17, 7:30 PM, Erev Shabbat Service Class Saturday, April 18, 10:30 Shabbat Morning Service and Thursday, April 30, 7:00 PM, Meditation B’nai Mitzvah of the Minyannaires Wednesday April 22, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan Friday, April 24, 7:30 PM, Erev Shabbat Service Honoring George Amarant Wednesday April 29, 8:00 AM, Morning Minyan Every See page 13 for the MARCH EVENTS Religious School Shabbat Sunday, March 1, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 10:00 AM, Purim Spiel and Carnival Tuesday, March 3, 5:30 PM Facilities Committee; 6:30–7:30 Calendar of Events 9:00 –10:30 AM PM, Choir Wednesday, March 4, 8:45 AM, Religious Affairs Committee; 6:00 PM, Purim Spiel with Pizza dinner Thursday, March 5, Purim; 7:00–8:00 PM, Meditation Sunday, March 8, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 4:00 PM, Women’s Seder Tuesday, March 10, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 3:00 PM, Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantry Board Meeting; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir Don’t Be Afraid of CBSRZ’s Social Media: Facebook, Blogs, and Twitter Wednesday, March 11, 9:00 AM, Chair Yoga; 7:00 PM, Conversion Class; 7:00 PM, Program Committee Just the words alone can cause tremors for some but, like it or not, they are here to Thursday, March 12, 12:00–1:30 PM, Lunch & Learn; 7:00 stay. CBSRZ is using one or more of these sites and invites members to come along, it’s PM, Board of Directors really not hard, and explore the joys of cyberspace. Sunday, March 15, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 12:30– 1:30 PM, Shofar Blowing Class Begin by clicking on www.cbsrz.org to bring up the Synagogue’s site and then click Tuesday March 17, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir away at any of the colorful sites that you want to access. Click on the Facebook icon Wednesday, March 18, 9:00 AM, Chair Yoga Thursday, March 19, 7:00 PM, Adult Education Committee at the bottom of the page and you will be directed to the CBSRZ Facebook page and Sunday, March 22, New York Residents Gathering Time a treasure trove of information beginning with Ellen Nodelman’s blog about what it TBD; 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 10:30 AM, Sunday is like to be an adult Bat Mitzvah. Click on the Like icon so you can be counted as a Morning Torah Study; 1:00–5:00 PM, Coming to America: An Exploration of Immigration Then and Now Friend of CBSRZ and thus receive postings as quickly as they are sent. Tuesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir Wednesday, March 25, 9:00 AM, Chair Yoga Charles Savitt has launched a Twitter site. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @CBSRZ. Thursday, March 26, 7:00 PM, Executive Committee Follow Rabbi Goldenberg on Twitter @rabbirg. Sunday, March 29, 8:30–10:30 AM, Adult Hebrew; 11:00 AM, Living Haggadah Program; 3:00 Women’s Health Talk Tuesday, March 31, 9:00 AM, Yoga; 6:30–7:30 PM, Choir 4 should be kept at plex”. About a year ago Clo, Lary Bloom, From our bay. The worlds Suzanne Levine and I drove up to expe- the two com- rience it. Rabbi Baruch HaLevi has led munities inhabit an overhaul of offerings to congregants. President couldn’t be more Where once on Shabbat mornings there different. was only a traditional service, now congregants face “multiple gateways to Synagogues Jewish life, learning and prayer, social Jumbotron such as ours are hardly justice (tikun olam), celebration, culture immune from stark dif- Lessons and the arts.” A typical Saturday morning ferences of perspective. “Synaplex” schedule includes—in addi- Some of us grew up in Stephen Davis tional to the traditional service—a “mys- Conservative or Ortho- tic minyan,” “healing havurah,” “Torah dox households and yoga,” “Ruach rally,” and a Shabbat café find our most profound lunch for all. You can see much of this experience of God through traditional for yourself through archived livestreams ritual. Others came of age rejecting at www.shirathayam.org. ashington’s mall, on January Hebrew school and religious authority 20 2009, was bone-chillingly and gather in our sanctuary because we “Synaplex” isn’t what we call what is Wcold, and being sandwiched pursue alternative forms of spirituality. unfolding at CBSRZ. But we are on to in among the 1.5 million citizens Still others can’t be bothered with wor- something profound in the way we are crowded there for Barack Obama’s inau- ship at all; we seek, instead, the belong- enriching and diversifying the paths guration didn’t seem to make it any less ing of community and fulfillment in we offer. Some of the gateways are so. Clo’s and my then-13-year old son helping others. Can CBSRZ be a satisfy- being opened by clergy. Our Rabbi and Gabriel and I had taken an overnight ing haven to all of these perspectives? Cantor have begun a series of innova- bus from New Haven to witness the first tive “prayer labs” designed to pioneer If you believe theologian Rachel Adler, African American become the nation’s alternative ways we can wrestle with being anything less than a haven for 44th president. Colossal jumbotrons dot- meaning and spirituality. The two will all could be considered, well, idolatry. ted the mall, showing live video close- shepherd us to a new mahzor during How’s that? Adler’s view is that the ups of ceremonies taking place on the high holy days later this year. The Rabbi Torah’s many names for God—includ- West Front of the Capitol. Helpfully, cap- is convening meditation sessions while ing the unpronounceable YHVH— tions appeared along the bottom of each Alan Morinis, our upcoming scholar in amount to a kind of spiritual code screen so that distant watchers like us residence, will lay groundwork for a warning us of the impossibility of could follow the sounds and speeches. Mussar program of spiritual renewal. capturing the meaning of God through And in close collaboration with Choir No one would have characterized a single lens. She would contend, for Director Meg Gister and her magnifi- this throng as bipartisan. These were instance, that framing God in familiar cent team, the Rabbi and Cantor are full-bloodied Obamians, flooded in to masculine terms cannot hope to contain introducing new music. My personal Washington from across America, jubi- the enormity of what God is. In fact, favorite is “Kaddish,” a haunting ver- lant over the transition unfolding before treating any single vision of God as the sion of the mourning prayer put into them. That’s why it was hardly surpris- only legitimate one amounts to stuff- song by Shirat Hayam’s Cantor Elana ing that when a marine helicopter lifted ing God into a box—which becomes Rozenfeld. When Lary, Sue, Clo and I the then-former President George W. equivalent to worshipping an idol. Bush into the sky over the mall, execut- first heard it in Swampscott last year we ing a final farewell turn, a deafening roar Adler’s solution is not necessarily to saw how it moved some congregants of boos rose in a wave from the Capitol strip out the word “He” when referring in ways the traditional text might not. lawn to as far back as the Lincoln Memo- to God. Instead, multiple expressions Belinda embraced the challenge of try- rial. But what caught my eye was the of the divine are fitting, even ones ing it out alongside the normal Kaddish way the jumbotron captions interpreted as unconventional as yoga or dance in Chester; now everyone can see her the moment. They read: “Applause”. or latkes or music or meditation. We transporting version, thanks to John should each find the gateway that best Hausman’s livestream editing. Find it That kind of disconnect is something suits our struggle to understand mean- on CBSRZ’s YouTube channel labeled I come across regularly in my profes- ing and purpose. At the same time, “Kaddish-Erev Shabbat Service January sional life. When I go to conferences though, we should remember that even 16th, 2015”, or at www.youtube.com/ for pension and mutual fund officials, it if we shouted all the names of those watch?v=Yff4jgzE-Zk. is clear that the world they see as right paths out together, the cacophony Other gateways are the handiwork of and proper is one in which investors could only hint at the infinity of God. have oversight of CEO pay and corpo- congregants. They include digital learn- rate social responsibility. Go to a con- How can a synagogue hope to cope ing for our youth, video interviews ference with chief executives, though, with such a vast challenge? Shirat of congregants, a pilot film on the and the reverse is true: CEOs will depict Hayam, a Conservative shul located construction of our building, thought- shareholders as toxic influences who just north of Boston in Swampscott, has invented a one-word answer: “Syna- (Continued on page 6) 5 (Jumbotron Lessons Continued from page 5) provoking art exhibits on Main Street, Considered in Rachel Adler’s terms, all of spiritual tolerance. A little like at the robust adult education programs, inspir- this innovation is about probing, in our National Mall six years ago, the equiva- ing centennial activities and, of course, way, infinite facets of the divine. What lent of boos and applause co-exist here our vital Chesed and Social Action constantly astounds me, though, is the along with every sound in between. initiatives. The spectrum of activities is patience for change in the CBSRZ com- The dissonance may at first seem jar- remarkable for a congregation of our munity; after all, gateways may open ring. It certainly is in the worlds of poli- size. In fact, the Jewish Ledger recently under our roof that we may not identify tics and business. But in our collective described us as one of Connecticut’s with, even as others do. So it is worth searching, in this sanctuary, it is our most robust cultural centers. celebrating that, even if we disagree greatest strength. on paths, we are forging a vital culture
Religious Affairs At CBSRZ
Shofar Blowing Class — For Kids And Adults! ave you ever wanted to get your hands on one of our beautiful shofars and blow your heart out? Now is the time to try! Rita Christopher is offering a beginners class on Sunday, March 15 at 12:30. CBSRZ has two shofars that Hcan be shared (we’ll have alcohol wipes). If you have your own shofar, please bring it! The class should last for approximately one hour, depending on how many participants we have. Please RSVP to the office if you are interested in participating. Plan to bring a lunch if you will be going straight from Sunday School.
ErEv Purim — WEdnEsday march 4, Purim Fun continuEs…ratEd PG….so brinG thE WholE Family!
Beginning at 6:00 pm, on Wednesd ay March 4, we will get together for silly scenes based on the Megillah, with food and music and audienc e partic ipation! We will begin the evening with a pizza and salad party at 6 pm. Wine and beer is BYOB. We will supply non-alcoholic beverages. At around 6:30, we will settle in for our Purim Spiel, which will be rated PG, so children are welcome to attend. Last year’s Spiel was so much fun, we’re doing it again, and we have again invited members of Adath Israel to join in the fun. Several groups of volunteers will present their wacky interpretations of a specific section of the Megillah. Our theatre improv expert Shelley Sprague will also be calling on audienc e members to partic ipate in some spon- taneous improvisations of a couple of sc enes. So, come with your silly creative juices flowing, as we’re going to need your help! In addition to our actors, we will all be singing old Purim favorites with Meg Gister on the piano. Following the spiel, we c an mingle over c offee and tra- ditional hamantaschen and other desserts. For our bakers out there…. please bring desserts to share. Homemade are always better than store bought!
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Let’s Celebrate Eating Chametz Again! assover comes to a close on Friday, April 10. Join us for Shabbat Services, which will include Yizkor (Memorial) service, at 7:30 pm. We will then share a delicious oneg, full of cakes and cookies and other Pchametz, all of those yummy foods we didn’t eat for 7 days! Our oneg will be pot luck. Knowing that many of us won’t bake cookies on the 7th day, we will purchase a tray from The Wheat Market. Feel free to bring other desserts (fruit, store-bought bakery treats, etc).
yom hashoah WEdnEsday, aPril 15, 7:00 Pm, at tEmPlE bEth tikvah, madison, ct.
“Yom HaShoah,” also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, occurs on the 27th of Nisan. Shoah, which means catastrophe or utter destruction in Hebrew, refers to the atrocities that were committed against the Jewish people during World War II. This is a memorial day for those who died in the Shoah, also known as the Holocaust, which comes from a Greek word meaning “sacrifice by fire.”
Our friends and neighbors at Temple Beth Tikvah inMadison are hosting this year’s service. It will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at7:00 pm. With the combined leadership and music of the two synagogues, it is guaranteed to be a beautiful and moving service.
8 New High Holiday Prayer Book
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9 Mussar texts, some dating back to the 11th century. Today I Am A Soul This knowledge is just as By Bruce Josephy relevant today as it was a “He’s a giant.” Rabbi Rick Jacobs was thousand years ago. describing Alan Morinis to me. But I At our core we are spir- never heard of Alan Morinis. And his itual beings on a mate- field of interest, Mussar, I knew the rial journey, not material word, nothing else. That was then. beings on a spiritual jour- It was December 2013 at the URJ Bien- ney. As physical exercise nial in San Diego. I was a new member strengthens one’s body, of the URJ North American Board. Mussar practice strength- Bruce Josephy and Alan Morinis Rabbi Jacobs asked if I was going to ens one’s soul. Alan’s presentation on Mussar the next I am grateful to have spent four hours Mussar has not only reframed my day. I was not planning to. Knowing learning with Alan at the Biennial, and understanding of who I am, a soul, but of my interests, he suggested I go. The it served as a catalyst for further Mus- has also added a deeper understand- President of the URJ said go. I went. sar study. What should I read? Like ing of how I am and why I am. any good author, Alan said, “Start with It was a life-changing experience. The my books.” I did, and have read many I am grateful to Alan Morinis for the central thesis was a reframing of “I have others. With Mussar, it is important to gift of Mussar, and to Rabbi Jacobs a soul” to “I am a soul”, a soul with read the books, but the key is doing, for introducing me to Alan. I am also traits, middot. Mussar is a discipline of practicing Mussar. grateful to Rabbi Goldenberg and transformative practices for soul traits, Belinda Brennan who enthusiastically tikkun middot. As one’s soul traits are I’m often asked what I’m reading. For embraced the idea of Alan Morinis refined, one’s relationships with self, a number of years my answer has been being a scholar-in-residence with us others, and G-d have the opportunity to Hasidic texts from the 18th century to this May 1–3. be positively affected. the present. Since meeting Alan, I add,
Living a Soulful Life: May 1–3, 2015 Schedule for Lessons from the Jewish tradition of Mussar the Weekend Alan Morinis, Sheldon Kutnick Scholar in Residence
Friday, May 1 Saturday, May 2 Sunday, May 3rd 6:00pm Dairy/Vegetarian Shabbat 10:00am Shabbat Morning Service 9:30am Mussar workshop with our Potluck dinner with Dvar Torah by our teens scholar entitled: “Torah 7:00pm Shabbat Evening Service, Through a Mussar Lens,” 10:30am Experiential workshop with with an introductory ser- parents and any interested mon by our scholar “What This talk will focus on the lessons in adults the Torah portion that give us models is Mussar and Why Should These workshops will focus on Mus- I Care?” for thought and behavior that have application in our own lives. sar practice, its tradition and its meth- ods. Here we encounter the effective 12pm Dairy Potluck Kiddush mechanisms that bring about change Luncheon and growth that the Mussar teachers developed over the centuries. 1pm “Why You Are How You Are And What’s Your Potential? —a Jewish Perspective,” In this text study, Alan Morinis will explore the substance of Mussar and what it can offer us.
10 Music & More’s ®
SWEETSWEET HONEYHONEY ININ THETHE ROCKROCK Deb Rutty Smashing Success!
usic & More’s program of SWEET “The concert was just wonder- MHONEY IN THE ROCK® was by ful, Miriam! Sweet Honey is a great every account a smashing success. group of souls and songs. I’ve long We reproduce here a letter received wanted to hear them live. These by Miriam Gardner-Frum from Susan performers have a spiritual purpose von Reichenbach, a soprano specializ- that is instantly palpable—to raise ing in lieder, who graced the Music the frequency of consciousness & More program some time ago. on our troubled planet—and that
Carol Maillard greets guests
deserves our support and appreciation. These priestesses of Song are waking folks up, not only to social injustices but to spiritual truths and to God through “music and more”! The reaction was very hearten- ing. Everyone around me was singing and clapping and into it. A real community unity—so rare. I hope you feel completely satisfied and happy today. Thank you to the committee and to all the community at the Temple for bringing this lofty choir to our area. It was an afternoon well spent.
I would loved to have talked to these divine ladies after the concert, but had to move along. I loved each of them and their
Deb Rutty diversity— in voice & style—but want to mention that I was fascinated by the Aisah Kahil shakes hands with Amina Goldenberg while Rabbi G and her mother look on (Miriam Gardner- Frum in background) energy and unflag- ging enthusiasm of the Sign language interpreter—she was
Deb Rutty such a presence of Joy and Love! The expressiveness of her face and presenta- tion were something unique and infec- tious to behold. I wish I could have communicated that to her.
Thanks again for arranging the ticket—to Clo, too, I gather. I really appreciate it.”
Group plus sponsors L to R: Alva Greenberg, Shirley Childress, Aisha Kahil, Romeir Mendez, Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel Hila & Saul Rosen 11 The Whole
Rachel Angle’s speech on sex education was statistics and contracts. Meanwhile, teens meet their reproductive health needs delivered at the L’takein Seminar, a weekend are exposed to various media outlets, and reduce the health risks of sexual in DC with other teens learning about social which send them different messages. In the activity among young adults. This comes justice issues from a Jewish perspective. On popular movie Mean Girls, the sexuality from the guiding principle of sexuality in the last day, the teens meet with the staff of education teacher relays the message: “If the Jewish tradition: “You shall be holy.” their Senators and Representatives on Capitol you have sex, you’ll get pregnant and die.” Like anything coming from a religious Hill and advocate for an issue. Rachel chose to This message is drastically different from text, this phrase can be interpreted many speak about comprehensive sex education. the highly sexual content that the average ways. Staying holy does not translate to high school student is routinely bom- abstinence. By providing young adults L’takein—Sexuality barded with. Abstinence only education is with accurate and comprehensive sexu- significantly less effective than comprehen- ality education, we are in turn teaching Education sive sex education, which is supported by a them to respect themselves and their Rachel Angle large majority of the population. Over 80% bodies. When people are aware of their of Americans favor comprehensive curricu- self worth they maintain a level of holi- Hello, my name is Rachel Angle, and I’m lums. These programs outline abstinence ness that simply preaching abstinence from Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe as a viable option while also teaching cannot achieve. Beyond this, preventing Zedek in Connecticut. Thank you very about contraception and disease preven- women from accessing comprehensive much for taking the time to meet with tion. Their effectiveness can be seen in the sexuality education opposes the saying me today. I am in Washington with hun- numbers: Teens who receive comprehen- in the Talmud: “One who saves one life, dreds of other teens from the Reform sive sex education were 50% less likely it is accounted as if a world is saved.” By Jewish Movement to participate in the to experience pregnancy than those who limiting young adults’ access to programs L’Taken Seminar, an intensive four-day experienced abstinence-only education. In that keep them healthy and save lives is program, focused on Jewish values and addition to being effective, comprehensive contrary to the Jewish commandment social justice, sponsored by the Religious sex education programs are also cost to save lives. As a whole, the struggle Action Center, which is the legislative effective. Despite declining by more than for maintaining comprehensive sexuality office of the Union for Reform Judaism one-third since 1980, the U. S. continues education in schools is an extremely im- whose 900 congregations across North to have the highest teen birth rate in the portant issue to the Jewish community. America encompass 1.5 million Reform developed world: nearly 40 births per As a Jewish young adult I believe that Jews, and the Central Conference of 1,000 girls ages 15–19. Among teens that the issue of sexuality education is one American Rabbis, whose membership gave birth, 50% were not using birth con- that needs to be brought to the forefront. includes over 200 Reform rabbis. I would trol, 31% of whom believed they could not One problem with improving the sexual- like to discuss a comprehensive sexuality become pregnant. These pregnancies cost ity education standards is the incongru- education program with you today. U.S. taxpayers between $9.4 and $28 billon ence of the sexuality education curricu- It is safe to say that a large major- a year through public assistance payments, lums around the country. There are many ity of teens are participating in sexual lost tax revenue, and greater expenditures great programs across the nation and activity. Though there are programs in for public heath care, foster care and crimi- others that are severely lacking. I come use today that educate these teens on nal justice services. Unplanned pregnancies from a district where sexuality education the consequences of this activity, these and sexually transmitted diseases in teens is taught in the eleventh grade as part of programs are not fully comprehensive. are unavoidable; they will happen no mat- the gym class education, and if it does not Furthermore, these programs are not ter the circumstances. However, if compre- fit in a student’s schedule they have the present in all states. Many school cur- hensive sexuality education programs are choice to opt out and complete a project riculums are limited to abstinence only implemented throughout the nation, the instead. The student experiences neither programs, which ignore important factors number of unplanned pregnancies and the comprehensive nor abstinence sexuality such as safe sex and maintaining a healthy spread of sexually transmitted infections education. In the competitive nature of relationship. Instead of accepting the can be greatly decreased. the college process the class “Health”, or inevitable, that students are participating The Jewish Reform movement sup- “Sexuality Education” carries hardly any in sexual activity, schools attempt to scare ports the concept that sexuality educa- weight causing, it to be the lowest of the kids into abstinence through exaggerated tion should teach young adults how to low on the list of a student’s priorities, if 12 Mishpacha Religious School & Family Activities they take the class at all. Because of the What does becoming a Bar generally simple curriculum students look Mitzvah mean to you? March 2015 at health class as an afterthought, a study Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I hall, a place to slack off before the real am maturing and have finally become a Sunday, March 1 classes begin. Are these students wrong? young adult in our Jewish community. Purim Spiel/Carnival So many students are indoctrinated to believe that high school should be about Have you thought at all Sunday, March 8 Session, Confirmation, Marketing Meeting how a college admissions officer will look about your Torah portion? at their school records, and these admis- Any thoughts on what you Sunday, March 15 sions officers see sexuality education as will be discussing? Session, Gesher/Confirmation an afterthought, a place where an A+ is easy. They don’t look at sexuality educa- My portion, Tzav, is from Leviticus. It is Sunday, March 22 tion as a real class, so why should stu- about instructions Moses gives to the Session, Breakfast w/Rabbi - Grade 6, dents? I believe that students and teach- Israelites while in the Sinai wilderness. Monthly Torah Study ers and the United States as a nation Later, the portion talks about a cer- should take sexuality education seriously emony that dedicates the sanctuary and Sunday, March 29th because high school students are having ordains the priests. I will probably be Session, Living Haggadah Program sex and they need to be educated about discussing the ordination ceremony. it. Teens don’t turn 16 and gain the right to drive. They need to earn a drivers’ April 2015 license first. I see pregnant teens walk Sunday, April 5th–Sunday April 12 through the hallways and hear rumors NO SESSIONS, Spring Break about STDs. I see teens struggle with these issues here and now and hope Sunday, April 19th people realize the importance before Session, Gesher/Confirmation, Monthly Torah Study they look at comprehensive sexuality education as optional as opposed to Sunday, April 26th absolutely necessary. Session, Breakfast w/Rabbi - Grade 4
Interview with Have you done a mitzvah Benjamin Crair project? (if not, what are you thinking about doing?) Tell the congregation a little I am raising awareness about endan- about yourself. gered animals. I am also raising money I attend Elisabeth C. Adams Middle for this cause and am hoping to visit my School. I play soccer, and I also like to former elementary school to discuss run and ski. My favorite subjects are the problem of endangered species with science, math, and band (I play the the students. saxophone). I live in Guilford with my parents and my younger brother, David. Any advice for kids who haven’t begun preparing? What excites you the most Make sure you pay attention in the about your Bar Mitzvah? years before because it definitely I am excited to have all my family helps. Although preparing might seem together from the West Coast and to Benjamin Crair overwhelming, if you break your Torah lead a service. portion into chunks, you’ll do fine. 13 The Whole Mishpacha (Continued from page 13)
Interview with Any thoughts on what you Katie Burzin will be discussing? I haven’t written my D’Var Torah yet. I am really not sure what I Tell the congregation a little will say. about yourself. My name is Katie Burzin. I live in Ivo- Have you done a mitzvah ryton and I am in the seventh grade at project yet? The Williams School in New London. I ran a used book drive. I asked my friends at school to give me What excites you most about their used books. I read some your Bat Mitzvah? of the children’s book aloud and I’ve been working hard for my Bat Mitz- recorded them onto a CD. These vah and I’m excited to see how it will books will be donated to “New turn out. My sisters became Bat Mitzvot Haven Reads” a non-profit agency and now it is my turn. I am also very that tutors kids to read better. I excited to be able to wear my Talit. will also hold a bake sale at our synagogue. The money raised in What does becoming a Bat the sale will be donated along Mitzvah mean to you? with the used books. To me becoming a Bat Mitzvah means be- coming a Jewish adult. I think it’s cool that Any advice for kids who something I’ve been preparing for since haven’t begun preparing? Kindergarten is finally going to happen. In the beginning the tutoring sessions are much easier. As you Have you thought at all approach your date the material about your Torah portion? becomes harder to learn. Take My Torah portion is about Moses’ reaction the time to pace yourself when when he comes down from Mt. Sinai and studying. Some weeks will be more sees everyone worshipping the golden calf. Katie Burzin involved than others.
Olim Students Food: We were fed warm meals Tubing: The group and Rabbi G Use Their Name kindly prepared by the camp’s could not wait to make their way down Literally kitchen staff. the long but cold hill in a rubber donut. Karen Burzin Team Building: The students Animals: The horses, wild turkeys, were challenged to climb a rope chickens, and 22-pound rabbit who tower as well as to create skyscrap- reside on the campgrounds were One very cold weekend in January, our ers out of plastic crates while being usurped by a pink and white 7-year- Olim Students accompanied by Rabbi suspended from the ceiling and old pig named Stanley. At 700 pounds, Goldenberg and chaperoned by myself, attached to a pulley. During these this animal is about 200 pounds spent two nights and three days at vertical activities, Rabbi G. reminded underweight for his breed. He eats all Camp Jewell in Colebrook, CT. High- the class that Olim literally means leftovers from the campers (except, of lights of the weekend included: Fire, “moving up” as it is the year of their course, the pork). Food and other Festivities Bar/Bat Mitvah. The group earned their name this weekend. Strength: This weekend included Fire: Without fire we could not have ways for each individual to grow celebrated Shabbat with an intimate Prayer & Torah Study: Rabbi spiritually, intellectually, physically, and candle lighting service, had S’mores, G. led the students in a meaningful mentally. Although the temperature stayed warm, and finally, using the flame discussion of the week’s Torah por- was clearly below freezing, relation- of a candle to extinguish Shabbat, smell tion relating to Moses, humility, and ships were strengthened with warm spices, and welcome a new week into self-doubt. memories. our lives.
14 ® IvoryIvory && GoldGold (and Maybe the Frogs of Israel) By Lary Bloom
Music & More: Sunday, April 18, at 5 p.m. Playing the Popcorn Room at the Griswold Inn is thousands of miles away in geography and meaning from performing before 2,500 people at an outdoor concert in Israel. But that’s the musical leap that Jeff and Anne Barnhart have made over the years in their concerts of jazz, blues and the American songbook. The Tel Aviv show stands out as one of the greatest moments in the sto- ried career of Ivory & Gold®, as the duo is known, during which they’ve played in dozens of states and many countries, and produced several recordings — Jeff on piano and vocal, and Anne on flute. Jeff recalls, “I don’t know how you can beat that Tel Aviv concert. There were all those Israelis sitting in lawn chairs and looking out over the Mediter- ranean waters. There was a moat near the stage, and when Anne and I started playing Gershwin’s ‘Summertime,’ the frogs started croaking along with us.” And now you, too, can croak along with Ivory & Gold® as Jeff and Anne return to their home base (they live in Mystic but are on the road 40 weeks a year), and perform in a Music & More concert on Sunday, April, 19, at 5 p.m. All this croaking, by the way, doesn’t have to be done by adults. Jeff and Anne delight in introducing the American Songbook to kids, and have many stories about how music previ- ously unknown to them has resonated. Not long ago, at a concert in New London, a boy in the first row listened dren even if they’ve never heard the a music writer in the UK, says, ”Enjoy as Jeff demonstrated how to scat, a name Cole Porter or Irving Berlin. the warmth and talent of this unique technique used so beautifully by Ella The kids will be humming along duo – you won’t regret it.” Fitzgerald among others, and the boy, a and stomping their feet, and agree- Tickets for congregation members first grader, volunteered to try it out. He ing with the many music critics who are $20 (a $5 discount from the regular wowed the crowd. consider this duo to be at the top of admission price), and children under 16 Indeed, Jeff and Anne always have their game. No less than Max Morath, are free. To arrange tickets, which will fun with kids and they encourage our a legendary ragtime player, calls them also be available at the door, please call synagogue community to bring chil- “musically flawless,” and Stuart Dryden, Wendy, 860.526.8920.
15 PICTURE GALLERY Paula Retsky Paula
Andrew Cohen spoke at Shabbat service January 16th on his book Two Days in June. To his left, his wife Mary Gooderham.
Gabriel Davis with the IDF
Fine dining at the Tu B’Shevat Seder.
Demonstration from the Bushy Hill Nature Program (we were walking our backyard).
16 Deb Rutty
“Seeing the World through Reporters’ Eyes,” personal reflections of two powerhouses in the field of televised news, arranged by the Adult Education Committee. Seated, congregant Philip Sheffler, longtime editor and producer of CBS’ 60 Minutes; standing, Rabbi Goldenberg, James Jacoby, producer at PBS Frontline, and Past President, Bruce Josephy. Deb Rutty Paula Retsky Paula
Cellist David Bruno, Meg Gister and the choir at Erev Shabbat Services
The Muses behind Project 100: (left to right): Linda Rigono, Polly Kipp, Pam Crair, Deb Rutty, Ellen Nodelman, Johanna Schaefer, Sandy Herzog
17 spiritual home is an affirmation of a beautiful passage from Gates of Prayer: “Pray as if everything depends on God, but act as if everything depends on you.” Linda Sherman Chesed Committee chair. To help in the committee’s good work, please contact Linda at [email protected]
Spotlight on a Volunteer
The Many Hands of Chesed One of our amazing volunteers, Beth Brewer has been an integral part of Chesed for many years. You have likely seen her at many Shivas, as she has organ- Chesed, commonly understood to mean “loving kind- ized and spearheaded Chesed’s support of grieving ness”, is a primary virtue in Judaism. It is also the families for a long time. Beth is also an active mem- name of a committee at CBSRZ that provides care and ber of the program committee and a long term Deep support to our congregants. Chesed members comfort River Soup Kitchen volunteer. When she isn’t at the those who are bereaved and help in organizing and temple, or visiting her first grandchild in California, attending Shivas. We call, we send cards, and we visit Beth sells real estate in Essex. In addition to everyday congregants in hospitals, nursing homes, and their transactions, she also does something extraordinary. own homes. We deliver meals, Shabbat bags, and Beth is involved with a non-profit organization called Purim boxes. We have begun to develop the Hinenei “Sarah Tuxis.” In particular, Beth assists them in find- Corps, a program to provide support to older mem- ing properties for rental or purchase as group homes bers of our community and encourage long-term car- for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental ing relationships. We remind folks that no one in our Disabilities and their families. According to Beth, it is community is alone, that we are here for one another. a complicated and challenging process, but one with This becomes even more important in an aging con- significant rewards when she finds the perfect place gregation whose members are spread out over dozens for folks to begin a new life. of different cities in a large geographic territory. There are many challenges. For example, we offer many wonderful programs, with new ones being added every day, but not everyone can get to the programs. One of the things we’ve started to do recently is try to help provide access to resources and/or transportation for congregants. It is truly an act of loving kindness to make sure everyone is included and welcome. It takes a lot of folks to make this happen. There are over three dozen volunteers on the Chesed committee; they play many different roles and work tirelessly. We’ve also recently filled a part-time posi- tion (created by a grant from the Jewish Federation of New Haven) for a “Caring Community Coordina- tor” (see attached interview with Iris Freeman). Iris is helping us create a network of support for each other and to proactively address the pastoral needs of our members, especially as they age. She will also be helping to train Chesed members, spear- head our transportation initiative (Holy Rollers) and to build up daytime programming. The work that Rabbi Goldenberg, Chesed and each of us do on behalf of all those who call CBSRZ their Beth Brewer
18 MEET OUR COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATOR, IRIS FREEMAN By Lary Bloom It’s what helped drive her much later Now as CBSRZ’s board president, as vocational counselor for the State Stephen, says, “CBSRZ’s Caring Coor- of Connecticut then for many years dinator program is all about bringing rehabilitation manager for Cigna, and our community together even when similar work for the State of Ohio barriers such as health and mobility Bureau of Workers Compensation. She stand in the way. We want no one left also in other positions in which deep behind. Iris’s mission is to build infra- understanding of the human condition structure--that is, innovative programs was critical, for example for three years and transport solutions--that allow con- as director of the Strochlitz Holocaust gregants to contribute to and gain from Resource Center, and then senior care our synagogue. We are the only con- coordinator for the Jewish Federation gregation with such a position, so we of Eastern Connecticut. are learning as we go. But underlying the project is a single theme: Hineni- When she saw an online ad for Com- -we are here for each other.” munity Care Coordinator at CBSRZ she couldn’t believe she was reading Rabbi Goldenberg, who is Iris’ super- the information correctly. “I was so visor, says, “Iris comes to us with a impressed that a congregation would wealth of experience in the areas of Iris Freeman be motivated to create a position like counseling and senior adult support this one – that a temple would be will- and programming. Already, she has erhaps it was inevitable that Iris ing to invest in a position like this was helped to make sure that our home- Freeman would become the too good to be true.” bound and more isolated congregants first Community Care Coordina- P are not falling through the cracks. tor for any synagogue in Connecticut. In fact, the investment was out of This kind of work, certainly, has been necessity, the natural result of a study “As the rabbi, I devote a good por- a calling since well before she earned conducted two years ago, overseen by tion of my time to providing pastoral her Master of Science degree in Reha- Stephen Davis. Commissioned by our care and counseling to congregants bilitation Counseling or afterwards board of directors, the study focused who are ill, in crisis or bereaved. The took positions that put her squarely on the special nature of our commu- Chesed committee follows up with into the most intimate and difficult of nity, spread out as it is over more than friendly visits, food deliveries, and lifecycle challenges. three dozen towns in Connecticut and other forms of TLC. Iris’s role is critical containing many vulnerable members in filling the gaps, especially keep- Iris was but 19 when her only sibling, who, because of distance and other ing a line of connection between the her younger sister Michele, was diag- factors, can’t participate in shul events, synagogue and our long-term ill and nosed with terminal leukemia. The or otherwise feel too distant from the homebound congregants. She also is doctor sought her out, rather than heart of our community. working with our senior adults to cre- her parents, to discuss the details of ate more opportunities for learning Michele’s case. Moreover ours is one of the few syna- and connection to community during gogues in Connecticut not close to “My natural role of course was get- weekday, daytime hours.” urban community services that rou- ting involved as the older sister,” she tinely cater to those most in need. One of Iris’s projects is making sure recalls. “But the doctor told me, ‘I don’t everyone has a chance to take advan- know what I’m going to do with your Our Chesed Committee, led by Linda tage of the region’s cultural opportuni- mother – she’s not getting the picture.’ Sherman, has distinguished itself over ties, arranging for a block of tickets for She should have understood my sister many years as it has tended to con- the Long Wharf production of “Bad was not going to survive.” gregants at risk – a dramatic example Jews” on March 18. You can call Iris, being the 46 members of the congrega- The denial, a common thread in family who is usually in the office on Thurs- tion who volunteered to read to John situations in terminal cases, put young days (860.526.8920), or leave a mes- DeNicola during the period that he lay Iris in a difficult situation but ultimately sage on other days. unconscious in a New Britain hospital. solidified her feelings about the impor- (He has improved dramatically since.) As she says, she invites your call on tance of meaningful and sensitive com- But all of this just added to the evi- any matter on your mind. “The rabbi munication at such times, and that she dence that a part-time professional staff and I want to be sure no one feels was drawn to such work. position was also necessary. neglected.” 19 UPDATES FROM IRIS
Bereavement Group Introducing Looking Both Ways: We are fortunate to be able to offer The Holy Rollers Decisions of a a Bereavement Group led by Neil At Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Lifetime Becker, Licensed Clinical Social Zedek, everyone knows about the On Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to Worker. We have flexibility in how Holy Scrollers. I would now like we plan this. Neil is available to begin Noon at the Essex Town Hall, several to introduce you to our newest faith communities in the Lower Con- now and will lead the group over a endeavor, the Holy Rollers. period of several weeks. Depending necticut River Valley, including Congre- on the desire of the interested partici- gation Beth Sholom Rodfe Zedek, will The need for transportation is a grow- pants, we can schedule this for day or host a free morning long event designed ing concern in our congregation. As evening hours. to educate, encourage and explore with an integral component to our commit- participants, a variety of issues confront- ment to being a caring community, we ing each of us as we (or those we love) are seeking to develop a network of approach the end of our lives. Daytime Lunch and members who are willing to provide Learn is Expanding rides to fellow congregant. This could This event is appropriate for adults be on an occasional or more frequent If Lunch and Learn once a month is of all ages, as we begin to explore basis, depending on your availability. good, then Lunch and Learn twice a or crystalize critical decisions in life- Rides may be needed for attendance at month is even better! Rabbi Golden- care planning. In addition, it can be services or related temple activities. We berg will continue to lead her pro- an opportunity to learn how to begin also have individuals who may need vocative Lunch and Learn brown bag these often difficult conversations with assistance getting to a medical appoint- program on the second Thursday of our loved ones and those for whom ment or even to the store to pick up every month. we may be caregivers. some groceries. In some cases, the request may be from someone who is “Looking Both Ways,” asks us to take On the fourth Thursday, we will add not comfortable driving at night or in time to assess what has passed in our another daytime program, which will inclement weather, or someone with lives and how we want to shape and include provision of lunch and a vari- a temporary medical issue that is pre- direct our concluding days consistent ety of speakers and activities. Watch venting them from driving themselves. with our values and w ishes. for monthly details and save the date We can provide resource information of March 26 for our next Thursday on existing transportation services in lunch get-together. RSVP to Iris Free- the community, but there are times The issues addressed will be medical, man is appreciated. Also, contact Iris if when that is not appropriate or does legal, spiritual, relational, and memo- you need transportation. not exist. Because the needs are varied rial. Members of the clergy, medical, and our congregants cover a large geo- legal, funeral home and hospice care We are also actively seeking people graphical area, we would like to create professionals will make presentations who would like to be involved in our a data base with names and possible and allow time for questions. Partici- Daytime Activity Steering Commit- availability so that we can match need pants will receive a workbook with tee. Your level of involvement can be to driver. We would love to include you information about each of these top- limited to expressing your interests even if you have limited times that you ics, to use as a reminder and guide for of what activities you would like the can help. The more people in our data individual contemplation and planning programming to include, or assist- base, the better chance we can meet on these personal decisions. ance with active planning and imple- the needs. I hope you will take this mentation. All are welcome on the opportunity display your commitment Join us and invite others to join us as Steering Committee. to being part of a caring community. we look both ways and consider the decisions of a lifetime.
For additional information, on any of these programs contact Iris Freeman, Community Caring Coordinator, at the temple office (ex. 111) or email [email protected].
20 Project 100 by Ellen Nodelman
The CBSRZ Centennial history (his-story, BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR ALL OF THIS. her-story, our-story) project is moving along and assuming all sorts of new dimensions as • We’ve sent out questionnaires for the Jewish Memory it does so. We have in the works: Project, which is surely a vital part of the congregation’s history, and hope to garner as many of the memories as • Video Interviews with Rodfe Zedek and Congregation we can get from our adults who either were part of the Beth Shalom/JCC veterans Yiddish world or the more distinctly Jewish-American world in their childhood OR who have distinct memo- • Video interviews done by our teenagers of those mem- ries of stories their own parents, bubbe’s and zayde’s bers of our congregation who are sharing their ‘Jewish had to tell of that long-gone world. If you haven’t Memories’ already responded, please email ellennodelman@gmail. com or [email protected] and let us know that you • Planning of a bus tour of ‘historic’ Moodus/Deep River/ want to be part of this project. We need your stories, Chester sites — you didn’t know we had any, did you? your photos, your postcards, your recipes…even your old records and anything else you can think of. We’d • Gathering all the facts, fun and otherwise, about our love to include you in this. We’re busy setting up a shul, its origins, its denizens, its ups and downs and eve- schedule for our kids to interview everyone this winter rything else we can find out about it and spring (and then, probably into the future as well).
• Planning for the first annual Rodfe Zedek/Beth Shalom • If you were part of Rodfe Zedek or Beth Shalom/JCC Pursuers of Justice and Peace Award in its earlier days, we’d love to talk to you. Please con- tact Ellen Nodelman (again, [email protected]) • Gathering information about the Jewish farmers that and we’ll set up a time to talk in person, if possible. were the pioneers in our area in the late 19th/early 20th century • We Need Physical Artifacts — photos, posters, post- cards, recipes, books, anything you might have hanging • Learning about the Connecticut Catskills — those around that can summon up those days. Do you have resorts that developed out of some of those earlier old family photos? Bar Mitzvah photos? Klarcrest picnic Jewish farms in Moodus (think David Klar’s Klarcrest; photos? Religious School photos? Awards? Citations? and Banner Lodge where Zero Mostel performed after We’ll look at everything! his family’s farm failed) • And stories, stories, stories — about any of this. Your • Gathering items — anything and everything — that we childhood, your Hebrew School (at CBSRZ or else- can put on display to illustrate ‘Ourstory’ where), your memories of the rabbis, your involvement with memorable events at the shul, whether it’s a fiery • Planning events that will celebrate and enlighten us discussion among the Holy Scrollers or one of the about all of the above, not the least of which is the great public events from Books & Bagels or Music & Gala which will mark the Official Beginning of the More or…well, the list is virtually endless. Centennial Celebration and which will bring together CBSRZ-ers past and present to celebrate CBSRZ past SO SEND US YOUR STORIES, so we can tell and present. OURSTORY.
21 pay for all of it. The clerk told her that someone had already paid, anonymously, CBSRZ Prepares and it was all hers. We shared a few for Legislative SOCIAL tears at that point. When she had gained control, she said that that was why she Advocacy wanted to give blood today. It was her way of paying forward. In between completing her courses and ACTION preparing for a new baby, Emily Merriam It was just then that the Red Cross COMMITTEENEWS person in charge joined us at the table. has been hard at work to help CBSRZ He said she had told him how she was make the most out of its geographic there to pay it forward. He looked at spread across the state. Last year, Em- her, and asked, “Are you ready for Blood ily served as an intern at the Capitol Volunteering at 101?” in Hartford, working with two State Then he gave us all a lesson in what Representatives. Since, she has been the Blood Bank happens to that pint of blood once it is enthusiastically involved in the Social Ac- tion Committee efforts to organize for Beth Gottlieb donated. Several test tubes are collected, in effective legislative advocacy, which has Let me tell you about volunteering to addition to that pint. Some of them are already included legislative training with help host a Blood Bank at CBSRZ. Of sent to a lab in Maryland, where they are the help of National Alliance on Mental course the Social Action Committee tested for infectious diseases. Illness – Connecticut (NAMI-CT) and a brings food! There is a budget for Meantime, the pint of blood will have CBSRZ lobby day in Hartford at which sandwiches — usually we bring rolls been sent to a central place where is it CBSRZ constituents met with state and tuna and egg salad; we bring cook- separated into its usable parts. There Senators and Representatives to speak ies and fruit, as well. The Red Cross the plasma, platelets, and red cells are about a variety of issues related to core supplies water, juice, and snacks such stored for future use. Some for burns, SAC issues, including children’s rights, as pretzels. some for accident victims, some for mental illness and hunger. Think of a comfy, grandma’s kitchen surgery. The Red Cross ships blood to Now SAC is preparing for a more atmosphere with sandwiches, drink, hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. comprehensive approach. “As we ex- and snacks. Add animated conversation Within two days, the blood donated, pected, CBSRZ has extraordinarily broad around one of CBSRZ’s large tables, and while I provided sustenance and friendly reach, as Emily found that we actually you have recreated what volunteers pro- ear, could save a life. have members who are constituents of vide for blood donors at the Blood Bank. To help host the Blood Bank when it 12 out of 36 Senators state-wide, and 25 The Red Cross was short-staffed comes to CBSRZ in June (we host it twice members of the General Assembly out in December — one of our volunteers each year), please contact Linda Rigono. at of 151 throughout the State,” said Andy was asked to check people in. So we can 860-345-3839. You will be asked to plan Schatz, chair of SAC. “And that doesn’t always use additional volunteers, if you on being there for a two-hour shift. Chanc- even tell the whole story, as we know can help out. es are, you’ll be glad you did. that many of our congregants have re- But the most important people are lationships with those legislators, which the blood donors. Usually people who provides potential access on issues that arrive are expected. Some come to are important to us as a community.” every Blood Bank we host, and some of STUFF A TRUCK SAC intends to follow up with congre- them donate somewhere every month. Youth wanted. We need students and gants to identify where all those rela- But there are drop-ins as well. And we adult volunteers on Sunday April 26 to tionships lie and what issues are most — and the Red Cross — can always use help fill a truck with donations for the important to congregants. more of those. Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pan- In the meantime, SAC may be focus- One young woman, a mother of two tries. Join us for pizza (at noon) at CB- ing on several bills in the legislature this really small children, came to “grandma’s SRZ after Religious School before we year, including several that are critical to kitchen” and sat down with us. She head to the Old Saybrook Stop & Shop. children and youth. Martha Stone, SAC seemed exhilarated, and of course The students will ask shoppers to buy member, is executive director of the she needed hydrating and food. Now! and donate from a list of most needed Center for Children’s Advocacy, which Then she wanted to tell us why she had foods provided by the Shoreline Soup has had legislative success in the last few decided to give blood this particular day. Kitchens and Pantries. The students, years of securing passage of important This was mid-December, as I recall. supervised by adult volunteers, will take bills for children. Some important bills She had gone to the department the food from the shoppers, then sort Stone said face legislative scrutiny this store where she had put some toys on and load the food in the truck. We’ll year include, preventing undue use of layaway for her two children. She knew be there from 1 pm to 4 pm. Come for shackles of children in the courtroom, she didn’t have enough money to pay for any or all of the time. Not only will you measures to prevent child fatalities, and everything, and was preparing to choose have fun, you’ll be fulfilling the Mitzvah policies to prevent the suspensions of which items to take home. When to feed the hungry. Please call Debby children in preschool and kindergarten. she gave her name, the clerk brought Trautmann at (860) 434-3623 with any SAC is planning a lobby day in March everything to her. She said she couldn’t questions or to volunteer. or April to help pass some of those bills 22 and hopes for student help. “We would like to train some of our congregants, in- cluding some of our high-school students, to approach legislators with us this year to highlight some of these issues which are so important to youth throughout the state,” Schatz noted. The date has not been chosen, but Emily Merriam plans to be there, and she hopes you join her.
Religious School Class Serves Community Kitah Vav helped at the Soup Kitchen in the United Church of Chester on December 21. First, we made corn chowder and home-made chocolate chip cookies during Religious School. We met at the Church that evening and made a salad out of the ingredients that we had Kitah Vav class with Debby Trautmann at the Chester Soup Kitchen. brought. When we were done in the kitchen, we set the tables. We brought out the food and served the people This motivation has not changed in over On March 22nd you will hear stories what they wanted. After we ate dinner a century, but the face of the immigrant directly from some of these new im- and cleared everyone’s plates, we served has. In the early 20th century, millions migrants, about their struggles and the our desserts. The local bakery supplied of eastern European immigrants came reasons why they came to America. This bread and some of the delicious pastries through Ellis Island. will also be an opportunity to share your that everyone enjoyed. We then gave Today there is an influx of immi- family’s immigration stories. And then we the people leftovers, which were much grants from Mexico and Central Amer- will have a discussion about immigration appreciated. Finally, we cleaned up. We ica. Their challenges are diverse but not and reform. felt proud of ourselves because we did a dissimilar to those struggles faced by our heartwarming Mitzvah. ancestors. They want to find work, get If you are interested in sharing your an education, become American citizens family story, please contact Linda Rigono at Coming to America— and make meaningful contributions to [email protected]. their communities and the United States. Refreshments will be served. Immigration Now and Then—A Program at CBSRZ, March 22 at 1-4pm The hope of freedom, a good life and determination is the driving force for immigrants entering the United States.
Newly arrived at Ellis Island New immigrants coming to America.
23 CBSRZ Congregational Meeting 2/8/15 9:30 AM
Welcome by Stephen Davis, President. “ This will be an informal meeting, envisaged by bylaw framers as an opportunity for sharing information. The voting meeting will be in June. Each presenter today will do a briefing, then we will have an open discussion on the Kashrut policy. The ‘State of the Congregation’ is strong. We are trying to follow the Strategic Plan set out 2 years ago. We are aiming to innovate in rituals, programs, and in the school so that congregants can find their most comfortable way in.
1. Main Street Gallery exhibit - ber was assigned to be a liaison to continues to work on many activi- Linda Pinn. Next Sunday at 2pm a committee, and report monthly ties with Andy Schatz at the helm. will be the opening of the “Song via the Dashboard on committee Music and More, chaired by Miriam of Songs” exhibit by Alan Falk and activities. B’yachad, the Committee Gardner-Frum is now a separate Leah Caroline. There will a discus- of Committee chairs, meets to co- committee and had a tremendous sion by the artists. ordinate all activities at the Temple. success with the “Sweet Honey in There is a new committee, Adult the Rock” concert. 2. Financial Update - Sandy Seidman. Education, which is very involved in “Financially we are doing fine”. “ Project 100. The Cemetery com- 4. Centennial events Project 100 - We did have a third party audit of mittee is very active right now Lary Bloom. “ The Adult Education the books, and we came out fine.” with improvements at one of the committee has been the core of Kevin Fox: Endowment as of Dec. cemeteries. David Tilles chairs the this project. Stephen Davis started 31, was down about 1.5%, but has Library Committee, and has been this entire project when he noticed grown tremendously in the last few very active. (David Tilles added at that 2015 was the 100th year of years. Our legacy program, which this point a description about the Rodfe Zedek. The Adult Ed Com- is designed to increase our endow- libraries (Adult and Children’s) and mittee has found many surpris- ment, did very well in the first year, how to sign out books). Member- ing things in their research of this raising approximately $438,000; we ship Committee, chaired by Ali centennial.” Ellen Nodelman is are now in the 2nd year and will try Rosenblum, is very active, as well. spearheading research and coordi- to raise at least the same amount. There has been a renewed explo- nating the writing of a book about Kevin be contacting congregants ration on dues structure. Nomi- the centennial. She asked if anyone soon, and in the next few months nation & Governance is working knows of people, places, things, etc. will announce a new program. on a new slate of officers for the to be contributed to this effort. Development will also be involved coming year. Outreach, led by Ed The Madrachim are making a video, with Project 100 activities. Pinn, has been expanding its activi- “The Jewish Memory” project, and ties. The Personnel Committee has she asked if anyone knows people 3. Committee Activities - Brad made some minor enhancements who were there at the “Chicken Jubelirer. The board now uses a of the Employee Handbook. The Farm” days of Rodfe Zedek. There “Dashboard” revised monthly to Program Committee led by Tracey will be a centennial gala on October track committee activities. Five Kleinberg has been bringing new 4. Sean Konecky suggested that if years ago when we restructured and innovative programs, as well the book is really going to be ready the Board from committee chairs as continuing Books and Bagels, for the anniversary all the material to an at-large board, every mem- to the congregation. Social Action should be ready by June 1. Also, a
24 bus tour is planned through the become a reality, with thanks to be dairy. The proposition is to keep Moodus area where Rodfe Zedek John Hausman and funders. Win- kosher style at the synagogue, but al- started. An expert on Jewish farm- dows and major roof repairs have low non-kosher meat. ers in CT will be leading the bus been accomplished. There will some tour. There is also a farming project major projects in the next few years There were a few emails received pri- in the works, even possibly on our which have to be done as the build- or to this meeting; the majority sup- own land, starting in conjunction ing ages. ported the proposed new policy. One with this whole project. felt we should go further and elimi- 8. ARZA - Henry Resnikoff. “Every nate the milk and meat separation, 5. Chesed and Caring Coordinator four years there is a conference of while another felt we should apply ko- - Linda Sherman. “We have had a the World Zionist Organization. The sher rules. During the floor discussion very active year. The Committee is goal is get 33% of the attendees there was a comment that perhaps doing very well. We have about 2 for the Reform movement. Please that the “OU” stamp on packaged dozen members. The most exciting vote for Slate 6. There is a link on food should be observed because news is we received a Federation the synagogue website and weekly it provides assurance of a separa- grant for a Caring Coordinator, and email to the voting page.” tion of milk and meat. A substantial we now have Iris Freeman, who majority of comments from the floor is doing a wonderful job. David 9. Kashrut policy forum - Rabbi Gold- supported the RAC proposal as ap- Hayes and John DiNicola are both enberg and Laura Roman. Stephen propriate and providing clarity to an doing well. Davis started “ This is not up for issue that has been confused for some a vote today. The RAC will take time. Said one: “We really haven’t 6. School Update - Karen Burzin. The into account the discussion today, had a kosher kitchen up to this point, school is doing well. We started one consider changes to the policy, and anyway.” There was one comment that calendar week later. We need volun- bring a final proposal back to the “kosher slaughtered” meat is a more teers, as do all the committees. We Board for a vote.” humane way to slaughter animals, and will be looking for ways to market perhaps as a synagogue we should the school better, and increase the Discussion notes: (comments are support a humane way to treat and enrollment which is trending down- included here, but not by name) The slaughter animals. One suggested that ward in the lower grades. Marc Fink, Rabbi began by stating that conver- we recommend certain products such our youth coordinator has resigned. sations like this, making communal as Hebrew National hot dogs, to be We have not decided on replacing changes to policy, are very important sure of contents. One noted that if this position. We need an editor or to the Reform Judaism movement. we have a policy of kosher meat in someone to write about the school She reviewed the present Kashrut the building, and we invite the com- for The Whole Mishpacha. Shalom policy. We are already “Kosher style”, munity to an outside picnic event but Learning, the online education but require that any meat that enters are forced inside due to weather, it is program we have incorporated this the kitchen be certified kosher ac- unrealistic for us to police everything year, is a work in progress. It seems cording to Orthodox protocols. The as being kosher. Another congregant to be going well. The Hebrew as- RAC proposal, which the Rabbi sup- raised concern that if we decide to pect will be investigated so the kids ports, would maintain the bar against go with non-kosher meat we may can do material at home. But a full mixing milk and meat, and would be starting down a slippery slope. evaluation is premature at this point. continue to prohibit shellfish and pork One urged that we better inform the products. But it would permit meat congregation what the policy is. This 7. Building Security and Facilities that is not designated as kosher. Our is a good teaching moment was a update - Harvey Payton. “As a kitchen has never been kosher. Today, repeated comment. There appeared result of the vandalism this past as soon as kosher meat is handled substantial support for the idea of summer, over the last two weeks in our kitchen, it is no longer kosher. exploring whether CBSRZ could con- we completed the overhaul of Laura Roman added that food is very sider an “Ethical Kosher” policy, and for the security system—including a important to our congregation. As it putting together a working group to monitoring company. Cameras are is very difficult to find kosher meat look into this. . installed, motion-sensitive lights are around here, Shabbat dinners, or any next. Live streaming of services has other pot lucks at the Temple have to 10. Adjourn
25 REFORM JEWS 4 ISRAEL.ORG ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE WORLD ZIONIST ORGANIZATION CONFERENCE October 20-22, 2015 in Jerusalem
Every four years there is a worldwide convention of the World Zionist Organization (ZWO), which is an umbrella group that includes such organizations as Hadassah, the Jewish Agency, the Jewish National Fund and many other groups from the entire spectrum of Jewish life. The Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), an affiliate of the URJ, sponsors a slate called The Reform Jews 4 Israel. Background is attached.
Why is voting important to us? How does the election work? the history of Zionism and other historical information to help you understand the significance of this • Political: To influence policies that Voting takes place between January important vote. affect Jews in all parts of the world 15, 2015 and April 30, 2015, using an MANY OF THE BOOKS ARE AVAIL- including Israel. online portal: www.reformjews4is- ABLE IN THE CBSRZ LIBRARY. rael.org/vote • Monetary: The WZO allocates Please vote for SLATE # 6 which is millions of dollars to each group labeled AZRA including the Reform Movement. To be eligible to vote: The more delegates there are • Self-identify as being Jewish Questions? Feel free to email hen- elected from the Reform Move- [email protected] is CBSRZ’s ment, the more money gets • Be 18 years old or older ARZA liaison. As of .January 14, 201 allocated to the Reform move- • Be a citizen or permanent resident Reading List Compiled by Jeremey ment’s institutions in Israel. As the of the United States Zwelling, past head of Jewish Ameri- Reform movement is not recog- can Studies at Wesleyan University. nized by the official Israeli rabbin- There is a $10 charge for those over Reviewed by and approved by Rabbi ate, Reform institutions in Israel 30 and a $5 charge for 18 to 29. Goldenberg do not benefit from public funds These funds are for the administra- that are a staple for other religious tive costs of the election program. My Promised Land: The Triumph groups. Thus money that WZO IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit gives out is critical in supporting TO FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION A History of Israel: From the Rise of Israeli Reform Jewish life. FORM AND TO VOTE_ Zionism to Our Time by Howard M. • The Board of CBSRZ has voted We have included Is a reading list Sachar and endorsed asking our Congre- with suggested readings to provide a The Zionist Idea: A Historical Analy- gants to vote for the ARZA slate. current view of the politics in Israel, sis and Reader by Arthur Hertzberg
26 This book has a still timely essay in ARZA develops support for and before it began to take practical which Hertzberg distinguishes what strengthens the Reform movement steps. As early as 1905 it established is unique about the Zionist ideology in Israel and promotes advocacy for the Jewish National Fund to acquire in terms of Jewish thinking about a Jewish, pluralistic, just and demo- land upon which the growing the return to the land. cratic society in the State of lsrael. number of pioneers could settle. In 1909 the first all Jewish city, Tel Aviv, The Making of Modern Zionism: ARZA links the people and institu- was founded, as was the first Kib- Intellectual Origins of the Jewish tions of the Reform Movements in butz, Degania, the pioneer of Israel’s State by Shlomo Avineri. A study Israel and the United States, informed collective settlement movement. that lives up to the title in terms of by a love of lsrael and a belief in K’lal the “intellectual origins” of Zionism. Yisrael- Jewish peoplehood. The Mandate for Palestine recog- The author is one of Israel’s most nized the World Zionist Organization ARZA works in partnership with the seasoned political scientists and is as “an appropriate Jewish Agency” Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and much quoted in the NY Times. to advise and work with the gov- the Israel Movement for Progres- ernment of Palestine in all matters Ahad Ha’am Elusive Prophet: Ahad sive Judaism (IMPJ), and their affili- concerned with the establishment of Ha’am and the origins of Zionism ates. ARZA represents United States the Jewish National Home. Immedi- by Steven J Zipperstein and Arthur Reform Jews in national and interna- ately after the British capture of the Hertzberg. A well received study of tional Zionist organizations. country in 1917, a Zionist commis- cultural Zionism as opposed to the sion arrived in Palestine to act as the usual political Zionism. The World Zionist liaison between the British and the Israel: A History of Israel by Anita Organization: Jewish community. Headed by Dr. Shapira. The author is the dean of A Brief History Chaim Weizmann, later President of Israeli historians and bases her study The Jewish striving to return to Zion, the World Zionist Organization, the on archival material. the Land of Israel, took concrete commission soon became the Pales- tine Office of the WZO. Like Dreamers: The Story of the form in 1897 when the World Zion- Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited ist Organization was founded at the The centuries old struggle of the Jerusalem and Divided a Nation First Zionist Congress, convened by Jewish people to reclaim independ- by Yossi Klein Halevi.T his recent Theodor Herzl at Basel. The purpose ence came to a climax on May 14, book captures the conflicting Israeli of the organization was “to obtain 1948 with the partition of the State impulses since the 1967 war. for the Jewish people a publicly of Israel. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Pres- recognized, legally secured home in ident of the World Zionist Organiza- The Zionist Dream Revisited by Palestine.” tion, was elected the first President Amnon Rubinstein. Though first of Israel; David Ben Gurion, Chair- published in 1984, this book antici- The Zionist movement proposed to man of the Jewish Agency, became pates the dilemmas and inherent transform both the Jewish People the country’s first Prime Minister; contradictions of contemporary and the Land of Israel. The strug- other leaders took up leading posi- Zionism. gle for a publicly recognized Jewish State achieved its first success with tions in the new government. From Herzl to Rabin: The Chang- the issuing of the Balfour Declara- The World Zionist Organization con- ing Image of Zionism by Amnon tion in 1917, proclaiming Great Brit- tinues its traditional search for peace Rubinstein. This book focuses on ain’s support for “the establishment with Israel’s neighbors. As early as the dynamic quality of the Zionist in Palestine of a national home for 1919 Dr. Weizmann signed an agree- ideology. the Jewish People.” Five years later, ment with Emir Feisal for coop- in 1922, the League of Nations Man- eration between the Arab National What is ARZA? date for Palestine gave international Movement and the Zionist Move- sanction to the declaration and ARZA strengthens and enriches the ment. The need for a just and honor- charged Great Britain with carrying Jewish identity of Reform Jews in able peace between Jew and Arab is it out. the United States by ensuring that as vital as ever for both peoples in a connection with Eretz Yisrael is a But the World Zionist Organization order to enable them to realize their fundamental part of that identity. did not wait for official recognition legitimate national aspirations.
27 the best coat that I ever had in my life. I CBSRZ will provide the dinner entrees, love this coat because it is so cozy.” and guests are asked to bring a vegetar- CBSRZ NEWS —2nd grade student ian side dish or desert. On behalf of the students of Bring your own candlesticks and “light Parkville Community School, we would up” with fellow congregants and friends. A Letter from like to extend our sincere thanks for Parkville Community your generosity. RSVP to the CBSRZ office: bethsha- [email protected] or 860-526-8920. School Sincerely, Dirk Olmstead, Principal Marcie Morroco—Assistant Principal New Women’s Dear Friends at CBSRZ: Health Series Thank you so much for the donation of Shabbat Across clothing. We are thrilled to say that with On Sunday March 29 at 3PM, CBSRZ your generous donation we were able America is having the inaugural event of its new to meet many of our students needs this Women’s Health Series, titled “Meno- winter season. We believe the our stu- Friday, March 13, synagogue members, pause: Hot Flashes or Power Surges.” dents’ words express our gratitude best. unaffiliated friends and neighbors in The talk will be given by one of our own “Thank you for the hat you gave me. cities and towns across America and Congregants, Dr. Maxine Klein, MD. Not It keeps me warm. Thank you for it.” Canada will take part in an event to cel- only is she a practicing local Gynecolo- —Kindergarten student ebrate what unifies all Jews — Shabbat. gist, but she is one of only 13 providers “I really like my mittens. I hope that in the State with the NCMP (North you make more mittens because they make American Menopause Society certified my hands really cozy when it is cold.” Be a part of it! menopause practitioner) accredita- —1st grade student The CBSRZ membership, outreach and tion. Some of the topics to be covered “Thank you for the socks and religious affairs committees invite you include, hot flashes, sex after meno- sweater. You are so sweet. I love you.” to join with congregants and unaffiliated pause, mood swings/depression, bone —1st grade student Jews for dinner, a Shabbat celebration, and health, skin changes, memory issues, as “Thank you for the mittens, scarves fellowship here in our social hall. Help fill well as many others. Other topics to and jackets. You are really satisfying. I the 200+ seats set for this event. be included in this series will be Breast am pleased to have my jacket, mittens Health including Breast cancer, Vaginal and scarf. I was glum when I didn’t have A wine and cheese reception, including Health including STDs and HPV, and the this stuff.” Bruce Josephy’s unforgettable Shabba- new LARCs (Long Acting Reproduc- —2nd grade student tinies, will begin at 6 PM. Our Shabbat tive Contraceptives). Please come for “Thank you for the very comfy, very Across America celebration and dinner this most informative session. Wine and warm, very nice, very good coat. This is will follow at 6:30 PM. chocolate will be served!
MAVENS CELEBRATE SEPHARDIC PASSOVER
ur MAVENS’ Passover tion of the generations within their will include elements from both the event this year will be own families to share with all of us Sephardim and Ashkenazi. Please Oheld on March 8 at 4pm at throughout the evening. Sugges- contact Clo Davis, clo.davis@gmail, CBSRZ, celebrating the holiday with tions are a family story or recipe or Susan Peck, susanpeck@sbc- Sephardic traditions and recipes. that could be part of the evening’s global.net, with questions, offers Passover truly illustrates l’dor v’dor, menus, a photograph of loved ones to help cook and lead parts of the generation to generation, and with or a place of personal significance, evening. More information to fol- that in mind, we are asking all par- Judaica, or an inherited piece of jew- low in weekly email blasts; open to ticipants to make a contribution to elry. We do not plan a traditional all female congregants for free, non- our table by bringing a representa- seder format but the celebration congregant guests pay $25.
28 REMEMBRANCE Dora Elkin Esther Peckeroff Anna Gottfried Memorial Plaques Louis Feingold Anna Pivnick Memorial Plaques Sol LeWitt Adar 10, 5775 – Nissan 11, 5775 Irene Fielding Samuel Polstein Nissan 12, 5775 – Iyar 11, 5775 Samuel Pear Rosa Amarant Harry Frank Leah Price Abraham Abramowitch Lillian Peck Anna Axelrod Edward Freedman Samuel Resnek Estelle Salowitz Alcon Seymor Pivnick Helen Baron Doris Davidson Goldberg Yetta Rothenstein Anna Axelrod Esther Ronor Hyman Baron Benjamin Goldstein Minna Samuels Gertrude Baron Hilda Rosenthal Ida Baron Florence Goldstein Marilyn Savitt Harold Baron Philip Shaftel Nathan Baron Samuel Kleinberg Yetta Schreiber Max Baron Nathan Simson Nathan Ben Joseph Baum Sheldon Kutnick Morris Schulman Helen Bloom Herman Sondak Ann Beizer Fred Lake Arnold Schur Louis Chorches Mollie Spatz Oscar Benson Pessie Lisnick Evelyn Schwolsky Anna Cooperstock Elizabeth Sprecher Morris Breslow Dorothy Luchnick Helen Sockut Bertha Diamond Tillie Steinberg Ruth Sacks Brice Anna Mager Annette M. Sollins Ruth Elgart Flo Taubman Howard Bruno Max Mager Eric Stockton Eva Fast Si Taubman Bea Bula Celia Milavsky Bertha Torres Ghers Fisher Dora Weiner Lawrence Chaplick Ursula Schurman Miller Rose Weinstein Nathan Franklin Nathan Weiner Jennie Cohen Joseph Notkowitz Ira Wolmer Lillian Fuschman Samuel Wilkes Michael Cooperman Isaac Oppenheimer Sara Hilda Glazer Sidney Winakor Irving Davis Samuel Palmer Millie Goldfarb Daniel Wolff Sylvia Diamond Bessie Pear Samuel Goldstein Edward Yudkin
Yahrzeits Adar 10, 5775 – Nissan 11, 5775 Yahrzeits Nissan 12, 5775 – Iyar 11, 5775 Rosa Amarant—mother of George Amarant Estelle Salowitz Alcon—mother of Hyla Cohen Frank Baker—father of Stu Baker Caroline Baskin—mother of Linda Pinn Josiah Baker—uncle of Su Baker Helen Bloom—mother of Lary Bloom Alfred Bernstein—father of Jeff Bernstein Louis Chorches—father of Samuel Chorches Mendel Bloch—grandfather of Michael Crair Gary Coblens—cousin of Barbara Edelson Irwin Braverman—father of Barbara Infeld Irving Cohen—loved one of Sol Tilles Morris Breslow—father of Charles Breslow Susan Cohen Glassberg—sister of Hila Rosen Howard Bruno—father of David Bruno Jennie Dietch—mother of Susan Peck Beatrice Case—wife of Lewis Case Betty Drilich—cousin of Johanna Schaefer Anthony Collins—husband of Alva Greenberg Lois Eichengreen—mother of Roy Eichengreen Rose Crair—grandmother of Michael Crair David Ernstoff—mother of Jon Ernstoff Sam Davis—uncle of Stephen Davis Lillian Fuchsman—mother-in-law of Maxine Leichtman Irving Davis—husband of Eva Davis; father of Irving Davis Goldie Ginsberg—mother of Marlene Scharr Sylvia Diamond—aunt of Ellen Friedman Goldie Glassman—mother of George Glassman Irene Fielding—grandmother of Iriving Friedman Beatrice Goldenberg—grandmother of Rachel Goldenberg Edward Freedman—husband of Anne Freedman Shirley Goller—mother of Ethan Goller Celia Gilman—mother of Aaron Gilman Anna Gottfried—grandmother of Ellen Gottfried; loved one of S. Leonard Ginsberg—father of Marlene Scharr Mae Wichman Ida Gottfried Ritter—great aunt of Ellen Gottfried Jennie Gugenheim—great-grandmother of Gail Feld Pasquita Guttman—mother of Evelyn Foster Shirley Bob Hesslein—mother of Laura Hesslein William Herzog—husband of Sandy Herzog Harvey Lander—father of Marjorie Lander Lili Ickovics—aunt of Jeannette Ickovics Sol LeWitt—husband of Carol LeWitt; father of Eva and Sofia LeWitt Gertrude Jackoway—mother of Rita Fink Franklyn B. Mellion—father of Eileen Ilberman David Kalet—father of Gene Kalet Abraham Melter—grandfather of Laura Roman Sheldon Kutnick—son of Ann Kutnick Samuel Pear—brother of Joseph Pear Dorothy Luchnick—mother of Lois Glazer Howard Peterson—father of Pamela Crair Anna Mager—mother of Estelle Breslow Hermine Samburg—Jon Samburg’s mother Max Mager—brother of Estelle Breslow Vera Schwarz—mother of John Schwarz Irving Mallis—father of Linda Rigono Philip Shaftel—father of Maxine Leichtman Clara Confino Michael—aunt of Evelyn Foster Joyce Simon- mother of Ken Simon Ursula Schurman Miller—step-mother of Sue Levine Mandel Slater—brother of Bernie Slater Bernard Nirenstein—father of Nancy Schwarz Mary Stein-Echter—aunt of Barbara Beckerman Bessie Pear—sister-in-law of Joseph Pear William Stotts, Sr.—father of Bill Stotts William Mitchell Roberts—brother of Justine Redak Rita Sumner—sister of Steve Nadler Howard Samuel Ruben—parent of Michael Peck Flo Taubman—mother of Si Taubman David Timothy Samburg—Jon and Mary Samburg’s son Si Taubman—husband of Sharon Taubman Rita Samuels—mother of Palmer Morrel-Samuels Cindy Tilles—daughter of Sol Tilles Marilyn Savitt—mother of Susan Savitt; mother of Charles Savitt Benjamin Weber—father-in-law of Corinne Weber Henry Schwam—father of Elliot Schwam Dora Weiner—mother of Eva Davis Evelyn Schwolsky—mother of John Schwolsky; mother of Nathan Weiner—brother of Eva Davis Peter Schwolsky Samuel Wilkes—father of Daniel Wilkes Brenda Udoff—mother of Erica Udoff Daniel Wolff—husband of Jacqueline Wolff Robert Wass—father of Kathy Binder Morton Weiner—husband of Roni Berson Dora Zarchin—mother of Lorraine Klappholz; mother of Sandy Herzog Our Sincere Condolences to Trina Shiling, on the recent loss of her mother, George Palmer, on the recent loss of his wife, Alice Raucher-Morra, on the recent loss of her Kim Turner Dorothy “Sis” Palmer mother, Florence Soffer Raucher John DeNicola, on the recent loss of his mother, Peg Palmer, on the recent loss of her mother, Stella DeNicola Dorothy “Sis” Palmer Howard Baran, on the recent loss of his brother, Andrea Seidman, on the recent loss of her Stephen Baran cousin, Clay Klaus
Please remember to inform Linda Sherman, chair of the Chesed Committee, if you or someone you know is ill, in need of help, or has experienced a death in the family. Our Chesed Committee is here to help.
10 Adar- MARCH 11 Nisan, 2015 5775
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 10 ADAR 2 11 ADAR 3 12 ADAR 4 13 ADAR 5 14 ADAR 6 15 ADAR 7 16 ADAR PURIM 8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 5:30 pm Facilities 8:00 am Morning Minyan 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat 9:00 am Torah Study Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 8:45 am Religious Affairs 6:15 pm Potluck Dinner 10:30 am Shabbat Service and 9:30 am Religious School 4:15 pm Religious School 7:00 pm First Friday Erev Bat Mitzvah of Katie Burzin 10:00 am Purim Spiel and 6:00 pm Erev Purim Spiel 7:00 pm Meditation Shabbat Service Carnival with Pizza
8 17 ADAR 9 18 ADAR 10 19 ADAR 11 20 ADAR 12 21 ADAR 13 22 ADAR 14 23 ADAR
8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 9:00 am Yoga 8:00 am Morning Minyan 12:00 pm Lunch and Learn 6:00 pm Shabbat Across No 2nd Saturday Shabbat Hebrew 3:00 pm SSKP Board 9:00 am Chair Yoga 7:00 pm Board of Directors America with Piano Service 9:30 am - 10:15 am K'neidlach 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 4:15 pm Religious School 9:00 am Torah Study Program 7:00 pm Conversion Class 10:30 am - 1:00 pm B'nai 9:30 am Religious School 7:00 pm Program Committee Mitzvah Retreat #1 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Con- firmation 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Gesher 4:00 pm Women's Seder
15 24 ADAR 16 25 ADAR 17 26 ADAR 18 27 ADAR 19 28 ADAR 20 29 ADAR 21 1 NISAN
8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 9:00 am Yoga 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Education Committee 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service 9:00 am Torah Study Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 9:00 am Chair Yoga with Choir 10:30 am Shabbat Service and 9:30 am - 10:15 am K'neidlach 2:00 pm “Bad Jews” at The Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Conley Program Long Wharf 9:30 am Religious School 4:15 pm Religious School 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Shofar Blowing class
22 2 NISAN 23 3 NISAN 24 4 NISAN 25 5 NISAN 26 6 NISAN 27 7 NISAN 28 8 NISAN CBSRZ NY Residents Gather- ing - time TBD 9:00 am Yoga 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Executive Committee 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service 9:00 am Torah Study 8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 9:00 am Chair Yoga with Piano and Jewish War 10:30 am Shabbat Service and Hebrew 4:15 pm Religious School Veterans 10th Anniversary Bar Mitzvah of Ben Crair 9:15 am - 10:30 am Breakfast with Rabbi (Gr 6) 9:30 am Religious School 10:30 am Sunday morning Torah Study 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Immigration Now and Then
29 9 NISAN 30 10 NISAN 31 11 NISAN
8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 9:00 am Yoga Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 9:30 am Religious School 10:00 am Religious School Open House 11:00 am Living Haggadah Program 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Confirmation 3:00 pm Women's Health TalK
30 12 NISAN- APRIL 11 IYYAR, 2015 5775
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 12 NISAN 2 13 NISAN 3 14 NISAN 4 15 NISAN PASSOVER BEGINS PASSOVER 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Board of Directors 8:45 am Religious Affairs 9:00 am Chair Yoga No Erev Shabbat Service 9:00 am Torah Study 4:15 pm Religious School this week 6:00 pm Congregational 7:00 pm Program Committee Passover Seder MEGILLAH DEADLINE
5 16 NISAN 6 17 NISAN 7 18 NISAN 8 19 NISAN 9 20 NISAN 10 21 NISANI 11 22 NISAN PASSOVER PASSOVER PASSOVER PASSOVER PASSOVER PASSOVER PASSOVER ENDS
No Religious School 9:00 am Yoga No Religious School 12:00 pm Lunch and Learn Office Closed No 2nd Saturday Shabbat - 8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 5:30 pm Facilities 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Meditation 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service come on the 18th Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 9:00 am Chair Yoga to conclude Pesach with Yizkor; 9:00 am Torah Study Chametz oneg to follow 10:30 am Prayer Lab
12 23 NISAN 13 24 NISAN 14 25 NISAN 15 26 NISAN 16 27 NISAN 17 28 NISAN 18 29 NISAN YOM HASHOAH No Religious School 9:00 am Yoga 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service 9:00 am Torah Study 8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 3:00 pm SSKP Board 9:00 am Chair Yoga with Choir 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 4:15 pm Religious School 7:00 pm Adult Education Service and B'nai Mitzvah of the 7:00 pm Erev Yom Hashoah Committee Minyannaires with Choir at TBT 7:00 pm Meditation
19 30 NISAN 20 1 IYYAR 21 2 IYYAR 22 3 IYYAR 23 4 IYYAR 24 5 IYYAR 25 6 IYYAR 8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 9:00 am Yoga 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Executive Committee 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Looking Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 9:00 am Chair Yoga 7:00 pm Meditation honoring George Amarant Both Ways 9:30 am - 10:15 am K'neidlach 4:15 pm Religious School with Piano Essex Town Hall 9:30 am Religious School 9:00 am Torah Study 10:30 am Sunday morning 10:30 am - 1:00 pm B'nei Torah study Mitzvah Retreat #2 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Confirmation 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Gesher 5:00 pm Music & More with Ivory&Gold
26 7 IYYAR 27 8 IYYAR 28 9 IYYAR 29 10 IYYAR 30 11 IYYAR 8:30 am - 10:30 am Adult 9:00 am Yoga 8:00 am Morning Minyan 7:00 pm Meditation Hebrew 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Choir 9:00 am Chair Yoga 9:15 am - 10:30 am Breakfast 7:00 pm Membership Services 4:15 pm Religious School with Rabbi (Gr 4) 7:00 pm Conversion Class 9:30 am - 10:15 am K'neidlach Program 9:30 am Religious School 11:00 am Education Committee 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Confirmation 1:00 - 4:00 pm Stuff a Truck
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The Whole Megillah may be viewed in color on the web at www.cbsrz.org
Mama Loshen Save the Date Kosher ( slang) October 4, 2015 Right, perfect, proper ( To ) Kibbitz A Yiddish Proverb: To offer unsolicited advice as a spectator Centennial Gala Better one friend with a dish of food Ongeblozzen Peevish, sulky, pouting than a hundred with a sigh A lek un a shmek —Fred Kogos, A DICTIONARY OF What a worker who does a job insufficiently YIDDISH SLANG AND IDIOMS gives you A leben ahf dein kop! (literally, a long life upon your head) Well done! Well said