Volume 160, Number 7 Sh’vat/Adar 1 February 2019

Congregation B’nai Israel FEBRUARY SEEKING A NEW ASSISTANT RABBI 2710 Park Avenue The first months of 2019 promise to be Bridgeport, CT 06604 HIGHLIGHTS busy ones for Nina Silberman. (203) 336-1858 About the Calendar As chair of the search committee for www.cbibpt.org It’s a leap year, and Rabbi Prosnit a new Associate Rabbi to succeed explains what that means in the Rabbi Schultz, Nina has already begun Jewish calendar and how it all came reviewing the resumes of some 20 about. Page 3. potential candidates for the job. Thinking About Love “The month of February is going to be As we approach Valentine’s Day, very exciting,” she said. Rabbi Schultz explores the concept of love in Judaism. It’s more than Following a process, and a timetable, Nina Silberman, right, with Ruth Gross at a chocolates and roses. Page 5. dictated by the Central Conference recent Mitzvah Morning, wrapping donated of American Rabbis, Nina and Rabbi toys for Al’s Angels Scenes From School Schultz will conduct interviews via Skype The process must be completed by March Ira Wise offers a slide show, in with the candidates, most of whom are 5, when the synagogue will make an offer words, of scenes from the religious soon to graduate from the Hebrew Union to the committee’s first choice. school, including surprise Israeli College–Jewish Institute of Religion. dance lessons and our students In seeking candidates, the synagogue had getting to know students in Israel. Then, in February, they will invite to fill out an application of its own. Rabbi Page 7. the top four or five to Bridgeport to be Schultz said it spelled out three qualities interviewed by the search committee, to the congregation is seeking: Reaching a Milestone tour the synagogue and to interact with The Rabbi James Prosnit Legacy members of the congregation. Continued on page 5 Fund has raised more than $1 million. Page 4. “Ask the Rabbi” Shabbat Dinner Honoring Rabbi Prosnit • How do you think B’nai Israel might planned for Friday evening March 1 Please clip out the updated schedule change ten years from now? when three beloved Congregation B’nai of events planned to honor Rabbi Israel rabbis will sit on a panel and take Prosnit on his retirement. Page 16. • Where were you and when at the questions from the audience after a moment you decided you wanted to Shabbat dinner with congregants. be a rabbi? The panel discussion, to be moderated by • In 2019, what’s the reason modern Also Inside B’nai Israel congregant Jeff Ackerman, Jews are still asked by rabbis to is planned as the kickoff to a series of Sharing Our Joy...... P. 2 consider participating in ancient Bonim...... P. 6 activities unfolding in Spring 2019 that ceremonies like bris or mikvah collectively will serve as a tribute to BIFTY...... P. 6 visits? Adult Learning...... P. 8 Rabbi James Prosnit who will retire at the end of June after 29 years. Donations...... P. 9 • What’s been your most embarrassing Shabbat Services...... P. 15 moment as a rabbi? Participating on the panel will be Rabbi Arnold Sher, B’nai Israel’s rabbi from Questions like these could possibly be 1968 to 1990, Rabbi Prosnit and Rabbi included in the uninhibited dialogue Continued on page 3 Sharing Our Joy Irving and Nancy Silverman, in BULLETIN BOARD celebration of receiving the John & Phyllis Neary Award for their public What’s Your Story? Weight of Ink,” which won the 2017 service in Easton. Let’s welcome Shabbat. Let’s National Jewish Book Award, will Fred and Ronni Zinn, in celebration of break bread together. And instead speak on February 25 at 7:30 p.m. the birth of granddaughter, Viviana Zinn, of moving to the chapel for an at the Conservative Synagogue of daughter of Jordan and Emily Zinn. informative talk, let’s sit with one Westport, 30 Marcia and Stephen Falk, in another. Let’s meet new people Hillspoint Road. celebration of the 1st birthday of and relax with old friends. Friday, Please reserve grandson, Jovi Mountain Falk, son of February 1. Kabbalat Shabbat at a spot by going Ben and Erica Falk. 6 p.m.; dinner at 7:15. Dinner is to the website of Bob and Ellen Sheiman, in celebration $20.00 per person. Contact Chris@ The Federation of the birth of grandson, Yakov Kern, son cbibpt.org or (203) 336-1858 for for Jewish of David and Rebecca Kern. reservations. Philanthropy in Bridgeport. Taste of Torah Join us for a night of Bite-Size Torah! Sincere Sympathy communal Jewish learning on Join Rabbi Schultz for six mini February 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at sessions of Torah (Really!)Sunday We extend our sympathy to the Congregation Beth El, Fairfield mornings, 9:35-9:55 a.m. in the bereaved families of: Woods Road, Fairfield. The keynote library. February 10 – Jewish speaker will be Tal Keinan, author Mourning Customs; February 24 Joel Zinn, brother of Fred Zinn of “God Is in the Crowd: Twenty- – What is Zionism? March 3 – A Joshua Spector, son of Mark and Deena First Century Judaism” Quick Look at God; March 31 – A Spector Primer on Jewish Texts; April 28 – Sylvia Edelson Torah Yoga The Basics of Jewish Prayer Cecil Widdows, father of Karen Consider a new experience for your Widdows Shabbat morning. “The Jew is in Save the Dates Kenneth Epstein, son of Eloise Epstein the Lotus:” Hatha Yoga & Jewish Mitzvah Morning. February 24. Moshe Arens, cousin of Joseph Bobrow Meditation for Beginners will be Details to follow. The committee offered on Saturdays at 10:30. For would welcome ideas for future this class, we will focus on specific Mitzvah Mornings. Contact Nina Pave the Way Hebrew words and symbols from Silberman at [email protected] and Jewish Meditations and Kabbalah. Danielle Forma at diforma@aol. In October, the congregation held a The instructor, Alan Dressler, com dedication ceremony for Phase One of began practicing Hatha Yoga and our Pave the Way Campaign, which has Meditation in 1994 after a traumatic The Religious School Purim raised needed funds and enabled us to car accident. He has taught Yoga at Carnival is Sunday, March 17th and beautify the front of the synagogue. the Jewish Community Center in our Purim Service is Wednesday, Bridgeport and the Jewish Home of March 20th Fairfield County. Sisters’s Schmooze, March 6. Meet the Author Details to follow. Rachel Kadish, the author of “The

But there’s still time to buy a Kristen Carley came up with the idea and commemorative brick. More bricks led the initial campaign. Mark Schnitzler will be added soon. If you’re interested, coordinated much of the work with our please contact Lynn Lynch at the office or brick vendor and contractor. by e-mail at [email protected] Other volunteers who assisted include More than 150 congregants have bought Bernie Jacobs, Amy Rich, Ellen Hyde bricks, which were installed before the Phillips and Bonnie Appel. High Holidays.

2 What’s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at [email protected]. From the Rabbi’s Desk/Rabbi James Prosnit Happy Leap Year!

It’s a leap year! No not an extra day at the the 9th month and October the 10th , etc.? keep in line with the seasons. But biblical end of February. We’ll save that for 2020. Answer --at some later date January and historians suggest it must have been con- But in the Jewish calendar a leap year is February were added, making 12 months nected to the reign of King Josiah in the actually a leap month and occurs seven but not changing any names.) second half of the seventh century BCE. times every 19 years. Over the years I’ve Josiah not only centralized worship in Je- enjoyed teaching about the intricacies The Jews, however, based their calendar rusalem, but likely set the current calen- of the Jewish calendar, so I thought I‘d on 12 lunar cycles, roughly 29.5 days. dar system in motion.1 review and marvel at its sophistication The problem was a strictly lunar year one last time. was 354 days long. A solar year was 11 It is almost certain this is how they ad- days longer. If you’re familiar with the justed for seasonal creep: At the end of While the naming of the extra month is Islamic calendar you’ll be aware that the 12th lunar month, priests in Jerusa- not all that creative, (Adar 1 and Adar 2), that is a strictly lunar calendar, which is lem determined spring had arrived. If the concept attests to the wisdom of the ancients. The Romans used a 10-month calendar beginning at the spring equinox This also explains the answer to the perennial in March, but for many years did not have any months for the time between the end question, Are Holidays early or late this year? of December and the new year in March. (By the way – that’s why many of our why a festival period like Ramadan floats spring was indeed deemed to have ar- Gregorian calendar months have prefixes through the entire year, moving up 11 rived, great: the new moon was a sign that don’t make sense. Why is September days each year. that not only the first month had begun but also a new year, and messengers were But, since many Jewish holidays were sent out to announce that Passover was connected to the agricultural seasons of two weeks away. a solar year, a strict adherence to a lunar calendar would mean that the holidays But if the priests decided that it was still would eventually take place at the wrong winter, an additional “leap month,” or season. It wouldn’t take too long before “embolismic month” as it’s called, was the springtime festival of Passover or the added, and messengers would only be harvest festival of Sukkot would be cel- sent out a month later. ebrated in a different season. According to the Biblical text, the people of Israel This also explains the answer to the pe- were required to bring agricultural pro- rennial question, Are Holidays early or duce to Jerusalem for the festivals, so late this year? It all depends on wheth- if there had been “seasonal creep,” in at er the year is a leap year or not. And if least some years, there would have been you’re planning ahead, since it is a leap th no produce to bring as sacrificial tithes. year – Passover is not till April 19 and Rosh Hashanah – not till September 30th! The Bible doesn’t tell us how the lunar 1 https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium- calendar was periodically adjusted to the-secrets-of-the-hebrew-calendar-1.5304911

Ask the Rabbi ...... FROM PAGE 1 a thought provoking discussion,” said Ms. Siegel. Evan Schultz who becomes spiritual The “Ask the Rabbi” evening is being leader of the congregation July 1, 2019. organized by Mindy Siegel and Luise “We’re hoping congregants see an The Shabbat dinner will follow the Mann Burger, co-chairpersons for the evening of prayer, discussion and conclusion of 6 p.m. services. The cost overall tribute program. community as a wonderful way to honor is $20 per person and reservations should Rabbi Prosnit,” said Ms. Burger be made with the temple office. The “The panel represents three generations panel discussion part of the evening is of rabbis at B’nai Israel, each with his scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. own point of view, and it promises to be

Donation Item of the Month: Canned tuna and chicken for St. John’s Family Center Pantry. 3 A MILLION-DOLLAR MILESTONE The effort to increase our endowment has reached a remarkable milestone: Donations and pledges to the Rabbi James Prosnit

Legacy Fund have surpassed $1 million.

“I’m quite pleased,’’ Rabbi Prosnit said. Honoring “We’re closing in on almost doubling the Rabbi James Prosnit current endowment and approaching the Twenty-Nine Years goal of increasing the endowment to $3 million.” We greatly appreciate the generosity of the following congregants who honor Rabbi Prosnit by Before the campaign began, the endowment helping establish the Rabbi James Prosnit Legacy Fund. was $1.2 million. Now, it exceeds $2.2 million. A bigger endowment will help insure the synagogue’s future, with income Simcha Circle Paul Rosenblatt generated by investments helping to support Andy and Carol Lubin and Jessica Sage-Rosenblatt Peter and Karen Montagna Lis and George Ruderman the annual budget. Harriet Schorr Mazel Tov Circle Caren and Bill Schwartz It is estimated that the endowment will Jack Kadden Martin and Elaine Schwartz provide $100,000 a year in income. Jeffrey Schwartz Kathy and Norman Solomon Blessings Circle “That will have a major impact,” Sam Edward and Meryl Staub Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman Francine Stein Rosenberg, a former president of the William Greenspan Stephen and Ellen Tower congregation, said. “It will make the budget Larry Levine and Alison Bonds Marilyn Weinstein committee’s life significantly easier. Each Alan and Sylvia Neigher Ken and Cindy West year, it’s a struggle to meet the budget” Lawrence and Marcy Shinbaum Judy and Bob Zeisler The Phillip-Soberman Family Adele and Larry Zuckerman Howard and Ondy Zuckerman “People feel great about this place,” he Ner Tamid Circle added, “and they haven’t been given the David Abbey and Deborah Goodman Tribute Circle chance to make donations like this.” Janice and Marc Katz Carol and Nate Barsky The Michel Family Susan Kaplan Bauchner Many of the larger donations have been Elizabeth and Mark Nigrosh Marilyn Bissell made in the form of appreciated stocks and Linda Liefland and Jon Orleans Louise and Joseph Bobrow I.R.A. distributions, both of which offer Bill Bower and Ronnie Lovich Shalom Circle significant tax benefits to the donor. Linda and Barry Diamond Stacey and Duane Berlin Marjorie and Danny Freeman Douglas and Kathryn Brown Jerry and Selma Gold Many of the donations have been pledged Joanne and Tim Derwallis Alfred Goldreyer over several years. Bari Dworken Julia Hanan and Max Shapiro Linda and Michael Epstein Lynette Helman The campaign is ongoing, and Sam is Sidney Fialk Michael and Judith Katz Marvin and Joann Gelfand happy to discuss the details of such gifts Gloria Katz Joni and Michael Greenspan Rozanne Lancia and arrange help with bequests. He can be Deborah and Kenneth Hochhauser Stanley and Judith Lessler reached at [email protected] Judith Hochstadt Alan and Joan Newman Molli and Stephen Hourihan Abigail Schine Rabbi Prosnit said he has been delighted by Janice and Bernie Jacobs Nancy and Irv Silverman congregants’ generosity, singling out one Nancy Kern Rhea Spiegel Gail Nickowitz and Family Janet Skane Stern young donor in particular. Nancy and Jeff Oberman Matthew and Lesley Vainder Carol and Rick Offenbach Lois Wallman “I was touched,” he said, “that one donation The Posner Family Artie and Suzie Weissman came from a boy who recently had his Bar Randy and Beth Reich Sharon and Frederic West Mitzvah.” Becky and Rich Rosen

(Donations since the last Bulletin.)

4 Please save the dates for events honoring Rabbi Prosnit, Page 16. From the Rabbi’s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz What’s Love Got to do With It?

Enter any drug store or supermarket during the month of February and you’ll Two prayers of love precede and follow our most sacred see aisles filled with the colors pink and words of the Sh’ma. What a powerful statement about red, signifying that Valentine’s love is in the air. While I am not generally one the place of love within our tradition. to buy too many chocolate hearts and Leviticus 19:33-34 Ahavat Olam speaks of God’s love for roses, I did think this would be a good (33) When a stranger resides with you in the Jewish people: Ahavat olam beit opportunity to talk about the concept of your land, you shall not wrong him.(34) Yisrael (You love your people Israel for love in Judaism. The stranger who resides with you shall all eternity). The V’ahavta prayer, on be to you as one of your citizens; you the other hand, instructs us to love God: When asked if love is a central theme in shall love him as yourself, for you were V’ahavta et Adonai Elohecha (You shall Judaism, I would imagine most would strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the love the Lord your God). answer with a resounding “no.” We focus LORD your God. (JPS) more on notions of gratitude, performing How do we manifest this love? Not mitzvot, and offering praise, right? Yet What do these two texts signify? with chocolate hearts, but rather open up both the Torah and our siddur According to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, through mitzvot, the study of Torah, and (prayer book) and you’ll find that love is, the Torah commands us to both love our performing acts of kindness towards in fact, a central motif in our liturgy and neighbor and the stranger so that we will others. Two prayers of love precede our sacred texts. love people who are both like ourselves and follow our most sacred words of the and people who are not like ourselves. Sh’ma. What a powerful statement about Consider first for a moment these Leviticus does not command us to the place of love within our tradition. two commandments from the book of tolerate our neighbor and the stranger, Leviticus: not to like them, but to love the stranger So this Valentine’s Day, in addition to the and the neighbor in our midst. greeting cards and chocolate hearts, just Leviticus 19:17-18 remember there’s nothing more romantic (17) You shall not hate your kinsfolk While Leviticus prompts us to show love than our very own sacred Jewish texts ;-) (brother) in your heart; Reprove your to other human beings, it is our liturgy May we all love both your neighbor and kinsman but incur no guilt because of that speaks of the deep love between the the stranger! him. (18) You shall not take vengeance or divine and the Jewish people. Consider bear a grudge against your countrymen for a moment the two prayers that (the children of thy people). Love your bookend the Sh’ma prayer. Before the ​ fellow (neighbor) yourself: as I am the Sh’ma is Ahavat Olam, and directly LORD. (JPS with sefaria) following is the V’ahavta.

NEW ASSISTANT RABBI ...... FROM PAGE 1 1. The candidate must have a passion In addition to heading the search, Nina The other search committee members are and joy for Judaism. is a member of the synagogue board and, Judy Blumenthal, David Herbst, Bob 2. He or she must be a team player. along with Danielle Forma, organizes Herzlinger, Mark Hotchkiss, Bruce 3. She or he must be kind and caring the monthly Mitzvah Mornings. She is Kahn, Gloria Katz, Mark Kirsch, Farhana and act with integrity. a psychologist practicing in Fairfield, Leisawitz, Hannah Mallon, and Marci and her family joined the synagogue Pearlberg. Rabbi Schultz and Shari Rabbi Schultz said he’s also hoping the about 11 years ago when her sons Nerreau serve as ex-officio. committee will find someone who will started preschool. She can be reached at learn and grow in the job and who will [email protected] bring “a critical eye to our practices and synagogue life in a constructive way.”

Follow us on Twitter via @cbibpt.org. We’ll follow back! 5 Bonim Buzz/Alexa Cohen, Early Childhood Director LOOKING FORWARD

While the winter is far from behind us, Our next adult’s only event hopes to we look forward to an exciting spring at get the entire congregation involved. Bonim Preschool. We are proud to announce that While the 3, 4 and 5 year olds have Lauren Weisberger, been enjoying the STREAM Lab since author of “The Devil October, the Infants, 1 and 2 year olds Wears Prada” and will join them with their own special “When Life Gives “lessons” with Mrs. Josovitz in the You Lululemons,” STREAM Lab by March. will be joining us NIGHT on April 6th. The Casino Night for a special Shabbat We look forward to a few new adult events Committee has been meeting regularly Book Luncheon on May 10th. More this spring as well. We are so excited and they have a fun night planned for all details about these two exciting events to announce that this year’s Bonim the parents. will be available soon. Spring Celebration will be a CASINO

BIFTY

It’s never too late to join BIFTY! We meet on Thursdays from 7:15-8:45 in the BIFTY Lounge!

Our February events are: February 21: Test your physical capabilities at our Survivor program! February 28: Join the Israel Emissaries, Rotem and Yuval, for a fun night! There is no BIFTY on February 14.

Questions? Email advisor Marisa Underberger [email protected] BIFTY had fun taking over Hebrew School and welcoming the 8th grade! Like our Facebook Page “BIFTY” and follow us on Instagram at “cbi.bifty”

6 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to Editor Jack Kadden at [email protected] From the Education Center/Ira J. Wise A Day in the Life

Someone once said, “Choose a job you a lot of their time learning about Israel, love and you will never work a day in the land and its people. We have had A slide show, of sorts, of your life.” There is some debate about an ongoing relationship with the Kitah scenes from our religious the source of that quote, but in my Hey students at the Nitzanim School in experience whoever said it was right. Rishon L’tziyon, Israel. Our students school. I spend my working hours working have created and exchanged artifacts (6th) with Mr. Flatto: “Happy new year! with amazing people (our teachers and and videos – telling one another about Wanted to share Alex came home very Hadrakhah Team, our clergy and Bonim our lives. Yesterday, we gathered in front positive about Sunday school today – director, our support and custodial staff of the smart board and had a live video He enjoyed Keif (Kvitzvat Keif is our and our lay leaders) to create learning conference with the Nitzanim kids! They social engagement period led by Marisa experiences for our children of all ages. asked one another questions and shared Underberger and Jessica Becker) early Sometimes you hear about them when things about their lives. Then one of the in the day and thought the activity was your kids get in the car (and sometimes Israeli kids asked, “Do any of you play very fun! He also shared with Scott and they answer “nothing” when you ask Fortnite?” I some of the material he learned in Mr. what happened today). For those of you who are not into video Flatto’s class about the Holocaust and When we are in session, I get to watch games or who don’t have children who Spanish Inquisition. Thank you!” the magic happen. And quite often, it is are, Fortnite is a very popular multi- {click} This one… wait a minute. I am magic. Let me share a few slides…I will player video game. I am not endorsing starting to sound like my grandfather set up the (word) projector… or judging. But we are exchanging user when he would show slides from the trips names and some of our kids may be abroad he took with my grandmother. He {click} This happened just yesterday! playing the game with their new Israeli Kitah Hey (5th Grade) has been spending was excited about the things he saw and friends in the coming weeks – if they the people they had met. I wasn’t because can solve the time difference and get I hadn’t been on the trip. permission for the screen time! So instead of me going on, why don’t {click} In the chapel one day last month. you ask the students in your house to Mr. Cahr (our music teacher) was describe something that happened in unable to teach that week. He sent in his their class? Please don’t ask them what daughter Alex, a college student who they did today. The answer “nothing” is has substituted in our school. She was genetically encoded in all of us. teaching Israeli dance to our Kitah Bet students when I looked in. The students Ask them to share something they, the were holding hands and moving in a circle teacher or one of the other students said with the music. Alex was describing how or did. Ask them to teach you about dance was a great way to get to know something they heard or saw, or how to people and it was and is very popular in play the game or sing the song they had Israel. And you don’t need Wi-Fi! All of experienced. And please, make sure they our Gan – Kitah Gimel (K – 3rd) teachers show up for class! They can’t describe have been asking when we can bring her experiences they did not have. And there back, since the students had so much fun! is a lot for them to experience!

{click} This one came as an e-mail L’shalom, rather than from looking in a room. Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E. Laurie Renzulli’s son Alex in Kitah Vav Director of Education

Like us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B’nai Israel page and join us online. 7 Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel

Adult Round Table Mondays at 7:00 p.m., January 28, will look at Reform practice, theology, Thursday February 7 and March 7 February 4, 11 and 25 sacred space, music, and more. If you are at Noon Kabbalah offers a curious how Reform Judaism has shifted Gloria Katz facilitates a discussion about uniquely integrated, ho- over the past 160 years, this class is for current events for listic pathway to spiri- you! anyone who wants tual growth — from to go beyond the practical change to deep headlines. Join us wisdom and healing. the first Thursday For centuries, these an- of every month, and bring a sandwich, cient Jewish mysteries your opinion and an open mind. were withheld from even observant and committed Jews, and only recently made Seeking Everyday Holiness: A available outside these circles. We’re Community Mussar Program now fortunate to be able to understand, Mondays, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. practice and apply this powerful path in 10 Sessions:1/28, 2/11 & 25, 3/11 & 25, a modern context. Kabbalah teaches you 4/8 & 29, 5/13, 6/3 & 17 to relate to the world from a stance of Join with wholeness and balance. From this stance, One Temple One Book: Letters to My Rabbi Schultz we can understand, grow, transform, and Palestinian Neighbor for this ten- repair internally and externally. Justin C. Monday March 4 at 7:00 p.m. part course Beck returns as our teacher of Kabbalah. Join Rabbi Prosnit in a discussion on au- on the teach- thor Yossi Klein Halevi’s latest book – ings of Mus- It is recommended to attend each An honest and forthright attempt to reach sar. Mussar is session as we build on our accumulated across the divide to Palestinians who a treasury of knowledge and experience. However, if share his homeland. Klein Halevi argues techniques, a session is missed there will be a brief that the road to peace is teachings, and contemplative practices review of the previous session each understanding the two that offers immensely valuable guidance week. Sessions will alternate between conflicting narratives for the journey of our lives. The learnings B’nai Israel and Congregation Beth El, and eventually and practices help individual souls pin- 1200 Fairfield Woods Road: January splitting the land into point and then to break through the bar- 28 and February 11 at B’nai Israel and two states for two riers that surround and obstruct the flow February 4 and 25 at Beth El. peoples. However, he of inner light in their lives. The goal of is sober and fearful Mussar practice is to release the light of Celebrating 160 years of B’nai Israel and confesses “I holiness that lives within the soul. - the ever changing landscape of remain in limbo, affirming a two-state Cost: $95 (Covers cost of book and Reform Judaism solution while clinging to the status donation to the Mussar Institute.) Learn Fridays at Noon, February 1, 8, 15 quo. And yet I cannot accept our current more about this course here: https:// and 22 state of seemingly endless conflict as the mussarinstitute.org/courses/seeking- In honor of our 160th anniversary as definitive verdict on our relationship.” everyday-holiness/ a congregation, Rabbi Schultz will Read it! You’ll be glad you did. take participants through the ever- Practical Kabbalah: Elevating changing Jewish experience as manifested Consciousness through our community. Specifically, we

8 Follow us on Instagram at Cbipt FEBRUARY DONATIONS (Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.) Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund Berman. Brian and Linda Barlaam, in memory William Berkowitz Bonim Parent Committee, Happy of Frank Resnik. Lawrence A. Sax Chanukah, and with thanks for all you Jodi and David Berman, in honor Marcie Seigel & Mike Rodericks do. of the Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Joseph Doreen Testa Kim and Mike Feinstein, in honor of Berman. the Bar Mitzvah of Ben Feinstein. Bonim Parent Committee, Happy Chris and George Markley, in honor Phyllis Freed, in memory of Joshua Chanukah, and with thanks for all you of Cleo and Jon Sonneborn’s 50th Spector, son of Mark and Deena Spector. do. Wedding Anniversary. Father William Bulkley, a donation. Judy Weinstein and Mia Jacobson, in Enhancement Fund Dale and Jerry Demner, with thanks memory of Joshua Spector, son of Mark Henry and Marilyn Banach, in to Rabbi Prosnit for making our 50th and Deena Spector. memory of Jacob Banach. Wedding Anniversary so special. Barbara Berkowitz, in memory of Michael and Diane Farber, a donation. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund sister, Carole Toss. Kim and Mike Feinstein, in honor of Jodi and David Berman, in honor Barbara Bresler, in loving memory of the Bar Mitzvah of Ben Feinstein. of the Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Joseph mother, Rena Milgram Pious Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in memory Berman. Alan and Betty Feldman, in memory of Michael Giglietti, father of Rob Bonim Parent Committee, Happy of Elsbeth Zabin, mother of Josh Zabin. Giglietti. Chanukah, and with thanks for all you Ken and Elizabeth Flatto, a donation. Wendy and Don Hyman, in honor of do. Steven and Lauren Field, a donation. Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on Dale and Jerry Demner, with thanks Michael Jacobson, in memory of the birth of granddaughter, Zoe May to Rabbi Schultz for making our 50th Nathan Jacobson. Prosnit; in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, Wedding Anniversary so special. Gloria Katz, in honor of Jerry and son of Brad and Lori Chervin. Vernon and Meredith Dommu, Dale Demner, on their 50th Wedding Alice and George Kelly, in memory of in honor of B’nai Israel, and with Anniversary. Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori congratulations to Rabbi Schultz. Eli and Katerina Kharaz, a donation. Chervin. Phyllis Freed, in memory of Joshua Carol and Andrew Lubin, a donation. Joel and Lucinda Kramer, in memory Spector, son of Mark and Deena Spector. Alice Madwed, in memory of Steven of Irving Kern, husband of Andrea Kern. Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in honor of Madwed, son of Ruth Madwed. Rozanne and Anthony Lancia, in Jerry Pressman’s 80th birthday. Ruth Madwed, in memory of son, memory of Martha Cohen, mother of Ruth and Eric Gross, in honor of Steven Madwed. Rozanne Lancia. Marcia Cohen and her Gift of Light Irving and Wilma Mark, in memory of Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich, in memory Crew. father, Hyman Mark. of grandmother, Feiga Vengerovskaya; Joan and Marc Levy, in honor of Layla Gloria Sheiman, in memory of father, in memory of aunt, Shelya Sotnik. Ofir’s baby naming. Louis Krofssik. Joan and Marc Levy, in honor of Layla Shelley Levy, in honor of Layla Ofir’s Debora and Michael Weisman, in Ofir’s baby naming. baby naming, and with thanks to Rabbi memory of Mary Frauwirth, Max Shelley Levy, in honor of Layla Ofir’s Shultz for the beautiful music. Frauwirth and Nancy Frauwirth. baby naming, and in appreciation of Beth and Randy Reich, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit. Fred and Ronni Zinn, on the birth of Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Ivan Maisel and Meg Murray, in granddaughter, Viviana Mojica Zinn. Judi and David Beier, in honor of appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit. Ellie Taylor and Family, in honor Dale and Jerry Demner’s 50th Wedding Beth and Randy Reich, in memory of of Irving and Nancy Silverman, on Anniversary. Joel Zinn, brother of Fred Zinn. receiving the John & Phyllis Neary Andrew Rothbaum, in appreciation of Award for their public service in Easton. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Rabbi Prosnit. Serena and Arnie Sher, in memory of Nina Silberman and Howard Music Fund Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Weisman, in memory of Ernest Michel, David Abbey and Debbie Goodman, Chervin. father of Ralph Michel. in honor of Mark Edinberg’s musical contributions and recent Chanukah Prayer Book Fund Rabbi James Prosnit Legacy Fund Klezmer concert. Judi and David Beier, wishing a speedy Donations made in memory of Sylvia Jodi and David Berman, in honor recovery to Holly Verbil. Edelson were made by: of the Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Joseph

Donation Item of the Month: Canned tuna and chicken for St. John’s Family Center Pantry. 9 FEBRUARY DONATIONS (Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.) Religious School Scholarship Fund Barbara and Larry Yurdin, in honor George and Chris Markley, in memory Marty and Alayne Burger, a donation. of Jerry Pressman’s 80th birthday. of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Bob and Helen Natt, a donation. Lori Chervin. Jim Abraham Education Fund for Liz and Mark Nigrosh, in memory of Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Jewish Leadership Bob Appleton, father of Liz Nigrosh; Fund Serena and Arnie Sher, in loving in memory of Anne Nigrosh, mother of Barbara Abraham, in memory of memory of Irving Kern, husband of Mark Nigrosh. Sylvia Edelson, mother of Judy Stern Andrea Kern. and Deborah Goldstein. Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in honor of Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund 5779 Bobby Sussman for being our Mitzvah Sharon and Art Schloss, in honor of High Holy Day Hero. Jerry Pressman’s birthday. Appeal Rev. Msgr. J. James Cuneo, a donation. Yakhani Caring Fund Thank you to everyone. This is a Bari Dworken, in memory of Jon-Alec The Elbaum Family, in memory of continuation of the list from Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin. Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori last month’s bulletin. Ellen Hyde Phillips, in honor of Bob Chervin. Sussman. Janet Jurow, in honor of Jon and Pillar of Congregation Jane and Jerry Pressman, in honor of Cleo Sonneborn, on their 50th Wedding Elizabeth and Mark Nigrosh Bob Sussman, Mazel tov on doing such Anniversary; in honor of Elaine and meaningful work. Juda Chetrit, on the birth of grandson, President’s Circle Serena and Arnie Sher, in honor of William John Laragh, son of Marci & Judy and Michael Blumenthal Joni and Michael Greenspan, on their Rob. 55th Wedding Anniversary. Nancy Kern, a donation. High Holy Day Appeal Contribution Barbara and Samuel Boyarsky Noel and Danielle Forma Steven and Barbara Gersen Beth and Jordan Posner

(203) 336-1858 • www.cbibpt.org The Bulletin of Congregation B’nai Israel is published every month except July. Anti-Semitic Dog- James Prosnit, D.D...... Rabbi Officers Whistles Today Shari Nerreau ...... President Evan Schultz ...... Rabbi Larry Levine ...... 1st Vice President Anti-Semitism now incorporates Arnold I. Sher, D.D...... Rabbi Emeritus Jill Elbaum ...... Vice President words and symbols that many of us Sheri E. Blum, D.M...... Cantor Perry Molinoff ...... Vice President Susan Walden ...... Vice President are unfamiliar with. Aryeh Tuchman, Ramon Gilbert, D.M...... Cantor Emeritus Jerry Saunders ...... Treasurer associate director of Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E...... Temple Educator David Herbst ...... Assistant Treasurer the Anti-Defamation Laurie Gaugler ...... Secretary Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E .... Educator Emeritus League’s Center on Jake Bogner ...... Financial Secretary Alexa Cohen …...... Early Childhood Director Michael Blumenthal .... Immediate Past President Extremism, will decode and contextualize Affiliates the new language Marisa Underberger ...... BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist and imagery of anti- Hannah Mallon and Alex Weisman...... BIFTY Co-Presidents Jack Kadden ...... Bulletin Editor Semitism and white Scott Smith ...... Deputy Bulletin Editor supremacy at a program on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Congregation B’nai Israel, founded in 1858, seeks to be a vibrant Reform synagogue dedicated to the Road, Westport. perpetuation of Jewish life and values within the framework of contemporary American Judaism. We are a gateway to Judaism for all. The Congregation B’nai Israel Bulletin publishes monthly 11 times a year (except July). To submit an article, announcement or ad to the Bulletin, please contact Editor Jack Kadden at [email protected]. Submissions are due by the first day of the month preceding the publication month. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length or style.

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14 Please save the dates for events honoring Rabbi Prosnit, Page 16. A NOTE OF GRATITUDE In December, some 30 people took part sent the following letter to Rabbis Prosnit all of us together to change the world. in a Mitzvah Morning event to benefit and Schultz: Without us the world will continue Al’s Angels, which assists children and I didn’t want to lay my head to sleep to dwell in darkness. Together, we families battling cancer, blood diseases, tonight before sending a quick note knock down all the walls and act with natural disasters and financial hardship. of huge appreciation for the inspiring a combined force that will be a day of Congregants joined together to gift-wrap response from the community of B’nai reckoning for all those who doubt the presents they had purchased, many of Israel to our Al’s Angels Toy Drive for power of a God inspired people. them through a special Amazon link. children in need. Many thanks for your support, Al DiGuido, the founder of Al’s Angels, I can’t tell you how profound the impact encouragement and love for children in of this effort has been on my organization need. I wish you great joy and happiness and my mindset about the ways that all of throughout the holiday season. May 2019 us who are members of the human family be our best year ever. Thanks again for can work together to do God’s will. your amazing participation. I really believe that together -- a people united in our mission to do God’s will can With great love and admiration. bring light in the darkness of our work. There is no reason why we shouldn’t look for many other ways to bring our groups together to accomplish goals and Al DiGuido objectives that benefit mankind and bring Al’s Angels

Shabbat Service Schedule (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.) Friday, February 1 Friday, February 8 Haftarah – Ezekiel 6:00 p.m. Service 6:00 p.m. Service 43:10-27 Torah Portion – Torah Portion – Mishpatim, Exod. Terumah, Exod. 25:1- Saturday, February 16 21:1-24:18 27:19 8:00 a.m. Service Haftarah – Jeremiah Haftarah – 1 Kings 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 34:8-22; 33:25-26 5:26-6:13 9:30 a.m. Torah Study

Saturday, February 2 Saturday, February 9 Friday, February 22 8:00 a.m. Service 8:00 a.m. Service 6:00 p.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast Torah Portion – Ki 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Torah Study Tissa, Exod. 30:11- 9:30 a.m. Havurah for Families 9:30 a.m. Havurah for Families 34:35 with Young Children with Young Children Haftarah – 1 Kings with special guest – 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of 18:1-39 Miss Alexa! Benjamin Enos, son of 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Juliette Frank Enos and Robin Saturday, February 23 Carasso, granddaughter Cautin 8:00 a.m. Service of David and Colette 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast Carasso, daughter of Friday, February 15 9:30 a.m. Torah Study Monique Carasso and 6:00 p.m. Service 9:30 a.m. Havurah for Melissa Kirk. Torah Portion – Families with Young Tetzaveh, Exod. 27:20- Children 30:10

Donation Item of the Month: Canned tuna and chicken for St. John’s Family Center Pantry. 15 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 171 Fairfield, Conn.

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Honoring Rabbi Prosnit: Please Save These Dates As you all know, Rabbi Prosnit is retiring from Congregation B’nai Israel in June 2019. We are planning to send him off in style with many occasions to honor him, celebrate and learn together. Below is an updated list of the many scheduled events providing opportunities for everyone to participate. Please note them in your calendars and plan to join us! March 1, 2019 | 6 p.m. Shabbat. Bonim celebrates grandparents philanthropy and giving, will speak at an Ask the Rabbi – Do you have questions and special guest Grandpa/Rabbi Jim. event to honor Wendy Bloch. that you always wanted to ask three May 3, 2019 | 6 p.m. May 31, 2019 “generations” of our rabbis but never had Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman, a favorite Shabbat service featuring Rabbi Rick a chance… Then, this event is for you. teacher of Rabbis Prosnit and Schultz and Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform No censoring of questions – with Rabbis one of the foremost thinkers and teachers Judaism and extended Kiddush. Sher, Prosnit, and Schultz. in Jewish life today, will attend Shabbat June 1, 2019 March 13-26, 2019 services at 6 p.m. and will speak at a Shabbat morning service, breakfast and Rabbi Prosnit leads congregational trip to dinner afterward. Torah study honoring Rabbi Prosnit. Israel. 60 congregants and members of May 10, 2019 our community join with Rabbi Prosnit June 1, 2019 | 7 p.m. Junior Choir Shabbat honoring Rabbi Gala dinner celebrating Rabbi Prosnit. and Wendy Bloch. This trip is sold out. Prosnit June TBD April 12 and 13, 2019 May 19, 2019 | 12:00 p.m. Shabbat with our associate rabbis – Rabbi Sunday in the Park with Jim. The temple Sunday school barbeque honoring Rabbi goes to Citifield to root for one of his Fred Greene and Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz Prosnit. (Shabbat services, dinner/breakfast, favorite teams. learning and discussion). May 22, 2019 Julie Salamon, the author of “Rambam’s May 3, 2019 Ladder,” a 2003 medidation on In the morning, Bonim Grandparents

We hope you can join us at one or more of these events. Let’s send him off in B’nai Israel style. If you have any questions or want to participate on a committee for one of these events, please let Lynn know. Mindy and Luise