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September 2010 Elul 5770-Tishrei 5771 Vol. 16 Issue 8 SATO – Social Action Tiqun Olam - Page 10 Torah for the Hungry Mind - Page 8 Yamim Noraim: Days of Awe

Schedules, Information, Order Forms "On the Record with Paul Bass" (see article); refreshments Information, schedules, registration and order forms for from 10:35 to 11 p.m. The service begins at 11 p.m. and Yamim Noraim – Days of Awe – are available at www.beki. ends at midnight. org by clicking the Yamim Noraim High Holy Days image The selihot (penitential) prayers are said during the middle at the upper left corner. of the night during the period immediately before Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. It is believed that a heightened Volunteers Needed sense of spiritual awareness can be achieved during To volunteer either to help those hours. The Conservative Communal with planning or to participate service is sponsored by Congrega- in our High Holy Day wor- tions B’nai Jacob, Beth Sholom, Or ship services, please return Shalom and BEKI. the form you received in the mid-month mailing, or to Qever Avot Cemetery complete the form online, Memorial Services follow the link for “infor- The annual Qever Avot Cemetery mation, registration and Memorial Services will be held at 10 ticketing” and then to a.m. at the Hamden Cemetery, and at Yamim Noraim High Holy Days 11 a.m. at the West Haven Cemetery on Participation and Volunteer Opportunities. Sunday, Sept. 12, which is the Sunday Help is needed for mailings, Break Fast shopping and between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. planning, greeters and ushers, minyan makers (early attend- Rabbi Tilsen will lead a brief communal me- ees), English readings, printing Yizkor Memorial Book, and morial service and will be available for individual prayers. more. If you have any questions, please speak with Darryl Those who wish to visit the graves of their ancestors or loved Kuperstock. ones but are unable to do so because of distance are invited to attend along with those whose loved ones are buried in Selihot at BEKI the BEKI cemeteries. If you would like a ride to the service, We will host the Conservative-Masorti Community First please contact the office a few days in advance. Selihot Service on Saturday night, Sept. 4. The evening begins at 9:00 with Maariv and Havdala in the Sanctuary. At 9:20, Continued on Page 3 BEKI Bulletin September 2010

BEKI Bulletin The newsletter is published monthly by Congregation Accepting Beth El-Keser Israel for the benefit of its members. Applications Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel is affiliated with the United Synagogue of . Now To contribute articles or for inquiries regarding 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 membership: Directly adjacent to the Town of Fairfield in the newly renovated educational facilities of Congregation B’nai Israel • Call the Synagogue office: (203) 389-2108 For an application or information: • Write: 85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 203.275.8448 [email protected] www.jhsct.org • Email: [email protected] • Visit our web page: www.beki.org For advertising information, call the synagogue office. Deadline for submission of ads or articles is the first of the month preceding publication. Annual subscription is $36 BEKI Bulletin © 2010 Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel. A Message from Rabbi Tilsen & Dear Rabbi © 2010 Jon-Jay Tilsen. All rights reserved.

Editor Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen Associate Editor Donna Levine Associate Editor Donna Kemper Associate Editor Herbert Winer Circulation Manager Saul Bell Photographer Charles Ludwig

Web Buys THE FUCHSBERG CENTER If you purchase from Amazon.com via this link OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/ OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM congregabethelke) or at www.beki.org through the “Amazon” box at the bottom of the page, BEKI re- WE’VE DEDICATED ceives a small commission on your purchase at no OURSELVES cost to you. You must use these links each time you TO THIS DREAM access the merchant’s website in order for BEKI to receive a commission. NOW WE URGE YOU TO DEDICATE YOURSELF

The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is a home within the homeland for Conservative Jews from North America.

It’s your center of Conservative life and learning, prayer and play, culture and creativity in the heart of Jerusalem.

At the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, you can enjoy concerts in our auditorium, feast in our elegant dining rooms, attend discussions in lecture halls, pray in our synagogue, study in the Conservative , and there is so much more.

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SUPPORT THE FUCHSBERG JERUSALEM CENTER YOUR HOME WITHIN THE HOMELAND

Call Miriam Benson, Executive Director of United Synagogue’s Connecticut Valley Region at (860) 563-5531 or e-mail her at [email protected]

2 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org News

Days of Awe precepts not to be missed. Continued from Page 1 Tickets are required for adult entrance to most services. Among other reasons, this is to ensure the safety and se- In addition, a representative of the Cemetery Association curity of the Congregation. Full-time students and military will be present to answer questions and concerns of those personnel on active duty may enter upon presentation of owning or considering the purchase of plots at the BEKI proper identification. Every person in the building must be cemeteries. identified before entry and is subject to search. Directions to the cemeteries and more information can Some of the ushers serving during the Holy Days may be found at www.beki.org/cemetery.html. For information be new members. Veteran members who do not recognize on cemetery purchases or upkeep, please contact the BEKI the ushers are urged to introduce themselves, as our ushers Cemetery Association at [email protected] or (203) 389- wish to meet as many members and visitors as they can. If 2108 x57. you forget your tickets, our ushers will be able to find your High Holy Days Participation name on the members or guests list. Please be sure to return your High Holy Days volunteer / For safety and planning reasons, children must be pre- participation forms. We will definitely need help with every registered to participate in these services. For registration aspect of our holiday celebrations. The form is also avail- information, call (203) 389-2108 x14. able on the BEKI website at www.beki.org/forms.html. If you are interested in babysitting service, please call (203) 389-2108 x14. Walk-in babysitting is not available Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur and will not be available at all at most services unless prior Rabbi Alan H. Lovins will serve as our Hazzan Rishon arrangement is made. (lead cantor) for the High Holy Days. In addition to Rabbi Rosh HaShana services begin Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 7 Lovins, the services will again be led by BEKI members p.m. with the Minha service, followed by Maariv at 7:10. serving as volunteer hazzanim. We Candle Lighting is at 6:56. The service concludes by 7:36 also are hopeful that additional mem- p.m. Morning services begin at 8:30 on Thursday, Sept. bers of the Lovins Family will join 9; several services for children and youth, and a learners’ Alan on the bima. Rabbi Tilsen will service, are held as well. Shofar is sounded at about 10:30 conduct the services, as he has each a.m. in the sanctuary; please come to the sanctuary at that year since 1993. hour if you are elsewhere in the building, or as directed by Services are organized and led the ushers. entirely by our members. Generally, Tashlikh (“casting”) services will be held on the first day Alan leads the morning Torah service of Rosh HaShana, Thursday, Sept. 9, at 5:30 p.m., at the and musaf on all three days, as well as Alan Lovins Edgewood Bridge and at the Whitney Museum Covered Kol Nidre, Maariv and Neila on Yom Bridge. For tashlikh at Beaver Pond Park, contact office@ Kippur. Birkhot ha-Shahar (morning blessings) and Pesuqei beki.org (203) 389-2108 x14. The Tashlikh service is a de-Zimra (Verses of Song) represent a poetry reading that popular outdoor event for people of all ages, and includes a creates or reinforces a spiritually sensitive atmosphere, brief prayer, poetry and singing. It is held beside a body of which is an experience unto itself as well as prelude to the natural water. recitation of Shema and Amida. Shaharit morning services, On Thursday of Rosh HaShana, minha service begins essentially the recitation of Shema and Amida, include pop- at 7 p.m., followed by the evening service at 7:10. Candle ular “sing along” Hebrew piyyutim (poems). Musaf servic- lighting is after 7:57. es, the particular additional Amida for the holy day, include On Friday. Sept. 10, morning services are also at 8:30. several interpretative or contemporary English readings as Youth services are held as well. Shofar is sounded on well as cantorial (and sometimes choral) elaborations. The Friday morning as well. Afternoon and Shabbat evening shofar is sounded after the haftara reading and again during services begin at 6:00p on Friday. musaf on both days of Rosh HaShana. The recitation of For instructions on preparing meals for Shabbat in Shema and hearing the shofar are both considered Biblical Continued on Page 4

Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin September 2010 3 News

Days of Awe Continued from Page 3 Saykhel compliance with halakhic considerations in light of the three-day sequence, please see for Shabbat and Festivals p. 306 s.v. Eruv Tavshilin. On the afternoon before Yom Kippur, Friday, Sept. 17, the Minha service begins at 6:30 p.m. Candle Lighting is 6:41 p.m. (or earlier). The Kol Nidre and Maariv Evening services begin promptly at 6:45 and end by 8:15. Shaharit Morning services begin at 9 o’clock; the Yizkor Memorial service begins after 11 a.m. The Minha Afternoon service begins at 5 p.m., and is followed immediately by the Neila and Maariv services. The services end with Havdala and the sounding of the Shofar at 7:42 p.m. George G. Posener Break Fast Concludes Yom Kippur Following the concluding Yom Kippur services on Shabbat, Sept. 18, please join us as we gather for our amazing community Break Fast. This year we are again n preparation for the full-day fast pleased that, to honor the memory of Yom Kippur, it is suggested that of his beloved family, George Icaffeine users reduce their intake Posener’s generosity is enabling us to avoid withdrawal symptoms on the to provide you with a lovely meal Holy Day. Some people avoid wearing and great company. leather shoes on Yom Kippur, so do not be Each year, the George G. surprised to see canvas sneakers or other Posener Family Memorial Break non-leather shoes in use. Some also fol- Fast is prepared entirely by low the custom of wearing a kittel (white members of the BEKI community. robe) or other white garments on Yom Overseen by Darryl Kuperstock Kippur. and Linden Grazier, some of the People who need to eat or drink or take prep work is done in advance, but medication on Yom Kippur may speak the bulk of the assembly and plat- with an usher, or contact the office in ad- ing (and clean-up) of this banquet vance, for assistance. Rabbi Tilsen notes is done by you, the fantastic volun- that “People for whom fasting represents George G. Posener teers who join us in the kitchen a significant medical threat are prohibited during the afternoon break on Yom from fasting. Water, milk or a simple meal Kippur. It’s fun, intense, and extremely satisfying – so come help us should be consumed as needed.” out this year. While it is customary to stand for The George G. Posener Family Memorial Yom Kippur Break some parts of the service, those for whom Fast Fund at Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel in blessed mem- standing is difficult, impossible or danger- ory of his wife, parents, sisters, brother and two precious sons was ous should feel comfortable sitting. Rabbi established by George G. Posener in 2001 to create a lasting memo- Tilsen comments that “You get five points rial at the time of the yahrzeits of his family members. Proceeds from for answering ‘Amen!’ but only one point this endowment provide for a special and meaningful community for standing, so keep it in perspective. gathering at the end of Yom Kippur. The Posener Fund is held and This applies to people of all ages.”

Continued on Page 5

4 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org News

call the office at (203) 389-2108 x14. Days of Awe For information on seating and ticket- Continued from Page 4 ing, call the synagogue office or email [email protected]. managed by the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven. Need a Letter for Employer Holy Day Info or School? Shul members occasionally need letters A complete schedule of High Holy to employers or principals explaining the Days services, along with additional nature of the Jewish holiday observance. information and forms, is available Despite the high level of understanding at www.beki.org/yamimnoraim.html in our community, there is still a need for A schedule of Sukkot and Shemini education and information. It is important Atseret services is available at www.beki.org/sukkot.html. that our children be in shul for all of Yontif. Also, you may see your members’ High Holy Days mail- If you would like such a letter for Rosh HaShana, Yom ings, request a copy of the information booklet from the Kippur or Sukkot, contact Rabbi Tilsen at (203) 389-2108 office, pick up a schedule from the lobby literature rack, or x10 or [email protected].

Will Social Media Bring Us Together?

On the Record with Paul Bass

Selihot Selihot Evening • Saturday • Sept. 4 • 9:20 to 10:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel at Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel Presented by BEKI and By Christopher Capozziello / NYT • Congregation B’nai Jacob • Paul Bass converses with Ben hoods? Will reinvented newspapers • Congregation Or Shalom • Berkowitz, founder of SeeClickFix, revive the town square? Are we • Temple Beth Sholom • State Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, becoming more polarized or better Motse’ei Shabbat (Saturday night) Sept. 4 and Joe Ugly, founder of uglyradio. organized? Is it good for the Jews? 9 p.m.: Ma`ariv & Havdala Service net, in an exploration of the transfor- Are we headed over a cliff or missing 9:20 p.m.: On the Record with Paul Bass mation brought about by the emer- the boat? 10:30 p.m.: Refreshments gence of social media, its hazards and Paul Bass is a noted journalist and opportunities. editor of the New Haven Indepen- 11 p.m.: Selihot Service with Recent world events such as the dent (newhavenindependent.org). • Cantor Joshua Konigsberg • Turkish running of the Gaza Block- He is a nationally-recognized and • Rabbi Joel Levenson • ade and the protests in Iran have award-winning innovator in the field • Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic • called attention to the role of social of online journalism and promot- • Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen • media and the internet in global ing not-for-profit business models • Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus • politics. This evening will explore the for journalism. He is co-author of Join the Greater New Haven Conservative- local impact of the communication Murder in the Model City: The Black Masorti Congregations for prayer and study revolution. Panthers, Yale and the Redemption of in preparation for the Yamim Nora’im – The Will Twitter bring us together? a Killer. Days of Awe Can we “SeeClickFix” our neighbor- Free and open to the public.

Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin September 2010 5 News

Sukkot is Here If you feel a sense of loss at the end (203) 389-1647 or David Kuperstock ervations for a Sukkot dinner, contact of the High Holy Days, do not despair: (203) 387-0304. the office [email protected] g (203) it is time for Sukkot, called the Fes- Lulav and Etrog Orders 389-2108 x14. tival by our ancestors. Lulav & Etrog For instructions on preparing BEKI Religious School will offer are used each day of Sukkot except meals for Shabbat in compliance with lulav and etrog sets for Sukkot. To Shabbat, until and including Hoshana halakhic considerations in light of the order, please leave a note for Peggy Rabba. Information on the festival ob- three-day sequence, please see Siddur or Ina with your name and address servances and schedules are published Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals and check for $42 per set in the BEKI at www.beki.org/sukkot.html. p. 306 s.v. Eruv Tavshilin. Attention office, or mail to BEKI, 85 Harrison Set up of the Morris “Moishe” should be given to this matter on St., New Haven, CT 06515. For more Schnitman Memorial Sukka is planned Wednesday afternoon, before the onset info contact [email protected] (203) for Sunday, Sept. 19 from 9:45 to of the festival. 389-2108 x13. noon. Add a personal touch by bring- The morning service on Thursday ing some of your own sekhakh (ev- Sukkot and Shabbat begins at 9:15 and includes the recita- ergreen branches are preferred) for Hol HaMoed tion of Hallel, waving of Lulav and the roof to enhance the beauty and Sukkot begins on Wednesday eve- Etrog, and the recitation of a Hoshana aroma of our congregational sukka. ning, Sept. 22. Minha service begins for that day. Services on Thursday Breakdown and storage are planned at 5:45 p.m., followed immediately by night also begin at 5:45, but candle for Sunday, Oct. 3, following Shaharit. the evening service, ending at 6:20. lighting on Thursday is after 7:33 p.m. Additional power drivers and ladders The services will be held in the Sukka, Services on Friday morning, Sept. 24 are welcome. Please come and help. weather permitting. Candle lighting on For information, contact Saul Bell Wednesday night is at 6:32. For res- Continued on Page 7

6 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org News

Sukkot “There is nothing new under the sun,” hill.” Bring your favorite songs to sing Continued from Page 6 it also contains statements that seem for the walks, and running strollers for cynical or nihilistic. The Book will be your little ones. Reservations required. are also from 9:15 a.m. to noon and chanted according to its beautiful and again include the taking of Lulav and Hol HaMoed Sukkot ancient melody. Etrog. “Hol HaMoed,” also known as the Shabbat (Saturday) afternoon Candle lighting on Friday night is “intermediate” days of the festival, service begins at 5:45 and ends about at 6:31. Services begin at 6 p.m. on are those days between the first two 6:20 p.m. Friday, and at 9:15 on Shabbat morn- and last two days of Sukkot (and of ing. We do not use Lulav and Etrog on Sunday Sukkot Pesah). They have a “semi-holiday” Shabbat. The morning service in- The Sunday Sukkot festival service status. The rules against melakha cludes the recitation of Hallel and the begins at 9:15 a.m., and includes the (“work”) that apply on Shabbat and recitation of a Hoshana for that day. recitation of Hallel, the use of Lulav Festivals are not fully in force during Although the Shabbat nusah (musical and Etrog, and a Hoshana accompa- this period, although we are encour- mode) predominates, certain passages nied by a haqafa (circumambulation). aged to take this time as a holiday and are recited according to the unique The afternoon service begins at 5:45. to avoid work as much as possible. Festival nusah. Family Sukka Hop Our weekday morning services are enhanced with a brief Torah reading, Shabbat Hol HaMoed is marked by Join the annual BEKI Family Sukka the recitation of the musical “Hallel” reading selections from the Biblical Hop, Thursday, Sept. 23, depart- section of Psalms, and a brief Musaf Book of Qohelet (“Ecclesiastes”). Qo- ing 12:45 p.m. from BEKI’s Moishe (additional) service. Weekday morn- helet, attributed by tradition to King Schnitman Sukka. ing services thus take 60 minutes, Solomon in his old age, is a “wisdom” A light progressive meal and Sukkot instead of our usual 30 to 45 minutes. book that many see as being out of activity will take place at each sukka; Afternoon and evening services are the step with the rest of the Torah. While it RSVP to Miriam, (203) 389-6137, by includes such well-known passages as Sept, 13 so hosts can plan. Wear good Continued on Page 8 “To everything there is a season” and walking shoes for the trek “up the

Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin September 2010 7 News

Sukkot Festival morning services begin at Continued from Page 7 9:15 on Friday, Oct. 1. Three Torah usual length. The lulav (branches) and scrolls are removed from the ark etrog (citron) are waved each morning (around 10 a.m.) and seven brief haqa- of Hol HaMoed Sukkot (except Shab- fot are conducted. The final chapters bat), and one is obliged to dwell (to eat of the Book of Deuteronomy, parashat is to live) in a sukka. Some morning Ve-Zot Ha-Berkaha, are read, followed and evening services will be held in by the opening passages of the Book the BEKI sukka. Some people do not of Genesis, part of parasha Bereishit. wear tefillin during Hol HaMoed. This concludes the annual Torah read- ing cycle, and begins the new cycle. Hosanna! Hosanna! This is particularly joyful at BEKI be- The Hoshana Rabba (“Great Ho- cause so many members are involved sanna”) morning service on Wednes- in Torah reading throughout the year, day, Sept. 29 begins at 7 a.m. and ends and these readers dedicate consider- by 8:50 a.m. This is one of the most able effort in preparing accurate and colorful, fun and tactile services of the melodious chantings. year, featuring seven circuits around A maftir portion is read from Num- the sukka or shul with lulav and etrog bers, which describes the observance (palm and citron) and the hoshana of Shemini Atseret in the ancient service in which willow twigs are begins at 9:15 on Thursday, Sept. 30, Temple. The haftara is recited from beaten on the chairs. Special holiday Hallel is chanted. The unique festival the opening passages of Joshua, which melodies make this an unforgettable nusah (musical mode) is used for this is the sequel to Deuteronomy, some- spiritual experience. Be sure to come service. times called the “sixth book” of the to this “service for all ages.” The Yizkor Memorial Service is Five Books of Moses. Goodie Bags Hoshana Rabba is a semi-festival also incorporated into the Shemini will be presented by the Sisterhood to on which work is not strictly prohib- Atseret liturgy. In the Yizkor service all the deserving children at services ited as it is on the major festivals. It we call upon the memories of our an- evening and morning. Minha services serves as a “closing ceremony” for cestors and loved ones who, while not begin at 6 p.m. as is usual for Friday the weeklong Sukkot observance in physically present, are part of our “As- nights at BEKI, and is followed by preparation for the concluding festival sembly.” During that memorial ser- the Maariv service, ending about 6:40 of Shemini Atseret. Weather permit- vice, individual and communal prayers (earlier than usual). ting, the Hoshana Rabba service will and remembrances will be offered for be in the sukka. all of our departed loved ones. Sukka Storage The deconstruction of the Sukka Shemini Atseret and Yizkor Simhat Torah Celebration will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3 at Memorial Service Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel 9:30 a.m., immediately following the The Festival of Shemini Atseret is the place to be for the evening and morning minyan service (join us at 9 (“Eighth Day of Assembly”) serves as morning of Simhat Torah. Minha o’clock). Bring your ladders, tools and a conclusion to the autumn Festival services begin at 6 p.m. and evening gloves if you have them; if not, come of Sukkot (“Booths”). The festival services begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday. anyway. Your help is greatly appreci- begins Wednesday night, Sept. 29. It is Sept. 30. Candle lighting on Saturday ated. For more information about the customary to light a memorial candle night is after 7:20. Evening services BEKI Sukka construction, contact on Wednesday immediately before include seven haqafot (circumambula- David Kuperstock (203) 387-0304, lighting the Festival candles. Candle tory dances) with Torah scrolls and a [email protected] or Saul Bell (203) lighting is 6:20 p.m. (or earlier). brief Torah reading, the only time that 389-1647, [email protected]) During the morning service, which we read Torah in public at night.

8 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org LifeCycle

Mazal tov to Welcome New and HaMaqom Yinahem Amy Marx & Robert Schonberger Returning Members on the birth of their daughter Esther Robert & Marcia Jacoby With sorrow we note the Meira, and to siblings Sophie and Betsy Ratner passing of Jacob, and to grandparents Michael Belle Reese & Sarah Marx and Larry & Rachel Rabbi’s Report Herbert Sachs, Schonberger Rabbi Tilsen’s Annual report for the brother of Ivan (& Rita) Sachs, Jamie & Wes Miller on their qid- 2010 fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 uncle of Robert (& Betsy) Sachs, dushin (Jewish wedding under the is available at www.beki.org/tilsen/ Mark (& Ilene) Sachs, Linda huppa). annual10.pdf and by request from the (& Ken) Buckman, Gregory (& Joshua Prober & Denise Katz on office. Lisa) Sachs, Louis Sachs et al. their qiddushin. Sidney M. Hyman, father of Paula Hyman (& Stanley Rosenbaum) May the Almighty comfort those who mourn

Who’s Who? Can you recall the first names of the members pictured? If you’ve always wanted to know the names of the kind folks sitting near you in services but are too shy to ask or too embarrassed to ask again, take the test below and match the faces to the names of real people in services. Note: All BEKI members look bet-

ter in person. Jamie and Wes Miller’s wedding 1 2 3 4 8-Mikki 7-Eric; 5 6-Al; 5-Belle; 6 4-David; 3-Harold; 7 2-Margaret; 1-Karen; 8 Answers:

Library News Bathra vol. 1, Baba Bathra vol. 2, Baba pamphlet, Hebrew English linear transla- The following volumes have been Kamma, Kiddushin, Erubin, Nedarim, tion, paper added to the Rosenkrantz Family Library Yebamoth Fred Rosner, Sex Ethics in the writing En Jacob, S.H. Glick (NY: Moriah), through a generous contribution of Rabbi of Moses Maimonides Hebrew English, 5 volumes Harold Kushner, When Children Ask Eric & Dr. M.J. Silver: Itturei Torah (Hebrew), 6 volumes Hebrew-English Edition of the Babylo- Yerushalmi, (Jerusalem: Shilo) About God nian Talmud (London: Soncino) 1983; 11 1969, Hebrew/Judeo-Aramaic Elliot Dorff, Conservative Judaism: volumes Eben-Shushan Konkordantsia (He- Our Ancestors to our Descendents Pesahim , Taanith-Megillah-Hagigah, brew), 3 vol., Israel, 1982 S.Y. Agnon, Days of Awe Bezah-Rosh Hashanah-Shekalilm, Baba HaMafqid, selection from Talmud, Max Kedushin, Organized Thinking

Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin September 2010 9 Torah for the Hungry Mind – Adult Studies

Darshanim in September and October Wednesdays Rabbi Moshe Murray Levine will Word for the Day serve as darshan on Shabbat Shuva, The Wednesday morning service (shaharit) features a parashat Ha’azinu, Sept. 11. 90-second “Hebrew word for the day” to promote the learn- Jonathan Freiman will serve as dar- ing of Hebrew. The Hebrew language is highly structured. shan on Shabbat Bereishit, Oct. 2. Most words are based on three-letter roots, and are made Bob Oakes will serve as darshan with a limited set of verb or noun forms. By learning a few on Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Heshvan, dozen roots and a small set of word-forms, it is possible to parashat Noah, Oct. 9. roughly translate Hebrew words isolated from any context, Julia Joy, bat mitzva, will serve as something not normally possible in English. The Word for Bob Oakes darshanit on Shabbat parashat Lekh- the Day often relates to the weekly scriptural readings, en- lekha, Oct. 16. hancing personal study and public Torah discussion. Word Jacob Botwick-Ries, bar mitzva, will serve as darshan for the Day is not presented during September but will on Shabbat parashat Hayei-Sara, Oct. 30. resume following Simhat Torah. Shabbatot Rabbis’ Study Group Shabbat Shalom Learners’ Minyan Wednesdays with Murray is a weekly study group ex- The “Shabbat Shalom Learners’ Minyan,” which meets clusively for rabbis, facilitated by Rabbi Murray Levine. every other Saturday morning at 10:45 in the office, is an The Wednesday study group affords local rabbis an oppor- ideal setting for veteran and novice shul-goers alike to tunity to pursue their own talmud torah (Torah study) in a become more comfortable and pro- “safe” setting and with opportunities ficient in the Shaharit (morning) and to learn from each other’s experience Torah services in a supportive setting. and insight. The study group meets Expertly led by Steven Fraade, Rabbi Wednesday mornings in the Rosen- Alan Lovins, Rabbi Murray Levine krantz Family Library. The group is and others, the Shabbat Shalom Learn- on summer recess and will resume ers’ Minyan is a nurturing exploration following Simhat Torah. For more in- of practice and theory presented in formation, call Rabbi Murray Levine a participatory, non-threatening and at (203) 397-2513. Murray Levine Steven Fraade multi-generational setting. Many mem- Thursdays bers who take advantage of this unique Mini Morning Learning Service offering feel a deeper sense of awe born of increased The Thursday morning services are supplemented with understanding and appreciation of the services. Everyone commentary and teaching relating to the history, themes, is welcome to participate regardless of religious status or choreography and language of the daily morning service. background. Shaharit service is from 8:15 to 9 o’clock on Thursdays; on Mondays other weekdays, the service begins at 7 a.m. Rashi Study Group Sanhedrin Talmud Study Group Each Monday morning from 7:45 to 8:30 adults meet The Sanhedrin Talmud Study Group meets weekly on in the Library Chapel to read Rashi’s commentary on the Thursdays during the lunch hour (12:30 to 1:30). The Torah. It is possible to join the study group for a single Group has met weekly since 1999. For some participants, meeting or to begin at any time. Knowledge of Hebrew is this is their first direct experience with Talmud text; for not necessary. Rashi purported to explain the peshat of the others, it is a continuation of a long journey. The Group fo- text, i.e., the meaning in its historical, literary and linguistic cuses on the issues raised in the Talmud, with less attention context. Visitors and new participants are welcome. The to the technical aspects of the text. Knowledge of Hebrew Rashi Study Group meets immediately following the 7 a.m. or Aramaic is helpful but not required. shaharit service. With Jon-Jay Tilsen. Continued on Page 11

10 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org Youth

USY News Sunday Testing for This past year, USY SAT and ACTs climbed to new heights. The Youth Commission From game night, to a encouraged all BEKI-BJ teens SATO scavenger hunt, to utilize the special Sunday to our annual Limo testing date for the SATs. event, we did it all! Testing on Sunday instead of We broke the ice with Saturday is an especially nice a Ben and Jerry’s ice form of Shabbat observance. cream tasting and finished the year out with a Shabbaton It provides solidarity with other Jewish teens, and, as an at Camp Laurelwood. We received a record breaking 13 extra benefit, you’ll test in a smaller, quieter, environment. awards from the Hanefesh regional, including Chapter of • SAT http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/special-cir- the Year. We elected our new board at our tie-dye event. cumstances The new board for this year includes Tsvi Benson-Tilsen • ACT www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/nonsat.html as President, Daniel Ben-Chitrit as Vice President, Sasha 2010-11 Sunday dates for the SAT are Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Wietzman as Israeli Affairs, Matan Markind as Religious Dec. 5, Jan. 23, March 13, May 8 and June 5. You must Education, Maya Levine-Ritterman as Social Action / Tikun register by U.S. mail and include letter from Rabbi. Olam, Alex Shragis as membership / and Dana Lew 2010-11 Sunday dates for the ACT are Oct. 24 and April as Communications. 10 (in West Hartford). Bring letter from Rabbi on test day. Our first event for the 2010-11 school year will be the Sheqolarships annual FREE Ben and Jerry’s ice cream social on Sept. Your extra Israeli currency (New Israeli Sheqels) can be 5! For more information on USY membership and events used for scholarships for BEKI youth studying in Israel. email advisor Matt Wiener at [email protected] Deposit currency in the “foreign currency and tokens” A letter from Kadima Advisor Tara Kipnees pushke (charity box) in the beit ; or if you want a A special invitation to our incoming 5th-8th graders to receipt (in US dollars at current published exchange rate) join Kadima, and a special welcome back to previous mem- please send or deliver to office. Save yourself and our stu- bers! Kadima is a great opportunity to make new friends dents the cost of currency exchange and encourage them in or reconnect with other Jewish friends from school or shul their studies. while participating in our fun events. Look for news about Benei Mitzva Program Begins our Kadima events, which will be held every few weeks First class meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 5 p.m. throughout the year, and mark your calendars. Parents, to 6:15 p.m. Kadima is the perfect place for your kids to build an extra- For information and registration, see www.beki.org/ curricular support group of friends and leaders. Don’t let forms/bmp.pdf or request a copy by schleppost, fax or your kids go another year without it! email from the office at (203) 389-2108 x14 oroffice@ Best wishes, beki.org. Tara

Adult Studies Every Day Continued from Page 10 Divrei Torah on the Web A collection of Divrei Torah (Torah The Sanhedrin Study Group is on commentaries) and essays by members recess and will resume Thursday, and Rabbi Tilsen is posted on BEKI’s Oct. 7 in BEKI’s Rosenkrantz Fam- website under “Adult Studies” and ily Library. For information, con- “Meet Rabbi Tilsen.” Nadav Sela’s tact Isaiah Cooper at his law office most recent Devar Torah on Shabbat [email protected] . Nahamu is available at http://beki.org/ Isaiah Cooper Nadav Sela dt/selanadavnahamu5770.pdf.

Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin September 2010 11 Sisterhood

Please consider joining BEKI plies a community bound together by Sisterhood this year. Dues are $25 and similar values and beliefs. The images with every woman’s support we will contained within this stylized hamsa continue to support the synagogue and reflect women in celebration, dancing enhance its function. and praising. Please check out the newly remod- Your support of The Jewish Theo- eled kitchen on the main level. Our logical Seminary through Torah Fund new kitchen is just one of the many ensures the solid & healthy future of projects Sisterhood has successfully Conservative Judaism. seen through over the years. You can be a benefactor ($180); Our gift shop is stocked with many Guardian ($300); or an Associate new items and if you want something Patron ($600) and receive the 5771 pin special we will get it for you. in recognition of your support. Please Happy New Year from Sisterhood! contact Barbara Cushen at (203) Mimi Glenn & Adele Tyson 407-0314 to donate or to just send Co-Presidents out a card for any occasion at only $4 (includes postage). Torah Fund community. Kehillah Kedoshah was Thanks to everyone for your sup- Torah Fund’s theme this year, 5771, the common term for Jewish Com- port and a sweet & healthy year to all. celebrates the energizing power of munity in Eastern Europe, but also im-

News

Shabbat Clock at Whalley and Harrison gone and will not provide a green light, so be sure to stop The crosswalk at Whalley Avenue at Harrison Street at the “stop line” before the sidewalk as the law requires. operates according to a Shabbat timer. On Friday nights The New Haven Municipal Code provides: “Except when from 5:45 to 7:30, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., directed to proceed by a Police Officer or traffic control a 15-second exclusive pedestrian phase occurs each min- signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop inter- ute. It is not necessary to push the “walk” button. Please section indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering exercise extreme caution at all times as some drivers do the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the not obey the stop light. Thanks to our City of New Haven event there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked Transportation, Traffic & Parking Director Mike Piscitelli stop line…” (Section 335.040 B). Executive summary: If and Mayor John DeStefano for making this happen, and to you don’t stop where you are supposed to, you won’t get a Jay Sokolow and Ina Silverman for working with our city green light. officials. Stop Before You Go Don’t Cross the Line “The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence A sensor on Harrison Street at the corner of Whalley district emerging from an alley, driveway or building Avenue senses vehicles on Harrison Street (such as those shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto leaving BEKI) and after a delay of less than two minutes a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any provides a green light to vehicles on Harrison Street. The alleyway or driveway and shall yield the right-of-way to sensor will not work if a vehicle approaches at a very low any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision and speed. When vehicles cross the stop line (the white per- upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to pendicular line before the crosswalk) and partially enter all vehicles approaching on said roadway” (New Haven the intersection, the system will treat it as if the vehicle is Municipal Code Sec. 335.080). Executive Summary: Halt at the stop sign at the driveway at BEKI.

14 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org A Message from Rabbi Tilsen

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Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin September 2010 17 Dear Rabbi

Dear Rabbi, Dear Rabbi, paramount importance of health and well- I was at services early on Shabbat On the fourth anniversary of the ness, we might say, “You sure are a good morning for the introductory prayers. abduction of Israeli [citizen soldier] healer, God; you’re the only one whom There were only three other people there, Gilad Shalit, [on Shabbat morning], [we we can count on to do it!” and hope that counting you. Why bother? Isn’t the jury at BEKI] said a prayer for his release, the Almighty will take the hint. in? gave him an aliya in absentia, and put his In keeping with the observance of Signed, Despaired picture up in the lobby. I was proud of Shabbat as it has been transmitted to us, that. But don’t you think we should do we don’t specifically request the release Dear Despaired, that every week until he is released? of prisoners, but simply remind the The morning service is structured Signed, Captivated Almighty that we care and know how around the recitation of the Shema. The important the matter is. Mishna notes that the early sages used to Dear Captivated, At the same time, there is a com- wait “a good while” or “an hour” before We do refer to Gilad Shalit promi- munal political issue concerning what reciting the Shema, so that they would nently in every service during the week if anything is included in our public be in the right frame of mind. We recite and on Shabbat. In the weekly amida, we worship beyond the basic text. Should we Psalms and other inspirational passages describe the Almighty as “Matir asurim,” add a separate prayer for Israeli soldiers (“Pesuqei deZimra”) for about fifteen the one who releases captives. There is guarding the homeland? Or for Ameri- minutes, and then begin with the brief in- no captive in Israel more in our hearts cans serving abroad, or at home? Should troduction to the Shema and its blessings. and mind than Mr. Shalit. Unfortunately, we include the lawyers defending our Pesuqei deZimra has been described the concern for freeing captives has been liberties and civil rights who might come as a “warm-up,” “foreplay” or “center- a constant in our history, and for that rea- into harm’s way? And should we not ing.” Many people find this ancient son it is built right into the daily prayer as memorialize by name the American, or poetry to be provocative or interesting, a permanent fixture. Allied, troops who have sacrificed their while others simply need a wake-up read- Our sage Sa`adia Gaon said, about lives each week? Should we not invoke a ing. Even if you don’t like poetry, you a thousand years ago, that the daily prayer for the victims of the earthquake might find it a good chance to practice amida is designed to touch on each area in Haiti, or do we just forget them now your Hebrew reading, or else to read the of concern of our lives. It is our task to that some months have passed? commentary in Or Hadash, the annotated elaborate and personalize that recitation. We might agree that these are impor- edition of our Siddur Sim Shalom, a copy The Amida is not a text you are supposed tant concerns, but we might not agree of which is found in most rows of our to recite verbatim; rather, it is the basis on which if any ought to be placed in a sanctuary. It is also a good time to think and outline for your own prayer. In other prominent liturgical position. If you are about the week that was and to consider words, the amida for personal recitation parents of a soldier serving in a war zone what you really need to pray about during is designed as an outline to guide and as are Rabbi Eric & M.J. Silver (and for the morning. remind you to remember and vocalize security reasons I can’t say which zone, The recitation of Pesuqei deZimra also the major concerns of your life. That is but I think they have camels there), you serves as a “buffer” time so that those the very purpose of the amida, and if that might think the most important concern who come a few minutes late, despite does not work in this most extreme case is the safety of our soldiers. If you have intending to come at the start, will still – that of Gilad Shalit – then there really siblings, parents or children in Israel, not miss the recitation of Shema. The would be no point in saying the amida at as do several of our families, you might recitation of the Shema, on or close to all. consider the safety of Israeli soldiers or its proper time, is the central Biblical Our prayerbook, Siddur Sim Shalom civilians of paramount importance. If requirement of the morning service. Of for Weekdays, goes so far as to suggest you work in the field of public health, course, that doesn’t work for those who the form of a personal elaboration of the you might think that the consequences plan to miss Pesuqei deZimra. prayer for healing, a request that so often of a pandemic are orders of magnitude Some of our pious ancestors – and our touches the hearts of the worshiper and beyond the fate of just a “few” soldiers contemporaries who attend BEKI week- motivates sincere prayer. That very same or civilian war victims. If you are among day morning services in the winter – seek format can be used in praying for the safe the millions unemployed, as are several to recite the Shema at the earliest optimal release of Gilad Shalit and for our other BEKI members, you might consider the moment, just as the sun is coming up. requests, needs, concerns and wishes. economic situation pushing individuals Doing so not only shows enthusiasm to On Shabbat and major Festivals, how- and families into homelessness or divorce fulfill the mitzva, but also takes advan- ever, our form is to not make requests, more pressing than the outcome of a tage of a natural peak spiritual moment, but at most to “remind” the Almighty of distant optional war. The structure of the especially on sunny days. On Shabbat our concerns, or express our appreciation. amida as a personal prayer allows each morning we all like to sleep late, but Thus, we don’t really “request” healing person to concentrate on their heart’s true there are limits. for our loved ones or ourselves on the concerns. The public recitation allows Sabbath day, but given the urgency and each person to hear what they need.

18 BEKI Bulletin September 2010 Visit us at www.beki.org September 2010 22 Elul 5770 - 22 Tishrei 5771 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 High Holy Days Schedule 4:00pm Religious School 7:05pm Candle Lighting Selihot Staff Meeting 10:45am Children's A complete High Holy Days schedule is 5:00pm First Day of Benei Programs Mitzva Program Qiddush: Bass posted at www.beki.org/yamimnoraim.html (or 9:00pm Maariv-Havdala 9:20pm Program under “Service Schedule” on the main page). 10:30pm Refreshments 11:00pm Service Sukkot Schedule A complete Sukkot & Shemini Atseret sched- ule is posted at www.beki.org/sukkot.html (or under “Service Schedule” on the main page). 22 Elul 23 Elul 24 Elul 25 Elul 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Office Closed/Labor Day Erev Rosh Hashana Rosh Hashana I Rosh Hashana II Darshan: Rabbi Murray 9:00am Shaharit 7:00pm Minha-Maariv Office Closed Office Closed Levine 9:45am Rashi Study 6:56pm Candle Lighting For High Holiday service Candle Lighting 6:53pm 10:45am Children's Group PM Refreshments: Sela schedule see related For High Holiday service Programs articles schedule see related 10:45am Learner's 5:30pm Tashlikh (off-site) articles Minyan PM Refreshments: Sela Qiddush: Sokolow/Silverman 5:45pm Minha-Maariv

26 Elul 27 Elul 28 Elul 29 Elul 1 Tishrei 2 Tishrei 3 Tishrei 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Fast of Gedaliah 7:45am Rashi Study 4:00pm Religious School Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur (Yizkor) 9:00am First Day of Group 5:45pm Minha Maariv 6:41pm Candle Lighting For High Holiday service Religious School 7:30pm Executive Board For High Holiday service schedule and children's 10am Qever Avot at Meeting (off-site) schedule see related programs see related Hamden articles articles. 11:00am Qever Avot at 7:40pm Posener West Haven Congregational Break Fast

4 Tishrei 5 Tishrei 6 Tishrei 7 Tishrei 8 Tishrei 9 Tishrei 10 Tishrei 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9:00am Religious 7:45am Rashi Study Erev Sukkot Sukkot I Sukkot II Hol Hamoed Sukkot I School/Parent Breakfast Group No Religious School Office Closed Office Closed 10:45am Children's Meeting No Benei Mitzva Program 9:15am Festival Service 9:15am Festival Shaharit Program 9:45am Building of the 5:45pm Minha 12:45pm BEKI Sukka Hop 6:00pm Festival Minha- 10:45am Learner's "Moishe" Schnitman 5:55pm Festival Maariv (reservations required) Maariv Minyan Memorial Sukka 6:32pm Candle Lighting 5:45pm Festival Minha- 6:29pm Candle Lighting Qiddush: 6:20pm BRS & BEKI Maariv 20's/30's Havura Shabbat Hakakian/Ahmadi Community Posener Candle Lighting after dinner (off- 5:45pm Minha-Maariv Festival Dinner in Sukka 7:33pm site/reservations (reservations required) required)

11 Tishrei 12 Tishrei 13 Tishrei 14 Tishrei 15 Tishrei 16 Tishrei 17 Tishrei 26 27 28 29 30 Hol Hamoed Sukkot II Hol Hamoed Sukkot III Hol Hamoed Sukkot IV Hoshanah Rabbah 7:00a Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor) Daily Services 9:00am Religious School 8:10am Rashi Study No Religious School Office Closed Additional participants are Group No Benei Mitzva Program 9:15am Festival Shaharit 7:30pm General Board 5:45pm Minha 6:00pm Minha needed for the morning service Meeting 5:55pm Festival Maariv 6:30pm Evening Services 6:20pm Candle Lighting & Haqafot (dancing) in September. Can you come one Candle Lighting after 7:20pm morning a week? Sunday, 9 to 9:35; Monday 7 to 7:45; Tuesday 7 to 7:30; Wednesday 7 to 7:33; Thursday 8:15 to 8:50; Friday 7 to 7:20. Let us know at jjtilsen@ 18 Tishrei 19 Tishrei 20 Tishrei 21 Tishrei 22 Tishrei beki.org or just come. BEKIService Events Times Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays 9 a.m. Shaharit 7 a.m. Shaharit 7 a.m. Shaharit 7 a.m. Shaharit 8:15 a.m. Shaharit 7 a.m. Shaharit 9:15 a.m. Shaharit 5:45 p.m. Minha-Maariv 5:45 p.m. Minha-Maariv 5:45 p.m. Minha-Maariv 5:45 p.m. Minha-Maariv 5:45 p.m. Minha-Maariv 6 p.m. Minha-Maariv 5:45 p.m. Minha