Temple B’nai of Sep—Oct 2015 Wellington, Inc. Volume 44, Issue 5 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414 Six Issues per Year The Voice

Individual Highlights:

From Our 1 From Our President 2 Religious School 3 Donations 6

THE SPECIAL HIGH HOLIDAY EDITION

From Our Rabbi The practice of walking to a natural body of wa- The “Tashlikh” (casting off) is a service usually ter is quite appropriate on , the performed on Rosh Hashanah afternoon alt- day in which we celebrate the birthday of the hough it can be said up until the last of the inter- world. Rabbi Isserles, co-author of the mediate days of or Hoshanah Rabbah. In , explains: “The deeps of the seas the service we symbolically cast off our sins show that there is a creator that created and from the previous year by throwing a rock or controls the world by not letting the water flush piece of bread into a natural body of water such the earth, so we go to the sea and think of New as a river, a lake, sea or ocean. The practice is Year’s Day, the birthday of the world.” For derived from the verse recited at the ceremony: many, the natural body of water serves as a vis- “you will cast all their sins into the depths of the ual into the beauty and miracle of creation. sea,” (Micah 7: 18-20). During the Days of Awe, as your Rabbi, I have According to many scholars, the Tashlikh service the privilege and honor of looking over another has a long history dating back to the middle ag- sea that serves as a reminder of God’s creation. es. Through the years, some objected to the On Rosh Hashanah and the syna- idea of casting off sins into a body of water as gogue is filled with the sea of people that is not heathen and refused to follow the custom. Sur- matched in number by any other time of year. prisingly or not however, the custom still contin- For me, seeing all of you in during ues today as many of us are well acquainted the Holy Days is a wonderful visual of God’s cre- with the practice of“ Tashlikh.” ation. It is at this time of year that I so look for- ward to reconnecting with so many of you and This year our congregation will observe Tashlikh ushering in the New Year together. I hope and on the second day of Rosh Hashanah due to the pray the services including Tashlikh will bring us nearby canal near our synagogue. Last year if meaning and a renewed faith in the Almighty. you remember, many of us searched to no avail

in the blistering heat on the first day of Rosh In closing and on behalf of Sharon, Joshua, Mi- Hashanah for the mysterious natural body of cah, Eitan, Eliana, and myself, let me wish all of water that we were told was near the High you a Shana Tovah Umitootah, a good and School. This year we hope to be more success- sweet new year. ful. Rabbi Dr. J. Abrams

THE VOICE Page 2 of 19 From Our President

As we come to the end of the Jewish calendar year 5775, I A Congregation is a place where people come together, begin to reflect on the previous year. The physicality of TBJ where they congregate, but a Community is more than that. has changed compared to last year. Most of the complaints It is a network of support and relationships. The more you about TBJ were not pointed at the Clergy, Officers, or mem- take part, the more you build those relationships, the more bers. It was the physical condition of our facility that was connected you feel. When we become part of the communi- mostly blamed for the decrease in membership. I took that ty, we become part of something much larger than our- personally. We listened and with the help of some core selves. It certainly has been that way for Sallee and me. members we magically went from the “yellow room” that had used chairs, stained carpet, and bare walls to a Sanctu- Yes, it’s the High Holiday season, the time of year when syn- ary that is bright, clean and inviting. OK, so we did our part. agogues double or triple or quadruple in attendance, as min- Now it’s time for all members who appreciate all the work imally affiliated stream back through the sanctuary that went into our re-furbished Synagogue to do their part. doors, looking for their yearly connection. Many are bored Please spread the word to friends, neighbors, and relatives. I and confused—lots of confusion. As President of TBJ I have am excited that this year we will be having some High Holi- conversations throughout the year with these “High Holiday day services at TBJ. The second day of Rosh Hashanah and Jews,” but also with other Jews, some of them regular wor- the evening service on Yom Kippur day. Also, we will be hav- shippers, others infrequent, who are trying to figure out why ing a “free” community Yizkor Service starting at 4 PM at is so hard for them. It’s not very hard. I promise TBJ. This service will give unaffiliated Jews a chance to chant you, we will guide you. Those members that have not been the memorial prayer for the departed, and also see what the to a Friday night service or a morning service in a TBJ Community is all about. This will complement the service while may be surprised. that is held at the Wellington High School Theatre. On behalf of the Board of Directors, and my fellow officers; Maybe you noticed that I prefer using the word Community Alan Cohan, Gerald Bank, Joe Grossman, Susan Feldman, and rather than Congregation. We’ve all chosen to be part of the Lenore Glickman, and my wife, Sallee may the year 5776 be Temple B’nai Jacob community. So what does it mean to a year of peace and security in and the world over and make the choice to belong to a Jewish Community? I think it for all of us, our families, for Israel, and for the Jewish peo- means that we are looking for a place that is welcoming, a ple everywhere, a very happy, healthy and sweet new year. place where we can build intimate relationships, a place where we are supportive of each other during tragedies, and L’Shana Tovah Tikatavu celebrate during Simchas, a place that addresses profound spiritual yearnings, and a place where we can connect with Morry Silverman, President Jewish tradition. We are looking for a place to call home, a community. I believe that TBJ is that place. A Community is different than a congregation.

THE VOICE Page 3 of 19 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL United States and Israel. We are very fortunate to have What’s better than starting the Religious School year with a Peggy join our auspicious education team. Splash? We hope to see all of our students and their fami- This year we are also excited to welcome Cantor Sharon lies at our “pre- 5776” Splash Party at the Kohan home on Alcalay-Leibovici as our school Music Director. Many of us Sunday, September 6, 10:00 -12:00. Thanks once again to have longed for the day when we would hear the voices of Dr. Mel, Savannah, Elaina, and Olivia for the invitation. It our children accompanied by piano and lead by a profes- will be fun to get together, catch up and get ready for what sional religious song leader. Jewish music will become a will be a very special year at Temple B’nai Jacob Religious new and important component of our B’nai Jacob temple School. and school experience. All of our students should plan on attending our temple Mazel Tov to Talia Singer and her family on the occasion of High Holiday Services. Rosh Hashanah Junior Congregation Talia’s Bat . Talia, it has been a joy watching you will be held Monday, Sept 14, 10:30-11:15, Yom Kippur is grow from a lovely, smart, well-spoken young Jewish girl to Wednesday, September 23, 10:30-11:15. There will be a more mature, still well-spoken, respectful, self-confident signs at the High School theatre directing people to the and loving Bat Mitzvah. We will all miss seeing you in the “Children’s Rooms” for both babysitting and Junior Congre- classroom but hope that you will continue to take an active gation. part in our temple activities. Sunday, September 20, 10:00 is the formal start of our L’shanah tovah tikatevu, “5776” religious school year. We are all anxious to begin a very interactive and educational new school year. Teachers Andrea Cohan have been decorating their classrooms, working on en- Religious School Director hancements to our school curriculum and sharing thoughts and goals for our religious school students.

Morah Marion is anxious to share exciting stories about her “twinning” visit to Israel and her plans to continue this Isra- el relationship in the new school year. Morah Becky will be leading our Junior Congregation service, she is anxious to meet new and returning students. Morah Sheila is excited to meet a new group of students. We are all pleased to welcome Peggy Kroll to our school. Morah Peggy will be team teaching grades 5, 6 and 7 with Morah Sara. Peggy has many years of educational experience in both the

Mission Statement Jewish identity by providing relevant worship experiences, Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington is a Conservative, egalitari- life-long educational experiences, opportunities for social an synagogue serving the Western communities of Palm action, and a connection to . We are a di- Beach County. Temple B’nai Jacob seeks to inspire each verse and multi-generational congregation committed to member to become more deeply connected to his or her serving as a center for contemporary Jewish life.

THE VOICE Page 4 of 19 RABBI SEARCH COMMITTEE Many thanks to they are participants in the worship service rather than be- our members ing observers. It is important to have a synagogue that con- for your participation in the on- line survey and the follow- tinues to recognize the need of having and supporting a reli- up focus group meetings. We are very pleased and gratified gious school along with youth programs. by the number of members who have provided valuable The committee is following detailed guidelines provided by feedback to our search committee. We have learned that the Rabbinical Assembly which is affiliated with the United our temple members are diverse in the manner in which Synagogue of . Our next step in the they prefer to worship but are united in their desire to con- process is to complete and submit a detailed questionnaire tinue to be members of a warm and welcoming conservative to the Rabbinical Assembly. We will keep the congregation synagogue in our Jewish community. Our members are informed as the process continues. most comfortable in an environment where they feel that

THE SQUAD

By: Marisa Feldman Future activities we plan to do are things such as a movie night and even a pool party. I’m proud to say I am a th On Sunday July 12 I tried something I didn’t know I part of the Temple B’nai Jacob Youth Group and look for- would come to like so much. Since I am now in high ward to spending time with the other members at our next school, I was invited to join Temple B’nai Jacob’s Youth gatherings. If you’re someone like me contemplating wheth- Group. Along with me, other Jewish kids get together a few er to try the group out or not, I 100% encourage you to join times a month to participate in trips and activities we plan us. ourselves ensuring that we will enjoy them. It’s a great way to meet new friends your age in the Jewish community. On that specific day, we got together at one of the members’ home. We made s’mores, pizza, and homemade frozen drinks. We also played ping-pong along with lots of other games. The whole night was filled with lots of fun and games and I was actually glad I had decided to go. I was very wel- comed into the group by all and cannot wait to get together again. Incorporating Jewish traditions into some of our ac- tivities is educational yet fun.

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Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington High Holiday Services 2015 / 5776 ** Services held at the Wellington High School Theatre except noted below

Selichot Service, (@TEMPLE) ………………….……...... Saturday, September 5 ……………………………… 8:30 p.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah (@High School)……………………...... Sunday, September 13 ……………………………… 8:00 p.m.

First Day Rosh Hashanah and Taslich (@ High School)…...... Monday, September 14 …………………………….....9:00 a.m.

Junior Congregation ……………………………………...... Monday, September 14 ……………………………… 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Second Day Rosh Hashanah, (@TEMPLE) ……….....……...Tuesday, September 15 ……………………………… 9:00 a.m.

Kol Nidre / Erev Yom Kippur (@High School)……………....Tuesday, September 22 ……………………………… 6:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning & Yiskor (@ High School)…………....Wednesday, September 23 ……………………………9:00 a.m.

Junior Congregation ………………………………………..….Wednesday, September 23 ……………………………10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Community Yiskor Service (@ TEMPLE)………….………..Wednesday, September 23 ……………………………4:00 p.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service (@ TEMPLE)……………...... Wednesday, September 23……………………………5:00 p.m.

Yom Kippur Evening Service (@TEMPLE)………………...... Wednesday, September 23…………………………….6:00 p.m.

How would you like to be included in Temple B’nai Jacob’s roster of and Haftarah readers? Any adult member of the temple who can read Hebrew and is willing to learn the tropes (chanting notes) is invited to contact Ella Bender ([email protected] or 561-656-1916) for further information.

Make that long ago thought of dream a reality!

THE VOICE Page 6 of 19 GENEROUS DONATIONS General Fund Alan & Andrea Cohan TBJ Youth Group Fund Kenneth Scherzer Morry & Sallee Silverman Mitchell & Elizabeth Thal For Rededication of In Memory of Barry Bruck In Memory of Scott Brunner a Stained Glass Window Memorial Plaque Mitchell & Elizabeth Thal Harold & Selma Flanagan Dr. Michael & Liat Bruck In Honor of Edward & Maida Nussbaum for Barry Bruck (Father) Alan Cohan's 70th Birthday In Honor of Rabbi Abrams 25th Oneg & Kiddish Yahrzeits Rabbinate Anniversary Event Gerald & Florine Bank Suzanne Akselrod Alan & Andrea Cohan Kiddish in Memory of for Esther Akselrod In Honor of Todd & Ellis & Sanford Bank & Sigmund Rosenbaum Gersten Wedding Rebecca Blitman Gladys Elkin Alan & Andrea Cohan Kiddish in Memory of for Esther Feldman Mitchell & Elizabeth Thal Esther Horwitz Herbert & Roslyn Gordon In Appreciation of Dean Bennett Dennise Geller for Anna Shuster painting Classrooms Oneg & Kiddish in Memory of Melvin & Barbara Gross Mitchell & Elizabeth Thal Helen Murav for Nathan Konikow In Appreciation of Earl Jacobs Rabbi Nason & Carol Goldstein Joseph & Sylvia Heit work on Yizkor Book Kiddish in Celebration of for Anna Heit Joe & Holly Grossman their 50th Anniversary Jeffrey & Barbara Marcus Morry & Sallee Silverman Richard Klein for Ruth Marcus In Honor of Kiddish In Memory of Ida Feder Carol Newman Alan Cohan's 70th Birthday Steven & Marcie Singer for Richard Newman Teresa Simmons Oneg & Kiddish in Honor of Howard & Irene Pelzman In Appreciation of Talia's Bat Mitzvah for Louis Baskin Bible Study Class Kenneth Scherzer Gary Scher Alan & Andrea Cohan Kiddish in Memory of for Israel Scher Mitchell & Elizabeth Thal Celeste Lisyhinsky Marvin & Arline Seider Toward Keyboard for Temple Lenore Glickman for Leon & Pearl Seider Memorials Richard Klein Herbert Seigerman Myra Abrams Dr. Leonard & Cari Sukienik for Harry Sunshine In Memory of Thal Family Doris Harry Tanen's Father Oneg in Honor of for Rose & Herman J. Held Kerry & Gerry Baron Rededication Service & Annette Oldak Jerome & Donna Goldman R'fuah Sh'leimah (Get Well Wishes) Ronald & Mara Turner In Memory of Scott Brunner Gerald & Florine Bank for Annie Schwartz Richard Klein for Henry Kaufman Shirley Wolf Arnie & Zan Liebowitz Gerald & Florine Bank for Weissman In Memory of Gladys Tabachnick Sam & Linda Perlman for Herbert Terry

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To honor or remember a birthday, If you find yourself unable to anniversary, graduation, memory or any spe- cial occasion sponsor an Oneg or Kiddush achieve meaningful prayer, learn- ing, and volunteering………..

Friday night Onegs start at $54.00 and the Saturday Shabbat Kiddush tables start at $72.00 for a standard selection with extras available to make your table special.

Please contact our Temple office if you would like to sponsor an Oneg or Kiddush at 561-795-8480 THE VOICE Page 11 of 19

The first Women’s League book discussion of the calendar year will be held on Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 AM in Center Court of the Mall. We will be reading SAFEKEEPING By Jessamyn Hope. Please join us for a lively session moderated

For information, please contact your Sisterhood Torah Fund Chair, Ella Bender, at [email protected] or 561-656-1916 THE VOICE Page 12of 19

A High Holiday Review

The High Holiday period actually begins in , the Hebrew month preceding Rosh Hashanah. Elul is an important period of introspection, of clarifying life's goals, and of coming closer to G-d. Because when the big day of Rosh Hashanah comes, and each individual stands before the Almighty to ask for another year, we'll want to know what we're asking for!

Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, commemorating the creation of Adam and Eve, the first human beings. On Rosh Hashanah, the Books of Life and Death are open on the heavenly desk. On this "Day of Judgment," we each stand before G- d and offer our best case for being "created anew" -- i.e. granted another year of life. The essential mitzvah of Rosh Hasha- nah is to hear the sounding of the . The shofar blasts sound very much like the sobbing cry of a Jewish heart as well as an alarm clock, arousing us from our spiritual slumber.The shofar is also mindful of the biblical story of binding his son , when a ram was caught in the thicket and sacrificed in Isaac's stead. We blow a ram's horn to recall the great act of faith in G-d performed by Abraham and Isaac; tradition records that this event occurred on the day of Rosh Hasha- nah. A central part of Rosh Hashanah is a festive meal. During the High Holidays, a round challah bread is used, symbolizing fullness and completion. We dip the bread into honey, and also an apple into honey, symbolizing our prayer for a sweet new year. On Rosh Hashanah, we also eat a series of foods that symbolize good things we hope for in the coming year. It is customary to greet others with the words: "L'shana Tova -- Ketivah vi-chatima Tova." This means: "For a good year -- You should be written and sealed in the good (Book of Life)."

The "Tashlich" prayer is said on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah by a pool of water that preferably has fish in it. These prayers are symbolic of the casting away of our mistakes. While the decision for "another year of life" is handed down on Rosh Hashanah, the verdict is not "sealed" until Yom Kippur. Therefore, the 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are a crucial period when most peoples' judgment "hangs in the balance." During these "," we engage in intense introspection, and are particularly careful with our speech, actions, and mitzvah observance.

Yom Kippur Following the Golden Calf, Moses pleaded with G-d to forgive the Jewish people. Finally, on Yom Kippur, atonement was achieved and Moses brought the second set of Tablets down from Mount Sinai. From that day forward, every Yom Kippur has carried with it a power to cleanse the mistakes of Jews (both individually and collectively) and to wipe the slate clean. Yom Kippur is thus the holiest day of the Jewish year. In order to help us achieve a high spiritual level, Jews fast unless their doctor prescribes that they not fast due to medical reasons. The sanctity of life comes before all else. The Yom Kippur fast begins at sundown, and extends 25 hours until the following nightfall. Though Yom Kippur atones for transgressions against G-d, this does not include wrongs committed against our fellow human beings. It is therefore the universal Jewish custom -- sometime before Yom Kippur-- to apologize and seek forgiveness from any friends, relatives, or acquaintances whom we may have harmed or insulted over the past year.

Sukkot The High Holidays are followed five days later by Sukkot, a holiday of immense joy, where we express our complete trust in G-d, and celebrate our confidence in having received a "good judgment" for the coming year. The Sukkot holiday is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in and literature as Z'man Sim- chateinu, the Season of our Rejoicing.

Reprinted from JFCS.

THE VOICE Page 13 of 19 We welcome our new Religious School Music Director Sharon Alcalay Leibovici

Please refer to the Temple weekly news

in order to support fellow temple members

Friday night services starting at 7PM

In addition to leading the school students in song Saturday morning services starting at 9AM and prayer she will establish a Temple Choir for all ages!

Choir Meeting on Sundays beginning September 20th, 12:00 noon– 1:00 pm

A Word from the Sunshine For more information about joining our choir call our Temple Ofice. Committee  In need of a friendly voice  In need of get well wishes  In need of a friend to share a holiday meal with

If you or any member of your family, or if you know of anyone in our Temple family that is in need, please let us know.

We are here for you.

Please call Liz Thal at the Temple – 793-4347, or e –mail Lenore Glickman, [email protected] THE VOICE Page 14 of 19 SISTERHOOD JUDAICA SHOP

We have ritual items: mezuzot and “kosher” scrolls, candle- sticks, menorahs, kippot, clips, yads, memorial candles, as well as jewelry, gift and novelty items.

SEE US ON THE TEMPLE WEBSITE

Call Ella Bender 656-1916

We Thank You for Donating to our High Holiday Flower Fund

Judy Franklin Ella & Chaim Bender Thal Family Lenore Glickman Zan and Arnie Liebowitz Andrea & Alan Cohan Morry and Sallee Silverman Jeff & Barbara Marcus Holly and Joe Grossman Gerry & Kerry Baron Jerry and Florine Bank Lila Kaplan Sam and Linda Perlman Donna & Gerome Goldman Dr. Lenny Sukienik and Family

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See us at: Www.templebnaijacob.com and Follow us on

Www.facebook.com/templebnaijacob

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THANK YOU

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561-793-4347 THE VOICE Page 18 of 19

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*The B’nai Jacob of Wellington “The Voice” newsletter is published six (6) times a year: Jan/Feb, March/April, May/June, July/August, Sept/Oct, and Nov/Dec.

Please remember all of your wonderful opportunities to honor or memorialize loved ones or to mark special occasions with a contribution to Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington.

Remember birthdays, yahrzeits, and more with a gift to the Rabbi’s Discretionary fund, one of the Temple funds, or through the Sisterhood’s Oneg/Kiddush sponsorship program.

For more information, call the Temple at 561-793-4347 THE VOICE Page 19 of 19 Non-Profit Organization TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB US Postage 12794 W Forest Hill Blvd, Ste 6 PAID West Palm Beach, FL 33414 West Palm Beach FL. Permit No. 1409

Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington

12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 6 Wellington, FL 33414

PHONE: 561-793-4347

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Rabbi Dr. David Abrams Cantor Jacob Ephron

Religious School Director Andrea Cohan

Officers

President Morry Silverman

Vice Presidents Alan Cohan Gerald Bank Joseph Grossman

Treasurer Joseph Grossman

Recording Secretary Susan Feldman

Corresponding Secretary Lenore Glickman