The Bulletin TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL’S MEMBERS & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER

“...to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.” JANUARY 2020 TEVET - 5780 110 years

THREE ENRICHING ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES BEGIN THIS MONTH

Introduction to with Rav Jeremy What does the rich, multi-faceted heritage of Judaism offer you? This course is for those who may or may not have been raised in a Jewish home, but are seeking a better understanding of the basic Jewish spiritual and ethical practices, philosophical understandings, and cultural activities.

We will also learn about the Jewish activist tradition of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Sundays, 10:45-11:45 a.m., 13 classes beginning January 5th (ends in June) at

UCONN’s Hillel House, 54 N. Eagleville Road (convenient on-street parking).

Jewish Principles for “Repairing the World - Tikkun Olam” with Rav Jeremy Many of us want to do what Judaism calls “tikkun olam – repairing the world” – addressing the brokenness, unnecessary suffering, injustices, violence, etc. in the world. Many religious and secular traditions address what the goals and content of that effort should be. This course will examine the core of what the Jewish heritage particularly has to teach us about this holy work. Tuesday evenings at the Temple, 7:00-8:00 p.m.; 9 classes beginning January 14th (ends in May)

Introductory Hebrew 1 with Gideon Hartman Learn to read Hebrew and a dozen or so core words and phrases, as well as some of the basic ideas of how Hebrew “works.” Wednesday evenings at the Temple, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 11 classes beginning January 22nd (ends in April).

Classes are free. There will be a nominal book fee for the Introductory Hebrew class.

PLEASE REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASS (OR CLASSES) AT: [email protected] Or call 860-423-3743

In This Issue

President’s Message 3 Rabbinic Reflections 4 THE BULLETIN is a monthly publication of January readings 4 TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL Celebrations and Services 5 383 Jackson Street Temple Family News 6 P.O. Box 61 Willimantic, CT 06226 Caring Committee, Daughters of Abraham Book Club news 7 Phone: 860.423.3743 Tikkun Olam Committee news 8 Fax: 860.423.7594

Highlights of the November 2019 Board Meeting 9 Submission deadline: The 15th of each month. Windham Interfaith Working Group in its third year of 9 Editor reserves the right to reject interfaith understanding. Submissions due to space limitations. Sarah Ratner Library book reviews 11 Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz

Office hours: Jewish Gatherings and Learning Opportunities 12 Tuesday through Friday, by appointment. An important reminder about our church tenants 12 Call 860.423.3743 Ext. 0 Donations: Sustainers, Patrons, Bnaifactors, and others. 13 & 14 or e-mail Thank you! [email protected]

The “REBELS’ FAST” - Tsom Shovavim (Tat) - Care to join me? 15 Confidential Voice Mail: 860.423.3743 Ext. 1 January Yahrzeits 18 & 19 [email protected] World Zionist Congress Elections 20 & 21

January Jewry Duty participants and needs 22 Temple Bnai Israel is an affiliate of We thank the many businesses and individuals whose 23, 24, & Reconstructing Judaism contributions ensured our Winter Wonder Auction success! 25 ReconstructingJudaism.org Our Winter Wonder Auction - a pictorial follow up. 26 -29 South Eastern CT Yachad BBYO Youth Group Teen Event at the 30 Temple on January 5th. Office Administrator January calendar 31

Marlene B. Aulten SAVE THE DATE for our February vegetarian Chili Cook-off and Back Office hours: tasting, and winter noshing fest! Cover Tues. and Wed. 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday’s noon to sunset.

Deviations from this schedule will be noted on the Temple’s online calendar. www.templebnaiisrael.org

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It has been so busy recently that I have not had where Katharine Hepburn had a a lot of time to think about my column this summer home. It was a Sunday month. However, first and foremost, I want to morning and it is a private community. thank everyone who made the Temple Gala We saw police patrolling the area and Auction such a rousing success. I am hard (perhaps inappropriately) it made us a pressed to think of an event at the Temple that little nervous. Were we allowed to be pulls in so many individuals. The Auction there? Would they stop us? But this led Committee did a terrific job from start to finish! us to a much larger discussion; what if And thanks to all of you who helped out. I we were people of color walking around cannot help but smile when I think of those of and male? If we felt a little scared as you who walked around during the live auction middle-aged white women how would a hawking the goods! That was a selling point for young, black man feel? Or the parent sure. And on behalf of the Temple of a person of color? Rav Jeremy’s Community, I also want to thank all of the reflections brought me back to that businesses and individuals who donated goods time. So much to think about and so and services; these are the foundation of a much work to do! successful event (see pages 23-25 for a full list). I wish you all a Happy New Year! May All in all a terrific event! 2020 bring you happiness, peace and

Looking ahead, the Board will have a retreat in good health. February to discuss the Temple’s Strategic Plan and Leadership development. The Thanks for reading. responsibility of being President of the Anne Temple certainly encourages one to think about the Temple in a different and perhaps more Additionally, thank you to Rabbi comprehensive way. However as I consider the Deborah Waxman, President of “big picture”, I also reflect on the day to day Reconstructing Judaism, for sharing and details of running the Temple. I am some of her personal history and continually thinking of ways to engage more thoughts about the past, present, and members, and I thank those of you who have future of Reconstructionist Judaism. said yes, when I or someone else has asked for your assistance. And please consider continuing with your assistance; please do not underesti- mate how useful it is to have more people help!

On an unrelated but I feel important note, I wonder if you read Rav Jeremy’s article on page 24 of last month’s Bulletin. It reminded me that a few years ago I had the exact same thought exercise. It did not occur at the Temple but it still brought up many of the same questions. My friend and I were wandering around the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook

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RABBINIC REFLECTIONS Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz

This month’s column is a Rabbinic Reflections by Request.

Rabbi Ishmael says, “One who wishes to acquire wisdom should study the ways that money works, for there is no greater area of than this. It is like an ever-flowing stream.” Rabbi Ishmael didn’t request this column – he lived almost two thousand years ago – but a member requested a column on the “Torah of Money,” and I think Rabbi Ishmael was right that it’s an important topic. How a community raises and spends money is (or should be) a reflection of their values. And the flow of money has important implications for people’s wellbeing. Some of this will be review for some of you from our discussions about a new dues system 2006. Some will be new (for this newsletter The Bulletin).

The first principle when it comes to money is the “The Earth is God’s,” as Psalm 24 says. That has far-reaching implications (as we’ll learn in the third session of the Tikkun Olam class starting this month as outlined on the front cover). But with regard to money, it implies that our money is in many ways a gift that we have an obligation to use in godly ways. In terms of community funding, it may also imply funding in proportion to wealth or income. Indeed, one form of funding in Torah is income-indexed, the tithe. Deuteronomy 14:22 states, “You shall tithe, tithe all the produce from your seeds that comes to you from the field each year.” And Deuteronomy 16:17 describes payments to the ancient Temple in this way: “Each person according to their hand’s gift, according to the blessing that the Creating One has given you.”

But the income-based tithe wasn’t the only way that the Torah and later Jewish teachings advised for raising communal funds. There were also cases in which funding was based on the degree of service provided. The Talmudic examples have to do with guides for camel caravans and, according to some opinions, the cost of building a protective wall around a city. Sometimes paying for services rendered is a legitimate part of communal funding.

Continued on page 6

READINGS FOR JANUARY 2020 TEVET-SHEVAT 5780

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2020 SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020 7 TEVET, 5780 14 TEVET, 5780 Parashat Vayigash Parashat Vayehi Genesis 44:18 - 47:27 Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 This Year: 44:18 - 45:27 This Year: 47:28 - 48:22 : Ezekiel 37:15-28 Haftarah: I Kings 2:1-12

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020 21 TEVET, 5780 28 TEVET, 5780 Parashat Parashat Va’era Exodus 1:1 - 6:1 Exodus 6:2 - 9:35 This Year: 1:1 - 2:25 This Year: 6:2 - 7:7 Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23 Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25 - 29:21 4

SERVICES AND CELEBRATIONS

Saturday, January 4th, 9:30 a.m.: Bagel & Bible followed by an abbreviated Shabbat Service and . Topic: Joseph and Esther: Two Great Tragicomedies? There are extensive parallels of language between the stories of Joseph and Esther. What do we learn from that? Is saving the nation funny? Can triumph be disastrous? And what do the parallels tell us about the two stories as literary creations?

Friday, January 24th, 6:30 p.m.: 4th Friday Shabbes Dinner at a member’s home. Call or email the office for location, 860-423-3743; [email protected]

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TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS

המקום ינחם Hamakom yenachem - Condolences

To Debbie Stoloff and family on the passing of Debbie’s uncle, Joe Narotsky, 13 Kislev, 5780.

Congratulations to:

Lottie and Karl Hackner on the birth of a grandchild, Julia, on November 18, 2019. The proud parents are Nicole Hackner-Glass and her husband Matt.

Gail & Joe Petrowsky on the naming of their twin grandchildren Chaya (Zoey) and Kobi (Jacoby).

RABBINIC REFLECTIONS continued from page 4 Another value to consider is the value of generosity. This is expressed in the Torah in Exodus 25:2: “Speak to the Children of Israel and let them take an offering for me; from each person whose heart moves him[/her] you should take my offering.” Values of encouraging generosity and leaving some spending decisions to personal choice imply that some of the Temple budget should not covered by dues (or rent), but rather by the free-will donations of members in our various fund-raising appeals and events.

Finally, with regard to communal income, a very important principle is expressed in Exodus 30:11 -16: “When you take up the head-count of the Children of Israel, . . . this is what they should give: ... a half shekel .... The rich won’t increase and the poor won’t decrease the half shekel ... to cover for your souls.” Here, the underlying principle is the fundamental equality of each person. Similarly we learn that each person is created in the divine image. This is also a democratic principle, that each of us is equal in our relation to Temple governance and we need to be careful that our raising and spending money doesn’t interfere with the respect of the image in each or the equality of each.

Our sages considered embarrassing someone a very grave sin. In the Talmud (Bava Metsia 58b), we read: “When you embarrass (literally: whiten the face of) a colleague in public, it is as if you’ve spilled blood.” We have values that affect not only how much we ask of one another, but how we ask. We want to take whatever measures we can to avoid embarrassing members of the community, in particular over issues of wealth or poverty. In previous Temple discussions, some put this issue positively: we value being an inclusive, economically diverse community. The tradition also leaves room for practicality: Whatever financial systems we adopt must actually get the job done of providing the institutions and services we think we need to provide. So there are ethical considerations about how a community – or an individual – makes money. The process should be fair, taking into account everyone’s fundamental equality, as well as differences in ability to pay/give and need for a service or product. We also don’t want our income to be based on harming others. For example, Jewish tradition teaches that our income should be based on fair Continued on page 8 6

COMMITTEE NEWS CARING COMMITTEE DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM BOOK CLUB Caring for each other in times of need. Carol Kraus [email protected] Fran Jaffe Ellie Shane 860.228.2390 860.428.5392 NEXT MEETING: [email protected] [email protected] Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 Thanks to Carol Kraus and Susan Meisler, our 6:30 p.m. leaders in December. January leaders are Sheila At the home of Jeanne Morascini Amdur and Carol Kraus. Our February leader is Colebrook Village Scott DeShong, and he needs a partner; IF YOU 55 John E. Horton Blvd., Hebron Apartment 202 CAN PARTNER WITH SCOTT, please let me know as soon as possible. BOOK SELECTION:

I mention both months as this is a combined January/February writing. Ellie is in Florida for Barbara Kingsolver’s the winter, and I will be away from Flight Behavior December 26 through January 20 with limited internet service. We would, however, like to be kept in the loop during this time.

As I mentioned last month, we have coverage through May, so if you find your calendar allows you to sign up for June of 2020 onward, please let me know.

As always, our Committee would gratefully welcome some new members. Why not consider joining us in helping your fellow congregants when they’re in need. If you know of anyone who may need our help, please call our monthly leaders, Rav Jeremy or the committee co-chairs, Fran Jaffe or Ellie Shane.

I know this is wishful thinking but perhaps next time I write, the harshest of winter will be behind us!

Happy Hanukkah, Fran

A helpful reminder from your office administrator: Times and/or details of events may change after we go to print; always check our on-line calendar to confirm event information.

www.templebnaiisrael.org/temple-bnai-israel-calendar/

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TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE Merle Potchinsky, Chair, [email protected] The Tikkun Olam committee has continued to address concerns around refugees and asylum seekers and the prospect of faith-based community organizing. Since our last meeting on December 8th, we learned that our Governor, Ned Lamont, put out an official statement in the form of a letter to the president, indicating that Connecticut is a State that remains open to resettling refugees. The text of that letter can be found at this link (https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of -the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2019/12-2019/Governor-Lamont-Notifies-President-Trump- Connecticut-Will-Continue-Welcoming-Refugees ). We remain committed to hosting another HIAS Refugee Shabbat which will take place on Friday evening March 20th, followed by a talk by UCONN Professor Sarah Willen on Sunday afternoon; Professor Willen will speak about asylum seekers in Israel.

We are excited to begin planning for what we are humorously dubbing our ‘SPEED- DATING EVENT’. This will be an interesting evening of getting to know your fellow congregants a little better around issues that are meaningful to them. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE, SUNDAY, April 26th and join us as we explore the directions that Temple Bnai Israel along with our greater community, should be following.

An important note about our affiliation with the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM): As a member of (WAIM), we are obligated to help the organization in a hands-on manner, twice a year. Our Committee has enjoyed working in the WAIM communal garden over the years and is trying to get dates over the growing season to participate. Please make this part of your commitment to our community too as this is not just a Tikkun Olam Committee obligation, but our full Temple Bnai Israel community’s. We will give you plenty of notice to plan ahead. We love our communal gardening volunteer days BECAUSE THEY ARE...  a great way to have great fun working outside together!  a fantastic opportunity for kids and families to be together!  an easy opportunity for those requiring Community Service hours (students, for example)

to get a few. Thanks for taking these volunteer opportunities to heart! Our next Committee meeting is Sunday, January 12th at 9:30 a.m. at the Simonsen’s home.

Happy Chanukah and a very Happy secular New Year! Merle

RABBINIC REFLECTIONS continued from page 6 and humane treatment of workers, as well as fairness to our employers. It forbids using one’s economic or political power to deprive another of their livelihood. And it forbids any unnecessary harm to the environment. Our business operations, investing, and spending should all try to honor those teachings. Again, we could express these ideas positively: We should make and spend money to accomplish our important aims: To tend the earth and protect it (“l’ovdah ul’shomrah” in the words of Genesis), to liberate the enslaved and oppressed, and to reveal the sparks of holiness within us and all around us through the inner work of tikkun nefesh and the outer work of tikkun olam.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOVEMBER, 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING

 The Board discussed the mission of the library and how best to direct limited resources. The library is seeking input from all members of the Temple community about books to purchase, programming, and any other things members think are important.

 We prepared for the December 15 visit of Rabbi Deborah Waxman, President of Reconstructing Judaism.

 The Board discussed changes to Marlene’s hours (to occur in January) and priorities for the Office Manager's role.

 Rav Jeremy went over options for his 2021 sabbatical, and the Board began considering logistics, particularly ways of covering services. It will be important for a wide range of Temple members to help lead services during the sabbatical.

 The Board discussed teen programming at the Temple, including the possibility of developing roles for teenagers in the operations of TBI that mesh their interests with the Temple’s needs.

 We discussed the work of the Security Committee and our desire to continue to update the Temple's policies. WINDHAM INTERFAITH WORKING GROUP IN ITS THIRD YEAR OF INTERFAITH UNDERSTANDING. In June, 2016, 20 people from all different faith backgrounds gathered at our Temple to discuss how we could promote interfaith understanding, and combat prejudice and bigotry. We decided at that point to form a “Working Group”, open to people of all faiths who shared our mission of coming together to educate not just one another, but our broader community on the diversity and richness of faiths in the region in which we live.

This year, we are working on several programs and activities and welcome anyone who is interested in participating. We were one of the sponsors (with the NAACP, the Temple, and the Hochberg Fund) of “Community Conversations on Race and Hate Speech”, attended by close to 150 people at ECSU. We helped plan the annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, which was well attended

Our spring programs will include: A “Safety to Worship” Forum aimed at clergy and lay leaders in March, providing an overview of how to increase safety and security of our faith communities. In April, the Temple will hold a Community Freedom Seder during Passover, open to the public, and modeled on the remembrance of Martin Luther King one year after his death. Many hands are needed to help!

During Ramadan, the Islamic Center at UConn will invite the public to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of the daily fast, with them, and a Scriptural Sharing by our three major faith groups will precede the meal.

We will conclude this year by a music and cultural fest in concert with other groups in the area. Our next meeting is at 6:30 p.m., January 22 at the Mansfield Baptist Church. Please contact Sheila Amdur, [email protected], for more information.

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366 Windham Road Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 456-8658 [email protected] tricountymemorials.com

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SARAH RATNER LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS

Stories For Children by Issac Bashevis Singer. These36 stories by the Nobel Prize winner, include “Zlateh the Goat”, “Mazel and Shlimazel” and “A Hanukkah Eve in Warsaw”. The stories are set in Poland’s prewar ghettos and in New York. One reader wrote “Funny Jewish cultural stories to impart to children and grandchildren”.

We thank Sue-Ellen Kirkham for submitting this review.

The Book of Jewish Food by Claudia Roden. Sometimes around the holidays I look more closely at the Jewish cookbook section of the library. I'll choose one or two based on a quick assessment of the ingredients, spices and whether or not I feel I will actually make more than one of the recipes. The Book of Jewish Food: An Odyssey From Samarkand to New York, Knopf 1997, by Claudia Roden was immediately appealing because of the way the chapters were organized and the evocative photographs and commentary.

Claudia Roden traveled the world for 15 years researching Ashkenazi and Sephardi styles of cooking through the centuries, starting with the ancient Hebrews. Her scholarly research of domestic life is comprehensive and instructive. By interviewing cooks and food sellers, she discovered recipes that had never been documented and put them into social and historical perspective. Roden has written so much more than a mere cookbook; ultimately she paints a picture of the resilience and adaptability of the Jewish people.

There are over 800 recipes, from the Ashkenazi traditional , bagels and tzimmes to Sephardic tabouleh, hummus and falafel, and Roden shares with us the many different ways Jews are cooking today. These are some of the best recipes you will ever find and you certainly do not have to be Jewish to appreciate them.

The winner of the James Beard Foundation Cookbook of the year award, this is an outstanding addition to anyone's library, and I HIGHLY recommend it!

We thank Bernice Freedman-Warnke for submitting this review.

Your Library volunteers: Rochelle Marcus, Sue-Ellen Kirkham, Peter Malinow, Scott DeShong, and Bernice Freedman-Warnke. PLEASE JOIN THEM! If you can volunteer email [email protected]. Thank you!

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JEWISH GATHERINGS & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

You are welcome to submit short notices about upcoming, non-partisan Jewish gatherings or opportunities for Jewish learning that you think would be of interest to other members of the congregation. Please keep listings to 100 words or less. Disclaimers: This column reflects submission and so is not unbiased or comprehensive and does not reflect the endorsement of the Temple or the rabbi. We reserve the right to edit submissions or to not include submissions that conflict with important Temple events or with the Temple’s officially stated values, (although if you don’t think it conflicts, we’ll probably publish it). Online Reconstructionist Learning Opportunities https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/ReconLearning

Reconstructing Judaism offers online learning and discussion groups that are free to members of affiliate congregations, such as Temple Bnai Israel ($54 suggested donation for non-members.) Reconstructionist Learning provides opportunities for personal exploration, community engagement and spiritual development. JANUARY PROGRAMING: Social Media Marketing for Congregations and Organizations Led by Rosa Cohen, Communications Associate, Reconstructing Judaism Wednesdays, Jan 15th, Jan 22nd, Feb 12th, 1:00–2:00pm Eastern time https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/networks/2019/social-media-marketing

Reimagining Synagogue Security Led by Rabbi Micah Weiss, Assistant Director of Thriving Communities/Tikkun Olam Specialist, and Rabbi Maurice Harris, Associate Director of Thriving Communities and Israel Affairs Specialist, Reconstructing Judaism Tuesdays, Jan. 21st, Jan. 28th, Feb. 4th, 1:00–2:00pm Eastern time https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/networks/2019/reimagining-synagogue- security AN IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT OUR CHURCH TENANTS Dear Members, as you are all aware, CCRN rents space from us and has activities and services during specific times. On Sunday mornings they have their services. Over the months since they have been renting from us, I have looked at this as how it affects us, the Temple Community. We have had to alter our schedule on Sundays and some evenings mainly due to the way that sound travels through the building.

Recently, however, I discovered that I needed to change the way I view sharing space with CCRN. We need to make sure that we do not disturb the CCRN community when they are using the building. They have been fabulous renters and we have worked very well with Ileana and Pastor Danny Nieves. They are respectful of our community and building and are very responsi- ble. They certainly have improved the space in Flanzer Hall. We need to respect CCRN’s use of our space. We can certainly all be in the building at times, but it is our responsibility as good neighbors to avoid disturbing their services. If concerns arise, please let me know.

Thanks so much for your consideration. Anne

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DONATIONS FOR OUR 2019-2020 FY Sustainers Sheila Amdur Ken Dardick & Judy Stein

David & Marilyn Foster

Harry & Honey Birkenruth

Patrons Carol Colombo Jane & Robert Moskowitz Martin & Randee Berliner

Bnaifactors Stephen & Faith Kenton Peter & Stephanie Malinow Todd & Mona Friedland Gerald Berkowitz Leanna Loomer & Joe Loy Rita Pollack Jerome & Nina Rosen Anne & Michael Willenborg Rav Jeremy & Merle Potchinsky Grace Adams David & Ellen Brodie Stuart & Joan Sidney Eugene & Georgia Mittelman

CHAI Appeal Gloria Gerald Carol & Yves Kraus Ellie Shane Ilene Reiner Carole & Neal Olderman Jeanne & Anthony Morascini Doreen & Bill Simonsen Grace Adams Janet Robertson David Wollner Maxine Potchinsky Fran Storch Susan & Jim Schmerl

Yizkor Remembrance Book Harry & Honey Birkenruth Todd & Mona Friedland Rita Pollack Jerome & Nina Rosen David Wollner David & Debbie Stoloff Grace Adams Robert & Jane Moskowitz Ken Dardick & Judy Stein Peter & Stephanie Malinow Martin & Randee Berliner Carol Colombo Sandy Roth Shoshana Levinson Marla & Mark Hauslaib Gloria Gerald Debra & Paul Sarazin Leana Loomer Continued on page 14

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FY 2019-2020 DONATIONS - THANK YOU! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Yizkor Memorial Booklet continued: Jeanne & Tony Morascini Sharen & Thomas Peters Bruce & Sharon Brettschneider Ilene Reiner Beth & Bernie Schilberg Michelle Wittstein Lex & Ramona Nishball Susan Meisler Sheila Amdur Discretionary Fund In Honor of the High Holidays Judy Stein & Ken Dardick Beverly Sims David & Mary Ellen Goldhamer William Okeson Jill Marocchini Shoshana Levinson Leanna Loomer Anat Becker Helen & Mark Ross Michael Shane Gideon Hartman & Natalie Munro Andrea Kaye William Israel (estate of) Miriam Schreiber Marsha Hilsenrad Pamela Nishball Jill Petrowsky & Anthony Solano in Carl & Elaine David honor of the naming of their twins, Jeffery & Judy Walter Chaya (Zoey) and Kobi (Jacoby). Mark & Devra Kemp Gail & Joe Petrowsky in honor of the Lawrence & Cathy Gramling naming of their twin grandchildren. Murray Wachman Michelle Rabinowitz

General Fund In memory of William Israel Anat & Etan Markus David & Debbie Stoloff Bruce & Sharon Brettschneider Kathryn Judd Tri-County Memorials Elizabeth Schaefer Wicke Emmanuel and Elisabeth Buzay Susan & Steven Wallerstein Ilene Reiner, in memory of Walter Berman Kiwanis Club of Norwich Carl & Elaine David in memory of: Harold & Sylvia Eisler and Frank & Luise David In memory of Ralph Marshall: Susan & James Schmerl David & Debbie Stoloff In honor of David Golden’s unveiling: Lily, Sam, and Willow Golden Gerald & Lenore Kerachsky Doreen Simonsen in honor of Ze’ev Herscovici and all he does to help our Temple community. 14

THE “REBELS’ FAST” - TSOM SHOVAVIM (TAT) - CARE TO JOIN ME? Over the past several years, as we’ve shared thus, again by acronym, Shovavim Tat. In Iftar (the evening break-fast during fact, some versions of this tradition call for Ramadan) with our Muslim neighbors, I’ve fasting only during leap years.

been impressed and attracted by the idea of I have to say that there are some meanings sustained fasting as a spiritual practice. The ascribed to these fasts that don’t speak to idea of dedicating not just a day, but an me. As happens often with male-centric extended period to heightened Godly orthodox mysticisms, there’s a tendency for awareness and the practice of self-discipline superstitions as well as sexual anxieties and seems to hold some promise for personal obsessions to arise, and they have arisen growth. And I’ve been reading occasionally with regard to Tsom Shovavim (Tat). I’m about the possible health benefits of not going to get into most of that here. occasional fasting. So, I went searching for a parallel practice in Judaism. One understanding that does speak to me is simple: This is a good season for teshuvah, It turns out we have something similar. It’s for turning ourselves toward the Godly, called Tsom Shovavim Tat or Tsom Shovavim, based on that verse from Jeremiah 3:22: depending on the year, as I’ll explain. This “Return, rebellious children, - shuvu banim practice never became universal or required, shovavim - and I will heal your rebellion.” and so has multiple variations both in the And the story of the Exodus, which details of the practice and the reasons spreads over these weeks, is a story of a given. The tradition in its various forms healing rebellion. I’ll mention one of the calls for fasting sunrise to sunset every possibly odd sexual issues related to this Thursday and maybe every Monday for six tradition. There’s a tradition that after to eight weeks, starting the week of the Adam and Eve were expelled from the Torah portion “Sh’mot” – the beginning of Garden of Eden, Adam was mad at Eve the book of Exodus. (See the last and committed a further sin by refusing to paragraph of this article for some non- have sex with her – for a hundred thirty fasting traditions related to this period.) years! Rabbi Isaac Luria believed that This fasting season derives its name from somehow the slavery in Egypt and the the Torah portions of the weeks involved. Exodus were the means of repairing some Tsom means “fast.” Shovavim is an acronym cosmic brokenness left over from that sin. for the six first Torah portions of the book Adam’s sin was a reaction to sin and of Exodus: Shmot, Va’era, , B’shalah, mortality that rejected the other and in a , . Shovavim also is a word sense rejected life. In Egypt, the Israelites meaning “rebellious” or “wayward,” kept making more and more babies. “mischievous,” or “naughty.” In Jeremiah Pharaoh, whose fear of mortality is 3, God says twice, “Return, rebellious symbolized by enormous pyramids of stone children – shuvu banim shovavim!” - was terrified of them and did everything During Jewish leap years, the seven out of he could to stop them. But they kept nineteen years when there’s an additional choosing life and eventually beat Pharaoh. lunar month, the fasting tradition is to fast By the Torah portion Mishpatim, they have for an additional two weeks, the Torah a way of life that humanizes the “lowest” portion weeks of Trumah and T’tsaveh – Continued on page 30 15

Judith A. Stein Attorney at Law Executive Director

[email protected]

(860) 456-7790

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JANUARY YAHRZEITS

Kaddish will be said for the following Yahrzeits on January 3rd and 4th Peshe Gordon 7 Tevet January 4 Lesley Kirschenbaum Wife of Arthur Kirschenbaum 7 Tevet January 4 Yetta Schiller Mother of Larry Schiller 8 Tevet January 5 Florence Rosenstein 8 Tevet January 5 Martin Wollner Father of David Wollner 8 Tevet January 5 Hyman Chasen 9 Tevet January 6 Virginia Goldberg 9 Tevet January 6 Abraham Lessner Father of Moshe Lessner 9 Tevet January 6 Celia Chasen 10 Tevet January 7 Benjamin Eisenberg 10 Tevet January 7 Hannah Hochberg Missan Aunt of Jeanne Morascini 11 Tevet January 8 Bernie Cantor Father of Gail Petrowsky 11 Tevet January 8 Sol Coleman Father of Mona Friedland 11 Tevet January 8 Mollie Silverstein Grandmother of Sheridan Vernon 12 Tevet January 9 Ruth Hillman 12 Tevet January 9 Herman Birkenruth Father of Harry Birkenruth 12 Tevet January 9 Robert M. Stein Father of Judith Stein 13 Tevet January 10 Laura Kaplan 13 Tevet January 10 Rose Lillian Rosen 13 Tevet January 10 Kaddish will be said for the following Yahrzeits on January 10th and 11th John Kraus Father of Yves Kraus 14 Tevet January 11 Milton Miller Uncle of Bernice H. Freedman 14 Tevet January 11 Maxwell Foster 14 Tevet January 11 Judith Lee Klein Mother of Hillary Stern 15 Tevet January 12 Arthur Wilinski Father of Honey Birkenruth 15 Tevet January 12 Reggie Schretter 15 Tevet January 12 Minerva Greenfield Mother-in-Law of Art Kirschenbaum 17 Tevet January 14 Bennie Bassok 18 Tevet January 15 Hattie Tufel 18 Tevet January 15 Tobias Gerson Gerald Father-in-law of Gloria Gerald 18 Tevet January 15 Howard Kirschenbaum Son of Arthur Kirschenbaum 18 Tevet January 15 Sylvia Brettschneider 19 Tevet January 16 Bernard Brody Father of Paul Brody 20 Tevet January 17

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JANUARY YAHRZEITS continued Kaddish will be said for the following Yahrzeits on January 17th and 18th Chris Flammang Father of Anne Flammang 21 Tevet January 18 Sarah Mislin 23 Tevet January 20 Hyman Israel 24 Tevet January 21 Isaac Cooperman 24 Tevet January 21 Eva B. Rothblat 24 Tevet January 21 Franklin Prague Husband of Edith Prague 24 Tevet January 21 Sarah Gelt Mother of Edith Prague 25 Tevet January 22 Bess Hochberg Aunt of Jeanne Morascini 25 Tevet January 22 Tammie Brodie Mother of David Brodie 25 Tevet January 22 Neal Friedland Brother of Todd Friedland 25 Tevet January 22 Michael Ostrofsky 26 Tevet January 23 Joseph Hochberg Uncle of Jeanne Morascini 27 Tevet January 24 Kaddish will be said for the following Yahrzeits on January 24th and 25th Joseph Kaplan Father of Roberta Schwane 28 Tevet January 25 Lenore Sagan Aunt of Paul Shapiro 28 Tevet January 25 Melvyn Klein Stepfather of Hillary Stern 28 Tevet January 25 Lillian Rubin Mother of Georgia Mittelman 29 Tevet January 26 Charlotte Lewis Mother of Barry Lewis 29 Tevet January 26 Reuben Rothblat 1 Shevat January 27 Chaya Rose Moskowitz 1 Shevat January 27 Hyman Frankel Great-Uncle of Michael Lassow 2 Shevat January 28 George Hazlehurst Father of Sharon Brettschneider 2 Shevat January 28 Melvin J. Goldberg 3 Shevat January 29

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JANUARY JEWRY DUTY PARTICIPANTS AND NEEDS

Friday, January 3rd, Shabbat Service, Friday, January 24th, 4th Friday Shabbes 7:30 p.m. Dinner at the home of Carol & Yves Kraus, Ken Dardick 6:30 p.m. Mona & Todd Friedland Roberta Schwane Saturday, January 25th, morning Shabbat Service, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4th, Bagel & Bible and Paul & Annette Shapiro Jewish Explorations Shabbat Experience, Elisabeth & Emmanuel Buzay 9:30 a.m. Gideon Hartman FOR BAGEL & BIBLE 1 more participant needed 2 participants needed FOR JEWISH EXPLORATIONS Friday, January 31st, Leader's Choice Steve Toubman Service, 7:30 p.m. 1 more JE family needed Ken Dardick Doreen Simonsen Friday, January 10th, TGI Shabbes, 6:15 p.m. 1 more participant needed Roberta Schwane Sheila Amdur

Saturday, January 11th, Shabbat Morning Service, 10:00 a.m. Carol & Yves Kraus Macie Tozzoli Hillary/Marc Stern/Kronisch Ravit & Ishay Stein

Friday, January 17th, Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Service, a service of healing for soul and world, 7:30 p.m. Mona & Todd Friedland Jill Marocchini Hedy Rudne

Saturday, January 18th, morning Shabbat Service, 10:00 a.m. Alex & Ramona Nishball Scott DeShong 2 more participants needed 22

We thank the many businesses and individuals whose contributions ensured our Winter Wonder Auction success!

We are sending a very special thank you to everyone who helped support a very successful, festive, Winter Wonder Auction on December 7, 2019. We realized close to $16,000, which will be used to support the Temple Budget over the next two years.

Sheila Amdur, Chair, Development and Fundraising Committee

Lead Sponsors: Larry Ross, Weichert Realty Anonymous Supporting Sponsors: Michael Weitz, Design Center East Eric Valliere, Owner, Alpha Financial Group, CPAs and Financial Consultants Eric Shell, RBC Wealth Management DeEtta Spaulding, S & P Financial Paul Brody, Brody Excelsior Advisors Lynn Charron, Reservoir Financial, Mansfield Tim DeVivo, Willimantic Waste Paper Company Dr. Brian Batherson, Batherson Chiropractic Wellness Center Dr. Deborah Liang, Reservoir Commons Dental Associates Glenn & Tiffany Blumenstein, Potter Funeral Home Gail and Joe Petrowsky Harry & Honey Birkenruth

THANK YOU TO OUR HARD WORKING AUCTION COMMITTEE! Sheila Amdur Mona Friedland Nora Stein Peggy Beckett-Rinker Hillary Stern Macie Tozzoli Anne Flammang Peter Malinow Jane Moskowitz

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DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS BUSINESS DONATIONS Anne Willenborg 85 Main, Putnam Annie Berkowitz Adventure Park at Storrs Beth Coleman Asian Bistro Carol & Yves Kraus Debbie & David Stoloff Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, Doreen Simonsen Big Y Supermarket Ellen Marshall Ellie Shane Bombadil's Spirit Shop Faith Kenton Cafemantic Gerry Berkowitz Cinemark Movie Theatre Gloria Gerald Cloverleigh Farm, certified organic CSA Helen Friedland Connecticut Repertory Theatre Hillary Stern Dog Lane Cafe Jane & Robert Moskowitz Jim Baber & Karen Drazen Eva Lister, LMT Joslynn Rosenzweig Hairitage Salon Ken Dardick Henrietta House B&B Lex Nishball Home Depot Macie Tozzoli Jodie Farno, personal trainer Marc Kronisch Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts Marcy Neff Nora & Steve Stein Julia Tanaka, dog walker Paul Shapiro Mansfield Drive-In Peggy Beckett-Rinker Mansfield MoviePlex Peter Malinow Mansfield Supply Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz Martha's Herbary Ramona Nishball Monet's Table Sharen Peters O.L. Willards Sheila Amdur Shoshana Levinson and Chris Crossgrove Old Sturbridge Village Susan Meisler Oriental Cafe Temple Bnai Israel Board of Directors Price Chopper Supermarket Todd and Mona Friedland Ze’ev & Frieda Herscovici

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BUSINESS DONATIONS OTHERS WHOSE HELP WAS Rein's Deli PRICELESS! Annie Berkowitz Ruth Ettenberg Freeman, LCSW Lisa Hartling Sarah Carr, dog trainer Bernice Freedman-Warnke Self Expressions Salon Beverly Sims Shauna Shane, artist Carol Polsky Debbie Stoloff Storrs Wine and Spirits Doreen Simonsen Take Two Salon Ellen Marshall The Hoot Ellie Shane Theaterworks Hartford Fran Jaffee Total Wine & More Gerry Berkowitz Vermont Outdoor Women's Camp, Sawyer Gloria Gerald Alberi, Owner Honey Birkenruth Wadsworth Atheneum Jim Baber Paul Brody Walmart Robert Moskowitz Willimantic Brewing Company/Main Street Café Sharen Peters Willimantic Food Co-Op Steven Stein Windham Theatre Guild Susan Meisler Yale Repertory Theater Todd Friedland Ze'ev Herscovici YOUR NAME HERE? If we missed anyone, we sincerely apologize; please let us know, and we'll To all of these wonderful businesses be sure to follow up in the February edition of our and individuals, thank you! newsletter!

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Our Winter Wonder Auction - a pictorial follow up!

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SOUTH-EASTERN CT YACHAD BBYO YOUTH GROUP TEEN EVENT AT TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL ON JANUARY 5TH.

Dear teens and their families, the Temple is hosting a teen-led event open to all Jewish youth in 8th-12th grade. Meet new friends from across Eastern CT and share your input on the future of youth involvement in our Jewish communities. The event is free and RSVP is appreciated but not required.

TO RSVP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, Email Marcia Reinhard - [email protected]

We hope to see you on January 5th, 2020 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about Southeast Connecticut’s BBYO Youth Group, visit:

https://www.jfec.com/bbyo-junior-youth-group

THE “REBELS’ FAST” - TSOM SHOVAVIM (TAT) - CARE TO JOIN ME? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 servant and makes a place for the Living God in their midst.

So, here’s the upshot and the invitation. I’m planning on doing sunrise to sunset fasts Mondays and Thursdays from January 13 to February 20 (with days off January 27 for Rosh Hodesh and February 10 for Tu BiShvat).

In Ramadan, some of the “charm” and motivation seems to me to stem from break-the-fast gatherings. So if any of you would like to join me in the fast and share an occasional early breakfast or fast-breaking, please let me know!

I’d also invite you to consider some of the “easier” versions of Tsom Shovavim. Among the Breslov Hassidim, some have the tradition of observing this period not with fasting, but with once- or twice-a-week veganism. And some observe the Thursday and maybe Monday fast only until noon. Finally, some give extra on the Mondays and Thursday of Shovavim. Maybe, in one of these ways, you’d like to take on a season of liberating teshuvah during the six weeks of Shovavim.

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9:30am Bagel & Bible, abbreviated OFFICE Shabbat CLOSED Service.

7:30pm Jewish Shabbat Explorations Service Shabbat Experience.

10:45 am 4:30-6:30pm 10:00am Intro to Judaism at UCONN Jewish Shabbat Hillel. Explorations. Service.

Jewish 7:00pm 6:15pm Explorations T.G.I. Ritual Comm Shabbat Shabbes mtg. Experience.

9:30 a.m. Daughters of 4:30-6:30pm Abraham, Jewish 10:00am Tikkun Olam Shabbat Comm. Mtg at see pg. 7 Explorations. Service. Simonsen’s. 7:00pm 6:30 pm At the Temple: Board mtg. 7:30pm 10:45 am Jewish Principles Tikkun Olam Intro to Judaism for “Repairing the BULLETIN VaNefesh at UCONN SUBMISSION World - Tikkun Service Hillel Olam”. DEADLINE

4:30-6:30pm 10:00am 10:45 am Jewish Shabbat Intro to Judaism Explorations. 6:30pm Service. at UCONN 5:30pm Shabbes Hillel At the Temple: Dinner at a Jewish Intro to Hebrew 1 Explorations 6:30 p.m. member’s Interfaith home. Shabbat Working group. Experience. See pg. 9

10:00am Soup 7:00pm 4:30-6:30pm Kitchen At the Temple: Jewish 7:30pm Jewish Principles Sandwich for “Repairing the Explorations. Shabbat making. World - Service Tikkun Olam”. 5:30pm 10:30 At the Temple: Mussar Intro to Hebrew 1 Va’ad 31