A New Haven Tradition since 1892 BEKIbulletin April 2005 Nisan 5765 Vol. 11 Issue 4

In this issue:

Adam Watstein, JTS Allan Visochek, Hannah Rosner, Rabbinical Student Bar Mitzva Bat Mitzva page 12 page 6 page 6

Passover at BEKI Pesah on Motseʼei as kosher for Pesah guidelines, are or sign and return the form included – available in the “Rabbinical Assembly in the April synagogue mailing for Saturday Night Pesah Guide” in the BEKI literature that purpose. If you need a form faxed rack (also available by request from to you, give Peggy (389-2108 x14 or The fi rst night of Passover is Motseʼei the offi ce). offi [email protected]) your fax number or Shabbat (Saturday night) 23 April fax her at 389-5899; you can also fi nd 2005; candle lighting in New Haven is Selling of Hametz a form at www.beki.org/forms.html. 8:20p or later. It is recommended to The form is a power of attorney allow- light a 25-hour or longer candle on Fri- During the eight days of Pesah (Pass- ing Rabbi Tilsen to sell your hametz day night to use Saturday night as the over), it is forbidden for Jews to eat for you. source fl ame for Pesah festival lights. or own edible hametz. Hametz is any product containing wheat, barley, oats, KINAHARA: About 11.3% of fi rst Seders occur spelt or rye that has not been especial- Kosher for Pesah on Motseʼei Shabbat. This presents ly prepared kosher for Pesah. Ideally, several complications, particularly re- one physically disposes of all hametz BEKI members and supporters with garding food preparation and handling by the morning before Pesah. In order questions regarding Passover obser- of hamets. Rabbi Tilsen recommends to be sure that this has taken place, or vances are welcome to contact Rabbi making your home completely kosher to avoid the loss of expensive hametz Tilsen at 389-2108 x10. Answers to for Pesah by Thursday night or Friday such as liquor, one can sell their frequently asked questions can also morning and using kosher for Pesah hametz for the period of Pesah. If you be found at the website of the Kashrut egg matza for the requisite halla on would like to authorize Rabbi Tilsen Initiative of the New Haven Area Rab- Shabbat. to sell your hametz to someone who is binical Assembly: www.kinahara.org. allowed to own it, please sign the form Additional details, as well as alterna- available at each daily morning and tive approaches to this issue as well evening service beginning at Purim (continued on page 8)

Visit us at www.beki.org BEKI Bulletin

Kosher Wines The newsletter is published monthly by Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel From Around the World for the benefit of its members. Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative . Itʼs not just your fatherʼs extra-sweet Concord anymore To contribute articles or for inquiries regarding membership, donations, or special activities, call the Synagogue office (203) 389-2108, or write to: 85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 Saturday or email: [email protected] or see our web page: www.beki.org 9 April For information about advertising, call the synagogue office. Deadline for submission of ads or articles is the 8:30p to 10:00p at 1st of the month preceding publication. BEKI Annual subscription is $36.00. BEKI Bulletin © 2005 Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel. Join us for a fun fundraiser. A Message from Rabbi Tilsen & Dear Rabbi © 2005 Jon-Jay Tilsen. All rights reserved. Taste and learn about 10-12 interesting, sophisticated Kosher Editor Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen wines from around the world, Associate Editor Donna Levine with complementary foods. Associate Editor Donna Kemper Associate Editor Herbert Winer Reds and whites. Circulation Manager Saul Bell Dry and dessert. Layout & Design Media Arts Center Advertisement Editor Sheila Gardiner Hosted by The Wine Thief Advertisement Associate Editor Ronni Rabin $20 per person Photographer Charles Ludwig

Open to the public Bring friends In April, our Shabbat afternoon services return to our “summer” schedule. Contact the BEKI office Shabbat Minha services begin at 5:45p each Saturday afternoon, and is not (203-389-2108 followed by Maariv evening service at the synagogue. The winter schedule offi[email protected]) (Minha, study, Maariv & Havdala) will resume in November. for reservations Space is limited, so reserve early Standard Time resumes on Sunday 3 April 2005. Be sure to turn your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Motseʼei Shabbat (Saturday night). If your clock reads 10:00p, set it to 11:00p.

2 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org Sisterhood News

BEKI Sisterhood has been busy these to Womenʼs League for Conservative In memory of: past few months planning our annual Judaism to support the Jewish Theo- • Janet Brown to Jay Brown from Ruth spring event – “The Book of Life” logical Seminary, the academic and Greenblatt, Lisa Corvera luncheon, which will be held on Tues- spiritual center of Conservative Juda- • Dr. Karl Haas to his family from day evening 24 May. We will honor ism worldwide. Louis Petrillo BEKI president Gila Reinstein. Invita- • Rubin Schwartz to David Schwartz tions will be out in April – mark your Another meaningful way to support & Hannah Schwartz from Louis calendars and come out to honor Gila. Fund is by purchasing the beau- Petrillo, David Wright & Sandy tiful pin that more than 10,000 women McKenney April 11th we will host the model proudly wear. Each year a new pin is • Burton Deitch to Joyce Nepiarsky & Seder for special needs persons. This designed to match a different theme. family from Ruth & Sam Raflowitz, is an annual event which we have held This year the theme is Tikvah – Hope. Stanley Saxe for over twenty years. If you would • His sister to Herb Levinson from like to help please call Adele (389- The pin says the wearer supports the Stanley Saxe 9599) or Ruth (389-4349). Sisterhood Jewish Theological Seminary. For • Her sister to Toby Gillman from & Neil Abel provide the food. $180.00 you can support JTS and own Stanley Saxe a piece of jewelry youʼll proudly wear. • Charles Groveman to Groveman & Every year BEKI Sisterhood gives Winter family from Adele Tyson donations to other Jewish institutions. BEKI has seven supporters and we are • Her sister Betty to Marion Schwartz This year we donated funds to the proud of them: Violet Ludwig; Grace from Claire & Bud Volain Jewish Braille Institute, which serves Geisinger; Barbara Cushen; Diana • Louis Belowsky to David Belowsky thousands of visually impaired and Friedman Opton; Ruth Greenblatt; & family from Lori, Natan, Beth & disabled people of all ages worldwide, Margot Roten & Miriam Benson. Justin Weinstein, Shirley & Bernie to Masorti, the Conservative move- Bober, Lisa Corvera ment in Israel; and to the American Thank you to everyone who bought • Stanley Padover to Doris Padover Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) cards, sent in donations for our annual from Lori, Natan, Beth & Justin for South Asia Tsunami Relief. We also appeal and purchased pins. Please call Weinstein gave funds so that Chanukah care pack- me for cards at 407-0314. They are • Richard Chirico-Lee to Carol ages and Purim baskets could be sent to $3.00 each & this includes postage. Chirico-Lee from Lori, Natan, Beth & BEKI college students; and purchased Barbara Cushen Justin Weinstein “groggers” for Purim here at BEKI. Torah Fund Chairman • Dr. Alan Rozen to the Rozen family from Lori, Natan, Beth & Justin We have 72 members and itʼs never too Weinstein, Shirley & Bernie Bober, late to join. Dues are $20.00 a year – Mazel Tov: Lisa Corvera • to Margot Roten on her milestone send your check to the office, become • Jennie Pinsky to Larry Pinsky & birthday from Barbara Cushen, Violet a member and help us continue our family from Lori, Natan, Beth & & Charles Ludwig work. New Sisterhood Board members Justin Weinstein, Shirley & Bernie • to Honey Sender on her birthday are welcome – we can always use new Bober, Lisa Corvera from Grace Geisinger ideas. Contact Adele Tyson or Ruth • Danny to Beverly Drechsler & • to Julie Klein on her grandsonʼs Bar Greenblatt – co-presidents. family from Lori, Natan, Beth & Mitzva from Helen Miller, Rena Miller Justin Weinstein, Shirley & Bernie Torah Fund – April 2005 Bober, Lisa Corvera • Their mother to Danny & Phyllis By purchasing Torah Fund cards for Get Well: OʼBrien from Lori, Natan, Beth & all occasions your dollars go directly • to Bill Hallo from Susan & Victor Stein Justin Weinstein

3 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org HeadlineA Message Category from Rabbi Tilsen

Distressing Dressing: a minor tractate of the A Dress Code for BEKI Mishna, has this to say about proper dress: “A Tolerance of diversity – indeed, cel- scholar is recognizable in ebration of differences – is a hallmark four ways: by his purse, of our Conservative community at his cup, his anger, and BEKI. But from time to time, we by his attire; and some hear concerns expressed about what say, by his speech too.” other people are wearing. Sometimes Attire is actually added people complain about what I am to the original alliterative wearing, but that is the price I pay for list of three, and here is being a fashion leader. understood to mean that the scholar is careful not Our sages recognized that style is a to appear in clothing that matter of local custom and has no is stained. Wearing torn intrinsic value (see, for example, the clothing, too, was con- 14th century Tur YD 182). But certain sidered most improper. traditional values are expressed in our At the same time, the choice of clothing, and our sages did characteristic signs of the is the preference for “leisure” style, have something to say about it. One clod (7:1) do not include any particu- which is somewhat opposed to “for- concern was that dress not lead to im- lar style of dress; that is, clods can be mal.” Leisure affirms the “comfort and proper sexual contact (Sefer HaHinukh well-dressed or not. rest” ideas embodied in the Shabbat 564; Shulhan Arukh 696:8). The sages observance, whereas “formal” suggests were concerned that dress express the In general, then, our sages believed work clothes, which specifically ought value of tsniut, modesty. The precise proper dress was clean, untorn, to be avoided on Shabbat. For the implementation of this, though, is unstained, and sufficient to cover the laborer who wears jeans or a uniform subjective. In our society, the sight of body to preserve modesty. What was at work, a “business suit” might be just a womanʼs elbow or a manʼs neckline acceptable in color or shape varied by the thing for special Shabbat dress; will generally not drive the congrega- place. for the businessperson or professional tion into an uncontrollable state of who wears the suit during the week, arousal. But there does come a point On Shabbat and festivals, however, the leisure suit or flowing dress might where the revealing goes too far, or the there are additional expectations. be more in keeping with the values clothes do not go far enough. Clothes should be “special” for Shab- embraced on the Sabbath. bat, and should be clean or newly- Another concern expressed by our cleaned. For some communities, the Animal-based materials, such as fur, sages is that Jewish style be “distinc- “specialness” of Shabbat suggests have been permitted as a legitimate tive.” By that they meant as a matter “formality.” In some Western coun- use of animals. However, in our day, of cultural integrity we should not tries, “formal” might include a suit when quality alternatives are avail- copy the fashions associated with and tie for men and a long dress for able, some have challenged the use of other specific ethnic groups. This is women. In other Western locales, the fur, especially in ornamental clothing, based, in part, on the Biblical prohibi- tie was associated with specifically as a possible violation of the prohibi- tion against “walking in the ways of Gentile fashion and was banned. tion on tsar baalei hayim (causing the Egyptians.” pain and suffering to animals) and of An alternative expression of “special- bal tashhit (unjustified consumption of Derekh Erets Zuta (5:3), ness” for Shabbat and festival attire a natural resource).

4 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org Headline CategoryNews

Sometimes people ask me about what The NEW BEKI and anything! It has been many years style of dress is appropriate for a Cookbook Project since Sisterhood published a highly particular occasion. Generally, I refer successful and still sought-after (and such questions to those who are more Do you yearn for a new twist on Shab- available!) cookbook; the time has knowledgeable about such matters. bat dinner? Are you wondering how come to build on that success. We will The question, though, is legitimate, to make that wonderful soup you had begin planning the project in April and the impulse behind it – to respect at qiddush? Are you waiting for an and will continue throughout the year. community standards – is admirable. opportunity to creatively photograph Contact either Darryl People who live with others (such as food? Or sample the very best of Kuperstock (387-0304 or with parents) might ask their input what our BEKI cooks have to offer? [email protected]) or Bryna Pauker on the question of appropriateness of Looking for new creative ways to (389-9603 or [email protected]). dress (e.g., “Mom, are nose chains raise funds for BEKI? Join the abso- Letʼs have some fun! okay on Yom Kippur?”). Parental lutely brand new and amazing BEKI discretion is advised. Cookbook Project! We are looking for volunteers to help us organize and I personally pay little attention to what publicize the project, gather recipes, Your Ad Here others are wearing, although some- cook and test recipes, decide addi- times I scan for evidence of concealed tional content, create a fantastic and The BEKI Bulletin is sent to over weapons on visitors. My own prefer- dynamic layout, proofread, edit, type, 700 households and businesses ence is to value attendance without give nutritional advice and info, solicit and is repeatedly consulted as a much concern for style of dress. I the donation of printing services and reference document. would rather people come to shul in materials...well, just about everything Advertisers report positive results. work clothes, even covered with dirt, paint or food, at least during the week, Oops...Sorry For rates and to place your ad, than to miss the service. It has been a contact Peggy at offi[email protected] long-standing tradition for workers to Some congregants were concerned (389-2108 x14). attend services before and after work, about receiving a letter addressed and that necessitates them wearing to “BEKI members” from Lewis their work clothes or uniforms. Borofsky in March announcing his new position at a local real estate Recent research on synagogue and firm. Our mailing list is used only church attendance in America has point- for BEKI mailings, and our address ed to “excessive formality” in dress list is shared only for the purpose and décor as one disincentive to those of organizing our events. Due to who might come. At the same time, the a misunderstanding, that list was community of people who actually do shared with Lew and was used for come generally wishes to create a sense a commercial purpose. We are of specialness, including in dress. sorry about that. Lewis also ex- presses his apologies to the BEKI Reader response for publication is community, and says he wonʼt welcome; please direct response to be following up the letter with a [email protected] or offi[email protected]. phone call. At the same time, we wish Lew every success in his new venture.

5 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org News

LifeCycle nity. Much concern was expressed about its fate as plans advanced for Mazal Tov to lobby renovations.

Kal Watsky & Deborah Fried on Our Building Committee Chair, Roger the bat mitzva observance of their Colten, has undertaken the painstaking daughter Rebecca process of relocating the Tree. Roger is a professional archeologist who Welcome New Members happens to specialize in the relocation of ancient artifacts and artwork. With Robert & Dianne Golub the assistance of Sarah Berry, his wife, and Emma and Anna Roger has mapped out the Tree using the best techniques of his fi eld and Benei Mitzva in April began the actual relocation process in February. Once the transplant is com- Hannah Rosner, plete, attention will be given to light- daughter of ing and other issues of presentation. Deren Manasevit and Alan Rosner, During March, work has continued will lead and to prepare the new offi ce space for participate in occupation. New “blower” units were services as a bat installed, and detail painting was mitzva on Friday completed. night 1 April and Shabbat morning USY Summer Adventures 2 April, Shabbat Para, parashat Shemini. Escape with USY for the summer of a lifetime! Allan Visochek, son of Julie Dates and prices for 2005 USY sum- Cohen & Larry Checks VISA mer programs are available! Visochek, will MasterCard Honored lead and partici- - “Classic” USY on Wheels Our offi ce accepts VISA and Mas- pate in services - USY on Wheels, Mission: Mitzvah terCard in payment of any pledge, as a bar mitva on - Outdoor Adventure, Costa Rica bill or purchase (except grocery Friday Night Shabbat Pesah 29 April - Outdoor Adventure, Pacifi c certifi cates). BEKI is charged fees for & Shabbat morning 30 April. Northwest the use of charge cards, so checks are - Summer in the City still preferred. To pay by Visa & - “Classic” Israel Pilgrimage MasterCard simply call, write or Renovations Update - Eastern Europe/Israel Pilgrimage visit our offi ce with the cardʼs name, - Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar number and expiration date. Tree Sprouts in New Vestibule - Spain/Israel Pilgrimage - Etgar! Ultimate Israel Challenge The venerable Tree of Life sculpture by local artist Ruth Lapides has graced Visit www.usy.org/escape for more the lobby for decades and memorial- information and for an application! ized lifecycle events of our commu-

6 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org

7 Passover at BEKI

Cover Story (cont.) Kulanu - Special Needs service books) for Pesah, including 21 April 2005 beginning at dawn. Seder the Rabbinical Assemblyʼs Passover Firstborn who attend the Thurs- Haggadah: The Feast of Freedom, are day morning service at 8:15a may The Sisterhood of Congregation available at the Sisterhood Giftshop conclude their fast by partaking of Beth El-Keser Israel, and Kulanu, and wherever fine Judaica is sold. The the seudat mitzva (obligatory feast) in conjunction with Jewish Family Giftshop also offers a significant col- celebrating a siyyum, the conclusion of Service and Abel Catering, will lection of decorative seder plates. a study project. Services and siyyum host the twenty-third annual Adult If you purchase your hagadot or other will end by 9:30a. All may attend. Special Needs Model Seder at BEKI items from Amazon.com or Buy. That time will also be the last oppor- on Monday 11 April. Each year the com and access these merchants via tunity to authorize Rabbi Tilsen to sell Sisterhood has hosted an enthusiastic the links at www.beki.org/links.html, your hametz (see “Selling of Hametz” group of Jewish adults from the New BEKI receives a small commission in this issue). Haven area with a variety of special on your purchase, at no additional needs. This year, a record 75 people cost to you. You must use these links The Fast normally is observed on are expected to participate. each time you access the merchantsʼ the day of the first Seder (that is, website in order for BEKI to receive a on Wednesday if the first Seder is For many, this is their only taste of commission. Wednesday night). But this year Passover and one that they relish and the first Seder is Motseʼei Shabbat look forward to each year. The Torah Bediqat Hametz & Biur (Saturday Night), and since fasting is teaches of four types of children, and Hametz prohibited on Friday and Shabbat, the the Haggada reminds us that we must observance of the Fast is advanced to tell the story of the Exodus to each On the night of Thursday 21 April Thursday. For this reason, the “oblig- son and daughter of Israel in the way 2005 (this year, two nights before atory force” of this fast is diminished. that is most meaningful to him or her. the first Seder instead of one), it is Through the efforts of Sisterhood, customary to perform Bediqat Hametz, Let All Who Are Kulanu Director Lauren Kempton, the final check for leavening before Hungry... the generosity of Abel Catering and Passover. This procedure can be the good offices of the Jewish Fam- done as a spiritual or fun ritual with The Seder of Pesah is a wonderful ily Services, the Exodus is re-enacted children or adults. The next morning, opportunity to welcome others into through song, food and story at a table Friday 22 April (two mornings before our homes. Our congregation com- set in the Passover tradition. the first Seder), it is customary to prises many people who may not perform Biur Hametz, a final “search have extended family locally, do not Kulanu is BEKIʼs outreach program and destroy” mission for leavening, have Jewish relatives, are new to the for adults with special needs. Kulanu to insure compliance with the rule area, or who otherwise would benefit is supported by The David & Lillian against possessing or eating hametz greatly from a Seder invitation. If you Levine Endowment for People with during the festival. Instructions for are able to open your Seder to ad- Special Needs at Congregation Beth Bediqat Hametz and Biur Hametz can ditional guests, please contact Rabbi El-Keser Israel, which is managed by be found in most Hagadot, including Tilsen at your earliest opportunity at the Jewish Foundation of Greater New the Rabbinical Assemblyʼs Passover 389-2108 x10 ([email protected]). If Haven. Haggadah: The Feast of Freedom. you are able to host an adult who is a mental health services consumer or Hagadot and Seder Plates Siyyum : Feast who has developmental disabilities, at Giftshop or Famine please contact Education Director Dr. Lauren Kempton (389-2108 x13 or Hagadot (do-it-yourself guide and The Fast of the First Born is Thursday [email protected]). (continued on page 10)

8 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org

PassoverHeadline at Category BEKI

held during the 9:15a Festival morning The term omer refers to the measure Service & No Service service on Sunday 1 May 2005. The (one handful) of grain that was used to Schedule for Pesah Festival service includes a Shaharit create a physical relic of the counting. morning service, Hallel (Psalms of With a physical reminder, even illiter- On Shabbat afternoon 23 April, the praise), a Torah reading and Haftara, ate people could do a recount in case Minha afternoon service will be held and the Musaf additional service, they forgot the dayʼs number. from 1:00p to 1:40p, a special time, as and concludes by noon. The Yizkor the first Seder of Pesah is that evening. memorial service is one of four such Families with young children may use services during the year that help us this opportunity to help their children There is no evening service at BEKI recognize our feelings of loss, which understand and experience anticipa- on the first and second night of Pesah. are often especially intense during the tion, planning, counting and hope. Festival morning services begin at Pesah season, and to honor the memo- 9:15a on Sunday 24 April, Monday 25 ries of our loved ones. Teach us to number our days, April, Shabbat 30 April and Sunday 1 that we may attain a heart of wisdom May. For a complete listing, see the Sefira – – Psalm 90:12 calendar page in this issue or www. Counting the Omer beki.org/schedule.html. At the second Seder (Sunday 24 April Conservative Community 2005), we began daily sefirat ha-omer Second Seder (counting of the omer), a counting of days to Shavuot, the next major Friendly Face? Congregation Bʼnai Jacob is hosting festival. The counting, preferably the Conservative Community Second done each night for 49 nights, is an If you might like to serve as a Seder, which is presented along with expression of eager anticipation, com- “Greeter” on a Shabbat or Festi- Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation memorating the period of expectation val morning, to welcome guests, Or Shalom and BEKI. For informa- and preparation we experienced in the direct visitors, and assist those tion or reservations contact the Bʼnai Exodus from Egypt until the revela- with special needs, please contact Jacob office at 389-2111. Advance tion at Sinai. Ritual Committee Chairperson reservations are required. Steven Fraade at 397-9430 or The simple home ceremony is printed [email protected], or Shir HaShirim in most siddurim (prayer books), in- Rabbi Tilsen at 389-2108 x10 or Song of Songs cluding Sim Shalom, immediately after [email protected]. the weekday evening service. While The Biblical love poetry of Shir it is a mitzva prescribed for adults, HaShirim - Song of Songs will be sefirat ha-omer can also be a fun, BEKI Recycles: read on the morning of 30 April 2005 artistic and joyous ritual for families during the Shabbat Pesah service. Please place plastic cups and with children. Tradition ascribes the work to King plastic ware in the “plastics recy- Solomon himself, writing 2,900 years cling” bin next to the trash barrel In the days before printed calendars, ago. Celebrate the spring holiday of following qiddush and other calendar watches and daily newspa- Pesah with this beautiful and moving events. Please be careful to keep pers, the sefira served to keep the li- reading. trash and recyclables separate. turgical calendar of the Jewish People synchronized, no simple accom- Yizkor Memorial Service plishment, given the dispersion and The Yizkor Memorial Service will be isolation of much of the community.

10 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org AHeadline Message Category from the Education Director

included Dr. Yonathan Walking the land.. oh yes. After the Mirvis- “Shemot: The conference I went to Kibbutz Yisrael, paradigm of Anti- part of our Partnership 2000 Sister Semitism”; “Hertzl” City in Afula, home of our Emissary, by Dr. David Break- Beccy Adler. I do not have personal stone, Head of the family in Israel, but after four years of World Zionist Orga- the Emissary program I feel like fami- nization; “Qumran,” ly while on kibbutz. They planned my by Dr. David Levin, visit to coincide with the blooming of MERCAZ, USA; JAFI their Israeli winter/spring. We hiked Director General Alan the Jerusalem hills and the hills and Hofmann, “A Prayer valleys of the Gilboa; Israeli poppies, for the State of Israel”; vibrant red and the beloved daytime by Etti Serok, “Shatil: irises. Beccyʼs dad, Phil Adler, man- Melting Pot versus ages the almond groves on kibbutz, Multi-Culturalism in trees lilting white and pink. Israeli Society,” (issues between new olim and I am thankful for my learnings, in veteran Israelis, Israeli Jerusalem, Afula, Tiberius and Safad. Jews and Israeli Arabs) Each trip deepened my connections herri Rothman, Education Chair and Mini Israel, and to the land and energizes me in my Sof BEKI Religious School, at- visits to the TALI Schools. teaching. tended the Jewish Educators Assembly 53rd Annual Conference in Jerusalem On my visit to the TALI school I LK during Winter Break. The theme of observed classes and met with the the Conference was “Come and Walk principal. The school, funded in part the Educational Landscape of Israel.” by Conservative Judaism, is a change The conference goals were threefold: agent, trying to blend secular stud- to feel the energy of Israel through ies with a study of Judaism, tefilot, phenomenal speakers and educa- text, and Benei Mitzva. The principal tors, be inspired to bring the teaching stated, “Children who live in the city about Israel home to our respective need to touch the land” so the school Sponsor a schools and synagogues in new and has a large garden maintained by the updated ways, and to visit new sites students. The school is contiguous to Qiddush and grapple with the Israeli tensions an Arab village, so the classes study of today. together at neutral sites. The principal related to us how after some initial To sponsor a qiddush Learning in Israel is tactile. In Jerusa- visits, her Israeli students said, “The following a Shabbat or lem my new learnings were guided by Arab children know so much about the words of Dr. Daniel Gordis, who Islam, we donʼt know much about Festival service, or to challenged us to walk the land with a Judaism”. So the school worked to reserve a date, contact Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) in one hand incorporate more Jewish Studies into Peggy at office@beki. the curriculum. The TALI schools and a bottle of water in the other. Our org 389-2108 x14 days were divided between school are financed by the government and visits and speakers. Our presenters parents pay a small tuition.

11 BEKI BulletinBEKI February Bulletin 2005April 2005 Visit us at Visitwww.beki.org us at www.beki.org Torah for the Hungry Mind - Adult Studies

Shabbatot

Darshanim in April

Hannah Rosner, bat mitzva, will serve as darshanit (Torah commentator) on Shabbat morning 2 April, Shabbat Para, parashat Shemini

Jewish Theological Seminary of America rabbinical student Adam Watstein will serve as darshan

on Shabbat morning 9 April, Shabbat Hannah Rosner Adam Watstein HaHodesh, parashat Tazria

Dr. Lauren Kempton, BEKI Education Director, will serve as darshanit on Shabbat morning 16 April, parashat Metsora

Allan Visochek, bar mitzva, will serve as darshan on Shabbat Pesah 30 April .

Dr. Lauren Kempton Allan Visochek

Shabbat Shalom Levine and others, the Shabbat Sha- Sundays Learnersʼ Minyan lom Learnersʼ Minyan is a nurturing MAKOM: with exploration of practice and theory Moshe Meiri The “Shabbat Shalom Learnersʼ presented in a participatory, non- Minyan,” which meets every other threatening and multi-generational MAKOM for Jewish Teens is pre- Saturday morning at 10:45a in BEKIʼs setting. Many members who take ad- senting Talmud with Moshe Meiri on Library Chapel, is an ideal setting for vantage of this unique offering feel a Sunday mornings from 10:00a to noon veteran and novice shul-goers alike deeper sense of awe born of increased in the Posener Chapel Library. For in- to become more comfortable and understanding and appreciation for formation, contact Dr. Arnold Carmel proficient in the Shaharit (morning) the services. Everyone is welcome at [email protected] or and Torah services in a supportive set- to participate regardless of religious (203) 387-2424 x316. ting. Expertly led by Steven Fraade, status or background. Rabbi Alan Lovins, Rabbi Murray

12 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org Torah for the Hungry Mind - Adult Studies

Mondays Wednesdays Talmud Study Rashi Study Group Talmud Study Group Group Each Monday morning from 7:45a to The “Sanhedrin Talmud Study Group” 8:30a adults meet in the Library Cha- A Berakhot Talmud Study Group meets weekly on Thursdays during pel to read Rashiʼs commentary on the meets weekly on Wednesday morn- the lunch hour (12:30p to 1:30p) at a Torah. It is possible to join the study ings from 7:30a to 8:00a during the downtown New Haven professional group for a single meeting or to begin academic year. The Study Group office for Talmud study. The Group at any time. Knowledge of Hebrew focuses on the original text and the has met weekly since 1999. For some is not necessary. Rashi purported to issues that arise from the Mishna and participants, this is their first direct ex- explain the peshat of the text, i.e., , with attention to the techni- perience with Talmud text. The Group the meaning in its historical, literary cal aspects of the text. Knowledge focuses on the issues raised in the and linguistic context. Visitors and of basic Hebrew or Aramaic is very Talmud, with less attention to the tech- new participants are welcome. The helpful but not required. The Group is nical aspects of the text. Knowledge of Rashi Study Group meets immediately open to all. Hebrew or Aramaic is helpful but not following the 7:00a shaharit morning required. For location or information, service. contact Isaiah Cooper at 233-4547 or Rabbisʼ Study Group [email protected]. Principles of Judaism: Wednesdays with Murray is a weekly Torah on One Foot study group exclusively for rabbis, fa- Writing Group cilitated by Rabbi Murray Levine. The “Principles of Judaism: Torah on Wednesday study group affords local The Writing Group meets each One Foot” is for adults wishing an rabbis an opportunity to pursue their Thursday in the Chapel Library from overview of the Principles of Jewish own talmud torah (Torah study) in a 2:00p to 4:00p. Interested writers thought and life. It is ideal for people “safe” setting and with opportunities gather to share the short pieces that new to Judaism, considering conver- to learn from each otherʼs experience they have written: memoirs, poetry, sion, or wishing to begin a systematic and insight. For more information, childrenʼs stories and short stories. study and practice of Judaism. Topics call Rabbi Murray Levine at (203) The goal of the group is to encourage include The Torah, Halakha (Jew- 397-2513. writing, critique of written pieces, and ish Law), The Mitzva System, 3,600 publishing. Each week the partici- Years of Jewish History, The God of pants bring a piece of their writing. Israel, Fundamental Observances, Thursdays The writer then has a “Read-Aloud” Conservative & Other , Thursday 21 April 2005 and the group provides feedback. Messiah, Eternal Life, Talmud Torah, Siyyum Bekhorot This community aims to generate The Sabbath, and more. The series writing and provide support and meets on Monday nights 4, 11 and 18 The Siyyum Bekhorot (see article in feedback for published pieces. For April from 6:00p to 7:30p in BEKIʼs Pesah section) includes a brief period more information please contact Ruth Rosenkrantz Library. The class im- of Torah study. The siyyum will be on Silver at [email protected] or Dr. mediately follows the 5:45p after- Thursday 21 April following the 8:15a Lauren Kempton at 389-2108 x13 or noon & evening service. To register, shaharit service and concludes by [email protected] contact Peggy at 389-2108 x14 or 9:30a. All are welcome. offi[email protected]. Material & registra- tion fee: $18.00 per person.

13 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org Torah for the Hungry Mind - Adult Studies

AA Meeting Childrenʼs day) morning at 10:45a and see for Shabbat Havura yourself. Or contact Miriam Ben- The Here We Are Group of AA meets son at 389-6137 or mirbenson@aol. at BEKI every Thursday night at The Childrenʼs Shabbat Havura meets com, who, along with Ellen Cohen, 8:00p. The weekly Meeting has been every Shabbat morning at 10:45a in coordinates the program. You can held at BEKI since May 1997. Open the Claire Goodwin Youth Room. also contact Education Director Dr. to any person who can benefit from a Designed to address the spiritual and Lauren Kempton at 389-2108 x13 or recovery program, the meeting is held social needs of preschool children, the [email protected], the staff person according to standard AA procedure. Havura meets concurrently with K-2 who supports this parent cooperative. It is currently engaged in a 12 & 12 Kehila, Junior Congregation, Cosmic Study – Discussion. This is not a Conversations, the Shabbat Shalom specifically Jewish recovery group, Learnersʼ Minyan and the main Sab- Service Times for although a large proportion of par- bath service. Following the half-hour Spring/Summer ticipants are Jewish. For information of songs, stories, prayers and dance, on the weekly meeting contact Jay at the children have their own qiddush (203) 387-6019 or [email protected]. refreshments and then enjoy super- Sundays: vised play until they join the adult 9a Shaharit Every Day worship for the Concluding Service 5:45p Minha-Maariv Editions Additions and qiddush. The Havura enjoys strong support Mondays: Our Rosenkrantz Family Library now from parents and the Synagogue. Cur- 7a Shaharit has the Harry Potter books (first five) in rently about 70 children and their par- 5:45p Minha-Maariv Hebrew, in the “New Books” section. ents actively participate in the Havura. Visitors have come from across New Tuesdays: Video Library News England to observe this program as a model for their own synagogues. 7a Shaharit Our Hebrew Video Library now has 5:45p Minha-Maariv two Harry Potter DVDs in Hebrew Meeting the spiritual and social needs (Chamber of Secrets and Sorcererʼs of preschool children is an obligation Wednesdays: Stone). These are Region 2 DVDs of the Jewish community and an im- which will not play on standard 7a Shaharit portant part of the Synagogueʼs mis- American DVD players or computer 5:45p Minha-Maariv sion. The Havura (Friendship Circle) DVDs. You can watch them in the links the children to one another, to BEKI media room or obtain special Thursdays: other concerned Jewish parents, and software to enable home computer to the Synagogue. The Havura enjoys 8:15a Shaharit DVD players to read Region 2 DVDs the active participation of parents who 5:45p Minha-Maariv themselves are enriched by the experi- ence. For many adults, the Childrenʼs Fridays: Audio Library on Web Shabbat Havura serves as their intro- 7a Shaharit Various blessings and prayers are duction to active participation in the 6p Minha-Maariv recorded for educational purposes on Synagogue Community. BEKIʼs web site. Shabbat, Festival, Saturdays: If you are interested in learning more and daily liturgical selections are 9:15a Shaharit about the BEKI Childrenʼs Shabbat presented. To hear the selections, go 5:45p Minha to www.beki.org/audio.html. Havura, come any Shabbat (Satur-

14 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org April 2005 21 Adar II 5765 - 21 Nisan 5765 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 6:00p Hannah Rosner Bat Hannah Rosner Bat Mitzva Mitzva 6:00p (EST) Candle 10:45a Children's Lighting Programs 10:45a Learner's Minyan Qiddush: Rosner/Manasevit

21 Adar II 22 Adar II 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9:00a Religious School 7:45a Rashi Study Group 7:30a Talmud Berakhot 12:30p Talmud Study 7:08 (EDT) Candle JTS Shabbat 6:00p Principles of Study Group Group (off-site) Lighting 10:45a Children's Judaism Class 8:30a Rabbi's Study 2:00p Writing Group Programs Group 8:00p A.A. Qiddush: Goldblum 4:00p Religious School 8:30p Wine Tasting 4:00p Benei Mitzva Program

23 Adar II 24 Adar II 25 Adar II 26 Adar II 27 Adar II 28 Adar II 29 Adar II 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Rosh Hodesh 7:45a Rashi Study Group 7:30a Talmud Berakhot 12:30p Talmud Study 7:15p Candle Lighting Darshanit: Dr. Lauren 9:00a Religious 6:00p Principles of Study Group Group (off-site) Kempton School/Model Seder Judaism Class 8:30a Rabbi's Study 2:00p Writing Group 10:45a Children's 6:15p Special Needs Group 8:00p A.A. Programs Seder 4:00p Religious School 10:45a Learner's Minyan 7:30p Executive Board 4:00p Benei Mitzva Class Qiddush: TBA Meeting

1 Nisan 2 Nisan 3 Nisan 4 Nisan 5 Nisan 6 Nisan 7 Nisan 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 9:00a Religious School 7:45a Rashi Study Group 7:30a Talmud Berakhot 8:15-9:30a Siyum 7:23p Candle Lighting Erev Passover 6:00p Principles of Study Group Bekhorot 10:45a Children's Judaism Class 8:30a Rabbi's Study 12:30p Talmud Study Programs 7:30p General Board Group Group (off-site) 1:00p Minha Meeting 4:00p Religious School 2:00p Writing Group Candle Lighting after 4:00p Benei Mitzva 8:00p A.A. 8:20p Pesah Program (First Seder)

8 Nisan 9 Nisan 10 Nisan 11 Nisan 12 Nisan 13 Nisan 14 Nisan 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Passover I Passover II Hol Hamoed Passover I Hol Hamoed Passover II Hol Hamoed Passover III Hol Hamoed Passover IV Passover VII No Religious School Office Closed 8:30a Rabbi's Study 12:30p Talmud Study 6:00p Allan Visochek Bar Allan Visochek Bar 9:15a Shaharit 9:15a Shaharit Group Group (off-site) Mitzva Mitzva 6:30p Community Service No Religious School 2:00p Writing Group 7:30p Candle Lighting 10:45a Children's & Seder at B'nai Jacob No Benei Mitzva Program 8:00p A.A. Programs Candle Lighting after 8:21 10:45a Learner's Minyan Pesah Qiddush: Visochek/Cohen

15 Nisan 16 Nisan/1 L'Omer 17 Nisan/2 L'Omer 18 Nisan/3 L'Omer 19 Nisan/4 L'Omer 20 Nisan/5 L'Omer 21 Nisan/6 L'Omer BEKI Events

15 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org

Contributions

For information on donating by credit card honor of the birth of their daughter Danielle • In memory of Mae Weinstein Goldberg by online or by email, please see www.beki. Stephanie Callaghan by Gila Reinstein Dan Goldberg org/donate.html. BEKI accepts VISA and MasterCard. • To Jay Brown with sympathy on the • In memory of her father Saul Hennes by passing of Janet Brown by Daniel & Sharon Sheila M. Dubak BEKI accepts VISA & MasterCard as well as Prober checks • In memory of their dear mother Fannie • To Hannah & David Schwartz with Fish by Leonard & Inge Fish sympathy on the passing of Rubin Schwartz by Violet & Charles Ludwig • In memory of Fannie Shanok by Gertrude Rabbiʼs Tzedaqa Fund (minimum $25) Shanok • Louis J. & Lisa Petrillo in memory of Rubin Schwartz Yahrzeit Fund ($5 minimum) to support synagogue operations • Louis J. & Lisa Petrillo in memory of Dr. Karl Haas • In memory of her beloved mother Anna Cooper by Rose Hodes • In memory of Leon Rosoff by Patricia C. Qiddush Sponsors (Minimum $150) Pitt • In memory of Mollie Friedman by Claire & Torah Scroll • Stewart Frankel & Joy Kaufman marking Bernard Volain Ariʼs birthday • In memory of Sidney Cushen by Barbara Restoration • Andy Bedford & Becca Levy marking Cushen Talya & Shiraʼs birthdays • In memory of Harry Stein by Victor & • Leon Cummings marking the yahrzeit of Susan Stein Our Torah scrolls are all about his father Tsvi Ben Eliezer LaLevi • In memory of Nellie Eisenberg by Victor & 100 years old and in need of • Shula Chernoff marking her birthday Susan Stein restoration. Some of the scrolls • In memory of Annie Cohen by Theodore were restored in the 1980s, but Maltin Chai Fund (minimum $18) to support the passage of time and daily or synagogue operations • In memory of Reuben Gralla by Howard weekly use have taken their toll. • To Adena Herkovitz with sympathy on the Gralla & Linda Schultz All of the scrolls need lettering passing of Sean Bowler by Sidney & Donna • In memory of Eleanor Hepler by Howard Levine Gralla & Linda Schultz cleaned, replaced and treated. • To David & Hannah Schwartz with • In memory of Philip Abramowitz by John Some need sewing and taping sympathy on the passing of Rubin Schwartz & Marcia Gell of parchment, and some need a by David & Darryl Kuperstock • In memory of Morris Schnitman by Larry new set of etz hayim (spools). • To Adena Herskovitz with sympathy on the Schnitman & Lois Bures passing of Sean Bowler by David & Darryl Kuperstock • In memory of Samuel Rogoff by Ann The cost of restoring our best Rogoff • To Paul Goodwin marking his birthday scrolls is $3,600 to $6,000 each; from Pearl Zale • In memory of Raye F. Leavitt by Ann Rogoff a fund of $50,000 would pro- • To her nephew Stephen Rudof with loving vide for the permanent regular appreciation by Ruth Savitt • In memory of Saul Hennes by Sophie Hennes maintenance of the scrolls. If • To Susan Stone & Roger Levine with sympathy on the passing of Charles B. Stone • In memory of Herman Louis Grenet by you would like to learn more by Robert Forbes & Joanne Foodim Allen Grenet about the condition of our • In memory of Faye Hankin by William scrolls or about the restora- Hankin Synagogue Fund (minimum $10) to sup- tion process, or would like to port synagogue operations • In memory of Samuel Bittenken by Gladys fund the restoration of one or Lipkin • To Adena Herskovitz with sympathy on the more scrolls, please contact passing of Sean Bowler by Gila Reinstein • In memory of Abraham Epstein by Kranie & Earl Baker Rabbi Tilsen at 389-2108 x10 or • To David & Hannah Schwartz with [email protected]. sympathy on the passing of Rubin Schwartz • In memory of Gabriel Opper by Milton & by Gila Reinstein Beatrice Smirnoff • To Rebecca Gratz & Joseph Callaghan in • In memory of Herman Louis Grenet by Shirley & Alan Silver

16 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org Contributions

Leave a Legacy • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dear Donna: ity through the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven will insure you a regular income payment at I would like to donate to BEKI, but I cannot afford a decent interest rate, and can provide that the prin- to give up the income. In fact, with current interest cipal at your death passes to BEKI. Because you rates being so low, Iʼm struggling to make ends make an irrevocable election to donate the principal meet since I primarily live off the income from my to BEKI, you are entitled to a charitable deduction savings. I guess I just canʼt afford to give, right? on your income tax return in the year of the gift. The Foundation will accept a charitable gift annuity Sincerely, of as little as $5,000. If this idea appeals to you, Struggling in New Haven please contact Dennis Magid at the Jewish Founda- tion (387-2424 or [email protected]) Dear Struggling: or contact me (Donna Levine 785-8079 sdsij@aol. com) to assist you with your planning. I sympathize with your plight, but there may be a way you can give to BEKI, and increase your Donna income at the same time. A charitable gift annu-

Save the Dates

• Wine Tasting 9 April evening • Bat Mitzva: Hannah Rosner, daughter of Alan Rosner & Deren Manasevit Rosner, 1-2 April 2005 • Bar Mitzva: Allan Visochek, son of Larry Visochek & Julie Cohen, 29-30 April 2005 • Bar Mitzva: Jonathan Curtis- Resnik, son of Judith Resnik & Dennis Curtis, 6-7 May 2005 • Bar Mitzva: Jesse Goldblum, son of David & Joanne Goldblum, 13-14 May 2005 • Bar Mitzva: Carmi Cheskis- Gold, son of Martin Gold & Rena Cheskis-Gold, 27-28 May 2005

17 BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org C COOPER L LAW LLC 205 Church St., Suite 307 Tel: 203-497-9969 New Haven, CT 06510 [email protected] www.cooperlaw.net

Isaiah D. Cooper Company Formation • Mergers & Acquisitions Leases • Software Licenses • Consulting Agreements Shareholder Disputes • Employment Contracts Distribution Contracts • Equity & Debt Finance

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BEKI Bulletin April 2005 Visit us at www.beki.org