Rabbi's Column

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT SKOKIE, IL Change Service Requested Temple Beth Israel Bulletin (USPS 53 7-480) Published Monthly by

shabbat services shabbat Friday Evening, March 6* Rabb i’s Column 5:30 P.M. – Likrat Shabbat It is well known that the Festival of Purim celebrates the events related in the Book of Esther. 6:05 P.M. – Kabbalat Shabbat Our choice to celebrate this story with frivolity and March Birthday Shabbat 3601 W. Dempster Street • Skokie, Illinois 60076 humor is a curious choice. At its core, the story is a Likrat Shabbat sponsored by Jan and Steven Shiffman 847.675.0951 • ww w.tbiskokie .org deeply troubling story – one that has been repeated in honor of the marriage of their daughter Michael A. Weinberg, Rabbi regularly in our collective Jewish history. Namely, Wendy Gahm to Scott Katznelson Lori B. Sagarin, RJE, Director of Congregational Learning that some advisor to a ruler feels insulted or in some Aufruf of Wendy Gahm and Scott Katznelson Marla Aviva Bentley, Director of Music way slighted by the actions of a particular person who happens to be Amber Wood, Director of Operations shabbat saturday Morning, March 7 at 10:30 a.M. Jewish and, in response, advises the ruler to wipe out the entire Jewish Helene Levine, President T’fillot Nashim with Koleynu community. We tend to try to reassure ourselves with the thought that Ernst M. Lorge, Rabbi Emeritus* Torah Portion “Tetzaveh” such a ruler must be especially gullible, foolish, or incompetent; and S. Felix Mendelsohn, Founding Rabbi* Shabbat Zachor that such an advisor must be nothing short of evil incarnate. And, the *of Blessed Memory shabbat Friday Evening, March 13* story has a happy ending because Mordecai is clever and Esther is brave – and so our celebration focuses primarily on the happy ending, DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE RUSH 7:30 P.M. – Erev Shabbat Services Printed by Total Graphics as it says in the Megillah: “Layehudim Haitah Orah v’simcha v’sasson 2/21/2020 12:29:21 PM Bar Mitzvah of Solomon Winer, son of Robin and David Winer v’yikar - The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor.” shabbat saturday Morning, March 14 at 10:30 a.M. Torah Portion “Ki Tisa” But our rabbinic ancestors wanted to make sure that the scariness of the story was not erased from our memory; and so they decreed that Shabbat Parah the Shabbat before Purim should be designated Shabbat Zachor , the shabbat Friday Evening, March 20* Shabbat of Commemoration, and that we should read of the dastardly 5:30 P.M. – Likrat Shabbat deeds of Amalek and his descendants (King Agag, Haman, etc.) – 6:05 P.M. – Kabbalat Shabbat PLAYBILL quintessential enemies of the Jews. shabbat saturday Morning, March 21 at 10:30 a.M. This year we will read those portions on Shabbat morning, Torah Portion “Vayakhel-Pekudei” March 7th, at T’fillot Nashim – when we will also recognize the salvific Shabbat HaChodesh role of women, like Queen Esther, who guarantee the continuity of the shabbat Friday Evening, March 27 Jewish people. 7:30 P.M. – Erev Shabbat Services Then on Monday evening March 9th we will celebrate Purim with a shabbat saturday Morning, March 28 at 10:30 a.M. grand feast at 5:30pm (reservations required) and a joyous reading of BROADWAY Torah Portion “Vayikra” the Megillah for all ages at 7:00pm (no reservations required and no shabbat Friday Evening, april 3* charge). Bring a box of Mac-n-cheese to use as a greggor then we will Bubbles & Bites 5:30 P.M. – Likrat Shabbat deliver it to the local food pantry. 6:05 P.M. – Kabbalat Shabbat Even while our lighthearted mood helps us forget the scariness of April Birthday Shabbat the story, just six weeks later we will observe Yom HaShoah – when shabbat saturday Morning, april 4 at 10:30 a.M. we remember that not every version of the story has a happy ending. Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Orenstein, In addition to our congregational observance on Monday evening son of Michelle Orenstein and Daniel Orenstein April 20th at 7:30pm, this year our Brotherhood is sponsoring a special Torah Portion “Tzav” program that will allow any of us to bring the observance of Yom Shabbat HaGadol HaShoah into our own homes. Beginning on March 15th, Brotherhood *Please note time will be making available to our TBI members a special Yellow Yahrzeit ~Starring~ candle – along with educational information and prayers. Any of us who chooses may light one of these Yellow Candles at home – thus Likrat shabbat deepening our observance of Yom HaShoah and heightening our memory of the tragedy of the Shoah. ! We would like to belatedly thank Mike Nelson who made a donation for the Likrat Shabbat on February 7, 2020 in honor of The Jewish calendar provides us with many opportunities to gather & his February birthday. and “relive” the experiences of our collective history, thus strengthening our connection to Judaism and to each other. This year is no different, We would like to thank Joan Hakimi, Roslyne Heimann, "#$ % & '$ and so I look forward to sharing all of these observances and celebrations Arnie Oskin, Andrea Blain, Mark Fine, Ione Novak, Laura Merens, with you. Aviva Goldman, Devy Weitzman, Dale Cone, Barbara Seaver, and () Noah Bronfeld who made a donation for the Likrat Shabbat on * + March 6, 2020 in honor of their March birthdays. , $ March 2020 Adar - Nisan 5780 Volume 103 Number 7 in thE tEMPLE FaMiLy FroM thE PrEsidEnt contributions A minimum contribution of $15.00 (unless otherwise noted) for donation to be acknowledged with a card and published in the bulletin. MAZAL TO V: Finding inspiration can sometimes be challenging whether it is in our work, volunteer endeavors, or personal Rachel and Michael Willens on the engagement of their son Sam relationships. Occasionally we find ourselves caught up nanEttE b. MEndELsohn Education Fund rabbi Ernst M. LorgE trEE oF LiFE Fund Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI sanctuary Fund Willens to Tessa Bergmans. in the routine tasks and motions of our day-to-day lives. donor in honor of What do we do when we realize we are in a rut? It is Funds used for the beautification of Provides for the continued maintenance Jan and Steven Shiffman on the marriage of their daughter Wendy to be understood that each of us have different pasts, Temple Beth Israel Jessica and Steve Dembo . . . .Linda Lewison and beautification of our sanctuary ...... and the Catering Committee Gahm to Scott Katznelson. perspectives, and positions, but as part of our TBI donor in honor of ($18.00 minimum) Irving Loundy ...... Temple Beth Israel community our purpose should be to strive together to donor in Memory of Rachel and Michael Willens ...... Marriage of Wendy Gahm to Scott Katznelson on their marriage. actualize the best that we can for our congregation. Together, we seek Judith Pittel ...... Temple Beth Israel Eleanor Yale ...... Mae Wilkans the spark which comes from deep inside us that turns the ordinary into ...... Rebecca Finkel to Jack Miller ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: Laura and Leon Finkel ...... Bill Levy Laura and Norwin Merens ...... the extraordinary. Rachel and Michael Willens ...... Marriage of Laura and Leon Finkel ...... Carole Beth Abrams The following Temple members are recovering from recent illness: For me, the people and the relationships which I have made over . . . . Samantha Nelson to Nicholas Catino ...... Sam Willens’s Engagement Joyce Niederman . . . . .Nathan C. Niederman Sandie Rubin, and Jennifer McCabe . We wish them a speedy recovery. the years at Temple Beth Israel inspires me. I am empowered by those donor in Memory of Jennifer and Neal Gussis . . . .David Levinson around me. In my service to this congregation, I find my inner strength Sheila and Eddie Rosenfeld . .David Levinson CONDOLENCES: from each individual who serves our sacred community; our lay leadership, April and Morris Levy ...... Evelyn Levy donor in Memory of arnoLd FaMiLy Education our members, our Rabbi and the members of our professional staff. Jolie and David Rubin We note with sorrow the passing of Gary Kol bz”l , brother of Barbara Sharon and Randall Heman . . . .Clarisse Irwin EnrichMEnt Fund In service to our sacred community, real inspiration and understanding Rachel and Michael Willens . . . .Sylvia Arnold Alper . May his memory be for a blessing. Deborah Bornstein ...... Provides special programming for TBI schools can only come from listening to each other. Honesty builds trust and Rachel and Michael Willens . .Shirley Masters ...... Ruth and Herschel Bornstein assists others to be inspired. I believe that the ability to inspire others is ($25.00 minimum) Deborah Bornstein ...... Bluma Herman Mazal Tov – B’Nai MiTzvah! an important skill that helps to collectively achieve success. donor in Memory of Deborah Bornstein . .Maxine and Jack Sklare Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Solomon Inspirational Leadership has helped me to become energized and sidnEy i. coLE caMP Thea Felix-Bliwas Dale, Joe and Ari Cone ...... Esther Shulruff Winer on becoming Bar Mitzvah and being called to the has assisted me to create a sense of direction and purpose when schoLarshiP Fund Dale, Joe and Ari Cone ...... Abe M. Cone Janet Harrington Torah on March 13, 2020. Solomon is a 7th grader at taking on challenging responsibilities. Provides camp scholarships Haven Middle School in Evanston. This summer Marianna Tax Choldin and Harvey Choldin . . . Donna Fantozzi A special “thank you” to Jeff Kruger, President, Or Shalom for our students who attend Solomon will be attending OSRUI for his third straight ...... Sol Tax Beth and Ralph Sair ...... Sylvia Arnold Congregation, Vernon Hills, for his wise words in his article which Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp year. At camp he loves sleeping in a tent, playing Sharon and Steve Bayers appeared in the Shofar, the Or Shalom temple bulletin. basketball and hanging out at the lake and the pool donor in honor of Phyllis Cantor ...... Estelle London Helene Levine israEL schoLarshiP Fund with his friends. Solomon is an avid video maker and Faye and Arnold Oskin ...... David Levinson Paula and Jay Broutman . . . .Carol Broutman has a YouTube channel called “Everything Solly” where he posts about President, TBI This fund is used to help send our children on Faye and Arnold Oskin ...... Arnie Oskin’s Doris Simon ...... Sherwin O. Simon his gaming, trick shots, experiments and adventures. For his service authorized trips to Israel and supports our ...... 75th Birthday Barbara and Robert Agdern . .Rosalyn Brown project, Solomon chose to volunteer at C.A.R.E in Skokie. Every week commitment to SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel On February 12, 2020 Rabbi Weinberg Solomon and his mom join their team at the shelter to clean cages, feed, donor in Memory of Music Fund Program) which underwrites travel to Israel water and socialize the cats. The cat toys Solomon has designed and announced his retirement beginning Faye and Arnold Oskin ...... Jack Oskin Provides funds for music programs donor in honor of wool felted for the animals have been a big hit at playtime. Solomon is July 1, 2021 and Helene Levine appointed donor in Memory of very excited for his Bar Mitzvah. Michael Lorge, Jon Schneider and Deb Barbara Seaver . . .Skilled Volunteers for Israel Spiegel to chair the Rabbinic Search rabbi’s discrEtionary Fund Alana Sadkin and Aviva Goldman ...... 2021 Committee. We have met to begin ...... Lorraine Goldman Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Jacob Provides funds for charitable uses Morris FaMiLy coMMunity Fund planning and seek to engage our members Bruce Anders . . .Jeanette Lebedoff Steinberg Orenstein on becoming Bar Mitzvah and being called to to participate in the process before us. within and outside the congregation Established to respond to emergency needs the Torah on April 4, 2020. Jacob is a seventh grader Libby Beider ...... Mel Rogoff Please join us for the first step and come at the discretion of the Rabbi of individuals in the Skokie community at Old Orchard Junior High in Skokie. He splits his Gary Zimmerman . .Martin Harold Zimmerman to an informational meeting on either as identified by the Village of Skokie time between his mom’s house in Skokie with their cat donor in honor of Dorothy and Christopher Anderson ...... Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 7:30 pm or Thursday, April 2, 2020 Cyndy and Brian Novak . . . . .David Levinson ...... Frank Nemec social services staff Bagel, as well as his dad and stepmom’s house in at 7:30 pm (identical presentations) to meet the Rabbinic Search Glenview where is a dedicated big brother to younger donor in honor of Committee and learn about the search process and the opportunities donor in Memory of sociaL sErVicE Fund siblings Ruthie and Johnny. Jacob is quite the Laura and Norwin Merens ...... to participate in the months ahead. This will be a process in which we Diane Alfille and Matthew Arden ...... Provides support for social service Renaissance Man: an avid video gamer, loves theatre, stand-up need everyone’s thoughts and ideas. programs within the Temple and ...... Sylvia Bliwas’s 95th Birthday comedy, audio books, watching sports, all things Star Wars and Marvel ...... Janice Gordon Anderson in the surrounding community and Universe, and hanging out with friends. He is looking forward to his Alice Solovy ...... Marie Marcus to some individual tzedakah recipients third summer as an OSRUI camper. FayE and howard ricE Trudy Isbitz Brodsky ...... Samuel A. Frank donor in honor of Jacob’s empathetic and compassionate nature served as inspiration cuLturaL Fund attEntion journaLists and Trudy Isbitz Brodsky ...... S. Charles Isbitz Nina and David Henry ...... Provides support for social and cultural for his Mitzvah Project, Sarah’s Circle, a non-profit organization with a asPiring journaLists! ...... Elizabeth Hakimi and Alex Montero mission of serving women who are homeless or in need of safe shelter. Joseph Goldzweig ...... Norma Schafer programming, including scholars in residence donor in Memory of Located in Chicago’s Uptown Community, Sarah’s Circle has provided reminder: Material for the bulletin is Marti Walsh and Sam Hirsch ...... Betty Beller ...... Howard Beller donor in Memory of support for thousands of women since 1979 by providing emergency due electronically to the Bulletin Editor at ...... Harold, Diane and Lynn Hirsch Adria, David and Jordan Rice ...... shelter and support to find each woman a home. Jacob has been [email protected] on the 10th of the June Aimen ...... Rose Korn Phyllis Cantor ...... Arlene Glaser ...... Nancy Weisman Rice raising cash donations online through the organization’s annual Winter month prior to publication. If you do not torah Fund Walk as well as coordinating in-kind donation drives for essential items have access to a computer, please submit Sofia and Naum Ligum ...... Raya Serman Provides support for all Temple programs at Temple and his parents’ workplaces. A container is located near paper copy to the Temple office by the 7th Ellen Bronfeld and Noah Bronfeld ...... dEna MaE cohEn FLowEr Fund donor in honor of Mendelsohn Hall, for TBI Community members to drop off donations of the month prior to publication so that it ...... Richard Sabah Albert Leb ...... Temple Beth Israel Funds used for providing flowers for the Bima of travel-sized toiletries, new women’s underwear and ankle socks, can be transcribed and sent by the 10th. Ione and Steve Novak ...... Gary Kolb donor in Memory of donor in honor of sunscreen, deodorant, aloe vera gel, pain reliever, moisturizer, lip balm, The deadline for the April bulletin is March 10th . Have an idea for an Arkady Roytman ...... Elizabeth Roytman scented body spray, and sunglasses. Jacob cannot wait to celebrate his article? Send it in! Jane and Al Page ...... Sylvia Arnold Linda and Milton Benjamin ...... Bar Mitzvah with family and friends. Rhoda and Arnie Lev . . . . .Jerry Rosenwasser Jane and Al Page ...... Sherwin Berger ...... Temple Beth Israel B’ruchiM haBa’iM - wELcoME! joining thE tbi FaMiLy FroM thE dirEctor Our coverage of new Temple Beth Israel members continues. We’re delighted to welcome the following TBI households who have discovered just oF congrEgationaL LEarning how friendly, supportive, and inclusive our community is. As it begins its second century, TBI offers a vibrant and welcoming presence in Skokie, the North Shore, and beyond. Dear Friends, Two months ago, the TBI Brotherhood gifted the Joanie and Martin “Doug” Becker • Skokie, IL Hebrew school students with reusable cups for water or TBI recently welcomed Doug & Joanie as new members. The couple relocated to the Chicago area from Hagerstown, Maryland drinks while in school. It was such a gracious gift that I to be closer to their daughter, Andrea and their grandchildren. They also have a son, Harvey. Born and raised in the “Commonwealth wanted to publicly thank them for their generosity and of Kentucky” – one of four states with that distinction – the Beckers first met at the University of Kentucky at Lexington and were forethought. The children love the cups and their use has married in 1964. reduced our use of disposable cups enormously. Doug completed medical school training and then moved the family to Mobile, Alabama where he worked in private practice TBI’s affiliates are always generous; there is nothing I as a pediatrician until 1983. It was then on to Maryland and a new physician opportunity that spanned the next 35 years until his have asked of them that they have not found a way to provide. Whether it is retirement. baked goods for an event, help with a picnic, or prizes for Purim, both Sisterhood and Brotherhood are always there for the school. First Impressions: The Beckers acknowledge their move to the Midwest has gone relatively well and the adjustment to the TBI community a pleasant one. “We have found members very welcoming and are looking forward to getting to know the Temple community better, while building TBI is a place where we show up for one another. It is one of our attributes many meaningful friendships,” Joanie reported. The couple point to recent Chanukah services and Torah study with Rabbi Weinberg as outstanding. that most attracted me to this community 25 years ago. I was looking for a According to Doug, getting acclimated to a larger Skokie congregation in contrast to the Reform temple (with fewer member households) in home for my family, for my children, and for me; A place that shows up. Hagerstown has been the biggest adjustment. We are now beginning a major transition. I want to encourage us, as we Getting to Know You: Following many years of working along-side Doug in private practice, Joanie is now spending her time enjoying such navigate what may at times be unknown, untested, unlived, that we are a hobbies and special interests as calligraphy, cooking and knitting. Meanwhile, Doug is a veteran guitarist and is looking for other TBI members to community that cares about one another and a place where we can rely on jam with. (Doug will be approaching Rabbi Weinberg in the very near future.) He also teaches aspiring guitarists. The Beckers enjoy spending time at one another. Skokie’s Weber Center and have found it a great social outlet after their Temple activities. In the month of Adar we are commanded to be happy. That may be hard for some right now. Whether that derives from the state of the world, our own Arthur Cohn • Skokie, IL health or personal struggles, or even facing an uncertain future. Let us all pay Here’s our official “welcome” back to Art Cohn as a TBI member. However, one quickly realizes that his connection to the Temple attention and step up to be there for one another. It is the TBI way. z”l spans more than 70 years. He is the son of Dr. Arnold & Lorraine Coh n , who were long time and devoted members of the Temple. B’Shalom , In fact, it was Art’s father who initially purchased the vacant land where the Temple’s satellite location and branch school were Lori B. Sagarin constructed in Skokie in the early 1960s. For all his philanthropic efforts, the Temple’s library is named in memory of Dr. Arnold Cohn. Art’s two brothers, Robert and James along with his sister, Beth (Cohn) Sair, received their religious education at Temple Beth Maot chitiM – PEsach dELiVEry Israel and have established many lifelong friendships with others from TBI, including their long-time friend, Michael Lorge. Beth is very active in FEaturEd Food oF thE Month Sisterhood and in the Temple Adult Education programming. Again this year, TBI is going to deliver food packages to those in need for Pesach from Maot Chitim (maotchitim.org). Maot Chitim is an Thousands of people in the Chicagoland area get food from the First Impressions: “TBI represents a wonderful, close knit community. There is a connection that many congregants have with the Temple that organization that helps Jewish Families celebrate the High Holidays ARK and the Niles Food Pantry. Let's help keep their shelves dates back at least 50 years, if not longer,” Art explained. and Pesach with boxes of food for the holiday. Delivery of the food stocked. Each month a food will be identified as a high need food Getting to Know You: Since 1978, Art has owned and operated Cinderella Dry Cleaning located in Chicago’s Gold Coast area. The business from TBI will take place on Sunday, March 29 from 10 am to 1 pm. item. Please drop off the requested food item in the ARK box in the handles the cleaning and repair of theatrical costumes worn by performers in numerous performances and productions staged in the city and metro Last year TBI delivered about 80 boxes of food. You are invited as foyer. area. It’s not uncommon for many of Art’s workdays to last more than 12 hours, which keeps him very busy. individuals and families to box non-perishable on March 22 at a March and April are both jelly and items labeled location to be announced later. If you have questions about the “Kosher for Passover”, specifically the Ark requests Prepared by Norwin Merens, TBI Membership Committee program, check out their website. Passover items such as cereal, macaroons, crackers, candy, etc. They receive an abundance of matzah and Please sign up to help deliver food on March 29 by calling the office matzah meal and therefore respectfully request the or contacting David H. Henry at 773-405-3928 or [email protected]. other items listed. Other donations are welcome. Please make sure that all foods are Kosher, and that the expiration date is greater than 6 months from the date of donation. On behalf of the ARK and the Social Action Council, we thank you.

hELP us gEt it right! Please help us recognize your upcoming simcha correctly in the Sunday, March 8, 2020 • Carnival and Mini Megillah Bulletin . If you are planning a bar or bat mitzvah, aufruf , baby naming or other life cycle event, please make sure we know exactly how you want your names to be listed. Without prior notification, the Bulletin will list Monday, March 9, 2020 • Megillah Reading names as they appear in our official TBI records. Please email HAPPY PURIM! [email protected] with your information. tbi’s doors arE oPEn widE Temple Beth Israel has so much to offer – a diverse, involved, and caring community, a top-notch professional staff, a warm and Details for the TBI Purim Celebration inside! welcoming home for worship and spiritual exploration, outstanding schools and adult education, friendly and active Sisterhood and Brotherhood, a commitment to community service and social justice, and so much more. Invite friends and family alike to join you for services and programs throughout the year! ch ai notEs BroTherhood MaTTers Continued from Page 4 sistErhood anniVErsariEs FroM thE Music dirEctor Purim: a time for celebration, reflection Sharon and Pam Lavine for their and birthdays cake cutting skills at the Temple’s One’s initial impressions of Purim are of a festive, By the time you receive this March Bulletin, you 102nd anniversary on January 31. APRIL ANNIVERSARIES celebratory holiday – a day of raucous humor, will have read the letter from Rabbi Weinberg and Thanks to Mike Passman for the irreverence and revelry. Yet, at its core, the holiday is a Barbara and Robert Agdern ...... 4/4/1976 our President, Helene Levine, announcing Rabbi’s outstanding fruit tray and to Arnie relatively minor festival and many of its activities (such Mary and Murray Ponerantz ...... 4/5 retirement in June of 2021. I would like to publicly Oskin for ensuring that cakes were as handling money and physical labor) prohibited on Julie Selig and Mitch Ehrlich ...... 4/21/2016 acknowledge Rabbi’s 33 years of devotion to our delivered at the Shabbat in the BROTHERHOOD most Jewish holidays are permitted on Purim. Temple. Many of you have experienced all the ways Park/Mendelsohn Hall event. Rea and Leonard Robin ...... 4/23/1955 Rabbi Weinberg has served this congregation – as our The holiday also represents a time for reflection while functioning as Here’s a look at other upcoming Brotherhood programming – Stephanie and Jim Tuchten ...... 4/29/2001 a stirring reminder that the Purim story – where the Jewish people living spiritual leader, a pastor, a teacher, a talented singer Thursday, March 12 – Make plans to join Brotherhood for its next in Persia were saved – never really ended in light of such atrocities as and musician, a reader of our sacred texts, and as the voice on the dining event at Eng’s Asian Cuisine, 7300 N. Western Ave., in Chicago. APRIL BIRTHDAYS the Holocaust. other end of the phone and the loving embrace during our trying times Encourage your friends to join us for a good meal and plenty of TBI Stephanie Francik ...... 4/1 and our simchas. I encourage everyone to express to Rabbi Weinberg At Temple Beth Israel, the festival holiday of Purim is observed by the camaraderie. Guests may order off the menu. The selection of dishes Luci Bagnall ...... 4/5 and Jody all that they mean to us. To thank them, to raise them up, to reading of the Megillah, the parchment scroll featuring the biblical Book is impressive. give them all the kavod (honor) and nachas (joy) that we can. I am of Esther. Urban legend has chronicled Brotherhood’s sponsorship of Ellen Wein ...... 4/9 Sunday, March 15 – Brotherhood board meeting starts promptly at tremendously grateful for the past 9 years in this community and look TBI Purim carnivals dating back to its Albany Susie Lorge ...... 4/10 10 am forward to our bright future together. Park years and later at the Temple’s one-time Norwin Merens & Randall Heman, Brotherhood Co-Presidents Ellen Sontag ...... 4/12 branch/satellite facility (Howard & Crawford) in Ellen Bronfeld ...... 4/15 Skokie. It was not uncommon during the branch Our ongoing project to record the prayers we sing at Temple Beth school era to see grade school kids angling Sharon Levine ...... 4/16 Israel, continues with the liturgy of T’fillah (The Prayer), also known as ping-pong balls into small bowls containing Myrna Roiter ...... 4/21 Amidah (standing prayer). The T’fillah is the central prayer within every prize-winning goldfish. (Note: Few of the fish Sheila Rosenfeld ...... 4/21 Jewish prayer service – morning, afternoon or evening, Shabbat, survived the car ride home following the carnival.) weekday, or festival. The T’fillah is a group of prayers that begins with Paula Sabin ...... 4/21 Our fine programming tradition continues, minus the goldfish, at TBI Avot v’Imahot and concludes with T’fillat HaLev . Nina Henry ...... 4/22 on Sunday, March 8 at 10 am, 3601 W. Dempster St. There will be games The complete T’fillah for Shabbat is as follows: and fun activities for school children to enjoy along with an outstanding Deborah Shulruf ...... 4/22 1. Avot v’Imahot – recognition of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, SuperDawg® hot dog lunch with assorted fixings, chips and a beverage Jessica Dembo ...... 4/23 Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. This prayer is chanted – all for $5/person. (Game tickets are priced at three for $1.) Maryjane Klein ...... 4/23 according to our tradition ( Nusach HaT’fillah ). Brotherhood takes considerable pride in sponsoring the annual Sherry Brick ...... 4/27 carnival and appreciates the support it receives from YES Committee 2. G’vurot – recognition of God’s greatness and giver of life to all. Joanne Merritt ...... 4/28 Chanted in Nusach. parents and TBI youth groups. Thanks to Bruce Crane, David Levinson and David Spector who are chairing Brotherhood’s Purim extravaganza. 3. K’dushah – God’s holiness. In the evening, we recite: “Atah Would you like to celebrate simchas and benefit Sisterhood We thank them and others for their assistance. There’s ample opportunity Kadosh” (chanted) and in the morning: “N’kadeish et shimcha” TBI? Send a Uniongram, $2.00 each, by contacting: Candy Siegel, for other Brotherhood members to get involved and lend a hand. Plan using the melody of Bonia Shur. [email protected], 847-679-4707 or Jan Shiffman, to join us. Your help goes a long way to ensuring a successful and [email protected], 847-674-1412. 4. K’dushat HaYom – the sanctification of the day. In the evening meaningful program for our community. this text includes a quotation from Genesis 2:1-3, which As we recount the Purim story, we are reminded of recent cases of describes God’s creation of Shabbat. In the morning, we sing anti-Jewish vandalism, harassment and hate crimes, with a special sistErhood nEws “Yism’chu” using either the folk melody, or the melody of Rabbi UPCOMING SISTERHOOD EVENTS focus on the ongoing need for Holocaust education. To that end, The annual T’Fillot Nashim service takes place this year on Joe Black, followed by the chanting of “R’tzei vim’nuchateinu” . Brotherhood has announced plans -- in partnership with TBI’s Jewish Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 10:30 AM. The T’Fillot Nashim Shabbat March 3, 7:00 pm...... Vibrato Shopping Night 5. Avodah – meaning service or worship. This section includes Life Council -- to distribute Yellow Candles this spring to memorialize morning service has become a well-loved Sisterhood and TBI “R’tzei Adonai Eloheinu” which asks God that our prayers and the six million Jews who perished in Europe during World War II. March 4, 10:00 am...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg tradition. The service is led by the women of Sisterhood under Rabbi worship should be acceptable. Often, we read this text in This first-time candle initiative begins Weinberg’s guidance. Sisterhood members are called to the Bima to March 4, 12:00 pm...... Open Program Meeting Hebrew, or sing the melody of Julie Silver. later this month and culminates with TBI’s read Torah, Haftarah and blessings, for readings in English, and for the March 7, 10:30 am...... T’Fillot Nashim 6. Hodaah – gratitude. We often recite the prayer “Modim anachnu actual Yom HaShoah observance on Monday, honors of opening and closing the Ark, and carrying the Torah during lach” in English, so that we may collectively express our April 20 – more details to come. A schedule the hakafot . This year our own Sisterhood member Nina Henry will March 15, 10:00 am...... Sisterhood Board Meeting gratitude and thanks to God. will be published online and through various deliver the D’var Torah . The music of Koleynu, led by our Music Temple eBlasts indicating when congregants March 18, 10:00 am...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg 7. Shalom – peace. In the evening, we sing “Shalom Rav” using the Director Marla Aviva Bentley, deepens the beauty of the service. The can stop in to pick up a special yellow candle, melodies of Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Daniel Freelander, service is followed by a kiddush luncheon in Mendelsohn Hall to which March 18, 6:00 pm...... Dinner Night Out at Graziano’s courtesy of the Brotherhood. A candle will be Cantor Erik Contzius, David Shukiar, or Noah Aronson. In the all are invited. T’Fillot Nashim is one of many opportunities for the made available to each Temple household March 25, 10:00 am...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg morning, we sing “Sim Shalom” using the Chassidic melody women of Sisterhood to participate in worship and study, which that would like to participate in observing Yom HaShoah . Lighting arranged by Bonia Shur, Julie Silver or Rabbi Noam Katz. include the Second Day Rosh Hashanah service and Sisterhood Study March 28, 6:00 pm...... Sisterhood Spring Event/Bunco instructions, a meditation prayer and card bearing the name of a with Rabbi Weinberg. 8. T’fillat HaLev – the prayers of our hearts. This section begins with Holocaust victim accompany each candle. April 1, 10:00 am ...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg “Elohai N’tzor,” followed by “Yih’yu L’ratzon,” and “Oseh Shalom” . Sisterhood’s Spring Fundraiser will take place on March 28, 2020. Brotherhood Bytes – A special “shout out” to Mick Siegel for April 1, 12:00 pm ...... Open Program Meeting Here at TBI, we use numerous melodies for these prayers from This year we present “A Fun Evening of Bunco” starting with dinner at coordinating the Blood Drive and Health Fair on Sunday, March 1 Debbie Friedman, to Josh Nelson, to Michelle Citrin and Elana 6:00 PM followed by dessert, Bunco and prizes. This fast, easy dice April 19, 10:00 am ...... Sisterhood Board Meeting through Vitalant, previously Life Source. To participate in future blood Arian. game was enjoyed by over 80 people at last year’s event. The perfect drives, you must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), April 22, 10:00 am ...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg occasion for date night, girls’ or guys’ night out, or come by yourself You can hear examples of the prayers we sing at TBI, including the in good health and weigh at least 110 lb. complete T’filah or Amidah section of our liturgy on the prayer section and meet new TBI friends. The cost is $25.00 per person for a lively April 22, 7:00 pm ...... Book Discussion Group Thanks to all who participated as bingo volunteers at the recent evening. Register by check to Sisterhood TBI or RSVP on ShulCloud of my blog: http://marlaaviva.edublogs.org/prayer/. April 24-26 ...... WRJ Midwest District Kallah, OSRUI Lieberman Center service event in Skokie. Also, a special thanks to to pay at the door. Joy & Blessings, Sharon Heman for her wonderful chocolate caramel cookies and to Respectfully submitted, Pam Lavine and Cynthia Miller April 29, 10:00 am ...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg Marla Aviva Bentley Continued on Page 5 Co-Presidents - Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel ch ai notEs BroTherhood MaTTers Continued from Page 4 sistErhood anniVErsariEs FroM thE Music dirEctor Purim: a time for celebration, reflection Sharon and Pam Lavine for their and birthdays cake cutting skills at the Temple’s One’s initial impressions of Purim are of a festive, By the time you receive this March Bulletin, you 102nd anniversary on January 31. APRIL ANNIVERSARIES celebratory holiday – a day of raucous humor, will have read the letter from Rabbi Weinberg and Thanks to Mike Passman for the irreverence and revelry. Yet, at its core, the holiday is a Barbara and Robert Agdern ...... 4/4/1976 our President, Helene Levine, announcing Rabbi’s outstanding fruit tray and to Arnie relatively minor festival and many of its activities (such Mary and Murray Ponerantz ...... 4/5 retirement in June of 2021. I would like to publicly Oskin for ensuring that cakes were as handling money and physical labor) prohibited on Julie Selig and Mitch Ehrlich ...... 4/21/2016 acknowledge Rabbi’s 33 years of devotion to our delivered at the Shabbat in the BROTHERHOOD most Jewish holidays are permitted on Purim. Temple. Many of you have experienced all the ways Park/Mendelsohn Hall event. Rea and Leonard Robin ...... 4/23/1955 Rabbi Weinberg has served this congregation – as our The holiday also represents a time for reflection while functioning as Here’s a look at other upcoming Brotherhood programming – Stephanie and Jim Tuchten ...... 4/29/2001 a stirring reminder that the Purim story – where the Jewish people living spiritual leader, a pastor, a teacher, a talented singer Thursday, March 12 – Make plans to join Brotherhood for its next in Persia were saved – never really ended in light of such atrocities as and musician, a reader of our sacred texts, and as the voice on the dining event at Eng’s Asian Cuisine, 7300 N. Western Ave., in Chicago. APRIL BIRTHDAYS the Holocaust. other end of the phone and the loving embrace during our trying times Encourage your friends to join us for a good meal and plenty of TBI Stephanie Francik ...... 4/1 and our simchas. I encourage everyone to express to Rabbi Weinberg At Temple Beth Israel, the festival holiday of Purim is observed by the camaraderie. Guests may order off the menu. The selection of dishes Luci Bagnall ...... 4/5 and Jody all that they mean to us. To thank them, to raise them up, to reading of the Megillah, the parchment scroll featuring the biblical Book is impressive. give them all the kavod (honor) and nachas (joy) that we can. I am of Esther. Urban legend has chronicled Brotherhood’s sponsorship of Ellen Wein ...... 4/9 Sunday, March 15 – Brotherhood board meeting starts promptly at tremendously grateful for the past 9 years in this community and look TBI Purim carnivals dating back to its Albany Susie Lorge ...... 4/10 10 am forward to our bright future together. Park years and later at the Temple’s one-time Norwin Merens & Randall Heman, Brotherhood Co-Presidents Ellen Sontag ...... 4/12 branch/satellite facility (Howard & Crawford) in Ellen Bronfeld ...... 4/15 Skokie. It was not uncommon during the branch Our ongoing project to record the prayers we sing at Temple Beth school era to see grade school kids angling Sharon Levine ...... 4/16 Israel, continues with the liturgy of T’fillah (The Prayer), also known as ping-pong balls into small bowls containing Myrna Roiter ...... 4/21 Amidah (standing prayer). The T’fillah is the central prayer within every prize-winning goldfish. (Note: Few of the fish Sheila Rosenfeld ...... 4/21 Jewish prayer service – morning, afternoon or evening, Shabbat, survived the car ride home following the carnival.) weekday, or festival. The T’fillah is a group of prayers that begins with Paula Sabin ...... 4/21 Our fine programming tradition continues, minus the goldfish, at TBI Avot v’Imahot and concludes with T’fillat HaLev . Nina Henry ...... 4/22 on Sunday, March 8 at 10 am, 3601 W. Dempster St. There will be games The complete T’fillah for Shabbat is as follows: and fun activities for school children to enjoy along with an outstanding Deborah Shulruf ...... 4/22 1. Avot v’Imahot – recognition of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, SuperDawg® hot dog lunch with assorted fixings, chips and a beverage Jessica Dembo ...... 4/23 Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. This prayer is chanted – all for $5/person. (Game tickets are priced at three for $1.) Maryjane Klein ...... 4/23 according to our tradition ( Nusach HaT’fillah ). Brotherhood takes considerable pride in sponsoring the annual Sherry Brick ...... 4/27 carnival and appreciates the support it receives from YES Committee 2. G’vurot – recognition of God’s greatness and giver of life to all. Joanne Merritt ...... 4/28 Chanted in Nusach. parents and TBI youth groups. Thanks to Bruce Crane, David Levinson and David Spector who are chairing Brotherhood’s Purim extravaganza. 3. K’dushah – God’s holiness. In the evening, we recite: “Atah Would you like to celebrate simchas and benefit Sisterhood We thank them and others for their assistance. There’s ample opportunity Kadosh” (chanted) and in the morning: “N’kadeish et shimcha” TBI? Send a Uniongram, $2.00 each, by contacting: Candy Siegel, for other Brotherhood members to get involved and lend a hand. Plan using the melody of Bonia Shur. [email protected], 847-679-4707 or Jan Shiffman, to join us. Your help goes a long way to ensuring a successful and [email protected], 847-674-1412. 4. K’dushat HaYom – the sanctification of the day. In the evening meaningful program for our community. this text includes a quotation from Genesis 2:1-3, which As we recount the Purim story, we are reminded of recent cases of describes God’s creation of Shabbat. In the morning, we sing anti-Jewish vandalism, harassment and hate crimes, with a special sistErhood nEws “Yism’chu” using either the folk melody, or the melody of Rabbi UPCOMING SISTERHOOD EVENTS focus on the ongoing need for Holocaust education. To that end, The annual T’Fillot Nashim service takes place this year on Joe Black, followed by the chanting of “R’tzei vim’nuchateinu” . Brotherhood has announced plans -- in partnership with TBI’s Jewish Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 10:30 AM. The T’Fillot Nashim Shabbat March 3, 7:00 pm...... Vibrato Shopping Night 5. Avodah – meaning service or worship. This section includes Life Council -- to distribute Yellow Candles this spring to memorialize morning service has become a well-loved Sisterhood and TBI “R’tzei Adonai Eloheinu” which asks God that our prayers and the six million Jews who perished in Europe during World War II. March 4, 10:00 am...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg tradition. The service is led by the women of Sisterhood under Rabbi worship should be acceptable. Often, we read this text in This first-time candle initiative begins Weinberg’s guidance. Sisterhood members are called to the Bima to March 4, 12:00 pm...... Open Program Meeting Hebrew, or sing the melody of Julie Silver. later this month and culminates with TBI’s read Torah, Haftarah and blessings, for readings in English, and for the March 7, 10:30 am...... T’Fillot Nashim 6. Hodaah – gratitude. We often recite the prayer “Modim anachnu actual Yom HaShoah observance on Monday, honors of opening and closing the Ark, and carrying the Torah during lach” in English, so that we may collectively express our April 20 – more details to come. A schedule the hakafot . This year our own Sisterhood member Nina Henry will March 15, 10:00 am...... Sisterhood Board Meeting gratitude and thanks to God. will be published online and through various deliver the D’var Torah . The music of Koleynu, led by our Music Temple eBlasts indicating when congregants March 18, 10:00 am...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg 7. Shalom – peace. In the evening, we sing “Shalom Rav” using the Director Marla Aviva Bentley, deepens the beauty of the service. The can stop in to pick up a special yellow candle, melodies of Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Daniel Freelander, service is followed by a kiddush luncheon in Mendelsohn Hall to which March 18, 6:00 pm...... Dinner Night Out at Graziano’s courtesy of the Brotherhood. A candle will be Cantor Erik Contzius, David Shukiar, or Noah Aronson. In the all are invited. T’Fillot Nashim is one of many opportunities for the made available to each Temple household March 25, 10:00 am...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg morning, we sing “Sim Shalom” using the Chassidic melody women of Sisterhood to participate in worship and study, which that would like to participate in observing Yom HaShoah . Lighting arranged by Bonia Shur, Julie Silver or Rabbi Noam Katz. include the Second Day Rosh Hashanah service and Sisterhood Study March 28, 6:00 pm...... Sisterhood Spring Event/Bunco instructions, a meditation prayer and card bearing the name of a with Rabbi Weinberg. 8. T’fillat HaLev – the prayers of our hearts. This section begins with Holocaust victim accompany each candle. April 1, 10:00 am ...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg “Elohai N’tzor,” followed by “Yih’yu L’ratzon,” and “Oseh Shalom” . Sisterhood’s Spring Fundraiser will take place on March 28, 2020. Brotherhood Bytes – A special “shout out” to Mick Siegel for April 1, 12:00 pm ...... Open Program Meeting Here at TBI, we use numerous melodies for these prayers from This year we present “A Fun Evening of Bunco” starting with dinner at coordinating the Blood Drive and Health Fair on Sunday, March 1 Debbie Friedman, to Josh Nelson, to Michelle Citrin and Elana 6:00 PM followed by dessert, Bunco and prizes. This fast, easy dice April 19, 10:00 am ...... Sisterhood Board Meeting through Vitalant, previously Life Source. To participate in future blood Arian. game was enjoyed by over 80 people at last year’s event. The perfect drives, you must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), April 22, 10:00 am ...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg occasion for date night, girls’ or guys’ night out, or come by yourself You can hear examples of the prayers we sing at TBI, including the in good health and weigh at least 110 lb. complete T’filah or Amidah section of our liturgy on the prayer section and meet new TBI friends. The cost is $25.00 per person for a lively April 22, 7:00 pm ...... Book Discussion Group Thanks to all who participated as bingo volunteers at the recent evening. Register by check to Sisterhood TBI or RSVP on ShulCloud of my blog: http://marlaaviva.edublogs.org/prayer/. April 24-26 ...... WRJ Midwest District Kallah, OSRUI Lieberman Center service event in Skokie. Also, a special thanks to to pay at the door. Joy & Blessings, Sharon Heman for her wonderful chocolate caramel cookies and to Respectfully submitted, Pam Lavine and Cynthia Miller April 29, 10:00 am ...... Study with Rabbi Weinberg Marla Aviva Bentley Continued on Page 5 Co-Presidents - Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel B’ruchiM haBa’iM - wELcoME! joining thE tbi FaMiLy FroM thE dirEctor Our coverage of new Temple Beth Israel members continues. We’re delighted to welcome the following TBI households who have discovered just oF congrEgationaL LEarning how friendly, supportive, and inclusive our community is. As it begins its second century, TBI offers a vibrant and welcoming presence in Skokie, the North Shore, and beyond. Dear Friends, Two months ago, the TBI Brotherhood gifted the Joanie and Martin “Doug” Becker • Skokie, IL Hebrew school students with reusable cups for water or TBI recently welcomed Doug & Joanie as new members. The couple relocated to the Chicago area from Hagerstown, Maryland drinks while in school. It was such a gracious gift that I to be closer to their daughter, Andrea and their grandchildren. They also have a son, Harvey. Born and raised in the “Commonwealth wanted to publicly thank them for their generosity and of Kentucky” – one of four states with that distinction – the Beckers first met at the University of Kentucky at Lexington and were forethought. The children love the cups and their use has married in 1964. reduced our use of disposable cups enormously. Doug completed medical school training and then moved the family to Mobile, Alabama where he worked in private practice TBI’s affiliates are always generous; there is nothing I as a pediatrician until 1983. It was then on to Maryland and a new physician opportunity that spanned the next 35 years until his have asked of them that they have not found a way to provide. Whether it is retirement. baked goods for an event, help with a picnic, or prizes for Purim, both Sisterhood and Brotherhood are always there for the school. First Impressions: The Beckers acknowledge their move to the Midwest has gone relatively well and the adjustment to the TBI community a pleasant one. “We have found members very welcoming and are looking forward to getting to know the Temple community better, while building TBI is a place where we show up for one another. It is one of our attributes many meaningful friendships,” Joanie reported. The couple point to recent Chanukah services and Torah study with Rabbi Weinberg as outstanding. that most attracted me to this community 25 years ago. I was looking for a According to Doug, getting acclimated to a larger Skokie congregation in contrast to the Reform temple (with fewer member households) in home for my family, for my children, and for me; A place that shows up. Hagerstown has been the biggest adjustment. We are now beginning a major transition. I want to encourage us, as we Getting to Know You: Following many years of working along-side Doug in private practice, Joanie is now spending her time enjoying such navigate what may at times be unknown, untested, unlived, that we are a hobbies and special interests as calligraphy, cooking and knitting. Meanwhile, Doug is a veteran guitarist and is looking for other TBI members to community that cares about one another and a place where we can rely on jam with. (Doug will be approaching Rabbi Weinberg in the very near future.) He also teaches aspiring guitarists. The Beckers enjoy spending time at one another. Skokie’s Weber Center and have found it a great social outlet after their Temple activities. In the month of Adar we are commanded to be happy. That may be hard for some right now. Whether that derives from the state of the world, our own Arthur Cohn • Skokie, IL health or personal struggles, or even facing an uncertain future. Let us all pay Here’s our official “welcome” back to Art Cohn as a TBI member. However, one quickly realizes that his connection to the Temple attention and step up to be there for one another. It is the TBI way. z”l spans more than 70 years. He is the son of Dr. Arnold & Lorraine Coh n , who were long time and devoted members of the Temple. B’Shalom , In fact, it was Art’s father who initially purchased the vacant land where the Temple’s satellite location and branch school were Lori B. Sagarin constructed in Skokie in the early 1960s. For all his philanthropic efforts, the Temple’s library is named in memory of Dr. Arnold Cohn. Art’s two brothers, Robert and James along with his sister, Beth (Cohn) Sair, received their religious education at Temple Beth Maot chitiM – PEsach dELiVEry Israel and have established many lifelong friendships with others from TBI, including their long-time friend, Michael Lorge. Beth is very active in FEaturEd Food oF thE Month Sisterhood and in the Temple Adult Education programming. Again this year, TBI is going to deliver food packages to those in need for Pesach from Maot Chitim (maotchitim.org). Maot Chitim is an Thousands of people in the Chicagoland area get food from the First Impressions: “TBI represents a wonderful, close knit community. There is a connection that many congregants have with the Temple that organization that helps Jewish Families celebrate the High Holidays ARK and the Niles Food Pantry. Let's help keep their shelves dates back at least 50 years, if not longer,” Art explained. and Pesach with boxes of food for the holiday. Delivery of the food stocked. Each month a food will be identified as a high need food Getting to Know You: Since 1978, Art has owned and operated Cinderella Dry Cleaning located in Chicago’s Gold Coast area. The business from TBI will take place on Sunday, March 29 from 10 am to 1 pm. item. Please drop off the requested food item in the ARK box in the handles the cleaning and repair of theatrical costumes worn by performers in numerous performances and productions staged in the city and metro Last year TBI delivered about 80 boxes of food. You are invited as foyer. area. It’s not uncommon for many of Art’s workdays to last more than 12 hours, which keeps him very busy. individuals and families to box non-perishable on March 22 at a March and April are both jelly and items labeled location to be announced later. If you have questions about the “Kosher for Passover”, specifically the Ark requests Prepared by Norwin Merens, TBI Membership Committee program, check out their website. Passover items such as cereal, macaroons, crackers, candy, etc. They receive an abundance of matzah and Please sign up to help deliver food on March 29 by calling the office matzah meal and therefore respectfully request the or contacting David H. Henry at 773-405-3928 or [email protected]. other items listed. Other donations are welcome. Please make sure that all foods are Kosher, and that the expiration date is greater than 6 months from the date of donation. On behalf of the ARK and the Social Action Council, we thank you.