Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.congregationbnaiisrael.org

Volume 153, Number 1 Av/Elul 5771 August 2011

Getting Ready for 5772New BIFTY

Advisor and Board

Interpreting and Making

Meaning Together

Welcome to Our New Early

Childhood Center Director

Annual Meeting Notes

9/11 Remembrance

James Prosnit, D.D. .................................................................... RabbiRachel Gurevitz, Ph.D. .............................................................. RabbiArnold I. Sher, D.D. ................................................... Rabbi EmeritusSheri E. Blum, D.M. ................................................................ CantorRamon Gilbert, D.M. ................................................ Cantor EmeritusIra J. Wise, R.J.E. ............................................. Director of EducationRobert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ....................................... Educator EmeritusElaine Chetrit ...................................... Director of Family EducationAlexa Cohen .............................................. Early Childhood DirectorAbby Rohinsky ..................................................... Director of FacilityMatthew Rosen ............................................................. Youth Advisor

OfficersMark A. Kirsch ..................................................................... PresidentMindy Siegel ........................................................... 1st Vice PresidentShari Nerreau ................................................................ Vice PresidentSamuel Rosenberg ........................................................ Vice PresidentRichard Walden ............................................................ Vice PresidentMichael Blumenthal ............................................................. TreasurerStuart Horowitz ..................................................... Assistant TreasurerJulie Pressman ...................................................................... SecretaryKelly Reznikoff ................................................... Financial SecretaryAmy Rich .................................................... Immediate Past President

Affiliates

Jim Greenberg ................................................. Brotherhood PresidentMolly Blumenthal & Michael Kalmans ........... BIFTY Co-Presidents

2 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to lynn@congregationbnaiisrael.org!

Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

Robert Jackman, father of Jennifer DiamondAlexander Beck, father of Ken BeckAdeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi BerkowitzJames “Jimmy” Cohen, brother of Rozanne LanciaHerbert Wittman, father of Michael WittmanMordka Knopf, father of Fred KnopfDavid Ziller, son of Marilyn Bissell and cousin ofEllen Hyde Phillips

Sharing Our Joy…Congratulations to:

Barbara and Derek Solomon on the birth of their grandson, Micah Tamir Rosenbaum; Serena and Arnie Sher on the birth of their grandson, Stanley James Birrittella.

Save the Date!Widows/Widowers Group, A Shabbat Meet-UpSaturday, August 20, 2:00 p.m.

Please join us on Saturday, August 20 at Lee Attenberg’s home, 51 Morning Glory Drive in Easton. The speaker will be Juda Chetrit, who will speak about “Life as a Jew in Morocco.” Be prepared to participate and enjoy!

Call 203-374-9688 for directions.

In This Issue

From the Rabbi’s Desk ......................................... 3From Rabbi Gurevitz ........................................... 5From the Early Childhood Center ....................... 6Young Families Havurah ..................................... 6From the Education Center .................................. 7Shabbat Services ................................................... 9Donations ....................................................... 10-11

Welcome! Welcome!

A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will not only enrich their lives, but that of our congregation.

Kenneth and Katherine Kingsly, Noah and JuliaSunnie Holme Drive, Fairfield

Andrew and Marnie Orlando, William and HarleighBlueberry Lane, Stratford

3Item of the Month: canned vegetables

From the Rabbi’s DeskRemarks made by Rabbi Prosnit at the Annual Meeting, June 2011

As a senior staff we spent the past year reading a new book called Sacred Strategies—Transforming Synagogues from Functional to Visionary. We preceded most of our meetings with a 20-minute discussion on one of the chapters, and we reflected on this place: our congregation.

Were we functional—able to respond to the consumers’ needs; able to produce, manage, market, and deliver sought-after services, or were we visionary—a place that inspired sacred experiences and provided genuine meaning to people’s lives? Was worship participatory and engaging, was learning for both children and adults worthwhile, and was there a holistic ethos that drew ritual, ethics, caring, and social action into one integrated community? Did lay leadership and professional function cooperatively, and together did we engage in the work of not just sustaining but building Jewish lives and Jewish life for our congregants and those around us?

In the main we thought we were doing well. The glass was more than half full—and obviously we hope that most of you here tonight agree.

God knows there is a ton to do—and I know that for every congregant who embraces the vision, there are three or four who are just happy when the appropriate service is provided—when their child doesn’t complain in the carpool on the way home from religious school, when the traditional great uncle says that “the woman cantor” had a good voice and the Bar Mitzvah boy chanted competently. I know people are grateful when Rabbi Gurevitz or I show up at their hospital bed or are quick to make an appointment to discuss a personal problem. But our goal will always be to strive to find the right buttons to push for a more active engagement, because the product we offer—a sacred Jewish community—can be transformative in the challenging and sometimes difficult lives that so many of us face these days.

As I look back this year, let me highlight a few of those areas where I think we made some really good strides.

For 37 people (most of whom were congregants), Israel became more than a headline and a place on the map. Wendy and I had a terrific time sharing our love for the Land, the State, and the People with some of you. Thirty-seven Jews—no complaining, always on time, enthusiastic, eager, questioning, and committed to staying involved with Israel and each other upon their return.

Shabbat morning is a bit more special each week because of the presence of our new Young Families Havurah. Under the creative guidance of Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro, a group of parents, toddlers, and small children join every Shabbat in age-appropriate worship and study, plus bagels and playtime. This has been an important outreach and in-reach effort that has provided some unique connections for the “next d’or”—the next generation of integrated congregants.

And on the theme of outreach, let me thank my far more technologically minded colleagues Rabbi Gurevitz and Ira Wise for the strides they’ve made in utilizing the expanding social media to communicate with our congregants and get our message out to others. Through Facebook and blogs they are moving us in a vital direction—one that I desperately need to catch up to, even as in my heart of hearts I believe face to face is still the preferred way to engage.

One other thing that we did more of this year in keeping with the goal of expanding the lay-professional partnership was to rely on a number of our congregants to enhance our adult learning. Both in terms of courses and special programs, we have some very talented folks who are willing to give of their wisdom and time when asked. We had courses and classes taught by Bob Epstein, Lisa Grant, Carol Mack, Steve Verbil, Andrea Rudolph, and Bari Dworken and Sabbaths to Save the World presentations by Ronnie Lovich, Sandi Michaelson, Howard Rosenbaum, and Cynthia and Stephanie Davis. If some of those names are unfamiliar—that’s one of my points exactly—then the more we expand the circle, the more we will find eager and visionary partners.

But of course at this annual meeting I extend my primary thank-you to you who are here tonight. To all who participate so regularly in services and classes and caring and social action and the business side of things—you are the lifeblood of this congregation. To those who can and do go above and beyond in your financial support, especially in shaky times, I am grateful. To the Board, those who are leaving and those who are joining and those who are continuing—your ideas and hopes are what keep us focused on the vision. To Mark Kirsch and the Executive Committee, I am in awe of how hard you work and how committed and thoughtful you are.

All in all a good year—and a chance for many blessings for all of us in the year ahead.

Rabbi James Prosnit

4 Your purchases at Amazon.com via http://www.congregationbnaiisrael.org support our temple!

Red Cross Blood Drive—Another Great Turn-Out

From the Union for Reform Judaism

Save the Date!

B’nai Israel congregants and staff made our recent (May 31) Red Cross blood drive a great success. We collected 41 donations, and this on a holiday weekend!

Many thanks in particular to the following members for their lifesaving donations: Barbara LandauJonathan OrleansSusan MasonCarole TilkinEd BurgerGeorge MarkleyPeter MontagnaIra Wise

Many thanks to Mark Kirsch, Ira Wise, Dorothy Blaustein, and Lynn Lynch, without whose help this could not have happened.

And, again, to Judy Rankell, who registered donors for the entire day.

We thank you all for aiding in this priceless gift.

Judy Rudikoff

Don’t Miss the Chance to Contribute Your Perspectives About the Jewish FutureIf you haven’t yet joined the thought-provoking, diverse, Movement-wide (and beyond)

conversation about what we need to do collectively to strengthen the Jewish future, visit http://www.reformjudaismmag.org/thinktank and participate. The

URJ encourages congregations to be actively engaged in the discussion, as their body of responses will play a role in that future! Please contribute to the important dialogue about what we need to do to strengthen the future of North American Jewry. Contact Joy Weinberg, Managing Editor of Reform Judaism magazine, at jweinberg@urj.org for further information.

An Introspective Weekend: A Fresh Start for Your New Year, With Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Ira StoneFriday, September 16–Saturday, September 17, hosted by Congregation Beth-El, Fairfield

Please join Rabbi Ira Stone, teacher of Mussar practice, for a community-wide opportunity to learn and reflect in preparation for the New Year. Mussar is a Jewish

spiritual practice of study that focuses on ethical living.

Full details of program and times to follow in “Happenings” and the September Bulletin.

5

From Rabbi Gurevitz

How do we respond to the 10th anniversary of 9/11?

That was the question that the members of the Fairfield Clergy Association started with a few months back as we began to plan a cross-communal, interfaith gathering for September 11, 2011. Back in February, when I was on retreat with rabbis of all

denominations with CLAL, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, one of our cohort began the conversation about the variety of ways that communities and individuals might mark 10 years since those horrific events and the kinds of messages and meanings that such events might hold. What was apparent back in February, and apparent in the thoughtful conversations that have since taken place among Fairfield clergy, is that what might seem obvious and straightforward actually requires a great deal of thought and care.

It is impossible to have a meaningful conversation about 9/11 without remembering. Some in this community were in New York City that day. There were some who got on the train in Fairfield that morning who did not return home. Those who were not in New York or Washington could not believe what was unfolding on our television screens. Others were waiting for loved ones coming home on flights that were hijacked by the terrorists. For others there were hours of anxiety as phone lines were jammed. I was still in London 10 years ago, and it took six hours of trying before I could reach beloved friends in New York.

Remembering brings up many emotions: loss, anger, sadness, fear, determination…

And then there is the question of response. As with any traumatic experience that is life-changing, “responding”

is more appropriate than “explaining.” There were first responders on 9/11, and many owe their lives to them. Not all of them are here to be thanked today. Their response was one of service, saving, giving, and healing. What is our response?

On Sunday, September 11, 2011, 3–5 p.m., the Fairfield Clergy Association, the Tent of Abraham Interfaith group, the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, and the Fairfield Museum are joining together for an event that we hope will bring many, many people from this part of Fairfield County together in response to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. We will begin with a service of “Remembering, Honoring, and Rebuilding” to be held on the Old Town Green behind the Fairfield Museum (indoors if the weather does not cooperate). For those who choose, there will then be an opportunity to go inside the museum to participate in small group Sacred Listening Circles. These circles, facilitated by local clergy and lay leaders, will provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect more personally—looking back and remembering, but also looking forward and hoping. The Fairfield Museum will also have a photographic exhibition recalling 9/11 on display.

This is our response. To remember. To honor. And to rebuild by bringing local people together to share and respond to the horrors of that day by seeking to make our community more open, more diverse, and more connected than ever. I very much hope you will mark this event on your calendars and plan to join us. And please do invite your neighbors and friends.

Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz

Happy Summer!

6 Your purchases at Amazon.com via http://www.congregationbnaiisrael.org support our temple!

From the Early Childhood Center

A Thank You From Gail Weinstein

From the Young Families Havurah

Dear Congregants and Early Childhood Center Families,

Thank you for such a warm welcome to my new position! I am honored to be the new director of the Early Childhood Center and look forward to another amazing year with the children and families of Congregation B’nai Israel. The teachers and I have been working hard to develop the curriculum

and the environment to give the children the finest educational experience. From the newly named Gail Weinstein Playground to the coziest corners for reading, we strive to make this an inviting and engaging home away from home. We know that children who feel comfortable and who enjoy coming to school will gain the most and will be on a path to lifelong Jewish learning.

This fall, you can look forward to some great special events! In addition to the dynamic daily curriculum, we’re planning field trips to the farm and special visits from Rabbi Rachel and Mr. Ford. I know that I have big shoes to fill, taking Congregation B’nai Israel’s Early Childhood Center into its next 25 years. I am thrilled to be here and welcome your involvement. Fondly,Alexa Cohen

Dear Congregants,

We know how much our children thrive on routine and that family vacations by definition interrupt those routines. Bedtimes slide, healthy eating slips a bit. It is probably healthy for our children to see that we can be flexible at times with routine. On the other hand, eventually the children do need to get some rest and eat something nutritious, or the vacation will sour quickly.

Like bedtime and diet, I believe that it is beneficial for my children to understand Judaism as being flexible up to a point. My children usually look forward to a big family Shabbat dinner each week with cousins, grandparents, and even a great-grandmother. They enjoy the routine of Havurah on Saturday mornings. Obviously, when we are away we mark Shabbat differently. Shabbat dinner may take place in a restaurant. Saturday morning may mean an outing to someplace special. But we always make a point to mark Shabbat, even when we are on vacation. We may light Shabbat candles (tea-lights) in our hotel room, and we may make motzi (prayer thanking God for bread) in a restaurant. And we discuss how Shabbat this week is different than in other weeks.

Routines give our children’s lives structure and help demonstrate our values as parents. Breaks in routine can create wonderful memories. Your children won’t soon forget Shabbat dinner

on the beach or lighting candles at Disney World. May your vacations be full of wonderful memories of every sort.

Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro

If you are not on vacation…celebrate Shabbat with the Young Families Havurah:

Picnic in the ParkFriday, August 12

Playground time and Shabbat dinner in Lincoln (“Jackman”) Park at 455 Jackman Avenue in Fairfield. Plan to arrive at 5:00 p.m. for playground time and 6:00 p.m. for dinner. We’ll provide candles, juice, and challah. You bring a picnic blanket (there are a few tables too), a picnic dinner, and a dessert to share. RSVP to Rabbi Nicole or Lynn in the main office at 203-336-1858. Rain date August 26.

Every Saturday morning starting at 9:15 a.m. for bagels and 9:30 a.m. for services, songs, story, and crafts. We are outside behind the playground for services. Bring a picnic blanket!

Thank you so much for your generous outpouring of appreciation in honor of my 25 years at B’nai Israel. The Shabbat service was lovely and filled with such warmth and emotion. I am indeed honored to have been affiliated with such a caring synagogue. I am deeply touched to have the playground dedicated in my

honor. I will come away with many wonderful memories of happy, smiling children. With much affection, Gail Weinstein

7Item of the Month: canned vegetables

From the Education Center

Making Meaning Together

I had the very good fortune to join a group of 50 synagogue educators in learning with Dr. Larry Hoffman, a professor at the Hebrew Union College in New York. His lesson was titled Limits, Truth, and the Anxious Search for Meaning: The Changing Rhetoric of Leadership. He described

different ways Judaism has functioned through history, using the observance of Shabbat as a lens.

He described the period from biblical times through the Middle Ages as the age of limits. Essentially, Judaism was focused on rules. We observed Shabbat because it was required. In the book of Exodus (31:13-17) we learned that violating the Sabbath could lead to death or worse. Halakhah (Jewish law) consisted of rules that defined how we functioned as members of the Jewish community. It worked for a long time.

The age of enlightenment at the beginning of the 19th century brought something new. The freedom to be a part of the larger, non-Jewish world around us meant that the limits were not enough. We learned from Rabbi Hoffman about how Jews in Salonika began hanging out in coffee houses on Shabbat. And what’s worse, they were ordering and paying for the coffee! Rabbi Hoffman described this as a symptom of a larger issue: that the game of limits was no longer working for a lot of Jews. Many Jews stopped believing that God would punish them.

The new game used the language of truth. We were in the age of Jeffersonian democracy, of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and of science uncovering all of the truths of the universe. Reform Judaism arose and introduced the

sermon—an opportunity for rabbis to teach truth. We became the only Jews who rose for the Shema because it was the biggest truth in the service and became known as “the watchword” of our faith. There is much more to these concepts, but the exciting part comes next.

Rabbi Hoffman said that we are living in another revolutionary time right now. The game is changing from one of truth to one of meaning. Science has taught us that it cannot give us all of the truths in the universe. It tells us that our merely observing the world changes it.

The game of meaning means that we are interpreters of our world. Our task is to make meaning of the world and our experiences in it. We are active partners with God in the ongoing creation. We go back to Genesis and read that God created the universe and saw that it was good. God didn’t see limits or laws. God didn’t call it truth. God called it good. Rabbi Hoffman suggested that our role is to make it good.

We need to make up our own life and worlds. It can be an overwhelming and daunting task. But if we believe that we have the freedom to try and develop the confidence to do it, we can create a beautiful and awesome reality. We are not interested in limits. Truths, he says, are a dime a dozen—you can find all you want on Wikipedia. We need to know that life is worthwhile. That we can make things better. That is what Judaism is all about.

The job of Jewish leaders (professionals and laypeople—you) is to give our people real competence in areas of Judaism to use them to build their lives. So I invite you to step up to this challenge. As a member of B’nai Israel, your family is a part of a vibrant community. Among us are searchers and builders, teachers and learners, those who like to pray, those who like to hang out, or world repairers. Come in and talk to us, call, text, e-mail, or tweet. Come to services. Take a class. Join a committee. Meet someone new. Get together with someone you know well. Build a sukkah. Join a carpool. Let’s make some meaning together.

L’shalom,Ira J. Wise

8 Happy Summer!

BIFTY News—Welcome to the New Board and BIFTY AdvisorThis past year I got to spend a bit more time with BIFTY as we experienced some transitions with our advisors. The year began with Jen Wallis, who helped get the year started and accompanied BIFTY through many of its contributions to the High Holy Day season and beyond. A new, full-time job in New Haven meant that Jen needed someone else to take over the reins partway through the year—we are most grateful to Michael Chetrit, who stepped in and helped keep things running smoothly in a very programmatically rich end-of-year run. Our BIFTY teens planned some wonderful events, including climbing at Carabiners, a creative service all about food, and a fun overnight event at the temple.

One of the things that I witnessed as I spent more time with BIFTY to help with transitions was just how amazingly self-sufficient and creative our teens are, and what a wonderful team-building culture we have in our temple youth group. I can think of few better preparations for life than participating actively in its leadership.

As many of our seniors move on, I am so proud of the next generation of leaders to whom we are passing the baton in next year’s BIFTY board. I hope they will be joined by many incoming 9th graders and teenagers in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade too—BIFTY is a fun place to be, and our dedicated youth lounge is your space to claim and enjoy in the good company of other teens from your community.

I am also pleased to announce our new BIFTY Advisor, Matthew Rosen. Matthew grew up at Mishkan Israel in Hamden, CT. He is a high school counselor in Naugatuck and a resident of Black Rock. We are excited to have him join our team, and he has already started to build relationships with our incoming board. If you have any questions about BIFTY, please be in touch with me at rgurevitz@congregationbnaiisrael.org or 203-336-1858, or you can reach Matt at matthew.j.rosen@gmail.com or 203-671-5006.

The BIFTY board for 2011–2012 is:

Co-Presidents Molly Blumenthal & Michael KalmansProgramming VP Mollie RichCommunications VP Maddy LippmanReligious and Cultural VP Hannah Greenhall & Maia ButterfieldSocial Action VP Sydney FoulkMembership VP Jason NerreauJunior Reps Ari Matz & Alexa MolinoffSophomore Reps Jeff Elbaum & Jon BurgerFreshman Reps Josh Madwed, Sam Ferleger, Meredith Nerreau & Elizabeth Maisel

Thanks to everyone—looking forward to a great year!

Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz

Hike the Beach/Bike the Beach 2011Sunday, September 18, 2011, sponsored by the Probus Club—Empowering People With Disabilities Hike the Beach—A 5K (3.1-mile) walk on the streets by Jennings Beach, Fairfield Bike the Beach—Choose a 10-, 20-, 45-, or 62-mile challenging tour or a family ride T-shirts and lunch are included. We are adding the hike as a new activity this year to involve people who want to support this worthy organization and want to take a healthy walk. We are looking for sponsors and participants too!

The Probus Club has been raising and distributing funds since 1921 to help Connecticut residents who have intellectual disabilities. All event proceeds go to

local charities, such as Kesher and Keshette, both at Congregation B’nai Israel and the Kennedy Center.

Please support this wonderful organization and this exciting event. Encourage your family and friends to get healthy by riding or walking. You can even take your dog (on a leash please). Thank you for your support and for helping us to enhance the lives of deserving individuals we support through the Probus Club. Please visit the Web site at http://www.bikethebeach.com to sign up or contact me at kenthebean@aol.com if you have any questions.

Ken Rabine, Hike the Beach chairman

9Your purchases at Amazon.com via http://www.congregationbnaiisrael.org support our temple!

SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE

Friday, August 5 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – D’varimDeut. 1:1-3:22Haftarah – Isaiah 1:1-27

Saturday, August 6 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Young Families

Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study Friday, August 12 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Va-et’chananDeut. 3:23-7:11Haftarah – Isaiah 40:1-26

Saturday, August 13 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Young Families

Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study Friday, August 19 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – EikevDeut. 7:12-11:25Haftarah – Isaiah 49:14-51:3

Saturday, August 20 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Young Families

Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study

Friday, August 26 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – R’eihDeut. 11:26-16:17Haftarah – Isaiah 54:11-55:5

Saturday, August 27 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Young Families

Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study11:00 a.m. B’not Mitzvah:

Carleigh Sussman, daughter of Robert and Susan Sussman, and Francesca Tujak-Weiss, daughter of Monica Tujak and Marc Weiss

(Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.)

High Holy Days are “Late” this year—but they’ll be here before you know it!

Rosh Hashanah services begin Wednesday evening, September 28, and continue Thursday, September 29.

Yom Kippur services begin Friday evening, October 7, and continue Saturday, October 8.

The Junior Choir enjoyed a great day in New York City, including a performance of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the

Dark” on Broadway.

10 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to lynn@congregationbnaiisrael.org!

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi Prosnit Barbara and Jim Abraham in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Ivan Alvarez in honor of Dr. Howard Zuckerman.The Angel family in appreciation and in honor of Zach’s Bar Mitzvah.Lee Attenberg in honor of Ethan and Harper Wise for their talented performances in the Follies. Carson and Robert Berkowitz in honor of Jim Greenberg’s Bar Mitzvah.Marilyn and George Bissell in memory of Sidney Gelfand, brother of Anne Kamens.Bonnie and Len Blum in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s engagement to Erin Gleeson, and in honor of his ordination.Luise and Ed Burger in honor of Jonathan Prosnit being ordained as a rabbi.Larry and Ellen Dinkes in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination. Sylvia Edelson in loving memory of husband, A. Herbert Edelson.Mark and Barbara Edinberg in memory of Dr. Leonard Rapoport, beloved friend of Janet Skane Stern.Art Gang in honor of Randye Kaye. Joel and Iris Goldfield in honor of Lori Berger, Richard Krantz, and Marc Silverman for their outstanding contributions to B’nai Israel.Donna and Avie Goldstein in honor of Diana’s ordination as a rabbi.Laurel and Hank Greenberg in loving memory of father, Sol H. Silverman, and in honor of granddaughter Devon’s confirmation at Temple Emanuel in Andover, MA.Bennett and Nancy Hersch in memory of father, Jack Hersch.Robert and Paula Herzlinger—Mazel Tov to the Prosnit family on Jonathan’s ordination.Jan and Bernie Jacobs in memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi Berkowitz.The Kadden family in appreciation.Donna Karnal and Deborah Lipschitz in honor of Ari Matz’s confirmation.Alice and George Kelly in memory of father, Sol Zimroth; in honor of the birth of grandson, Max Evan Kelly; in honor of Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Anne and Mark Kirsch in honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit.Albert Kleban in memory of mother, Beatrice Kleban.Paul and Marge Krubiner—many thanks.Rozanne and Anthony Lancia in memory of Rozanne’s brother, Jimmy Cohen. Alice Madwed in memory of father, Joseph Ente.Deborah K. Miller in honor of Eliza Elliot’s Bat Mitzvah.Florence Nabel in memory of father, Morris Nabel, and brother, Jacob Nabel.Arlen and Gail Nickowitz with thanks to Rabbi for his support; in honor of the ordination of Jonathan Prosnit.Barbara Perlman and family in memory of Allen Rosoff, Stanley’s brother.Ronald and Rose Ann Plude in memory of Jimmy Cohen, brother of Rozanne Lancia.Jane and Jerry Pressman—congratulations to the Prosnit family in honor of the ordination and engagement of Jonathan.Karen and Philip Rabin in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Beth and Randy Reich and family—congratulations to the Prosnit family in honor of Jonathan’s ordination.Amy and Glenn Rich in honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit.Sandra Rosenberg in memory of Lillian Nicholsberg and Lester Nichols; in memory of brother, Sidney Gelfand. Lis Ruderman in honor of Jonathan’s engagement to Erin Gleeson and his ordination as a rabbi. Suzanne Saletan in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement.Suzanne Saletan and Hank Widrow wishing a speedy recovery to Steve Goldberg; in memory of Elvin Landman, husband of Mary Landman; in memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi Berkowitz.

Abby Schine in honor of Jonathan’s engagement to Erin Gleeson; in appreciation for presiding at Joel’s unveiling.The Shoenthal family in memory of mother and grandmother, Jean Cohen.Robert and Susan Schraer in memory of mother, Fay Schraer.Serena and Arnie Sher in honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit.Elaine and Marc Silverman in honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit.Norman Solomon in memory of his mother, Lillian Solomon.Tarlov-Wittman family in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Lena Uliano in memory of Jimmy Cohen, brother of Rozanne Lancia.Silvia Washton in loving memory of her brother, Irving Salitsky, and her father, Samuel Salitsky.Widows and Widowers Group in appreciation to Rabbi Suri Krieger on the inspiring and educational afternoon on the exceptional women of the Bible.Nancy Wilkins in honor of the confirmation of grandson, Andrew Bindelglass.Burton and Sheila Yaffie in honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jon Prosnit and his engagement to Erin Gleeson; in memory of Nathaniel Bresler, grandson of Bobby Bresler; in loving memory of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ida G. Yaffie. Florence Yasser and family in loving memory of Dr. Isidore Yasser.Adele and Larry Zuckerman with thanks to Rabbi Prosnit and with pride on granddaughter Emily’s Bat Mitzvah. Discretionary Fund–Rabbi Gurevitz Beth Doris and Michael Moses in deep appreciation for a beautiful wedding.Stacy and Rob Giglietti—thank you to Rabbi Gurevitz for all her help.The Kadden family in appreciation to Rabbi Gurevitz.Donna Karnal and Deborah Lipschitz in honor of Morgan Glucksman’s confirmation.Beth Lazar—Mazel Tov to Jim Greenberg on his Bar Mitzvah; in honor of Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz and Rabbi Suri Krieger’s first anniversary.Judy and Stan Lessler in honor of Myra Adler’s special birthday; in appreciation to Rabbi Gurevitz for conducting such a warm service for Aunt Anne.The Snitkoff family in appreciation for Rabbi Gurevitz’s assistance in the B’not Mitzvah of Emma and Rekekah. Music FundThe Angel family in appreciation and in honor of Zach’s Bar Mitzvah. Duane and Stacey Berlin in honor of Cantor Blum for being honored by the American Conference of Cantors for being one of the first female cantors in history. B’nai Israel Board of Trustees in honor of Cantor Blum’s recognition by the American Cantorial Conference.Joel and Iris Goldfield in honor of Lori Berger, Richard Krantz, and Marc Silverman. Rabbis Rachel Gurevitz and Suri Krieger in honor of Sherry Portnoy.Elena Halady in memory of mother, Pearl Blume Rabine.Robert and Paula Herzlinger in honor of the birth of Stanley James, grandson of Arnie and Serena Sher.The Kadden family in appreciation. Lois and Bob Lesser in honor of the 90th birthday of Ms. Frankie Nelson.The Lightman family in appreciation to Cantor Blum and in honor of Hunter’s one-year Bar Mitzvah anniversary.Robert Natt in appreciation to Cantor Blum for preparing him for the 50th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah.Sam and Ellen Rost in appreciation.Andrea Rudolph in appreciation.Abigail Schine in memory of Diane Kauders, wife of Dr. James Kauders.

The Snitkoff family in gratitude for Cantor Blum’s time and thoughtfulness in assisting Emma and Rebekah for their B’not Mitzvah. Debbie and Michael Weisman in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Willi and Norman Berkowitz’s granddaughter, Samantha.Adele and Larry Zuckerman in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Emily Tynan, and in appreciation to Cantor Blum. Enhancement FundLindsay Alston, Garrett Alston, and Rob Wallace in memory of Mordka Knopf, father of Fred Knopf.S. James and Edith Baum in memory of Samuel Baum.Barbara Berg—Mazel Tov to Debbie Miller and family on Eliza’s Bat Mitzvah.Luise and Ed Burger in honor of Jim Greenberg’s Bar Mitzvah; in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Wunder, son of Matthew and Patti Wunder. Elaine and Juda Chetrit in memory of Mordka Knopf, father of Fred Knopf.Eloise Epstein in loving memory of husband, Dr. Gerald Epstein.Gary Gibson in memory of Diane Gibson.Jane and Bob Hillman in honor of Lori Berger being honored by the congregation.The Kadden family in honor of the wedding of Emily, daughter of Wendy and Don Hyman; in honor of dear friend, Ilse Levi.Herman and Dorothy Kranes in memory of Dorothy’s sister, Judith Levine Burke, and Herman’s mother, Bessie Kranes.George and Chris Markley—deepest thanks to Ken Flatto for his years of outstanding service to the Town of Fairfield.Barbara Norton in loving memory of her husband, Robert Norton.Ellery and Gail Plotkin in memory of Ceal and Irving Plotkin.Amy and Glenn Rich in memory of Herbert Wittman, father of Michael Wittman.Caren and Bill Schwartz in memory of Stephen Alan Starr and Rudolph Starr; in memory of Alexander Beck, father of Ken Beck.Elaine and Marc Silverman—congratulations to Joanne and Richard Krantz on the graduation of their son, David, from Columbia University.Harvey Sussman and Dotsy Goldstein wishing a happy 80th birthday to Sondra Berkman. Debbie and Michael Weisman in memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi Berkowitz; in memory of Esther Zimmer, aunt of Beth Reich.Ronni and Fred Zinn in memory of Ruth Zinn. Rabbi Arnold I. Sher Social Action FundDavid Abbey and Deborah Goodman in memory of David Goodman and Irving Abbey.Jim and Barbara Abraham in honor of the birth of Micah Tamir Rosenbaum, grandson of Barbara and Derek Solomon; in honor of the birth of Stanley James Birritella, grandson of Arnold and Serena Sher. Helaine and Allan Alper, Jeff and Sarah Alper in honor of Rabbi Sher with appreciation for being part of Gabriella Bryn Alper’s naming and conversion. Bari Dworken in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Judy and Barry Kramer in memory of Jeff Zeisler, son of Bob and Judy Zeisler; in memory of Dr. Joel Feigenson, husband of Diane Feigenson. Marge and Paul Krubiner in honor and appreciation of Richard Krantz.Ilse Levi in memory of beloved father, Hermann Straus.Janet and Dennis Magid in honor of Ellen Rost’s speedy recovery; in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Berkowitz, granddaughter of Willi and Norman Berkowitz; in honor of the birth of Stanley James Birrittella, grandson of Arnie and Serena Sher.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

11Item of the Month: canned vegetables

Samuel and Harriet Miller in memory of Harry Miller; in honor of the birth of Stanley James, grandson of Arnie and Serena Sher and son of Jennie and Sal Birrittella. Randy and Beth Reich and family in memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi Berkowitz.Ellen and Sam Rost in honor of the graduations of Arnie Sher’s grandchildren, Schuyler Sher and Daniel Sher; in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Berkowitz, granddaughter of Willi and Norman Berkowitz.Serena and Arnie Sher in memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi and Norman Berkowitz and family; in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Berkowitz, granddaughter of Agnes and Larry Roberts. Nursery School Enrichment FundHelaine and Allan Alper in honor of Gail’s retirement.Anonymous in honor of Gail’s retirement. Cindy, Michael, and Jessica Becker in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement.Stacey and Duane Berlin in honor of Gail for her many years of dedication to the preschool program.Larry and Ellen Dinkes in honor of Gail Weinstein’s 25 years and happy retirement.Helen Garriety in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement.Bob and Marsha Gillette in honor of Gail Weinstein and her awesome years as director of the B’nai Israel Nursery School.Lisa and Jim Greenberg in honor of Gail Weinstein.Vivian and Norm Greenberg and family in honor of Gail’s 25 years of unselfish dedication to the wonderful children in our community. The Kadden family in honor of Gail Weinstein.George and Susan Krall in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement.The Pulton Family in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement.Amy and Glenn Rich, Alex and Mollie in honor of Gail Weinstein’s outstanding leadership of B’nai Israel’s Early Childhood Center. Barbara Rifkin in honor of Gail Weinstein’s 25 years of service.Nancy, Jonathan, Geoffrey, and Alex Rosenthal in honor of Gail Weinstein and her many years of dedication.Sam and Ellen Rost in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement; in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Berkowitz, granddaughter of Sherry and Dan Shepro. Evelyn Rubak, Jonathan and Jack Davis in honor of Gail Weinstein.Suzanne Saletan in honor of Gail’s retirement. Margo Schiff in honor of Gail Weinstein and her years of service to the B’nai Israel Nursery School. Carol and Larry Shapiro in honor of Gail’s years of devotion.Serena and Arnie Sher in honor of Gail’s 25 years of directing the Nursery School and best wishes on her retirement. 3- and 4-year-old classes for a deserving family to have a wonderful school experience.Debbie and Michael Weisman in honor of your retirement as director of B’nai Israel Nursery School. Rabbi Martin Library FundBarbara Berg in honor of Carol Gursky.Susan Bauchner in memory of her aunt, Ann Rapoport.Arnold and Bobby Kaplan in memory of sister, Ann Rapoport. Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich in loving memory of aunt, Naomi Dovelsky.Barbara Rifkin in loving memory of mother, Eunice S. Postol.The Szuchman family, Gayle, Mark, Megan, Henry, and Sarah in honor of Gail Weinstein’s retirement. Slepian Floral FundLoryn Lesser in honor of the 40th wedding anniversary of Jan and Bernie Jacobs—Mazel Tov!

The Panisch family in loving memory of husband and father.Serena and Arnie Sher in honor of the 45th wedding anniversary of Ellen and Sam Rost.

Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education FundJudi and David Beier in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Elaine and Juda Chetrit in honor of Jonathan Prosnit’s ordination.Marge, Paul, Steven, and Carleigh Krubiner in honor of the ordination of Rabbi Jon Prosnit. Mazel Tov!Caren Levy in appreciation for the beautiful ceremony for Sara and Jeff.George and Chris Markley—Mazel Tov to the Prosnit family on Jonathan’s ordination.The Shinbaum family in honor of Ben Diamond becoming a Bar Mitzvah; in memory of Grace Gelfand, grandmother of Dr. Mark Hotchkiss. Nursery School Scholarship FundKaren Bass, Gail and Peter Weinstein in memory of Lore.The Bindelglass family in memory of Mordka Knopf, father of Fred Knopf.Bob Ford in honor of and congratulations to Gail Weinstein for her dedication to B’nai Israel. Jan and Bernie Jacobs in honor of Gail Weinstein.Debbie and Ted Portnay in appreciation to Alexa Cohen, Lynne Marks, and Stacy Giglietti for creating such a wonderful environment for Samantha to learn and grow; in honor of Gail Weinstein and happiness in her retirement.Kelly and Glen Reznikoff in memory of Robert Jackman, father of Jennifer Diamond.Debbie, Dan, Jaime, and Matthew Viens—thank you for 25 years of devotion to our children. Judith Brav Sher FundElaine and Juda Chetrit in memory of Robert Jackman, father of Jennifer Diamond.Bonnie and Len Blum in honor of the birth of Stanley James, son of Jennie and Sal Birrittella and grandson of Arnie and Serena Sher. Alan H. Weinstein Scholarship FundJoni and Michael Greenspan in celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Judy and Barry Kramer; get well wishes to Ellen Rost; Bonnie Blum—get-well wishes; in loving memory of mother, Anna Levowich; in loving memory of mother, Sylvia Greenspan; in memory of Charles Heller, beloved husband of Sue Ann Heller and beloved father and grandfather; in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Samantha, granddaughter of Willi and Norman Berkowitz; congratulations to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy in celebration of Jonathan’s engagement to Erin and his becoming “another Rabbi Prosnit”; in loving memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi Berkowitz. MazonJudi and David Beier in memory of Joel Beier.Elaine and Robert Friedman in memory of Finny Ziegler, aunt of Lisbeth Ruderman; Bennett (Buddy) Katzen, husband of Edith Katzen; Harry Sheketoff, husband of Thelma Sheketoff; and Nathaniel Bresler, grandson of Bobby Bresler.Myrna Kaufman in memory of her husband Len who is so very missed by his family.Sandra Rosenberg in memory of Bennett Katzen, husband of Edith Katzen. Religious School Enrichment FundBonnie and Jerry Friedman in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Angel.Joel and Iris Goldfield in honor of Lori Berger, Richard Krantz, and Marc Silverman.

Justin and Kayla Pressman—thank you to our Hebrew School and Sunday School teachers: Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Walden, Mrs. Kirsch, and Mrs. Portnay. Religious School Scholarship FundDebbie and Ted Portnay in appreciation to Ben Smilen, Hannah Elbaum, Carly Lippman, Molly Blumenthal, Anne Kirsch, Claire Baker, Susan Walden, and Cantor Sheri Blum for a wonderful Religious School year.Matthew and Patti Wunder in memory of Robert Jackman, father of Jennifer Diamond. Gillette Judaic Enrichment FundMarge and Paul Krubiner in honor and appreciation of Lori Berger’s dedication and commitment, and in honor and appreciation of Marc Silverman. Lois and Bob Lesser in memory of Bennett Katzen. husband of Edith Katzen; Gene Fitelson, husband of Alice Fitelson; and Harry Sheketoff, husband of Selma Sheketoff and brother of Judy Zaluda.Jane and Jerry Pressman in memory of Diane Kauders and Jeffrey Zeisler; congratulations to the Gillettes on Rachel’s graduation from Brandeis. Charles Fried Keshet FundDenise Fried—Congratulations to Willi and Norman Berkowitz on granddaughter Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah; in memory of Adeline Apfelbaum, mother of Willi Berkowitz. Serena and Arnie Sher in honor of granddaughter Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah; in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Berkowitz, granddaughter of Willi and Norman Berkowitz. BIFTY/Greenwald Scholarship FundPatti and Samuel Rosenberg—a contribution. Daniel Smith Cemetery FundMarge and Paul Krubiner—Mazel Tov to Daniella Bloch and family, granddaughter of Serena and Arnie Sher, on her Bat Mitzvah. Serena and Arnie Sher in memory of wife, mother, and grandmother, Sue Brunt. Arnold and Doris Tower FundSue, Bob, and Carleigh Sussman in memory of Robert Jackman, father of Jen Diamond; in memory of Bennett Katzen, husband of Edith Katzen. Vision Loan Reduction FundBob Ford in memory of Sadie Goldbaum; in memory of Jesse L. Goldbaum. Michael Rosenberg in honor of his granddaughter Hannah’s graduation from Merkaz and high school at the same time. Prayer Book FundMatthew and Patti Wunder in memory of Robert Jackman, father of Jennifer Diamond. MiscellaneousThe Carley Family in honor of Jim Greenberg’s Bar Mitzvah.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

Congregation B’nai Israel greatly appreciates your donations! To submit a donation, please obtain and fill out a donation form from the office. Make sure to include your name, the name of the fund to which you would like to donate, the amount, your contact information, and the family to whom notification of your donation should be sent. Please leave the completed donation form, together with your payment, with Pat Marchetti. You can also obtain a donation form from our Web site at http://www.congregationbnaiisrael.org/Funds.htm.

Introducing Shabbat Family School

Discover how wonderful Shabbat can be for your family! Congregation B’nai Israel is pleased to offer a new alternative to traditional Sunday Religious School for kindergarteners, first graders, and their parents.

Parents and their Gan (K) or Kitah Alef (1st grade) children will come together to sing, pray, learn, and play. This unique pilot program will meet concurrently with our Young Families Havurah on Saturday mornings, beginning September 17 and continuing through mid-May. We meet from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro will teach the Shabbat Family School class. She will help us explore Torah, holidays, Jewish values and spirituality, and a little Hebrew too! Our curriculum is designed to parallel the learning in the Sunday Religious School. At least one parent must attend each session with his/her child. Families who prefer the more conventional model will find that their children are very welcome on Sunday mornings!

Typical Schedule:

9:15 a.m. We join the larger congregation for a bagel breakfast 9:30 a.m. Shabbat Family School and Young Families Havurah service,

story, Kiddush, and Motzi10:45 a.m. Shabbat Family School student (children and a parent)

learning begins 11:45 a.m. Playground time and pizza lunch!

Tuition for the year (27 sessions) is $525.00 per child. Enrollment will be limited during this first pilot year. With questions or to enroll, contact Rabbi Nicole at nwilsonspiro@congregationbnaiisrael.org or Ira Wise at iwise@congregationbnaiisrael.org.

Shabbat Family School is for parents and children learning together!

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Community-Wide Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 at the Fairfield Museum

Sunday, September 11, 3:00 p.m., Fairfield History Museum

In conjunction with the Fairfield History Museum’s special exhibit for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Fairfield Clergy Association, the Tent of Abraham Interfaith group, and the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport invite the community to an

interfaith observance on Sunday, September 11 at 3:00 p.m., at the museum.

Led by clergy from local Jewish, Christian, and Muslim congregations, the service will honor the memory of those lost, as well as the shared bonds of faith and hope that draw us together as a community. Following the observance, any who wish may participate in Sacred Listening Circles at the Museum, which provide the opportunity to share personal reflections of 9/11, speak of our hopes for the future, and listen to the voices of others.

Rabbi Prosnit and Rabbi Gurevitz are involved in organizing this interfaith, community-wide program—we hope you can join us for this reflective gathering.