Inside this issue... Monthly Announcements 2

From the Rabbi’s Desk 3

The President’s Column 4

Shabbat Happenings 5

High Holy Days 6-7

Sukkot 8

Special Events 9

Donations 10

Events 12-13

Calendar 15

September 2014 Elul 5775

Beth Hillel Chai-Lites A Conservative Synagogue for the Greater Hartford Area

Visit us online at www.BethHillelSynagogue.org

Upcoming September

4 Sisterhood/Library Guest Speaker 8PM

6 First Shabbat

8 Membership open house

14 Brotherhood program

19 Home Service at Summerwood

20 Selichot @ Beth El

24 Erev Rosh Hashanah

25 Rosh Hashanah

26 Rosh Hashanah

October

3 Kol Nidre

4 Yom Kippur Yizkor

7 Sukkah Decorating

8 Erev Sukkot

9 Sukkot

10 Home Service at Atkins’ Simcha Shabbat

16 Shemini Atzeret Yizkor

16 Simchat Torah @ Beth El

17 Simchat Torah

19 Brotherhood Event

High Holy Days 5775

EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 24

ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, September 25

& Friday, September 26

DETAILS INSIDE

Page 2 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

Announcements

Milestones

Deborah and Richard Gutcheon on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Rae Gutcheon Maura and David Nemirow on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Rae Gutcheon Marion Nowakowski on the marriage of his granddaughter Stacey Kujawa to Dennis Gonzales. Marion Nowakowski on the marriage of his granddaughter Lisa Nowakowski to Jeffrey Pethigal. Jackie Isaacson and Lou Blumenfeld and Deborah Figarsky and Phil Small on the wedding of their daughter Rebecca Small to Seth Fink Refuah Shelma Lillian Miller

Joel Kent

David Nemirow

Sandra Perlman

Debra Goldstein

Ellie Lipnick

Luisa Zeldman

Beth Hillel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue rooted in the ancient traditions of the Torah while growing to meet the changes and challenges of our world. Its core are the many people of different ages and backgrounds who have chosen to make it their spiritual home, joining together for prayer, learning, and celebration. The many branches of Beth Hillel’s community provide support to its congregants, reaching out to each other and welcoming our neighbors as together we learn from the past and teach for the future.

Mission Statement BETH HILLEL SYNAGOGUE 160 Wintonbury Avenue Bloomfield Ct 06002

Rabbi: Gary L. Atkins Rabbi Emeritus: Philip Lazowski Staff:

Office Manager: Lynn Kaplan Bookkeeper: Madalyn Levy Rabbi’s Secretary Bonnie Eisenberg- Greene Bulletin Editor Julianne Thouin Officers:

President …….. Jackie Isaacson Vice President ……. Lori Glass Myron Cohen Alan Goodman Treasurer ……. Norm Famely Asst. Treasurer Lou Blumenfeld Financial Secretary ….. Richard Gutcheon Asst. Financial secretary Marvin Hoberman Corresponding Secretary Myrna Schaffman Recording Secretary … Shirley Morrison Main Office: (860) 242-5561 Fax: (860) 242-5683 Website: www.bethhillelsynagogue.org E-mail lynn@bethhillelsynagogue.org OFFICE HOURS (except for Jewish holidays) Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:30 am—2:30 pm Fri 9:30 am—1:30 pm Closed Wednesday

Beth Hillel Synagogue is a member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

MINYAN POLICY WHEN THERE IS A SHIVA MINYAN

Synagogue policy is that,

when there is a shiva minyan at a locataion five miles or less from the shul, then the minyan

will move to that location. Notices will be posted at the synagogue and included in

synagogue e-mail.

CELEBRATING SIMCHOT It is wonderful that so many congregants are celebrating

special family simchot with their synagogue family. If you have a special birthday or anniversary

coming up, call the office to schedule sponsoring/ helping to

sponsor a kiddush or oneg. SOCIAL ACTION

Donations of nonperishable food or clothing are always

welcome at the synagogue for area food banks!

Loaves and Fishes Thursday, September 4

9:30am – 12:45 pm

Once again we are looking for volunteers to help us serve at the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen. We will carpool from the synagogue. Please let the

office know if you can help.

A Note of Thanks from Arthur, our beloved custodian: As I recover from my knee surgery, I would like to thank all of you for your support, cards, gifts, visits and phone calls—all of which gave me strength through some of my tougher days. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love, Arthur

Page 3 September 2014 Elul 5775

From Rabbi Atkins’ Desk

HESHBON HANEFESH (SEARCHING ONE’s

SOUL)

By the time you read these words, we will be in the month of Elul, the month before the New Year. The year will be 5775, which seems prosaic… after all, it’s the logical number after 5774, but it resonates with me because it’s a palindrome, a word (or in this case number) that reads the same in either direction. (The standard example is “madam, I’m adam.”) Maybe because of the contrast between the directionality of English and Hebrew, palindromes have always fascinated me (I loved our zip code in Norwich… 06360). So this is a special year for me to look both forward and backwards… and maybe then inwardly as well…. And that’s what heshbon hanefesh is all about. Earlier this summer, I observed the 51

st yahrzeit of

my father’s early death. He died at age 51, about two weeks after my graduation from high school. An occurrence like that is “bound” to strike you and make you contemplate the path of life and where various choices have both taken you and at the same time not. Most of those thoughts are,

obviously, very inward and personal ones, but they are part of the spiritual reassessment that should be part of our lives at this season for each one of us. And assisting you in this quest, I would say holy quest, are the High Holy Days in all their pageantry and religious power. I look forward to them every year, after the enjoyable and hopefully relaxing days of summer. They help me to both center and renew myself, as well as hopefully redirect me to become a better person and a better Jew. I think they can do the same for you, with just a reasonable amount of commitment. Renewal will also be on a congregational level. I expect (without any special insight or knowledge) that by then we will be hearing/deciding re the future of our synagogue building, and then will come the challenges of deciding the future path of the congregation. All that has been happening gives us a unique opportunity to do this heshbon hanefesh on a congregational level as well. As we look forward, we will also look backward. We will take our strengths from the past to build our future… Indeed, 5775 will be a challenging AND inspiring year. L’shana tova… May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year! Rabbi Gary Atkins Your Rabbi

CONTACTING RABBI ATKINS

Rabbi Atkins’ normal days off are Tuesday and Wednesday.

However he is always contactable via his home phone

(860-726-9312) or cell phone (860-331-0879).

DO NOT BE RETICENT TO CALL HIM AT HOME

WHENEVER NECESSARY!! Please let him or the office know of any illnesses, hospitalizations, simchot or needs. Feel free to also update the office on any

information related to a congregant.

We’re not mind readers!

THE MEE SHEBAYRACH

PRAYER LIST Every name that is provided to Rabbi Atkins or the office is kept on our prayer list and shared at Shabbat morning services for a month after inclusion. (English or Hebrew names are both acceptable). If you provide an address, a letter is sent to that individual, saying that they are being remembered – it is an essential part of the prayer process. If you wish a name to be included after a month, please just call the office. You can either attend a Shabbat morning service to include a name or, as said above, share it with the office or rabbi at any time.

Page 4 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

The President’s Column

This month as I write, the summer is winding down, the days are getting shorter, and the High Holidays will be here before we know it. So let me begin by wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year, and by suggesting that at this time of family reconnection, it also is a time to reconnect with your Beth Hillel family. The Executive Board and Board of Directors have been busy throughout the summer. Our discussions with The Pentecostal Church have continued, and we have made progress. We are hoping to have a Congregational meeting sometime in September, after the Board of Directors meets, to discuss the terms negotiated for the sale of our building and the lease agreement. It is with pleasure and gratitude that I report that we have received a generous bequest from the estate of JoAnn Kaplan which the Board of Directors voted to utilize in last year’s operating budget to reduce the 2013-2014 fiscal year deficit. JoAnn was only a member of Beth Hillel Synagogue for a few years, but used her time to become active from the beginning. She stepped up and served on the synagogue Board and various other committees and became an active member of Sisterhood. We were saddened by the premature loss of JoAnn and most grateful that she remembered Beth Hillel in her will. Getting back to the deficit, while JoAnn’s gift helped greatly, we are left with a deficit of about $40,000. We really need help in reducing that and I ask that any of you who can help be generous and write us a check. If you gave

last year, we could use that much and more. If you did not, please step up. Our 2014-2015 budget was adopted with a deficit and we will be in dire straits if we do not dig out of the current hole as we move into this year. The events of the last couple of years that have reduced our membership have made our need for each of you to participate more and in more ways greater than ever. A major need is Minyan attendees. We are at risk of no longer having daily minyanim. Please, commit to one Minyan a month or better yet to a weekly Minyan. Please also consider volunteering to be on one of our many committees or to help out for a special event. Just give me a call and we can find an area that interests you. This summer we have continued with varied activities including 2 Shabbats Under the Stars with Ethan Nash. This year each had a theme that added to the festive Shabbat mood and both the Hawaiian and Western Shabbats were well attended and great successes. Once again we owe much thanks to our gourmet chef, Mark Goldberg and his team of sous-chefs for their many hours of hard work to make these services so successful. We also tried a new program this year, a Shabbat evening service and dinner at the JCC Swim & Tennis Club. Those who attended had a meaningful experience, although the attendance was low. We hope to try to have this event again and to get a better attendance. Looking ahead to September we have a Library /Sisterhood speaker, Anastasia Goodman, author of Loose Ends, on September 4; a Brotherhood breakfast and speaker, on

September 14th; a Welcoming Shabbat service for potential members on September 12 (invite someone); and a Friday night Shabbat service at Summerwood on September 19. We will also resume our popular Friday evening Home services and our quarterly Shabbat morning service at Hebrew Health Care. The joint Conservative Congregations’ Selichot service this year is at Beth El Saturday, September 20th. We would love a Beth Hillel presence. I look forward to greeting all of you on Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur as our family gathers. Jackie

Tentative special congregational meeting

September 15 8PM

The special congregational

meeting is subject to the

decisions made at the

Board of Directors meeting on

September 9th. You will get

notification if the meeting is

going to take place on this

date.

Page 5 September 2014 Elul 5775

Shabbat Happenings

FIRST SATURDAY AFTERNOON SERVICE

TIMES

Saturday, September 6 7PM None in October -

(Yom Kippur)

SIMCHA SHABBAT Friday, September 12 8PM Friday, October 10 6:15PM

INVITATION TO SHARE IN SIMCHA AT BETH EL

TEMPLE Saturday, September 6

9:30AM Shabbat morning at Beth El

Temple. Rae Gutcheon, the

granddaughter of Deb and Richard Gutcheon and Maura

and David Nemirow, will become bat mitzvah that

morning. We are moving our morning service to Beth El

Temple so that the “regulars” – and all congregants – can

share in the simcha.

SHABBAT EVENING HOME SERVICE

Friday, September 19th 8PM Our monthly “Home Service”

resumes after a summer break at the “home” of several

congregants, Hoffman-Summerwood on 160

Simsbury Road. We will make their activity room our

sanctuary and invite the residents there to join with us. Services at the regular 8pm time. (No service at BHS)

LABOR DAY WEEKEND Early Shabbat service

Friday, August 29 6:15PM Monday Morning Minyan

Monday, September 1 9AM Office closed Monday

for holiday

Welcoming service Friday, September 12 8PM Beth Hillel Synagogue will

hold a "Welcoming Service" for interested individuals to

meet our Rabbi and congregants. We will have a

special Oneg Shabbat.

PERSONAL STUDY FOR THE NEW YEAR??

Want to learn Hebrew? Want to learn how to chant a Haftorah or parts of the

service? To become a Torah reader?

Sound the shofar? Rabbi Atkins is here to help

you in all these areas! Just give a call!

MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITIES INFO

Open House

Monday, September 8 7PM We are planning a

“membership open house” for the community.

7:00PM-7:30PM

welcome and conversation 7:30PM

evening minyan 8:00PM

ice cream and more conversation

Page 6 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

YOU HAVE TO BUY A LULAV & ETROG TO MAKE A LULAV-SHAKE Please consider purchasing a lulav and etrog set for carrying out this important and beautiful mitzvah at both the synagogue and home. How much more beautiful synagogue services will be over Sukkot, including the Hoshanot, if more congregants have lulavim and etrogim.

Do you need a ride to services? Would you (if you are alone) enjoy being with a family for a holiday meal? Would you be willing to have a guest or a col-lege student at one of your fam-ily meals? Lots of ways to help out..... contact the office at (860) 242-5561!

HIGH HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY

Tashlich Thursday , September 25

6PM

Meet at the creek by the corner of Wintonbury Avenue and Skinner Drive.

High Holiday Ushers Needed The holidays are coming and we need help. If you can be availa-ble, even for only a short time, as an usher, please contact: Joel Neuwirth 860-242-7084 Or Marc Glass 860-644-2930

YOU ARE INVITED TO

OUR YOM KIPPUR BREAK FAST

Immediately following Maariv Donations to the Break Fast

Fund are greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to the office.

Memorial Plaques

Anyone wishing to order memorial plaques in memory of loved ones should contact the office now if they are to be affixed before Rosh Hashanah. The cost is $360.

High Holiday Tickets

Tickets can be purchased during regular Synagogue office hours or at other times by contacting financial secretary, Richard Gutcheon, at 860-904-7556. Full-time college students need

only present their college ID. For members’ immediate family (i.e. parents, children, brothers, and sisters) tickets are $100 each. Non-member tickets are $200 each and must be purchased in the office. In addition, this year we are

offering free High Holiday tickets to any unaffiliated Jew who lives within 20 miles of the synagogue. Please contact the office at 860-242-5561 or email lynn@bethhillelsynagogue.org for more information. All tickets are non-transferable.

High Holidays

THE MONTH OF ELUL is traditionally a time of

preparation for the High Holy Days. Rosh Hodesh Elul

actually started on August 26, and from that time we started sounding the shofar at daily minyan each day. Come and

hear the shofar!

SELICHOT Saturday, September 20

8:30PM Beth El Temple WILL HOST

Social Hour followed by program and prayers

Dr. Richard Freund will teach via a multi-media presentation on the evening of Selichot. His

topic is “The History of Reconciliation”

It should be a wonderful way to reflect on the Gaza war in a larger context and give us a good lead into Selichot itself.

HIGH HOLY DAY GENERAL/ BACKGROUND INFO

Is no longer printed in our congregational bulletin as it is

so readily available on the web. If you have any

questions regarding Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, just

give Rabbi Atkins a call…..

ORDER YOUR LULAV AND ETROG

CALL THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE TO ORDER OR GO

DOWN TO THE JUDAICA STORE

Page 7 September 2014 Elul 5775

Cantor Ben-Zion Lanxner was born in Tel-Aviv, lsrael. When he was very young he moved with his family to Brussels, Belgium, where he was reared in a Hassidic Orthodox environment. At a young age he was inspired to compose and interpret his first choir and cantorial pieces. Cantor Lanxner and his older brother, Cantor Yaakov Moshe Lanxner, were known as the “Golden Voices" in Brussels and, as such, were invited to perform at various Jewish celebrations all over the country.

Cantor Lanxner was endowed with a beautiful and powerful voice. He started his career as a soloist in the choir of the Great Orthodox Synagogue in Brussels at age seven, where he often

sang duets during Yomim Noraim. At age 16, Cantor Lanxner officiated as guest cantor in the Great Orthodox Synagogue in Brussels. After studying hazzanut with Cantor Yehoshuah Lerer, Cantor Lanxner served the Orthodox Beth lsrael Congregation in Brussels, Belgium.

He then moved to America, where his first American position was at Tiferet lsrael Congregation in Dallas, Texas. He then decided that his religious orientation was more in consonance with the Conservative movement, and became the Cantor and choir director at Beth Abraham Hillel Moses Congregation in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where he served for 16 years. He then served as the Cantor and educational director of Congregation B'nai David in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

He plays the guitar, is a Baal Tokea (Shofar) and speaks fluent Hebrew, French, Yiddish and English.

Beth Hillel Synagogue is most proud to welcome Cantor Lanxner for its 5775 High Holy Day services.

Meet Cantor Ben-Zion Lanxner HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE 2014–5775

SELICHOT

Saturday, September 20 8:30 PM Beth El Temple WILL HOST

Social Hour followed by program and prayers

EREV ROSH HASHANAH

Wednesday, September 24 6:30PM Mincha, Ma'ariv

FIRST DAY ROSH HASHANAH

Thursday, September 25 Services Start 8:30AM

Services Conclude 1:30PM – Approximate

Tashlich, 6:00PM Mincha, Ma'ariv, 6:30PM

SECOND DAY ROSH HASHANAH

Friday, September 26 Services Start 8:30AM

Services Conclude 1:15PM - Approximate

Mincha, Ma'ariv (Kabbalat Shabbat) 6:00PM CLT 6:23PM

CEMETERY VISITATION

Sunday, September 28 Beth Hillel Cemetery – 12Noon Other cemeteries by personal

arrangement

YOM KIPPUR Friday, October 3

Services/ Kol Nidre, 6:00 PM (CLT is 6:11PM)

Services Conclude 8:30PM - Approximate

Saturday, October 4 Services Start 8:30AM - Conclude

2:00PM - Approximate Afternoon Break Mincha, 4:15PM

Neilah, 5:15 PM Plus standing before the Aron Kodesh

Maariv, SOUNDING OF THE SHOFAR, 7:00PM Approximate

Bring A Shofar - Participate in our

Group Tekiah Gedolah after services CONGREGATIONAL BREAK-FAST

High Holidays

GROUP TEKIAH GEDOLAH

Another tradition that we started was inviting everyone who has a shofar to participate with their fellow congregants in a group sounding of the final “tekiah gedolah” at the end of Yom Kip-pur services. It is a memorable way to end the holy day and we look forward to even more peo-ple participating this year!

STANDING BEFORE GOD AT NEILAH

A now accepted tradition is the idea of standing before the open ark during the Yom Kippur Neilah service. This is the “holiest mo-ment of the year” for many peo-ple, and feeling God’s presence standing there can be truly awe-inspiring. Many congregants have commented on this idea being meaningful for them, and we will be continuing the practice this year.

Page 8 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

SUKKOT/SHMINI ATZERET SERVICE SCHEDULE 2014 – 5775

SUKKOT

Sukkah decorating party

Tuesday, October 7 6PM

Wednesday, October 8 6:30PM Erev Sukkot Special Congregational Oneg in Sukkah

Thursday, October 9

Shaharit 9:30AM Mincha, Ma'ariv, 6:30PM

Friday, October 10 Shaharit 9:30AM

SHABBAT HOL HAMOED SUKKOT

Friday, October 10

Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:15PM Home Service and Sukkot open house

at Iris and Rabbi’s residence, 53 Vista Way

Saturday, October 11 Shaharit 9:30AM

SHMINI ATZERET

Wednesday, October 15

Erev Shmini Atzeret, 6:30PM

Thursday, Oct. 16 Shaharit 9:30AM,

Yizkor about 11:15AM Mincha, Ma'ariv, 6:30PM

start of Simchat Torah—celebrated at Beth El Temple Time 6PM

SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, October 17 Shaharit 9:30AM

Kabbalat Shabbat for Shabbat Bereisheit 8:00PM

SUKKAH DECORATING PARTY 5775

Tuesday, October 7 6PM Once again this year we will

have a fun party decorating our Congregational Sukkah. There are only a few days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot, and the only possible evening is

Tuesday, October 7. Come at 6:00 pm for a light meal and

camaraderie as we enjoy a light meal of delicious pizza and

salad and hang the decorations.

Simchat Torah Thursday, October 16 6PM

Simchat Torah will be celebrated this year together

with the congregants of Beth El Temple. Look forward to a fun-

filled evening on Thursday evening, October 16 6PM.

As we start a new year of

Torah reading after Simchat Torah, we will be reading the

second section of each portion’s triennial division.

Page 9 September 2014 Elul 5775

Jewish National Fund

Invites you to a complimentary breakfast Wednesday, September 10

Registration 7:30AM Program 8AM-9AM

Emmanuel Synagogue 160 Mohegan Drive West Hartford

Featuring guest speaker

Yehuda Yaakov Consul Israel to New

England

Yehuda Yaakov has over two decades of experience in public

diplomacy and strategic affairs. He received the Israeli Foreign Ministry Director-General’s award for excellence in 2012 for

his public diplomacy during the Iranian crisis. Yaakov’s views have been widely sought out by

elected officials, diplomats, security figures, academics and the media.

Please register at jnf.org/hartfordbreakfast by September 4.

For more information, or to become a Table Captain, contact Senior Campaign Executive

Deborah Budd at dbudd@jnf.org or 888.JNF.0099 x812.

Join Rabbi Gary Atkins of Beth Hillel Synagogue, Bloomfield CT

On a Jewish Heritage Tour of ITALY

April 26 - May 7, 2015 Visit us online or call the office for details and a full

itinerary

Hawaiian Style Shabbat Under the Stars

Page 10 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

ABE MORRISON SHABBAT DINNER FUND In Honor of Myrna Kahan hard work over many weeks in relation to Tag Sale Iris & Rabbi Gary Atkins Yahrzeit for Lillian Lessinger Barbara Reisner In Appreciation of Mark Goldberg wonderful leadership of Shabbat Under the Stars Iris & Rabbi Gary Atkins In Celebration of Tobie Katz birthday! Iris & Rabbi Gary Atkins EDWARD GERSHENOWITZ FUND Yahrzeit for Adelle Oken Lorna Gershenowitz Edward Gershenowitz Lorna Gershenowitz GENERAL FUND In Honor of Judge Jerry Wagner Birthday Marc & Sandi Needelman Yahrzeit for Alex Lebed Ann Lebed Alexander Schulman Mr. Sydney Schulman Celia Kurzberg Sylvia Lazarus Charles Schweitzer Thelma Schweitzer Dorothy Lewis Mr. Stan Lewis Fannie Pinkus Benjamin Pinkus George Goodman Stan Goodman Ida Kirshenbaum Sandra & Michael Delin & family Joseph Brody Sarah Brody Mary Feldman Mel & Ellie Feldman Max Kovalsky

Ms. Lisa Kovalsky Max Talesnick Sandra & Michael Delin & fmly Minnie Goldberg Sue Ellen Bromberg Sarah Kovalsky Ms. Lisa Kovalsky William Sidrane Irwin Sidrane In Loving Memory of Reuben Cutler Ben & Kayleen Goldstein Robert & Majorie Shampain Refu'ah Shelaymah to Larry Neal Marcus Mel & Maxine Marcus JOY RISA BERMAN FUND Yahrzeit for Samuel Glooskin Mrs. Elaine Rose KESTEN-FISHBERG CHAPEL FUND Yahrzeit for Joseph Kesten Mrs. Muriel Kesten Pearl Stanger Mrs. Muriel Kesten Salo Kesten Mrs. Muriel Kesten Samuel Gordon Mrs. Muriel Kesten KIDDUSH FUND In memory of Ruby Cutler by Deb & Richard Gutcheon In honor of Paula Baram chanting of her Haftorah by David and Paula Baram Yahrzeit of Eli Zingeser by Lillian Miller Special Kiddush Fund In Memory Alvin Shoham by Harriet Shapiro Yahrzeit of Ida Waxman by Faye Sklar

Refuah Shlema Marty Swilling by Tobie Katz and David Wichman Mary Sklar by Faye Sklar Sandra Phair by Tobie Katz and David Wichman Arthur James by Tobie Katz and David Wichman Faye Sklar Sisterhood of BHS Alan and Marilyn Goodman PAUL AND LIBBY WOLFBERG ENTERTAINMENT FUND In Honor of Judge Jerry Wagner For a lifetime of promoting and dedication of Beth Hillel Synagogue, the Bloomfield community, Israel and Yiddishkeit Nathan & Mildred Shor Yahrzeit for Mary Dorfman Louis Blumenfeld & Jackie Isaacson Zelda Isaacson Louis Blumenfeld & Jackie Isaacson PRAYER BOOK FUND Yahrzeit for Debra Ellen Dworetsky Mr. Michael Dworetsky RABBI ATKINS DISCRETIONARY FUND In Honor of Nathalie Rosin's grandson return from Israel Nathalie Rosin Yahrzeit for Abraham Friedman Arlene Friedman Belle Cutler Ms. Bette Rosenthal Kalmon Bercowetz Ms. Bette Rosenthal Leonard Bloom

Mrs. Barbara Bloom Susan Bloom Stepan Mirialm Tankle Roberta Skiba Sophie Bursack Norma Bursack In Loving Memory of Leonard Bloom N.J. & Mimi Bassok Reuban "Rudy" Cutler Jacob Fagin In Appreciation of Chesed Caring Committee Your wishes for my good health Mr. Joel Kent Rabbi Gary Atkins Saying Mee Shebayrach Prayers for my wife Ellie Mel & Ellie Feldman Refu'ah Shelaymah to David Nemirow Allen & Judy Kronick RABBI EMERITUS DISCRETIONARY FUND Yahrzeit for Isadore Anopolsky Mrs. Ann Bregman Luba Sakier Gloria Levine William Kruh Susan Schwalbendorf RABBI PHILIP LAZOWSKI EDUCATION FUND Yahrzeit for Helen Byron Ms. Judith Simons

We Gratefully Acknowledge the Following Contributions

SYNAGOGUE BEQUESTS

This year, Beth Hillel Synagogue was fortunate to receive two bequests from deceased members. Both

were women who had found friendship and a warm

welcome here. So, despite all the questions there may

be about the path of our future, we must be dong

something right!

May their memory always be for a blessing.

Page 11 September 2014 Elul 5775

From the Beth Hillel Memorial Park Corporation: At a recent meeting of the Executive Board of Beth Hillel Memorial Park Corp., it was determined that in order to continue maintaining your cemetery in the proper manner the fees would have to be increased. Present lot charges are $1750 each for members of Beth Hillel/$2350 for non-members and they will be increased to $2000 for members/$2600 for non-members each effective November 1, 2014. Also, the cost of interment will be increased from $1750 to $2000 for members/and $2600 for non-members effective November 1, 2014. Take care of your pre-need arrangements now and set your mind at ease. Questions regarding this matter should be directed to: Mel Marcus, Chairman 54 Kenwood Circle Bloomfield, CT 06002 860-242-2602

Countdown to Israel Ride 2014 Yes. I am going to Israel. But this trip will be unlike any other I’ve made. This time, I will be seeing Israel from the seat of a bike. I will be joining 18 other participants from the Mandell JCC as the largest contingent of attendees for this year’s ride from November 4th through the 11th. I would say that this year is one of the most important in its history. OK, that’s my personal opinion, but based on what we’ve seen happening there over the last few weeks, I think that the winds of change need to start somewhere and what better way than to have 180 riders raise funds for two very worthy peace organizations. Arava Institute and Hazon are the institutions we will be raising funds for; Arava Institute for scholarships for the students who come from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, and North America who work together to solve the area’s environmental challenges, while also solving their own interpersonal challenges, and Hazon, who works to create a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community, and a healthier and more sustainable world for all. Most of us know Hazon through Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat in Falls Village, CT. We will ride for 5 days, a minimum of 30 miles a day, with a maximum of 350 miles over the 5 days. We will begin in Jerusalem and end in Eilat. I am personally excited about the physical challenge that comes with this type of ride, but am very excited to be back in Eretz Israel. I think now is the time for those of us in the diaspora to show our support of our homeland and to not allow terrorist organizations to stop us from celebrating the wonderful land of Israel. In order to participate in this ride, there is a fundraising goal of $3,600.00. I will be doing my best to raise at least this amount, but whatever amount I raise will go directly to these two worthy organizations. If you would like to find out more information about this ride and these two organizations, please visit http://hazon.org/israel-ride/arava-institute-hazon-israel-ride/. Should you like to help me in my fundraising efforts, please feel free to visit my personal page on this site at http://jewish.convio.net/site/TR/BikeRides/IsraelRide?px=1138432&pg=personal&fr_id=1740. I will continue to give updates to my training and fundraising efforts. A big thank you goes out to Bloomfield Bicycle for helping me decide on which bike I should purchase and making sure it fit me well. I have logged about 150 miles so far in my training and although I’ve made some progress, there’s much more work needed to be done to be able to meet the physical challenge of this ride. Next month I’ll give some statistics about what I will face when I get to Israel. I will be blogging my way through the trip, so will let you all experience this awesome adventure through my eyes. Also watch future bulletins or announcements after I return to learn about my trip in person! Todah Rabah. Tammi Kraushaar

Page 12 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

Save these dates: September 14th – Sunday Morning – Services at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Gourmet Breakfast ($5 per person) EVERYONE IS INVITED – Dr. Avinon Patt from the Greenberg Jewish Center at the U of Hartford. This is a fascinating speaker and you don’t want to miss this talk. (Please see flyer on page 13) October 19th – Sunday Morning – Services at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Gourmet Breakfast ($5 per person) - Our own Bonnie Eisenberg and her colleague, Susan Fried will be speaking on the topic of the “Jewish Asso-ciation for Community Living (JCL). Of course this is open to everyone, guests, spouses and friends. November 2nd –SUNDAY 3 P.M. - A special treat – SAVE THE DATE – In New Britain there will be a concert of Barber Shop Quartet Singing, There will a be a special appearance of last year’s INTERNATIONAL Win-ners. This group will be performing at Carnegie Hall the night before coming to entertain us in New Britain. We can have special pricing for rush seats, only $18 per person. Rides will be arranged for those who cannot drive. If you want reserved seating up front it will be $28. December 7th – SUNDAY morning services at 9:00 A.M. followed by a FABULOUS breakfast (only $5 per person) - Rabbi Fuchs will introduce his new book and we will have the honor of being the FIRST group on his book tour.

Brotherhood

Beth Hillel Synagogue

Sisterhood & Library Committees

Invite you to join us

Thursday September 4, 2014

8 pm after Minyan

Presenting:

Anastasia Goodman author of

Loose Ends

A story of mystery, family saga, and freedom

from Soviet-era religious persecution (with local roots)

Dessert to follow

Books will be available for purchase & signing

RSVP to the office

(860-242-5561) by September 1st

Page 13 September 2014 Elul 5775

The CHESED CARING COMMITTEE continues to provide comfort to the congregants of Beth Hillel Syna-gogue. The Hebrew word "chesed" does not have a precise English equivalent but is probably closest to "loving-kindness." In the Jewish moral tradition, "chesed" is associated with love, giving, and altruism. For

congregants who are ill, hospitalized, undergoing rehab, or otherwise in need of prayers and well wishes, our committee members are very generous with their time. We send cards of encouragement; we visit people in

hospitals or their homes, rehab, or nursing home facilities; we call to let them know that they are in our thoughts and our prayers. On occasion, we provide meals and an occasional ride. We have challot and small bottles of grape juice to share just before Shabbat. When we offer a chamsa/dove as a "good luck charm" - we see faces light up. We, in return, are blessed by the knowledge that we are providing comfort to those

most in need.

We can only provide our services if/when we are aware of the need. If you or a loved one wish to be on the receiving end of our services, you may call me (Iris) directly (860-726-9312) or leave a message at the synagogue office. Privacy will always be protected - unless you wish to extend the network of well wishers!

Iris E. Atkins and Joel Neuwirth

Co-Chairs, Chesed Caring Committee

Avinoam J. Patt is the Philip D. Feltman Professor of Modern Jewish History at the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, where he is also director of the Museum of Jewish Civilization. Previously, he worked as the Miles Lerman Applied Research Scholar for Jewish Life and Culture at the Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). He received his Ph.D. in Modern European History and Hebrew and Judaic Studies from New York University. His first book,Finding Home and Homeland: Jewish Youth and Zionism in the Aftermath of the Holocaust (published by Wayne State University

Press, May 2009) examines the appeal of Zionism for young survivors in Europe in the aftermath of the Holocaust and their role in the creation of the state of Israel. He is also the co-editor (with Michael Berkowitz) of a collected volume on Jewish Displaced Persons, titled We are Here: New Approaches to the Study of Jewish Displaced Persons in Postwar Germany (Wayne State University Press, February 2010). He is a contributor to several projects at the USHMM, and is co-author of the recently published source volume, entitled Jewish Responses to Persecution, 1938-1940 (USHMM/Alta Mira Press, September 2011). He has also published numerous articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia articles on various topics related to Jewish life and culture before, during, and after the Holocaust. He is co-editor of a forthcoming anthology of recent American Jewish fiction entitled The New Diaspora: The Changing Landscape of American Jewish Fiction. In Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Edward Lewis Wallant Award for American Jewish Fiction (with Mark Shechner and Victoria Aarons, to be published by Wayne State University Press in November 2014). Patt teaches courses on Modern Jewish History, American Jewish History, Responses to the Holocaust, the History of Zionism and the State of Israel, Jewish film, and Modern Jewish Literature among others.

ADULT ED PROGRAMS We are planning on Adult Ed programs and would

love to hear from congregants about subjects they would enjoy, so we urge you to join the

committee.

Our committee meetings will commence on the third Thursday of each month after evening

services.

We aim to please so please attend and join us in choosing topics.

We will continue to plan on some Friday night speakers as well.

Please help promote a successful season ahead. Tobie Katz and Myrna Schaffman, co-chairs

BROTHERHOOD GUEST SPEAKER ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AVINOAM PATT

Sunday, September 14th Assocaite Professor Avinoam Patt,Judaica

Studies Department of the University of Hartford will be the guest Speaker of Beth Hillel

Brotherhood. Professor Patt is well known and respected in our community. He will speak about

Israel, where do we go from here. 9:30AM Breakfast

10:15AM Professor Patt speaks and answers questions.

If you join the Brotherhood for $18, then the gourmet breakfast is free

Don't miss this important program

Page 14 Beth Hillel Chai-Lites

Please patronize our Sponsors

..

Page 15 September 2014 Elul 5775

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The deadline for submission to the October bulletin is September 11

Visit us online at www.BethHillelSynagogue.org

MITZVOT TZEDAKAH—YOUR GUIDE TO GIVING

Beth Hillel synagogue offers many choices for donations to the Synagogue from formal endowments, designated funds. Honorials and Memorials, to operating and reserve funds. For more detailed information, ask our office staff to have the responsible committee representative contact you.

Unless otherwise noted by *, please send the following fund donations to the Synagogue Office.

I. SYNAGOGUE OPERATING FUNDS Donations offset expenses for religious school, adult education, youth activity, ritual, programming, etc .thus keeping dues and tuition lower. General Fund II. SYNAGOGUE DEDICATED ENDOWMENTS Donations are added to principal, and earnings are applied to Synagogue operating funds. Kiyum Endowment III. RESERVE/REPLACEMENT FUNDS Donations are added to the Synagogue Reserve Fund and used only under special circumstances. Building Fund Ida & Samuel Cohen Wing Kesten-Fishberg Chapel Fund Prayer Book ($25 min for book plate) IV. DESIGNATED FUNDS Donations are used to further the aims and activities listed

A.Named in Honor or Memory of: 1. Scholarship/Stipend Joy Risa Berman Edward Gershenowitz Leon Glazer Ethel B. Karp Jean Rosen Samuel Rosenthal Rebecca Schwartz Lazowski 2. Youth Activity Stipend Morris Feigenbaum/Jonathan Lodge Fred and Ronald Pivnick USY & Kadima Youth 3. Higher Education Scholarship Stipend Post Family 4. Health & Human Services Alex B. Lebed 5. Music, Arts & Entertainment Sless Music Paul and Libby Wolfberg Entertainment 6. Library Sidney Needelman Library

Library Fund PTO Library Programming Fund 7. Adult Education Rabbi Philip lazowski Education 8. Ritual Edward N. Bromberg Ritual Eucationn Memorial Fund 9. Other Rabbi Gary Atkins’ Discretionary Fund Rabbi Emertitus Philip Lazowski Discretionary Fund Abe Morrison Shabbat Dinner Fund B. Unnamed 1. Honorial/Memorial Yahrzeit Plaques Major Gifts 2. Sisterhood * Flower * Special Kitchen Kiddush 3. Minyonaires