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www.templeisraelofthepoconos.org Edition 542 DECEMBER 2009

KISLEV/TEVET 5770 Drawing by Marilyn Margolies

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE by Rabbi Baruch Binyamin Hakohen Melman

As darkness looms ever large and larger as we plunge into a cold and dark winter season, we will all be coming together as a community during Chanukah to stand up to the darkness. We will let our collective light shine forth. We will hold aloft our menorahs, our chanukiahs, and burn the candle brightly. We will banish the darkness. Dispel it. As Jews we do not curse the darkness. We have learned that it is better to light a flame. Join us on Tuesday, December 15, at 5:45 P.M. at 660 Wallace Street. We will have latkes and donuts galore - and great music! All we need is YOU. Bring your own Menorah and candles. We'll supply the fun!

On a sad note, the UN is milking the Goldstone Report for all it's worth. While it is actually not worth very much at all, for it actually accuses Israelis of war crimes during last winter's Gaza opera-tion, the world now waves it as proof that Israeli soldiers deliberately targeted children and civilians. The Israelis made two egregious errors that helped set the stage for this callumny. First, it named the war Cast Lead, after a silly phrase from an Israeli Chanukah song that has no resonance for Western audiences. They should have named it "Operation Stop the Rockets." Then every mention of the fighting would restate WHY Israel was fighting! Israel's other mis- take was in not cooperating with the Goldstone Commission. With outany Israeli supplied evidence all they had to work with were submissions from Hamas, which of course are pure propaganda. So in the UN, as usual Israel is greatly outnumbered and vilified. But just as the Maccabees won against great odds in their day, so too Israel will survive and win in our day as well.

A new best seller book is called "Israel- Start Up Nation," by Dan Senor. It shows how `` Israel's economy has thrived during this world crisis on account of the unique entrepreneurial spirit exemplified and nourished by the Israeli culture and society. I would like to add from a religio/cultural perspective that Jewish children are taught from an early age that they are wonderful and can do anything. Instead of obsessing about sin and salvation we focus on improving the world around us. We think outside the box and we believe in ourselves. Now if Israel can leverage her entrepreneurial spirit and technological prowess through forging economic, industrial and manufac- turing alliances with India, China and Russia, she will be the economic powerhouse of the world, as in the days of King Solomon.

Don't forget to reserve your seat for our annual Chanukah dinner on the First Night, Friday, Dec 11, at 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited, but we are limited to just 50 people so don't forget to register right away. First reserved, first served!

And finally, we celebrate the Chanukah Bar Mitzvah of Brett Ruben, son of member Merle Turitz, on Sunday, December 13. Mazal Tov to Merle and entire mishpucha! Happy Chanukah! Happy Hannukah! Chag Urim Sameach! However you say it, Enjoy!!!

Coffee With the Rabbi - every Monday at Starbucks at 11AM

EDIT ION 542

TEMPLE ISRAEL DIRECTORY OFFICE: (570) 421-8781 www.templeisraelofthepoconos.org FAX: (570) 421-2544 Rabbi Baruch Melman [email protected] (please see below for office hours)

President Marty Sagofsky 619-7290 [email protected]

1st Vice President Sandra Alfonsi 223-7062 [email protected]

2nd Vice President Mitchell Marcus 588-0991 [email protected]

Secretary Amy Moulton 646-6954 [email protected]

Treasurer Herb Rosen 424-1161 [email protected]

Asst. Treasurer

3 yr Trustee: Art Glantz 424-7876 [email protected]

2 yr Trustee: Chuck Feinstein Julie Harter

421-4423

[email protected]

1 yr Trustee: David Rosenberg 894-4537 [email protected]

Trustee: Barry Tremper 588-6148 [email protected]

Cemetery: 209 Eliezer Gardens

Art Jolley Charlie Cahn

421-3726 424-7955

[email protected] [email protected]

Hebrew School Debbie Smith 610-588-1879 [email protected]

Ritual Charlie Cahn 424-7955 [email protected]

Finance Herb Rosen 424-1161 [email protected]

Membership Sandra Alfonsi 223-7062 [email protected]

Kitchen Yafit Entenberg [email protected]

House Barth Rubin 421-7215 [email protected]

Chesed & Wishograms Suzanne Tremper 588-6148 [email protected]

Newsletter Barbara Rosenberg 894-4537 [email protected]

Gift Shop

Programming Barbara Rosenberg Chuck Feinstein

894-4537 421-4423

[email protected] [email protected]

Rabbi Melman ‘s office hours: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 8:30—9:30 a.m. Please call the Rabbi to set up a private appointment. The Rabbi may be reached at 730-4799 or [email protected]

Please help fill in the blanks above. Send all information to:

Barbara Rosenberg [email protected]

EDIT ION 542

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Friends,

Chanukah is well known as a Jewish holiday of rededication, a festival of lights and best recognized as a joyous time of the year for all Jewish children. We know it for the glimmer and twinkle of the lit candles or oil, whichever you prefer, all the colorful colors and bright wrapping papers, shiny bows on lovingly wrapped gifts, the joy and merriment on childrens’ faces because they know something good is about to happen. They get to celebrate too, for eight nights, not only the one morning. The family gathers and invites friends to delicious meals, greeted at the doors by the aromas of those I’ll diet tomorrow crispy fried potato latkes and simmering brisket. The days are shorter, darkness comes early and the cold weather and snowflakes are a few of the things the season is also bringing.

In most households it is the joy that is written on each child’s face as they open a gift or two from parents and grandparents. It is the same in my household. My wife spends months and months planning and shopping for dozens of presents, then wrapping and organizing them as the children are slightly tortured each night by their own curiosity as to what lies underneath the wrapping papers, made even worse by the fact that they have to wait until I arrive home from work to light the candles. It’s always something unexpected and wonderful. I admit I look forward to Chanukah each year, there are always some goodies for me after I light the Menorah too.

We work very hard to make Chanukah wonderful for our children. And we at Temple Israel of the Poconos work very hard to make the tradition of Chanukah beautiful for our members and friends. This year, we have our own version of “fifth night”, because on the Fifth night of Cha-nukah we will gather together as a community to light our Chanukah Menorahs and spend a few minutes singing and watching the glimmer and sparkle of hundreds of candles in unison. Join us on the fifth night of Chanukah at our annual Community Chanukah Candle Lighting on Tuesday December 15, 2009, bring your family and all your menorahs, your spouse’s menorah, your children’s or grandparent’s menorahs and light the flames together with dozens of our Hebrew School children and remember the miracle of the oil. Keep the light in our hearts together.

Plans for the menu for our annual Chanukah dinner are in the works and this annual Temple Israel tradition is another wonderful event. Please make your reservations in advance, as seat-ing is limited. .

Did you join us for our first Coffeehouse Concert event on November 22nd? The programming committee did a wonderful job in bringing music to our temple. Kudos to Barbara and Chuck and their volunteers.

With the end of the year approaching quickly, it is going to be time for New Year’s resolutions. There are some positions available for you on the Board of Directors and committees need assistance, we need your help, so make a resolution to do more for your temple this year. It’s time for less talk and more action. Everyone has something to contribute, what will yours be for the new year? You will also be hearing about the retirement of our treasurer, and volunteers are needed to fill that position.

Wish wishes for a Happy Chanukah and festive holiday season, and wishes for a happy and healthy New Year, I remain Respectfully yours, Marty Sagofsky, President

EDIT ION 542

DIVINE COMMUNICATION?

In an early scene in Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, the brooding protagonist who has just experienced a traumatic visit and story from his slain father’s ghost, says to his loyal friend, Horatio, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamed of in your Philosophy." Hamlet cannot be referring merely to the belief in the existence of human soulsAfter death, for that belief was already an integral part of the Roman Catholic religion. So what "things in heaven and earth" could Hamlet have had in mind?

Whatever the answer, it probably refers to matters beyond the scope of the known philosophy and theology prevailing at that time. I suggest that it concerned the extraordinary event that Hamlet had recently experienced– the visitastion and story of his father’s ghost–that prompted him to refer to the mysteries that exist beyond the scope of philosophy or a university education.

The Torah is our primary source of information on this subject. In the Torah we learn that God speaks to Adam and Eve, to the Patriarchs, to Moses, to King David, to his son Solomon, and to His prophets. We speak to God in our prayers to Him, in our belief and faith in Him, and in our obedience to His commandments. The point is that communication between God and human be-ings may be in words or in the context of a seeming miraculous event. The Exodus, the division of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments, the trek of the Israelites through the Wilder-ness to Canaan, the survival of the children of Israel despite enemy occupation, many years of exile and dispersion, attest to Divine intercession in behalf of His "Chosen People." In other words, these miraculous events do not need spoken words to assure the Israelites of Divine protection. Just as a picture is said to be worth a thousand words, so can meaningful events convey a message: if we take the time and make the effort to search for one.

Despite these modes of Divine communication, we are rarely aware of them today because of our busy involvement in the practical concerns of daily living. Besides, we tend to be skeptical and wary about experiences that we cannot weigh, measure, or actually perceive. Yet I believe that "God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform," and that He communicates with us in non-verbal ways. For example, I have discovered that spending many weeks in the hospital and in rehabilitation was a blessing in disguise, for it gave me the opportunity to meditate on what seemed to be adverse experiences and to find their unexpected advantages.

The Biblical story of Joseph provides an instructive example of God’s communicating with man by means of a prophetic dream-vision. When Joseph reveals his dream that he will become the leader of his family, his father Jacob and his envious brothers believe that his dream foretells the future. Their belief is vindicated when the story ends with Joseph’s becoming the Pharaoh’s overseer as a reward for his foreknowledge and advice on how to adapt to the impending seven years of drought that Egypt will suffer.

Most people today would probably describe a prophetic dream-vision as just anecdotal, nothing more than a personal experience or coincidence. Thus far, direct Divine communication with humans cannot be empirically proved or disproved! –Norman Gelber

EDIT ION 542

Temple Israel Chanukah Dinner Friday, December 11th

6:00 p.m.

$12.00 per adult $6.00 children under 10 yrs. old

ONLY 50 reservations are being accepted and they must be pre-paid.

DON’T BE LEFT OUT !!!

Make your reservations now…. Contact Yafit at [email protected]

or call the Temple office at 421-8781.

Complete the form below and deliver with your payment. Reservation is not complete unless

payment in full has been made.

Complete name for each reservation: (please note age of

child next to name):

_________________________ ________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________ ________________________

TOTAL PAYMENT: _______________

EDIT ION 542

Tuesday, December 1 Hebrew School 4:45 — 6:45

Friday, December 4 Hebrew School 6:00 — 8:00


Friday, December 11 NO SCHOOL: 1st Night of Chanukah

Tuesday, December 15 Hebrew School/ Community Candlelighting

4:45 — 5:45

Friday, December 18 NO SCHOOL: Chanukah (last candle)


WINTER BREAK: Friday December 25 — Monday January 4

It would be an honor to have the congregation of Temple Israel join me and my family as my youngest son,

BRETT ALBERT RUBEN is called to the Torah for the first time:

Sunday, Chanukah, December 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Israel. A luncheon will follow services.

If you could join us, our simcha will shine even brighter than the Chanukah lights.

Please call Merle Turitz at 570-223-1131 if you plan on attending.

5th NIGHT CHANUKAH CANDLELIGHTING Tuesday, December 15th at 5:45

Bring your menorah !! Refreshments to be served. Entertainment: Rabbi Houpt on guitar; Rabbi Melman on violin

playing our favorite Chanukah songs !!

EDIT ION 542

R T L O V E R G I M M E L R NB O I L T S Y R I A N S C I V

D E C J G O K S F C O P H Q M

H S A K H T R W H C S S X T I

N U N A O S C E B A I F D H R

G K D L D F H D N B M R U G A

T U L E M I A L R E O A N I C

J B E L O T N G W E N D S L L

H J S L D K U P E S I R G H E

A U T A E L K G M S Y D L N O

Y D I H E R A O E N H J E P S

M E N O R A S T A L U N A L Y

S A L T F X B V K W T Q U C A

P G A N I D O M S E I G H T D

R E V I C T O R Y C K L V X S

A Temple Miracle Word Search

CANDLES, CHANUKA, DREIDEL, EIGHT DAYS, FREEDOM, GELT, GIMMEL, HALLEL, HAY, JUDAH, JUDEA, LIGHT,

MACCABEES, MENORA, MIRACLE, MODIN, NEROT, NUN, OIL, REVOLT, ROCK OF AGES, SHAMASH,

SHIN, SIMON, SYRIANS, VICTORY

EDIT ION 542

HESSED FUND Hessed is a Hebrew word meaning kindness and a reaching out to other people.

It is the way you can express sympathy, warm wishes or celebrate simchas for any one within or outside the Jewish community. If you would like something included here:

Call Suzanne Tremper at 588-6148. Please leave all the information on the machine so Suzanne doesn’t need to call you back.

OR Better than telephone, is contacting Suzanne by e-mail at [email protected]. That's the best!

If you would like us to send a card to a person who is not a Temple Israel person, you must include the recipient’s address when giving Suzanne the information. Cards are usually sent within three days of the request.

To Irv Effross Mazel Tov on your birthday

from Art & Leah Silverwater

To Art Glantz Best wishes for a r’fua sh’leima

from Dan & Marilyn Hertz

To Ferdinando Alfonsi Best wishes for a r’fua sh’leima

from Camille Breslauer

Sam & Maryjane Newman Herb & Sylvia Rosen

Barry & Suzanne Tremper

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR HELPING CLEAN THE GROUNDS:

Charlie Cahn

Yafit Entenberg Lois LaBarca Herb Rosen Barbara Rosenberg Dave Rosenberg

Special thanks to Yafit for preparing breakfast for the

clean up crew.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

Available large 4 –bedroom house for rent in Penn Estates. New kitchen with island. Asking $1600/month + utilities. CONTACT: John Reid 973-219-9569

Large bedroom for rent in a house in Penn Estates

CONTACT: Lucille 420-8804

EDIT ION 542

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Note: Hessed Fund wishes are $10 each.

Birthday & Anniversary

listings from current month will be 2/$15!

If you are celebrating a milestone year, whether it be birthday or anniversary,

please let me know so others may celebrate with you.

Suzanne Tremper

588-6148

Dec. 01 Mitchell Kantrowitz Howard Popkin

Dec. 05 Lester Abeloff

Dec. 07 Howard Farber

Dec. 09 Judy Gelber

Dec. 10 Rachel Schuchman

Dec. 11 Shirlee Schwartz

Dec. 14 Rafikia Mozhgan

Dec. 17 Jack Shevrin

Dec. 19 Jacob Cohen

Dec. 20 Stacy Rodriguez

Dec. 23 Betty Helman

Dec. 24 David Vinik Nicholas Fredericks Gillian Herschlag

Dec. 25 Paul Solomon

Dec. 02 Bill & Hilda Brown

Dec. 18 Daniel & Marsha Cahn

Dec. 20 Howard & June Farber

Dec. 22 Jose & Stacy Rodriguez

Dec. 26 Leigh & Patricia Stelzer

Dec. 28 Dave & Malka Sorger

Dec. 30 Howard & Ruth Popkin

EDIT ION 542

The Adult Learning Institute of Temple Israel - ALITI

is proud to formally introduce:

STARS! Stroudsburg Talmud Torah Academy for Research and Study

It's the new Talmud Torah and Hebrew Academy for Adults that everyone is talking about! Begun this summer as a Beta Test, and advertised solely by word of mouth, we are now ready to accept enrollment from both the synagogue and general Jewish community. All classes will begin on Monday, October 19, 2009. Registration is required. Attendance is fairly limited to ensure seminar style. All classes are free, but students are asked to make freewill donations to Temple Israel and to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund. Please email Rabbi Melman at [email protected] to register for classes.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Monday 8:30 - 9:30AM Parshat HaShavuah. We read the Torah portion of the week in ts entirety in English. Nothing is omitted. Selected Rashi commentaries are read and discussed. Broad themes are enunciated. Monday 9:30 - 9:55 AM Studies in Codes. We study A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice, by Rabbi Isaac Klein, z"l, the abridged 600 page version of Rabbi Yosef Karo's 16th century compendium of Jewish Law for Daily Living, written in the spirit of the Conservative movement. In English. Tuesday 8:30 - 9:00 AM Babylonian Talmud; Tractate Pesachim. Sugya Yomi.* TM. All about Passover. Matzah, Matzah Balls and so much more! In Aramaic and English. No Hebrew necessary. Tuesday 9:00 - 9:30 AM Babylonian Talmud; Tractate Kiddushin. Sugya Yomi. TM. Everything you wanted to know about the joys of Jewish marriage since ancient times. In Aramaic and English. No Hebrew necessary. Tuesday 10:30 - 11:20 "Daytime Hebrew TM." Level One; Developed by the National Jewish Outreach Program, many have learned to read Hebrew fluently by taking this program. We go slow so every student benefits. Everyone participates. Our motto: No grownup left behind! No previous Hebrew reading ability is required. That's why this course is being offered! Wednesday 8:30- 9:00 AM Babylonian Talmud; Tractate Sanhedrin. Sugya Yomi. Understanding the underpinnings of the Jewish legal system and the Sanhedrin, Israel's ancient supreme court. In Aramaic and English. No Hebrew necessary. Wednesday 9:00 - 9:30 AM Babylonian Talmud; Tractate Yevamot. Sugya Yomi. Understanding the historic dynamics of conversion into the Jewish family/people, and more! In Aramaic and English. No Hebrew necessary.

Wednesday 10:30 - 11:20. Daytime Hebrew TM. Level Two. Developed by the National Jewish Outreach Program, we will read selected prayers for deeper understanding, learning to identify Hebrew root structures as well as suffixes and prefixes to readily deconstruct prayers for greater meaning. Many who have taken this class report en-hanced enjoyment of services and greater empowerment. Level One or its equivalent is required as a prerequisite for Level Two. Thursday 8:30 - 9:00 Babylonian Talmud; Tractate Megillah. Sugya Yomi. TM. Tracing the origins of evil, understanding the megillah and the history of fressing. They tried to kill us. We won. Let's eat! In Aramaic and English. No Hebrew necessary Thursday 9:00 - 9:30 Babylonian Talmud; Tractate Gittin. Sugya Yomi. TM. Exploring the 50 Ways. Everything you wanted to know about divorce- Jewish style! In Aramaic and English. No Hebrew necessary. First and Third Thursdays of every month. 7- 8 PM Ongoing Mussar Workshop. Entering Shabbos Program. Part One.Learning to apply the over 200 year old Jewish psycho-social personal development system to improve one's character and develop serenity. Co-leader: Dr. Mel Rosenthal. First and Third Thursdays of every month. 8- 8:45 PM Ongoing Niggun Workshop. Entering Shabbos Program. Part Two. Niggunim are spiritual melodies without words. Conduits to direct heavenly experience, they raise us up to new heights of Divine awareness. Bring your own instruments. Challah Baking Workshop. Learn to bake your own fresh Challah (Sabbath bread)! Entering Shabbos Program. Part Three. Twice a month (times to be determined), join Yafit Entenberg as she teaches the secrets of Challah baking! Email [email protected] for details. * The word "sugya" is Aramaic for a section. The word "yomi" is Hebrew for daily. Some communities study a Daf Yomi, a double page folio of the Talmud each day. A Sugya Yomi is an abridged Daf Yomi, whereby just a section of a page is studied daily. This is the first Sugya Yomi of its kind offered anywhere on an ongoing basis. Students may attend any of the class offerings or all of them. All text classes are taught by Rabbi Baruch Melman, the Dean of the Stars Academy, Spiritual Leader of Temple Israel of the Poconos and Principal of the Hebrew School.

Rabbi Melman attended Maimonides Day School in Boston, received a BA in Judaic Studies and Intellectual History from Brandeis University, received an MA in Jewish Education from Bos-ton's Hebrew College, studied at Pardes Institute in Jerusalem and picked bananas and avocados on Kibbutz Gesher Haziv in Israel. He played violin and mandolin in concert for nine years with the legendary Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Rabbi Melman attended and received semicha, rabbinic ordination, at the Institute of Traditional Judaism/ The Metivta, in Teaneck, NJ. in 1998.

EDIT ION 542

THE FOLLOWING DONATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE KOL NIDREI/YISKOR APPEAL:

EDIT ION 542

Howard & Ruth Popkin David Liebman Yafit Entenberg

Charlie Cahn Norman Gelber ABSCO Enterprises

Norman Hirschorn Ken & Donna Waite Chuck Feinstein

Bernie Helman & family Jay Roseman Mitchell Marcus

Ilya Lehman Emanuel Feinberg Kenneth & Sheri Blankfein

Jerry & Deborah Perel Ben Silverwater Art & Leah Silverwater

Ivan & Marilyn Margolies Lorraine Rosenthal Merle Turitz

Charles & Betsy Beck Morton Pollowitz Stanley & Pearl Rothman

Marc & Emily Gerson Joel & Nadia Schwartz Paul & Judy Schuchman

Bill & Hilda Brown Myra Goldberg Freda Kressner

Edith Giblin Sheldon Kopelson Jeff & Robin Bair

Michele Star Elliot & Victoria Brown Emanuel Witty

Elizabeth Kosmerl

If you were at Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur services then you know the challenge:

Temple Israel completely replaced the old and outdated

heating system. This expense depleted our Reserve Fund which is used for emergency repairs (such as this). The Reserve Fund needs to be

replaced so that it’s there for the next emergency.

So here’s the challenge to you:

Every dollar donated will be matched by a group of very generous anonymous donors. If the donations total $30,000 then they will donate $30,000 to

match AND give an additional bonus of $10,000.

SO…. Keep the donations coming in

REMEMBER: $30,000 can become $70,000.

GIVE WHAT YOU CAN … BUT GIVE !!

December 02 Kislev 15 Lee Bogatz Lillian Postol Rose Richmond

December 15 Kislev 28 Henrich Neuberger

December 04 Kislev 17 Max Katz Milton Lubin Florence Lewis Jonathan Newman Sam Buck

December 16 Kislev 29 David Hecht Louis “Doc” Helman

December 05 Kislev 18 Lottie Chiat December 17 Kislev 30 Helen Frieman David

December 06 Kislev 19 Bernard Koenig December 19 Tevet 02 Dorothy Gavin

December 07 Kislev 20 Rose Levine December 23 Tevet 06 Lester Genauer

December 09 Kislev 22 Nahum Kokos December 25 Tevet 08 Melvin Goldman Mary J. Katz

December 10 Kislev 23 Helen Myers December 26 Tevet 09 Irving Jolley Schmeriyam Onia

December 12 Kislev 25 Lawrence Webber Bella Zimmerman

December 27 Tevet 10 Ida Green Morris Burros

December 13 Kislev 26 Doris Zager Mary Brown Esther Lerner

December 28 Tevet 11 Howard Cantor

December 14 Kislev 27 Rose Hayden Celia Klein Abraham Nesson Abraham Dorfman

December 29 Tevet 12 Leon Zacher

December 30 Tevet 13 Jacob Brodowsky Louis Sacks

December 31 Tevet 14 Irving Tremper

December Yahrzeit List

EDIT ION 542

Yahrzeit candles should be lit the evening before the date listed. If you are in need of yahrzeit candles please contact

the Temple office.

January Yahrzeit List

EDIT ION 542

January 1 Tevet 15 Ben Hayden January 16 Shevat 01 Maurice Cantor Emanuel Greenfield

January 2 Tevet 16 Rose Cohn January 17 Shevat 02 Leo Liebman

January 4 Tevet 18 Pearl Sussman-Factor Kate Philippsberg Benjamin Brown Eva Cohen

January 19 Shevat 04 Thelma Reiter Herman Berman Abraham Gillette

January 5 Tevet 19 Shirley Irene Glucroft Morris Rothstein Carol Green

January 20 Shevat 05 Marcia Sagofsky Esther Zubow

January 6 Tevet 20 Adolph Glantz January 21 Shevat 06 Katherine Anderson Sam Block Rebecca Cohen Mary Merkin

January 7 Tevet 21 Zalman Gluck David Cahn Rita Merkin Bernbaum

January 22 Shevat 07 Martha Manley Rhoda Schuchman

January 8 Tevet 22 Edward Yark Oscar Feld Pearl Ruth Abeloff

January 24 Shevat 09 Louis Katz Birdie Steir

January 9 Tevet 23 Ethel Katz Mendel Zapolsky James Dimetro Carla Dimetro

January 25 Shevat 10 Ida Odzer Bernice Pollan Louis Rosenblum Sheldon Weisman

January 10 Tevet 24 Samuel Sorger January 27 Shevat 12 Minnie Ehrlichman Davora Ehrlich

January 11 Tevet 25 Frank Frankel Marion Wertheimer Bella Hymowitz

January 28 Shevat 13 Leo Cabelly Rebecca Lax Regina Brown Rose Rubin Glantz

January 12 Tevet 26 Lillian Levine January 29 Shevat 14 Simon Krawitz Miriam Cahn

January 14 Tevet 28 Isadore K. Dortort Greta Philippsberg Arthur Z. Zimmerman

January 30 Shevat 15 Julius Polinger Ben Meyers Bernard Postol

January 15 Tevet 29 Sophie Pollan January 31 Shevat 16 Harry Magnes Dorothy Reiter

Yahrzeit candles should be lit the evening before the date listed. If you are in need of yahrzeit candles please contact

the Temple office.

EDIT ION 542

Dear Rabbi,

We read Hebrew from right to left, right? So how come when we light our Chanukah menorahs we light them from left to right? Isn't that backwards?

- Perplexed

Dear Perplexed, You are half right! We indeed go from right to left when we place the candles in the menorah's candle holders. It's just that we actually light them from left to right. In truth, however, when we make the brachas over the candles before lighting them, we are only making the blessing over the newest candle being lit. This is symbolic of the beautiful tension which exists between individuality and community. We acknowledge and celebrate the newest candle and give it the attention it so richly deserves, and yet we recognize the group dynamic which comes into play. When G*d blessed Avraham, he blessed him that his descendants should be as numerous as the stars in the heavens and the sands of the sea. While they each imply infinte greatness, there is a great teaching behind the comparison. Stars shine individually. Their uniqueness is self-evident, even more so when we gaze at the stars through a powerful telescope. We see how varied are their colors and shapes. But grains of sand, on the hand, join together as one. It is nearly impossible to distinguish one from the other. So too the Jewish people are indeed blessed with this duality. We know in our kishkes that our group survival lies in our working together for the sake of the community. When we are united as one, no enemy can ever defeat us. This has been demonstrated throughout our history. As well as the opposite: when we fight among ourselves we invite discord and tragedy to damage and harm us, G*d forbid. On the positive side, each individual shines with his or her own unique talents and drives and am-bitions. We are blessed with shining examples of brilliance and accomplishment from our people- unique in the annals of history. While numbering just 13 million in a world over 6 billion souls, some 30% of all Nobel prizewinners have been Jewish, a remarkable testament to the enduring Jewish belief in the potential of each individual. Happy Chanukah!

PLEASE LOOK AT THE TEMPLE DIRECTORY LOCATED ON PAGE 2.

Okay, so now you see that there are vacant positions on the Board of Directors. Do you know someone who might be able to fill one of those positions? Maybe you have been

thinking of a way to get involved in your Temple? The opportunity is there… the opportunity is now.

Call any board member and let them know you’re interested !!

Chanukah Customs and Laws by Rabbi Baruch Binyamin Hakohen Melman The central mitzvah of Chanukah is pirsum ha'nes, the publicity of the miracle. Hence it is im-portant to light the menorah by a window where it can be viewed by the public. A menorah is not kosher if the lights are uneven or circular, where the distinct flame of each candle may ap-pear joined or mixed with the lights of a neighboring candle. Thus one should be careful when using modern artistic menorahs, where the artist is often unaware of the particular require-ments. It is forbidden to make any use of the Chanukah candles. Therefore we use a shamash which lights the other candles and is then placed at a different level than the other candles to distin-guish it from the others. Thus when we use the shamash we can claim that the light we use while the candles burn is from the shamash rather than from the other candles. It is forbidden to do any work while the candles burn. Some authorities permit cooking. We should simply watch the candles burn and meditate upon the miracle of the oil and the victory of the few over the many. We light the newest candle first, as the newest candle represents the growth of the miracle. We do not light the candles until all the blessings have been recited. The candles should be lit as close to the appearance of the stars as possible, so as to maximize the number of people who may see the lights. Each person in a family should have their own menorah and should light their own candles. On Erev Shabbat, Sabbath Eve, we light the Chanukah candles prior to lighting the Shabbat candles, as it is forbidden to kindle a flame once the Sabbath has begun. Since we kindle the Shabbat lights 18 minutes before sunset, in order for the Chanukah candles to burn at least one half hour into the darkness (the minimum), we should use regular Shabbat candles in our menorahs, rather than the regular Chanukah candles which would burn out before the stars would even emerge. Hence each family should procure a large menorah for Sabbath use or fashion one from aluminum foil. At the conclusion of the Shabbat we make havdalah before lighting the Chanukah lights. After lighting the lights it is customary to recite "ha-neros halalu" which speaks of the holiness of the candles and the prohibition of benefiting from their light and performing work, that we are merely to gaze and reflect upon the miracles, wonders and battles that were wrought on our ancestors' behalf at this time, led by the righteous kohanim, and thus come to "praise and give thanks for Your miracles, wonders and acts of salvation." It is also customary to sing Maoz Tzur, a multi-stanza review of Jewish history.

EDIT ION 542

EDIT ION 542

It is customary to play dreidel during Chanukah by which we reenact the heroism of our ancestors who would gather in secret to study Torah, which was a capital offense. Were soldiers to ap-proach, they would take out their dreidels and pretend to be playing. First blessing: Baruch ata Ad*nai, E-loheinu melekh ha'olam asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav vitzivanu, lehadlik ner shel Chanukah. Blessed are you L*rd our G*d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to light the Chanukah lamps. Second blessing: Baruch ata Ad*nai, E-loheinu melekh ha'olam, she'asa nisim lavoteinu, bayamim hahem baz'man hazeh. Blessed are you, L*rd our G*d, King of the Universe, Who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time. Third blessing (said only the first time one is lighting candles): Baruch ata Ad*nai, E-loheinu me-lekh ha'olam, she'hecheyanu, vekiyemanu, vehigiyanu laz'man hazeh. Blessed are you, L*rd our G*d, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach this day.

EDIT ION 542

FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE….. we offer you a challenge!

We need everyone to help with this. Surely you know individuals and

families who have no affiliation with a Synagogue. Encourage them to become members of our Temple Israel Family!

If every family brings in one individual or family, think of the possibilities!

At Temple events, be they regular Shabbat Services or a social occasion, introduce yourself to anyone you don’t recognize. You’ll make new friends

and assist us in enlarging our family.

YOU CAN BE PART OF OUR SUCCESS!!

For information please contact:

Sandra Alfonsi 223-7062

or Temple Israel 421-8781

Please leave a phone number so that we may return your call.

EDIT ION 542

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND INFORMATION 660 Wallace Street, Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-8781

(Please complete all requested information so that we may better serve your needs.)

I. MEMBER INFORMATION Today’s Date__________________ Name___________________________________________Birthday_____________________________

Spouse or significant other Name___________________________________________Birthday_____________________________

Home Address________________________________________________________________________

How long at current address?__________if less than 2 years previous address_________________________

Home Phone____________________Work Phone (hers)__________________ (his)_________________

Cell Phone(s)_______________________________ Email Address_______________________________

Marital Status Single____________ Married_________ Divorced__________ Widow(er) ______________

Wedding Anniversary __________________________ Marriage Officiated by _______________________

Occupation (hers)_______________________ Firm name & Address _____________________________

Occupation (his) ________________________Firm name & address ______________________________

II. RELIGIOUS INFORMATION

Hebrew Name (hers)_______________________________ (His) ______________________________

Hebrew Name her mother __________________________Her father ___________________________

Hebrew Name his father ____________________________ His Mother __________________________

Are both applicants Jewish? You Birth __________ Conversion ________Not Jewish_____________

Spouse Birth __________ Conversion ________Not Jewish_____________ (if by conversion please furnish details or documentation separately)

Ritual Status: Kohen _____________Levi______________Israelite________________

Applicant Spouse

Bar Mitzvah Date ________________________ Bat Mitzvah Date _______________________________ Years of religious training __________________ Years of religious training _________________________ Do you read Hebrew? ____________________ Do you read Hebrew?___________________________ Will you attend some minyans?_______________ Will you attend some minyans?_____________________ Participate in services or aliyas?_______________ Participate in services or aliyas?_____________________ Can you chant Haftorah?____________________ Can you chant Haftorah?__________________________

EDIT ION 542

Name and address of previous congregation ____________________________________________________________________________ Was it Reform_________Reconstructionist_______Conservative_________Orthodox_________ III. FAMILY INFORMATION Children: Name___________Birthday_________ Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ Name__________ Birthday _________Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ Name__________ Birthday _________Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ Name__________ Birthday_________ Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ IV. YAHRZEITS (use an additional sheet if necessary) Date of Death Hebrew Date (if known) Name Hebrew Name Before or after sundown? Relationship and to whom

____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ V. PLEASE PARTICIPATE Your input is enthusiastically encouraged in all areas of synagogue activities. Please take a moment by checking your family’s areas of interest. _____Adult Education _____Membership _____Building and Property

_____Memorial Plaques, etc _____Choir _____Newsletter

_____Finance & Budget _____Fund Raising _____Hebrew School

_____Israeli Dancing _____Kitchen _____Program Planning

EDIT ION 542

WE ALL HAVE SIMCHAS AND NACHES IN OUR LIFE CELEBRATE AND COMMEMORATE WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING...

SEND WARM THOUGHTS Give Suzanne Tremper a call at 588-6148 or e-mail her at [email protected] and let someone know you’re thinking of them. For a small contribution to the Hessed

Fund, Suzanne will send a card wishing a Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Mazel Tov, Get Well or Condolences. A notice will appear in this bulletin, as well. When you

call, please leave all the information needed.

TREE OF LIFE AND MEMORIALS Add a leaf to the Tree of Life to celebrate births, birthdays, marriages, bar and bat

mitzvahs, or any other special event for a minimum contribution of $150. Remember loved ones with a Memorial Plaque at a minimum contribution of $600

for members, $850 for non-members. Contact Suzanne Tremper at 588-6148.

ENDOWMENT FUND Hey, it’s always a great time to make a contribution. Make your check out to

“Temple Israel.” Another thought to consider, remember Temple Israel in your will. Call Herb Rosen at 424-1161 with any questions.

(OR, SEE BELOW)

Honor or Remember Someone Special with a BookplateA bookplate can be placed in a

Siddur, the weekly prayer book we use every Friday evening and Shabbat morning, or in a machzor, the prayer book which is used on the High Holidays. Remember a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, bnei mitzvah or any other occasion you want to note for a relative or friend. You can also place a dedication in someone’s memory. A nameplate with the donor, recipient, and occasion will be inserted. The minimum donation is $50. Contact Herb Rosen, 424-1161, or at [email protected].

Do you need aMi Sheberach Recited?

When you can’t make services, but would like a prayer said on behalf of someone important to you, please don’t hesitate to call the synagogue and leave a message on the Temple answering machine for Rabbi Melman so that your prayers will be included in our services.

All submissions are subject to review by the editorial committee. Please submit all articles for consideration to:

Barbara Rosenberg

894- 4537 [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF YOUR NEWSLETTER:

JANUARY NEWSLETTER— DEC 2ND

Temple Israel of the Poconos is located at 660 Wallace Street in Stroudsburg. Friday evening services begin at 8:00 p.m. and

Saturday Shabbat Services begin at 9:30 a.m. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Temple Israel of the Poconos

660 Wallace Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. PERMIT #282

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID STROUDBURG, PA

18360

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