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Temple israel chronicle

January 2011 Where communiTy Becomes Family

Between You and Me… Next Year in Jerusalem!By Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf

This year, you can make the concluding words of your Passover Seder—“Next Year in Jerusalem!”—come true. I invite you to join me and other members of our

congregation next December 22, 2011 through January 3, 2012 as we experience Israel in a meaningful and special way, and build lasting bonds with each other and the land of Israel.

Few experiences have the power to bring Judaism to life like a synagogue trip to Israel. It will be a unique travel experience, which will offer the chance to learn, to be touched spiritually and to find new meaning. It will also be a great adventure. Whether it is your first time to Israel or you have already visited Israel, whether you are traveling with your family, on your own, or as a couple, we’ll have eleven days in Israel we’ll never forget. We will walk the ancient cities our ancestors walked and we will explore the exciting and complex reality of modern Israel, all at the same time.

In one of my favorite poems about Israel, called “Tourists,” the Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai, wrote: “Once I sat on the steps by a gate at

David’s Tower, I placed my two heavy baskets at my side. A group of tourists was standing around their guide and I became their target marker.‘You see that man with the baskets? Just right of his head there’s an arch from the Roman period. Just right of his head.’ ‘But he’s moving, he’s moving!’I said to myself: redemption will come only if their guide tells them, ‘You see that arch from the Roman period? It’s not important: but next to it, left and down a bit, there sits a man who’s bought fruit and vegetables for his family.’”When we visit Israel together, we’ll see her arches and

we’ll walk through our history and, at the same time, we’ll meet her people and establish a very personal relationship with our homeland.

So what will we do in Israel? We’ll get to know Tel Aviv, known as the “city that never sleeps,” and its centers

of culture and recreation, from the Mann and Habima Theaters to sprawling beaches and Dizengoff Street. We’ll walk through Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk Hapishpishim). We’ll go to Independence Hall and relive the moment of David Ben Gurion’s monumental proclamation of the State of Israel in May 1948.

We’ll take a short hike into the Banias River Canyon at the base of the Golan Heights, tour in jeeps climbing to the Golan Heights in the footsteps of IDF soldiers and their battles in the Six Day War, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and gain an insight into the strategic complexity of the Golan.

We’ll explore the magnificent Safed, a center of Jewish mysticism and a contemporary artists’ colony.

We’ll visit Masada, Herod’s mountain palace and site of the Jewish Zealots’ last stand against the Roman Legionnaires and float in the Dead Sea.

We’ll come to know the vibrant and colorful 3,000 year old city of Jerusalem and experience the convergence

of the old and the new. We’ll take a walking tour through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, visit Mt. Herzl, the Yad Vashem complex, and the Western

Wall Tunnel and enjoy the smells and sights of Jerusalem’s famous outdoor market, Machaneh Yehuda.

We’ll celebrate Shabbat two times in Israel, the first in Tel Aviv, the second in Jerusalem.

Now is the perfect time to make ISRAEL a part of your life. If you have dreamed of a trip and never found the time, or are lucky enough to have already visited Eretz Yisrael, now is the time for our community to make this special trip together. Talk to friends and relatives in the congregation, and have them consider traveling with you for this special experience! I hope this year you’ll be able to mean it when you say, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” If you are interested in joining us, please contact me as soon as possible. Also, look for information about the trip on the Temple Israel website.

Now is the perfect time to make ISRAEL a part of your life.

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January Schedule of ServicesSaturday, January 1 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study

Friday, January 7 5:15 PM Family Erev Shabbat Service 7:15 PM Erev Shabbat Service

Saturday, January 8 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service Bat Mitzvah of Sophie Dalinka 5:30 PM Late Shabbat Afternoon Service Bar Mitzvah of Noah Pines

Friday, January 14 6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service Shabbat Shira at B’nai Israel with Rabbi Jeffrey Summit

Saturday, January 15 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study Shabbat Shira with Rabbi Jeffrey Summit

Friday, January 21 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Saturday, January 22 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 9:00 AM Tot Shabbat 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service Bat Mitzvah of Michelle Eisenberg

Friday, January 28 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Saturday, January 29 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah of Drew Speckman

Weekly Torah PortionsJanuary 1 Va-eira Exod. 6:2-9:35January 8 Bo Exod. 10:1-13:16January 15 B’shalach Exod. 13:17-17:16January 22 Yitro Exod. 18:1-20:23January 29 Mishpatim Exod. 21:1-24:18

“WE’RE STILL HERE”Below are the lyrics to a song composed by Gloria Stashower

and sung at the November 12 “Boomers and Beyond” longtime member dinner! For those of you who attended and for those who were unable to join in the fun, we thought you might enjoy reading them. It was sung by the “Survivors Quintet”: Eileen Glickman, Alison Wachstein, Nat Magida, Stuart Rogan and Mike Stashower! Good times and bad times, we’ve seen them all, and it’s clear—

we’re still here.Veuve Clicquot sometimes, sometimes just pretzels and beer —

but we’re here.We went through Watergate, Nixon too. Clinton impeachment

made us blue.Toyota was a bum steer — but we’re here. Floods in the basement, gas prices rising each day — but we’re hereTwo hip replacements, hearing aids buzzing away — but we’re here.We watched the teardowns rip the past, then the McMansions

rose up fast,Saw all the downtown movies disappear.We got through Martha Stewart — and we’re here.Brisket and kugel, too much to eat — and we’re here.Yahoo and Google, Twitter and Tweet — and we’re here.Went off to battle in Iraq, saw prices plummet in our stocks,Derivatives made our profits disappear.We got through Lehman Brothers — and we’re here.Good times, bad times, we’ve seen them all and it’s clear — we’re

still here.Happy and sad times, the Temple has always been here — it’s

still here.Younger and older, A to Z, it’s our supportive family,We got through all of last year-----Now we’re here — look who’s here — we’re still here!

Warm Up this Winter with a Good Book Group

The monthly gatherings of Temple Israel’s book group offer inspiring discussion on Jewish themes in contemporary Jewish literature. Consider joining the group for any book discussion that piques your interest. January’s selection is My Father’s Paradise: A Son’s Search for his Family’s Past by Ariel Sabar – Tuesday, January 18 at 1:00 PM.

In a remote corner of the world forgotten for nearly three thousand years, lived an enclave of Kurdish Jews so isolated that they still spoke Aramaic. Mostly illiterate, they were self-made mystics, gifted storytellers and humble peddlers who dwelt in harmony with their Muslim and Christian neighbors in the mountains of northern Iraq. This is where Yona Sabar was born.

Yona’s son Ariel grew up in Los Angeles, where Yona had become an esteemed professor, dedicating his career to preserving his people’s traditions. Ariel wanted nothing to do with his father’s strange immigrant heritage—until he had a son of his own.

Ariel Sabar brings to life the ancient town of Zakho, discovering his family’s place in the sweeping saga of Middle-Eastern history. This powerful book is an improbable story of tolerance and hope set in what today is the very center of the world’s attention. (Publisher’s synopsis)

CJW Book Group discussion leaders are Karin Beitel, Freda Easton and Harriet Selverstone. For more information, please contact Karin Beitel at kbeitel@tiwestport.org.

Next Book: March 15, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer.

New and Prospective Member Family Pizza Party and Magic Show

Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 4:30 PM.

Watch your e-mail for more information.

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Messages

Cantor’s ColumnBy Cantor Richard Silverman

On Friday, January 14, 2011 we will once again celebrate Shabbat Shira Service with Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport. The 6:15 PM service will feature Rabbi Jeffrey Summit who will serve as scholar in residence. Rabbi Summit is an ethno-musicologist. His area of interest is Abayudaya:The Jews of Uganda. In 1976 as a graduate of the joint Tufts/School of the Museum of Fine Arts program, he traveled to Uganda to document the community and develop not only an exhibition but a book as well. The book was published in the fall of 2002 by Abbeville Press. There is also a CD that contains

field recordings and liner notes by Summit that capture the rich cross-cultural mix of African and Jewish sound.

Dr. Summit wrote, “I love the way that the Abayudaya Jewish community challenges so many stereotypes about what it means to be Jewish. Here we have a deeply committed group of Bantu people leading deeply committed Jewish lives, observing Shabbat, keeping kosher,

observing all of the holidays. They are drawn to Jewish practice through their love of Torah and their commitment to the unity of the Jewish people. While the Abayudaya survived persecution and repression during the brutal rule of Idi Amin, they now have strong, productive relationships with their Muslim and Christian neighbors. This is a story of hope, of faith and commitment.”

During Shabbat Services at B’nai Israel you will hear the music of Abayudaya. Some of it will be sung by Cantor Blum, Cantor Harris and I along with congregants of the two congregations. In addition, Rabbi Summit will speak about his experiences and play excerpts of his recordings and pictures of the people of Uganda. My only thought about Uganda took place on July 4, 1976 when Israel did an amazing attack on the airport in order to release passengers that were hijacked and forced to land in Uganda. In this raid, Jonathon, the brother of Israel’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, lost his life. I had no knowledge that a Jewish community existed there.

The music we will hear is quite moving. The sound is very different. Yet we are familiar with the Hebrew words that will be sung. This experience will serve to make our Jewish world a little wider than we thought. I hope you will join us in Bridgeport to celebrate this music. On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Summit will join our Torah study group at 9:00 AM to continue his discussion on the Jews of Abayudaya. All are welcome.

President’s MessageBy Diana Muller

On Friday, November 12 I was lucky enough to be part of a meaningful experience at Temple Israel. I attended the “Boomers and Beyond” longtime member Shabbat dinner with 140 of my fellow congregants. People came as couples, as singles, and ranged from middle-aged (gulp!) all the way up to some of our most elderly friends. Most were empty nesters, but not all. Some had been members going back 50 years! Old friends greeted each other with such warmth and camaraderie. I was so happy to witness these treasured connections between people as well as their obviously deep commitment and relationship with Temple Israel even after all these years. Or was the devotion to TI because of all their years as members? Did the bond develop from years of driving children to the ECC, watching a child become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah on our bima, attending High Holy Day and Shabbat services? Once their children had grown, or for those with no children how did they find a way to form a commitment and keep it close to their heart? While some of our longest members are actively involved in congregational life, others are not. Some had been volunteers, others were not. So what’s the secret to maintaining a relationship with one’s Temple? To me, it’s the connections we make along the way.

I’ve been lucky enough to make some of my dearest friends through Temple Israel. It goes back to Temple Tots and carpools and bonding with the wonderful souls I met on the Caring Committee when, even though I was the chair, I myself was in great need of support. Other friendships originated elsewhere but got reinforced by a shared experience at Temple Israel. It was about letting me be open to forming the same kinds of connections that I saw reflected in peoples’ faces at that November dinner. As my volunteer commitment has widened over time, I’ve been able to meet younger and older fellow congregants in all stages of life. I find myself still making friends and forming connections that I hope will tie me to Temple Israel for years to come. I wish the same for you in 2011.

TI Library Committee welcomes New LibrarianBy Harriet SelverstoneChair, Library Committee

The Library Committee is very pleased to announce the appointment of our new, first ever part-time librarian. Rose Myers has an extensive Judaica background, having taken courses in Torah, Talmud, Jewish history, philosophy and pedagogy. She has also served as a school and Judaica librarian. Rose will be an advocate for the Temple Library working with the professional staff and encouraging the use of the fine collection of resources to support the work of the congregation.

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Messages

Fostering Jewish Connections, One Event at a TimeBy Dana LevinChair, Youth Committee

As members of an active Jewish community we all agree that raising the next generation of engaged and committed Jews is an important goal.

We begin our children’s Jewish education by enrolling them in the ECC. They continue with religious school through b’nai mitzvah and confirmation. The children attend services, observe rituals and celebrate holidays. We hope that upon graduation from high school they will emerge religiously educated and confident in their place as Jewish adults.

What’s missing from this? The fostering of Jewish peer connections; the emphasis on building Jewish friendships. If we believe in educating the whole child, we must give our children ample opportunities to connect with each other in a casual, well-supervised, non-academic environment. In short, our children need to learn that being Jewish can be fun. Having Jewish friends who share their values can be enriching. The Temple can be a home.

During the summer our children enjoy the first of these experiences by attending camps that are predominantly Jewish. They return home in August yearning for more. “Where have all my Jewish friends gone?”, they wonder.

Temple Israel Youth Groups under the leadership of Youth Director Sarah Magida, are here to fulfill that role. Providing well-planned, age-appropriate activities, there is a group for every child from second grade going up through high school. It’s a place where kids can be kids, friends are made, and Jewish values and identity are fostered. Winter is the perfect time of year to encourage your child to attend the next event planned for his/her group.

The Youth Committee provides guidance and support to our Youth Director. We are always pleased to welcome new members. Feel free to contact me at DanaAynn@aol.com.

Finding a Safe HavenBy Judy SmallChair, Caring Committee

Growing up in central Jersey there were very few Jews in my neighborhood. At the bus stop some mean kids often ridiculed

me for being Jewish. One playmate told me her mother said I was going to hell. A mother gave me my first bite of bacon. Another gave me Easter candy during Pesach. (I didn’t complain about the last two, and I certainly didn’t tell my mother, a Sunday school teacher, about them). My dad was the only Jewish volunteer fireman, facing much teasing himself (he later became chief).

To avoid conflict I learned it was easier not to expose my religion outside of the synagogue. That wasn’t too hard, since much of my time was spent at the Temple 5-6 days a week for religious school and services. Walking the few miles to shul on the High Holy Days was a challenge, though. What if someone recognized me?

Once I got to Temple I was safe. I knew the building, the people, and the prayers. There was camaraderie amongst my peers. That sense of security in a synagogue hasn’t changed after all these years.

When Rick and I moved here with our children, Jeff and Samantha, we were welcomed to Temple Israel with open arms. I knew I had to be part of the Caring Committee, such a diverse group of thoughtful, generous, and supportive people. The committee members along with the support of clergy and staff are there for our fellow congregants when facing difficult times.

I am happy to tell anyone, even those on the outside, what the Caring Committee does. They make meals, give rides, write notes, make calls, run errands, visit, and attend shivas and more. Please keep us informed, let us know of anyone in need. Join us. CARING COMMITTEE

The next Caring Committee meeting is Thursday, January 13 from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. If you or anyone you know is going through a difficult time please let us know. Caring Committee members may do as much as they want. Some only do one mitzvah a year. All are welcome. You can contact me at ticaring@gmail.comCAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Interested in a support group for caregivers led by Carla Menikoff and Judy Small for one session in January or February? Please contact Judy at ticaring@gmail.com.

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Adult Learning

Temple Israel to Host Annual Community-wide “Taste of Torah”On Saturday evening, January 22 at 7:00 PM, Temple Israel will host the annual “Taste of

Torah” program. This is an opportunity to study with area rabbis, cantors and educators in a relaxed atmosphere with members of the Jewish community of Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk.

This year’s special guest scholar will be Judith Shulevitz, the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time (Random House, 2010). Ms. Shulevitz will open the “Taste of Torah” evening promptly at 7:00 PM and will then offer two classes in addition to our community scholars.

Ms. Shulevitz graduated from Yale University and began her career in journalism as a clerk at The New York Times and as a reporter for the Burlington Free Press in Burlington, VT. For several years she was the editor of Lingua Franca, a now-defunct magazine of ideas that won the National Magazine Award for general excellence under her leadership. She was also a deputy editor of New York Magazine and the founding culture editor of the online magazine, Slate, where she also wrote a daily column that today would be called a blog. She has written regular columns for The New York Times Book Review and Slate, and is now a regular contributor to The New Republic and Tablet.

Among the classes to be offered are: “The Good and God” with Rabbi Ron Fish; “Everything You Wanted to Know about Moshiach (The Messiah) but Were Too Busy to Ask,” with Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht; “Navigating the Shema Liturgy” with Rabbi Brian Leiken; “Wrestling Face to Face: The Key to Understanding Jewish Identity” with Rabbi Robert Orkand; “What Happens Next?” with Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn; “Hineni: How the Torah Teaches Us to Be Present in Our Most Sacred Relationships” with Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf, and “Mi Sheberach Songs and Prayers of Healing” with Cantor Richard Silverman.

All are invited to this annual event that many consider to be a highlight of the year. “Taste of Torah” is presented without charge. To register online, go to Temple Israel’s Website at http://tiwestport.org. There will also be registration at the door, but classes do fill up. For more information, call the Temple at 203-227-1293.

An Introduction to the Prayers of the Friday Night Service:A Three-Part Mini-CourseRabbi Robert OrkandThursday mornings, January 13, 20 and 27 from 10:30 AM to Noon Thursday evenings, January 13, 20 and 27 from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Have you felt intimidated by a lack of understanding of the meaning of the prayers we say? Would you like to understand the structure of our prayers and why they were included in the prayer book?

Would you like to understand the meaning of what your children/grandchildren are learning? Do you have limited time to

give to a course about Jewish prayer? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” or if you are simply curious, join us for a three-part mini course on Jewish prayer, using the Friday night service as the text. The dates and times are listed above. Each session will stand on its own, and in any given week you can choose whether to attend the morning or evening session.

To register call the Temple office (227-1293) or you may do so online.

The Afterlife of Yiddish CinemaJim HobermanSunday, February 6 at 4:00 PM (note time)

Calling all film buffs…Although Yiddish-language movies flourished for only a few decades (and the last Yiddish talkie was produced in the US nearly 60 years ago) these films remain a living tradition. What is their place in world—as well as American—cinema, and what function do they serve in Jewish cultural life today? Jim Hoberman will talk about the afterlife of the Yiddish cinema and show clips from selected films.

A distinguished film critic for the Village Voice, Jim Hoberman is the author of numerous books on film history —including Vulgar Modernism, Home Made Movies, Midnight Movies (coauthored with Jonathan Rosenbaum), and Bridge of Light: Yiddish Film Between Two Worlds, which will be reissued in an expanded edition by Temple University Press later in 2010. He has been part of the Cooper Union Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the last two decades and was recently appointed as the first Gelb Professor for the Humanities at Cooper Union. Professor Hoberman’s courses in film history have introduced two decades of Cooper Union students to the masterpieces of American, European and world cinema, from the silent era to the present.

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Education Matters

Reading Together – The Earliest Shared ExperienceBy Geri SmilesInterim Director, Early Childhood Center

All the excitement and festivities of Thanksgiving and Chanukah are now memories. Winter’s cold and dark days are beginning. Children will be at home more now looking for things to do. What better activity than reading with your child?

For many older children and adults, there is nothing more enjoyable than relaxing with a good book. Parents are children’s first and most influential teachers and role models. Reading together is one of the earliest shared experiences of parents and children.

Children learn to read by being read to. Research shows that early and good readers come from homes where reading is valued and experienced regularly. The desire to read begins with the early enjoyment of being held in a lap and cuddled as a story is read.

In addition to the feelings of warmth and security fostered by lap-time reading, reading aloud to children expands their world and vocabulary. It creates an appreciation of the value of print, promotes knowledge of the mechanics of reading from the top to the bottom of the page and from left to right, and helps create an understanding of a sequence of events.

Setting aside time every day to read to your child says, “I love you and I want to spend special time sharing a story with you.” It further demonstrates your love for books and sets the stage for developing in your child an interest and desire to become a reader.

Be a partner with us in instilling a love of books in your children – cuddle up together to enjoy exploring the power and magic of the printed word! As the New Year begins, make reading a new activity to your child’s daily schedule.

The ECC staff and I wish all our children and their families a happy and healthy New Year!

Registration for Temple Israel Early Childhood Center 2011/2012 is underway. There are still openings available. Share the information with your friends and new neighbors. For more information, please contact Geri Smiles (203-227-1656, x312).

Register Your Child Now for Temple Israel’s Summer Chaverim Programs. There are three three-week sessions available.

June 6 – June 24June 27 – July 15 FUN IN THE SUN!!!!July 18 – Aug. 5

For more information, please contact the ECC office.

Upcoming Youth Events! Check out what’s happening for our Youth in January!Sunday, January 9 at NoonKatanty23: Come see all of your Katanty23 friends and hang out in the youth lounge!Wednesday, January 12 at 6:00 PMKatanty45: Our next event is upon us! We’re heading back in time to another ancient civilization, so come join us for dinner and a great program!Thursday, January 13 at 5:30 PMMITY: We’re having a lounge night! You love hanging out in the Youth Lounge before religious school; come back afterwards for dinner, friends, fun, and a bit of social action. We look forward to seeing you there!Friday, January 21 at 3:00 PM to Sunday, January 23 at NoonNFTY: Join your friends from all over the New York area for a weekend of fun in the beautiful Berkshires.Saturday, January 29 at 5:00 PM to Sunday, January 30 at 8:00 AMTISY*:That’s right it’s time for SNL (Saturday Night aLive) again! Join your TISY friends in getting on the bus for an evening of adventure and mystery! We won’t tell you where the bus is going, but we promise it will be tons of fun!*8th Graders are invited to this event!Coming in February:MITY: Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to join us for a trip to the Sports Center!TISY: On Saturday, February 12 our high school students will be participating in Midnight Run and we will be collecting winter clothing to distribute to the homeless of New York City. Any donations throughout the month of January would be much appreciated.

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Sharing Our Lives: Donations

Building and Grounds Beautification Fund Philip and Lois Perlah in memory of Yetta Zaldin

Cantor Harris’ Discretionary Fund Richard and Tricia Rubenstein with thanks to Cantor Harris for his work on the Summer Chaverim website Sheri and Paul Gordon in honor of Cantor Harris Lori Tompkins in honor of Cantor Harris with thanks for all the time you spent preparing Sammi for her Bat Mitzvah

Cantor Silverman’s Discretionary Fund Lori Tompkins in honor of Cantor Silverman with appreciation for preparing Sammi for her Bat Mitzvah Lee Greenberg in memory of Nat Greenberg Eileen and Carl Glickman in memory of Leah Yudkovitz

Caring Committee Carole Bernstein in memory of Gerald Pechmeze, stepfather of Carole Bernstein, step grandfather of Ben and Sarah HerbsmanCarolyn and Lee Caney in memory of Richard Bacon, father of CarolynBari Alyse Rudin in memory of my friend, Greg Giraldo Larry Barnett in memory of Edna Barnett Perry Gandelman in memory of Morris Gandelman Larry Barnett in honor of Gabe Steinbach Jennifer and Mark Pressman in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Leah Blitstein Jennifer and Mark Pressman in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Deanna Hartog Charles and Betty Hellerin memory of Shirley Canter Neil Herbsman in memory of Brenda Herbsman Avonne and Myles Seideman and Family in memory of our beloved father and grandfather, Arnold Pakula

Carol Schoke Rothke Nursery School Fund Elayne and Jim Schoke in memory of Carol Schoke RothkeLynne Weinberg in honor of Elayne and Jim Schoke – Happy Chanukah

Cemetery Beautification Fund William Mazo in memory of Doba Mazo

Early Childhood Center Fund Pattiann, Alannan and Marshall Yellen in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie August

Elaine Gastwirt College Outreach Fund Marna and Stuart Novack in memory of Eva Novack

Fine Arts Fund Bari Alyse Rudin in memory of my friend, Robert SchimmelLawrence Zlatkin and Maureen Whiteman

Fund for Jewish Continuity Adrienne and Donald Grossman in memory of Robert GrossmanWendy and Brian Sobelman in honor of the birth of Evie Kayla Bader-Natal, granddaughter of Susan and Stanley Witkow

General Fund Harry and Joyce Mortner

Grandparents Fund Dorothy Kohn in memory of Lui Krieger The Zlatin Family in memory of Lyn Zlatin

Men’s Group Christopher Lenzen

Library Book Fund In honor of the birth of Bobbie Olivia Pastor, daughter of Jenny and Max Pastor

Levine Children’s Book Fund Lorie Casella in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie August Francine and Owen Yellen in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie AugustLaurence and Carole Usdin in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie AugustLeslie Berg in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie AugustMaxine, Bruce, Randi and Melissa Mates in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie August

Prayer Book Fund Leonard and Edith Kliegman in honor of our children, Sally and Michael Kliegman Francine and Owen Yellen in memory of Zac Levi August, son of Aaron and Leslie August Lynne and Jerry Minsky in memory of Edward Lee Stein, beloved father, son and brother

Rabbi B.T. and Suzanne Rubenstein Lecture Fund Joan Kahn in memory of Edwin H. Kahn

Rabbi Mendelson’s Discretionary Fund Lori Tompkins in honor of Rabbi Mendelson with thanks for the wonderful experience you gave Sammi

Rabbi Orkand’s Discretionary Fund Burton and Carole Orland in memory of Gail Topol Ron, Yvonne, Dan and Jacob in memory of Harvey SenturiaEileen and Carl Glickman in honor of our children and grandchildrenBari and Adam Rudin in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand and Kate Halloran Julia Schulman in memory of Julia Magee Hartley The Rutsky Family in memory of Amy Seibel Yvonne Senturia and Ron Henkoff in honor of the birth of Evie Kayla Bader-Natal, granddaughter of Susan and Stanley WitkowMartin and Gladys Floch in memory of Jeffrey A. Floch Ron and Joan Cohen wishing refuah shleimah to Joyce OrkandDale Atkins Rosen and Rob Rosen in memory of Jerry Atkins, beloved father and grandfatherDale Atkins Rosen and Rob Rosen wishing Joyce Orkand a speedy recovery

See Donations on page 8

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Sharing Our Lives: B’nai Mitzvah & Donations

B’nai Mitzvah January 2011January 8

Sophie Jordan DalinkaLisa and Ian Dalinka

For Sophie’s community service, she volunteered at Gan Israel Day Camp. As a junior counselor for five year olds, Sophie learned that the children’s needs came before her own.

Sophie feels she became a more responsible person from this experience, and plans to continue spending time with children working as a mother’s helper.

Noah Alexander PinesAmy and Craig Pines

For Noah’s community service, he volunteered after school at Long Lots Elementary to help with the Sports and Homework Club. There, he would help the younger students with homework

and then supervise sports activities. He has made five new friends. Also, very enthusiastic about Habitat for Humanity, Noah set a goal for himself to raise enough money to provide for an entire full bathroom to be installed in a Habitat House. After creating an ad and canvassing his community for donations, Noah held a fundraiser on Main Street, “selling” rolls of TP to reach his goal. He has now realized how fortunate he is, to live in a home, rather than taking it for granted.

January 22Michelle EisenbergJill and Matthew EisenbergFor Michelle’s community service, she volunteered at the Westport YMCA, helping out with babies and toddlers in the daycare room. Michelle loves working with very young children and found this experience particularly rewarding because she could

interact one-on-one with babies and give them much needed individual attention. Michelle has always been interested in giving her time to help out other kids. In the recent past, Michelle has raised money for Yale Children’s Hospital’s DVD collection. Michelle found her community service to be perhaps the most rewarding component of her Bat Mitzvah preparation.

January 29Drew SpeckmanAlicia Kennedy and Stuart SpeckmanDrew is volunteering at Thomas Hooker School in Bridgeport. He is helping to establish an after school event for students who have been recognized as being a positive influence on their peers. The

program is called Positive Behavior System (PBS). The idea is to reward hard working students with a fun event that everyone from kindergarten through eighth grade will enjoy. He met with the PBS leader to discuss ideas and then helped to interview six students to get their input. It was decided that the event would consist of mainly sports related games and activities and there would be snacks. The event is scheduled for a Friday in January and Drew is already excited. He hopes this is a success and plans on volunteering in the community in the future.

Religious School Fund Bari and Adam Rudin in honor of Joyce Orkand and wishing her good health Randi and Jeremy Vishno in memory of Estelle Witt Herb and Marie Rothschild in honor of our children and grandchildren, Rich, Maggi, Haley and Jack Zeldes

Schiff/Nad Special Children Fund Alan Kassan in memory of Miriam GudesblattAbbie and Dan Kanner in honor of the birth of Marcus Julian Mittleman, son of Danielle and Jared Mittleman, grandson of Janet and Denis Mittleman Abbie and Dan Kanner in honor of the engagement of Rob Sobelman to Deb CharneyAbbie and Dan Kanner in memory of Lorraine Hausman, mother of Robin Morris

Abbie and Dan Kanner in memory of Sylvia Colin, mother of Robin Colin-GreeneDennis Poster in memory of my mother, Marion PosterSteinberg Library Fund Harold and Sybil Steinberg in memory of Gerald SteinbergTeaching Tolerance and Respect FundAnnabel Schwartz in memory of Genia BassettAnnabel Schwartz in memory of Regina SchwartzTorah Study Leslie Mahtani in memory of Phyllis F. SchluckebierTzedakah Fund Susie Blumenfeld and Family in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Ross GoldbergSusie and Todd Blumenfeld in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Jackie AbramsSandy Gross and Stu Gordon in memory of Kevin Harkin

Donations cont’d from page 7

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Life CycleWe Mourn the Passing of:

Florence Gertrude Reed, mother of Alan Reed•Leonard (Lenny) Rosenthal, uncle of Scott Harris•Paul Segal, grandfather of Sue Sirlin•

We welcome the Following New Members: Ruth and Randy Abend, and their daughter Mischa•Cynthia and Adam Vengrow, and their son Asher•

Mazal tov:Birth:

Evie Kayla Bader-Natal, granddaughter of Susan and •Stanley WitkowJonathan Noah Danter, son of Fran and Lawrence •DanterAriel Ziv Offengenden, grandson of Galina and •Stanley VekslerAvery Sale, daughter of Felicia and Andrew Sale•

Marriage:Joshua Kaye, son of Annette and Richard Kaye, to •Megan Ridley

Sharing Our Lives: Life Cycle

To our readers:If you use a service from one of our advertisers,

please inform them that you are doing so because you saw their ad in the Chronicle.

If you would like to place an ad in the Chronicle, contact

Sandy Silverstein at 203-227-1293

Page 10

Sharing Our Lives: Donations

Page 11

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January tevet/shevat 2011 5771

CHECK FOr uPDaTES anD SCHEDuLE CHanGES On Our WEBSITE: TIWESTPOrT.OrG

sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday shabbatFreez’n for a reason—Saturday, January 1, 11 am at Compo BeachShabbat Shira at B’nai Israel—Friday, January 14, 6:15 pm ECC Tu B’shvat Cooking, Wednesday, January 19, 1:30 pmT.G.I.S. Tot Shabbat—Saturday, January 22, 9 amTaste of Torah with Judith Shulevitz—Saturday, January 22, 7 pmreligious School K-2 Tu B’shvat Family Seder—Sunday, January 23, 9:30 amnew Member Pizza Party—Sunday, January 30, 4:30 pm

rS 3rd Gr. Family Program 9:30 am; new Member Pizza Party 4:30 pm

rS K-2 Tu B’shvat Family Seder 9:30 amnFTy Winter Kallah ends

nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am

nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 amTInG 2:00 pm

nO rELIGIOuS SCHOOL

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

BuILDInG CLOSED

nO ECC/rELIGIOuS SCHOOL

new year’s DayMinyan/Torah Study 9:00 amFreez’n for a reason 11:00 am

Building Closed

Torah: Exod. 6:2-9:35

nO rELIGIOuS SCHOOL

Chesed Club 9:30 amKatanty 23 Event noon

nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am

nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am

TInG 2:00 pm

TInG 2:00 pm

Contemporary Jewish Literature 1:00 pmTInG 2:00 pm

ECC Bagels and Babies 10:00 am

Katanty 45 Event 6:00 pm

ECC Tu B’shvat Cooking 1:30 pm

rosh Chodesh ShevatTemple Tots 9:15 am

Temple Tots 9:15 amMITy Lounge night 5:30 pmaJL: Talmud Series with rabbi Hoffman 7:30 pmunderstanding Our Prayerbook 10:30 am and 8:00 pm.

Tu B’shvatTemple Tots 9:15 amunderstanding Our Prayerbook 10:30 am and 8:00 pm.

Temple Tots 9:15 amunderstanding Our Prayerbook 10:30 am and 8:00 pm.

TGIS Family Erev Shabbat Service 5:15 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 7:15 pmOneg 8:00 pm

Candlelighting 4:22 pm

Minyan/Torah Study 9:00 amShabbat Morning Service 11:15 amLate Shabbat afternoon Service 5:30 pm

Torah: Exod. 10:1-13:16

Shabbat Shira at B’nai Israel: rabbi Jeffrey Summit 6:15 pm

Candlelighting 4:30 pm

Shabbat ShiraMinyan/Torah Study—Shabbat Shira: rabbi Jeffrey Summit 9:00 am

Torah: Exod. 13:17-17:1

nFTy Winter Kallah begins 3:00 pmOneg 6:00 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 6:30 pm

Candlelighting 4:38 pm

Minyan/Torah Study 9:00 amTGIS Tot Shabbat 9:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 11:15 amTaste of Torah with Judith Shulevitz 7:00 pm

Torah: Exod. 18:1-20:23

Oneg 6:00 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 6:30 pm

Candlelighting 4:46 pm

Minyan/Torah Study 9:00 amShabbat Morning Service 11:15 am TISy SnL 5:00 pm

Torah: Exod. 21:1-24:18

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Time Value Non-Profit Org.U.S. POStage

PaidWestport, Ct

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We’re on the webwww.tiwestport.org

ChronicleTemple Israel

The Judaica Shop at Temple Israel

your source for unique and quality Judaica

Shabbat • Mezuzah Covers • Passover

Judaica Jewelry • Chanukah

Kiddush Cups • tzedakah Boxes

Candleholders • tallit • Kippot • yads

Call 227•1293 for questions and hours

temple israel14 Coleytown Road Westport, CT 06880(203) 227-1293, Fax (203) 454-2292Religious School (203) 227-1656Robert J. Orkand, D.D. Alysa Mendelson Graf RabbisRichard B. Silverman, D.M.Scott M. Harris CantorsSandy Silverstein Executive DirectorKarin A. Beitel Director of EducationLeah Schechter Assistant Director of EducationGeri Smiles Interim Director of Early Childhood EducationSarah Magida Director of Youth Programming

Diana Muller PresidentThe Chronicle is published 10 times annually on a monthly basis from September through June:

JAnuARy 2011Sharon Schroeder, Chronicle Editor