september 2010 chronicle

Temple israel chronicle

sepTember 2010 Where communiTy becomes Family

September Schedule of ServicesFriday, September 3 5:15 PM Family Erev Shabbat Service 7:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 4 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 7:30 PM S’lichot Service at Compo Beach 7:30 PM Rain: S’lichot Service at Temple Israel

Wednesday, September 8 8:00 PM Erev Rosh Hashanah Worship Services

Thursday, September 9 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah Worship Services 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service at Bedford (grades 2-6) 2:30 PM Rosh Hashanah Youth Service at TI (grades 7-12) 3:00 PM Rosh Hashanah Family Service at TI (pre K-grade 2) 5:00 PM Tashlich Service at the Westport Public Library

Friday, September 10 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Worship Service at TI only 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 11 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study

Friday, September 17 8:00 PM Kol Nidre Worship Services

Saturday, September 18 10:00 AM Yom Kippur Worship Services 10:00 AM Yom Kippur Children’s Services at Bedford (grades 2-6) 12:30 PM Discussion Group 1:45 PM Yom Kippur Family Service at TI (pre K-grade 2) 3:15 PM Yom Kippur Afternoon Minha, Healing, Yizkor, and N’eilah Worship Service at TI 4:00 PM Yom Kippur Youth Service at TI (grades 7-12)

Wednesday, September 22 6:30 PM Erev Sukkot Service

Thursday, September 23 9:00 AM Sukkot Festival Service

Weekly Torah Portions for September, 2010September 4 Nitzavim-Vayeilech Deut. 29:9-31:30September 9 First Day of Rosh Hashanah Gen. 22:1-19September 10 Second Day of Rosh Hashanah Gen. 1:1-2:3September 11 Haazinu Deut. 32:1-52September 18 Yom Kippur Morning: Deut. 29:9-14; 30:11-20 Afternoon: Lev. 19:1-4, 9-18, 32-27September 23 First Day of Sukkot Lev. 23:33-44September 25 Third Day of Sukkot Exod. 33:12-34:26September 30 Sh’mini Atzeret- Simchat Torah Deut. 33:1-34:12 and Gen. 1:1-2:3

Friday, September 24 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 25 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service B’nai Mitzvah of Jason Blankfein and Russell Phillips 5:30 PM Late Shabbat Afternoon Service B’nai Mitzvah of Hallie Fuchs and Jordan McNair

Wednesday, September 29 6:30 PM Erev Simchat Torah Service and Consecretion

Thursday, September 30 9:00 AM Simchat Torah Festival Service and Yizkor

Messages

Between You and Me…By Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf

“On Rosh Hashanah it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed…t’shuvah, t’fillah, and tzedakah avert the hardship of the decree.” These are the words of the Un’taneh Tokef prayer, which calls us to reflect on what has been during the year that has passed and what might be in the year that is to come. In just a few days, our community will come together for the Yamim Nora’im. It is during these Days of Awe that we return (t’shuvah) and pray (t’fillah) that God will write our name in the Book of Life for a good year. And while the Book of Life is written on Rosh Hashanah, there is still time to change the decree. We’ll have ten days to repent, to change our ways, and to resolve that this year will truly be different.

Every year our tradition gives us the opportunity to start again. Who couldn’t use a fresh start? And yet, it is understandably tempting to continue with things as they are. Our lives may not be quite where we thought they would be, but they work just fine. We have our routines. We know what to expect from tomorrow, and that’s comforting. But is it enough?

A few years ago I gave a sermon on Rosh Hashanah asking what day changed your life. I had asked friends and family to answer the question and their answers were a reflection of yours: life cycle milestones—the birth of a child, the loss of a parent, the discovery of true love, the dissolution of a marriage, historic moments—the assassination of JFK, the birth of the state of Israel, September 11, and other experiences—highs and lows that led to life-altering, view-changing realizations. I spoke of how in those moments of change, Jewish life, tradition and

community can sustain us, comfort us and celebrate with us.

What would happen if we didn’t wait for life to give us new perspective? Instead of waiting for the day to come that will change our lives, what would happen if we seized our tradition’s gift of an annual gut-check and entered into these Days of Awe with a new (or renewed) intention to move away from the comfort of routine and toward something new?

This year, when you are sitting in prayer services during these Days of Awe, decide to make this year different than any other, especially in your Jewish life. Resolve to explore your relationships with your family, your fellow Jews and our God through a Jewish lens. Share your life with us. Explore your soul and spirit with us. Come to a Shabbat service, a lecture, a new program. Sharpen your intellect through Torah study. Make tzedakah (charity and acts of justice) an active part of your everyday life. Call your rabbi or your cantor or a member of the lay leadership and tell us what you are looking for from our synagogue. Renew your relationship with Temple Israel as a beit t’fillah (house of worship), beit midrash (house of study) and beit knesset (house of gathering).

It’s a new year. Time for a fresh start. Let 5771 be the year we make it happen. My husband Adam and our sons—Gideon, Solomon, and Rafael—join me in wishing you a Shana Tova u’Metuka, a very sweet new year.

Please Remember to Bring Food on Yom Kippur….…not to eat, of course, but to give to the needy served by the food pantry at the Gillespie Center of

Interfaith Housing Association. On Rosh Hashanah we ask congregants to take home paper bags to be returned on Yom Kippur filled

with non-perishable food that will be taken to the food pantry of the Gillespie Center for distribution to the needy of our community. Over the past few years the need has grown tremendously, to the point that what used to last six months or more is now gone after only a few months.

Attached to the food bags will be a list of food needed by the food pantry. Please be as generous as you can. The bags can be placed in the trucks that will be at both Temple Israel and Bedford Middle School both the evening and day of Yom Kippur.

Finally, we can always use help unloading the trucks at the Gillespie Center on Sunday, September 19. If you are able to help, please contact Sandy Silverstein at [email protected].

Messages

Cantor’s ColumnBy Cantor Richard Silverman

“From Beginning to Beginning,” is a song I wrote years ago. Its verse is our Jewish holiday cycle. Every year we follow the pattern of going from Rosh Hashanah to the next Rosh Hashanah. Even though the names of holidays are the same every year, our lives are often different. We are

another year older. Our family, our work, our health may change. Our successes and our failures change as do our gains and our losses. The High Holy Days arrive early in this month. We have barely had time to get into our normal routines when we are asked to stop and reflect on our past year and think about the coming year. I hope our gathering of our Temple Israel family nourishes you and inspires you. I look forward to sharing the coming year with you and your families and I hope to see you here often.

Now, let me describe what the Fine Arts Committee, Cantor Harris and I have been preparing for the year ahead in Jewish music. We are happy to announce the following programs. For our fall Synaplex we will be welcoming the return of Dan Nichols. Rabbi Jeffrey D. Summit, Hillel Director at Tufts University and a Jewish musicologist, ,will appear at our Shabbat Shira program in January and award winning singer Todd Herzog will perform at our April Synaplex.

Dan Nichols is a “mensch.” There are many testimonials on his website jewishrock.com that describe him much better than I can. Amanda wrote, “Maybe you aren’t aware of it…but you touch so many people with your music that you have encouraged people to laugh…to cry…but most of all to open up their hearts to each other and provide a community everybody can cling to…” Dan has the ability to do that.

Rabbi Jeffrey D. Summit will be at our Shabbat Shira program in January that will be held this year at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport. Dr. Summit will

also come to Temple Israel on Shabbat morning for a program with us during Torah Study. At B’nai Israel he will be doing a program on Abayudaya: The Music and Culture of the Jews in Uganda. Abayudaya is a community of approximately 600 people living in villages in Eastern Uganda. Many members scrupulously follow Jewish ritual, observe the laws of Shabbat, celebrate Jewish holidays, keep kosher and pray in Hebrew. Dr. Summit recorded, compiled and annotated a CD for the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings that was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Traditional World Music. This compelling music blends the rhythms and harmonies of Africa with traditional Jewish prayer.

About 6 months ago I received a publicity packet from Todd Herzog. He has one of the best websites that I have seen (toddherzog.com). Inasmuch as I was asked to do a column for the URJ Ten Minutes of Torah on the theme of Eitz Chayim-Tree of Life, I was especially taken by Todd’s version which was a song mostly about how his grandfather taught him Jewish ethics and values. The Torah as the “Tree of Life” was what he used

for the basis of his song. Todd’s album “Bridging the Gap” won the Best Jewish Album of 2009 in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards and his song “You and I” reached #2 on the Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Charts. Todd also appears with Rick Recht and others who present workshops for Jewish song leaders. I am looking forward to his appearance here.

We are hoping to expand our Temple Israel instrumental ensemble, begin a TISY singing group and offer a class on Torah chanting for adults. If you are interested in any of these activities or would like to serve on our Fine Arts Committee please let me know. Shana Tova from my family to yours.

Messages

President’s Message: My Vision for Temple IsraelBy Diana Muller, President

After my installation as President, Rabbi Orkand sent me an article entitled “Visions of the Sacred Community,” which analyzed the transformation of 8 congregations from “functionary” to “visionary.” Functional congregations excelled at performing discrete functions that mostly satisfied their members. In their transformation to “visionary” congregations, they worked in a more integrated way with shared purpose, relying on an ethics system based on Torah, a belief in innovation, a willingness to fail, and reflective leadership. They built a different kind of community that met everyone’s needs.

The typical model of Reform Judaism used to be, “If you build it, they will come…” This simplistic model doesn’t apply anymore. There are many reasons why, including the economy, changing demographics of American Jews, and specifically in our area, social trends: families are busier and less connected than ever and, at least where we live, they lack the need, desire or time to affiliate with a Jewish institution; and finally, there is a lack of understanding among the younger generation of the need to support the Jewish community at large.

Luckily, Temple Israel is on solid footing but we need to find ways to better meet the needs of this reform Jewish community – those already in our Temple family and those out there waiting to find us.

We could say we already know best and do things the way we always have, for after all, we are really good at much of it. Or, we can ask how to make our current members happier and more satisfied with their commitment to us, and also find creative ways to reach those who have either not had the need, the means or the desire to affiliate with us.

As a community of Reform Jews, what do we want membership at Temple Israel to mean? Once we figure it out, how do we articulate and communicate it regularly? Do we look at our Membership categories and figure out if they are targeted correctly to various constituencies or members? Is our religious school meeting the needs of families in this area? Does the structure of our High Holy Day and weekly services satisfy the majority of our members? How do we convince people that their membership “commitment” has value beyond securing High Holy Day tickets? Are we using technology in an optimal way? How do we convince people of the need to support the Jewish community at large? Most importantly, how can we best ensure that Temple Israel is strong and healthy and VITAL for our children and grandchildren?

This is a huge issue for our congregation to wrestle with over the next few years. My vision is for us to spend the next year studying ourselves and developing a plan to transform Temple Israel into the kind of synagogue that can not only better meet the needs of our members but thrive in the coming years – thrive religiously, structurally, financially and spiritually. I invite you to join us on this journey.

Membership Committee: A To-Do ListBy Deborah Greenberg, Chair

When we moved to Westport eleven years ago, I thought joining a temple could be a way to meet people and become more familiar with the local Jewish community. Although I had an authentic Jewish heritage, my religious training was minimal and my new husband grew up practicing at an orthodox temple. I first needed to determine which local synagogue would be right for our family. After only a few conversations with Jewish neighbors (Stacey Sobel—a former TI president), meeting with Sandy Silverstein (Executive Director) and the then director of the Early Childhood Center (ECC), I felt immediately at ease and knew that Temple Israel (TI) would be a good fit for us.

Despite my rough-around-the-edge Brooklyn upbringing, I have always felt comfortable at TI and accepted religiously. My day-to-day experience is that Temple Israel is an inclusive, warm and busy congregation that reaches out to its congregants in so many ways. For example, after only one year at the ECC, I was asked to participate on the ECC Committee. I gladly agreed and served as parent association liaison for two years. As my children got older, I was asked to serve on the Religious School (RS) Committee. Again, I gladly agreed and served as the Purim co-chair for two years. Having been involved in both the ECC and the RS, my temple network grew and grew. I then volunteered to help with 62 Sukkot and 63 Sukkot and Synaplex. Through those experiences, I met and became friendly with congregants outside of the ECC and RS. This year, I have taken on the role of Membership Chair and a seat on the TI Board.

When I am told that some congregants don’t feel comfortable at Temple Israel because its sheer size prevents them from feeling connected, I must admit I feel surprised. So, as the new membership chair, I have a challenge for you. DO GET INVOLVED. Families with children in the ECC or RS: do fill out your surveys and volunteer when registering your child for school. Do agree to be a room parent and get to know your child’s class. If you’re a working parent, do attend after work and participate at a Passover Seder or take a weekend shift at our annual book fair. Want to meet and greet a huge portion of the congregation? Do volunteer to work the ticket counter at the Purim Carnival.

Do volunteer to help make Synaplex a great Shabbat evening. Do come to Shabbat on the Beach. Do attend 63 Sukkot at a congregant’s home. Do attend our Long Time Member Shabbat.

There is no shortage of opportunities to volunteer or get to know your fellow members. As the new membership chair, my goal is to foster the sense of warmth and belonging at Temple Israel that I have felt since the first day my family and I have joined. Please do call or email me any time for suggestions on how you can become more involved or share your suggestions on making Temple Israel all that it can be.

Where Community Becomes Family

Meet the TI Executive BoardRita Appel , Immediate Past

President, oversees the Caring, Human Resources, and Library Committees. She has been on the Executive Committee since 2004: two years as Vice President and four years as President. Previously, Rita was Chair of the Ritual Committee for two years. Rita is a full-time

speech/language pathologist at Staples High School and lives in Westport. Her daughter Samantha (22) recently graduated from Cornell University and is living and working in NYC.

Steven Phillips, Vice President, joins the Executive Committee after serving on the Board and spending many happy hours with our Torah Study group. He will be working closely with the Membership, Communications and Continuity Committees as we plan for the future of our Congregation. Steven is an

executive creative director and strategist for a national marketing agency. He and his wife Wendy have two grown daughters and live in Weston.

Emily Glasberg, Vice President, oversees the Early Childhood Center, Social Action Committee, and Women’s Group. She has been on the Board of Directors since 2006: four years as Chair of the Youth Committee. Emily is married to Mark and has lived in Weston for 11 years and has four children: Hana, Rachel,

Samuel, and Abigail.

Bruce Adler, Vice President, was born and grew up in Larchmont, NY. He has worked as an environmental lawyer for his entire career – at NRDC, at the US EPA, and for the last 19 years at GE in Fairfield. He moved to Weston in 1998, and has been a member of Temple Israel since then. He has served on the Ritual Committee, and was previously an at large Board Member. His late wife, Kukla Broekman, was a member of the Caring Committee and was active in the Rosh Chodesh Group. The flowers in the garden in front of our main entrance are planted in Kukla’s memory. Bruce has 2 daughters: Sarah (23) and Emily (18), and later this month they will both be at school, depriving him of any excuses not to handle any jobs we decide to give him.

Michael Kliegman, Treasurer, oversees the Finance, Fine Arts, Israel and Ritual Committees. Michael was a board member from 1994 to 2004, serving as chairman of the Finance Committee, Secretary, Vice President and Treasurer, and on various ad hoc committees. He returned as a Vice President in 2007 and also currently serves on the Governance Committee.

Michael is a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York, where he works as a tax lawyer. He lives in Westport with his wife, Sally, their two sons, Simon (24) and Aaron (18), and their two dogs.

Karen Sitney, Secretary, oversees the Religious School and Youth Committees. Karen has been a Board member for the past two years as chair of the Religious School Committee, and is new to the Executive Committee this year. Previously she served on the Membership Committee. Karen lives in Weston with her husband and two sons, Elliott (15) and Benjamin (11). She works as a scientist in the

pharmaceutical industry, specializing in the regulatory approval of new drugs.


Temple Israel Committees at Work — YOU can help!Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to become fully engaged in the Temple Israel community.

And, as a volunteer, you help the Temple achieve its mission to be a Reform Jewish community devoted to praying together, learning together, and caring for each other.

Below is a brief description of each of TI’s committees along with the Committee Chairs’ contact information. Get involved!

If you have any questions or want further information, contact the Committee Chair or Deb Greenberg, Membership Chair.

Adult Jewish Learning provides programs through lectures, guest speakers, and discussion groups to promote lifelong Jewish education. Contact: Marci Sternheim (834.2823) [email protected] responds to members in times of need with acts of kindness and caring. Subcommittees support members during illness, bereavement, new baby, and times of other life challenges. Contact: Judy Small (227.2281) [email protected]

Cemetery oversees the operation of the Temple’s cemetery in Norwalk. Contact: Leonard Leader (226.3223)[email protected]

Chronicle Editor gathers articles, edits, and publishes the Chronicle. Contact: Sharon Schroeder (664.1275) [email protected]

Communications makes recommendations concerning TI’s communication vehicles to members and to the greater community Contact: [email protected]

Continuity creates and supports programming that promotes lifelong connection to Temple Israel. Subcommittees develop activities for empty nesters, college students, and interfaith families. Contact: Tom Spignesi (221.9093) [email protected]

Early Childhood formulates policy for early childhood education center in conjunction with Director. ECC Parent Association provides support to classroom activities and celebrations. Contact: Sam Walker (557-4237) [email protected]

Finance prepares TI’s annual budget and oversees all financial and investment decisions. Contact: Jacob Navon (259.0426) [email protected] Arts enhances the congregation’s appreciation of Jewish music and art through its programs. Contact: Yvonne Senturia (226.6683)[email protected] advises the lay leadership regarding the government of TI. Contact: Dan Magida (222.0889) [email protected] oversees the maintenance and enhancement of TI’s buildings and grounds. Contact: Sam Gardner (834.2823)[email protected] Resources advises on a broad variety of personnel issues. Contact: Tammy Jersey (454-3535)[email protected] educates and promotes Temple Israel’s connection to Israel. Contact: Sally Kliegman (259-6027)[email protected] Shop selects and merchandises a wide array of Judaica available for purchase by the community. Contact: Lori Tompkins (557-4427)[email protected] oversees TI’s library collection and promotes its use by the community.Contact: [email protected] serves to attract, welcome, and involve new and long-standing members in the Temple community. Contact: Deb Greenberg (226-2296)[email protected]

Men’s Group offers a variety of activities and programs to enhance the involvement of men into Temple life.Contact: Stu Speckman (255.1615)[email protected] School formulates policy for the religious school in conjunction with the Director. RS Parent Association supports classroom activities and celebrations. Contact: Alisa Trugerman (227.2033) [email protected] provides input to our Clergy regarding worship services and Jewish holiday observances, and arranges honors and ushering during the Shabbat and High Holy Day Services.Contact: Maury Wind (256.8558)[email protected] Action organizes opportunities for Tikkun Olam – repairing the world.Contact: Melissa Diamond (254.7155) [email protected]’s Group plans programs to create, build, and strengthen bonds among the women in our congregation.Contact: Sheri Gordon (292.3706)[email protected] advises, supports, and recommends policy and programming concerning informal education of our Temple youth. Contact: [email protected]

In addition to our committees, Temple Israel is fortunate to have a number of interesting other groups that meet regularly and would welcome your participation. Please look for program announcements in the Chronicle and on our website: www.tiwestport.org.

Holiday WorsHip ]Join us for S’lichot at Compo BeachSaturday, September 4 at 7:30 PM at Compo Beach (Rain location: Temple Israel)

Once again we will join together for S’lichot at Compo Beach (boat launch area) at 7:30 PM. In case of rain we will meet at the Temple at the same time.

The term s’lichot refers both to an observance on the Saturday night prior to Rosh Hashanah and to penitential poems and prayers said on the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah. The Saturday night service will feature special prayers and music designed to set the mood for the High Holy Days.

While we encourage families to attend, please keep in mind that the liturgy is not designed for very young children. Feel free to invite friends and to bring a picnic dinner prior to the service.

High Holy DaysRosh HashanahWednesday, September 8 8:00 PM Erev Rosh Hashanah Worship ServicesThursday, September 9 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah Worship Services10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service at Bedford (grades 2-6)

Children’s services and activities on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be held at Bedford Middle School. The programs begin at 10:00 AM and run concurrently with the “adult” service. Parents may pick up their children at the end of the “adult” service. ***Please note that if your child is participating in the youth program a parent must remain in the building during that time.2:30 PM Rosh Hashanah Youth Service at TI (grades 7-12)

These services will be led by your friends. The service will run approximately an hour and a half, but please understand it is hard to time services and you should make transportation arrangements with that in mind.3:00 PM Rosh Hashanah Family Service at TI (pre K-grade 2)5:00 PM Tashlich Service at the Westport Public LibraryFriday, September 10 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Worship Service at TI only

Yom Kippur Friday, September 17 8:00 PM Kol Nidre Worship ServicesSaturday, September 18 10:00 AM Yom Kippur Worship Services10:00 AM Yom Kippur Children’s Services at Bedford (grades 2-6)12:30 PM Discussion Group 1:45 PM Yom Kippur Family Service at TI (pre K-grade 2)

3:15 PM Yom Kippur Afternoon Minha, Healing, Yizkor, and N’eilah Worship Service at TI4:00 PM Yom Kippur Youth Service at TI (grades 7-12)

We will begin our service in the triple classroom (enter upstairs—Room 25) and will make our way to the sanctuary to finish our service with the entire community. You do not need a ticket for 7th-12th grade Youth Services and all are welcome. Anyone who is interested in participating in these services may contact Sarah Magida at 203-227-1656x332 or [email protected].

Sukkot CelebrationWednesday, September 22 4:00 PM Sukkah Decorating Fun

Together we’ll make and hang the decorations for our congregation’s sukkah. All are invited, including ECC and Religious School families and friends. Third and Fourth grade religious school is also in session.5:15 PM Erev Sukkot Children’s Service 6:30 PM Erev Sukkot Adult Service Thursday, September 239:00 AM Sukkot Morning Service

63 SukkotSunday, September 26, 2010 at 4:00-6:00 PM

Help build a Sukkah at a fellow congregant’s home (or be helped with one at your own home) and enjoy a potluck dinner. Discover the traditions of the beautiful holiday. Enjoy a meal in a Sukkah. Connect with old friends. Meet new friends from our congregation.

Visit our website to learn more about 63 Sukkot or contact our co-chairs, Joyce Backman ([email protected]) or Deborah Greenberg ([email protected]).

Simchat Torah Wednesday, September 29 6:00 PM Consecration photo for all new students 6:30 PM Simchat Torah Service: Religious School Consecration and New Member Welcome Thursday, September 309:00 AM Simchat Torah Festival Service and Yizkor.

Simchat Torah is a joyous festival, in which we affirm our view of the Torah as a tree of life and demonstrate a living example of never-ending, lifelong study.

Join us as the Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and carried around the synagogue seven times. Don’t miss this memorable celebration as we unroll our Torah scroll and hear our Cantors chant the concluding section of D’varim (Deuteronomy) and immediately follow with the opening section of Bereishit (Genesis).

Come, welcome new members to our Temple Israel family, and rejoice as we watch those students new to our Religious School come up to the bima for a blessing.

Worship and Study Together

Study together ]Morning Minyan and Torah Study

Join a growing group of Temple members every Saturday morning at 9:00 AM for an informal minyan (worship service) and Torah study. The service begins at 9:00 AM followed by a brief period of schmoozing and noshing. Then, at approximately 10:00 AM, the group looks at the week’s Torah portion.

Often these sessions are led by Rabbi Orkand and Cantor Harris. Sometimes both the worship and study are led by members of the group.

The discussions are always lively, the mood and dress are informal, and the camaraderie is wonderful.

Come join us—at the minyan or the Torah study or both! Come every week or drop in—you are always welcome!

Time of Nosh N’Drash to ChangeNosh N’Drash, our weekly Bible study discussion, will

be meeting every Monday morning at 9:30 AM beginning on September 13 in room 28. Instructors are Karin Beitel and Rabbis Orkand and Mendelson.

As we begin a new season of Bible study, we will be exploring the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet during the last days of the Kingdom of Judah, just before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 B.C.E. This crisis is the dominant and shaping event of the entire Hebrew Bible, and Jeremiah was very much a part of it. How to explain this tragedy and still believe in God was Jermiah’s question, and it is one that resonates with any believer.

No prior knowledge is needed. Join with a wonderful group of people as we begin our study of Jeremiah at a new, more “user friendly” time.

Thank Goodness It’s Shabbat (T.G.I.S.)Family Shabbat Programs Erev Shabbat, 5:15 PM

Please join us for T.G.I.S. Family Services the first Friday of every month at 5:15 p.m. Enjoy a song filled service and story on the bimah at the Temple, followed by a kiddush. Family Services are open to TI families and community members. The service and kiddush are about an hour long. Children under 5 are welcome to attend in their pajamas.

At our T.G.I.S. Family Shabbat we like to recognize and celebrate all our children’s birthdays. Children with birthdays that month will be called up to the bimah to receive a blessing and a Jewish book or CD.

T.G.I.S. Tot Shabbat Shabbat morning, 9:00 AM

First Service: October 2Experience the joy of Shabbat with your tot (newborns-7

years old) in a relaxed, child-friendly setting. TI families and the community are invited to join us for a child-centered Shabbat service with music, storytelling and a Torah parade! The service and kiddie kiddush are about an hour long. Strollers are welcome.

SyNAPLeX ShabbaT—Shabbat Like You’ve Never Seen It!Come When You Want! Choose What You Like!Friday, October 22

Synaplex Shabbat br ings together Jews f rom every age and level of observance for the purpose of celebrating Shabbat. Like a “Cineplex” where family members can see different movies at the same theater, our “Synaplex” Shabbat serves the needs of congregants with varying interests, while bringing everyone together as a community. Our dedicated staff and lay leadership have tailored the program to make Shabbat the central address for Jewish life and community at Temple Israel. Bring family, friends, and an open mind to celebrate Shabbat on these two special dates: October 22 and April 8.

Dan Nichols, October’s special musical guest, is one of the most popular and influential Jewish musicians in North America. Every time he has played for us and led us in prayer at TI, he has left us moved, inspired and singing! Dan’s music has become an important part of the Reform Jewish movement, with synagogue youth and clergy alike incorporating it into their curriculum and services. We sing many of his melodies during our weekly Shabbat services and in our religious school. Dan’s albums have garnered critical acclaim and a legion of growing fans. Dan will be with us on Friday, October 22, as well as Saturday, October 23 for our Tot Shabbat. Don’t miss these very special events with a very special guest!

Worship and Study Together

Learning TogeTher ]Rabbi Alexander Schindler Memorial Lecture:

The Chosen Peoples: Israel, America and the Ordeals of Divine ElectionTodd Gitlin and Liel LeibovitzSunday, September 19 at 4:00 PM

What drives the unique relationship between America and Israel? What is at the heart of American exceptionalism and Jewish “chosenness”? More than any other nations, America and Israel are both rooted in the belief that they were singled out by God to carry out His divine will, and it is that belief that has shaped much of both nations’ histories, theologies, and cultures, propelling both to great peaks and, sometimes, to regrettable lows. Beyond any number of practical considerations and shared interests, it is chosenness that lies at the heart of the special relationship between America and Israel.

Todd Gitlin and Liel Leibovitz, have surveyed the foundational texts of both nations—from the Torah to Maimonides to Jefferson—in order to make sense of the rich and strange idea of divine election. We have no choice but to wrestle with the notion of divine election, they conclude, for it is, behind our backs, wrestling with us. For more information, go to www.tiwestport.org.

Interfaith Event: The Three AmigosSunday, September 26 at 4:00 PM at Saugatuck Congregational Church Co-Sponsored by Temple Israel and the Interfaith Council of Westport-Weston

Following on the Temple’s Tzedakah Event, Sheikh Jamal Rahman, Pastor Don Mackenzie, and Rabbi Ted Falcon will bring a serious message of deep hope and profound possibilities for healing both person and planet. Their work comprises a dialogue of the head, the heart, and the hands, encouraging greater understanding, compassion, and social action in the world. Their first book, “Getting to the Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi, and a Sheikh,” was published in June, 2009. This event is free and open to the entire community.

aduLTs ]Caring Committee and You

Start the new year with a mitzvah.Do you or someone you know need a meal,

a phone call, a ride, a visit, or just a note from your Temple community? Let us know.

Do you want to help? We can find the perfect mitzvah for you!

Come join this diverse, fun, welcoming group.

Caring Committee meetings are as follows:Friday, Oct. 1, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AMThursday, Jan. 13, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PMFriday, March 11, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Contact Judy Small, Caring Committee Chairperson, [email protected] or call 203-227-2281.

Norwalk Hospital – Did you know that we have a volunteer, Eileen Glickman, who visits our Temple members in Norwalk Hospital? Eileen is on our Caring Committee and is a member of Norwalk Hospital’s Community Clergy. She needs your help in learning about any of our Temple members who are admitted to Norwalk Hospital. Contact Eileen through the Temple office at 203-227-1293.

Moms’ Night Out(hosted by the Women’s Group)Grades K-2, Wednesday, October 6 Grades 6-8, Wednesday, October 13 Grades 3-5, Wednesday, October 20Grades 9-12, Wednesday, November 10

Sometimes a girl just needs to go out for some good times with other women who are sharing their experience. Whether you’re home during the day with your kids or going to the office, you could probably use a break—to kick back and connect with other moms. You deserve it! And you never know where you’ll make another invaluable connection with a new friend. So get a babysitter or better yet, get “dad” to babysit, and head out for a night with other fabulous TI Moms. More information to come.

What’s Happening: Upcoming Events

GivinG Back-Social action ]Social Action Committee Seeking Food For Yom Kippur Drive, Volunteers To Accept & Deliver Food & Members To Join CommitteeBy Melissa Diamond, Chair

As we gather to welcome the New Year 5771 with family and friends, a special part of that tradition is to remember those in need. Each Yom Kippur, Temple Israel supplies the Homes with Hope Food Pantry at the Gillespie Center with truckloads of non perishable food items. For many years, Temple Israel has been the largest single source of food for the Food Pantry. Last year, to help meet growing needs, we ran a Spring Food Drive as well. The food is used to stock the Food Pantry for serving breakfast daily at the Gillespie Center, as well as enabling others in need in Westport and surrounding Fairfield County to provide daily meals for their families.

As in past years, we will be collecting non perishable food during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Food bags with lists of needed items will be available at Rosh Hashanah services. You can bring your donations back to Temple Israel on Yom Kippur.

We will need help from six of you in accepting the donations at the food truck parked at Temple Israel and at Bedford Middle School, and six more for delivering these donations to the Gillespie Center the morning after Yom Kippur.

If you are willing to help, please contact Melissa Diamond at (203) 254-7155 or [email protected]

The Social Action Committee is also seeking members who would like to join the Social Action Committee on an ongoing basis. For those interested in sharing your ideas, talents and energy, please join us as we continue our varied efforts in our goal of Tikkun Olam. If you are interested in participating, or would like more information, please email me at [email protected].

TI Bike Drive to Benefit the Connecticut Bike Project Sunday, September 26 from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

Is your child getting bigger and his/her bike getting smaller? Have you bought a new bike and you don’t know what to do with your old one? Bring your used bicycles to donate to the Connecticut Bike Project. Bicycles in any condition will be accepted. The Connecticut Bike Project accepts old and used bikes, fixes them up and makes them available at no cost to adults, ex-offenders, immigrants and veterans who cannot afford cars to get to work and social service appointments. Children’s bikes are donated to children from low income homes. Stop by the Chesed Club Bake Sale after dropping of your bikes. All proceeds will go to help with the cost of repairing bicycles. For more information and any questions contact Leah Schechter, [email protected] or 203-227-1656 ext 330.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® WalkSunday, October 24 at 11:00 AM (TI participants to meet at 10:00 AM in the Registration area by the TI Women’s Group sign)

Join the TI Women’s Group again this year for a 5K non-competitive walk at Sherwood Island State Park and help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Funds raised at the Making Strides Walk support research related to the causes of breast cancer, education programs to promote early detection, and support services for people who have breast cancer. Women and men of all ages are invited to participate (children, including those in strollers, are warmly welcomed). Register to walk with the TI Women’s Group Team at www.cancer.org/stridesonline, and RSVP to the Temple office to let us know how many people you will be bringing to the walk. If you are unable to join the TI Women’s Group Team because you are participating on another team, the TI Women’s Group wants to recognize your participation; please let the Temple office know and stop by the TI Women’s Group registration spot at 10:00 AM to pick up a special TI Women’s Group hat (supplies limited).

Social Action

Upper Fairfield County ADL Reception to Honor Sally and Michael Kliegman

The Anti-Defamation League’s Upper Fairfield County Reception will honor Sally and Michael Kliegman of Temple Israel and Beth and Jay Rand of The Conservative Synagogue with the Distinguished Community Leadership Award on Sunday, October 17, 2010 in Westport.

The award reception and gala dinner is one of ADL’s premier annual events in Connecticut, attracting prominent and leading citizens from Upper Fairfield County. The co-chairs of the event are notable leaders of the Upper Fairfield County community: Rita Appel, Paula and Mark Argosh, Wendy and Jeff Cohen, Indy and Seth Goldberg, Lynne and Stephen Goldstein, and Diana and David Muller.

The evening will also feature a program highlighting ADL’s innovative work monitoring and exposing extremism.

Rabbi Orkand, a prior ADL honoree, noted that the event “is a must-attend gala that brings together hundreds of leading citizens in the Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk communities to recognize ADL’s vital efforts to combat bigotry and discrimination against all. ADL and this year’s honorees deserve our generous support on October 17th.”

Sally, who chairs the Israel Committee at TI, is a 6th generation Marylander whose family helped found the oldest Reform congregation in the country. She grew up attending Washington Hebrew Congregation, was confirmed there and served on their Fine Arts Committee before moving to Westport. Sally graduated from Barnard College with a degree in Art History and worked at the Phillips Collection and in the Resident Associate Program of the Smithsonian Institution. She formerly served on the board of the Connecticut Dance School and presently serves on the board of the Westport Arts Center. In addition to numerous Jewish charities that she and Michael support, Sally supports the American Ballet Theater and the Simon E. Sobeloff Fund at the University Of Maryland School Of Law. She is a trustee of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Sally is co-president of the Mid Fairfield County Council of AIPAC, and is on AIPAC’s National Council.

Michael, who serves as Treasurer at TI, is a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York City, where he advises private equity and corporate cl ients on all aspects of structuring business acquisitions and reorganizations. Previously, he worked at the National Office of the Internal Revenue Service and was in private law practice in Washington, DC. He has published extensively in the field of business taxation and is a frequent speaker on topics of taxation related to mergers and acquisitions. He is an Adjunct Professor at New York Law School, is a member of the Advisory Boards of BNA Tax Management and Corporate Business Taxation Monthly, chair of the private equity subcommittee of the ABA Business Law Section, and Treasurer of the New York Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. He has been a columnist for the Connecticut Post and periodically posts to a blog at SechelComment.Blogspot.com. He holds a B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a J.D. degree from Boston University, and a LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University.

Michael has been deeply involved in Jewish affairs for most of his adult life. He grew up in a Conservative synagogue and attended an Orthodox Jewish day school through eighth grade. While in Washington in the 1980s, Michael served on the Religious School and Ritual Committees at Washington Hebrew Congregation and as Vice President of the Capital Chapter of American Red Magen David for Israel (ARMDI). Since moving to Westport in 1988, Michael has spent most of the past 20 years serving on the board, as officer and committee member at Temple Israel. He is on the Mid-Fairfield County Council of AIPAC and is a trustee of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Sally and Michael live in Westport and have two sons, Simon (24) and Aaron (18).

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is devoted to fighting anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of bigotry, building bridges of understanding and safeguarding our liberties.


Beginnings, Transitions and ChangesBy Harriet Koretsky,Director of Early Childhood Education

As Jews we celebrate the end of one year (5770) and the beginning of a new year (5771). We at the ECC at Temple Israel also celebrate the beginning of another school year. We have new children and families joining us in addition to our returning youngsters and their families, and to all we say SHALOM!

The beginning of the school year brings children face to face with new beginnings, transitions and changes. Since no two children are the same, each child will have his/her own way of dealing with the new routine of going to school. Some will walk into the new classroom, kiss mommy and daddy goodbye, find a friend and get right down to the business of playing. Others will linger at the classroom door with mommy and daddy, feeling a bit uncomfortable about being left in school; others will cry and some children will hide behind their parents. All of these reactions are normal and to be expected in young children.

Parents can make the first few days of school easier by sharing with their children what they can expect to happen at school. Since school begins right before Rosh Hashanah, many of the classroom activities will be built around the holidays. Talking about the holidays at home, talking about the different areas of the classroom (blocks, dramatic play, art, library and meeting area) and the different activities in each area will help familiarize your child with the classroom; talking about friends they will see in their class and the new friends they will make will help increase the feeling of comfort in the classroom.

Young children are very sensitive to their parents’ feelings and easily pick up feelings of tension and anxiety. Allowing extra time in the morning to get everyone ready will reduce tension and will help make for an easier transition into the classroom. Short goodbyes, a kiss, a hug and a few words of encouragement will help the children feel freer to relax and explore and enjoy their new classroom.

The staff at the ECC are experienced early childhood educators and are prepared to help families feel comfortable. And, of course, I am here to help whenever needed.

Shana Tova

Education Matters

In the Spirit of New BeginningsFrom the Religious SchoolBy Karin Beitel, Director of Education

The sounds of the shofar, the sweetness of apples and honey and the gathering of family and friends signal the arrival of Rosh HaShanah, another new year is upon us. The themes and symbols of the fall Jewish holidays fit well with the messages we want to convey to our students as they begin the new year in Religious School.

On Rosh HaShanah we look ahead with hopefulness that the new year will bring joy and achievement. The shofar announces our intention to move forward in our lives with purpose and determination. Yom Kippur provides a framework for self-reflection. We are asked to look inward, set goals for the year ahead and consider how we can treat all people with kindness and dignity. The High Holy Days also represent the beauty and power of praying together as a community.

Sukkot, with its richly decorative natural symbols, invites students to be thankful for the world they live in and to consider God’s presence in our world. Sukkot also calls to mind the central story of the Jewish people, the 40 year journey from Egypt to the land of Israel during which we received the Torah. Sukkot reminds students of the value of remembering our Jewish heritage and the responsibility to learn our traditions in order to pass them on to succeeding generations.

Finally as we reach the fourth and final holiday of the fall season, Simchat Torah, we are brought back to the idea of new beginnings and the possibility of being refreshed and renewed at such times. Simchat Torah, a purely joyful holiday, celebrates the annual cycle of reading the Torah. The ritual itself, reading the last and first Torah portions from Deuteronomy and Genesis, symbolizes our never ending commitment to study as well as the recognition that there are always new lessons to be learned from our sacred texts. It is fitting that Simchat Torah is the holiday during which we consecrate and welcome new students to Religious School.

At the start of this new year I would also like to welcome new Religious School Committee Chairperson, Alisa Trugerman. This is an important volunteer position and I look forward to Alisa’s leadership.

Welcome, also, to our new Young Israeli Emissary, Alon Ariel, a recent high school graduate from Gan-Ner in northern Israel. He was granted a deferment from his army service in order to participate in the UJA/Federation funded emissary program here in CT. We look forward to the programs he will

create for our students in an effort to maintain strong ties between the Jewish communities of Israel and the United States. Alon is very excited about joining the Temple Israel community for the year.

In the spirit of new beginnings I extend my wishes to you for a Shana Tova u’metuka – a happy, sweet and healthy New Year.

Youth ]Upcoming Youth Events!Tuesday, September 21 at 6:00 PM

TISY: TISY will be hosting the opening night of TI High. Come for a Bar-B-Q and to get a sense of what TISY is all about as well as to meet your TI High teachers!

Sunday, September 26 at NoonTISY: TISY will be kicking off the year right with a great event!

Come meet other TISY members for a great start to the year!

Coming in October:MITY and Katanty45: MITY and Katanty45 will be

kicking off the year right with a great event! Come join the fun and don’t miss out on anything this year!

It is hard to believe we are at the start of another great school year at TI. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back in the halls of TI and getting involved in all of the great programs we have planned.

TI High will open on Tuesday, September 21, with our annual BBQ sponsored by TISY. Our 8th and 9th graders can look forward to several new elective courses in addition to their core classes. We are thrilled to unroll a brand new program in TI High as well. For eight sessions during the course of the year we will team up with The Conservative Synagogue to participate in the Jewish Lens Project. The Jewish Lens Project is an innovative and exciting curriculum that incorporates photography and personal expression with Jewish values and community. For our 8th and 9th graders this will be a new way to see their Judaism through the lens of a camera. The project will culminate in a large exhibit of all photography and fine arts work that is created during the course of the project. Look for more details about the Jewish Lens and the exhibit in the coming months.

Kids Giving BackBy Leah Schechter, Assistant Director of Education

The Chesed Club will continue to make a difference in our community this year. There are ten sessions planned for this year which include helping at the TI Bike Drive (Sunday, September

26), participating in the Avon Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Annual Sherwood Island Walkathon, feeding the homeless in NYC, visiting the Jewish Home for the Elderly and several others. We will also visit a working farm and school that uses animals to help kids with social and behavioral challenges to succeed. All 8th and 9th graders are invited to participate for one or all of these service learning programs throughout the year.

As the year kicks off we are always looking for teens who want to give back to TI. Anyone interested in helping to make religious school a great place should think about joining our Madrichim (student aide) program. Madrichim are assigned to a class and work with the teacher to enrich each and every one of our classrooms. If you like working with kids, want to be a mentor and want to give back to your community you would make a great Madrich. Contact me at [email protected] to sign up for the program and be assigned a classroom.

I wish everyone L’Shana Tova, a happy and healthy new year and look forward to seeing you participate in some of the great programs planned for this year!

A Home-Away-From-HomeBy Sarah Magida, Director of Youth Programming

From a very young age Temple Israel has been my home away from home, and this has remained true throughout the years. As a college freshman I wrote a paper about my Jewish homes ranging from my childhood at TI to my high school years at NFTY. For me, being Jewish has never been a question; it has been a way of life forever. One of the things that youth group taught me,

however, was that I could maintain and express my Judaism in a variety of different ways. From services to last year’s Harry Potter Retreat, from doing tikkun olam to visiting Israel and getting to know our emissaries, all are wonderful

ways to connect to Judaism, and youth group can help our children to connect in any and all of these ways.

I am very excited to be working with the new TISY board in providing all of these avenues to all of our youth. I am very excited to see what this board accomplishes. While the TISY Board and I plan the events, that does not mean that there is no room for input, and I would love to hear from you with any suggestions for what you think your children might enjoy doing here at TI or with their Temple friends.

It is my wish that all of the current youth at TI are able to find the same sense of a home-away-from-home that the Temple and my Judaism gave to me. Anything that I can do to help them to find this warm feeling here I would love to know about it and do it.

Education Matters

Sharing Our Lives: Donations

ARZAGladys Handelman in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand to Kate Halloran

Dorothy Rosenbloom Lecture FundLorna Neufeld in memory of Dr. Herbert NeufeldLorna Neufeld in memory of Mildred J. Herring

Building and Grounds Beautification Fund Rhona Lieberson in memory of Robert RosenfeldJoyce Pauker in memory of Helen Morchower

Cantor Harris’ Discretionary Fund Fred Holtzman in memory of Samuel Holtzman

Cantor Silverman’s Discretionary Fund Rose Goldstein in memory of my father, William HenkinDoris Case in memory of my dear husband, Edward CaseMichele Corenman and Evan Rabinowitz in loving memory of our dear Mac Corenman, beloved father and grandfatherEvan, Bethany and Lily Holod in honor of our daughter, Lily’s baby naming

Caring Committee Ken, Phyllis, Evan and Matt Makovsky in memory of Jack MakovskySerge Vinograd in memory of Balbine GutmacherAgnes Vertes in memory of Leslie Katz

Carol Schoke Rothke Nursery School Fund Elayne and Jim Schoke in memory of Carol Schoke Rothke

Early Childhood Center Fund Jenny, Max and Benjamin Pastor wishing Neva Weber a speedy recoveryThe Sobel Family wishing Jared Mittleman a happy birthday

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

Fine Arts Fund Lawrence Zlatkin and Maureen WhitemanThe Sobel Family with congratulations to Nick Cion on his high school graduation

Fund for Jewish Continuity Adrienne and Donald Grossman in memory of Leah RicherAudrey and Ira Tumpowsky in memory of Anna SharlatMichael Sobel and Family with many thanks to Alice Czuczka for a wonderful post-confirmation classThe Sobel Family with many thanks to Alice Czuczka for the years of dedication and love to Temple IsraelThe Sobel Family-Mazel Tov to the Sobelman Family on the engagement of Rob and Deb

Grandparents Fund Peggy and Matthew Bud in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand and Kate HalloranTuddie Danter in memory of Benjamin R. Bader

Avonne and Myles Seideman in honor of our new grandson, Eli Adam KantorBarbara and Joel Beaman in memory of Sylvia Rubin, mother of Marilyn GoldbergThe Sobel Family in honor of the birth of Miles Quinn Silverstein, grandson of Sandy and Meryl Silverstein

Rabbi Mendelson’s Discretionary Fund John and Sheila Weiss in honor of Elsa and Abe Nad’s 80th birthdaysLois and Richard Miller in memory of Fred WetzlerFreda Easton in memory of Kermit “Kim” EastonJoan Wetzler in memory of Fred WetzlerMolli and Steve Hourihan in honor of Ella Rita Hourihan’s baby namingMichele Corenman and Evan Rabinowitz in loving memory of Mollie, Anna and Hymie Corenman, our dear grandparents and great grandparentsMichele Corenman and Evan Rabinowitz in loving memory of Rose, Abraham and Solly Orenbain, our dear grandparents and uncle, and great grandparents and great uncleCynthia, Scott, David and Brooke Bilmas in memory of Fred WetzlerLauren and Steve Field in honor of our daughter, Lucy Rose Field’s baby naming

Rabbi Orkand’s Discretionary Fund Susie Blumenfeld and Family in memory of Philip Bibicoff, father of David BibicoffRuth and Norman Stavisky in honor of our grandson, Max ZiskinFreda Easton in memory of Kermit “Kim” EastonAlan Levine in memory of Judy LevineDaniel and Tali Faber Alan Kassan in memory of Milton KassanMichele Corenman and Evan Rabinowitz in loving memory of our dear Nellie Corenman, beloved mother and grandmotherEvan Rabinowitz in loving memory of my beloved father, Steven RabinowitzAvonne and Myles Seideman in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand and Kate HalloranConnie Beskind in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand and Kate HalloranJenny and Max Pastor wishing Joyce Orkand a speedy recoverySchuster Family in memory of Joyce SchusterLinda and Lanny Gans in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand and Kate HalloranLinda and Lanny Gans in honor of the birth of Eli Adam Kantor, grandson of Avonne and Myles SeidemanLinda and Lanny Gans in memory of James H. Bloom, father of Linda GansLinda and Lanny Gans in memory of Ethel R. Gans, mother of Lanny Gans

Donations continue on page 16

Sharing Our Lives: B’nai Mitzvah and Donations

B’nai Mitzvah September 2010September 25

Jason Maxwell BlankfeinJennifer and Eric BlankfeinFor Jason’s community service, he collected sweatshirts and donated them to Community Closet in Bridgeport. Community Closet is sponsored by UJA Federation and was created to help the disadvantaged by giving them free clothing along with other

household items. Jason enjoyed collecting and delivering approximately one hundred sweatshirts. In addition, Jason made sandwiches and packed lunches for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and delivered food to the Gillespie Center in Westport.

Linda and Lanny Gans in memory of Marshall Gans, father of Lanny GansLinda and Lanny Gans in memory of Suzanne Dietz SiegelThe Sobel Family wishing a speedy recovery to Joyce OrkandThe Sobel Family in honor of the marriage of Seth Orkand and Kate Halloran

Schiff/Nad Special Children Fund John and Sheila Weiss in honor of Elsa and Abe Nad’s 80th birthdaysElsa and Abe Nad in memory of Esther Atlas Nad

Teaching Tolerance and Respect Fund Annabel Schwartz in memory of Fred SchwartzAnnabel Schwartz in memory of David Bassett

Tzedakah FundThe Sobel Family wishing Denis Mittleman a happy birthday

Youth Program Enhancement Fund Nat and Audrey Magida in memory of Abram S. Magida Nat and Audrey Magida in memory of Ted Magida

Donations cont’d from page 15 Hallie FuchsLauren and Russell FuchsFor Hallie’s community service, she wanted to help others less fortunate than her. After visiting Africa, she realized how infectious Malaria is and raised $500.00 for “Nothing but Nets”, an organization that buys nets for

families in Africa to protect them from the mosquitoes. She was able to help fifty families. In addition, Hallie raised over $600.00 to help families in Haiti after seeing the devastation cause by its earthquake. Hallie also loves to read and feels it is important for everyone to have access to books. Hallie sponsored a book drive at the Temple and together with books of her own, she donated them to “Read to Grow”, an organization in Branford, Connecticut, that distributes books to children in Fairfield County. Hallie was excited to share her love of books with children who may not have had as mush access to books as she has had.

Jordan McNairMarjorie and Carl McNairFor his community service, Jordan volunteered in the preschool at the Westport/Weston Family Y. As the youngest of four brothers, he understands how important it is to have someone to

look up to and use as a role model. He enjoyed being that “big brother” to the three and four year olds, if only for a few hours each day.

Russell PhillipsLynn and Richard PhillipsFor Russell’s community service, he volunteered as a Cub Chief for a first grade Cub Scout Troop every week. He also volunteered at the Kiwanis Club.

Life CycleWe Mourn the Passing of:

Murray Berman, father of Allen Berman•Philip Bibicoff, father of David Bibicoff•Edith Carol Harris, mother of Amy Harris•Minna Schaffer Ogintz, mother of Eileen Ogintz •YemmaLaurel (Lori) Paymer, mother of Lisa Dodge•Gertrude Press, mother of David Press•Sylvia Rubin, mother of Marilyn Goldberg•Fred Wetzler, husband of Joan Wetzler, father of •Amy RosoffLydia Blatte Zinman, aunt of Melissa Diamond•

We Welcome the Following New Members:Lynn and Mike Gefen, and their children Jolie •and Samantha

Sara and Loyd Godwin, and their children Cate, •Madeline and SamanthaStephanie and Jonas Katz, and their children •Isabelle and NinaRachel and Daniel Katzman, and their children •Blake, Kyle and MatthewValerie Malter and Stuart Kaye, and their children •Arin and MatthewDeborah and Stephen Parnes, and their children •Aidan and Jared Emily and Mark Rothenberg, and their children •Gavin and JustinArlena and Eric Zlatin, and their children Emily and Lea•

Mazal tov:

Births:Sylvie Drew Goldberg, daughter of Jennifer and •Adam Goldberg

Sharing Our Lives: Life Cycle

Sharing Our Lives: Donations

Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation203.855.0167 www.veintherapycenter.com

148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT

Endovenous Laser Ablation TherapyAmbulatory Phlebectomy Topical LaserSclerotherapy

Do you have varicose or spider veins?

The expert staff at The Vein Therapy & Laser Center ofFairfield County offers revolutionary treatments and cancustomize a plan tailored to your individual needs.

Digital Mammography with Computer Aided DetectionBreast MRI w/ CADstreamBreast Biopsy~ Ultrasound guided biopsy~ Stereotactic biopsy~ MRI guided biopsy

Cyst AspirationUltrasound Bone Density

Detection to Diagnosis in

48 hours, only atNorwalk Radiology.

www.norwalkradiology.com

Call our office today at203.838.4886148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT

partyideas!2 greenbrier roadwestport, connecticut06880

203-226-3672 office203-984-0610 cell203-226-3810 fax

[email protected]

ar arlene rosenthal

Full Service

Theme & Décor

Event Planning

New Venues Available

party

ar

SePtember elul/tishri 2010 5770/71

CHeCK FOr UPDAteS AND SCHeDULe CHANGeS ON OUr WebSIte: tIWeStPOrt.OrG

sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday shabbatS’lichot Service at Compo beach—Saturday, September 4, 7:30 pmtzedakah event—the “Laugh in Peace” tour, Sunday, September 12, 7:00 pmthe Annual rabbi Alexander Schindler memorial Lecture—“the Chosen Peoples: America, Israel and the Ordeals of Divine election”, todd Gitlin and Liel Leibovitz, Sunday, September 19, 4:00 pmbike Donation Drive—Sunday, September 26, 9:00 am63 Sukkot—Sunday, September 26, 4:00 pmInterfaith event at Saugatuck Congregational Church—“the three Amigos”, Sunday, September 26, 4:00 pm

FIrSt DAY OF eCC Family erev Shabbat Service 5:15 pmOneg 6:45 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 7:15 pm

Candlelighting 7:06 pm

S’lichotminyan/torah Study 9:00 amS’lichot Service at Compo beach 7:30 pm (in case of rain, at temple Israel)

torah: Deut. 29:9-31:30

Labor Day

NO eCC/bUILDING CLOSeD

erev rosh Hashanah


1st Day of rosh Hashanah

tashlich Service at Westport Library 5:00 pm

NO eCC

torah: Genesis 22:1-19

2nd Day of rosh HashanahOneg 6:00 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 6:30 pmNO eCC

torah: Gen. 1:1-2:3Candlelighting 6:54 pm

Shabbat Shuvahminyan/torah Study 9:00 am

torah: Deut. 32:1-32:52

NFtY LtI 10:00 a.m.tzedakah event: the “Laugh in Peace” tour 7:00 pm

rabbi Alexander Schindler memorial Lecture: todd Gitlin and Liel Leibovitz 4:00 pm

bike Donation Drive 9:00 am; Chesed Club 9:00 am tISY Kick-off event Noon63 Sukkot 4:00 pmInterfaith event: the three Amigos— at Saugatuck Congregational Church4:00 pm

Nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am

FIrSt DAY OF reLIGIOUS SCHOOL

Nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am

Nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 ameCC tOV time begins Noon

tING 2:00 p.m.tI High Opening Dinner sponsored by tISY 6:00 pm

erev Sukkot Sukkah Decorating 4:00 p.m.erev Sukkot Chilfren’s Service 5:15 p.m.erev Sukkot Service 6:30 pm


tING 2:00 p.m.AJL: talmud Series with rabbi Hoffman 7:30 pm

erev Simchat torah Service & Consecration 6:30 pm

NO reLIGIOUS SCHOOL


SukkotSukkot Festival Service 9:00 am

NO eCC/reLIGIOUS SCHOOL

torah: Lev. 23:33-44

Shemini Atzeret-Simchat torahFestival Service andYizkor 9:00 am

NO eCC

torah: Deut. 33:1-34:12 and Gen. 1:1-2:3

Oneg 6:00 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 6:30 pm


minyan/torah Study 9:00 amShabbat morning Service 11:15 amLate Shabbat Afternoon Service 5:30 pm

torah: exod. 33:12-34:26

erev Yom Kippur


Yom Kippur

torah, morning: Deut. 29:9-14, 30:11-20

torah, Afternoon:Lev. 19:1-4, 9-18, 32-37

erev Simchat torah Service & Consecration—Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6:30 pmSimchat torah Service and Yizkor—thursday, September 30, 9:00 am

tING 2:00 pm

tING 2:00 pm

vcu, vbaHappy New Year

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

PaidWestport, Ct

Permit No. 116D

eSig

N a

ND

tyP

eSet

tiN

g:

Jud

ith

Go

uld

& A

sso

ciA

tes

203

-876

-235

5

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 EducationHarriet Koretsky 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:

SepTeMBeR 2010Sharon Schroeder, Chronicle Editor

september 2010 chronicle

Documents

pm slichot service

pm tashlich service

pm rosh hashanah youth

pm yom kippur family

pm yom kippur youth

pm rain

pm family erev shabbat

pm erev simchat torah