1

Adath Israel Tradition

Serving the Adath Israel Chavurah since 1904

Newtown, Monroe, Bethel, Brookfield, Southbury, Trumbull, Oxford, Danbury

(The Little Synagogue that Could: First building: 1919, First rabbi: 1923) Ritual: Conservative Social: Progressive Oneg Shabbats: Priceless

March 21 Adar I - 21 Adar II 2016 5776

In This Issue

Announcements 1 The Nezvesky School Meet our Educators

6 Community Programs & Events 10

President’s Message Community Care Committee

2 Purim Carnival Pre-School Playgroup

7 In Memoriam Contact Information

11

Ritual 3, 4 Tu B’Shevat Photos 8 Donations Hosting an Oneg / Kiddush

12

Just For the Record 5 Upcoming Activities and Events 9 March Calendar 13

Welcome Rabbi Schectman

CELEBRATE PURIM

Sunday March 20

Wednesday March 23

More information on pages 3 & 7 FRIDAY MARCH 4

More information on page 9

2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Congregants,

As we enter the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and I sit in the warmth of the Florida sun, I can take this op-portunity to reflect as to what we have accomplished since May of 2015.

As promised in one of my early communications, we have brought Rabbi Barukh Schectman in to lead us in prayer. Rabbi Schectman brings with him stability, poise, maturity and knowledge. He is scholarly and personable and wants to meet each and everyone that attends services and brings their children to us for a Jewish education.

We have set up a very vibrant Caring Committee of dedicated individuals. We want all to know that we are concerned about the welfare and well being of all of our congregants and their families. We at Congregation Adath Israel understand the meaning of K'lal Yisrael and act on those edicts.

Our board and committees have put in many hours to make Adath Israel a viable entity in our environs. We are moving forward, but there is much work to be done in terms of membership and community activities.

I look forward to joining you in celebrating the up coming holidays of Purim and Pesach. I look forward to being there as our upper classmen become a b'nai mitzvah.

It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your titular head. Thank you one and all for your loyalty and fine work.

With blessings of Shalom, Bob Rubinstein

Community Care & Share

During the month of February the Community Care

and Share Committee continued to provide sup-

port to David Wiener and his family in a limited

way while he is in rehab in New Jersey. Once David

returns to Connecticut, we will assist the family in

whatever is needed. We are continuing to ask if

you would like to help with a gift card to a local

restaurant or gas please check with Rosalie New-

man at 203 426-6679 or rosalie@mediatavern.com

as she is keeping this effort organized to make sure

that the family’s immediate needs are met.

If anyone knows of anyone who would benefit

from the committee’s support, please contact Su-

san Morse at suemorse50@gmail.com.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Rabbi

Schectman to our Adath Israel community.

Susan Littlefield,

Secretary

Passover Haggadahs for Sale

Believe it or not, it’s time to think about Passover which begins April 22, 2016!

This year, order a personalized Haggadah for everyone attending your Seder. Each Haggadah is cus-tomized with a first or family name. Simply order at www.PersonalizedHaggadah.com and select “Connecticut – New-town - Congregation Adath Israel” during online check-out. You will receive your beautiful family keepsake Haggadahs, and we receive 20% of your Hagga-dah sale!

The Haggadah features appealing illustrations, it’s easy to understand, and it is concise, yet traditional. You can view the entire Haggadah online. They are just $11.50!

A sample book will be available for viewing at Adath Israel or view it here: http://personalizedhaggadah.com/flippingbook/magazine/view/id/1/#page/1

3

From The Ritual Committee

ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH CLASS

Our current Adult B’nai Mitzvah class has been meeting

for just about one full year. Our three students have

gained Hebrew literacy skills and have begun to study

the prayer service and ritual practices. In one more

year’s time they will be ready to be on the Bimah for a

group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. If you already have

some Hebrew reading skills and you would like to join

the class, you would be most welcome. Contact:

ritual@congadathisrael.org. Adult Education is a perk of

membership and is offered at no additional cost beyond

membership dues. Non-members pay a class fee and are

welcome as well. If you know of anyone outside of our

congregation who might be interested in the class, please

encourage that person to contact us.

Calling all Megillah Readers

If you would like to take part in the age old tradition of reading from the scroll of Megillat Esther, (The

Book of Esther), please email Bonnie Goldstein at bhgoldstein18@aol.com All you need are rudimentary

Hebrew reading skills. The rest will be provided: Text, recordings, and tutorials if requested. You still

have a few weeks to practice before the Megillah Reading on Wednesday evening March 23rd. You can

learn just one line this year if you are a beginner. All levels welcome!!

PURIM Megillah Reading and

Pot Luck Dinner

Wednesday March 23

In just a few weeks, we will be celebrating the holiday of PURIM. In our Sanctuary, this takes place on

the eve of the holiday, on March 23rd. We read the traditional scroll of Megillat Esther, known informally

as the “Megillah Reading”. This Book of Esther tells the story of the Jews of Persia and how they were

rescued by their brave Queen Esther. It is a raucous evening in the Sanctuary. Every time the name of the

wicked Haman is read, we all shake noisemakers to blot out his name. Children and adults alike are en-

couraged to come in costumes and there will be a parade to show off the costumes. It is a fun evening.

Please join us.

The Megillah Reading begins at 6:30 pm and will start off with our costume parade. Before the reading we

will enjoy a community potluck dinner, starting at 5:30 pm. Following the Megillah Reading, we will feast

on hamentashen. These traditional three-sided, jelly filled cookies, will be baked by our 4th and 5th grade

Hebrew School students. The evening will not run late, as we know that it is a school night.

So please come on March 23rd for our Potluck Dinner at 5:30 and the Megillah Reading at 6:30.

CEMETERY PLOTS AVAILABLE

FOR FAMILIES OF CAI MEMBERS

Adath Israel Cemetery

(a division of B’nai Israel Cemetery) 472 Moose Hill Road, Monroe, CT

Information packets are available.

Please contact Susan Rubin at office@congadathisrael.org or call

203-426-5188 and leave her a message.

4

Shop at

Congregation Adath Israel AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

Support Congregation Adath Israel by starting your shopping at: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-1365965

From The Ritual Committee

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS

We had a beautiful Shabbat Morning service in our Sanctuary this past month celebrating and honoring all

of the Senior members of our congregation. Many of them were able to attend and all participated in our

service with various honors such as Aliyahs and opening the Ark and special readings. Yossi Kohrman-

Glaser returned from college to be our cantor for the morning with his sweet voice that delighted his par-

ents and all who were in the sanctuary. Linda Baulsir delivered a thought provoking D’var Torah and

Sybil Blau talked about the vital importance of seniors in a Jewish community. We sang and chanted,

schmoozed and k’velled and noshed together. The service was well attended and most stayed to enjoy a

relaxed lunch together.

TORAH AND HAFTORAH - The Torah service on that Shabbat morning was particular ly beauti-

ful and moving. Of our more regular Torah chanters we heard Steve Bamberg, Katherine Kohrman, Yossi

Kohrman-Glaser, and David Smith. And in a fabulous display of love and courage, we had 7 newer Torah

readers, some chanting for the very first time. Here’s why:

Our beloved congregant and dear friend David Wiener was supposed to chant 7 verses of Torah. It had

been arranged in early December, long before his skiing accident occurred. There has been such an out-

pouring of love and care towards David since the New Year began and this was yet another way people

showed their love and chose to honor David. Seven congregants each took one of David’s Torah verses

and learned to chant the biblical words in his stead: Meyer Glaser, Pam Tassiello, Susan Morse, Nancy

Bamberg, Susan Littlefield, Bob Rubinstein, and Michelle Tenenbaum. Thank you all.

WELCOME RABBI SCHECTMAN

On Friday, Feb. 19th we welcomed Rabbi Baruch

Schectman at our Shabbat Service. Approxi-

mately fifty of our congregants were there to

welcome him, and he was very warmly received.

Rabbi Schectman spoke of his love and passion

of history, and briefly spoke of Noah and the

purpose of the flood. Mark Rebb, who went to

see David Wiener, gave the congregants an up-

date on his progress with a very upbeat feeling.

A ramp will be built so David will be able to

continue chanting on the Bima for the high holi-

days.

~Bonnie H. Goldstein, Ritual Committee

_______________________________________

After the service, many gathered in the social

hall for a scrumptious oneg sponsored by the

Goldstein-Vine Family. Thank you to Laura and

Steve! And thank you to Rosalie Newman and

Susan Rubin for helping to set up and clean up!

Shabbat Services in February

We thank those congregants who have led our Shabbat

services in the month of February: Katherine

Kohrman and Mark Silverman. And we thank our

teens, Julia DiMartino and Theodore Silverman who

each served as Cantor for an evening service. Their

mastery of the liturgy complemented their strong mu-

sicality. Thanks to you both and also to your families

for supporting your efforts.

5

While still a teenager she

went into an acting ca-

reer. In her first film "Paradise" she sings "The

Theme From Paradise" at

the film's conclusion and

it is her only 45 rpm sin-gle (featured). Although

in "Private

School" (1983) she sings two songs - "Just One

Touch" and "How Do I

Let You Know" - no in-dividual recording was

ever issued. It's too bad,

as she did (and may still

have) a pleasant voice.

In 1983, Phoebe auditioned for a part in the film "The Big

Chill". Although she was not cast (the role went to Meg Tilly), she met Kevin Kline, one of the film's stars. They

eventually married in 1989 and have two children - Owen

(1991) and Greta (1994).

Phoebe's last film was in 2001's "The Anniversary Party"

with her son and she opened a boutique in 2005 in New

York City called "Blue Tree". Also, she has even had a song written about her "Phoebe Cates" by a punk group

called Fenix TX in 2001. She's in good company as Mer-

yl Streep and Bette Davis, among others, have also had this distinction.

Of the many young actresses who ap-peared in the films of the early 1980's,

one of the most admired has to be Phoe-

be Cates. It's not that she was one of

our greatest actresses, but she was brave enough to present herself in several

films as most actresses would not. Her

film career basically ended 15 years ago but she did make a tremendous impres-

sion when she was active.

Phoebe Belle Cates, born on July 16,

1963 in New York City, is the daughter of Joseph Cates

(Katz) who was well known as a Broadway theater pro-

ducer and TV pioneer. Phoebe's mother, Lily, was born in China and her maternal grandfather was Chinese-

Filipino. Phoebe, therefore, is part Filipina, but accord-

ing to "jewornotjew.com" (yes, it exists), she is definite-ly considered Jewish. Her older sister is Valerie and

Alexandra is her younger sister.

Before she was a teenager, Ms. Cates had intentions of

becoming a dancer. She did get a scholarship to the

School of American Ballet but had to give up her danc-

ing plans when she suffered a serious knee injury when she was 15. During this time she started modeling and

has appeared on many magazine covers such as

"Seventeen", "Interview", and "Elle".

JUST FOR THE RECORD Lesser Known Jewish Recording Artists ~ Contributed by Charles Berger

Have an opinion? Like to write? Newsletter contributions are always welcome…

Have family or student news you would like to share? Contact: newsletter@congadathisrael.org

Please note that current and past copies of the newsletter can be found on the synagogue website, www.congadathisrael.org

Your Ad Here

Please email Susan at

office@congadathisrael.org

to find out how to advertise your business

in our newsletters

MAH JONG MADNESS

Mondays 7:00 PM at Adath Israel

For both experienced and beginner players

6

THE NEZVESKY SCHOOL

Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Schectman to our

synagogue. Rabbi Schectman will be here on Sunday

and Wednesday to participate in our education pro-

gram and will be teaching our children the prayers

and songs included in our religious services.

This coming month we will be having a lot of things

geared towards Purim: on March 13 Rabbi Toren-

heim will come to deliver Schlach Menot boxes and

explain their significance in our tradition; on March

20 we will hold our Purim Carnival after Sunday

School, which we expect to be a glorious occasion;

on March 22 the 4th and 5th graders will bake

Hamentaschen at Katherine Kohrman's house and

finally the whole school is invited to attend the Pu-

rim service on Wednesday, March 23.

David Smith, Education Chair

203-364-1788

educationchair@congadathisrael.org

Fifth Graders presented their diorama's at our Shabbat Service. Each child chose a holiday and decorated either a shoe box, or a poster for their presentation. Fifth Grade students who presented dioramas are Sophie (absent from photo), Becca, Josh and Spencer. Bonnie Goldstein 5th grade teacher

Getting to know our educators…

Each month, a brief biography of one of our school educators will be featured. This month

we feature 4th and 5th grade teacher, Bob Rubinstein.

I was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx and Baltimore, Maryland. I

was a member of the armed forces from November 1958 through May 1960 and a

member of the Army Reserves for five years. I moved to Connecticut in 1968 and

to Newtown where Florence and I raised our two sons, Lewis and Craig. We joined

Congregation Adath Israel in 1974 and I led many volunteer positions throughout

the years, including President in 1987.

After my two years as President, I stayed active in different capacities and in

2003 was asked by then President, Sybil Blau, if I wanted to teach on Tuesday evenings. I have done

so ever since and met many wonderful young children and their parents over these past twelve years.

In 2015, I was asked once again to stand for President and I am honored to be able to serve Adath

Israel again, and to be supported by our active Board of Directors. My hobbies are golf, ballroom

dancing, crosswords, gym and watching my grandchildren in their sports activities.

7

Ima Abba v’Ani

(Pre-School Playgroup)

For children ages 2 to 5 (children not yet enrolled in Kindergarten) and their parent or caregiver. Chil-

dren learn about the Jewish holidays in an age-appropriate way, make crafts, sing and dance, and have a

GREAT time. This program is led by Jodi Markowsky and meets once a month from 9:30 to 10:30 on

Sunday mornings during the school year. And it is FREE to attend.

We ask that a parent or caregiver remain with the child during the class and that you bring a small

snack and drink. It is strongly encouraged that the snack be nut-free (i.e. no peanut butter products).

Playgroup dates: March 6 • April 5 • May 1

Call or email the office to reserve your spot! 203-426-5188 or office@congadathisrael.org

8

Tu B’Shevat

Photos by Leslie Murray

As we celebrate Tu B'Shevat, I asked my 5th Graders to write a little essay about Tu B'Shevat and I thought these would just put a smile on your face. "Leaves are like the hands of the world" – Spencer "Our kindness grows and spreads, such as a tree and its branches" – Sophie "We grow our happiness on trees, then G-d picks the fruit and sends the happi-ness back down on us" – Becca Bonnie Goldstein, 5th Grade Teacher

9

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE... Congregation Adath Israel is having a spring fundraiser!

10

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & EVENTS

THE JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Book Talks are underwritten by Marcie Schoenfeld in memory of her beloved parents Abraham and Rose Schoenfeld.

Location: Stamford JCC located at 1035 Newfield Avenue.

Programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments are served.

See website: http://www.jhsfc-ct.org/programs.html

March 16

ONCE MY NAME WAS SARA by I. Betty Grebenschikoff Presenter: Dr. Judith Katz

The story of a family that fled Nazi Germany to the only place that would take them: Shanghai, China.

11

… and let us not forget

IN MEMORIAM

Yahrzeits: March 2016

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office Phone: 203-426-5188

Rabbi Barukh Schectman rabbi@congadathisrael.org

Administrative Assistant: Susan Rubin office@congadathisrael.org

2015 – 2016 Officers of the Board

President: Bob Rubinstein president@congadathisrael.org

Vice - President: Amy Greenfield Vice - President: Rosalie Newman

Vice - President: Susan Wilson vicepresident@congadathisrael.org

Treasurer: Lauren DiMartino treasurer@congadathisrael.org

Secretary: Mark Silverman secretary@congadathisrael.org

Member at Large: Jim Arena Member at Large: Steven Bamberg

2015 – 2016 Committee Chairpersons

Birthday Books: Mardi Smith

Education Chairperson: David Smith educationchair@congadathisrael.org

School Parent Coordinator: Cara Tingley parentcoordinator@congadathisrael.org

Teen Volunteer Coordinator: Stacey Schumer

Federation Rep: (position available)

Fundraising: (position available)fundraising@congadathisrael.org

Honorarium: Susan Rubin office@congadathisrael.org

House: Mark Silverman house@congadathisrael.org

Membership: Jodi Markowsky membership@congadathisrael.org

Men’s Club: Tod Bogdanoff brotherhood@congadathisrael.org

Newsletter: Susan Rubin newsletter@congadathisrael.org

Programs: (position available)programs@congadathisrael.org

Publicity: Karen Klein publicity@congadathisrael.org

Ritual: Katherine Kohrman ritual@congadathisrael.org

Safety: David Wiener safetycommittee@congadathisrael.org

Sisterhood: Bonnie Goldstein sisterhood@congadathisrael.org

BRONZE MEMORIAL NAMEPLATE

If you wish to install a memorial nameplate in the sanctuary, please contact Susan Rubin at 203-426-5188 or

by email office@congadathisrael.org

ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEWSLETTER

Business card size: $10 monthly / $90 yearly

1/4 page: $15 mo. / $135 yr. 1/2 page: $25 mo. / $225 yr. Full page: $45 mo. / $405 yr.

Email: newsletter@congadathisrael.org

2 Mar 22 Adar Lily Greenblat

8 Mar 28 Adar David Steinfeld

8 Mar 28 Adar Ida Block

8 Mar 28 Adar Sarah Brier

9 Mar 29 Adar Harry Cohen

19 Mar 9 Adar II Maurice Nezvesky

21 Mar 11 Adar II Molly E. Sippin

22 Mar 12 Adar II Mildred Koffman

1 Mar 21 Adar Tillie Levy, Mother of Rosalind Berger

1 Mar 21 Adar William Kaye, Father of Gary Kaye

3 Mar 23 Adar Barbara Magilnick, Mother of Bonnie Goldstein and Bar-ry Magilnick

6 Mar 26 Adar Gert Carbonneau, Mother of Louise Gruber

11 Mar 1 Adar II Arthur Seligman, Father of Nanette Greene

16 Mar 6 Adar II Beth Greller, Sister of Susan Littlefield

21 Mar 11 Adar II Herbert Klein, Father of Karen Klein

26 Mar 16 Adar II Charles Weiss, Father of Florence Rubinstein

28 Mar 18 Adar II Shaul Kochwa, Father of Varda Kruman

30 Mar 20 Adar II Tina Leah Zucker, Grandmother of Jodi Bialik

12

HOST

AN ONEG

OR KIDDUSH

Hosting a Friday Oneg or Saturday Kid-dush is performing a Mitzvah for our community. After services is a time when we have a chance to slow down and catch up on the weekly events with our fellow congregants.

It’s not only a Mitzvah, but a way for you to celebrate an event in your fami-ly and share the good news with our congregation. Many people host to commemorate birthdays, anniver-saries, engagements, awards, gradua-tions, victories and other happy occa-sions. You may also host in memory of a loved one. Of course, you don’t need a reason to host and you may also buddy up and host with a friend.

If you wish to participate in this Mitz-vah or for more information, please e-mail the office at office@congadathisrael.org

Friday Oneg Dates Available

March 11, 18 April 29

May 6, 13, 20, 27 June 17, 24

August 12, 26

Saturday Kiddush Dates Available

May 21

Celebrate a special day with us!

Honor an achievement, birthday or anniversary. Do a mitzvah. Sponsor an

Oneg or Kiddush this year.

Reserve your date now!

DONATIONS

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to temple funds:

General Fund Steve Vine & Laura Goldstein

Caring Community Fund Amy Greenfield in memory of her parents, Estelle & Stephen Wienrib Bud & Bernice Ullmann in honor of Charles & Rosalind Berger's Anniver- sary Chuck & Rosalie Newman in memory of Alan Kaufman Mardi & David Smith in memory of Benjamin Finkelstein Susan & John Littlefield in memory of Beth Greller

Building Fund Barry & Robin Magilnick in memory of Barbara Magilnick

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Katherine Kohrman

Tree of Life Susan Littlefield

“LEAVE YOUR LEGACY ON THE TREE OF LIFE”

A great way to honor past and present

family members and friends

Large Leaf—$1800. each; Small Leaf—$180. each

Order forms available at the synagogue

or by emailing office@congadathisrael.org

THANK YOU

For sponsoring our February Kiddush & Onegs

Friday, February 5— the 5th grade families

Saturday, February 6—Senior Shabbat attendees

Friday, February 19—The Goldstein / Vine Family

Friday, February 26—School Families

13