Congregation B’nai Torah Megilla The Center Of Jewish Family Life In The Greater Trumbull Area Vol. 5772 Issue 3 April 2012 From the President’s Desk by Beverly Fein I am writing my Megilla mes- sage while preparing to leave tomorrow night on our Congregation's first-ever trip to Israel. As with most vaca- tions, preparing to travel is a hassle. Now don't get me wrong--I am a fre- quent traveler for business and a master at packing and planning. Indeed, I usually travel with everything in a carry-on piece of luggage. But preparing to go away involves so much more than packing. There is the mountain of work to be accomplished for my job before I fly (and the even more massive amount that will have piled up for me to address upon my return!). And there are so many wonderful and exciting things happening at B'nai Torah to be addressed right now: preparing for our Scholar in Residence Shabbat, getting ready for our May 20th Presidential Gala--and, especially, planning for the members of Beth Sholom to join us in a few months. I feel as if there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done so that I can travel. Maybe I will be so exhausted from this mad scramble that I will actually succeed in sleeping during the 12-hour flight! But this trip involves more than packing and organizing my work and shul responsibilities. It has been almost 30 years since my last trip to Israel, and I am preparing myself for the expe- rience-- reading and updating my knowledge of Israeli history, politics, culture-- how Israel has changed over the years, brushing up on my very rusty Hebrew language skills and check- ing the various travel guides for information about the sites, the restaurants, the shopping. I am curious to see how the trip impacts me emo- tionally and spiritually, because I am certainly a very different person than the newlywed I was on my last visit. I am incredibly excited to be traveling once again to Israel, and especially to be able to share this experience with other B'nai Torah members, my co-president, and with Rabbi Colin. And I look forward to sharing about our experiences on this trip through our blog and through conversations following our return from Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. This past Shabbat we read the Torah parsha Ki Tissa which begins with G-d telling Moses to take a census of the Israelite people. Each per- son is told to pay one half shekel. The term used is natnu -- from the word for giving. Giving this half shekel is required of all -- rich and poor alike. The act of giving is a mitzvah -- a com- mandment -- that allows the members of the community to be counted. But the term used also reinforces the importance of giving in Jewish tradition. Giving to assist others is important to the strength and success of our Jewish community -- and it allows us to stand up and be counted! A very interesting observation about this word is that it is a palindrome in Hebrew -- it reads the same from right to left or left to right: the Hebrew letters are Vav, Nun, Tav, Nun, Vav. If we consider the opposite or palindrome of to "give," it is to "receive." From this, we can infer that the act of giving is a two-way street -- when we give, we also have the opportunity to (continued page 2)
Transcript
Congregation B’nai Torah MegillaThe Center Of Jewish Family Life In The Greater Trumbull Area
Vol. 5772 Issue 3 April 2012
From the President’s Deskby Beverly Fein
I am writing my Megilla mes-sage while preparing to leavetomorrow night on ourCongregation's first-ever tripto Israel. As with most vaca-tions, preparing to travel is a
hassle. Now don't get me wrong--I am a fre-quent traveler for business and a master atpacking and planning. Indeed, I usually travelwith everything in a carry-on piece of luggage.
But preparing to go away involves so muchmore than packing. There is the mountain ofwork to be accomplished for my job before I fly(and the even more massive amount that willhave piled up for me to address upon myreturn!). And there are so many wonderful andexciting things happening at B'nai Torah to beaddressed right now: preparing for our Scholarin Residence Shabbat, getting ready for ourMay 20th Presidential Gala--and, especially,planning for the members of Beth Sholom tojoin us in a few months. I feel as if there are justnot enough hours in the day to get everythingdone so that I can travel. Maybe I will be soexhausted from this mad scramble that I willactually succeed in sleeping during the 12-hourflight!
But this trip involves more than packing andorganizing my work and shul responsibilities. Ithas been almost 30 years since my last trip toIsrael, and I am preparing myself for the expe-rience-- reading and updating my knowledgeof Israeli history, politics, culture-- how Israelhas changed over the years, brushing up on my
very rusty Hebrew language skills and check-ing the various travel guides for informationabout the sites, the restaurants, the shopping. Iam curious to see how the trip impacts me emo-tionally and spiritually, because I am certainly avery different person than the newlywed I wason my last visit. I am incredibly excited to betraveling once again to Israel, and especially tobe able to share this experience with other B'naiTorah members, my co-president, and withRabbi Colin. And I look forward to sharingabout our experiences on this trip through ourblog and through conversations following ourreturn from Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel.
This past Shabbat we read the Torah parsha KiTissa which begins with G-d telling Moses totake a census of the Israelite people. Each per-son is told to pay one half shekel. The term usedis natnu -- from the word for giving. Giving thishalf shekel is required of all -- rich and pooralike. The act of giving is a mitzvah -- a com-mandment -- that allows the members of thecommunity to be counted. But the term usedalso reinforces the importance of giving inJewish tradition. Giving to assist others isimportant to the strength and success of ourJewish community -- and it allows us to standup and be counted!
A very interesting observation about this wordis that it is a palindrome in Hebrew -- it readsthe same from right to left or left to right: theHebrew letters are Vav, Nun, Tav, Nun, Vav. If weconsider the opposite or palindrome of to"give," it is to "receive." From this, we can inferthat the act of giving is a two-way street -- whenwe give, we also have the opportunity to
(continued page 2)
Page 2 The Megilla April 2012
Editor's Greeting
Hello!
I am happy to introduce myself as the new co-editor of the Megilla. It is my pleasure andhonor to take over the responsibilities thatVince Woodward has handled so well until his
recent departure for his new job.
As a relatively new member of Congregation B'nai Torah, Ihave found it a joy to be a part of this community. I have feltwelcome and have gained personally from all that the syna-gogue has to offer. I came looking for more meaningfulinvolvement in my Jewish life. And I certainly have found ithere.
I invite everyone to submit ideas, articles and information tome for the Megilla. This publication if for the congregation andthe more we can include, the more we will be able to reflect allthe different facets of our shul. Have an idea for an article? Letme know! Is there a topic you would like to see addressed?Contact me and I will follow up. As Vince used to say, makethe Megilla yours!
I can be reached by phone at 203-880-9663 and by email at [email protected].
I look forward to hearing from and working with you.
Becca Huston
Israel Series
Thursday, May 3rd, 7:30 p.m., Gary Perl, Northeast RegionDirector of AFMDA -- American Friends of Magen DavidAdom - will speak on Israel’s preparedness for disaster.
This multi-part Israel Series has been organized by PaulAntell and the Israel Advocacy Committee.
To R.S.V.P. or for more information, contact Sharon in theSynagogue office, 203-268-6940 or [email protected].
From the President continued
receive -- to gain much -- fromthe act of helping others and our community. We experiencepersonal growth as we give sup-port; we gain satisfaction fromhelping others and from theprivilege of serving our commu-nity.
There are so many needs in oursynagogue and throughout theJewish community. We havefamilies with significant finan-cial needs due to health issues orloss of jobs. We will need a newboiler for our heating system. Wecontinue to provide upkeep andupgrading to our physical plant.We have opportunities to beauti-fy our synagogue through themitzvah of Hiddur Mitzvah --such as through donating thefunds to allow purchase of a newTorah reading table (Amud)cover, High Holiday Torah cov-ers, endowing or sponsoring aprogram or speaker -- and so, somany more.
I encourage you to find the needthat fits your interests. Thenstand up and be counted bygrasping both parts of the givingprocess!
Shalom,Bev
April 2012 The Megilla Page 3
A Dream of a Lifetime Comes Trueby Linda Colman
It has always been a dream of mine to visit Israel, so when justa year ago I read the email about the B'nai Torah trip, I knewI must act. Although somewhat reluctantly, my husband, Ken-not quite as excited-agreed to go. (The region's political uncer-tainties were his major concern. However, he felt absolutelysecure throughout the trip and enjoyed himself immensely.)
Since we have returned from this most amazing venture, wecannot stop talking about it. We visit the blog on a daily basis.Thank you so much, Jeff Levi, for all your hard work in put-ting together this wonderful travelogue so that we can take awalk down memory lane and also enable others who were noton the trip to share our experiences.
We took in so many sights, some found on the usual Israelitinerary, and others new and varied, not only to us but evento the well seasoned Israeli travelers. We shared so many emo-tions, ranging from the visit to Yad Vashem all the way to theAfula children's center where we had lunch and shared a craftactivity with the children. Space does not permit me to list allof my favorite sites, as each one has a special place in myheart.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our incredible tourguide, Yosi, who shared a wealth of knowledge throughoutour venture. Also, we remember those amazing Israeli break-fasts that served to get us going each morning-and we had acouple of real early starts. Lastly, the camaraderie that weshared with our fellow travelers is something we collectivelywill all remember.
This well planned trip was only made possible due to theefforts of Rabbi Colin, Anita Rosnick, and Paul Antel.Unfortunately Paul and his wife Gail could not attend butwere with us in spirit. We are all looking forward to thereunion with our fellow travelers on April 1 at which time wewill present a group donation to Rabbi's Discretionary Fundin gratitude to Rabbi Colin, Anita, and Paul.
In closing, thank you again to everyone who made my dreama reality. We wish everyone a Happy Passover. Next year inJerusalem!
Cards Sent by Rabbi &the Congregation
Jacob and Beth Tepper and Family,In memory of Yacov's mother,Shoshana Tepper
Steve and Ellen Mendell, Mazel Tovon son Jordan's engagement to MaraEisenbaum
Edward Finkelstein, Speedy recov-ery
Vince Woodward, Mazel Tov onnew job and thank you for being theMegilla's Editor
Gayle Frohwirth, In memory ofbrother, Mark Levenson
Russell & Robin Friedson, In memo-ry of Robin's mother, Rona Cohen
Norman & Marilyn Elias, Mazel Tovon birth of grandson, Jason
Robert & Ellen Zunick, Mazel Tovon birth of granddaughter
Mel & Judy Cooper, Mazel Tov onbirth of grandson Courtney Cooper
Davidson Family, In memory ofSeymour Davidson, father & grand-father
Howie & Karen Knepler, Mazel Tovon birth of son, Alexander
Gary & Julia Knepler, Mazel Tov onbirth of grandson, Alexander
Stacy & Ricky Weinstein, In memoryof Stacy's father & grandfatherDonald Mullin
Judy & Lee Gould, Speedy recovery
Page 4 The Megilla April 2012
Heels for Hope Fundraiserby Anita Rosnick
Our latest fundraiser was in preparation for our synagogue'sfirst ever trip to Israel. The Talmud Torah ran a contest toname the fundraiser and Amanda Brown ( grade 3) won.Mazal Tov to Amanda for her wonderful entry "Heels ForHope". B'nai Torah collected money from members and alsomembers friend's and families. We were delighted to handShlomo a check for $8,000.00 when we visited the EmunahChildren's Center in Afula. It was a very successful fundrais-er and we want to thank everyone who participated andespecially our members:
Talmud Torah students and their families, Paul & GaleAntell, Kenneth & Lori Berger, Lanny & Deborah Boles,Colin & Amanda Brodie, Sidney & Laura Cahn, Stephen &Barbara Cohen, Kenneth & Linda Colman, Jeffrey &Charlotte Denenberg, David & Susan Elkodsi, Michael &Beverly Fein, Arthur & Roz Friedman, Arthur Gold, Leon &Judith Gould, Richard and Marge Labinger, Jeff & Terri Levi,Manny & Bonny Lobel, Les & Jill Makaron, Sam & AudreyMarks, Melvyn & Nancy Mazer, Kitty Mendell, Steve &Ellen Mendell, Barry & Colleen Morris, Stuart & SusanNerenberg, Beverly & Irwin Peck, Herbert Rosenberg, Martin& Arlene Rosenberg, Neil & Randy Rosen, Harold & AnitaRosnick, Jonathan & Linda Schulman, J. Victor and EdnaStern, Joseph & Julie Tillotson, Peter and Margery Verlezza,Penny Volpe, Robert & JoAnne Weiss, Herbert & EleanoreYanowitz.
You are
cordially invited
to attend our
PresidentialGala
honoring all of our
past presidents,
and celebrating our
Jubilee Year
28th of Iyar 5772
Sunday,
May 20, 2012
6:00 pm
$90 per person --
$180 couple
April 2012 The Megilla Page 5
Purim Mishloach Manot Project A Major Successby Charlotte Denenberg
Many thanks to all of you for making B'nai Torah's Purim MishloachManot fundraiser a rousing success on many levels. Based on yourorders and those of your friends and families (Yes, we took ordersfrom many out-of-towners and friends of B'nai Torah members.), wedelivered almost 300 baskets, including baskets to all of the B'naiTorah collegiates for whom we had addresses and to those elderlyB'nai Torah members who reside in local nursing homes.
Besides being an operational success, this activity was also a successon the "ruach" level. In order to make the Mishloach Manot projecthappen, we had major technology assistance from Sharon Nagy whoproduced and coordinated enclosure cards and labels, as well as thebox inserts. Packaging was accomplished by Corine Koornhof-Scott,Terri Levi, Hilary Yellen, Matt Yellen, Jake Yellen, and Sharon Nagy,who filled the Mishloach Manot boxes with goodies andstuffed/addressed mailing boxes. Special thanks goes to Zach Yellen,who constructed all 200 shipping boxes and stacked them in a glori-ous pyramid that foreshadowed the holiday of Pesach.
This year's Mishloach Manot project would have been impossiblewithout MAJOR delivery assistance from Gale and Paul Antell (andtheir intimate knowledge of local geography), Linda Schulman, DianeFried, Beth Schwartz, David Elkodsi, Sharon Nagy, Joan Gorbach,Corine Koornhof-Scott, Beth Tepper, Janet Bass, Penny Volpe andeveryone else who took a few boxes to deliver locally. Special thanksto David Elkodsi, for creating a Trumbull Address Sort that spreadout the assignments for our drivers in an equitable fashion, and toLisa Knopf, who delivered to B'nai Torah's elderly members whoreside at the Jewish Home for the Elderly.
Watching it all unfold, I noticed that everyone involved with theMishloach Manot project was having a wonderful time-lots of smilesand kidding around as the task was being accomplished. Some vol-unteers enjoyed it so much that they helped more than once. Even thePost Office people got into the swing of things after they recoveredfrom the shock of seeing Corine Koornhof-Scott and me roll in with150 Priority Mail boxes to all points in the USA, including Hawaii.
Yasher Koach to all involved-your efforts gave pleasure to lots of sur-prised recipients, allowed many of us to fulfill a Purim mitzvah, andhelped to raise more than $2,800 for the shul.
Purim at B’naiTorahPictued above is BuzzLightyear (Rabbi Colin)and Rabbi Amanda atPurim services onMarch 7th. Photo cour-tesy of DebbieVelthuizen. More pho-tos on page 6.
Letter of GratitudeHow lucky I am to be amember of B'nai Torah.In my sorrow of losingmy nephew, Keith Vass,at too young an age, Ireceived a lovely notefrom the Congregationand the Sisterhood.
Thank you all for yourthoughtfulness!Mitzi Goldberg
Page 6 The Megilla April 2012
And a great time was hadby all! By Mara Fried
On Sunday, March 4, B'nai Torahheld its annual Purim Carnival,and Hersher Hall was filled withmerrymakers.
From the long, long line at the“Ping Pong Toss for Fish” table tothe bang of baseballs against plas-tic containers; from the laughter atthe “Pie in the Face” booth to thebright colors at the craft andmakeup tables; there was some-thing for everyone to enjoy.
I must thank Rabbi Colin, PennyVolpe and Beth Tepper for literal-ly stepping up to the plate andallowing students to give thempies in the face, adding greatly toeveryone's fun. A big thank youalso to Lisa and Scott Glazer forloaning us their pinball machineonce again - always one of thekids' favorites. Congrats to JacobBrosler for getting the highestscore this year!
The volunteers who made this daypossible were numerous, and Iknow I will accidentally leave outsome important names, so I apolo-gize in advance. My biggestthank-yous go to my co-chairsDebbie Wurms, Beth Tepper andMichelle Scinto. Morning meet-ings, night-time set-ups, and lotsof flexibility in time: these ladiesmade it all happen.
(continued next page)
B'nai Torah Nursery School By Joan Watnick
Nursery School wasfull of Purim books,puppets, masks, puz-zles and songs lastmonth. We learnedthe story of Purim,made crowns, grog-gers, masks, and sha-lach manot, and bakedhamantaschen forsnack. Our Megillareading and Purim party were both big successes.
At this time of year we enjoy sharing information about ourstudents' progress with their parents at the parent/teacherconferences.
We had a worthwhile workshop presented by Dr. JenniferHoldorf, N.D., on fostering healthy lifestyle habits in ourchildren. Our four-year-old class went on a field trip to theGymanstic Center and looks forward to a trip to the EMSCenter next. We enjoyed a visit from a dental hygienist fromDr. Dinkes' office. She taught us about healthy foods, caringfor our teeth,and what toexpect at adental check-up.
Registration isunderway forour 7-week(June 25 -August 10)camp pro-gram. Wehave a great time exploring a different theme each week.We have room for new friends at camp, and in next year'sclasses. Spread the word!
April 2012 The Megilla Page 7
Purim Carnival wrapup continued from page 6
Other special thank-yous go to the members of the 8th-gradeclass (including honorary member Mitch) who helped withplanning, set up, manning booths, and clean-up--definitelyolder students worth looking up to by the other classes. The7th graders also stepped up, offering to help out at booths sothe younger children could have more fun! Even some of the6th graders helped out!!!
And let's not forget the parents--the Belousovs, the Weinsteins,the Berkowitzes, the Knopfs, Randy Schulman, Wayne Brosler,Felice Devito, Grace Zweig, Jason Goldfarb (who also madeour newest game/challenge, the Electric Maze), and ourkitchen crew: Karen Money, Karen Pinsky, Jim Hirsch, AmyBauman, and Corine Koornhof. Let's not forget the cookie top-ping table set up by the B'nai Torah Sisterhood and coordinat-ed by Shelley Berman! Yum!
If you see any of these people, or anyone else who helped out,please thank them.
Don't forget, if you missed out on volunteering this year,there's always next year! And in case you were wondering,Michelle Lynch who won the 50/50, and Kayla Scinto's guesscame closest with the chocolate kisses! Congratulations toboth!
Deb V.'s Black & White Bean SaladAs served on Shabbat Across America
1 16 oz. can black beans * 1 cup white cannelini beans * 1 16oz. can kidney beans * ½ cup chopped red onion * 1 cupchopped green pepper * 1 cup chopped red pepper * 3chopped green onions * ½ tsp. dried parsley OR ½ cup freshparsley, finely chopped* ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro * 1 16oz. jar salsa (medium chunky) * 1/8 cup vinegar * 1/8 cup oliveoil
Drain all beans and rinse well. Mix all ingredients togetherexcept the oil and vinegar. Add oil and vinegar to this mix-ture sparingly to make sure there is not too much liquid. Addsalt and pepper to taste. Note: this recipe tastes great if youmake it and refrigerate overnight before serving. Garnishwith fat-free tortilla chips around the edge, and extra chips.
Sisterhood Newsby Debbie Velthuizen
Greetings!
Life at B'nai Torah has beenincredibly rich and full. Notmuch time for Sisterhood activi-ties, but we hope to squeeze insome dates for Rosh Chodeshmeetings and some trips,among other things.Unfortunate we weren't able todo Vashti's Feast this year, butwe hope to next year.
Thank you to everyone whohelped with the Shabbat AcrossAmerica. It was a fantastic suc-cess! We had about 140 peoplewho all ate well because of theefforts of those who come in tohelp.
"The Whipping Man" atHartford stage was quite pro-found and extremely well done.
The next Sisterhood meetingwill be on Sunday, June 10, at10:30 a.m. at B'Nai Torah.Dorothy Schoengood will speakon "Jewish Points of View onCapital Punishment." Therewill also be a brunch which willbe free of charge for allSisterhood members.
Sisterhood Shabbat is Friday,June 22 at 7:30 p.m. Talk withDebbie if you would like to par-ticipate.
Best wishes to all! See you at theshul!
Page 8 The Megilla April 2012
Spring Book Group Meeting to Feature Author Andree Aelion Brooks onSunday, May 6
Our spring Book Group meeting ismost fortunate to have author AndreeAelion Brooks coming to speak with usregarding her biography The WomanWho Defied Kings: The Life and Times ofDoña Gracia Nasi - A Jewish LeaderDuring the Renaissance. Doña GraciaNasi was an outstanding Jewish inter-national banker during theRenaissance. A courageous leader, sheused her wealth and connections to
operate an underground railroad that saved hundreds ofher fellow Spanish and Portuguese conversos (Jews whohad been forced to convert to Catholicism) from the horrorsof the Inquisition.
The Book Group will meet on Sunday, May 6th at 11 a.m.,at the JCC. This session is open to the community, so pleasebring your friends as we learn about this most interestingperiod in the life of Jews. The book can be purchased atBarnes & Noble or Amazon. A huge thank you goes out toDorothy Schoengood for the introduction to Ms. Brooks!
Author Andrée Aelion Brooks is a journalist, author andlecturer specializing in Jewish history topics. For 18 yearsshe was a contributing columnist and news writer for TheNew York Times. Brooks is an Associate Fellow at YaleUniversity and the founder and first president of theWomen's Campaign School at Yale. Brooks has receivednumerous honors, including the American Jewish Womanof Achievement award from the American JewishCommittee in 1990. In 2001, Brooks was singled out for aspecial award for her work in Sephardic Jewish History,from the Consulate General of Israel, in conjunction withthe American Sephardi Federation. In addition, in 2003 shereceived the Mark Twain Award from the Connecticut PressClub and was named a finalist in the National Jewish BookAwards for her biography of Nasi.
Talmud Torah recently reached outto the community by feeding thehungry in Bridgeport. Hunger doesnot stop there. Let's make a differ-ence again and show our supportby Walking for Life. Join our com-munity in Bridgeport and walk tofight Hunger.
The theme this year for the CROPHunger Walk is Walk for Life.Walk to help communities rebuildtheir homes after natural disasters,provide food supplies and muchmore. CROP, through ChurchWorld Services, works to eradicatehunger and poverty around theworld. Within Church WorldServices, there are many organiza-tions that support this cause. Yourdonations will be designated toMAZON, which means "food" or"sustenance" in Hebrew. Theorganization supports ChurchWorld Services and is A JewishResponse to Hunger. It is a nationalnonprofit organization dedicatedto preventing and alleviatinghunger among people of all faithsand backgrounds.
You can show your support in anyof the following ways:
* Raise funds (see Penny Volpe forDonation envelope)
(contniued page 11)
April 2012 The Megilla Page 9
Donations
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUNDDonation, from David & Barbara Green
To Yacov & Beth Tepper & Family, in memory ofShoshana Tepper, from Rosalind Belinkie
To Rabbi Colin, for prayers said for uncle, fromRosalind Belinkie
NURSERY SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUNDTo JoAnne Weiss, mazel tov on receiving theMuriel Frankel Award, from Marge & RichardLabinger
TALMUD TORAH FUNDTo Yacov & Beth Tepper & Family, in memory ofShoshana Tepper, from: Beverly & Irwin Peck &Family, Jennifer & Hugh Roden & Family, Anita& Harold Rosnick, Trina & Bill Berkowitz,Margery & Peter Verlezza, Charlotte & JeffreyDenenberg, Karen & Peter Tolk, Elaine &Richard Fattibene
MACHZORTo Mitch Arron, David & Michaela Arron,happy birthday Mitch, & in honor of Julia'sbaby naming, from Donna & Alan Gittleman &Family
To Yacov & Beth Tepper & Family, in memory ofShoshana Tepper, from Ed & Elaine Bader
Yahrzeit of Benjamin & Marcia Frankel, fromAlan Frankel, Benjamin & Steve
Yahrzeit of Paula Ricks, from Elias & MollySalama
To Dr. Richard & Gayle Frohwirth, in memoryof Mark Levenson, from: Beverly & Irwin Peck,Jason Peck, Rifka & Jeffrey Peck & Family,Jennifer & Hugh Roden & Family
GENERAL FUNDTo Linda Hershman, speedy recovery, fromCharlotte & Jeffrey Denenberg
To Paula Perlow, in memory of David Perlow,from Charlotte & Jeffrey Denenberg
To the Margaret Perlen Family, in memory, fromCharlotte & Jeffrey Denenberg
ARTS & EDUCATION FUNDTo Beverly & Michael Fein, mazel tov to Josh &Michal, from Margery & Peter Verlezza
To Dorothy Schoengood, speedy recovery, fromMargery & Peter Verlezza
To Paul Antell, speedy recovery, from Margery& Peter Verlezza
NEW CHUMASHYahrzeit of Saul Dannenberg & DebbyDannenberg Kita, from Karen & Todd Holson &Family
In honor of Morris Green, and in memory ofCharlotte Green, from Micah & Karen Green &Family
JEROME MENDELL FUNDTo Ellen & Steve Mendell, mazel tov on Jordan& Mara's engagement, from: Charlotte & JeffreyDenenberg, Beverly & Irwin Peck, Karen &Todd Holson & Family, Marge & RichardLabinger, Bonnie & Manny Lobel, Roberta & SyHirsch
To Kitty Mendell, mazel tov on Jordan & Mara'sengagement, from Roberta & Sy Hirsch
RITUAL FUNDFor honors received at Shabbat services, fromJay & Judith Kopstein
Page 10 The Megilla April 2012
Donations
KIDDUSH FUNDYahrzeit of Jacob Zeitz, from Fred & CharlotteZeitz
Yahrzeit of Hyman Lipschutz, from SandraWiener
Just a donation, from Steven Cousins
Yahrzeit of Sophie Chaiklen, from Fred &Charlotte Zeitz
Yahrzeit of Herman Brand, from Judith & AllenBrand
To Mrs. Muney, in memory of Joyce Cataino,from Barbara & Chuck Lipetz
To Ann Jennes, in memory of Jerry Ackerman,from Barbara & Chuck Lipetz
To Phyllis Medvidow, in memory of LechMedvidow, from Barbara & Chuck Lipetz
To Shelley Lindenauer & Family, in memory ofClaire Segal, from Harriet & David Goldstein &Family
Yahrzeit of Ed Wiener & Rachel, from SandraWiener
A yahrzeit, from Bob & Janet Bass
To Charlotte Zeitz, get well, from Debbie,Robert, Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
To Roz Belinkie, get well, from Debbie, Robert,Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
To Ed Finkelstein, get well, from Debbie,Robert, Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
To Don Pollack, get well, from Debbie, Robert,Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
To Eileen Kaplin, get well, from Debbie, Robert,Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
To Marilyn Rosenberg, get well, from Debbie,Robert, Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
To Sy Davidson, thinking of you, from Debbie,Robert, Anneke & Vincent Velthuizen
Yahrzeit of Aron Goryn, from Charlotte &Jeffrey Denenberg
For honors received at Shabbat service, from Jay& Judith Kopstein
Yahrzeit of Max Rose, from Robert & DeborahSchneider
HANDLEMAN FUNDIn memory of Howard & Beatrice Handleman,Jerome Handleman, & Abe Kantrowitz, fromAaron & Sandra Handleman
April 2012 The Megilla Page 11
What Is A Rabbi?By Shirley Cohen
How many times have you wondered what a rabbi really is?What are his duties? Are there rules and regulations that hemust follow? Who sets the rules? What does it take to be aConservative rabbi?
We had discussed some of this with our Rabbi at ourTuesday Lunch & Learn class. We all knew that a rabbi isknown for being a teacher. I don't know about you, but Ithink that we all expect more than that. Why should we? Sonaturally I went to find out more from my computer.
Here are some of my findings; A rabbi has no more author-ity to perform rituals than any other adult member of theJewish community. A priest (kohen) is a descendent ofAaron, charged with performing various rites in connectionwith religious rituals. Although a kohen can be a rabbi, arabbi is not required to be a kohen.
A rabbi is a teacher, a person sufficiently educated inhalakhah (Jewish law) and who traditionally teaches thecommunity. The rabbi also answers questions and resolvesdisputes regarding halakhah. He then is given a documentcalled a semikah. A rabbi's role is to minister to the Jewishcommunity, leading services and dealing with many admin-istrative matters concerning the synagogue.
A Conservative rabbi is an authority on issues of Jewish law,Conservative responsa literature both traditional and mod-ern, Jewish works on theology and philosophy, plus pas-toral care and psychology, the historical development ofJudaism and academic biblical criticism. A worthy successorto a sacred legacy!
I know our rabbi is much more. He knows how to dealeffectively with our children and their parents. Who do wego to when a family member is ill or has passed away? Whoalways knows what to say when that type of comfort isneeded? There is also something that I as an individualadmire: a good sense of humor. Need I say more? . . . but Iwill. We are most fortunate to have Rabbi Colin as our ownteacher and leader.
CROP Walk continued
* Be a Sponsor-Donation to CROP(checks payable to CWS/CROP,envelope in the synagogue office)or on line www.churchworldser-vice.org/goto/tbsholom. * Show your support by walkingon May 6th at 1:30 in Bridgeport.
This year Temple Beth Sholom andCongregation B'nai Torah are com-bining our efforts to show our sup-port. All of us, One Step at a time,can make a significant difference inTikkun Olam, Healing the World.
For more information and toobtain a donation envelope pleasecall Penny Volpe at 203-270-7653 oremail: [email protected].
CONGREGATION B’NAI TORAH5700 MAIN STREETTRUMBULL, CT 06611Return Service Requested
Tuesday, May 1, 12:00 p.m. Lunch & Learn
Thursday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. AFMDA Speaker
Saturday, May 5, 9:15 a.m. Harrison Kanik BarMitzvah
Friday, May 11, Emunotes Dinner &Performance, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 12, 9:15 a.m. VeronicaDergachev Bat Mitzvah
Sunday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. Talmud TorahMother's Day Breakfast
Sunday, May 20: Presidential Gala, 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 24, 7:30 p.m. GeneralMembership Meeting
Friday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. Grade 8 Graduation
Saturday, May 26 Shavuot Seudah Shlishit 6:00p.m., Study Session 7:30 p.m., Services 9:00 p.m.
Calendar of Events Social Action Committee & theTalmud Torah Work Together toReach Out to OthersBy Mara Brosler
Social Action and the Talmud Torah had twoactivities scheduled for March.
On March 18th, we packed backpacks forBridgeport children; we are still in need ofstaples such as macaroni and cheese, crack-ers, tuna, pop tarts, and canned fruit. Or youcan just purchase Stop & Shop scrip fromRobert and give it to us, thereby performinga double mitzvah!
We had a big day on March 25th, when wewill made and served a meal to the homeless,and, with the help of 9th graders, also held afood drive at the Trumbull Stop & Shop. Itwas a highly productive day!
