TEMPLE ISRAEL CHRONICLE OCTOBER 2010 WHERE COMMUNITY BECOMES FAMILY Between You and Me… By Rabbi Robert Orkand L ast spring I was challenged by a member of the Congregation who suggested that because Israel is always being threatened, both physically and by attempts to delegitimize the Jewish state, I needed to understand that Israel has no choice but to live by the sword, that there is no alternative. I was reminded of a wonderful legend in which there is revealed a voice from Heaven that says to the people, “Either you choose the sword or you choose the Book. You’ve got to choose.” I reject that choice. I reject it because it destroys the very essence of Jewish life. To break the sword, to cast it away is irresponsible and suicidal. But what am I going to do with the Book? Should we cast it away? All of this remarkable, soft, empathic intelligence, this ethics, this grandeur of moral purpose from Genesis to Malachi? Should I excise the heroic wisdom from the biblical Book of Proverbs? Listen, should I teach this to your children, or not: “If your enemy falls, do not exult, if he trips, let your heart not rejoice, lest the Lord see it and be displeased.” And it goes on, in the same chapter, in the same Book: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” What do you mean, I must choose the sword or the Book? I must choose to split Judaism and Zionism? Zionism from Judaism? That I fall into that “either- or” trap? Absolutely not. I ask for “both-and.” I ask for the bullets and the Bible, the rifle and Rashi, the tank and the Torah, the missile and the Messiah, and the dagger and the dream. A nd I cry when I’m victorious. Because I am not going to sever the body from the soul, or the soul from the body. Do I want to be like them? Do I want my children to fire rifles in the air after there’s an explosion of a Muslim mosque or a madrassa? Do I want to be like my enemies? Do I want to praise God and behead my enemy? Do I want to aim my missiles directly at civilians? I do not want to be them. I do not want my children to be them. I do not want my grandchildren to be them. I do not want to teach hate in sorrow, and must kill the hooded predator…but at the same time I cannot rob them of the great sense of Jewish tragedy. I read in the Talmud — sages understood it — “Once you give the angel of death a sword, that angel will not distinguish between the good and the bad, between the righteous and the evil.” Today, we hold the Book and the sword in one hand, in our grasp. And neither the sword nor the Book may be allowed to fall. But tomorrow, we will break the sword into ploughshares, and the iron spears into pruning hooks, because they will not be our enemies forever. They cannot be our enemies forever. We know the greatness of our people, the genius of Avot ha rebbe Natan, who said, “Who is strong, who is a hero? He who makes out of our enemy our friend.” We will fight them, we will not let them destroy us, we will not let them kill our children. But we will not forget who we are and who we are meant to be. I s Israel perfect? Not by a long shot, as demonstrated by the recent misguided and damaging battle over a conversion bill that would severely compromise whatever unity there is within the world-wide Jewish community. I could think of lots of examples of bad leadership decisions. But you know what— and let me be very clear: Nothing will ultimately separate me from my people and from the nation that is an integral part of my Judaism. The people of Israel are members of my extended family, and nothing or no one will ever change that. That is my bottom line. Look at our brothers and sisters in Israel. How do they manage to do it under the barrage of constant threats? Under the effort of the enemy to disrupt the normalcy of life, to break their will to live, to question Israel’s right to exist. To cast us into the darkness of despair. You remember, not long ago, they bombed a wedding hall and a disco dancing place, and on the next day Hebrew placards emerged with the same message: “We will not stop dancing. We will not stop singing. We will not stop laughing. We will not stop hoping. We will not stop dreaming.” This is the great Jewish Zionist revolution. You want to celebrate? Then learn a dance, sing a song, dream a dream, and fill up the cup of Elijah and rejoice. Am Yisrael Chai—We live. The people of Israel are members of my extended family, and nothing or no one will ever change that.
Transcript
Page 1
Temple israel chronicle
ocTober 2010 Where communiTy becomes Family
Between You and Me…By Rabbi Robert Orkand
Last spring I was challenged by a member of the Congregation who suggested that because Israel is always being threatened, both physically and
by attempts to delegitimize the Jewish state, I needed to understand that Israel has no choice but to live by the sword, that there is no alternative. I was reminded of a wonderful legend in which there is revealed a voice from Heaven that says to the people, “Either you choose the sword or you choose the Book. You’ve got to choose.”
I reject that choice. I reject it because it destroys the very essence of Jewish life. To break the sword, to cast it away is irresponsible and suicidal. But what am I going to do with the Book? Should we cast it away? All of this remarkable, soft, empathic intelligence, this ethics, this grandeur of moral purpose from Genesis to Malachi? Should I excise the heroic wisdom from the biblical Book of Proverbs? Listen, should I teach this to your children, or not: “If your enemy falls, do not exult, if he trips, let your heart not rejoice, lest the Lord see it and be displeased.” And it goes on, in the same chapter, in the same Book: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
What do you mean, I must choose the sword or the Book? I must choose to split Judaism and Zionism? Zionism from Judaism? That I fall into that “either-or” trap? Absolutely not. I ask for “both-and.” I ask for the bullets and the Bible, the rifle and Rashi, the tank and the Torah, the missile and the Messiah, and the dagger and the dream.
And I cry when I’m victorious. Because I am not going to sever the body from the soul, or the soul from the body. Do I want to be like them? Do I want my children to fire
rifles in the air after there’s an explosion of a Muslim mosque or a madrassa? Do I want to be like my enemies? Do I want to praise God and behead my enemy? Do I want to aim my missiles directly at civilians? I do not want to be them. I do not want my children to be them. I do not want my grandchildren to be them. I do not want to teach hate in sorrow, and must kill the hooded predator…but at the same time I cannot rob them of the great sense of Jewish tragedy. I read in the Talmud — sages understood it — “Once you give the angel of death a sword, that
angel will not distinguish between the good and the bad, between the righteous and the evil.”
Today, we hold the Book and the sword in one hand, in our grasp. And neither the sword nor the Book may be allowed to fall. But tomorrow, we will break the sword into ploughshares, and the iron spears into pruning hooks, because they will not be our enemies forever. They cannot be our enemies forever. We know the greatness of our people, the genius of Avot ha rebbe Natan, who said, “Who is strong, who is a hero? He who makes out of our enemy our friend.” We will fight them, we will not let them destroy us, we will not let them kill our children. But we will not forget who we are and who we are meant to be.
Is Israel perfect? Not by a long shot, as demonstrated by the recent misguided and damaging battle over a conversion bill that would severely compromise whatever unity there is
within the world-wide Jewish community. I could think of lots of examples of bad leadership decisions. But you know what—and let me be very clear: Nothing will ultimately separate me from my people and from the nation that is an integral part of my Judaism. The people of Israel are members of my extended
family, and nothing or no one will ever change that. That is my bottom line.
Look at our brothers and sisters in Israel. How do they manage to do it under the barrage of constant threats? Under the effort of the enemy to disrupt the normalcy of life,
to break their will to live, to question Israel’s right to exist. To cast us into the darkness of despair. You remember, not long ago, they bombed a wedding hall and a disco dancing place, and on the next day Hebrew placards emerged with the same message: “We will not stop dancing. We will not stop singing. We will not stop laughing. We will not stop hoping. We will not stop dreaming.”
This is the great Jewish Zionist revolution. You want to celebrate? Then learn a dance, sing a song, dream a dream, and fill up the cup of Elijah and rejoice.
Am Yisrael Chai—We live.
The people of Israel are members of my extended family, and nothing or no one will ever change that.
Page 2
October Schedule of ServicesFriday, October 1 5:15 PM TGIS Family Erev Shabbat Service 7:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday, October 2 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 9:00 AM TGIS Tot Shabbat 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah of Gabriel Pensak
Friday, October 8 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service In honor of Rita Appel, immediate past president, and Volunteer Honor Shabbat
Saturday, October 9 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service Bat Mitzvah of Sammi Tompkins
Friday, October 15 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday, October 16 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service B’not Mitzvah of Daniela Karpenos and Samantha Karpenos
Friday, October 22 5:15 PM TGIS Family Erev Shabbat Service/ Synaplex with Dan Nichols 7:15 PM Erev Shabbat Service with Dan Nichols
Saturday, October 23 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 9:00 AM TGIS Tot Shabbat with Dan Nichols 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service B’not Mitzvah of Emily Phillips and Samantha Phillips
Friday, October 29 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday, October 30 9:00 AM Minyan/Torah Study 11:15 AM Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah of Daniel Pauker
Weekly Torah Portions October 2 Bereshit Gen. 1:1-6.8October 9 Noach Gen. 6:9-11:32 October 16 Lech L’cha Gen. 12:1-17:27October 23 Vayeira Gen. 18:1-22:24October 30 Chayei Sarah Gen. 23:1-25:18
Come in!Hang out - Relax - Read - Socialize
Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of our newly-refurbished library.
Bring your laptop and surf the Internet via free wireless access.
Browse through our online catalog for books/topics of interest. (www.library.tiwestport.org). Use the books in the library or check them out and take them home.
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. 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. Let the Temple office know how many people you will be bringing to the walk. If you are participating on another team, the TI Women’s Group wants to recognize your participation; please 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).
Geri Smiles Named Interim Director of Early Childhood Center
We are pleased to welcome Geri Smiles as the Interim Director for our Early Childhood Center. Geri brings with her eight years of teaching at our ECC followed by nine years as the Director of the preschool at The Conservative Synagogue. We are thrilled to see Geri back in our hallways! Please stop by the office and say hello...
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Messages
Cantor’s ColumnBy Cantor Richard Silverman
During October I am scheduled to attend meetings of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism and the American Conference of Cantors. About a year after Hurricane Katrina, I spent a few days in New Orleans visiting a number of sites that were decimated. This time the Commission is returning to New Orleans
to examine the effects of the oil spill on the area. I have been attending meetings of the Commission twice a year for about 20 years. I meet with a group of dedicated Jews who come from all over the United States to hear presentations on social issues. Each task force develops resolutions that are presented to the board of the Union of Reform Judaism and then they are brought to the URJ Biennial Convention where these resolutions are voted on by the multitude of representatives who attend. We work very closely with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Prior to our meetings we receive briefings by the legislative assistants so we can examine what prior resolutions were passed, current issues on the agenda and the Jewish perspective of each issue. I am on the domestic task force because I am concerned about issues that affect us as individuals such as food safety, substance abuse prevention and civil rights.
There are many times that we can feel helpless in our world. The Commission is a place where I am surrounded by like minded people who hope to make a difference. This is the reason why I am glad that I have been elected to the Executive Board of the American Conference of Cantors. My profession, like so many others, is feeling the economic stress that permeates our society. Cantors are finding that positions offered are for limited service. This usually means a position without benefits. There are a number of cantors who are jobless or who have been informed that their position is being eliminated entirely. Music is being provided by song leaders who lack the training of those of us who have attended cantoral schools. As a representative from the east, meaning greater New York, my goal is to reach out to the cantors who have not attended conventions in the last few years. Some have retired and need financial assistance. Others don’t feel engaged with others in our profession for a number of reasons.
In the Reform movement, cantors have a more visible presence than ever before. In November, a group of cantors will be doing a concert at the Vatican in Rome. We are continuing to interpret the prayers that we recite through song in both traditional and new ways. I am proud to be your cantor and I want my colleagues to have a similar experience in their congregations.
New Year - New You Caring CommitteeBy Judy Small, Caring Committee Chair
The Jewish High Holy Days were a time to reflect and also explore ways in which we can enrich our lives. As Jews we are encouraged to help others, do a mitzvah, and by doing so we improve our own quality of life. Many mitzvah opportunities are provided by the Caring Committee for you.
Join the extraordinary group of compassionate men and women of all ages whose goal is to support those in our community who are in need. Deliver a meal, plan a program, make a shiva call, write a note or make a phone call. Do it once or do it more, it is up to you.
If you or someone who is a Temple member is in need, please let us know. You may be the only one to inform us when he or she wants and needs our support.
Special thanks to Carla Menikoff, who recently facilitated another Partners’ Bereavement Group.
Andrea F e i n a n d Dorothy Abrams, pictured here, were honored at the annual luncheon in May. All of our volunteers were invited to this event t o t h a n k them for the exceptional w o r k t h e y h a v e d o n e throughout the year.
Upcoming meetings are Friday, October 1 at Temple Israel at 9:30 AM, and Thursday, January 13, 2011, at 7:30 PM. If you cannot attend but are interested in participating please contact Judy Small, Chairperson, at [email protected] or call 203-227-2281.
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Worship and Study Together
Thank GOODnESS ] iT’S ShabbaT (T.G.I.S.)T.G.i.S. Family Services Erev Shabbat, 5:15 PMFirst Service: October 1
Please join us for T.G.I.S. Family Services the first Friday of every month at 5:15 PM. 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 AMFirst Service: October 2
Experience 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.
Temple to Honor Rita Appel and Honor AwardeesFriday evening, October 8 at 6:30 PM
On Friday night, October 8 at 6:30 PM, Temple Israel will honor Rita Appel, immediate Past President, for her leadership and many accomplishments during her years as a Temple leader. In addition, the Temple will present special awards to two individuals and a committee who have significantly impacted the life of our Congregation. Receiving the Shofar Award will be Dorothy Abrams, who during her many years of Temple membership has volunteered tirelessly on a number of committees. Jacob Navon will be presented with the President’s Award, given to a Board member who has distinguished himself or herself through extraordinary leadership on the Temple’s Board. And, receiving the Meritorious Service Award will be the Temple’s Library Committee because of their dedication and devotion in making our Library one of the best Jewish libraries in Connecticut.
A special Oneg will follow the Shabbat service on October 8 to celebrate the contributions of these dedicated leaders and volunteers.
SYNAPLEX SHABBAT With Special Musical Guest DAN NiCHOLSCome When You Want; Choose What You Like! Celebrate Shabbat The Way YOU Want! Friday evening, October 22 at 5:15 PM
Dan Nichols, our 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.
Erev Shabbat, Friday, October 22FOr aDulTS 6:00-7:15 PM Adult Only Shabbat Dinner 6:45-7:15 PM Wine and Cheese Reception7:15 PM Shabbat Service with Dan NicholsAfter Shabbat Service…Fine Affordable Wine Tasting Oneg
FOr TwEEnS anD TEEnS 6:00-7:15 PM Teens and Tweens Shabbat Dinner 7:15 PM Shabbat Service with Dan Nichols8:15 PM Movie Night (grades 4-7) with adult supervision 8:15 PM TISY Program 10:30 PM TISY Shul-in
FOr YOunG FamIlIES 5:15 PM Family Shabbat Service with Dan Nichols 6:00-7:15 PM Family Shabbat Dinner 6:00-7:15 PM Mitzvah project: Fleecy Fun! Make fleece hats and scarves for those in need
Shabbat Morning, Saturday, October 23 at 9:00 AM9:00 AM Special Tot Shabbat with musical guest, Dan Nichols
Synaplex Shabbat brings together Jews from 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.
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What’s Happening
FOR ADULTS ]Jewish-Arab Relations in Palestine, 1881-1948Martin SachsSunday, October 17 at 10:00 aM
Please join us as Marty Sachs, a long-standing member of Temple Israel and independent scholar of Judaism, returns to the Adult Jewish Learning program with an exploration of developments in Zionism and Palestine during the period 1881-1948. Marty’s talk will focus on the early history of Zionism, the Zionist reactions to the growth of the Arab national movement, and the different proposals for development of a Jewish state in Palestine. Those state proposals eventually led to the 1947 United Nations partition plan and then to the establishment of the State of Israel, May 14, 1948.
Marty Sachs is a retired physicist and computer scientist who now takes courses in Judaic Studies at Yale through the alumni audit program. He has been a member of Temple Israel since 1977, where he served on the Board for 12 years as chairman of the Ritual Committee and then secretary and vice president. He currently maintains the Temple’s policy history.
Mom’s Night Out(Hosted by the Women’s Group)Grades K-2, Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00 PMGrades 3-5, Wednesday, October 20 at 7:00 PMGrades 6-8, Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00 PMGrades 9-12, Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00 PM
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.
New & Prospective Member Cocktail PartySaturday, October16 at 7:00-9:00 PM
New to Temple Israel? Join us for a cocktail party at the home of Diana & David Muller and let us welcome you to your new synagogue community. This will be a wonderful opportunity for adults to meet and talk with our clergy, staff and board at a current member’s home. Know of someone interested in learning more about Temple Israel? Put us in touch with them so we can send them an invitation! E-mail Deborah Greenberg, TI’s new Membership Chair, at: [email protected].
Singles on the GoSunday, October 10 at 11:00 aM
The next event for this active 50+ singles group will be held on Sunday, October 10 at 11:00 AM at Temple Israel.
There will be a delicious brunch and lots of fun to welcome the Jewish New Year 5771. For more information contact Agnes Vertes at [email protected].
“Hubble, Judaism, and the Universe: How Scientific Discovery and Religious Conviction Can Co-Exist”Sunday, October 24 at 9:30 aMBreakfast is free and included. RSVP to 227-1293.
Join us to discuss the “space” where science and spirituality intersect.
The Temple Israel Men’s Group is sponsoring an enlightening presentation that centers on the Hubble Space Telescope. Award-winning filmmaker David Gaynes, and Temple Israel Bar Mitzvah (1990), will facilitate a two-part discussion that includes a world-renowned astronomer and an engineer who built Hubble. David also will preview his upcoming documentary, Saving Hubble.
This event is for the whole family and your friends. Feel free to invite anyone, but please RSVP.
This will be part one (part two is tentatively scheduled for November 3 or 4). We will focus on the development and continuing saga of Hubble. This telescope is a miraculous scientific achievement. It has offered a spectacular view into the cosmos, spurred our imagination, provided valuable scientific insight, and ignited heated debate along the way.
In part two, Rabbi Orkand will join David to discuss how science and religion can co-exist. In the days of Copernicus and Galileo, scientists feared for their lives if their discoveries conflicted with doctrine. Today, we are more accommodating…but not completely.
Contemporary Jewish Writers Book GroupTuesday, October 19 at 1:00 PM
Temple Israel’s Contemporary Jewish Writers Book Group begins its 2010-11 season on Tuesday, October 19 at 1:00 PM with a fascinating debut novel, Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling, a finalist for the 2009 National Jewish Book Award. Set in Paris during WWII, the story revolves around a son’s quest to recover his family’s lost masterpieces looted by the Nazis during the occupation of France.
Please join our monthly gatherings for lively, intellectually stimulating discussions on the finest Jewish literature. Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm. CJW Book Group discussion leaders are Karin Beitel, Freda Easton and Harriet Selverstone. For more information, please contact Karin Beitel at [email protected].
Contemporary Jewish Writers Book Group 2010-11 CalendarOctober 19-Pictures at an Exhibition, Sara Houghteling;November 16 -Rashi’s Daughters, Book II: Miriam, Maggie Anton; December 21-Homesick, Eshkol Nevo; January 18-My Father’s Paradise: A Son’s Search for his Family’s Past, Ariel Sabar; March 15-The Invisible Bridge, Julie Orringer; and April – June TBA
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Education Matters
Seeing the World through a Jewish LensBy Karin BeitelDirector of Education
The Religious School experience is designed to help students cultivate a strong Jewish identity defined by Jewish values and to foster a deep connection to their Jewish community. Teachers guide their students on this path by providing them with Hebrew language instruction, opportunities to explore the meaning of our Jewish texts, exposure to Jewish celebrations, ritual, culture and customs and actively encouraging ethical and moral life choices. We try to keep our students interested and engaged in their Jewish education from Kindergarten through twelfth grade, so we are always developing new ideas and searching for new methods to keep Jewish learning fresh and relevant.
We are very excited to introduce a new program this year for our 8-9th grade Tuesday night TI High students that will employ a creative and artistic approach to the exploration of Jewish identity, values and community. Beginning in October, TI High students and their peers from The Conservative Synagogue will join together to participate once a month in the Jewish Lens program. Using the medium of photography the program is designed “to engage students actively in learning about the values that are important in their Jewish community.”
Based on the work of photographer Zion Ozeri, who has documented life in Jewish communities around the world, students will participate in exercises meant to tap into their intellect and emotions in order to help them to express their own opinions and attitudes about their Jewish values and community. The monthly sessions will help students to develop skills in visual literacy, Jewish text study and photography. The program will culminate with an exhibition of the students’ own photographs.
We hope that the Jewish Lens proves to be a compelling and meaningful project that will offer our teens in TI High an additional avenue for exploring and developing their personal connections to Judaism. We look forward to working to make this new program a great success for our students.
For more information about the program you can visit the Jewish Lens website at www.jewishlens.org.
Radical Parenting with Youthologist and Author, Vanessa Van PettenTuesday, October 5 at 7:30 PM
Are you asking yourself questions like, “How do I connect with my digital teen?” “How do I show my teenager that Judaism is important me and I want it to be important
to them?” “How do I get my teenager to listen to me?” “How do I help my teen succeed?”
Youthologist and author, Vanessa Van Petten will be here on Tuesday, October 5 to help answer some of these very questions. A young Jewish entrepreneur, Miss Van Petten’s mission in establishing www.RadicalParenting.com is to improve parent-teen relationships by providing them with new perspectives, stories and neutral places to communicate. She helps families institute values and build strong relationships that promote healthy attitudes and lifestyle behaviors in this generation of young adults.
Parents of teens and soon-to-be-teens are invited to attend the parenting session open to all at 7:30 PM. Registered TI High students will have a private session with Miss Van Petten beginning at 6:30 PM. For more information about Miss Van Petten visit www.RadicalParenting.com. For information about the evening’s program contact Leah Schechter at [email protected].
Upcoming Youth Events!Check out what’s happening for our Youth in October!
Sunday, October 3 at NoonMItY: MITY Kick-off event. Start off the year with a great trip and all of your MITY friends!Wednesday, October 6 at 6:00 PMKatanty45: Katanty45 Kick-off event. This event will be all about ancient Egypt. Come transport yourself back to the days of the pyramids with Katanty45!
Sunday, October 17 at NoonKatanty23: Katnanty23 Kick-off event. Start off your year by getting to know all of the other members of Katanty23!
Friday, October 22 at 6:15 PM to Saturday, October 23 at 8:45 AMtISY: TISY is having a shul-in! We’ll join the congregation for dinner and services lead by Dan Nichols, and then we’ll have a wonderful evening with TISY.
Friday, October 29 at 3:00 PM to Sunday, October 31 at 3:00 PMNFtY: The first NFTY event of the year is Fall Kallah, and it’s this weekend! Come meet other Jewish teens from around the New York Area and spend a fun weekend getting to know them.
Coming in November:MItY: MITY will celebrating Election Day, with a dinner on Monday, November 1.Katanty45 and tISY: Katanty45 and TISY will celebrate Election Day, each in their own way, so look for more details coming soon.
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Sharing Our Lives: Donations
Adult Jewish LearningStan and Phyllis Groner in memory of Rachel GronerSternheim-Gardner Family in memory of Selma Sternheim
Art FundVivian Rosenzweig Edelman in memory of Anne MargolisKay and Alan Nudelman in memory of Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Lanny Gans
Fine Arts FundLawrence Zlatkin and Maureen Whiteman
Cantor Silverman’s Discretionary FundSheila and Stephen Israel in memory of Edith Israel
Caring CommitteeEllen Wisser in memory of Allen WisserJane and Bernie Perry in memory of Jennie Nunes VazAudrey and Ira Tumpowsky in memory of Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Lanny GansSheila and Steve Israel in honor of Joyce Orkand and good healthAmy and Harris Diamond in memory of Robert Simon
Carol Schoke Rothke Nursery School FundElayne and Jim Schoke in memory of Carol Schoke Rothke
Elaine Gastwirt College Outreach FundLinda and Lanny Gans in memory of Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Lanny GansSheila and Steve Israel in memory of Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Lanny Gans
Fund for Jewish ContinuitySusan and Stanley Witkow in honor of the engagement of Deb Charney and Rob Sobelman
Grandparents FundAmy, Arty, Joshua, Hayley and Jared Buckman in honor of Jamie Tanzer’s Bat MitzvahSusan and Stanley Witkow in honor of the birth of Marcus Julian Mittleman “Welcome Marcus”Ruth and Marty Lipset in memory of Lillian LipsetBarbara Vinograd in memory of my beloved mother, Marley LefkowitzBarbara and Joel Beaman in memory of Ann BeamanAlan Kassan in memory of Evelyn KassanSheila and Steve Israel in honor of the birth of Eli Adam Kantor, grandson of Avonne and Myles SeidemanThe Seideman Family in memory of our beloved mother and grandmother, Beatrice Pakula
Library Book FundIn honor of Emily Finder’s fourth birthdayIn honor of Nathan Finder’s second birthday
Memorial GardenSuzan and Philip Gaynes in memory of Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Lanny Gans
Rabbi Alex Schindler Lecture FundConnie Beskind in honor of the marriage of Elisa Schindler and Larry Frankel
Rabbi B.T. and Suzanne Rubenstein Lecture FundConnie Beskind in honor of Bob Rubenstein’s birthday
Rabbi Mendelson’s Discretionary FundLeslie Eisen Abrams in memory of Marilyn Eisen
Rabbi Orkand’s Discretionary FundSusie and Todd Blumenfeld in memory of Edith Carol Harris, mother of Amy HarrisRuth and Marty Lipset in memory of Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Lanny GansJoan Slosberg in memory of my father, Frank ShidlerLindsey, Scott and Nick Weinstein in memory of Alan D. WeinsteinKay and Alan Nudelman in honor of the marriage of Kate and Seth OrkandDennis Poster in memory of Marvin PosterSheila and Steve Israel in honor of the marriage of Kate and Seth OrkandEileen and Carl Glickman in honor of our children and grandchildren
Religious School FundSusan, Robert and Rachel Yules in memory of Lillian Chrein
Ruth P. Zimmers Concert FundJoyce and Bernie Zimmerman in honor of Dori Rose
Torah StudyLisa and Tony Pesco in memory of Irving Becker
Tzedakah FundSusan and Stanley Witkow in honor of Deb Charney and Robert Sobelman, Mazel Tov and every happinessEthan and Jane Shapiro in memory of Charles J. ShapiroGeorge Venizelos in memory of my wife, Michele VenizelosMelissa and Ed Diamond and Family in memory of our aunt, Lydia Blatte ZinmanMelissa and Ed Diamond and Family in honor of Georgiana Sandberg’s, recoveryStuart P. Kaye in memory of Marvin L. KayeEric and Kim Wiener
Youth Program Enhancement FundAudrey and Nat Magida in memory of Edith MagidaDan and Nancy Magida in memory of Abram Magida
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Sharing Our Lives: B’nai Mitzvah
B’nai Mitzvah October 2010October 2
Gabriel Lawrence PensakEve and Steve PensakFor his community service, Gabriel has chosen to cook, deliver and help serve meals to men and women at the Gillespie Center in Westport. The Gillespie Center is a non-denominational shelter for men, which also serves meals to men and
women in need. Gabriel has gained an understanding to what problems the homeless face, in addition to learning how to plan and cook a meal. He hopes to continue this work of feeding the homeless beyond his bar mitzvah year.
October 9Samantha Lee TompkinsLori Tompkins and John TompkinsFor her community service, Sam collected donations for the Community Closet in Bridgeport. The Community Closet collects donations of clothing and small household items and gives them away to those in need. Sam also enjoys volunteering within the Temple. She has begun her third year as a madricha in the
Religious School and she helps with buying and displaying in the Judaica Shop.
October 16Daniela KarpenosIlana and Leonid KarpenosFor her community project, Daniela worked on the Rebecca Chusid Holiday Toy Drive. The Toy Drive is an annual event which aims to collect and distribute holiday presents for underprivileged children of
different ages. Daniela made Toy Drive flyers, distributed them throughout Temple Israel and worked on sorting through many donations. Daniela loves the holiday season and wants to share the joy of gift giving with many others.
Samantha KarpenosIlana and Leonid KarpenosFor her community project, Samantha has been working at the Westport Children’s Library. She loved this place as a young child and wanted to share the joy of playing and reading with other children. Samantha has helped with
special art projects, sorting through books and toys that can be checked out as well as reading to toddlers. Reading remains one of Sam’s favorite pastimes.
October 23Emily PhillipsMark Phillips and Deborah Phillips
Samantha PhillipsMark Phillips and Deborah Phillips
October 30Daniel James PaukerMorgaine and Mark PaukerFor Daniel’s community service, he volunteers at the Westport Arts Center (WAC) in Westport. He helps out with odd jobs and events. His most recent involvement was at the Westport Youth Film Festival, where he promoted
the Arts Center, handed out brochures and manned the popcorn booth. With his own love of the arts and his grandfather’s influence (past president of WAC), he felt a connection to this organization. The Westport Arts Center brings fine art, music, theatre and art education to all ages of our community.
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Sharing Our Lives: Life Cycle
Life CycleWe Mourn the Passing of:
Naomi Abram, mother of Cindy Allen•Joseph Eisenberg, brother of Harvey Eisenberg•Karl Heiman, father of Lisa Prial•AnaMaria Kuhlman, mother of Lisa Krakoff•Judy Gans Nathanson, sister of Alan (Lanny) Gans, •aunt of Jennifer Blankfein
We welcome the Following New Members:Ariana Napier and Michael Alpert, and their •children Ella and ZoeSharon and Daniel Ameri, and their children •Benjamin and JonathanAndreina and David Bauer, and their daughter •GiselleAnne and Scott Casher, and their children Juliette •and MiaBetsy and Jeff Clachko, and their children •Benjamin, Oliver and SamsonTami Benanav and Jorge Corro, and their children •David and SaraAlison and Karsten Djuve, and their children •Justin and Lars
Samantha Fine, and her daughter Jane•Ximena and Mike Gordon, and their son Joshua•Meredith and David Haut, and their children •Benjamin and OliviaKatharine and Eric Leinwand, and their children •Joshua and ZacharyStephanie Elias and Matthew Liszt, and their •children Drew and EdenMarisa and Doug Mcdonald, and their children •Ellis, Henry and MilesLauren and Adam Rothstein, and their children •Kyle and MaxAdrienne and John Tober, and their son Jet•
Mazal tov:
Bar Mitzvah:Bar Mitzvah on October 9 of Noah Gelles, son of •Carol Brodie and Stuart Gelles
Birth:Marcus Julian Mittleman, son of Danielle and Jared •Mittleman, grandson of Janet and Denis Mittleman
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Sharing Our Lives: Donations To our readers:If you use a service from one of our advertisers,
please inform them that you are doing so because you saw their ad in the Chronicle.
If you would like to place and ad in the Chronicle, contact
Sandy Silverstein at 203-227-1293
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sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday shabbatecc cocktail Party—Saturday, October 2, 7:00 pmWomen’s Group—Mom’s Night Out at 7:00 pm: grades K-2 (October 6), grades 6-8 (October 13) and grades 3-5 (October 20)Kabbalat Shabbat Service in Honor of rita Appel and Volunteer Honor Shabbat—Friday, October 8, 6:30 pmSingles on the Go brunch—Sunday, October 10, 11:00 amNew and Prospective Member cocktail Party—Saturday, October 16, 7:00 pmAdult Jewish Learning—“Jewish-Arab relations in Palestine, 1881-1948”, Martin Sachs, Ph.D., Sunday, October 17, 10:00 amSynaplex with Dan Nichols—Friday, October 22; t.G.I.S. tot Shabbat with Dan Nichols, Saturday, October 23, 9:00 amWomen’s Group: Making Strides Against breast cancer—Sunday, October 24, 11:00 am (meet at 10:00 am at Sherwood Island)
tGIS Family erev Shabbat Service 5:15 pmOneg 6:45 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 7:15 pm
Candlelighting 6:19 pm
Minyan/torah Study 9:00 am tGIS tot Shabbat 9:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 11:15 amecc cocktail Party 7:00 pm
torah: Gen. 1:1-6:8
rosh chodesh cheshvanMinyan/torah Study 9:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 11:15 am
torah: Gen. 6:9-11:32
Kabbalat Shabbat Service in Honor of rita Appel, immediate past president, and Volunteer Honor Shabbat 6:30 pm; Oneg in honor of rita Appel and Volunteers 7:30 pm
Candlelighting 6:07 pm
Oneg 6:00 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service6:30 pm
Candlelighting 5:56 pm
Minyan/torah Study 9:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 11:15 amNew and Prospective Member cocktail Party 7:00 pm
torah: Gen. 12:1-17:27
Synaplex with Dan Nichols: Family erev Shabbat Serv. 5:15 pm; Dinners/ Mitzvah Project 6:00 pm; Wine/cheese 6:45 pm; erev Shabbat Service 7:15 pm; Movie Night & tISY Program 8:15 pm; tISY Shul-in 10:30 pm
Candlelighting 5:45 pm
Minyan/torah Study 9:00 amtGIS tot Shabbat with Dan Nichols 9:00 amShabbat Morning Service 11:15 am
torah: Gen. 18:1-22:24
NFtY Fall Kallah begins 3:00 pmOneg 6:00 pmKabbalat Shabbat Service 6:30 pm
Candlelighting 5:36 pm
Minyan/torah Study 9:00 amShabbat Morning Service 11:15 am
torah: Gen. 23:1-25:18
5th Grade Field trip 8:30 am4th Grade Family connection 9:30 amMItY Kick-off event Noon
Nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am tING 2:00 pmrS Program with Vanessa Van Petten 6:00 pm
Katanty 45 Kick-off event 6:00 pmWomen’s Group: Grades K-2 Mom’s Night Out 7:00 pm
temple tots Parent Orientation 9:30 am
temple tots begins9:15 am
Women’s Group: Grades 6-8 Mom’s Night Out 7:00 pmAJL: talmud Series with rabbi Hoffman 7:30 pm
temple tots 9:15 am
rS bAcK tO ScHOOL WeeK
Women’s Group: Grades 3-5 Mom’s Night Out 7:00 pm
rS bAcK tO ScHOOL WeeK
contemporary Jewish Literature 1:00 pmtING 2:00 pm
rS bAcK tO ScHOOL WeeK
NO ecc/reLIGIOUS ScHOOL
Nosh ‘n Drash 9:30 am
rS bAcK tO ScHOOL WeeK
Singles on the Go brunch 11:00 am
NO reLIGIOUS ScHOOL
5th Grade Family connection 9:30 amAdult Jewish Learning: Martin Sachs, Ph.D. 10:00 amKatanty 23 Kick-off event Noon
rS bAcK tO ScHOOL WeeK
temple tots begins9:15 am
ecc bagels and babies 10:00 am
tING 2:00 pmNosh ‘n Drash 9:30 amchesed club 9:30 amMen’s Group Program 10:00 amWomen’s Group: Making Strides Against breast cancer 11:00 am (meet 10:00 am at Sherwood Island)
4th Gr. Family Prog. 9:30 amNFtY Fall Kallah ends
tING 2:00 pm
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Time Value Non-Profit Org.U.S. POStage
PaidWestport, Ct
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We’re on the webwww.tiwestport.org
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The Judaica Shop at Temple Israel
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Call 227•1293 for questions and hours
temple israel14 Coleytown Road Westport, CT 06880(203) 227-1293, Fax (203) 454-2292Religious School (203) 227-1656Robert J. Orkand, D.D. Alysa Mendelson Graf RabbisRichard B. Silverman, D.M.Scott M. Harris CantorsSandy Silverstein Executive DirectorKarin A. Beitel Director of EducationLeah Schechter Assistant Director of EducationGeri Smiles Interim Director of Early Childhood EducationSarah Magida Director of Youth Programming
Diana Muller PresidentThe Chronicle is published 10 times annually on a monthly basis from September through June:
