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As I write this I have just returned from Israel and Purim is only a couple of weeks away. As we know, Purim is one of the most festive days on the Jewish calendar. Among the various light-hearted common customs are dressing in costume, holding Purimspiels (humorous Purim plays based on the story of Esther), bringing levity into Purim services, teaching Purim Torah (funny lessons of fictitious Torah), and in modern times putting joke articles into synagogue newsletters.
But as I assume you are aware, this year CBI is in the midst of an important strategic planning process. With such a serious endeavor in mind, this year I think it is preferable to write my article in consonance with those customs.
Some of what has come out of the various community conversations and strategic planning steering committee meetings are initiatives for engagement and youth education. One such effort will be to identify potential members and hold evening vigils outside their homes for as long as necessary until they agree to join CBI. Another is to continue the advancement of our SHMA Religious School by hiring one-on-one aides for every student in the school. The budget committee is confident that we will be able to afford this by paying pitifully low salaries, based on our fundamental commitment to the principal of quantity over quality.
An additional area the strategic planning process will be focusing on is spirituality, including but not limited to traditional services. With this in mind, while on the EL Al flight for the CBI trip to Israel I noticed some things which would undoubtedly help make our religious services more successful.
To begin, we should bear in mind the name of Israel’s international airline, EL AL. Literally, EL AL means “to above.” The name comes from the fact that originally it was founded not as a commercial airline, but, as a flying synagogue. Appropriately, EL AL meant to go above and commune with the Almighty. People enjoyed the worship so much that it eventually evolved into a full-service airline. Nevertheless, anyone who has flown on EL AL has noticed the rush of passengers to gather in the plane at service times for worship in the heavens. In particular, I realized that the large groups of eager worshipers always rush to the back to pray by the lavatories. Here at CBI we already have many people who prefer praying in the back. Now, with the refurbishing of our restrooms I am convinced that we can successfully offer what worshipers are obviously really searching for by relocating services to the hallways just outside the bathrooms, creating intensely spiritual spaces where they can pray with enthusiasm and intensity, just as on EL AL. This will also free up the main sanctuary and chapel to be renovated for other purposes.
March/April 2017 Adar/Nissan 5777
Volume 96•Issue 2
171 Ridge Road Rumson, NJ 07760
Phone: 732-842-1800 Fax: 732-842-7269
www.cbirumson.org
Services Thursday Minyan 8:00 am
Friday 7:30 pm Saturday 9:30 am
Inside This Issue
CBI Book Club P2
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Corner p4
From the Education Director Ezra Luncheon
Social Action Committee p5
President's Message CBI Gala
p6
Purim Carnival Discussion with Rabbi
p7
My Birthright Trip by Julia Alderson P8
Get Connected at the Library Lunch and Movie
Book Recommendation P9
Adult Education P10
Art Historian Vivian Gordon Author Lucinda Franks
P11
Calendar P12
Todah Rabah P13-14
Cong rega t i on B ’na i I s r ae l “B r i ng i ng God and t he Commun i t y Toge the r ”
The Sour Note
The Sour Note continued on p3
CELEBRATE PURIM AT CBI
7pm Saturday, March 11: Full Megillah Reading followed by Purim Oneg "Booze and Baked Goods"
11:30am Sunday, March 12: Purim Carnival
CONFECTIONS
Congregation B’nai Israel of Greater Red Bank 171 Ridge Road, Rumson, NJ 07760 732-842-1800 FAX: 732-842-7269
WEBSITE: WWW.CBIRUMSON.ORG
Please remember CBI in your will, estate plan or by designated beneficiary.
Rabbi Dov Goldberg, x202
Rabbi Emeritus, Jack M. Rosoff, D.D., x217
Cantor Emerita, Marla J. Barugel
President - Joel Weissglass
Operations VP - Dr. Eric Menell
Education VP - Ellen Levine
Financial VP - Dr. Andrew Burstiner
Secretary - Harriet Straus
Treasurer - Iris Michaelson
Executive Director, Emilie Kovit-Meyer, x203 SHMA Education Director, Michael Wikes, x213
Gan Yeladim Early Childhood Director, Suzanne Wycoff, x209 Youth Programming Coordinator, Susan Alderson, x210
Communications Specialist, Judy Kochis, x207 Accounting, Alice MacPhee, x211 Librarian, Claudia Roberson, x214
Main Office Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Accounting Monday - Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Alice MacPhee, x 211
USCJ News Check out the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s website, www.uscj.org. It’s loaded with wonderful articles and information, a great resource site.
Please Note
Because of the HIPAA laws, we are not informed by the hospital when a congregant has been hospitalized. If you or
someone you know from the congregation is ill or in the hospital, please notify:
Rabbi Dov Goldberg, 732-842-1800, x202 or email: [email protected]
Rabbi Emeritus, Jack M. Rosoff, D.D., 732-842-1800, x217
Mi she‐berach (Prayer for the Sick)
Anyone wishing a mi she-berach to be acknowledged should call the office and give the person's Hebrew name whenever possible.
Mi she-berachs will be acknowledged for 4 Shabbats. If you need the mi she-berach to be continued, please call the office at 732-842- 1800.
Mazal Tov CBI extends its warmest wishes to:
Adele Becker on her 100th birthday.
Amy Mallet and Richard Levine, on their B'nai Mitzvah.
Benjamin Gottlieb, son of Erica & Steven Gottlieb and grandson of Phyllis Gottlieb, on his Bar Mitzvah.
Fran & Rich Semaya, on the birth and baby naming of their granddaughter,
Emma Reiss Semaya.
Adi Smolinsky & Omer Shorshi, on the birth of their son, Micah.
Francine Semaya, who has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation.
Suzanne & Neal Ruda, on the birth of their grandson, Mason Eli Bloom,
and to great-grandmother, Beverly Kramer.
If you have a simcha or good news to share, please let the office know so that we can wish you
Mazal Tov in our bulletin.
Condolences
We regret with sorrow the passing of CBI Members:
Irving Reingold, grandfather of Eric Menell
Judge William Himelman
We regret with sorrow the passing of relatives of CBI Members:
Shirley Sussman, mother of Richard Sussman.
Dr. Harvey Rein, father of Phyllis Rein Venancio.
Dolly Hirshberg, grandmother of Dr. Marc Menkowitz.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 2
CBI Library Book Club Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel’s Soul
March 15th at 1:00 pm The recent biography of the acclaimed, yet controversial Prime Minister of Israel, Menachem Begin, by Daniel Gordis will be covered in March. Join us for a lively discussion of the book and the man. This is sure to appeal to the history buffs in the congregation, or to anyone interested in this extraordinary life.
Send us your Bubbies' recipes!
CBI is gathering a list of all-time-great recipes, which we will compile and organize.
Please be sure to title your recipe and send it to Lisa Ann Unger by email to: [email protected]”
The Sour Note continued from front page
From Professor Jack Needle I had neglected to provide my Sunday morning class with three recommendations on Israeli web sites. In rectifying that oversight, I thought it might be more appropriate to suggest these sites to all members of the congregation as sites that cover the political spectrum. Middle East Forum: Politically this website is right wing to a little left of center, so it challenges the reader to be discerning about the presentation. The Director, Daniel Pipes, provides intelligent, incisive, objective (but sometimes opinionated) information that is very helpful on understanding the complex Middle East. The site has a plethora of academic and journalist contributors.http://www.meforum.org/
http://danielgordis.org/: Politically American and Israeli liberal viewpoint, as he is an American Jewish liberal living in Israel. Prof. Gordis is moderate, not radical, in his analysis and perceptions. Prof. Needle thanks Claire Keitelman for identifying this very important site.
Israel Video Network (http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/) : As it is the Israeli government network, all presentations represent the views and positions of the incumbent Israeli administrations. This site covers news spots, travel inducements and entertainment videos (all short). Its spots on IDF updates are very valuable in understanding new technology that keeps the Israeli military the leading force in the Middle East.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 3
Just as on EL AL we should provide interactive screens at each seat with Siddur and service choices, along with private
headsets so no one’s personal prayer interferes with anyone else. Additionally, instead of ushers, we can have prayer
attendants who will provide worshippers with beverage and food service, as well as pillows and blankets for those who wish
to nap during prayers or the rabbi’s sermon and then awake refreshed to rejoin the service at their leisure.
With the importance of heightened security we should adopt giving a safety announcement (via the monitors) at the
beginning of services in the unlikely event of a true emergency so people will know what to do. And following the example of
EL AL we should encourage families, especially large ones with many children, to come to services with crying babies and
kvetching children. Not only will this allow parents to pray more comfortably without thinking twice about their children, but, it
will also help teach the rest of the congregation greater concentration so that loud and shrill distractions and incessant
kicking on the back of one’s seat will no longer interrupt or effect prayerful devotion.
We should also offer personal lighting above each seat so that not only will individuals be able to choose the prayerbook and
service of their preference on their monitors, but they will also be able to control the personalized lighting to create the
meditative environment most conducive for them.
Following El AL’s lead, the disembodied voice of the rabbi can let congregants know when rising or sitting during services is
appropriate. Additionally, he can use claims of spiritual turbulence to force individuals to remain in their seats whenever he
thinks it’s important that they stay where they are, such as during Yizkor on the High Holidays. And with EL AL’s insight, as
we refurbish our restrooms, we can create small and cramped lavatories (now conveniently located close to services) which
are so small and cramped that they will discourage staying in them too long, and preventing congregating (especially for
young girls).
No doubt, with careful consideration we will be able to glean many additional insights from EL AL’s success.
In complete candor, I am not sure of why these various secrets obviously make EL AL’s worship so successful.
Nevertheless, rather than worry about understanding them, we should simply embrace them at CBI. In the end we should
just commit ourselves to accept the power of prayer as found on EL AL. So, I’d like to conclude with a final true story which
demonstrates this.
On the flight from Newark to Israel I noticed that the estimated time of arrival before the brief evening Minyan began was
8:24am. Miraculously, in the short 15 minutes required for the service to take place the estimated arrival on the monitor had
jumped 13 minutes earlier to just 8:11am. Clearly, this proves the power of prayer and the ability of sincere worship to
genuinely affect actual reality by apparently causing a small contraction or rift in space-time; literally changing or shrinking
time.
Imagine what we could accomplish on the High Holidays with hundreds of worshippers in the corridor just outside the
bathrooms, praying in their own high-tech seats, assisted by prayer attendants. The sky’s the limit!
In fact, come to think of it, maybe CBI should just sell the building and use the proceeds to purchase our own prayerliner!
Rabbi Dov
Amy Altman Mallet/March 4, 2017 Born in New York and raised in the Bronx and Queens by my parents who both grew up in the Bronx. I have two younger siblings, Ira and Lori. Graduated from CUNY Hunter College (BA) and Baruch College (MBA). My marketing background led me to establish a promotional marketing company based in Neptune, which I began over two decades ago.
At around the age of 10, I dropped out of Hebrew School, but remembered some Hebrew reading and writing. In college, I studied Hebrew as my foreign language where I found myself sitting in a classroom with many Israeli students which seemed unfair since they had already mastered the language! At that time, I thought I’d like to study or work in Israel, but then I met Lester and plans changed.
We lived in Greenwich Village ten years before moving to Fair Haven almost 30 years ago where we raised our two children, Max and Sarah. They both started at the Gan, became Bar / Bat Mitzvah and graduated Hebrew High School all here at Congregation B’nai Israel.
My mitzvah project has been ongoing through many years of my life. My community service includes the Coast Guard Auxiliary during the 1980s in Manhattan. I’ve served the CBI Community on various committees as well as a Trustee. In the community, I’ve served Monmouth County as an elected Freeholder and have continued my commitment to important causes. Presently, I also serve on the Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation the Heart of NJ.
While I’ve always wanted to become a Bat Mitzvah, I made the commitment one year ago. I learned about the opportunity for an adult Bat Mitzvah while saying Kaddish for my late father. I’ve enjoyed studying with Dick Levine as we look forward to our B’nai Mitzvah; and Jodi Woolley, our patient and inspiring teacher who told us from the beginning that we can do it.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Corner
Dick Levine /March 4, 2017 I was born December 16, 1929, was raised in the Bronx in New York City, and graduated from the High School of Music and Art in 1947. I received a BA in Biology, an MA in English from NYU, and a dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1955. After two years in the army I opened a dental practice in Hazlet and am still practicing there. I married Marlene Spector in 1953 and we will celebrate our 64th anniversary in June. We raised four sons, all of whom celebrated their Bar Mitzvah at CBI.
Together with Marlene we produced the Middletown Folk Festival which ran from 1968-1984 receiving grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the NJ State Arts Council, and in 1988 received an award from the New Jersey Folk Festival held at Rutgers for "Distinguished Contributions to Folk Music in New Jersey".
Recreationally I have run several marathons, climbed all the peaks above 4,000 feet in the Adirondacks, all the Catskill peaks above 3,500 in addition to several climbs in the Southern Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. With Marlene I have performed music professionally for many years, and am still actively involved in the folk music world. My family, when I was growing up, was unaffiliated with any synagogue, but after being a member of the CBI choir for over 10 years, my latent interest in Judaism was revived, and I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to learn Hebrew and to be Bar Mitzvahed.
Benjamin Gottlieb, son of Erica & Steven Gottlieb and grandson of Phyllis Gottlieb/April 29, 2017
Hi, my name is Ben Gottlieb and I'm a 7th grader at Thompson Middle School in Middletown, New Jersey. I'm looking forward to celebrating my Bar Mitzvah on April 29th, 2017. I've been attending Hebrew School at Congregation B'nai Israel since the third grade, but my dad's family has been members here since the 1970s. My dad, Steven, my Aunt Elissa, and my Uncle Jason were all Bar Mitzvah at the synagogue, so I will proudly be continuing the tradition. My brother, Ryan, will follow in all of our footsteps in three years. The best part of preparing for my Bar Mitzvah is the extra time I get to spend with Mrs. Woolley. Her patience and positive attitude is contagious and inspires me to practice and do my best. My brother and I don't always agree, but we both think Mrs. Woolley could be the nicest person in the world...literally! I'm so thankful for all of her help.
In addition to my Hebrew studies, I enjoy playing sports. I play travel ice hockey for the Red Bank Generals and travel baseball for the Lincroft Lightning. Playing on both teams takes up most of my time, but I'm committed to being the best teammate and player I can be. I am really looking forward to celebrating my big day. It means so much to be able to share it with my family and friends. I understand the responsibility of becoming a Jewish adult in the eyes of the CBI community and hope to make everyone proud.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 4
SHMA We continue to work toward the goal of offering an online option to study Hebrew, known as the Online Learning Center from Behrman House Publishers. Students will be able to access a variety of games and activities to advance their Hebrew skills. We are also planning to introduce additional Hebrew resources to each class to offer students more variety in classroom Hebrew activities. On January 8, we hosted our first PJ Library program for students in Pre-K through 2nd grade and their parents. PJ Library is sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, providing all participating children a Jewish story book each month at no charge. All those
in attendance enjoyed an outstanding program led by Susan Alderson, a parent-child activity making a personal story book. We discussed Jewish books with the kids, and the parents went to the library with Moreh Mike to discuss building a Jewish home library. This program provides an excellent model for future family education (parent-child) programs. We enrolled all SHMA students in PJ Library immediately following the program and their free Jewish books will begin to arrive soon. Our Shabbat Experience model continues to grow. Once a month SHMA switches from our Sunday meeting to Shabbat, with one hour of Shabbat learning activities, including Hebrew reading from Siddur and song books in upper grade/Shabbat traditions in lower, followed by a one-hour learners Service for all. On January 28, Sixth Graders celebrated Kabbalat HaTanakh (receiving their own edition of Tanakh) and parents joined the class to enjoy the Service and the ceremony. Ellen Levine and Michelle Martens presented the Tanakh to each student. The Shabbat Experience Service now welcomes all parents to join their children to spend quality time together in Shabbat worship and to learn more about the Shabbat Service. In the ongoing effort to steadily improve Hebrew proficiency at all grade levels, we devoted a large part of our teacher meeting on January 18 to brainstorming Hebrew benchmarks for each grade. The discussion produced a realistic set of goals that will influence our selection of curricular materials and lesson planning for the remainder of this year and into the future. Parents received Semester 1 Progress Reports on January 29. Hebrew High I attended two full Hebrew High classes on January 29. Harvey Cohen’s Ethics Class and the Stand With Israel class, team taught by Joel Weissglass, Dorith Werthaim and Ross Bernstein. If all classes are as engaging and intensely argued as these were, the Hebrew High students are receiving a solid Jewish educational experience. The Ethics class debated the morality and effectiveness of torture, especially timely now. The discussion in the Israel class pitted the Jewish vs. the Palestinian claims to the Land. Hebrew High graduation date is set for May 21, when the entire SHMA student body will gather to watch the ceremony and celebrate a Festival of Learning over lunch.
Michael Wikes SHMA Education Director [email protected]
From the Education Director
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 5
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 22 – 12:00 pm EZRA LUNCHEON
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ali Botein Furrevig, author of Heart of the Stranger. A history of the Orthodox community of Lakewood, NJ. Co-sponsored with Adult Education Committee.
CBI SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
The CBI Social Action Committee is gathering information about what social action activities our congregants currently do with outside organizations. This will be a great resource for those looking to get more involved in helping out in our larger community.
To do this we have created a Google Doc, the Social Action Database, that is now available on the home page of our website. Enter your information about what other charities or groups you currently volunteer for, and put in your contact information, so others can contact you in return if they want more information.
To access the Social Action Database directly, please click on the link below, and enter the information requested. Please make sure your name is on each separate line of information you enter (otherwise people won't know it's you!). CLICK HERE FOR SOCIAL ACTION DATABASE
If you should have any questions or run into a problem entering information into the database, please email Sherri Harris, Social Action Committee Chair, directly, at [email protected].
Wednesday night, January 25, was a revelation to many of us. Almost eighty of our members came together
with the stated purpose of allowing our Congregation to be even more welcoming, and even more engaging than
it is now.
The excitement and energy were palpable, and the areas of concern that were presented in the meeting
presented a great roadmap for where we go from here. We also received great feedback from the survey we
sent out.
So, let me tell you about those efforts. We have two more Community Conversations scheduled, both at 9:00 on Sunday mornings. The
first, on February 26, centered around Education and the other, on March 5, will explore routes to a stronger sense of spirituality within the
Congregation. Naturally, we will be happy to discuss other concerns, including engagement in the congregation, as you would like. Both
of these meetings are set early in the morning to provide opportunities for those who weren’t able to make the evening session, or those
who would find it easier to contribute to the discussion during school hours. Please join in the conversation.
The information we have already received has given us great direction for the future. We are in the process now of setting up new
workgroups to identify Strategic Directions for such areas as Engagement of Gan and SHMA parents, Welcoming New Members,
Nurturing Affinity Groups and whatever else the workgroups and you identify in your Conversations and Surveys. These workgroups will
be made up primarily of people who are not current CBI leadership or Strategic Planning Steering Team members, so, if you want to have
a hand in creating a refreshed approach to Engagement at CBI, now is the time to step up. Just let me know.
Which brings me to another thing I learned at the Conversation. People repeatedly said that they weren’t engaged because they were not
sufficiently introduced to what is going on, or were simply not asked to join in.
We have a number of people who are involved in many things, but I can’t ask them to do more – many are burnt out already. And there is
simply no way for us to know who would be willing to do more. We will clearly work more on the introductions and the connections to
obvious groups, but let me apologize if I have not asked you, and further hope that you understand that I simply don’t know whom I should
ask, and wouldn’t have the time or the energy to do so even if I knew. SO WE NEED YOU TO STEP UP AND VOLUNTEER.
There are a number of CBI opportunities that are being lost for lack of people to embrace them:
We have started a Life and Legacy Society to increase the number of our congregants who include CBI in their estate plans.
We get strong immediate financial aid if we are able to find 18 members who have done so. SO, PLEASE LET ME OR
EMILIE KNOW IF YOU HAVE ALREADY INCLUDED OUR CONGREGATION IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS. If you haven’t,
talk to me about how you can do so without diminishing your estate.
We need structured Sisterhood leadership. Stacey Klinge continues to fill in the holes, but she has many other commitments
and officially left the job at the end of last year. Really? A Congregation without a Sisterhood leadership? We need
someone to take the helm on this.
CBI has a wonderful story to tell, but we do not have a Marketing Committee to help us tell that tale. People used to do it on
an ad hoc basis, but they have left and new energy is needed. Emilie does the necessary work, but think of what we could
do if we chose to exceed the necessary, and give the CBI story the exposure it deserves.
Our connection with Israel is strong and visceral, but once again, the Israel Scholarship Committee, and any other committee
that would improve our connection to Israel, has fallen away.
And, of course, there are all the efforts I noted at the beginning about groups to increase connections with CBI and others in
the shul, improve our education, and deepen our sense of spirituality.
And there may many other ideas that we have not yet broached. Come in and let’s talk.
So, YOU' VE BEEN ASKED ! Please step up. Quite simply, we need you.
Joel Weissglass, CBI President [email protected]
President’s Message
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, April 29 at 8:30PM
Diamonds and Denim CBI Gala
More info to follow soon!
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 6
Our Purim Carnival is almost here! This year’s event will take place on Sunday, March 12th
This is a great family event, open to the public, and biggest annual fundraiser for the Youth Department! Our Gift Auction is one of the highlights of the Carnival. Please consider making a donation, no matter how small.
If you have anything new in the box that you think someone else would be motivated to take a chance on…donate it!
If you’d like to make a basket yourself and have your family’s name on it…donate it!
If you have a business contact who you can ask for a donation it would be greatly appreciated.
It helps tremendously when parents act as donation solicitors. You would be surprised how restaurants, beauty salons, and even your home improvement contractors are more apt to give when they know the person who is asking for the donation. For a business, this is an advertising opportunity!
30 local businesses made donations last year!
Donations may be dropped off any time, but preferably during Religious School hours. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you, and see you at CBI!
Susan Alderson Congregation B’nai Israel Youth Director Purim Committee Chair [email protected] 732-842-1800 x210
PLEASE NOTE: The Rumson St Patrick's Day Parade is Sunday, March 12 from 1:00 - 2:30
The route does not go past CBI, but anyone driving from Middletown, Highlands area should avoid the Oceanic Bridge.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 7
Proceeds support CBI youth programs. Contributions to the Youth Activities Fund are happily accepted all year!
5-Week Discussion Sessions wth Rabbi Goldberg:
Every Tuesday morning for five weeks starting on February 28 (through March 28), the Sicha discussion group (open to all!) will be led by Rabbi Goldberg. Please join us for any or all sessions from 10:30am-noon. Initial sessions will include, but not be limited to, insights on the congregation's trip to Israel as well as current events. No RSVP needed! Just come to the CBI chapel at 10:30 and enjoy the discussions!
Gan Yeladim BOOK FAIR March 8 ‐ 10 & March 12 during Purim Carnival Times TBA
My Birthright Trip by Julia Alderson When my Birthright group arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, we met with a staff
member from our trip organizer, Kesher, to talk trip details. I was so tired I don't
really remember what she said, but one detail stuck out: That week was the peak of
the Birthright season, and at that moment over 7,000 young Jews were in the
country on trips. After experiencing my own trip, I understand why Birthright has
become the largest educational tourism program in the world. I had an incredible
time- from trying new foods and eating the best falafel ever, to seeing the unique
landscapes, to learning about Israeli culture, to experiencing famous and holy sites,
to digesting the complexities of what life is really like there. I had so many burning
questions answered: do you really float in the Dead Sea? (Yes) Are camels
comfortable to ride? (Nope) What do Israelis eat for breakfast? (pizza, veggies and
hummus). Every part of the trip was thought out and allowed us to see a more
complete picture of the country than we would have gotten otherwise. For example,
the theme of Day 7 was, "from dream to reality." We had just seen Tzfat, Jerusalem,
the Kotel, Eilat, Masada, and the Dead Sea; that day we saw the wall between
Jerusalem and the West Bank. We saw an Israeli watch tower and a building with
pock marked walls from gunfire. We spoke with a Palestinian woman and her family.
Although there are many gray areas and tough complexities to life in Israel, what I
have come away with is that these aspects, along with beauty, innovation, love, and resilience, are all part of Israel. As
American Jews, it is so important to take advantage of this amazing opportunity so that we come home with new knowledge
and perspectives. Even though I learned so much, this trip was just the beginning and I can't wait to go back! Thank you to
everyone at CBI who made my scholarship possible, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this community.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 8
Upcoming library events: Lunch and a Movie on March 22nd at 12:00 pm.
Come join us for our screening of the documentary, In Our Own Hands: The Hidden Story of the Jewish Brigade in
World War II. It tells the story of the young Jewish soldiers, part of the British military, who took it upon themselves at the conclusion of the war to help rescue and resettle Holocaust survivors, often secretly. “We found dead people, and helped them go back to life.”
A lunch of sandwiches, soup and cookies, provided by Margo, will be included in the program, which costs $12 for members. A great story following a comforting lunch. Just what everyone needs in last days of winter! Please RSVP to Office at 732-842-1800, x203.
Library Book Club Discusses Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel’s Soul on March 15th at 1:00 pm
The recent biography of the acclaimed, yet controversial Prime Minister of Israel, Menachem Begin, by Daniel Gordis will be covered in March. Join us for a lively discussion of the book and the man. This is sure to appeal to the history buffs in the congregation, or to anyone interested in this extraordinary life.
Other than planning these two events, we’ve been busy finding great new books to bring you to the library! We’ve ordered a slew of award-winning books for young children and middle-grade children. Ketzel, the Cat who Composed by Leslea Newman recently won the Sydney Taylor Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries, as did the books I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards. That last book was kindly donated to us by PJ Library. They are all charming stories (two of them true!) and beautifully illustrated.
For the older children (10 and up), and for adults young at heart such as myself, we’ve ordered the best-seller and one of this year’s Sydney Taylor award winners as well as a Newbery Award winner, The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, the Three Magical Children and their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz. From the New York Times Book Review: “What Gidwitz accomplishes here is staggering. ‘The Inquisitor’s Tale’ is equal parts swashbuckling epic, medieval morality play, religious polemic and bawdy burlesque, propelling us toward a white-knuckle climax where three children must leap into a fire to save a Talmud.”
Practically everyone on the library committee saw Denial in the theater, but in case you missed it, we have the DVD in stock for rental!
And finally, we’ve ordered so many best-sellers, both fiction and non-fiction, that I’m running out of space to list them! Books by the acclaimed authors, Michael Chabon, Amos Oz, Naomi Ragen, Malala Yousafzai and Michael Lewis. Come check them out!
As always, we welcome you to drop by Tuesday or Thursday mornings, or during SHMA classes on Wednesdays and Sundays. And please, if you have any suggestions or questions or just want to get involved with the library, email me at [email protected]. Thanks!
Claudia Roberson, Librarian
Get Connected
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 9
Book Recommendation by Susan Glynn
MOONGLOW by Michael Chabon. MOONGLOW is a novel-cum-memoir by Chabon which centers on the lives of his grandparents. They led busy lives before and during World War Two. Chabon admits candidly, that though much of the story he tells is based on their adventures, he plays frivolously with the facts when he feels it will perk up the events he is relating. Chabon's grandmother survived the holocaust and his grandfather was involved in all kinds of mystery and intrigue during his life. Many of the happenings described in the book are fascinating, and Chabon is often very humorous in his descriptions of characters and events. However, no matter how much Chabon plays with the facts, his grandparents emerge as extremely admirable people, flawed as they may have been, and Chabon obviously remembers them fondly. MOONGLOW may not be Chabon's best book, but it is an engrossing and worthwhile read.
Sponsored by the Library Committee
Adult Education
Over 100 people attended the screening of a dramatic HBO film entitled: 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. & Mrs. Krauss.
This moving film depicts the historic and suspenseful rescue of 50 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1939. Behind the daring plan, which only recently came to light, was a heroic young couple from Philadelphia who left their own family to ensure the survival of the Austrian children whose lives were in peril.
Dr Erwin Tepper, now a radiation oncologist, was 7 at the time he was selected to participate in this rescue mission. He spoke about his experiences in a candid and endearing way to a rapt audience.
Our great thanks to Al Zager, who initiated the program and screened the film for us. Red Bank Hadassah sponsored the delicious refreshments, prepared by Margo Tikijian. We were happy to welcome members of CHHANGE as well as many in the audience who belong to the Root Beer & Checkers Club, where Al is an active member. We hope to continue collaborating on future programs with the numerous, worthwhile organizations in our area.
Yona Shulman, Chair, Adult Education Committee Adult Education Classes Todah Rabbah to Professor Jack Needle and Rabbi Goldberg for the excellence of their teaching! Each class is a fascinating and self-contained unit. Please join us for the remaining classes listed below:
Exploring Israel with Prof. Jack Needle: History, Politics, Culture Sundays: 10:00am – 11:15 am March 19 Media 101: Between the Lines A closer look at the different forms and impact of media bias on perceptions.
The Rabbi’s Study: Judaic Topics with Rabbi Goldberg Sundays: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm March 19 So that’s what it means! Uncovering the Haggadah. What the 4 questions, Elijah’s cup, Hillel sandwich, etc. are talking about! **Note: Our popular Yiddish class, taught by Jeanine Budwick, will be resuming in the Spring. Watch for details. March Speaker & Author Programs Sunday, March 5 – 11:30 AM Vivian Gordon, Art Historian: “Modigliani & Soutine: Expatriate Artists in Montparnasse”
Sunday, March 26 – 11:30 AM Lucinda Franks, author: TIMELESS: Love, Morgenthau & Me Talk and book-signing. Both programs are free & open to the public so you can bring your friends. Bagels & coffee provided. Donations appreciated! Please see flyers on following page for more info. April Special Programs Save the Date: Saturday night, April 1, 8 PM: Join us for a festive “Cabaret Concert” with pianist and singer Fred Miller. Returning to CBI by popular demand, Miller’s show is called “The Brooklyn Connection” and features memorable songs that Jewish musicians have made famous. Wine, cheese & desserts will be served. Reserve a place as soon as possible by calling Emilie Kovit-Meyer to register: 732-842-1800, x 203. Pricing to come.
Save the Date: Sunday April 23, 10:30 AM: Speaker and ceremony to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. This program is free and open to the public. More details to follow. Mark Your Calendars for May and June programs: Thursday eve, May 18 – 7:00 PM: Muslim Interfaith Program: Speaker Sheryl Olitzky, co-founder Sisterhood of Salaam/Shalom/Peace. Middletown Masjid invited. Co-sponsor: Red Bank Hadassah Monday, May 22 – 12 Noon: Lunch & Speaker program, co-sponsored with Ezra Committee. Author Dr. Ali Botein Furrevig: Heart of the Stranger. History of the Orthodox community, Lakewood, NJ. Sunday, June 4 – 11:30 AM: Speaker: Aaron Lansky, author of Outwitting History. Founder of the Yiddish Book Centre, Amherst, MA. Talk will be followed by luncheon.
Joel Weissglass, CBI President; Yona Shulman, Adult Ed Chair; Dr Erwin Tepper, Speaker; Al Zager, Program Chair.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 10
Modigliani, Portrait of Chaim Soutine National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C
Art Historian Vivian Gordon Sunday, March 5 at 11:30am
Topic: Modigliani & Soutine: Expatriate Artists in Montparnasse
To register, please contact CBI Executive Director Emilie Kovit-Meyer at [email protected]. or 732-842-1800, x 203.
Sponsored by the CBI Adult Education Committee
Chaim Soutine was introduced to Amedeo Modigliani in Paris in 1915. Both foreigners in France from very different Jewish backgrounds, the two became close friends until Modigliani’s tragic early death. This talk with illustrated slides will offer an introduction to each painter, focusing on the brief but very intense special relationship that developed between the elegant, cultured Modigliani and his awkward immigrant protégé Soutine. Vivian Gordon is an independent art historian and specialist in European art. She earned graduate degrees from Columbia University and received the Samuel H. Kress Foundation Fellowship. After teaching at Columbia, she became a lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, writing scripts for audio guides at the Met and other museums. She currently lectures on a wide range of topics at numerous libraries and to special groups in the New York area.
This program is free and open to the public. Bagels and coffee will be served.
Donations are appreciated
Pulitzer prize-winning author Lucinda Franks returns to Congregation B’nai Israel to discuss her latest book
Sunday, March 26 – 11:30 AM
Speaker: Lucinda Franks Topic: T I M E L E S S : L o v e , M o r g e n t h a u & M e A graduate of Vassar and war reporter for UPI, former New York Times journalist Lucinda Franks has written 4 books and won numerous awards. At age 24, she won a Pulitzer Prize for a 5-part series on the radical Weathermen group – the first woman to win that prize for national reporting.
Her latest book documents an unconventional marriage to New York’s most famous DA – Robert Morgenthau – son of FDR’s Treasury Secretary & grandson of President Wilson’s ambassador to Turkey. Despite their religious, political & age differences (he was nearly 30 years older) – their passionate love has kept them together for over 40 years. Come hear why!
BOOK-SIGNING TO FOLLOW TALK
This program is free and open to the public. Bagels and coffee will be served.
To register, please contact CBI Executive Director Emilie Kovit-Meyer at [email protected]. or 732-842-1800, x 203.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 11
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1
10am ‐ Noon Bridge 10am Gala Meeting 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open 7pm Strategic Planning Meeting
2 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 7:15pm Board of Education Meeting
3 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
4 9:30am Shabbat Service includes Adult B’nai Mitzvah of Amy Mallet Richard Levine
Terumah
5 8am CBI Men's Basketball 9am Library Open SHMA K‐7 9am Focus Group: Spirituality at CBI 10:30am Hebrew High 11:30am Art Lecture: Modigliani & Soutine: Expatriate Artists in Montparnasse
6
7pm Strategic Planning Meeting
7 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha: w/ Rabbi Goldberg 6:45pm Executive Committee 7:30pm Minyan 7:45pm Religious Committee
8 Gan Yeladim Book Fair 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open 7pm Finance Meeting
9 FAST OF ESTHER Gan Yeladim Book Fair 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐ Noon Library Open
10 Gan Yeladim Book Fair 11am Gan Purim Parade 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
11 Erev Purim 9:30am Shabbat Service
7pm Full Megillah Reading followed by Purim Oneg “Booze & Baked Goods”
Tetzaveh Shabbat Zachor
12 PURIM Daylight Savings Gan Yeladim Book Fair 9am SHMA PK ‐7 10:30am Hebrew High School 11:30 Purim Carnival
13
14 9am Silver Polishing 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha w/ Rabbi Goldberg
15 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 10am Library Committee 1pm CBI Book Club 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open
16 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐Noon Library Open
17 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
18 9am SHMA Shabbat Experience K‐7 9:30am Shabbat Service
Ki Tisa
19 8am CBI Men's Basketball No SHMA K‐7 10:00am Exploring Israel 10:30am Hebrew High 11:30am The Rabbi’s Study
20
21 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha w/ Rabbi Goldberg 7:15 pm Minyan followed by Trustee Meeting
22 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 12pm Lunch and A Movie 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open
23 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐Noon Library Open
24 6:00pm Shabbat Dinner 7:30pm Grade 4‐7 Family Kabbalat Shabbat
25
9:30am Shabbat Service Kiddush sponsored by Bud & Arlene Natelson
Vayakhel‐Pekude
26 8am CBI Men's Basketball 9am SHMA K ‐ 7 9am B'nai Mitzvah Meeting 10:30am Hebrew High 11:30am Author Lucinda Franks w/booksigning
27
28 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha w/ Rabbi Goldberg
29 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open
30 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐Noon Library Open
31 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
March 2017
6:48pm
April 2017
6:56pm
7:11pm
7:25pm
7:33pm
5:41pm
7:18pm
5:33pm
7:33pm
7:03pm
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 9:30am Shabbat Service
Vayikra 8pm Pianist Fred Miller (Details TBA)
2 8am CBI Men's Basketball 9am SHMA PK 9amSHMA K‐7 Library Open 10:30am Hebrew High
3 4 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha: Study Group 7:30pm Minyan 7:45pm Religious Committee
5 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open
6 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 7:15pm Board of Education Meeting
7 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Gan Yeladim Seders
8 9:30am Shabbat Service
Tzav
Shabbat Hagadil
9 SHMA Spring Break 8am CBI Men's Basketball
10 Gan Spring Break 8am First Born Service w/breakfast 12pm Main Office Closes FIRST SEDER
11 Passover I Gan Spring Break Main Office Closed 9:30am Passover Service SECOND SEDER
12 Passover II Gan Spring Break SHMA Spring Break 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 7pm Finance Committee
13 Passover III Gan Spring Break 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐Noon Library Open
14 Passover IV Gan Spring Break 7:30pm Shabbat/Passover Service
15 Passover V 9:30am Shabbat/Passover Service
Chol Hamoed
16 Passover VI SHMA Spring Break
17 Passover VII Gan Spring Break Main Office Closed 9:30am Festival Services Yizkor Memorial Prayers
18 Gan Spring Break 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha: Study Group
19 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 10am Library Committee 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open
20 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐Noon Library Open
21 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
22 9:30am Shabbat Service
Israel Trip Reunion Service & Kiddush
Shemini SHABBAT SHEKALIM
23 8am CBI Men's Basketball 9am Library Open SHMA K‐7 10:30 am Yom HaShoah Program 10:30am Hebrew High
30 8am CBI Men's Basketball 9am SHMA K‐7 and Library Open 10:30am Hebrew High
24 YOM HASHOAH 25 10am ‐ Noon Library Open 10:30am Sicha: Study Group
26 10am ‐ Noon Bridge 3pm Youth Lounge Open 4pm SHMA 2nd ‐ 6th Library Open
27 8am Minyan/Breakfast 10am ‐Noon Library Open
28 7:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
29 9:30am Shabbat Service includes Bar Mitzvah of Ben Gottlieb
Tazria ‐ Metzora
8:30 pm CBI Gala
7:09pm
7:15pm
7:24pm
7:31pm
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 12
Please Note: No Challah on April 7 or April 14
CBI Kitchen closed for Passover April 8 - April 17
Todah Rabah! We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions. Abram & Helen Green In Memory of Dr. Harvey Rein Phyllis Schnall Joseph Wigdortz Lena Wigdortz Hymen V. Wagner Abram Green Lois & Len Green
In Honor of Emma Reiss Semaya Lois & Len Green
Adult Education Fund In Memory of Samuel Liberman Lillian & Arthur Liberman Esther Goldman Lillian Schultz Shelley & Sidney Schultz Shirley Sussman Yona & Herb Shulman
In Honor of Rona Kaplan's Birthday Yona & Herb Shulman
Beautification Fund In Memory of Shirley Sussman Mindy & Stephen Hoffman
Congregation B'nai Israel Fund In Memory of Judge William Himelman Adrienne & Pat Straus Joseph Grodman The Grodman Family Irwin Goldman Russ & Seena Goldman Harry Michelson Art, Karen, Dan, & Jeff Becker William Siegel Lyla Rosenkranz Pearl & Joel Siegel Dr. Harvey Rein Laura & Robert Samuels and Family Irving Reingold Helene Matorin Robin Reingold Robert Stess Mindy & Stephen Hoffman Dolly Hirshberg Laura & Robert Samuels Marilyn Straus Irene Dubin Harriet & Steve Straus Hymen V. Wagner Seena & Sandy Stein
Congregation B'nai Israel Fund In Honor of Adele Becker's Birthday Nancy and Bob Postelnek Dolly "Sandy" Freedman Art & Karen Becker's Anniversary Dolly "Sandy" Freedman Amy Mallet's Bat Mitzvah Harriet & Steve Straus From Ron Fischer
CBI Employee Bonus Fund In Memory of Thelma Kessler Yona & Herb Shulman
Cemetery Fund In Memory of Philip Waldman Elaine Rodman Joseph Green Claire Kupferminc Rachel Green David Reed Charlotte Rodetsky Harold Berk The Berk Family
Education - Gan Yeladim In Honor of George Esposito The Klinge Family Micah Shorshi George Esposito The Mason Family
Education - SHMA In Honor of Micah Shorshi George Esposito The Klinge Family
In Memory of Norma Armstrong Suzanne & Neal Ruda
Ezra Fund In Memory of Phyllis Schnall Helene Matorin In Honor of Emma Reiss Semaya Dave & Sybil Scheinhartz
Feldt CBI Education Fund In Memory of Bessie D. Feldt Marna Feldt
Israel Scholarship Fund In Memory of Bert Samson Joan Cohen
Library Fund In Memory of Louis S. Hoffman Barbara Hoffman Silver Irving Reingold Lynn & Jay Einbinder Alan C. Honig Hank & Jill Honig Else Graupe Florence Diller Hyman V. Wagner Harold & Barbara Chafkin Machzor In Memory of Robert A. Harris Adam Harris Aaron Ashwal Andrew Ashwal
In Honor of Dr. Joseph & Karen Ashwal Andrew Ashwal
Music Fund In Memory of Hymen V. Wagner Seena & Sandy Stein
Rassas Fund In Memory of Ben Rassas Aaron & Marge Rassas Siddur Lev Shalem In Memory of Tessie Newman Barbara & Ed Rosen and family Florence & Rabbi Zev Nelson George & Mildred Shulman Yona & Herb Shulman and family Harvey Rein Phyllis Rein Venancio Aaron Ashwal Andrew Ashwal Jack and Joan Postelnek The Postelnek Family Robert A. Harris Adam Harris In Honor of Dr. Joseph & Karen Ashwal Andrew Ashwal Our children Nancy & Bob Postelnek Danielle & James Mason
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 13
Todah Rabah! We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions. Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Memory of Ethel Bladd Allen Freedman Hannah Adler Shirley Adler Richard Wycoff Jack Lewis Norma Armstrong Charlotte Rodetsky Bertram Feinswog Julie & Sy Tuchband Louis Blitz Arthur & Lillian Liberman
From Frances and Arthur Reiner Torah Maintenance and Religious Articles In Memory of Samuel Zatcoff Ellen Wagner Zatcoff Tzedakah - Community of Caring Thank you Sandy Blackman
Yahrzeit Fund In Memory of Phil Savage David Komar Esther Komar Herman Komar Adelaide & Harold Komar Abe Sachs Stephen & Lorraine Sachs Louis Hoffman Donald Hoffman Ruth Goldwyn Sophie Gershman Phyllis Amses Celia Schlossman Louis Schlossman Evelyn Kraut Ruth Knopp The Rosenthal Family Herbert Cahn Ruth Cahn & family Arthur Leipzig Philip Silien Beverly Leipzig - Silien Simon Frankel The Greisman Family
Youth Fund In Memory of Phyllis Schnall Bill Himelman Lillian Schultz Marti & Larry Fuchs
To Make a Donation (Tribute)
Traditionally, many congregants like to make tribute gifts in honor of or in memory of a loved one or to mark a
special event.
The minimum donation is $18, which includes recognition in our synagogue
newsletter and a tribute card to the recipient.
If you do not wish to send a tribute card, the minimum donation is $15 and is published in the newsletter.
To make a donation go to www.cbirumson.org and the Tribute
forms can be found under the GIVING tab on the home page of our website
or CLICK HERE .
Siddur Lev Shalem Our new siddurim, Siddur Lev Shalem, are here! We began using them just after Sukkot. This is the perfect time to dedicate a siddur in memory or in honor of a loved one. Please email Emilie at [email protected] or (at www.cbirumson.org) with your wording so that we can place the dedication in the inside cover. Dedications are $36 per book.
Eve Brownstein
Lynn Einbinder
Josh Frankel
Rabbi Goldberg
Yair Goldberg
Adam Harris
Rona Kaplan
Steve Lee
Iris Michaelson
Bill Pollack
Moshe Segal
Fran Semaya
Rich Semaya
Yona Shulman
Torah and Haftarah Readers
We gratefully acknowledge those who participated in the CBI Shabbat Services in
DECEMBER and JANUARY:
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 14
Serving Our Community for Generations
268 Broad Street Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
732-747-3700 www.zagerfuchs.com
Mark Harris, Manager, NJ License #3284
Our goal is to offer the best professional cleaning
experience with pricing to match your budget.
CBI offers a special thanks to our cleaning contractor.
CBI offers a special thanks to our electric contractor.
CBI offers a special thanks to our roofing contractor.
CBI offers a special thanks to our painting contractor.
CBI CONNECTION March/April 2017 Page 15
171 Ridge Road Rumson, NJ 07760-1065
All volunteers appreciated to help polish CBI's silver before Passover!
Volunteers will be meeting in CBI Kitchen on Tuesday, March 14 at 9am.
2am Sunday, March 12
COMMUNITY DINNER
6pm Friday, March 24 Family Style Kabbalat Shabbat Service
and a Traditional Dinner (Everyone Welcome)
6pm Community Dinner 7:30pm Kabbalat Services
$18 per person $36 per family
RSVP required by March 20 Sign up at www.cbirumson.org
