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Volume 75, Issue 10
Et
er
na
l Li
gh
t Cheshvan-Kislev
November 2017
From the Mouths of Babes
5778
In June, I had the opportunity to spend a
weekend as the visiting rabbi at Henry S. Jacobs
Camp. I have lived and worked at Jewish
summer camps many times and I am always
taken by how special Shabbat feels at camp. I
have often asked myself why this is so. This
summer, I discovered the answer.
The night prior to Shabbat, I ran a “Cabin
Time” when the kids have a program prior to going to bed. As
part of the program, this boys’ cabins shared their thoughts on
the question: Why is Shabbat so special at camp?
The first boy said. “Shabbat is different at camp because I’m
with my friends.” The next boy said “Shabbat is different at
camp because we do all the blessings and have a special meal
together.” One boy after another expressed one of these two
sentiments, until the last boy, looking a bit embarrassed, said
quietly “Shabbat is different at camp because we don’t have
Shabbat at home.”
His statement was so striking because it was so honest. He
said what so many others wanted to say but felt was not
politically correct to say at a Jewish summer camp. Shabbat was
so great for him at camp because on three consecutive weekends
during the summer, he was able to live Shabbat. What is so
remarkable is that most of the kids who go to Jewish summer
camp feel the same way about their Shabbat experience. They
love it, or at least some aspect of it.
(continued on page 2)
Join us for
Shabbat Morning Tefilah & Torah Study
Saturdays, 10 am
In the Gary J. Weill Youth Room
Rabbi Jordan Goldson
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 2
The question then is “Can we create an enjoyable Shabbat experience for our
kids and ourselves at home?” The answer to this question is yes. How? We
only have to listen to the pure sentiment expressed by that boy. He was telling
us to “Just Do It.” IF you make an effort to carve out some time which is
dedicated in some way to Shabbat, then you and your children will feel that time
is different and special from the rest of the week. IF you share this experience
with your friends and your kids’ friends, then you will feel some of the special
sense of community that kids feel is so “awesome” at camp.
The challenge is two-fold: First is setting aside the time. For many, that is
difficult to do. It means adjusting our schedules and our priorities. But it can be
done. The second challenge is more intimidating. For those of us who didn’t
grow up in families where Shabbat was observed in a meaningful way, then we
don’t really know how to make Shabbat special and different in our own homes.
Fortunately, this is something we can easily learn.
Yes, it is a challenge to try to make Shabbat something like what is
experienced at camp. But what an opportunity it is to transform time with your
family into something that is extraordinary and holy.
Wishing you many Shabbats with Shalom in the year ahead.
From the Mouths of Babes (cont)
President’s Message
by Jay Jalenak
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 3
Giving Thanks
In November, Americans are reminded to pause and give thanks. This
year, as president of the Congregation, I am readily cognizant of how much
gratitude is due to you—our members—for keeping B’nai Israel energetic,
instructive, and significant. This Congregation does not exist merely for its
members; it exists because of the dedication and commitment of its
members.
I thank you for your participation. The Sukkot Picnic was an
overwhelming success, and it was wonderful to see the proud and loving families at our
Kindergarten Consecration and Simchat Torah. I thank Rabbi Jordan for continuing to
provide services and programs which are thought-provoking, entertaining, and fulfilling.
I thank you for your volunteerism. There are so many who give their time to the
Congregation, and I cannot begin to name them all. Cathy Duplechin and James Hickman do
a wonderful job running the day to day operations, but they could not do it without our
committed office volunteers: Edie Bernard, Edie Bender, Laurie Brandt and Robbie Rubin.
Thanks also to Andy Blumberg, Mark Sager and Michael Roth who recently cleaned out the
storage room…in the rain.
I thank you for your generosity. Asking for money—be it dues, religious school
tuition, High Holy Day Appeal, fundraisers—is the most dreaded and distasteful part of my
job. But, I also know it is necessary to fulfill our obligation to sustain our Jewish home and
educate our children. Thank you for not only tolerating our pleas, but responding with your
valued contributions.
I thank you for entrusting us with your children. I continually say it, but I will say it
again: There is no better religious school. I thank Jessica Yellen, Julie Tepper, and our
religious school faculty for your dedication in nurturing the future of our faith.
Finally, I thank the members and leaders who came before us. B’nai Israel was
founded in 1858. Unfortunately, the South is littered with communities which no longer have
a Jewish congregation, a Jewish identity or a Jewish presence. In stark contrast, as we
approach 160 years, Congregation B’nai Israel continues to strengthen and engage.
As your Congregation president, I am thankful for all you do to sustain our ongoing
mission.
Cal
end
ar
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 4
November November 1
B’nai Academy:
Finding God, 6:30-7:30pm
November 2
WCBI Mah Jongg, 6pm
November 3
Shabbat Service, 6pm
November 4
Shabbat Tefilah & Torah
Study, 10am
November 5
Religious School, 9:30am
Confirmation, 12pm
November 8
B’nai Academy:
Finding God, 6:30-7:30pm
November 10
Shabbat Shiraz, 6pm
November 11
Shabbat Tefilah & Torah
Study, 10am
November 12
Religious School, 10am
TURKEY TRAIN, 11:30 am
Israeli Folk Dancing, 7-8:30pm
November 14
Board Meeting, 6pm
November 15
B’nai Academy:
Finding God, 6:30-7:30pm
November 16
Men’s Club Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30pm
November 17
Shabbat Service, 6pm
Union Prayer Book
November 18
Shabbat Tefilah &
Torah Study, 10am
November 19
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Israeli Folk Dancing, 7-8:30pm
November 21
B’nai Academy:
Wine & Wisdom, 7-8pm
November 23 - 24
OFFICE CLOSED FOR
THANKSGIVING
November 24
Shabbat Service, 6pm
November 25
Shabbat Tefilah & Torah
Study, 10am
November 26
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
November 29
B’nai Academy:
Finding God, 6:30-7:30pm
December
December 1
Shabbat Service, 6pm
December 2
Shabbat Tefilah &
Torah Study, 10am
December 3
Religious School, 9:30am
Confirmation, 12pm
December 5
Men’s Club Big Buddy
Shopping Spree, 5:30pm
December 7
WCBI Mah Jongg, 6pm
December 8
Shabbat Service, 6pm
Union Prayer Book
December 9
Shabbat Tefilah & Torah
Study, 10am
December 10
Religious School, 9:30am
December 12
First Night of Chanukah
Board Meeting, 6pm
December 15
Shabbat Chanukah Service, 6pm
w/ Latke Dinner
December 16
Shabbat Tefilah & Torah
Study, 10am
December 17
Religious School, 9:30am
Confirmation, 12pm
December 22
Shabbat Service, 6pm
December 23
Shabbat Tefilah &
Torah Study, 10am
December 24
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
December 25
OFFICE CLOSED
December 26
B’nai Academy:
Wine & Wisdom, 7-8pm
December 29
Shabbat Service, 6pm
December 30
Shabbat Tefilah &
Torah Study, 10am
December 31
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Page 5 Cheshvan-Kislev
B’NAI ACADEMY
LIFE LONG LEARNING
2017-2018/ 5778
FALL SEMESTER
WINE & WISDOM Meet at Blend Wine Bar downtown on Tuesday nights from 7-8pm to learn about and discuss
what Reform Judaism has to say about modern day issues. (First meeting began on Tuesday,
Oct. 17th but late registrants welcome - call or email Rabbi)
WINTER SEMESTER
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF As we study Jewish history from the time of Abraham to the present day, we will learn lessons
that will help us to understand our lives. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm.. Taught by Rabbi
Jordan Goldson. Class dates TBA
AN AMUSING JOURNEY THROUGH JEWISH HUMOR Discover why our humor continues to nourish and sustain us. Look with Rabbi Barry
Weinstein at examples of Jewish humor from a variety of sources throughout the Jewish world
over time. Wednesdays: 6:30-7:30 pm. Class dates TBA
Classes offered through the B’nai Academy are free to members of Congregation B’nai Israel.
Non-members are welcome to participate for a fee of $50.
For more information, please email or call Rabbi Jordan Goldson ([email protected] or 225-
343-0111 x203).
You can also register online at https://bnaibr.wufoo.com/forms/bnai-academy/
HIGH HOLY DAYs APPEAL Thank you to those congregants who have given generously to the High Holy Days Appeal. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to give, please consider a generous gift. You may send checks to 3354 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or to pledge and / or pay online with a credit card at https://bnaibr.wufoo.com/forms/high-holy-days-appeal/.
Shabbat Shiraz
Music provided by Michael Roth
Friday, November 10th
Wine & Cheese Pre-Oneg begins at 6 pm
Union Prayer Book Service Schedule
Fridays at 6 p.m.
November 17
December 8
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 6
CBI Men’s Club
HAPPY HOUR(s)
Thursday, November 16th
5:30-7:30pm
Join us at Driftwood Cask & Barrel Located Downtown (326 N. 3rd Street)
TASHLICH
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 7
Rel
igio
us
Sch
oo
l RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS: by Julie Tepper
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DATES: November 5 9:30 Religious School
November 12 TURKEY TRAIN 12:00 Confirmation
November 19 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL November 26 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
cONSECRATION
Thanksgiving
Break No Religious School
on
November 19th and 26th
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 8
Religio
us Sch
oo
l Cheshvan-Kislev Page 9
Each $20 ticket will provide a ride for 1 turkey on the Turkey Train to St. Vincent de Paul where they will provide the main course in meals for families in need this Thanksgiving!
2 Ways to purchase that ticket for this mitzvah!
1) Donate $20 for the purchase of a turkey by NOV. 5th Matherne’s Market Downtown is providing free delivery. Please bring your donation to Religious School Drop your donation by the temple office Checks should be made out to Congregation B’nai Israel Religious School
(memo Turkey Train) Go online to donate at https://bnaibr.wufoo.com/forms/turkey-train/
2) Donate a frozen turkey on November 12th Bring a frozen turkey of any size to Religious School on the morning of
Sunday, November 12th Due to space restrictions, we cannot accept frozen turkeys before this date
All students will have a “hand” in this mitzvah by participating in our train of passing each turkey from the kitchen to the truck(s). The turkeys will then be delivered to St. Vincent de Paul, where they will be feeding hungry families throughout the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Bring mittens/gloves to wear on November 12th at 11:30am and participate in the mitzvah of feeding the hungry this Thanksgiving by joining us on THE TURKEY TRAIN!
ALL ABOARD
to the 9th Annual
Congregation B’nai Israel
Religious School
Turkey Train
November 12th
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 10
sukkot
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 11
Cheshvan-Kislev
You may donate to the Temple in many ways. The designated Temple funds are listed below with a brief de-scription of each. When making your donations, please designate your fund of choice. Chunky & Ellen Folks Building Fund: for maintenance, repairs & improvements to the building Camp Scholarship Fund: for need-based scholarships to a Jewish camp. Carolyn & Bernard Schmulen Cemetery Beautification Fund: To plant appropriate shrubbery and trees, particularly in the new part of the cemetery, to create a more beautiful and peaceful setting Cemetery Maintenance Fund: Cemetery maintenance CBI Foundation - Endowment Fund: to establish a permanent base of financial support for Congregation B’nai Israel. Gary Weill Youth Room Fund: for maintenance, upkeep and improvements of the Youth Room General Fund: for support of general operating expenses of the Temple Alvin & Janice Rubin Ner Tamid Break Fast Fund: to provide continued support for the Annual Yom Kippur Break Fast. Prayer Book Fund: to purchase new prayer books. Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: support ofworthy charitable organizations & to assist members in need Sandy Sager Beautification and Garden Fund: for outdoor Temple beautification Sylvia Steiner Religious School Fund: to purchase needed items and provide scholarship assistance for Religious School Torah Repair Fund: for repairs to Torahs.
The following memorials or dedications are also available:
Tree of Life Leaf: $250 Tree of Life Stone: $1000 Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque: $250 Sanctuary Pew (1/2 side): $1500
Page 12
DONATE ONLINE at www.bnaibr.org/donate Pay by credit card online with an easy form that allows you to choose a designated fund or the
general donation fund and the purpose of your gift.
Donations may also be mailed to 3354 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Contributions
Rabbi Discretionary Fund
Joy Lewis: in memory of Gerald “JJ” Judge
Susan & Richard Lipsey: in honor of Rabbi Jordan
Barry Weinstein: in honor of Rabbi Jordan
General Fund
Brenda & Lee Berg: in memory of Jerry Berkowitz, Holly Clegg’s father
Dave Safer: in memory of Mike Safer
CBI Foundation
Robbie & David Rubin: in memory of Freddie Miller
Robbie & David Rubin: in memory of Janice Rubin
Gary Weill Youth Room Fund
Lynn & Felix Weill: in memory of Betty Hirsch
Yarzheits
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 13
NOVEMBER 3
Sarah Black Mother of Jerry Black Grandmother of Doug Black
Kay Carroll Mother of Kathy Beck
Ruth Gainsburgh Dampf Grandmother of Jack Dampf Great-grandmother of Paige Wormser and Paul Dampf
Henry L. Dreyfus Father of Rachelle Hirsch
John W. Dupaquier, Sr. Father of John Dupaquier
Rosalie Preis Marcus Grandmother of Susan Dampf Great-grandmother of Paige Wormser and Paul Dampf
Janice Ginsberg Rubin Mother of David & Michael Rubin
Nathalee B. Rubin Aunt of David and Michael Rubin
Bernard Savell Father of Taris Savell
Sara Schwamberg Mother of Norman Schwamberg
Rosa Van Os Grandmother of Sidney Dreyfus
NOVEMBER 10
George Joel Ginsberg Grandfather of David Rubin and Michael Rubin
Jack Isaacs Sr. Father of Jack Isaacs
Dorris Rubenstein Kantrow Grandmother of Staci Sommer
Leonard Levy Grandfather of Laurie Brandt and Felix Weill
Great-grandfather of David Weill
לברכה זכרונם Zichronam Livracha
May their memories be a blessing
Yarz
hei
ts
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 14
לברכה זכרונם Zichronam Livracha
May their memories be a blessing
NOVEMBER 17
Ralph Israel Brookner Brother of JoAnn Bender Uncle of Ralph Bender
Rufus Craig Father of Cathy Craig Labens
Karen Dinning Gibbs Mother of Shoshanah Ferguson
Harold Kaplan Grandfather of Jeffrey Bender
Elsa Rosenthal Mother of Susan Kantrow
NOVEMBER 24
Harold Berg Grandfather of Seth Kaplan
Irwin E. Coen Father of Linda Weinstein
Juanita Henry Mother of Diana Mann
Sam Hoffman Father-in-law of Paula Hoffman
Eli Jaffe Grandfather of Rebecca Svensson
Rocky Moyse Mother of Buck Moyse
David Paille Friend of Deborah Salazar
Betty Rothberg Grandmother of Hilary Shaw
Frances Rubin Grandmother of Michael Rubin and David Rubin
Simon Rubin Grandfather of Michael Rubin and David Rubin
Sarah L. Safer Mother of David Safer
Carolyn R. Schmulen Mother of Lynn Weill Grandmother of David Weill
Doris Levy Watsky Aunt of Nathan Levy
Dorothy Weinstein Mother of Richard Weinstein
Cemetery Security at The Jewish Cemetery:
A Police Officer is on site at the cemetery
every 2nd Sunday of the month: 10:00am - 2:00pm.
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 15
YARZHEITS Yarzheit names are traditionally read during the Friday night Shabbat service prior to the anniversary of a loved ones death unless other arrangements are made through the temple office. You may add your yahrzeit dates online at www.bnaibr.org. Click on contact us then Yahrzeit Reminder Form or call the office at 225-343-0111. We will now send out Yahrzeit reminders by email unless requested mailed. By email, you will receive a reminder 30 days, 15 days & Monday prior to the Friday before the Yahrzeit. If you do not receive a reminder, please contact the office by email ([email protected]) or call the temple office.
VISITING THOSE WHO ARE ILL Congregation B’nai Israel wants to make sure we care for our members and their families. If you have a family member or know of someone in our congregation who is in the hospital, has been in an accident, or is ill and recuperating at home, please call the Temple office at 343-0111 so Rabbi Jordan can contact them and arrange for a visit.
HEALING Mi Shebeirach, the prayer for physical and emotional healing, is recited at the Friday evening Shabbat service. If you are ill and would like a Mi Shebeirach recited on your behalf, please call the Temple office at 343-0111 before noon on Thursdays, so the congregation may offer its prayers for you. If you know another person who needs the same, please ask the individual for permission to read his/her name before calling the office.
Condolences to Holly Clegg and family on the recent death of her father,
Jerry Berkowitz May his memory be a blessing.
Co
mm
un
ity
Page 16
CLUB NEWS OR UPCOMING EVENT?
To include your event in the newsletter, email the information
and any pictures or graphics that you want included to
[email protected]. All requests are presented to Rabbi and/or
the board for approval. Requests must be received before the
15th of the month preceding the newsletter.
Israeli Folk Dancing at CBI
CBI Social Hall from 7:00 - 8:30pm
Dancers, experienced or novice, singles, couples or families, young or
young-at-heart, are invited to attend free of charge. Or, if you prefer to,
just come and listen to the lovely music of Israel on the following Sun-
days:
November 12, 19
December 3, 17
Contact: David Kirshner at 756-5291
LOOKING FOR A VENUE FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT?
The newly renovated Social Hall and the Gary J. Weill Youth Room
are available for your next event at a reasonable cost.
For information, contact the office at 225-343-0111.
WCBI MAH JONGG
EVERY MONTH on the 1st THURSDAY NIGHT - 6pm
Do you want to learn how to play Mah Jongg? Lessons are now being taught in the
Gary Weill Youth Room
First Thursday of each month
beginning at 6pm (play is until)
Bring snacks to share (temple food restrictions apply).
If you are interested, please call: Jill Roby (225-921-9529)
BaRFTY
Cheshvan-Kislev
Mazel Tov to everyone who celebrates birthdays and anniversaries this month!
Page 17 Cheshvan-Kislev
BaRFTY NEWS Shalom y’all. Thank you to everybody who contributed to the food drive last
month, we greatly appreciate it! Thanks to you it was very successful. There was a Sukkot gathering where we had the chance to get together and enjoy each other's company, and do what we do best...eat. Later this month, we will ship our Barftyites up to Shreveport on November 10-12. If you haven’t registered your teen yet, you still can at https://southern.nfty.org/event/nfty-so-fall-conclave-2/?event_date=2017-11-10.
In December, we are working on having a Louisiana teen lock-in. We will be having this event with New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport and surrounding areas. It should be a fun time for all! Stay tuned, Hannah Kaplan Barfty Communications Vice President
Mazel Tov to our
Consecration Class
Brock Alton
Milo Gutfreund
Rowan marks
Scarlett Ritchey
Sawyer Rachleff
Charli Thigpen
Sam Thigpen
Emma Suggs
Benjamin Suggs
CBI MEN’S CLUB
Annual Men’s Club
Big Buddy Shopping Spree December 5th: 5pm - 8pm
Macy’s, Mall of Louisiana
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP! DONATE before November 30th - any amount will help
because funding is critical for this project - it costs $125 per child to put a few wrapped gifts under the tree. Make checks payable to CBI Men’s Club, 3354 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA. 70806. Donate or volunteer online at https://bnaibr.wufoo.com/forms/shopping-spree/
VOLUNTEER - help the kids choose good gifts for their
family members on December 5th. Contact Nathan Levy at [email protected]
Thank you for your past support. Over the past 40 years, the Men’s Club has helped over 1000 children bring the holidays in their home because of your help with this mitzvah. We look forward to bringing happiness in many homes again this year with your help.
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 18
Jan 10-14, 2018 | Manship Theatre
Tickets are now on sale for the 12th Annual Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. The
Festival has become one of the outstanding entertainment and cultural events of the city. If you have been to the previous Festivals, you know the quality of the films and
speakers. If you have not attended the festival, don’t let another opportunity go by.
Call the Manship Theatre box office at 225.344.0334 or order online at www.BRJFF.com. Follow the Festival
on Facebook, too, for the latest updates.
Already a lifelong fan? Consider becoming a Patron. Patrons get free tickets to the Saturday night show as
well as tickets to the pre-show dinner upstairs at the Shaw Center’s 3rd floor Turner Gallery. Contact the
Federation office at 225.379.7393 for information on becoming a Patron of the Baton Rouge Jewish Film
Festival.
See you at the movies!
Congregation B’nai Israel
TRIP TO ISRAEL June 3 - 14, 2018
E x p e r i e n c e t h e w o n d e r a n d m a g i c o f J e r u s a l e m ' s a n c i e n t an d mod ern s i t es
Tour Masada and re lax at a Dead Sea S pa
Explore the wonders of Israel ’s north
View the exquisite gardens of the Baha’ i Temple
Meet with sett lers and Palest inians engaged in construct ive dialogue
Part ic ipate in an on -going archeologica l d ig
Enjoy city walking tours, vis it markets, and sample the var ied f lavors of I srae l
Register at: https://israelexperts.formstack.com/forms/cbi_baton_rouge
For information contact: Rabbi Jordan Goldson at [email protected]
Cheshvan-Kislev Page 19
Ad
vert
iser
s
ADVERTISE HERE NOW ACCEPTING 2018 ADVERTISERS
for
Eternal Light Newsletter
Call Cathy at the Temple office at 225-343-0111.
Address Service Requested
Congregation B’nai Israel 3354 Kleinert Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70806
www.bnaibr.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jay Jalenak, President Deborah Sternberg, Past President
Seth Kaplan, Vice President Warren Sager, Treasurer
Andy Blumberg, Secretary
Ronnie Bombet Linda Dubois Shawn Folks Adrian Hirsch Mike Kantrow Donna Kunstler Robbie Rubin Norman Schwamberg Lynn Weill
Nathan Levy, Men’s Club President Paige Wormser, Women of CBI President
Max Sager, BaRFTY Co-President Eliana Levy, BaRFTY Co-President
STAFF
Jordan E. Goldson Rabbi ([email protected])
Barry Weinstein Rabbi Emeritus
Cathy Duplechin Office Administrator ([email protected])
Jessica Yellen Religious School Co-Director ([email protected])
Julie Tepper Religious School Co-Director ([email protected])
James Hickman, Custodian
TEMPLE OFFICE VOLUNTEERS (TOV) Edie Bender Edie Bernard Laurie Brandt Robbie Rubin
For Itinerary, Information and Registion:
https://israelexperts.formstack.com/forms/cbi_baton_rouge
For more information contact:
Rabbi Jordan Goldson
or 225-343-0111 x203
