Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.cbibpt.org

Volume 158, Issue 1 Tamuz/Av 5776 August 2016

AugustHighlights

High Holy Days Come LaterThe start of Year 5777 comes later in the cycle this year. The High Holy Days will occur:•Erev Rosh Hashanah – Sunday,

Oct. 2•Rosh Hashanah – Monday, Oct.

3-Tuesday, Oct. 4•Kol Nidre – Tuesday, Oct. 11•Yom Kippur – Wednesday, Oct. 12Look for more details, including service times, in the September Bulletin.

Beyond B’nai MitzvahStudents, like Ben Dachman, above left, and Shane Carley, with Rabbi Schultz, gain new insights on what it means to be Jewish through Confirmation. Ira Wise reflects on Page 7.

School Days AheadOur Religious School is back in session in September. Make sure your children are all set for the 2016-17 session. See details on Page 20.

Also in this Issue:Bulletin Board ............................. P.2Rabbi Schultz .............................. P.5Donations .................................... P.8August Services ........................ P.19Mitzvah Mornings ..................... P.20

Connect with One Another

5777: The Year of Living Social

While the U.S. Presidential race seems chaotic at times this year, the transition at B’nai Israel is smooth. Sam Rosenberg concluded his two-year term as congregation president in June, handing over his gavel to Michael Blumenthal at the Annual Meeting.

Michael served as first vice president for the past two years, but his roots to the Temple extend back a couple of decades. A native of Baltimore, you could say he found his love and his passion at B’nai Israel. He is married to Judy Green Blumenthal, who grew up in the congregation. They were married here, by Rabbi Arnold Sher, and joined as members when they returned to the area. Michael was raised in a Conservative congregation, but he says he found a

renewed level of commitment here.

Michael now adds his responsibilities as president to his full-time career at IBM. He managed to set aside some time to

Michael Blumenthal

Continued on page 6

As the editor, I have an odd request for you: STOP reading this Bulletin!

Wait, before you toss this copy away, let me explain. We welcome you to try the online version of this publication. In fact, we want you to try all the great online resources the Temple has to offer.

We have a mission as we enter Year 5777: We want to take greater advantage of our online communications channels at B’nai Israel. We know there are better ways of staying connected to you, and we want to maximize them in every way we can.

To do that, we need your help! Please let us know how we can better reach out to you. What is working? What is not? What should we be doing differently? We also welcome you to help us directly, such as overseeing our Twitter feed or Facebook page, for instance. Please reach out to me, Scott Smith, at ssmith@cbibpt.org with your feedback or any questions.

In the meantime, check out the many online resources:

• The Temple website – Our revitalized website at www.cbibpt.org is packed with great

Continued on page 19

2 What’s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

Bulletin BoardSpiritual Preparation For the High Holy Days

Mishkan Hanefesh – Year TwoFridays, September 9, 16 and 23, NoonLast year we introduced a new High Holy Day Prayer Book/Machzor to overwhelmingly positive reviews. This three-part class taught by Rabbis Prosnit and Schultz will take a fresh look at the books as we set the stage for the coming Holy Day season. Join us for a look at classic prayers and themes seen through a fresh lens.

Yamim Nora’im – The High Holy Days through a Kabbalistic LensMonday, September 12, 19 and 26, 7:00 p.m.With Justin C BeckEach year, we begin again. We journey back to our Source, ourselves, our souls. The High Holy Days period is one in which we turn ourselves around. We remember who we are.

Each year, we have the opportunity to dip into the most profound stories of our people – from exile to return, from brokenness to wholeness, from separation to unity. The period leading up to these days, the month of Elul, is specifically designed to allow ourselves time to shape our thoughts, feelings and attitudes about our

relationship with our fellow human beings and with God.

Join us for a three-part series with Justin C. Beck to gain a greater understanding and insights of how to maximize the opportunity this time of year provides us. This series will offer practical preparatory tools. Handouts will be provided.

New Year’s Resolution: Make Hebrew a Priority

We are compiling a list of congregants who are interested in improving their Hebrew. We hope to begin several courses this fall.• A beginner’s Aleph/Bet class –

Perhaps leading to an Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration with Elaine Chetrit.

• Modern Hebrew – For those with some background, a chance to enhance some conversational skills.

• Beyond the Basics – For those with some reading ability, but are ready to probe biblical and prayer texts without translations.

If interested, please Contact Rabbi Prosnit at jprosnit@cbibpt.org. Times and dates will depend on the schedules of those who express interest.

Sharing Our JoyIlene and Steven Kandler, in honor of the engagement of son, Robert Kandler, to Yocheved Landesman.Rich and Becky Rosen, in honor of the birth of grandson, Jacob Becket.David and Judi Beier, in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary.Joan and Ira Davis, in honor of the birth of grandson, Oren Isidore Grzych, son of Chris and Rachel, great-nephew of Judy Yasser, great-grandchild of the late Dr. Isidore and Florence Yasser.Rabbi Evan Schultz and Jenny Goldstein, in honor of the birth of son, Roie Miles Schultz, brother of Koby and Elie.Michael and Amy Moorin, in honor of the birth of granddaughter, Penelope Audrey Moore, daughter of Samantha and George Moore.Larry and Ellen Dinkes, in honor of the birth of granddaughter, Julia Kate Farkas, daughter of Michelle and Jason Farkas.

Welcome! A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will not only enrich their lives, but that of our congregation.

Jocelyn and Matthew Kramer, Isa and ElinSchool Street, FairfieldMichael Jacobson and Anne LampertPark Avenue, Bridgeport

Food For The SoulWe need your help!

Before each Shabbat service, the temple provides a small Oneg in the lobby. If you can volunteer to bring in treats on a Friday, please contact Naomi Schaffer at naomilev@optonline.net.

You can drop them off at any time that’s convenient for you. Thank you!

We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

Stanley Roth, cousin of Marc KatzChester Gaugler, father of Dean GauglerRick Horwitz, husband of Stephanie Horwitz, father of Dylan, Adam, Riley and MadelynNatalie Barney, mother of Elaine ChetritJose Claudio DeSouza, father of Claudia Zuckerman

Anne Golden, mother of Abby RohinskyRabbi Jack H. Bloom, husband of Ingrid BloomIrv Stoller, father of Cindy WestRuth Berger, mother of Ken BergerJay Lebenson, father of Beth PraverAbraham Weintraub, father of Louise LinskySylvia Weintraub, mother of Susan RosenblittIrving Phillip, father of Suzanne PhillipGeraldyn Eckber

Sincere Sympathy

3

(The following is abstracted from remarks delivered at the Annual Meeting on June 16.)

Each year our senior staff spends some time at our fortnightly staff meetings discussing a book that focuses attention on some aspect of congregational management. This year’s read was “Doing the Math of Mission,” by Gil Rendle. While it may sound like a manual for CPAs or a reference to last week’s Torah portion, Numbers, it’s actually directed to church groups – and one that we found had significant relevance to synagogues.

One of the themes was the difference between counting and measuring. Now, for some, that may be a distinction without a difference, but Rendle’s point was “when counting the question is how many; when measuring the question is how far.” Counting is, do we have enough? How can we get more? And while Rendle acknowledges that church leaders need to count to be aware of the resources available to allocate for the things they do, he suggests that such counting does not delve into the vitality of a congregation.

Measuring, on the other hand, does. It is more about call, purpose and possibility. It is how far we have come over the past year toward our goal. Of course the question then arises, what was our goal? Was it to finish the year with no deficit, or was it something to frame in theological terms? How have we done in serving God, in educating and enriching Jewish lives, and in repairing a broken world?

The metrics to measure these things are not always helpful or clear because we’re not always certain what the difference is that we’re trying to make. It’s easier to calibrate the success of a High Holy Days appeal or to count the number of

folks who came to a particular program or service than it is to know that someone’s life was changed by something we did.

But tonight we share some stories that reflect the year and how what we strive to do sometimes has an impact on the people we serve and the community in which we live.

Story 1 took place last fall. I had invited the new Bishop of Bridgeport, Father Frank Caggiano, to speak here in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II document that reshaped the Catholic Church’s relationship to Jews and Judaism. He gave a wonderful talk and the post-dinner dialogue that I shared with him was fun and easygoing and I think enjoyed by all.

But my measuring moment came not in

the program we organized, but by the presence of a number of members from the St. Rose of Lima Church in East Haven. I had gotten to know the priest of the church, Father Jim Manship, through our involvement in CONECT (Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut), and invited him to attend with some of his parishioners – and

many did. To this day, every time I see him, he talks about the impact of the visit on his mostly immigrant Hispanic members. Sure they enjoyed meeting the new bishop, but most important was the welcome they received at the Temple. For not only was it their first time in a synagogue or at a non-Catholic prayer service, but it was the first time they had ever eaten with or talked to Jews in a relational way of camaraderie. Our hospitality changed a basic understanding between two separate communities.

Story 2 was an email I received the other day from a former student at the Temple. She and her family moved away a couple of years ago. It’s one of those letters that can make a rabbi’s day, year, career!

I am so excited to tell you that I am attending the University of Southern California in the fall. As I will not be able to see you in person, I want to thank you for what you’ve done to prepare me as a student, a Jew and a person. It was through B’nai Israel that I really began understanding and exploring Judaism and my relationship with it. … B’nai has a unique welcoming atmosphere and congregants that sparked my love for the Jewish community.

Thank you for telling my mom to push me to go on the L’Taken trip (the Confirmation Class trip to Washington, D.C.) my sophomore year. That experience immensely impacted my life. It is where I can definitively mark the beginning of my understanding and passion for policy and its role in activism….

Story 3, and my final connection of measuring impact, was when I realized I’d be reading the name Ros Gordon at the start of the meeting in our moment of azkerah. Ros died last December, and

Donation Item of the Month: Pasta and Sauce for the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry

From the Rabbi’s Desk/Rabbi James Prosnit

Counting vs. Measuring

“It’s easier to calibrate the success of a High Holy Days appeal or to count the number of folks who came to a particular program or service than it is to know that someone’s life was changed by something we did.”

Continued on Page 4

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PROSNIT From Page 3

as most of you know, it was pretty much impossible to come to anything at the Temple over the past decade when she was not present. She learned to chant Torah as a Bat Mitzvah in her 80s; she attended most every study group; she looked after so many and extended herself like few others. Her children would write us after her death and tell us that her affiliation to B’nai Israel was the most meaningful and best time of her life.

How do we serve God? How do we enrich Jewish lives? How do we repair some of the brokenness of our world? I realize that is something hard to measure, but sometimes we know it when we see it, and that’s what keeps us going.

For years this synagogue has stood as a beacon by which many can measure their Jewish lives. When at our best, we strive

to enhance Jewish commitment, civility of values and the willingness to embrace and reach out to more and more Jewish and even non-Jewish souls. That spirit has been our strength, and it remains our challenge. No doubt we will have big decisions to make as we move forward. Thank God we have good people to make them.

ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY – B’nai Israel’s annual spring gala recognized three congregants in late May for their outstanding contributions to the synagogue and the

greater Jewish community. This year’s honorees were, clockwise from the top left, Edward Burger, Karen Ferleger and Philip Eliasoph.

In the June Bulletin, in recognizing our 2016 Confirmation Class, we mistakenly listed Jenna Rosenstein’s (above) name as Rachel. We greatly regret the error. Read Jenna’s great insights on Confirmation in Ira Wise’s column on Page 7.

A Correction

How do we serve God? How do

we enrich Jewish lives? How do we repair some of the brokenness of our

world?”

Emissary HostFamilies Needed

The Emissary Program of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County brings recent high school graduates from Israel to our community for a gap year, postponing their army service.

The emissaries live with local families and work in the community to share their love of Israel. Hosting a Young Emissary is a unique opportunity that benefits both the local Jewish community and your family.

Families are needed to host beginning in late August. Please consider this wonderful opportunity.

For more information, please contact Judy Blumenthal, community coordinator, at ctblumers@optonline.net or (203) 260-0040.

5We are on Twitter now! Follow us via @cbibpt. We’ll follow back!

From the Rabbi’s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz

The Brentrance: Three Faiths Come Together in Bridgeport

Just days ago (I am writing this article in late June), the world witnessed the United Kingdom pass the historic “Brexit” vote (as you are presumably reading this in August, it is a good sign that the world has not yet fully self-combusted as a result of the vote). Many viewed this vote as a sign of a potentially momentous shift taking place around the world; an indicator that more and more individuals are turning inward rather than outward, fueled by bigotry, hatred and fear. Needless to say this both terrifies and saddens me, as it feels like a growing tide of people are tearing out the page of the Bible that teaches us to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” crumpling it up, and throwing it away. When God created the world, I can’t imagine this is what God intended.

What I do imagine God intended was a gathering that took place back on June 26. The Greater Bridgeport Tent of Abraham held its annual Interfaith Iftar celebration – a gathering of Muslims, Christians, and Jews at the University of Bridgeport (UB) to learn, share, and engage with one another.

As I entered the John Cox Student Center at UB, I was greeted by volunteers from the local Muslim community. They welcomed me, introduced themselves, and directed me to a table to join with Muslim, Jewish and Christian participants. I sat down at a table with many UB employees – both Muslim and Christian – and learned about the atmosphere that the University seeks to foster by encouraging interfaith and cross-cultural programming.

The centerpiece of the evening was a discussion on how each of our sacred texts informs our daily lives. Following a talk from a local imam on the Koran, we engaged in a panel discussion with Mohamed Elsamra, Muslim American Society Public Affairs and Civic

Engagement director for Connecticut; Reverend David Rowe, pastor of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield; and our own rabbinic intern, Stephanie Crawley. The three answered questions about the nature of the Torah, the Christian Bible and the Koran. We also asked them questions about how their respective faiths deal with troubling texts and what a text study looks like in their communities. Here are just a few of my takeaways from the panel discussion:

1. All three faiths emphasize study. We know this about Judaism. I learned that the word Koran means “to read” or “to study.” Our Muslim friends explained how important scholarship and study is in their communities.

2. We need to find more opportunities for interfaith text study. I was surprised how

much I did not know about the Christian Bible and the Koran. I can imagine many in the room felt the same way. I feel a resolve to find more opportunities to learn from our Christian and Muslim neighbors.

3. There was such respect in the room for the panelists and the discussion. In a room full of many traditional Muslims, I was so moved by the fact that everyone was listening to a female rabbinical student speak about her approach to the Torah. This moved me in so many ways.

It was definitely an evening that made God smile and showed how many people in our community approach one another with openness, compassion and respect. I urge you to join us for future Tent of Abraham gatherings!

B’nai Israel Rabbinic Intern Stephanie Crawley joined, from left, Mohamed Elsamra, Muslim American Society Public Affairs and Civic Engagement director for Connecticut, and Reverend David Rowe, pastor of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, for a panel discussion on the sacred texts of their

respective faiths.

6 Religious School starts in just a few weeks. Find out how to register your students on Page 20.

answer some questions about what he envisions for his term as a leader of the congregation. Following are excerpts from that conversation.

BULLETIN: What is your main goal for your term as president?

MICHAEL BLUMENTHAL: My top goal is to find ways for congregants to connect more with each other and also to engage more with the synagogue overall. For instance, one group I want to focus on is new members. We can improve upon engaging with them and making sure they know how to connect with the Temple. We want to find ways to have new members connect with each other as well as long-term congregants who can invite them to things and help in other ways. From my personal experience, I’ve learned that if you’re friends with people at synagogue and know people, you’re much more likely to participate in different activities and programming.

So how do you get the existing members more involved?

I want to focus on different constituent groups within the congregation. Another area would be religious school parents and families. We know the time that their kids are in religious school can be very valuable to parents to have a break, but

we’d still like to find ways for them to connect, maybe during Sunday mornings when there’s an activity that could of interest to them. Another option is evening social activities. The same for preschool, where we already do a good job and have some parent committees. Again, we want to find ways for families or for adults to socialize and participate in programming or activities. Those groups are the ones we want to start with, and if successful, we’ll expand it to others.

Besides building connections, what are some of your other goals and priorities?

The good news is I think our synagogue is in terrific shape. It has a lot of great things to offer compared to many synagogues. So fortunately I don’t feel there’s many things that need to be improved a lot. It’s more incremental in other areas. I’d like to follow up on what was discussed at the Annual Meeting by the clergy, especially Rabbi Prosnit. We want to deepen our relationships with congregants. So not only get more to engage, but also for those that do, make sure they have deep, meaningful relationships. We want people to feel deeply connected, as well as broadly connected, if you will. (Editor’s Note: See Rabbi Prosnit’s column on Page 3 for more on this.)

I understand that for everyone the synagogue is not going to be the center of their lives, but I’m hoping they can find

something here, and not just until their kids have their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We hope it’s meaningful for the parents as well as the kids to have Judaism in their lives and that part of that is focused on B’nai Israel.

You grew up in Baltimore. What was your level of involvement in your synagogue there?

We belonged to a Conservative synagogue, and I would say I’m more “religious” now belonging to a Reform synagogue than I ever was belonging to a Conservative synagogue. When I was a kid, we were pretty much two-day-a-year Jews, going only on the High Holidays. I find much more meaning attending services and participating here than I did in my childhood synagogue.

So you found new ways to be involved in Jewish life as a congregant at B’nai Israel. What ways would you recommend to congregants now so that they get more involved?

They should choose a way that’s meaningful to them. That could be services or classes or doing something to help the community, participating in Tikkun Olam. I also hope they find ways to connect socially with each other as well as B’nai Israel.

SUMMER FUN – Life at B’nai Israel only slows down slightly in the summer months, as congregants participated in everything from Shavuot plantings to Confirmation and Merkaz graduations. Above left, congregants of all ages helped beautify the temple grounds with plantings as part of the Shavuot

celebration in June. Above right, Rabbi Prosnit, center, was honored by Fairfield University for his 25 years of involvement with the school.

ConnectFrom Page 1

7Like Us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B’nai Israel page and join us online.

From the Education Center/Ira J. Wise

Confirming? Confirming What?

So we all know about the photos on the wall. You know, the wall by the library and the Cantor’s study? The Confirmation photos. Going back to 1915 we have hundreds of teenagers in white robes. I am in a similar picture on a wall in suburban Chicago. Rabbi Prosnit’s is in Scarsdale. Some of you may be on a wall somewhere as well. For many members of B’nai Israel, though, Confirmation is something new and different.

The easy explanation is that the early rabbis of the Reform Movement (c. 1880s) felt that 13 was too young an age to end formal Jewish learning. So they borrowed the name from their Christian neighbors and invented a new ceremony for 15-year-olds. In many places, they got rid of B’nai Mitzvah completely. And Confirmation became a huuuuuuuge deal (can we still say that?). In the 1960s most congregations began bringing back B’nai Mitzvah; people liked them.

That is the rough history. But what does it really mean? This past spring, one of our confirmands (she is also a madrikhah in our school, a BIFTY board member and a Crane Lake camper), Jenna Rosenstein, wrote a speech for the Confirmation service that really summed up what she felt about the experience. I will let you learn what this is all about in her own words:

Everyone here knows that growing up Jewish is, for lack of a better term, different. You were the one kid who destroyed people’s dream of Santa Claus, and instead of going to church on Sunday morning, you went to temple on Friday night. I always felt really different because I was Jewish, especially growing up in a mainly Christian area. I feel as if being a part of Hebrew school and coming on Sundays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays, or Mondays, and now

Tuesdays again, has been really helpful to me. It gave me a sense of security and a home. Being a part of Confirmation has made this all so much clearer to me and made me realize that faith has been, and forever will be, a huge part of my life.

This past year at Merkaz, I will admit that at the beginning I was a little angry that I had to take Confirmation class instead of cooking class or another art class, since I try to veer away from taking any actual educational classes. I just thought that Confirmation was going to be another thing my mom was forcing me to do. Going into it, I had no idea what I was confirming nor why I had to confirm it. Standing on the bema today, I am still not too sure. But here’s my crack at it: I stand here today to confirm my faith of Judaism. Pretty obvious right? Think again.

What does being Jewish mean? This is what most of our

conversations during Confirmation class are about. Our tradition defines being Jewish as being born of a Jewish mother. But what if someone converts at a young age? Or what if your dad was the Jewish one in a mixed-faith marriage and you were raised Jewish? Are you not actually Jewish then? I believe that being Jewish is not in your blood, but rather if you believe in the faith. This means that if I resonate with the beliefs of Judaism to some degree, and do not practice another faith, than I am classified as Jewish.

We also spent a lot of time talking about God concepts. This meant what and who God was to us. I came into Confirmation not believing in God at all, and Rabbi Prosnit and Ira had no intention of changing that. However, as the class explored different Jewish God concepts, I found more and more that suited my beliefs in God. I feel like a lot of kids in the

Members of the Confirmation Class of 2016 stopped for a group photo during a December trip to Washington, D.C.

Continued on Page 14

8 Reach more than 700 families. Advertise in the Bulletin. Contact Scott L. Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org

Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary FundDonations in honor of Rabbi Prosnit’s 25 years at Fairfield University were made by:

Barbara AbrahamElaine and Robert FriedmanThe Giglietti FamilyCarol KrimAlan and Harriet NelsonSusan and Richard PremingerAllan and Claire ShumofskyDebbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime ViensLois Wallman Debora and Michael Weisman

Donations in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit, were made by:

Janice and Bernie JacobsThe Kirsch FamilyThe Montagna FamilyMarc and Maggie Walowitz

Mark Abrams, in memory of mother and father, Sally and Albert Abrams.Bonnie, Lauren, Jeff, Amy and Sydney Alterman, in memory of Shirley Blenner.Jon August, in memory of father, Milton August.Judi and David Beier, Mazel Tov to Richard and Rebecca Rosen on the birth of grandson, Jacob.The Beitman Family, in memory of Ed Averbach, father of Renee Beitman; in memory of Irving Phillip, father of Suzanne Phillip.Lori and Ken Berger, in appreciation.Marilyn Bissell, in memory of son, David Ziller.Bonim Preschool Families, a thank-you to Rabbi Prosnit for helping our children grow.Bonim Preschool’s 4’s and Pre-K Classes, a thank-you to Rabbi Prosnit from our graduating kids.Alayne and Marty Burger, in memory of Laura Small Levine, mother of Jack Levine; in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom, father of Rachel Faiga; in memory of Jose Claudio DeSouza,

father of Claudia Zuckerman; in memory of Abraham Weintraub, father of Louise Linsky; in memory of Sylvia Weintraub, mother of Susan Rosenblitt.Elaine and Juda Chetrit and Family, in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit, Rabbi Schultz and Cantor Blum, for the support and service they have given to us in this difficult time.Joan and Ira Davis, with great appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit for his comfort and TLC during Joan’s long hospital stay.Elaine and Robert Friedman, in honor of Sandra Rosenberg, on the graduation of grandson, Will Tepner.Deborah Goodman and David Abbey, in memory of Harriet Abbey.Jim and Lisa Greenberg, in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom; in memory of Anne Golden, mother of Abby Rohinsky.William Greenspan, in honor of the marriage of Mengdi and Lei Chen.Maxine, Stewart and Jena Gross, in memory of dad/grandpa, Louis Schafrank.Judy and Michael Katz, Mazel Tov to Richard and Rebecca Rosen on the birth of grandson, Jacob Becket.Alice and George Kelly, in memory of father, Sol Zimroth; in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit; in honor of Paul and Marjorie Krubiner, on the marriage of son Steven Krubiner, to Aviva Sufian; in memory of father, Thomas Kelly.Geoffrey and Melanie Kooris, in honor of the naming of our granddaughter, Fina Renee Kooris.Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich, in honor of the birth of grandson, Eli Ledvich, son of Katy and Mikhail Ledvich.Lee Lester, a donation.Joan and Marc Levy and Family, in honor of the graduations of Talia Greenbaum, David Moorin, Jillian Bernstein, Aaron Marks and Jason Elias.David and Elissa Murnick, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Hayley Murnick.Ivan Maisel and Meg Murray, in memory of Merwin Blum, father of Cantor Sheri Blum; in memory of William Cohen, father of Linda Epstein.

Karin Newman, in loving memory of husband, Jack Newman.Lynne and Ernie Paushter, in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit; in loving memory of Claire Opper Small, mother of Lynne Paushter; in honor of Vivien Iris Paushter’s baby naming.Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit for his guidance and support during this difficult time for our family.Barbara Rifkin and Lawrence Postol, with appreciation.The Reich and Stein Families, in appreciation and with thanks to Rabbi ProsnitNorma and Ned Rogin, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter, Eva Wallis.Barbara Saltman, in thanks to Wendy Swain for the tour of Central Park.Richard and Gloria Sheiman, in memory of Dr. Gerald Winter.Allan and Claire Shumofsky, Mady, Laurie and David Brown, in memory of Sarah Shumofsky; in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit.Scott and Susan Zweibaum Smith, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of son, Evan Smith; in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit.Norman Solomon, in memory of mother, Lillian Solomon.Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in honor of the marriage of Steven Krubiner, son of Paul and Marjorie Krubiner, to Aviva Sufian; in memory of Henry Hofheimer, grandfather of Jonathan Sonneborn.Howard and Laura Twersky, in honor of the wedding of William Twersky to Elizabeth Soltesz.Lisa and Scott Verchin, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of son, Jordan Verchin; in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit.James and Emma Wittstein, in memory of Martin D. Wittstein.The Yaffie Family, in loving memory of mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ida G. Yaffie.Judy Yasser, James Yasser, Joan and Ira Davis, and Rachel Grzych, in memory of Florence Yasser, beloved mother and grandmother.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

9Donation Item of the Month: Pasta and Sauce for the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry

Adele and Larry Zuckerman, in memory of Lottie and Philip Burack, parents of Adele Zuckerman; in memory of Minnie and Max Zuckerman, parents of Larry Zuckerman; in memory of Paul Zuckerman, brother of Larry Zuckerman.

Rabbi Schultz Discretionary FundJudi and David Beier, in loving memory of father, Joel Beier.Nick and Rebecca Blondin, in honor of Nick’s conversion and Danny’s baby naming.Bonim Preschool Families, a thank-you to Rabbi Schultz for helping our children grow.Bonim Preschool’s 4’s and Pre-K Classes, a thank-you to Rabbi Schultz from our graduating kids.Linda Epstein and Family, in memory of William Cohen, in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz and Rabbi Prosnit for being there for us during this difficult time.Ruth and Eric Gross, in memory of Melvin Gross, father of Eric Gross; congratulations to Michael Blumenthal on his ascendency to the presidency of the Congregation.Laura Lehrhaupt, in appreciation.Lee Lester, a donation.Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz for a lovely Shiva service.Sam and Ellen Rost, in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz, for his leadership and the inspirational Shabbat service for Sam’s 60th Bar Mitzvah anniversary.Allan and Claire Shumofsky, Mady, Laurie and David Brown, in memory of Sarah Shumofsky; in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz.Scott and Susan Zweibaum Smith, thank you for Rabbi Schultz’s help in preparing son, Evan Smith, for his Bar Mitzvah.Lisa and Scott Verchin, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of son, Jordan Verchin; in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz.Jamie and Alison Weinstein, in honor of the baby naming of daughter, Athena Weinstein.

Elsbeth Zabin, in memory of mother, Ida Bernstein.Joel Zabin, in memory of sister, Ruth Zabin Levine.

Music FundDonations in memory of Merwin Blum, father of Cantor Sheri Blum, were made by:

Joni and Michael GreenspanThe Kalmans FamilyAlice and George KellyEllen Hyde PhillipsSusan and Richard PremingerBurton and Sheila Yaffie

Bonim Preschool Families, a thank-you to Cantor Blum for helping our children grow.Bonim Preschool’s 4’s and Pre-K Classes, a thank-you to Cantor Blum from our graduating kids.Joni and Michael Greenspan, in memory of Laura Levine, mother of Jack Levine.Lee Lester, a donation.Samuel Miller and Family, in memory of Laura Levine, mother of Jack Levine.Norma and Ned Rogin, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter, Eva Wallis.Geoffrey and Melanie Kooris, in honor of the naming of our granddaughter, Fina Renee Kooris.Brenda and Justin Kreuzer, in appreciation and with deep gratitude for Cantor Blum’s beautiful performance of my song.Ilse Levi, in memory of father, Hermann Strauss.The Montagna Family, in memory of Arthur Soalt, father of Nina Soalt.David and Elissa Murnick, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Hayley Murnick.Karin Newman, in memory of mother-in-law, Pauline Newman.Allan and Claire Shumofsky, Mady, Laurie and David Brown, in memory of Sarah Shumofsky; in appreciation to Cantor Blum.Scott and Susan Zweibaum Smith, thank you for Cantor Blum’s help in

getting son, Evan Smith, prepared for his Bar Mitzvah. Lisa and Scott Verchin, with thanks to Cantor Blum for all of her support in preparation for our son Jordan Verchin’s Bar Mitzvah.Debora and Michael Weisman, in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom, father of Rachel Faiga.Cindy, Ken, Eric, Aaron and Rachel West, in memory of Irv Stoller, loving father and grandfather.

Enhancement FundDonations in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit, were made by:

Jack KaddenRobert and Barbara LibermanBecky and Rich RosenJonathan and Cleo Sonneborn

Donations in memory of Anne Golden, mother of Abby Rohinsky, were made by:

Linda and Brian BarlaamElaine and Juda ChetritCaren and Bill SchwartzDebbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens

Martha and Gary Benzel, in memory of Dr. Gerald Winter.Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Irv Stoller, father of Cindy West; in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Carmela D’Aquila, in memory of Shirley Winnick.Melissa and Ed Diamond, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Hendler.Mark and Barbara Edinberg, in memory of Irv Stoller, father of Cindy West.Eloise Epstein, in memory of husband, Gerald Epstein.Barbara Green and Jeffrey Orell, in honor of Michael Blumenthal.Debbie and Ed Green, in memory of Charles and Anne Golden, parents of Abby Rohinsky and Marni Vinci.Laurel and Hank Greenberg, in loving

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

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DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

memory of parents, Sol H. Silverman and Ruth C. Silverman; with thanks to Ira Wise, Liz Ruderman and Sylvie Neigher for noon class on Austria.Michael Greenspan, in memory of mother, Sylvia Greenspan.Milton Jacoby, in honor of Philip Eliasoph, Karen Ferleger and Edward Burger.Albert Kleban, in memory of mother, Beatrice Kleban.Robert and Barbara Liberman, Mazel Tov to Eddie Burger.Alice Madwed, in memory of father, Joseph Ente.Ed and Luise Mann Burger, congratulations to Paul and Marjorie Krubiner on the marriage of son, Steven Krubiner, to Aviva Sufian; congratulations to Steve and Ilene Kandler on the engagement of Robert Kandler and Yocheved Landesman; congratulations to Dale Barcham for a successful career at Joel Barlow.Alan and Harriet Nelson, in memory of Dr. Gerald Winter, husband of Elaine Winter, father of Brian Winter.Becky and Rich Rosen, in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Joan Rosenbaum, in honor of Laurel and Hank Greenberg, on granddaughter Carly’s Bat Mitzvah.Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in memory of Robert Wilson, father of Patti Rosenberg.Samuel Rosenberg, with thanks to the Professional Staff, Board of Trustees, and the Administrative Staff, for their help and support over the past two years. Mark Schiff, thank you to Wendy Swain for an awesome sculpture tour of Central Park, NYC.Twody and Bob Schless, in memory of our dad, Bernie Schless.Allan and Claire Shumofsky, Mady, Laurie and David Brown, in memory of Sarah Shumofsky.Scott and Susan Zweibaum Smith, thank you to Sam Rosenberg for two outstanding years as President of B’nai Israel.Debbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens, in memory of Ruth Berger,

mother of Ken Berger.Debbie and Michael Weisman, in appreciation and best wishes to Abby Rohinsky.Deborah and Wallace Zuckerman, in memory of Jose Claudio DeSouza.

Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education FundDonations in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit, were made by:

Michael and Cindy BeckerDavid, Georgette and Samantha ChetritNatalie Chetrit and Jon Siragusa, and Yoel Chetrit and Jen O’FlahertyJim and Lisa GreenbergThe Kalmans FamilyRichard and Joanne KrantzBeth Lazar

Judi and David Beier, in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom. David and Sheryle Levine, in honor of Irv and Andi Kern, on the wedding of Nancy and Dave.

Nursery School Enrichment FundThe Kirsch Family, in memory of Rick Horwitz, husband of Stephanie Horwitz.

Nursery School Scholarship FundLori and Brad Chervin, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in memory of Rick Horwitz, husband of Stephanie Horwitz.Carol Krim, in honor of Alexa Cohen for her excellent article on play.Ellen Hyde Phillips, in memory of Anne Golden, mother of Abby Rohinsky; in memory of Gerald Winter, husband of Elaine Winter, father of Brian Winter.Gail and Peter Weinstein, in honor of George and Susan Krall, on granddaughter Jenna’s graduation from high school; in memory of Urban Silva, husband of Theresa Silva; in memory of Arthur Soalt, father of Nina Soalt; in memory of Andrew Testa, husband of Doreen Testa; in memory of Natalie

Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit; congratulations to Ahuva and Moshe Munzer on their granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah; Mazel Tov to Roberta and Artie Fields on the twins’ graduation from high school.

Rabbi Martin Library FundDonations in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom, husband of Ingrid Bloom, father of Rachel Faiga, were made by:

Jerry and Dale DemnerBari DworkenMark and Barbara EdinbergGeorge and Chris Markley

Barbara Green and Jeffrey Orell, in memory of Ruth Green.Muggs Lefsetz, in honor of Philip Eliasoph.Rabbi James Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, in appreciation to Wendy Swain for a wonderful sculpture tour.Barbara Rifkin, in memory of parents, Eunice and Sidney Postol; in memory of grandfather, Nathan H. Schine, in memory of uncle, David T. Schine.

Prayer Book FundLinda and Brian Barlaam, in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Federation for Jewish Philanthropy Of Upper Fairfield County, in honor of our host families.Sue, Bob and Carleigh Sussman, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Kayla Pressman.

Slepian Floral FundThe Beitman Family, in memory of Marion Beitman, mother of Rick Beitman.

MazonMyrna Kaufman, in memory of husband, father and grandfather, Leonard Kaufman.

Religious School Scholarship FundDonations in honor of Ira Wise receiving his Honorary Ph.D. from HUC were made by:

We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

11

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

Judi and David BeierJim and Lisa GreenbergCarol KrimSusan and Richard PremingerDebbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens

Claire L. Baker, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.Linda and Barry Diamond, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.Gail Felberbaum, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Hendler.Bob Ford, in memory of Sadie Goldbaum.

Religious School Enrichment FundDonations in honor of Ira Wise receiving his Honorary Ph.D. from HUC were made by:

The Kalmans FamilyGloria KatzJoan and Michael ShaneDebora and Michael Weisman

Stacey and Duane Berlin, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.Carson and Robert Berkowitz and Family, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.Beth and Randy Reich, in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Ellen and Sam Rost, in honor of granddaughters, Emily and Samantha Berkowitz, for Emily’s Bat Mitzvah and Samantha’s high school graduation.Arthur and Sharon Schloss, in honor of Karen Ferleger, for her service to the Jewish Community.Scott, Susan, Elena and Evan Smith, in honor of Sherry Portnoy, for her selfless service to the Religious School and congregation.

Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action FundDonations in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit, were made by:

Barbara Abraham

Bari DworkenThe Elbaum FamilyGeorge and Chris MarkleyShari and Brian NerreauEllen Hyde PhillipsLaurie and Daniel SchopickSerena and Arnie Sher

Barbara Abraham, in memory of Anne Golden, mother of Abby Rohinsky; in memory of Laura Levine, mother of Jack Levine.Carson and Robert Berkowitz and Family, in memory of Anne Golden, mother of Abby Rohinsky.Ellen and Larry Dinkes, in memory of Irving Phillip, father of Suzanne Phillip.Bari Dworken, in memory of Irving Phillip, father of Suzanne Phillip.Elaine and Robert Friedman, in honor of Lis and George Ruderman, on their daughter-in-law, Amy Messer, being appointed a judge in New Hampshire; in honor of Nancy and Charles Needle, on the graduations of Zachary Needle, Natalie Needle and Nicki Lynch.Deborah Goodman and David Abbey, in memory of David Goodman.Aimee Greenspan and Kevin Crist, in honor of our daughter, Leila, becoming a Bat Mitzvah; in appreciation to Rabbi Sher for his support.Joni and Michael Greenspan, in appreciation to Rabbi Arnold Sher for his participation in the service of our granddaughter, Leila Crist, and bestowing a Bat Mitzvah blessing. George and Chris Markley, Mazel Tov to the Kern family on the recent marriage of Nancy Kern and David Sexton.Samuel Miller and Family, in memory of Joseph Kot.Susan and Murray Morrison, in honor of the marriage of William Twersky to Elizabeth Soltesz; in honor of the marriage of Nancy Kern to David Sexton.The Nerreau Family, in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Susan and Richard Preminger, in memory of Ellen Orleans, mother of Jon Orleans.

Amy and Glenn Rich, in memory of William Cohen, father of Linda Epstein.Ellen and Sam Rost, in honor of Len Blum’s special birthday; in honor of Samuel Miller, on his grandson Harrison Miller’s high school graduation.Laurie and Daniel Schopick, in honor of the marriage of Steven Krubiner, son of Paul and Marjorie Krubiner, to Aviva Sufian; in honor of Andrea and Irving Kern, on the marriage of daughter, Nancy; in memory of Helen Liskov, mother of Andy Liskov; in memory of Irving Phillip, father of Suzanne Phillip.Serena and Arnie Sher, in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom, husband of Ingrid Bloom; in memory of Laura Levine, mother of Dr. Jack Levine; in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Allan and Claire Shumofsky, Mady, Laurie and David Brown, in memory of Sarah Shumofsky.Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in memory of Dr. Walter Sonneborn, father of Jonathan Sonneborn.Sue, Bob and Carleigh Sussman, in loving memory of grandmother, Gussie Sussman.

Etz Chaim Living Torah FundCarson and Robert Berkowitz and Family, in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom, father of Rachel Faiga.Linda and Brad Rothbaum, in memory of Ruth Berger, mother of Ken Berger.Mollie Keller and Mark Wasserman, in honor of Elaine Chetrit, who taught us our Aleph Bet.

Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish LeadershipAndrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman, in memory of Rabbi Jack Bloom, husband of Ingrid Bloom.Susan and Richard Preminger, in memory of Mickey Morris Frankel, mother of Jill Elbaum.Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in appreciation of Bari Dworken.

Lee & David Lester Kesher FundLee Lester, a donation; in profound

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BIFTY TAKES ON THE WORLD – At left, our BIFTY youth group led Shabbat services at Lake Mohegan in Fairfield in late May. Several of our teenage students joined Temple Educator Ira Wise on a trip to Poland in early summer. Here, some of them join Ira in front of Beit Krakow, the Reform Synagogue in the city of Krakow.

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loving memory of my only child, David Lester, sweetest child ever.

Charles Fried Keshet FundCaren Schwartz, in memory of Joyce, Rudolph and Stephen Alan Starr.

Arnold & Doris Tower FundSue, Bob and Carleigh Sussman, in loving memory of grandmother, Adele Mathog Bibro.Steve and Ellen Tower, in appreciation to Sam Rosenberg; in memory of Bobby and Bitsy Tower.

Alan Weinstein Scholarship FundJanet and Dennis Magid, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Leila Paige Crist, granddaughter of Joni and Michael Greenspan.Ellen and Sam Rost, in memory of Laura Levine, mother of Dr. Jack Levine.

Judith Brav Sher Family Education Fund Donations in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit, were made by:

Brian and Linda BarlaamJudi and David BeierLori and Ken BergerElaine and Juda Chetrit and Family, in beloved memory of Natalie Barney, beautiful mom, grandma and great-grandma.Andrea Goodman and Jeff AckermanRuth and Eric GrossJoanne and Neil LippmanEd and Luise Mann BurgerSandra MichaelsonRabbi James Prosnit and Wendy BlochBeth and Randy ReichBrad and Linda RothbaumCaren, Bill, Jon and Emily Schwartz

Gillette Judaic Enrichment FundMichael and Cindy Becker, in honor of Irv and Andrea Kern on the marriage of daughter, Nancy.George and Chris Markley, congratulations to the Rosen family on the birth of grandson, Jacob; Mazel Tov to the Kandler family on the recent engagement of Robert Kandler and Yocheved Landesman.

Susan and Richard Preminger, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit; in memory of Anne Golden, mother of Abby Rohinsky.Debora and Michael Weisman, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.

BIFTY Greenwald Scholarship FundShirley Jacob Lantz and Family, in loving memory of our dear Sherman Greenwald.Samuel Miller and Family, in memory of Harry Miller.Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in honor of Ira Wise receiving the degree of Doctor of Jewish Religious Education.

Habitat for HumanityDebbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens, in memory of Natalie Barney, mother of Elaine Chetrit.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

Attention College Students

It’s time to head back to school for our college students and their families. Yet, while you may be spreading out

to all parts of the country, we want to keep you connected to B’nai Israel. We would like to keep in touch with you while you are away from home. Let us know how you are doing, what you are up to and any big news.

To send you little holiday surprises and for you to keep connected with

your temple friends, we would like your school address and email address. Please send your information to Chris in the main office at crocha@cbibpt.org.

Good luck at school, and remember that you will always be part of the B’nai Israel family!

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Summer, Bonim Style

The Bonim Preschool transforms into Camp Bonim for the summer months, as campers enjoy crafts, water fun and friends. The kids at Bonim know how to stay cool as the weather heats up!

What’s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

Join us at Bonim Preschool – (203) 335-5058

14 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

Confirmation class felt like this as well, finding out that not everyone had to believe in the same God and, like our predecessors, we all had different relationships with God.

However, for me at least, Confirmation was more important than some lessons on Jewish identity and Tuesday nights. I didn’t really need to confirm the fact that I am Jewish, saying that I have always felt like a Jew. I did not need some big service to prove my Judaism to others, and I always knew I wanted to remain Jewish. But to stand here with a group of kids, most of whom I have known before I could even talk, telling each other that we want to be Jewish and that we choose Judaism, feels really important to me. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I have now devoted a year or so of my life to preparing for this exact moment, or if it is because I have always felt a part of a small community because of my Judaism.

I could not say it better. And what better reason to enroll in religious school each year than to reach a moment like this? Albert Einstein once said he regretted being born Jewish because it meant he could not choose to become Jewish. Jenna tells me that even those of us born as Jews can choose to confirm our own commitment and connection.

L’shalom,

Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E.

Temple Educator

“Albert Einstein once said he regretted being born Jewish because it meant he could not choose to

become Jewish.”

Ira Wise From Page 7

(203) 336-1858 • www.cbibpt.orgThe Bulletin of Congregation B’nai Israel is published every month except July.

James Prosnit, D.D. ............................... Rabbi

Evan Schultz .......................................... Rabbi

Arnold I. Sher, D.D. ............... Rabbi Emeritus

Sheri E. Blum, D.M. ............................ Cantor

Ramon Gilbert, D.M. ............ Cantor Emeritus

Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E. ............ Temple Educator

Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E .... Educator Emeritus

Alexa Cohen ........... Early Childhood Director

OfficersMichael Blumenthal .............................. PresidentShari Nerreau .......................... 1st Vice PresidentJill Elbaum .................................... Vice PresidentJim Greenberg ............................... Vice PresidentLarry Levine ................................. Vice PresidentJerry Saunders ...................................... TreasurerPerry Molinoff ....................... Assistant TreasurerSusan Walden ...................................... SecretaryJoe Varon .............................. Financial SecretarySamuel J. Rosenberg .... Immediate Past President

AffiliatesMarisa Underberger ................................................... BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement SpecialistScott L. Smith ............................................................................................................... Bulletin Editor

POKEMON GO (TO SERVICES) – Our temple sanctuary provides an escape from the everyday stress, but even our sanctuary could not escape the summer’s hottest craze – Pokemon Go. Yes, monsters from the mobile Augmented Reality game even made a Shabbat appearance at the temple.

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The following members of the medical community join together in their support of the B’nai Israel Bulletin:

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19Donation Item of the Month: Pasta and Sauce for the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry

Friday, August 5 6:00 p.m. Service – Rosh

Chodesh Av Torah Portion – Matot Mas’ei, Num. 30:2-36:13 Haftarah – Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4

Saturday, August 6 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study Friday, August 12 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – D’varim,

Deut. 1:1-3:22 Haftarah – Isaiah 1:1-27

Saturday, August 13 8:00 a.m. Service – Shabbat

Chazon 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study Friday, August 19 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Va-et’chanan, Deut. 3:23-7:11

Haftarah – Isaiah 40:1-26

Saturday, August 20 8:00 a.m. Service – Shabbat

Nachamu 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah

at the Fairfield Audubon Society

Friday, August 26 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Eikev, Deut. 7:12-11:25 Haftarah – Isaiah 49:14-51:3

Saturday, August 27 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study

Shabbat Service Schedule

(Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, pre-ceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.)

THE START OF MANY SMILES – Earlier this summer Deborah Weinstein, left, presented the Dr. Alan Weinstein Scholarship to Jillian Bernstein. Jillian recently graduated from Cornell University and will be

attending University of Connecticut Dental School. Established by Alan’s family and friends shortly after his death in 1992, the Weinstein Scholarship Fund provides assistance to help outstanding young people from

B’nai Israel attend medical or dental school. The scholarship continues Alan’s love and commitment to the practice of medicine and his legacy of community service to future generations of medical professionals.

information and resources.• The Bulletin – Get the latest

edition or past versions at www.cbibpt.org/about/bulletin. It is always posted before the start of every month, so it is never late and you can share Temple news or events just by pointing people to the link. Please let us know how you prefer to read the Bulletin – on paper or online. The answer is very important.

• Email – Sign up for the weekly Hashavua newsletter for the latest happenings.

• Twitter – We want to make this a greater communication tool for the congregation. Follow us via @cbibpt.

• Facebook – Our Facebook page is packed with great announcements, photos and even travel updates from staff and congregants. Just search for Congregation B’nai Israel on Facebook. Or see what our teens are up to on the BIFTY page.

• Instagram – Yes, we are on Instagram, too. Follow at cbibpt.

Again, we want your input to improve our online offerings, especially our social media efforts. Please contact me, Scott Smith, at ssmith@cbibpt.org. Scott L. Smith

Social ............................................ From Page 1

Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.cbibpt.org

Perform A Mitzvah

When the school year resumes in September, so will B’nai Israel’s Mitzvah Mornings. The monthly outings enable congregants of all ages to help our greater community and fulfill our mission of Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”).

Last year’s projects included setting up a community garden, preparing Thanksgiving food packages, and serving brunch at a military veterans’ shelter.

The outings usually take place on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to Noon to coincide with religious school hours. They usually meet at the temple for a quick coffee and bagel, before heading out to the volunteer site.

Join us for one or all of this year’s Mitzvah Mornings (projects to be determined):• Sunday, Sept ember 25• Sunday, October 30• Sunday, November 13• December 24/25th (Christmas

Eve/Day)• Sunday, January 15 or Monday,

January 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend)

• Sunday, February 12• Sunday, March 19• Sunday, April 23• Sunday, May 7

To find out more, contact Shari Nerreau at snerreau@cbibpt.org.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 171Fairfield, Conn.

Congregants help clear a community garden site for Urban Roots Bridgeport last October.

Are You Ready For School?

The new religious school year is just a few weeks away. Whether your children are new to our school or returning students, now is the time to ensure that everything is in order.

As an added bonus, if you submit the necessary enrollment forms and deposits by August 8, you can provide input for which class you want your child placed. It will increase the chances they get to be in class with their friends.

You will find all the information you need on the Religious School page under the Learning tab of the Temple website at www.cbibpt.org/learning. There you will find enrollment forms, immunization forms, information for parents and students, and also tuition rates for the 2016-17 year.

If you need more information, please reach out to Temple Educator Ira Wise at (203) 336-1858 or iwise@cbibpt.org.