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“...to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.”
TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL’S MEMBERS & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER
IYAR - SIVAN 5776
The Bulletin JUNE 2016
106 Years and growing!
Board of Directors 2
President’s Message 3
Rabbinic Reflections & Weekly Readings 4
Services 5
Committee Updates 6
Temple Family News 7
Refugee Resettlement 7
Library & Religious School 8,9
In this issue
Visioning 11
Visioning Task Forces 13
Upgrades to our web site 13
Yahrzeits 12, 16
Donations 15
Thanks to our advertisers, Greer rental 17
Jewry Duty, Calendar 19
Traveling Dinner follow-up 20
Tikkun Leil Shavuot June 11 at Temple Emanu-El in Waterford
8:30 PM-11:30 PM
A varied program of song and dance and learning, from ethereal mysticism to the urgency of the opioid epidemic, and more.
Once again, we’ll be joining with our friends from the congregations of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut (Norwich, New London, Waterford, Colchester) for the traditional late-night celebration of Shavuot and Revelation with an evening that engages our minds as well as our bodies.
We’ll be led in song by Cantorial Soloist Sherry Barnes, hear about the opioid crisis from Rev. Jeff Montague, and hear about the “Ruth journeys” of members of our congregations who, like Ruth, found a new home in the Jewish people.
Plus there will be a range of options for break-out sessions including sessions on “Shayna Punim: God’s Face or mine?,” Israeli dance, Tai Chi Kabbalistic
meditation, and others, not yet finalized as of The Bulletin deadline. (Watch for e-mails with more details.) You’re invited to come and learn, and also bring a dairy dessert if you wish.
Temple Emanu-El, is at 29 Dayton Rd, Waterford, CT 06385; www.tewaterford.org
TEMPLE ANNUAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016 7:00pm; Please join us. Your voice matters!
A light meal will be served.
Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz Office hours:
Tuesday through Friday To schedule an appointment call
860.423.3743 Ext. 0 or e-mail [email protected]
Confidential Voice Mail: 860.423.3743 Ext. 1
Affiliations: The Jewish
Reconstructionist Movement www.jewishrecon.org
Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut
www.jfec.com
Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM) www.waimct.org
Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger
www.mazon.org
Religious School Administrator Morah Dara Bowling
Email: [email protected]
Office Administrator Marlene Aulten
860.423.3743 Ext. 0 [email protected]
Monday 10am-3pm Tues/Wed/Thurs noon to 5
THE BULLETIN is a publication of
TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL 345 Jackson Street
PO Box 61 Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone: 860.423.3743
Fax: 860.423.7594
Submission deadline: 3rd Monday of each month.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Immediate Past President David Golden David Stoloff
Vice President, Mishkan/Building & Operations Jim Baber
Kesher/Secretary & Communications
Gloria Gerald
Secretary-Elect Gloria Gerald
Tikkun Olam
Anne Willenborg
Brit/Community & Membership Mona Friedland
Torah/Education & Programming
Karen Drazen
Avodah/Religious Life Judy Stein
Kemah/Treasurer Glenn Blumenstein
Financial Secretary
Fran Jaffe
Members at Large: Gerry Berkowitz
Alex Nishball Ellie Shane
Doreen Simonsen
Thank you for your service to our shul.
2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
minute to help you consider how you might spend some of yours. We have the JFEC International Film Festival continuing through June 9th. We have the always exciting and memorable holiday of Shavuot. Rav Jeremy is hosting the last drop-in Kabbalah on June 16th.. And the Temple will have a Shabbes Dinner on June 24th.
To cap off the month of June, the Temple will hold its Annual Meeting on June 29th at 7pm. This is an important gathering for our community, because it gives the Board a chance to update the congregation on our budget, elect our officers and directors, and talk about Visioning, the Endowment, our Hebrew School and improving security at the Synagogue. We’ll provide a light dinner, and we truly hope to see you there. Also, please make sure you read the brief article on page 13 about the Temple’s new website. As we enter the modern age, we welcome your input and comments. We constantly strive to improve our methods of communicating with you, and making information available to you. With your help, we can make this information flow even better.
3
MISSION STATEMENT
Shalom,
As I sit here, slowly coming out of the frenzied stupor related to preparations for my daughter Willow’s Bat Mitzvah, it occurs to me that I need to write a President’s Message for this month’s Bulletin. I am also aware that I need to write this article because Marlene has asked me for it nine times in the last two weeks. That being said, I better get writing before I get into any more trouble.
I hope you were able to join us seeing Willow become a Bat Mitzvah on May 14th. It was such a wonderful and special day for Willow, me and my family. Willow really made her dad so proud. Words cannot describe how I felt watching her on the Bimah. Watching the children grow up and experience these seminal moments in life truly makes everything worthwhile, and puts things in perspective. Now that she is considered an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community, perhaps I can get her to take over as President of the Temple, or at least get her to ghost write some of these president’s messages for me.
In any event, now that I am getting reacquainted with the concept of free time, I wanted to take a
Temple Bnai Israel is a welcoming Jewish community which offers a spiritual, religious, and social home for all Jews. We cherish a belief in one God, the Torah, prayer and the music and beauty of our Jewish culture. We are commanded and committed to passing these blessings on to all future generations.
We observe and celebrate Jewish traditions and laws, while remaining open to change which meets the needs of our time, and which will stand the test of time.
We intend to be a force for good and comfort as individuals and as a whole. We seek to offer justice, tolerance, and charity within the Temple Bnai Israel community, the larger Jewish community, and the non-Jewish worlds within which we live.
Our synagogue recognizes the equality of all Jews. Jewish men and women, including those Jews in interfaith marriages, are entitled to participate equally in all religious rites, and all secular and religious leadership positions. Our congregation also reaches out to all who welcome Judaism into their lives.
We believe in the ancient teaching: “to do justly, love mercy, and walk
humbly with thy God.”
Continued on page 7
RABBINIC REFLECTIONS Rav Jeremy Schwartz
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SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Parashat Behukotai / פרשת בחקתי Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34 This year: 27:1 - 27:34 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 15:7-26
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Parashat Bamidbar / במדבר פרשת Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 This year: 3:14 - 4:20 Haftarah: 2 Kings 11:1-12
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Parashat Nasso / נשא פרשת Numbers 4:21 - 7:89 This year: 7:1 - 7:89 Haftarah: 1 Kings 8:54-63
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Parashat Beha'a lot'ha / פרשת בהעלתך Numbers 8:1 - 12:16 This Year: 10:35 - 12:16 Haftarah: Joshua 3:9-17
JUNE READINGS
first, that wherever you live, it is probably Egypt;
second, that there is a better place, a world more attractive, a promised land;
and third, that “the way to the land is through the wilderness.” There is no way to get from here to there except by joining together and marching.
Torah & Haftarah Readers
Thanks and Yasher Koach to our recent Torah and Haftarah readers: Willow Golden, Merle Potchinsky, and Rav Jeremy Schwartz
Another in an occasional series on the meanings of Jewish prayer services.
“Truth” is a difficult topic. You’ll run into folks who deny that it refers to anything at all. But acting on that idea is dangerous. You’re liable to step in front of speeding cars. Since the Renaissance, humanity’s gained a lot by supposing that truth claims should be based on observation and experience. But observation can also be misleading, if one isn’t careful. For example, observe a slave. Is it absolutely true that that person is a slave, so that we might write a mathematical equation: “Sarah = slave?” No! The social imposition of slavery is hiding a deeper, more essential truth about Sarah. She’s a human being. In Judaism, we say she’s an image of God. The observed status of slave even contradicts the deeper truth in a certain sense. It would be more “true” to her nature if she weren’t a slave. The b’rahah (the ‘blessing-declaration’) after the Sh’ma is an invitation to look for the deeper truths about ourselves and others. When we sing the
song of the Israelites coming out of Egypt, “Mi Hamoha,” we try to experience the restorative Power depicted in the tale of our ancient restoration to our true, free selves. And we commit to keep on splitting seas and marching together through the wilderness, as Michael Walzer says:
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SERVICES, BAGEL & BIBLE, T.G.I. SHABBES, DROP-IN KABBALAH
Drop-in Kabbalah, Thursday, June 16, 7:30pm - OUR LAST CLASS!
Please join us for – the Sitra Ahra
If everything comes from a Good God, what’s the deal with “evil?” This final session of Drop-In Kabbalah will introduce one of the main kabbalist teachings on that question.
Bagel & Bible: Saturday, June 4, 9:30am
T.G.I. Shabbes, Friday, June 10, 6:15pm
Wine, cheese, and celebration! As always, the 2nd Friday of every month.
Rabbi J.D. Sandberg will provide a D'Var Torah for our study over bagels.
SATURDAYS: 1st: Bagel & Bible study, 9:30am, abbreviated service 10:30
All other Saturdays: service at 10:00am
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Fran Jaffe Ellie Shane 860.228.2390 860.423.7418 [email protected] [email protected]
TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE, Anne Willenborg [email protected] 860.429.8725
DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM BOOK CLUB Carol Kraus [email protected]
CARING COMMITTEE Caring for each other in times of need
COMMITTEE NEWS
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A CHALLENGE? The Tikkun Olam Committee hosted a Climate Change Event on April 10th with special guest Rabbi Joshua Ratner. We had a discussion about climate change from a Jewish perspective. Caring about our environment is an inherently Jewish thing to do. But how to do it? What can we do?
After the event I received an email from Todd Friedland: “After attending the recent brunch program on global warming, it dawned on me that we can all do our part to help. The benefit is immediate lowering of our energy bills! I am asking that you look at the list below and pledge to our Temple that you will reduce your energy footprint by adhering to one or more of these suggestions. Most items on the list are free, only requiring a little effort from us.”
CAN YOU MAKE SOME CHANGES? Simple changes can reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. Please check out the list below. Will you participate with this challenge? E-mail Marlene, [email protected] with a list of what you will change or what you already do that’s on this list. We will get back to you with results of the challenge!
Your house in general: Raise the temperature of your thermostat by a few degrees to save on cooling costs. During the winter, lower your thermostat to the lowest temperature comfortable for you. Set your thermostat to 60F when going on vacation in winter months. Don’t turn off!! Unplug and turn off electronics when not in use. Use a power strip and turn off!
In the Kitchen: Use microwave/toaster oven to warm leftovers. Uses less energy than conventional oven. Dust your fridge including the coils in back. It helps keep costs down. Keep your freezer full, it uses less energy. Fill freezer with gallon containers of water!
In the Laundry: Avoid over-drying clothes. Separate light and heavy for shortest drying times. Air dry. Wash full loads when possible and use less water with smaller loads. Always was with COLD water as it saves 40 cents a load. Consider an energy audit. Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as doors, windows, and fireplaces dampers.
Please pledge to take some steps to help reduce our energy use and cost! Thank you for your participation.
Next meeting Tuesday September 20th, 7:00pm
We will be discussing an Interfaith selection, The Bible,the Qu'ran and Science by Maurice Bucaille
Enjoy your summer and join us in September at The Right Trac offices,
110 Main Street Manchester
Carpooling available!
Thanks to Jane Schreiber and Carol Kraus, our e-leaders in May. Merle and Carol have volunteered for June.
Several of our committee members came together a few weeks ago and re-affirmed their commitment to caring for our community. As a result, we now have leaders through October. We will meet again in the fall in an attempt to recruit some new members. Let me know if you have a friend who might be interested in joining us.
If you know of someone who needs our help, you can contact the monthly leaders, the committee co-chairs or Rav Jeremy.
Hope you’re enjoying the spring weather!
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TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS
Mazal Tov - Congratulations!
To our Temple’s high school graduates: Aidan DeRicco, Josh Horowitz-Benoit, Hannah Kaplan, and Jessica Rand! We wish you great success in your future endeavors! Marla and Mark Hauslaib are happy to announce the upcoming marriage of their son David to Rade Radakovich on June 20 in the French Riviera.
מזל טוב
Hamakom yenachem Condolences
To David Goldhamer on the death of his father, Stanley Jonas Goldhamer. May his memory be a blessing.
המקום ינחם
Dear Friends: Donations for the Quiet Corner Refugee Resettlement (QCRR) Co-Sponsorship Program are welcome and being accepted at this time. If you have been waiting to donate, now is the time. Send your donations directly to WAIM, PO Box 221, Willimantic, CT 06226. Put QCRR in the memo line, and they will issue tax-deductible statements.
Please be aware that this is not a donation to WAIM. The individuals at WAIM have been gracious enough to volunteer to manage the financials for the resettlement program (along with providing furniture and clothing for the families and much more). It is estimated that about five thousand dollars needs to be raised for each refugee family. This money will be used to help with a security deposit for housing, purchasing mattresses, pillows and car seats, providing groceries when refugees first arrive and reimbursing volunteers for gas money etc. Thank you very much for your consideration. Anne Willenborg.
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM - DONATIONS WELCOME
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to take a moment to bid a fond farewell to Marilyn and Dick Moir, who are in the process of retiring, selling their house and moving away. Marilyn tells us that she’ll come by and visit when she can (and maybe even make it to our High Holiday services), so we hope to see them around from time to time. We understand that it is time for them to retire and move to greener pastures, like Florida, but they’ll be dearly missed. We wish them all the best as they undertake this new chapter of their lives.
We also want to thank Marilyn for the countless things she has done for this community over the years. Marilyn has been an incredible, irreplaceable part of this congregation, and we will miss her and Dick most terribly. To Marilyn and Dick, we say, “Good luck in your new endeavors, and think of us from time to time as you sip fine wine by the water.”
Take care, be well, and do good.
David Golden
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Our newest editions:
“The Seven Good Years: A Memoir” by Etgar Keret. Donated, and highly recommended by, Merle and Rav Jeremy. The New York Times described it as “A brilliant, life-affirming, and hilarious memoir from a ‘genius’ and master storyteller. The “Seven Good Years” takes place between the birth of his son and the death of his father. He describes how he and his siblings come together after the death of their father, despite having taken different life paths. One reviewer said “Hilarious, brilliant, poignant, magically economical in its language, marvelously generous in its approach to the world, this book is like its author: genius”… One reviewer called Mr. Keret the #1 writer in Israel. “A Plain Pine Box: A Return to Simple Jewish Funerals and Eternal Traditions” by Arnold M. Goodman. Donated by Glenn Blumenstein. This book tells how a Conservative Congregation in Minneapolis “reclaimed the right to care for its own dead. After studying the Jewish laws of burial and the role of the Hevra Kadisha, they formed their own Hevra and began to offer their members the option of a plain pine box ….” This book per-haps details some of the path that Temple Bnai Israel has also undertaken.
On a different note and new (for at least this issue), join our art challenge! Take a look at the painting on the next page, and see how many of these questions you can answer:
Where in the synagogue does this painting reside?
What is the name of the painting?
What is the artist’s name?
What feelings does it evoke?
What thoughts does it conjure?
What else might you know about this painting?
SARAH RATNER LIBRARY - YOUR LIBRARY - a wonderfully quiet space to sit, read, and
reflect. Sue-Ellen Kirkham [email protected] & Brenda Rosen, [email protected]
Send your answers/feelings/thoughts to [email protected] and we will publish them in the
July issue of The Bulletin!
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Morah Dara Bowling: [email protected]
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Fun was had by all at the last-day-of-Religious-School-Picnic on May 22nd! How did the time go by so quickly? Thanks to David Golden, for the great photo, and we’ll see you in September!
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10
11
The Ritual Committee’s Been “Visioning” For Years
Under the leadership first of Paul Shapiro and then Judy Stein, the Ritual Committee has been Jewishly visioning since Rav Jeremy joined us in 2000. We thought you would be interested in this summary of the topics we’ve worked on, trying to find authentically Jewish, yet contemporary answers to a series of questions about the spiritual and ritual life of our community. Here’s the list:
Musical Instruments on Shabbat (2001): We studied the varied historical practices of using or avoiding musical instruments on Shabbat, as well as weekdays, and decided that our spirituality would be
enhanced by allowing the use instruments.
Patrilineal and Matrilineal descent (“Who’s a Jew at Temple Bnai Israel?”) (2001): After studying the history of this issue, we adopted the practice of Reconstructionist and Reform Jews to accept the
children of Jewish fathers as well as Jewish mothers as Jews.
Ritual Participation of non-Jews (2002): We adopted a set of practices intended to be true to what’s real – that non-Jewish family members are an important part of our community, but are not Jewish.
Kashrut (2002): We found meaning in making it possible to share food from our homes with each other, but also in the consciousness and striving for holiness of traditional attention to ingredients and utensils. Our policy essentially stretches the traditional practices to their most lenient edge.
Improving services, Healing Services, Friday Night Formats (2002, ongoing): We shortened services and introduced a series of different formats for Shabbat celebration, including, now, T.G.I.Shabbes Wine and Cheese celebration, Tikkun Olam vaNefesh service, Shabbat dinner with learning,
Bagel and Bible, and more traditional services.
Burial of Non-Jews in the Temple Bnai Israel Cemetery (2004): We learned that the focus of Jewish law is actually on the individual grave, rather than the cemetery. That, along with other teaching and a desire to do gemilut hasadim (caring deeds) for all the members of our community, led us to open the ‘newer’ sections of the cemetery to interfaith burial.
Interfaith Weddings (2005): Following the burial discussion, in which it became clear that there was traditional justification for rabbinic officiation at the burial of a non-Jew, Rav Jeremy wondered about the difference with officiation at a marriage of a Jew and a non-Jew was, and decided to reconsider his position of not officiating at such marriages. We addressed concerns about “jurisdiction” (does Jewish ritual “work” for a non-Jew), and about the welfare of the Jewish people by requiring that non-Jews officially declare themselves “ger toshav” (literally “resident alien”) before using our facilities or rabbi for a marriage.
Shabbat practice (2008): We struggled with why we would or wouldn’t want restrictive rules of practice regarding Shabbat, and with a wide variety of understandings of Shabbat, before settling on a practice focused on making Shabbat a day unto itself. A time to be in the day and not prepare for the future. This was a particularly fascinating study that we shared with the Reconstructionist movement through an article in Reconstructionism Today and a presentation at the denominational conference.
Torah Service (2009): An interesting study of the history of the Torah service didn’t result in enormous changes.
Second Day of Festivals (& generally the weight of custom) (2011): We generally adopted the usual Reconstructionist and Reform practice of celebrating only one day of festivals, but, given the diversity of our congregation, celebrate a second day when it falls on Shabbat.
Jew Wear (2012): A fascinating study of tallit and head-covering traditions for men and women.
Cremation (2013): We studied a well-reasoned Conservative ruling that retained the traditional opposition to cremation, but gave reasons why ashes may nonetheless be buried in the cemetery if someone is cremated anyway. We saw no reason to be more strict than the Conservative ruling.
Yom Kippur Avodah service (2014): Based on study undertaken during Rav Jeremy’s sabbatical, the committee and rabbi created our moving new Yom Kippur Avodah service, incorporating memories of the ancient Temple meditations, senses of scent and touch, beautiful music, and a stone ritual of giving over/letting go.
12
YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
Remember to light your Yahrzeit candle on the night before the date shown. It is also appropriate to come to shul to say Kaddish on the Shabbat when your loved one’s name is read, and to give tzedakah in your loved one’s memory. May their memory be a blessing.
The Following Yahrzeits will be read June 3 and June 4
Rebecca Rothblatt Cohen 27 Iyar June 4
Isaac Rosen 27 Iyar June 4
Michael Greenfield Brother-in-Law of Art Kirschenbaum 27 Iyar June 4
Anne Miller Sidney (Chana) Mother of Stu Sidney 28 Iyar June 5
Miriam Milevitz Aunt of Louis Heller 29 Iyar June 6
Amber Blumenstein Sister of Glenn Blumenstein 29 Iyar June 6
Harry Sherman Uncle of Janet Miller 2 Sivan June 8
Sally Berman Mother of Gary Berman 2 Sivan June 8
Doris Glassman Mother of Leanne Rand 2 Sivan June 8
Isidore Rosenstein 3 Sivan June 9
Gordon Lassow Father of Michael Lassow 3 Sivan June 9
Anne E. Rosen 4 Sivan June 10
Nelson Kosto Brother of Susan Meisler 4 Sivan June 10
Jason Kosto Nephew of Susan Meisler 4 Sivan June 10
The Following Yahrzeits will be read June 10 and June 11
Hyman Sherman Grandfather of Janet Miller 5 Sivan June 11
Arthur Krishner Buchbinder 6 Sivan June 12
Alex Seplowitz 6 Sivan June 12
Jimmy Drazen Brother of Karen Drazen 6 Sivan June 12
Morris Goldstein Brother of Annie Segal 6 Sivan June 12
Frances E. Cohen Grandmother of Carol Colombo 7 Sivan June 13
Arthur W. Evans 7 Sivan June 13
Eleanor Nishball Mother of Alex Nishball 8 Sivan June 14
Herman Brettschneider Great-Uncle of Bruce Brettschneider 8 Sivan June 14
Elaine Guny Cohen Sister of Ida Millman 8 Sivan June 14
Toube Ringel Mother of Faye Ringel 8 Sivan June 14
Clementina Letizia Aunt of Beth DeRicco 11 Sivan June 17
Sarah Ratner Mother of Irene Gordon 11 Sivan June 17
13
VISIONING TASK FORCES
WEB SITE UPDATE
Spirituality and Ritual - Chair: Judy Stein
We met on May 4. Rav Jeremy and Judy Stein, Chair of the Spiritual Task Force, met before this meeting. We realized that we have actually been visioning and re-visioning our spiritual practices for many years (full details in Rav Jeremy’s Visioning article on Page 11). We discussed the many practices the Ritual Committee has studied, and the varied policies it has recommended (which have been implemented by the Congregation) that effect our spiritual life. These range from music on Shabbat, to our kashrut policies, to interfaith issues.
We have also worked to refresh Friday night services and to reimagine the Avodah component of Yom Kippur. At our last meeting we discussed next steps, including how to reconsider the space – interior and exterior – in which we daven. We will continue these discussions at our next meeting: June 8 at 7pm. All are welcome! Intellectual - Chair: Joan Sidney The first Meeting of the Intellectual Task Force was held on May 25, 2016. Attendees: Scott DeJong, Michael Gerald, Susan Schmerl, Joan Seliger Sidney
We had a lively discussion, answering questions of who we are, what’s our charge, who are we responsible for, & what’s our timeline, coming up with lots of possible programs:
1. Attending programs sponsored by UConn’s Center for Judaic Studies & Contemporary Jewish Life during the academic year. There are luncheon lectures, afternoon lectures, also professors who could come to speak at TBI, maybe a series. 2. We could invite speakers to our Bagels & Bible monthly series. 3. Joining Beth El for its monthly Sunday morning discussion group at Hillel House (next one is 10 a.m.-11:30 + bagel brunch , June 5, with Carol Hatch & Leigh Jones-Bamman). 4. Movie night & discussion with Beth El (pizza +salad & dessert) 2-3 times a year, Israeli film, at Hillel House. 5. Invite a panel of rabbis or members to discuss what you have to believe or do to be Jewish. 6. Discuss conversion: why is it so difficult to convert to Judaism? What are people looking for? 7. A series with Muslims, or is Daughters of Abraham enough? 8. Great musicians, e.g. Mendelssohn, Mahler: is there anything in their Jewish backgrounds in their music?
Cultural - Chair: Rita Pollack and Children and Families - Chair: Glenn Blumenstein No reports this month.
Our web site has undergone, and continues to undergo, significant updating! VISIT: templebnaiisrael.org
Here’s what we would appreciate your input on:
Informational content….does it meet your needs?
What would you like to see added?
Ease of navigation with the drop down menus and links
What would you like to see in the “members only”, section of the web site? Currently, you can view a .pdf version of your 5776 Directory (call or e-mail Marlene to obtain the password)
Here’s what we would greatly appreciate you send us: PHOTOS! - of events, of our building….etc., taken from a “regular” camera; unfortunately, photos taken with an iPhone or iPad are simply do not look good on a website.
We especially need good quality photos of the exterior of our synagogue in springtime. If anyone can spare a moment to take a few exterior photos when our new landscaping begins to bloom, that would be great; remember, please use a “regular” camera for best results. Thank you!
Kenneth R. Dardick, M. D.
Nelson C. Walker II, M.D
Ayaz T. Madraswalla, M.D.
Ross L. Winakor, M.D.
Sandra Hughes, M.D.
Maura E. Baker, MSN, APRN
Tammy M. Gendron, PA-C
CELEBRATING OVER 35 YEARS!
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My home or yours 590 Ash St. Willimantic
FUNDS :
Rabbi's Discretionary
Capital Improvement
Beautification
Endowment
Library
Good & Welfare
Cemetery
Religious School
High Holiday Cantor
Tikkun Olam
Anne & Meyer Russian Youth Fund
Muni Berkowitz Lighting Fund
Habonim Board
Donor ($500-999)
Patron ($I,000-2,499)
Benefactor
($2,500-4,999)
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Your legacy
Our future
Please consider
the Temple in your
estate planning.
DONATIONS - THANK YOU!
Bnaifactors Sheila Amdur Judy Stein & Ken Dardick Robert & Jane Moskowitz Rav Jeremy Schwartz & Merle Potchinsky
General Fund Todd & Mona Friedland in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Willow Golden - Mazel Tov!
Donald & Mary Kay Fontaine in memory of Morton Joselson, father of Nora Stein; may his memory be a blessing.
Other Opportunities for Giving
Humashim
(Torah & Haftarah Books)
$75 each for a bookplate
Siddurim (prayer book)
$30 each for bookplate
Mahzorim
(High Holiday Prayer Books)
$30 each for a bookplate
Sanctuary Seat Plaques &
Yizkor Memorial Plaques
$250 each
Tree of Life
in Greer Auditorium
$90 for a leaf
$180 for a branch
16
SAVE THE DATES YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
The Following Yahrzeits will be read June 17 and June 18
Philip R. Cohen 12 Sivan June 18
Francis Horn Aunt of Roberta Schwane 12 Sivan June 18
Lena Beller 13 Sivan June 19
Philip Lauter 14 Sivan June 20
Rose Meisler Mother-in-Law of Susan Meisler 14 Sivan June 20
Bessie L. Sherman Grandmother of Janet Miller 15 Sivan June 21
Ferol K. Donnelly Mother of Jane Schreiber 15 Sivan June 21
Kenneth Vernon Brother of Sheridan Vernon 16 Sivan June 22
Jennie Rosen 16 Sivan June 22
Estelle Schiller Wife of Larry Schiller 16 Sivan June 22
Sylvia Borodach Hochman Rosenthal
17 Sivan June 23
The Following Yahrzeits will be read June 24 and June 25
Rebecca Brettschneider Great-Aunt of Bruce Brettschneider 19 Sivan June 25
William Glasner Brother of Harry Glasner 19 Sivan June 25
Lee Ratner Birnbaum Sister of Irene Gordon 19 Sivan June 25
Lynn Louise Renfroe Aunt of Glenn Blumenstien 19 Sivan June 25
Leonard Levine 20 Sivan June 26
Louis Goldstein 21 Sivan June 27
Leo Joseph 21 Sivan June 27
Ida Eisenberg Kelman 23 Sivan June 29
Mary G. Semel 23 Sivan June 29
Elwood Schubert Grandfather of Glenn Blumenstein 23 Sivan June 29
Morris Segal Grandfather of Herb Segal 25 Sivan July 1
Abraham Fuchs 25 Sivan July 1
Irene Sachs Grandmother of Benjamin Sachs 25 Sivan July 1
Nancy Rand Mother of Jim Rand 25 Sivan July 1
Remember to light your Yahrzeit candle on the night before the date shown. It is also appropriate to come to shul to say Kaddish on the Shabbat when your loved one’s name is read, and to give tzedakah in your loved one’s memory. May their memory be a blessing.
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS
Dear Friends, we have many advertisers who support us through the ads they place in our yearly Directory, and in this, our monthly newsletter, The Bulletin. Please consider doing business with them when you are in need of what they have to offer. Each month we highlight different businesses, but don’t forget to check the other pages!
Page 10 of this Bulletin Oak Grove Montessori School
Page 14 of this Bulletin
Reins Deli
Atlantis Wellness Centre LLC
Mansfield Family Practice
O.L. Willard Hardware
In your 2015-2016 Directory Nook and Cranny Cleaning Services, page 16
Design Center East, page 23
Natchaug Hospital, page 31
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GREER AUDITORIUM RENTAL
We are currently seeking organizations who are in need of a meeting place for their weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meetings, classes, workshops, staff training, exercise classes, etc. We can accommodate a wide range of needs, and can set up the auditorium to the specific needs of the group (number of chairs, tables, etc.) prior to each event. We would appreciate it if you could mention this availability to your network via social media and any in-person meetings you may be attending. Below is a sample “ad” to use on your social media sites. Thank you, and give us a call if you have any questions.
Does your organization need a meeting place? Temple Bnai Israel has a large, airy auditorium for rent. Great for exercise/yoga classes, and regular meetings (weekly, bi-monthly, monthly). Can also be rented on as as-needed basis for special events. We will set up chairs and tables to your specifications. Ramped entrance and handicapped accessible bathrooms. Space not available on Fridays, Saturdays or Jewish holidays. Call Marlene at 860-423-3743 or e-mail her at [email protected] for further information or to schedule a showing.
Would you like to see your ad here?
Do you know of a local business who would like to see their ad here?
Contact Marlene at
VERY reasonable advertising rates.
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10:00am Shabbat Service 8:30pm-11:30pm Tikkun Liel Shavuot at Temple Emmanu-El in Waterford
9:30am Bagel & Bible
10:30am Shabbat Service
BULLETIN ARTICLES DUE
10am Shabbat Service
7:00pm Spirituality Task Force/Ritual Comm. Mtg.
10:00am Shavuot & Yizkor Service
6:15pm T.G.I. Shabbes, wine, cheese, music and celebration
10am Shabbat Service
9:30am Tikkun Olam Comm. Mtg.
7:30pm Shabbat Service
7:30pm Drop-in Kabbalah! Our last class!!
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12:30pm Long Term Planning Comm. Mtg.
7:00pm Board Mtg.
7:30pm Tikkun Olam VaNefesh Service
6:30pm Shabbes
Dinner HOST, HOSTESS NEEDED
JEWRY DUTY : 3rd: Captain: NEEDED; L&K Hackner, S. Roth, A. Marks 4th: Captains: S&B Rosen; S. Meisler, J. Sandberg 10th: Captain: S. Meisler; F&D Jaffe, J. Baber, K. Drazen 11th: Captains A&R Nishball; N. Cohen, P&C Golden 17th: Captain: NEEDED; S. Meisler, S. Cohen, G&J Petrowsky 18th: Captains: S&T Gochros; S. Meisler; S. Marmon
24th: Shabbes Dinner - Host/Hostess needed 25th: Captains: E&E Buzay; B. DeRicco, J. Sandberg
7:30pm JFEC Film: Labyrinth of Lies at The Garde Arts Center
10:00am Sandwich Making 10:30am Mussar Va’ad
7:00pm TEMPLE ANNUAL
MEETING
7:30pm JFEC Film: Once in a Lifetime at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas
7:30pm JFEC Film: Apples From The Desert at the Olin Sci-ence Center at Connecticut College
7:00pm Hevra Kaddisha Mtg.
First day of summer!!
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Traveling Dinner…with a Twist. It was a wonderful evening of friends and food with the added benefit of successful fundraising. About 40 of us started the evening with cocktails at Jane and Bob Moskowitz’s house, where we bid on several wonderful silent auction items donated by members and local businesses.
MANY THANKS to those who donated items for our silent auction: Sheila Amdur, Mona and Todd Friedland, Holiday Spirits, Ladd’s Garden Center, Charles Marmon, Stefan Marmon and the Willimantic Brewery for being so generous.
Although we were having so much fun that it was hard to break up for the dinners, we went our different ways to the Stein’s, Friedland’s and Merle and Jeremy’s where again everyone was having so much fun it was hard to leave for dessert! At Gerry Berkowitz’s house we had the treat of the evening. Astounding Annie Berkowitz made the most elegant desserts including fabulous cheesecakes, homemade chocolates, brownies, cookies and frozen lemonades to cleanse the palate while switching from one fabulous confection to another.
MANY THANKS also to our hosts, hostesses, and guests for helping to make this a smashing success!
We know everyone had a wonderful time, and with the $2,000 that we raised, we are able to take a small step closer to realizing the goals that we are establishing as we move forward with our Visioning objectives.
Thanks Mona for encouraging the bidding on the
many wonderful auction items!!
