March 2016 - Congregation Adath Israel

Adath Israel Tradition
Serving the Adath Israel Chavurah since 1904
Newtown, Monroe, Bethel, Brookfield, Southbury, Trumbull, Oxford, Danbury
(The Little Synagogue that Could: First building: 1919, First rabbi: 1923)
Ritual: Conservative Social: Progressive Oneg Shabbats: Priceless
March
2016
21 Adar I - 21 Adar II
5776
Welcome Rabbi Schectman
CELEBRATE PURIM
Sunday March 20
Wednesday March 23
FRIDAY MARCH 4
More information on pages 3 & 7
More information on page 9
In This Issue
Announcements
1
President’s Message
Community Care Committee
2
Ritual
Just For the Record
3, 4
5
The Nezvesky School
Meet our Educators
Purim Carnival
Pre-School Playgroup
6
7
Tu B’Shevat Photos
8
Upcoming Activities and Events
9
1
Community Programs & Events
In Memoriam
Contact Information
Donations
Hosting an Oneg / Kiddush
March Calendar
10
11
12
13
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Congregants,
As we enter the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and I sit in the warmth of the Florida sun, I can take this opportunity to reflect as to what we have accomplished since May of 2015.
As promised in one of my early communications, we have brought Rabbi Barukh Schectman in to lead us
in prayer. Rabbi Schectman brings with him stability, poise, maturity and knowledge. He is scholarly
and personable and wants to meet each and everyone that attends services and brings their children to us for
a Jewish education.
We have set up a very vibrant Caring Committee of dedicated individuals. We want all to know that we are
concerned about the welfare and well being of all of our congregants and their families. We at Congregation
Adath Israel understand the meaning of K'lal Yisrael and act on those edicts.
Our board and committees have put in many hours to make Adath Israel a viable entity in our environs. We are
moving forward, but there is much work to be done in terms of membership and community activities.
I look forward to joining you in celebrating the up coming holidays of Purim and Pesach. I look forward
to being there as our upper classmen become a b'nai mitzvah.
It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your titular head. Thank you one and all for your loyalty and fine work.
With blessings of Shalom,
Bob Rubinstein
Community Care & Share
During the month of February the Community Care
and Share Committee continued to provide support to David Wiener and his family in a limited
way while he is in rehab in New Jersey. Once David
returns to Connecticut, we will assist the family in
whatever is needed. We are continuing to ask if
you would like to help with a gift card to a local
restaurant or gas please check with Rosalie Newman at 203 426-6679 or rosalie@mediatavern.com
as she is keeping this effort organized to make sure
that the family’s immediate needs are met.
If anyone knows of anyone who would benefit
from the committee’s support, please contact Susan Morse at suemorse50@gmail.com.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Rabbi
Schectman to our Adath Israel community.
Susan Littlefield,
Secretary
Passover Haggadahs for Sale
Believe it or not, it’s time to think about Passover
which begins April 22, 2016!
This year, order a personalized
Haggadah for everyone attending
your Seder. Each Haggadah is customized with a first or family
name.
Simply
order
at
www.PersonalizedHaggadah.com
and select “Connecticut – Newtown - Congregation Adath Israel”
during online check-out. You will
receive your beautiful family
keepsake Haggadahs, and we receive 20% of your Haggadah sale!
The Haggadah features appealing illustrations, it’s easy to
understand, and it is concise, yet traditional. You can view
the entire Haggadah online. They are just $11.50!
A sample book will be available for viewing at Adath Israel
or view it here:
http://personalizedhaggadah.com/flippingbook/magazine/
view/id/1/#page/1
2
From The Ritual Committee
Calling all Megillah Readers
If you would like to take part in the age old tradition of reading from the scroll of Megillat Esther, (The
Book of Esther), please email Bonnie Goldstein at bhgoldstein18@aol.com All you need are rudimentary
Hebrew reading skills. The rest will be provided: Text, recordings, and tutorials if requested. You still
have a few weeks to practice before the Megillah Reading on Wednesday evening March 23 rd. You can
learn just one line this year if you are a beginner. All levels welcome!!
PURIM Megillah Reading and
Pot Luck Dinner
Wednesday March 23
In just a few weeks, we will be celebrating the holiday of PURIM. In our Sanctuary, this takes place on
the eve of the holiday, on March 23rd. We read the traditional scroll of Megillat Esther, known informally
as the “Megillah Reading”. This Book of Esther tells the story of the Jews of Persia and how they were
rescued by their brave Queen Esther. It is a raucous evening in the Sanctuary. Every time the name of the
wicked Haman is read, we all shake noisemakers to blot out his name. Children and adults alike are encouraged to come in costumes and there will be a parade to show off the costumes. It is a fun evening.
Please join us.
The Megillah Reading begins at 6:30 pm and will start off with our costume parade. Before the reading we
will enjoy a community potluck dinner, starting at 5:30 pm. Following the Megillah Reading, we will feast
on hamentashen. These traditional three-sided, jelly filled cookies, will be baked by our 4th and 5th grade
Hebrew School students. The evening will not run late, as we know that it is a school night.
So please come on March 23rd for our Potluck Dinner at 5:30 and the Megillah Reading at 6:30.
ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH CLASS
Our current Adult B’nai Mitzvah class has been meeting
for just about one full year. Our three students have
gained Hebrew literacy skills and have begun to study
the prayer service and ritual practices. In one more
year’s time they will be ready to be on the Bimah for a
group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. If you already have
some Hebrew reading skills and you would like to join
the class, you would be most welcome. Contact:
ritual@congadathisrael.org. Adult Education is a perk of
membership and is offered at no additional cost beyond
membership dues. Non-members pay a class fee and are
welcome as well. If you know of anyone outside of our
congregation who might be interested in the class, please
encourage that person to contact us.
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CEMETERY PLOTS
AVAILABLE
FOR FAMILIES OF CAI MEMBERS
Adath Israel Cemetery
(a division of B’nai Israel Cemetery)
472 Moose Hill Road, Monroe, CT
Information packets are available.
Please contact Susan Rubin at
office@congadathisrael.org or call
203-426-5188 and leave her a message.
From The Ritual Committee
CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS
We had a beautiful Shabbat Morning service in our Sanctuary this past month celebrating and honoring all
of the Senior members of our congregation. Many of them were able to attend and all participated in our
service with various honors such as Aliyahs and opening the Ark and special readings. Yossi KohrmanGlaser returned from college to be our cantor for the morning with his sweet voice that delighted his parents and all who were in the sanctuary. Linda Baulsir delivered a thought provoking D’var Torah and
Sybil Blau talked about the vital importance of seniors in a Jewish community. We sang and chanted,
schmoozed and k’velled and noshed together. The service was well attended and most stayed to enjoy a
relaxed lunch together.
TORAH AND HAFTORAH - The Torah service on that Shabbat morning was particular ly beautiful and moving. Of our more regular Torah chanters we heard Steve Bamberg, Katherine Kohrman, Yossi
Kohrman-Glaser, and David Smith. And in a fabulous display of love and courage, we had 7 newer Torah
readers, some chanting for the very first time. Here’s why:
Our beloved congregant and dear friend David Wiener was supposed to chant 7 verses of Torah. It had
been arranged in early December, long before his skiing accident occurred. There has been such an outpouring of love and care towards David since the New Year began and this was yet another way people
showed their love and chose to honor David. Seven congregants each took one of David’s Torah verses
and learned to chant the biblical words in his stead: Meyer Glaser, Pam Tassiello, Susan Morse, Nancy
Bamberg, Susan Littlefield, Bob Rubinstein, and Michelle Tenenbaum. Thank you all.
Shabbat Services in February
WELCOME RABBI SCHECTMAN
We thank those congregants who have led our Shabbat
services in the month of February:
Katherine
Kohrman and Mark Silverman. And we thank our
teens, Julia DiMartino and Theodore Silverman who
each served as Cantor for an evening service. Their
mastery of the liturgy complemented their strong musicality. Thanks to you both and also to your families
for supporting your efforts.
On Friday, Feb. 19th we welcomed Rabbi Baruch
Schectman at our Shabbat Service. Approximately fifty of our congregants were there to
welcome him, and he was very warmly received.
Rabbi Schectman spoke of his love and passion
of history, and briefly spoke of Noah and the
purpose of the flood. Mark Rebb, who went to
see David Wiener, gave the congregants an update on his progress with a very upbeat feeling.
A ramp will be built so David will be able to
continue chanting on the Bima for the high holidays.
Shop at
Congregation Adath Israel
~Bonnie H. Goldstein, Ritual Committee
_______________________________________
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know.
Same products, same prices, same service.
Support Congregation Adath Israel by starting your
shopping at:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-1365965
4
After the service, many gathered in the social
hall for a scrumptious oneg sponsored by the
Goldstein-Vine Family. Thank you to Laura and
Steve! And thank you to Rosalie Newman and
Susan Rubin for helping to set up and clean up!
While still a teenager she
went into an acting career. In her first film
"Paradise" she sings "The
Theme From Paradise" at
the film's conclusion and
it is her only 45 rpm single (featured). Although
in
"Private
School" (1983) she sings
two songs - "Just One
Touch" and "How Do I
Let You Know" - no individual recording was
ever issued. It's too bad,
as she did (and may still
have) a pleasant voice.
JUST FOR THE RECORD
Lesser Known Jewish
Recording Artists
~ Contributed by Charles Berger
Of the many young actresses who appeared in the films of the early 1980's,
one of the most admired has to be Phoebe Cates. It's not that she was one of
our greatest actresses, but she was brave
enough to present herself in several
films as most actresses would not. Her
film career basically ended 15 years ago
but she did make a tremendous impression when she was active.
Phoebe Belle Cates, born on July 16,
1963 in New York City, is the daughter of Joseph Cates
(Katz) who was well known as a Broadway theater producer and TV pioneer. Phoebe's mother, Lily, was born
in China and her maternal grandfather was ChineseFilipino. Phoebe, therefore, is part Filipina, but according to "jewornotjew.com" (yes, it exists), she is definitely considered Jewish. Her older sister is Valerie and
Alexandra is her younger sister.
In 1983, Phoebe auditioned for a part in the film "The Big
Chill". Although she was not cast (the role went to Meg
Tilly), she met Kevin Kline, one of the film's stars. They
eventually married in 1989 and have two children - Owen
(1991) and Greta (1994).
Phoebe's last film was in 2001's "The Anniversary Party"
with her son and she opened a boutique in 2005 in New
York City called "Blue Tree". Also, she has even had a
song written about her "Phoebe Cates" by a punk group
called Fenix TX in 2001. She's in good company as Meryl Streep and Bette Davis, among others, have also had
this distinction.
Before she was a teenager, Ms. Cates had intentions of
becoming a dancer. She did get a scholarship to the
School of American Ballet but had to give up her dancing plans when she suffered a serious knee injury when
she was 15. During this time she started modeling and
has appeared on many magazine covers such as
"Seventeen", "Interview", and "Elle".
Your Ad Here
MAH JONG
MADNESS
Please email Susan at
office@congadathisrael.org
to find out how to advertise your business
in our newsletters
Mondays 7:00 PM at Adath Israel
For both experienced and beginner players
Have an opinion? Like to write?
Newsletter contributions are always welcome…
Have family or student news you would like to share? Contact: newsletter@congadathisrael.org
Please note that current and past copies of the newsletter can be found on the synagogue website,
www.congadathisrael.org
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THE NEZVESKY SCHOOL
Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Schectman to our
synagogue. Rabbi Schectman will be here on Sunday
and Wednesday to participate in our education program and will be teaching our children the prayers
and songs included in our religious services.
This coming month we will be having a lot of things
geared towards Purim: on March 13 Rabbi Torenheim will come to deliver Schlach Menot boxes and
explain their significance in our tradition; on March
20 we will hold our Purim Carnival after Sunday
School, which we expect to be a glorious occasion;
on March 22 the 4th and 5th graders will bake
Hamentaschen at Katherine Kohrman's house and
finally the whole school is invited to attend the Purim service on Wednesday, March 23.
Fifth Graders presented their diorama's at our
Shabbat Service. Each child chose a holiday
and decorated either a shoe box, or a poster for
their presentation. Fifth Grade students who
presented dioramas are Sophie (absent from
photo), Becca, Josh and Spencer.
Bonnie Goldstein
5th grade teacher
David Smith, Education Chair
203-364-1788
educationchair@congadathisrael.org
Getting to know our educators…
Each month, a brief biography of one of our school educators will be featured. This month
we feature 4th and 5th grade teacher, Bob Rubinstein.
I was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx and Baltimore, Maryland. I
was a member of the armed forces from November 1958 through May 1960 and a
member of the Army Reserves for five years. I moved to Connecticut in 1968 and
to Newtown where Florence and I raised our two sons, Lewis and Craig. We joined
Congregation Adath Israel in 1974 and I led many volunteer positions throughout
the years, including President in 1987.
After my two years as President, I stayed active in different capacities and in
2003 was asked by then President, Sybil Blau, if I wanted to teach on Tuesday evenings. I have done
so ever since and met many wonderful young children and their parents over these past twelve years.
In 2015, I was asked once again to stand for President and I am honored to be able to serve Adath
Israel again, and to be supported by our active Board of Directors. My hobbies are golf, ballroom
dancing, crosswords, gym and watching my grandchildren in their sports activities.
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Ima Abba v’Ani
(Pre-School Playgroup)
For children ages 2 to 5 (children not yet enrolled in Kindergarten) and their parent or caregiver. Children learn about the Jewish holidays in an age-appropriate way, make crafts, sing and dance, and have a
GREAT time. This program is led by Jodi Markowsky and meets once a month from 9:30 to 10:30 on
Sunday mornings during the school year. And it is FREE to attend.
We ask that a parent or caregiver remain with the child during the class and that you bring a small
snack and drink. It is strongly encouraged that the snack be nut-free (i.e. no peanut butter products).
Playgroup dates: March 6 • April 5 • May 1
Call or email the office to reserve your spot! 203-426-5188 or office@congadathisrael.org
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Tu B’Shevat
As we celebrate Tu B'Shevat, I asked my
5th Graders to write a little essay about
Tu B'Shevat and I thought these would
just put a smile on your face.
"Leaves are like the hands of the world"
– Spencer
"Our kindness grows and spreads, such
as a tree and its branches" – Sophie
"We grow our happiness on trees, then
G-d picks the fruit and sends the happiness back down on us" – Becca
Bonnie Goldstein, 5th Grade Teacher
Photos by Leslie Murray
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE...
Congregation Adath Israel is having a spring fundraiser!
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & EVENTS
THE JEWISH
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
March 16
ONCE MY NAME WAS SARA
by I. Betty Grebenschikoff
Presenter: Dr. Judith Katz
The story of a family that fled Nazi Germany to the
only place that would take them: Shanghai, China.
Book Talks are underwritten by Marcie Schoenfeld in
memory of her beloved parents Abraham and Rose
Schoenfeld.
Location: Stamford JCC located at 1035 Newfield Avenue.
Programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments
are served.
See website: http://www.jhsfc-ct.org/programs.html
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IN MEMORIAM
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Phone: 203-426-5188
Yahrzeits: March 2016
1 Mar
1 Mar
3 Mar
21 Adar
21 Adar
23 Adar
6 Mar
11 Mar
16 Mar
21 Mar
26 Mar
26 Adar
1 Adar II
6 Adar II
11 Adar II
16 Adar II
28 Mar 18 Adar II
30 Mar 20 Adar II
Tillie Levy, Mother of Rosalind Berger
William Kaye, Father of Gary Kaye
Barbara Magilnick, Mother of Bonnie Goldstein and Barry Magilnick
Gert Carbonneau, Mother of Louise Gruber
Arthur Seligman, Father of Nanette Greene
Beth Greller, Sister of Susan Littlefield
Herbert Klein, Father of Karen Klein
Charles Weiss, Father of Florence Rubinstein
Shaul Kochwa, Father of Varda Kruman
Tina Leah Zucker, Grandmother of Jodi Bialik
Rabbi Barukh Schectman
rabbi@congadathisrael.org
Administrative Assistant: Susan Rubin
office@congadathisrael.org
2015 – 2016 Officers of the Board
President: Bob Rubinstein
president@congadathisrael.org
Vice - President: Amy Greenfield
Vice - President: Rosalie Newman
Vice - President: Susan Wilson
vicepresident@congadathisrael.org
Treasurer: Lauren DiMartino
treasurer@congadathisrael.org
Secretary: Mark Silverman
secretary@congadathisrael.org
… and let us not forget
Member at Large: Jim Arena
Member at Large: Steven Bamberg
2 Mar
8 Mar
8 Mar
22 Adar
28 Adar
28 Adar
Lily Greenblat
David Steinfeld
Ida Block
8 Mar
28 Adar
Sarah Brier
9 Mar
29 Adar
Harry Cohen
19 Mar
21 Mar
9 Adar II
11 Adar II
Maurice Nezvesky
Molly E. Sippin
School Parent Coordinator: Cara Tingley
parentcoordinator@congadathisrael.org
22 Mar
12 Adar II
Mildred Koffman
Teen Volunteer Coordinator: Stacey Schumer
2015 – 2016 Committee Chairpersons
Birthday Books: Mardi Smith
Education Chairperson: David Smith
educationchair@congadathisrael.org
Federation Rep: (position available)
Fundraising: (position available)
fundraising@congadathisrael.org
BRONZE MEMORIAL NAMEPLATE
If you wish to install a memorial nameplate in the sanctuary,
please contact Susan Rubin at 203-426-5188 or
by email office@congadathisrael.org
Honorarium: Susan Rubin
office@congadathisrael.org
House: Mark Silverman
house@congadathisrael.org
Membership: Jodi Markowsky
membership@congadathisrael.org
Men’s Club: Tod Bogdanoff
brotherhood@congadathisrael.org
ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS
IN THE NEWSLETTER
Newsletter: Susan Rubin
newsletter@congadathisrael.org
Programs: (position available)
programs@congadathisrael.org
Publicity: Karen Klein
publicity@congadathisrael.org
Business card size:
$10 monthly / $90 yearly
1/4 page: $15 mo. / $135 yr.
1/2 page: $25 mo. / $225 yr.
Full page: $45 mo. / $405 yr.
Safety: David Wiener
safetycommittee@congadathisrael.org
Email: newsletter@congadathisrael.org
Sisterhood: Bonnie Goldstein
sisterhood@congadathisrael.org
Ritual: Katherine Kohrman
ritual@congadathisrael.org
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DONATIONS
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to temple funds:
HOST
AN ONEG
OR KIDDUSH
General Fund
Steve Vine & Laura Goldstein
Caring Community Fund
Amy Greenfield in memory of her parents, Estelle & Stephen Wienrib
Bud & Bernice Ullmann in honor of Charles & Rosalind Berger's Anniversary
Chuck & Rosalie Newman in memory of Alan Kaufman
Mardi & David Smith in memory of Benjamin Finkelstein
Susan & John Littlefield in memory of Beth Greller
Building Fund
Barry & Robin Magilnick in memory of Barbara Magilnick
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Katherine Kohrman
Tree of Life
Susan Littlefield
THANK YOU
For sponsoring our February Kiddush & Onegs
Friday, February 5— the 5th grade families
Saturday, February 6—Senior Shabbat attendees
Friday, February 19—The Goldstein / Vine Family
Friday, February 26—School Families
“LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
ON THE TREE OF LIFE”
Hosting a Friday Oneg or Saturday Kiddush is performing a Mitzvah for our
community. After services is a time
when we have a chance to slow down
and catch up on the weekly events
with our fellow congregants.
It’s not only a Mitzvah, but a way for
you to celebrate an event in your family and share the good news with our
congregation. Many people host to
commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, awards, graduations, victories and other happy occasions. You may also host in memory of
a loved one. Of course, you don’t
need a reason to host and you may
also buddy up and host with a friend.
If you wish to participate in this Mitzvah or for more information, please
e-mail the office at
office@congadathisrael.org
Friday Oneg Dates Available
March 11, 18
April 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 17, 24
August 12, 26
Saturday Kiddush Dates Available
May 21
A great way to honor
past and present
family members and friends
Large Leaf—$1800. each;
Small Leaf—$180. each
Order forms available at the synagogue
or by emailing office@congadathisrael.org
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Celebrate a special day with us!
Honor an achievement, birthday or
anniversary. Do a mitzvah. Sponsor an
Oneg or Kiddush this year.
Reserve your date now!
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