newsletter - Temple Bnai Israel

The Bulletin
TEMPLE BNAI ISRAEL’S MEMBERS & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER
“...to do justly, love mercy, and
walk humbly with thy God.”
JUNE 2016
IYAR - SIVAN 5776
106 Years and growing!
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.
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.
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.
Temple Emanu-El, is at 29 Dayton Rd,
Waterford, CT 06385; www.tewaterford.org
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
TEMPLE ANNUAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016 7:00pm; Please join us. Your voice matters!
A light meal will be served.
Board of Directors
2
Visioning
11
President’s Message
3
Visioning Task Forces
13
Rabbinic Reflections & Weekly Readings
4
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
Services
5
Committee Updates
6
Temple Family News
7
Refugee Resettlement
7
Library & Religious School
8,9
In this issue
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
David Golden
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.
Immediate Past President
David Stoloff
Vice President, Mishkan/Building & Operations
Jim Baber
Kesher/Secretary & Communications
Gloria Gerald
Secretary-Elect
Gloria Gerald
Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz
Office hours:
Tikkun Olam
Anne Willenborg
Tuesday through Friday
To schedule an appointment call
860.423.3743 Ext. 0 or e-mail
office@templebnaiisrael.org
Brit/Community & Membership
Mona Friedland
Confidential Voice Mail:
860.423.3743 Ext. 1
ravjeremy@templebnaiisrael.org
Torah/Education & Programming
Karen Drazen
Affiliations:
The Jewish
Reconstructionist Movement
www.jewishrecon.org
Avodah/Religious Life
Judy Stein
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: morahdara@att.net
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.
Office Administrator
Marlene Aulten
860.423.3743 Ext. 0
office@templebnaiisrael.org
Monday 10am-3pm
Tues/Wed/Thurs noon to 5
2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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.
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.
In any event, now that I am getting reacquainted
with the concept of free time, I wanted to take a
Continued on page 7
MISSION STATEMENT
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.”
3
RABBINIC REFLECTIONS
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:

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.
JUNE READINGS
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 / ‫פרשת במדבר‬
Numbers 1:1 - 4:20
This year: 3:14 - 4:20
Haftarah: 2 Kings 11:1-12
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Parashat Nasso / ‫פרשת נשא‬
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
Torah & Haftarah Readers
Thanks and Yasher Koach to our recent Torah and Haftarah readers: Willow Golden, Merle Potchinsky, and
Rav Jeremy Schwartz
4
SERVICES, BAGEL & BIBLE, T.G.I. SHABBES, DROP-IN KABBALAH
SATURDAYS: 1st: Bagel & Bible study, 9:30am, abbreviated service 10:30
All other Saturdays: service at 10:00am
Bagel & Bible: Saturday, June 4, 9:30am
Rabbi J.D. Sandberg will provide a D'Var Torah for our study over bagels.
T.G.I. Shabbes, Friday, June 10, 6:15pm
Wine, cheese, and celebration! As always, the 2nd Friday of every month.
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.
5
COMMITTEE NEWS
CARING COMMITTEE
Caring for each other in times of need
Fran Jaffe
860.228.2390
franjaffe@earthlink.net
Ellie Shane
860.423.7418
eshane01@charter.net
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.
DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM BOOK CLUB
Carol Kraus yveskraus@earthlink.net
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!
Hope you’re enjoying the spring weather!
TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE, Anne Willenborg
willenborg5@gmail.com 860.429.8725
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,
office@templebnaiisrael.org 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.
6
TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS
Hamakom yenachem ‫המקום ינחם‬
Condolences
To David Goldhamer on the death of his father, Stanley Jonas Goldhamer. May his
memory be a blessing.
Mazal Tov - Congratulations! ‫מזל טוב‬
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.
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM - DONATIONS WELCOME
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 taxdeductible 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.
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
7
SARAH RATNER LIBRARY - YOUR LIBRARY - a wonderfully quiet space to sit, read, and
reflect. Sue-Ellen Kirkham sueellenbruriah@gmail.com & Brenda Rosen, brendarosen5@yahoo.com
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 perhaps 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?
Send your answers/feelings/thoughts to office@templebnaiisrael.org and we will publish them in the
July issue of The Bulletin!
8
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Morah Dara Bowling: morahdara@att.net
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!
9
Glenn Blumenstein and Brian Romanowski
Where service is friendship in action
456 Jackson Street (Rte 195), Willimantic, CT 06226
(860) 423-2211 Fax: (860) 423-1706
www.potterfuneralhome.com
366 Windham Road
Willimantic, CT 06226
(860) 456-8658
A 76-year commitment and dedication to serving and honoring the
memories of families for generations. Serving Jewish and Interfaith
families. Member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America.
Richard Brooks
tcmemorials@aol.com
tricountymemorials.com
640 Farmington Avenue Hartford, Connecticut 06105
Phone: 860.233.2675 Toll Free: 877-233-2680
email: weinsteinmortuary@comcast.net
www.weinsteinmortuary.com
10
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.
11
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
27 Iyar
June 4
Michael Greenfield
Brother-in-Law of Art Kirschenbaum
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
Anne E. Rosen
3 Sivan June 9
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
12
VISIONING TASK FORCES
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.
WEB SITE UPDATE
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!
13
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!
My home or yours
590 Ash St.
Willimantic
14
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.
Your legacy
Our future
Please consider
the Temple in your
estate planning.
Other Opportunities for Giving
FUNDS :
Habonim Board
Rabbi's Discretionary
Donor ($500-999)
Patron ($I,000-2,499)
Benefactor
($2,500-4,999)
Capital Improvement
Beautification
Endowment
Humashim
Library
(Torah & Haftarah Books)
Good & Welfare
Cemetery
$75 each for a bookplate
Siddurim (prayer book)
$30 each for bookplate
Religious School
Mahzorim
High Holiday Cantor
(High Holiday Prayer Books)
$30 each for a bookplate
Tikkun Olam
Anne & Meyer Russian Youth Fund
Muni Berkowitz Lighting Fund
Sanctuary Seat Plaques &
Yizkor Memorial Plaques
$250 each
Tree of Life
in Greer Auditorium
$90 for a leaf
$180 for a branch
15
SAVE
THE DATES
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.
Philip R. Cohen
The Following Yahrzeits will be read June 17 and June 18
12 Sivan
Francis Horn
Aunt of Roberta Schwane
June 18
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
16 Sivan
June 22
16 Sivan
June 22
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
Jennie Rosen
Estelle Schiller
Wife of Larry Schiller
Sylvia Borodach Hochman
Rosenthal
Elwood Schubert
Grandfather of Glenn Blumenstein
23 Sivan
June 29
Morris Segal
Grandfather of Herb Segal
25 Sivan
July 1
25 Sivan
July 1
Abraham Fuchs
Irene Sachs
Grandmother of Benjamin Sachs
25 Sivan
July 1
Nancy Rand
Mother of Jim Rand
25 Sivan
July 1
16
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
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 office@templebnaiisrael.org for further
information or to schedule a showing.
17
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
office@templebnaiisrael.org
VERY reasonable advertising rates.
18
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
9:30am
Bagel & Bible
10:30am
Shabbat Service
12:30pm
Long Term
Planning Comm.
Mtg.
7:30pm Shabbat
Service
7:00pm Hevra
Kaddisha Mtg.
7:00pm
Spirituality Task
Force/Ritual
Comm. Mtg.
7:30pm JFEC
Film: Once in a
Lifetime at the
Mystic Luxury
Cinemas
8:30pm-11:30pm
6:15pm T.G.I.
Tikkun Liel
Shabbes, wine,
cheese, music and Shavuot at Temple
Emmanu-El in
celebration
Waterford
10am
Shabbat Service
10:00am
Shavuot & Yizkor
Service
7:00pm
Board Mtg.
9:30am
Tikkun Olam
Comm. Mtg.
7:30pm JFEC
Film: Apples
From The Desert
at the Olin Science Center at
Connecticut
College
10:00am
Shabbat Service
7:30pm
Drop-in
Kabbalah! Our
last class!!
7:30pm
Tikkun Olam
VaNefesh Service
First day of
summer!!
6:30pm Shabbes
Dinner HOST,
10am Shabbat
Service
HOSTESS
NEEDED
BULLETIN
ARTICLES DUE
10:00am
Sandwich Making
10:30am
Mussar Va’ad
7:00pm
TEMPLE
ANNUAL
MEETING
19
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!!