OCTOBER KEHILA 2011.pub - Congregation Bnai Israel

Congregation B’nai Israel
October
2011
Kehila
Chag Sameach!
Tishrei/Cheshvan
5772
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
WORDS
Rabbi David
Executive Director
President
Education Director
Gan Keshet Notes
3
4
5
6
7
SUKKOT &
SIMCHAT TORAH
9
CLUBS
10
KOL SHABBAT
11
ADULT ED:
Torah Reading
The World of the
Zohar
11
13
CALENDAR
14
SHABBAT FAMILY
SERVICES
16
AROUND THE
VALLEY
18
COMMITTEE NEWS
19
Bikur Cholim
Founded 1904 ~ Northampton, Massachusetts
1
MINUTES
20
YAHRZEITS &
DONATIONS
23
Contact Information
STAFF
Rabbi
Justin David
Executive Director
Ben Cuperman
Office Manager
Nanci Martine
cbirabbi@verizon.net
cbiadminstrator@verizon.net
bnai.israel@verizon.net
Education Director
Rabbi Charni Flame Selch
Preschool Director
Wendy Stein
cbieducation@verizon.net
director.gankeshet@verizon.net
Building Manager CBI/LGA Joe Niedzwiecki
twobuildings@verizon.net
Sunday Office Assistant
TBD
bnai.israel@verizon.net
Kehila Editors/Designers
Brianna Maier
maier.bri@gmail.com
Nanci Martine
bnai.israel@verizon.net
Kiddush Caterer
Sandy Maynard
Custodians CBI/LGA
Jeff Dejordy
Mary Medina
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Treasurer
Vice President
Secretary
Esther Bean
Peggy Besht
David Cohen
Lou Davis
Hanneli de Vries
Lois Dubin
Norbert I. Goldfield
Kevin Hale
Gillian Kendall
Ellen Kaufman
ezkaufman@gmail.com
Jim Sagalyn
jsagalyn@aol.com
Lauren Weinsier
lthweinsier@yahoo.com
Gillian Kendall
gkendall@smith.edu
Neil Kudler
Dorothy Nemetz
Simona Pozzetto
Henry Simkin
Jane Trigere
Amy Wolpin
Stephan Wurmbrand
The CBI newsletter is published 11 times per year,
monthly except in July.
The next KEHILA is the NOVEMBER 2011 Issue
COMMITTEE CHAIRS/COORDINATORS
Aesthetics Committee
Katharine Weinstein
kweinstein3@gmail.com
Adult Education
John Clayton
jclayton@english.umass.edu
Bikkur Holim
Norbert Goldfield
nigoldfield@mmm.com
Caring Communities
Carol Jolly
jollys2@verizon.net
Tamara Taitz-Fields
columbusgang@verizon.net
Cemetery
Edward Allen
ejstoneybrook@aol.com
Chevra Kadisha
Cleo Gorman
584-4497
Edward Allen
586-7844
Domestic Violence Taskforce
Ruth Katzner
rkatzner@hotmail.com
Dues & Assessments
Ben Cuperman
cbidirector@verizon.net
Education
Amy Wolpin
wolpin.amy@gmail.com
Alan Singer
alans@fccdc.org
Endowment Management
Bruce Bromberg-Seltzer
ravbruce@gmail.com
Eretz Israel
Michael Perlman
mikep10550@aol.com
Henry Rosenberg
hwr5@comcast.net
Governance
Bill Jolly
jollys2@verizon.net
Hevrei Mitzvot (Men’s Club)
Ken Schoen
schoen@schoenbooks.com
House & Properties
Stephan Wurmbrand
stephan.wurmbrand@tcsgp.com
Jewish Living
Simona Pozzetto
spozzetto@gmail.com
Kitchen Committee
Shelley Steuer
ss@noholaw.com
L’Dor V’Dor (Planned Giving)
Dorothy Nemetz
djnemetz@aol.com
Landscape
Mark Brumberg
markbrumberg@comcast.net
Library
Adele Steinberg
527-6167
Nancy Felton
584-1299
Membership
Lisa Newman
lisanewman4@hotmail.com
Tami Fields
columbusgang@verizon.net
Nominating
Hanneli de Vries
hannali@childtrauma.com
Personnel
Larry Hott
hott@florentinefilms.org
Ritual
Amelia Ender
ameliaender@yahoo.com
Financial Oversight
Carol Katz
carolckatz@gmail.com
Sisterhood
Joan Schaffer
joanjrs@comcast.net
Gan Keshet
Leah Nestlebaum
lslivko@hotmail.com
Valley Jewish Seniors
Ken Schoen
schoen@schoenbooks.com
FIRM DEADLINE: OCTOBER 14
Congregation B’nai Israel
253 Prospect Street, Northampton MA 01060
413-584-3593 bnai.israel@verizon.net
www.cbinorthampton.org
HELP US TO HELP YOU. PLEASE MAKE EVERY
EFFORT TO MEET THE DEADLINE.
Submit entries in person or via email.
Pictures and ads should be submitted in .jpg format
2
From the Rabbi
Tishrei, this Hebrew month, is a period of transformation. We greet Rosh
Hashanah as an open book, symbolized by the “Book of Life” in which we write
our lives anew for the year ahead. For the ten days after Rosh Hashanah, we go
progressively deeper into ourselves, examining our lives, our actions, our
relationships, the state of our souls. On Yom Kippur, we reach the deepest
point and emerge from the day in joy. With Sukkot and Simchat Torah, we then
celebrate a sense of possibility as we embrace a new vision for ourselves, our
circles of family, friends and community, and for our engagement with the
struggles of humanity.
There is much in this Kehila that serves to support and encourage us in our
individual and collective journeys. Some of the offerings and opportunities
Rabbi Justin David renew long standing practices. Others are intended to expand our repertoire of
experience. I will highlight some:
Community Sukkot gathering featuring the CBI Community Garden: On Sunday, October 16, at
11:30 join us to celebrate, connect and learn in our garden and our sukkah. Our garden is a
visionary project that raises our environmental consciousness and helps those in need through the
donations of fresh produce that we make to the Survival Center. We will also have homemade pizza
in our sukkah, with ample time for singing and shaking the lulav and etrog – an inspiring ritual for
all, especially if it’s our first time! See also announcements for a special family program.
Torah Reading as a Spiritual Practice: Chanting from a Torah scroll is a holy experience, and the
time has come for us to channel our gifts as a community into this practice. If we can read Hebrew,
it is easy to learn how to chant Torah. Look inside this Kehila for the class I am offering this
month. Be ready for future announcements as part of a multi-pronged strategy to cultivate a new
focus on this sacred experience.
Kol Shabbat with Felicia Sloin: Part of growing spiritually is trying out new approaches to prayer,
and Felicia Sloin is masterful at welcoming people of all backgrounds to vibrant and accessible
experiences of tefilah. Please join us October 28, 6:00, for a Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night
service) experience where Felicia will join me. We will have Felicia five times throughout the
year, and I look forward to seeing the new opportunities that emerge from our collaboration.
Zohar Study Project: This summer, I was inspired to bring the Zohar, the classic work of Kabbalah,
to our community. The Zohar integrates classical Jewish sources – the Bible and Talmud – and
marshals them in a new way to explore the great questions about God, the world and the soul. At
the end of this month, I will offer a class as an introduction to the Zohar and will create other
opportunities throughout the year.
These are just a small selection of the opportunities to grow, renew and rededicate ourselves in the
coming year. If these speak to you, please join us. If you have questions that are not currently
being addressed by our offerings, please feel free to contact me (at cbirabbi@verizon.net) and I
would be delighted to sit down and have a meaningful conversation.
I wish everyone a meaningful season of reflection and renewal.
Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Justin David
3
From the Executive Director
Making Plans
Bianca and I are acclimating to Northampton. We have met many people and are remembering
more and more names. While I have been told that New Englanders are friendly – eventually, the
people at CBI have been warm and welcoming from the start. In the past weeks, moreover, I have
discovered with pleasure the way in which this community meets a challenge.
Asbestos was not on the radar for the CBI renovation plans, but, much as I enjoy making plans,
not all work out as quickly and easily as one would hope. Much unplanned activity has taken place
since the day the asbestos tiles were inappropriately removed from the Sanctuary floor. An asbestos abatement company had to be contracted, and an emergency waiver from the DEP had to be
issued to go ahead with the cleanup. As you can see from the photo, the Sanctuary and Social hall
are once again open and the flooring is being installed and will be in by the time you read this.
That’s the plan.
Ben Cuperman Initially, however, the Sanctuary renovation was brought to
a complete halt as a result of the asbestos incident. The
Gan Keshet school was disrupted. Tremendous strain was
put on everyone, professional and lay, to weather this change.
Exec. Director
And I was impressed by our reaction. Our community was remarkably civil, understanding, cool and collected. We all did what was necessary. LGA made their
building available for our services and the Gan Keshet children. We all supported
each other.
I still like to make plans. The Yahrzeit notices are once again being mailed as
planned.The kitchen operations are being monitored to ensure that Kashrut is
observed. Our Kehila newsletter is being produced and delivered on time. The
Board is working diligently to keep CBI operations and services at a high standard.
Rosh Hashannah is here and on that note, Bianca and I wish every one a sweet
and healthy new year. May your goals and plans come true.
Ben
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SPONSOR A KIDDUSH
Consider sponsoring a Kiddush to honor a
simcha, a yahrzeit or “just because!”
The entire CBI community
warmly welcomes you.
Contact Ben Cuperman, Executive Director for
more information on how to sponsor a Kiddush
Call (413) 584-3592 or email
bnai.israel@verizon.net
Sara and Forest Reid
Jack and Ekaterina Missry
Thank you for helping support the special time
we spend together enjoying the sweetness of
Shabbat
4
From the President
The Days of Awe—Coming together as a Community
Dear Fellow Congregants:
As I anticipate the High Holy Days, I feel even more than usual my gratitude toward
this congregational community and the support that I derive from it during these
intense days of reflection and introspection. What we’re called upon to do beginning the month of Elul and especially between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is
to look inward, to make an unblinking appraisal of all our failings in both thought
and deed, and to wholeheartedly repent for them. What a daunting and humbling
Ellen Kaufman task! As my teacher Joseph Goldstein once said to me, “self-knowledge is always
bad news.”
President
For me the height of this reckoning comes Yom Kippur morning during Viddui, the Prayers of Confession. This is indeed a sobering list of sins: denial, deceit, cynicism, greed, oppressive interest, violence, foul speech, defrauding others, violence, plotting against others—ouch! Just reading the list
makes my heart pound and contract. In years past while reading this list I’ve often found myself
thinking—“this doesn’t apply to me. I’m going to recite it because that’s what we do here—but I
haven’t really done these things.” But as I look more closely and reflect more carefully, I’ve come
to understand that this long list of sins is really a description of all the weaknesses that come with
the condition of being human. And I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of our tradition in reciting
these failings together as a community. We all share the vulnerability to perform each of these sins
in either thought or deed, and there’s no shame in acknowledging that vulnerability. Yes I am sometimes selfish, and I do make rash judgments about others, and I do sometimes gossip and I can feel
baseless hatred. By reciting the list together as a community, we give one another support and confirmation—“yes, this is what it is to be human.” I hope that as we do so we can also bring some
kindness and compassion to ourselves for being subject to these failings — failings that inevitably
bring pain to ourselves and others. And by acknowledging these tendencies, by looking at these
weaknesses directly and honestly, we can resolve to ourselves and to one another to not yield to
them—to try to do better.
Another aspect of our humanness that we investigate closely during these days is that fact that this
life comes to an end. We both honor and mourn for those we’ve lost; we visit the cemetery; we ask
to be written in the Book of Life for another year (can we ask for more?) To investigate my own
mortality is a frightening undertaking. I’d rather go watch a nice TV show. But once again I derive
courage from the group—and the bigger the group the better. There’s strength in numbers.
So I thank you all in advance, my fellow congregants, for showing up with the courage to do this hard
work, for standing together with me to face and name the weaknesses that we share in being human, for committing to try to live our lives more skillfully and, finally, for acknowledging the fragility and therefore the preciousness of this life.
With affection, gratitude, and wishes for a health and happy New Year,
Ellen
5
From the Education Director
The Mishneh in Pirkei Avot also has two very interesting statements.
There are four types of students:
One who is quick to understand but quick to forget- his gain is canceled by
loss.
One who understands with difficulty but forgets with difficulty- his loss is
canceled by his gain;
One who is quick to understand but who forgets with difficulty- this is a wise
person;
One who understands with difficulty and is quick to forget- this one has bad
fortune.
Rabbi Charni Flame Selch
Interim Education Director There are four types of students: the sponge, the funnel, the strainer and the
sifter.
The sponge: absorbs everything
The funnel: in one end and out the other
The strainer: passes the wine and retains the dregs
The sifter: removes the chaff and retains the groats
I’m sure we all would like to be quick to understand and slow to forget, but the important thing
about these concepts is that Judaism allows for all these learners. We as a people are learners with
different styles, modalities and systems. The question is not whether to learn, but rather, how we
are motivated to learn.
I recently read an article about “Motivating the Reluctant Learner”. It had the basic premise that if a
student appears to not be motivated, it isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, the author claims that
there is no such thing as an un-motivated student, just students the educators haven’t motivated
yet.
I thought this was not only an interesting idea, that a teacher must find a way to speak to a student
in a manner which the student will understand, but also a very Jewish idea as well. Maimonides says
in his “Laws of Teaching Torah” that if a teacher teaches, and the student doesn’t grasp the lesson,
the teacher may not yell and scream the lesson over and over again until the student grasps it.
Rather, what a teacher must do is repeat the lesson gently, being careful to find different
expressions and directions to teach so that the student might grasp the lesson. Imagine an astute and
poignant concept of education written by a man in 1200 CE.
As we begin the school year, and continue our season of spiritual renewal, may we all find our own
motivation to continue learning new things each day.
6
Gan Keshet Notes
Building on Experiences
Where were you during the June 1st tornadoes? How has your world changed
since that day of unusually fierce weather? What does it mean to lose so much
and to start again?
Wendy Stein
Director, Gan Keshet Jewish
Community Preschool of the
Pioneer Valley
The day we had to evacuate the building because of a possible asbestos
concern, I found myself saying, “Okay, at least we are safe, thank G-d it is
not raining like it was earlier, and how fortunate we are to have good
neighbors!” Compared to what our neighbors in other communities have had
to cope with, we considered ourselves very fortunate.
It is interesting to me how challenges bring out the best in all of us, and as always, our children
continue to impress us during these times as well. At Gan Keshet we strive to create a nurturing,
welcoming community. As part of this process, we create opportunities for us all to connect. We
start the year off with a Parent Information Night. As part of the evening, we take a moment to
introduce ourselves to one another, play a little together, and then share our routines and hopes for
the year. We then hold our opening Parent & Child Play Date, where we build on our relationships
with parents, and get to play a bit with the children; learning about their routines and interests.
School starts gradually, again with building relationships in mind. On Day Four, the day we needed
to evacuate, our children were AMAZING! They trusted us, and easily adjusted to leaving the
building, to play at the YMCA! Our parents were SUPPORTIVE! They were upbeat, worked with us,
and, helped each other out. The GK staff was FLEXIBLE AND NURTURING, making it a fun, and safe
adventure for the children until all were with their families.
When you read our program description you learn how we create learning experiences. “The child’s
day includes time for group play as well as time for exploring and working independently. A variety
of developmentally appropriate materials are provided to support making of choices, sharing,
experimentation, and problem solving.” The teachers set up provocations based on topics that they
think would be interesting or motivating for the children to explore. These educational challenges,
tap on the children’s knowledge base, and assist with creating new understandings.
These new understandings build children’s competence, and their capacity to contribute to the
community.
L’hitrahot, Wendy
7
B’nai Mitzvah
BAR & BAT MITZVAH
Benjamin & Claire
Siege
OCTOBER 22, 2011
Claire and Benjamin will be called to the Torah as B’nai Mitzvah on October
22nd. Benjamin and Claire began their Jewish education at the Westchester
Reform Temple pre-school and have been active Jewish learners ever since.
Benjamin is a tremendous fan of science, technology, and politics. If he’s not
busy reading a fantasy novel you will probably find him deep in the New York
Times. Benjamin is an enthusiastic camper at Lake Owego Camp for Boys where
he has become a kayaking enthusiast.
Claire enjoys violin, swimming, and basketball. She has spent the last 6 summers at Camp Timber Tops and is counting down the days until she returns in
June.
Claire and Benjamin are in the 7th grade at Amherst Regional Middle School.
Our family trip to Israel this last spring provided particular inspiration for the
twins. Spiritual, historical, and political themes abounded on our trip through
the Jerusalem and the countryside of the North. This experience has lent further richness to their Jewish experience which they will bring with them to the
Bima on Saturday.
Children of
Scott & Amy Siege
Claire and Benjamin want to thank all of those who have helped and supported
them through their preparation and all of those who will celebrate with them
on this special day.
Twinning: Help a CBI Bat Mitzvah & her counterpart in Israel
Hi,
Summer is almost over and I have chosen a wonderful organization for my Bat Mitzvah project. What I have
decided to do for my project is called “Twinning.” Twinning is a program that gives an opportunity to young
Jewish teens, like myself, to get to know and help their Ethiopian-Israeli peers. I have a picked a non-profit
organization called The North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ.) Its mission is to help Ethiopian Jews survive in Ethiopia, preserve their unique and ancient culture and help them reach Israel - and
that’s only part of it. With a donation of at least $280, my twin will receive a special Bat Mitzvah gift and a
gift to her school in Israel to help buy essential supplies from the money we donate! In return I will get a biography and a picture of “my twin.” I will get a certificate saying I donated, as well as homemade embroidery.
Even donations from $5 will help make a change in this girl’s life. If you would like to make a donation please
make the check out to The North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry or NACOEJ. You can send the
checks to my address, which is posted below. Thank you for supporting my project through your financial contribution. I will be following up on my twin. If you would like to know more details you can contact me at isabeldw@yahoo.com or if you would like to learn more about this organization, their website is: http://
www.nacoej.org/bar_batmitzvah.htm.
Thank you for your support,
Isabel Darmon-Weiss
39 Adare Pl.
Northampton MA, 01060
8
CBI Celebrates Sukkot & Simchat Torah
COMMUNITY
SUKKOT FAMILY
GATHERING
GRINSPOON FOUNDATION FAMILY PROGRAM:
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
FEATURING THE
CBI COMMUNITY
GARDEN
Join us in our community garden
for a Sukkot Festival when
we’ll gather for an opportunity
to connect with
other families from CBI.
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 16
11:45 am
to 1:45 pm
There will be lots of activities,
lots of opportunity to help in the garden,
lots of music and
lots of pizza in the hut.
Come and Enjoy
SIMCHAT
TORAH
Thursday Evening
October 20
6:30—8:30 pm
THURSDAY
AND
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 20 & 21
Friday Morning
October 21
9:30 am
Service in the Sanctuary with a
celebration of our students who are
new to their Jewish Education
Service begins for all
in the Sanctuary
Dancing and singing with the
whole community
Service and dancing for all ages
Viewing of the entire Torah
Special Aliyah for children
10:30 am
11:30 am
Group Aliyot for everyone
And a special Aliyah for
Children
DANCE AND CELEBRATE WITH US
This Simchat Torah
9
CALENDAR
Club Gatherings
Chevrei Mitzvot
Valley Jewish Seniors
Men’s Club
The next meeting of
Valley Jewish Seniors will be
In place of a meeting the Chevrei Mitzvot will
participate in raising the Sukkah on
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
AT 12:30 AT THE CBI LIBRARY
A wonderful lunch will be prepared
by Diane Todrin and her superb crew.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2
9:00-NOON
David Arfa, a maggid, is returning to tell us
stories about the Days of Awe and renewal.
Shalom,
Kaufmann Schoen,
mocher sefarim
Bring a friend!
Look forward to seeing you.
If you need a ride, please call
the CBI Office
at (413) 584-3593.
Sisterhood Book Club
Sisterhood Fall Events
OCTOBER MEETING
Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Date: Monday, Oct. 17, 7:30pm
Location: Home of Carol Jolly
330 Main Rd., Chesterfield
(413) 296-4254
SISTERHOOD HIGH HOLIDAY
DISCUSSION WITH RABBI DAVID
WEDNESDAY, OCT 5TH, 7:30 AT CBI
Topic: Teshuva and Belonging
Come join us for this wonderful annual event
and share your voice.
MEETING
Book: The Imperfectionishts by Tom Rachman
Date: Monday, November 21, 7:30 pm
NOVEMBER
RAY OF HOPE WALK
SUNDAY, OCT 23, 2011
All CBI women are welcome to join us for one
meeting or many. Please call if you need
directions or a ride.
Fundraiser for Breast Cancer
Research and local Services.
If you would like to join our
walking team contact Joan
Schaffer.
UPCOMING TITLES:
December 19: Half Broke Horses
by Jeannette Walls.
January 23: All Other Nights
by Dara Horn.
10
Torah Reading as
a Spiritual Practice
A 3-Session Class with Rabbi Justin David
Tuesday evenings – October 11, 18 and 25, 7:00 – 8:30
In this New Year of 5772, our community has a unique opportunity to grow as we meet the challenge
of supplying our Torah readers each week. Why read from a scroll and why chant in the traditional
manner? There are many reasons, but perhaps the most intuitive is that there is something that feels
ancient and sacred about hearing the Torah sung and then learning to chant from it ourselves. As one
friend and teacher has shared with me, hearing the Torah being chanted is the closest we get to actually hearing the words from Sinai.
Join us for this user-friendly class in which we will learn to chant Torah for the first time, or to refresh what we have already learned. The only prerequisite is a willingness to learn and the ability to
read Hebrew.
Kol Shabbat: A Shabbat of Voices
With
Felicia Sloin &
her ensemble of inspiring singers
Friday evenings at 6:00 pm in the CBI Library
Please join us as we weave new musical offerings with traditional prayers and Psalms for a unique
Shabbat experience. Felicia Sloin has developed a reputation as someone who invites us to join
together in stirring and soulful melodies. These services will be designed to engage those of us who
are new to Jewish prayer and Hebrew as well as those of us for whom Jewish prayer is a familiar
practice.
October 28
January 27
December 9
March 30
June 8
ALL
ARE WELCOME
11
CALENDAR
Announcing the CBI Zohar Study Project
Announcing a new study opportunity,
Many of us may have heard of the Zohar, but few of us know what it’s all about. Purported to have been composed by Rabbi Shimon
Bar Yochai in the 2nd Century but actually written in 13th Century Spain, the Zohar is an expansive and mystical reflection on creation,
humanity and the vitality of classic Jewish thought and symbols. It speaks to the core spiritual concerns of individual souls while taking
the reader into a sea of interconnected ideas and associations.
The CBI Zohar Study Project
In the Jewish world, many of us are seeking, from within our own tradition, a source of spiritual wisdom and insight that speaks to our
core spiritual questions. Through its unique symbolic language and meditations, the Zohar often speaks to us in ways that can move us
and surprise us. And with a new translation by Daniel Matt that has emerged over the past several years, this illuminating text is now
accessible to the first-time reader.
Led by Rabbi Justin David
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spiritual wisdom and insight that speaks to our core spiritual questions. Through its
unique symbolic language and meditations, the Zohar often speaks to us in ways that
can move us and surprise us. And, with a new translation by Daniel Matt, this
illuminating text is now accessible to the first-time reader.
The time has come: join us in the CBI Zohar Study Project. The Zohar Study Project is
not only a series of classes, but a multi-pronged approach to engaging with this classic
work and its insights. Ways to participate will include:
•Participating
•Hosting
in a 4-session introduction to the Zohar (Dates on next page)
a Zohar salon in your home
•Attending
a Zohar-based Torah study on Shabbat
•Following
Rabbi David’s Zohar blog
•Attending
a Zohar Shabbat service, in which we reflect upon
mystical teachings in the context of communal prayer
If you are interested in learning more about the Zohar, or in sharing your questions
about your evolving spiritual life and practice, please feel free to contact Rabbi David
(cbirabbi@verizon.net, 413-584-3593, x208.
12
CALENDAR
Announcing the CBI Zohar Study Project
Announcing a new Adult Education Opportunity!
The World of The Zohar
Many of us may have heard of the Zohar, but few of us know what it’s all about. Purported to have been composed by Rabbi Shimon
Bar Yochai in the 2nd Century but actually written in 13th Century Spain, the Zohar is an expansive and mystical reflection on creation,
humanity and the vitality of classic Jewish thought and symbols. It speaks to the core spiritual concerns of individual souls while taking
the reader into a sea of interconnected ideas and associations.
In the Jewish world, many of us are seeking, from within our own tradition, a source of spiritual wisdom and insight that speaks to our
core spiritual questions. Through its unique symbolic language and meditations, the Zohar often speaks to us in ways that can move us
and surprise us. And with a new translation by Daniel Matt that has emerged over the past several years, this illuminating text is now
accessible to the first-time reader.
Led by Rabbi Justin David
TheProject.
Zohar,
Book
Splendor,
a work
thatbutboth
The time has come – join us in the CBI Zohar Study
Theor
Zohar
Studyof
Project
is not onlyis
a series
of classes,
a multipronged approach to engaging with this classic mystifies
work and its insights.
Ways
to
participate
now
will
include:
and entices us. While it can appear to be only
initiated,
it speaksin to
our most basic yearnings
Participate in a 4-session introductionfor
to thethe
Zohar
(dates and announcement
this Kehila)
Host a Zohar salon in your home
and spiritual questions. A brilliant new translation by
Attend a Zohar-based Torah study on Shabbat
Zohar scholar Daniel Matt renders it accessible to the
Follow Rabbi David’s Zohar blog
first-time
reader.
Attend a Zohar Shabbat service, in which
we reflect upon
mystical teachings in the context of communal prayer
If you are interested in learning more about the Zohar, or in sharing your questions about your evolving spiritual life and practice, please
Join us413-584-3593,
for this four-session
introduction in which we
feel free to contact Rabbi David (cbirabbi@verizon.net,
x208.
will encounter the Zohar so as to build a foundation for
future study. The topics we will address include the
ongoing creation of the world, the role of human beings
in affecting the cosmos, the interaction of divine and
human creativity, and the dynamic, evolving nature of
the divine self.
Each session will be structured around time for
preparation (“seder”) alone or with a study partner
(“hevruta”), as well as presentation and explication
(“shiur”) from Rabbi David. In addition to engaging with
the text of the Zohar, we will also trace the evolution of
the text through the Torah, Talmud and Midrash.
4 Sessions
Three Tuesdays and One Thursday
7:00 pm at CBI
All are Welcome
Tuesday November 15
Tuesday November 22
Tuesday November 29
Thursday December 8
13
Month of October
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
28
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
7:30 PM: EVENING
SERVICES
2
3
KEVER AVOT
9:00 AM—NOON:
RAISING THE SUKKAH
WITH CHEVREI MITZVOT
(THE MEN’S GROUP)
11:00 AM: CEMETERY
SERVICE
9
10
4
5
12:15 PM:
TUESDAY TEXT STUDY
With Rabbi David at CBI
7:30 PM: SISTERHOOD
HIGH HOLIDAY DISCUSSION WITH RABBI DAVID
At CBI
11
12
12:15 PM:
TUESDAY TEXT STUDY
With Rabbi David at CBI
7:00 PM: ADULT ED
Torah Reading as a
Spiritual Practice
(see page 11 for info)
EREV SUKKOT
12:30 PM: VALLEY
JEWISH SENIORS
LUNCHEON
(See page 10 for info)
5:57 PM: CANDLE LIGHTING
16
17
18
19
SUKKOT CHOL HAMOED
11:30 AM: COMMUNITY
SUKKOT FAMILY
GATHERING
(See page 9 for info)
SUKKOT CHOL HAMOED
SUKKOT CHOL HAMOED
12:15 pm:
TUESDAY TEXT STUDY
With Rabbi David at CBI
7:00 PM: ADULT ED
Torah Reading as a
Spiritual Practice
(see page 11 for info)
SUKKOT CHOL HAMOED
5:54 PM: CANDLE
LIGHTING
23
24
25
26
SISTERHOOD
RAY OF HOPE WALK
30
31
12:15 pm:
TUESDAY TEXT STUDY
With Rabbi David at CBI
7:00 PM: ADULT ED
Torah Reading as a
Spiritual Practice
(see page 11 for info)
14
Month of October
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
29
30
1
30 ROSH HASHANAH DAY 1
8:30 AM: MORNING SERVICE
10:00 AM TOT PROGRAM
11:00 AM FAMILY MINYAN
12:30-1:30 PM TEEN TALK
4:00 PM:TASHLICH AT MILL RIVER
6:00 PM: MINCHA & MA’ARIV
ROSH HASHANAH DAY 2
8:30 AM: MORNING SERVICES
10:00 AM TOT PROGRAM
11:00-12 NOON JR. CONGREGATION
6:00 PM KABBALAT SHABBAT EVEN–
ING SERVICE
6:17 PM: CANDLE LIGHTING
9:30 AM: SHABBAT SHUVAH
MORNING SERVICES
(Parashat Ha-Azinu)
11:00 AM: TOT SHABBAT WITH
PEGGY WALKER
7:15 PM: SHABBAT ENDS
6
7
8 YOM KIPPUR
8:00 AM: LECHA DUMIYAH
TEHILLA MEDITATION
KOL NIDRE
6:05 PM: CANDLE LIGHTING
6:15 PM: KOL NIDRE SERVICE
9:00 AM: SHABBAT MORNING
SERVICES IN THE SANCTUARY
WITH YIZKOR
10:00 AM TOT PROGRAM
11-12 PM FAMILY MINYAN
12:30-1:30 PM TEEN TALK
5:00 PM: Mincha & Ne’ila
7:03 PM: BREAK FAST
13
14
15
SUKKOT
CBI OFFICE CLOSED
9:30 AM: MORNING SERVICES
6:55 PM: CANDLE LIGTHING
SUKKOT
CBI OFFICE CLOSED
9:30 AM: MORNING SERVICES
5:54 PM: CANDLE LIGHTING
6:00 PM: KABBALAT SHABBAT
EVENING SERVICE
SUKKOT CHOL HAMOED
9:30 AM: SHABBAT MORNING
SERVICES IN THE SANCTUARY
6:52 PM: SHABBAT ENDS
20
21
22
SHEMINI ATZERET
CBI OFFICE CLOSED
9:30 AM: MORNING SERVICES
WITH YIZKOR
6:30 PM: EREV SIMCHAT TORAH
EVENING SERVICE & PROGRAMS
6:44 PM: CANDLE LIGHTING
SIMCHAT TORAH
CBI OFFICE CLOSED
9:30 AM: MORNING SERVICES
5:43 PM: SHABBAT CANDLE
LIGHTING
6:00 PM KABBALAT SHABBAT EVEN–
ING SERVICE
9:30 AM: SHABBAT MORNING
SERVICES IN THE SANCTUARY
BAR MITZVAH BENJAMIN SIEGE
BAT MITZVAH CLAIRE SIEGE
(Parashat Bereishit)
11:00 AM SHABBAT SING
6:41 PM: SHABBAT ENDS
27
28
29
8:00 AM: LECHA DUMIYAH
TEHILLA MEDITATION
5:32 PM: SHABBAT CANDLE
LIGHTING
6:00 PM: KABBALAT SHABBAT
EVENING SERVICE
KOL SHABBAT WITH FELICIA SLOIN
AND DAVID WEIDENFELD
(See page 11 for info)
9:30 AM: SHABBAT MORNING
SERVICES IN THE SANCTUARY
(Parashat Noach)
6:32 PM: SHABBAT ENDS
15
Shabbat Family Services
About Our Monthly Shabbat Services
TOT SHABBAT
Come join us for a lively Saturday morning program as families celebrate
the beautiful aspects of Shabbat through songs, stories, dance and creative movement. (For 3 to 5 year olds)
THIS MONTH HELD ON: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
NEXT MONTH: NOVEMBER 5
SHABBAT FAMILY
MINYAN
A creative interactive service featuring prayers, songs and stories.
(For school-aged children, their parents and the community)
THIS MONTH HELD ON: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
NEXT MONTH: NOVEMBER 12
SHABBAT SING
A celebration of Shabbat through song. All are welcome to join in singing a
wide array of Jewish songs, from child-friendly melodies to complicated
rounds. (For children and adults)
THIS MONTH HELD ON: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
NEXT MONTH: NOVEMBER 19
JUNIOR
CONGREGATION
SESSION
An opportunity for children to celebrate Shabbat through prayer, songs
and stories in an age-appropriate context with other friends.
(For Grades K-2 and 3-6)
NO JUNIOR CONGREGATION IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER
LEV CHADASH
(NEW HEART)
MINYAN
Join us for a monthly, alternative Shabbat service that will follow the
deep structure of the Siddur, inviting us – through song and silence, conversation and meditation - to cultivate awareness and expressions of
gratitude, praise, yearning, truth, and connection to our rich Jewish tradition. We will experience the entire flow of a morning Shabbat service
(including Torah reading and teaching/discussion), but with scaled-down
liturgy. Come with the hope of renewing your heart and your connection
to the Source of Life.
PLEASE NOTE LEV CHADASH (NEW HEART) MINYAN IS NOT HELD IN
OCTOBER, BUT WILL RESUME NOVEMBER 19
16
Education
Thinking about God: Radical Frontiers
Save the Date. A New CBI Adult Education Opportunity begins November 2011.
The Adult Education Committee is pleased to announce a new learning opportunity: “Thinking about God:
Radical Frontiers.” Over the course of the year, a number of our community members will present on a range
of topics. More information coming soon. More information will be coming soon.
•
•
•
•
•
•
November 18: Aaron Lansky, “On secular Judaism”
December 16 and 17: Rabbi Nancy Flam, “A Personal God”
February 2 and 3: Rabbi David Seidenberg, “Tu B’Shevat, God and the Earth”
March 16: Rabbi Ed Feld, “A Reinterpretation of God”
April 28: Lois Dubin, “Saturday God and Reason”
May 19: Larry Fine, “A Mystical Approach to God.”
Florence Melton Adult Ed. Returns: Exploring Jewish Living
The popular Florence Melton adult education course, Exploring Jewish Living, will return to Northampton on
October 26. Thirty weeks of two courses will be held at Lander Grinspoon Academy in Northampton from
7:00-9:00pm on Wednesday nights. Instructors in the two courses include: Shoshana Zonderman and a rotating team of instructors including Rabbi Justin David, Rabbi Riqi Kosovske, Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, Rabbi Amy
Wallk Katz and Dalia Davis.
$360 for all materials. Subsidies available. No prior knowledge needed; no homework; interfaith family members are welcome. To enroll, phone Lisa Burnett at 413 733-4149.
Watch a short video about the Melton course at www.facebook.com/FMAMS
Religious School
17
Around the Valley
HAVE FUNDS. RAISE FUNDS. SUPPORT CBI & UMASS HILLEL:
UMass Hillel’s 5th Annual Ride to Provide, Sunday, October 16, 2011
The 5th Annual UMass Ride to Provide is Sunday October 16h.
Riders can again look forward to a choice of 9, 18, or 36 mile routes
along scenic country roads when fall foliage is at its peak. People of all
ages and backgrounds will enjoy a Sukkoth rest-stop with complimentary
snacks as well as a free celebratory lunch following the ride.
The Ride will continue to benefit two great causes: the community
service programs and environmentally friendly projects of UMass Hillel
and the CBI Kiddush Fund. The Ride has enabled Hillel to send students
to New Orleans every spring break since Hurricane Katrina, in order to
rebuild homes and hope. Other projects have included building a bridge
to provide access to health care in rural Nicaragua, brightening the lives of orphans and elderly in Argentina,
and refurbishing parks, homes, and gardens together with Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. This year the Ride
is enabling students to partner with Rebuilding Together in Springfield to help residents recover from the
devastation of this summer’s tornado. Over 200 students have participated.
Last year Team CBI raised sufficient funds to sponsor a full Kiddush.
Team CBI has been created. All team registration fees and team funds raised will be
split between CBI and Hillel.
Register at www.umasshillel.org/ridetoprovide. Click on “Team CBI.” Non-riders can
sponsor the team or their favorite rider through the website as well. Riders who
register by October 1 will receive a free Ride to Provide t-shirt. Please call Jeff
Caplan 586-2378 with any questions.
Save the Date:
Hadassah’s Opening Meeting
The JFR Charity Knitting Project
In the winter of 2011, The JFR launched a Charity
Knitting Project for volunteers to knit and crochet
scarves for rescuers supported by the JFR. To date,
they have sent more than 300 scarves.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2 PM, IN THE LIBRARY AT CBI
What do the bicycle, the Civil War and labor unions have
to do with fashion? To find out, please join us for a very
interesting talk: “Follow the Thread — America’s Jewish
Immigrants and the Birth of the Garment Industry” Ms.
Jackie Cooper will tell the story of the journey of Jews to
America, the beginning of the garment industry and how
fashion is tied to history. She will weave demonstrations
of dresses of that period into her talk.
If you would like to know more about this project or
if you would like to participate, contact Goldie
Keehn at (413) 625-6882. Finished scarves can be
left at the shul.
Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and
open to the public. Please join us, with your guests, on
October 23 at 2 pm at CBI in Northampton. For more
information contact Barbara Goldstein at
bhgoldstein@comcast.net or by phone: 549-0555.
18
Lending a Hand
SPECIAL NEWS FROM THE BIKUR CHOLIM COMMITTEE!
A month ago the Bikur Cholim Committee sent out a notice asking for volunteers to visit the sick.
This involves visits at the home and the hospital and /or the preparation of meals in the home. Over
the past few weeks, we’ve received a very positive response! More than 15 people have signed up.
Many of the fifteen who just signed up have made home visits; we visited people in the hospital and
prepared meals for people recently operated on — all who needed a helping hand.
We are sending out a note at this time of the High Holidays to encourage people to sign up either to
visit the sick and/or (we like both!) to prepare meals. Signing up right now means emailing either
Norbert Goldfield (Norbert@healingdivides.org) or Maxine Stein (maxexedir@aol.com). If you prefer,
you can also call Norbert at 413-586-5617. In the next few months we will have an on-line sign up
process for specific individuals and tasks.
Bikur Cholim, "visiting the sick," in Hebrew, is a term encompassing a wide range of activities performed by an individual or a group to provide comfort and support to people who are ill, homebound, isolated and/or otherwise in distress. For those interested, the Committee will offer ongoing
training for us to enable us to do this work effectively and with much joy.
Why is bikur cholim important?
• Because people need to feel connected to the community especially when they are ill or homebound.
• Because bringing the community to the bedside lifts the spirit of those who may feel forgotten.
• Because studies have shown that social contact and support positively influences those needing
and receiving comfort.
• Because visiting and caring activities help build community and character.
• Because we are acting in a G-dly way when we visit.
Especially at this time of reflection, as we all consider different types of mitvah’s we may consider in the coming year, we encourage people to contact either Maxine or me.
Thanks and L’SHANATOVA.
G’MILUT CHASADIM~ACTS OF LOVINGKINDNESS
COT SHELTER BEGINS NOVEMBER 23, 2011
Social Action is an important and integral cornerstone upon which Judaism stands. There are homeless families and individuals in Northampton and surrounding communities. Each year, from November through April, CBI is responsible for
one meal a month at the local homeless shelter—The Cot Shelter. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to cook part of a meal for 25
guests, serve the dinner, visit with the guests and clean up.
WHEN: Fourth Wednesday of each month, November—April
WHERE: The Cot Shelter, 40 Center Street in Northampton
TIME:
5:45-7:15 pm
FOOD NEEDED FOR EACH MEAL: Cheese & Crackers • Juice (2 gal.) • Vegetable dishes (2) • Salad • Fruit • Whole Wheat
Bread • Milk (1 gal.) • Main Dish of chicken or meat • Potatoes • & Dessert
To volunteer your time or a food donation please contact Peggy Besht at pjbhepburn@comcast.net
19
Minutes of August 18, 2011
Present: Henry Simkin, Jane Trigere, Jim Sagalyn (Treasurer), Esther Bean, Kevin Hale, Peggy Bescht, Stephan Wurmbrand, Lou
Davis, Ellen Kaufman (President), Lauren Weinsier (Vice President), Neil Kudler, Amy Wolpin, Dorothy Nemetz
Regrets: David Cohen, Hanneli de Vries, Lois Dubin, Norbert Goldfield, Simona Pozzetto, Gillian Kendall (Secretary)
Guests: Rabbi Justin David, Ben Cuperman (Executive Director), Rabbi Charni Selch (Interim Education Director), Ken Schoen, Gail
Perlman, Mike Perlman, Becky Serlin, Shelley Steuer
The Rabbi gave a D’var Torah in which he discussed the recent attacks in Eilat in Israel and noted that the weeks leading up to the High
Holidays are a time of consolation.
The Minutes of the June 2011 meeting were corrected and approved as corrected.
Ellen Kaufman introduced Interim Education Director Rabbi Charni Selch. Rabbi Selch said she has been here for one month and is figuring things out. So far, 40 children have registered for Religious School, about one half of what we would like, but many parents do not
register their children until school starts or just before. At least 10 parents have come in to discuss Religious School. Almost all teachers
are in place; only the Gimel-Dalet teacher position needs to be filled. Fourteen teenagers are interested in being madrichim. This year,
madrichim will be required to attend staff meetings one a month. One month the meeting will be with all the teaching staff and the next
it will be just the madrichim. This will provide the madrichim with a venue to give feedback and ask questions.
The High Holiday staff is in place. Rabbi Selch has or will meet with everyone. The big change this year is that all programs will be
sequential and will not overlap.
Family programs are being funded by a grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Rabbi Selch is working with Rabbi David on programming, which will center on the theme of connection, i.e. with Torah, with community, etc. There is a lot of paperwork associated
with the grant, but Rabbi Selch has submitted it all.
Rabbi Selch has met with Aaron Kagan, the youth advisor, who has great ideas for social programming. A trip to Six Flags was planned
for this weekend, but so far sign-up is limited. There was a question as to the Jewish relevance in Six Flags, to which Rabbi Selch responded that Jewish context can be found in anything and bringing Jewish youth together for social events helps them discover that context.
This is the first meeting with the new Board, so all Board members introduced themselves, explaining why they chose to be on the
Board and what their goals are.
Executive Director Ben Cuperman welcomed the new Board members and noted that he has interviewed most Board members and is
trying to set up meetings with the remaining few. Keeping lines of communication open is very important and he is having weekly staff
meetings and meeting with Ellen Kaufman every week.
There are four new members, two deceased members and 13 resignations. Reasons for the resignations range from members moving
away to decreased participation. The current membership is 367, down from 379. This affects the budget, since the decreased membership results in a shortfall of $28,000. Moreover, 13 families are in serious arrears and if they are removed from the rolls then membership will be down to 354 and we will have a budget shortfall of over $30,000.
Ben urged everyone to let him know about meetings in advance so scheduling can be coordinated. Also, the building must be secured;
whoever is the last one in the building must be sure all the doors are locked.
Steps are being taken to ensure that there are always adequate funds for Kiddush all year. FOC has agreed to extend a “line of credit” so
that, if the Kiddush fund is low, a Kiddush will still be funded. Also, there will be more volunteering; a Kiddush Corps is being formed.
Ben has instituted an administrative change: minimum donations are increased from $5 to $10. Also, Yarzheit notices will be resumed.
Ellen Kaufman again welcomed Ben to CBI and thanked him for all his hard work.
Ellen noted that CBI is part of the Federation’s “Try A Synagogue” initiative. There will be picnic Shabbat Under the Stars at Look Park
on August 26th from 5:30 to 7:30. Board members are encouraged to come. This is an effort to get unaffiliated members to join a synagogue. The Federation is giving out free tickets to High Holiday services. CBI does not require tickets, but people may feel more empowered to come to services if they have them.
Becky Serlin, the Chair of the Gan Keshet governing committee, presented the candidates for the new Gan Keshet governance
20
Minutes
committee that will oversee the joint program with LGA that will begin in the fall. The governance committee is independent and oversees the pre-school, but is ultimately responsible to both boards, with a fiduciary responsibility to both. Names are brought to both the
CBI and LGA boards for approval. A motion to approve the nominees passed.
There was a discussion about the privileges of honorary members, sparked by a question of whether a specific couple who are honorary
members are entitled to cemetery plots. In this instance, because of the nature of this couple’s relationship to CBI, the cemetery committee agreed to treat them as full members. The by-laws are vague. Honorary members are not billed and do not pay dues, but can and often do make voluntary contributions. A motion to grant honorary members Rose and Yechiael Lander burial privileges as full members
passed.
Ellen will request the membership committee to look at the issue of honorary membership and to determine who are our honorary members.
Shelley Steuer reported on the new kitchen and Kiddush policies. She started by thanking Ben for his help in developing the policies.
While members should be welcome to use the kitchen, we also want to be sure that the kitchen is kosher and that all members are comfortable eating food prepared there. A balance needs to be struck between being welcoming and observing kashrut. To that end, the
doors have been locked and signs placed on them; kitchen users need to get the key from Ben. The kosher kitchen policy is currently a
draft; it is being designed for members and will include a list of outside caterers. The Rabbi is the final authority on matters of kashrut.
Funding kiddushes is always a challenge. The goal is to make it less haphazard. It is proposed that Sandy step down to two kiddushes a
month and will not cater bar and bat mitzvahs. Bar/bat mitzvah families will be given a list of caterers by the bar/bat mitvah liaison,
Amy Mitrani. Amy will work with Shelley on a brochure for families. Any event involving a large group of non-members will require
an outside caterer. Groups are being sought to sponsor kiddushes. There are 13 bar/bat mitzvahs scheduled for this year.
A Kiddush Corps has been convened; this is a group of volunteers for when there is no event scheduled and Sandy is not working. A
schedule is being created with the model that two members of the Corps would invite friends to help prepare a Kiddush and would be
responsible for maintaining kashrut, having been trained. An instructive brochure will be created. A number of volunteer- prepared kiddushes have occurred this summer.
There was a question about religious school parents cooking and kids doing supervised cooking. Groups who regularly use the kitchen
will have an orientation and one person will be responsible for complying with kitchen policy. It is hoped that a kitchen coordinator will
be hired.
Ellen reported that there will be four community meetings this year. The first will be on Sunday, October 23rd, in the evening. The issues
will be our demographics and governance, with a directed discussion.
In old business, the CBI task force is to look at collaboration between the religious school and LGA. Members of the task force are, from
CBI, Amy Wolpin and Eve Weinbaum and, from LGA, Justin Cammy and Ruth Ever. Ex officio members are Bil Zarch and Rabbi
David and there will be input from Rabbi Zelch. The task force hopes to have a report by the end of October, to examine whether collaboration is possible.
A task force on Formal Jewish Status will be formed, arising out of the annual meeting and questions about Jews by choice. Amelia
Ender and Lisa Newman co-chair on the task force.
Treasurer Jim Sagalyn reported that expenses over revenue last year resulted in a deficit of over $23,000. This is a revenue and not a
spending problem: $53,000 in dues was uncollected. The only unusual expense was payments to former employees in lieu of unemployment. About $9400 has already been collected this year for unpaid dues from last year. Collections and the question about what to do
with members who just don’t pay is a perennial concern, especially when the members can afford the dues.
There was a discussion about the land loan used to buy the land next door. This is a 7% levy on dues to pay back to the endowment the
funds borrowed for the purchase. $18,000 has been collected on the assessment and the endowment has been paid back $27,600. This is
a strain on the budget. FOC is recommending that monthly payments be reduced from $2300 to $1500, which means we would stretch
out the length of the loan but still be paying 6% interest. There was a question as to whether that rate of interest could be reduced.
Dorothy Nemetz reported on fundraising for the sanctuary renovation. We have about $49,000 in pledges and $41,000 received. About
45 members have responded to the appeal. We need some more large gifts.
Amy Wolpin reported that the Education Committee is taking over responsibility for Shabbat Childcare.
Respectfully Submitted, Dorothy Nemetz for Gillian Kendall, Secretary.
21
MISC INFORMATION
En-WRAP-ture yourself in a mitzvah!
Always wanted to wear tefillin and daven in the
morning?
Ken Schoen is offering free instruction at the Old
Firehouse in the center of South Deerfield.
If you commit to the practice he will also give you
(while the supply lasts) a pair of tefillin and a tallis at
no cost .
Call 413-665-0066 and arrange to rewind and rebind
with our tradition
22
October Yahrzeits
October 1 / Tishrei 3
Carole Klein
Julia Lester
October 3 / Tishrei 5
Eleanor Bond*
Elenora Frankushen
Burt Michelman*
Isadore Polan
Emanuel Rubin
October 4 / Tishrei 6
Annie Etta Olim*
October 7 / Tishrei 9
IIse May
Anne R. Prouser*
October 8 / Tishrei 10
Blossom Barsky
Anne Bloomberg
October 17 / Tishrei 19
Nymon August*
Pearl Giber
Sandra Goldsmith*
Edith Meersand
Michael Weiss*
October 18 / Tishrei 20
Selma Fischer
Arthur Kates
Harry Schwartz
October 19 / Tishrei 21
Robert Sagner
October 20 / Tishrei 22
Rose Ackerman
Susan Goldstone
Clara Strauss
October 11 / Tishrei 13
Persis Michelson
Hannah R. Zager
October 21 / Tishrei 23
Howard August*
Estelle Diamond
Albert Goldfield
Lillian Saltzman Roth*
October 12 / Tishrei 14
Shirley Graham
Lester Merrill*
Lawrence Price
Sarah Tenenbaum
October 22 / Tishrei 24
Hyman Bloomberg
Samuel Gould*
Fannie Keehn
Ruth Rubel
October 13 / Tishrei 15
Israel Bauver*
Pearl Schoen
October 23 / Tishrei 25
Samuel Bender*
Jonas Bond*
Adele Fishman
Sarah Lehrfeld
Elias Swing*
Nellie Weisman*
October 14 / Tishrei 16
Evelyn Bittman
Willaim Fagerson*
Harold Mitrani*
Stanley Mitrani*
Harry Rothberg
Irene Weinberger
October 16 / Tishrei 18
David Goldberg*
Victor LaChance
October 24 / Tishrei 26
Lewis Cohen
Jane Ellis
Hyman J. Kantrowitz*
Gertrude Neiman
William Stern
23
October 25 / Tishrei 27
Arnold Bleiman
Milton A. Cohen*
Max Feld
Jacob Simon Satalich
October 27 / Tishrei 29
Eleanor Ben Avraham
Sydney Berzoff
Ethel Brody
Elliot Cohen
Marcus I. Cohn*
Ethel Shabman
October 28 / Tishrei 30
Lucille Fine Dansky*
Bertha Fox
Paul Perman
October 29 / Heshvan 1
William Rechtschaffen
October 30 / Heshvan 2
Benjamin Ackerman
Ernst Schwarz
October 31 / Heshvan 3
Rita Hirsch*
Lena Nitkin
Leo Schlinsky
* Denotes plaque on Yahrzeit
Board
Donations
EDUCATION FUND
To Abby Luddy-Dunn on the
occasion of your Bat Mitzvah, a
joyous event. From Ruth and
Don Katzner
ENDOWMENT FUND
To Robert Cohen & family, in
loving memory of Ruth. From
Charlotte & Norman Winston
To Robert Cohen & family, in
loving memory of Ruth. From
Herbert & Janet Hodos
To Carol & Brad Katz, Robert
Cohen & family, in loving
memory of your dear Ruth, a
lovely woman & dedicated
teacher. Our thoughts are with
you. From David & Doris Cohen
To Zev Bromberg Seltzer &
family, congratulations and
mazel tov on becoming a Bar
Mitzvah. What an asset to our
community you and your family
are. From David & Doris Cohen
To Susan Mosler & Alan
Peterfreund, mazel tov on your
marriage. We wish you a
lifetime of happiness. From
Doris & David Cohen
To Esther & Steve Bean, mazel
tov, we wish you years of
happiness in your new home.
From Doris & David Cohen
To Carol Katz, in memory of
Ruth Cohen. From the officers
and director of People’s Bank
To Bob Cohen & daughters
Susan, Carol & Marcy, in fond
memory of our friend Ruth
Cohen. From Sydney Ruth
Colman, Steven, Laura & Ellen
To Carol Katz & Family, in
memory of Ruth Cohen. From
Ann & Ben Marcus
In memory of Ruth Cohen. From
Helen Ratner
To Carol Katz, in memory of
Ruth Cohen. From Mary-Ann
Sterns
GARDEN FUND
Joshua Roth & Beth Notar
Joel Feldman
To Bob Cohen, in loving memory To Randi Klein & Scott Barton, in
honor of your 19th anniversary.
of Ruth. From Diane & Martin
Conway
From Greta & Warren Klein
To Bob Cohen, my thoughts are
with you. From Eleanor
Rothman
To Carol & Brad Katz, our
condolences on the passing of
your mother, Ruth. From Ron
and Cleo
To Kevin Hale, belated 50th
birthday wishes. May the next
50 be as lush, bountiful and
enriching as our CBI Garden.
Love, from Randi, Scott and
Jonah
KURIAN KIDDUSH FUND
Second Wind Consultants, Inc.
To the family of Ruth Cohen, my Alice Szlosek
sympathy, she was a great
Joseph & Cathy Cohen
teacher and friend of my family.
From Bette Bogan
To Valerie Gintas, Bill Sweet and
Shira, mazel tov on the birth of
To Bob Cohen and your loving
Ari Jonah Sweet. From Shoshana
and beloved family, memories
Zonderman & Saul Perlmutter
always of love and laughter with
Ruth. From Marcia Burick
To Carol Katz, in memory of
your mother. From Barry
To Robert Cohen, in memory of Federman
Ruth Cohen. From Eleanor &
David Quint
To the Ross Family, in memory
of your dear mother, Helen.
In memory of Ruth Cohen. From From Leslie & Janet Fraidstern
Ann Morrisse & John Flanagan
To Marta Lev, on the loss of your
In memory of Ruth Cohen. From dear mother. From Leslie &
Phyllis Capers
Janet Fraidstern
In memory of Ruth Cohen. From To the Futter Family, in memory
Kim & Linda Crossman
of your very generous father,
Marc. From Leslie & Janet
In memory of Ruth Cohen. From Fraidstern
Louise & Giuseppe De Simone
A Good New Year To All. From
In memory of Ruth Cohen. From Serene Rubin
Patrick & Michele Laskey
24
Donations
To Leslie Fraidstern, in honor Rachel. From Mark & Liz
Singer
of your 70th birthday. From
Janet Fraidstern, Dan and
SAM & MILDRED WOLFE BAR/
Josh Fraidstern and families
BAT MITZVAH FUND
In honor of Elaine Whitlock
To the Family of Ruth
Webber, with sympathy at the for Abby’s bat mitzvah. From
Seth Dunn & Jennifer Luddy
passing of a gracious and
loving lady. From Sally & Hy
TIKKUN OLAM FUND
Edelstein
Richard & Alice Szlosek
Joseph & Cathy Cohen
To Marc & Liz Singer, mazal
tov on your new
granddaughter, Rachel Alina To the Family of Larry Fink, in
loving memory of my
Devorah. From Ron & Cleo
professor, my colleague, and
my friend. From Susan
To Jane Goldfield, wishing
Adelson
you a R’fuah Shleima, a
complete healing. From Ron
WOMEN’S FUND
& Cleo
To Mae Weisman, we are
To Louis & Hilda Greenbaum, saddened and share the loss
Gramma & Grampa, mazel tov of your wonderful sister,
Sylvia Beckerman. From Jan
on reaching such a special
and Al Chevan
milestone. Happy
Anniversary. All our love,
YAHRZEIT (MEMORIAL)
Joel, Lisa, Jenna, David &
PLAQUE
Anna.
In memory of Albert and
Laliana Goldfield. From Jane
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY
Goldfield
FUND
Stanley, Carolyn, Rebecca
Greenberg
Louise & Giuseppe De Simone
William Gemmell
SANCTUARY RENOVATION
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
DONATION
Esther Budger
Marcia Burick & Ed McColgan
Joe & Cathy Cohen
Robert & Ruth Cohen
Bob & Mary Anne Fishman
Joe & Barbara Goldstein
Kathy Goos & Barry Werth
Joel & Bonnie Gordon
Louis & Hilda Greenbaum
Herb & Janet Hodos, in honor of Gail
Perlman’s retirement of her many
years of extraordinary service as first
Justice of the Hampshire County Probate & Family Court.
Noah & Margaret Hopkins
Rabbi Yachiael Lander & Rose Lander
Ben & Julie Levin
Mah Jongg Ladies
Sarah (Sari) Merrill
Roslyn Nitkin
Monroe & Joan Rabin
Rob & Virginia Rechtschaffen
To the Davis Family, in honor
of the Davis Family. With
love, from Lauren, Steve,
Ryan and Gil Weinsier
Eleanor Rothman
Eileen Rutman
Barbara Rose Spierer
To Rabbi Justin David, thank
you. From Sky Vanderlinde
Jonah Aviva & Ruthie Weinbaum
To Rabbi Justin David, for
your moving and thoughtful
words at the conversion and
naming of our granddaughter
25
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26
CBI Funds
AESTHETICS FUND
KITCHEN FUND
SISTERHOOD ALL OCCASION FUND
Funds will be used to beautify the
synagogue. Please send donations to CBI.
Donations for this fund will be used for
purchases and maintenance of CBI’s
Kosher Kitchen. Please send donations to
CBI.
Minimum contribution is $5.00. Money is
used for specific synagogue needs voted
upon by the Sisterhood membership. Mail
checks made payable to CBI Sisterhood to
Harriet Weinroth, 100 Bassett Brook Dr.
Apt 102 Easthampton, MA 01027 (5273613). A card will be mailed for any
occasion.
ANNUAL FUND
Funds will be used for the synagogue’s most
pressing needs. Enhanced dues are a part of
this fund. Please send donations to CBI.
BENJAMIN GOLDSMITH FUND
BIKUR CHOLIM FUND
Donations for this fund are used for gifts
from the whole congregation for members
of the congregation who are fighting
illness. Checks may be made payable to CBI
with Bikkur Holim in the memo line.
CEMETERY FUND
CHEVREI MITZVOT FUND
Funds used towards gemilut hasadim, to
honor Bar and Bat Mitzvot, and fund worthy
endeavors. Please send donations to CBI.
DANIEL & SHIRLEY LEVIN
EDUCATION FUND
Money will assist qualified families with
Religious School Tuition. Checks made
payable to Levin Education Fund should be
mailed to CBI.
DIVINE FUND
LANDSCAPE FUND
Fund used to beautify and maintain
synagogue grounds. Please send donations
to CBI.
LEONARD AND BERNICE ALBERTS
PRESCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$5.00 minimum contribution. Fund
assists qualified families with Preschool
tuition. Please send donations to CBI with
Albert’s Fund in the memo line.
LIBRARY FUND
Money in this fund will go towards the
purchase of CBI library books. Please send
donations to CBI.
MAHZOR LEV SHALEM FUND
Funds will be used to purchase the new
High Holiday Mahzor from the Rabbinical
Assembly. Contributions of $25 for each
Mahzor. Please send donations to CBI
with “New Mahzor” in the memo line.
PRESCHOOL EDUCATION FUND
An endowment used to attract and retain
outstanding religious school educators for
our
Religious
School.
Please
send
donations to CBI.
Money from this fund will go to the
preschool for equipment and teaching
materials. Make checks payable to CBI
with Preschool Fund in the memo line.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TASK FORCE
PULPIT FUND
Donations will be used to support the work
of the CBI Task Force.
Please send
contributions to CBI with Domestic Violence
in the memo line
EDUCATION FUND
Donations help support all educational
activities and programs for children and
adults at CBI. Please send donations to CBI.
ENDOWMENT FUND
Minimum Contribution is $5.00. A $600
contribution or more is necessary for a
plaque to be affixed in the main lobby.
Principle stays intact; interest earned is
used to defray general operations of the
synagogue. Please send donations to CBI.
THE ISRAEL FUND
Funds used to support CBI sponsored trips to
Israel, Yom Ha’atzmaut events and other
activities in celebration of Israel. Please
send donations to CBI.
JEWISH LIVING PROGRAM
Fund provides for programming to
celebrate and promote the practice of
Judaism. Please send donations to CBI.
Funds used to procure necessary items
that are not covered by the operating
budget. These funds will be used to
enhance our services. Please send
donations to CBI.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Please
send donations to CBI.
SANDRA
FUND
GOLDSMITH
ENDOWMENT
Donations are used to endow activities for
Tikkun Olam. Please send donations to
CBI.
SAM & MILDRED WOLFE BAR/BAT
MITZVAH FUND
All students studying for Bar/Bat Mitzvah
require a private tutor. This fund offsets
tutoring costs for families. We encourage
all families, friends, and relatives to
contribute. Minimum contribution is
$5.00. Make checks payable to CBI with
Wolfe Fund in the memo line.
SHABBAT CHILD CARE FUND
Money from this fund will go towards
providing quality child care to all who
need it (at no charge) during Shabbat
services. Please send donations to CBI.
27
SUE KURIAN KIDDUSH FUND
Donations will be used to enhance our
Shabbat services with festive Kiddushes.
Please send donations to CBI.
TIKKUN OLAM FUND
Funds are used to benefit programs that
help people in need, in the Northampton Amherst area, in Israel, and occasionally
when catastrophes strike in other parts of
the world. Please send donations to CBI.
TORAH CHAI FUND
Donations to this fund assist the
restoration and repair of Congregation
B’nai Israel’s existing Torah scrolls, and
have made possible the purchase of a new
Torah. Please send donations to CBI.
TZEDAKAH FUND
Fund for engaging in acts of tzedakah
(charity and generosity) for the benefit of
CBI members. Please send donations to
CBI
VALLEY JEWISH SENIORS
Fund to help support seniors’ activities
through CBI. Please send donations to
CBI.
WOMEN’S FUND
The CBI Women’s Fund is for the purpose
of helping CBI Women Members who are
in dire financial need. To make a donation
to the CBI Women’s Fund, make your
check out to B’nai Israel Sisterhood and
indicate that it is for the Women’s Fund.
Mail the check to Harriet Weinroth, 100
Bassett Brook Dr. Apt 102 Easthampton,
MA 01027 (527-3613). Minimum donation
of $5.00.
YOUTH FUND
Donations will be used to help fund
activities for our youth programs.
Please send donations to CBI.
YAHRZEIT (MEMORIAL) PLAQUE
$200 donation for each name. Please
make checks payable to CBI Cemetery
Fund and mail to CBI.
Congregation B’nai Israel
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
253 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA
Northampton, MA 01060
Permit No. 414
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Dated Material– Do Not Delay
28