February/March 2011 - Congregation B`nai Yisrael of Armonk

Transcription

February/March 2011 - Congregation B`nai Yisrael of Armonk
Congregation B’nai Yisrael is the Jewish home we share. We are
a community creating positive experiences with individuals of every age.
Congregation B'nai Yisrael is our spiritual center, where together,
our family of families celebrates, commemorates, worships, learns,
nurtures, gives, and grows. We constantly strive to achieve the beauty
that comes from experiencing the world through Jewish eyes.
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL
2 Banksville Road y Box 7 y Armonk, NY 10504 y www.cbyarmonk.org
The Bulletin
February/March 2011
NURTURING OUR JEWISH IDENTITY
Sandwich Generation Meeting
Wednesday, February 2, 7:30 p.m.
Rosh Chodesh Luncheon and Study Group
Wednesday, February 4, 12:00 p.m.
Text in the City
Wednesday, February 9, 12:00 p.m.
Early Service
Friday, February 11, 6:30 p.m.
Rosh Chodesh Luncheon and Study Group
Friday, March 4, 12:00 p.m.
CRP Class
Sunday, March 6, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or
Sunday, March 13, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Text in the City
Wednesday, March 9, 12:00 p.m.
Family Trip to Israel Informational Meeting
Wednesday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Shevat/Adar II 5771
NURTURING OUR JEWISH IDENTITY
Early Service
Friday, March 18, 6:30 p.m.
Purim Megillah Reading and Spiel
Sunday, March 20, 11:00 a.m.
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 20, immediately following the Spiel
IN THIS ISSUE
Israel at 62: A Glorious Gift with Imperfections ……. cover
Tree of Life Leaves: Order Form…………..……....... 5
CBY CPR Class…..………………………………..... 7
Family Trip to Israel Informational Meeting………… 8
Purim Megillah Reading, Spiel, and Carnival………. 9
Save the Date: Wine Tasting, Shabbat Guest Speaker,
Cantors’ Concert………………………………….... 10
Roxbury Farm Shares Available…………………….. 11
PJ Library……………………………………………. 12
ISRAEL AT 62: A GLORIOUS GIFT WITH IMPERFECTIONS
January 23, 2011—JERUSALEM.
On a hot day in the summer of 1970, our SAS Airlines flight came in over the coast of Israel. I looked out the
window and saw the land of Israel for the first time. My view was looking north at Tel Aviv, toward Haifa. The airport
was a simple affair, not up to our standards. With the hot, dry air blowing in our faces, we were loaded onto old buses.
We headed to Jerusalem on that hot day with the bus windows open. We arrived at the dormitory in Kiryat Shmuel, the
religious dormitory for the Hebrew University. Our rooms, and the dormitory itself, were efficient: no air conditioning,
straw mattresses, small army surplus blankets. We slept for a while, and then went out to dinner. We were told that there
was a cafeteria in the Labor Ministry’s offices on King George Street. When we walked down King George Street, there
was a place for the sidewalk that was partly asphalt and partly just dirt. We found the Labor Ministry, and walked upstairs
to the cafeteria. I didn’t know any of the foods. My friends told me to order schnitzel.
When I landed at the airport nine days ago, I landed at a First World airport, drove to Jerusalem in a modern car. My
mobile phone worked perfectly. Last night, I walked down King George Street, now beautifully paved with stone tiles.
Jerusalem is filled with automobiles. Israel continues to grow exponentially. Over the past forty years, and since its
founding sixty-two years ago, Israel has become to be considered not a developing country, but a developed country.
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ISRAEL AT 62: A GLORIOUS GIFT WITH IMPERFECTIONS
For me, Israel today is filled with memories, because I have been privileged both to study here for almost a whole year
when I was a graduate student beginning rabbinic school, and to visit on a regular basis for the past twenty years. Memories
haunt the venues I see with my eyes. When we drove into Jerusalem, past Binyanay Ha’oomah, I remembered the night in the
spring of 1970, more than forty years ago, when we attended a concert of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by
Zubin Mehta. The guest was Arthur Rubinstein. We were not seated on the keyboard side. We were on the right, about eight
rows from the concert stage. The lights were not dimmed that night because the government had come to the concert. Fifteen
rows behind us were seated Prime Minister Golda Meir, and the Minister of Defense, Moshe Dayan. The whole Cabinet had
come to hear Arthur Rubinstein. The orchestra began with the playing of the United States national anthem, and of the Israeli
national anthem, Hatikvah. When Arthur Rubinstein came out for the standing ovation, he played Chopin to an ecstatically
joyful audience. I will never forget watching those thick fingers move over the keys, in a reflection I could see on the grand
piano on the stage in Jerusalem.
In the years since then, governments have come and gone. The 1973 War was nearly disastrous. The peace with Egypt
was made a few years later. Some have spoken of that peace as a “cold peace.” But the peace between Israel and Egypt has
proven to be an enduring peace. Likewise, the peace with Jordan seems strong to all. There is for all of us who are blessed to
visit Israel a special joy about being in touch with our roots as an ancient—prehistoric—people, and even perhaps more
significantly, being deeply aware of and appreciating the triumphs of Israeli culture. Israel is a wonderful country.
Israel is not, however, a perfect country. Neither is ours. I am not a perfect human being. That does not make me evil.
The truth is, the struggle to improve myself is what makes me decent and good. The struggle for Israel to improve itself
enhances the wonder. There have been a number of wars since the 1980s, none of them particularly conclusive, and none of
them have brought the foes of Israel to their knees. One might say that the wars have hardened the hearts of opponents on both
sides. Wars tend to harden hearts, and hardened hearts tend not to be peacemaking. These thoughts are not particularly fresh,
but they are renewed during a visit to Israel; an awareness that the dream of the founders of Israel has yet to be fully realized.
I met in recent days with wonderful people, Israelis of profound accomplishment. I met with Ester Levanon, the CEO
of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, which has become a dynamo for the world marketplace for high tech: high tech that is good
for the world, high tech that makes clean water more easily available to people in rural China, among other products that are
marketed through companies listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. I met with Yossi Sarid, former Minister of Education in
the Rabin government, and a member of the inner Cabinet, now a columnist for the newspaper Ha’aretz—and my friend of
almost twenty years. We talked as grandfathers and those who have careers. We talked about culture and movies and books,
and what is referred to here always as “the situation.” My friend Yossi Sarid, a long-time optimist, says to me that he sees no
hope at this point. And that is for him new. I don’t share his grim assessment.
I spent some time with a young man, an entrepreneur who I met quite by accident at the 25th anniversary of the IsraelUnited States Free Trade Agreement celebration on Wall Street in the fall. Oded Rose is an entrepreneur, the CEO of a
company that sells equipment to unclog piping. He had recently returned from Suleimaniya in Northern Iraq, where his
company is deeply involved in helping a cement factory. I met with Oded in Tel Aviv because he and a group of his friends are
working on founding an international high school for 11th and 12th graders. There is an organization, the UWC, or United
World Colleges, which are schools for 11th and 12th graders from around the world. There are twelve such schools, and
students from more than 170 countries have attended those “colleges.” Oded and his friends hope to open such a school in the
next few years, here in Tel Aviv. They are trying to raise several million dollars to finish creating their campus. Their goal is,
plain and simple, to bring the world to Israel, and to bring Israel into the world. Oded is for me an inspiration, a successful
CEO who wants to leverage his influence for the good of the State of Israel.
The State of Israel is small. The world around Israel is small. Distances are measured in hundred miles, sometimes in
very few miles, sometimes in no miles at all. Those thoughts were on my mind as I drove with a United Nations driver from
Jerusalem toward the Erez Crossing into Gaza. Joan and I had met John Ging and his assistant, Stephanie Fox, in New York a
few months ago. John Ging is the Director of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine and the Near
East. They were kind enough to offer to be my escorts into Gaza. The Erez Crossing is unlike what I have seen before. Seven
years have passed since I felt safe visiting the family of Nasr and Amany Sukallah. Nasr is the pharmacist Joan and I met in the
summer of 1990. The Erez Crossing is high tech and brand new, and deserted. I drew zero comfort from the realization that
nobody is trying to get into Gaza. There was one person ahead of me in the line to leave Israel. I was told that I needed to walk
to meet Stephanie Fox at the other end of a long walkway. I wasn’t told that the walkway would be almost half a mile. But
there waiting for me was Stephanie Fox, and a U.N. car, and a U.N. driver. We drove to the house of Nasr and Amany Sukallah
at #12 Beirut Street, in Ramal in Gaza City. That is a house in which all of our children have eaten and stayed, and enjoyed the
hospitality of a wonderful family, and shared the stories of our families. We had not seen each other for seven years.
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ISRAEL AT 62: A GLORIOUS GIFT WITH IMPERFECTIONS
Meeting after seven years was emotionally overwhelming for all of us. Stephanie Fox, an objective witness, was not
prepared for the depth of the experience; none of us were. I learned that Amany had been sick with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but
she looked fine. Nasr’s mother is dying, and could not see me. We used to love to sit with her. Although we do not speak one
another’s language, we communicated with our hands and facial expressions. Mohanned, who was born shortly after we met
the family, is now studying medicine in Cairo. Sari, his crazy, wild younger brother, is a mature young man in the 11th grade.
Nasr’s sister Selwa—who was so kind to our son Ben when we met them, when he was an eight-year-old visiting Gaza with his
mother and father in the middle of the first intifada—cried.
We caught up on events. The house on Beirut Street had been rebuilt and redecorated since the last war, and looked
better than ever. All of the windows were new, all of the doors re-hung. All of the old furniture was gone. They had chosen to
redecorate after the brutality of the last war had left their house an internal ruin. They chose to rebuild.
Next we journeyed to a reunion with Amany’s family, her brother Ahmed and his wife Sari, and her brother Tawfiq—
who visited us in Armonk and attended Shabbat services in our new sanctuary at Congregation B’nai Yisrael—and his wife
Dina; and to my amazement, their eight-year-old son, who I had not seen since he was an infant. Of course our hostess,
Amany’s mother, Mrs. El-Garim, served another round of fruit, and we ate sweets and drank coffee. Gifts were given. After
another hour, we drove to the North of Gaza to see strawberry fields and workers, and what the U.N. has done by creating a
collective farm. (Sound familiar? The model is the Israeli moshav.) From the fields, we drove back through the Jabaliya
Refugee Camp. There we saw some of the ruins of the war that had not yet been cleaned up. We saw a farm house of cousins
of the Sukallah family that Joan and Jonathan and Ben and I had visited on our trips to Gaza. The trees of their orchards are all
gone. The house is gone. The trees, some of them quite old, and house—victims of war, are silent monuments to failure,
human imperfection.
We stopped briefly at the house on Beirut Street. We were on our way to a luncheon at the Light House. The luncheon
was hosted by the Sukallah Family. John Ging, the Director of UNRWA programs, and I were the guests of honor. The Light
House is a brand new facility, constructed without any international financing. The facility was financed by Gazans for Gazans.
The facility reminded me of a First World place, like what I except to see and have seen in Doha, Qatar. First rate, First
World—an example of Gazans building, and choosing life in the midst of difficulty.
After our meal we left for the border. On the way to the border I would observe again, and confirm what I had heard
from our friends, that Hamas is really doing a better job running Gaza than did the Palestinian Authority. Many, many
women—I don’t know the exact percentage—walk the streets in Gaza with their heads uncovered. There are traffic lights.
There is no litter in the streets. Most of the damage of the war has been cleaned up by brigades of young men and women.
There were few soldiers on the street, just ordinarily armed policemen here and there. Gaza, I am told by its residents, is safer
than it was before, less corrupt, but also less free by way of expression.
The departure was tearful. Selwa cried again. Tawfiq cried. Tears of joy. Tears of life. Tears of hope. The lesson of
the trip is that we human beings fail from time to time. But what we do with our failure is the challenge for all of us. Looking
back on that memory of Arthur Rubinstein playing Chopin, and a government standing on its feet applauding, was an
affirmation that life is worth living. What our friends in Israel and in Palestine are really doing, all of them, as best as they can,
is trying to figure out how to choose life and hope—for themselves, and for their neighbors. The choice of life remains the
central challenge for each and every one of us.
—Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz
OUR COMMUNITY WILL STUDY
February 4 – Viral Character Assassination
February 11 – Holy Wardrobes
February 18 – What We Know about God
February 25 – Educating the Next Generation
March 4 – How to Build a Sacred Home
March 11 – J Street: Our Divided Jewish Community
March 18 – Report on the Convention of the Central
Conference of American Rabbis
March 25 – A Jewish Approach to Eating
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OUR CLERGY IN THE COMMUNITY
Rabbi Douglas E. and Joan Krantz attended the kerosene-lit Advent service at the Middle Patent Church in Armonk.
Rabbi Krantz attended the conference of Rabbis for Human Rights in New York City, which focused on human trafficking and torture in our country and
around the world.
Rabbi Krantz participated in the December Cultural Diversity program, "Travel the Journey in My Shoes" at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, in which attendees
learned about many different spiritual paths.
While in Israel, Rabbi Krantz met with: Professor Ali Qleibo of Al Quds University; Yossi Swed, CEO of Swed's Masters Workshop; Ester Levanon, CEO of
the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; Oded Rose, CEO of Silo-Flow; Yossi Sarid, columnist for Ha'aretz and former Israeli Education Minister; John Ging, Director of
UNRWA-United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine; Stephanie Fox, Analysis and Evaluation Officer of the Office of the Director of UNRWAPalestine; Ran Cohen, former Labor Minister; Shimon Romach, Chief of Israeli Firefighters, from whom Rabbi Krantz received a detailed update on the recent
fires in the north of Israel; and spent time with the family of Nasr and Amany Sukallah in Gaza.
Rabbi Krantz participated in an Ethics committee meeting of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, a portion of which he chaired.
Rabbi Krantz attended a conference of Rabbis for Human Rights, focused on the issues of human trafficking.
Rabbi Douglas and Joan Krantz attended a dinner prior to a day-long meeting hosted by Reverend Joseph Cumming and the Yale Divinity School, to plan a
June interfaith conference for religious leaders.
Rabbi Douglas and Joan Krantz hosted a pot luck dinner for the staff of Congregation B'nai Yisrael at their home.
Rabbi Krantz attended the monthly meeting of the Armonk Fire Company, and several Firehouse Cleanups on Monday nights.
From December 23, 2010- January 2, 2011, Rabbi Limmer shared an incredible and inspiring ten days in Israel with seven families from our congregation.
Together they travelled throughout Jerusalem, up North to the Galil and Golan, before ending their time together in Tel Aviv to welcome in 2011.
On Wednesday, January 19, Rabbi Limmer taught a session of a special Introduction to Judaism Course being co-sponsored by Congregation B'nai Yisrael, Bet
Torah and Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester. The session was dedicated to Passover, and how to lead a dynamic and engaging Seder.
Rabbi Limmer spent Sunday January 23 and Monday January 24 at Eisner Camp as part of the annual Limmud-a-thon during which educational programs are
written for the upcoming summer's experiential education program. Rabbi Limmer worked on lesson plans around Jewish values of character, including
Patience, Compassion, Awe and Civility.
As part of serving on the committee presenting the Union for Reform Judaism's Fain Award for Social Justice programming, Rabbi Limmer participated in
conference calls on January 26 and 27 to evaluate the best congregational programs of social justice over the past two years. Congregation B'nai Yisrael won a
Fain Award [you can see it in our lobby] in 2010 for our Roxbury Farm partnership.
On Friday, January 28, Rabbi Limmer participated in the meetings of the Social Justice Working Group of the Union for Reform Judaism. This is a continuing
series of meeting to discover the best way in which our Reform Movement can promote social justice programming, advocacy and activity among our
congregations.
From Friday January 28 through the 31, Rabbi Limmer accompanied our CBY High School Peer Leaders to the L'taken Seminar of the Religious Action Center
of the Union for Reform Judaism in Washington, DC. This seminar helps our teenagers explore issues of social interest that are compelling to them, and
culminates in the students lobbying on those issues close to their hearts in the offices of Senators Schumer and Gillenbrand along with Congresswoman Nita Lowey.
ARE YOU IN THE SANDWICH GENERATION?
Being a member of the sandwich generation is a growing burden for many of us.
Not only do we need to take care of our immediate families, we are concerned
with our aging parents, and perhaps our siblings.
Please join our social worker and members of the community on
Wednesday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.
to share concerns relating to aging parents.
Questions? Contact the temple at temple@cbyarmonk.org
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CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL
TREE OF LIFE
Order Form
Celebrating moments in the lives of our CBY families
Name _______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
Telephone __________________ Email ___________________________________
Each leaf is $360. I am interested in _____ leaf/leaves to celebrate*:
Name
Event
Date
__________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
(Please print clearly. Your order form serves as a proof for your leaf/leaves.)
Total: ____ leaf/leaves x $360 = $ __________
100 % of the purchase price of the leaves is tax deductible.
 Check enclosed
 Visa/Mastercard/Amex:
Card #________________________________ Exp. _______ Signature __________________________
Return this form to Congregation B’nai Yisrael, Attention: Alicia Allison,
2 Banksville Road, Box 7, Armonk, NY 10504, or fax it to (914) 273-2285.
Questions? Please contact Alicia Allison at alicia@cbyarmonk.org or (914) 273-2220
Deadline for 1st edition leaves is February 18, 2011
* Please note, each leaf commemorates a specific event, i.e.:
Bar Mitzvah
Benjamin Mandel
January 15, 2011
Baby Naming
Samuel Katz
January 15, 2011
Wedding Anniversary
Aaron and Ava Levine
January 15, 2011
CPR SAVES LIVES
Learn CPR at Congregation B’nai Yisrael
Sunday, March 6 OR Sunday, March 13
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
$75 per person
Our instructor will be Sgt. James Cuff of the North Castle Police Department.
Sgt. Cuff will be assisted by Rabbi Krantz. The instruction will be in Red Cross
CPR certification.
When someone is choking, when someone is experiencing respiratory failure or
someone’s heart has stopped beating, time is of the essence. The lives that we save
if we know CPR will most likely be the lives of those we love most.
Don’t miss this opportunity. Please contact the temple office with any questions,
(914) 273-2220 or rosie@cbyarmonk.org.
The sign-up deadline for the March 6 session is Friday, February 18.
The sign-up deadline for the March 13 session is Monday, February 28.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - I / we will attend the CPR class at Congregation B’nai Yisrael.
____ Sunday, March 6, 9:30-1:30
____ Sunday, March 13, 9:30-1:30
Make checks payable to James Cuff, $75 per person, CPR in the memo.
Mail or drop off your registration and check by Feb. 18 (March 6) or by Feb. 28 (March 13):
c/o Rosie, Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Road, Box 7, Armonk, NY 10504
Name(s)_______________________________________________________________________
Phone_______________________ E-mail_________________________________________
Phone_______________________ E-mail_________________________________________
Phone_______________________ E-mail_________________________________________
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WE’RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE:
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL
FAMILY TRIP TO ISRAEL
FEBRUARY 2012
Come find out about this wonderful opportunity
for your family to be in touch with
Our Jewish Heritage
Our Jewish History
Our Jewish Home
Informational Meeting
Wednesday, March 9
7:30 p.m.
*this will be your first opportunity to reserve a space
on the trip for your family!
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Purim Megillah Reading
& Purim Play (Spiel)
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 11:00 A.M.
Hear the Story of Esther Read!
See the Story of Esther acted out by a zany cast!
Make LOTS of noise when you hear Haman’s name!
Brought to you by the Celebrations Committee, the Religious Practices
Committee, the Board of Trustees, and our Rabbis and Cantor
Come celebrate Purim with us at our Carnival
Bring the whole family and enjoy all the rides,
games, and food
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
Immediately following the Megillah Reading & Purim Play
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SAVE THE DATE
WINE TASTING DINNER
Thursday, April 7
7:15 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL
is honored to welcome
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
Andi Rosenthal
Author of The Bookseller's Sonnets
Friday, April 8 • 8:00 p.m.
During our Shabbat Services
Please join us for a
CANTORS’ CONCERT
Featuring
Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky, soprano
Ron Drotos, piano
Student Cantor Cheryl Wunch, soprano
An evening of musical enjoyment for the whole family…
and bring your friends!
Sunday, April 10 • 4:30 p.m.
Congregation B’nai Yisrael Sanctuary
Dessert Reception to Follow
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CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL OF ARMONK
Roxbury FARM Organic Food
SHARES
Have you walked into the lobby Wednesday afternoon during harvest
season and been surrounded by the wonderful scent of
basil and other fresh produce?
BUY A SHARE IN ROXBURY FARM THIS YEAR!
Receive fresh organic vegetables, and provide direct support to
a bio-dynamic New York farm.
** There are a limited number of shares. SIGN UP SOON!
** Vegetable share price is $571 for 25 weeks. Shares may be split but one member
is individually responsible for managing the split.
** Fruit share price is $70 for 22 weeks of locally-grown fruit (not organic).
** Pick up time is Wednesday, 5:45-7:00 p.m.
** All shareholders are responsible for helping one evening (about 3 hours) during
distribution throughout the 25 week period. Part of the volunteer job is to bag and
deliver surplus vegetables to Neighbors Link in Mt. Kisco.
** All communication is via e-mail. In addition, e-newsletters are sent by the Farm
each week that give news of the Farm, and provide recipes and tips for storing and
preparing produce.
** Shareholder families are encouraged to visit the farm.
Print out an application form from the Roxbury Farm website,
www.roxburyfarm.com, and mail it to them with your check,
or contact Rosie in the temple office: 914-273-2220, rosie@cbyarmonk.org
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Interested in receiving a FREE Jewish Book
every month for your family?
Through The PJ Library, a free, high-quality book or CD with Jewish content
will be sent each month to families with children up to 8 years old.
This gift of stories and song from Congregation B’nai Yisrael
will help enrich your entire family’s Jewish journey.
Sign up online at www.pjlibrary.org
Or fill out the form below and return it to:
Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Road, Box 7, Armonk, NY 10504
Questions? Contact Rabbi Limmer at PJLibrary@cbyarmonk.org or (914) 273-2220
PJ Library is available to members of Congregation B’nai Yisrael and families unaffiliated with another
synagogue who live in Armonk, Bedford, Pleasantville, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, and Greenwich.
Parent name:_________________________________ Parent address: ___________________________________
Parent phone: ________________________________ Parent email: _____________________________________
Child name:__________________________________ Gender: Male Female Date of birth:________________
Child name:__________________________________ Gender: Male Female Date of birth:________________
Child name:__________________________________ Gender: Male Female Date of birth:________________
Saturday Morning
TORAH STUDY
9:00-9:45 a.m.
Every non-holiday Shabbat morning, our clergy leads an informal,
participatory discussion of the week’s Torah portion.
Come every week, or just once in a while; bring your breakfast and an open mind.
Look for us in the library.
WORK IN NYC? EAT LUNCH ON WEDNESDAYS? Join our clergy for TEXT IN THE CITY A monthly opportunity in midtown to connect with Congregation B’nai Yisrael, Jewish tradition and the side of your brain not occupied with your PDA. February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11
This year we’ll be focusing on The Book of Blessing: Mishnah Berachot. Our discussion will include: • the role of prayer • forms of Jewish worship • spiritual intention • spontaneous prayers • the places we worship Thank you to our hosts, Pryor Cashman LLP located at 7 Times Square, NYC Lunch will be served, maximum 20 people. RSVP to Alicia in the temple office at alicia@cbyarmonk.org no later than the Tuesday prior. Security precautions require that you show photo ID to be admitted to the building. Rosh Chodesh Celebrations
Food to Eat and Food for Thought
We are a grassroots gathering of women who meet each Hebrew month to celebrate the new moon. We serve
lunch, get to know each other, and share in informal programs focusing on Jewish and/or women’s issues.
Rosh Chodesh is a special holiday where we find peace, enrichment, and sisterhood. Join us on
Fridays at noon, once a month · Adar–February 4 · Adar II–March 4
Nisan–April 8 · Iyar–May 6 · Sivan–June 3
Please RSVP if you plan to attend, so we can plan for lunch—or call with any questions.
Carolyn Salon 273-8281 or Pearl Vogel 769-7170
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THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED OUR
HIGH HOLY DAY CAMPAIGN
We are indebted to the following members of our congregation who generously supported our community
during this year’s High Holy Day Campaign. Our High Holy Day Campaign provides a significant
portion of the funds needed to maintain and enrich our spiritual home. These gifts will have a profound
impact on how well the temple can serve its members in the coming year. All donations, large and small
are greatly appreciated.
—The Board of Trustees
Bruce Altman and Becky Brightman
Richard and Lindsay Anfang
Alan and Ilyse Bauer
Jeff and Allison Berman
Stan and Reese Berman
Lauren Bernard
Mike and Lauren Bilotti
Eric and Nancy Birnbaum
Harris and Rena Black
Steven and Susan Bloom
Allen Blum and Stacy Wilder
Cene Blumenthal
Norm and Shelley Brier
David Brody and Barbara Mendelson
Steve and Lisa Broomer
Neil and Hilary Chavkin
Fred and Marlene Cohen
Richard and Ellen Cole
Tom and Michelle Coleman
Andy and Susan Cott
Joe Crucilla and Sue Goldstein
Larry and Sari Deutsch
Michael and Jocelyn Deutsch
Stu and Amy Diamond
Bill and Jancy Dorfman
Joel and Amy Dworetzky
Steven and Michelle Eickelbeck
Andy and Mychal Ertel
Brian and Debbie Ezratty
Marc and Susan Failing
David and Mindy Falk
David and Nancy Fallick
Howard and Randee Fischer
Margi Forrest
Larry and Laura Fox
Stuart and Elise Fraser
Adam and Lisa Friedlander
John and Cookie Friedler
Ben and Sharyn Friedman
Shelly and Susan Ganis
Rich and Lisa Gladstone
Gary Glauber and Deborah Cerar
Alan and Steffie Glazer
Ken and Kim Glinert
Bob Goldberg
Brian and Marcia Goldstein
Eric Goodison and Lisa Mazure
David Gould and Laura Lustbader
David and Linda Greenberg
Alex and Lori Greene
Jeff and Tracey Greenfield
Bruce and Dianne Grossman
Andrew and Margot Gutterman
Jeff and Caryl Hahn
Gaierose Haskel
Pat Haskel
John and Marilyn Heimerdinger
Paul and Jessica Hilburg
Ross and Michelle Honig
Bob and Lori Horowitz
Adam and Alicia Ifshin
David and Lori Ingber
Bernie and Shelly Jacob
Paul and Linda Jacobs
Stephen and Sherry Jacobs
Brian and Alka Kaminer
Hank and Lynn Karen
Russ and Melissa Katz
Bill and Penny Katz
Jeffrey and Karen Klafter
Kenny and Kara Klein
Ben Poserow and Hayley Kobilinsky
Stuart and Nicole Kovensky
Douglas and Joan Krantz
Eric Kreutzer and Elyse Lazansky
Matt and Barbara Kroin
Darren and Susan Lampert
Stan and Ina Lane
Steve and Ann Leber
Andy and Judi Lerman
David and Debra Lerner
Eric and Marla Levene
Jeff and Ivy Levien
Larry and Alice Levine
Peter and Maggie Limburg
Seth and Molly Limmer
Sandy Litvack and Joanna Swomley
Steven and Wanda Lockwood
Ralph and Susan Mack
Harris and Cookie Markhoff
Brad and Pam Mattes
Matt and Beth Mayers
Jane Metzger
J. Webb and Judy Moniz
Ed and Linda Morse
Mark and Lisa Neporent
Bob and Sue Okin
Phyllis Padow-Sederbaum
Bruce and Susan Pollack
Seth and Linda Potash
Stu and Ellen Rosenstein
Marty and Lisa Rube
Carl and Linda Salkin
Robin Schiffmiller
Rob Schlau and Jennifer Guttman
Ken and Marcia Schlechter
Fred and Samantha Schwam
Jack and Renata Schwebel
Scott and Stacy Semel
Brian and Judith Sharoff
Jerry and Karen Sherman
Fred and Barby Siegel
Bruce and Marilyn Silver
Neil and Lydia Singer
Stuart and Joan Skloot
Paul and Cathy Skurman
Ruth Slow
Brian and Pam Socolow
Todd and Andrea Soloway
Alan and Pamela Sorkin
Aaron and Betsy Spingarn
Billy and Bonni Stanley
David and Felisse Starker
Jeff Tuchman and Felicia Buebel
Fred and Marjorie Vandenberg
Rich and Susan Waksman
Steve and Monica Wald
Suzanne Weiss
Adam and Tricia Winston
Bob and Randi Wolchok
Earle and Beth Yaffa
Jeffrey and Michelle Zelekowitz
Dan and Michele Zenkel
Dave and Liz Zimmerman
Barbara Zuckerman
Anonymous
B’NAI MITZVAH STUDENTS
February/March 2011
Matthew Schwimmer
February 5
I have learned that being Jewish is not just a religion but a lifestyle. In order to be truly Jewish you must love your world and
keep it healthy, your body and keep it healthy and love your family. Reading from the Torah is the first thing that I will do as a
Jewish man and I will be considered a member of the congregation. I play soccer and I'm very interested in the sport. My
favorite team is Arsenal. I live in a family of five and there might be a lot of fighting, but in the end we all seem to get along. I
am very thankful for my Mom and Dad for making me practice my Torah every day. I want to thank my brothers Hal and
David, and my dogs, Ollie and Banner, for keeping me company.
Ryan Starker
March 5
I have discovered many things about Judaism in all my years of attending Hebrew school but what sticks out to me most is how
rooted in history our religion is. This winter I took a trip to Israel with our congregation and found it amazing how beautiful
the country is and how many ancient sites are there. As I prepared for my bar mitzvah I saw how you really had to practice to
succeed. This lesson will help me in everything else I do. For my mitzvah project I helped a kid named Andrew who had
autism play baseball in the Miracle League of Westchester. I am proud of what I did because I felt like I really made a
difference for him and we had fun together. Thanks to my mom, dad and sister Dylan for all their support in preparing for my
bar mitzvah.
Samantha Levine
March 5
Becoming bat mitzvah is an important part of my Jewish heritage and also a time for family and giving back. I have had the
opportunity to volunteer at an animal shelter, which has been an experience I will always treasure because I really enjoy
working and playing with the dogs and it is something I have come to appreciate. I am grateful for the support of my family and
friends, especially this past year. I want to say thank you to my mom and dad for everything they do for me. I especially want to
say thank you to my amazing big sister Ali , who has always been there for me and is one of my best friends.
Jonathan Kaiser
March 12
I’ve learned that being Jewish isn’t just about going to temple and celebrating the holidays. Being Jewish means knowing not
to boast or brag about what you have, but to be humble and grateful for what you have. I’ve learned that when you get
something you should give back and not keep everything for yourself. It’s been tough to prepare for my bar mitzvah and I’ve
really had to work hard. I couldn’t just sit around and think it was going to happen. As a teenager I want to get the full
experience of what it means to be Jewish. I like to play baseball and basketball and I know that I’ll be proud of myself when I
become bar mitzvah. I would like to thank my family for supporting me. I was the one who wanted to go to Hebrew school to
learn about Jewish culture and to become a bar mitzvah and my parents supported me through this whole time.
Lyndsay Siegle
March 12
Throughout my experience at Congregation B’nai Yisrael of Armonk I have learned a lot about my heritage, and what it truly
means to be Jewish. I have worked very hard to prepare for my bat mitzvah. One of the most important things to me about
being Jewish is tzedakah. Therefore, one of the most meaningful aspects of becoming a bat mitzvah is my mitzvah project. For
my mitzvah project I am working for an organization called Camp Chatterbox. I am helping organize the summer program for
non-speaking, or badly speech impaired children. This experience in helping others is very rewarding to my family and me. As
for my family, I would like to thank them tremendously for all of their support! To my mom, dad, and two sisters, I am so
grateful for your help in preparing for my special day. I could not have asked for anything more!
Chad Schwam
March 19
I am very excited to become a bar mitzvah. Learning a new language requires hard work and persistence. My religious
experience has been a great opportunity to learn new things about my heritage. I enjoy playing baseball, soccer and piano. I
would like to thank my parents for all of their support and my brother, Jonah, for just being a great brother. You guys are the
best!
Charlotte Wittels
March 26
I have been at this Hebrew school for a long time now, and through my past experiences, I have learned a lot of things about
being Jewish. I haven’t just learned how to read and speak Hebrew, I have learned about the culture. For example, in culture
class, I have learned how to be a “mench”, meaning a good person. To be Jewish, you have to be a good person. By doing
good things, such as donation, volunteering, ECT. Getting ready for my bat mitzvah was stressful; I’m not going to lie.
Learning all those prayers, and even learning Hebrew was difficult, but to me, it’s worth becoming a women. What I like to do
is play tennis, and I like to play the piano too. I have a sister, Olivia, and a brother, Ian, and my two parents. My family is
very fun, and they are also very funny.
-15-
B’NAI MITZVAH STUDENTS
February/March 2011
Jacqueline Berliner
March 26
In preparing for my bat mitzvah, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be Jewish. I know that it is much more than
learning Hebrew. I now understand the importance of carrying on the Jewish traditions and being a kind, respectful and giving
person. I have been lucky that I have been able to combine my love of dance with my desire to help others by performing for
Blythedale Children’s Hospital, The King Street Nursing home, Ronald McDonald house and The Children’s Village. Also, in
preparing for my bat mitzvah I have learned the value of working hard to achieve a big goal. I am thankful for the help and
support of my family who have been very encouraging along the way.
IN OUR TEMPLE FAMILY
The Congregation Welcomes:
Susan and Jay Lippman and their daughter, Daniella
In Memoriam:
Sondra Rosen, mother of Randee Fischer
Ilene Friedman, mother of Daniel Friedman
Jane Levien, grandmother of Jeffrey Levien
Jean Comora, mother of Mark Comora
Robert (Bob) Ertel, father of Andrew Ertel
Roger Salomon, husband of Ellen Salomon
David Schwartz, friend of Lisa Mazure
DONATIONS
To the General Fund from:
Zelda and Justin Newman, in memory of Howard J. Peyser
Laurie and Eric Roth & Family, in memory of Howard J. Peyser
Edward and Linda Morse, in memory of Ben Jones, Ruth Morse and Ben Morse
Judi and Peter Wasserman, in appreciation
Alexis and Jon Kleinman, in appreciation
Stephanie and Alan Glazer, in honor of the birth of Samuel H. Poserow, son of Hayley Kobilinsky and Ben Poserow
Tanya and David Charney, in honor of the births of their sons, Max (2007) and Dylan (2010)
Susan and Andrew Cott, in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Robert Cott
To the Capital Fund from:
Joanne, Alison and Ross Peyser, in memory of Howard J. Peyser
To Rabbi Krantz’s Discretionary Fund from:
Miriam Bieber, in memory of Joel Bieber
Jessica and Paul Hilburg, in memory of Beatrice Hilburg
Cheryl and Daniel Strick, in memory of Linda Martin
Robert and Sandy Greene, in appreciation
Leslie Blum and David Cziner, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Sarah
To Rabbi Limmer’s Discretionary Fund from:
Mychal and Andrew Ertel, in memory of Robert Ertel
Donna and Louis Gordon, in memory of Robert Ertel
Jessica and Paul Hilburg, in memory of Beatrice Hilburg
Linda and Carl Salkin, in memory of Edith Gordon Naiditch and Bernard Naiditch
Allison and Robert Limmer, in honor of the marriage of Daphne Limmer and Dan Saperstein
Leslie Blum and David Cziner, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Sarah
To Cantor Kobilinsky’s Discretionary Fund from:
Mychal and Andrew Ertel, in memory of Robert Ertel
Leslie Blum and David Cziner, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Sarah
- 16-
February
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
2
Thu
3
Fri
4
Sat
5
Rosh Chodesh Luncheon
and Study Group 12:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees
8:00 p.m.
6
7
8
TOT Shabbat
5:30 p.m.
Sandwich Generation
Meeting 7:30 p.m.
9
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
10
Text in the City
12:00 p.m.
Kindergarten
9:30 a.m.
Early Service 6:30 p.m.
14
15
16
17
1st and 2nd Grade Family
Day 9:00-11:00 a.m.
21
February Break
Presidents’ Day
Religious School Closed
Office Closed
27
28
22
Torah Study 9:00 a.m.
18
19
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
Executive Committee
8:00 p.m.
20
12
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
Committee Meetings
8:00 p.m.
13
11
Torah Study 9:00 a.m.
Matthew Schwimmer
bar mitzvah 10:00 a.m.
Rebecca Simon
bat mitzvah 5:00 p.m.
23
24
25
26
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
Religious School Closed
Religious School Closed
Religious School Closed
.
Religious School Closed
2011
March
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
2
Thu
3
Rosh Chodesh
Luncheon and Study
Group 12:00 p.m.
4th Grade Family
Shabbat Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees
8:00 p.m.
6
7
8
10
14
15
16
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
17
CPR Class
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
20
27
18
Early Service 6:30 p.m.
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
Committee Meetings
8:00 p.m.
1st and 2nd Grade Family
Day 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Purim Megillah Reading
and Spiel 11:00 a.m.
Purim Carnival
immediately following
the Spiel
11
TOT Shabbat 5:30 p.m.
Family Trip to Israel
Informational Meeting
7:30 p.m.
CPR Class
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
13
9
Text in the City
12:00 p.m.
Kindergarten
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Fri
4
21
22
23
24
25
Family Shabbat
8:00 p.m.
Sat
5
Torah Study 9:00 a.m.
Ryan Starker bar mitzvah
10:00 a.m.
Samantha Levine
bat mitzvah 5:00 p.m.
12
Torah Study 9:00 a.m.
Jonathan Kaiser
bar mitzvah 10:00 a.m.
Lyndsay Siegle
bat mitzvah 5:00 p.m.
19
Torah Study 9:00 a.m.
Chad Schwam
bar mitzvah 10:00 a.m.
Mackenzie Schmidt
bat mitzvah 5:00 p.m.
26
Torah Study 9:00 a.m.
Charlotte Wittels
bat mitzvah 10:00 a.m.
Jacqueline Berliner
bat mitzvah 5:00 pm.
28
29
30
31
Executive Committee
8:00 p.m.
2011
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL OF ARMONK
2 Banksville Road at Route 22 • Box 7 • Armonk, New York 10504-0007 • (914) 273-2220 • Fax (914) 273-2285
A wonderful way to acknowledge those we love is to contribute to the Temple in honor of birthdays,
anniversaries, holidays, yahrzeits, high school and college graduations, b’nai mitzvah, weddings,
births....
or any other special occasion.
_____ General Fund (supports all aspects of the community’s works, including all our Religious School)
_____ Capital Fund (supports capital projects associated with the building and the grounds)
Discretionary Funds:
_____ Rabbi Krantz’s Fund
_____ Rabbi Limmer’s Fund
_____ Cantor Kobilinsky’s Fund
Donor Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________________________
In honor of ___________________________________ on the occasion
of_____________________________________
OR
In memory of
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Please send an acknowledgement card to:
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Make check payable to Congregation B’nai Yisrael. Mail to: CBY, 2 Banksville Road, Box 7, Armonk, NY 10504
Thank you for supporting Congregation B’nai Yisrael
914-273-2220
FAX 914-273-2285
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PAST PRESIDENTS
Executive Committee
Lawrence Fox
Ross Honig
Lisa Mazure
Brian Socolow
Robert Goldberg
Cookie Markhoff
President
Vice President, Finance
Vice President, Programs; Caring and Social Action
Treasurer
Secretary
Member at Large, Adult Programs
Lewis Schaffer
John Stern
Michael J. Gross ‫ז"ל‬
Mike Jacobs
Lyle Halperin ‫ז"ל‬
Ann Leber
Ellen Bernstein
Charles Shapiro
Robert Regal
Marilyn Heimerdinger
Shelly Jacob
David Brody
Barby K. Siegel
Joel Dworetzky
Frederic J. Siegel
Members of the Board
Allison Berman
Felicia Buebel
Debra Ezratty
Sheldon Ganis
Liz Goldman-Sider
Brian Kaminer
William Katz
Jeffrey Klafter
Ivy Levien
Martin Schwimmer
Rich Waksman
David Zimmerman
Caring and Social Action
Youth Programs, Fundraising
Communications
House and Grounds
Religious Practices
Budget and Finance
Jewish Identity Program
Temple Phone
273-2220
Temple Fax
273-2285
Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz
rabbikrantz@cbyarmonk.org
Rabbi Seth M. Limmer
rabbilimmer@cbyarmonk.org
Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky
cantorkobilinsky@cbyarmonk.org
Sarah Wilensky, Director of Jewish Identity Development
sarah@cbyarmonk.org
Ava Saperstein
Joyce Bugna
Rosie Aronin
Alicia Allison
Joanna Nevins
Administrator
ava@cbyarmonk.org
Bookkeeper
joyce@cbyarmonk.org
Staff Secretary rosie@cbyarmonk.org
Communications/B’nai Mitzvah Program
Bulletin Editor alicia@cbyarmonk.org
Jewish Identity Program Assistant
joanna@cbyarmonk.org
MAIN OFFICE SCHEDULE
Monday-Thursday
Friday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
JEWISH IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE SCHEDULE
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
11:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
MEMBER OF THE
UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM