adath israel tradition · aischoolreg.pdf don’t miss our spring fundraiser… purchase your...
TRANSCRIPT
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Adath Israel Tradition
Serving the Adath Israel Chavurah since 1904
Newtown, Monroe, Bethel, Brookfield, Southbury, Trumbull, Oxford, Danbury
(The Little Synagogue that Could: First building: 1919, First rabbi: 1923) Ritual: Conservative Social: Progressive Oneg Shabbats: Priceless
May 23 Nisan - 23 Iyar 2016 5776
In This Issue
Announcements 1 Spring Fundraiser - Hypno Lorenzo 5 Upcoming Activities and Events Community Programs & Events
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President’s Message Community Care Committee
2 Just For The Record 6 In Memoriam Contact Information
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Ritual 3 The Nezvesky School
Pre-School Playgroup 7
Donations
Hosting an Oneg / Kiddush 11
Name Tags 4 Model Seder Photos 8 May Calendar 12
Adath Israel
ANNUAL
MEETING
Sunday may 1
9:00 am
More information on Page 5
School Registration going on now!
Fall classes being planned.
Sign up New Students Only
http://www.congadathisrael.org/
images/forms/aischoolreg.pdf
Don’t miss our Spring Fundraiser… Purchase your tickets TODAY!
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President’s Message
Dear Congregants,
May I wish everyone and their families a belated Happy Passover.
We are entering the last month of the fiscal year of 2015/2016 and beginning the new year as of June 1. Our slate of executive officers has been filled and we are fortunate to have two new congregants joining us and one moving to the executive branch. It is time for me to thank all those that served so well this past year. Our Board of Directors worked as a team, knowing full well that whatever we do will have a formidable impact on how the general membership perceives us and whether or not they believe we care. I believe the congregation knows that we are doing everything possible to create a friendly, hospitable atmosphere so that all feel com-fortable in our midst.
Our rabbi, Rabbi Barukh Schectman, is looking forward to meeting each member. Come to a Saturday or Fri-day service and say hello, introduce yourself. You will find him to be friendly, considerate and a very good lis-tener.
I am so happy that Sue Morse decided to chair the Caring Committee. She has done a fantastic job in reaching out to our congregants and members of their families in need.
Thanks go to Kim Danziger. He has once again taken the time to bring his expertise to the fore and construct a ramp leading to the bima.
Thank you Eric Vine. You have shown us that anyone can perform the mitzvah of tzedakah. It's not age, it is upbringing, it is rahamanut, the caring for others. Keep up the good work.
Finally, I would love to see everyone in attendance at the social/fund raiser on May 14th. Bonnie Goldstein has put together a fun filled evening at a great venue. The Rock Ridge CC is a pristine setting and the food being served is delectable. Entertaining us will be HYPNO LORENZO with comedy appropriate for the entire family, age 13 and up. We sincerely need your participation to make this a profitable endeavor.
Looking forward to greeting everyone at the annual meeting on May 1, 2016.
With Blessings of Shalom, Bob and Florence Rubinstein
Community Care & Share
The Community Care and Share Committee has spearheaded providing meals to the Wieners to assist during David’s con-tinued recovery. This initiative has been met with an over-whelming response from the congregation. Our committee would like to give a big “thanks” to all those who are provid-ing the Wieners with wonderfully delicious meals. Lynn and David have expressed their immense gratitude for this effort and it has been a great help to them.
In addition, our committee has sent out some cards. Any con-gregant can donate to our committee. The funds are used to provide assistance as needed. If anyone knows of anyone who is in need of our assistance, please let us know by con-tacting Sue Morse at [email protected].
Susan Littlefield, Secretary
Sisterhood met at Sweet Mango's April
14th. We discussed last minute details for
the Hypno Lorenzo Fundraiser. There will be
4 baskets to raffle off and a 50/50 raffle as
well. Tickets are still on sale and all are en-
couraged to "spread the word"!
~Bonnie
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From The Ritual Committee
DEDICATION OF NEW PRAYERBOOKS
Just before the Torah Service began on the morning of Saturday April 9th, we
had a dedication ceremony to mark the first day of us using our new prayer
books, Siddur Lev Shalem. This is the newly published prayer book by the
Rabbincal Assembly, the official publishing house of the Conservative
movement. The books are beautiful and contain updated English readings,
transliterations and interesting history and commentary on the prayers. The
books were purchased for us by congregants of Sinai Temple of Los Ange-
les, in memory of those lost on 12/14. Additional books have been donated
by Eric Vine, son of Laura Goldstein and Steve Vine, who was celebrating his Bar Mitzvah the weekend of the book
dedication. During the Dedication, Katherine Kohrman, our Ritual Committee Chair, spoke about the donations.
That was followed by Rabbi Schectman who highlighted a few prayers found in the prayer book and their importance
in sustaining a congregation over time. Following is the statement made by Katherine:
The prayer books we have been using, these beautiful red Siddur Lev Shalem books are having their inaugural voyage
in your hands, here in our sanctuary this morning. It is with great excitement and appreciation that we stop now to
dedicate our new books. Over three years ago, we received a most generous gift from a group of people from a con-
gregation in Los Angeles, CA. We didn’t know them and they didn’t know us, but in the wake of the Sandy Hook
Elementary School tragedy so many people from around the world reached out to our town—to our schools, to our
community, to individual families, and to all of our religious institutions. They offered sympathy, love, support and
gifts of all shapes and sizes. The good people of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles offered our congregation new prayer
books, an incredibly generous and practical gift, much needed as our old prayer books were frayed and terribly out of
date. And then when we heard that a brand new Conservative Union prayer book was in the earliest stages of prepub-
lication, our donors also agreed to let us hold on to their gift until the new book was published.
They asked only that we put memorial plates in each book noting that the donation was in
memory of Noah Pozner, the sole Jewish child killed in the shooting, whose family had been
members of our congregation. Noah’s older brother celebrated his Bar Mitzvah here on this bi-
mah just eight years ago. Sinai Temple asked that the nameplates mention Noah and his 19
classmates –20 first graders in all--and the 6 educators lost that Friday on December 14, 2012.
As we joyfully begin to use our new prayer books today, we honor the memory of our town’s 26
beloved children and educators. We pray for them, for their families, and for our town that is still
on a long road of recovery.
This gift from congregants of Sinai Temple, as incredibly generous as it was, did not purchase quite enough books for
our congregation. For as small as we are, you can see, we have joyous celebrations here in our sanctuary, like today,
when we need many more books than usual. This presented a problem. But not for long……
Enter: a young entrepreneur, a talented and budding jeweler, a lover of sea glass, and most importantly a mensche—a
good fellow down to his core—and at a very early age, a dedicated philanthropist. I am speaking of course, of our
own Eric Vine. He has been selling his sea glass jewelry over the past two years and donating his proceeds to the
synagogue, over $2500 to date, some of which has been earmarked for our Siddur Lev Shalem fund. Eric’s donations
have already purchased more than 10 books and soon will purchase another set. If you all open your prayer book now
to the inside of the front cover you will find the bookplate noting the donor of your individual book. Some of you are
the lucky beneficiaries of Eric’s largesse. Thank you Eric. Thank you from me and from the Synagogue Ritual Com-
mittee. Thank you from the Synagogue Board of Directors. And thank you from the entire congregation who will be
using these books that you have purchased, for many, many years to come. It seems very fitting that we are dedicat-
ing these books here today during your Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
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NAME TAGS
Please use your name tags! They are an initiative of our synagogue’s Transition Committee. The idea be-hind them is that knowing each other’s names is an important part of building a community. It is the first step to building relationships, and it is in those relationships that we begin to feel like we are creating a connected vibrant congregation.
You will find your name tag in the lobby of the synagogue. Please wear your name tag whenever you are in the building and then please remember to return it to the alphabetized box before you leave. Let’s make 2016 be the year when we really get to know each other and start to feel like a family.
*** If you would like to have your name tag use magnets rather than a pin to secure to your clothing please send a quick request to Susan Rubin, our synagogue administrator and she will make the change for you.***
CEMETERY PLOTS AVAILABLE
FOR FAMILIES OF CAI MEMBERS
Adath Israel Cemetery (a division of B’nai Israel Cemetery) 472 Moose Hill Road, Monroe, CT
Information packets are available.
Please contact Susan Rubin at [email protected] or call
203-426-5188 and leave her a message.
MAZEL TOV
To
Floren Schertzer & Matt Krichmar
On their wedding
April 3, 2016
Floren is the daughter of
Marty & Janis Schertzer
ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH CLASS
Our current Adult B’nai Mitzvah class has
been meeting for just about one full year. Our
three students have gained Hebrew literacy
skills and have begun to study the prayer ser-
vice and ritual practices. In one more year’s
time they will be ready to be on the Bimah for
a group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. If you al-
ready have some Hebrew reading skills and
you would like to join the class, you would be
most welcome.
Contact: [email protected]. Adult
Education is a perk of membership and is of-
fered at no additional cost beyond membership
dues. Non-members pay a class fee and are
welcome as well. If you know of anyone out-
side of our congregation who might be inter-
ested in the class, please encourage that person
to contact us.
~Katherine Kohrman
Have an opinion? Like to write? Newsletter contributions are always welcome…
Have family or student news you would like to share? Contact: [email protected]
ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEWSLETTER
Business card size: $10 monthly / $90 yearly 1/4 page: $15 mo. / $135 yr. 1/2 page: $25 mo. / $225 yr. Full page: $45 mo. / $405 yr.
Email: [email protected]
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Enjoy a fun and entertaining night out
at our Spring Fundraiser
Or purchase online at… http://adath.ticketleap.com/hypno-lorenzo-comedy-hypnosis-show/
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single with excerpts
from "How To Be A
Jewish Mother" but did not sing). The duet
with Red Buttons was
issued in 1955. On one
side (featured) is "Practice, Darling,
Practice" in which he is
her son who doesn't want to practice his
violin but wants to join
the rodeo, play base-ball, etc. "My Mother's
Lullaby" on the other
side is a poignant song
in which Red remem-bers his childhood
when his mother would sing to him. Notice the "Molly
Goldberg" name is on the label (not Gertrude Berg) even though the songs have nothing to do with the Molly Gold-
berg character! And, she was also a songwriter, having
written "That Wonderful Someone" for Patsy Cline's de-but album in 1957.
In the early 1960's, Gertrude returned to Broadway in "A
Majority Of One" and won the Tony Award for Best Ac-
tress In A Drama, acted in the TV series "Mrs. G. Goes To College", and wrote her autobiography "Molly And
Me". She was set to appear again on Broadway in "The
Play Girls" but on September 14, 1966, she died of heart
failure in New York City.
Needless to say, Gertrude (or Molly) is an incomparable
figure in the radio and TV fields. She was the first person
to write, produce, and star in his or own series on TV. Many women owe her their thanks for her pioneer-
ing work, including "Murphy Brown" writer Diane Eng-
lish and "Designing Women" creator Linda Bloodworth Thomason.
So many performers are known by their
professional or stage names instead of
their real names that sometimes we forget
what their real names are. For example, PeeWee Herman was, and to a certain ex-
tent, is still a well known character. But
what is his real name? It's actually Paul Reubens or Reubensfeld. How about La-
dy Gaga? She is actually Stefani Joanne
Angelina Germanotta.
Gertrude Berg is a good example. To so
many people she is Molly Goldberg of
radio and TV fame from "The Goldbergs" series. She was born as Tilly Edelstein on October 3, 1899 in the
Harlem section of New York, NY to Jacob and Dinah
Edelstein. Her father was a native of Russia and her
mother was from England. Jacob was a theater owner and ran hotels in the Catskills during the summer. Ger-
trude started writing skits as a teenager to amuse the
hotel guests during rainy days.
She married Lewis Berg, an engineering student at
Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, in 1918. When Lewis
graduated he found work on a Reserve, LA plantation as a sugar technologist. From 1918 to 1929 the couple
lived there and had two children - son Cherney in 1922
and daughter Harriet in 1926. In 1929, a fire destroyed
the plantation and the family moved back to New York City. To support her family during the depression she
sold scripts to local radio stations. Her break came
when she came up with a series "The Rise Of The Gold-bergs" inspired by her grandmother and comedian Milt
Gross.
The show debuted on radio in November 1929 and was
on radio periodically to 1945. It appeared on three dif-ferent networks (NBC, CBS, and WOR-Mutual)! There
were 4,500 episodes. Her play "Me And Molly" based
upon the radio series debuted on Broadway in 1948 and ran for 156 performances. She then decided to try to
sell her "Goldbergs" radio show to the new television
medium. CBS President William Paley gave her a
Monday night half-hour timeslot. The show was on TV from 1949-1955, although not consecutively.
As far as is known, Ms. Berg recorded and actually sang
on one single and it was with Red Buttons. (She did record as Gertrude Berg and issued an LP and a
JUST FOR THE RECORD Lesser Known Jewish Recording Artists ~ Contributed by Charles Berger
Shop at
and Amazon will make a donation to:
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Support Congregation Adath Israel by starting your shopping at: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-1365965
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THE NEZVESKY SCHOOL
We are now coming up to the end of the school year. Last month we had our model Seder led by
Rabbi Schectman, where he gave new and interesting explanations of many of the customs we have
practiced over the years. This coming month we look forward to the graduation and promotion cere-
mony on May 22 and I hope you all can attend and see your children move on to their next class.
I would like to thank the parents of the third and sixth grades for setting up our model Seder, in-
cluding Robyn Anton, Eric Linnetz, Mark Silverman, Jim Arena, Stacey Schumer and Cara Tingley
who organized it. These events are an essential part of your children’s Jewish education and a very
special chance for them to participate at all ages.
Next year we are looking forward to the return of David Wiener as our seventh grade teacher. We
also have several changes for our midweek classes. First, Bob Rubinstein will be retiring as our
4th/5th grade teacher. His place will be taken by Bonnie Goldstein who will be teaching a combined
class. We are moving the 6th and 7th grades to Tuesday as well so that our curriculum will change
to some extent. The major change will be that the second half will be a mixed Hebrew study based
on ability rather than a strict placement by grade level. The new Tuesday schedule will be:
4:30 - 5:20
4th/5th Grade: Jewish values
6th/7th Grade: Siddur Skills
5:30 - 6:15
Intermediate Hebrew using The New Siddur Program Book 2
Advanced Hebrew using the Siddur Lev Shalem
David Smith, Education Chair
203-364-1788
Ima Abba v’Ani
PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP for children ages 2 to 5 (children not yet enrolled in Kindergarten) and their
parent or caregiver. Children learn about the Jewish holidays in an age-appropriate way, make crafts,
sing and dance, and have a GREAT time. This program is led by Jodi Markowsky and meets once a
month from 9:30 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings during the school year. And it is FREE to attend.
We ask that a parent or caregiver remain with the child during the class and that you bring a small
snack and drink. It is strongly encouraged that the snack be nut-free (i.e. no peanut butter products).
Playgroup dates remaining for this school year: May 1
Call or email the office to reserve your spot! 203-426-5188 or [email protected]
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Sunday School
Passover Model Seder
April 24, 2016
Photos by Leslie Murray
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, EVENTS & NOTICES
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
A message from the Fairfield Jewish Home for the Elderly...
Jewish Senior Services (formerly The Jewish Home for the Elderly of Fairfield County) will be moving to a new campus in the next couple of months! If you or your family have a dedication plaque that you would like RE-TURNED, please contact Dayna Hayden, Director, Development, at (203)365-6409 or [email protected]. Yahrzeit plaques in the Synagogue and plaques on special walls (i.e. Endowment, the Stern Wall and the Tree of Life) will be relocated to the new campus. The loose bronze plaques are not moving, however the dedication messages will be carried over.
Long Term Care • Rehabilitation Services • Home Care • Hos-pice • Day Services • Advocacy and Education • Long Term Care Protection
444 Main Street North | Southbury | CT | 06488
Jewish Federation Bus Trip!
Lower East Side of NYC!
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Join us for a great day, as we travel to the Lower East Side for a day of cultural fun. Reserve your seat today- Call for tickets!
203-267-3177
Yom Hashoah Program at the Federation
Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Holocaust survivor Judith Altmann was born in Jasina, Czechoslovakia, which was invaded by the Nazis in 1939. She survived two different ghettos and then transported to Auschwitz. Judith, who is affiliated with the Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut, will share her story as a survivor. RSVP 203-267-3177
MAH JONG MADNESS
Mondays 7:00 PM at Adath Israel
For both experienced and beginner players
Adath Israel Women’s Book Club
Join us for our next book discussion on Sunday evening, May 15th at 7:00 pm
We will be discussing Be Frank With Me By Julia Claiborne Johnson
Newcomers always welcome
RSVP to Amy Greenfield [email protected]
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… and let us not forget
IN MEMORIAM Yahrzeits: May 2016 CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Phone: 203-426-5188
Rabbi Barukh Schectman [email protected]
Administrative Assistant: Susan Rubin [email protected]
2015 – 2016 Officers of the Board
President: Bob Rubinstein [email protected]
Vice - President: Amy Greenfield Vice - President: Rosalie Newman
Vice - President: Susan Wilson [email protected]
Treasurer: Lauren DiMartino [email protected]
Secretary: Mark Silverman [email protected]
Member at Large: Jim Arena Member at Large: Steven Bamberg
2015 – 2016 Committee Chairpersons
Birthday Books: Mardi Smith
Education Chairperson: David Smith [email protected]
School Parent Coordinator: Cara Tingley [email protected]
Teen Volunteer Coordinator: Stacey Schumer
Federation Rep: (position available)
Fundraising: (position available)[email protected]
Honorarium: Susan Rubin [email protected]
House: Mark Silverman [email protected]
Membership: Jodi Markowsky [email protected]
Men’s Club: Tod Bogdanoff [email protected]
Newsletter: Susan Rubin [email protected]
Programs: (position available)[email protected]
Publicity: Karen Klein [email protected]
Ritual: Katherine Kohrman [email protected]
Safety: David Wiener [email protected]
Sisterhood: Bonnie Goldstein [email protected]
BRONZE MEMORIAL NAMEPLATE
If you wish to install a memorial nameplate in the sanctuary, please contact Susan Rubin at 203-426-5188 or
by email [email protected]
In Sympathy
Our condolences to the Schertzer family on the passing of Marty’s father, Dr. Max Schertzer.
3 May 25 Nisan Mark Chanko, Father of Eric Chanko
7 May 29 Nisan Reba Spivak, Sister of Joyce Goldin
7 May 29 Nisan Thomas Flint, Father of Rachel Lattin
10 May 2 Iyar Rose Heyman, Aunt of Jay Slomka
11 May 3 Iyar Katie J. Chiprut, Grandmother of Jack Nahmias
12 May 4 Iyar Seymour Naidich, Father of Michelle Tenenbaum
13 May 5 Iyar Neil Morse, Husband of Susan Morse
13 May 5 Iyar Irving Weiss, Brother of Florence Rubinstein
13 May 5 Iyar Myron Nowes, Brother of Gilda Slomka
17 May 9 Iyar Arlene Goldstein, Mother of Laura Goldstein
19 May 11 Iyar Harvey Buckwald, Father of Lauren DiMartino
19 May 11 Iyar Sylvan Philip Herbst, Father of Bill Hillman
24 May 16 Iyar Gita Shifrin, Grandmother of Marina Arena
25 May 17 Iyar Charles Weiner, Father of Madalyn Henry
25 May 17 Iyar Ann Zank, Mother of Susan Morse
27 May 19 Iyar Aaron B.Z. Silver, Father of George Silver
2 May 24 Nisan Samuel Smolen
3 May 25 Nisan Esther Lee Nezvesky
7 May 29 Nisan Isaac Goldstein
15 May 7 Iyar Rebecca Bernstein
15 May 7 Iyar Shia Goosman
16 May 8 Iyar Benjamin Bernstein
17 May 9 Iyar Morris Redalje
18 May 10 Iyar Eli Brier
25 May 17 Iyar Doris Mapen
In Sympathy
Our condolences to the Lattin family on the passing of Rachel’s brother.
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HOST
AN ONEG
OR KIDDUSH
Hosting a Friday Oneg or Saturday Kid-dush is performing a Mitzvah for our community. After services is a time when we have a chance to slow down and catch up on the weekly events with our fellow congregants.
It’s not only a Mitzvah, but a way for you to celebrate an event in your fami-ly and share the good news with our congregation. Many people host to commemorate birthdays, anniver-saries, engagements, awards, gradua-tions, victories and other happy occa-sions. You may also host in memory of a loved one. Of course, you don’t need a reason to host and you may also buddy up and host with a friend.
If you wish to participate in this Mitz-vah or for more information, please e-mail the office at [email protected]
Friday Oneg Dates Available
May 13, 20 June 24
August 12, 26
Saturday Kiddush Dates Available
May 21
Celebrate a special day with us!
Honor an achievement, birthday or anniversary. Do a mitzvah. Sponsor an
Oneg or Kiddush this year.
Reserve your date now!
DONATIONS
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to temple funds:
General Fund Dan Block in memory of his wife, Theresa Block Bob & Florence Rubinstein in memory of Bob's father, Louis Rubinstein and Florence's sister, Gloria Brotman Marcus Gonzalez Goldstein Vine Family in honor of Eric’s Bar Mitzvah
Education Fund Susan Morse in memory of her mother, Ann Zank
Caring Community Fund Susan Morse in memory of her husband, Neil Morse Goldstein Vine Family in memory of Laura’s mother, Arlene Goldstein
Siddur Fund Eric Vine - proceeds from sea glass sales and in honor of his Bar Mitzvah
“LEAVE YOUR LEGACY ON THE TREE OF LIFE”
A great way to honor past and present
family members and friends
Large Leaf—$1800. each; Small Leaf—$180. each
Order forms available at the synagogue
Kiddush, Oneg and Holiday Sponsors
THANK YOU TO...
The B’nai Mitzvah class families—Friday April 8
The Goldstein Vine Family in honor of Eric’s Bar Mitzvah—Saturday, April 9
Ruth Theaman—Friday, April 15
The 3rd and 5th grade families—Sunday, April 24 School Model Seder
Thank you to Rita Frost for helping to log in
some of our new children’s books in the library.
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