www.tbanj.org Bulletin January 2020/5780

A welcoming community of Jewish life, worship & learning

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Social Action Committee and The Sisterhood—The Women's Connection

of Temple B'nai Abraham present

Annual Women's Interfaith Forum Wednesday, January 22, 2020

6:30 PM Temple B'nai Abraham

Diversity: Embrace It, Share It, Celebrate It Join us for a discussion on what local communities are doing

Details page 7

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LIFE CYCLE EVENTS

As of December 19, 2019

MAZEL TOV

Lisa & Jed Becker, daughter, Adison, becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Michelle & Scott Barishaw, son, Jared, becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Jodi & Steven Angel, daughter, Dylan, becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Shari & Bruce Spiegler, son, Gage, becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Efrat Avigdor & Ryan Brauns, son, Saul, becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Leslie & Myron Kowal, granddaughter, Adison becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Phyllis & Barry Becker, granddaughter, Adison, becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Patti & Barry Roberts, on the birth of their new granddaughter, Lily Rae Schosheim

Fran & Mitch Handman, on the birth of their new grandson, Jacob Brody Handman

Marilyn Wald, on the birth of her new great-grandson, Jacob Brody Handman

Julie & Max Silbermann, on the marriage of their daughter Karen to Ross Brandes

Miki & Sandy Gordon, on their 50th wedding anniversary

CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF

Brian Diamond father, Edward Diamond

Hillary Schumer mother, Barbara Zemlock

Josh Shapiro mother, Joyce Shapiro

COME JOIN US FOR “TUESDAY NITES WITH DAVE”

Please join us, for a relaxing opportunity to meet and say hello to our new Rabbi, David Z. Vaisberg, in the JP Library at the Temple. Light refreshments will be availa-ble. Come have a cup of coffee, and a cookie, and chat for a bit with Rabbi Vais-berg. No agenda, no formalities, just a chance to say hi and get to know the Rabbi.

You are welcome to join us whenever you wish, on “Tuesday Nites with Dave.” These get-togethers will continue every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

The scheduled dates are January 14, February 11, March 10, and May 12, at 7:30 PM.

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TBA ANNUAL GIVING—PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP 2019-2020

Pledge payments are due: February 29, 2020.

Thank you for your support, Merle H. Kalishman & Julie Silbermann , Development Co-Chairs,

TBA Annual Giving — Partners in Leadership As of December 19, 2019

President’s Circle Jeanette Black Foundation Susan & Alan Hammer Susan & Richard Kogan Sherry & L. Robert Lieb Leslie & Jay Mayesh Sandi & Mark Rosenbaum Sara-Ann & Robert Sanders Maya & David Silbermann Julie & Max Silbermann Ethel & Robert Singer Trudy & Fredric Slater Ellen & Barry Wagenberg

Torah Circle Nancy & Richard Dinar Bernice & Kenneth Garbade Ellen & David Hyman Eileen & Marc Mellman Lauren & Scott Scher Marcy & Mark Schwartz Robin & Leigh Walters

1853 Society Suzanne & Saul Berkowitz Nancy & Ken Bernstein Isabella & Joshua Fiske Susan & Alan Gallinson Drs. Susan & Bruce Greene Lesley & Neil Greenstein Merle & Marty Kalishman Eileen & Jeffrey Klein

Rabbi’s Circle Arlene & Richard Bookbinder Lawrence Cooper Nancy & Robert Eskow Caren & Herbert Ford Beth & Ken Friedman Valerie & Robert Katz Harriet & Marvin Kirschner Ellen & Peter Klein Robin & Jeffrey Kollin Patricia & Frank Kolodny Michael Lewis Ellen & Richard Lincer Ellen & Scott Loventhal Judy & Eric Perlmutter Nancy & Steven Pokotilow

Marian & David Rocker Barbara & Michael Rosenbaum Regina & Jeffrey Roth Terry & Kenneth Starr Christine & Wayne Strassman

Mitzvah Circle Brian Altman & Jacqueline Jove’-Altman Jaryn & Ronnie Bloom Elizabeth Buchbinder Ruth M. Dolinko Barbara Drench Jane & Howard Ehrenkranz Cathy & Bruce Fischberg Sharleen & Andrew Friedman Robin & Gary Hecht Tara & Richard Heyderman Jayne & James Jacoby Julie & Gregg Klein Cindy & Shawn Klein Leslie & Fredric Lavinthal Susan & Andrew Leichter Debbie & Wayne Locke Alyce Sands Miller Brandi & Arthur Podnos Karen & Steve Rockoff Ruth Ross Adrienne & Stanley Schwartz Elaine & Stanley Shapiro Honi & Bennett Wasserman Staci & Glen Weiss Myrna & Marvin Wertheimer Marjorie Yonteff Marjie & Scott Zucker

Circle of Friends Phyllis & Barry Becker Rebecca & Todd Bialick Sandra & David Bohrer Louise Buchbinder Leonard Cohen Myra Cohen Steven Delman Erica & Bryce Facktor Helen Farber Annette & Herb Feldman Jane & Alfred Fischer Marsha & Steven Fiske Rheda & Raymond Folkman

Denise & Arnold Gerst Debra & Carey Gertler Bonnie & Keith Gurland Madeline & Harold Hoffman Susan & Peter Jackowitz Deborah & Gregg Jacob Sandra & Craig Kantor Barbara & Warren Klein Karen & David Klugman Antoinette & Michael Koenig Barbara & Barrett Kolton Jessica & Jay Kooper Richard A. Kosson Alyssa & Avery Kranz Jill & Brett Krasnove Beth & Claude Krause Bette & Stan Kurzweil Esther Laufman Illana & Jason Lebersfeld Andrea & Larry Leff Scott Levy Ilene & Paul Lieberman Evi Meinhardt Carly & David Miller Marlene & Alan Moscowitz Christine & Jeremy Neuer Cynthia Pfeffer Sandy & David Posner Nancy & Scott Ritch Lori & Peter Rosenbaum Renee & Edward Rosenthal Enid & Fred Rothman Anita & Allan Rubinstein Geri Schaeffer Luba & Mark Schonwetter Mara & David Silber Diane & Ira Starr Lorraine Stein Arleen & Herb Tarutz Miriam Palmer-Sherman & Rabbi David Vaisberg Allison & Jonathan Wasserstein Randi & Scott Wolfson Barbara Weisenfeld Diana & Michael Wische Naomi Zeitel

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TBA BOOK GROUP CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING

TBA Book Group 2019-2020 with Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg. M.A.R.E, M.A.H.L.

The B’nai Abraham Book Group will have engaging, meaningful, and edifying conversations about different books each month. To register online or call 973.994.2290.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7:30 PM Solomon Gursky Was Here by Mordechai Richler Berger, son of the failed poet L.B. Berger, is in the grips of an obsession. The Gursky family with its colorful bootlegging history, its bizarre connections with the North and the Inuit, and its wildly eccentric relations, both fascinates and infuriates him. His quest to unravel their story leads to the enigmatic Ephraim Gursky: document forger in Victorian England, sole survivor of the ill-fated Franklin expedition, and charismatic religious leader of the Arctic. Of Ephraim’s three grandsons, Bernard has fought, wheeled and cheated his way to the head of a liquor empire. His brother Morrie has reluctantly followed along. But how does Ephraim’s protégé, Solomon, fit in? Elusive, mysterious and powerful, Solomon Gursky hovers in the background, always out of Moses’ grasp, but present like an omen. Books available for pur-

chase online at Amazon.com or other booksellers. Upcoming dates and book selections: Wednesdays, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM @ TBA February 12: Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari March 11: A Pigeon and A Boy by Meir Shalev April 1: New American Haggadah by Jonathan Safran Foer & Nathan Englander May 13: Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein HaLevi

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Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Dantowitz

Ethics of our Ancestors (Pirkei Avot) All are welcome for a lively discussion and exploration of Pirkei Avot. Through a close study of Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz’s Pirkei Avot: A Social Justice Commentary, each month we will explore life’s wisdom through ancient texts and modern interpretations. Each session is independent so come to one, many or all. Bring your appetite for learning as well as your dairy lunch! Beverages will be provided! This course is free and open to the community. Register online or call 973.994.2290.

Thursdays, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM January 23, February 27, March 19, April 23 & May 21, 2020

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Parashat HaShavua Saturdays, Parashat HaShavua, all year, 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM

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Twelve Tremendous Talmudic Texts with Rabbi Vaisberg

We will dive into twelve fantastic Talmudic texts that deal with key issues confronting Judaism today, includ-ing such topics as pluralism, disagreement, revelation, and balances of power. No background in Talmud is necessary, and this course is taught using English translations. This course is inaugurating Temple B’nai Abraham’s new Steinsaltz Talmud set and taught in honor and memory of Rabbi Dr. Aaron D. Panken, z”l.

Bring your appetite for learning as well as your dairy lunch! Beverages will be provided! This course is free and open to the community. Register online or call 973.994.2290.

STEINSALTZ TALMUD SET DONATED BY SUSAN AND RICHARD KOGAN

Mondays, 12:30 to 1:30 PM January 13, January 27, February 10, February 24, March 2, March 23, March 30, April 20 & May 11, 2020

Photos by Bennett Wasserman, & Susan Kogan

TBA Photo Team

CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING

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ReIntro to Judaism with Rabbi Vaisberg

This class is for all those seeking to rediscover their Judaism. It may be that you find yourself in a new

chapter of life; it may be that you simply seek to learn more. Participants will help choose class topics as we explore what paths towards meaning Judaism can offer us. Topics may include Shabbat and holiday practices, life cycle events, mysticism, health, approaches to eating, teenagers, caring for aging parents, etc.

Most classes will be taught via Zoom ( a video conferencing tool, meaning that you can participate from wherever you are on your phone, tablet, or desktop!) if you have any questions, call the temple office, 973-994-2290.

Monday, January 13, 8:00 PM “Jewish Eating.” Meet at temple. Food tasting included!

CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING

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ANNUAL WOMEN’S INTERFAITH FORUM

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Social Action Committee and The Sisterhood—The Women's Connection

of Temple B'nai Abraham present

Annual Women's Interfaith Forum Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 6:30 PM

(snow date: Thursday, January 23)

Temple B'nai Abraham

Diversity: Embrace It, Share It, Celebrate It Join us for a discussion on what local communities are doing

Come for dinner & join the conversation! RSVP by January 17: www.tbanj.org 973.994.2290

Panel of Speakers

Saba Laeeq Khan Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (LCDI): How does Livingston handle diversity?

Tammy Williams Realtor, Chair of West Orange Human Rights Commission: How does West Orange handle diversity?

Mila Jasey NJ State Assemblywoman for Essex County: How does Essex County handle diversity?

Kaity Assaf Rutgers-Newark 2020, Political Science Student, Organizer of Women’s March NJ: How does Newark-Rutgers handle diversity? Kaity will serve as facilitator

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TBA Mitzvah Day 2019, A Great Success!

Mitzvah Day 2019 on Sunday, November 24 at Temple B’nai Abraham was one for the books...it truly took a village to pull off an amazing day! Members of all ages participated in this day of giving and creating items for various organizations who serve those in need in our community.

The Men’s Club began early with Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg leading an 8:30 am Minyan Service. After break-fast, Men’s Club took on the task of managing the toiletries collection, enthusiastically spearheaded by Peter Rosenbaum and Andrew Halper. Volunteers sorted and packaged more than 1,000 kits which were donated to the Franciscan Ministries in Newark.

The TBA Sisterhood took on two popular events, Loaves of Love, (Community Challah Bake) and Lunches of Love. Overseeing the challah baking were Tara Heyderman and Deborah Jacob. As it is truly a Mitzvah to make a challah, it is a greater mitzvah to give some away to CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Ware-house) for distribution to those in need. Some of the challahs were also delivered to the Isaiah House in East Orange. CHOW was also the recipient of Lunches of Love, a project led by Donna Ellenbogen. Children decorated the lunch bags with messages and images of hope. The bags were then filled by volunteers with a sandwich, granola bar, fresh fruit, and chocolate to be distributed by CHOW.

Caryn Epstein and her daughter Ellie supervised another popular Mitzvah Day project —the MSTERIO Project. Volunteers decorated over 160 dolls, which included messages on the back of the doll, accompanied by a card telling the recipient a little something about the doll’s decorator. Each doll is tagged with an ID number so as it travels to children around the world it can be tracked.

Mitzvah Day activities also included crafting dog toys from old tee shirts, socks and used tennis balls, which went to local no-kill animal shelters. Painting messages of love, caring, healing and other positive thoughts on ceramic hearts for “Hearts Of Hope” also attracted many volunteers. The handcrafted hearts were deliv-ered to Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

The sorting and packing of donated items for the Diaper Drive for Moms Helping Moms and The Period pro-ject were skillfully managed by Ruth Ross.

Thank you to Bob Singer for coordinating the Annual Turkeys and all of the Trimmings collection for the Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF).

Janet O. Penn, TBA Social Action Committee co-chair commenting on another successful Mitzvah Day, said, “What an amazing day! Much thanks to our many leaders and volunteers who went above and beyond with their participation and enthusiasm. YOU ALL ROCK!”

TBA MITZVAH DAY 2019

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Photos by Caryn Epstein, Janet Penn

& Ruth Ross

TBA MITZVAH DAY PHOTO GALLERY

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TEEN TIKKUN OLAM ANNUAL MIDDAY RUN

TBA Teen Tikkun Olam Midday Run Rides Again! The Temple B’nai Abraham’s (TBA) Midday Run, the distribution of donated clothing and food to those in need in Newark’s community at St. Rocco's Church, took place on the Sunday, November 24. This annual event, sponsored by TBA Teen Tikkun Olam Group, was preceded by a two month–long food and clothing drive/collection at the temple. On that morning, members of TTO volunteered at TBA to sort a large amount of wonderful, generous donations from TBA congregants. Once donations were packed into a truck, driven by TBA's own Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg, the students were transported to St. Rocco’s Church in Newark, under the supervision of Jewish Learning Program Special Projects Coordinator Arleen Lichtenstein, Director of Jewish Learning Melissa Weiner and parent volunteers. St. Rocco’s is part of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. Catholic Charities has several areas of activity, including an emergency family shelter for homeless women with children, providing the families with three meals a day. Services include support counseling, educational workshops, instruction in parenting skills, job and housing placement, and re-ferrals for mental health and substance abuse services, a soup kitchen, and food pantry. Once TTO members arrived at St. Rocco’s, our TTO teens quickly unpacked and worked tirelessly to engage patrons to help them "shop" for the perfect items. TTO teens engaged in a wonderful mitzvah on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, assisting more than 525 residents of Newark get much needed supplies for the upcoming winter. Teens and adults who participate always leave with a heightened sense of Jewish social awareness, sensitivity, and civic responsibility. Director Weiner noted,"This event was a unique opportunity for our teens to help the less fortunate. Their commit-ment and participation made Midday Run a Huge success!!" TTO Coordinator Arleen Lichtenstein added, “Through meaningful interactions with patrons of the Annual Midday Run, students gain insight and understanding about the way each of us can contribute to those in need. This yearly program inspires the young people to recognize that pov-erty and need is a chronic problem facing our country.”

Standing at the ready to distribute coats to those in need are TTO team members l-r Jessica Hirschmann, Alexander Ger-tler, Alexa Sonnenberg, and Hanna Torine.

Loading the truck, which was driven by our own Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg, are TTO team members 1-r Jakob Taub and Jonah Reisboard.

Getting ready to transport the donated items generously donated by members of TBA to St. Rocco's Church are Mid-day Run participants from TBA, Top row l-r-Ryan Laken, Ethan Krull, Jakob Taub, Jonah Reisboard, Melissa Weiner Director of the JLP, Arleen Lichtenstein TTO advisor, Alexa Prague, Jamie Gertler, Alexandra Gertler, Ashley Sonnen-berg, Alexa Sonnenberg, Colette Kay, Bottom row l-r Jack Bohrer, Gabe Strassman, Jeremy Flitt, Jared Leit, Jessica

Hirschmann, Jordyn Zucker, Hanna Torine.

photo by Arleen Lichtenstein

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All funds as of December 19, 2019

ONE FAMILY FUND In honor of Adison Becker becoming a Bat Mitzvah Tobi & Herb Glatt In memory of David Schneider’s mother Marion & Myron Soled In honor of the birth of Lily Rae Schosheim Paula & Bruce Abramson Julie & Max Silbermann In honor of Jared Barishaw becoming a Bar Mitzvah Julie & Max Silbermann In memory of Edward Diamond Jordy Lesnik In memory of Barbara Zemlock Rachel & Jon Meisel Debbie & Michael Schofel In honor of the marriage of Karen Silbermann to Ross Brandes Valerie & Rob Katz In memory of Lila Kaplan The Merkin Family KULWIN EDUCATION FUND In honor of the marriage of Karen Silbermann to Ross Brandes Tina Greenberg CARING CONNECTIONS In memory of Barbara Zemlock The Taylor Family SHEILA GROSSMAN EARLY SCHOOL FUND In honor of the marriage of Karen Silbermann & Ross Brandes Patti & Barry Roberts

ELLEN & PETER KLEIN GARDEN FLOWER FUND In honor of Dylan Angel becoming a Bat Mitzvah In honor of the marriage of Karen Silbermann & Ross Brandes In memory of Barbara Zemlock Ellen & Peter Klein In memory of Miriam Kleinman In memory of Betty Minsk Pat Sebold In honor of the birth of Lily Rae Schosheim Honi & Bennett Wasserman

GENEROUS GIFTS FROM THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE

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GENEROUS GIFTS FROM THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE

YAHRZEIT FUND

It is a traditional duty of Jews to recite Kaddish for a deceased parent, child, spouse, or sibling (daily during the first year, annually thereafter on the anniversary of death). We thank those who have contributed to the Yahrzeit Fund in memory of their loved ones. May their memories forever be for a blessing…

Yahrzeit of Contributor Dorothy Wertheimer Myrna & Marvin Wertheimer Matilda Sherman Helene & Ron Kurlan Martin Kahalas Marcy & Jonathan Dakss Samuel Soled Marian & Myron Soled Seymour Geller Stella Geller Riley Kogen Rori & Bob Denholtz Louis Shulman Renee Rosenthal Helen Brody Marian & Myron Soled Esther Crestin Helen Farber Patricia Buchbinder Elizabeth Buchbinder Jacob Becker Phyllis & Barry Becker Fay Becker Phyllis & Barry Becker Irene Varady Daniel Chernin Sandra Farron Jonathan Faron Naomi Fast Jacqueline & Howard Levine Max Steinberg Susan & Michael Steinberg Jerry Kopito Jacqueline & Ira Kopito Sidney Applebaum Ira & Debby Gordon & Family Charles Stark Joan Stark Rose Marsh Norma Marsh Jerome Marsh Norma Marsh Beatrice Binder Robert Binder Charles Neibart Rheda & Raymond Folkman Bailey Yudkoff Jane Fisher Pearl Rubin Geri Schaeffer Rita Bornstein Arthur Grossman Dorothy Rosenberg Arthur Grossman Abraham Weiss Mitchell Jay Weiss Lewis Goldfinger Judith Dutch Morris Dolinko Ruth Dolinko Rebecca Kleinert Honi & Bennett Wasserman Bette Blum Honi & Bennett Wasserman Milton Kleinert Honi & Bennett Wasserman Lilyan Wasserman Honi & Bennett Wasserman Rev. Hyman Arbeitman Honi & Bennett Wasserman

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IN THE COMMUNITY

TEMPLE SPONSOR

300 East Northfield Road

Livingston, New Jersey 07039

mailing address: PO Box 46, Livingston, NJ 07039

www.tbanj.org

Temple 973.994.2290 Fax: 973.994.1838

The Early School 973.994.7016 Fax: 973.994.7999

Jewish Learning 973.994.3950 Fax: 973.994.7999

Program (K-12)

January 2020

The Temple B’nai Abraham Bulletin is published monthly.

Online at www.tbanj.org

Bruce H. Greene, D.O., President

Jeffrey Klein, Vice President Scott Loventhal, Vice President

Stacey Rosenberg,, Vice President Kenneth Starr, Vice President

Isabella Fiske, Secretary Tara Heyderman, Asst. Secretary

Carey Gertler, Treasurer Craig Kantor, Assist. Treasurer

Julie A. Silbermann, Immediate Past President

Jakob B. Halpern, Counsel

David Z. Vaisberg, Rabbi

Faith Joy Dantowitz, Rabbi

Jessica Epstein, Cantor

Clifford M. Kulwin, Rabbi Emeritus

Lee Coopersmith, Cantor Emeritus

Gail Milchman, Executive Director

Debbie Aronson Ziering, Director of Early Childhood Education

Melissa G. Weiner, Director of Jewish Learning

Tina Greenberg, Communications Coordinator

JANUARY 2020 SERVICES

Friday, January 3 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Family Shabbat service, January birthdays will be celebrated. An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, January 4 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Vayigash 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service. Kylie Torine, daughter of Meredith & Adam Torine, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Friday, January 10 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, January 11 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Vayechi 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Justin Green, son of Samantha & Jonathan Green, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Friday, January 17 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, January 18 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Shemot 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Aufruf of Ronya Gordon & Michael Roth, son of Ginny & Jeff Roth

Friday, January 24 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 5:30 PM JLP —PJ Shabbat & dinner (grades K-2) in the Gittlin Chapel 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, January 25 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Va’era 9:00 AM Jr. Congregation 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Sydney Grebow, daughter of Meryll & Jonathan Grebow, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Friday, January 31 5:45 PM Tot Shabbat & dinner 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, February 1 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Bo 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Madison Feldman, daughter of Lauren & Jamie Feldman, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Samuel Goldstein, son of Melissa & Jonathan Goldstein, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.