Congregation Kneseth IsraelThe heart o f Fox Va l l ey Juda i sm for over a century

330 Division St.Elgin, IL 60120

Phone 847.741.5656Fax 847.741.5679

www.uscj.org/midwest/elgin

February 2004Sh’vat -Adar 5764

ALAN M. SMOLEN, Hazzanckielgin@wideopenwest.com

MARLA TOPP, Director of Educationmdtcki@wideopenwest.com

It has been an administrative year of unusualleadership changes. Due to a move from the area,

necessitated by a job change, President Ron Sigalresigned his office effective Tuesday January 20th.Ron has taken a position with a regional retailer inOmaha, Nebraska.

Before his departure, he appointed Sue Johnson tothe office of Executive Vice President.

Sue officially became President on the day Ron Sigalresigned. She will serve the un-expired Presidentialterm slated to end in June 2006. Sue has a longhistory with CKI. She is a two term Past President,serving from 1997 to 1999 and again from 1999 to2001. She has served on and with the Board ofDirectors in a variety of positions including Chairmanof the Education Committee. She has chaired the CKIArt Auction and provided adult supervision for ouryouth program. Sue is a 3rd generation member ofCKI. She was schooled, celebrated her Bat Mitzvahand completed her confirmation here.

As President, Sue is looking to develop a core groupof newer members with the interest and ability totake leadership responsibility in growing the role ofCongregation Kneseth Israel in Fox Valley Jewry infuture years.

New President for CKIIn this IssuePresident 2

Sisterhood 3

Torah School 4

Birthdays 5

Men’s Club 6

Parshiyot 6

Ritual 7

Social Action 9

Donations 11

Yahrtzeiten 12

Marketplace 13

Calendar Back

2

What do I get for my CKI dues?

This is a question that comes up often.Well for your dues you get membershipat Congregation Kneseth Israel – anopportunity to work and contribute.

Now what do members do here? Theyattend services – or maybe they don’tattend. Maybe they lead services. Theyget mailings and e-mail (sometimesthey don’t get mailings or don’t have aninternet address!) or maybe they getthe mailings but don’t read them.

They send their childrento Torah School ormaybe they don’t havechildren, or maybe they sent their childrenyears ago but theycontinue to support theschool so that thecongregation’s nextgeneration of childrencan go to school.

They come to study, ormaybe they come toteach; they come togain insight or maybe they come toshare. They come to learn about gooddeeds, or they come to perform gooddeeds. They come to remember, tolaugh and to join others in joy or maybethey come to forget, to cry or to forget their crying.

They come to complain, to cooperate,discuss, decide. They come to connectto others or to connect to their ownpast or to their children. They come toexchange pleasantries, exchangehistories. They come to fill a need ordivulge a need; to be part of acommunity or to be apart from thesecular community; to partake ofdelicious food, or maybe to take no partat all.

They come for Sisterhood meetings andevents or maybe they don’t. They comefor the camaraderie of the Men ofChelm or maybe they don’t participatein Men’s Club.

They give and maybe they help othersto give; maybe they discover what theycan give, time, money, knowledge,inspiration, music, clothes, food, kindwords. They come to be in a specialplace, or maybe to be with specialpeople. They come or maybe they don’tcome at all, but they are members justthe same. Maybe they are memberssimply because they are Jews, simplybecause they know that whatever theyneed or want from their heritage, atwhatever moment in their lives, orwhatever hope there is for our future as

Jews; it will bemet with thestrength ofcongregations ifthey will insurethat strengththrough theirmembership.

So for your dues,CongregationKneseth Israelsuppliesmembership. Allthe rest is up tous, the members.

(Adapted and reprinted by permissionfrom articles by Ann Targownik, ExecutiveDirector, The Jewish Center of theHamptons (New York) and AlanPearlman, Executive Director, Temple B’naiJeshurun (Des Moines, Iowa)

Message from the President

CKI BOARD MEMBERS

PRESIDENT, Sue Johnson

EXECUTIVE VP, Open

VP Sisterhood, Karen Myrent

VP/Education, Barb Razowsky

RECORDING SECRETARY, Liza Bachrach

TREASURER, Marsha Schwartz

FINANCIAL SECRETARY, Dick Johnson

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT, Lois Troy

CongregationalUpdate

Ron Raben has resigned as President ofCongregation Kneseth Israel. Ron andFern will continue to be activemembers of the synagogue. Ron isstrictly resigning as President of thecongregation. Ron and Fern, workingwith Lisa Schulman, are planning a veryinteresting program for Yom Ha Shoahin April. We appreciate what they havedone for CKI in the past and lookforward to continuing to work with Ronand Fern as we continue our futureplanning and implementation ofprogramming.

By the time you receive this bulletin adraft of a new contract will be in hisHazzan’s hands. We hope to completeour negotiations in a timely manner.

❛❛ They come

to complain,

to cooperate,

discuss,

decide.❜❜We always have volunteer opportunitiesat CKI. We are currently looking for achairman to head our Fund RaisingCommittee. There are other volunteeropportunities with other committeesand there are always little things thatcan be done around the synagogue.IF you have some extra time pleasecontact Sue Johnson.

CKI Sisterhood News

L’Dor V’Dor

In keeping with our biennial theme“L’Dor V’Dor: from Generation toGeneration” CKI Sisterhood is proud toannounce our Heritage CookbookProject!

Do you have a favorite recipe that hasbeen handed down through the yearsthat you would like to share with us? Is there a great story that goes with it?We’d love to hear it!

We’ll be compiling and printing it justin time for H_anukkah 2004!

Send recipes to:Jana McFarlanejemcfarlane@earthlink.net630-483-7330

Please see the enclosed flyer for details.

Gift Shop News

The Chanukah Bazaar was a hugesuccess! Thanks to everyone whoworked so hard (the set-up helpers,wrappers, shopping assistants, take-down helpers, and most importantly,the shoppers) we were able to take inover $6,200! As a reminder, a portion ofthis money is reinvested into the giftshop to bring our congregants qualityJudaica merchandise. However mostgoes to the CKI Sisterhood forimportant projects throughout thesynagogue. Without your support,these projects could not take place.

A special thank you to WendyShankman, Karen Myrent, and MiaFossa who took on “more than theysigned up for” as leaders in myabsence. We can all agree that they dida great job!

– Tina Wolf

3

Sisterhood ShabbatI’d like to thank everyone for making Sisterhood Shabbat a success again this year.Maybe you’d like to learn a small Hebrew part for next year? It’s never too late! Justlet me know.

– Linda BlatchfordChair, Kolot B’Kidushah

February Sisterhood ProgramsSave the Dates and RSVP

February 21, at 7:00 PM, is a Shabbat Havdallah and Rosh H_odesh learning session.Afterward, stay and socialize. Everyone’s invited. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and bakery.Please RVSP to Marji Piraino at 630-830-1784.

February 29, join us for lunch and painting ceramics. A book of objects to choosefrom is in the Library at CKI. Lunch is $9 and the ceramic pieces, paint, and firingrange from $11 to $30. A flyer is enclosed. RSVP by February 19 to Linda Blatchford.

LibraryCheck out the library for the Sisterhood Ceramics booklet. It’s in a clear plastic coveron top of two (2) black suitcases on the floor, in front of the 2nd bookshelf from theright. Please leave it there for others to review. The program includes lunch andpainting ceramics on February 29 at CKI. See flyer for more details.Come paint with us!

Congregation Kneseth Israel

5th Annual Art Auction

April 3, 2004

Save the Date

Natalie Filippo, Mrs. Schweinler,Jeremy Zeoli, David Schillmoeller

and Ms. Kalfus share a learningexperience during a recent

all-school program.

4

Adam is a young Jewish boy in Czarist Russia. When the

revolution engulfs his village, his familydecides to leave their home and start anew life across the ocean. Before Adamembarks on his journey, his grandfatherhands the boy his prayer shawl,which was given to him by his owngrandfather, whose name also was Adam.

The new world brings many changes.Adam and his family move into a smallapartment. He learns a new language.His parents find work in a factory. Inthe midst of all this change, one thingstays the same – the certainty ofAdam’s name and his prayer shawl.

Sheldon Oberman has created a storythat unfolds from time past to timepresent, when Adam, a grandfatherhimself now, hands the prayer shawl tohis own grandson. The Always PrayerShawl is a simple yet deeply felt bookabout the power of tradition and thepassing of generations. To read moreabout Adam and his new life, check outthis book from our library.

Torah School News Way to Go, Abram!

We hope you’re dropping your schoolsupplies into the giant Crayola box andyour can openers into the Campbell’sSoup can placed in the social hall.And if you happen to see AbramWiesman, be sure to tell him how greatthose containers are! He spent twoweeks designing and building them,and they sure are awesome!The social action committee sends you,Abram, a giant TODAH RABAH!!

With the proliferation of computers,video games, cable tv and a myriad ofother activities, books are facingextinction. This semester students willbe encouraged to read and discoverthe wonderful collection of books witha Jewish theme available in our ownlibrary. K’ri’ah s’mei’h_ah, happy reading!

~~~~

Please note: there is NO school onSunday, February 15 so that ourteachers may participate in the JewishEducators Assembly (JEA) Yom Iyun –Day of Study. This special program forteachers is from 9:30 to 12:00 at B’naiEmunah in Skokie and features RabbiNeil Gillman from the JewishTheological Seminary (JTS).

H_odesh tov - a good month,

Marla ToppDirector of Education

Monica Mastrud and Meryl Swidler areready with their donations.

All material for the March issue is dueno later than February 10.All items should be emailed toronrazowsky@lightfirst.com. Thanks!

Ha Kol Deadline

5

Adult Education is offering“Inquisition”

a program of the Spanish experience presentedby CKI member Manuel Martin,

Sunday, February 22nd, 10:30AM

at CongegationKneseth Israel.

Everyone is invited.

Adult Education

5th Grade students Bill Wolf, Garrett Merdinger, Lucy Marshall, Jessica Shankman,Daniele Piraino, Kim Koloms and teacher Mr. Marc Zemel observed a Sundaymorning adult study group recently.

We All Learn Together

Torah School is missing a video tape:

“The Devil’s Advocate”

Please check at home and return to the office if found.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Missing Tape! ! ! !

February Birthdays

3 Sara Shankman

4 Helen Lindow

4 Lucy Marshall

4 Abram Wiesman

5 Brian Finn

5 Mia Fossa

5 Jason Schwerdlin

6 Sarah Bender

8 Michael Berkson

9 Ron Razowsky

10 Richard Johnson

11 Samantha Matz

15 Jessica Shankman

15 Miriam Funk

15 Joe Funk

16 Lois Troy

17 Michael Croll

18 Laura Wolf

19 Paul Maring

19 Kara Gauthier

19 Adeline Kohlhagen

20 Sylvia Karnal

21 Cyril Friend

21 Marla Finger

22 Martin Zivin

25 Cathy Ilani

25 Alexandria Graaff

1 Jeff & Sandy Rifken

2 Henry & Diane Zatz

19 Nancy Maraat & David Kowalski

FebruaryAnniversaries

Afew months ago a small group of CKI men held a meeting with a representativefrom the Federation of Men’s Club to talk about the possibility of forming our

own chapter here at the synagogue. Since then we’ve organized, includingadopting bylaws, electing officers and holding our first full meeting in December.

So you’re asking, what have you done for me lately? All this flurry of activity is great,but when are we going to see some actual results – some real programs? Well, yourMen’s Club executive board has been busy addressing that very concern! Forstarters there’s the World Wide Wrap which, by the time you’ve read this, you mayhave already attended! It’s a program intended to promote and provide educationabout the ritual of putting on Tefillin.

Besides the educational/religious aspect we are also about socializing and havingfun. After our meeting on Sunday, February 8th we will be adjourning to one ofthe local bowling alleys to find out who is our local “Kingpin.” Maybe if we can get abig enough group we might eventually form our own league?

But that’s not all. We have plans for the coming months as well, including adultHebrew classes from our own Saul Mariasis, a session on Shul Etiquette andattending a Brewers game. Yes, we have some great plans for the remainder of thisyear but we still need one key ingredient to make us successful; your ideas andactive participation. Let us know what type of events you would like to see fromyour Men’s Club (Chuck Miller, our Social Chairman is looking for a fun event forMarch). If you like what you’re hearing and aren’t already a member, change that bycontacting our Membership Chairman Anthony Piraino (630-840-1784). So far wehave 25 members and counting.

Join us in the coming months in the excitement of building our new Men’s Club!

Perry PitzeleMen’s Club President630-289-3349 or perryp@lightfirst.com

Men’s Club News

Kol Kneseth Israel is publishedmonthly by Congregation KnesethIsrael of Elgin, Illinois. It is mailed to CKImembers via first class postage.Non-members who would like toreceive a copy may do so byforwarding a yearly donation of $18(Chai) to cover cost of production and mailing.Make checks payable to CKI.

Ha Kol Information

6

Parashat HaShavu’a – Weekly Torah Portions

January 31 Bo – Exodus 12:29-13:16 page 387 2 Tevet Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28 page 395

February 7 B’Shalah – Exodus 14:26-17:16 page 40515 Sh’vat Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31 page 423T’’U BiSH’VAT TODAYSHABBAT SHIRAH

February 14 Yitro – Exodus 19:1-20:23 page 43616 Tivet Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6 page 451

February 21 Mishpatim – Exodus 23:20-24:18 page 46823 Tivet Haftarah: II Kings 12:1-17 page 1276SHABBAT SHEKALIM- first of four special Sabbaths before PassoverM’Varekhim Ha’Hodesh the new month begins Sunday, Feb 22- Monday, Feb 23

February 28 Terumah – Exodus 26:31-27:19 page 4956 Adar Haftarah: I Kings 5:26-6:13 page 499

We e k l y Pa r s h aKeep Your Mindon the MINYAN!

The minyan needs you!

You need the minyan!

What a beautiful way to start a Sunday!

Join us one Sunday morning eachmonth for a minyan!

We begin at 9:30 a.m. We’re done by 10:00.

Then we gather for eating and kibbitzing.

Mark your calendar for thefollowing minyan dates:

February 1, March 14, May 9.

BE A MINYANAIRE!!!!!

other movements. They refer to theirplaces of worship as “Shuls” which isYiddish. The Hebrew term is Beit Knessetwhich means house of assembly.Orthodox members keep strict Kosher.

REFORM – do not believe the Torah waswritten by God. They believe that theBible was written by separate sourcesand redacted together. They do notbelieve in observances ofcommandments as such, but they retainmuch of the values and ethics ofJudaism along with the practices andthe culture. Woman can pray with menand are counted in a Minyan.Woman can be Rabbis orHazzans. The Reform sectbelieves that a child born to acouple is Jewish if either themother or father is Jewish. Thisis called patrilineality. (This isopposed by Conservative andOrthodox movements.) Reformtemples use a half Hebrew andhalf English prayer book. Manytemples are beginning toincrease the amount of Hebrewin their services. Many Reformtemples read between one andthree portions of a Torahreading. Often they read theTorah without the musicalrhythm of Torah trop. They referto their places of worship astemples, because they considerevery one of their meetingplaces to be the equivalent tothe Temple. The Reformmovement believes thatkeeping Kosher is a personalchoice and not that importantof an issue. However someReform Jews do keep kosher.

CONSERVATIVE – [CKI is a Conservativesynagogue and belongs to The UnitedSynagogue of Conservative Judaism]This movement was formally organizedas the United Synagogue ofConservative Judaism in 1913 by Dr.Solomon Schechter. This movementbelieves that traditional laws may bechanged and adapted absorbingaspects of the predominant culturewhile remaining true to Judaism’svalues. There is a great deal of variationamong Conservative synagogues and

their traditions. Some areindistinguishable from Reform exceptthey use more Hebrew, others arepractically Orthodox except men andwomen sit together. Women may countin a Minyan and may be Rabbis orHazzans. Conservative Jews believe thatonly children born to a Jewish female,regardless of the religion of the father,or converted by any rabbi are Jewish.The prayer books used in Conservativesynagogues are based on Hebrewlanguage with some English in them.Conservative synagogues usually readeight portions of the Torah on Shabbat

using the traditional Torah trop.(This trop has been used foryears and continues a traditionthat began when the Israelitesconquered Canaan). They referto their places of worship assynagogue from the Greek wordmeaning place of assembly.Conservative rabbis will notperform or attendintermarriage, which is amarriage between someoneborn Jewish and anunconverted Gentile. TheConservative movementbelieves that Kosher is atraditional dietary law andneeds to be followed.

RECONSTRUCTION – anoutgrowth of the Conservativemovement. Reconstructionistsbelieve that Judaism is an“evolving religious civilization”.They do not believe that Godchose the Jewish people.Many people think ofReconstructionism as being to

the left of Reform but they lay a muchgreater stress on Jewish observancethan Reform Judaism.Reconstructionists observe thehalakhah if they choose to, not becauseit is a binding Law from God, butbecause it is a valuable culturalremnant. Their prayer books speak ofGod beyond the gender concepts ofmale/female and beyond the traditionalmetaphor of “king of the universe”.They address God as “The Healer”,“The Teacher”, “The Comforter,” and “The Presence”.

What are the major differencesbetween Orthodox, Reform,

Conservative and ReconstructionistJewish Movements?

There are basically four major religiousmovements in Judaism-

ORTHODOX – There s not onespokesman or one organization thatspeaks for Orthodox Jewry. Thismovement consists of groups that areextreme radical right to liberal left. Themain groups are Chassidic, Yeshivish orCharedi (generally dressed in suits,white shirts and black hats), centristorthodox and modern orthodox. Ingeneral terms all of the Orthodoxmovements are similar and follow thebasic and fundamentalscommandments of Shabbatobservance, kosher dietary laws, familypurity, etc. There are significant socialand Halakhic (Jewish law) differences intheir attitudes concerning religious,social and political issues. Some of theissues that divide the movementsinclude the role of women in Judaism,the relations with non-Orthodox Jews,attitudes toward modern culture andthe relation to the modern state ofIsrael. Orthodox Jews believe that Godgave Moses the whole Torah at MountSinai. The whole Torah includes thewritten Torah (the first 5 books of thebible) and the Oral Torah, an oraltradition interpreting and explainingthe written. They believe the Torah istrue and it has come down to us intactand unchanged. Men and women atservices sit separately. They are usuallyseparated by a wall or curtain called amechitzah or by placing women in asecond floor balcony. The reasons forthis are two fold: first your mind issupposed to be on prayer not on thegirl next to you. Secondly, many paganreligious ceremonies at the time theTorah was given on Sinai involvedsexual activity and the separationprevents or at least discourages eventhinking about such things. Women donot count in a Minyan. Orthodox Jewsbelieve that only children born to aJewish female regardless of the religionof the father or converted by anOrthodox rabbi are Jewish. They do notrecognize conversions by rabbis of

Ask the Ritual Committee

7

On Yom HaShoah, Kneseth Israel will have the honor and privilege ofmeeting and listening to Robert Bielski, the son of Tuvia

Bielski, who was a Holocaust survivor. Not only was Tuvia asurvivor, he was one of three Jewish brothers who saved 1200 Jewsfrom annihilation by building a village in the forest around theBelarussian towns of Novogrudek and Lida. Robert will speak to usabout his father and his experiences as the youngest son of aHolocaust survivor.

Robert Bielski lives in New York. Because of the efforts of Lisa and DanielSchulman, with whom he is a personal friend, he will be our guest at YomHaShoah on Sunday, April 18th. The program will be presented in the earlyafternoon at the synagogue. It will accompany our traditional Yom HaShoahservice with Beth Tikvah Congregation from Hoffman Estates.

If you are interested in learning about this haunting and exceptional Holocaustevent beforehand,we recommend you read this compelling book, The BielskiBrothers by Peter Duffy. According to Howard Blum, author of The Brigade, this is“an inspirational story of Jews rising up against the horrors of Nazism…a movingtale about honor, courage, and duty.”

Please mark your calendar now for Sunday, April 18th. The specific time willbe announced later. Also, bring your guests – your children who are of anappropriate age, your parents, your relatives, your friends. You will have theopportunity to meet Robert Bielski prior to the service and presentation at areception to be hosted by Lisa and Daniel Schulman.

8

Thank you – so very much – to themembers of the community who haverecently donated extra dollars tostrengthen the Building Fund.

We are still working on bolstering thefund in anticipation of future ongoingexpenses. Please remember that thebuilding will always need attention andimprovement in order for us tomaintain a comfortable and safe homefor all.

You can help us in two ways. First, youcan give an outright donation ofwhatever amount you wish. Second,you can purchase leaves on the Tree ofLife in the synagogue. A leaf costs

$100.00, so you can buy as many as youwish. That will help us and will alsoallow you to recognize and honor somespecial person or event in your life.

We are deeply appreciative. We have totake care of our home, and yourdonations will help us do that. Justwrite your check to CongregationKneseth Israel and earmark it –BUILDING FUND.

If you need any information, please callor e-mail me. Again, thank you.

– Ron Raben630-837-6562r.raben@worldnet.att.net

To Build the Building Fund

Israeli MossadLeader Visits Elgin

Efraim HaLevy, former head of

the Israeli Mossad will be in Elgin

on Thursday, February 26th.

He will discuss his 28 years of

Israeli Secret Service activities in

a visit to the home of Cathy and

Ezra Ilani. Everyone is invited to

attend. Details are available in

the flyer attached to this issue

of Ha Kol.

If you wish otherinformation, please

contact the committee,either Lisa and DanielSchulman or Fern and

Ron Raben.

A Very Special Yom HaShoah Presentation

Social Action means opportunities forall to participate!

FEBRUARY MITZVAHGENTLY USED or NEW BOOKS-Get rid of all those books your familynever reads! The Elgin Crisis Center,Boys and Girls Clubs of Elgin, HeadstartProgram, and Juvenile Boys’ Home wantyour gently used or new books. Pleasesort them in bags/boxes labeledchildren, young adult, adult and dropthem off at the synagogue duringFebruary. No magazines, please.

Here is an opportunity for you toperform a DOUBLE MITZVAH! We arealso accepting gift certificates. Yes, youmay purchase gift certificates throughthe FUNDABILITY PROGRAM, anddonate them to the book drive.

MARCH MITZVAHMACARONI AND CHEESE GROGGERSand SWEETSMarch means Purim, and to celebrate,we need noise makers! Help us makenoise to stomp out Haman’s name, andat the same time, feed the hungry. Weask that every person who attends theMegillah reading bring at least one boxof macaroni and cheese to use as agrogger (noisemaker) which will bedonated afterward to those in need.

It is tradition for Jews to donate at leasttwo food items and other gifts to thepoor during Purim to show theirthankfulness and happiness for Esther,who saved the Jews from Haman’s evil plan.

Therefore, we ask that along with yourmacaroni and cheese, you bringsomething sweet (candy, cookies, jelly,

9

ADULT EDUCATION - Barbara SharfBY LAWS - Malcom MorrisCEMETERY - Ben RifkenHA KOL EDITOR - Ron RazowskyENDOWMENT - Charles ZimmermanFUND RAISING -HOUSE - Marc Zemel and Ed SteinMEMBERSHIP - Kara Gauthier, Janet Ellingson and Jack FishmanPUBLICITY - Aviva BealRITUAL - Mitch BerensonSOCIAL ACTION - Sherry Wiesman and Fern Raben, Co-ChairsYOUTH ACTIVITIES - Ken & Gale Jacoby and Joe & Maureen Rosenfeld

To contact a Committee Chairperson, call CKI at 847.741.5656

CKI COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONSSocial ActionCommittee

etc) that we can distribute to thehungry in our community. Yes, thereARE hungry in our community and YOUcan make a difference!

APRIL MITZVAH“MITZVAH DAY”April 25th is CKI’s annual Mitzvah Day.We invite EVERYONE in ourcongregation to come and participate.As a member of the Jewish community,we are obligated to help not onlyourselves, but the global community.There is plenty to do: cooking, dusting,organizing, landscaping, fixing, cleaning,waxing, and any other “ing” you canthink of! We also go into thecommunity. In years past we have goneto the Crisis Center, have gone to anursing home, cooked and frozen mealsfor shut-ins. We’re open to suggestions.

We have participation opportunities foreveryone – regardless of age. We don’tcare if you’re four years old – or fourhundred years old. The synagogue doesnot take care of itself! It is up to ALL ofUS to see that it is maintained. Considerthis your subpoena!!!!!

FEED THE HUNGRY IN OURCOMMUNITY, PLEASEThe need is urgent! Abram Wiesman has graciously made a commitment totake responsibility for continuouslyempting the food panty. LET’SCHALLENGE HIM, by seeing howfrequently we can fill it! The CrisisCenter really needs the donations.

A man once stood before God,His heart breaking from the

Pain and injustice in the World.

“Dear God,” said the man.“Look at all the suffering in Your world! Why didn’t You

Send help?”

“I did send help,” said theHoly One.“I sent you.”

Each of us has been sent to help repair the broken world.

This is not the WORK of aninstant, a day or a year.

Repairing the world throughmitzvot

is the WORK of a lifetime.

– A poem by David J. Wolpe (Specialthanks to Ron Raben for sharing thissensitive and thought provoking poem).

We truly appreciate your participationand others will truly benefit from yourmitzvot.

If you have any questions or ideas forSocial Action, please contact FernRaben, Sherry Wiesman, or Tina Wolf.

I/We would like to make a donation to the following CKI fund:

Fund: _________________________________

Name:_________________________________

Address: _______________________________

Phone: ________________________________

Amount Enclosed: $______________________

Please indicate � InHonor of

� In Memory of

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

Make your check payable to

Congregation Kneseth Israel

330 Division Street, Elgin IL 60120

Donation Information

These announcements were found inshul newsletters and bulletins. Even thespellchecker wouldn't have helped!

1. Don't let worry kill you. Let yoursynagogue help.

2. For those of you who have childrenand don't know it, we have a nurserydownstairs.

3. We are pleased to announce thebirth of David Weiss, the sin of Rabbiand Mrs. Abe Weiss.

4. Thursday at, there will be a meetingof the Little Mothers Club. Allwomen wishing to become LittleMothers please see the rabbi in hisprivate study.

5. The ladies of Hadassah have cast off clothing of every kind and they may be seen in the basementon Tuesdays.

6. A bean supper will be heldWednesday evening in thecommunity center. Music will follow.

7. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PMat the JCC. Please use the largedouble door at the side entrance.

8. Rabbi is on vacation. Massages canbe given to his secretary.

9. Goldblum will be entering thehospital this week for testes.

10. The Men's Club is warmly invited tothe Oneg hosted by Hadassah.Refreshments will be served for anominal feel.

11. Please join us as we show oursupport for Amy and Rob, who arepreparing for the girth of their firstchild.

12. We are taking up a collection todefray the cost of the new carpet inthe sanctuary. All those wishing todo something on the carpet willcome forward and get a piece ofpaper.

13. If you enjoy sinning, the choir islooking for you!

14. The Associate Rabbi unveiled thesynagogue's new fundraisingcampaign slogan this week: "I UppedMy Pledge. Up Yours."

15. Join us for our Oneg after services.Prayer and medication to follow.

16. Remember in prayer the many whoare sick of our congregation.

MESHUGASS

10

Consider a gift to the Congregation Kneseth Israel Endowment Fundthrough one of our income for life plans.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS in which you transfer funds into atrust or mutual fund which pays you income.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES in which you purchase an annuity andreceive income.

All have significant tax advantages.

For further information, please call or write:

Charles Zimmerman, ChairmanCongregation Kneseth Israel Endowment Fund330 Division Street,Elgin, IL 60120847-741-5656

Generous Donations

GENERAL FUNDMazal Tov to Ron & Fern Raben on the marriage of their son

Karen & Ron SigalIn memory of Charles Fox

Karen & Ron SigalDonation

Lisa WeisbergIn fond remembrance of my brothersHarold Durchslag & Milton Durchslag

Irving Durchslag

HAZZAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn honor of Lynn & DirkvanMerkestyn on their anniversary

Sue & Dick JohnsonIn memory of Charles Fox

Et & Hank SchillmoellerMazal Tov to Ron & Fern Raben onthe marriage of their son

Sarah FrischTodah Rabah, Hazzan Smolen, foryour participation when we renewedour wedding vows

Dirk & Lynn vanMerkestyn

PRAYERBOOK FUNDGet Well, Rose Goldstein

Marla & Michael Finger

PRAYERBOOK FUND (Humashim)In memory of Alex Goldfield,grandfather Hillel Ben Mosha

Donald Fields

BUILDING FUND

CLARA WECHTER EDUCATION FUND

CKI EDUCATION FUNDIn honor of our children’s teachers:Sue Kalfus, Michael Rosenfeld,Michelle Piraino, Wanda Pitzele,Debra Astrug and Marla Topp

Et & Hank Schillmoeller

SIMON C. & RUTH L. KAPLANTORAH PERPETUATION FUND

LILLIAN ROTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

FLOWER FUND

TREE OF LIFELEAF: In Tribute to

PAUL R. FIELDS – FATHERPesach Ben Hillel & Hanah

YOUTH GROUP (USY/KADIMA)To Michael & Marsha Schwartz, withall good wishes for a healthy andcalm new year

Fern & Ron RabenMazal Tov to Ann & Manuel Martinon the birth of their grandson,Benjamin Jacob

Fern & Ron RabenMazal Tov to Jenny Aronson on thebirth of your great-grandson,Benjamin Jacob

Fern & Ron Raben

SHALOM ACADEMYDonation

Ezra & Cathy IlaniIn memory of Charles Fox

Kara & Chuck Gauthier

To Fern & Ron Raben in honor of alltheir dedication and kind words

Dan Marshall & Liza BachrachJake, Lucy & Isaac

CANTORIAL EDUCATIONSCHOLARSHIP FUND

Acknowledgements

11

R’FUAH SH’LEIMAH – GET WELLRose GoldsteinRobert LeRoyAnne MellBen RifkenFreida SimonCheryl StanczakEvan Zivin

May God have mercy upon you andothers who are ill among the peopleof Israel

MAZAL TOV …to Ann & Manuel Martin on thebirth of their grandson, BenjaminJacob…to Maureen Rosenfeld on receivingone of three 2004 Dr. Martin LutherKing Humanitarian Awards from theCity of Elgin & the Dr. Martin LutherKing Committee

THANK YOULisa Weisberg for the generousdonation from the jewelry show which was used to purchase the newCKI camera.

Special Funds

The following funds are available for your generous donations:

Abraham M. and Anna Rose Seltzer Music Endowment Fund – Jewish cultural enrichment programs

Cantorial Scholarship Fund – Assistance to students in need at H. L. Miller Cantorial School of JTSA. Preference for Illinois students.

Clara Wechter Education Fund – Support Torah SchoolEndowment Fund – See the PresidentGeneral Fund – for multi-purpose useHazzan’s Discretionary Fund – Needs decided by HazzanLee Miller Book Fund – New books for LibraryLillian Roth Scholarship Fund – See the PresidentMajor Gifts – $5,000 and up. See the PresidentMemorial Plaques – $300.00Prayer Book Fund – Siddur is $25; Chumash is $60Shalom Academy – Pre-school Jewish EducationSimon C. & Ruth L. Kaplan Torah Fund – Repair of Sefrei TorahSisterhood Flower Fund – Pulpit flowersSisterhood Vision Fund – Large type siddur $50Tree of Life – Leaf is $100; Rock is $1,000

In Our Family

Jan 31 Feb 1 Hyman Ableman*

Jan 31 Feb 2 Zeldah Demont*

Jan 31 Feb 2 Louis Gordon*

Jan 31 Feb 3 Max Kohlhagen

Jan 31 Feb 3 Eugene Bernstein

Jan 31 Feb 4 Martin Kornstein*

Jan 31 Feb 4 Nathan Cohen*

Jan 31 Feb 4 Nate Krohn*

Jan 31 Feb 4 Sam Becker*

Jan 31 Feb 5 Milton L. Durchslag

Jan 31 Feb 5 Terry Ann Knol

Jan 31 Feb 6 Frank Lindow*

Jan 31 Feb 6 Lester Fischer*

Jan 31 Feb 6 Anna Gombiner*

Feb 7 Feb 8 Yuddy Wolfinsohn

Feb 7 Feb 9 Sidney Slutsky

Feb 7 Feb 9 Henry Greenberg*

Feb 7 Feb 9 Bernice Sievers*

Feb 7 Feb 11 Anna Libby Strickman*

Feb 7 Feb 12 Mildred Lipofsky*

Feb 7 Feb 12 Lena Simon*

Feb 7 Feb 13 Dr. Harlan Levin

Feb 7 Feb 13 Isadore Ginsberg*

Feb 7 Feb 13 Harold Modes

Feb 7 Feb 13 Fannie Rosenthal*

Feb 14 Feb 14 Sophie Kaplan*

Feb 14 Feb 15 Anna Lillian Rogoff*

Feb 14 Feb 15 Anna Perlman*

Feb 14 Feb 16 Millie Flowers*

Feb 14 Feb 16 Beryl Niznik*

Feb 14 Feb 17 Morris Agins

Feb 14 Feb 18 Jean Ginsburg*

Feb 14 Feb 19 Anna Sweet*

Feb 14 Feb 20 Marvin Kaplan

Feb 14 Feb 20 Ella Schlossberg*

Feb 14 Feb 20 Suzanne J. Greenfield

Feb 14 Feb 20 Beverly Weiner*

Feb 21 Feb 21 Faye Ginsberg Korn*

Feb 21 Feb 21 Israel Hymovitz*

Feb 21 Feb 22 Sheldon Franks*

Feb 21 Feb 23 Jerome Roth

Feb 21 Feb 23 Joseph A. Hass

Feb 21 Feb 24 Lillian Nitzberg

Feb 21 Feb 24 Philip Turek*

Feb 21 Feb 25 Edward A. Dato*

Feb 21 Feb 25 Jewel Singer*

Feb 21 Feb 26 Abraham Kowitz*

Feb 21 Feb 26 Samuel David Lipofsky*

Yahrtzeiten

We recall with loving memory those whose yahrtzeiten will becommemorated during the coming weeks, and those whose nameswill be read in the synagogue at Friday evening and Saturdaymorning Shabbat services during the month of February.It is appropriate that members of their familiesare present when these names are read.

There are two dates listed above on our yahrtzeit list. The first is the day of the service atwhich the name will be read. The second is the actual date of the yahrtzeit and memorialcandles should be lit on the preceding evening. An asterisk after the name indicates aplaque is affixed to the Memorial Tablet.

KINDLE THE SHABBAT CANDLES

Feb 6 .........4:54 PM

Feb 13.......5:03 PM

Feb 20.......5:12 PM

Feb 27.......5:20 PM

NOTE: Shabbat ends one (1) hour after candlelighting time on Saturday night.

12

Feb 21 Feb 27 Abraham Levin*

Feb 21 Feb 27 Howard Weisberg

Feb 21 Feb 27 Sarah Burstein*

Feb 28 Feb 28 Mark Cochin

Feb 28 Feb 29 Bernadine Rifken*

Feb 28 Feb 29 Peter Rose

Feb 28 Mar 2 Lorraine Silins*

Feb 28 Mar 2 Ida Fox*

Feb 28 Mar 2 Ethel Bleicher*

Feb 28 Mar 2 William Durchslag

Feb 28 Mar 2 Max Burstein*

Feb 28 Mar 3 Ethel Rifken*

Feb 28 Mar 3 Esther Goozh

Feb 28 Mar 4 Jerome Isadore Unick

Feb 28 Mar 4 Sylvia Lisagor*

Feb 28 Mar 4 Rachel Rifken*

Feb 28 Mar 4 George S. Friedman*

Feb 28 Mar 5 Michael Levin

Feb 28 Mar 5 Michael E. Mell*

Feb 28 Mar 5 Melvin Kalfus

Feb 28 Mar 5 Minnie Greenberg*

Feb 28 Mar 5 Paul Weisz*

CKI Marketplace

�Dr. Joseph RosenfeldPsy.D., C.R.A.D.C.Clinical Psychologist

• Individual• Couples

• Families

1595 Weld Road 847-429-1875Suite 5 Fax: 847-429-1876Elgin, IL 60123

Elgin OfficeSherman Doctors Building

901 Center St.Suite 206

Elgin, IL 60120847/741-3127

Marengo Office115 W. Prairie St.Marengo, IL 61052

815/568-8160

DR. KENNETH E. JACOBYand Associates

Podiatrist, Foot Surgeon

Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Fellow, American College of Foot Surgeons

Barbara F. MaringPaul A. Maring

Ph: 847-931-1818Fax: 847-931-1815

23 South Spring St., Elgin, IL 60120

Office Buildings

•Retail Centers

•Apartments

Commercial Brokerage, Leasing & Property Management

keystonecommercialrealty.com

Lawrence F. Berg, M.D., S.C.2350 Royal Blvd. Suite 500 Elgin, Illinois 60123

(847) 697-3800Diplomate American Board of Otolaryngology

Head and Neck Surgery

Ear, Nose & ThroatHearing Evaluation & Advanced Hearing Aids

Dizziness Evaluation & TreatmentFacial Plastic Surgery

ENT Allergy

Nancy C. CoxRealtor, ABR, Chairman’s Club

Office: 630.377.1855Direct: 630.262.7154

Fax: 630.262.0866

nccox@elnet.com

962 S. Randall RdSt. Charles, IL 60174

www.bairdwarner.com/nancy.cox

M A R S H A L LARCHITECTSSt. Charles, Illinois

630.584.7820

Creative

Residential

and

Commercial

Design

CKI Marketplace

Janet W. EllingsonJanet W. EllingsonAttorney at Law

� Personal Injury� Divorce & Custody� Real Estate� Wills & Trusts� Corporations� General

847.742.83001250 Larkin Ave, Suite 220 • Elgin, IL 60123

310 S. State St. 120 S. Third St.Elgin, IL 60123 West Dundee, IL 60118847-741-8800 847-836-8760

51 Center St. 201 S. Main St.Elgin, IL 60120 Algonquin, IL 60102847-742-2100 847-658-4232

Laird Family Owned and Operated

Elgin 847-741-3900Downtown Elgin 847-622-3179

Elgin South 847-622-3173Elgin East 847-741-3933

Carpentersville 847-426-2288W. Dundee 847-428-7000E. Dundee 847-428-9900

Huntley 847-669-6000www.efsbank.com

M E M B E R

FDIC

Scott H. BuddInvestment Representative

1140-A N. McLean BlvdElgin, IL 60123-1782

Bus: 847-741-4447Fax: 888-806-4706800-440-7242 www. edwardjones.com

Serving Individual Investors Since 1871

New Heritage, Inc.

41 N. McLean Blvd.Elgin, Illinois 60123Business (847) 697-7746Toll Free (800) 822-7746Fax (847) 697-3871Cell (847) 828-1922

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

Donald A. LesserREALTOR®

I Treat Your Real Estate NeedsAs If They Were My Very Own!

MIKE’S REPAIR SERVICEHOME REPAIR

All Installations of the following:Electrical Wiring • Telephone Wiring

Cable Outlets • Lighting • Ceiling FansWater Heaters • Dishwashers • SinksFaucets, etc. • Carpentry • DrywallDrywall Repair • Taping • Painting

Ceramic Tile • Floor Tile • Laminate FlooringCarpet Removal and Tile Removal

Repairs:Dishwashers • Dryers • Washing Machines

and much more...NO JOB TOO SMALL!

Got a problem?? Call Mike!!

Licnsed • Insured – 630-289-0275

SUBURBAN WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, LTD.

OB-GYN

Brad Lawrence Epstein, MD, FACOGChristopher S. Michael, MD, FACOG

Kathy M. Boerner, RN, MS, APN, CNMPatty J. Fornoff, RN, MS, APN, CNM

847-931-47472350 Royal Blvd • Suite 600 Elgin, IL 60123

600 S. Randall Rd • Suite 110 • Algonquin, IL 60102

Hours by Appointment

345 S. Willard Avenue P.O. Box 31

Elgin, IL 60121

847-695-0250Fax 847-695-2202

Irv. Durchslag

Since 1958

CKI Marketplace

847-697-6

444

TOM WAHL

Elgin, Illin

ois

TOM’S

Plumbing

Incorpora

ted

Greg Franklin Barn: (847) 683-9400www.Canterburyfarm.net Fax: (847) 683-9401

Cell: (847) 274-1605

14N200 Thurnau Road, Hampshire, IL 60140

TRAINING • SALES • BOARDING

COMPLIANCE IN ESTATES, TRUSTS AND GIFT TAXES

3 TIFFANY CIRCLE Telephone 847-836-0131

SOUTH BARRINGTON, Fax: 847-836-0133

ILLINOIS 60010

Jana EMcFarlane

4 Ash Cour t

Streamwood, I l l inois

60107

Tel 630.483.7330

Cell 630.464.6429

jemcfarlane@ear thlink.net

graphicdesign

E O M SElgin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Drs. Finger & Bennett, Ltd.www. Elginoms.com

Michael B. Finger D.D.S.Anthony J. Bennett D.D.S.

Dimplomates, American Board ofOral and Maxillofacial Surgery

1425 N. McLean Blvd. #200 Phone: (847) 697-6868Elgin, IL 60123 Fax: (847) 697-8355

MEMBER OF THE PRESIDENTS COUNCIL

FARMERS INSURANCE GROUPOF COMPANIES

KEN MORE, CPCU, ARMPALATINE, ILLINOIS 60074

BUS: (847) 577-2700, (708) 445-0900(312) 949-0500

FAX: (847) 577-3604 RES: (847) 304-1888

Pleasesupport those who support

CKI !

CONGREGATIONKNESETH ISRAEL

330 Division StreetElgin,Illinois 60120-5685

Return Service Requested

February 2004FIRST CLASS MAIL

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT No. 531ELGIN, IL 60120

Shabbat Services: Friday evenings 7:30 PMSaturday mornings 9:30 AM

Drs. Albert & Frieda Simon Adult Study GroupSunday mornings 10:00 AM

1 Minyan & Men’s Club Program: 9:00 am“World Wide Wrap”

2 Confirmation Class 6:30 pm

3 CKI Board Meeting 7:30 pm

5 Hadassah T"U BiSh’vat Seder

7 Junior Congregation 10:00 am

8 Men’s Club meeting & Bowling! 10:00 am7th grade field trip 9:00 am–1:30 pmto Holocaust Museum

10 ORDER CERTIFICATES

13-15 Kadima Kallah13 “Friday Night Alive – Unplugged” 7:30 pm

Oneg: Sue & Dick JohnsonBarb & Ron Razowsky

15 No Torah School – Teacher Institute DayNo Adult Study Group

16 Confirmation Class 6:30 pm

17 PICK UP CERTIFICATES

20 FAMILY SHABBAT 7:30 pmService: 2nd & 3rd gradesOneg: 2nd & 3rd grade parents

21 Sisterhood Havdalah & Rosh Hodesh Program 7:00 pm

22 7th grade field trip 9:00 am-12:45 pmPreschool 10:00 amAdult Ed: “The Spanish Inquisition of the Jews”Manuel Martin 10:30 am

27 Friday Night Alive! 7:30 pm

29 Open Sisterhood Meeting 11:30 amSisterhood Program 12:15 pm“Soup, Ceramics & Chocolate”(see flyer)