january-february sinai news, 2014

8/13/2019 January-February Sinai News, 2014

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Page 2January-February 2014

A Special Evening Vigil on ImmigrationRabbis Corner

You could have heard a pin drop. Surrounded by herfour young children, Jennifer Martinez explained how herhusband of fourteen years, Jaime, had been deported themonth before, despite an Obama administration policy toscale back deportations of undocumented workers withoutcriminal records.

She spoke to a crowd of over a hundredparticipants at Congregation Sinais Immigration

Seder, where Sinai members played host to fami-lies from Milwaukees Latino and Hispanic com-

munity."They wouldn't even let us hug him," said

Martinez, holding the youngest of her four chil-dren, an infant, who had begun to cry. Attorneyshad worked for his release, to no avail. The nextweek he was deported to Mexico. Several months

later, Jennifer and her children moved to Mexico. She said:"It's that or not have a family," she said.

We Jews have always had a connection to issuessurrounding immigration. From Canaan, to Egypt, to Israel toexile; our master narrative of sojourns and exiles explainswhy we are called the wandering Jews. It is why we knowwhat it means to be a stranger in a strange land. Our expe-

rience of being the other in Egypt and elsewhere become abasis for empathy towards those who are other today,

those who suffer for their economic station, their skin color,their religious beliefs or their sexual orientation. It is why theTorah is very clear about how we ought to treat immigrants.On no less than thirty-six occasions it reminds us that wewere strangers in the land of Egypt and that our historical

experience should serve as a deep well of empathy.If our peoples ancient origins were not sufficient,

our own families experience as immigrants to America

should lead us to identify with, and work on behalf of, immi-grants. America provided for our families a chance to setroots in a land of infinite opportunity. Should we offer thosewho followed any less?

Some feel that, yes, we owe very little to todays

immigrants. They say that if immigrants are undocumentedthey should have no protections from the avarice of employ-

ers, who regularly underpay and provide little benefits toworkers. Our traditions book of Mysticism, the Zohar, ex-plains why this approach is morally bankrupt. It says thatwhen Noah emerged from the ark he opened his eyes andsaw the world completely destroyed. He began crying and

said: God! If you destroyed your world becauseof human beings then why did you [bother to]create them? One or the other You should do:either do not create humanity, or do not destroythe world. How did God respond? [Noah, be-fore the flood] I gave you ample time to ask for

mercy for the world! But as soon as you heardthat you would be safe in the ark, the evil of theworld did not touch your heart and you built theark to save yourself. Now that the world hasbeen destroyed you open your mouth to utter

questions and pleas?Pulling up the ladder behind us, leaving those who

followed stranded below, is simply not a Jewish option.Weve participated in the once a month, vigil outside

the Immigration Control and Enforcement office (I.C.E.). Its

contingent on weather, which at this time of year is iffy;whats more, standing outside the I.C.E. office is not a pleas-ant place to be for those whose status with I.C.E. is currentlyunder review.

Sinais Social Action committee continues to work

with Voces de la Frontera, a group that works on behalf ofimmigrants in our area. We have sponsored speakers at Si-nai on Friday, January 17th the Director of La Voces, Chris-tine Neumann-Ortiz, will speak to us..

In addition, on Tuesday night, March 4th, we are for-tunate to be hosting the monthly prayer vigil. Well be joined

by our teenagers, as well as families and individuals from theLatino and Hispanic communities. Through bilingual prayerand song we will offer comfort for those who are themselvesor have loved ones who are currently in the immigration sys-tem. Come and let your voice of support be heard!

Rabbi David B. Cohen

With Much GratitudeCantors Notes

It was a joy to see so many of you at my installationin November. I am still kvelling from the warm welcome thatI have received from the Sinai family and I continue to begrateful to be part of this community. Rabbi Cohen and Iwere especially honored to share the bima with one of myteachers, Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller. We were also joinedby Zach Meyer on drums, Cantor David Barash, our accom-panist, Karen Horwitz and our wonderful choir.

For those of you who were unable to unable to at-tend, I wanted to share some of the words of Torah that I

offered during the service:I am overwhelmed with gratitude to see so many

people here faces that have become so familiar to me that

its hard to believe that Ive only been at Sinai for a few

months, not to mention the added bonus of having my par-

ents and Benjie able to celebrate with us as well. Benjie,

thank you for your beautiful words and melodies. It is a real

treat for Rabbi Cohen and me to share the bima with you

tonight!

I am honored to be formally installed as Congrega-


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tion Sinais cantor. I look forward to getting to know all of you

even better as we worship, celebrate, and share lifes mile-

stones together.

This is an especially fitting week for my Installation

because our Torah portion, Vayeshev, and my journey to be-

coming a cantor both begin with the story of Joseph. When Iwas in eighth grade, my congregation required me to be reg-

istered for religious school up until the completion of my Bat

Mitzvah. With a date in late October, I was

less than thrilled with the idea of signing

up for my synagogues Hebrew High

School program. My attitude changed

once I was cast as the Narrator in the

youth group production of Joseph andthe Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The

show kept me returning to the synagogue

months after my Bat Mitzvah was over

and enabled me to develop what have

become lifelong relationships with my peers and teachers.Those of you who have performed in shows or

played on a sports team know about the bond that tends to

develop between cast mates and teammates. I was lucky

that the connections I made during this production of Joseph

were furthered through Jewish learning and social activities.

At first my participation was mainly because I liked spending

time with the other teens. Soon, I developed a real thirst for

Jewish learning and knowledge. I learned to lead services

and worked closely with my cantor to learn the special trope

we use for the Megillot on festivals. I met regularly with a

woman in my congregation who survived the Holocaust and

heard her firsthand account as a hidden child in Germany.

During these teenage years, the seeds for my path towards

becoming a cantor were planted.In this weeks Torah portion, Joseph displays a re-

markable talent for interpreting dreams. His brothers mock

him for this skill, but his father, Jacob Shamar et hadavar he kept the matter in mind he had a feeling that Jo-

sephs dreams would amount to something. This is not un-

like what happened in my own family. Back then, my dreams

were Broadway and yes, my brothers got annoyed

(probably with good reason) by my incessant singing through

entire soundtracks at a time. But my parents, like Jacob,

believed in me they kept the matter in mind. They were

among the first people to suggest that I channel this energy

into becoming a cantor.

Though it took me several years to come to this de-cision for myself, my vision as a cantor is deeply intertwined

with the fact that I have been fortunate to be part of many

sacred and supportive communities. I feel compelled to pay

it forward by creating ways to give others a chance to feel

like they belong to something an opportunity to express

their Judaism in a way that holds personal meaning within

the context of a larger, shared community. Even if they dont

know what they want their Jewish life to look like, it is my

hope that people at least take the time to explore it and fig-

ure out where they fit. I consider myself extremely lucky that

my late Bat Mitzvah date allowed me to do this in spite of my

initial resistance.

I feel particularly blessed to begin my career here at

Sinai, a place that is small enough to allow for the develop-

ment of close relationships between congregants and clergy,

but large enough to produce creative and dynamic program-

ing across all demographics. This is a community that thinks

before it acts; a community that looks at the bigger pictureand strives to create meaning through every service, class, or

program. These are just some of the reasons why Congrega-

tion Sinai is much more than a house of

worship it is a home.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to

the many people who have helped to

make Sinai a home for me. Thank you to

the Cantor Search committee and its

chairs, Jen Moglowsky and Rick Meyer.

The process they used allowed me to see

firsthand the ways in which Sinai thinks of

the little things. Printing a pamphlet with

bios of all of the committee members enabled me to see Si-nai as a place where individuals matter. It also enabled me

to get to know the committee members long before travelling

to Milwaukee. Thank you to Pam Scheferman for helping me

make a smooth transition to life in Milwaukee and for plan-

ning several programs upon my arrival here in town that ena-

bled me to meet lots of different members of the Sinai com-

munity. Thank you to Larry, Juan Carlos, and Dick, our tireless

custodial staff, for all of their hard work in preparing for to-

night and always. To Tracy and Cheryl, our kitchen coordina-

tors - for making everything look so beautiful. I am looking

forward to the Oneg celebration provided by the Women of

Sinai, Mitbach Sinai and the Brotherhood.

Thank you to all of the musicians who added your

talents tonight to our fantastic choir, to Karen, our accom-panist extraordinaire, to Zach, to Cantor David Barash for

coming over after his own services at Emanu-El I am so

grateful that you were able to be here tonight. Thank you

Marc Cohen, who sadly, was unable to join us tonight, but

has been supportive and instrumental in my transition.

I must also thank our phenomenal staff Andrew,

Barb, Ilene, Jeri, Jen, Karen, Karen, and Rabbi Cohen for

making three hour staff meetings go by in the blink of an eye.

I love working with all of you. An extra special thanks to Jen

Friedman and Karen Lancina for going above and beyond in

everything that you do, not just for tonight, but always. And to

Rabbi Cohen, David: Thank you for being an incredible clergy

partner and for constantly making me laugh. I knew from themoment you stepped in to accompany me for my audition

that we would work extremely well together. It is a joy to work

with you, both on and off the bima.

Lastly, I want to thank Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller for

traveling here to be here tonight and for her beautiful words

and wisdom; as well as my parents, for always encouraging

me to follow my dreams for keeping the matter in mind,

so to speak.

With warmest wishes for continued blessings in 2014,Cantor Lauren Phillips

Cantors Notes (continued)


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Shabbat BoExodus 10:1 - 13:16

Jan 3 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

Jan 4 Torah Study 8 amMorning Minyan 9:30 am

Shabbat BeshallachExodus 13:17 - 17:16

Jan 10 Rockin Shabbat 6:15 pmCongregational Dinner 7:30 pm


Shabbat YitroExodus 18:1 - 20:23



Shabbat MishpatimExodus 21:1 - 24:18


Jan 25 Torah Study 8 amMorning Minyan 9:30 amZachary Yopps Bar Mitzvah 10 am

Shabbat TerumahExodus 25:1 - 27:19


Feb 1 Torah Study 8 amMorning Minyan 9:30 am

Shabbat TetzavehExodus 27:20 - 30:10

Feb 7 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm


Shabbat Ki TissaExodus 30:11 - 34:35

Feb 14 Shabbat ShaPizza 5:30 pmShabbat Unplugged 6:15 pm


Shabbat Vayakhel

Exodus 35:1 - 38:20Feb 21 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm


Shabbat PekudeiExodus 38:21 - 40:38

Feb 28 Shabbat Service 6:15 pmScholar-in-Residence Dinner 7:30 pm

March 1 Torah Study 8 amMorning Minyan 9:30 am

March 2 Scholar-in-Residence Brunch 11 amScholar-in-Residence 4 pm

March 3 Scholar-in-Residence 10 am

January-February Shabbat Service Schedule


Young-at-HeartsSenior Singles GroupYoung

-at

-Hearts is a social group for those looking to connect and make new friends in

a social setting. This is not a grief group, or matchmaking group, but a social groupintended to bring together people who may be divorced, lost a spouse or just want toregain the fun in life! Young-at-Hearts conducts monthly meetings and then often go to lunch together at Maxfields.Outings and activities include: card games, lunches, dinners, sporting events, mah jongg, theater etc. Young-at-Heartsis open to all Jewish seniors in the community. Meetings are held at Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa MonicaBlvd., Fox Point.

Next meetings:Wed, January 8, 10:00-11:30 am followed by lunch at Maxfields

Wed, February 12 , 10:00-11:30 am followed by lunch at Maxfields

To sign up for a meeting contact Jen Friedman at [email protected] call 352-2970.
http://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/bo.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/beshallah.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/yitro.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/mishpatim.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/terumah.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/tetzaveh.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/kitissa.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/vayakhel.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/pkudei.shtmlhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=V6YAvYRY80qiUtubAfPTY4-tHeB1nNBIG5dGfxlGE2_c4nrsgo7vEq3DUvkSJR_OKtrL4Hy9YlY.&URL=mailto%3ajfriedman%40congregationsinai.orghttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=V6YAvYRY80qiUtubAfPTY4-tHeB1nNBIG5dGfxlGE2_c4nrsgo7vEq3DUvkSJR_OKtrL4Hy9YlY.&URL=mailto%3ajfriedman%40congregationsinai.orghttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=V6YAvYRY80qiUtubAfPTY4-tHeB1nNBIG5dGfxlGE2_c4nrsgo7vEq3DUvkSJR_OKtrL4Hy9YlY.&URL=mailto%3ajfriedman%40congregationsinai.orghttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/pkudei.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/vayakhel.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/kitissa.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/tetzaveh.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/terumah.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/mishpatim.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/yitro.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/beshallah.shtmlhttp://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/bo.shtml


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Reflections

A Single GodThe motivating concept that gave birth to Reform Judaism in the middle of the last century

was that we were a religious and not an ethnic community. Recent opinion surveys indicate that mostnon-Orthodox Jews today identify themselves as non-religious members of a Jewish peoplehood.

They do not believe in the God portrayed in our traditional literature. Many would acknowledge beliefin the God of Aristotle, a deity devoid of personality, represented as a universal force or principle. Thisconcept was introduced to our tradition in Maimonides classic work, Guide to the Perplexed, and

finds contemporary expression in the writings of Mordecai Kaplan, founder of Reconstructionism.As one who believes in God, I find myself out of step with contemporary Jewish thought. Trac-

ing back to the origin of my belief, I think it has to do with my keen interest in mythology when I firstbegan to read. By the time I entered Sunday School in the third grade, I was a firm believer in many gods. Our teacher (Mrs.Kaufman) explained that Abrahams father believed in many gods, but his son realized there was only one. I had sufficient

faith in Abraham, and in Mrs. Kaufman, to be satisfied with a single God, and have believed in Him ever since.If contemporary religious school teachers wish to inculcate a God belief in their students, I suggest they follow a simi-

lar course of action. Teach belief in a multiplicity of gods in the first and second grades! Break the news in the third grade thatthere is only one God, and I believe the majority of your students will "buy in."

Rabbi Jay R. Brickman

Presidents Message

As we write this letter, we are celebrating Thanks-givukkah, the convergence of Thanksgiving and Chanukah,which I understand will not happen again for 79,000 years.This unusual convergence allows us time to stop and reflecton all that we are thankful for. On a personal level, after ourdelicious family Thanksgiving meal, we lit the Chanukah can-dles, and it made our celebration especially meaningful!

Over the last few weeks, the Board of Trustees madeoutreach phone calls to select congregants wishing them asweet year and asking or surveying whether or not they feltengaged in the Sinai community. The most common replyreceived was that most members are happy with their in-volvement in Sinai and feel informed by either the weeklySinai Enews, the bi-monthly Sinai newsletter (which you arereading now, Mazel Tov), housekeeping updates communi-cated at Religious School for Shabbat services, and updateson our website. For those that mentioned they would like to

get more involved, more engaged, you canexpect to receive a call or email.

One area we plan to focus on, is

getting our post Bnei Mizvah teens moreengaged. As a matter of fact, the Union ofReform Judaism (URJ) is making this a ma-jor priority at the upcoming Biennial Meetingin San Diego next month. The URJ has de-veloped a Youth Engagement Initiative, inan effort to quadruple the number of teens

involved in URJ programs by 2020. The be-lief is that Teens that are involved in youthgroups, camps, and other programs aremore likely to join and become involved incongregational life as adults. We are veryfortunate to have Milwaukees own Andrew

Keene, NFTY National President, work with

us as we develop these activities and pro-grams.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the installation ofour new cantor, Lauren Philips and were treated to some

wonderful music provided by Laurens teacher, Cantor Benjie

Ellen Schiller (who travelled in from upstate New York), Con-gregation Emanu-El Bne Jeshuruns Cantor David Barash(also a student of Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller) and some se-lect members of our Sinai Choir. It was a beautiful eveningand Cantor Lauren really kvelled with pride and joy.

On behalf of the other officers, and your fellow Sinaimembers who serve on our Board of Trustees, we wish youand yours a festive Thanksgiviukkah and a sweet and Happy

New Year.BShalom,

Dan Elias, Co-PresidentAndrew Gollin, Co-President


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Page 6 January-February 2014

So you are finished with the carpooling, kids are out of the housenow what?

Sinai Adult Connections is where mature adults (ages 50 and over) can enjoyinteresting and informative talks and entertainment, become involved in a variety of

community activities, and take the opportunity to socialize at Congregation Sinai. We would love to hearyour ideas for opportunities and even a name for this particular segment of our community. Contact Jen

Friedman [email protected] share your ideas and lend a hand!

Shabbat Dinner andConversation withRabbi AddressFriday, February 28th6:15 PM Shabbat Service withRabbi Address

7:30 PM Shabbat Dinner & continuingconversation with Rabbi Address. Adults only.Registration required, please RSVP byFebruary 23rd at:

http://scholarinresidencedinner.eventbrite.com

$18 per person

Join us for the weekend too!

Conversations on Sacred AgingAdding to the Lifecycle: Jewish Rituals as We Agewith Cantor Lauren PhillipsSunday, January 26, 2013 10:30 am- NoonFor more information on the Sacred Aging Committee, contactSally Moskol at 414-228-6371, [email protected]

Should we consider leaving an Ethical Will? Is there a Jewish BucketList? Do you need help for yourself as you age, or for someone youlove? These types of questions and more can be discussed in our CaringCoffee Hours.

Lend a Hand!

KOACHThursday, January 30, 2014This widely popular adultprogram brings together everyonefrom Milwaukee area newcomers, tosemi-retired and retirees, tomembers of synagogues, and theHarry & Rose Samson Family JewishCommunity Center.

Chaverim PurimMarch 4, 2014Join us in preparing and serving a

light meal to the members ofHaverim, the adult special needsHoliday Program.

Interested in these importantmitzvahs? Contact Jen Friedman [email protected].

See page 18 for more details!

Purim like youve

never experienced it!Whodunnit!A night of adults onlyentertainment, celebration,intrigue, mystery, and forensicscience!

Saturday, March 15th7:30 pm -Megillah with desserts and spiritsto follow(poisons will be screened)

8:00 pm Whodunnit?

See page 15 for more information!

A funny thing happened

on the way to Sinai

Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 7:30 PMSinai Brotherhood will host an evening of storiesand comedy with Marvin Berkowitz.This is an adult only event so markyour calendar and get your self

ready for an evening of fun!

See page 21 for more info

Social ActionShabbatJanuary 17, 2014at 6:15 PM

Christine Neumann-Ortiz will speakon immigration reform. Ms Ortiz

is the founding Executive Director ofVoces de la Frontera, a low-wage

and immigrant workerscenter with chapters in Milwaukee

and Racine, including a studentchapter called Students United forImmigrant Rights with membersfrom 3 high schools. Voces de la

Frontera is increasingly recognized

as Wisconsins leading voice forimmigration reform.

Sinai Adult Connections Just forAdults
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fscholarinresidencedinner.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fscholarinresidencedinner.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fscholarinresidencedinner.eventbrite.com%2fmailto:[email protected]


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Lifelong Jewish Learning


Parent Education Sunday MorningSeries Mishpacha:Raising a Jewish Family10:00 AMSundays, January 12, March 9

In tandem with the chairs of ourYouth Education Committee, Rabbi Cohenwill present a series of conversations ontopics relating to Jewish parenting. Topicswill include: How to talk to your childrenabout God and spirituality; Death; The prob-lem of evil and the Holocaust; Love, intima-cy and sex; Who is a Jew Jewish identity;Interfaith dating, and others. The first stepin preparing to discuss these topics with ourchildren is figuring out how we think aboutthem. This class is open and available toall; children not required!

In the Rabbis Study with Rabbi Cohen andGuests10:00 AM 12:00 PMSundays, February 9, May 4

February Special Guest, Elana Kahn-OrenElana Kahn Oren is the Director of the Jewish Communi-

ty Relations Council (JCRC). The JCRC speaks as the representa-tive of the Jewish community on issues of public affairs and pub-lic policy. An example: The JCRC mobilized the Jewish communityto stand in solidarity with the Sikh community after the shoot-ings. In many respects, the JCRC stands at the crossroads ofJewish and American values.

The Council implements a coordinated program of edu-cation, action, and advocacy for the Jewish community. It oper-ates by consensus and is its deliberations are living proof thatfor every two Jews there are three opinions. Despite the range offeelings and opinions, the JCRC tries to represent the Jewish

community in all of its complexity.Issues the JCRC has worked on recently include: The anti

-semitic incident in Algoma Wisconsin last July; coordinating op-position to a proposed boycott at the Riverwest Public House,last August; issuing a statement of support for the proposedmosque in Brookfield; joining the Interfaith Conference in issuinga statement on religious intolerance; appearing on WUWMs

Lake Effect show on the topic of civility in discourse.Join us as Rabbi Cohen interviews Ms. Kahn Oren about

the work she does, the passions and the disappointments it en-genders, and how she sees the state of the Milwaukees Jewish

communitys relations with the wider community.

The Tribes of Israel: A Shared Homeland for a Divided PeopleWith Rabbi David Cohen & Rabbi Jacob HerberTuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 PMJanuary 7, 14, 21, 28 at Congregation Beth Israel Ner TamidFebruary 4, 11, 18, 25 at Congregation Sinai

The second installment of the Hartman Institutes iEngage series confronts the

challenges of creating a Jewish and democratic public space in the modern State ofIsrael a shared common space for a citizenry divided among tribal affiliations:religious, ideological, national (Israeli/Palestinian) and geographic.

Co-taught by Senior Rabbinic Fellows of the Hartman Institute, Rabbi DavidCohen (Sinai) and Rabbi Jacob Herber (CBINT), this class explores the relationships

between orthodox, conservative and reform Jews in Israel, as well as the connectionsand challenges between Israels tribes and the North American Jewish tribe. RSVP at:http://tribesofisraelclass.eventbrite.com
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=bNjYJrkq7kmbLL8l1pMPV2kbekXYytBI1xN_zRaocpvgtRp8ftIDWaO6n3rxld3Icgw5IVx7qz4.&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftribesofisraelclass.eventbrite.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=bNjYJrkq7kmbLL8l1pMPV2kbekXYytBI1xN_zRaocpvgtRp8ftIDWaO6n3rxld3Icgw5IVx7qz4.&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftribesofisraelclass.eventbrite.com


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Ongoing Adult Learning



Lunch & LearnDay: MondaysTime: 12:00 PMFacilitator: Rabbi David B. CohenPirke Avot (Sayings of our Ancestors) presents nuggets ofwisdom from the most famous rabbis of the Talmud. RabbiAkiva, Rabbi Hillel and many more teach such essentialtexts as "If I am not for myself who will be for me? If I amonly for myself, what am I? And if not now,when?"

Bring a bag lunch and join us as we beginlearning Pirke Avot!

HAZAKDay: Tuesdays, January 28, February 25, March 25, April22, May 20Time: 1:00 PMFacilitator: Rabbi David B. CohenHAZAK is an acronym: the hetis for hokhma wisdom, thezayenfor zikna maturity, and the kuffor kadima lookingahead. Our mature congregants represent cumulativeknowledge, the ability to judge as zakeyn ina mature fashion and the aspirations tomove ahead. The HAZAK program isintended to engage our senior members byproviding programs to address their

interests, talents, and passions.

A Modern Rabbis Approach to the BibleDay: WednesdaysTime: 9:30 AMFacilitator: Rabbi Jay BrickmanRabbi Brickman is a trained Jungian, aphilosopher, and a practitioner of Tai Chi.If you havent studied with him now is the

time!

Through the Eyes of WomenDay: FridaysTime: 9:30 AMFacilitator: Dr. Sherry BlumbergUsing the Torah: A Woman'sCommentary as a text, we arediscussing the Torah, verse by verse using

critical questions, feminist readings, modernmidrash, traditional commentaries andwomen's poetry.

Acheinu (Mens Spirituality Group)Day: Sundays: January 5 (following Pancake Breakfast),February 23, March 30, April 27Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AMWith: Joe Glassman, Mitch Colton, andRabbi David B. Cohen

Acheinu is sponsored by Sinais Brotherhood. Share nosh &

discuss spiritual & practical matters concerning God, work,family & more.

Shabbat Morning Torah StudyDay: SaturdaysTime: 8:00 AMFacilitator: Rabbi Jay Brickman,Rabbi David B. Cohen

Verse by verse, line by line, word by word, the Torah comesalive!


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School News



Be happy, its Adar twice!You are likely familiar with the system of leap years

in our regular calendar an extra day is added once everyfour years to account for the extra six or so hours it takesbeyond 365 days for the earth to rotate around the sun. TheJewish calendar also has a leap year system,though it is a bit more complicated. This calendaris mainly lunar-based, and months are based onthe cycles of the moon. However, there is a solarcomponent to this calendar as well, since the fes-tivals need to occur in particular seasons. Before

this system was standardized, two witnesseswould need to alert the Sanhedrin (RabbinicalAssembly) in Jerusalem that they had observed anew moon; the Sanhedrin would then decree that

a new month had begun. However, every fewyears, when the new month of Adar began, theRabbis would notice that the weather, crops, andgrowth on the trees were not quite right for the approach ofPesach, which fell in the following month of Nisan. Whenthis occurred, they would insert an additional month of Adaras a means of righting the calendar. During the fourth cen-

tury, a fixed calendar was created using mathematical andastronomical calculations, and this is the calendar still inuse today. In this formulation, there is an extra month addedseven times in each 19 year cycle once every two or threeyears. As it turns out, 5774 is one of those years!

Perhaps adding a second Adar to the calendar wasinitially a matter of convenience so that Pesach would becelebrated according to the Torah, in the spring. But Adar isalso a month when we are told to be happy. During Adar, wecelebrate Purim, a holiday full of fun and silliness. Purimfalls in the middle of the month, but our joyfulness is sup-posed to last all month long. So what happens when we adda second Adar? To paraphrase the old Wrigleys commercial

we double our pleasure and double our fun!The real Adar, the one in which we celebrate Pu-

rim and which occurs every year, is actually the second onein a leap year. There is nothing particularly special that

occurs in this second Adar no holidays or extra celebra-

tions. In the fall, the month of Cheshvan also has no holidays(other than Shabbat, of course!), and we refer to it as Mar

Cheshvan, meaning that the month is considered bitter and

sad. But this additional Adar carries no such burden in fact,we are meant to have a full additional month of joy and cele-

bration in our lives!So while it may have started as a matter

of convenience, I do not think it is an accidentthat of all the months we could double, the winneris Adar. Judaism is a religion that promotes theappreciation of all that is good in the world. We

say blessings to give thanks for all the wondersaround us. The birth of a new child, a young adultbecoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a wedding we arecommanded to rejoice with our community when

these simchas happen in the lives of our familiesand friends. We use wine in our celebrations, notas a symbol of sacrament but rather as one of joy.

Even some of our more somber moments are meant to endwith feelings of thankfulness and wholeness. During Pesach,we recall our time as slaves so that we can truly celebrateour freedom. On Yom Kippur, our fast ends with a sense ofpromise for a good year ahead. Our religion is filled with waysto help us see the good in life and to enjoy all that we have.

So as we begin our extra month of Adar this yearstarting on the secular date of February 1stI encourage youto think about all the ways in which you can add a little joy toyour life. Every day, talk with your children about the goodthings that have happened, and acknowledge all the sweetthings in life, no matter how small. This is not to say that weshould ignore anything troublesome or fail to be upset overthings that are, in fact, upsetting. But instead of dwelling onall of the bad things, be sure to appreciate all of the goodthings. Bringing more joy into our lives can only make ourhomes, our communities, and the world better. Besides theJewish calendar commands it!

Barb Shimansky, MSWDirector of Youth Education

Any questions about Youth Education Program activities? Contact Barb: [email protected]

or Jeri:[email protected],or call the Sinai office.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Welcome back to school!

Please be sure to join us after Winter Breakfor our Pancake Breakfast on

Sunday, January 5that 9:30 am.

Bring your smiles and your appetites!

February 17-20Mitkadem

midwinter break

No Mitkadem classeswill be held that

week!

5thGrade FamiliesSunday, January 26thfrom 10:00 am

12:00 pm

(following

Tefillah).

Please join us for our

5thGrade FamilyLearning Program,

Reform American

Prayer

Kivun NewsWe WILL be holding Kivun sessionseach Tuesday throughout the monthof January. However, in order to ac-commodate the finals schedules ofmany of our high school students, wewill be holding a series of programsrather than our typical classes. Welook forward to seeing you when youcan be with us, and when you need tostudy Good luck! We will continue

with regular Kivun classes inFebruary.

Be sure to join us asour 2ndand 3rdgradeclasses help lead us inworship onFriday, February 14thduringShabbatUnplugged!

2ndGrade FamiliesA Taste of Tu BShevat, onSunday, January 12thfrom

10:00 am -12:00 pm(following Tefillah).

Please join us for our 2ndGrade Family Learning

Program!

The Day of Discoveryat the JCC will be heldon Sunday, February16th. Please note that

there are NOCLASSES at Sinaithat day!


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The last two months have been full of verysuccessful youth engagement initiatives at Sinai.

Here are a few highlights.1. JuSTY (Junior Sinai Temple Youth) had its first

event of the year, an amazing race and latke making.The event was well-attended and sparked conversa-tion for future JuSTY events being open to a widerage range.

2. We heard many great suggestions during our par-ent coffee series. Stay tuned for emerging initiativesbased on some of these suggestions.

3. We are starting to look at how we engage teens leading

up to and just beyond Bnei Mitzvah. Many teens are

very talented in specialized areas and we would love

to find ways for them to share their skills and talentswith Sinai.

Additionally, many Sinai teens attendedNFTY-Northern Fall Kallah and one teen attendedNashir, NFTYs Song Leading Institute. As always,

please feel free to contact me with suggestions andfeedback!

Lhitraot, until next time,Andrew Keene

Sinai Youth Engagement [email protected]

What's New in Youth Engagement?



Questions about any of our youth group programming? Contact Barb: [email protected]

CoSY

JuSTY

JuSTY is going bowling!January 19th 12:00 - 3:00 pm

All 4th-8th graders are invited to join us onSunday, January 19th from noon until 3pm. Wewill have a pizza lunch at Sinai and then head to

iPic at Pinstrikes (in the Bayshore Town Center)for bowling and fun! $20 getsyou lunch, bowling, and shoerental. RSVP to Jeri byThursday, January 16th.Hope to see everyone there!

Game Night!Friday, February 14th at 7:15 pmAll Sinai youth in 2nd grade and above - stickaround after Shabbat Unplugged on Friday,February 14th for a special JuSTY Oneg and gamenight! Come on down to the youth lounge for anice cream sundae bar, and board gameextravaganza! Feel free to bring your favoriteboard game to play with friends old and new! Wewill end by 8:30 pm. Please RSVP to Jeri byThursday, February 13.Parents - while your children enjoy their Oneg,please enjoy one of your own! Join other SinaiADULTS for a chocolate and wine Oneg in theWorship and Learning Space. Relax and spendsome time together with YOUR peers while yourkids have fun with theirs!

Jump Around -Jump Up andGet Down with CoSY!

Sunday, February 23rd we're going toHelium Trampoline Park in New Berlin.

More info coming soon!
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=-9f2iaF9oUyoyJQg67gQBads4tYWw9BIsbuQTD6BSqZan1IbxaL8kJCM8JwZ5UM0Kc895WUYLdc.&URL=mailto%3aakeene%40congregationsinai.orghttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=-9f2iaF9oUyoyJQg67gQBads4tYWw9BIsbuQTD6BSqZan1IbxaL8kJCM8JwZ5UM0Kc895WUYLdc.&URL=mailto%3aakeene%40congregationsinai.orghttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=-9f2iaF9oUyoyJQg67gQBads4tYWw9BIsbuQTD6BSqZan1IbxaL8kJCM8JwZ5UM0Kc895WUYLdc.&URL=mailto%3aakeene%40congregationsinai.org


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Family Programming

Sinai Skates!Join us for an afternoon of fun and skating with Sinai families. Did you know

Cantor Phillips is quite the skater! Come show o your moves!All ages welcome!

Sunday, January 26thPublic Skate: 1-3pmOzaukee Ice Center5505 Pioneer Rd, MequonCost: $3.00/skate rental, $2.00/skaterConcession stand open before hand for lunch.

So go there immediately following Sunday School!

(Birth - 3) Itsy Bitsy SinaiSunday, January 19 & February 23 at 10:00 AM

We value every member at Congregation Sinaieven our youngest! Our

preschool age program (birth-3) is called Itsy Bitsy Sinai. It includes Sunday

morning fun with the rabbi and the cantor.

We want to make coming to synagogue something that our youngestchildren look forward toa place of joy and laughter and fun. We strive to

help parents connect to others with similar aged children, to develop bondsthat will enable them to share their Jewish journeys together.

RSVP to: https://itsybitsysinaijan.eventbrite.com by January 15th

https://itsybitsysinaifeb.eventbrite.com by February 19th

Activities will include:

Songs

Stories Instruments

Craft & holiday projects

Join us for Shabbat Shira in the sanctuary with our school at 9:30 AM
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fitsybitsysinaifeb.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fitsybitsysinaifeb.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fitsybitsysinaifeb.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fitsybitsysinaifeb.eventbrite.com%2f


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ShabbatUnpluggedA Camp-like Shabbat experience for families of

ALL AGES. Join us as we sing and pray together with

Rabbi Cohen and Cantor Phillips. Well break out

the instruments! Family oriented, beginning witha 5:30 pm Shabbat Shapizza followed by what

we are calling Shabbat Unplugged!

Friday, February 14, 20146:15-7:00 pmParents and Grandparents alert! This Shabbat

will be hosted by the 2nd & 3rd Grade. They will

help lead us in song and prayer. A memorable

moment for the family!

Join us for Shabbat ShaPizza too!Come with the family at 5:30 pm and lets start

Shabbat together with a simple and easy pizzadinner for anyone who wants to join us. Just $10.00

for a family (up to 4 people and an additional

$2.00 each additional person).

Register at http://shabbatshapizzafebruary2014.eventbrite.com

by February 11th.

Whats Happening
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fshabbatshapizzafebruary2013.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fshabbatshapizzafebruary2013.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fshabbatshapizzafebruary2013.eventbrite.com%2f


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Rockin'ShabbatandRollintoDinner!

Friday, January 106:15 pm: Rockin' Shabbat Service7:15 pm: Congregational Dinner

Join us for Rockin' Shabbat filledwith song and music. You won'twant to miss this Shabbatexperience. Great for all ages! Rollinto Dinner for a delicious meal!Conversation for adults, with activities for kids! This will allow for aleisurely dinner for all. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to share!

Cost: Adults: $10.00,Children 12 and under: $7.00,

Children 3 and under: Free

RSVP by January 6th at:http://rockinshabbatdinnerjan.eventbrite.com


Whats Happening
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2frockinshabbatdinnerjan.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=http%3a%2f%2frockinshabbatdinnerjan.eventbrite.com%2f


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Whats Happening

Purim

Purim like youve never experienced it!

Whodunnit!A night of adults only entertainment,celebration, intrigue, mystery, andforensic science!

So bring your megillah, twill be quite a thrillah.

A Haman whodunnit? Hmmm Dont count on it!

Saturday, March 15th7:30 pm -Megillah with desserts and spirits to follow(poisons will be screened)

8:00 pm Whodunnit?

$18 per person. Please RSVP by March 10th at: http://sinaipurimwhodunnit.eventbrite.com

Congregation Sinai's2014 Family Purim

Megillah Reading

& Carnival

When: Sunday, March 16th

Family Purim Service and Carnival 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Congregation Sinai

What: Come in costumes! Come with noisemakers! Come with an appetite for

food and games! Silent Basket Auction with terrific items!

Who: Children of all ages! Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Bring your

friends and introduce them to Congregation Sinai!


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Whats Happening

Purim Basket

Silent AuctionOver 20 fantastic baskets at terrific affordable prices willbe auctioned between February 28th and March 16th!

Starting bids are affordable with minimum bid increases of just $5.00! Basketsinclude, but are not limited to: Art, Yoga, Barbie, Dance, Legos, Games, Chocolate, Cooking,Sports, Books, Movies, Experiences with the Rabbi, and much more! Stay tuned for a complete

listing of baskets: visit our website at www.congregationsinai.org.

To make a bid simply stop in February 28th-March 16th and make a bid or

give us a call in the office and well be happy to do it for you. Auction will closeat 11:45 am on Sunday, March 16th at the Purim Carnival. You do not need tobe present to win!

Baskets Needed!In order for the Purim Basket Silent Auction to be successful we need baskets.We would like to offer a variety of items for everyone to consider bidding on thatare creative, fun and vary in value. They are really fun to put together and they

make the room come alive! Two options are available for contributing:

Option 1: Choose a great idea from our list. You can copy the ideas provided orcreate your own themed baskets. You can create the gift baskets by yourself orwith a group of friends. The value of the basket should be no less than $50.00.This does not mean you need to spend $50.00 to make the basket, but the valueshould be a minimum of $50.00. Feel free to go over! Basket or container shouldbe included.

Option 2: Give $75.00 and we will create a basket in your name. Andi Rabennhas graciously offered to help us create baskets on your behalf. Easy!

All baskets are due to Jen Friedman by February 14th. All monetary contributionsare due by January 24th as we need time to make the baskets.

For more information contact Jen Friedman at 414-352-2970 [email protected] or Joan Becker Friedman [email protected].

AUCTION BASKET IDEASBook themeMovie themeBeach

Wine and Cheese

GardenerSpa Gift BasketChocolate Lover basketPicnic for TwoSports LoverSports ThemeGolf ThemeThe Cookie Baker's BasketI Love to Cook! BasketBarbeque themeCoffee themeCake Boss or Ace of Cakes BasketThe Beer LoverMargarita MadnessMartini Lovers

Who Needs to Cook BasketKids IndoorGet Ready for Spring (Kids outdoor fun)Lego Mania!Barbie Bonanza!Polly Pockets!Awesome ArtCrazy CraftsPlay-doh Basket
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=dO-gQGDpgk6LdxOZLlOJcXxjU2F0qs9ItpAe50tBTAopp0oaxWZsMi8QgNbIXeVG2xtJe2s4nVI.&URL=mailto%3ajfriedman%40congregationsinai.orghttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=dO-gQGDpgk6LdxOZLlOJcXxjU2F0qs9ItpAe50tBTAopp0oaxWZsMi8QgNbIXeVG2xtJe2s4nVI.&URL=mailto%3ajbf427%40live.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=dO-gQGDpgk6LdxOZLlOJcXxjU2F0qs9ItpAe50tBTAopp0oaxWZsMi8QgNbIXeVG2xtJe2s4nVI.&URL=mailto%3ajbf427%40live.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=dO-gQGDpgk6LdxOZLlOJcXxjU2F0qs9ItpAe50tBTAopp0oaxWZsMi8QgNbIXeVG2xtJe2s4nVI.&URL=mailto%3ajfriedman%40congregationsinai.org


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Whats Happening

Art & Conflict is co-sponsored by: UWMs Center for 21st Century Studies, Center for International Education, Collegeof Letters & Science, History Department, Peck School of the Arts, and the UWM Libraries, as well as the Coalition forJewish Learning, the Harry and Rose Samson Jewish Community Center, Hillel Milwaukee, Jewish Museum Milwaukee,and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation present:

Jonathan Freedman - Transformations of a

Jewish Princess: Salom and the Remaking ofthe Jewish Female Body

Thursday, March 6th, 7:30 pmCongregation Sinai, 8223 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point

Oscar Wilde's play Salom was written about a Jewish woman, and for the Jewish actress SarahBernhardt, who never played the part; the play was banned before she could appear in it. Anumber of Jewish women later took on the role in theatre or dance, including silent film star AllaNazimova, Yiddish actress Bessie Thomashefsky, and even comedienne Fanny Brice. Like the

Salom in the paintings that inspired Wilde, many of these figures were famed for their thinnessat a time when an ampler frame was taken as a model of feminine beauty in the culture at large,and among many Jewish women in particular. Jonathan Freedman uses these representations in order to examine theemergence of a new type of Jewish female beauty, in the context of the modern world these Jews were entering into bymeans of their spectacular public performances.

Jonathan Freedman was recently named the Marvin Felheim Collegiate Professor of English, American Studies, andJewish Studies at the University of Michigan. He has also taught at Yale University, Oxford University, Williams Collegeand the Bread Loaf School of English and is currently a Fulbright fellow at Tel Aviv University. He's the author of threebooks-Professions of Taste: Henry James, British Aestheticism and Commodity Culture (1991); The Temple of Culture:Assimilation, Anti-Semitism and the Making of Literary Anglo-America (2001), and Klezmer America (2008).


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Whats Happening

KOACHThursday, January 30, 2014Interested in doing a Mitzvah? Contact JenFriedman at [email protected].

The word KOACH means strength in Hebrew. This widely popular adultprogram brings together everyone from Milwaukee area newcomers, to semi-retired and retirees, to members of synagogues, and the Harry & RoseSamson Family Jewish Community Center.

Strength is an appropriate word because KOACH reflects the vigor of thisregion's Jewish community by representing the J and six Milwaukee syna-gogues including: Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun, Temple Menorah, Congregation Shalom and CongregationSinai. In this unique partnership, programs rotate monthly between the Jand the synagogues. The program provides a delicious lunch and a stimulat-ing and entertaining program designed for this special audience.

VolunteersNeeded

How you can help

Chaverim PurimMarch 4, 2014

Join us in preparing and serving alight meal to the members ofHaverim, the adult special needsHoliday Program. Congregation Sinaialways looks forward to hosting Chaverim.

Interested in this important mitzvah?Contact Jen Friedman at

[email protected].

The Chaverim Adult Special Needs holiday program

is a program of The Harry and Rose Samson

Family Jewish Community Center in cooperation

with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

VolunteersNeeded


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Whats Happening

A Sinai Collaborative Effort!

Brit Nashim, Social Action Committee, Women of Sinaiand The

Fifth Grade Class and Their Families make a difference at

The Womens Center

Congregation Sinai has had an ongoing relationship with The Women's Center . It was initiated andnurtured by Lisa Phillips, zl, a passionate, energetic, creative and active member of Congregation Sinai,the

Social Action Committee and B'rit Nashim. She also inspired many other worthwhile projects both at Sinai andthroughout the Milwaukee community. Part of the collaboration was a " Fall Activity Day at The

Women's Center" (formerly the SDC Family Shelter) where many Sinai volunteers spent a day doing a variety ofactivities. These Sinai groups have tried to continue this worthwhile project, in part to honor Lisa's memory.

In recent years, the scope of the project is smaller, but still impactful on a number of levels.

The Social Action committee coordinates the Fall Activity Day. This year, Sinais fifth graders, and theirfamilies went to the center and created cookies, decorated pumpkins with paint, glue and yarn, made masks, facepainted, and interacted with the children and mothers currently residing at the center. In addition, because of agenerous contribution from the Kaufmann family, toiletries were purchased and packed into 40 kits. Karen Hintz

knitted piles of washcloths and hats which were given to the families.


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Women of Sinai

Women at Sinai

TODAH RABAH

Belated thanks to everyone who donated or participated inthe Break-The-Fast meal that was served after Yom Kippur

services. Special thanks to Judy Shor for taking on thisimportant mitzvah!

Thank you also to all of our bakers that made sure ourCantorial Installation Oneg was a sweet ending to such a

wonderful simcha.

Please be sure to join us for our next Women of Sinai eventLASHON HARAH IN THE INFORMATION AGEJanuary 19 - 10am-12pmSinai Worship & Learning Space

Where do we draw the linebetween sharing information and

spreading gossip? Social media

has changed the landscape for

how we communicate with and

about each other. Join us for this

important discussion to help

guide you on how to live a

Jewish life online.

WOS MEMBERSDavida AmentaBarbie BlutsteinJean BromleyJayne ButleinMarcia CherniackMelissa ChudnowElyse CohnBernice FaganPamela Finberg

Janet FineBarbara FriedlanderJen FriedmanFrancine GlusmanJennifer GoldbaumAnne GoldingRuth GoldmannSharon GoldsteinDeborah GollinIdy GoodmanMarisa GrossmanRachel HafemannToots HasselRobin HoffmanStefanie Jacob

Lori JacobsonMari KatzWendy KramerKaren LancinaDannette LankSheri LevinSusan LeVineMichelle LewisJoan LiebermanSharon MadnekBettie MeltzerDorothy Meyers

Thank you and welcome to the first 70 women who sent in

their 2013-14 Women of Sinai membership dues (receivedas of 12/1/13). We look forward to welcoming the rest ofour members in the coming weeks. Please keep Women ofSinai in mind as you plan your end-of-year giving.

Donna NeubauerJanet PadwayBobbi RectorJan RosenbergLinda RossLauri RothMary RungeRoberta SchaalmanMildred SchapiroMimi Schechter

Pamela SchefermanBeth ShapiroJill SheerDoje ShermanMichelle SilvermanNaomi SoiferSusan StuckertKim Temkin-TaylorMarian TeplinLisa WaisbrenMerle WassermanMary Wurzburg

WOMEN OF VALORNancy Balcer

Barbara BradburySarah HwangMarlene LauwasserJulie LookatchMadeleine LubarMarianne LubarJoan LubarJennifer MoglowskyNita SorefLaura WaisbrenJill Weinshel

PARTNERSHIPSWomen of Sinai was proud to provide financial assistance forB'rit Nashim's blanket making social action project this fall.*Blankets were donated to The Womens Center. Does your

Sinai group or committee have an idea for aprogram that directly serves women andchildren, and you need a grant to make ithappen? Contact Julie Lookatch [email protected] have an opportuni-ty to present your plan and talk about howWomen of Sinai may be able to help.

We officially welcomed Cantor Lauren into our sisterhood on November 7 at Art Trooper in Fox Point. While not everyonewanted to make a menurkey, there were many other pieces of judaica to choose from, and the art of conversation was the hit

of the night.
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=GUWQEmUfn02hC1utuSR_dc23cejHw9BIJHLdJdDredKyOunSjvLKgE-4RJEByUrGHajOnW8GwNY.&URL=mailto%3ajuliloo%40sbcglobal.nethttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=GUWQEmUfn02hC1utuSR_dc23cejHw9BIJHLdJdDredKyOunSjvLKgE-4RJEByUrGHajOnW8GwNY.&URL=mailto%3ajuliloo%40sbcglobal.nethttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=GUWQEmUfn02hC1utuSR_dc23cejHw9BIJHLdJdDredKyOunSjvLKgE-4RJEByUrGHajOnW8GwNY.&URL=mailto%3ajuliloo%40sbcglobal.net


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Brotherhood

Brotherhood CoffeeSunday, February 2, 201410:00 AM - 12:00 PMDr. Marv BerkowitzThe Sanford N. McDonnellprofessor of Charactereducation at the University ofMissouri, St. Louis campus, will speak on the vitalimportance of ethical education in a world thatincreasingly seems to embrace a mentality of "noblood, no foul"!

Marvin is a humorist, an avidsoccer player, and mostimportantly an ethicseducator. If you think youmight want to make the worlda better place for futuregenerations, you need tostart here.

A funny thing happened on

the way to Sinai

Saturday Night, February 1, 20147:30 PMMarvin Berkowitz Live! Some of you may remember Marvin as amember of Congregation Sinai, and one of the original members ofComedy Sportz.

Sinai Brotherhood will host an evening of stories and comedy with Marvin Berkowitz. Thisis an adult only event so mark your calendar and get yourself ready for an evening of fun!

Cost: $10.00 per person. Wine, Fruit and Nosh!Please rsvp by January 27: https://sinaicomedynight.eventbrite.com

Sunday, January 5th, 8:30 AM

Come give us a hand and flip

pancakes for the Back toSchool Pancake Breakfast!

Interested?Contact Jim Stillman at

[email protected] the breakfast stayfor Acheinu (mens spirituality)

Milt Hwang & Andy Gollin

Dr. Ramona Tenorio speaking at Brotherhood Coffee.
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsinaicomedynight.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsinaicomedynight.eventbrite.com%2fhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsinaicomedynight.eventbrite.com%2f


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Israel Committee


Sinai Committees

Back to Basics

This is the second in a series of articles on The state of Re-form Judaism, (also known as Progressive Judaism) in Israel.

In 1948 when the new Israeli government formed,Prime Minister David Ben Gurion gave to the Orthodox par-ties control of the Religious Services portfolio and Chief Rab-binate. The Rabbinate presides over Jewish life cycle obser-vances, determines 'who is a Jew' (i.e. for legal rights in mar-riage/burial), or who is a Rabbi. To date, Conservative andReform Rabbis are not recognized by the Rabbinate. OnlyOrthodox Rabbis and synagogues receive government subsi-

dies. Despite a high court ruling to allow it, non-Orthodoxconversion is not accepted, and women of all sects of Juda-ism still may be granted a divorce only if the husband signs a'get'.

Today, largely as a result of the Israel Movement forReform and Progressive Judaism (IMRPJ) and their affiliate,the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), both supported byARZA, the Reform Israel Fund (a URJ affiliate), the ac-ceptance and practice of Progressive Judaism is on the rise.No longer is Orthodoxy the only way to practice Judaism. Ithas taken a long time (and there's still a long way to go) forIsraelis to understand that the Orthodox influence over thelast 65 years, and stronghold over the Parliamentary govern-ment needs to change; that there is more than one way to beJewish. Despite opposition from the Chief Rabbinate, thecurrent Israeli government is supporting initiatives (like cre-ating a space at the Western Wall for egalitarian prayer, mak-

ing separation of men and women on religious bus routesillegal, allowing subsidies to build Progressive synagogues)to create a democratic and religiously pluralistic society. Youcan read more about this at www.arza.org.

Here are some details on the growth of ProgressiveJudaism in Israel from reformjudaism.org: In its practice,Progressive Judaism in Israel is in some ways more tradition-al than in the Diaspora. Hebrew is used exclusively in wor-ship services. Classical Jewish texts and Rabbinic literatureplay a more prominent role in Reform education and syna-gogue life. A Progressive Beit Din(religious court) regulatesprocedures of conversion and offers guidance in other ritualmatters.

This fast-growing segment of Israeli society is establishing a

network of Reform/Progressive congregations, schools andcommunity centers across the country as described in thesestatistics:

35 congregations and community centers throughoutIsrael (our sister congregation, Emet veShalom, is theonly Progressive congregation in the Western Galilee)

50 kindergartens established in 12 cities, teaching val-ues of the Progressive movement.

70 Reform rabbis ordained in Israel

100 Reform rabbis in Israel

500 young people have participated in pre-army(mechina) programs

800 weddings have been performed by movement-

affiliated rabbis 1000 campers participate annually in summer camps

(Noar Telem) programs

3000 bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies were held during2010

10,000 families are affiliated with Reform/Progressivecommunities and educational institutions

40,000 Israelis define themselves as Reform Jewsbased on data collected by the Central Bureau of Statis-tics

500,000 NIS (New Israeli Shekel) has been allocated bythe Government of Israel for conversion classes between2006-2010

2.5 million NIS has been invested by the Israeli govern-ment in building reform synagogues over the last 4 years(which pales in comparison to Orthodox subsidies, butit's a start).

My next article will describe some of the challengesand triumphs IMRPJ and IRAC have experienced in campaign-ing for a democratic and pluralistic society, and how becom-ing an ARZAmember will help support their efforts.

Bobbi RectorIsrael Committee
http://www.irac.org/http://www.irac.org/http://www.irac.org/


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Social Action Committee

The Social Action Committee of Sinai has decided

to start a supportive relationship with the agency call Path-finders. Pathfinders mission is "to empower youth in crisisto make positive life choices."

BACKGROUNDThere are many young people in Milwaukee who

face severe crisis and trauma without positive role modelsto show them a way to seek a successful future. It is esti-mated that 600 young people have no place to go in Mil-waukee EVERY night, 150 0f them were evicted for gay andlesbian issues. Without access to supportive, healthy re-sources, these young people face horribly difficult choiceson how to stay alive; many could end up in the criminal sys-tem. Pathfinder's services, which are offered at little or no

cost, include housing in an emergency youth shelter, treat-ment group homes as well as Q-BLOK: safe housing andmentoring for LGBT youth. Pathfinders also runs a drop-incenter that is open 2pm-9pm which provides resources forbasic needs, emotional support and tangible tools for afresh start. This is a temporary oasis for young homelesspeople. Pathfinders provides education through the South-eastern Education Center for at-risk youth.

I know Pathfinders well, I spent my first decade asa Social Worker in Milwaukee as an employee and ProgramDirector at Pathfinders. I met frightened, vulnerable, resili-ent and inspiring young people whose families could nolonger support them; these young people felt they were en-

tirely on their own. The teens still carried dreams of a posi-tive future, but their trauma, lack of resources, sadness,and confusion blocked their way. Pathfinder staff did every-thing they could to keep these sparks of hope alive and tofind doors to open for a more positive future. This niche inservice is their strength.

In the past few months since the Social Action Com-

mittee met with staff from Pathfinders, I have personallybrought warm clothing, laundry detergent and produce fromour garden to the drop-in center. As I was driving south onHolton Street, I spotted many young people walking towardsthe center and witnessed their arrival. Staff greeted themwarmly, knew many by name. Behind the entry desk there isthe homey lounge for clients to regenerate and receive help, afull-sized kitchen, showers, computers and a clothes pan-try. These physical supports provide nutrition and hygieneneeds, but the emotional nurturing by staff and volunteersthat shows these homeless young people they are welcome,valued, believed in, cared for and protected, is the essentiallight of hope.

So how can we help? Many ways. We have ample

supplies to share; we can donate goods, funding, perhapsresources through our own networks, tutoring for reading andwriting, filling out job applications. Most of all, we can openour hearts as we provide meals and connections. Invest inone person and you will be inspired.

Some of us at Sinai may want to get personally in-volved, others participate as a Sinai community member. LetIdy Goodman know of your interest, and watch for announce-ments from Social Action Committee for our supportive ac-tions. Help be a path finder for Milwaukee youth.

Naomi CobbSocial Action Committee

*If you'd like to receive a monthly text with the collection itemfor the month, text PATHFINDER to (414) 737-1005.

Our entry hall barrels willnow be holding items

collected for Pathfinders.(see article above).

Please donate used or new

outdoor wear and packets of

fresh under wear for teen-

aged youth at Pathfinder's.


Sinai Committees


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Sinai Committees

Social Action Committee

Social Action ShabbatJanuary 17, 2014 at 6:15 PMChristine Neumann-Ortiz will speak on

immigration reform. Ms Ortiz is the foundingExecutive Director of Voces de la Frontera, a

low-wage and immigrant workerscenter with chapters in Milwaukee and

Racine, including a student chapter calledStudents United for Immigrant Rights withmembers from 3 high schools. Voces de la

Frontera is increasingly recognized asWisconsins leading voice forimmigration reform.

Your contributions make adifference:Much of the financial supportcomes through theSinai Tzedakah FundPlease considerthis Fund whenmaking your nextcontribution inhonor or memoryof someone.

Would you like to make a difference in a young-sters life? Do you want to make a difference toa family who is in need? You canHOW? Become an active participant inour interfaith meal program at theMother Scott Youth Fellowship Center.The Mother Scott Youth Fellowship Cen-ter provides hot meals, an emergencyfood pantry, and nutrition for babies.They also provide a bread ministry(bread is put out daily for people totake), clothing bank, and programs for

children.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Your commitment to this interfaith mealprogram would be for you to donate a specific food item eve-ry other month and drop it off at Congregation Sinai duringthe week we are assigned. Thats it...we will deliver it to the

Mother Scott Center.Please take advantage of this opportunity to make a differ-ence. Join many of your friends at Sinai and other families inthe Milwaukee community who are already active membersof our program.Please contact Donna Neubauer at

[email protected] or (414) 354-5961 so she cansend you the 2014 schedule and you can be part of ourwonderful charitable undertaking.

Immigration EventsNew Sanctuary Movement Prayer VigilTuesday, March 46:30 PM.Sinai is hosting this months event, in which

families and loved ones of those in deportationproceedings, and their friends and allies, cometogether to worship and reflect. There will be ashort service, led by Rabbi Cohen, and an onegafterwards. This event is open to all.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Chesed

The Chesed Committee has opportunities to con-

nect with our Sinai community in small and easy ways.*Funeral House Watch - when there is a death in the Sinaicommunity, we offer house watching during the funeral. Wewill email our list of house watching volunteers to see ifsomeone is available to help.*Soup Delivery - when Sinai is notified of an illness, we liketo bring soup to our congregant. We will email the requestto see if someone is available to deliver soup.*Making soup - we are always appreciative of memberswho come to Sinai to pick up our new quart containers, fillwith soup, and bring the quarts back to the synagoguefreezer, ready to deliver to a congregant in need. Pleasecontact Amy Newman at [email protected] if you can helpour community in any of these areas.

*Sacred Aging- Sally Moskol is using her skills, knowledgeand experience to create meaningful programs for our oldercongregants. Please contact her at [email protected] ifyou would like to be a part of this engaging group.

*Caring Connections - When we are notified of a memberneeding a phone call, a connection, or a helping hand, we willemail the request to see if someone is available to make thatcontact.Andee Bram, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)[email protected],414-351-6189

Marc Cayle, Owner of Comfort [email protected],262-376-7510

Barbara Friedlander, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)[email protected],262-238-8590

John Pereles (Jewish Cemeteries)[email protected],414-332-3464

Bobbie Unger Rector,PT (Physical Therapist)[email protected],414-540-0284

Sally Moskol (Activity Coordinator, Chai Point)[email protected],414-228-6371


Sinai Committees

Jill Weinshel & Nancy Stillman preparefor the Sukkot BBQ

Mitbach Sinai (Sinai Cooks)

Do you enjoy cooking for fun with friends? Come have a glass of wine with Sinai Cooks!During the course of the year we will gather in the Sinai kitchen to cook and bake forSinai events and ourselves. We promise laughter, great conversation and friendship!

Please look to your eNews for cooking dates and times. Looking forward to seeing manynew faces!

Have a great Sinai Cooks! Idea? Contact Jill Weinshel at: [email protected]

Conversations on Sacred Aging" Adding to the Lifecycle: Jewish Rituals as We Age"with Cantor Lauren Phillips

Please join us for Coffee & Conversation with Cantor Phillips, as weexplore ideas of ritual and aging.

Sunday, January 26, 2013 10:30 am- NoonFor more information on the Sacred Aging Committee, contactSally Moskol at 414-228-6371, [email protected]

Should we consider leaving an Ethical Will? Is there a Jewish Bucket List? Do you need help for yourself as you age, or forsomeone you love? These types of questions and more can be discussed in our Caring Coffee Hours.
https://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3aandeebram%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3aandeebram%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3amarccayle%40comfortkeepers.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3amarccayle%40comfortkeepers.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3abfriedlander%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3abfriedlander%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3ajrpereles%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3ajrpereles%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3aburpt%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3aburpt%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=UtZ6UJvSv0a25zFc5PSy4HxE1QTjx9BIqH8Ac8C1jmUnlxTX2XyipGqMSpU51iUhQFGGl_GOpwU.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3askmoskol%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3aburpt%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3ajrpereles%40gmail.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3abfriedlander%40wi.rr.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3amarccayle%40comfortkeepers.comhttps://mail.congregationsinai.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=oFjP-JzgX06JU3o8zlQPnylxqnxCA9BIdXy5WEUfXWhwW3pTu1XmdaRk44lJOH8EV9E1_SrMqFg.&URL=mailto%3aandeebram%40wi.rr.com


27/36


Scene at Sinai

In the Rabbis Study with Jody Hirsch

Cantor Phillips Installation Shabbat Dinner

Dancing away at Itsy Bitsy Sinai!

Making handprint Menurkeys at Itsy Bitsy SinaiSinais Mitzvah Menorah Project brought in over 150

gifts for families in need.

Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller, Cantor Lauren Phillipsand Rabbi David Cohen


28/36


Scene at Sinai

A festive Chanukkah celebration!

1st place Chanukiyah Contest

winners: Danielle, David &Amanda Jacobs

Wrapping Mitzvah Menorah presents for the CatherdralCenter holiday party

Making Chanukkah window decorations

The Hiebs enjoy the Latka Lunch!

2nd place winner: David Rector

3rd place winner: Sammy andRachel Scheferman


29/36


nating reading because it opens a dialog about the appro-priate place of religion in human experience and socie-ty. Smith gives a passionate and balanced perspective onthe undeniable primacy of religion. If any of you haveyoung adults/teens/preteens we have a pretty good selec-tion of books in their category. What I like to tell them is ifthey read one of these books, they get a two-fer. They canwrite a book report for school or use the book for their out-side reading, AND they learn something about their Jewishheritage. A brand new book is The Ninth Day (T F Fel) byRuth Tenzer Feldman. (My granddaughter Eve, age 11 isplanning to read this over winter break). It is the story of a60s Berkeley, CA teenager who is visited by a Serakh

woman from 11thcentury Paris. Using her grandmothersprayer shawl the two travel back and forth in time andspace.

Enjoy the library!

Happy Reading!-Jayne Butlein

The new book,Like Dreamers: the story of the Israe-li paratroopers who united Jerusalem and divided a nation( 953.5 Hal) by Yossi Klein Halevi has been widely and posi-tively reviewed in the New York Times and in the Jewish For-ward. Halevi tracked down seven members of the brigade ofparatroopers who in 1967 reunified Jerusalem and restoredthe sovereignty to the Holy City. In the years since, this bandof brothers has great ideological differences in modern Isra-el. Very interesting reading. Amy Ehrlich has adapted theTorah, with harmonious art by David Nevins in With a MightyHand (222 Her). Written for readers of all ages, based onthe biblical text, Ehrlich tells the Torahs stories as a lyrical

narrative. This is a wonderful book to read and/or to pagethrough. For those who enjoy fiction and are fans of Naomi

Ragan, her newest book The Sis-ters Weiss (F Rag)about two sistersgrowing up in ultra-orthodox Brook-lyn in the 1950s will not disap-

point. Why Religion Matters (200Smi) by Huston Smith, while notnecessarily a Jewish book, is fasci-

Check out Sinais library

Bubbe says

Support Sinai

Stay informed about all the happenings at Congregation SinaiEach week you should receive a Sinai Enews about the upcoming events at Sinai. Be sure to open and read yourSinai Enews. All kinds of exciting things are happening at Sinai and you wont want to miss any of them! If youare not currently receiving the Enews, please email [email protected] or call Congregation Sinai at414-352-2970 so we can update our distribution list. Also, visit our website at www.congregationsinai.org.

Supporting Sinai

Shaina Shops!Gift

ShopSuch gorgeous mezuzahs, Bnei Mitzvah gifts,

Kiddush cups and jewelry! Im telling you there is no better place toshop for that perfect piece of Judaica (as if you would go anywhere

else knowing your purchase is a mitzvah at Congregation Sinai)!Come by and see what my Shaina has done! Oh, and if you know

any nice boysmy Shaina is quite the catch!-Your Bubbe
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


30/36

Shop

& Support Sinai!Support Sinai whenever you shop

on-line at amazon.com.

Go to the Sinai homepage: www.congregationsinai.org.

Click on the amazon.com banner. Youll be linked directly

to amazon.com.

By using the website link, your purchase will support

Congregation Sinai.

Questions?Contact: Leigh Maxon:

[email protected]

Support Sinai While Shopping at SENDIKS! Purchase your Scrip card at times that are convenient!

January 5th & 19th

February 2nd & 9th

Scrip cards can ALWAYS be purchased duringregular Sinai office hours.

What is Scrip?Scrip means substitute money. Through Sendiks FoodMarket Scrip program 5% of what you pay for your Scripcard is donated to Sinai.

If you are looking for a wonderful way to honor or

remember someone, or recognize a special occasion, youcan do so by: sponsoring the flowers on the Bima

an Oneg Shabbat after a Friday night serviceCongregation Sinai typically provides these items for

Friday evenings when there is no Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Simplylet us know that you would like to sponsor and we will do therest. All sponsorships will be acknowledged in the Sinai

Sponsor an Oneg or Bima Flowers

Shabbat Pamphlet and the Sinai

News. We will also send a note ofcongratulations or thanks to the hon-

orees. The cost of sponsoring bimaflowers is $60.00 and an Oneg Shab-bat is $260.00.

Please email Jen Friedman [email protected] orcall (414) 352-2970.


Supporting Sinai
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


31/36

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

ST

1

NewYearsDay

OfficeClosed

2

No

Mitkadem

ExecutiveCommittee

Me

eting7pm

3

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am

ShabbatService6:15pm

4

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

5

ScripSunday

ReligiousSchool9:30am

BacktoSchoolPancake

Breakfast9:30am

Acheinu10:30am

CoSYBoardMeeting2:15pm

6

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

7

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm

TheTribesofIsrael7:30pm

(atCBINT)

8

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

YoungatHearts10am

(atShalom)

9

Mitk

adem4pm

BneiMitzvahFamily

Educa

tion#27pm

10

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am

SocialActionCommittee

Meeting12pm

RockinShabbat6:15pm

Congregational

Dinner7:30pm

11

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

12


2ndGradeFamily

Learning10am

ParentEducation

Series10am

13

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

BritN

ashim

7:15pm

14

FinanceCommittee

Meeting7:30am

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atCBINT)

15

ErevTuBishva

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

16

TuBsheva

Mitk

adem4pm

Board

Meeting7pm

17

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am

SocialActionShabbat

Service6:15pm

18

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

19

ScripSunday


WomenofSinai

Speaker10am

ItsyBitsySinai10am

JuSTY4th-8thgradebowling

atIpic12pm(beginatSinai)

20

Martin

LutherKingDay

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

21

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atCBINT)

22

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

23

Mitk

adem4pm

24

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am


25

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

ZacharyYoppsBar

Mitzvah10am

26


5thGradeFamily

Learning10am

ConversationsonSacred

Aging10am

TeachersStaff

Meeting12:15pm

SinaiSkates1pm

27

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

28

HAZAK1pm

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atCBINT)

29

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

30

KOACHLunch11:30am

Mitk

adem4pm

31

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am


January20

14


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SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

ST

1

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

AdultComedyNight7:30pm

2

ScripSunday


BrotherhoodCoffee10am

TeachersStaff

Meeting12:15pm

CoSYBoardMeeting2:15pm

3

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

4

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atSinai)

5

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

6

Mitk

adem4pm

ExecutiveCommittee

Me

eting7pm

7

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am


8

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

9

ScripSunday


MadrichimMeeting10:15am

IntheRabbisStudy10am

10

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

BritN

ashim

7:15pm

11

FinanceCommittee

Meeting7:30am

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atSinai)

12

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

YoungatHearts10am

(atShalom)

13

Mitk

adem4pm

14

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am

SocialActionCommittee

Meeting12pm

ShabbatShaPizza5:30pm

ShabbatUnplugged6:15pm

JuSTYYouthGroupGame

Night7:30pm

15

TorahStudy8am

MorningMinyan9:30am

16

NoReligiousSchool

DayofDiscovery@JCC

17

Pre

sidentsDay

OfficeClosed

NoL

unch&Learn

NoMitkadem

18

NoMitkadem

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atSinai)

19

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

20

No

Mitkadem

Board

Meeting7pm

21

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am


22

TorahStudy8am

BritNashim

Retreat9am

MorningMinyan9:30am

23

Acheinu(Mens

Spirituality)8:30am


ItsyBitsySinai10am

CoSYEventtoHelium12pm

(beginatSinai)

24

Lunch

&Learn12pm

Mitkadem4pm

25

HAZAK1pm

Mitkadem4pm

CoSYLounge6pm

Kivun6:30pm


(atSinai)

26

BibleStudyw/Rabbi

Brickman9:30am

27

Mitk

adem4pm

28

Scholar-in-Residence

ThroughtheEyesof

Women9:30am

ShabbatServicew/Scholar-in-

Residence6:15pm

Scholar-in-Residence

Dinner7:30pm

Purim

BasketAuctionBegin

s

February2014


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In the Sinai Family

Bnei Mitzvah Bios

Zachary Lawrence YoppsZachary Lawrence Yopps will become a Bar Mitzvah on January 25, 2014. He is the son

of Melissa Chudnow and John Yopps, brother of Benjamin, Sydney and Elena and grandson ofMarlene and Marvin Lauwasser, Liz and Tom Yopps and the late Lawrence Chudnow.

Zachary is a 7th grader at Bayside Middle School. He is active in baseball and footballand is a 1stdegree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He enjoys playing the drums and spending timewith friends.For his Mitzvah project, Zachary raised money and helped collect items for the wish list at RonaldMcDonald Ho

january-february sinai news, 2014

Documents