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March 2015
Adar 5775 - Nisan 5775 Volume 5775 Issue 8
… Rabbi … Cantor
… President … Executive Director
2
Rabbi
Jacob Luski, D.D.
727.381.4900 x1008
Cantor
Jonathan Schultz
727.381.4900 x1005
Executive Director
Susan Goldstein
727.344.1017
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood
Education Center Director
Katherine Schaefer
727.302.9668
Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah
Education Coordinator
Ricki Lewis
727.381.4900
Youth Director
Bianca Levi
727.381.4900 x1011
Community Engagement
Liz Sembler
727.381.4900 x1007
Torah Reader/Educator
Deborah Marmon
727.381.4900 x1017
Office Manager
Pam Askin
727.381.4901
Communications Coordinator
Carolyn Moritz
727.381.4900 x1001
Accounting
Denice Piller
727.302.9676
President
Alice Ettinger
Men’s Club President Steve Feld
USY President Hannah Weiss
B’nai Israel REVIEW
MARCH 2015
Contact Us
Our Mission Through our congregational life, our goal is to provide the opportunity for our
members and friends to experience Jewish life to its fullest. We want to transmit the
ideals of Conservative Judaism to our children and grandchildren, to enable them to be
knowledgeable and responsible participants in Jewish life, sensitive and ethical human
beings and reliable custodians of an enduring heritage. Through the synagogue, we
want to find strength and inspiration in worship and study, in the sharing of lifecycle
events, in acts of caring, in reaching out to the wide Jewish and non-Jewish
communities, and in concern and support for Israel.
3
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 pm
✡ Family Megilla Reading by our
High School Students & Costume Parade
Sanctuary
✡ Traditional Megilla Reading
by Debbie Marmon
Chapel
✡ Purim Dessert Reception to follow
Social Hall
Shalach manot for children! Singing! Ruach!
USY will sell “macaroni & cheese graggers” for
$2. CBI will donate these to the food pantry of
Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services.
Thursday, March 5, 7:45 am
✡ Purim Service & Megilla Reading
by Debbie Marmon
Chapel
✡ Purim L’Hayim for all!
Social Hall
Sunday, March 8, 10:00 am
✡ CBI-TBE Purim Carnival
Temple Beth-El
Visit Page 6 for The Story of Purim!
PURIM
Announcements
PESAH PREPARATION
Each year the Rabbinical Assembly publishes a
comprehensive and helpful guide to preparing
your household for Pesah.
You can access the most updated version at
rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide.
Visit Page 8 for information about
this year’s First Seder at CBI!
FROM THE JUDAICA SHOP CREW
The Judaica Shop has already set up for Passover.
If you don't see it we will be very
happy to special order.
Remember, we will be happy to gift wrap.
Presently we keep the same Judaica Shop hours:
Monday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Please call for an appointment or to volunteer:
Diana Litt 727.392.5554
Eileen Richman 727.492.4509
Anita Helfand 727.347.2300
SHOP THE JUDAICA SHOP WAY
BIKKUR HOLIM
One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is
bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a
responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take
very seriously. When our members are ill or
hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of
protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are
extremely cautious about sharing patient names,
even with clergy. We need our congregants to
communicate directly with us and to inform us of
illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin
at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the
synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments
of difficulty or stress.
HEVRA KADISHA
The Hevra Kadisha
Burial Society of CBI
will be honored at a
dinner on Tuesday,
March 12.
For information,
call Pam Askin
at 727.381.4901.
BUCS TICKETS
Tampa Bay Bucs
tickets are available in
the Mitzvah Men’s
Club block (Section
135 – great seats!) for
the upcoming season.
Contact Mike Slomka:
727.458.6703.
4
From the Rabbi
The Book of Esther tells a thrilling, spellbinding story about "a certain people" scattered abroad and
dispersed among peoples. It has acquired new relevance in our times, due not only to the genocidal
intentions of Hitler, Ahmadinejad, and radical Islamists, but to their methods of pursuing
Haman's diatribe.
The new Hamans echo anti-Semites throughout the ages. Jews are elitists, racists, terrorists,
suppressors, occupiers, warmongers, and the like. In 1905, the Russian secret police fabricated a
masterpiece conspiracy, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, purporting to show a diabolical Jewish
plot to control the world. The forgery, widely circulated by Henry Ford and still published the world
over, portrayed Jews as loyal only to themselves, not to the nation in which they lived, and intent on subverting all nations to
their own purposes. "A certain people" is Haman's way of talking about the Jewish people (Esther 3:8), a formulation which has
been one of the rallying cries of anti-Semites throughout history.
In 1896, French army Captain Alfred Dreyfus was wrongly convicted of treason and spying for Germany. Jews were seen as
disloyal foreign elements who could not be trusted members of society. Not until 1995 did the French army admit that
Dreyfus was innocent.
Today's Amalek is a constant reminder of how insecure and perilous life and freedom are in this world. The Purim story
instructs us to remember Amalek and to consider how precarious life and freedom are in today's world. The slander that
Haman proliferated 2500 years ago - Jewish peril, disloyalty, and the threat of a foreign element that could not be trusted -
continues unabated to this day!
Totally irrational, murderous accusations are made against the Jewish People and our beloved State of Israel. The aim of today's
hatemongers is clear: to delegitimize the existence of the State of Israel, portraying it as a depraved, immoral apartheid state.
Purim gives us the strength, courage, and power, the tikva – the hope, that we, world Jewry and the State of Israel, will
overcome the hatemongers' plan of annihilation. The Book of Esther is a book in which not just one period of Jewish history is
depicted, but all periods. It is a book that remains forever new, because Jewish enemies will not allow it to be forgotten.
Purim is unique among Jewish festivals. Purim will be celebrated forever. It is the holiday of joy and love.
It is the holiday against hate and prejudice!
Hag Purim Sameah! Shalom,
From the Cantor
Once again, it’s Purim time! One of the most fun holidays, a time for merriment, joy and celebration.
We read the Megillah in an atmosphere of unbridled happiness. We share Mishloah Manot (gifts of
food) and we offer Matanot la’Evyonim (special tzedakah for the needy). And we rejoice at a festive
meal filled with good food, good drink, family, and friends.
One of the most fun Purim traditions is the Purim Spiel, a play that typically reenacts the Purim story
in a humorous manner. The tradition of the Purim Spiel dates back to fifteenth-century Europe, or
perhaps even earlier, where it started out as family entertainment; i.e. a family would host a festive
meal on Purim day, and students, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and artisans would deliver either a poetic monologue or a short
play, wearing masks and costumes.
The subject of the monologue/play was usually, but not necessarily, the story of Esther. Sometimes, however, other Biblical
stories were addressed, e.g. the selling of Joseph, David and Goliath, the Binding of Isaac, or Hannah and Samuel. Since most
Jewish men were literate and traditionally educated, midrash/aggada (stories told by the sages which reflect or add to stories
from the Torah) and commentary were also incorporated – along with satire directed at the rabbi, cantor, community leaders,
and other authorities.
Purim Spiels sometimes included contests between cantors – sing-offs, if you will. One year at JTS, we put a modern spin on
this tradition in the form of “Cantorial Idol,” in which several cantorial students took turns singing pieces of Hazzanut, and
three other students acted as judges, doing spot-on impressions of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. We all got a
good laugh out of that.
Another Purim tradition is to daven Purim services to secular music, such as Broadway favorites, movie music, popular tunes,
etc.; a tradition that I will continue this year on Erev Purim, Wednesday evening, March 4, at 6:30 pm.
Hag Purim Sameah!
5
From the President Let’s have a heart to heart. While we are working diligently on our Strategic Plan for our future, we
must face the realities of today. Our realities are the same as so many other synagogues around the
country. We face decreasing membership, decreasing financial sustainability, and many other issues.
But what we do have is tremendous love and caring for CBI. This caring means that we have to care
for CBI first and embrace some relevant opportunities as we do.
One thing can be undertaken immediately: fostering member retention. What keeps people coming
back? Of course, religion is our common denominator, but that’s not the sole reason to be part of
the CBI Family. It’s people. As the song says: “People who need people are the luckiest people in the
world.” We are lucky because we care for others and they care for us. So if you are coming to CBI for any reason, call a friend
and ask them to join you. “Side by Side” is our motto, but if CBI truly is where you belong, I ask you to prove it and bring
someone with you. Even if your friend can’t or won’t join you, you have made the phone call and reached out to them.
That makes them feel special.
We may bring out the old telephone tree that schools use to notify parent of important closings, etc. For CBI it can be a bridge
to making people feel good and welcome. If you are asked to call someone, please remember that you are part of a chain and
any link that is broken, makes the chain less strong. Help keep us strong.
If you are able to volunteer in any way, whether from home, making calls, or coming to CBI to stuff envelopes or read to the
preschool kids, you are helping to keep the chain solid. We need everyone to be a link in the chain that wraps around us and
makes CBI strong.
Stop in, call, introduce yourself at an event, program, or at a service when you see a new face. That helps to make the chain
strong. Each of us is an important link. Keep the love for CBI flowing.
B’Shalom,
From the Executive Director
As you know, we’re well into our strategic planning process. We all are grateful to Susan LeVine,
Strategic Planning Chair, and the entire Steering Committee. We’re very excited that more of you
have joined in by process by attending the Town Hall meeting in January and/or by becoming a
member of one of our task forces.
One of the facts that has been underscored in meetings of the Financial Sustainability Task Force of
which I’m a member is that we are extremely fortunate to have an endowment fund from which we
draw money every year. Thanks to Joel Shane and his partners on the Investment Committee, our endowment fund remains
healthy. We’re looking to grow that endowment to ensure our long-term financial health. One of the ways we expect to
achieve that goal is through our participation in the Tampa Orlando Pinellas (TOP) Jewish Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY
initiative, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. You’ll be hearing much more about this exciting program very soon!
Going forward, our financial focus will be two-pronged: (a) growing our endowment to ensure our long-term health; and
(b) looking for creative ways to sustain our wonderful kehillah in the near term.
There are lots of challenges out there, and I promise that your leadership team is facing them head-on because we want CBI to
be around for many generations to come!
B’Shalom,
6
The Story of Purim
Purim, one of the merriest of Jewish holidays, is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar and
commemorates the deliverance of the Jews of Persia from the wicked anti-Semite, Haman.
The Book of Esther or “Megilla” is read each Purim and tells the dramatic story of Esther,
Mordechai and King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus was the King of Persia about 2300 years ago that chose
Esther as his Queen. At about the same time, he appoints Haman as his Vizier. The King is unaware
that his Queen is Jewish and of Haman’s hatred of the Jews.
Through a twisting series of events, Haman gets the King to agree to the annihilation of all the Jews
in the Kingdom. The date for the massacre is chosen through the casting of lots and falls on the
14th of Adar. The word “Purim” comes from the Persian word for “lots.”
When learning of this plot, Esther makes a bold move and goes before the King to plead for her life
and the life of her people. Ahasuerus rescinds his order of annihilation and hangs Haman instead.
And so, the 14th of Adar became the day of deliverance for the Jewish people and in thankfulness,
the day was proclaimed as a day of rejoicing. It is to be celebrated with “feasting and joy, and of
sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor."
Purim Observances
The Fast of Esther – Ta’anit Esther: We fast the day before Purim in commemoration of the
fast by the Jews in Persia, when Esther went before the king unsummoned.
Megilla Reading: The Megilla is chanted in Synagogue on the evening and morning of Purim.
Whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, we use “graggers” or noisemakers
to drown out the name.
Purim Masquerading: Masquerading is very popular and adds to the fun of the day.
Masquerade parade for children and adults are part of our celebration.
Sending Shalach Manot: We are instructed in the Book of Esther to send gifts “one to another.”
These traditionally consist of at least two different foods or drink, fruit, candy and/or wine.
Matanot L’evyonim: It is customary to give “presents to the poor” on Purim.
This can also be done by giving money to Jewish charities.
Purim Seudah: A special meal with plenty of food and drink ends
this festive holiday.
7
February 2014
Calling All Storytellers!
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers
to come read to our youngest learners. We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story
that supports our Judaica! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday,
9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved?
Please contact Preschool Director Katherine Schaefer at
[email protected] or 727.302.9668.
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC)
Purim is here and it is time to celebrate!
As our PRECEC students are learning the story of Queen Esther, we are baking Hamantashen,
decorating our costumes, and getting ready for our annual parade. On Wednesday, March 4,
our students will begin their parade around the Synagogue and school campus at 10:00 am
dressed as kings and queens. We will end our celebration with a cookie party at the Philip Benjamin
Tower and enjoy time with the residents.
Following Purim, we will be preparing our students for Passover. Our Practice Seder will be held on
Wednesday, March 31. Students will learn how to ask the four questions, create their own
Seder Plates, and hear the story of Passover.
Summer Camp Shalom registration is now open. Children will enjoy plenty of sunshine fun with
water day, garden activities, and dramatic themes every week! Summer session starts June 8 and
our classrooms fill up quickly! If you are interested in signing up a family member between the
ages of 2 months and 5 years, please contact me in the preschool office.
The direct line is 727.302.9668.
Katherine Schaefer, PRECEC Director
8
FAMILY PESAH FIRST SEDER
Friday, April 3
6:00 pm
Rabbi Jacob Luski | Cantor Jonathan Schultz
Bring your children, your grandchildren, and friends to
enjoy a kosher, traditional First Seder with your CBI Family.
Bring a picture from your favorite Seder!
Menu
Gefilte Fish with Horseradish
Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls
Fresh Mixed Salad with Passover Dressing
Roasted Chicken or Vegetarian Option
Roasted Potatoes/Vegetable Medley
Fresh Fruit and Cake
… and all Passover Accompaniments
RSVP for First Seder by Friday, March 27, 2015 Contact the CBI Office with questions at 727.381.4900 or [email protected]
Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Members and guests: Non-Members:
Number of Adults: ___________________ $54/person = __________ $72/person= _____________
Number of Children (7-12): ____________ $18/person = __________ $36/person= _____________
Number of Children(3-6): _____________ $12/person = ___________ $18/person= ______________
Vegetarian(s) ______________
I/We would like to sponsor a seat at the table for $54 ________________
I/We would like to be seated with: ________________________________________________________________________
Total Number Attending: _______________ Total Due = ____________
Pay online at cbistpete.org by clicking “Payments” and typing “First Seder” in the box marked “Other.” You may type information
about the attendees in the notes section. Pay by check to CBI at 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
9
Pesah Service Schedule 5775
Friday, March 27 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat & Shabbat Hagadol
Saturday, March 28 9:00 am Shabbat Hagadol
Friday, April 3 7:45 am Siyum B’horim followed by Breakfast
6:00 pm Minha/Maariv, followed by 1st Seder at CBI
Saturday, April 4 9:00 am Shabbat/Yom Tov Services, 1st day Pesah
Sunday, April 5 9:00 am Yom Tov Services, 2nd day Pesah
7:30 pm Minha/Maariv Conclusion of Yom Tov
Monday, April 6 7:45 am Morning Minyan
6:30 pm Evening Minyan
Tuesday, April 7 7:45 am Morning Minyan
6:30 pm Minha
Wednesday, April 8 7:45 am Morning Minyan
6:30 pm Minha
Thursday, April 9 7:45 am Morning Minyan
6:30 pm Minha – Erev Yom Tov
Friday, April 10 9:00 am Yom Tov Services, 7th day Pesah
6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat – Erev Yom Tov
Saturday, April 11 9:00 am Shabbat/Yom Tov Services, 8th day Pesah 7:35 pm Minha/Maariv – Conclusion of Yom Tov
If it’s Adar, Nisan must not be far behind.
Don’t forget to make arrangements
to sell your hametz!
Mehirat Hametz - Authorization of
Agent to Sell Hametz
Please submit to Synagogue Office
by 7:45 am Friday, April 3, 2015
I, _________________________________, hereby
authorize Rabbi Jacob Luski to act as my agent to sell
the hametz that may be at home, place of business, or
elsewhere, in accordance with the requirements and
provisions of Jewish Law.
Name_____________________________________
Home address____________________________________
Business
address____________________________________
Signature___________________________________
Donation to Maot Hittim Fund
The mitzvah of Maot Hittim (money for
wheat) has evolved to ensure that all Jews are
able to celebrate Pesach. By giving to CBI’s
Maot Hittim Fund, you are helping us respond
to the financial needs of those in our
community who would not otherwise be able
to participate in a seder.
YES, please count me/us in for this year’s
Maot Hittim Fund.
Please find my check in the amount of $______.
Please make your check payable to CBI - Maot Hittim
and send to Congregation B’nai Israel at
P.O. Box 159, Montvale, New Jersey 07645,
or bring it to the CBI office.
10
Adult Studies
Talmud class with Steve Wein
CBI-Hadassah Book Club
CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah co-host a monthly book
readers’ Discussion Group on Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the CBI Library.
If you are interested in leading the discussion for a meeting, please contact
Sheila Wasserman at 727.347.5816.
This month, the book club meets on Wednesday, March 18, to discuss
To Wear the White Cloak by Sharan Newman:
Catherine LeVendeur is an independent spirit, fiercely loyal to both her faith and her family.
The two sometimes conflict, but even though she has experienced joy and loss, her life remains
committed to preserving what - and who - she loves. Summary excerpt courtesy of Amazon.
Want a head start on next month’s book? The April session will discuss The Aleppo Codex:
A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible by Matti Friedman.
Talmud Made Easy
Join Steve Wein as he and his Talmud Class continue study of a new Tractate this year along with its
selected commentaries. The classes are in English, and Steve explains all. Materials will be provided.
The class involves both textual analysis and lively discussion, and is open to all.
No previous knowledge is necessary.
Meet at the Buns Family Library at CBI on select Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.
Next Sessions: Wednesdays, March 11, and March 25
Cholent Kiddush & Torah Study
Relax after 9:00 am Shabbat morning services over a hot Kiddush lunch of “traditional” cholent,
challah, and pastry while we study Torah with Rabbi Luski. Saturday, March 14.
Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival
See what’s playing on both sides of the bay! Visit TBJFF.org for film screenings and ticket prices.
The Jews of Spain: Past, Present, and… Future?
Presented by Moisés Hassán
Moisés Hassán is an educator and a scholar who recently joined the university
Pablo de Olavide in Seville as an honorary lecturer on Holocaust-Shoah and
Anti-Semitism Studies.
Hassán was born in Seville in 1967. His parents and grandparents were born in
Morocco, and one of his great-grandparents was born in Tlemcen, Algeria.
Upon Hassán’s father’s arrival in Seville in 1964, he organized the few Jewish
families that were living there at the time and inscripted the “Israelite
Community of Seville.” He became the President until he passed away in 1995.
Lecture: Wednesday, March 25, 7:00 pm at CBI
11
Todah Rabah: Tu B’Shvat
At a joyous, room-packed Tu B’Shvat Seder,
JNF honored CBI for the completion of its second
Parkland Project: 5,000 trees.
In addition to the mitzvah of creating a green Israel,
we’re performing another mitzvah at CBI:
the JNF-CBI partnership produces a commission of 20%
on donations not specifically designated for a JNF event
or activity. This money is restricted to Israel programming at CBI, and is used especially for our
teens and college students.
We extend a yasher koach to Janice and David LeVine for organizing and conducting this
wonderful tre(e)mendous event. We thank Maureen Shacter and Diane Bloom for cooking,
and the youth of Hebrew High for creating the platters of fruits and nuts and setting up the room.
I encourage each of you to donate to CBI’s Woodland Project. Currently, this can’t be done online,
but the donation form is available on CBI’s website at cbistpete.org/?p=80 and hard copies are in
the Lobby at the entrance to the Sanctuary:
✡ 1 tree ($18);
✡ 2 trees ($36);
✡ Ring of 3 trees ($54);
✡ Circle of 5 trees ($72).
For support of the Woodland Project of $100 or more, the unit cost of a tree is $5 – thus,
for $100, you can donate 20 trees; for $180, you can donate 36 trees; etc.
Byron Kolitz
Students at CBI’s Religious School held their own Sunday morning Tu B’Shvat seder on February 1.
There was singing and great food for all! Photographs courtesy of Ricki Lewis.
Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah
12
The Zionist Elections: Making Your Voice Count in Israel You may never have heard of one of the more important institutions of the Conservative Movement,
but it needs you now. The organization is MERCAZ.
MERCAZ: The word means "The Center"; it refers to Israel, the cultural center par excellence of the
Jewish people. MERCAZ is the Zionist organization of the worldwide Conservative Movement.
MERCAZ promotes and supports Zionist education, Israel programs, and aliyah within our
movement. At the same time, MERCAZ represents the interests of Masorti (Conservative) Judaism
in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and in the Jewish Agency for Israel. Within those bodies,
MERCAZ advocates for religious pluralism within Israel, and is a force for funding the liberal religious
movements (such as Reform and Conservative Judaism) in Israel.
It may sound Byzantine, but here is how it works: American Jewish federations raise money for Israel.
Much of this money goes to the WZO and the Jewish Agency. The WZO and the Jewish Agency
distribute those monies. The apportionment of those monies is directly affected by the
relative sizes of the delegations from each Zionist organization. Got it? The more
delegates that we, the Conservative Movement, have in those bodies, the more money
our movement in Israel receives and the more say we have in ensuring that the flow of
money and the guiding philosophy of the Jewish Agency supports our concerns for
pluralism in Israeli society.
The size of the MERCAZ delegation in the WZO is a direct result of votes in the World
Zionist Congress election. The more Conservative Jews who register and vote for MERCAZ,
the more MERCAZ delegates are elected, and the more money is allocated to the
Masorti Movement in Israel, and the more we can make a difference.
That's where we come in. The election for the 37th World Zionist Organization Congress is almost
here. You can help MERCAZ increase the size of our delegation simply by registering with the
American Zionist Movement, the US affiliate of the WZO, and then voting for MERCAZ delegates
when you receive your ballot. Registering costs just $10.00. You can register by going
to www.mercazusa.org and clicking on “Register” or completing a mail-in registration.
Registration begins on January 13 and ends April 30.
How much does your vote help? A LOT! Less than 4 percent of the members of American
Conservative Jews participated in the last Zionist Congress elections. If we doubled that percentage,
an additional 1.7 million dollars could be allocated to Masorti institutions in Israel.
This could go a long way to strengthen liberal Jewish life in Israel.
Just think what you can achieve with just $10.00!
Register now and exercise your right to vote in the upcoming Zionist Congress election!
13
Advocacy for Israel Committee
Anti-Semitism in Europe: A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein
Britain’s 300,000 Jews account for 0.4 percent of the total population. About two-thirds of British
Jewry live in or around London. Less than a week after four Jewish men were killed in a Paris
kosher supermarket by an Islamic extremist, Britain’s Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA)
released the document titled “Annual Antisemitism [sic] Barometer:
2015 Full Report” (antisemitism.uk).
The report contained information from two surveys. One included a nationally representative
sample of 3,411 British adults and the other 2,230 British Jewish people, equivalent to almost 1
percent of the Jewish population of Great Britain. The surveys identified that nearly half of Britons
hold an anti-Semitic view. One in four Britons believes that “Jews chase money more than other
British people” and one in five believes that “Jews’ loyalty to Israel makes them less loyal to Britain
than other British people.”
Over half of British Jews say that they have witnessed more anti-Semitism in the past two years
than ever before and they feel that anti-Semitism now echoes the 1930s. Anti-Semitic attacks
recorded in Britain during the 2014 period accounted for 3.28 percent of a total of 9,103 hate
crimes reported. That figure represented a 22 percent increase over the overall number of hate
crimes recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Fifty-eight percent of the British Jews
surveyed feel that Jews have no future in Europe and one quarter of British Jews have considered
leaving because of rising anti-Semitism.
Hate crimes against Jews in London more than doubled last year, according to Scotland Yard. The
police headquarters for metropolitan London reported 299 hate crimes against Jewish people
between the start of April and the end of December of 2014.This represented a rise of 128 percent
over the corresponding period in 2013, when there were 131 hate crimes.
The CAA report concluded, “Whilst antisemitism [sic] in Britain is not yet at the levels seen in
most of Europe, the results of our survey should be a wakeup call. Britain is at a tipping point: unless
antisemitism is met with zero tolerance, it will continue to grow and British Jews may increasingly
question their place in their own country. Antisemitism is not a problem only for Jewish people, but
for all of Britain, which must uphold its tradition of tolerance and pluralism.”
14
Adar - Nisan 5775
MARCH 2015
Sunday Monday Tuesday
1 9:45am PRTT
2 4:30pm Women’s League
Board
5:30pm Hamentashen Baking
3 6:00pm Chess Club
7:00pm Men’s Club Board
8 Clocks Change:
Spring Forward One Hour!
NO PRTT
10:00am CBI-TBE Purim
Carnival
Temple Beth-El
9 10 11:00am Torah For Seniors
Philip Benjamin Towers
7:00pm Women’s League
“Get Tech Savvy”
6:00pm Chess Club
15 9:45am PRTT
10:00am USY/Kadima Paintball
4:00pm Federation
Maimonides Dinner
Feather Sound
Country Club
16 17 6:00pm Chess Club
22 9:45am PRTT
1:00pm USY Berry Picking
5:00pm Israel Bonds Pinellas
Cocktail Supper
St. Pete/Clearwater
Marriott
23 Kitchen closes for
Passover cleaning
24 6:00pm Chess Club
7:00pm Women’s Community
Seder
Beth Shalom, Clearwater
29 MERCAZ Subregional
Youth Convention
Cong. Rodeph Shalom, Tampa NO PRTT
5:00pm Federation’s Women
of Distinction
St. Pete/Clearwater
Marriott
30 3/30 - 4/3: Pinellas Schools
Spring Break
31 3/30 - 4/3: Pinellas Schools
Spring Break 10:00am Preschool Practice
Seder 6:00pm Chess Club
Morning
Minyan Followed by
Breakfast
Sunday: 9:00 am
Monday - Friday:
7:45 am
Evening
Minyan
Sunday -
Thursday:
6:30 pm
Please consult the
calendar for holiday
time changes.
15
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
4 EREV PURIM 10:00am PRECEC Purim
Parade
5:00pm USY Mishloach
Manot Preparation
6:30pm Minha, Maariv
7:00pm Family Megillah
Reading - Sanctuary
Traditional Megillah
5 PURIM
7:45am Minyan,
Megillah Reading,
L’chayim Breakfast
10:00am Library Committee
6 6:16pm Candlelighting
6:30pm “Blue Jeans”
Kabbalat Shabbat
7 9:00am Shabbat Services,
Kiddush*
11 12:00pm Lunch With the
Rabbi
4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh
7:00pm Hebrew High &
Mehina
7:00pm Talmud Class
12 10:00am Library Committee
13 6:30pm Carlebach
Kabbalat Shabbat
7:20pm Candlelighting
14 9:00am Shabbat Parah
Services,
Torah Study,
Cholent Kiddush*
8:00pm USY Campout
Sleepover
18 10:00am Book Club
2:00pm Scholarship
Committee 4:45pm PRTT Alef-Heh
7:00pm Hebrew High &
Mehina
19 10:00am Library Committee
20 6:00pm Men’s Club Kabbalat
Shabbat, followed by
Got Shabbat? Dinner
7:24pm Candlelighting
21 9:00am Men’s Club Shabbat
Services, HaHodesh,
Simha Shabbat,
Kiddush*
25 4:45pm PRTT Practice
Seder
7:00pm Hebrew High &
Mehina
7:00pm Talmud Class
7:00pm Moises Hassan:
Jews of Spain
26 10:00am Library Committee
4:00pm Hebrew High
Graduation
Photographs &
Rehearsal
7:00pm Board of Trustees
Meeting
27 MERCAZ Subregional
Youth Convention
Cong. Rodeph Shalom, Tampa 10:00am PRECEC Shabbat
Celebration
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
7:25pm Candlelighting
28 MERCAZ Subregional
Youth Convention
Cong. Rodeph Shalom, Tampa 9:00am Shabbat Hagadol
Services, Kiddush*
* Shabbat Minha service
will begin approximately
45 minutes after the
conclusion of
morning services.
16
Women’s League Thank you to all who took an active part in the services and planning of the services. Thank you,
as well, for the meal planning and preparation, serving and clearing. While we share common bonds
as old as the Matriarchs of our people, we also celebrate diversity. We are women in our teens,
20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's.
Together from many families and backgrounds, professions and avocations, we shared Shabbat joy as
we read and sang, sat and stood in Shul. Let's continue to put aside our differences at that time each
week, in order to nurture among us a sense of wholeness and peace. Shalom!
Carol Gray Marger, member of the CBI Women's League Board
Monday, March 2, 5:30 pm “Hamentaschen Baking!” Join the long tables of women shaping
pounds of dough and various fillings into delicious treats for Purim. Messy fun, and not in your own
kitchen! For new and older bakers alike, filled with tradition and love.
Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 pm “Get Tech Savvy!”
Tuesday, March 24 17th Annual Women’s Community Seder at Congregation Beth Shalom in
Clearwater. We are a sponsoring organization for this event, so save the date! Watch the Jewish
Press for the official announcement and invitation.
Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 pm Torah Fund Dinner.
Your Women’s League keeps a close eye on the needs and resources of the CBI kitchen and serving
departments. We connect and work cooperatively with all the other arms of the synagogue.
We welcome all women to show up, join, and make and renew friendships at CBI!
Give Your Sister a Lift! Need a ride to Sisterhood meetings or events? We are looking for our
sisters who would like “a lift” to and from CBI’s Women’s League. We want YOU here to enjoy the
fun and learn along with us! Give Karen Kauffman a call AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE so
we can make arrangements to give you and your friends a lift. The more the merrier!
Contact Karen at 727.392.1623 or 727.481.8225
TORAH FUND DINNER
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29. 2015
6:00 PM
HONORING “ESTA BLAXBERG”
2015 JACKIE JACOBS WOMAN
OF ACHIEVEMENT
FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE
GUEST SPEAKER: CAROLYN KANTOR
Director of Principal Gifts
Florida Regional Office
The Jewish Theological Seminary
DONATIONS Benefactor $180
Guardian Level $300
Associate Patron $600
Patron $1200
CONTACT Joanne Luski [email protected]
Marilyn LeVine [email protected]
Jennifer Sternberg (Torah Fund cards)
JOIN WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF CBI Tuesday, March 10, at 7:00 pm
to
“GET TECH SAVVY”
Keith Smith of Weblicious will help us get
comfortable with today’s technology
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS
RSVP by Friday, March 6, to Carolyn Moritz
at 727.381.4900 or [email protected]
17
Mitzvah Men’s Club
RSVP for Got Shabbat? Dinner by 12:00 pm Friday, March 13, 2015
Name: _____________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________________________
Number of Adults: _______ $20/person = _______
Number of Children age 6-18: _______ $10/person = _______
Number of Children 5 and under: _______ (Free)
Family Four-Pack Option: 2 adults + 2 children $50 = _______
Total Number Attending: _______ Total Due = _______
Pay online at cbistpete.org by clicking “Payments” and typing ”Got Shabbat? Dinner” in the box marked “Other.”
You may type information about the attendees in the notes section.
Pay by check to CBI at 300 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
Another month has passed, along with one of our yearly milestones, “The World Wide Wrap.” First, I again would
like to thank the volunteers who worked so hard that day to bring us all a very scrumptious brunch. Along with the
great food, we appreciated our outstanding speaker, Neil Solondz. His comments and insight into baseball and the
Rays were both informative and riveting. Our next function is going to be the Men’s Club Shabbat, coming the
weekend of March 21. I look forward to seeing you all there, so please RSVP early!
L’hitraot,
Steve Feld, MMC President
MMC Shabbat Weekend
Kabbalat Shabbat & Got Shabbat? Dinner
Friday, March 20, 2015
6:00 pm
&
Over-the-Top Luncheon Kiddush
Following Shabbat Services
Saturday, March 21, 2015
9:00 am
Join with your friends in honoring
2015's MMC Man of the Year!
18
Life Cycle
In Memoriam Joseph Alpert
Father of Dr. Naomi (Dr. Warren) Abel
Sarah Lisa Alpert
Roger Blair Father of Kory Blair
Husband of Dr. Sherran Blair
Karen Murburg
Daughter of Dotty Goldblatt Mother of Erica (Matthew) Munz
Sister of Jayne Weissman
Fran Bonhardy
Ilene Goldblatt
Lori Ann Reasoner Granddaughter of Wilma Reasoner
Daughter of David Reasoner
Niece of Chris & Amy Hale
Cousin of Christopher Hale
Eileen Silverstein
Stepmother of Murray Silverstein
May God comfort the families among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
It’s a Girl!
Rose Sunshine Bizer Daughter of Jessica & Andrew Bizer
Granddaughter of Joe & Diana Rosin
and Wayne & Sue Bizer
Layla Rose Lincoln
Daughter of Stefanie & Drew Lincoln
Granddaughter of David & Arline Dresdner,
Charles Lincoln,
and Deb Carter
Yael Golda Marlin Daughter of Drs. Aviva & Evan Marlin
Granddaughter of Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin,
Rabbi Ronald & Nancy Androphy
Mazal Tov!
Richard & Gerry Mensh New home in Seminole
Carl & Gail Rubinsky
Daughter Ariel Rubinsky’s
engagement to Brian Collins
Bette Schroeder
Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter Shayna Lalle
Sally Swale
New home in Seminole
Board of Trustees Meetings Any CBI member in good standing is invited to attend any Board of Trustees'
meetings as an observer. Our doors are locked for security purposes and the office is
not staffed in the evening; therefore, we ask that you notify Susan Goldstein,
Executive Director, before 5:00 pm on the day of the meeting you plan to attend so
she can arrange for you to be admitted to the building.
Contact Susan at 727.344.1017 or [email protected].
Any member in good standing who is interested in reading approved minutes of any
meeting of the Board of Trustees is welcome to make an appointment with
Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, to review them.
Contact Susan at 727.344.1017 or [email protected].
19
Mitzvah Grams
Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, and B’nai Mitzvah. Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time supporting B’nai Israel’s commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and Synagogue through your donations to our
Mitzvah Fund.
MAZAL TOV!
Anniversaries
Philip & Phyllis Hirschfield 1
Barry & Jackie Kanner 2
Michael & Midge Seltzer 5
Frank & Carol Katz 6
David & Pati Gross 6
Steve & Linda Grau 10
Oren & Stephanie Adelson 14
Dr. Larry & Vera Green 17
Philip & Joan Redisch 17
Eric & Chandaye Pastman 17
Dr. Mark & Louisa Benjamin 23
Nick & Blanka Benjacob 24
Jared & Allison Shenofsky 25
Marvin & Lee Leibson 26
Bill & Carol Marger 27
Ron & Jayne Weissman 28
Jeremy & Rebecca Douglass 29
Drs. Warren & Naomi Abel 29
In Honor of:
___________________________
Check the names of everyone to whom you want to send a Mitzvah Gram.
Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation for each acknowledgement to: CBI St. Pete, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645,
donate online at cbistpete.org, or drop off your check in the synagogue office.
*The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10.
Please print:
Your Name: ______________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
City, _____________________________Zip: __________________
Telephone: ______________
Other Simhas Do a Mitzvah on your birthday
Attend the Daily Minyan!
CELEBRATE YOUR
MARCH BIRTHDAY
AND ANNIVERSARY
AT SIMHA SHABBAT
SATURDAY,
MARCH 21, 9:00 AM
19
YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!
Birthdays
Judy Benjamin 2
Jayne Weissman 3
Malina Kanner 4
Arthur Zinkerman 5
Araceli Gross 6
Wendy Levine 6
Mark Lewis 6
Anita Sher 7
Dr. Anita Braun-Luria 7
Valerie Hyman 8
Martha Vorob 9
Mark Schantz 10
Alan Schwartz 10
Dr. Bob Sternberg 10
Dr. Robin Schaffer 10 Dr. Marc Reiskind 11
Dr. Hazel Shwer 14
Warren Simmons 14
Sandy Janofsky 16
Vera Green 17
Helen Applefield 19
Marilyn Isaacs 20
Jay Kauffman 20
Keyvan Kohan-Shohet 20
Bebby Marlin 20
Dr. Steve LeVine 21
Ruth Mauer 21
Laney Kay 23
Laurie Reiskind 23
Rebecca Simmons 24
Mandi Gross 24
Samuel Steel 26
Steven Dangler 27
Rose Sutton 27
Josh Ludin 28
Patzi Gil 28 Michael Barth 29
Joan Benstock 29
Erica Benstock 29
Marvin Bayles 30
Lenny Gelfond 31
Yael Alpert 31
20
Donations Adult Education Fund In Honor Of
Jack & Linda Goldfarb Birth of
Yael Golda Marlin
In Memory Of
Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Albert Braslow
Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman Bernard Elinoff
Bill & Carol Marger Elliott, Louis &
Joel Gray
Cantor's Discretionary Fund In Honor Of
Jack & Linda Goldfarb Cantor Schultz's
birthday
Steve & Livia Wein Cantor Schultz's
birthday
Ellen Glassman In Memory Of
Adult Studies Ben & Rita Thomas Karen J. Murburg
Gail Warren In Honor Of
Leadership Fund
Jack & Linda Goldfarb Birth of Rose
Sunshine Bizer
Susan Goldstein Birth of Lilly Berman
Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Rachel Luski's
engagement
In Memory Of
Dr. Pat Cottrille J. Leonard Azneer
Valerie Hyman Ken Hyman
Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Karen Murburg
Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Jerry Levin
Jacobs Beautification In Honor Of
Fund
Michael & Barbara Noonberg Birth of Lilly Berman
Library Fund In Memory Of
Dr. Leonard & Patty Adelson Elihu Nemiroff
Dr. Leonard & Patty Adelson Annette Portnoy
Mitzvah Fund In Appreciation
Akif Agayev
Anonymous
In Honor Of
Beverly Dikman Bruce & Mary Ann
Marger's
anniversary
Beverly Dikman Leah Sandler's
birthday
Lenny & Millie Gelfond Esta Blaxberg,
Woman of Achievement
Lenny & Millie Gelfond Speedy recovery
for Jerry Gilbert
Larry & Vera Green Bev Sherman
Jerry & Helena Nejman Eddie Ginsburg
Steve & Livia Wein Birth of
Yael Golda Marlin
Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.) In Memory Of
Michael & Margot Benstock Lori Ann Reasoner
Morry & Billie Bornstein Harold Wolfson
Audrey Kopelman Elihu Nemiroff
Dr. Steve & Susan LeVine Jill Engelman
Harriett Lieberman Harold Berger
Jack & Irma Mayer Elihu Nemiroff
Hank & Donna Milcich Donna Rabinovitch
David Glick Norman Glick
David & Janet Hyink Harold Y. Wolfson
Fred Silverman Karen J. Murburg
Dr. Bernardo & Stephanie Stein Leon Stein
Dr. Bob & Jennifer Sternberg Barnett Sakren
Linda Weiss Stanley Weiss
Music and Concert Fund In Honor Of Susan Goldstein Cantor Schultz and
CBI choir
Eileen Richman Cantor Schultz's
birthday
Pauline Rivkind Fund In Honor Of
Dr. Harold & Joyce Seder Birth of
Yael Golda Marlin
Prayer Book Fund In Memory Of
Art & Sharon Schloss Elihu Nemiroff
PRTT Fund In Memory Of
Ruth Mauer Elihu Nemiroff
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Appreciation
Art & Sharon Schloss
In Honor Of
Jack & Linda Goldfarb Rachel Luski &
Alan Medvin’s
Engagement
Barbara Levin Anita Helfand's
speedy recovery
In Memory Of
Sylvia Ayes & Family Karen J. Murburg
Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon Isadore Gordon
Yvette Lew Harold Wolfson
Shirley Sommella Hannah LeBold
Allan & Nancy Lonschein Janete Lonschein
Vivian Neumann Jack Neumann
Bennett & Randi Rabin Paul Fogel
Dr. Harold & Joyce Seder Eugenia Seder
USY Fund In Memory Of
Ellen Bernstein Ruth Levine, Joseph Kauffman &
Carola Herschmann
Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Karen Murburg
USY Pilgrimage Fund In Memory Of
Pearl Brook William Niedwesky
Yvette Lew Carmen Langston
21
22
Our sponsors make the B’nai Review possible.
Please support them too!
Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services
(JFCS) provides critical support for the Tampa Bay
Jewish community. CBI is a drop-off location for
non-perishable goods that go to feed the hungry
in the local area, so you can support JFCS any
time you come to Shul. Look for their wicker
baskets in the office, the lobby, and the preschool.
23
Advertisers
24
Women’s League needs YOU
To help bake your own recipes/cake mixes to be used for Kiddushim.
If interested, please contact Ruth Ann Mizrahi at 727.347.6688 or [email protected]
~
Women’s League Catering is Special Trust us with your simcha and you’ll discover that in addition to the delicious food, the great attention to
detail, and the unbeatable value, there’s one thing that separates us from the rest. With everything we do, from
the first phone call to the serving of each carefully prepared dish, we do it with all our heart.
Give us a call and see for yourself. Contact Livia Wein at
727.393.3289 or [email protected]
25
www.goldbergeyemd.com
26
Weekly kosher Shabbat dinners, traditional Jewish holiday celebrations, private van service, Katz’s Korner
minimart, and a full schedule of daily activities are available to our residents.
Studio and one bedroom apartments are available
through rental programs that offer affordable housing to seniors living on limited income.
250 58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 philipbenjamintower.org
727-347-5191
Ad sponsored by Benjamin Tower
Foundation
A 55+ independent living community that honors
Jewish tradition
27
28
Congregation B’nai Israel
B’nai Israel Review
300 -58th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889
Tel: 727.381.4900
Fax: 727.344.1307
Website: www.cbistpete.org
24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail
Change Service
Requested
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID St. Petersburg, Fl.
Permit # 618
2015 WORLD WIDE WRAP Pictures courtesy of Michael Frye
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