November 2014

Creating Jewish Memories at the Jersey Shore

KOLENU November 2014 Cheshvan/Kislev 5775

Congregation B’nai Israel is a Conservative Synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

1 4 8 8 Ol d Freeh o l d Ro a d 7 3 2 - 3 4 9 - 1 2 4 4

T o ms R i v er , N J 0 8 7 5 3 w w w . cb i t r .o rg

Clergy Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields [email protected]

Hazzan Steven Walvick [email protected]

Rabbi Richard Hammerman, D.D. Rabbi Emeritus

Cantor Daniel Green, D. Mus. Cantor Emeritus

[email protected]

Staff Administrator Mitch Herskowitz [email protected]

Administrative Assistant Christine Greenwood [email protected]

Bookkeeper Laurie Smiley [email protected]

Officers President Bob Van Bochove [email protected]

1st Vice President Marc Bunis [email protected]

2nd Vice President Michele Pardes [email protected]

Treasurer Fred Weil [email protected] Financial Secretary Position Open

Recording Secretary Steve Pardes [email protected]

Congregation B’nai Israel 1488 Old Freehold Road

Toms River, New Jersey 08753 732-349-1244 Fax: 732-349-3003 www.cbitr.org

Synagogue Funds

Arielle Eytan Memorial Fund: Provides materials for the Nursery School Program.

Mitzvah Care Fund: Helps needy families and individuals within our Congregation.

Educational Endowment Fund: Perpetual support for our Talmud Torah educational programs.

Esther and Frank Simon Youth Lounge: Provides and maintains items and furnishings in our Youth Lounge.

Harry and Molly Garson Fund: Used for special annual programs for the children of Congregation B’nai Israel Talmud

Torah.

General Fund: Used to support the ongoing needs of Congregation B’nai Israel.

Goldsmith Endowment Fund: Used for the education of our youth.

Memorial Plaques: Installed in the Sanctuary to memorialize dear ones who are deceased.

Music Fund: Provides for musical programs and ongoing musical needs for Congregation B’nai Israel.

Prayer Book Fund: Used to purchase Chumashim and weekly Sabbath and High Holy Days prayer books.

Books may be dedicated to specific individuals.

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund: Used for needy individuals and causes.

Ramah-Youth Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships for summer educational and cultural programs for our

youngsters (Camp Ramah, USY on Wheels, Israel Pilgrimage, etc.)

Ritual Fund: Used to purchase new siddurim, tallitot and other ritual items needed to benefit and assist the

Congregation.

Rosen Adult Education Fund: Perpetual support for Adult Education.

Talmud Torah Fund: Used to support the Religious Schools of B’nai Israel and to enhance our educational program.

Tree of Life: Leaves may be purchased in honor of special occasions and family simchas.

USY Fund: Used for scholarships toward regional or national events and programs for the youth of our synagogue.

Yahrzeit Fund: Supports Talmud Torah in memory of dear ones.

Yizkor Fund: Memorializes dear ones who are deceased.

Shalom B’nai Israel Family,

I see in my daily life that one of the greatest satisfactions people receive in life is the work that they never really get any thanks for and any pay check for – their volunteer work. However, it is always nice to receive a thanks! In that vein, I want to thank all the volunteers at Congregation B’nai Israel for all that you do. We at Congregation B’nai Israel could not get done all that we do, without the work of our volunteers. It was great to honor two of our worthy volunteers over Simchat Torah, Phil Brilliant and Michele Pardes with the honors of Hatan Torah and Kalat Bereshit. It is always hard picking our honorees each year, because we are blessed with many volunteers, although, we can always use more volunteers. Thank you to all who opened their home to the future Jewish volunteers and leaders, those who came for Hagalil LTI, the Leadership Training Institute.

What is my volunteer work? I volunteer my time for the Rabbinical Assembly (RA), the international association of Conservative Rabbis. I serve on the Executive Council of the Rabbinical Assembly, and co-chair the Rabbinical Assembly Women’s Committee. I have organized a number of conferences for my female colleagues in the Rabbinical Assembly over the past 16 years of my rabbinate. In addition, the Rabbinical Assembly leadership has shown their confidence in me by choosing me to represent the Rabbinical Assembly on conference calls with rabbis of other denominations and Ambassador Michael Oren. I have been chosen to be one of ten rabbis on a special Commission of the Rabbinical Assembly called the Rabbinical Assembly Commission on a Vital Connected Rabbinate. Most recently, I was chosen to co-chair the annual gathering of the Rabbinical Assembly, which is usually considered our RA International Convention. Our annual gathering this coming April 2015, which will be held at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, will be a celebration of how the Conservative Rabbinate and the Conservative Movement have changed since the ordination of the first women in the Conservative Rabbinate 30 years ago.

Just before Yom Kippur, I was contacted by a senior member of the Rabbinical Assembly staff, and told that in gratitude for my volunteer work for the Rabbinical Assembly, I have been honored with being a representative of the Rabbinical Assembly on the Mercaz ballot for the World Zionist Congress. I see this as a true honor, even though I won’t actually go to Israel for the World Zionist Congress, but my name will be listed as a delegate on the ballot that will go out to all who register to vote. Of course, if Mercaz does get enough votes, to send a great number of delegates, maybe I would be able to go to the World Zionist Congress in October 2015!

So what is this Mercaz and Zionist Congress all about? MERCAZ Olami is the Zionist organization of the world Masorti/Conservative Movement. Mercaz promotes and supports Zionist education, Israel programs and aliyah in the Conservative/ Masorti Movement and work to enhance the quality of Jewish life in Israel. Mercaz believes in the centrality of Israel in the life and consciousness of the Jewish People and the unity of the Jewish People wherever they may live.

MERCAZ represents the interests of Masorti/Conservative Judaism in the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for

Israel and Keren Kayemeth LeYisrael (the Jewish National Fund). Mercaz is the advocate and the force that guarantees

funding for religious streams that is so crucial to our Movement.

MERCAZ links Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora together with Israel through tourism, Jewish education, study of

the Hebrew language, “people-to-people” partnerships, short-and long-term Israel programs and Aliyah.

A strong MERCAZ within the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is vital to the development

of the Conservative / Masorti Movement around the world. It is also critical to our ability to influence the agenda and the

distribution of resources of these organizations, which together have a tremendous impact on world Jewry – particularly in the

areas of Israel-Diaspora relations, Jewish Zionist education, and aliyah. Conservative/Masorti Jews around the world profit

directly in numerous ways as a result of our involvement with the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and the Jewish Agency

for Israel (JAFI). Continued on next page………………….

WWF—Wise Words from Wolintz-Fields

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 3

WWF—Wise Words from Wolintz-Fields

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 4

Further in this issue of the Kolenu, there is information about joining Mercaz. I hope that you will read it, and fill it out. Please

join Mercaz, and support the Conservative / Masorti Movement. If you want to get involved in voter registration for Mercaz, or

learn more about Mercaz, you can go to www.mercazusa.org .

In this month in which we celebrate the holiday of gratitude, Thanksgiving, I thank all of you, my B’nai Israel family, for all your

love, warmth and kindness. Jonathan, Cameron, Coby, Sammy and I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with good

food, love, fun, joy, and peace!

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Congregation B’nai Israel Academy for Learning and Journeying 5775

Sessions facilitated by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Women’s Rosh Chodesh Study Group - 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Join us for an informative, lively, and confidential gathering of women sharing in the celebration of the new Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh is a time for women to gather for insightful study through various activities and conversation on the topic of the new month. Coffee and nosh are always served.

Wednesday, November 19 – Kislev – The Days are getting shorter; so do women have to observe Time Bound Commandments? Wednesday, January 21 – Shevat – Women and Food Wednesday, February 18 – Adar – Women’s Identities and Women’s Body Image Wednesday, March 25 – Nisan – Miriam, Tziporah, Yocheved, Pharaoh’s Daughter – Behind every great man there is a great woman! The Women who helped Moses Wednesday, May 6 – Sivan – Women and Torah Study Thursday, June 18 – Tammuz – Women in the Talmud

Lunch and Learn iEngage – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm - Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship from the Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture Series – A video produced by the Shalom Hartman Institute, featuring Hartman scholars discussing these topics, will be watched and then discussed. Lunch at each session will be served. Please RSVP the Monday before each session.

Thursday, December 11 – Power and Powerlessness – Israel, like most other sovereign nation-states, uses military power – or its ability to exercise this power – as the foundation of its independence and a means of safeguarding it. In today’s world, however, a critical sensibility that views power as a necessary evil, a force that often corrupts more than it contributes, is becoming increasingly popular. How does Judaism perceive the moral foundations of power and the responsibilities and challenges that it engenders?

Continued on next page………………….

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 5

Congregation B’nai Israel Academy for Learning and Journeying 5775 Wednesday, January 14 – War and Occupation – All democratic countries struggle with the moral challenges of exercising power in a complex world. How can Israel respond to these challenges and use its power in a way that is consistent with the highest standard of morality and Jewish values? How should Israel balance its legitimate right of self-defense with the values of peace and rights of others, and in light of these issues, how does one determine what constitutes a just war and the moral obligations and consequence of occupation?

Wednesday, March 11 – Morality on the Battlefield – Once a government decides to embark on a war, the integrity of one’s moral compass shifts to the battlefield. What Jewish values do Israeli soldiers carry with them when going to war? What happens when complex moral responsibilities and issues meet the horror of war and the morally ambiguous reality of asymmetric conflict and terrorist tactics? Wednesday, May 13 – Jewish and Democratic State – Democracy is the decided form of government for the Jewish nation-state. What does a Jewish state entail, and is it compatible with the principles of democracy? What does democracy require, and how can Israel’s aspirations to be both Jewish and democratic work themselves out in the principles governing its policies?

Wednesday, June 3 – Religious Pluralism and Human Rights – As a democracy, Israel is

committed to being religiously pluralistic and to providing equal rights to all its citizens, Jews and

non-Jews alike. Does the Jewish dimension of Israel serve or hinder these commitments? What

are the principles and ideas that ought to govern Israel’s policies on these issues?

Greetings Congregation B’nai Israel family,

Now that ALL the fall holidays are over (see October Koleinu article), we can turn our attention to

other matters, including any Jewish New Year’s Resolutions we may have made. If your

resolution was to either continue your Jewish education and/or become more involved in our CBI

community and/or bring comfort to our members who are in need, I’d like to hope that my new

Adult Education Class will be of some help.

Wednesday December 10th at 6:30 PM (Jewish Standard Time) I will be offering the first part in my

Practical Hazzanut series, entitled "How to lead a Shiva Minyan." We will be looking at the special Shiva booklets we have

and learn the proper melodies to use ("nusah") as well when to start and end, what to do out-loud and what to do silently. We

will try to address any specific questions connected with the topic, and the only requirement is a basic Hebrew reading

ability. Throughout the rest of the series we will be looking at other services and prayer opportunities, including but not limited to

Sick Visits, Morning Minyans, Friday night services, or any that are requested in advance.

I hope to see you there, and may you have a joyous Thanksgiving this year, now that you don't have to make extra room at the

table for your Menorah and that plate of latkes...Scratch that, keep the latkes, they go well with the gravy....

L'Shalom Hazzan Steven Walvick

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 6

A M e s s a g e F r o m O u r P r e s i d e n t … . Our fall Holidays seemed to pass by so quickly this year and in just a few weeks we

will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. I hope the rest of the year slows down so we

all have more time to enjoy all Congregation B’nai Israel has to offer.

This past week the Board of Directors had the obligation to notify Hazzan Steven

Walvick of our intentions to offer him a new contract starting July 1, 2015. I am

pleased to announce the Board of Directors voted in favor of maintaining Steven

Walvick as our Hazzan here at Congregation B’nai Israel and Hazzan Walvick has

agreed to accept and begin negotiating a new contract with us.

The Board of Directors and the entire staff continues to work hard behind the scenes

to provide the services, activities and education for our Kehilla.

At this time of Thanksgiving, I would like to extend a sincere “THANK YOU” to all of those members who continue to volunteer in

a variety of different ways, your time, your knowledge, your hands, your smiles, your energy, and your dedication throughout the

year. Although no one is looking for a “pat on the back”, you all deserve one. Thank you!

I would also like to say “THANK YOU” to everyone who has made a pledge to our High Holiday Appeal. Every pledge counts and

your generosity this year has shown your commitment to our Kehilla, our community, our family, here at Congregation B’nai

Israel. And that you are committed to fulfill the vision of those generations before us and to ensure our future generations will

experience this vision. Thank You! Although the appeal will be coming to a close within the next few weeks there is still time to

send in your pledge or if you feel the urge to increase the one you already made. Thank you to Regina Gelzer and Linda Mauel

for co-chairing the committee this year.

Bonnie and I wish everyone, a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Bob Van Bochove

President

2014 High Holiday Appeal Donors

Received after Yom Kippur

A grateful “THANK YOU” is extended to the

following Benefactor

Dr. & Mrs. Allan Cohen

Partners Anonymous

Mr. Philip I. Brilliant

Leaders Mr. Alan Baxter

Dr. Emanuel & Rhoda Kuflik

Drs. Jeffrey & Beatrice Lipper

Donors Mr. & Mrs. Howard Butensky

Sponsors Mrs. Leslie Port

Mr. & Mrs. Allen Shechter

Friends Mrs. Seena Arenofsky

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Friedman

Mr. Marc & Dr. Lisa Kassenoff

Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Lyons

Mrs. Bernice Mazar &

The Gibbor Family

Mrs. Tobie Patmas

Dr. & Mrs. Ron Rotem

Dr. & Mrs. Jack Schwartz

Associates Mrs. Carol Chisdes

Mrs. Sandra Welsher

Helpers Mr. Alan Baum & Mrs. Myra

Drozdoff

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Dansky

Mrs. Alice Pomaski

Mr. & Mrs. David Yelner

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 7

Poignant Points from the Principal Shalom B’nai Israel Family,

The following is some information I wanted to highlight from our Congregation B’nai Israel Talmud Torah Handbook 5775. If you

would like the read the complete Handbook, you can find it at our website, at

http://www.cbitr.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/TT-handbook-5775.pdf .

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

CLASS SERVICES:

Each class will be leading a Friday night Service. During this Service, students either alone, or with a partner, or a few, will be

called to the Bimah, the Hebrew word for the Sanctuary Stage to lead a specific prayer. This year, each class at their Service will

do a short ‘skit’ either explaining something they have been learning in class, or something related to the Weekly Torah Portion,

called Parashat HaShavuah.

Mark your calendar for a list of the dates of Class Services. Even if your child is not part of the class participating in the Class

Service, you should still attend, since Perfect Attendance Certificates will be distributed, and your child might be receiving one,

or their friends might be, and they can be there, for moral support, and to see what they might be doing for their Class Service,

all begin at 7:30 pm. Students should arrive no later than 7:15 pm.

Friday, Dec 12 - Kitah Zayin (7th grade) Class Service

Friday, Jan 30 – Kitah Vav (6th grade) Class Service

Friday, Feb 20 – Kitot Dalet / Heh (4th and 5

th grade) Class Service

Friday, March 13 – Kitot Bet / Gimmel (2nd

and 3rd

grades) Class Service

Saturday, May 16 – Kitot Gan / Alef (Kindergarten and 1st grade) Kabbalat Siddur (They receive their first Siddur, prayer book)

HONORABLE MENSCHEN:

During Class Service, one student from the participating class will be recognized as the Honorable Mensch. Honorable

Menschen are those students who go above and beyond to treat their fellow classmates with kindness and respect, go out of

their way to perform mitzvot (commandments), gemilut chasadim(acts of loving kindness) and give regularly to tzedakah(charity).

PERFECT ATTENDANCE:

This year we will return to awarding our students with certificates for monthly Perfect Attendance at Talmud Torah, which will be

distributed at Class Services. We have some students who attend Jewish Day Schools, such as Solomon Schechter and CBI

Talmud Torah, and so do not attend on Wednesdays. If they have perfect attendance at their Jewish Day School and CBI

Talmud Torah, they will qualify for a monthly Perfect Attendance Certificate. If there is a month when there is no Class Service,

the Perfect Attendance certificates will be distributed during Tefillah, prayer during Talmud Torah. Tardiness will be held into

consideration for Perfect Attendance. If you have any questions, please speak to the Principal.

TALMUD TORAH WIDE SHABBAT DINNER:

This year, we will not be having a Shabbat dinner before each Class Service, but rather we will be having two Talmud Torah

wide, Shabbat dinners, which will be open to our entire community. These dinners are highly recommended that our Talmud

Torah families attend.

The dates of the Talmud Torah Wide Shabbat Dinners will be Fridays, December 12 and March 13.

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 8

Judaica Shop

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. The Sisterhood Judaica shop has a wonderful selection of gift items for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, babies, and general gifts for anyone on your gift list. Please check our showcases by the Office and the Sanctuary to see part of our selection. The gift shop is open on Wednesdays from 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm when Talmud Torah is in session. We will also be open on Sunday, November 23rd from 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm. If you have questions or need a special appointment, please call Susan (279-0443) or Terri (864-1566) and we will be happy to help you.

Talmud Torah Perfect Attendance – September 2014

Kitah Gan Gavin Dempsey Madelyn Wiko Kitah Bet Danielle Touitou Jake Nadell Kitah Dalet Julianne Geffner Holden Dempsey Kitah Heh Jillian Weintraub Brandon Wiko Kitah Vav Amanda Brodsky Lauren Brodsky Mykala Brodzinski Ryan Dean Cameron Fields Hannah Kaufman Hannah Repole Kitah Zayin Arielle Touitou Phillip Fried

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 9

Mazel Tov to…….. David & Allysa Weintraub on their daughter Jessica marking her Bat Mitzvah.

Sandra Gottesman on the birth of her 9th great-grandchild Israel Lipsky.

Harriet Wolf winning 2nd Place in the State Art Show for her art work entitled “The Fire Tender”.

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 10

ISRAEL TRIP 2014 JOSEPH GORDON

I had just arrived in Israel with 32 kids I did not yet know. That first night, as everyone was about to go back to their

rooms at the hotel in Jerusalem, there was a loud, abrupt noise that I had mistaken for an ambulance at first. The whaling sound

was quickly drowned out by the screams of fear from everyone at the hotel, including the bride at the wedding that was

occurring. We all rushed down the stairs to the main floor of the hotel and I was pushed into the dining room. The kids on our trip

were hugging and comforting each other as we all prayed that the missile wouldn’t hurt anyone. It was definitely a surreal

experience that helped me realize what Israelis were going through on a regular basis. I quickly felt like I was part of the Israeli

society.

I carried this Zionist appreciation all throughout the rest of my trip as we journeyed through the rest of Israel and met so

many wonderful Israelis. But before we even traveled to Israel, we journeyed for a week in Spain. Spain was wonderful with all

of the spectacular sights and cities that are there. A really cool experience was hiking the rock of Gibraltar, seeing the

picturesque views and playing with the monkeys that live there. Some other Spain highlights were the hiking, visiting the gigantic

cathedrals, and going to the silent bath houses. And of course we learned about the Spanish inquisition and a great deal of the

history of the Jews of Spain.

Once in Israel, our itinerary had to be constantly altered depending on the situation. But throughout, our counselors and

guest speakers made us feel safe and comfortable. We traveled through the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Because of

the rockets, we spent a lot of time up north in the Galilee. This area was beyond gorgeous with its mountains and sea. After a

week or so, we went to the south and into the Negev. There a highlight was spending a night with the Bedouins in their tents; a

very cool experience. Eilat was so much fun as we relaxed on the beach and did water activities.

Hiking in Ein Gedi and up Masada were amazing. I went to Israeli marketplaces that were packed with thousands of

people. Merchants were bargaining with customers in organized chaos. I also lived on a kibbutz for a couple of days and felt

how it is to do the everyday things someone on a kibbutz would do. The end of our trip culminated with Jerusalem. We went to

the Old City, the Western Wall, Yad V’Shem, and Mt. Herzl Cemetery. You can imagine how moving it was to visit the graves of

soldiers who just gave their lives in Operation Protective Shield. This stop was made even more meaningful to me after we

made care packages for the soldiers.

The only time on the trip that I will admit I became scared was on one of the last days when my friends and family

suddenly began calling and texting me constantly, asking if I was okay. They seemed really worried and I had no idea why. I

eventually found out from my parents that there was a rocket that landed right near Ben Gurion airport and most airlines were

canceling all of their flights to and from Israel. I was nervous that I might be stranded in Israel for a while. Thankfully, things

calmed down enough a few days later and I was able to leave as scheduled.

My trip to Israel changed me in two important ways. First, I have a much deeper appreciation of how important it is to be

part of the Jewish people and to do what I can to show solidarity and support for Israel and Jews around the world. Second, I

also have a deeper appreciation of how important Israel is for the continuation of the Jewish people. It is a crucial two way

street. Israel needs us to constantly and strongly show our support, and we need Israel in order to thrive and survive as Jews in

the diaspora.

I felt very proud and blessed to be Jewish as I toured our homeland during this very scary time in our history. I want to

thank the Federation for supplementing my trip with the SKIP program funds, and Congregation B’nai Israel for their generous

contribution from the Educational Endowment Fund.

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 11

SEAN HAIMOWITZ YAD B’YAD SUMMER 2014

In a poem titled Welcome to Holland, Emily Perl Kinglsey compares her experiences in raising a child with a disability to

planning a vacation to Italy, only to find, that her plane had landed in Holland. “It’s just a different place,” she writes, “It's

slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look

around, and you notice the very special, very lovely things about Holland.”

This past summer, I participated on Yad B’Yad—Hebrew for Hand in hand—a program which integrates mainstream high school

students with young adults with various special needs on a four week trip to Israel. However, as rocket fire between Israel and

Gaza increased, the prospect of our group going to the Holy Land appeared bleak. It was decided that we would spend the next

week in upstate New York and Connecticut and see if a permanent cease-fire would be reached between Israel and

Hamas. But as IDF ground troops moved into the Gaza strip, it was understood that it would be too unsafe for our group of

ninety people—including a few with mobile disabilities—to be in Israel during the conflict. We were rerouted to the West Coast of

the United States.

We were all extremely disappointed about not going to Israel. However, this summer, we understood that it would be the

people—not the places—who would make the experience special. Though thoughts and prayers for our brethren in Israel were

always on minds, we were able to focus on the ideals of the program—inclusion and acceptance: the fact that everyone

belongs. We knew how to have an amazing time and make our own “Holland”, whether it be at Disneyland, or on an impromptu

scavenger hunt at a local mall. Though there is no place in the world that I would have rather been than Israel, the notion that

“the people make the program” was apparent.

Admittedly, I was extremely nervous before beginning my journey on Yad BYad. I had spent summers away from home before,

but was never tasked with befriending people who seemed so different from myself. Within the first hours of the program, I

realized that I had been worried about nothing. Yes, the twenty participants with special needs may have seemed extremely

different than me. But in our hearts, we all held the same values and goals: those of happiness, friendship, community, and

inclusion.

It was on Yad BYad when I met one of my closest friends, Tom. Tom loves scary movies and can make a mean burrito. Tom

also has Down syndrome. When I first met Tom, he wouldn’t say much more than “yes,” “no,” and his guilty-sounding

“maybe.” But after teaching him how to put on tefillin and after late night nurf-gun wars, and numerous workout sessions in the

hotel gyms, Tom and I became inseparable. Starting out as quiet and shy, he ultimately got in front of all eighty other

participants to sing the song he wrote about his friendship with me and two other friends of ours—a quartet that he calls “the

power brothers.” My friendship with Tom has taught me to look past a person’s various abilities and disabilities and love them

based on, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said, “the content of their character.”

As simple as this may seem, our society fails to live by these words. Often we look at those with disabilities as inferior to us and

less worthy. People with special needs are treated with pity, rather than with respect. Peter Singer, one of today’s most

renowned ethicists and a current professor at Princeton University, argues that it is ethical to kill a child with Down syndrome

because (quote) “their future prospects of life may be so bleak and that they will never be able to play the guitar, to develop an

appreciation of science fiction, to learn a foreign language, to chat with us about the latest Woody Allen movie, or to be a

respectable athlete, basketball or tennis player.” Singer’s argument is not only completely repulsive, but logically ludicrous. If

having a successful life is dependent on the aforementioned abilities, then most of us in this room have lived lives completely

unfulfilled. The “future prospects of life” of those with special needs is just as promising as that of the rest of us. As a society,

we must come to realize that life is about more than monetary success. It is about more than physical ability or intellectual

capacity. A good life is one filled with happiness, friendship, and triumph. As Mitch Albom writes in Tuesdays with Morrie, “The

most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

Continued on bottom of page 16………...

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 12

MEN’S CLUB ARTICLE– HY MITTLEBERG & STEVE PARDES Well, it’s hard to believe that it’s already November and, except for Chanukah, our holydays and holidays are over until spring, 2015! As usual, High Holyday services and celebrations-of-the-season at CBI were top-notch. Also “top-notch” was Men’s Club’s annual “Wine, Steak & Scotch” dinner, which was enjoyed by everyone who attended…much thanks to the Silverstein family: Mark, Shirley and Max, and their talented crew, for another great (and delicious) event. For “Movie Nite” (with Chinese Buffet Dinner—includes dessert) on December 24

th, our “movie mavens,” Steve and Marion Pardes,

have chosen the award-winning film, “A Bottle in the Gaza Sea,” a movie that you’ll definitely want to see, but won’t find in local theaters…please see announcement/RSVP below…non-member guests welcome…adults only.

Here’s a Summary of Upcoming Men’s Club Activities and Events:

November 5 (Wednesday @ 6:00) – FJMC “Man-of-the-Year” dinner...call Joel Kurtz for last-minute RSVP. December 21 (Sunday) – Men’s Club runs food concession at Chanukkah Fair December 24 (Wednesday @ 6:30) – “Movie Nite” & Chinese Dinner ($12-per-person)…open to all CBI members and guests…adults only…includes dessert…please see announcement and RSVP in this issue

Please show your support for CBI Men’s Club by sending your $36, 2014/2015 dues to the CBI Office—THANKS!

We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday…Hy & Steve

MOVIE NITE & CHINESE BUFFET DINNER Wednesday, December 24th @ 6:30 p.m. *Please join us for an evening of delicious food and quality entertainment* After dinner, we’ll have our own, private screening of the award-winning film,

“A Bottle in the Gaza Sea” (Followed by dessert) Cost is $12-per-person for CBI members and their non-member guests PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM BELOW BY DECEMBER 18TH AND REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR CHECK MADE OUT TO: CBI MEN’S CLUB

*Please mail to: Hy Mittleberg, 49 Melody Avenue, Brick, N.J. 08724* Questions? Call Steve & Marion Pardes: 732-363-4521 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIE NITE & CHINESE BUFFET DINNER

NAME(S):__________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER:___________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS:____________________________________ AMOUNT ENCLOSED:__________________

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 13

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY REGION FJMC

PRESENTS…

2014 “MAN-OF-THE-YEAR”

DINNER & AWARDS This year’s Congregation B’nai Israel recipients are:

Man-of-the-Year: Hy Mittleberg Youth-of-the-Year: Sara Brilliant

******

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 ******

Congregation B’nai Tikvah 1001 Finnegan’s Lane

North Brunswick, N. J. 08902 Expanded cocktail reception: 6:00 p.m.

Ma’ariv, D’var Torah & Awards: 7:30 p.m. Dessert: 8:45 p.m.

Cost: $54 per person For directions, go to: www.classicalcaterers.com, or visit: www.nnjr.org

PLEASE CALL JOEL KURTZ FOR LAST MINUTE RSVP

Please mail your check, along with the RSVP below, to: CBI, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, N.J. 08753

*please make checks payable to “Men’s Club CBI”*

(please note: Man-of-the-Year on your check)

We hope to see you there to celebrate the achievements

of these two deserving Award-Winners!

_____________________________________________________________________________

NAME(S):_____________________________________ NUMBER ATTENDING:___________

ADDRESS:_________________________________E-MAIL ADDRESS:_________________

PHONE NUMBER:__________________________ AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $_________

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 14

Bat Mitzvah Spotlight

Jessica Mollie Weintraub

Bat Mitzvah

Born on November 8, 2001, Jessica entered our world with

tremendous energy and a passion for all things fun. From that

wonderful day on, she’s been on the move, practically standing

up when the nurse tried to weigh and measure her. Her feet

literally do not stop moving, and we have the videos to prove

it. We’ve always said, whenever you can’t find Jessica, look up.

She would either be climbing a tree or flipping non-stop on the

trampoline. Fortunately, she found a way to keep flipping as an

ACE gymnast.

Jessica’s true passion is music. Nearly every free moment of every day, Jessica is singing. She has played

flute, piano and performed vocal solos in her school concerts, again never staying in one spot. Jessica has

a beautiful voice and continues to concentrate her efforts towards her vocal lessons. Look for her soon

when she performs in a harmony group at the Ocean County Mall.

Jessica has directed her love of music to her Mitzvah Project. Recognizing not all children are fortunate enough to have

their own instruments and take music lessons, Jessica decided to raise money for Little Kids Rock. This is an organization

whose mission is to provide under-served schoolchildren across the U.S. access to fun, engaging, Modern Band music

classes and brand new instruments at no cost to the students, teachers, or school districts. Jessica incorporated her

enjoyment of baking and held several bake sales to assist her fund-raising efforts.

Jessica is at her happiest around friends and family. Whether she is watching movies, riding roller coasters or listening

to music, it is rare not to see her beautiful smile. It’s also common to hear loud laughter, especially when spending time

and doing silly things with her sister, Jillian. Nothing seems to scare Jessica. This is evident when she’s laughing at

horror films or making friends with the zombies at Fright Fest. We fully expect her to live her life with this “no fear”

attitude.

Although she prefers all the fun things in life, Jessica still finds time to focus on her school work and maintain her high

honor roll status.

We could not be more proud of the young woman she is becoming, and could not possibly love any more the beautiful

person she already is.

****Bar/Bat Mitzvah****

We will feature an article about each child who will be marking a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We ask that you email a recent photograph (wallet size)

to the Synagogue Office, of your child, as well as a short bio.

The information must be emailed to Christine at [email protected], no later than the first Friday of the month prior to the month that your child will be marking

his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 15

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 16

Bikur Cholim Training

(Visiting the Sick)

Thursday, November 20, 2014 @7 PM

At Congregation B’nai Israel

Bikur cholim, "visiting the sick," in Hebrew, is a term encompassing a wide range of activities

performed by an individual or a group to provide comfort and support to people who are ill, homebound, isolated and/or otherwise in distress. Bikur cholim can include such activities as:

visiting patients in a hospital, rehabilitation center or nursing home; visiting people who are restricted to their home because of physical or psychological impairment or social isolation.

Are you?

sensitive to the needs of people

able to empathize

have a sense of responsibility to follow through on a commitment

able to respect confidentiality

a good listener

Then you are the perfect person for Bikur Cholim.

To find out come to the information training session on November 20, 2014

To register or for more information call Sandy Ottenberg 732-505-5953 or email Sandy at [email protected].

Continued from Page 11……….

The lessons that I have learned on Yad B’Yad have majorly affected my outlook on the world and how I interact with those

around me. At this time, I would like to thank the educational endowment fund, the Jewish Federation of Ocean and Monmouth

County, and my parents for giving me the opportunity to participate on Yad B’Yad and have this truly life changing experience.

We learn in the Talmud that the first beit hamikdash, holy temple, was destroyed because idolatry, adultery, and murder ran

rampant throughout the Jewish people. The second Temple was destroyed for a different. Yet equally gruesome sin: sinat

chinam—baseless hatred. Furthermore, we learn in the the Talmud that each generation which doesn't bring Mashiach and the

ultimate building of the third beit hamikdash is just as guilty of causing the temple’s destruction. How can we create a perfect

society- one that will merit the bringing of the Messianic era? The answer is by ahavat chinam: loving your fellow despite any

differences that he or she may have. When we do not overlook someone because they seem insignificant, when we listen to

everything that one has to say, and when we give everyone the equal respect that they deserve, we are building the Third Holy

temple—brick by brick. May we all live lives of acceptance and inclusion and contribute to building of a more perfect and holy

world.

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 17

TORAH FUND

Penny Leifer

I must confess I have a difficult time asking people for money. I don't sell raffles and unless I know you well I won't ask for

donations for any cause. Then why is it I feel passionate about donations for Torah Fund? The Torah Fund campaign of

Women's League for Conservative Judaism is the lifeline of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. The monies you donate help

support The Jewish Theological Seminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, Schechter Institute of Jewish

Studies in Israel and the Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These institutions train our Rabbis,

Cantors, educators and lay leaders. These are the people we turn to for life cycle events, education of our children and

ourselves and sometimes just for solace. They conduct our services and take care of our spiritual needs. We are fortunate that

our synagogue has clergy who have benefitted from a Seminary education. The Seminary counts on your donations to continue

their work. The Torah Fund campaign has raised millions of dollars over the years with the monies going toward the purchase

and outfitting of two residence halls for the students, the construction of the Women's League sanctuary in the Seminary where

egalitarian services are held, helping to rebuild and outfit the Seminary library after the disastrous fire, projects in the Zeigler

School, offering scholarship money for students and many other areas.

If we are to keep Conservative Judaism alive for the future we must make sure the Seminary has the best resources available.

That takes money and your donation will help make a difference. I am asking that you consider a donation in any amount to the

Torah Fund campaign. No amount is too small or too large. For those making special donations a beautiful pin is a gift to you.

You can wear it proudly. I am listing below the special opportunities. It you would like to renew your pledge of the past or make a

new one please contact me. I will be happy to hear from you.

Benefactor....$180.00 Guardian $300.00 Associate Patron...$600.00 Patron...$1200.00 There are further opportunities such as scholarships, etc. Penny Leifer

732 657-5184

SISTERHOOD

The next meeting of the Sisterhood book club will take place on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:30 pm at the home of Doralee Herman. We will be discussing the book 'All Other Nights' by Dara Horn.

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 18

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 19

DONATE | PLANT TREES | TRAVEL TO ISRAEL

Get Back to Israel with JNF's Alternative Spring Break Have you or someone you know been wishing you were in Israel? Ready to go back? Join JNF this

March for an unforgettable week of volunteering and fun.

JNF's Alternative Spring Break in Israel is a FREE trip for Jewish college students and young

professionals (ages 18-30) to volunteer in Israel. For seven days, participants connect with the

land and people to make a personal impact. Volunteering will take place both in Northern Israel

and in the Negev Desert.

Participants are responsible for raising a minimum of $1,500, using an easy online program.

Monies raised will go towards JNF's Blueprint Negev or the Go North initiatives, campaigns that

are working to transform outlying areas of Israel into co-equal centers of Israeli society. Once the

money is raised, the program is FREE, thanks to JNF donors. Participants are responsible for round

trip transportation to New York or LA from their home communities.

Registration is now open! Don't miss this chance to get back to Israel and make a difference!

For more information on JNF's Alternative Spring Break to Israel please contact

[email protected].

Trip Dates:

• February 28 - March 8, 2015 to Southern Israel

• March 7 - 15, 2015 to Northern Israel

• March 14 - 22, 2015 to Southern Israel

• Exclusive JNFuture Young Professionals Trip

March 14 - 22, 2015 to Northern Israel

• March 22 - 29, 2015 to Southern Israel

(LAX departure only)

Register Now

Penat Ivrit – Hebrew Corner פינת עברית

Classroom Words מילים בכיתה

Here’s How to Say Ka-Cha Omrim ככה אומרים

I Love you! Ani O’hevet Ot’cha אני אוהבת אותך

Oh, no! Oy Va-a Voy אוי ואבוי

Hearty Appetite! B’tayavon בתאבון

Thanks Todah תודה

Happy Birthday! Yom Huledet Sameach יום הולדת שמח

Wow, Super! Shegayon! שגעון

No! Lo לא

Yes! Keyn כן

Please B’Vakashah בבקשה

Wear It Well! T’tchadesh תתחדשי

How do you say… Aich Omrim? איך אומרים

Good night Lila Tov לילה טוב

Sweet dreams Chalomot Paz! חלומות פז

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 20

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 21

First Steps at Congregation B’nai Israel

Please allow me to introduce your child (ages 3 - 5) to the wonderful world of Jewish learning.

In First Steps we will learn about Shabbat, holidays, prayers and Jewish traditions through songs, play and crafts.

Class will meet 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month 11:00 to 12:30

(exact calendar including holidays will be handed out) Cost is $36 for the year

MEMBERSHIP MOMENT Megina Mittleberg

There are many ways of approaching the issue of obtaining new membership--it’s probably one of the important subjects that’s on the minds of those who love and attend their synagogues and worry about the decline in attendance. I suggest that our approach should be that every service, every special event and every synagogue gathering should be an Open House! Why not bring an unaffiliated friend or relative to “Movie Nite?!” Why not invite a young family to attend the CBI Chanukkah Fair?! How about inviting guests to any-and-all Men’s Club offerings like “Students for Israel,” or Men’s Club Shabbat? Just contact one of our Membership Committee team members and we’ll be there to greet and take great care of your guests!

Here’s a list of recent new CBI members: Alan Baum

Herbert Horowitz

Cheryl & Martin Gertner (returning members)

Bess Kohn

Francene Beel

Doris (Sandy) Freedman

Ellen & Ira Hosid

Harry & Fran Levin

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 22

Herman Adler Carla Friedman Jonathan Fields Luke Geneslaw Janet Miller Chris Fried Francesca Sullivan Brian Ehrlich Terri Gibbor Peter Weiss Rachel King Joseph Mandrowitz Joshua Pelcman Alice Pomaski Cheryl Gertner Bess Kathrins Cameron Fields Jean Glass Jay Grunin Roslyn Sherman Jessica Weintraub Rabbi Robert Sandman Kayla Joyner Brian Haimowitz Sara Musicant Craig Newman Herbert Katz

Hannah Repole Harriet Wolf Marty Goldstein Sandra Ottenberg Bruce Sher Robert Slotnick Hadley Yavener Richard Kathrins Adam Rosen Elaine Collins Haley Wiko Penny Leifer Erin Collier Jan Salis Jacob Nadell Elsa Abrahamovic Ardith Namenson Barbara Balasiano Jacquelyn Stein-Riechelson Helen Manela Dr. Danielle Musicant Penny Peters Jeanne Dickler Dr. Robert Rabinowitz Nancy Shechter Paul Halpern Hyman Schechter

November 1 November 1 November 2 November 2 November 2 November 3 November 3 November 4 November 4 November 4 November 5 November 5 November 5 November 5 November 7 November 7 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 8 November 9 November 10 November 11 November 11 November 11 November 13

November 13 November 14 November 15 November 15 November 15 November 16 November 16 November 17 November 17 November 18 November 18 November 19 November 21 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 23 November 25 November 25 November 26 November 26 November 26 November 27 November 28 November 28 November 29 November 29

November Birthdays

A special Yom Huledet Sameach to the following Synagogue members who are celebrating birthdays during the month of November

Birthday Shabbat for the month will be Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 9:00 am.

BE A PATRON ONEG OR KIDDUSH SPONSOR!

Celebrating? Any occasion – be it important events in your child’s life, your work life, or your home life; a graduation, anniversary, anniversary of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, birthday, engagement, retirement…. A Patron sponsorship is designed to allow you, the congregant, to celebrate special occasions with your congregation family when you are not inviting many outside guests. The food provided by a Patron sponsorship will be ample for the usual number of congregants attending Shabbat Services plus a few invited guests. Consider becoming a Patron sponsor of a Friday night Oneg Shabbat or a Saturday morning Kiddush. Just contact the Synagogue Office to make arrangements for sharing your simcha with our whole Congregation! Thank you to Michael and Jacey Touitou for sponsoring a Kiddush in honor of their daughter Arielle marking her Bat Mitzvah. Thank you to Gail Marshall and the Marshall Family for sponsoring our Oneg and Kiddush in honor of Jacob marking his Bar Mitzvah. Thank you to Neal and Beth Appel for enhancing our Kiddush in honor of their Aliyah. Thank you to Herbert and Charlotte Katz for sponsoring our Kiddush in honor of their anniversary.

Thank you to Ruth Guenzburger, Ernie Guenzburger, and Castle Woodcraft for donating your time and materials to repair and re-enforce the railing on the steps to the Bimah.

Thank you to those who donated to the Simcha Fund in honor of their Birthday: Elaine Caplan

DONATED BY Elaine Meshell Elaine Meshell Lillian Green Lillian Levine Evelyn Shulman Evelyn Shulman Rabbi Richard Hammerman Donald & Beth Shery Sisk Ruth Guenzburger Ruth Guenzburger Steve & Marion Pardes Phyllis Meyers Marty & Irene Goldstein Irene Wolinsky Irving Nierenberg Irving & Betty Nierenberg David & Janet Miller Charlotte Ehrmann Harriet Wolf Stanley & Anita Tutnauer David Wolff Seymour Beninson Michael Mednick

IN MEMORY OF Lori Meshell Stanley Meshell Seymour Green Clara Posner Joel Miller Ira I. Shulman Murray Hammerman Hannah Shery Heinz Guenzburger Nellie Bacharach Elaine Pardes Samson Isabel E. Meyers Lillian Fenyres Lillian Wolinsky Sophie Nierenberg Jay Nierenberg Rhoda Suchotliff Friedel Ehrmann Gertrude Wolf Ruth Abramson Sam Estes Clarice Beninson Martha Mednick

November2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 23

YAHRZEIT FUND

DONATED BY Al & Rhoda Finkel Hal & Diane Halvorsen Stanley & Anita Tutnauer Vincent & Eileen Genna Dr. & Mrs. Steven Werlin Bernie & Irma Dansky Bernie & Irma Dansky Joseph Deutschman Theresa Londner Rabbi David Soloff Nettie Hurdus Howard S. Honig Barry & Marsha King Doris Veeder The Greenbaum Family Michael & Gail Brody Jeff & Holli Musoff Jeff & Holli Musoff Pearl S. Wallach Neal & Beth Appel Carol Salzberg Sandra Gottesman Jack & Lenore Matin

IN MEMORY OF Frieda Goodman Judith Follick Ruth Abramson Benjamin Persky Yetta Soloff Robert Gitlen Leo Dansky Irving Deutschman Gustave Rappeport Yetta Soloff Robert Hurdus Myron Schensul Sam King Seigfried, Martha & Babette Mayer Else Greenbaum Max Brody Leon Sorin Leon Musoff Roslyn Wallach Marcia Kendler Bernard Salzberg Burton Cunninghis Joseph Siegel

Yahrzeit Notifications Do we have all the Yahrzeit dates for your family members?

If you do not get a letter from us for a Yahrzeit, please send the name, English date of death and relationship of person to you. You can call the Synagogue Office 732-349-1244 or email to [email protected]

Congregation B’nai Israel Extends our Deepest Condolences to…. Barbara (Saul) Balasiano & Family on the passing of her mother Frances Rao. The Family of our congregant Gustave Yacker on his recent passing. The Bunis and Kerr families on the passing of their father and our congregant Herbert Bunis.

Now that Ocean County is your home, Why not make it your permanent home?

Reserve a plot in our beautiful and well-maintained Jewish cemetery. Administered for over 50 years by dedicated volunteers with neshama (soul).

B’nai Israel Memorial Park

West Whitty Road at Old Freehold Road, Toms River Under the auspices of Congregation B’nai Israel

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 24

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of: Irwin and Phyllis Natter’s 55th Anniversary Meryl, Don, Liam & Aidan McCusker Sydney Krupnick’s 90th Birthday Sidney & Rosalind Kassenoff In appreciation for: My High Holiday Honor Barbara Stone In memory of: Sanford Kartzman Neal & Beth Appel Gustave Yacker Doralee Herman PRAYERBOOK FUND In honor of: Bernice Jacob’s 90th birthday Your grandchildren and great- grandchildren

RITUAL FUND In appreciation of: Mishaberach said for Sidney Prager Maxine Prager In honor of Herb Bunis, get well wishes Jack & Arlene Neugarten

EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND In honor of: Hy Mittleberg’s “Man of the Year” Award Harriet Wolf In memory of: Gustave Yacker Harriet Wolf Irene Wolinsky Fred & Evelyn Weil Arthur Dvorkin Fred & Evelyn Weil RUBIN PANOCK EDUCATIONAL ENDOWNMENT FUND In memory of: All of my beloved family Annetta Panock GENERAL FUND In honor of Herbert Katz’s birthday Debra & Jerry Dressman

From Generation to Generation

Congregation B’nai Israel Gratefully

Acknowledges the Following Contributions

Wedding Anniversaries

A special MAZEL TOV to the following synagogue members who are celebrating anniversaries during the month of November

Anniversary Shabbat for the month of November will be Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:30 PM.

Thank you to the following people who have donated to the Kiddush Fund in honor of their anniversary:

Stanley & Harriet Brown in honor of their 65th anniversary Herbert & Charlotte Katz in honor of their 63rd anniversary

Marvin & Phyllis Kerr in honor of their anniversary Bob & Bonnie Van Bochove in honor of their 38th anniversary

Dr. Adam & Michelle Repole in honor of their anniversary Howard & Maureen Fried in honor of their 16th anniversary

1 David & Phyllis Waldman 4 Patrick & Jamie Dispoto 4 Avrum & Averil Glazier 7 Hy & Megina Mittleberg 8 Richard & Janice Sambol 8 Hyman & Perle Schechter 9 Daniel & Julie Berger

10 Neil & Michelle Brodsky 14 Irving & Selma Davis 19 Irving & Betty Nierenberg 20 Stanley & Harriet Brown 25 Bryan & Debra Kay 25 Joel & Lynn Perlmutter 27 Greg & Stella Constandaki 27 Marvin & Phyllis Kerr

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 25

IT IS A TREE OF LIFE TO THOSE WHO UPHOLD IT PROVERBS 3:18

Thank you to those who added the following to our Tree of Life:

WITH LOVE TO MICHELE PARDES BEAUTY INSIDE AND OUT

MOM, DAD, ANDREW, AND YOUR FAMILY OF FRIENDS 10-17-14

JESSICA MOLLIE WEINTRAUB BAT MITZVAH 11-15-14

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU LOVE MOM, DAD AND JILL

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. This is a perfect time to share your simchas at a time we are giving thanks. Please consider adding a Leaf to our Tree of Life. You can give an exceptional gift by sharing your simcha. Add a leaf to our Tree of Life OR reserve some for the future. Please call me, Arlene Neugarten at 732-929-0545 or call the office, 732- 349-1244 for more information. You can also chip in with friends to share a special birthday, marriage, anniversary, bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, birth of a child or grandchild, etc. Hoping to hear from you. Ever notice that each Branch has a letter on the rim from A – S, which is used to locate your Leaf? Give me a call and leave a message and I will get back to you with the information so that you can locate your Leaf. Your check for $150.00 each is made payable to Congregation B’nai Israel. You get 4 lines and 29 spaces per Leaf. Wishing you and yours good health and all that you wish for in the New Year. Shalom, Arlene

TO HONOR PHILIP I. BRILLIANT HATAN TORAH 23 TISHREI 5775 WITH LOVE & APPRECIATION

YOUR FRIENDS 10-17-14

TO HONOR MICHELE PARDES KALAT BERESHEET 23 TISHREI 5775

TO HONOR MICHELE PARDES KALAT BERESHEET 23 TISHREI 5775

WITH LOVE & APPRECIATION

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 26

A Note from the Library….

Thank you for your donations of used books. We do appreciate them. However, we have a limited amount of space in our Library.

Please call Jeanne Littman at 732 657 5619, to make arrangements to bring your books to the Synagogue. Dropping off your books without pre arrangements makes it very difficult

to organize the limited space in our Library. We hope you take full advantage of the wonderful collection of books we have accumulated over the years in our Library

Live From

B'nai Israel: Services!

Live-Streaming

of Services

The 21st century has taken shape at

Congregation B'nai Israel

Contact the Synagogue Office if you need the password information.

Congregation B’nai Israel Memorial Park

We never know when the end of life will come. The only thing for sure is that it will be at a very inconvenient time. Why should your family members have to quickly decide where you are to be buried? Why should they have to quickly choose a funeral home for you?

You should have the honor of a funeral service in the synagogue or in a chapel, where those who knew you will accord you the dignity you deserve. But if you do not arrange for this during your lifetime, maybe your family members will say “Let’s do a graveside service—it’s cheaper.” And then, what if the day of your funeral is very rainy or hot or cold? Then they will say “Hurry up and get it over with.” Is that what you would want? Certainly not.

End-of-life decisions should be for you to make—not anyone else. You deserve to choose your own burial place and funeral arrangements. Don’t put this off and leave it to others after you are gone. Contact Fred Weil, our Cemetery Chairman, who will give you guidance in making these decisions for yourself. Your family will be eternally grateful.

Fred M. Weil, Cemetery Chairman

Phone: 732-797-0197 Email: [email protected]

PJ LIBRARY IS A JEWISH FAMILY ENGAGEMENT program implemented on a local level throughout North America. We mail, high-quality Jewish children's literature and music to families across the continent on a monthly basis.

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music. The Jewish Federation of Ocean County is the local funder for this program.

All families raising Jewish children from six months up to six years old are welcome to sign up. Grandparents and other relatives can buy subscriptions on line for children who do not live in our community and do not have a sponsor in the child’s

families community. http://www.pjlibrary.org/

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 27

Toms River Hadassah Theater Trip to

Two River Theater

Wednesday Matinee November 19, 2014

To see

Camelot

A modern take on one of the greatest musicals in the American musical theater canon. This legendary tale of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot, under the direction of David Lee (Two River’s Present Laughter & TV’s Frasier and Cheers). With

songs by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe is sure to be an audience delight.

To purchase tickets for this wonderful show

make a check out to: Toms River Hadassah for $36

For information or to register by September 30th

Call Doralee Herman 732-341-3869 or Joyce Himelman 732-244-4096

Name ______________________________________________

Phone number_______________________________________

The Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Sponsored by: Clergy Association of Greater Toms River

Sunday, November 23, 2014, 4:00pm

Hosted by: Island Heights Methodist Church

111 Ocean Ave. Island Heights, NJ 08732

All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 28

"Receive a $100 credit towards your dues for just reading the Kolenu! Every month you have a chance to win a $100 credit towards your dues or synagogue event by just reading the Kolenu and looking for this advertisement. Click here to open your email program and register for this month’s drawing. Enter November Kolenu and your name in the subject line. There will be one random winner per month and only those who receive and read the Kolenu electronically are eligible to win. For more information or clarification, contact the synagogue office. We thank Grunin Properties for sponsoring this activity.”

Start the Jewish New Year 5775

Save Money 4 ways … Saving Big!

with the “NEW” Entertainment 2015 Book

Support our Sisterhood fundraiser sale!

1. PRINT – save with hundreds of coupons

with your 2015 Entertainment book

membership.

2. MOBILE – redeem offers right from your

smartphone with the free mobile app.

3. ONLINE – new discounts and coupons

are added online each day at entertainment.com.

4. CARD – save up to 20% everyday with the

frequent values card.

The Entertainment book membership is filled with hundreds of local 50% off discounts and 2-for-1 coupons.

Find your favorite coupons for local dining, sporting events, attractions, local shopping, services, hotels and resorts, car rentals and more.

UNBEATABLE SAVINGS – EVERY DAY!

The Book has had a complete overhaul. New Look – many great changes, only for the better for you!

$30 (SRP $35)

Add the 2014 Ent. Book for a total of only $35 (expires Dec 30, 2014)

Or just currently want the 2014 book for only $6 (Reg $25, SRP $30)

Available Now in the Synagogue Office

Contact Christine @ 732-349-1244 or Terri @ 732-864-1566

Purchasing out of town editions (www.entertainment.com) – reference our account # 167588

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 29

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 30

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County

In conjunction with Congregation B’nai Israel Is pleased to announce the continuation of:

“Grief After Loss” Every Monday, 1:00 PM—2:30 PM,

At Congregation B’nai Israel For more information, or to register, contact:

Jewish Family & Children’s Service 732-363-8010

BE A LAY CHAPLAIN VOLUNTEER Generosity + Gratitude = Fullness of Spirit

One day per month, bring a little Shabbat to a local Nursing Home.

Materials supplied or design your own Ritual

The feeling of giving, of helping, of bringing something Jewish to a person who is unable to come to Services or light their own Shabbat Candles or say Kiddush, fills the hearts of all.

BE A LAY CHAPLAN

Help a low-income family achieve and sustain independence…..

BE A MENTOR

Make a Difference—Be a Family Mentor Your encouragement and support can make a real difference in the life of a low-income, formerly homeless family that is struggling to become more self-reliant. The IHN PLUS Mentoring Program, developed to extend the services of The Interfaith Hospitality Network, connects volunteer mentors with families who are trying to create more positive futures. 1-2 hours per week for one year plus initial training class is required. To learn more, contact IHN AT 732-736-1550 or [email protected].

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County Phone (732) 736-1550 Website: www.ihnoc.com

Are you looking for something to do with your family ?? What about doing a good deed for someone in need?

Perhaps shopping for an elderly person that is no longer able to drive? Or maybe a visit to a Senior Citizen who doesn’t have any family close by?

Become a volunteer for Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey.

There are many ways you can help. Here are a few:

Transportation to medical visits, grocery shopping, friendly phone calls and visits, and more…

All our Services are free for our seniors and volunteers receive a rewarding experience while making a difference in someone’s life!

For more information: www.caregivervolunteers.org or call (732) 505-2273

CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL

Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields Hazzan Steven Walvick Rabbi Emeritus Richard Hammerman Cantor Emeritus Daniel Green

SERVICE SCHEDULE Friday Services: 7:30 PM Sunday Morning Services: 9:00 AM Saturday Morning Services: 9:00 AM Monday through Friday Services: 7:45 AM Friday Junior Congregation 7:30 PM Saturday Junior Congregation 10:15 AM

November 2014 Kolenu 5775 Page 31

Saturday, November 1, 2014 - Shabbat Morning Services 9am - Parashat Lech Lecha - Junior Congregation 10:15am Sunday, November 2, 2014 Daylight Savings Time - Morning Minyan 9am - Talmud Torah 9:30pm - USY Pottery Making 11am Friday, November 7, 2014 Candle Lighting 4:29pm - Evening Services 7:30pm Saturday, November 8, 2014 - Birthday Shabbat 9am - Parashat Vayera Sunday, November 9, 2014 - Morning Minyan 9am - No Talmud Torah - Jewish War Veteran’s Meeting 9:30am Friday, November 14, 2014 Candle Lighting 4:22pm - Anniversary Shabbat 7:30pm Saturday, November 15, 2014 - The Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Weintraub 9am - Parashat Chaye Sarah Sunday, November 16, 2014 - Morning Minyan 9am - Talmud Torah 9:30am - USY Cemetery Clean-up

Friday, November 21, 2014 Candle Lighting 4:17pm - Evening Services/USY Shabbat 7:30pm Saturday, November 22, 2014 - Shabbat Morning Services 9am - Parashat Toldot Sunday, November 23, 2014 Rosh Chodesh - Morning Minyan 9am - Talmud Torah 9:30am Thursday, November 27, 2014 Thanksgiving Day - Morning Minyan 9am - Office Closed Friday, November 28, 2014 - Morning Minyan 7:45am - Office Closed Candle Lighting 4:14pm - Evening Services 7:30pm Saturday, November 29 - Shabbat Morning Services 9am - Parashat Vayetze Sunday, November 30 - Morning Minyan 9am - No Talmud Torah Friday, December 5, 2014 Candle Lighting 4:13pm - Evening Services/USY Shabbat 7:30pm

TRANSPORTATION The Mitzvah Care Fund of Congregation B'nai Israel provides transportation for Congregation members

to all Services as well as any other Synagogue Event. Please call Sandy Welsher at (732) 505-1417 to make arrangements.

Editor’s Note: In an effort to enhance the appearance of the Kolenu please send your articles in 10 font and Arial font only, please. It is the responsibility of those writing articles to submit them to Christine at the Synagogue Office. All articles must be e-mailed to the Office. Articles And Community News will not be accepted hand-written or by telephone. ALL ARTICLES AND DONATIONS MUST BE IN BY THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY PUBLICATION MONTH. PLEASE DO NOT FAX. Articles received late will appear in next month’s issue. Email: [email protected]

Saturday, December 6, 2014 - Shabbat Morning Services 9am - Parashat Vayishlach Sunday, December 7, 2014 - Morning Minyan 9am - Talmud Torah 9:30am - Jewish War Veteran’s Meeting 9:30am - USY Devils or Flyers Hockey Game Friday, December 12, 2014 Candle Lighting 4:13pm - Kitah Zayin Class Dinner 6pm - Anniversary Shabbat/Kitah Zayin Class Service 7:30pm Saturday, December 13, 2014 - Birthday Shabbat 9am - Parashat Vayeshev - USY Kids Night Out 6:30pm-10pm Sunday, December 14, 2014 - Morning Minyan 9am - Talmud Torah 9:30am - Chanukah Fair 11:30am-2pm Tuesday, December 16 Erev Chanukah 1st Candle Wednesday, December 17 Chanukah 2nd Candle - Talmud Torah 4:30pm Thursday, December 18 Chanukah 3rd Candle

November 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Shabbat Services

9am

Junior

Congregation

10:15am

2 TT

USY Pottery

Making 11am

Daylight

Savings Time

Ends

3

HH

4 Hadassah Bd. Mtg.

1pm

CBI Board Mtg.

7:30pm

Election Day

5 No TT

FJMC Man of the

Year Dinner

6

7

Evening Services

7:30pm

Candle Lighting 4:29

8 Birthday Shabbat

9am

Vayera

9 No TT

Jewish War

Veteran’s

Meeting 9:30am

10 HH

11

Veterans Day

12 TT

USY Board Mtg.

6pm

USY Chapter

Event/Game

Night 7pm

13

14 Anniversary

Shabbat

7:30pm

Candle Lighting 4:22pm

15

Bat Mitzvah of

Jessica Weintraub

9am

Chaye Sarah

16 TT

USY Cemetery

Clean-Up TBD

17 HH

18

Hadassah Reg, Mtg.

1pm

Sisterhood Book

Club 7:30pm

19 TT

Rosh Chodesh

Women’s Study

Group 10:30am-

12pm

20

Bikur Cholim

Training

Program 7pm

21

Evening Services

7:30pm

USY Shabbat

7:30pm

Candle Lighting

4:17pm

22

Shabbat Services

9am

Toldot

23 TT

Community

Interfaith

Thanksgiving

Service. 4pm

Rosh

Chodesh

24 HH

25

26 No TT

27

Office Closed

Morning

Minyan 9am

Thanksgiving

28 Office Closed

Evening Services

7:30pm

Candle Lighting

4:14pm

29

Shabbat Services

9am

Vayetze

30 No TT

Cheshvan/

Kislev

5775

Adar/Nisan

5773

December 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

HH

Executive Board

Mtg. 8pm

2

Hadassah Board

Mtg. 1pm

CBI Board Mtg.

7:30pm

3

TT

USY Board Mtg.

6:30pm

USY Chapter Event–

Dodgeball 7:30pm

4

Men’s Club

Thursday Night

Football 7:30pm

5

USY Shabbat

7:30pm

Candle Lighting

4:13pm

6 Shabbat Services

9am

Vayishlach

7 TT

USY Devils or

Flyers Hockey

Game

8

HH

9

10 TT

Lunch & Learn I

Engage 11:30am-1pm

11

12

Kitah Zayin Class

Dinner 6pm

Anniversary

Shabbat/Kitah

Zayin Class

Service 7:30pm Candle Lighting

4:13pm

13 Birthday Shabbat

9am

USY Kids Night Out

6:30pm-10pm

Vayeshev

14 TT

Chanukah Fair

11:30am-2pm

15 HH

16 Hadassah

Chanukah Program

1pm (YL)

Erev Chanukah 1st Candle

17 TT

Chanukah

2nd Candle

18

Chanukah

3rd Candle

19 Evening Services

7:30pm

Junior

Congregation

7:30pm

Chanukah

4th Candle Candle Lighting

4:16pm

20

Bar Mitzvah of Ruel

Rotem 9am

Miketz

Chanukah

5th Candle

21 TT

Chanukah

6th Candle

22 HH

Rosh Chodesh

Chanukah

7th Candle

23

Rosh Chodesh

Chanukah

8th Candle

24 No TT

Men’s Club Movie

Night/Chinese

Dinner 6:30pm

Chanukah

25 Morning Minyan

9am

Office Closed

26

Evening Services

7:30pm

Candle Lighting

4:19pm

27

Shabbat Services

9am

Vayigash

28 No TT

29 No HH

30

31 No TT

Kislev/Tevet

5775

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