www.tbanj.org Bulletin February 2020/5780

A welcoming community of Jewish life, worship & learning

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LIFE CYCLE EVENTS

As of January 28, 2020

MAZEL TOV

Meredith & Adam Torine, daughter, Kylie, becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Samantha & Jonathan Green, son, JT, becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Meryll & Jonathan Grebow, daughter, Sydney, becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Amy & David Eisen, on the marriage of their son Corey to Talia Freedman

Ginny & Jeff Roth, on the marriage of their son Michael (Mickey) Roth to Ronya Gordon

Judy & Richard Dolinko, on the engagement of their daughter, Jill to Joshua Brown

Ruth Dolinko, on the engagement of her granddaughter, Jill to Joshua Brown

Adria & Mark Rolnik, on the birth of their new granddaughter, Maya Shay Sternberg

Carol & Mel Keating, on their 50th wedding anniversary

NEW FAMILIES

Amy Dolinko

Brian & Felicia Egger

Brandon & Daniel

Chad & Tara Ehrenkranz

Owen, Eva & Cameron

CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF

Suzy Allen brother, David B. Seitzman

Brittany, Skyler & Zoey Seitzman father, David B. Seitzman

Scott Birnbaum mother, Esther Birnbaum

Jami Weisman grandmother, Florence Wolff

Caroline Oolie father, Sam Oolie

Alan Speiser mother, Edythe Speiser

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TBA ANNUAL GIVING—PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP 2019-2020

Pledge payments are due: February 29, 2020.

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

TBA Annual Giving — Partners in Leadership As of January 28, 2020

President’s Circle Jeanette Black Foundation Susan & Alan Hammer Susan & Richard Kogan Sherry & L. Robert Lieb Leslie & Jay Mayesh Sandi & Mark Rosenbaum Sara-Ann & Robert Sanders Maya & David Silbermann Julie & Max Silbermann Ethel & Robert Singer Trudy & Fredric Slater Ellen & Barry Wagenberg Torah Circle Deborah & Scott Berger Andrea & Philip Bershad Nancy & Richard Dinar Bernice & Kenneth Garbade Ellen & David Hyman Lester Kalisher ShariEve & Mark Meller Eileen & Marc Mellman Lauren & Scott Scher Marcy & Mark Schwartz Robin & Leigh Walters 1853 Society Suzanne & Saul Berkowitz Nancy & Ken Bernstein Joni & Alan Cohen Lawrence Cooper Isabella & Joshua Fiske Susan & Alan Gallinson Drs. Susan & Bruce Greene Lesley & Neil Greenstein Merle & Marty Kalishman Eileen & Jeffrey Klein Melanie & Jonathan Wurtele Rabbi’s Circle Arlene & Richard Bookbinder Nancy & Robert Eskow Caren & Herbert Ford Beth & Ken Friedman Terri & Mark Friedman Valerie & Robert Katz Harriet & Marvin Kirschner Ellen & Peter Klein Karyn Klein Robin & Jeffrey Kollin Patricia & Frank Kolodny Michael Lewis Ellen & Richard Lincer Ellen & Scott Loventhal Judy & Eric Perlmutter Brandi & Arthur Podnos Nancy & Steven Pokotilow

Joy & Neil Prupis Marian & David Rocker Barbara & Michael Rosenbaum Regina & Jeffrey Roth Terry & Kenneth Starr Christine & Wayne Strassman Mitzvah Circle Brian Altman & Jacqueline Jove’-Altman Michelle & Scott Barishaw Jaryn & Ronnie Bloom Elizabeth Buchbinder Ruth M. Dolinko Barbara Drench Jane & Howard Ehrenkranz Cathy & Bruce Fischberg Sharleen & Andrew Friedman Francine & Mitchell Handman Robin & Gary Hecht Tara & Richard Heyderman Jayne & James Jacoby Julie & Gregg Klein Cindy & Shawn Klein Leslie & Fredric Lavinthal Susan & Andrew Leichter Debbie & Wayne Locke Alyce Sands Miller Stacey & Marc Rosenberg Ruth Ross Linda & John Schupper Adrienne & Stanley Schwartz Elaine & Stanley Shapiro Bonnie & Harrison Sterling Marianne & Bernard Tulman Honi & Bennett Wasserman Staci & Glen Weiss Myrna & Marvin Wertheimer Marjorie Yonteff Marjie & Scott Zucker Circle of Friends Cynthia & Murray Bartky Phyllis & Barry Becker Barbara & Roland Berrebi Rebecca & Todd Bialick Sandra & David Bohrer Joel Bornstein Louise Buchbinder Leonard Cohen Myra Cohen Rochelle Cohen Steven Delman Erica & Bryce Facktor Helen Farber Annette & Herb Feldman Jane & Alfred Fischer Marsha & Steven Fiske Rheda & Raymond Folkman

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

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TBA BOOK GROUP CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING

TBA Book Group 2020

with Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg. M.A.R.E, M.A.H.L.

The B’nai Abraham Book Group will have engaging, meaningful, and edifying conversations about different books each

month. Register online or call 973.994.2290.

Wednesday, February 12, 7:30 PM

Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari

From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evo-

lution—a #1 international bestseller— that explores the ways in which biology and history

have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” One hun-

dred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today

there is only one—homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?

Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach,

but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about

70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving

humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to

reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events

within the context of larger ideas. Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans

have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring

the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want

to become? Featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is

sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of Jared Diamond, James Gleick, Matt Ridley, Robert

Wright, and Sharon Moalem.

Books available for purchase online at Amazon.com or other booksellers.

Upcoming dates and book selections: Wednesdays, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM @ TBA March 11: A Pigeon and A Boy by Meir Shalev April 1: New American Haggadah by Jonathan Safran Foer & Nathan Englander May 13: Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein HaLevi_

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Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Dantowitz

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

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

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Twelve Tremendous Talmudic Texts with Rabbi Vaisberg

We will dive into twelve fantastic Talmudic texts that deal with key issues confronting Judaism today, includ-ing such topics as pluralism, disagreement, revelation, and balances of power. No background in Talmud is necessary, and this course is taught using English translations. This course is inaugurating Temple B’nai Abraham’s new Steinsaltz Talmud set and taught in honor and memory of Rabbi Dr. Aaron D. Panken, z”l. Bring your appetite for learning as well as your dairy lunch! Beverages will be provided! This course is free and open to the community. Register online or call 973.994.2290.

STEINSALTZ TALMUD SET DONATED BY SUSAN AND RICHARD KOGAN

Mondays, 12:30 to 1:30 PM February 10, February 24, March 2, March 23, March 30, April 20 & May 11, 02020 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Organ Donation: Questions and Answers from a Jewish Perspective with Cantor Epstein

This two-part class is open to the community and hopes to increase an awareness of organ donation gener-ally and within the Jewish community specifically. We will clearly and simply explain the different kinds of donation procedures and Jewish bioethical opinions on each. We will study sources and commentaries on the overriding Jewish concept of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) as well as other Jewish ethical teachings re-garding donation. We will address misinformation or myths which are prevalent among many in the com-munity. And finally, explain how to become an organ donor in New Jersey. Limited to temple members only.

Thursdays, April 30 & May 7, 7:00 to 8:15 PM _______________________________________________________________________________________

CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING

ReIntro to Judaism with Rabbi Vaisberg

This class is for all those seeking to rediscover their Judaism. It may be that you find yourself in a new chapter of life; it may be that you simply seek to learn more. Most classes will be taught via Zoom (a video conferencing tool, meaning that you can participate from wherever you are on your phone, tablet, or desk-top!) if you have any questions, call the temple office, 973-994-2290.

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PRIME TIME MUSICAL AFTERNOON

Prime Time Musical Afternoon, From Gottschalk to Gershwin Sunday, March 15, 2:30 PM. RSVP by March 10 Cost: Prime Time member: $10 All others. $15 (At the door Prime Time member $15 and All others $20)RSVP online or call 973.994.2290.

Join us as we trace the important role played by Jewish composers—from Gottschalk in 1842 to Gershwin in the 1920s and 30s—in the history of American music! In an engaging, humorous and thought-provoking concert, pianist Alex Pryrodny, mezzo-soprano Leslie Valentine and tap dancer Alexander MacDonald ex-plore some of the turning points and key contributors, from early fusion attempts until the dawn of the “Jazz Age.” They connect history to the present day to answer the question, “What is American music and what makes it unique, valuable and truly American.”

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The TBA Annual Women’s Interfaith Forum Addressed Diversity

On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, Temple B’nai Abraham’s Social Action Committee, in partnership with the Sister-hood—The Women’s Connection, sponsored the annual Women’s Interfaith Forum, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy at the temple. Since 1994, the Women’s Interfaith Forum has gathered women from greater Essex County’s houses of worship and faith-based groups to share a vegetarian meal prepared by the women of TBA’s Sister-hood, followed by a discussion of issues of interest to women of all backgrounds. Many of the over 175 guests this year were repeat participants who had attended this event over the decades. Acquaintances have become friends as many attendees look forward to this yearly event. Janet Penn and Ruth Ross, TBA Social Action Committee co-chairs, along with TBA Sisterhood Co-Presidents Donna Ellenbogen and Deborah Jacob, spearheaded this year’s event. The topic this year, Diversity: Embrace It, Share It, Celebrate It, explored what local communities are doing to address di-versity.

A four-woman panel shared what their communities are doing to address this topic. The panel participants were: Saba Laeeq Khan, Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (LCDI), who discussed her personal journey to Livingston and the Township of Livingston’s diversity initiatives; Tammy Williams, Realtor, Chair of West Orange Human Rights Commission. who shared her perspective of diversity as well as how West Orange embraces diversity; Mila Jasey, NJ State Assemblywoman for Essex County. who explored her personal experiences as a resident of South Orange as well as how Essex County handles diversity, and Kaity Assaf, Rutgers-Newark 2020, Political Science Student, Organizer of Women’s March NJ, who spoke on her experiences at Rutgers Newark, and how the University is in the forefront of supporting diversity on campus.

ANNUAL WOMEN’S INTERFAITH FORUM

more photos on page 8

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Men’s Club Annual Sports Breakfast presents

Carli Lloyd Two-Time World Cup Champion

Two-Time Olympian

Sunday, March 15, 2020 Breakfast & Check-in 8:30 AM

Event: 9:30-11:30 AM @ Temple B’nai Abraham

sponsored by Temple B’nai Abraham Men’s Club All invited to attend, bring your family and friends!

Enjoy a hot delicious breakfast cooked by Men’s Club Members Autograph signing opportunity*

*Please note: Autographs limited to 1 item per person and subject to time

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

Florham Park Sports & Events Center Livingston Soccer Club

Gold Sponsor

Millburn Soccer Club

MEN’S CLUB SPORTS BREAKFAST WITH CARLI LLOYD

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Men's Club Sport Breakfast Event Pricing

Men's Club Members: $60 per family**, $30 per adult, $15 per child under 18 All others: Guests or Non- Men's Club Members: $75 per family**, $50 per adult, $15 per child under 18 ** Immediate family >All children under 8 admitted free. Must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Committee Rob Blumhof, Carey Gertler, Mitch Katz & Rob Stecklow Andrew Halper & Peter Z. Rosenbaum, Men's Club Co-Presidents

MEN’S CLUB SPORTS BREAKFAST TICKETS KRAV MAGA CLASS @ TBA

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ANNUAL WOMEN’S INTERFAITH FORUM PHOTOS

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All funds as of January 28, 2020

ONE FAMILY FUND In honor of the marriage of Karen Silberman to Ross Brandes Myrna & Marvin Wertheimer Sandi & Mark Rosenbaum Barbara Silber Honi & Bennett Wasserman Happy Chanukah to Steve Delman The Essex County Kosher Nutrition Program In memory of Jeffrey Manoff Grace Kaplan In memory of Marty Scheinfeld’s mother Jeffrey, Harriet and Alexandra Robbins In honor of the marriage of Talia Freedman to Corey Eisen The Schofels In memory of Esther Birnbaum Tara & Rich Heyderman In memory of Esther Birnbaum David Myers & Nomi Stolzenberg Marian & David Rocker In memory of Lou Gompers In memory of Janice Ganek Honi & Bennett Wasserman In honor of the marriage of Michael Roth to Ronya Gordon Suzanne & Saul Berkowitz In memory of Norma Fischberg Harriet Perlmutter-Pilchik Jeff & Ginny Roth Marion & Myron Soled Nancy & Richard Dinar Lois & Frank Dyer In memory of Sam Oolie Barbara Gross & Ken Lipkin

KULWIN EDUCATION FUND Amy & David Eisen

BARRY FRIEDMAN CREATIVE SERVICE FUND In honor of Elizabeth Epstein becoming a Bat Mitzvah In memory of Esther Birnbaum Roberta & Randy Samuels In memory of Howard Kessler Laurie Siegel

CARING CONNECTIONS In memory of Howard Kessler Laurie Siegel

SHEILA GROSSMAN EARLY SCHOOL FUND In memory of Alexander Biel Lori Levine To the fund Elaine & Alan Speiser

JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Gilda Biro The Falcone Family In memory of Jeffrey Manoff Betty Ende

ELLEN & PETER KLEIN GARDEN FLOWER FUND In honor of the birth of Jacob Brody Handman In honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Carol & Mel Keating In honor of Kylie Torine becoming a Bat Mitzvah In memory of Esther Birnbaum In honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Susan & Alan Gallinson In honor of the marriage of Mickey Roth & Ronya Gordon In memory of Norma Fischberg Ellen & Peter Klein

KOGAN BIRTHDAY FUND In memory of Howard Kessler In memory of Norma Fischberg Susan & Richard Kogan

ORLOVSKY/REICHEL SENIOR SERVICES FUND In memory of Gilda Biro The Falcone Family In memory of Howard Kessler Madi & Harold Hoffman

PRAYERBOOK FUND In honor of the marriage of Karen Silbermann and Ross Brandes In memory of Gilda Horn In honor of the marriage of Ronya Gordon & Michael Roth The Jeddis Family In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Sydney Grebow Melanie & Michael Lipson In loving memory of Allyn Cooper Merle & Marty Kalishman In memory of Norma Fischberg Marcia & Lonnie Tabatchnick Randi & Gregory Jeddis Ruth Hutter In memory of Jack Repp Randi & Gregory Jeddis

CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Martin Berkowitz’s mother Joan & Harry Cagin In honor of Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg Kathy & David Liss

RABBI KULWIN EMERITUS DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory their parents, Marilyn & Irving Kuskin, with thanks to Rabbi Kulwin for his help & support Kathy Gering & Glenn Kuskin In honor of the wedding of their daughter, Karen and Ross Brandes with thanks to Rabbi Kulwin Julie & Max Silbermann In honor of Rabbi Kulwin, with appreciation Barbara & Scott Birnbaum

GENEROUS GIFTS FROM THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE

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GENEROUS GIFTS FROM THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE

YAHRZEIT FUND

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

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IN THE COMMUNITY

TEMPLE SPONSOR

300 East Northfield Road Livingston, New Jersey 07039

mailing address: PO Box 46, Livingston, NJ 07039

www.tbanj.org

Temple 973.994.2290 Fax: 973.994.1838

The Early School 973.994.7016 Fax: 973.994.7999

Jewish Learning 973.994.3950 Fax: 973.994.7999

Program (K-12)

February 2020

The Temple B’nai Abraham Bulletin is published monthly.

Online at www.tbanj.org

Bruce H. Greene, D.O., President

Jeffrey Klein, Vice President Scott Loventhal, Vice President

Stacey Rosenberg,, Vice President Kenneth Starr, Vice President

Isabella Fiske, Secretary Tara Heyderman, Asst. Secretary

Carey Gertler, Treasurer Craig Kantor, Assist. Treasurer

Julie A. Silbermann, Immediate Past President

Jakob B. Halpern, Counsel

David Z. Vaisberg, Rabbi

Faith Joy Dantowitz, Rabbi

Jessica Epstein, Cantor

Clifford M. Kulwin, Rabbi Emeritus

Lee Coopersmith, Cantor Emeritus

Gail Milchman, Executive Director

Debbie Aronson Ziering, Director of Early Childhood Education

Melissa G. Weiner, Director of Jewish Learning

Tina Greenberg, Communications Coordinator

FEBRUARY 2020 SERVICES

Friday, January 31 5:45 PM Tot Shabbat & pizza dinner 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, February 1 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Bo 9:00 AM Jr. Congregation 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Madison Feldman, daughter of Lauren & Jamie Feldman, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Samuel Goldstein, son of Melissa & Jonathan Goldstein, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Friday, February 7 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Family Shabbat service February birthdays & anniversaries will be celebrated. Kitah (4th grade) Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, February 8 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Beshalach 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Benjamin Lubetsky, son of Renee & Jason Lubetsky, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Friday, February 14 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services.

Saturday, February 15 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Yitro 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Hailey Meykler, daughter of Maya Zilbert & Boris Meykler, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Adele Salz, daughter of Nyssa Reine-Salz & Andre Salz, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Friday, February 21 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, February 22 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Mishpatim 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Elizabeth Epstein, daughter of Cantor Jessica Epstein & Steven Epstein, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Friday, February 28 5:45 PM Tot Shabbat & dinner 5:45 PM Pre–oneg 6:30 PM Shabbat service An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Saturday, February 29 9:00 AM Parashat HaShavua: Terumah 10:00 AM Shabbat morning service Ethan Kooper, son of Jessica & Jay Kooper, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Samantha Schechter, daughter of Andrea Schechter, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.