Congregation B’nai Israel2710 Park AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604www.congregationbnaiisrael.org

Volume 154, Number 9 Nisan/Iyar 5773 April 2013

Generations Rising: From Memory to Responsibility

Eastern Fairfield County Community Holocaust Remembrance DaySunday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m.

There will be a service of remembrance (with participation from local survivors and our community clergy) followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Samson Munn, Harry Weichsel, and Mayor Kai-Uwe Spanka (city of Wetter, Germany). Central question: Has the world changed since the Holocaust?

Hosted by Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Sponsored by Congregations Rodeph Sholom, B’nai Torah, Ahavath Achim, B’nai Israel, Beth El, and the UJA-Federation of Eastern Fairfield County. For questions, contact Congregation Rodeph Sholom at 203-334-0159.

Celebrating Elaine ChetritFriday, April 26

Please join us for a Shabbat celebration in honor of Elaine Chetrit’s26 years of dedicated service to Congregation B’nai Israel!

Oneg reception 5:00–6:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and wineShabbat service 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Immediately following the service will be a celebratorydessert in Elaine’s honor. Please join us!

Sharing Our Joy Congratulations to Robert and Anne Citrin on the birth of their granddaughter Lilah Rose (parents Amanda and Alex Dreier) and the engagement of their daughter Kim to Rob Shames.

TLC/Temple Loving Care at B’nai Israel

There’s a terrific concept spreading through Religious School: Chavurah (Community)! Jen Diamond and Kim Sherman are the co-creators of this program (for Kitot Daled–Vav [4th–6th grades]) that aims to strengthen the sense of community among our school families. To reinforce this year’s 6th grade focus on tikkun olam (repairing the world), the students have joined our TLC efforts. The kids, along with Kim Sherman, parent volunteers Kathryn Brown and Stacey White-Katzmann, and TLC food coordinator Joanne Derwallis, worked to assemble vegetarian lasagnas for our TLC freezer. Ira Wise shopped for the ingredients, photographed our chefs in action, and also took care to get the lasagnas baked. Thank you, all!

In addition to the children, several adults in our TLC group got together to cook up quiches and banana bread, and some others shared the extra bounty from their home cooking.

Please contact me if you know of a synagogue member in need. We’d love to help reduce the stress of food prep for someone who is ill or recovering from an injury, or who would be boosted by a little comfort food from TLC. Thanks!

L’chaim,Liz Nigrosh (lizziesmail@aol.com, 203-268-9044)

James Prosnit, D.D. .................................................................... RabbiEvan Schultz ............................................................................... RabbiArnold I. Sher, D.D. ..................................................... Rabbi EmeritusSheri E. Blum, D.M. ................................................................ CantorRamon Gilbert, D.M. ................................................ Cantor EmeritusIra J. Wise, R.J.E. ............................................. Director of EducationRobert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ....................................... Educator EmeritusAlexa Cohen .............................................. Early Childhood DirectorAbby Rohinsky ..................................................... Director of FacilityMatthew Rosen ............................................................. Youth Advisor

OfficersMindy Siegel ......................................................................... PresidentSamuel Rosenberg ....................................................1st Vice PresidentMichael Blumenthal ...................................................... Vice PresidentShari Nerreau ................................................................ Vice PresidentRichard Walden ............................................................ Vice PresidentLori Underberger .................................................................. TreasurerLawrence Levine ................................................... Assistant TreasurerJulie Pressman ....................................................................... SecretaryDonna Tauss .......................................................... Financial SecretaryMark A. Kirsch ............................................. Immediate Past President

AffiliatesJim Greenberg ................................................. Brotherhood PresidentMaia Butterfield & Hannah Greenhall .............. BIFTY Co-Presidents

2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604(203) 336-1858www.cbibpt.org

The Bulletin of Congregation B’nai Israelis published every month except July.

2 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to lynn@cbibpt.org!

Sincere Sympathy

We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

Millie Hirschlock, grandmother of Rachel YurdinAlfred Rosenthal, father of Ed RosenthalArnold Harris, father of Scott HarrisHenry Heskel Ezra Bakhash, father of Eddy BakhashDr. Edwin Locke, husband of Evelyn LockeElaine Barrer, sister of Shirley Winnick

Widows and Widowers Group

Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Our guest speaker is Jack Kadden, an editor of the New York Times. Join us at the home of Leona (Lee) Attenberg, 51 Morning Glory Drive, Easton. RSVP to Lee at 203-374-9688. We look forward to seeing you!

Last week the words “Let my people go” resonated around our seder tables. Significantly, as the Israelites moved from Egyptian bondage toward the Promised Land the “mantra” switched. The Torah’s message became “do not mistreat the stranger…because you

once were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Those words are such a powerful vector in our text that they are the most frequently mentioned mitzvah (some 36 times) in all of Torah. In other words, we more than anyone know what it feels like to live as outsiders. As a result, we need to be responsive to the most vulnerable in our midst.

I am reminded of this strongly held tradition every time the immigration debate raises its head in our country and community. And while some comprehensive immigration reform may at last be on the agenda in Washington, there is one local item now being considered by our representatives in Hartford. Through the efforts of CONECT, the broad-based congregational network of which we are part, a bill is being promoted to provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants living in Connecticut. (Such opportunities are already available in New Mexico, Washington State, and Illinois.) There are estimates of more than 11 million undocumented people living in our country; many hold jobs, own small businesses, and pay taxes, but are

unable to get a driver’s license. At a recent legislative hearing in New Haven that drew many CONECT advocates, more than 2,000 people gathered to support what on some levels is a commonsense safety measure for us all.

It makes sense for more drivers to be licensed. That makes for safer roads. It makes sense for police to be able to identify anyone at the scene of an accident, and not have people who might have useful information flee because they overstayed a visa. It makes sense to have more drivers tested and trained, insured and paying license fees and property taxes on their legally registered vehicles.

Passing this law would not increase illegal immigration, but it would help people who want nothing more than to legally drive a car, get to work, or help their children get to school.

Undocumented immigrants are today’s biblical strangers residing among us. No matter their legal status, they shouldn’t be forgotten or ignored. I have no knowledge of the status or documentation of my immigrant ancestors, but I assume they would have been “illegal” by today’s standards. Until Washington makes changes, this law can do something to help better the way today’s immigrants are forced to live.

Rabbi James Prosnit

3Learn about our pre-K program—see p. 6 for more info.

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Because We Were Strangers in the Land of Egypt

Mixing Religion and Politics: Asylum-Seeking, With Andrea Goodman

Friday, April 12following Shabbat service and dinner This program is part of a very special series in which we focus on some “hot” topics presented by talented, passionate, and articulate people who have been long connected to B’nai Israel. Our congregant Andrea Goodman will give an overview of the asylum process and share some personal stories of some deeply inspiring and courageous people who have sought legal

protection within the United States due to a demonstrated and well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The program will begin around 8:00 p.m. following 6:00 p.m. services and 7:00 p.m. dinner. (Reservations and a $20.00 charge for dinner only—contact Lynn at 203-336-1858 or Lynn@cbibpt.org.)

4 Food of the month: instant hot/cold cereal

eB’nai Thanks You!

February Blood Drive—Thank You!

B’nai Israel Empty Nesters Spring Event

To all of our friends, fellow congregants, and our temple staff and clergy:

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for making our 2013 eB’nai online auction a resounding success! With a combination of your wonderful donations and generous bidding, our auction proved to be an outstanding fundraising effort, and we sincerely appreciate all of your support and

participation. We are also grateful to past co-chairs Shari Nerreau and Jim Hagani and all the volunteers who worked behind the scenes soliciting, organizing, and communicating!

With much appreciation,

Sheryl Santiago and Yoav Burger, Co-Chairs, eB’nai 2013

We wish to thank the following members for their generous donations to the Red Cross Blood Drive held at B’nai Israel on February 14:

Bernie Jacobs Jeffrey Schwartz George Markley Anat Shiloah Alan Neigher Deanna Spartachino

We also thank Lynn Lynch, Abby Rohinsky and her wonderful staff, Mindy Siegel, and Ira Wise for announcing, setting up/taking down, and publicizing the drive. Although we were still digging out from a major snowstorm, the Red Cross collected a total of 22 units. Our next blood drive will be on Thursday, May 30th.

(Empty Nesters = parents of children ages 18–35)Sunday, April 28 at 2:45 p.m., Yale Art Gallery, New HavenJoin us at the Yale Art Gallery for a tour followed by dinner (optional) at Pacifico in New Haven. Plan to meet at 2:45 p.m. at the Yale Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, 203-432-0600, artgallery.yale.edu/. Following the tour we’ll take a short walk to

Pacifico Restaurant, 220 College Street, New Haven, 203-772-4002, www.pacificorestaurants.com, for an “open menu” (pay at restaurant) dinner. RSVP to Lynn at 203-336-1858 or lynn@cbibpt.org by Friday, April 19 and let her know if you will attend the art gallery and/or dinner. We look forward to seeing you there!

Who would have thought that by the time you read this in April, Passover will have already ended! What to do with ourselves with all this free Jewish time in the month of April? We do have a Jewish holiday that will fall at the end of April this year: the holiday of Lag B’omer.

Although a lesser celebrated Jewish holiday, the festival is a great opportunity for Jews to join together for food, bonfires, and picnics. We observe the holiday on the 33rd day of counting the omer, the period of time between Passover and Shavuot. (The Hebrew letters lamed and gimel add up to the number 33, so the name Lag B’omer literally means “the 33rd day of the omer.”

The ritual of counting the omer is biblical in origin. Leviticus 23:15-16 reads, “You shall count for yourselves—from the day after the Shabbat, from the day when you bring the sheaf of elevation offering [special sacrifice]—seven Shabbats, they shall be complete. Until the day after the seventh sabbath you shall count, fifty days.” Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavuot, we recite a blessing and mark that particular day of the omer. So on the 16th day, for example, we say, “Today is 16 days, which is two weeks and two days of the omer.” (On a side note, if you are a “Simpsons” fan, check out the “Counting of the Homer” at http://homercalendar.net/Welcome.html.)

Jewish tradition teaches that during the time of Rabbi Akiva, a plague afflicted the Jewish people, and the plague lifted on the 33rd day of the omer. In remembrance of those who died from the plague, the omer period is traditionally a time of partial mourning, Lag B’omer, however, the day the plague was lifted, is a time for

music and celebration. Jewish tradition teaches that during the time of Rabbi Akiva, a plague afflicted the Jewish people, and the plague lifted on the 33rd day of the omer. Thus many Jewish communities celebrate on this day with bonfires, parades, picnics, and music. Lag B’omer is also a very popular day to get married in traditional Jewish communities.

This year Lag B’omer falls on Sunday, April 28. I invite all of you to come mark the day in Seaside Park for our Tent of Abraham Spring into Action event, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. We will join with other Jews, Christians, and Muslims for a day of volunteering (Sandy beach clean-up), games, tree-planting, and of course food (a fish fry!). If we are able to get the proper permits, our hope is to also hold a Lag B’omer bonfire in honor of the holiday. Please contact me for further information—this should be a wonderful way to mark the Lag B’omer holiday. Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Evan Schultz

5

From Rabbi SchultzCount the Omer, Spring into Action

Happy Spring!

6 Food of the month: instant hot/cold cereal

From the Early Childhood CenterB’nai Israel’s Pre-K Program

Did you know the Early Childhood Education Center has a pre-K program for 5-year-olds not going on to traditional kindergarten? Our program differs from many other local pre-K programs in that it is solely for children who have already completed a program for

4-year-olds. It is also unique in that it is the only Jewish pre-K program in the area. Our pre-K program is very academic in its curriculum, but the social and emotional aspects are rooted in early childhood principles. Many parents may say to themselves, “How can I hold my child back, he/she is so smart.” It is true, our children are very intelligent, but many of them are not ready for the social “rigors” of kindergarten. As a former kindergarten teacher once told me, “Kindergarten is the new first grade.”

Parents have reported that the program has far exceeded their expectations and that their children have learned so much. “They don’t even realize they’re learning. They think they are playing,” says one enthusiastic parent.

Nancy Wilson, our pre-K class teacher, spoke about the ongoing progress of this new program and her students.

Coming from an early literacy background, working with a thematic curriculum, and integrating it with Judaism, I bring ideas to the children that frequently spiral around one another. For example, we celebrated Tu B’shvat just as we were reading Jack and the Beanstalk as part of our Traditional Tales Unit. It only made sense to plant “magic” beans and record their growth in a scientific observation journal. They flourished on our windowsill for 30 days and the children used their math, writing, and drawing skills to keep records of how many leaves and how tall they grew (using snap blocks as our standard of measurement). The children ran to the windowsill every morning to check on their plants’ progress and to see if they needed watering. What a wonderful way for children to experience first-hand the effects of nature and nurture.

The children love playing Jack and the Giant hide-and-seek, where everyone hides while the designated giant closes his eyes and recites, “Fe, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman. Be he alive or be he dead, I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.” What a great way to learn about alliteration! Substituting with other first letter sounds usually leads to giggles and works so well for auditory discrimination.

Soon we will be learning about and celebrating Passover. I will order Grow-a-Frog kits and we will be able to watch the metamorphosis of tadpole to frog. We’ve had great fun discovering and learning through hands-on experience in pre-K.

And speaking of changing, some of the students have started to read independently. There is no experience more gratifying to a teacher (or parent) than to see students’ faces when they realize they are actually reading and not repeating predictable text. The children’s pride that accompanies this feat can only be compared to when they took their first steps or managed the first wobbly ride on a bicycle without training wheels.

As the year progresses, more students will make this leap. They will enter kindergarten with the confidence, strategies, and skills that it takes to be successful. Thank you, parents, for giving your child this precious gift of time.

We are currently accepting applicants for next year’s class. If you are considering this experience for your child, please contact Alexa Cohen and set up a time to come in and observe the pre-K class and answer any questions you may have about this unique opportunity.

Fondly,Alexa Cohen, Director

7Learn about our pre-K program—see p. 6 for more info.

From the Education Center

A Gift for Shabbat—Digital Detox

Some of you know I am something of a tech geek. Like many of you, I have a SmartPhone welded to my hand. I even have a blog (https://bitly.com/wttnlblog), dedicated to exploring the next levels in Jewish education.

Do you have multiple cell phones? Take your iPad to the beach on vacation? Ever find it hard to get through a conversation without posting an update to Facebook? Is your computer always on? We increasingly miss out on the important moments of our lives as we pass the hours with our noses buried in our iPhones and BlackBerries, chronicling our every move through Facebook and Twitter and shielding ourselves from the outside world with the bubble of “silence” that our earphones create. The folks at an organization called Reboot have developed a group digital detox. It takes place from sundown to sundown on the first Shabbat of March each year. They do not advocate becoming Orthodox or Amish—the intent is just to set devices aside for a day. Keep the car, the stove, the TV (if you must), even your land-line phone! Just disengage from the Internet, they say (and re-engage with the world, family, and friends around you).

So I decided to try it. To make sure I followed through, I posted about it on my blog, quoting from http://sabbathmanifesto.org/. What was it like? Nice. It was a little quieter. I didn’t avoid all technology—I drove, watched a video, and used the phone to talk. There was no Internet, no texting. No checking e-mail or voicemail. I came

home from work in the late afternoon on Friday and had a conversation with my wife Audrey. We read books together. Then I prepared Shabbat dinner. My son Harper helped cook. My mother-in-law joined us for dinner. We lit candles, drank wine, and ate a challah Harper had baked himself.

Displayed here is the actual Sabbath Manifesto. You can get greater details about each point at the Web site above. I would say I was 7½ out of 10. (I didn’t spend time outside, and I did spend money.) It was a great Shabbat. It would have been even better if we could have left later for the high school debate tournament. Then I would have been able to attend the 8:00 a.m. Shabbat service and breakfast.

If you haven’t made it to that service, you are really missing something wonderful—and easy. There’s no dress code (I usually wear jeans. We have seen kids in soccer uniforms heading to a 9:30 game). Services are an hour and are followed by bagels and cream cheese. The fellowship (a word our Christian friends use, and it’s quite descriptive) of conversation and sharing a bite with others who were at services—or who have just arrived and are planning to stay for the Young Families Havurah or Torah study—is delightful. And then on with the rest of the day.

So let me offer you a challenge or an opportunity. Don’t wait until next March to sign a pledge and unplug. Give yourself a treat—one that costs nothing and pays off in the ways that truly matter. Put down the Android or iPhone, or at least use it only as a telephone from sunset on this or any Friday until three stars come out on Saturday. Try one or more of the items on the Sabbath Manifesto. Perhaps join us on Saturday morning. Hug and kiss your loved ones. Read.

Have a Shabbat Shalom (a peaceful Shabbat). Try it. You’ll like it!

L’shalom,Ira J. Wise, Director of Education

8 Happy Spring!

SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE

Friday, April 5 6:00 p.m. Service – BIFTY

Torah Portion – Sh’mini 2, Lev. 9:1-11:47Haftarah – 2 Samuel 6:1-23, 7:1-17

Saturday, April 6 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of

Matthew Coda, son of Michael and Lori Coda, and Arel Ram, son of Yaron Ram and Hanni Heller-Ram

Friday, April 12 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Tazria-M’tzora, Lev. 12:1-15:33Haftarah – II Kings 7:3-20

Saturday, April 13 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah11:00 a.m. B’not Mitzvah of Celia

Spartachino, daughter of Randy and Deanna Spartachino, and Haley Travisano, daughter of Michael and Ivy Travisano

Friday, April 19 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – Acharei Mot-K’doshim, Lev. 16: 1-20:27Haftarah – Amos 9:7-15

Saturday, April 20 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Morgan

Beck, daughter of Kenneth and Dana Beck

Friday, April 26 6:00 p.m. Service – The B’nai

Israel Band will perform. Special service in honor of Elaine Chetrit.Torah Portion – Emor, Lev. 21:1- 24:23Haftarah – Ezekiel 44:15-31

Saturday, April 27 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Ryan

Levy, son of Mark and Wendy Levy

(Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.)

Purim Fun!

Sunday, February 24 was our annual Purimspiel and Carnival. Both events were successfully fun, entertaining, and delicious! Music, food, games, and lots of laughing were in abundance. Thanks to

all who helped make the service and carnival possible!

9Food of the month: instant hot/cold cereal

Adult RoundtableThursday, April 4 at 12:15 p.m.

This group holds a discussion about current events for anyone who wants to go deeper than the deadlines and enjoys expressing their own opinions and hearing those of others. Facilitated by Gloria Katz.

Join us on the first Thursday of each month and bring a sandwich, your opinion, and an open mind.

The Journey Toward the Promised Land ContinuesSaturday Morning Torah Study—Each Week at 9:30 a.m. Every Saturday morning we learn Torah together. Some attend 8:00 a.m. services, others arrive in time for the study group. Some participate every week, and others drop in when they can. Some have solid biblical backgrounds, and others are novices to the study. Some know Hebrew, and most do not. Bottom line: Everyone is welcome! Join us for an enriching, enjoyable, and engaging hour of weekly learning of our most sacred text.

Parent Learning CircleTopic: Understanding the Friday Night Shabbat LiturgySunday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m.The Parent Learning Circle (PLC) is an opportunity for parents of students in Gan through Kitah Gimel (kindergarten through 3rd

grade) to connect, learn, and create community. Our learning and discussions mirror the topics that students are learning in their classrooms. PLC helps parents feel better prepared to answer children’s questions about Judaism, God, birth, death, and much more. Group members gain confidence in celebrating Shabbat, holidays, and engaging in Jewish rituals. Participants also have an opportunity to learn Hebrew during the first 20 minutes of each class, just like the children in their classrooms! Join us for the whole session, or drop in at 10:50 to participate in the Jewish living conversations. With Rabbi Evan Schultz.

Raising the “Bar” in Bar and Bat MitzvahMonday, April 8 at 6:00 p.m.Join us for the final session of a four-part series for parents of upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. These programs are an opportunity to both study together and create an open forum for discussion on contemporary topics and issues related to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah process. As parents, you will have a space to talk about how you are feeling about this major upcoming event in the life of your family with clergy and like-minded adults. All parents of upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah students are encouraged to attend! Note: Supervised pizza dinner/study hall will be provided for students from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. RSVP to Rabbi Schultz at 203-336-1858 or eschultz@cbibpt.org by this Monday at noon if your child will be joining us for the pizza dinner.

Mixing Religion and Politics: A New Generation Speaks of and for Israel—With Steven Krubiner Friday, May 10 (rescheduled from February 8) This is part of a special series in which we focus on some “hot” topics presented by talented, passionate, and articulate people who have been long connected to B’nai Israel. Steven Krubiner grew up at B’nai Israel and today lives in Washington, DC. He is the Chief of Staff for J Street and has spent the past decade working on Middle East conflict resolution, including spending nearly five years in Israel. Steven was previously J Street’s Director of Israel and International Programs and oversaw efforts to highlight the significant support that exists in Israel for a two-state solution. The program will begin around 8:00 p.m., following 6:00 p.m. services and 7:00 p.m. dinner. Reservations and a $20.00 charge for dinner only—contact Lynn at 203-336-1858 or lynn@cbibpt.org. If you had already reserved a place with Lynn for the original February 8 dinner, please reconfirm your availability for May 10.

Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel

10 What’s happening at temple? Get Happenings, our weekly email! Send your request to lynn@cbibpt.org!

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi ProsnitSusan Bauchner, Ellen and Allan Gittleman in honor of the 99th birthday of their father, Arnold Kaplan.Elaine and Juda Chetrit in memory of Stanley Manasevit, father of Sharon Harris.The Hagani family in honor of the B’not Mitzvah of Rachel and Alison Hagani.Dr. Judy Hochstadt in loving memory of her father, Morris Koper.Bobby Kaplan in honor of the 99th birthday of her husband, Arnold Kaplan.Bobby and Arnold Kaplan in memory of mother, Beatrice Kaplan.Carol Krim in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit for involving us in CAGV; Mazel Tov to Laurel and Hank Greenberg on Devon’s early acceptance to Stanford.Beth Lazar in loving memory of her mother, Shirley Greenberg Lazar.Gail Lubchansky in memory of Rueben Steuerman.Alice Madwed in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.The Mayerson family in appreciation for arranging Ken’s funeral and shiva.Abigail Schine in memory of her sister-in-law, Miriam Elkin.Olga Shikhman in loving memory of Leonid Shikhman.Cleo and Jon Sonneborn in honor of the birth of Annalise Isabel, granddaughter of Wendy and Don Hyman.Miriam Spero in memory of beloved husband, Robert Spero.Marc, Amy, Matthew, and Julia Warman in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit and in honor of Julia’s Bat Mitzvah.

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi SchultzGail and Gary Felberbaum in memory of Wayne Meadowcroft, stepfather of Renee Beitman. The Hagani family in honor of the B’not Mitzvah of Rachel and Alison Hagani.Beth Lazar in loving memory of her aunt, Janet Greenberg.The Mayerson family in appreciation for helping during Ken’s funeral and shiva.

Music FundJudith Ohl Bart in memory of Ken Mayerson; in memory of Elaine Kanner.The Hagani family in honor of the B’not Mitzvah of Rachel and Alison Hagani.Andrea and Alan Landau in memory of Arnold Harris, father of Scott Harris and father-in-law of Sharon Harris.The Mayerson family in appreciation to Cantor Blum for participating in Ken’s funeral.Amy and Glenn Rich in memory of Arnold Harris, father of Scott Harris.Michelle and Joe Salem in appreciation to Cantor Blum and in honor of Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah.Debbie, Dan, Matthew, and Jaime Viens in memory of Arnold Harris.Marc, Amy, Matthew, and Julia Warman in appreciation to Cantor Blum and in honor of

Julia’s Bat Mitzvah.

Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action FundEllen and Larry Dinkes in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.Geraldyn Eckber in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.Beth Lazar in loving memory of her uncle, Robert Lazar.The Mayerson family in gratitude for officiating at Ken’s funeral.

Etz Chaim Living Torah FundSusan and Tom Hood to preserve the temple’s Torah scrolls.

Arnold and Doris Tower FundMichael Goldman in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.Holly and Jerry Swirsky in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.

Prayer Book FundGeorge and Chris Markley—Mazel Tov to Janet Jurow and the entire Jurow family on the birth of Lilia Jurow.Florence Nabel in memory of her brothers, Lionel Nabel and Jacob Asher Nabel.

Judith Brav Sher Family Education FundLuise and Ed Burger—congratulations to Elaine and Juda Chetrit on the birth of their granddaughter.The Reznikoff family in appreciation of Elaine Chetrit’s many years of loving dedication as Family Educator.Cleo and Jon Sonneborn—congratulations to Elaine and Juda Chetrit, honoring the birth of their granddaughter, Eliana Paige.

Enhancement FundNancy and Robert Altchiler in honor of Henry Bakhash.Audrey Bernstein in memory of her mother, Julia Mellen.Dr. & Mrs. Dennis J. Bird in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke, a colleague, mentor, friend, and true gentleman. May he rest in peace.Luise and Ed Burger in loving memory of fathers, Herbert Mann and Sam Burger.Dale and Jerry Demner in memory of Lillian Slive and Irving Jacob Demner.Henry Diamond in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.Marvin Gelfand in memory of Anna Gelfand. Joni and Michael Greenspan in memory of Sidney Greenspan.Wendy and Don Hyman in honor of the birth of Jordan and the birth of Michaela.Brenda Kendall and Estelle Glass—wishing Audrey Wise continued good health.Albert Kleban in memory of Ellie Levin.Linda S. Koski in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit, Rabbi Schultz, and Cantor Blum for their kindness and in loving memory of her father, Donald G. Schimmel.Wilma and David Koss in memory of Dr. Edwin A. Locke.

Beth Lazar in loving memory of her aunt, Roz Greenberg.Judy and Stanley Lessler in memory of Claire Lessler.Carolyn and Gregory Morton in memory of Edwin Locke.Amy and Glenn Rich in appreciation to Rich Walden and Rob Morris for an excellent Wine Tasting event.Bernice Rosch in loving memory of dear father, Harry Miller.James S. Sagner in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.Maria Maher Wainwright in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.

Nursery School Enrichment FundJane and Jerry Pressman in honor of the birth of Gail and Peter Weinstein’s new granddaughter, Ella Jane.Debbie, Dan, Matthew, and Jaime Viens in memory of Henry Heskel Ezra Bakhash.

Nursery School Scholarship FundAlexa Cohen in memory of Millie Hirschlock, grandmother of Rachel Yurdin; in memory of Henry Heskel Ezra Bakhash, father of Eddy Bakhash.

Religious School Enrichment FundMarc, Amy, Matthew, and Julia Warman in appreciation to Clair Baker and in honor of Julia’s Bat Mitzvah.

BIFTY Greenwald ScholarshipAmy and Glenn Rich in memory of Stanley Manasevit, father of Sharon Harris.

Slepian Flower FundBarbara Panisch in memory of Barbara Green, mother of Lewis Green; in memory of Frances Panisch, sister-in-law. Selma Sheketoff in memory of Ed Locke.

Library FundSusan Bauchner in loving memory of Burton Bauchner.Bobby and Arnold Kaplan in memory of son-in-law, Burton Bauchner.Gerry and Harvey Levine, in memory of Dr. Edwin Locke.

MAZONMyrna Kaufman in memory of mother, Florence Newman.Harriet, Harvey, and Adam Polansky with appreciation to Elaine Chetrit for all you have done with compassion, love, and commitment.

DonationsPlease note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.

11Learn about our pre-K program—see p. 6 for more info.

Tikkun Olam and Earth Day—Thoughts on “Greening” Jewish Institutions“When God created the first human beings, God led them around the Garden of Eden and said: ‘Look at my works! See how beautiful they are—how excellent! For your sake I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy My

world; for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it.’” (Midrash Kohelet Rabbah, 1 on Ecclesiastes 7:13). Upon reading these words, it’s hard not to believe that the Jewish community must be at the forefront of protecting our environment and leading the “green charge.” Earth Day is April 22. Following are some thoughts from Jewish educators and businesspeople about a Jewish environmental movement and what Jewish institutions can do to help repair our world in a sustainable fashion.

How Jewish Institutions Can Make Operations GreenerEnergy has the biggest environmental impact—use compact fluorescent lamps, insulate heating units and windows, and conduct a professional audit to determine how to save energy. Recycle paper, bottles, and cans, and do it visibly so that congregants know that the institution is serious about it. Third, make sure that cleaning products are non-toxic.

Reduce waste. Does the organization really need so many flyers? Do those plastic toy giveaways really improve children’s quality of life? Is there a way to switch to reusable plates? The less stuff people buy and throw away, the better the world will be left for our children.

Get a good programmable thermostat with separate heating/AC zones—this saves money better used for program expenses and is a major step toward reducing carbon emissions. Build a consensus within the community that caring for creation is indeed a Jewish mandate and that limiting the impact of this institution on our planet and our neighbors and our future is part of the community’s very mission.

Green Leaders in the Jewish CommunityThe Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) was one of the first to fuse Jewish concepts and environmental teachings. The Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action have also been active on environmental issues.

The Staten Island JCC has received several large state and

federal grants geared toward two different solar projects, has switched to green cleaning products and almost eliminated paper marketing, and has partnered with other local organizations to educate community members about environmental stewardship and provide opportunities for action.

UJA-Federation’s partnership with the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center created the Jewish Greening Fellowship, which unites and equips members of the Jewish community to pursue environmental initiatives.

The Ideal Role for Jewish Institutions in the Jewish Environmental MovementJewish institutions have a unique opportunity to band together to educate the Jewish community and to articulate to all people the Jewish concepts of environmental protection and social justice.

Greening our own agencies is an important beginning. Every Jewish agency should have a green team and a staff person whose job is to oversee the agency’s greening efforts.

And individual Jews must continue to push to “green” their institutions; these sustainability-focused Jewish institutions will in turn set other Jews onto the “green leadership” path. This will serve society, our planet, tradition, and our descendants.

The following Jewish leaders contributed the above commentary:

—Scott Cassel, executive director of the Product Stewardship Institute, who helps pursue initiatives to ensure that organizations involved in the life cycle of a product share responsibility for reducing its health and environmental impacts.

—Rachel Jacoby Rosenfeld, cofounder and director of the Jewish Greening Fellowship, an initiative of the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center funded by the UJA-Federation of New York.

—Fred Scherlinder Dobb, Rabbi of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda, MD.

Adapted from Ezra Shanken’s article in PresenTense Our Environment, published by e-Jewish Philanthropy (affiliated with the URJ).

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