CCHAHAII NNOOTETESS...2018/02/02 · Bewilderments, Reflections on the Book of Numbers With his...

CHAI CHAI Congregation Shir Shalom · 4660 Sheridan Drive · Williamsville, NY 14221 · (716) 633-8877 · Fax (716) 633-8952

NOTES NOTES

Song of Peace

www.shirshalombuffalo.org

February 2018 Shevat - Adar 5778

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM

PURIM SPIEL ~ "A Country Purim ~ The Noshville Megillah” Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00pm

A Country Purim - The Noshville Megillah featuring the CSS Purim Spiel Players and Tizmeret House Band.

Come in costume for a Gran’ Ole Tyme. Live band and good old country hospitality. Open to everyone.

Join us at 6:00pm our complimentary Purim Pizza Dinner. Please RSVP to the Temple office.

Chai Club Grand Prize Drawing Wednesday, February 28th

Grand prizes will be drawn during the Purim Spiel, for $180, $360 and $540. The top ticket sellers will be awarded prizes of $18, $36 and $54.

Shir Shalom's Youth Group Hamantaschen Sale $10 for 1 Dozen, $18 for 2 Dozen, $36 for 4 Dozen. Limit 4 Dozen per Family.

Orders must be received no later than February 16th

.

(Please use the order form on page 9.)

Pick up your Hamantaschen orders on February 27th

or March 4th

during Religious School hours.

Community Purim Carnival at Congregation Shir Shalom Sunday, March 4th from 11:00am - 1:30pm

Games, prizes, food, hamantaschen! Come in costume for this fun-filled event!

Check out the new activities for middle school age kids! There is a fee.

2018 Purim Festivities 2018 Purim Festivities

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February 2018

Parashat Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)

Friday, February 2, 2018

7:00 PM Erev Shabbat Service

Saturday, February 3, 2018

9:00 AM Torah Study at Canterbury Woods

11:00 AM Shabbat Morning Service at Canterbury Woods

*** Parashat Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)




9:00 AM Torah Study

10:30 AM Mishebeirach and Mourner’s Kaddish

10:45 AM Shabbat Morning Service

*** Parashat Teruma (Exodus 25:1-27:19)




9:00 AM Torah Study



4:00 PM Bat Mitzvah of Abigail Abramowitz

*** Parashat Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)




9:00 AM Torah Study



Upcoming Services

Chai Notes - Issue 60

Published Monthly

Congregation Shir Shalom 4660 Sheridan Drive

Williamsville, NY 14221

CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM

“Song of Peace"

OUR MISSION IS TO BE A WELCOMING COMMUNITY AND TO ENHANCE ALL

ASPECTS OF JEWISH LIFE.

WE ARE: Reform and Reconstructionist Diverse Multigenerational Inclusive and Interfaith

WE SHARE: Joy in Judaism Compassion and support Lifelong learning Traditions with flexibility

WE AFFIRM: Reinterpreting our heritage Repairing the world Embracing uniqueness and unity Recognizing the relevance of Israel

April 2018 Chai Notes Deadline

The deadline for articles to be submitted for inclusion in the April 2018 issue of Chai Notes is February 21, 2018.

Please submit articles to the editor at [email protected]

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To sit in the presence of Georg Iggers was to hear a firsthand account of global events for the past one hundred years. His family escaped the Nazis in 1938, settled in the deep south where they encountered Jim Crow laws. Georg and his wife Wilma helped desegregate the library in Little Rock and its school system. Then, in the

1960s the Iggers returned to Germany where they were among the first people to bridge the divide between East and West Germany. Later in the 1980s Georg went into Communist China and brought university students to study at the University of Buffalo, where he and his wife were professors.

His passion for creating social change was unmatched, working to improve the lives of both the people of Cuba and African Americans in Buffalo, up until his final weeks of life. Whenever I would see him, even just two weeks before he died, he would tell me, “Rabbi Alex we really need to meet, I have very important things to share with you.”

With his help I was able to visit Gottingen Germany in 2009 and participate in the service for Kristallnacht, or, as he would always remind me, “the Pogrom,” led by the students in the community that November. I also got to tour the area and meet many of his friends and colleagues, even participating in the synagogue he and Wilma helped to reestablish a few years before.

I feel very blessed to have made his acquaintance and am filled with sadness about his passing in December. In his honor and in honor of the amazing contribution he and Wilma made toward tikkun olam, the repair of the world, I have invited the current president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Rev. Mark Blue the pastor of Second Baptist Church of Lackawanna. At our Friday night service on February 9th, Rev. Blue will speak about the history of the NAACP and its role in the community today.

In Georg’s memory, we should all try a little harder to do what we can to make this world a place where all people can live in peace, free of barriers and where justice rolls down like a river, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

B’Shalom,

[email protected]

Meet with the Rabbi or Cantor

If you need guidance, advice, or if you just want to schmooze, Rabbi Alex and Cantor Frank are available every Thursday, from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Call Rabbi Alex at (716) 308-4558 or Cantor Frank at (845) 596-5142, to make an appointment.

From Rabbi Lazarus-Klein

New books at the CSS Library February 2018

The following books were recently obtained at the Barnes and Noble Hanukkah event.

They are available on loan (for a 3 week period.)

Adult books:

The Happiness Prayer, Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today by Evan Moffic, 2017

In the tradition of Rabbi Harold Kushner, Moffic opens up wisdom from the heart of Judaism with insights for today. He sheds light on an enduring prayer that captures the means and meaning of joyous living that will appeal to everyone.

Fress, “to eat copiously and without restraint” Bold flavors from a Jewish Kitchen by Emma Spitzer, 2017

cookbook

Bewilderments, Reflections on the Book of Numbers by Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, 2015

The author tackles the enduring puzzlement of the book of Numbers. The generation of the wilderness emerges as one of extraordinary spiritual experiences, fed on miracles and nurtured directly by G-d: a generation of faith, human partners in an unprecedented conversation with the deity. Avivah Zornberg attempts to reconcile the dark murmurings with the celebration of a love intoxicated wilderness discourse.

Einstein and the Rabbi, Searching for the Soul by Naomi Levy, 2017

Rabbi Levy has written a book that is an inspiring, deeply affecting book for people of all faiths, filled with universal truths that will help us reclaim our own souls and glimpse the unity that has been eluding us. This started when she came across a poignant letter written by Albert Einstein. “A human being is part of the whole, called by us, “universe”, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts, and feelings as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion. Not to nourish it, but to try to overcome it is the way to reach the attainable measure of peace of mind.”

Children’s books:

The Language of Angels, A Story about the Reinvention of Hebrew by Richard Michelson, 2017

More than Enough, A Passover Story by April Halprin Wayland, 2016

CSS Library

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CSS Religious School, Youth & Family Programming

Religious School Upcoming Events - February 2018 Please note: dates and times are subject to change.

Fri. Feb. 2 7:00pm Family Service

Sat. Feb. 3 9:30am B’nai Mitzvah Retreat

Sun. Feb. 4 9:00am Religious School

9:00am Experimental Judaism Class for 8th - 12th Graders (registration required)

9:15am Parent Council Meeting

10:00am Tzedek Corp - 6th & 7th Grades

Tues. Feb. 6 4:30pm Religious School

Sun. Feb. 11 9:00am Religious School

9:00am 4th Grade Family Education Program

9:15am Ganainu Preschool Program (registration required)


Sun. Feb. 18 NO Religious School

Tues. Feb. 20 NO Religious School

Sun. Feb. 25 NO Religious School


Ganainu Preschool Program for 2, 3 & 4 year olds

(parents, grandparents & caregivers are welcome to attend)

Next session February 11th from 9:15 - 10:45am

Activities, stories, crafts, music and snacks make this morning most special. This program will be led by Ashirah Lazarus-Klein.

Call the Religious School office at 633-8877 for information or to register.

Classes meet once per month from 9:00 - 10:45am at CSS on the following Sundays:

2/11, 3/4, 3/25 and 4/29 - Open to the community.

Congregation Shir Shalom’s Religious School

Parent Council Meeting Sunday, February 4th at 9:15am

Take an active role in your child's Jewish Education by participating in the Religious School Parent Council. Learn where and how you can help! All that is required is a child attending our Religious School. We can learn and grow together.

Congregation Shir Shalom ST RRY News

The Youth Group is getting ready for lots of fun events happening this Spring! It’s Hamentaschen time! Please support the Youth Group by ordering Hamantaschen, you will find an order form on page 9 of this newsletter. The Purim carnival is Sunday, March 4th, and there are many opportunities to get involved. The Youth Group is open to all 7th-12th graders and we always welcome new members. For information on how to get involved, please contact Shiri Kester at [email protected].

Sunday, February 11th at 9:00am

Grade 4 students and their parents

Family Education Program

RSVP to the Religious School office at 633-8877.

Save the Date

Sunday, March 11th from 9:15 - 10:30am

B’reishit Meeting for 4th Grade Parents

Please join Rabbi Alex, Cantor Frank, Ms. Bongiorno and Joanne Marquisee as we begin your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey.

Saturday, February 3rd from 9:30 - 1:00pm

B’nai Mitzvah Retreat for 6th grade students and their parents.

Do You Have a 2019 Bar or Bat Mitzvah? If so - this important event is for you!

The program includes lunch and a vendor fair.

mailto:[email protected]

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8th - 12th Grade Experimental Judaism with Rabbi Alex

Next session Sunday, February 4th from 9:00 - 11:00am

We are very excited to introduce a new class to our older, post B'nai Mitzvah students called Experimental Judaism. Students will be encouraged to take concepts like Shabbat, Kashrut (dietary laws), and Teshuvah (repentance) and put their own spin on them. The goal is to help students understand the vast resources they have available in our Jewish heritage and to give them the tools to be creative and daring in adapting Judaism to their lives.

As part of the the study we will be piloting a program for the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregations (JRC) called "My Jewish Lab", providing a once-a-month mailer to families and individuals interested in "getting down and dirty" with Jewish ritual.

A light bagel breakfast will be served during class.

Class meets from 9:00 - 11:00am on the following Sundays:

2/4, 3/18 and 4/22.

Please contact the Religious School Office at 633-8877 for information or to register.

CSS Religious School, Youth & Family Programming

From the Religious School Director

I am excited to share with you another wonderful program that is taking place at the Religious School, led by Rachel DiDomizzio. Rachel has been providing monthly Tzedek Corp programs for several years for our 6th and 7th grade students. The focus of these sessions has been to expose

our students to activities and agencies (programs) in the community that provide for people in need. Tzedek means justice and the connection between taking care of others as a form of justice is being explored.

This year the focus is on allyship and advocacy. The students learned an ally is a person who stands up in support of members of another group, typically a member of a group being treated unjustly. An advocate is a member of a group that stands up and supports their own group members who are being treated unjustly.

In October and November the students learned about anti-Semitism. Students had an opportunity to listen to a speaker who shared a story that recently took in Buffalo. They were also able to share their own stories. They discussed ways to combat anti-Semitism. In December, students reflected on one community they would personally like to learn more about and made a list of these communities. Our students chose to learn more about differently-abled people, the LGBT community, and people of varied ethnic backgrounds. Students were also interested in learning how to advocate for equal treatment of women. Rachel reached out to the representatives and leaders of these communities and she has plans to bring them into our Religious School to speak with students throughout the remainder of the year.

It is heartwarming to see the maturity level and openness of our students. These are difficult topics for adults, and our 6th and 7th graders handled the conversations well. Today, more so than ever before, it is imperative we raise our children to be accepting of others and to stand up for what is just and fair.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments. I am in my office most afternoons and have office hours on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:00pm (appointments are appreciated.)

B’Shalom, Hope Bongiorno [email protected]

Mazel Tov to our February Bat Mitzvah and her Family

Abigail Abramowitz February 17th at 4:00pm

Thank you Alexa Zappia

Thank you Alexa Zappia for continuing to be an active member of CSS. Alexa has donated a great deal of time to our Religious School and began the “Rocks for Unity” initiative in our building. You can follow her as she works to change the world at www.rocksofunity.com.

Alexa is on the Dean's List at St. John Fischer College and we are all very proud of her. Mazel Tov Alexa! Thanks for all you do.

AED Plus Sponsor Found!

Mitchell Steinhorn, owner of Amherst Memorial Chapel, came to our rescue! Once the unit arrives, Mitchell will hold training sessions. We are very grateful!

http://www.rocksofunity.com

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Library Corner

Sometimes a single meaningful quote, read at the right time, can send the reader off on a journey to learn more about its context and origins. This is what happened to Rabbi Naomi Levy, who read a profoundly moving letter from Albert Einstein to a grieving father about our place in the universe and the unity of all things which resonated with her own work over the years with Jewish mysticism and teaching on the soul. The result is the book Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul.

Dr. Robert S. Marcus, the father who had written to Einstein, turned out to have been a rabbi who had made his own important contribution to Jewish history, rescuing almost a thousand young boys, including Elie Wiesel, who had survived the horrors of Buchenwald, and helping them make their own peace with the world that had stolen their youth and innocence all too soon.

Rabbi Levy uses this connection between the scientist and the rescuer as a springboard to trace her search for the surviving “Buchenwald Boys” (including Wiesel, who she did manage to interview before his death), her own spiritual struggles, and the stories of many of the people who have come to her for guidance over the years. In the process, she has given us an inspiring and knowledgeable look at teachings that may come as a surprise to many Jews, especially are more familiar with the more pragmatic foundations of Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism.

Einstein and the Rabbi can be obtained through the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system.

Leslie Jaszczak [email protected]

Friday, February 9th following an abbreviated 7:00pm

Erev Shabbat Service

First Annual Georg Iggers Memorial Speaker:

Rev. Mark Blue, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Lackawanna

Dr. Georg Iggers was a leading light in the fight for social justice in America and beyond. A professor at the University at Buffalo, he and his wife Wilma helped to desegregate the Little Rock school system in the 1950s and had particular fondness for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In honor of Georg’s passing in December, Rev. Mark Blue, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Lackawanna and the current president of the local chapter of the NAACP, will speak about the history of the organization and its role in the community today.

Save the Date

Interfaith Program

“A Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Conversation”

Rev. Bill Hennessy from North Presbyterian Church and Rabbi Alex will discuss what brings us together and what tears us apart. How does the very language we use get in the way of understanding one another’s faith? All are welcome. There is no fee.

Wednesday, March 7th & March 14th at 10:30am

North Presbyterian Church • 300 North Forest Road, Williamsville

Wednesday, March 21st & 28th at 10:30am

Congregation Shir Shalom Library

7th Annual

Havdalah Service and Wine Tasting

TIME: 7:00-9:00 pm PLACE: Temple Beth Tzedek

DATE: Saturday, February 10th COST: $20 per family

Please join us for a Havdalah and Wine Tasting! Hosted by the Congregation Shir Shalom and Gesher Religious School, Shir Shalom Religious School, and food pairings, activities for kids,

and learning session with the Rabbi. Open to the community! RSVP to TBT at 838-3232 or [email protected]

Special Programs & Services

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Sisterhood

Support both CSS Sisterhood and our local Hadassah chapter when you join us on Sunday, February 18th at 2:00pm for the Jewish Repertory Theatre production of “Rose.” Tickets are $28, a $10 discount from the box office price. Make your checks payable to Buffalo Hadassah, and mail to Julia Cohan, Congregation Shir Shalom Sisterhood, 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY 14221. Please call Julia at 688-6890 right away, because our reservations are due by February 5th.

We will arrange a Dutch treat dinner at a nearby restaurant after the play. Season Ticket holders, consider choosing this performance and join us for the play and/or the dinner. Call Julia Cohan at 688-6890 for questions and all reservations. Everyone is welcome to the performance and dinner.

We sent several trays of decorated Hanukkah cookies to Amberleigh and Weinberg from our December Cards and Cookies program. Below are some photos.

We look forward to seeing you at “Rose” on February 18th, and at the Purim Spiel on February 28th. Both events are sure to cure our collective Cabin Fever.

Julia Cohan [email protected]

Sisterhood & Men’s Group

A total of fourteen weekly drawings with three prizes awarded each week; first prize is $18, second prize is $36 and third prize is $54. Each ticket purchased gives you several chances to win, since the winning tickets “go back in the hat.” That’s right, you have a chance to win every week and CSS is also a winner, as all profits from the ticket sales goes to the temple. Join in the weekly fun!

The first drawing was December 6th. The grand prizes will be drawn during Purim on February 28th, they are: $180, $360 and $540. The top ticket sellers will also win prizes of $18, $36 & $54.

Tickets are $18 each and can also be purchased at the Temple office. Thank you for participating!

Sunday, February 18th Join Sisterhood at the 2:00pm performance of

“Rose” at the Jewish Repertory Theater

For details please see Sisterhood article above.

Men’s Group

Jewish Gangsters will be the topic of this month’s Men’s Group’s meeting. Our speaker will be Stephen Silverstein. Stephen is an estate attorney with the firm of Hogan Willig, and has an

interest in Jewish Gangsters. He will be talking about the “Jewish Mob,” and gangsters such as Meyer Lansky, “the Mob’s Accountant,” and Bugsy Siegel, the “father of Las Vegas.”

The meeting will be on Sunday morning, February 11th at 9:15 am. Bagels and lox will be served.

If you would like to get on the Men’s Group email list, please send your email address to the address below.

Daniel Kester Men’s Group President [email protected]

The Chai Club

Week #3

$18 Cheryl Wisniewski $36 Don Gillen $54 Rich Kellman

Week #4

$18 Joyce Seitz $36 Aimee Bova $54 Rich Kellman

Week #5

$18 Deborah Draman $36 Elaine Green $54 Stuart Shapiro

Congratulations to our weekly winners!

Week #6

$18 Jill Hamilton $36 Gail Lewis $54 Josh Finkelstein

Week #7

$18 Lily Bink $36 Hope Bongiorno $54 Joyce Seitz


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General Programming and Announcements

Rabbi Alex at The Amberleigh

Rabbi Alex will be leading a session at The Amberleigh on the third Tuesday of each month between 1:00 - 2:00pm.

The next session will take place February 20th.

Thursday, February 8th

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

The Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 8th at 6:30pm at Shir Shalom.

For additional information, please call Grace Wach 341-6279 or Lauren Ashburn 983-0642.

February 1st - 25th Jewish Repertory Theater presents

“Rose”

Directed by: Saul Elkin • Starring: Tina Rausa

This story chronicles the life of a remarkable woman who traveled from a tiny Russian village to the Warsaw Ghetto, to a ship called The

Exodus, and finally to the boardwalks of Atlantic City, the Arizona Canyons, and salsa-flavored nights in Miami Beach.

Tickets may be ordered at www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com or by calling the box office at 688-4114, Ext. 391.

Friday, February 16th at 7:00pm

Nickel City Minyan

This hip, young group visits CSS to share their stories of running camp style services for 20 and 30 year olds in the Buffalo area.

REPRISE!

Especially in music, a reprise is a repeat or return to an earlier theme. At Shir Shalom, we would like to suggest a similar kind of action.

How many of us have old instruments left from an earlier time that are no longer being used? On the off chance that we might play it again sometime in the next twenty years, we’ve kept it nostalgically relegated to the attic or basement. At the same time, children and adults, refugees and those immersed in poverty could make good use of those instruments NOW.

During the month of February we will be collecting those much loved but little used instruments here at temple and donating them to Mr. Joseph Mafoud who teaches predominantly children of immigrants at Tapestry School in Buffalo. The instruments will have their own REPRISE in the hands of someone who cannot afford an instrument but would love to learn how to play one. All instruments (electric or otherwise) are needed for their second performance. At Shir Shalom, they will await their distribution and in time bring “songs of peace” to our world.

So give your first run instrument one last toot, chord, strum or drumbeat, and then make a REPRISE in their new home!

Friday, February 2nd

Erev Shabbat Family Service, Hawaiian Shirt Winter Celebration

and Barbecue!

6:00pm Dinner

7:00pm Service

8:00pm Oneg Shabbat

What better way to warm up a cold winter night than with a barbecue? We’ll supply the hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers. Please bring a parve (non dairy) side dish or salad. You can also bring a dessert for the Oneg (desserts do not have to be parve).

Since we’ll begin serving at 6:00pm, please try to get to CSS 10 to 15 minutes earlier so we can get all the salads and side dishes out before people start lining up.

Please let the office know if you’re coming so we can be sure to have enough burgers and dogs.

After the barbecue take a break from winter and join us for a fun mix of Hawaiian and Shabbat melodies.

Enjoy a taste of the tropics at our Oneg Shabbat. Wear your most colorful shirt and the Temple will provide the leis.

Make Friday Night Family Night!

Friday, February 16th

The Chocolate Cookoff is back!

If you have a recipe for a special chocolate sweet treat and you’d like to enter the Cookoff please provide the name of your entry and list of ingredients (for allergy purposes) to Nancy Millman at [email protected] or (716) 863-3126 by Wednesday, February 14th .

On February 16th drop off your entry at the temple kitchen before services, then watch it get devoured at the Oneg Shabbat. The winner will receive a gift card.

http://www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com

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Name: ___________________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________________________

Please specify the number of DOZENS you are ordering per flavor. Limit 4 Dozen per

family:

Prune: ____________ Raspberry: ____________ Apricot: ____________

Poppy Seed: ____________ Chocolate: ____________ Nutella: ____________

Please make your check payable to Shir Shalom Youth Group and

return check and order form to:

Congregation Shir Shalom Youth Group •4660 Sheridan Drive • Williamsville, NY 14221.

Forms may also be dropped off in the Youth Group Mailbox located in the Temple office.

Orders must be received no later than February 16th

Pick up your Hamantaschen order on Tuesday, February 27th and Sunday, March 4th

during Religious School hours or call the Temple office at 633-8877

to arrange for a later pick-up date/time.

Hamantaschen Order Form $10 for 1 Dozen • $18 for 2 Dozen • $36 for 4 Dozen

Hamantaschen made by Youth Group members -

all proceeds will go to the CSS STARRY Youth Group.

Chesed Caring Committee

The CSS Chesed Caring Committee wants you to know that we take care of our members in a very special way; namely, by providing meals for families who: have a loved one just returning home from the hospital; are experiencing the birth of a new baby; or are observing Shiva. All we need is a call from someone in the family to let us know that one of the above situations exists, and we will provide a delicious meal for the immediate family.

We also are looking for volunteers who would be able to pick up the meals and deliver them to the recipient’s home. This does not have to be a long-term commitment. The more volunteers we have, the fewer times you will be called to help.

“Care-Ring”

We recognize that some members, who are unable to leave their homes for one reason or another or who live alone, may appreciate a phone call once a week from another caring congregant. We are reaching out to both those who would like to hear from someone, to chat, to visit on the phone, and those who are willing to make the phone calls.

Please let us know if you want this service, or if you are able to provide this service. We will explain the details. It’s easy, convenient, and it’s a MITZVAH. All you need is a phone and a few minutes a week.

To request a meal be provided to a member or to volunteer, please call Adrienne Crandall at 875-7061, or email her at [email protected]

Tikkun Olam

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Thank You to Bagel Jays...

for the lovely challahs you donate to Congregation Shir Shalom

each and every Shabbat.

Follow Congregation Shir Shalom on Twitter!

Just add @shirshalombflo to your follow list.

Like us on facebook!

Congregation Shir Shalom - Buffalo, NY

Get connected at CSS! Wireless Internet available at Shir Shalom.

No password necessary.

Join our Email List

Do you want to stay informed of all of the services and events that happen at

Temple? Then please join our EMAIL LIST. We send out a weekly broadcast on

Wednesdays. We also send out special events and death notices. It is an easy way to

get information quickly. Please call Joanne Marquisee at 633-8877,

or send her your email address at [email protected]

Check out the Congregation Shir Shalom

website!

www.shirshalombuffalo.org

Environmental Column

Renewable Energy Marches On by Joe Morris

The withdrawal by the Unites States (US) government from the climate accords has not slowed down the world’s move towards renewable energy. Even here in the US, the march toward renewable energy is still continuing at a good pace. Fifteen states, including New York and California, formed the United States Climate Alliance, which is committed to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. These fifteen states represent about $7.5 trillion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or about 40% of the US GDP, and about 36% of the US population. The goal, in more concrete terms, requires the states to meet their target under that agreement of a 26-28% reduction by 2025 in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels. How is the Alliance doing? According to its first annual report, member states’ greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 15%, as compared to 10% by the rest of the nation. The members of the Alliance are on track to meet their stated goals. For example, New York, in response to Governor Cuomo’s “Reforming Energy Vision”, has moved out with numerous programs, such as the New York Green Bank, worth billions, to support renewable energy projects. New York has instituted a Clean Energy Standard requiring the state to obtain 50% of its energy from clean, renewable sources by 2030.

Climate change deniers have argued that US adoption of renewable energy would put us at an economic disadvantage against companies such as China. They are being proven wrong. Just as our EPA is moving to end President Obama’s EPA Clean Power Plan to focus on fossil fuels, China is moving this week to introduce its own version that will grow into the largest emissions trading system in the world. China continues its relentless progress towards renewable energy. For example, years ago, a Chinese coal mine collapsed, leaving a huge hole filled with polluted water. The world’s largest floating solar power plant is under construction at the site that will produce 150 megawatts or about half the power of a typical coal power plant. Not only will there be basically zero greenhouse gas emissions at the site, but the fishing industry in the surrounding area is being revitalized as the site is cleaned up. China isn’t alone. At times last summer, more than half of England’s power was produced by renewables. Germany obtains about 40% of its electricity from renewables, while India expects to reach that same number by 2027.

With the US government following its current path, it’s still up to us as individuals to do our part, so we don’t fall behind. Fortunately, the new tax cut plan passed by Congress still includes renewable energy incentives for purchasing electric vehicles and building wind and solar power installations, including residential solar. We can still make a difference by our choices, and work toward improving our descendants’ future.

Video Streaming of Friday Night Services

Live video streaming of Friday night services in our Sanctuary at Shir Shalom is available to anyone with a computer, ipad, tablet or mobile device and an internet connection.

To access it, simply go to the Temple’s website, www.shirshalombuffalo.org and click on the “Watch our services and other events live” link.

The video streaming is a joint project of the CSS Sisterhood, Men’s Group, and Communications Committee, with the goal of making services available for those unable to get to Temple, especially our ill and/or immobile congregation members. Please note that we occasionally experience technical difficulties that are beyond our control. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Video Streaming

Follow us on Instagram!

@shirshalombuffalo

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Opportunities

Planned Giving

Planned Giving provides people who have been synagogue members an opportunity to recognize CSS. A Planned Gift can be as simple as a bequest, or more complex, providing both income and tax advantages for the donor. If you would like to leave a legacy, examples of a Planned Gift that would benefit Congregation Shir Shalom in the future include: Wills, Charitable Gift Annuities, Gifts of Life Insurance, and Charitable Trusts.

You also can endow our future by naming rights. Various areas in the building can be named with your family’s name, a legacy which would last forever and also be enjoyed by you today.

If you would like more information, please contact Joanne Marquisee, Executive Director, at 633-8877.

Any Reason is a Good Reason to Sponsor an Oneg!

Sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat after Friday Erev Shabbat Services is a lovely way to honor someone you love, to celebrate an upcoming simcha, or to remember a loved one in a special way. For information, please contact Joanne Marquisee at 633-8877 or [email protected].

“Hearts and Hands”

Services are provided by volunteers who give of their time as they have it available. Hearts and Hands Volunteers can provide:

“Door through Door’ transportation for medical appointments, local errands and social activities (including transportation to/from temple for services or other events).

Phone Pals, companion visits and wellness checks.

In home supports: letter writing, bill paying, hair care and much more.

Yard work and snow removal assistance.

Respite services to lighten the load of a caregiver.

Minor handyman services.

By linking those in need with a dedicated volunteer, Hearts and Hands enables the elderly and those with long term health concerns to remain safely in their homes. For more information on how to receive services, please call (716) 406-8311.

Please join us on Friday March 9th for

Shabbat Across America & Canada CSS Congregational Shabbat Dinner and Erev Shabbat Service

Dinner 6:00pm, followed by the Erev Shabbat Service at 7:00pm and a special Oneg Shabbat.

Congregation Shir Shalom is proud to once again be the only synagogue in Western New York taking part in Shabbat Across America and Canada.

Dinner will include salad, roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans, challah and wine. A kosher meal is available at an additional fee, and chicken fingers & French fries are available for children.

Shabbat Dinner - Friday, March 9th at 7:00pm • Please RSVP by March 2nd

Name(s): ______________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________

_____ Adults @ $13 each = $_____

_____ Children (12 and under) @ $9 each = $_____

Child(ren) meal choice: _____ roasted chicken dinner OR _____ chicken fingers & french fries

Total enclosed: $_____

Please return your reservation form and check (payable to Congregation Shir Shalom) to the temple by Friday, March 2nd.

Can you help a fellow congregant with a ride to Temple?

We have members who are no longer able to drive but would like to come to Temple for services and other events. If you can provide a congregant with a ride to Temple please call the CSS office at 633-8877. Thank you for this mitzvah!


12

(those received by December 21, 2017)

February 2018 Donations

The Congregation Shir Shalom Endowment Fund In Memory of: Jason Kaiser, by Ellen and Richard Kayton Linda Landsman, by Ellen and Richard Kayton

The Rabbi Lazarus-Klein Discretionary Fund

In Memory of: Sherwood Brown, by Clarice Snitzer Deborah Draman June A. Mindell, by Eugene R. Mindell, M.D. Bertha Pearlman, Clara Schwartz and Betty Trusty, by Norma and George Pearlman Private Samuel Snitzer, by Clarice Snitzer Israel Willig, by Clarice Snitzer and Max Willig In Appreciation of: Rabbi Alex, by Michael Mogerman and Carol Froehlich In Honor of: Harrison Sinatra’s job promotion, by Janis and Jerry Sinatra

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

In Memory of: Ben Schack, by Joanne and Ed Smith

The Executive Director’s Discretionary Fund In Memory of: Lewis Leon Glick, by Dr. Drucy Borowitz and Dr. Philip Glick

The Cantor Susan Wehle Memorial Garden Fund

In Memory of: Jack Friedfertig, by Richard Friedfertig Morris Schnittman, by The Levy Family

The Rabbi Daniel E. Kerman Memorial Fund In Memory of: Albert Gold, by Sylvia, Stacy and Michael Gold

The Chesed/Caring Fund

In Memory of: Jason Kaiser, by Harvey and Myra Horowitz Melania Puius Al Organek, by Bernice Organek, Cliff, Carol, Jason and David MacDonald Mirel Puius, by Melania Puius In Honor of: Scott Solkoff, for receiving the AFELA Elder Law Award, by Stephen and Hillary Hurwitz

The General Education Fund In Memory of: Leo Winters, by Diane Symons

The General Operating Fund

In Memory of: Jason Kaiser, by Jill Hamilton Linda Landsman, by Bob and Dolores Dahar The Gershberg Family Stovroff and Taylor Realtors Joan Stovroff Jacqueline Taylor Lee Langer, by Joyce and Maureen Setiz Nathan Rothstein, by Velina Ruckenstein Donation by: A. Nancy Kohn

The Landscaping Fund

In Memory of: Cecil Bunis, by Phillip Haber Paul Pascuzzi, by Paula and Alan Kranitz Elias Sugarman, by Sonia Sugarman

The Social Action Fund In Memory of: Betty Freudenheim, by Jo Freudenheim Harry Rubin, by Stuart and Barbara Rubin

The Thanksgiving Baskets Fund In Memory of: Beatrice Kramer, by Diane Symons Esther Kranitz, by Phillip Haber Donation by: Joan Kronman

The Yahrzeit Fund

In Memory of: Rosalind Posterman, by Janis, Jerry and Harrison Sinatra Elliot Shapiro, by Stephanie Shapiro Samuel Suchman, by Sy Suchman

The Edith & Joel L. Cohen Prayer Book Fund In Memory of: Joel L. Cohen, by Barbara and Saul Henechowicz, Rhonda and Mike Wise, and Larry and Gail Cohen NOTE: Writing a separate check for each donation

allows us to credit the full amount of your contribution to the fund you specify for your gift.

Shir Shalom Gift Shop

Gift Shop Hours Sundays: 9:00 - 11:30am Tuesdays: 4:30 - 7:00pm Fridays: 6:00 - 7:00pm Gift Shop Manager Jill Rafferty 982-9121

13

February 2018 Memorial Anniversaries

February 2, 2018 Herman Alt, Walter Baumgarten, Yvette Berger, Bruce Bronstein, Charlotte Bush, Mildred Caprow, Fannie Suchman Cohen, Sarah Cohen, Max G. Covett, Jerome R. Ellis, Herman Feller, Pearl Friedman, Rabbi Nathan Gaynor, David Gellin, Ann S. Gilden, Ronald Ginsberg, Lawrence E. Goldberg, Norman R. Herring, Tillie Horwitz, Elsa Huttner, Philip Hurwitz, Robert H. Jacobson, Sydney Klein, Sara Kusnitz, David Lin, Annette Lowinger, Sylvia Martz, Harold Meyers, Eli W. Mitnik, Bella Morris, Sarra Polonskaya, Harry Posterman, Mildred Rubin, Max Schulefand, Dora Shaposhnikov, Myron S. Simon, Samuel Spark, Louis Stringer, Alice Teplesky, May Tripi, Robert Unher, Yetta Wakoff.

February 9, 2018 Ann Amram, Rose Baumgarten, Samuel Berman, Fanny Brown, Joel Camhi, Maxine Cavanaugh, Joel Cavior, Ruth Berger-Cohen, Dr. Alvin B. Cutler, Chelsea Engel, Harry N. Faxstein, Martha Feldman, Pesach Finkel, Dorothe Fratini-Brockman, Jack Freid, Helen Glick, Bea Goldberg, Dr. Allan L. Grossberg, Alex Jeffay, Sara G. Kallett, Dorothy Klampert, Sanford Kulick, Clara Rosenstein Levy, Clarisse Mendelovici, Barbara Joyce Mindell, Margaret Moscato, Lillian Zager Notarius, Isak Osterreicher, Hyman Paget, Bernard Panar, Anna Pritikin, Abram Pugash, Fanny Ross, Howard J. Schonfeld, Hannah Seitz, Raymond Strauss, Joseph Swartz, Grete Wolf Ullman, Philip Umof, Vincent Vizzi, Robert Wisbaum.

February 16, 2018 Donald Adler, Robert Bass, Elias Baum, Lenora Baum, Abraham Baumgarten, Saul Berliner, Betty Cohen, Allen Cowen, Allen Crandall, Warren DeLong, Simon Eisdorfer, Beverly Engel, Laura Fagin, David Feld, William Fellman, Harold Fink, Isadore Fox, Sylvia Gafter, Blanche Greenman, Deborah Gumins, Barbara Hayman, Molly Jacoby, Henry E. Katz, Ida Kellick, Bruce S. Kershner, Gloria Klein, Rose Kramer, Vivien Krieger, Sarah Krupnick, James Lackner, Rose Lipman, Julius Mandel, Frieda Schwartz Mango, Rebecca Margulis, David Mesch, Nathan Mesnekoff, Betty Meyers, Lewis Michnik, Jack Miller, Kenneth L. Miller, Lena Mittleman, Benjamin Noznisky, Betty Pellis, Rae Pleskin, Susan Rosenbaum Ritchie, Benjamin Rosenberg, Paul Rosenthal, Beatrice Rothstein, Edward Seitz, Barney Silverman, Sophie S. Small, Anna Sugarman, Fay Susan Sulcov, Andrew Valenta, Sandra Wapniak, Saul Weinstein, Julian Joseph Zucker.

February 23, 2018 Aaron Baker, Willard Berger, Marcia Jo Billick, Joseph Bleichfeld, Morey Bookbinder, Alex Brodsky, Polly Brogadir, Leo Feld, Laura Feldman, Sophie Fink, Sylvia Friedfertig, Tanya Ganson, Sarah Goldberg, Jacqueline Gugino, Joseph Gugino, Joseph Himmelstein, Morris Hoffman, Jane Jacoby, Marvin L. Kahn, Rose Kaiser, Henry Kent, Ruth Kraus, David Mlynarski, Sarah Kasenetz Neiman, Wilbert Nusinov, Philip Earl Olin, Carl Pasternak, Paul E. Phillips, Nicolo Pierro, Bernard Pleskow, Jean Rein, Rose Riwkin, Pauline Ruben, Marjorie Sakowitz, Leonora Schattman, Lena Schatzberg, Joe Segal, Aaron Simon, Rose Simon, Adele Singer, Ralph Steinberg, Sheryl Stelzle, Lester Strauss, Samuel Sugarman, Dr. Hyman Tetewsky, Hane Westerman, Harry Wexler, Harry Wile, Sophie Wolff.

In Memoriam

Elaine Cheiffetz, wife of the late Herbert Cheiffetz,

mother of Lynne (Shabbir) Pabani and Robert (Robin) Cheiffetz.

Norman Friedman, husband of the late Lucille Friedman,

father of Alan (Donna Massimo) Friedman and the late Evan Friedman.

Doreen Q. Ginsberg, wife of the late Ronald Ginsberg,

mother of Jeremy (Karen) Ginsberg, Shari Ginsberg and Jodie (Christopher) Shatzel.

Irv Weinstein, husband of Elaine Weinstein,

father of Beth Krom, Rachel Lloyd and Marc Weinstein.

Our Congregation extends its sympathy to the families of:

Bingo Volunteers Needed

We URGENTLY need your help. Bingo is held every Monday night at 7:30pm; the doors open at 6:30pm.

We need you to volunteer in order to operate properly and efficiently. Help us raise money to meet

the budget in order to cover operating expenses.

It is a fun and social way to help Shir Shalom. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Phil Herzbrun

at [email protected]. If you have any questions, call the Temple office at

633-8877. We appreciate your help!

Bingo

Shir Shalom Bingo

Doors open at 6:30pm Games start at 7:30pm

Money raised helps out your congregation… join in the fun!

February Dates:

Monday, February 5th




14

Clergy and Staff

Alex Lazarus-Klein - Rabbi [email protected]

Arlene Frank - Cantor [email protected]

Hope Bongiorno - Religious School Director [email protected]

Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director [email protected]

Renae Gattozzi - Bookkeeper [email protected]

Nancy McGory - Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Lori Morrison - Religious School Assistant [email protected]

Karen Houser - Receptionist [email protected]

Harvey Horowitz - B’nai Mitzvah Tutor [email protected]

Paul Staley - Organist [email protected]

Irwin A. Tanenbaum, D.D. - Rabbi Emeritus [email protected]

Maintenance Jonathan Grosofsky, Ryan McCowen, Dave Rose,

Lorenzo Stewart , Nate Gellin

CSS Officers

Todd Sugarman - President [email protected]

Bruce Corris - V.P. Administration [email protected]

Marina Finkelstein - V.P. Membership [email protected]

Mindy Weinman - V.P. Worship [email protected]

Shari Jo Reich - V.P. Education [email protected]

Larry Posses - V.P. Finance [email protected]

Michael Frisch - Secretary [email protected]

Joseph Glickman - Treasurer [email protected]

Jill Hamilton - Immediate Past President [email protected]

Jean Messinger - Sisterhood President [email protected]

Daniel Kester - Men’s Group President [email protected]

Shiri Kester - Youth Group Advisor [email protected]

Staff and Officers

Congregation Shir Shalom • 4660 Sheridan Drive • Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 633-8877 (Phone) • (716) 633-8952 (Fax) • www.shirshalombuffalo.org

Congregation Shir Shalom Endowment Fund

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Executive Director’s Discretionary Fund

Educator’s Discretionary Fund

Building Fund

Capital Repair Fund

Cemetery Fund

Chesed/Caring Fund

Fight Hunger Fund

General Operating Fund

General Education Fund

Green Fund

Landscaping Fund

Library Fund

Music Fund

Sanctuary Fund

Sisterhood Fund

Social Action Fund

Thanksgiving Baskets Fund

Yahrzeit Fund

Youth Group Scholarship Fund

Rabbi Daniel E. Kerman Memorial Fund

Cantor Susan Wehle Memorial Caring Fund

Cantor Susan Wehle Memorial Garden Fund

Abe and Shirley Marquisee Memorial Fund

Anne Bernstein Memorial Education Fund

Dr. Barnett A. Slepian Memorial Fund

Bella & Bert Kremer Education Fund

Bess & Morris Michaels Memorial Garden Fund

Edith & Joel L. Cohen Memorial Prayer Book Fund

Ellen Davis Memorial Fund

Feld Family Torah Fund

Hyman Midda Memorial Fund

Irving & Helene Fudeman Memorial Fund

Jane Oved Memorial Fund

Julian Safir Memorial Fund

Leonard Goodman Fund

M. Sobel Education Fund

Marshall L. Glickman Memorial Fund

Dr. Max, Jeannette and Edgar C. Rivo Memorial Fund

Neustatter-Shapiro Fund

Rabbi Steven & Patty Mason Israel Scholarship Fund

Robert Unher Memorial Fund

Cynthia and Samuel B. Cohen Memorial Fund

Spivack Youth Library Fund

If you wish to honor those whose memories are dear to you, or express your gratitude for a joyous occasion,

you are invited to make a contribution to Congregation Shir Shalom. Below is a list of funds available for your donations:

Shir Shalom Funds

Board of Trustees

Jeff Balsom Jan Berg

Michael Berger Jackie Block

Gary Bluestein Bruce Corris Rella Corris

Micky Farber Marina Finkelstein

Michael Frisch Joseph Glickman

Jill Hamilton Daniel Kester

Rob Lederman Jean Messinger

Larry Posses Jill Rafferty

Shari Jo Reich Diane Safir

Stuart Shapiro Marc Slonim

Todd Sugarman Mindy Weinman

Betsy Zappia


http://mac.com/





mailto:sjreich@kslnlaw,com






Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 3870 Buffalo, New York

4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221

Song of Peace

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10:30am Women’s Torah Study at Forest Creek Game Room

1:30 - 3:00pm Meet with Rabbi Alex, Cantor Frank or Hope Bongiorno (appointment requested)

2 6:00pm Winter BBQ and Luau

7:00pm “Hawaiian” Erev Shabbat Family Service

8:00pm Oneg Shabbat

3 9:00am Torah Study at Canterbury Woods

9:30am B’nai Mitzvah Retreat

11:00am Shabbat Morning Service at Canterbury Woods

4

9:00am Religious School

9:00am Experimental Judaism Program Grds 8-12

9:15am Parent Council Meeting

5 OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO

6

4:30pm Religious School 7:00pm Executive Committee Meeting

7 Chai Club Drawing

11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study 6:30pm Hebrew High at JCC

10:30am Women’s 8 Torah Study at Forest Creek Game Room


6:30pm Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting 7:00pm Sisterhood Chai Mitzvah Program

9

7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service and First Annual Georg Iggers Memorial Speaker - Rev. Mark Blue

8:30pm Oneg Shabbat

10 9:00am Torah Study

10:30am Mishebeirach and Mourner's Kaddish

10:45am Shabbat Morning Service 7:00pm Wine Tasting & Havdalah at TBT

11

9:00am Religious School

9:15am Ganainu Program

9:00am Grade 4 Family Education Program

9:15am Men’s Group Meeting

6:30pm Purim Spiel Rehearsal

12 OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO

13

4:30pm Religious School

14 Chai Club Drawing

11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study 6:30pm Hebrew High at JCC

15

10:30am Women’s Torah Study at Forest Creek Game Room


16

Hamantaschen orders due

7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service and Nickel City Minyan 8:30pm Oneg Shabbat and Chocolate Cookoff

17

9:00am Torah Study


10:45am Shabbat Morning Service 4:00pm Bat Mitzvah of Abigail Abramowitz

18

NO Religious School

2:00pm Sisterhood at JRT performance of “Rose”

19

OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO

20

1:00pm Rabbi Alex at The Amberleigh

NO Religious School

7:00pm Board Meeting

21 Chai Club Drawing

Submissions for April Chai Notes due

11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study

NO Hebrew High at JCC

22



23

12:30pm Communications Committee Meeting

7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service

8:30pm Oneg Shabbat

24 9:00am Torah Study


10:45am Shabbat Morning Service

25

NO Religious School

6:30pm Purim Spiel Rehearsal

26

OFFICE CLOSED

7:30pm BINGO

27

Hamantaschen Pick-up during RS School

4:30pm Religious School

28 Chai Club Grand Prize Drawings

11:30am Sisterhood Bible Study NO Hebrew High

6:00pm Purim Pizza Dinner

7:00pm Megillah Reading & Purim Spiel

8:30pm Oneg

March 1



2 Shabbat Dinner reservations due

6:00pm Tot Shabbat Service & Pizza Dinner

6:30pm Happy Half Hour 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Family Service

8:00pm Oneg Shabbat

3 9:00am Torah Study at Canterbury Woods

11:00am Shabbat Service at Canterbury Woods

February 2018 Shevat - Adar 5778 For the most current information, visit our web site www.shirshalombuffalo.org/calendar.html

Our calendar is prepared more than

one month in advance of publication and is subject to change.

Gift Shop Hours: Sundays 9-11:30am Tuesdays 4:30-7pm

Fridays 6-7pm

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