A Message from the Rabbi RABBI MICHAEL S. FRIEDMAN, SENIOR RABBI

Our world, our nation and our community now live in fear that Islamic extremists could strike anywhere, at any time. They have long threatened Israel. Nowtheir reach extends worldwide,across boundaries both politicaland social.

As Rabbi Shai Held has noted, when we are scared it is easy to let the pendulum swing too far in either direction. In this climate it is especially important for us to clearly state who and what we stand for.

First, let us not overlook the crisis within Islam. Theworldwide Muslim community faces essential questionsabout the nature of Islam. Will Muslims allow their faithto be dominated by those who would use hate and aggression to impose an intolerant theocracy upon all?

On the other hand, let us not make the mistake of declaring Islam itself to be irredeemably violent, or of writing off all Muslims as evil. Let us remember that every religious group has its extremists, Judaismincluded. That said, there are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world; the vast majority of them want the samethings we do: to live peaceably with their neighbors, to provide for their children, to live a life of goodnessand peace.

Thus we religious pluralists have an important role toplay. Rabbi Lawrence Kushner once said of the ReformJewish community, “We don’t take the Bible literally,but we do take it seriously.” We live fully in the secularworld, yet we hold on to the important values of Jewishlife that guide us. And while extremists try to tear downthe secular world they despise, we try to bring meaningand depth and purpose to those who, like us, are firmlyplanted in modernity.

Let us demonstrate to all religious people that we can be proudly Jewish, daily living our conviction thatJudaism is the best path to a good life. Let us defendthe right of others to do the same – peacefully.

Upcoming Events

Shabbat CelebrationsWEEKLY SCHEDULE• Kabbalat Shabbat6:30 pm on Fridays

• Meditation & Reflection8:30 am on Saturdays

• Shabbat Morning Minyan9:00 am on Saturdays

• Torah Study10:00 am on Saturdays

• Shabbat Morning Service11:15 am on Saturdays

SPECIAL SHABBATS• FIRST FRIDAYS at Temple IsraelFebruary 5 starting at 5:30 pmMarch 4 starting at 5:30 pm

Adult Jewish LearningA TASTE OF TORAH • January 31 at 4:00 pm

ADULT JEWISH LEARNING SERIES• Moses Mendelssohn: Father of Reform Judaism? with Allan ArkushFebruary 7 at 10:00 am

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH WRITER’SBOOK GROUP • Book TBDMarch 10 at 12:00 pm

MONDAY MORNING MATTERS • Mondays at 10:30 am

Early Childhood CenterNO SCHOOL• Winter break: February 15-19• Staff Professional Development: February 22• Good Friday: March 25

PICTURE DAYS• March 23 and 24

Fine Arts Showcase with Cantor Jack Mendelson• Film: A Cantor’s TaleMarch 27 at 11:00 am

• The Cantor’s CouchPerformance by Cantor Jack MendelsonApril 10 at 3:00 pmWestport Town Hall

Purim Festivities• Temple Israel Schpiel & Carnival March 20 at 11:00 am

Religious SchoolNO SCHOOL• Winter break: February 14-22

CHESED CLUBStudents in grades 8-12

• Social Action Day at TIFebruary 28 at 9:00 am

• Breakfast Run PreparationMarch 13 at 11:00 am

FAMILY PROGRAMMING• 4th Grade Family ConnectionLet’s Do It: God and our MitzvotFebruary 28 at 8:45 am

• 5th Grade Family Connection Homeward Bound: Immigration to AmericaMarch 27 at 8:45 am

MADRICHIM TRAINING• March 28 at 5:30 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS• 3rd Grade Hebrew Naming ProgramFebruary 8 at 5:00 pm

• 5th Grade Jewish Museum Trip March 6 at 9:00 am

Youth EventsE@T AT TEMPLE ISRAELReligious school students in grades 2-6

• 2nd Grade at 5:30 pmFebruary 1, March 7

• 3rd Grade at 6:00 pmMarch 14

• 4th Grade at 6:00 pmFebruary 4, March 10

• 5th Grade at 6:00 pmFebruary 2, March 8

• 6th Grade at 5:30 pmFebruary 2, March 8

KATANTYStudents in grades 2-4

• Movie NightFebruary 6 at 6:00 pm

• Activity at Purim Schpiel and CarnivalMarch 20 at 11:00 am

MITYStudents in grades 5-7

• Video Game TruckFebruary 7 at 11:00 am

• Shul-InMarch 19 at 6:00 pm

TISYStudents in grades 8-12

• SNLFebruary 27 at 5:00 pm

• Color WarMarch 12 at 1:00 pm

Adult Jewish Learning SeriesA TASTE OF TORAH SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 AT 4:00 PMTake part in Fairfield County’s annual community-wide afternoon of adult Jewish learning. Select from a variety of courses led by rabbis, cantors and educators from various synagogues. Taste of Torah is free and open to the community. For more information visit www.tiwestport.org/atasteoftorah.

MOSES MENDELSSOHN: FATHER OF REFORM JUDAISM?WITH ALLAN ARKUSHSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 AT 10:00 AMKnown as the “German Socrates,” MosesMendelssohn wrote on metaphysics, aesthetics and ethics, but is also consideredthe first philosopher of Judaism in moderntimes. Although he upheld principles of traditional Judaism, Mendelssohn is oftenhailed as one of the founders of the Reform movement. Was he a man whowanted to preserve the old order or a

man who sought to pave a way toward a new kind of Judaism? For more information visit www.tiwestport.org/adultjewishlearning.

Purim FestivitiesPURIM SCHPIEL AND CARNIVALSUNDAY, MARCH 20 AT 11:00 AMWith an award-worthy schpiel and a carnival full of games, it’s bound to be a Purim to remember at Temple Israel!

Fine Arts Showcase with Cantor Jack Mendelson

FILM: A CANTOR’S TALESUNDAY, MARCH 27 AT 11:00 AMGrowing up in Brooklyn, Cantor JackMendelson witnessed the dwindling days of the Golden Age of chazzanut, a traditional cantorial chant. Examine chazzanut past, present and future through the prism of Mendelson’s career, featuring interviews with Jackie Mason and Alan Dershowitz.

THE CANTOR’S COUCHPERFORMANCE BY CANTOR JACK MENDELSONSUNDAY, APRIL 10 AT 3:00 PM AT WESTPORT TOWN HALLJourney through Cantor Jack Mendelson’s youth, as he recountsgrowing up in the 1950s in Borough Park, Brooklyn. The son of aloving deli owner and an overbearing mother, Cantor Mendelsonpaints a picture of a bygone day in Jewish America when Jewswould flock to synagogue to hear the golden voices of cantors, as if it were a concert hall. He recounts a childhood riddled withanxiety and doubt, mixed with joyous memories of music and celebration, all told with the expertise and comic timing of a master storyteller and performer.

FiRSt FRidAYS at temple israelFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 AND FRIDAY, MARCH 4The FIRST FRIDAY of each month is a Shabbat not to be missed.Whether you're a family or a senior, single or partnered, young oryoung-at-heart, there's something for you at FIRST FRIDAYS. Visitwww.tiwestport.org/firstfridays for more information.

5:30 - 6:00 pmTot Shabbat Sing AlongStarring Cantor Dan & our rabbis

6:00 - 6:30 pmShabbat Pizza PartyCrafts, food, and fun

6:30 - 7:30 pmCongregational Shabbat ServiceSoulful music and inspirational worship

7:30 - 8:15 pmCommunity DinnerAn opportunity to connect with your Temple family

8:15 pmAdult ProgramChanging monthly to engage and inspire

9:00 pmDessert ReceptionA sweet way to end the night

Featured events

ADULT JEWISH LEARNING

Ruth-Anne and Bob Perliss in memory of Lucille Barrett

Ruth-Anne and Bob Perliss in memory of Elsa Nad

Ruth-Anne and Bob Perliss in appreciation ofTorah Study Group

Temple Israel Book Group in memory of Lucille Barrett

ASSISTANT RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Robert and Elsa Rubenstein in memory of Sue and Rabbi B.T. Rubenstein

Betty Heller and Family in memory of Charles Heller

Eileen and Carl Glickman in memory of Carl Morris

Judith Rafael in memory of my parents, Gustav and Miriam Rich

Jody and Joel Beck in honor of Henry Beck on the occasion of his bar mitzvah

The Families of the Religious School thank you for educating, engaging and caring for our children! Happy Chanukah!

Sally Michlin in memory of my mother, Essie M. Michlin

CANTOR SKLAR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Robert and Elsa Rubenstein in memory of Sue and Rabbi B.T. Rubenstein

Carl and Eileen Glickman in memory of Tessie Carsman

Stanley Nayer in memory of Esther Nayer

Perry and Nanette Gandelman in memory ofMorris Gandelman

Linda Mandel and Arnold Lewis in honor ofNaomi Fenster’s bat mitzvah

Jennifer and Eric Blankfein in honor of Michael Blankfein's bar mitzvah

Ed and Melissa Diamond in honor of Peter and Gen's wedding

The Sobelman Family in memory of Risha Granat Shaw, mother of Jessica Bram

Judith Rafael in memory of my parents, Gustav and Miriam Rich

Jody and Joel Beck in honor of Henry Beck on the occasion of his bar mitzvah

The Families of the Religious School thank you for educating, engaging and caring for our children! Happy Chanukah!

Nancy and Jeff Plotkin in appreciation of Cantor Sklar's patience, guidance and alwayscheerful disposition during the entirety of Jessica Plotkin's bat mitzvah education

Jessica Bram and Bob Cooper in memory ofRisha Granat Shaw

CARING COMMITTEE

Linda and Robert Roth in memory of Lorraine Brody

Lisa and Greg Lewin in memory of Stuart Friedland, father of Ed Friedland

Ronnie Aaron Hammer in memory of my mother, Gloria Aaron

Blitstein Family in memory of Ilse Freundlich,grandmother of Bryan Bierman

Blitstein Family in memory of Lillian Epstein,grandmother of Matthew Epstein

Blitstein Family in memory of Sheila Kreutzer, mother of Jill Orent

Eileen and Carl Glickman in memory of Rose Lax, grandmother of Marisa Schneider

The Buckman Family in memory of Susan Sheinbaum, mother of Andi Dinitz,mother-in-law of Andrew, grandmother of Sophie and Noah

The Buckman Family in memory of Arthur Dinitz, father of Andrew, father-in-law of Andi, grandfather of Sophie and Noah

Sam and Brian Ullman in memory of Mayo Stark, MD

Sam and Brian Ullman in honor of Mrs. Mayo Stark

The Dowell Family in memory of Rose Lax, grandmother of Marisa Schneider

The Gottlieb Family in memory of Rose Lax, grandmother of Marisa Schneider

Eileen and Carl Glickman in memory of Leah Yudkovitz

Betty Heller and Family with appreciation and gratitude

Diana and George Kleros in memory of Annette Winston

Barbara and Jeffrey Schwab in memory of Louis Schwab, husband, father and grandfather

Barbara and Jeffrey Schwab in memory ofSusan Sheinbaum, mother of Andi Dinitz

Barbara and Jeffrey Schwab in memory ofGeorge Wergeles, brother of Donald, brother-in-law of Nancy

Phyllis and Del Markoff in memory of Susan Sheinbaum, mother of Andi Dinitz

Ronnie Aaron Hammer in honor of the bat mitzvah of Audrey Bernstein

Geri and Merrill Stone in memory of Dorothy Satkin and Leonard and Claire Stone

CANTOR RICHARD B. SILVERMANMUSIC FUND

Richard, Amy, Sara Schafrann and Allie and David Ritter in loving memory of Marilyn K. Steiner

GiFts november 2015 – mid-december 2015

CAROL SCHOKE ROTHKE FUND FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Jim Schoke in memory of Carol Schoke Rothke

Jim Schoke in memory of Elayne Rich Schoke

CEMETERY BEAUTIFICATION FUND

William Mazo in memory of Doba Mazo

ELAINE GASTWIRT COLLEGE OUTREACH FUND

Marna and Stuart Novack in memory of Eva Novack

Marna and Stuart Novack in honor of ourgrandchildren in celebration of Chanukah

GENERAL FUND

Dan and Nancy Magida in memory of Stuart Friedland, father of Ed Friedland

Meg Magida in honor of Audrey Magida with lots of love

Howard Shaw in memory of Risha Granat Shaw,with gratitude to Temple Israel

GRANDPARENTS FUND

Dorothy Kohn in memory of Lui Krieger

Stephen and Barbara Raffel in memory of Milton E. Raffel

Grandma and Grandpa (Herb and Marie Rothschild) in honor of the Zeldes family for Chanukah

Craig, Ellen, Lindsey, Michael and Geoffrey Wolson in memory of our father and grandfather, Leslie M. Schulgasser

Stephen and Barbara Raffel in memory ofMathilda Raffel

Arleen and Sandy Block in memory of Rose Lax, grandmother of Marisa Schneider

LIBRARY BOOK FUND

Brooks Sumberg in memory of my father, Bernard D. Sumberg

LINDA P. DINITZ ART FUND

Sheila and Steve Israel in memory of Susan Sheinbaum, mother of Andi Dinitz

MELVIN AND RUTH P. ZIMMERS CONCERT FUND

Catherine Fine-Lustbader in memory of Sandra Fine

RABBI FRIEDMAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Robert and Elsa Rubenstein in memory of Sue and Rabbi B.T. Rubenstein

Jennifer and Eric Blankfein in honor of Michael Blankfein's bar mitzvah

Ed and Melissa Diamond in honor of Peter and Gen's wedding

Diane Ash in memory of Risha Granat Shaw,mother of Jessica Bram

Jon and Barbara Roth in memory of Tony Martin, father of David Martin

Lynne and Jerry Minsky in memory of Edward Lee Stein

Stu Speckman and Alicia Kennedy in memory of Sandra Kennedy and Della Speckman

Linda Mandel and Arnold Lewis in honor ofNaomi Fenster's bat mitzvah

Martin and Gladys Floch in memory of our son,Dr. Jeffrey Floch

Gerald Luterman in memory of David Luterman

Judith Rafael in memory of my parents, Gustav and Miriam Rich

The Families of the Religious School thank you for educating, engaging and caring for our children! Happy Chanukah!

Melissa and Doug Bernstein in honor of Audrey Bernstein’s bat mitzvah

Nancy and Jeff Plotkin in appreciation of Rabbi Friedman's guidance on the occasion of Jessica Plotkin's bat mitzvah

Mary and Dan Hoffman in memory of George Wergeles, brother of Don Wergeles

Indy and Seth Goldberg in memory of George Wergeles, brother of Don Wergeles

Jessica Bram and Bob Cooper in memory ofRisha Granat Shaw

Dick Rauh in memory of Lester Rauh

RABBI B.T. AND SUZANNE RUBENSTEINLECTURE FUND

Robert and Elsa Rubenstein in memory of Sue and Rabbi B.T. Rubenstein

RABBI ROBERT J. ORKAND FUND FOR TEMPLE ISRAEL

Dennis Poster in memory of Marion Poster

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND

Randi and Jeremy Vishno in memory of Joseph Merlin

Torah Study Group in honor of the bat mitzvahof Naomi Fenster, granddaughter of Linda Mandel and Arnold Lewis

GiFts november 2015 – mid-december 2015

Randi and Jeremy Vishno in memory of Estelle Witt

Jody and Joel Beck in appreciation of HarrietBlitstein for her love, support and guidance

SCHIFF/NAD SPECIAL CHILDREN FUND

Abraham Nad in memory of Irving Nad

STEINBERG LIBRARY FUND

Jane Malakoff in honor of Harold Steinberg's birthday

TEACHING TOLERANCE AND RESPECT FUND

Joyce Pauker in memory of my father, Harry Morchower

TORAH STUDY

Lisa and Tony Pesco in memory of Ruth Becker

Ken Mufson in memory of Sam Mufson

Bonita and Lenny Messman in honor of Bobbie and Bob Bernstein's granddaughter, Audrey (Chanah Gittel), becoming a bat mitzvah

Torah Study Group in honor of Bobbie and Bob Bernstein's granddaughter, Audrey (Chanah Gittel), becoming a bat mitzvah

Sandy, Arleen, Zack and Joshua Block in memory of Curt Block, father of Sandy

TZEDAKAH FUND

Jane Malakoff in honor of the 65th anniversaryof Gloria and Mike Stashower

Linda and Robert Roth in memory of Blanche Roth and Hy Zimmerman

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Craig, Ellen, Lindsey, Michael and Geoffrey Wolson in memory of our mother and grandmother, Evelyn Schulgasser

GiFts november 2015 – mid-december 2015

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

Elaine Gastwirt’spassion wasserving youth at Temple Israel.Established inher loving memory, theElaine GastwirtCollege OutreachFund enablesTemple Israel to send carepackages to our college students atChanukah, Purimand Passover.

“Receiving theChanukah packagefrom Temple Israel was such

an amazing gift! Since it was right around thetime of finals, it made me smile to know mycommunity at home was thinking about me. It also helped relieve a ton of stress and Icouldn't have been happier,” said DanielMuller, a junior at Brown University.

We invite you to contribute to the Elaine Gastwirt College Outreach Fund and help ourcollege students, like Daniel, feel loved and remain close to their congregational family,even though they might be far away.

b’nai mitzvah February 2016 – march 2016

BLAKE KATZMANSon of

Daniel & Rachel KatzmanFebruary 6, 2016

TYLER DEMBOSon of

Justin & Alison DemboFebruary 27, 2016

RILEY DEMBODaughter of

Justin & Alison Dembo February 27, 2016

JOSHUA MOSKOFFSon of

Greg & Amy MoskoffMarch 5, 2016

LAUREN SPHEERISDaughter of

Toly & Karen SpheerisMarch 5, 2016

MIKAYLA DANTERDaughter of

Lawrence & Fran DanterMarch 12, 2016

JESSICA KRIPKEDaughter of

Andrew & Ellen KripkeMarch 26, 2016

Shabbat Celebrations

KABBALAT SHABBAT6:30 pm on Fridays

MEDITATION & REFLECTION8:30 am on Saturdays

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN9:00 am on Saturdays

TORAH STUDY10:00 am on Saturdays

SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE11:15 am on Saturdays

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidWestport, CTPermit No. 116

14 Coleytown RoadWestport, CT 06880203.227.1293www.tiwestport.org

CHRONICLE E-DELIVERY For those who choose, Temple Israel will send your Chronicle via email and will no longer send a print copy to your home. To sign up for e-delivery of the Chronicle, visit tiwestport.org/e-delivery.