Chanukah Celebration - Friday, December 19

6:00 PM in Blumauer AuditoriumThe festivities begin with a traditional brisket and latke dinner, catered by Alfresco Catering and Sheraton Hotels. Wine and dessert included. Vegetarian and gluten free options available upon request. Please bring your Chanukiyot to kindle the lights of the 4th night together. Candles will be available on the tables.

Pricing (includes 3% donation to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger)$65 per family of 4 (immediate family only, based on 2 adults and 2 children; no charge for additional children in the immediate family)$24 per adult (age 13 and up)$8.50 per child (ages 3-12)Children under three are free

This dinner sells out quickly! RSVP with payment to the CBI office at (503) 222-1069 by Tuesday, December 16.

7:15 PM in Goodman HallThe celebration continues with a unique Shabbat/Chanukah worship experience. Come together in a different space to welcome Shabbat and celebrate the Festival of Lights. Music and visual t’filah will lead us through a family-friendly service.

After the service, push back the chairs and prepare to party! Our Rockin’ Chanukah Eve party features live music by Def Schlepper with guest performances by members of the Kol Echad congregational choir. Wine, dessert, and possibly more latkes will be served so all who come can enjoy.

CBI family and friends – especially our new community members – are welcome to join us!

We hope to see you there.

BulletinDecember 2014

Kislev-Tevet 5775Vol. 64, No. 3

Established 1858

Join us for an evening full of latkes, music, prayer, latkes, friends, fun...and did we mention latkes?

Pick up your family’s copy of this beautiful and exciting recording of our Friday night music as played by members of the CBI Band, including Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Michael Barnes, Michael Allen Harrison, Ben Sandler, Kim Schneiderman, Arthur Steinhorn, and more. CDs are available at the office and at services. Make sure to pick up your copy when you join us for a Chanukah dinner, service, and party on Friday, December 19!

THE SOUL OF SHABBAT

A Chanukah present to all members of our congregation,

made possible bythe generosity of the

Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund

Celebrate Chanukahat Beth Israel

Friday, December 19

See p. 6 for the candle lighting prayers

2 Congregation Beth Israel

Saul Robert SchindlerSaul Schindler will become Bar Mitzvah on December 6, 2014. He is the son of Matthew and Diana Schindler. Saul attends Lake Oswego Junior High School and for his Mitzvah Project is choosing to work annually with Clackamas

County Dump Stoppers, an agency dedicated to preventing illegal dumping in the National Forests by organizing clean ups and providing support when illegal dumps are discovered. This decision came about in an interesting way. Saul explains, “I have been going to the woods since I was three years old to forage for mushrooms with my father. The garbage out in the forest always bothered me. I wanted to organize a group of my friends and family and share my love of the woods with them, at the same time cleaning up some of the garbage that has been dumped.” In September 2014 Saul, his family, and friends held the first ever Mushroom Mitzvah in the Mount Hood National Forest, collecting more than 100 pounds of shotgun shells, broken bottles, old speaker pieces, and other garbage from the woods and at the same time picking more than 15 pounds of beautiful early season chanterelles. He plans to continue this new tradition every fall. To learn more about Dump Stoppers, visit their website at www.clackamas.us/dumpstoppers/. If you want to participate in future Mushroom Mitzvah clean ups, please contact the CBI office to connect with Saul and his family.

Hunter Leo NewcombHunter Newcomb will become Bar Mitzvah on December 27, 2014. He is the son of Verne and Renee Newcomb, younger brother of Spencer and Parker, and grandson of CBI members Fay and Leonard

Oppenheimer. Hunter attends Cedar Park Middle School in the Beaverton School District and has chosen to focus on the Robison Jewish Health Center for his Mitzvah Project. The Robison Jewish Health Center at Cedar Sinai Park holds a special place within our community. It serves as a shelter to elders and adults with special needs and allows them to live in comfort, independence, and dignity while keeping their Jewish values. Hunter will be helping to lead Bingo and other games during holiday breaks and when his school schedule allows, plus he’ll lead various Shabbat services. To learn how you can help, please visit cedarsinaipark.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

B’nei Mitzvah Upcoming Events

The Struggle with G-d: From Antiquity to ModernityThis is the third in a series of three lectures by Rabbi Michael Cahana about our struggle with G-d. Previous attendance is not a prerequisite.

Judaism’s radical insight to religion is the concept of a single G-d, unseeable and to a certain extent unknowable. And yet, that uniqueness creates a problem known to Moses and all the prophets: How can I know an unknowable G-d? In this series of classes, we will discuss the struggle we Jews have with divinity. Having trouble with G-d? Join the club!

Session 3: “Where is God? The Holocaust Defiance”Sunday, December 7, 10:00 AMPollin ChapelWe will discuss one of the most theological difficult subjects: The question of where is G-d in our most difficult times. We look at historic challenges from the Expulsions (Israel, Spain), the challenges brought by the Enlightenment, the Shoah, and the 20th Century “Death of God” movement.

Havdalah and a Movie: Keeping the FaithSaturday, December 20 6:00 PM – Potluck Dinner 7:00 PM – MovieMiller RoomKeeping the Faith is a fun, smart, and warm comedy. It works on many levels: as a loving look at relationships, at the common ground Judaism and Catholicism share in compassion towards people, and at embracing love, no matter what obstacles might arise. Each character is unique and likeable; lifelong friends (a priest, a rabbi, and a successful businesswoman) reconnect as adults...until romance enters the picture!

The optional potluck dinner will be a Jewish deli theme - with a kugel tasting! If you will be joining us for it, please RSVP to the CBI office at (503) 222-1069 with the item you will be bringing.

CBI Book Group Sunday, December 7, 9:00 AMHerbert & Shirley Semler Board Room

Please join our book group each month for a morning of pleasant literary discussion. There is no need to sign up.

December’s selection is: My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit.

If you’d like to plan ahead, the selection for January is Night in Shanghai by Nicole Mones.

ADULT EDUCATION EVENTS:

3December 2014

Our Leadership L’Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation

Impractical Lights by Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana

In the Talmud, there is a fairly short discussion of the holiday of Hanukkah. Much of it is centered around the details of placing and lighting the Hanukkiah – the Hanukkah menorah.

This is the Talmud’s only historic explanation of the post-biblical holiday:

What is the reason [for Hanukkiah?]. . . when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils therein, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they made search and found only one cruse of oil which lay with the seal of the High Priest, but which contained sufficient for one day’s lighting only; yet a miracle was wrought therein and they lit [the lamp] therewith for eight days. (Talmud Shabbat 21b)

Such a short passage – and yet so much is behind it!

The Hanukkah candles are meant to be seen by the outside world, not kept in – mishum parsumei nisah, “to publicize the miracle” (Shabbat

23b). The increasing light represents the increasing awareness of the profound. The oil which should have lasted only one day kept the light burning until help arrived. After the darkness of oppression, the desecration of our holy places under Assyrian rule, the time needed to return the pure oil to its rightful place was a time of spiritual danger. The Maccabees, successful in their military ventures, could have found a temporary solution: use less than pure oil until the proper material arrives. Fair and practical. But that is what they did not do. Trusting in the impossible, they lit the one pure cruse of oil and waited. And that trust paid off: Nes Gadol Haya Sham - a great miracle happened there.

Often our approach, even to holy things, is practical and pragmatic. We excuse ourselves from the trouble of participating in our Jewish rituals, experiences, and celebrations. We are busy, or there might be traffic – or we might have trouble parking! But the Hanukkah lights remind us that taking a chance on Holiness can resonate through the ages. It is dark out, but the daily increasing blaze inside symbolizes those who did not take the short cut, those who trusted in the Divine presence. Perhaps if we take a chance, we might encounter something inspired.

May we be so blessed.

Happy Hanukkah!

Mazel Tov to Philip Weiss on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. For his project, Philip designed and built a drum station at the playground on the campus of the Gan-Portland Jewish Preschool/Maimonides Jewish Day School. In addition to spending 250 hours designing, mentoring younger Scouts, and installing the station, Philip raised $1,250 in monetary donations plus $3,000 in in-kind donations. Philip is the son of Marcia and Stuart Weiss and grandson of the late Philip Feldman, CBI President 1977-79.

Lainie Block Wilker, who was honored to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative on behalf of Treehouse Island, an educational technology company that teaches job-ready skills for in-demand tech jobs. To learn more about Treehouse’s recent work launching Code Oregon with Worksystems Inc. to train 10,000 Oregonians for high-paying jobs and build a tech talent pipeline, visit http://blog.teamtreehouse.com/launch-code-oregon.

Colby Reade Feves, the 2014 New Professional Award of Excellence recipient, presented by the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Portland Metro Chapter. He was honored at the PRSA Spotlight Awards on October 16. To learn more about Colby’s work and the award, visit www.prsa-portland.org/about-us/news-releases/2014-new-professional-award-of-excellence/.

Tracy Alifanz on the publication of her first novel, You Could Be Home By Now, on December 5th. The novel is being published under her maiden name, Tracy Manaster.

Steve and Elaine Kantor on the birth of their grandsons: Edward Mac Krivosha on April 14 to Lindsay and Joel Krivosha, and Abel Gage Kestel on October 10 to Allison and Ian Kestel.

Chet Orloff and Wendy Lee-Orloff on the birth of their granddaughter, Abigail Rose Orloff, on August 8, 2014 in Los Angeles. Callman and Reagan Orloff are Abigail’s proud parents, and she joins big brother Ariel (5). The late Janice Orloff, who passed away earlier this year, was her great-grandmother. Abigail was named at Kabbalat Shabbat services on November 28.

Jessie Burke and Jonathan Cohen on the birth of their daughter, Miette Simone, on October 10. She joins big sister Anouk (7) and brother Julien (3).

Brad and Ashley Cohen on the birth of their son, Saul Steven Cohen, on October 15. He was named at his brit milah on October 23.

Stephanie and Jackson Faddis on the birth of their son, Liam Benjamin Faddis, on October 16. He was named at his brit milah on October 26.

Alice and Michael Powell on the birth of their grandson, Abel Jackson Connor, on October 16. Abel’s parents are Emily and John Connor.

Les and Martha Soltesz on the birth of their granddaughter, Molly Katherine Cox, on October 23. Molly joins big brother Andrew (2). Proud parents are Monica and Jordan Cox.

Geri and Jerry Matin on the birth of their first great-grandchild and Bruce Hildreth on the birth of his first grandchild, Hava Lyn Hildreth, on November 3. Proud parents are Bobbie and Rich Hildreth. Paternal great-grandmother is Patti Hildreth, maternal grandparents are MaryAnn and Robert Vidourek, and excited “auntie” is CBI member Ashley Hildreth.

May they grow in health and wisdom and be a source of strength to their family and all humankind.

Condolences toJill Slansky on the death of her aunt, Miriam Newman, on October 12, in New Jersey.

Bill and Kate Royston on the death of his brother, Peter Royston, on October 27, in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Schnitzer family on the death of their sister-in-law, aunt, and great-aunt Mollie Levin, who passed away in Los Angeles on November 5, 2014 at the age of 100. Mollie was the sister of Leonard, Harold, Gilbert, Morris, Manuel Schnitzer, and Edith Goodman.

4 Congregation Beth Israel

With each gift, the light grows brighterby Jenat Levison FeldmanDevelopment Director

 As the days get shorter and darkness descends earlier, it is easy to find ourselves feeling a bit sad

about those things that bother us most. And while there is much about which to fret, December also provides us with thirty-one days to commit to doing something that ensures the year we are about to leave behind is one in which we made a difference and did something meaningful. In my family we often say, “Every moment you have the opportunity to make a ‘remembery,’ be sure you are making the memory you want to remember.”

With that in mind, we in the Development Department want to be sure and thank each one of our donors (or, as I like to say, “our investors”) for investing in CBI in a way that helps us impact Jewish lives and create Jewish memories. When we say every gift counts and every gift matters, it is absolutely true. Together we are able to fill that $200,000 gap that comes from making it a priority to keep our doors wide open and provide a full range of support and services to all those seeking a Jewish connection, a Jewish place of worship.

By being generous in a way that is meaningful to you, you create within the darkness a warm glow from knowing we are doing the right thing for the right reason. We believe you know that, too, which is why you have chosen to be with us as a member and/or an investor. In our February bulletin, we will be honored to list all those who have helped us move closer to closing that gap. Our work is not done, yet we are proud of the progress we have made. Whether you enhanced your commitment to the annual contribution (formerly dues), donated to the Every Family Initiative, helped sponsor our Magical Fall Fundraiser, or proudly raised your paddle during its Mitzvah Moment appeal – thank you, thank you, and thank you again for being with us. You are helping the light grow brighter.

Imagine how bright our light could shine if everyone joined in with a donation supporting our efforts to make our community a better place. Some of the ways we invest in our community are obvious, some are more subtle. Each is a priority, which is why it is a part of the vast array of all that Congregation Beth Israel has to offer. Please join me in feeling proud knowing you make a difference. Also know that you still have thirty-one days to join this amazing group of generous supporters and be listed in the February bulletin. If you do not want to be listed, please call the CBI office by December 10. With each gift, the light burns brighter.

Call to Action! Taste of Temple – our much-anticipated annual tradition at Congregation Beth Israel – is fast approaching.

Taste of Temple 2015 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 8th, 2015; please mark your calendars.

This is the 4th annual TOT. From the beginning, TOT was envisioned as a friend-raiser and a fund-raiser. The extraordinary leadership provided by the first chairs assured the success of this wonderful event for the past three years. The first two years were co-chaired by Judah & Ali Garfinkle and David & Tiffany Goldwyn.

Last year’s edition was co-chaired by Joey Fishman and Jordan Menashe. We would like to thank these leaders for creating and growing our very special TOT, tailored to the values of Congregation Beth Israel.

As we thank and recognize the leaders before us, it is important to remember the dedicated volunteers – too many to name here – who made sure the event was a success.

So, yes – the forks are high!!! And yes, it is our responsibility now to ensure that the tradition continues and the success is even higher. We have committed to high expectations for 2015 TOT – “More Friend-Raiser and More Fund-Raiser” than ever before. This year, Stephen Cassell, Special Events Manager at CBI, will play an important role in the success of the event. We are lucky to have him on our team. TOT is our special CBI event. Our wonderful “dream team” of committee chairs for this year are very committed and enthusiastic to start the work. We are very proud of their efforts and the incredible creativity they are bringing to the event planning.

To succeed in raising the “fork” even higher, we need some very dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join one of our committees and pledge their commitment to a part of the project. The ultimate success of this event will depend on all of us.

PLANT A ‘TEER!As we embark on this project, let’s remember that this is an annual tradition that will continue after this year. We will need people to volunteer next year, and the year after, and the year after. As some of us “old trees” will get cut down, new ones would need to replace us and ensure continuity. So, let’s PLANT A ‘TEER. Let’s invite and nurture volunTEERs that are new to the TOT experience. Not only will the experienced volunteers together with new ones create a very dynamic and creative participation for this year, they will also sustain the continuity for years to come.

Are you ready to pledge your commitment to this year’s TOT team of volunteers?

Please contact Tracy in the CBI office this week at (503) 222-1069 or tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org.

Please remember to also PLANT A ‘TEER for our future.

Deliciously yours,

Tony & Bianca UrdesTaste of Temple 2015 Chairs

Developing CBI

5December 2014

Honoring a Wonderful CBI TraditionBy Sydney A. Baer,Executive Director We’re always growing here at CBI and happily welcome new families throughout the year. So often, when we first connect with newest members, our conversations hinge on the essential “how-tos”: how to enroll in religious

school, connect with our community, engage with our adult education programs, worship services, and upcoming events, and always always, where to park? We’re a busy, thriving community, yet somehow it has been a while since we have written about our tribute funds and the many ways they help to keep our community busy and thriving. If you are a longtime supporter of our funds, we are grateful. If you are new to CBI and this custom, then this is a mini lesson on our lovely tradition of honoring family and friends by marking a special occasion, expressing support, or remembering a loved one with a contribution to our tribute funds. The monthly bulletin listing usually appears just before the In Remembrance and calendar pages.

Our tribute funds could almost be called the unsung heroes of our budget, supporting many of the extras for our congregation. All contributions to our tribute funds are 100% tax deductible and 100% used by the directed activities of the named funds. Additionally, in keeping with the many, many things we do here, the funds have many, many different points of focus. The Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund has generously underwritten the production of CBI’s new Soul of Shabbat CD, featuring Cantor Cahana and our wonderful CBI musicians. The Oseran Family Lecture Fund brought us Professor Robert Reich this past September.

Our newest fund, The Holzman Family Religious School Scholarship Fund, will help provide permanent religious school scholarship funding. Donations to the Allison B. Cohen Madrichim Training and Religious School Scholarship Fund support our madrichim training program. This fund was established in memory of Allison because of her love for our madrichim program and is one of many funds that speak to our deep commitment to education, a list that includes the Sanny Snell Preschool Scholarship Fund, Estelle Director Sholkoff

Educators Scholarship Fund, Judith Ann Epstein Education Director Fund, Jill Newman Slansky Early Childhood Leader Fund, Morris Klein Preschool Fund, Urman Family College Communication Fund, and the new Brotherhood Scholarship Fund. Funds supporting youth activities include the Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund, Sally Vidgoff Camp Kalsman Scholarship Fund, and the Ruth Semler and Heims Family funds.

We have Social Action Funds supporting our many service projects, and an Adult Education Fund that supports the honorariums for our speakers and programs. We also have funds to support our plethora of programs: the Carolyn G. and Millard S. Rosenblatt Lecture Fund generously supports our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations, and the Hal Ruthizer Cultural Arts Fund supports our cultural arts programming. Three funds support our library: the Spear Research Library Fund, Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund, and Amy R. Goldsmith Library Fund. Former board member May Georges established the May Georges Study in Israel Scholarship Fund, which is used annually by our students, teachers, and congregants for study in Israel. The Simon and Helen Director Endowment Fund and the General Administrative Tribute Fund support membership services, while the Cemetery Beautification and Landau Chapel funds support our cemetery. For the repair and maintenance of our magnificent and historic campus, we have the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Facilities Fund, Miller Room Refurbishment and Restoration Fund, and the Temple Improvement and Temple Restoration funds. The Rosenfeld Family Assistant/Associate Rabbi Fund supports our clergy, and the clergy discretionary funds help our clergy with their meaningful work and ongoing service committments. And just as all we do would never be the same without our ever-busy Sisterhood, no list would be complete without our WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood funds. This is an impressive list, and we are the grateful beneficiaries of the proceeds from your generous donations to our 80+ tribute funds.

We are grateful to those who came before us for establishing many of these funds. We are thankful to our congregants and friends of CBI for their continued support for these funds and hope that if you are new to our community, you will make giving to our tribute funds a new family tradition when you want to honor, support, or remember a loved one. It is a simple and meaningful gift and ensures that CBI continues to honor the past and build for the future.

May we continue to go from strength to strength.

Paying Tribute to our Tribute Funds

Robert Reich LectureThanks to the Oseran Family Lecture Fund

Confirmation Class Trip to Washington, D.C.Thanks to the Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund

CBI Kids attend Camp KalsmanThanks to the Sally Vidgoff Camp Kalsman Scholarship Fund

John Lewis speaks at MLK, Jr. CelebrationThanks to the Carolyn G. and Millard S. Rosenblatt Lecture Fund

6 Congregation Beth Israel

Social Action

Social Action Committee December Activities We have a number of fun and worthwhile activities this December. Please join us and reach out to our community this holiday season.

NW Towers Christmas Gift DriveHelp give some children a wonderful Christmas by buying a Christmas gift for a child at NW Towers. Sign up will be available on the SAC website.

NW Tower Holiday Party Sunday, December 14NW Towers Community Room

Join us for a festive holiday party for the residents of the NW Towers. The Social Action Committee provides food, decorations, music, activities, and prizes for our neighbors. Please help us by preparing and serving food, decorating, hosting activities, cleaning up, or just helping us make this event fun and welcoming. Please sign up on the SAC website.

Lift Urban Portland Christmas DinnerThursday, December 25, 11:30 AM-2:00 PM Goodman Hall

An annual event since 1985, the Holiday Dinner in Goodman Hall is run by 175 volunteers – many of them CBI congregants – who offer their time to ensure a festive event for our guests. This year the dinner is on Christmas Day, December 25, from 11:30 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the dinner to: prepare and decorate, fill gift bags, meet and greet our guests, serve food and beverages, and clean up. If you are interested, you can sign up at www.mysignup.com/liftupdinner2014.

Donate to the SAC at CBIDonations to the SAC are always appreciated and can be made on the CBI webpage at www.bethisrael-pdx.org/give. Just choose General Social Action from the drop-down menu.

For more detailed information on all of our programming, please e-mail us at sac@bethisrael-pdx.org, call Tracy in the CBI office, or go to the Social Action page on the CBI website. There is a place for each of you in helping to repair the world, and we are very grateful for your continued support.

CHANUKAH - LIGHTING THE CANDLES

Candles are added to the Hanukkiyah from right to left, but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first.

On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the Chanukah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.Light the shamash - the helper candle set higher or lower than all the rest of the candles - first using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights; say or sing:

Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam a-sher ki-d’sha-nu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tzi-va-nu l’had-lik ner shel Hanukka.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe:You make us holy with Your Mitzvot, and command us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam, sheh-a-sa ni-sim la-a-vo-tei-nu/l’i-mo-tei-nu ba-ya-mim ha-heim ba-z’man ha-zeh.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe:You showed wonders to our fathers/mothers in days of old, at this season.

On the first night only we add:

Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam, she-heh-cheh-ya-nu, v’ki-y’ma-nu, v’higi-anu, la-z’man ha-zeh.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: who has kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.

7December 2014

Sisterhood

Jewelry and Gift Shop SaleOn Sundays, December 7 and December 14, Sisterhood will have a gift shop and gently used jewelry sale. The jewelry sale will take place in Blumauer Auditorium on December 7, from 10:00-noon and continue in the gift shop on December 14, from 9:15am-12:15pm.

If you would like to donate jewelry, please contact Leslie Geller at lesliejgeller@gmail.com. Please come and support Sisterhood!

Gift Shop HappeningsFall hours:

Sundays: 9:15 AM-12:15 PM

Wednesdays: 6-8 PM

Second and Fourth Fridays: 11:00 AM -1:00 PM

Volunteer: We always need volunteers in the Gift Shop. Please contact Debbie Braymer, Gift Shop Volunteer Coordinator, at (503) 649-8043 or djsbraymer@gmail.com for details.

Breast Cancer Awareness Ellen Lairson from the Providence Breast Clinic spoke to Sisterhood and CBI members about breast cancer awareness, the BRCA gene, and the Ashkenazi Jewish increased risk of breast cancer.

Ellen’s presentation is available on the Sisterhood website at www.bethisrael-pdx.org/community/sisterhood.

WRJ Pacific District Convention ReportFour of our Sisterhood members attended the recent District Convention in Pasadena: Ellen Bick, Linda Harrison, Kate Royston, and Debbie Braymer. These women have been very active in our local Sisterhood and in supporting the District. Our delegates also led workshops. Sisterhood won another District Kavod award, for our project on Child Trafficking. Ellen Bick was honored as the outgoing District President and was presented with a special president’s pin and gift. Talk to one of these women who attended to learn more, and go to the District website: www.wrjpacific.org. We are very proud of our WRJ/BIS leaders!

Jennifer Jacobs and Isaac Sigfried, both of whom are medical students at OHSU. Isaac, a fourth year, is in the midst of applying for residencies in emergency medicine. Jennifer is taking an extra year to complete her master’s degree in public health and intends to specialize in internal medicine. Jennifer says, “We joined Congregation Beth Israel because we liked the feel of the services and really enjoyed speaking with Rabbi Joseph. We are hoping to become involved with Jews Next Dor and some of the Social Action events.” They also are enthusiastic Seahawks fans, have hobbies ranging from SCUBA to hot yoga, and love the outdoors, running, hiking, and (in moments of downtime) relaxing with family and friends.

We also welcome:

David Stocker and Blythe Miller and their daughters, Elana (6) and Amalia (4).

Pre-school family Jesse Treger and Candice Adelson and their daughters, Elissa (6) and Isabel (4).

Leonard and Sharlene Ludwig

Congregation Beth Israel Welcomes New Members

8 Congregation Beth Israel

Adult EducAtion FundIn Memory of

Spencer DanielsAbe FriedmanDebbie Friedman and Gary PetersonJosef NeubergerRosalyn Neuberger

AltAr FlowErs And onEg shAbbAtIn Memory of

Frank BlumenkronMary Ann BustamanteRachel BlumenkronLucille SolomonBarbara and Howard CohnAlan GreenNancy GreenMax SwerdlikGerald and Evelyn LeshgoldJudith MellerMegan Brown

In Honor ofElla Weprin (Consecration)Jeffrey and Jennifer Weprin

brothErhood scholArship FundIn Memory of

Herbert H. LautersteinLee B. Lowenson

cEmEtEry bEAutiFicAtionIn Memory of

Bertha BlauerRuth BlauerAlan GreenGerel BlauerJosef NeubergerPatricia NeubergerEve BlackRose BlackHerb BlackWilliam and Ruth PhilipRobert and Rita Philip Family Fund

rAbbi cAhAnA discrEtionAryIn Memory of

Corinne (Corky) ZelinkaBob ZelinkaHarriet Packouz TowneBob and Wendy SteinbergGilda WexlerEldon and Carolyn WexlerMilton H. ReiterPhilip and Dorothy ReiterEdwin I. AugustJosephine AugustDavid and Anita August

In AppreciationTheodore NelsonLorraine and David PopowichThe Kirby/Clark FamilyLance and Mary SteinbergJeffrey and Judy CohenBarbara SiegelNaomi Strauss

cAntor cAhAnA discrEtionAryIn Memory of

Herman RichmanJim and Michael RichmanDavid BloomBob and Wendy Steinberg

In AppreciationTheodore NelsonLance and Mary Steinberg

General ContributionGiven ByKetzel Levine

rAbbi JosEph discrEtionAryIn Memory of

Edwin I. AugustJosephine AugustDavid and Anita AugustMorton SteinhornArthur and Benjamin Steinhorn

In AppreciationTheodore NelsonDavid and Anita AugustLance and Mary SteinbergJennifer Levenson

cAntor schiFF discrEtionAryIn Appreciation

Theodore Nelson

rAbbi rosE discrEtionAryIn Memory of

Irving SteinbockEdythe Steinbock

gEnErAl AdministrAtivEIn Memory of

Charles William PitkinSteve and Natalie MaizelsEstelle EllnerHarold EllnerKelly PuzissCarolyn and Lawrence GorinBernice BernotatFrank HochfeldRick and Marilyn GilbertDavid BloomHarriet Packouz TowneLance and Mary SteinbergLillian SteinbergMrs. Gilbert SchnitzerMr. and Mrs. Kenneth NovackMr. and Mrs. Gary SchnitzerMiriam B. AikenFran WolfeBob FingerRoger FingerAlfred EdelmanCarol EdelmanGregory ShapiroJack ShapiroMarian G. KrantzEldon and Carolyn Wexler

In Honor ofCBI ClergyMichael and Agnes McGahaDick DobrowSabina WohlfeilerBarbara Gilbert and Miles

Newmark (Birth of granddaughter)

Jill and Ed Neuwelt (Birth of granddaughter)

Sydney and Bill BaerGeneral Contribution

Given ByDavid and Anita AugustJanice IsenbergBrad and Janice BermanDorothy Lemay

hAl ruthizEr culturAl ArtsIn Memory of

Joan SitwellBarbara Glazer

Judith AnnE EpstEin EducAtion dirEctor’s FundIn Memory of

Homer KiserSarah Kinder

osErAn FAmily lEcturEIn Memory of

David FinkelsteinHenry and Nancy Oseran

prEschoolIn Memory of

Evelyn GalenPatricia Layton NemerMichael GrunbaumMarilyn and Hans GrunbaumAnna FevesThe Marlene Weiner Family

rosEnFEld FAmily AssistAnt/AssociAtE rAbbi FundIn Memory of

Betty DonoghueNancy CaplanBess Steinman FeldsteinBenjamin FeldsteinTammy Kramer

Very Thoughtful People

9December 2014

Very Thoughtful People

ruth sEmlEr youth ActivitiEsIn Memory of

Morris PollinHarold PollinNancy CaplanBarry and Barbara CaplanRyan FerranteMargaret HassonMinnie SpivakAbe SpivakHenry SpivakJacqueline SpivakHelen Spivak & Family

In Honor ofAdriana and Gabriela Steinberg

(B’not Mitzvah)Roscoe Nelson III and Debra

Harrison

sociAl Action (gEnErAl)In Memory of

Benjamin HellerFred Cohen and Randy ZasloffRenee and Arthur BergmanBarry and Marcia BergmanRobert J. NeubergerStuart NeubergerRosalyn NeubergerAnna PressStephen PressBernice RosencrantzM. H. RosencrantzJacob SolomonRoza WillerDick SolomonEugene EisemanGerda A. EisemanFritz CarrThomas and Leonard Carr

In Honor ofDr. Jon Cress (Special birthday)Gerald and Evelyn LeshgoldRuth Gassner (Birthday)Dorothy and Ray Packouz

In Appreciation ofSteve KantorEve Rosenfeld

General ContributionGiven ByScott Lewis and Laura Rose-Lewis

FoodIn Memory of

Robert J. NeubergerPatricia NeubergerMiriam RosenfeldMeryl HaberDavid C. FrischLouAnn FrischJohn MaySusan and Stuart ShleiferThea GrunbaumMarilyn and Hans GrunbaumRenee and Arthur BergmanBarry and Marcia BergmanCharles BerneLee and Frank BerneSara BazelonMimi RichmanMollie KatzPearl TrachtenbergLena HolzmanM’Liss GilbertRenée and Irwin HolzmanBertha Mayer HoltzmanWilma Jane Balick & Sandra Kailes

Biller and familyDorothy AsherEvelyn Asher MaizelsDr. Harry and Gertrude SemlerHenry SpivakJackie SpivakHelen Spivak & FamilyBluma GoldbergJan Goldberg & FamilyLeo L. MatinSherie HildrethGeri and Jerry MatinMara Forsythe-CraneJim Crane and Karla ForsytheHarry Lewis BaronRoger Baron

General ContributionGiven ByThe Olshin-Mischel Family

i hAvE A drEAmIn Memory of

Leo MatinHarry and Joanne Glickman

Jackie SpivakHenry SpivakAlysmae and Victor NudelmanHelen Spivak & Family

tEmplE improvEmEntIn Memory of

Marvin SwireBetty PolskyGloria SwireJacob OvetzHilda SteinbockEdythe SteinbockIrene CraneJim Crane and Karla Forsythe

hEims FAmily youth ActivitiEs EndowmEntIn Memory of

Alfred J. DavisNathan DicksonI. Kenneth Davis

lloyd b. rosEnFEld youth lEAdErship FundIn Memory of

Jerome “Jerry” GolbyMoshe LenskeBen RosenfeldMiriam F. RosenfeldRosemarie Rosenfeld

nEttiE dirEctor librAry book EndowmEntIn Memory of

Fannie DirectorNathan RosenSam RosenStuart and Nikki DirectorHarry GrossNeal and Lisa Rosen

simon & hElEn dirEctor EndowmEntIn Memory of

Gilbert SchnitzerThe Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE

Foundation

WRJ/Beth IsRael sIsteRhood Funds

prAyEr bookIn Memory of

Amy Lichtgarn FreedmanJoyce and Stan Loeb & FamilyNancy CaplanThe Bernie Caplan FamilyBetty Veltman GoldmanMarcia Colton & Family

In Appreciation ofCongregation Beth IsraelBud and Robin Marcus

sErvicE to thE blindIn Memory of

Mae HasmanArline Hasman

sistErhood progrAmming, lEAdErship & EnrichmEntIn Memory of

Rosebelle HimelsteinDavid and Shawn LooneyBerta DelmanNicole and Jeff Gullish

CBI TeamSenior RabbiMichael Z. Cahanarabbicahana@bethisrael-pdx.org

Senior CantorIda Rae Cahanacantorcahana@bethisrael-pdx.org

Assistant RabbiRachel L. Josephrabbijoseph@bethisrael-pdx.org

Rabbi EmeritusEmanuel Rose, D.H.L., D.D.rabbirose@bethisrael-pdx.org

Cantor EmeritaJudith Blanc Schiff cantor@bethisrael-pdx.org

Education Department

Education DirectorBen Sandler, M. Ed. ben@bethisrael-pdx.org

Early Childhood Education DirectorDeborah Kaplan, MATdeborah@bethisrael-pdx.org

Youth Group DirectorShoshanna Proshoshanna@bethisrael-pdx.org

Education AdministratorZiva Sholinziva@bethisrael-pdx.org

Member Services

Executive DirectorSydney A. Baersydney@bethisrael-pdx.org

Development DirectorJen Feldmanjen@bethisrael-pdx.org

Congregational Affairs DirectorJemi Kostiner Mansfield jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org

Finance DirectorJim Baldwin, CPAjim@bethisrael-pdx.org

Accounting AssistantVicki Greifvicki@bethisrael-pdx.org

Project CoordinatorDara Dochertydara@bethisrael-pdx.org

Office AdministratorTracy Alifanztracy@bethisrael-pdx.org

Facilities ManagerCasey Barkmeiercasey@bethisrael-pdx.org

Facilities StaffKeith Powers, LeadJesse FehrerShalamar Washington

Catering Panel

Alfresco Catering by Sheraton503-335-2858Shellie Postlewait

Art of Catering503-231-8185Larry Grimes

Food in Bloom503-223-6819Catherine Hernandez

Century Catering503-849-2605Allen Levin

Devil’s Food Catering503-233-9288Charles Stilwell

Culinary Artistry503-232-4675Jenn Louis

10 Congregation Beth Israel

In Remembrance ~ May their memory be for a blessing.

December 5 & 6Lettie AdlerHarry Lewis BaronDorothy BaruhArthur BergmanIda Bergman*Albert Berkowitz*Robert BlankJames D. BrombergNancy CaplanWilliam CohenArnold DayanE. Frieda Dobrow*David Finkelstein*David FrischFrieda Gideon*Betty V. GoldmanBertha Mayer Holtzman*Leslie Dell HughesDaniel KivelRobert J. Neuberger*Hyman B. NudelmanSamuel OldsteinRita Kantor Pearlmutter*Barbara PrebishMiriam J. Reinhardt*Abe Eugene RosenbergJeane RosenbergBillie RosenblumMiriam F. Rosenfeld*Miriam RudnickNathan ShapiroHarry Shleifer*Joan SitwellMinnie SpivakHilda SteinbockCaroline Berg Swann*Nancy P. ThalhimerErick ThompsonDorothy WarnerIra WeinerMargie WinklerLeon WintersLawrence WinthropFrances Utay WolfAlbert A. WoolachArthur Zacks

December 12 & 13Jack N. Barde*Marilyn BlaushildRose BloomSylvia Davis Campf*Elizabeth CanterDella CohenFannie DirectorMarjorie EastonAlfred EdelmanDavid ExpositoRyan FerranteCharlotte Friend

Evelyn GalenAnn Goldsmith BarrBertha GrenleyHarry GrossNathan Helman*Rosebelle Himelstein*Cecilia HobinFrank HochfeldVictor T. HoeflichRobert Stuart JosephAlbert Kipnis*Adele LabowHannah R. LangHerbert H. Lauterstein*Julius & Lena Levistein and Children*Selma LindbergBurton L. Lipman*Moses MarkLeo L. MatinPaul MatusowJohn MayJames Donald MonteithJosef NeubergerPhillip Leo NudelmanElsie K. PayneMilton ReiterJerrold (Jerry) RichardLottie RoffeRabbi Abraham J. Rose*Jacob Rosenberg*Jean Moss RustinLouis SandozJack SchneidermanBess ShavzinSigmund Sichel*Bessie SilvermanJacob SolomonLucille Almeleh SpringMorton SteinhornMilton TenzerEthel YoungMildred Zell

December 19 & 20Robert AdamsMiriam B. AikenHerbert AlexanderCharles BerneFrances Bettman*Rebecca BilowRose R. BlackFred CarrEugene R. CohnIrene CraneFrank DirectorEugene EisemanHerman FaginAnna Feves*Esther FishmanMara Rosanne Forsythe-Crane

M’Liss GilbertSamuel G. Gilbert*Mary E. Greenberg*Lily GroverThea GrunbaumMae HasmanLena HolzmanMollie KatzHomer KiserRuth KullmanBen Meyer Levin*Anne LevittOlga LewinJoseph Lipshutz*Rose LymanEvelyn MandelbaumDora Manheim*S. Julius Mayer*Judith MellerRobert Arthur NagelStanley B. NagelFannie OldsteinJacob OvetzMary Frances PetersMorris Pollin*Anna PressAnita ReinhornNathan RosenBernice Rosencrantz*Charles L. RosenthalHarry RubinJack RubyRuth SaulAdele SavinarSol SaxMilton SchatzTheodore SchoenfeldCynthia ShermanAlan E. Shevach*Nisa Menashe ShleiferFlora SpaiserGertrude SussmanJoseph Munroe ThomHarriet Packouz TowneElise F. WendelGilda Wexler*Spencer WingHarry J. YurmanDaniel ZellNorman Zimmerman

December 26 & 27Joseph Alkalay*Dorothy AsherEdwin I. AugustJosephine AugustMaxine BauerSara BazelonEve BlackDavid BloomFrank Blumenkron

Mary Ann BustamanteRonald CohenSidney CohenAlfred J. Davis*Berta DelmanLouis Diamondstein*Nathan DicksonIan DouglasJudith EpsteinVictor FeibelmanBenjamin FeldsteinJerome FreibergAnna GellerLeonard GellerThomas T. Georges, Sr.Bluma GoldbergAbraham GoldsteinRhonda Beth GoldsteinJoseph GreenwaldMichael R. GrunbaumGoldie HammelEthel HarrisonSherie HildrethSeymour KaufmanPhilip Kipnis*Morris KleinJanice Alexande LevySamuel Lowengart*Morton MillsMorrie MinkMatthew NeuweltAugusta NewmarkBurton NudelmanOlive OwenReva B. Reingold*Shirley RicklesCharlotte RosenLouis Rosenberg*Max SchlesingerEdith SchnitzerMyra ScholnickJacob G. Senders*Gregory ShapiroAnne SiegelMax SolomonIrving SteinbockMax J. Swerdlik*Bilah VilnerStanley WandRoza WillerJack WinklerSophie Jean WolfCorinne “Corky” Zelinka

(*) next to a name indicates a memorial plaque has been purchased to ensure the beloved departed is remembered in perpetuity. For information about memorial plaques in the Temple, please contact Jemi Kostiner Mansfield at (503) 222-1069 or jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org.

11Congregation Beth Israel

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1 Kislev 9 2 Kislev 10 3 Kislev 11

Midrasha (grades 6-8) 5:30 PM SEC

Adult B’nei Mitzvah6:00 PM LB

Social Action Committee7:00 PM SBR

4 Kislev 12

Adult Education Committee8:30 AM SBR

IHP4:30 PM SEC

WRJ/BIS Board Meeting6:30 PM SBR

Intro to Judaism7:00 PM PC

5 Kislev 13

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

JND Shabbat Service 7:30 PM PC

6 Kislev 14

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR Tot Shabbat9:30 AM PC

Shabbat Morning Service: Bar Mitzvah of Saul Schindler10:30 AM Temple

7 Kislev 15

Book Group9:00 AM SBR

Religious School/ B’nei Mitzvah 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Adult Ed series: The Struggle with God (Pt. 3)10:00 AM PC

WRJ/BIS Gift Shop & Jewelry Sale10:00 AM - 12:00 PM BA

Kol Echad Choir Rehearsal11:30 AM BTB

Midrasha (grades 9-12)12:15 PM SEC

8 Kislev 16 9 Kislev 17 Education Taskforce7:00 PM SBR

10 Kislev 18 Executive Committee12:00 PM SBR

Midrasha (grades 6-8) 5:30 PM SEC

Adult B’nei Mitzvah6:00 PM SBR

11 Kislev 19 IHP4:30 PM SEC

12 Kislev 20 Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Shir Shabbat Service 6:00 PM Temple

13 Kislev 21

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Shabbat Morning Service10:30 AM PC

14 Kislev 22

Religious School/ B’nei Mitzvah 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Kindergarten Family Program: Shabbat & Chanukah10:00 AM BA

ECE Chanukah program10:00 AM SEC

Kol Echad Choir Rehearsal11:30 AM BTB

Midrasha (grades 9-12)12:15 PM SEC

SAC: NW Tower Holiday Party12:30 PM

Latkes & Vodkas2:00 PM BA

15 Kislev 23 16 Kislev 24

Chanukah Begins1st Candle

17 Kislev 25

Chanukah - 2nd Candle

Midrasha (grades 6-8) 5:30 PM SEC

Adult B’nei Mitzvah6:00 PM SBR

18 Kislev 26

Chanukah - 3rd Candle

IHP4:30 PM SEC

Board of Trustees Meeting6:15 PM SBR

19 Kislev 27

Chanukah - 4th Candle

Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR

Chanukah Dinner6:00 PM BA

Shabbat/Chanukah Service and Party7:15 PM GH

20 Kislev 28

Chanukah - 5th Candle

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR Shabbat Morning Service10:30 AM PC

Adult Ed: Havdalah & Movie Keeping the Faith+ Kugel Tasting6:00 PM MR

21 Kislev 29

Chanukah - 6th Candle

Winter Break - No Classes

22 Kislev 30 Chanukah - 7th Candle

23 Tevet 1

Chanukah - 8th Candle

24 Tevet 2

Winter Break - No Classes

25 Tevet 3

Offices Closed

Winter Break - No Classes

Lift UP Christmas Dinner11:30 AM - 2:00 PM GH

26 Tevet 4

Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC

27 Tevet 5

Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR

Shabbat Morning Service: Bar Mitzvah of Hunter Newcomb10:30 AM Temple

28 Tevet 6

Winter Break - No Classes

29 Tevet 7 30 Tevet 8 31 Tevet 9

Winter Break - No Classes

Location Key

HH = Harris Hall BA = Blumauer Auditorium GH = Goodman Hall LB = Library LF = Lipman Foyer MR = Miller Room PC = Pollin Chapel

SBR = Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room SC = Shemanski Chapel SEC = Sherman Education Center SFC = Schnitzer Family Center

December 2014 Kislev-Tevet 5775

AdministrationOffices & Clergy 503-222-1069Education Department & Preschool 503-222-2037Fax Machine 503-274-1400WRJ/BI Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop 503-222-1069Beth Israel Cemetery 503-222-1069426 SW Taylors Ferry Road

View our calendar and campus map online at

www.bethisrael-pdx.org

12 Congregation Beth Israel

Congregation Beth Israel1972 NW Flanders StreetPortland, OR 97209-2097

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 1879

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PORTLAND, ORPERMIT NO. 594

Board of Trustees 2014/2015

Ned Duhnkrack President

Ted Nelson VP/President Elect

Ilene DavidsonVice President

Ali Garfinkle Vice President

Brad Tonkin Vice President

Mark Peterman Secretary

John Epstein Treasurer

Jonathan BargStuart Chestler, Immediate Past PresidentEric Friedenwald-FishmanStacy FriedmanRobin McCoySharon MeieranJoanne Van Ness MenasheMarney PikeYale PopowichBob RosenbaumDavid SarasohnArthur Steinhorn

TrusteesOfficers

AuxiliariesLinda Harrison and Stephanie Siegel - WRJ/BI Sisterhood Co-PresidentsBob Winthrop - Brotherhood President

Join us for another uplifting celebration of the spirit of Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. at our annual MLK Shabbat Evening

Service. Myrlie Evers-Williams will be our keynote speaker.

She is a civil rights activist and journalist who worked to

seek justice for the murder of her husband Medgar Evers

in 1963. She has served as Chairperson of the NAACP,

has received many honors for her work, and delivered the

invocation at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

Once again, the members of the NW Gospel Choir and CBI’s

Kol Echad choir will share their voices to help make the

music of the era come alive.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Friday, January 16, 6:00 PM

Temple

Speaker: Myrlie Evers-Williams