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Sinai News Feb-April 2016
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Transcript of Sinai News Feb-April 2016
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Rabbi David B. Cohen Cantor Lauren Phillips Rabbi Emeritus Jay R. Brickman Director of Youth Education Barb Shimansky, MSW Director of Administration Karen Lancina Program Coordinator Jen Friedman
Assistant to Rabbi and Cantor Karen Hintz School Administrator Jeri Danz Bookkeeper Ilene Wasserman Sinai News Nicole Sether Congregation Sinai 8223 N. Port Washington Road Fox Point, WI 53217
414.352.2970 414.352.0944 (fax) www.congregationsinai.org
February - April 2016 Shevat - Nisan 5776
A quarterly publication Issue 24, Volume 1
Discover Your Path to Sinai!
CoSY Youth Fun! Bowling & Pizza at UWM! Sunday, Feb 28 12:00 PM
Purim! Adar Wars Wednesday, March 23 4:30 - 6:15 PM - Carnival 6:15 PM - Costume Parade 6:30 PM - Megillah Reading, Spiel, Hamentashen
Itsy Bitsy Sinai (0-4) Songs, stories and crafts! Sunday, Feb 28 Sunday, March 20 10:15 AM
Brotherhood Coffee w/ Rabbi David Cohen Sunday, March 20 10:00 AM
Popular Culture & Jewish Identity w/ Gillian Rodgers, PHD Begins Tuesday, March 8 7:30 PM
Friday Night Lights Feb 19 & April 15 5:30 PM - Shabbat Unplugged Service 6:15 PM - Dinner 7:15 PM - Shabbat Service & Oneg
Social Action Shabbat w/ Dr. Magda Peck Friday, Feb 5 6:15 PM
Shabbat Vayinafash Saturdays: Feb 6, March 26, April 30 10:00-11:30 AM
Exploring the Jewish Life Cycle w/ Cantor Lauren Phillips Begins Tuesday, Feb 9 7:30 PM
Brotherhood Coffee w/ Marlene Lauwasser & Rick Aaron Sunday, May 1 10:00 AM
Special Guest Jake Goodman Saturday, Feb 6 - Sunday, Feb 7 (See page 7)
Jewish Museum Milwaukee & Congregation Sinai present Irv Unger Saturday, Feb 20 3:30 - 5:30 PM @ Sinai
Rockin Shabbat Friday, March 18 6:15 PM
Women of Sinai Appreciation Brunch Sunday, April 10 10:00 AM
Women of Sinai presents Friendship in Spirit Film Screening & Discussion Monday, Feb 29 7:00 PM In partnership with NCJW, Womens Philanthropy of MJF & Hadassh
Join the Sinai Brother-hood Softball Team!! (See page 23)
Israel Shabbat Friday, April 29 6:15 PM
MCRC Shabbat w/ Mordecai Lee PHD Friday, March 11 7:30 PM
Social Action Shabbat w/ Marc Levine, PHD Friday, April 8 6:15 PM
Give them the gift of a one year membership. Details on Page 2.
Sinai in the City 20s & 30s Friday, February 12 Tu B Shabbat Friday, March 25 Pop-Up Shabbat Thursday, April 14 Beyond the 4 Cups of Wine (See page 10)
And share it with a friend!
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Builders & Founders 2
Shabbat Schedule 3
Rabbis Corner 4
Cantors Notes 5
Reflections, Create a Jewish
Legacy
6
Scholar in Residence 7
Lifelong Jewish Learning 8-14
Purim 15
Shabbat Experiences 16-18
Passover Readings 19-20
Women of Sinai 21
Brotherhood 22
Social Action Committee 23-24
Israel Committee, Library 25
Chesed 26
Scene at Sinai 27-29
Supporting Sinai 30
Calendars 31-33
In the Sinai Family 34-36
Contributions 36-38
Those We Remember 39
In this issue
Page 2
Sharing Sinai
Bring your friends and family into our congregational family!
Share what you love!
We are proud to offer you the opportunity to bring your friends and families into the amazing community that is Congregation Sinai.
Know someone interested in checking us out?
Please contact our Program Coordinator, Jen Friedman at (414) 352-2970 or [email protected]. Shell give you a token to share with your unaffiliated friends or family. Good for a one-year membership at Sinai.
A heart-felt and sincere thank you to our
Builders and Founders participants.
Without your generosity (financial and otherwise) we would
not be the Sinai that we all love and value.
Builders and Founders
James & Joni Ansfield
In honor of Bench Ansfield
Margery Becker
Dorothy Bein-Arenzon
Avi & Andrea Bernstein
In Honor of the birth of
Audrey OBrien BJ & Elyse Cohn
Stephen Colburn & Marlee Sabo
In memory of Joe Aaron
David & Judith Coran
Fred & Ellen Eckman
Dan & Lisa Elias
Bernice Fagan
In memory of Ben Fagan
Lee & Marsha Fensin
In honor of Rabbi Cohen &
Cantor Phillips
Susan Fishbach
Jim & Ellen Flesch
Jeffrey Frank
Michael & Joan Friedman
Gordon & Jennifer Goldbaum
Lawrence & Anne Golding
In honor of Jim &
Marion Golding
Ruth Goldmann
Rob & Tracy Golub
Bill & Idy Goodman
Steve Green
Rachel Hafemann
Robert & Kristin Hieb
Alan & Jodi Holman
Michael & Penny Hool
Milton & Sarah Hwang
Marc & Lori Jacobson
Marc & Cynthia Kartman
Jay Larkey & Lois Malawsky
Marvin & Marlene Lauwasser
In memory of Joe &
Shirley Aaron
Samuel & Rosalie Leib
George Levin & Sheila Smith
Joan Lieberman
Darrin Lile & Sandra Saltzstein
Sheldon & Marianne Lubar
Ruth Madnek
Robert Mandel
In memory of Nancy V. Mandel
Chip & Kate Mann
David & Bettie Meltzer
In honor of the Meltzer family
Alan Mendeloff
James & Ellen Nocton
Nick & Janet Padway
John & Susan Pereles
Jim Phillips
Michael & Julie Sadoff
James & Lori Salinsky
Mildred Schapiro
In honor of the Schapiro/
Frazer family
Brian & Deborah Schermer
Richard & Michele Seesel
Ronald Sinclair & Judith Ross
In honor of our parents
Diane Slomowitz
Tom St. John & Micaela Levine
Robert Steuer & Roberta Steiner
Scott Tisdale & Stefanie Jacob
Mike & Jill Weinshel
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Shabbat Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 - 24:18
February 5 Social Action Shabbat 6:15 pm
February 6 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Terumah Exodus 25:1 - 27:19
February 12 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
February 13 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Hannah Golub Bat Mitzvah 10 am
Shabbat Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20 - 30:10
February 19 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
Congregational Dinner 7:15 pm
February 20 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Molly Fox-Kincaid Bat Mitzvah 10 am
Shabbat Ki Tisa Exodus 30:11 - 34:35
February 26 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm February 27 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Vayakhel Exodus 35:1 - 38:20
March 4 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm March 5 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Pekudei Exodus 38:21 - 40:38
March 11 MCRC Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
March 12 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Arianna Halaska Bat Mitzvah 10 am
Shabbat Vayikra Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26
March 18 Rockin Shabbat 6:15 pm
March 19 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Jayson Goldbaum
Bar Mitzvah 10 am
Shabbat Tzav Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36
March 25 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
March 26 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Shmini Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47
April 1 Social Action Shabbat 6:15 pm
April 2 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Tazria Leviticus 12:1 - 13:59
April 8 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
April 9 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
February-April Shabbat & Service Schedule
Page 3
Shabbat Metzora Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33
April 15 Shabbat Unplugged 5:15 pm
Congregational Dinner 6 pm
Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
April 16 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Lexi Buzzell Bat Mitzvah 10 am
Shabbat Pesach Festival Torah Portion
April 22 No Shabbat Service (Erev Pesach)
April 23 Torah Study 8 am
Pesach Morning Service 9:30 am
Shabbat Pesach Acharei Mot
April 29 Pesach Morning Service
w/Yizkor 9:30 am
Israel Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
April 30 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Passover Holiday Service Schedule
Shabbat Pesach Festival Torah Portion
April 22 No Shabbat Service (Erev Pesach)
April 23 Torah Study 8 am
Pesach Morning Service 9:30 am
Shabbat Pesach Acharei Mot
April 29 Pesach Morning Service
w/Yizkor 9:30 am
Israel Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
April 30 Torah Study 8 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
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Page 4
Rabbis Corner
These days, those who aspire to high office often
fail to inspire. Partisan political campaigns have created a
toxic environment by playing on the publics fears: fears of terrorism, fears of societal change, fears tied to economic
insecurity, to name just a few. When people say they want to take our country back, its not an expression of senti-mentality. Its the evidence of deep hurt and fear felt across the generations.
While some candidates seem more committed to us-
ing fear as a tactical weapon, many of the candidates have
lost touch with a value that is central to Judaism: Derech
Eretz. The phrase Derech Eretz literally means the way of the land or the way of the world but, in a Jewish context it comes to mean common decency. Derech Eretz in a standard of behavior for fulfilling our basic responsibility as
human beings, to be a mensch. What is Derech Eretz? To
speak kindly, give praise, respect others opinions, respect
their time and space, be considerate, watch your mouth,
think the best, listen and pay attention. Instead of raising
your hand or your voice, Derech Eretz insists you elevate your
own dignity and the dignity of others. Behave as though the
world depends on your humanity and decency. Conduct your-
self as if every interaction with others is an opportunity to
bring holiness into the world.
The duty of Derech Eretz is so important that our
ancestors imagined it coming into existence twenty-six gener-
ations before the giving of the Torah, at the moment when
the first human beings were expelled from the Garden of
Eden. They said: Derech Eretz kadma lTorah, which means Derech Eretz is before the Torah, but, in fact can mean
Derech Eretz is more important than the Torah. In a way,
they saw Derech Eretz, a system of highly principled, decent
behavior, as a necessary precondition to bring us to the To-
rah. In other words, unless we have Derech Eretz as a regula-
tor on our behavior from within, until we feel obligated to act
decently on our own, we wont be open to feeling command-ed by the mandates of wider moral behavior.
At the root of Derech Eretz is the Torahs assertion that every person is created in the divine image, and as
such, is deserving of our best behavior. You don't hit your
spouse. You stand before your elders. You don't curse. You
turn off your cell phone when appropriate. You dont text when someone is speaking to you. You dont bully a class-mate. You say please and thank you and excuse me and I'm sorry. You don't litter. You don't cheat and lie and steal. You dont gossip. There is a right and wrong manner of behavior rooted in our tradition and heritage, rooted in our
being created in the image of the Divine. There is nothing
more spiritual than this realization and, in a very real sense,
there is nothing Judaism tries more to teach than this.
Sadly, its a lesson weve failed to learn even within our Jewish community. On many issues, we dont engage
each other in thoughtful discourse.
Instead, we call each other names
like, self hating Jew and invert the meaning of historically rooted
concepts like Zionism.
Our ancestors knew that
debate conducted without Derech
Eretz can devolve into hate
speech. Thats why the Talmud underscores, again and again, that
it matters how we treat each other. Two millennia ago, rabbis
Hillel and Shammai rarely agreed. Yet, they insisted that
their followers break bread with one another and be permit-
ted to marry one another. Even the structure of the debate
reflected Derech Eretz. As a matter of course, disputants
would cite the opinions of their opponents before stating
their own. Their shared credo was Eilu vEilu divrei Elohim Chaim, these words and those words are words of the living God. No one had an exclusive claim on the truth. Rarely were
disputes simply black and white. Instead, both sides recog-
nized the possibility that their own hold on truth was partial
and so was that of their opponents.
Implicit in the message of Hillel and Shammai is
that the search for a single, all encompassing truth is des-
tined to fail. As Israeli Poet, Yehuda Amichai wrote:
From the place where we are right
Flowers will never grow
In the spring.
The place where we are right
Is hard and trampled
Like a yard.
But doubts and loves
Dig up the world
Like a mole, a plow.
And a whisper will be heard in the place
Where the ruined House once stood.
Being right is often a pyrrhic victory. Better to keep
ourselves continually predisposed to being benevolent, to
being decent, to being kind, to not doing to someone else
anything that would be hateful to ourselves. We should give
Derech Eretz the highest priority in our community values,
placing it twenty-six generations before everything. As a col-
league wrote, Judaism itself demands that in order to be a Jewish community we must first be a humane community. Without Derech Eretz, without benevolence, kindness and
decency, our humanity may elude us, lost in a semantic com-
petition to prove who is right. If we know anything, it is that such disputes are wrong.
Rabbi David B. Cohen
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Page 5
Cantors Notes
A few weeks ago, a friend and I decided to try a new
Pilates class. As we entered the studio, I took note of the
fact that most of the people in the class seemed to know
each other. They were regulars. The instructor, noticing that
my friend and I were new, introduced herself. She asked our
names and if we had ever done Pilates before.
We felt instantly engaged, cared for, and comfort-
able especially since it had been more than two years since I had last taken a Pilates class. My
friend, a seasoned yogi, easily adapted her flexi-
bility to the more technical style of Pilates.
The instructor moved quickly. She was
energizing, engaging, and commanded attention.
However, she prefaced almost every new exer-
cise by cautioning that it might be too challenging
for us newcomers. Since we didnt yet speak the language that she had cultivated with the regu-
lars over the past few months, she assumed that we werent as flexible or as knowledgeable.
She also continuously called me Laura, even though
I repeatedly corrected her.
Once the class was over, my initial feelings of com-
fort and engagement were replaced with frustration. The in-
structor created a warm and welcoming impression, but then
proceeded to alienate those of us who were visiting for the
first time. Instead of helping us adjust to her teaching style,
she drew attention to the fact that we were new and as-
sumed that we might not be able to keep up.
My friend and I did not go to the Pilates class for
fellowship or even for spiritual fulfillment we went purely for fitness. However, as I left the class I imagined what it
must be like for potential congregants visiting a new syna-
gogue for the first time. I especially empathized with those
perspective members who grew up with a working knowledge
of Judaism but who might have strayed from synagogue life.
The same comforting and familiar prayers might sound for-
eign when sung to a different melody or led by different cler-
gy.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is currently on a
mission to teach its constituencies and congregations vari-
ous ways of practicing audacious hospitality. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the URJ, describes audacious hospi-
tality as an ongoing invitation to be part of a community and a way to spiritually transform ourselves in the process. Audacious hospitality is a two-way street where synagogue
and stranger need each other, where we not only teach new-
comers, but they teach us. This concept was a major theme of the URJ Biennial in Orlando Florida, which I had the great
fortune to attend this past November.
Audacious hospitality is a way to bring new people
into the synagogue and to make them feel at home. This is
particularly important for young Jewish adults in their twen-
ties and thirties. Many people in this age group seek a re-
turn to Judaism as they experience major life cycle events,
such as an impending marriage or the birth of a child. It is
important for us to be sensitive to their existing Jewish
knowledge while helping them acclimate to new rituals and
songs.
At Congregation Sinai, we reach out to
the twenties/thirties demographic through Sinai
in the City. Sinai in the City provides low-barrier
Jewish engagement through Shabbat dinners and
Jewish holiday celebrations. We meet young Jews
in their twenties and thirties where they are both literally and figuratively. Our programs are
held in downtown restaurants and apartment
complexes, and are designed to attract varying
levels of Jewish knowledge and practice.
Our Latke Cook-off during Chanukah was
a great example of Sinai in the Citys ability to blend tradition and modernity in order to meet the diverse needs of young
Jewish adults. Some participants shared delicious family
recipes that had been passed down through the genera-
tions. Others were more adventurous, experimenting with
recipes for sesame ginger and pumpkin spice latkes. The
judging resulted in a tie between a classic latke recipe and
the sesame ginger latke, symbolizing the fact that the crowd
shared preferences for both tradition and innovation. The
goal of Sinai in the City is to create an environment where
both facets of Jewish life can exist simultaneously as we
develop a cohort of educated and engaged young Jewish
adults.
This spring, Sinai in the City will continue to produce
exciting programs and collaborations. On February 12, we
will be collaborating with Hillel Milwaukee on a Tu BShevat-themed Shabbat dinner and service, which will feature the
seven species of fruits and grains mentioned in the Bible.
On March 25, Congregation Sinai will team up with Congre-
gation Emanu-El Bne Jeshurun, Congregation Shalom, and Congregation Shir Hadash to create a cutting-edge Friday
night service for young adults. The service will feature the
talented Chicago-based singer/songwriter Alan Goodis as
well as clergy from all four of the synagogues involved in this
new and exciting project.
We hope that youll pass information about these programs to anyone you know that fits into the twenties/
thirties demographic. Singles, couples, young professionals,
and graduate students are all welcome to participate.
If youre a bit older, we know that youll help us con-tinue to create a culture of inclusion at Congregation Sinai
by practicing audacious hospitality and helping us expand
and engage our congregational family.
Cantor Lauren Phillips
Form and Flexibility: A Lesson in Jewish Engagement
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According to the Torah, there was a time when all people spoke the same language and shared
a common culture. There are many midrashim (commentaries} which attempt to explain why God was
displeased, and as a consequence, confused languages and scattered us to all corners of the earth. I
think the reason He did so is because, unlike ourselves, God delights in variety. At the end of the 19 th
century, when most Jews came to this country, the U.S. was a diverse nation. Among challenges facing
the newcomer was the need to interact with those of different language, different values, different tem-
perament.
The millennial generation faces a different challenge. Social interaction, no longer problematic,
encourages intimacy and intermarriage. The inevitable result will be the eradication in time of Jewish
and all other cultural patterns. To avert the Lords displeasure with this flattening of identity, we are advised by the Torah to love the stranger. Diversity in culture, cuisine and personality is a rich treasure. We should think two (or three) times before
relinquishing it.
There are also many midrashim explaining why a glass is broken at the conclusion of a wedding service. I think it an-
ticipates the possible tragedy of the couples separating or their being confounded by their differences. Our world is drifting into a conflict which may destroy the universe, because two Muslim entities do not share a common tradition. Children in a
family do not get along because they are different. The greatest single lesson we can learn from Torah is to love the stranger.
Couples on the eve of wedlock should be warned that the delicious sense of intimacy afforded by Cupid, is illusory. If the mar-
riage is to last and provide mutual satisfaction, each party must recognize they are marrying a stranger, and getting to know,
respect and ultimately love this stranger is to attain mutual joy and fulfillment. The challenge confronting national and reli-
gious entities is much the same.
Rabbi Jay R. Brickman
Page 6
Reflections
Friday, May 6, 2016 Legacy Appreciation Dinner
7:30 PM following Shabbat Services
Save
the date!
Where will you be in 100 years? Create a Jewish Legacy We created a Jewish legacy because meeting the needs of our children and
our family have limited our immediate giving. But a promise for the future is a good way for us to give back and to help ensure the future of organizations that have given so much to our family.
JULIE & TEDD LOOKATCH, Congregation Sinai and Wisconsin Region BBYO
For more information about Create a Jewish Legacy, contact the Jewish Community Foundation: (414) 390-5725 or [email protected].
Jody Kaufman Loewenstein, Program Chair Jane Chernof, Program Coordinator
Create a Jewish Legacy is a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and is funded in part by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and four generous local funders. MilwaukeeJewish.org/Legacy
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Young-at-Hearts Senior Singles Group
Young-at-Hearts is a social group for those looking to connect and make new friends in a social setting. This is not a grief group, or matchmaking group, but a social group intended to bring together people who may be divorced, lost a spouse or just want to regain the fun in life! Young-at-Hearts conducts monthly meetings and then often go to lunch together at Maxfields. Outings and activities include: card games, lunches, dinners, sporting events, mah jongg, theater etc. Young-at-Hearts is open to all Jewish seniors in the community. Meetings are held at Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point.
Next meetings: Dates: Wednesdays: February 10th, March 9th, April 13th Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am followed by lunch at Maxfields
To sign up for a meeting contact Jen Friedman at [email protected] or call 352-2970.
Page 7
Special Guest - Jake Goodman
Jake Goodman is a community organizer, educator and nonprofit nerd. In 2009
he helped to found Queer Rising, a New York-based group that demands full equality and
dignity for all LGBTQ people through direct action and civil disobedience. Jake has
taught, spoken and served as scholar-in-residence at seminaries, churches, synagogues,
community centers and camps across the US. Jake is currently the Executive Director of The Opportunity Fund, an arts, and
social and economic justice foundation based in Pittsburgh. Perhaps most importantly,
he is from Milwaukee and Congregation Sinai is his beloved home synagogue.
Lifelong Jewish Learning
Saturday, February 6th: SINAI PFLAG! 3:00 - 5:00 PM Join us for our inaugural meeting of SINAI PFLAG! PFLAG is a group composed of parents, families, friends
and allies united with LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, trans, queer) people to move equality forward. Well talk about our goals for this group: how can we support Sinai members who are members of the LGBTQ community? How can we make Sinai a welcoming community? What issues do we want to get involved with
locally, regionally or nationally? Jake Goodman will share with us some of the most recent thinking and best
practices about the fight for inclusion and equality.
Help us to plan: RSVP by Friday, Feb. 5th at http://sinaipflag.eventbrite.com
Sunday, February 7th: Parent Discussion 10:00 - 11:45 AM Worship and Learning Jake will lead us in a conversation about how different the world our children inhabit from the world in
which we grew up. With the notion of gender fluidity taking hold, how can we best nurture and enable our children to understand and embody the Jewish values at play? All parents are invited, no matter the age of your
children (1-100!).
Help us to plan: RSVP by Friday, Feb. 5th at http://jakegoodmanparentdiscussion.eventbrite.com
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Lifelong Jewish Learning
Page 8
Exploring the Jewish Life Cycle with Cantor Lauren Phillips Tuesday, Feb. 9th: Rituals relating to pregnancy, birth, and early childhood
Tuesday, Feb. 16th: Coming of age rituals (Bnei Mitzvah, Confirmation) Tuesday, Feb. 23rd: Weddings
Tuesday March 1st: Funeral and end-of-life rituals
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Judaism has special rituals associated with the various milestones in our lives, from birth to
death to everything in between. Whether you are planning a simcha celebration, dealing with the loss
or illness of a loved one, or simply interested in learning, this four-part series will explore various elements of the Jewish life
cycle. Feel free to join any session that interests you or enroll in the whole series for an in-depth look at how we celebrate,
commemorate, and grieve within the context of Jewish tradition. Well learn about both traditional and creative rituals for each of these phases of the life cycle, including elements of music and prayer.
Cost: Members - free, Non-members - $36
Please register at: http://exploringthejewishlifecycle.eventbrite.com
Popular Culture and Jewish Identity in 19th and 20th century
America with Gillian Rodger Tuesday nights, March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Join our own Gillian Rodger, PhD as she shares the incredible story of how Jewish identity found
expression in the performing arts in 19th and 20th century America. Starting with a focus on ethnic
stereotypes found in the stage Jew to black face minstrelsy, Rodger will trace the evolution of ethnic theater between 1880 and 1920, with attention to African American Theater and Yiddish drama and
eventually films. How did theater provide newly arrived immigrants with a guide to life in a new world, it
portrayed the conflicts within the Jewish community based on class, on aspiration, and on the desire to
assimilate or to maintain a separate community. Vaudeville and revue will be examined as venue where Jewish and non-
Jewish performers alike negotiated a new construction of race and whiteness. Ultimately, well turn to the Jewish role in the spread of Jazz and rhythm and blues.
Dr. Rodger is an ethnomusicologist and an assistant professor of history at UWM.
Cost: Members - free, Non-members - $36
Please register at: http://popularcultureandjewishidentity.eventbrite.com
Ongoing Adult Learning
Saturday Morning Services At our regular 9:30 AM Sabbath morning service, we had been taking turns in reading and com-
menting on the weekly Torah reading. When the turn of Joe DiFrances came, he did such a beautiful job of
translating and interpreting the passage that I was thrilled! I asked if he would do the same each week, and
he agreed.
A tiny group of worshippers each Saturday morning is privileged to participate in the service and to
be exposed to this superb reading and interpretation of the Torah. Few congregants have been taking ad-
vantage of this extraordinary experience. I urge you to do so!
Rabbi Jay R. Brickman
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Ongoing Adult Learning
Lifelong Jewish Learning
Page 9
Lunch & Learn Rambams Shmoneh Perakim:
Maimonides
Day: Mondays
Time: 12:00 PM
Facilitator: Rabbi David B. Cohen
RAMBAMs Shmoneh Perakim: Maimonides Commentary on Pirke Avot, Sayings of
our Ancestors
Join us on Mondays at noon for sixty
fast-paced minutes of learning. Our
text will be Maimonides commentary on Pirke Avot. Living in Cairo, Egypt in
the 12th century, RAMBAM reads the
rabbis collection of Wisdom Literature and aphorisms with the eye of an
Aristotelian philosopher, endeavoring to find structure
and a set of core principles that comprise all of Judaism.
Cost: Members - free
Non-members - $54
To register: http://lunchandlearnrambam.eventbrite.com
A Modern Rabbis Approach to the Bible
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 AM
Facilitator: Rabbi Jay Brickman
Rabbi Brickman is a trained Jungian, a
philosopher, and a practitioner of Tai Chi.
If you havent studied with him now is the time!
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Day: Saturdays
Time: 8:00 AM
Facilitator: Rabbi Jay Brickman
Verse by verse, line by line, word by word, the
Torah comes alive!
Kuzari: Arguments in Defense of
Judaism with Rabbi Jay Brickman Day: Mondays
Time: 4:00 5:15 pm
Facilitator: Rabbi Jay Brickman
The Kuzari is a defense of classical Jewsh
theology written by Judah HaLevi, an out-
standing poet-philosophy who lived in 12th
Century Spain.
Class will read the Kuzari in Hebrew and in English (Reading
knowledge of Hebrew is required). The class will meet at the
home of Rabbi & Mrs. Jay R Brickman.
RSVP to Karen Hintz at (414) 352-2970.
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Page 10
Friday, March 25th: Pop-Up Shabbat 7:00 PM
Downtown service for young professionals in
partnership with Congregation Shalom,
Congregation Emanu-el Bne Jeshurun, and Congregation Shir Hadash
Location: The Box MKE
311 E. Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Featuring Alan Goodis, a Chicago-based national touring Jewish musician
(www.alangoodis.com)
More details to be announced shortly stay tuned!
Young adults and grad
students - 20s and 30s, singles, couples, married -
all are welcome!
What does it mean to be a
young, professional Jewish adult in 2015? Are you looking
for a point of entry into metropolitan Jewry? Do you have
a child or know someone affiliated or unaffiliated - that is looking to meet other young Jewish professionals? Look no
further.
Join Cantor Lauren Phillips for a unique alternative
Shabbat and Holiday experience downtown for young
professionals. Well utilize media, music, current topics, and alternative venues to worship, share, and get to know
each other. This is a chance to meet like-minded Jewish
adults to schmooze, eat, share in a little Torah and a lot of
conversation! Come be a part of Judaism in a meaningful
way that is relevant to you and your life.
Lifelong Jewish Learning
Sinai in the City - 20s and 30s!
Friday, February 12th: Tu BShabbat (in partnership with Hillel Milwaukee)
Hillel Milwaukee - Hillel Student Center
3053 N. Stowell Ave., Milwaukee
Sinai in the City teams up
with Hillel Milwaukee for a
belated celebration of the
New Year for Trees! This
evening offers us the
opportunity to reflect on
our relationship to the planet, both locally and globally,
through food, worship, and wine.
6:00 PM: Shabbat services at Hillel Milwaukee will be
led by Cantor Lauren Phillips
6:30 PM: Shabbat dinner featuring the seven species
of the land of Israel (figs, dates, olives, wheat, barley,
pomegranate, and grapes).
8:30 PM: Wine tasting featuring wines from Israel, Wis-
consin, and celebrating the four seasons!
RSVP by Feb 2 to:
http://sinaiinthecityfebruary2016.eventbrite.com
Follow us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/congregationsinaimke
Know someone who might be interested in Sinai in the City?
Please contact Cantor Lauren Phillips
Well make the outreach!
Thursday, April 14th: Beyond the Four
Cups of Wine: Pre-Passover sipping and
schmoozing 7:30-9:30 PM
Location TBD
Celebrate the calm before the matzah with
Passover themed cocktails and leavened
snacks (gluten free
options available).
Sample matzah crack
and learn some fun
recipes and trivia for
your seders.
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Page 11
We value every member at Congregation Sinai even our youngest! Our preschool age program (birth-4) is called Itsy Bitsy Sinai. It includes Sunday morning fun with Rabbi David and Cantor Lauren.
We want to make coming to synagogue something that our youngest children look forward to a place of joy and laughter and fun. We strive to help parents connect to others with similar aged
children, to develop bonds that will enable them to share their Jewish journeys together.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
10:15 AM
Come hear the story
of Purim and help
make masks and
groggers to get ready
for the Sinai
celebration!
RSVP to: http://itsybitsysinaimarch2016.eventbrite.com
Activities will include:
Songs
Stories
Instruments
Craft & holiday projects
Itsy Bitsy Sinai - Ages 0-4
Join us for Purim! Dress in your best costume and take part in
our parade and carnival.
Wednesday, March 23rd 4:30 - 7:30 PM
Details on page 15.
Lifelong Jewish Learning
Sunday, February 28, 2016
10:15 AM
This week we will learn about celebrating
Shabbat and make some crafts to help you
celebrate Shabbat at home!
RSVP to: http://itsybitsysinaifebruary2016.eventbrite.com
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Page 12
Womens Philanthropy of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and the Edie Adelman Political
Awareness Fund of the Jewish Community
Foundation present best-selling author
Seth M. Siegel.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 | 7:30 - 9:00 pm Congregation Sinai
Dessert reception to follow (dietary laws observed)
Siegel will discuss how Israel can serve as a role model for the United States and countries everywhere
by showing how to blunt the worst of the coming water calamities.
Cost: $15; $5 for students.
RSVP by March 8. The first 150 to RSVP will receive free signed copies of Seth Siegels New York Times best-selling new book, Let There Be Water: Israels Solution for a Water-Starved World. For more information and to RSVP email or call Ashleigh Lund [email protected]
or 414-390-5741.
Co-sponsored by Israel Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and National Council of Jewish
Women Milwaukee Section.
Community
Lifelong Jewish Learning
Congregation Sinai and the Jewish Museum Milwaukee present Irv Unger
Join visiting scholar and Szyk expert Irvin Ungar for a special pre-Havdalah talk and discussion exploring art
as a means of social justice.
Saturday, February 20th 3:30-5:30 pm at Congregation Sinai
This program is being offered in collaboration with Congregation Sinai and in connection with the Jewish Museum Milwaukee
exhibit Arthur Szyk: The Art of Illumination, on display from February 7 May 15, 2016.
The tireless force behind the Szyk renaissance, Irvin Ungar is the foremost expert and scholar on the art of Arthur Szyk. A former
pulpit rabbi fluent in Jewish history and tradition, Irvin entered the business world of historic Judaica by founding the firm Historicana, where
he has served as CEO since 1987.
Irvins authority on Szyks life and work is internationally recognized. He has curated and consulted for numerous Szyk exhibitions at major institutions worldwide, including: the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco; the Deutsches Historisches Museum in Berlin;
the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC; and The Library of Congress.
Irvin is the author of Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk, the co-producer of the documen-
tary film, Soldier in Art: Arthur Szyk, and the publisher of the luxury limited edition of The Szyk Haggadah. He is also actively involved in the non-profit world as the curator of The Arthur Szyk Society and is the cura-
tor of The Societys traveling exhibition program. Today, Irvin dedicates much of his time to advancing Szyk scholarship. Between museum exhibi-
tions and new publications, he is an active educator, speaking on Arthur Szyks art at universities and other venues around the world.
-
School News
Page 13
Lifelong Jewish Learning
We are living in a world that can be terribly frighten-
ing. The number of terror attacks that have happened over-
seas recently seems far away and yet very close. Even closer
are the mass shootings that seem to be ever on the rise in
this country. Due to the proliferation of media outlets that
exist today, it is nearly impossible to shield our
children from the reality of the monsters that are
not imaginary and under-the-bed.
The juxtaposition of our American and
Jewish worlds becomes terribly clear when talking
about the gun debate. As Rabbi Jan Katzew of
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
pointed out in a recent continuing education ses-
sion that I attended online, the United States is
based on rights; the prevailing attitude is that
whatever I have, I deserve it and I earned it. Conversely, Judaism is based on covenant a relationship between us and God. Nothing is an inherent
right; anything we have is a blessing, and we are to take joy in it.
As adults, we might be able to understand this and
even find ways to reconcile these two competing attitudes.
But how do we explain world events to our children, espe-
cially those events that hit particularly close to home?
We can look to our Jewish stories to help us under-
stand a little more about possible responses to evil in the
world. Rabbi Katzew walked through the five megillot
(scrolls; part of Ketuvim, writings, that make up the latter
part of the Tanakh) to point to examples from our tradition
of ways in which we might address bad things in the modern
world.
The Book of Lamentations (Eichah) is a collection of
poetic laments regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. It is
read on Tisha BAv, a collective day of grief that primarily commemorates the falling of the first and second Temples.
From Lamentations, we learn that one response to evil is
mourning. Although our instinct is to prevent our children
from experiencing pain, teaching them empathy for victims
of terror can help them to see the world from different per-
spectives, and can lead them to being kinder and more un-
derstanding citizens of the world.
From Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), we learn to accept that
certain things happen in the world that are beyond our con-
trol. It helps us gain a perspective that goes beyond our own
immediate environments. Even if you are not familiar with
Ecclesiastes as a whole, you are sure to know this often-
used quote: To everything there is a season, and a time to
every purpose under heaven (3:1). This line and others can be interpreted either positively or negatively; in either case,
they speak to the inevitability of balance in the world. Unfor-
tunately, sometimes that balance occurs through evil out-
weighing good.
In perhaps the most well-known megillah,
the Book of Esther speaks to the idea of revenge.
This is a base instinct when one feels threatened,
and is illustrated in this story through Hamans actions as he seeks to get back at Mordechai following his perception that Mordechai had sto-
len his honor. Likewise, Esther encouraged her
people to go after those who were threatening to
kill the Jews. We praise Esther and Mordechai as
heroes of the story, perhaps rightfully so. Howev-
er, we rarely (if ever) pause to think about the true
implications of their actions. Although the Jews
were victorious in the end hence the reason we celebrate Purim each year there was much bloodshed left in the wake of this victory.
The Song of Songs (Shir haShirim) is a beautiful (and
somewhat explicit) love song. From this, we can learn to fight
hatred with love. The fact that this is considered THE song of
songs indicates that the topic is of utmost importance. Love
is strong and powerful, and we can and should use that to
our advantage.
This ties in to the themes in the Book of Ruth. We
read this each year at Shavuot, the time we also remember
receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. Although there is no di-
rect correlation between these two texts, there is something
quite significant about the Book of Ruth if it is read at the
same time we recall the moment that we were handed down
laws and made a people. Ruth was a Moabite woman who
had married a son of Naomis. Following the death of Na-omis husband and sons, she set out to return to her own people. Ruth insisted on accompanying her; she was subse-
quently accepted into the fabric of Naomis family. The im-portant lesson we learn here is to accept the other. That although some people may look different, speak different,
believe different we should make room for them in our world. Perhaps this is the greatest lesson of all one that, if our children collectively can learn and live, may be the best
weapon with which we can equip them to fight evil.
Barb Shimansky, MSW
Director of Youth Education
Questions about any of our youth group programming?
Contact Barb Shimansky at: [email protected]
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Page 14
Lifelong Jewish Learning
School News
Sinai 6th-8th Graders!! Join middle schoolers from
Wisconsin, Minnesota, North
Dakota, Manitoba, Canada,
Sioux Falls, SD, and Rockford,
IL for a Weekend at OSRUI
Planned by the NFTY Teen Regional Leaders. At JYG Kallah,
youll experience a weekend of fun, food, singing, dancing, water parks, and other surprises! Not only will you
strengthen your Jewish identity, but you will begin your NFTY
journey and have one of the best weekends of your life.
There are a limited number of spots for high school
sophomores and juniors to volunteer as event leaders.
February 26th-28th at OSRUI in Oconomowoc, WI
Cost: $205 including transportation to & from Congregation
Shalom.
Scholarships are available through Congregation Sinai.
Register Now Online: https://urjnfty.campintouch.com/ui/
forms/application/camper/App
(Registration Closes February 16th)
Questions? CONTACT [email protected]
Now, some definitions:
NFTY (The North American Federation of Temple Youth) is
the Reform Movements Youth Group for Kids in 6th-12th Grades
JYG Stands for Junior Youth Group
CANOe is NFTY CAR (Chicago Area Region) & NO (Northern
Region)
Kallah is Hebrew for Retreat
There is NO SCHOOL on the following dates:
Sunday, February 14th (community professional
development day for teachers)
Sunday, March 27th through Sunday,
April 3rd (Spring Break)
Sunday, April 24th (Pesach)
Join CoSY for an afternoon of bowling fun! We will meet right after School on
Sunday, February 21st at 12:00 PM
and head down to UWM for
pizza and bowling.
Parent drivers are needed!
Look for more information
in your email inbox!
Kulanu continues to meet at Congregation
Beth Israel Ner Tamid through March 1st.
We will meet at Congregation Emanu-El Bne Jeshurun from March 8th through May 17th.
Salute to Jewish Educators Sunday, March 6th, 2016
3:30-5:00 PM
Rubinstein Pavilion at Chai Point
Mark your calendars for March 13th our last Family Education day for the school
year!
More information to follow.
NFTY-NO Spring Kallah April 14th-17th, 2016
A weekend-long event hosted by Temple Beth El in
Madison, WI, Spring Kallah allows NFTY
Northern to become a part of a congregational
community for the weekend. Teens are housed
with families of the hosting congregation, and
NFTY helps lead Friday night services to give
the synagogue a taste of NFTY. This event is open
to 8th-12th graders. Look for more information
and registration soon!
Bnei Mitzvah News
Bnei Mitzvah Family Education dates:
Sunday February 21th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
(Note this is a date change from February 7th)
Sunday, April 17th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
KOL SIMCHA Youth Band! And the Band plays on. Come hear the Sinai Kol Simcha
youth band play!
Purim Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:30 PM
Sunday, May 22nd at 9:30 AM during morning Tefillah!
Teens!
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Page 15
Purim
Sinai Welcomes Chaverim to our Purim Celebration!
Congregation Sinai always looks forward to hosting Chaverim.
To lend a hand contact Jen Friedman at
[email protected] or call (414) 352-2970.
The Chaverim Adult Special Needs Holiday Program is a
program of the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish
Community Center in cooperation with the Milwaukee Jewish
Federation.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away Its a time of uncertainty. Unrest grips the Shushanides of the Persian Empire as the influence of
the Haman Order spreads, but a glimmer of hope remains in the heroic forces of the Jewish Resistance.
As they struggle against the dark might of the enemy, these brave heroes may yet awaken the skill and strength needed to forge a new Jewish future
Wednesday, March 23rd 4:30 pm - Purim Galactic Carnival
6:15 pm - Costume Parade 6:30 pm - Adar Wars Spiel and Megillah Reading
featuring Sinais Kol Simcha Youth band! 7:30 pm - Hamantaschen for all!
-
Shabbat Vayinafash Shabbat of Spirit
Saturdays: February 6th, March 26th, April 30th
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Join Rabbi Cohen and Cantor Phillips for a special series of Shabbat morning prayer ex-
periences. Drawing from mindfulness practices such as meditation, movement and yoga
well explore Shabbat and prayer from a new and different perspective. The earliest Hasids (early 19th century) were explorers of mysticism and made use of
multiple mindfulness modalities to reach their spiritual goals.
We will meet in Worship and Learning Center.
Dress is informal wear comfortable clothing.
MCRC Shabbat! Metropolitan Council of Reform Congregations
March 11th, 2016 at 7:30 PM hosted by Congregation Sinai!
"Is it Good for the Jews? Interpreting American Politics as of this
Morning -- Who Knows What Tomorrow Might Bring A review and analysis of current affairs in the US and a bit about world/Middle East
politics, especially from a Jewish perspective.
Guest Speaker: Mordecai Lee PhD Professor of Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Mordecai Lee is a former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Wisconsin State Senate, as well as
a former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Jewish Council. A frequent commentator on governmental affairs
locally, regionally and nationally, Professor Lee is a cogent observer of the American political scene as seen
through a Jewish lens.
Join us and experience the ruach (spirit) of all of our synagogues praying together (and all of our cantors
singing!) plus the timely and insightful words of Dr. Mordecai Lee.
Page 16
Shabbat Experiences
Bakers Needed for MCRC Oneg!
Please consider baking for the MCRC Oneg. Approximately 500 will be in
attendance and your help is appreciated.
Please email Jen Friedman at [email protected] with your name
and what you will be bringing. Looking for bite-sized items (bars, cookies, etc.) All
items should be brought to the Congregation Sinai kitchen by Friday, March 11th
by 12:00 PM.
Please use disposable containers or clearly label your container. Our kitchen
coordinators will tray. Thank you!
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Page 17
Shabbat Experiences
Friday, February 19, 2016 5:30 PM: Family Shabbat Unplugged Service 6:15 PM: Shabbat Dinner - All welcome! 7:15 PM: Shabbat Service w ith Oneg to follow
Congregational Shabbat Dinner Cost: Adults $10, Children 12 and under: $7, Children 3 and under: free Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 16th at https://sinaishabbatdinnerfeb2016.eventbrite.com
Shabbat for everyone at Sinai!
Our community is comprised of families, empty nesters, seniors, singles, couples, and more!
Lets come together for a Shabbat dinner - you choose the service that fits your needs!
Friday, April 15, 2016 5:30 PM: Family Shabbat Unplugged Service 6:15 PM: Shabbat Dinner - All welcome! 7:15 PM: Shabbat Service w ith Oneg to follow
Congregational Shabbat Dinner Cost: Adults $10, Children 12 and under: $7, Children 3 and under: free Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 12th at https://sinaishabbatdinnerapril2016.eventbrite.com
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Page 18
Shabbat Experiences
Rockin' Shabbat!
Friday, March 18th 6:15 pm: Rockin' Shabbat Service
Join us for Rockin' Shabbat filled with song and music. Invite your friends to see the band! You won't want to miss this Shabbat experience. Great for all ages!
Social Action Shabbat Friday, April 8, 2016, 6:15 PM
Poverty in the City of Milwaukee with Professor Marc Levine, PHD. The poverty rate in 53206 stands at 47.7 percent (up from 39.2 in 2000). Two-thirds of the children in 53206 live in poverty.
Marc Levine, PHD. is a senior fellow and the founding director of the Center for Economic Development. He teaches in the Department of History and the Urban Studies Programs at UW-Milwaukee. His recent work focuses on urban redevelopment, wage polarization and urban labor markets, and tourism as an economic development strategy in the U.S. and Canada.
Social Action Shabbat Friday, February 5, 2016, 6:15 PM
Health and Poverty - Disparities in Health Care Delivery
Featuring Dr. Magda G. Peck
In 2006, the city of Milwaukee ranked worse than any Wisconsin county for health
outcomes and worse than all but 1 county for health determinants.
We have moved to the point that your race and your zip code in Wisconsin now say a great deal about, not only the quality of your life, but possibly how long your life actually will be. (Lois Quinn, senior scientist with the Employment and Training Insti-tute at UWM)
From March 2012 though June 2015, Dr. Peck served as Professor and Founding
Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukees Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health. She came with a vision of Milwaukee becoming one of the healthiest cities
in the nation in one generation. Dr. Peck is a longstanding leader and persistent
champion for the publics health.
-
Page 19
Passover P
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ucts
,
do
wn
to
th
e sm
alle
st
cru
mb
. Th
e p
roce
ss
rem
ind
s u
s o
f th
ose
wh
o s
ea
rch
da
ily
for
a
nu
trit
ion
al
me
al
to s
usta
in t
he
mse
lve
s a
nd
the
ir
fam
ilie
s.
Th
is
Pa
sso
ve
r,
do
na
te
you
r ch
am
etz
to
fo
od
pa
ntr
ies o
r so
up
kit
ch
-
en
s in
ord
er
to h
elp
th
ose
wh
o a
re h
un
gry
to
co
me
an
d e
at.
Up
da
te Y
ou
r S
ed
er
Pla
te
Po
tato
: In
1
99
1,
Isra
el
lau
nch
ed
O
pe
rati
on
So
lom
on
, a
co
ve
rt
pla
n
to
bri
ng
Eth
iop
ian
Jew
s
to
the
H
oly
La
nd
. W
he
n
the
se
fa
m-
ish
ed
, d
ow
ntr
od
de
n
Jew
s
arr
ive
d
in
Isra
el,
ma
ny
we
re s
o h
un
gry
an
d i
ll t
ha
t th
ey
we
re
un
ab
le t
o d
ige
st
su
bsta
nti
al fo
od
. Is
rae
li d
oc-
tors
fe
d t
he
se
ne
w i
mm
igra
nts
sim
ple
bo
ile
d
po
tato
es a
nd
ric
e u
nti
l th
eir
sys
tem
s c
ou
ld
tak
e
mo
re
foo
d.
To
co
mm
em
ora
te
this
a
t
you
r se
de
r, e
at
sm
all r
ed
po
tato
es a
lon
gsid
e
the
ka
rpa
s.
An
no
un
ce
to
th
ose
pre
se
nt
tha
t
this
ad
dit
ion
ho
no
rs a
w
on
dro
us e
xod
us in
ou
r o
wn
tim
e, fr
om
Eth
iop
ia t
o I
sra
el.
Fa
ir Tra
de
C
ho
co
late
o
r C
oco
a B
ea
ns:
Th
e
fair
tr
ad
e
mo
ve
me
nt
pro
mo
tes
eco
no
mic
pa
rtn
ers
hip
s b
ase
d o
n e
qu
ality
, ju
sti
ce
an
d
su
sta
ina
ble
e
nvir
on
me
nta
l p
racti
ce
s.
We
ha
ve
a r
ole
in
th
e p
roce
ss b
y m
ak
ing c
on
-
su
me
r ch
oic
es t
ha
t p
rom
ote
eco
no
mic
fa
ir-
ne
ss
for
tho
se
w
ho
p
rod
uce
o
ur
pro
du
cts
aro
un
d t
he
glo
be
. F
air
Tra
de
ce
rtif
ied
ch
oco
-
late
a
nd
co
co
a
be
an
s
are
gro
wn
u
nd
er
sta
nd
ard
s t
ha
t p
roh
ibit
th
e u
se
of
forc
ed
la
-
bo
r. T
he
y ca
n b
e i
nclu
de
d o
n t
he
se
de
r p
late
to r
em
ind
us t
ha
t a
lth
ou
gh
we
esca
pe
d f
rom
sla
ve
ry
in
Egyp
t,
forc
ed
la
bo
r is
sti
ll
ve
ry
mu
ch
an
issu
e t
od
ay.
-
Page 20
Passover P
asso
ver
So
cial
Ju
stic
e G
uid
e
ma
de
mis
ste
ps a
lon
g t
he
wa
y. B
ut
I h
ave
dis
co
ve
red
th
e s
ecre
t th
at
aft
er
clim
bin
g a
gre
at
hill, o
ne
on
ly f
ind
s t
ha
t th
ere
are
ma
ny
mo
re h
ills
to
clim
b.
I ca
n r
est
on
ly a
mo
-
me
nt,
fo
r w
ith
fre
ed
om
co
me
s r
esp
on
sib
ili-
tie
s,
an
d I
da
re n
ot
lin
ge
r, f
or
my
lon
g w
alk
is n
ot
yet
en
de
d.
N
els
on
Ma
nd
ela
Ba
sic
to
hu
ma
n e
xiste
nce
is a
se
nse
of
in-
de
bte
dn
ess
of
ind
eb
ted
ne
ss t
o s
ocie
ty, o
f
ind
eb
ted
ne
ss t
o G
od
. W
ha
t is
em
erg
ing in
ou
r a
ge
is a
str
an
ge
in
ve
rsio
n. M
od
ern
pe
o-
ple
be
lie
ve t
ha
t th
e w
orl
d is in
de
bte
d t
o
the
m;
tha
t so
cie
ty is c
ha
rge
d w
ith
du
tie
s
tow
ard
th
em
. Th
eir
sta
nd
ard
pre
occu
pa
tio
n
is:
Wh
at
will I
ge
t o
ut
of
life
? S
up
pre
sse
d is
the
qu
esti
on
: W
ha
t w
ill lif
e
wh
at
will so
cie
-
ty
ge
t o
ut
of
me
?
R
ab
bi A
bra
ha
m J
osh
ua
He
sch
el
Ask
th
e F
ou
r Q
ue
sti
on
s o
f M
od
ern
Da
y
Sla
ve
ry
Th
is m
od
ern
so
cia
l ju
sti
ce
ta
ke
on
th
e F
ou
r
Qu
esti
on
s c
an
be
in
se
rte
d a
t th
e r
ea
din
g o
f
the
F
ou
r Q
ue
stio
ns
du
rin
g y
ou
r fa
mily
s o
r co
ngre
ga
tio
ns
se
de
r:
Wh
y o
n t
his
nig
ht
are
so
me
pe
op
le s
till
en
-sl
ave
d t
od
ay?
W
hy
on
th
is n
igh
t d
o s
o m
an
y re
ma
in h
un
-gry
in
th
e w
orl
d?
W
hy
on
th
is n
igh
t d
o w
e i
nvi
te t
he
hu
ngry
a
nd
lo
ne
ly t
o s
ha
re o
ur
me
al?
H
ow
ca
n w
e e
rad
ica
te h
un
ge
r a
nd
ho
me
-le
ssn
ess
to
nig
ht
an
d e
very
nig
ht?
A
fif
th q
ue
sti
on
ca
n b
e p
ose
d:
"Wh
y is
th
is
nig
ht
no
d
iffe
ren
t fr
om
o
the
r n
igh
ts?
B
e-
ca
use
on
th
is n
igh
t m
illio
ns o
f h
um
an
be
ings
aro
un
d t
he
wo
rld
sti
ll r
em
ain
en
sla
ve
d,
just
as t
he
y d
o o
n a
ll o
the
r n
igh
ts.
As a
ce
leb
ra-
tio
n
of
ou
r fr
ee
do
m,
we
re
me
mb
er
tho
se
wh
o r
em
ain
en
sla
ve
d."
Re
cite
a N
ew
1
0 P
lagu
es
As w
e r
ecit
e t
he
10
pla
gu
es G
od
se
nt
up
on
Egyp
t, w
e p
ou
r o
ut
10
dro
ps o
f w
ine
, le
sse
n-
ing o
ur
joy
in m
em
ory
of
the
se
ha
rdsh
ips
up
on
th
e E
gyp
tia
n p
eo
ple
. In
to
da
y's w
orl
d,
the
re a
re m
an
y so
cie
tal cru
elt
ies a
nd
in
jus-
tice
s t
ha
t ca
n c
au
se
us t
o d
imin
ish
ou
r jo
y.
Co
nsid
er
ad
din
g t
he
se
10
pla
gu
es t
o y
ou
r
se
de
r, a
da
pte
d f
rom
th
e R
eligio
us A
cti
on
Ce
nte
r o
f R
efo
rm J
ud
ais
ms
A C
om
mo
n
Ro
ad
to
Fre
ed
om
, A
Pa
sso
ver
Ha
gga
da
h f
or
a S
ed
er.
Ea
ch
dro
p o
f w
ine
is o
ur
ho
pe
an
d
pra
yer
tha
t p
eo
ple
will ca
st
ou
t th
e p
lagu
es
tha
t to
da
y th
rea
ten
eve
ryo
ne
, e
ve
ryw
he
re
the
y a
re f
ou
nd
, b
egin
nin
g in
ou
r o
wn
he
art
s:
Th
e m
ak
ing o
f w
ar
Th
e t
ea
ch
ing o
f h
ate
an
d v
iole
nce
De
sp
olia
tio
n o
f th
e e
art
h,
Pe
rve
rsio
n o
f ju
sti
ce
an
d g
ove
rnm
en
t,
Fo
me
nti
ng o
f vic
e a
nd
cri
me
,
Ne
gle
ct
of
hu
ma
n n
ee
ds,
Op
pre
ssio
n o
f n
ati
on
s a
nd
pe
op
les,
Co
rru
pti
on
of
cu
ltu
re,
Su
bju
ga
tio
n o
f scie
nce
, le
arn
ing, a
nd
hu
ma
n
dis
co
urs
e,
Th
e e
rosio
n o
f fr
ee
do
ms.
Pic
k Y
ou
r D
efi
nit
ion
Of
Sla
ve
ry/F
ree
do
m:
1)
We
ha
ve c
on
fuse
d t
he
fre
e w
ith
th
e
fre
e
an
d e
asy
. (
Ad
lai S
teve
nso
n,
Pre
sid
en
tia
l
co
nte
nd
er,
19
56
)
2)
It is o
fte
n s
afe
r to
be
in
ch
ain
s t
ha
n t
o b
e
fre
e.
(Fra
nz
Ka
fka
, Th
e T
ria
l, P
ragu
e,
19
25
)
3)
To
be
lib
era
ted
, th
at
is e
asy.
To
be
a f
ree
pe
rso
n,
tha
t is
ve
ry h
ard
. (A
nd
re G
ide
,
Fre
nch
au
tho
r, 2
0th
ce
n)
4)
Lib
ert
y m
ea
ns r
esp
on
sib
ilit
y. T
ha
t is
wh
y
mo
st
me
n d
rea
d it.
(G
eo
rge
Be
rna
rd S
ha
w,
Iris
h p
layw
righ
t, 2
0th
ce
n)
5)
No
ne
are
mo
re h
op
ele
ssly
en
sla
ve
d t
ha
n
tho
se
wh
o f
als
ely
be
lie
ve t
he
y a
re f
ree
.
(Go
eth
e, G
erm
an
po
et,
Fa
ustu
s,
19
th c
en
)
6)
No
hu
ma
n b
ein
g is f
ree
wh
o is n
ot
ma
ste
r
of
him
se
lf.
(Ep
ice
titu
s,
Gre
ek p
hilo
so
ph
er,
Ro
me
, 1
st
ce
n)
Th
e S
ecre
t In
Su
ffe
rin
g
If y
ou
r o
wn
su
ffe
rin
g d
oe
s n
ot
se
rve
to
un
ite
you
wit
h t
he
su
ffe
rin
g o
f o
the
rs,
if y
ou
r o
wn
imp
riso
nm
en
t d
oe
s n
ot
join
yo
u w
ith
oth
ers
in p
riso
n,
if y
ou
, in
yo
ur
sm
alln
ess,
rem
ain
alo
ne
, th
en
yo
ur
pa
in w
ill h
ave
be
en
fo
r
na
ugh
t. [
...]
I h
ave
wa
lke
d t
ha
t lo
ng r
oa
d t
o
fre
ed
om
. I h
ave
tri
ed
no
t to
fa
lte
r. I h
ave
-
Brunch
Page 21
Women of Sinai
Sinai Committees
Women of Sinai Membership Update
Thank you to all of the women who sent in their Women of Sinia membership dues! Your support helps the sisterhood
to continue to offer our synagogue community the level of support that is needed, not only to continue existing programs, but
also to create new opportunities for our members to experience Sinai. Whether you choose to be a Supporting Member with a
contribution of $36 or to be honored as a Woman of Valor with a $72 contribution, all are invited to the Member Appreciation
Brunch on April 10th. Contributions are still being accepted.
The following list of members represents dues received by December 31:
WOS MEMBERS
Andrea Bernstein
Barbara Bradbury
Elyse Cohn
Bernice Fagan
Barbara Federlin
Pamela Finberg
Judi Flegel
Jen Friedman
Joan Friedman
Jennifer Goldbaum
Ruth Goldmann
Sharon Goldstein
Toots Hassel
Robin Hoffman
Jodi Holman
Penny Hool
Lauri Roth
Mary Runge
Mildred Schapiro
Carol Schatz
Shelly Seesel
Laurie Segal
Doje Sherman
Michelle Silverman
Sheila Smith
Nancy Stillman
Susan Stuckert
Sheila Taitelman
Kim Temkin Taylor
Merle Wasserman
Jill Weinshel
Phyillis Wiggins
Mary Wurzburg
Randee Zeitelman
WOMEN OF VALOR
Karen Lancina
Lois Levine
Joan Lieberman
Julie Lookatch
Marianne Lubar
Lois Malawsky
Nancy Balcer
Anne Golding
Idy Goodman
Joan Lubar
Nita Soref
Laura Waisbren
Lori Jacobson
Mari Katz
Sheri Levin
Sharon Madnek
Kate Mann
Audrey Mann
Lise Meissner
Bettie Meltzer
Dorothy Meyers
Donna Neubauer
Janet Padway
Dorothy Palay
Susan Pereles
Cantor Lauren Phillips
Bobbi Rector
Joanne Roberts
Jan Rosenberg
Experience the power of relationships between women by attending this film screening
which will be presented and moderated by Amit Yaniv-Zehavi, Milwaukees Community Shlicha and a member of Congregation Sinai.
Amit will be sharing her experiences working with the Wonderful Women Project in Israel
in which the Jewish Agency brought together secular women from Mateh Yehuda and
haredi women from Beit Shemesh. The women broke stereotypes, built friendships and
ultimately made short films about the meaning of being a Jewish women.
Women of Sinai is presenting this program in partnership with NCJW-Milwaukee Section,
Women's Philanthropy of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Haddasah. The sister-
hoods and womens groups from our area reform, conservative, orthodox and reconstruc-tionist synagogues have also been invited to join this program in order to foster a local
dialogue on the topic and build bridges of understanding.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
Free Screening and Discussion
Monday, February 29th 7:00 PM @ Sinai
4th Annual Women of Sinai
membership
Sunday, April 10, 2016 10:00 am 12:00 pm Our 4th annual Membership Appreciation Brunch has become a highly anticipated
opportunity for our members, who represent a diverse cross-section of our synagogue
community, to gather together for a morning of yummy food and engaging conversa-
tion. All those who have paid their dues for the 2015-16 programming year are invited
to join us for free!
RSVP to [email protected] or 414-379-7878 by April 1.
-
Page 22
Sinai Committees
Brotherhood
Acheinu (Mens Spirituality Group)
Sundays: February 7th, March 20th, May 1st Join Joe Glassman, Mitch Colton, & Rabbi David B. Cohen to share nosh &
discuss spiritual & practical matters concerning God, work, family & more. Acheinu is sponsored by Sinais Brotherhood.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The transformation of Male Jewish Identity:
Israels Role in Modeling New Possibilities with Rabbi Cohen
Israels conquests in the six-day war were a revelation for American Jews, particularly
men. It was for many the first exposure to a dif-
ferent model of what it meant to be a Jewish
man. Historically, the Jewish man was seen to
be weak, impotent, and incapable of self-
defense. Suddenly a new model came to light:
the Jewish man as a hero, strong and self suffi-
cient, confident and brave.
Well talk about that image of the Tzabar, the native born Israeli who is
strong on the outside but sensitive on the
inside, and trace, through literature and mu-
sic, how it has changed over the past dec-
ades.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Marlene Lauwasser and Rick Aaron
Marlene and Rick will
speak on, and PERFORM, the
music of Joe Aaron. As Joe said,
when you are bombarded with music all the time, somethings bound to rub off. Joe was a sax-ophone and clarinet player
whose eight decades in music
ranged from jazz and Dixieland to big band and
classical styles.
To add to the enjoyment of Marlenes script, Rick will be playing several numbers that
were standard Klezmer tunes that he often per-
formed with Joe. Rick will also be performing sev-
eral of Joes signature record-ings on sax and clarinet. You
are in for a real treat! Come,
relax and let the stories, the
humor, and the music of Joe
Aaron take you away!
Upcoming
Brotherhood
Coffees!
SINAI SOFTBALL BEGINS MAY 3rd!
If you didn't make the Brewers traveling team, then perhaps this is your
chance to make the "other" big league team in Milwaukee! Sinai Softball begins
with our first game on Tuesday, May 3rd (weather and schedule permitting) and
continues each Tuesday evening (either 6pm or 7pm game time) through early
August. Last summer over 20 men joined the team (18 years old through..well it felt like 80 years old) for a summer of JCC softball. We play at Kletzsch Park and
often draw huge crowds of 5-10 very vocal fans. A dog or two are not unlikely to
run on the field to aid their master who has just pulled a hamstring rounding sec-
ond base. Our goals are modest but certainly embraced by our team: play hard,
don't get hurt, enjoy the game and the company of others, and certainly aim to
win. This philosophy makes us a unique team since we value our "community
building" as much as we value the sport. Sinai Brotherhood softball has a reputation of being competitive while being able to
keep it social and focused on the most important aspect of the game; post game get-togethers! A mere $30 team fee covers
your season expenses.
If you are interested in joining us for some summer fun, please contact Marc Kartman for more information
-
Social Action Committee
Page 23
Sinai Committees
Our Sinai entry hall barrel holds items collected for
Pathfinders.
Your contributions make a difference:
Much of the financial support for our
efforts comes through the
Sinai Tzedakah Fund
Please consider this Fund when making
your next contribution in honor or
memory of someone.
Idea for Greening your Sinai Event Did you know that Sinai owns six, re-usable, vinyl, white, rectangular table cloths? They are a year old now and
are holding up beautifully. If you are planning an event at
Sinai and will be using rectangular buffet tables for serving
food - please be sure to request the vinyl
table cloths instead of renting linen or
supplying disposable table covers!
Lets work together to keep our landfill contributions to a minimum!
Help Nourish Homeless Youth A small but vital way you
and your family can alleviate
young peoples daily struggle with hunger is to provide meals at
Pathfinders drop-in center. Meals can be pre-made or cooked
on site in Pathfinders state-of-the-art kitchen, and volunteers are always invited to break bread with visiting
youth. What a delicious activity to strengthen ties within our
congregation and feed our citys most vulnerable. If you are interested in engaging in this culinary
mitzvah, please email Shana Harvey:
[email protected]. Donations of gently-used youth-
appropriate clothing, shoes, and new (unused) hygiene prod-
ucts are always welcome additions to our Pathfinders barrel.
Please donate!
*Toiletries
*Gently used or new clothing
Hi Jeri,
Happy New Year to you! The moms and kids
LOVED the blankets, and were so
appreciative of the socks and hats. Many of them
stated, "It was just what they needed!"
I can't say THANK YOU enough for the time and
effort that was put into the donation. It was
definitely a blessing!
We hope to work with you again in the near f
uture.
- Shelley Browne
Milwaukee Womens Center/Community Advo