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

Volume 153, Number 11 Sivan/Tammuz 5772 June 2012

On Saturday, May 12, B’nai Israel held a gala in honor of Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz, who is leaving the temple this summer to head her own congregation in Westborough, MA. Two hundred fifty people filled the building

and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a British pub setting—just Rabbi Gurevitz’s style! The evening included a Havdalah; a British-inspired buffet dinner featuring fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash; live

music throughout, finishing with an Irish trio and an Irish dancer; and even games of darts! Wonderful speeches and songs were presented honoring Rabbi Gurevitz and her six years of amazing accomplishments at B’nai Israel and

throughout the local community.

Gala Committee members included chair Susan Roth, Mindy Siegel, Joanne Derwallis, Maggie Walowitz, Lia Knicos, Anne Kirsch, Amy Gordon, Tracie Wizda, Amy Rich, Norci Kochman, Andrea Rudolph, Naomi Schaffer, George

Markley, Donna Tauss, Ellen Kadden. Many thanks to Susan and her hard-working committee for a lovely evening!

A Festive Farewell

Widows and Widowers Group

We will be meeting on Saturday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Lee Attenberg, 51 Morning Glory Drive, Easton. Our guest speaker will be announced at a later date. Please RSVP to Lee at 203-374-9688.

Sharing Our Joy…

Congratulations to:Ronnie and John Dubrowin in honor of the birth of their grandson, Asher ErezNina and Ken Rabine in honor of the birth of their grandson, Sebastian Felix Cabrera, son of Bari and DennisWendy and Don Hyman on the marriage of their daughter, Julia, to Louis Lazar

Sincere Sympathy

We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of:

Edith Rohinsky, mother of Larry RohinskyMaurice Rosenblatt, father of Paul RosenblattShirley HornPhyllis Friedel, mother of Bonnie SteinTodd Dachman, brother of Gary DachmanEdward Lopez, father of Dale LopesGertrude Elovitz, grandmother of Mitchell GreenbergDavid Lubik, brother of Ellen List Marvin Sussman, father of Janet Mendell

Welcome! Welcome!

A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will not only enrich their lives, but that of our congregation.

David and Sloan Feldman, Justin and EthanCalf Pond Lane, Fairfield

Summer Schedule

The temple office will start summer hours on Monday, June 4:

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday through Thursday9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Friday

James Prosnit, D.D. .................................................................... RabbiRachel Gurevitz, Ph.D. .............................................................. RabbiArnold I. Sher, D.D. ................................................... Rabbi EmeritusSheri E. Blum, D.M. ................................................................ CantorRamon Gilbert, D.M. ................................................ Cantor EmeritusIra J. Wise, R.J.E. ............................................. Director of EducationRobert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ....................................... Educator EmeritusElaine Chetrit ...................................... Director of Family EducationAlexa Cohen .............................................. Early Childhood DirectorAbby Rohinsky ..................................................... Director of FacilityMatthew Rosen ............................................................. Youth Advisor

OfficersMark A. Kirsch ..................................................................... PresidentMindy Siegel ........................................................... 1st Vice PresidentShari Nerreau ................................................................ Vice PresidentSamuel Rosenberg ........................................................ Vice PresidentRichard Walden ............................................................ Vice PresidentMichael Blumenthal ............................................................. TreasurerStuart Horowitz ..................................................... Assistant TreasurerJulie Pressman ...................................................................... SecretaryKelly Reznikoff ................................................... Financial SecretaryAmy Rich .................................................... Immediate Past President

Affiliates

Jim Greenberg ................................................. Brotherhood PresidentMolly Blumenthal & Michael Kalmans ........... BIFTY Co-Presidents

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

In This Issue

From the Rabbi’s Desk ......................................... 3President’s Message ............................................... 4From Rabbi Gurevitz ........................................... 5Early Childhood Education .................................. 6Family Education .................................................. 6Young Families Havurah .................................... 6From the Education Center ................................ 7Merkaz Graduates ............................................... 9Donations ......................................................... 10-11Shabbat Services ................................................. 11

“Want to get something done? Ask a busy person!” Mark Kirsch is the poster child for that classic expression: an active law practice, a husband and a father to two teenage daughters, and for the last two years our congregational president. To make it happen, you need significant organizational skills, good time management, incredible smarts, a love of

Judaism, and a strong sense of the impact synagogues can have in enhancing the lives of individuals and a community. Mark Kirsch has all of these things and more, and has proved himself to be an exceptional congregational leader. How blessed we at B’nai Israel have been to be the beneficiaries of his involvement and devotion.

Across every president’s desk and into each inbox come both daily decisions and unforeseen challenges. For Mark, the latter have included the perennial budgetary demands exacerbated by a lingering soft economy, sensitive deliberations regarding the integration of the Jewish High School of Connecticut, and the searches for a new Early Childhood Director and Assistant Rabbi. Mark has responded to each dynamic with broad perspective, wonderful insights, and unflappable cool. There is deliberateness to his leadership style and a care and concern for the work that draws people near and inspires participation. His follow-through, honesty, and candor make him someone easy to rely on and work with.

He has also represented B’nai Israel at a time when the Jewish community of Greater Bridgeport is going through some significant changes. Mark’s perspective has been sought after by the broader community, and he has been steadfast in promoting our congregation’s needs in the context of the larger communal landscape.

For me personally it has been another example of the blessings of the B’nai Israel rabbinate. Our presidents regularly become friends. Sharing a vision of what our community can and should be inspires me and enhances every dimension of my work.

Mark has earned that most cherished title of “past” president, but his insights and leadership will be vital to those who follow. At the Annual Meeting on June 18, we’ll have a chance to honor Mark and to formally say thank you for “a job well done.” We can also thank Anne and Alison and Emily for encouraging him and for enabling him to be the kind of leader of whom we are all proud. In addition, I’m grateful to the culture of the law firm of Cohen and Wolf for their willingness to share him with us and for the enormous number of hours that many of their attorneys have been able to devote to better the Jewish and general community of greater Bridgeport.

[the following is from Rabbi Prosnit’s comments in the Gala Tribute Journal]

“Bittersweet” has been the operative word around the temple these past few months. Someone who has become a respected and treasured colleague, teacher, and friend is moving on. It is an understatement to say that Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz will be missed. At the same time, I am happy for her, because it’s good for rabbis to be able to shape their own communities. In the end that’s good for the Jewish people. I have no doubt that the members of Temple B’nai Shalom in Westborough, MA, will come to feel about Rachel the way that we do.

During the past six years Rachel has touched a lot of lives and has inspired us as a congregation. We have been the beneficiaries of her deep intellect and her many gifts and talents. As a teacher and preacher she challenged us on many occasions, encouraging us to consider classic views from differing perspectives. As a creative liturgist she inspired innovation in worship, and as a compassionate, accessible pastor she impacted and touched the lives of many individuals. From storytime with the preschool to

compelling conversation on issues that matter with her eighth graders and BIFTY-ites, Rachel has been an inspiring role model in many young lives.

She opened doors of involvement to new congregants and brought Jewish learning out beyond the walls of the temple. She’s reached out to the wider community of Greater Bridgeport and made significant contributions to interfaith dialogue, especially with the Muslim community. She made us proud with stands that she has taken and with articles for the local press.

For me she has been a remarkable partner in guiding our congregation through some challenging times. It’s hard to imagine a serious decision I’ve made in the past few years without consulting her first. Her instincts are wise and her collegiality cherished.

Rachel has also made life around here fun, and with her wife and partner, Suri, they’ve won the hearts of everyone on the temple staff. Wendy joins me in wishing them both well. Together, they’ve strengthened our community and have enriched our lives.

3Items of the Month: baby items (diapers, formula, food)

From the Rabbi’s DeskHonoring Mark Kirsch

Honoring Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz

4 Look for your next Bulletin in August! Happy summer!

President’s Message

Dear Friends,

As I write this, there is just about a month to go in my term as president of our congregation. On the one hand, I sometimes feel as though I can remember every meeting, every high and low, and every debate with one or more of

our dedicated volunteers and staff, about what is the best path to take. At other times, it all seems a blur, and I can hardly believe that a full two years have passed.

What I can say, with certainty, is that behind every discussion we are all seeking to answer the same question: What is best for the synagogue? We are truly fortunate to have a congregation, and staff, who know what’s really important. And that is to strive to be the best community that we can be for all of us.

The position comes with both rewards and challenges. I’m sure that all of my predecessors, though, would

agree with at least one thing, common to all thriving, strong organizations: our strongest asset is our people. We have so many smart, dedicated, and energized congregants who are committed to B’nai Israel and its future. This is part of what has made the job so rewarding for me—seeing and appreciating all of the individuals who have worked so hard, however they may be involved, to make each event, class, program, or worship experience the best that it can be.

I want to thank our tremendous office and senior staff, including, of course, our wonderful clergy. I am particularly indebted to Rabbi Prosnit, who is a blessing for any synagogue president—someone who has always enjoyed a true partnership with, and respect for, lay leadership. I am extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to work closely with him these past two years.

L’shalom,Mark A. KirschPresident

End-of-the-Year Activities at B’nai Israel!

Our Religious School students have participated in a flurry of fun programs as our school year ends. Under the direction of Harvey and Larry Levine and a team of parents, Kitah Vav students in the Chavurah created labors of love by constructing and

painting shelves to present to Habitat for Humanity for use in new homes. Job well done!

And on Sunday, May 20, Sunday Religious School ended with a marvelous musical called “Chai Anxiety.” Students performed this original play about going to Hebrew school, Jewish holidays, and life cycle events, all set to some familiar popular, rock-n-roll, and

Broadway melodies with instrumental accompaniment by the What’s Up? Band (also known as the Shlomones). Matt Chase wrote the script and directed, and Jonathan Cahr arranged the music. Mazel tov for a terrific performance!

As I expressed in the words that I shared at the Temple Gala/Acoustic Café evening, there is really no adequate way to convey all the thank-you’s that need to be said and all the gratitude that needs to be conveyed as I prepare to move on from B’nai Israel to begin a new

tenure at Congregation B’nai Shalom, in Westborough, MA.

My gratitude is first and foremost to this wonderful community of people whom I have had the privilege of serving these past six years. You have enriched my life and blessed me with so many opportunities to do my rabbinic work in such a broad variety of ways. Suri and I are blessed to count so many of you as our friends.

I have been blessed to work with such an incredible team of professional staff: Rabbi Prosnit, a mentor, colleague, and friend beyond even his reputation that so drew me to want to work at B’nai Israel as his Assistant; Cantor Blum, who has harmonized with me and even encouraged me to dust off my trumpet after many years; Ira, who has such an enthusiasm for ever-learning and experimenting; Elaine, who has shown me what a master story-teller looks like and whose generosity of spirit and kindness is felt by all who study with her; Gail, and then Alexa, training me in the art of doing things in short, bite-sized pieces for short, bite-sized little people! And Abby, whose ability to think clearly and create systems with which to make things run smoothly has made such an impact on the behind-the-scenes workings of our synagogue. Add to them all of our office staff, custodial staff, religious school teachers, and the incredibly dedicated volunteers in our congregation who serve on our board, help on a committee or with just one task for one event—there are just too many people to thank them all, and just

an overwhelming amount of gratitude that needs to be expressed.

And so, quoting from the daf todah, my page of thanks that I shared at the Gala, I turn to the image of Shefa—the overabundance of divine energy that fills our lives with blessing—pouring through the mystical “Tree of Life” in the teachings of kabbalah. This fountain of blessing pours down constantly, and we feel it whenever we connect with each other, and with God. We dip into the pool of blessing and, filled with gratitude, we connect with the ultimate Source when we share it with each other.

I thank each and every one of you for these past six wonderful years. I hope we will stay in touch. At B’nai Shalom, you can find me at rabbi@cbnaishalom.org. We can stay connected via Facebook and Linkedin, I’ll continue to tweet @RabbiGurevitz, and I’ll keep on a-blogging at http://shmakoleinu-hearourvoices.blogspot.com.

May I suggest… May I suggest to you… May I suggest this is the best part of our lives.

Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz

5

From Rabbi GurevitzShefa—An Overabundance of Blessing

Fond farewells—see p. 3.

Members of the Rosh Chodesh group lead the room in chant at Rabbi Rachel’s Acoustic Café.

We teach our children to recite blessings for grape juice and challah and other foods. Hopefully we also manage to get across that these blessings are not merely incantations but rather expressions of gratitude that we have food to sustain us. My favorite Shabbat blessing is the one my family recites just before Kiddush (the blessing thanking God for grape juice and wine), in which we lay our hands on each of our children and express our hopes for their bright future: “May God make you like Efraim and Menashe” or “…Sara, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. May God bless you and protect you; May God cause God’s face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God look with favor on you and give you peace.” We always finish with a kiss, so my children call it the “kissy prayer.” I like it because it elevates the children from (sometimes unruly) Shabbat dinner participants to sancta.

Recently, online (where else?) I stumbled upon a blessing for children that I like even better because it thanks God for our children as they are right now. A Jewish mom sought a blessing thanking God for creating a world where children learn through joy and play. A fellow Reconstructionist rabbi offered this new prayer: “We are grateful to You, the One before Whom we once said ‘we will do and [then] we will hear/understand’ (Ex. 24:7), Creator of a world filled with learning through joy, gladness, togetherness, and play [Modim anakhu lakh, sh’ata hu lifnei amarnu ‘na’aseh v’shishma’, boreh olam maleh limud derekh gila rina achva u’miskhak].” You can view this blessing at http://thelettuceedge.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/on-challah/.

The value of blessings in my eyes is that they remind us to be grateful for what is good in our daily lives. They demand that we live in the moment. Marge Piercy writes in “The Art of Blessing the Day”: “But the discipline of blessings is to taste/each moment, the bitter, the sour, the sweet/and the salty, and be glad for what does not/hurt. The art is in compressing attention/to each little and big blossom of the tree/of life, to let the tongue sing each fruit,/its savor, its aroma and its use.” As they explore their world, our children so fully embrace each moment, as if there was no before or after. In this respect, perhaps it is our children who should teach us the art of blessing.

******************************************

Please join the discussion on June 9 following regular Havurah services with Mark Oppenheimer, Beliefs Columnist for the New York Times. Oppenheimer will speak on Jewish parenting based on his own experiences and his scholarship. Free babysitting will be provided to allow parents to attend.

Check us out online: Youngfamilieshavurah.blogspot.comLike us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/youngfamilieshavurah

Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro

6 Look for your next Bulletin in August! Happy summer!

From the Early Childhood Center

Family Education at B’nai Israel!

From the Young Families Havurah

May 4 was a very special day in the Early Childhood Education Center here at B’nai Israel. Every child, from our 1-year-olds all the way through our 5-year-olds, was asked to invite a “Special Person” to school for a fun-filled day of activities in the classroom, Shabbat, a concert by the

world-famous “Macaroons,” and a special auction and bake sale! In all, the Early Childhood Education Center earned more than $1,400. Thanks to all our “Special People” for coming in!

Alexa CohenEarly Childhood Center Director

Our last Mishpacha Shabbat of this school year will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Weather permitting, we will have our Shabbat service in our lovely synagogue garden. So please bring your family to B’nai Israel for our informal Shabbat experience of dinner, blessings, Shabbat story, and singing. We provide the main dish. This month, you bring a side dish. Together we’ll do dessert: yummy “s’mores,” a foretaste of summer fun! $5.00/adult, $2.00/child. RSVP to Elaine at echetrit@congregationbnaiisrael.org or 203 336-1858 by June 12.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Elaine ChetritDirector, Family Education

What does it mean when we say we are members of the Jewish people? Does that phrase have any meaning for us or our children? We have many educational goals in our nursery school, religious school, and adult Jewish learning program. I believe that these two questions lay the foundation for all of the rest.

Another way to phrase it is “Why be Jewish?”

I had a wonderful teacher growing up named Sy Bierman. If you asked him the question, he would remind you that his class was about two things, and two things only (no matter what the curriculum was): Respect and 6,000,000. He would say that we must be Jewish so that Hitler would not win a posthumous victory. Personally, I think that is not enough. Important, to be sure, but not adequate.

There are dozens of reports, articles, and even books that suggest that Jews in their twenties and thirties—in particular—are looking for ways to express their Judaism. They are not necessarily looking for institutional connections, but they are searching for something. For some it is something spiritual. For others it is cultural. Some are looking for a connection to their past and others are looking for the next new thing. At the end of the day, though, I think we are all looking to connect to one another. We are looking for relationships. We are looking for our people.

This past winter, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel with the Leadership Institute (LI).* One day of our trip was spent in a conference at Oranim College called “Changing the Mindscape and Landscape of Jewish Peoplehood: New Paradigms for Educational Leaders.” Forty of us from the tri-state area—all synagogue educators—learned with 40 principals of Israeli schools from Haifa and the Western Galilee region. It was an amazing experience. I learned that just as our teachers and I are trying to find ways to help our students and their parents connect to Israel, the Israeli educators are trying to help their Israeli students connect to the Jewish people.

The Mifgash (encounter) was intriguing. We are more like our Israeli cousins than ever before. In a world where everyone can be connected instantly, we are all looking for ways of really connecting. I invite you to join us on our journey. In the coming year, the Religious School Vision Team will be continuing to explore how to shape that journey for our students and parents. Our Room Parents and Chavurah Parents will be facilitating connections among parents and students, respectively. Contact Cindy Becker at cbecker@congregationbnaiisrael.org if you would like to join the Vision Team, be a room parent, or help with the Chavurah (for Kitot Daled–Vav [grades 4–6]).

Our teachers will be guiding students on the journey. Our high school–aged Madrikhim serve as guides to our younger students as well. Teachers and Madrikhim will be participating in a Peoplehood Conference with their counterparts from all over Westchester and Fairfield counties in November. If you would like to talk about being a teacher or if your teen would like to be a Madrikh(ah) contact me at 203-335-0745 or iwise@congregationbnaiisrael.org.

We just read from the book of Ruth on Shavuot. You may remember the story of Naomi’s two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. All three women are widowed at the same time. Ruth refuses to leave her mother-in-law, saying, “Your people will be my people.” It was an incredible statement for its time. Join me as we help one another build our relationships and remind ourselves that your people ARE my people.

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

7Items of the Month: baby items (diapers, formula, food)

From the Education Center

Your People, My People?

* The LI is a program of professional development for synagogue educators run jointly by the Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Theological Seminary (the seminaries of the Reform and Conservative movements). I serve as a mentor to four educators who are fellows in the LI.

8 Fond farewells—see p. 3.

TLC/Temple Loving CareOur Transportation Team, headed up by Ilene Goby, is the focus this month. Our goal is to assist synagogue members with rides to and from B’nai Israel services, events, and classes. While some members have already let us know that they’d like to help out now and again by offering rides, we’re hoping that our list of generous, thoughtful volunteers will grow.

When you come to Friday night or Saturday morning services, there will be a table outside the sanctuary or

chapel with a form on which you may add your name and e-mail address. Please feel free to contact Ilene Goby (gobyi@raveisre.com) or Liz Nigrosh (lizziesmail@aol.com, 203-268-9044) with any questions.

Thank you, in advance, for helping to strengthen our caring community! And if you would like a ride, or someone you care about might like a ride, please contact Liz.

Save the DateThanks to the Israel Action Committee of Congregation Beth El and Congregation B’nai Israel for co-sponsoring Jerusalem Post senior contributing editor Caroline Glick’s appearance at the JCC in Bridgeport on Wednesday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Glick’s compelling and, at times, provocative message is important for all to hear as Israel navigates the changing, often treacherous,

landscape of the Middle East. Please join Ms. Glick for her discussion on “Israel in the Wake of the Arab Spring: An Insider’s View.” This program is free and open to the public.

Congregation B’nai Israel’s Annual Meeting will be Monday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.

All congregants are welcome to attend.

9Look for your next Bulletin in August! Happy summer!

B’nai Israel Students Go to Washington!

Merkaz Graduating Class 2012

Each year our Confirmation class travels to Washington, DC to the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism’s L’Taken program. The RAC acts as the Washington office of the URJ by educating and mobilizing the Reform community on numerous legislative and social issues including civil rights, Israel, economic justice, and religious liberty. The RAC is mandated by the URJ and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) to reflect nonpartisan Jewish policies of social justice in its advocacy work.

The L’Taken program, which welcomes more than 2,000 high school students each year, introduces students to a variety of public policy issues and educates them on advocacy and the Jewish values surrounding these issues. Our students are fortunate to have such an enriching opportunity!

Jessica Altchiler

Jennifer Bakhash

Diana Barlaam

Michael Barnett

Jillian Bernstein

Julie Brown

Adam Carron

Mica Cocco

Emma Connolly

Jill Epstein

Melynda Geffert

Talia Greenbaum

Mia Jacobson

Rebecca Kaiserman

Madeline Kenler

Jake Lightman

Max Maisel

David Moorin

Rebecca Orleans

Sam Preminger

Ben Smilen

Josh Spector

Samantha Taylor

Morgan Warshaw

Adam Werner

Mazel tov to all!

Religious School Enrollment

for 2012–2013/5773 has begun! If you did not receive an enrollment packet in the mail, please contact Theresa Silva at tsilva@congregationbnaiisrael.org or 203-335-0745. You can register and pay online, but we do need the printed form as well!

The early bird deadline is August 15.

You can visit http://bit.ly/CBIRSenroll to download copies of the forms.

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

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi ProsnitAndy and Rachel Alcosser in appreciation for making Sam’s Bar Mitzvah so significant and memorable.Jeffrey and Wendy Bender in memory of Wendy’s mother, Charlotte Aaron.Beatrice Berger in loving memory of her husband, Sam Berger.Lori Berger in loving memory of her mother, Cecelia Davis.Marcia and Selwyn Cohen, in honor of their son, Major Jason Cohen of the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army, and in honor of Lt. Colonel Matthew Wienscheil, son of Carol and Michael Wienscheil, both of whom are currently serving our country overseas.Gary M. Dachman and family in loving memory of Todd Dachman, brother of Gary.Eileen and Carl Glickman in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Sam Alcosser.The Kadden family—congratulations to the Prosnit family on the engagement of Ethan to Arielle.Mark and Betsy Kutner, Dick and Jane Resnick in loving memory of Dorothe Parker and Ralph Parker.Ilse Levi—good wishes to Sherry Portnoy.Family of Eleanor Kleban Levin in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit and in her memory.Ted and Sue Levy in memory of Ellie Levin, sister of Albert Kleban. Barry and Gail Plaut in appreciation and in honor of their recent marriage.Selma Rand in memory of Todd Dachman, brother of Gary Dachman.Larry Rohinsky in appreciation and in memory of his mother, Edith Rohinsky.Abigail Schine in memory of her parents, Esther and Samuel Elstein, and her husband, Joel D. Schine.Elaine and Marc Silverman in memory of Phyllis Friedel, mother of Bonnie Stein.Janet Skane Stern, Lee, Kathleen, and Matthew in loving memory of our beloved friend, David Ziller.Tarlov/Whitman family in honor of son Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah. Daniel and Lori Underberger and family in appreciation and in honor of daughter Ally’s Bat Mitzvah.Myra and Marshall Watnick in memory of Joyce Gladstein, wife of Geoffrey Gladstein.Karen, Mike, and Alyssa Weinberger in appreciation and in loving memory of mother, Shirley Horn. Lorrie and Randy Wexler in memory of Werner Berlin, father of Duane and Stacey Berlin.Sheila and Burton Yaffie in loving memory of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,

Ida G. Yaffie; in honor of Richard Sheiman’s special birthday. Joni and Michael Greenspan in memory of mother, Anna Levowich.

Discretionary Fund–Rabbi GurevitzKristen, Kevin, Sam, and Shane Carleywith gratitude to TLC: Judi Beier, Lisa Greenberg, Shari Nerreau, Liz Nigrosh, and Sherry Portnoy.The Kadden family in appreciation and thanks. Daniel and Lori Underberger and family in appreciation of Rabbi Gurevitz’s guidance with Ally’s D’var Torah.Lorrie Wexler in memory of Illene Soberman, mother of Steven Soberman and Suzanne Phillip.

Enhancement FundS. James and Edie Baum in memory of Gerald and Sadye Baum.Dale and Jerry Demner in memory of Joseph Greenfield, Anna and David Slive, and Theodore Slive.James and Lisa Greenberg in memory of grandmother, Miriam Krieger.The Kadden family in memory of Paul Rosenblatt’s father, Maurice Rosenblatt; congratulations to Ronnie and John Dubrowin on the birth of their grandson, Asher Erez.Beth Lazar in memory of her aunt,Rosalind Greenberg.Ilse Levi in honor of the 100th birthday of Midge Vasnunes; in honor of Karin Newman.Muriel Mann in memory of Illene Soberman, mother of Steven Soberman.George and Chris Markley in memory of Stanley Weinstein, father of Peter and Gail Weinstein; in loving memory of their fathers, Ludwig Markley and Aram Nahabedian.Alan and Harriet Nelson in memory of Illene Soberman, mother of Steve Soberman and Suzanne Phillip.Barbara Norton in fond memory of Harriet Miller, wife of Sam Miller.Gail, Dustin, and Tamara Schriffert in loving memory of mother and grandmother, Minnie Vineberg.Cleo and Jonathan Sonneborn in memory of sister, Shirley Agbannawag; in memory of grandmother, Hannah Hofheimer.

Music FundAndy and Rachel Alcosser in honor of Sam’s Bar Mitzvah and in appreciation to Cantor Blum.Judi, David, and Jordan Beier in honor of the birth of Maya Alexis, granddaughter of Suzanne and Artie Weissman.Eileen and Carl Glickman in appreciation and in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson,

Sam Alcosser.Elena Halady—Mazel Tov to Rabbi Gurevitz and best wishes as she moves to the next phase of her career.The Kadden family in appreciation and with thanks.Sandy and Bob Sherman in loving memory of mother, Charlotte Sherman.Bob and Marilyn Shook in memory of Irving and Betty Miller, Debbie Madow, and Ken Liberman.Esther Spiegel in honor of Rosalind Gordon’s 90th birthday and her reading of the Torah.Daniel and Lori Underberger and family in appreciation to Cantor Blum for preparing Ally for her Bat Mitzvah and for the beautiful service.Lorrie and Randy Wexler in memory of Maurice Rosenblatt, father of Paul and Jessica Rosenblatt.

Slepian Floral FundGloria Katz in honor of the special birthday of Barbara Panisch.

Religious School Enrichment FundJoel and Iris Goldfield and family wishing the very best to Rabbi Rachel as she begins her new position.The Nerreau family in memory of Rita Cole.Daniel and Lori Underberger in appreciation to Ira Wise and the Religious School program and in honor of daughter Ally’s Bat Mitzvah.

Nursery School Enrichment FundStacy and Rob Giglietti in memory of Edward Lopez, father of Dane Lopes.

Nursery School Scholarship FundJoni and Michael Greenspan in memory of Stanley Weinstein, father of Peter and Gail Weinstein.The Kadden family in memory of Stanley Weinstein, father of Peter and Gail Weinstein.

Judith Brav Sher FundElaine and Juda Chetrit in memory of Maurice Rosenblatt, father of Paul Rosenblatt. Jean and Hy Elias in loving memory of mother, Sophie Elias.Daniel and Lori Underberger in appreciation to Elaine Chetrit for her 13 Mitzvah guidance for our daughter Ally.

Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education FundJames and Barbara Abraham in honor of the engagement of Daniel Herzlinger, son of Paul and Bob, and Abby Fleisch. Juda and Elaine Chetrit in honor of Barbara Solomon’s birthday—much happiness always.Janet Jurow in honor of Barbara Solomon’s birthday.

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

11Items of the Month: baby items (diapers, formula, food)

SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE

Friday, June 1 6:00 p.m. Service Celebrating Rabbi

Rachel Gurevitz Preceded by a 5:00 p.m. FestiveOneg ShabbatTorah Portion – Naso Num. 4:21-7:89Haftarah – Judges 13:2-25

Saturday, June 2 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Scott Schneider,

son of Wendy Ruben and Dave Schneider

Friday, June 8 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion – B’haalot’cha Num. 8:1-12:16 Haftarah – Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Saturday, June 9 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Alyssa

Glucksman, daughter of Susan and David Glucksman

Friday, June 15 6:00 p.m. Service Honoring our Merkaz

Graduates and High School SeniorsTorah Portion – Sh’lach L’chaNum. 13:1-15:41Haftarah – Joshua 2:1-24

Saturday, June 16 8:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Izaake

Zuckerman, son of Claudia and Louis Zuckerman

9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Cassi Epstein,

daughter of Terri and Michael Epstein, and Craig Haber, son of Lynn and Samuel Haber

Friday, June 22 6:00 p.m. Service

Blessing of Israel Student Travelers Torah Portion – KorachNum. 16:1-18-32Haftarah – I Samuel 11:14-12:22

Saturday, June 23 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Megan

Szuchman, daughter of Gayle and Mark Szuchman, and Will Mandelbaum, son of Kate Eisemann and Bruce Mandelbaum

Friday, June 29 6:00 p.m. Service

Torah Portion – ChukatNum. 19:1-22:1Haftarah – Judges 11:1-33

Saturday, June 30 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 9:30 a.m. Torah Study11:00 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Ethan Klopp,

son of Jane and John Klopp, and Lauren Lilly, daughter of Lisa and Robert Lilly

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

George and Chris Markley—Mazel Tov to Rosalind Gordon on chanting Torah for her 90th birthday.Cleo and Jonathan Sonneborn— congratulations to Bob and Paula Herzlinger on the engagement of their son, Daniel, to Abby Fleisch.

Alan Weinstein Scholarship FundBonnie and Len Blum—congratulations to Judy and Barry Kramer on the Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter, Jennifer.Myra and Marshall Watnick in memory of Harriet Miller, wife of Samuel Miller.

Etz Chaim Living Torah FundElaine and Juda Chetrit in memory of Edith Rohinsky, mother of Larry Rohinsky.The Kadden family in honor of Rosalind

Gordon’s special birthday.Mollie and David Keller in honor of Karin Newman.Daniel and Lori Underberger and family in appreciation to Claire Baker for her help in preparing Ally for her Bat Mitzvah.

Vision Loan Reduction FundThe Kadden family Roslyn Pinsker in memory of Oscar Seldin. Patti and Samuel Rosenberg—congratulations to Susan and Artie Weissman on the birth of their first grandchild.

MAZONJudi, David, and Jordan Beier in honor of the birth of Asher Erez, grandson of Ronnie and John Dubrowin.

Kenneth and Nora Mayerson in memory of beloved brother, Chester D. Mayerson, and mother, Lily D. S. Shereshefsky.Joan and Alan Newman in honor of Bob Sagan’s special birthday.Myra and Marshall Watnick in memory of Jerry and Muriel Sussman, parents of Eden Diamond.

BIFTY/Greenwald Scholarship FundSam, Patti, and Michael Rosenberg

Rabbi Martin Library FundMuggs Lefsetz with thanks to Beth and Randy Reich; in loving memory of her mother, Fannie Kaster. Barbara Rifkin in loving memory of her mother, Eunice S. Postol.

12

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Raising Jewish KidsA Discussion with Mark Oppenheimer

“Beliefs” Columnist for the New York Timesand NPR Commentator

Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m.following regular Havurah services

**Free babysitting will be provided to allow parents to attend.RSVP to Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro at nicolewilsonspiro@gmail.com