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May 2015
Iyar 5775 - Sivan 5775 Volume 5775 Issue 10
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE: Rabbi Luski on Sabbatical Page 3
May Sermonette Series Page 11 Shavuot Page 12 Mother’s Day Brunch Page 17
2
Rabbi
Jacob Luski, D.D.
727.381.4900 x1008
Cantor
Jonathan Schultz
727.381.4900 x1005
Executive Director
Susan Goldstein
727.344.1017
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood
Education Center Director
Katherine Schaefer
727.302.9668
Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah
Education Coordinator
Ricki Lewis
727.381.4900
Youth Advisor
Bianca Levi
727.381.4900 x1011
Community Engagement
Liz Sembler
727.381.4900 x1007
Torah Reader/Educator
Deborah Marmon
727.381.4900 x1017
Office Manager
Pam Askin
727.381.4901
Communications Coordinator
Carolyn Moritz
727.381.4900 x1001
Accounting
Denice Piller
727.302.9676
President
Alice Ettinger
Men’s Club President Steve Feld
USY President Hannah Weiss
B’nai Israel REVIEW
MAY 2015
Contact Us
Our Mission Through our congregational life, our goal is to provide the opportunity for our
members and friends to experience Jewish life to its fullest. We want to transmit the
ideals of Conservative Judaism to our children and grandchildren, to enable them to be
knowledgeable and responsible participants in Jewish life, sensitive and ethical human
beings and reliable custodians of an enduring heritage. Through the synagogue, we
want to find strength and inspiration in worship and study, in the sharing of lifecycle
events, in acts of caring, in reaching out to the wide Jewish and non-Jewish
communities, and in concern and support for Israel.
3
RABBI LUSKI ON SABBATICAL
Rabbi Jacob Luski will be completing his Mini-Sabbatical, May 4 - August 12, which was spaced out in short segments during the
fall, winter, and summer months to accommodate the needs of the Congregation.
WHAT TO DO WHILE RABBI’S AWAY IF…
A child is born in my family? There is an engagement in my family? There will be a wedding in my family?
Call the CBI office at 727.381.4900 to share the good news with the Congregation.
There is a death in my family?
Call the CBI office at 727.381.4900 during business hours or, after hours, call Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, on her
cell phone at 214.263.8464. A member of the staff will help you make the necessary arrangements and will contact a Rabbi who
will be in touch with you to plan the funeral.
For those who are not members, we request that you consult with David Gross or Michael Gross at David C. Gross
Funeral Homes, 727.381.4911, for assistance with the funeral arrangements.
I have an emergency and need to talk to a staff member during non-business hours?
Call Susan Goldstein, Executive Director, on her cell phone at 214.263.8464.
We wish Rabbi Jacob and Joanne a most enjoyable last segment of their Mini-Sabbatical!
LIFE & LEGACY
CBI is proud to be
partnering with TOP
and the Grinspoon
Foundation in the Life &
Legacy Program.
ANNUAL MEETING
Mark your calendars:
Congregation B’nai
Israel’s annual meeting
will be held on
Wednesday, June 10.
Announcements
BUCS TICKETS
You’re in luck! There are still some
Tampa Bay Bucs tickets available in the
Mitzvah Men’s Club block for the upcoming
season. These are great seats: Section 135!
Contact Mike Slomka at 727.458.6703
for more information.
Don’t miss out!
DINNER AT THE PHILIP BENJAMIN TOWER
The Benjamin Tower Foundation would like to
extend an invitation to CBI congregants who
would like to join PBT residents for Shabbat
dinners. Dinner is $10 every Friday at 4:45 pm.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy dinner and
fellowship before walking over to CBI for
Shabbat services.
CBI will post each week’s menu to cbistpete.org
on Monday afternoons. RSVP with payment and
entrée choice to Kelli Rolfe by Wednesdays at
12:00 pm: 727.347.5191 or
BIKKUR HOLIM
One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is
bikkur holim: visiting the sick. It is a
responsibility that the clergy of B’nai Israel take
very seriously. When our members are ill or
hospitalized, we want to know. In the interest of
protecting confidentiality, hospitals today are
extremely cautious about sharing patient names,
even with clergy. We need our congregants to
communicate directly with us and to inform us of
illness or hospitalization. Please call Pam Askin
at 727.381.4901 so that, as clergy and the
synagogue family, we can be helpful in moments
of difficulty or stress.
4
From the Rabbi
What is the relationship between Pesah and Shavuot, the two major holidays in the Jewish calendar
that come seven weeks apart?
Shavuot is actually the Atzeret or culmination of the Exodus. The purpose of the Exodus was not
merely freedom, but to deepen the relationship between God and Israel. Thus it culminates at
Mt. Sinai in the Covenant between God and Israel.
At Sinai, the Israelites received a new master – God. No longer bound to the enslavement of Pharaoh,
they became the servants of the Holy One. Is this not exchanging one slavery for another?
Too often, we misconstrue freedom as the absence of restraint. We think freedom means no rules or regulations. But the
truth is that unrestrained freedom leads to boredom, confusion and chaos. True freedom is one that accepts and welcomes
constraints.
Rabindranath Tagore offered the following insight: “I have on my table a violin string. It is free to move in any direction I like. If
I twist one end, it responds; it is free. But it is not free to sing. So I take it and affix it to my violin. I bind it, and when it is
bound, it is free for the first time to sing.”
In order for us to be fully human, we need constraints. In order for us to accomplish anything, we need to discipline ourselves.
Contrary to the advertising motto, no rules is not just right.
Many people complain that Judaism makes demands on them. Why should religion be demanding and restrictive? Why can’t it
be whatever I want it to be? Because then it would serve no purpose. A religion that asks nothing of its adherents gives them
nothing in return.
God’s gift of Torah to us at Sinai was meant to impose obligations – mitzvot upon us. It is precisely these obligations that
sanctify us, make us spiritual and help us reach our full human potential. Without Torah, the Exodus is incomplete.
In essence, Pesah without Shavuot leads us nowhere. Pesah with Shavuot, with our acceptance of God’s gift of the Torah and
our commitment to observe it, leads to the Promised Land of becoming all that we are capable of being. As Shavuot is poorly
observed in our time, we are diminished as a people and as individuals. If Jewish continuity is in jeopardy, it is perhaps because
we have forgotten the pledge our ancestors made at Sinai in accepting God’s gift of Torah: “All that the Lord has spoken we
will faithfully do!” Exodus 24:7
Shavuot is a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and become truly free.
Hag Sameah!
Shalom,
From the Cantor
The High Holy days are only a few months away, and that means that CBI Choir rehearsals will be
starting up soon – specifically, rehearsals will begin on Thursday night, May 14 at 6:45 pm in the
chapel. Anyone who would like to sing with the choir, please contact me at [email protected]
or by phone at 727.381.4900 x1005.
The choir will perform on the following dates:
Selichot night, Saturday night, September 5; Erev Rosh Hashanah, Sunday night, September 13;
Erev Yom Kippur, Tuesday night, September 22
Back to this month: I will be continuing my Friday Night Service Class on the following Tuesdays in May: May 12, 19 and
26. If you would like to learn how to lead the Friday night service, or if you’d simply like to become more familiar with the
prayers so that you may feel more inclined to sing along, then this is the class for you! This class is for Hebrew readers, as we
will be using the Siddur Sim Shalom.
I also invite all of you to join me on Shabbat morning, May 16, when I will present A Sermon in Song. This work,
composed by my colleague Hazzan Stephen Freedman in 1995, is an exploration of synagogue music, set to the music of the
synagogue. For example, I will explain the Freygish scale and the Ahavah Rabah mode while singing the Freygish scale and the
Ahavah Rabah mode. I will also demonstrate how a cantor might embellish a melody by singing a simple setting of a prayer
followed by an elaborate setting of the same text. Some of you may remember that I delivered this Sermon in Song several
years ago, and I am delighted to reprise it this month.
We also have a major festival this month, Shavuot, which celebrates the Giving of the Torah at Sinai. Appropriately, we mark
this occasion by reading The Ten Commandments. Public readings of The Ten Commandments are interesting liturgically
because the tropes used for public reading parse The Ten Commandments so that each Commandment is a verse. Therefore,
when the Torah reader chants The Ten Commandments, s/he is reenacting the revelation at Sinai.
Hag Sameah,
5
From the President Pesach is over and the dishes, pots, and pans are once again put away. Now is the season where CBI
leadership looks to you for the future. The Nominating Committee, headed by Immediate Past
President Laurie Reiskind, has made calls and has asked for volunteers to help lead us for the next
few years.
Why do so few people say “yes” when asked to take on a role in leadership? Is it because of feelings
of inadequacy? Is it fear? Is it complacency? Let someone else have the headache! Does leadership
always come with a headache? Well, sometimes, yes. But most times, no.
What we know is that everyone (a) has an opinion; (b) has a crystal ball and see what would make things better; and (c) has
hindsight and is certain he/she knows what COULD HAVE made things better!
But what we don’t have are people who “put their money where their mouth is.” That’s why I am writing. Please share your
crystal balls and your hindsight. Please don’t just say what could or should have been, or could or should be. Be part of the
solution. Offer your insight with positive suggestions for a positive opportunities for the better.
Many people are taking the opportunity to keep CBI alive and vibrant:
The Engagement Committee has come up with many new ideas.
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee are working hard to provide us with the ideas and tools for our future.
Helen Kahan calls everyone with birthday and anniversary greetings.
Selma Gaby calls to make sure we have ushers for services.
Our wonderful Minyanaires help us carry out services every day. (You are too numerous to mention individually, but we
know who you are!)
Many others work throughout the year on our committees -- Ritual, Finance, High Holy Days, Adult Education, PRTT,
Youth Commission, USY, and many others.
They are leaders. You can join them. If you don’t want to do it alone, grab a friend or let us pair you up with some others to
form a group. We are looking for members who will work with Ari Weisberg on Membership, help with Fundraising, become
part of a team to develop our community projects. We don’t ask for your resume. We just ask for you to step up and share
your talents and ideas so that, together, we can create positive solutions to the challenges that face all faith-based organizations
in these changing times.
Todah Rabbah --Thank You -- to all who are part of our current leadership team. If you’re not there yet, give it serious
consideration. You might just be surprised at how worthwhile you’ll find the effort to be!
Shalom,
From the Executive Director
I remember my first Tikun Leyl Shavuot like it was yesterday. In fact, it was over 20 years ago. Although
I didn’t really know what it was, when my friend and teacher, Rabbi Michael Siegel, asked, I
unhesitatingly agreed to help arrange the first community-wide one in Chicago’s Lakeview area. Four
synagogues (one Conservative, two Reform, and one Modern Orthodox) and the JCC participated.
Each synagogue held its own “opening” event then, at 11:00 pm, about 100 of us gathered at the JCC.
The first session was a panel discussion – actually an “Ask the Rabbi” event with a rabbi from each organization –
moderated by a neighborhood scholar. After a snack (I was on KP duty with the Modern Orthodox rebbitzen), we moved to
the next set of sessions. We studied through the night with 75 minute sessions (three class choices per session) separated by
dairy snacks (featuring ice cream and cheesecake) and lots of coffee. There were sleep rooms, one for women and one for men,
for those who needed rest between sessions. At 6:00 am we walked one block over to Lake Michigan for sunrise
shacharit services – one egalitarian and one men only. Some then went back to the JCC for one more breakfast snack, OJ, and
coffee before either going to services or going home to bed.
That year, I chose to go home to bed. I had explained to my husband (Harold) what the plan was for the night and told him I’d
be home before he got up that morning. Well, he waited up all night. He wanted to know where I’d been all night because
NOBODY stayed up all night to study on a Jewish holiday that he’d never heard of anyway! I calmly explained that I had about
100 witnesses, and invited him to check in with any number of them. I believe it was a rabbi who finally reassured him. In any
event, he was prepared the following year, and he finally recognized Shavuot as a real Jewish holiday!
In fact, Shavuot is a really beautiful Jewish holiday, and I hope to see you in shul as we hear the Ten Commandments read and
recite Yizkor one last time in 5775.
Chag Sameach,
6
February 2014
Calling All Storytellers!
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center is looking for some fabulous volunteers
to come read to our youngest learners. We will even provide you with a selected P.J. Library Story
that supports our Judaica! Schedules are flexible as we have availability Monday through Friday,
9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested in getting involved?
Please contact Preschool Director Katherine Schaefer at
[email protected] or 727.302.9668.
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center (PRECEC)
Another school year has flown by in the blink of an eye! This month we celebrate the 57th graduating class from
Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center. A lot has changed over the course of the school year and our
preschool certainly would not be as successful as we are today without the love and support of our families, staff,
congregation members, and surrounding community. Serving over 65 local families, we are proud to proclaim that
Pauline Rivkind is truly a place where “Education is a Work of Heart!”
With over 50 families registered for Summer Camp Shalom, I’d like to extend a final invitation to those of you who
are still looking for a fun and educational program for your child this summer. From June 8 – August 14, students will
be experiencing weekly water day fun, working in the Goodness Garden, and a variety of dramatic themes to enjoy
their summer weeks. For more information please call the preschool office direct line: 727.302.9668.
The 2015-2016 school year begins on Monday, August 24. We have very limited space available in our accredited
VPK program. If you have or know of a child who will be 4 years old by September 1, please have them contact the
preschool office immediately so that they do not miss out on the opportunity to join our PRECEC family. VPK hours
are from 9:00 – 12:00 daily and are state funded. Prepare your child for kindergarten
through our hands-on, interactive program!
On a final note, this month is Teacher Appreciation month. All of our lives have been
touched in several ways by the men and women who dedicate their lives to educating
others and inspiring our youth. As Henry Brooke Adams once said, “A teacher affects
eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Please take the time to express
your gratitude for the educators in your life and in the lives of your children. You are
welcome to join us on Saturday, May 9, for the Educator's Shabbat beginning at 9:00 am.
Katherine Schaefer, PRECEC Director
PRECEC students sing and enjoy matzah at the Practice Seder. Photos courtesy of Michael Frye.
7
Dear Liz Sembler, CBI Community Engagement Director,
The youth of Congregation B’nai Israel have provided 25 men living at Beacon House with lunch for a whole week! That’s powerful!
I understand they did this while attending Hebrew High School, and what a wonderful lesson to learn. It is never too early to bring awareness to individuals and families in our community who do not have the basic needs of health care, food, and shelter. I commend you and Congregation B’nai Israel for bringing this awareness to youth in our community with hands-on experience.
The PB&J sandwiches were delivered to Beacon House today and the men will begin enjoying them tomorrow as they go out for the day, either to work or school. They receive a hot meal every day from our Community Kitchen, but many days find it a challenge to secure an affordable and healthy lunch. Thanks to your youth, they do not have this worry for the next week.
Thank you for all that you do for our neighbors in need.
Sincerely,
Beth Houghton Executive Director, St. Petersburg Free Clinic
LETTER BOX
Hebrew High School
Mazal Tov to this year’s Hebrew High graduates!
✡ Peninah Flo Benjamin
✡ Hannah Eva Hartung
✡ Hannah Nicole Kunins
✡ Rachel Esther Piper
✡ Jack Samuel Sutton
✡ Hannah Leigh Terzi
✡ Hannah Mae Weiss
✡ Ari Edward Zimmer
8
9
Advocacy for Israel Committee
Anti-Semitism in Europe: A series by Dr. Leslie Pearlstein
Russian media and officials have been portraying Ukraine as a hotbed of far-right extremism,
including anti-Semitism, ever since former President Viktor Yanukovych was removed from power at
the end of February 2014. In his first public reaction to Mr. Yanukovych's downfall, President Vladimir
Putin told journalists on 4 March, 2014: "We see the rampage of reactionary forces, nationalist and
anti-Semitic forces going on in certain parts of Ukraine, including Kiev." He used similar language in
his speech declaring the annexation of Crimea two weeks later, when he said that the "coup"
against Mr. Yanukovych was the work of "nationalists, neo-Nazis, Russophobes, and anti-Semites."
The Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities (VAAD) of Ukraine responded with an
open letter saying that President Putin's assertions about the rise of anti-Semitism in their country
"did not match reality." Mr. Putin's advisers "might have confused Ukraine with Russia where Jewish
organizations registered a rise of anti-Semitism last year," it added.
Shmuel Kaminetsky, a rabbi in Dnipropetrovsk, home to one of the country's largest Jewish
communities, also rejects the idea that Ukraine is anti-Semitic. Life is "easier and safer" for Jews in
Ukraine than in Western countries such as Belgium and France, “where radical Islam is on the rise.”
Still, concerns remain about the presence of far-right extremists in some parts of Ukrainian society,
especially the new volunteer battalions, which have played a key role in the current conflict. VAAD
Ukraine director Yosyp Zisels told a news conference in October that the volunteers were fighting
"bravely" for Ukraine's "sovereignty and territorial integrity." But he conceded some of them held
views that are "Nazi, ultranationalist and racist." Far-right extremists and fascists were fighting on
both sides of the conflict, Zisels said.
Jewish leaders are increasingly concerned about the fate of fellow Jews in areas controlled by the
insurgents, especially after the murder of Jewish businessman Heorhiy Zilberbrod in Donetsk in
August. In September 2014, at least 100 Jewish families fled Donetsk to the government-controlled
city of Mariupol, according to Donetsk rabbi Pinkhas Vyshedsky. Rabbi Vyshedsky himself recently
moved his office to Kiev "to help Jews from his city who found refuge in the capital and other parts
of the country."
Nevertheless, some Jews are also concerned about their safety in Kiev. In September, swastikas
were painted on the Babi Yar Holocaust memorial in Kiev, where 34,000 Jews were murdered in the
course of a week in September 1941. Commenting on the incident, World Jewish Congress
Vice President Boris Fuchsman said: "We often say that there is no anti-Semitism at the state level
today, but no-one has rooted out everyday anti-Semitism."
10
Adult Studies
CBI-Hadassah Book Club
CBI and the St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah co-host a monthly book
readers’ Discussion Group on Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the CBI Library.
If you are interested in leading the discussion for a meeting, please contact
Sheila Wasserman at 727.347.5816.
This month, the book club meets on Wednesday, May 20, to discuss
Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English by Natasha Solomons: At the outset of World War II, Jack Rosenblum and his family escape Berlin for London. Jack embraces the welcome pamphlet instructing immigrants how to act like “the English.” He acquires Saville Row suits and a Jaguar. He never speaks German, apart from the occasional curse. But one key item - membership in a golf club - remains elusive. So Jack hatches a wild idea: he’ll build his own.
Jack’s wife, Sadie, does not share this obsession. She wants to cook her mother’s recipes and remember the life they left behind. But when Jack relocates them to the country, Sadie watches their savings deplete as he pursues his quixotic dream.
In this gently surprising first novel, Natasha Solomons tells the captivating love story of a couple making a new life - and their wildest dreams - come true. Summary excerpt courtesy of Amazon.
Talmud Made Easy
Join Steve Wein as he and his Talmud Class continue study of a new Tractate this year along with its
selected commentaries. The classes are in English, and Steve explains all. Materials will be provided.
The class involves both textual analysis and lively discussion, and is open to everyone.
No previous knowledge is necessary.
Meet at the Buns Family Library at CBI on select Wednesday evenings at 7:00.
Next Sessions: Wednesdays, May 6 and May 20
Learn the Friday Night Service with Cantor Schultz!
If you’d like to learn how to lead the Friday night service, or if you’d just like to become more
familiar with the prayers and the melodies we use, this is the class for you! This class is for
Hebrew readers, as you will be using Siddur Sim Shalom in class.
Upcoming Sessions: Tuesdays, May 12, 19, and 26.
Please note there is no class on Tuesday, May 5, as Cantor will be at a convention in Chicago.
Educator’s Shabbat
Come join CBI in honoring the educators in our community on Shabbat Hinuch:
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 am.
Glimpses into Jewish History: Summer Sermonette Series
Get a glimpse into summer history during summer Shabbat evening services or be inspired by our
speakers with a D’var Torah during summer Shabbat morning services. If you would like to present
a message on Shabbat evening or morning from May through August, please contact Lou Bader at
727.867.4913 or [email protected].
View the full May sermonette schedule on the next page!
11
May Sermonette Speakers Friday, May 8, 6:30 pm
Sephardic Kabbalat Shabbat.
Speaker: Oren Adelson
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 am
Educator’s Shabbat; April & May Simha Shabbat.
Speaker: Ruth Lebowitz, Letter to a Teacher
Friday, May 15, 6:30 pm
USY Kabbalat Shabbat.
Speaker: Sherrie Carroll
Saturday, May 16, 9:00 am
Shabbat morning services.
Speaker: Cantor Schultz, Sermon in Song
Friday, May 22, 6:30 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat.
Speaker: Eric Pastman
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am
Shabbat morning services.
Speaker: Lou Bader, Shavuot
Saturday, May 23, 8:15 pm
Erev Shavuot Services. Tikun Leyl Shavuot, dairy Oneg.
Speaker: Liz Sembler
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am
Shavuot Yom Tov Services, First Day.
Speaker: Sandi Rodman
Monday, May 25, 9:00 am (Memorial Day)
Shavuot Yom Tom Services, Second Day. Yizkor Memorial Service.
Speaker: Mark Lewis
Friday, May 29, 6:30 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat.
Speaker: TBD
Saturday, May 30, 9:00 am
Shabbat morning services.
Speaker: Linda Grau, “RE———”
12
Shavuot
CELEBRATE SHAVUOT, THE FESTIVAL OF THE GIVING OF THE TORAH,
May 23, 24, & 25
Over 3300 years ago God gave Moses and the Jewish people the treasure of the Torah.
The Festival of Shavuot is the two-day celebration, commemoration and re-enactment of the giving
and receiving of the Torah.
On the first day of Shavuot, the Ten Commandments are read from the Torah in the Synagogue.
We encourage everyone to attend services to receive the Ten Commandments. It is important for
Jews of all ages to be present, especially the children, our “guarantors” that the Torah
remain ours forever.
So this year, join us and receive the gift that keeps on giving.
SHAVUOT SERVICE SCHEDULE
Saturday May 23 8:15 pm Erev Shavuot Services, Tikun Leyl Shavuot Study Session,
and Oneg Yom Tov
8:59 pm Candlelighting
Sunday May 24 9:00 am Yom Tov Services, 1st day Shavuot
12:00 pm Minha
7:59 pm Candlelighting
Monday May 25 9:00 am Yom Tov Services, 2nd day Shavuot,
Yizkor Memorial Service
12:00 pm Minha
Other Important Days
Lag B’Omer is he 18th day of Iyar, or the 23rd day of the Omer (this year, that falls on the
evening of May 6 and continues into May 7). This day marks the cessation of the plague that had
afflicted Rabbi Akiva’s students, and so Lag B’Omer is a day of respite from the sadness of
s'firah. Tahunun is not said, weddings are permitted, and haircuts and shaving are allowed for
those who refrain during s'firah weeks. People often celebrate with picnics or parties!
Yom Yerushalayim is the 28th day of Iyar. On the 28th day of Iyar in 1967, the IDF entered
the Old City of Jerusalem, occupied by Jordan since the War of Independence in 1948. For the
first time since 1948, the Jewish people had control over the Kotel! On Yom Yerushalayim we
reflect on this significant event and honor the men and women of the IDF who participated in
its liberation. It is also appropriate on this day to remember those who fell in the battles for
the city in both 1948 and 1967. This year, Yom Yerushalayim falls on the evening of Saturday,
May 16, and Sunday, May 17.
13
Todah Rabah
Todah Rabah to Ricki Lewis and our wonderful Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah religious school
students, who added so much to CBI’s festive Purim celebration.
Todah Rabah, also, to all of those who donated to CBI’s Maot Hittim Fund. The mitzvah of Maot
Hittim (money for wheat) has evolved to ensure that all Jews are able to celebrate Pesah. By giving
to CBI’s Maot Hittim Fund, you have helped us respond to the financial needs of those in our
community who would not otherwise have been able to participate in a Seder.
Esta Blaxberg
Dorothy Bowser &
Elizabeth Unruh
Dr. Pat Cottrille
Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman
Larry & Helen Freid
Selma Gaby
Joel & Ellen Goetz
Susan Goldstein
Valerie Hyman
Robert & Carolyn Isakson
Byron Kolitz & Dr. Starr Silver
Hannah Krassner
Dr. Steve & Susan LeVine
Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine
Mark & Ricki Lewis
Jeff & Diane Litt
Shelley Lynn
Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin
Debbie Marmon
Ruth Mauer
Adele Morris
Phil & Joan Redisch
Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind
Murray & Myrna Rubin
Cantor Jonathan Schultz
Greg & Liz Sembler
Rose Sutton
Dr. Hugh & Susie van Gelder
CBI is proud to be partnering with
TOP and the Grinspoon Foundation
in the Life & Legacy Program.
14
Sunday Monday Tuesday
3 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 9:45am PRTT Closing Program
6:30pm Minyan
4 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
6:30pm Minyan
5 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:00pm Chess Club
6:30pm Minyan
10 MOTHER’S DAY 9:00am Minyan, breakfast 10:30am Mother’s Day Brunch
See Page 17
6:30pm Minyan
11 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
6:30pm Minyan
12 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:30pm Friday Night Service
Class with Cantor Schultz 6:00pm Chess Club
6:30pm Minyan
7:00pm Women’s League
Board Meeting
17 YOM YERUSHALAYIM
9:00am Minyan, breakfast
5:00pm Menorah Manor 30th
Anniversary Masked
Ball
The Coliseum
6:30pm Minyan
18 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
6:30pm Minyan
19 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:30pm Friday Night Service
Class with Cantor
Schultz 6:00pm Chess Club
6:30pm Minyan
24 SHAVUOT DAY 1
9:00am Shavuot Yom Tom
Services, Kiddush
12:00pm Yom Tov Minha
7:59pm Candlelighting
31
25 SHAVUOT DAY 2
MEMORIAL DAY:
OFFICE CLOSED
9:00am Shavuot Yom Tov
Services, Yizkor,
Kiddush
12:00pm Yom Tov Minha
6:45pm Sephardic Shabbat
“Sneak Peek!”
26 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 5:30pm Friday Night Service
Class with Cantor
Schultz 6:00pm Chess Club
6:30pm Minyan
7:00pm Board of Trustees
Meeting
Morning
Minyan Followed by
Breakfast
Sunday: 9:00 am
Monday - Friday:
7:45 am
Evening
Minyan
Sunday -
Thursday:
6:30 pm
Please consult this
calendar or the
Shavuot schedule on
Page 12 for holiday
service times.
Iyar - Sivan 5775
May 2015
15
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
6:15pm Kabbalat Shabbat
on the Beach
Upham Beach
7:40pm Candlelighting
2 Parasha Aharei mot-
Kedoshim 9:00am Shabbat Services,
Kiddush*
6 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 1:30pm Investment
Committee Meeting
6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Talmud Class
7:00pm Men’s Club Meeting
EREV LAG B’OMER
7 LAG B’OMER 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee
6:30pm Minyan
8 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 9:00am PRECEC Mother’s
Day Tea Party
10:00am PRECEC Pre-Shabbat
Family Celebration
6:30pm Sephardic Kabbalat
Shabbat 7:51pm Candlelighting
9 Parasha Emor 9:00am Educator’s Shabbat,
May Simha Shabbat,
Kiddush*
13 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
6:30pm Minyan
14 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee
6:30pm Minyan
6:45pm Choir Rehearsal
15 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 6:30pm USY Kabbalat Shabbat 7:55pm Candlelighting
16 Parasha Behar-
Behukkotai 9:00am Shabbat Services,
Kiddush*
EREV YOM
YERUSHALAYIM
20 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am CBI-Hadassah
Book Club
6:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Talmud Class
21 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee
6:30pm Minyan
6:45pm Choir Rehearsal
22 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 11:00am PRECEC VPK
Graduation
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:59pm Candlelighting
23 Parasha Bemidbar 9:00am Shabbat Services,
Kiddush*
8:15pm Erev Shavuot Services,
Tikyun Leyl Shavuot,
Oneg Yom Tov
8:59pm Candlelighting
EREV SHAVUOT
27 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
6:30pm Minyan
28 7:45am Minyan, breakfast 10:00am Library Committee
6:30pm Minyan
29 7:45am Minyan, breakfast
10:00am PRECEC Shabbat
Celebration
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
8:02pm Candlelighting
30 Parasha Naso 9:00am Shabbat Services,
Kiddush*
* Shabbat Minha service
will begin approximately
45 minutes after the
conclusion of
morning services.
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From the Judaica Shop Crew
Spring and summer is the time for weddings, and we have several items
to complete your Bridal registry:
✡ Apple and honey dishes
✡ Seder plates
✡ Kiddush cups
✡ Dreidles
✡ Latke plates
… just to name a few!
We even gift wrap!
Our Monday hours have changed!
Our new schedule is:
Monday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Can’t make these hours? We will happily make an appointment. Call:
Anita Helfand 727.347.2300
Diana Litt 727.392.5554
Eileen Richman 727.492.4509
Love from the Judaica Shop Crew: Karen, Eileen, Diana, & Anita
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Mitzvah Men’s Club
Another month has passed, spring is in full bloom, and Passover is behind us. Soon we will be able to say,
“Here comes summer!” Mitzvah Men’s Club has been busy bringing fun and meaningful events for all seasons to our
CBI family. We brought you the World Wide Wrap in February, the Men’s Club Shabbat in March, Yom Hashoah
candles in April, and on May 10, we look forward to our very popular Mother’s Day Brunch. All of these functions
would not have been possible without a core group of volunteers that I want to thank again and again. We are very
fortunate to have our seasoned members that have helped us over many years and continue to share their
volunteer spirit. But, we also are in need of new members – a new and energetic generation to help continue these
truly magnificent undertakings. While it is great to be a member of CBI and attend our functions, please consider
joining the Mitzvah Men’s Club volunteer team and accept my invitation to come to one of our board meetings.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:00 pm in the Atrium. There, you can schmooze and kibbitz
with our board and learn more about this wonderful organization. If you can’t come to the meeting but want to
volunteer, call or email me at 727.541.5358 or [email protected] and we’ll help you become a part of the action.
Becoming an active member of the MMC has been an enlightening experience for me, and I hope that we can make
it just as insightful for you. RSVP early to 727.381.4900, not only for the meeting, but also for the upcoming
Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10. L’hitraot,
Steve Feld, MMC President
The Mitzvah Men’s Club of CBI invites you to
Sunday, May 10, at 10:30 am
Adults $20 | Children (ages 5 - 18) $10 | Mothers are free
RSVP by Monday, May 4: 727.381.4900 or [email protected]
Checks payable to Mitzvah Men’s Club to: 300 58th Street North St. Petersburg 33710
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Life Cycle Mazal Tov!
Hebrew High School Graduates
Peninah Benjamin, Hannah Hartung,
Hannah Kunins, Rachel Piper, Jack Sutton,
Hannah Terzi, Hannah Weiss, and Ari Zimmer
Jeremy Reiskind
Recipient of Morris and Shirley Rapoport Award
in Jewish Studies at Rice University
Lilly Salcman
Recipient of the Jewish National Fund Lifetime
Achievement Award
Dr. Steve Warren
New home in Seminole
Hannah Weiss
Elected SATO Vice President for the
Hanegev Region of USY
Dr. Charlene Wygodski
Recipient of the 2015 Breaking the Class Ceiling
Award by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU
Louis Zerin
Bar Mitzvah of son, Travis Ian Zerin
Etz Chaim Tree of Life Leaves on the Tree of Life have been inscribed:
Happy 50th Birthday
Laurie Reiskind
With love from family and friends: Pam Askin, Michael Barth &
Maureen Shacter, Susie & Ira Berman, Gail & Mike Frye, Susan
Goldstein, Ricki & Mark Lewis, Carol & Bill Marger, Ruth
Mauer, Reva & Leslie Pearlstein, Karen & Cary Reich, Steven,
Abby, Danyelle & Michael Reiskind and Livia & Steve Wein.
March 23, 2015
Mazal Tov
Hebrew High Graduation 5775
April 24, 2015
It is a Tree of Life to those who uphold it.
Proverbs 3:16-8
Looking for a special way to honor
family and friends celebrating a Simha?
BUNS FAMILY TREE OF LIFE
is just the answer. What a joy it is for someone to
walk into our shul and see a tribute in honor of his/her
Bar or Bat Mitzvah, special birthday, anniversary, or
wedding. Order forms are in the synagogue office and
lobby. Minimum donation $254
In Memoriam
Diane Green-Shnider Mother of Bonnie Schaffer
Rae Schuster Grandmother of Sheryl Soule
“Mickey” Singer
Norman Tauberg
Brother of Shirley Blau Grossman
Roberta Tepper
Uncle of Sheryl Weitman
May God comfort the families among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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Mitzvah Grams
Join us in wishing Mazal Tov! to members celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, and B’nai Mitzvah. Your good wishes can be part of their memories, while at the same time supporting B’nai Israel’s commitment to help our schools, youth groups, and Synagogue through your donations to our
Mitzvah Fund.
MAZAL TOV!
Anniversaries
Jack & Judy Buns 6
Ellen Podgor & Cheryl Segal 17
Dr. Mark & Noelle Walters 19
Dr. Craig & Tertia Kunins 22
Aaron & Helen Applefield 24
Dr. Jimmy & Robin Post 24
Jeffrey & Jessica Strait 24
Carl & Gail Rubinsky 24
Joe & Eva Fuchs 25
Dr. Michael & Leisa Zimmer 26
Herb & Sandy Brasch 27
Larry & Helen Freid 28
Dr. David & Vicki Greenfield 29
Samuel & Beulah Steel 29
Dr. David & Rachel Wein 30
Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg 31
In Honor of:
___________________________
Check the names of everyone to whom you want to send a Mitzvah Gram.
Send this form together with your check, minimum $10 donation for each acknowledgement to: CBI St. Pete, PO Box 159 Montvale, NJ 07645,
donate online at cbistpete.org, or drop off your check in the synagogue office.
*The minimum donation per acknowledgement is $10.
Please print:
Your Name: ______________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
City, _____________________________Zip: __________________
Telephone: ______________
Other Simhas
Do a Mitzvah on your birthday
Attend the Daily Minyan!
CELEBRATE YOUR
MAY BIRTHDAY AND
ANNIVERSARY AT
SIMHA SHABBAT
SATURDAY,
MAY 9, 9:00 AM
19
YOM HULEDET SAMEAH!
Birthdays
Eliot Dantowitz 7
Susan Scheinert 7
Diane Weiner 8
Peter Benstock 9
Dr. Harold Pollack 12
Beulah Steel 12
Philip Hirschfield 13
Stephen Wein 13
Sam Janofsky 14
Eva Fuchs 15
Rita Jacobson 16
Lawrence Lew 16
David Robbins 16
Dr. Bob Sheppard 16
Herb Brasch 17 Jared Shenofsky 17
Ilene Worman 17
Jim Gordon 18
Ben Thomas 18
Hannah Krassner 19
Helen Kahan 20
Vivian Lurie 20
Dr. Robert Weisberg 20
Ronald Yogman 21
Ann Mark 22
Steve Feld 23
Louis Frey 23
Cynthia Goldstein 23
Pam Kravitz 23
Rachel Domber 24
Sheryl Feinman 24
Walter Loebenberg 24
Ralph Mizrahi 25
Kim Zinkerman 25 Dr. Irwin Ayes 26
Sheila Knapp 29
Shelley Lynn 30
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Donations
Adult Education Fund In Honor Of
Eileen Richman Ellen Bernstein
In Memory Of
Drs. Warren & Naomi Abel Lillian Grau
Dr. Harold & Anita Pollack Louis Stromwasser
Anita Sher Lillian Grau
Camp Ramah Fund In Honor Of
Murray & Myrna Rubin In Appreciation
Liz Sembler's birthday
In Memory Of
Dr. Ed & Vivian Lurie Loved Ones
Shelley Lynn Lillian Grau
Cantor's Discretionary Fund In Honor Of
Steve & Linda Grau Cantor Schultz
Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Cantor Schultz
Gail Warren Leadership Fund In Honor Of
Susan Goldstein Ricki Lewis, CBI’s
Woman of Distinction
Esta Blaxberg, Women’s
League Woman of
Achievement
Bill Marger, MMC’s Man
of the Year
Murray & Myrna Rubin Hebrew High
Graduates
Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Betty Sembler’s Speedy
Recovery
Ruth Mauer’s Speedy
Recovery
In Memory Of
Phil & Joan Redisch Samuel & Bertha
Redisch
Dr. Stanley & Nancy Rosenberg Elinor Citrin
Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Regina Landes
Jacobs Beautification Fund In Memory Of
Adele Morris Jean Kraff
Lillian Grau
Library Fund In Memory Of
Dolores Diamond Helen Fait
Bev Sherman Lillian Grau
Jean Kraff
Minyan Fund In Honor Of
Bob & Rhonda Sattin Daily Minyan
In Memory Of
Bob & Rhonda Sattin Bob’s Father
Mitzvah Fund In Honor Of
Akif Abayev In Appreciation
Audrey Kopelman In Appreciation
Rose Sutton Misheberach
Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.) In Honor Of
Dr. Pat Cottrille April Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Beverly Dikman Joanne Luski
Susan Turner's Speedy
Recovery
Dr. Steve Warren
Mussie Eidelman Rabbi and CBI
Harold & Charlotte Goldberg Women of Distinction
Ellen Bernstein, Esta
Blaxberg, and Livia Wein
Robert & Carolyn Isakson Ruth Mauer
Mirla Kremer Wedding of Adele Morris’
Granddaughter
Millie Gelfond's Birthday
Leo Lang Esta Blaxberg, Woman
of Distinction
Lawrence Wein & Jane Greenwald Dr. David & Rachel Wein
Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Betty Sembler's Speedy
Recovery
Ruth Mauer's Speedy
Recovery
Alan & Susie Schwartz Birth of Rose Sunshine
Bizer
Birth of Yael Golda Marlin
Ed & Janet Shapiro Anita Helfand
In Memory Of
Amnon Abayov Essachar Abayov
Leonard & Patty Adelson Elihu Nemiroff
Ed Bailey & Dr. Nancy Landfish Joyce & Eugene Bailey
Alvin & Nita Barshefsky Miriam Barshefsky
Judy Benjamin Lillian Grau
Dr. Mark & Louisa Benjamin Lillian Grau
Dr. Pat Cottrille Lillian Grau
Dr. Larry & Alice Ettinger Jean Kraff
Sandy Herskowitz
Murray Fink Mollie Fink
Lenny & Millie Gelfond Jean Kraff
Ilene Goldblatt Maurice Goldblatt
Art & Diana Jay Jean Kraff
Lillian Grau
Audrey Kopelman Lillian Grau
Dr. Morrie & Marilyn LeVine Jean Kraff
Lillian Grau
Jeff & Diane Litt William Litt
Cindy Rubin Mike Richman
Jean & Harry Kraff
Sandra Sherman Jean Kraff
Elaine Kleinmetz Norman Tauberg
Francie, Keith, & Schreiber Family Jean Kraff
Beatrice Schaikowitz Jean Kraff
Arlene Rothman Lillian Grau
Bay Vista Hospitality Committee Camille Flashman
Dr. Harold & Anita Pollack Lillian Grau
Bennett & Randi Rabin Meyer Miller
Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind Sandy Herskowitz
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Donations
Akif Abayev
Michael Bender & Robin Perlman
David & Irene Beyth
Pearl Brook
Dr. Pat Cottrille
Beverly Dikman
Rachel Domber
Dr. Greg Engelman
Dr. Larry & Sheryl Feinman
Joe & Eva Fuchs
Dr. Mark & Judi Gordon
Steve & Linda Grau
Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand
Dean Hershkowitz
Michael & Arlene Hurwitz
Sam & Sandy Janofsky
Mirla Kremer
Leo Lang
Larry & Aldena Lew
Dr. Marc & Laurie Reiskind
Eileen Richman
David & Teddi Robbins
Anita Sher
Warren & Rebecca Simmons
Dr. Bob & Jennifer Sternberg
Susan Turner
Linda Weiss
Mark & Julia Wolfson
Art & Kim Zinkerman
Susan Goldstein
Leslie Kirsner
Mitzvah Fund (cont’d.) In Memory Of
David & Teddi Robbins Annette Robbins
Ilona Sakovich Lev Pleskov
Alan & Susie Schwartz Lillian Grau
Greg & Liz Sembler Jean Kraff
Lillian Grau
Joel & Betty Shane Lillian Grau
Anita Sher Jill Engelman
Dr. Mike & Sandy Slomka Lillian Grau
Martha Terry Barbara & Manuel Stein
Pauline Rivkind Fund In Memory Of
Jeremy & Rebecca Douglass Seymour Zapen
Lee Shenofsky Mark Shenofsky
Prayer Book Fund In Memory Of
Dr. Arthur & Bebby Marlin Eva Marlin
PRTT Fund In Honor Of
Ed & Janet Shapiro Anita Helfand's Speedy
Recovery
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Honor Of
Anonymous Jerry Gilbert's Speedy
Recovery
Steve & Linda Grau In appreciation to Rabbi
Luski for attending to
mother's funeral
Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Rabbi Luski
Misheberach for Robert
Sundick
Robert & Carolyn Isakson In Appreciation
Wayne & Sue Bizer Rose Sunshine Bizer’s
Baby Naming
Eileen Richman Esta Blaxberg
Murray & Myrna Rubin In appreciation of
special recovery prayers
Shirley Sommella CBI's Women of
Distinction
Sandi Rodman's
Birthday
In Memory Of
Janet Augenbraun Jean Kraff
Lillian Grau
Sylvia Ayes Lillian Grau
Barbara Bernstein Samuel Bernstein
Esta Blaxberg Jean Kraff
Beverly Dikman Fred Berger
Larry & Sheryl Feinman Jean Kraff
Anonymous Perry E. Gaby
Anonymous Sandy Herskowitz
Anonymous Jean Kraff
Anonymous Lillian Grau
Joel & Ellen Goetz Lillian Grau
Anita Helfand & Lorri Helfand Lillian Solomon
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Memory Of
(cont’d.)
Sharon Koenig Gladys Koenig
Bob & Elaine Lachter Anna Lachter
Larry & Aldena Lew Lillian Grau
Yvette Lew Lillian Grau
Karen Goldblatt Murburg
Ruth Mauer Lillian Grau
Jean Kraff
Tracy Benstock Solomons Dr. Gary Norris
Judy Moore Philip Katz
Allen & Betty Polon Jack Polon
Sharron Scott Lena Lew
Don & Jane Silverberg Lillian Grau
Shirley Sommella John Sommella
Claire Weinstein William & Minnie Berman
Jeffrey & Barbara Dissin
Samuel & Elizabeth
Weinstein
Stanley Weinstein
USY Fund In Honor Of
Steve & Linda Grau Ruth Mauer's Speedy
Recovery
Rita Jacobson Birth of Max Ava Melker
In Memory Of
Drs. Warren & Naomi Abel David Alpert
Rita Jacobson Roz Melker
Sharon Koenig David Dotson
Bruce & Mary Ann Marger Jean Kraff
Lillian Grau
Ruth Mauer Florence Veniar
USY Pilgrimage Fund In Honor Of
Connie Simon Laurie Reiskind's 50th
Birthday
Murray & Myrna Rubin Ruth Mauer
In Memory Of
Shelley Lynn Lillian Grau
Frank & Arlene Moss Norman & Raela Moss
Yizkor Appeals (through April 22)
22
Dear Mr. Kauffman,
On behalf of Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services, Inc. and the many clients we serve, I thank you and the Minyan Pushke Fund for the very generous donation of $5400.00 for the food pantry.
As you know from your discussion with Gail Allen, this very important part of Gulf Coast is stocked entirely through donations and cannot be kept open without the generosity of individuals and groups like yours.
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services provides services that give our clients hope, dignity, and the chance for a brighter future. Last year, we provided over 1,600 household members with food from our pantry, and 1,250 individuals were supplied with household items and school supplies.
We are committed to providing excellent management of our client's needs; helping children, families, and individuals who are in crisis, need constant care, or just looking for help improving their lives.
Again, personally and on behalf of all of us at Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services, THANK YOU!
Sincerely, Jay Miller, GCJFCS Board Chair
LETTER BOX
Great Happenings at CBI
Our sponsors make the B’nai Review possible.
Please support them too!
Photographs courtesy of Valerie Hyman
The Jews of Spain: Past, Present, and... Future? Presented by Moisés Hassán on Wednesday, March 25
23
Advertisers
24
Women’s League needs YOU
To help bake your own recipes/cake mixes to be used for Kiddushim.
If interested, please contact Ruth Ann Mizrahi at 727.347.6688 or [email protected]
~
Women’s League Catering is Special Trust us with your simcha and you’ll discover that in addition to the delicious food, the great attention to
detail, and the unbeatable value, there’s one thing that separates us from the rest. With everything we do, from
the first phone call to the serving of each carefully prepared dish, we do it with all our heart.
Give us a call and see for yourself. Contact Livia Wein at
727.393.3289 or [email protected]
25
www.goldbergeyemd.com
26
Weekly kosher Shabbat dinners, traditional Jewish holiday celebrations, private van service, Katz’s Korner
minimart, and a full schedule of daily activities are available to our residents.
Studio and one bedroom apartments are available
through rental programs that offer affordable housing to seniors living on limited income.
250 58th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 philipbenjamintower.org
727-347-5191
Ad sponsored by Benjamin Tower
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A 55+ independent living community that honors
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27
28
Congregation B’nai Israel
B’nai Israel Review
300 -58th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710-7889
Tel: 727.381.4900
Fax: 727.344.1307
Website: www.cbistpete.org
24 Hour Telephone Voice Mail
Change Service
Requested
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID St. Petersburg, Fl.
Permit # 618
