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CBZ NEWSLETTER: THE KEYS TO JUDAISM
Rabbi Dudai ’s Message Please send comments regarding any of the Rabbi’s Messages to [email protected]
Pilgrimage Holy Days and Special Texts - Part Two
In Part One, we examined the text assigned to the
first pilgrimage festival, Passover, and considered the
underlying meaning of Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs).
Now we will study the special text that is read during
Shavuot, the second pilgrimage festival. The name of
this holy day, Shavuot (which translates to “weeks”),
is a reference to the seven weeks of the counting of
the Omer that separates Passover from Shavuot.
This was the length of time it took the tribes of
Israel to traverse the desert from Egypt to the foot
of Mt. Sinai, where the cosmic event of the receiving of
the Ten Commandments took place. That moment
in time was, in substance, a mass conversion of our
ancestors; a group of freed slaves became a people
united and guided by a moral code. The ethics
revealed that day have continued to change and
shape humanity throughout the generations.
The text ascribed to Shavuot, the book (scroll) of
Ruth, indeed reflects this "conversion event". The
Scroll of Ruth tells the story of the exceedingly famous
conversion of a Moabite woman who became a historic
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Produced By: Congregation B’nai Zion
~ South Florida’s Oldest Synagogue ~
Established in 1887
Rabbi Shimon Dudai
President Fred Covan PhD
750 United Street Key West, FL 33040
305-294-3437
www.BnaiZionKW.org [email protected]
Volume 6 — Issue 3
——————————
January/February 2015 (Tevet/Shevat/Adar 5775)
The newsletter is produced
bi-monthly (6 issues per year)
Editor: Elyse Spialter
WHAT’S NEW?
Personally, I had a very full 2014. It was also a jam-packed year for CBZ. The year began, just days after the new year started, with the first of three “Feed Your Mind, Feed Your Soul” events. Each of these events included speakers (Elisa Levy in January, Jack Einhorn in February and Arlo Haskell in March) enjoyed by all who attended and everyone was thrilled to partake in the delicious Friday Night dinners prepared by Rebetzen Nadia. We celebrated Purim and Passover in B’nai Zion’s usual festive style. There was even a special Shabbat honoring our nonagenarians! After the typical summer slow-down, we were back in full swing for the weeks that covered the Fall holidays —welcoming the Jewish New Year, observing the solemn day of Yom Kippur, and sharing days of schmoozing & dining n the sukkah. Then, the cooler days of winter set in and, before we knew where the time had gone, we were lighting the candles for Hanukkah 5775/2014. This year, like any other, was marked by loss and we pause for a moment to remember & miss those who are no longer with us. There were also simchas; there were Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, graduations and so many other moments of joy within the CBZ family. Though I’m looking for my life to be a bit calmer in 2015, I’m sure we’re all in agreement that we welcome another exciting year at CBZ. Please remember to review the Calendar of Events on the back page of this issue to be sure you know all that is going-on as 2015 begins. See p. 5 for my thanks to this issue’s proof-
readers. Happy New Year!
,שלוםElyse
SEND WHATEVER YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE TO [email protected]
Deadline for the Mar/Apr issue is
Feb 10th!
NEWS CHADASHOT
Reminder – Part One of this Series is
found in the November/December 2014
issue; it is recommended that you re-
read Part One prior to reading Part Two.
2
Please remember, CBZ is a
volunteer organization with
no “paid office staff” …
If you call & get the office
answering machine, please
leave a message & someone
will get back to you as soon
as possible or contact
CBZ thru our Website:
www.bnaizionkw.org
Membership Committee Alan Solomon
Ritual
Committee
Rabbi Dudai
Jack Einhorn
Justin Kawaler
Dr. John Kreinces
Bounce Margil
Sid Wharton
Cemetery Committee Fred Covan Bounce Margil Suzanne Teicher Kenny Weschler
Finance
Committee
Fred Covan
Sheldon Davidson
Eileen Kawaler
Justin Kawaler
Mae McMahan
Peter Rysman
Alan Solomon
Si Stern
Liz Young
Events Committee
Eileen Kawaler
Mae McMahan
Alan Solomon
Si Stern
Liz Young Historian Jack Einhorn
COMMITTEES AT CBZ:
Facilities Committee
Fred Covan
Rebetzen Nadia Dudai
Mae McMahan
Si Stern
Kenny Weschler
Yahrzeit Committee Sheldon Davidson Karen Grant-Margil Si Stern Bruce York
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
(FROM DR. FRED COVAN):
Fred & Diane Covan wish
a very happy 2015 to all
at CBZ ! ! ! !
Rabbi Dudai’s Message (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
figure of utmost importance. Ruth goes on to marry Boaz, and becomes the
progenitor of King David and the Davidic Dynasty that, according to our tradi-
tion, will produce the Messiah (the redeemer of Israel and all humanity).
This amazing drama gives us an instructive overview of life in Israel at the
time of the Judges (circa 12th century BCE), as well as demonstrating the
deep meaning of a peculiar mitzvah (commandment) that we were instructed
to observe on Shavuot. The unique mitzvah was to bring two loaves of hallot bread as a special new offering to
the Lord. This offering was different from those ordinarily made because the Torah specifies that this bread must
be hametz (baked with yeast). This is in total contradiction to the overarching rule that no hametz is ever to be
offered to the Lord.
We learn from this an important lesson in our ever-evolving relationship with G-d. Whatever is forbidden now
may, in the future, become permitted. Nothing and no one is definitively excluded forever. In the fullness of time,
all can be included. Ruth who was excluded, is now included. She was not part of the whole to start, but became
central to our history and the destiny of our people.
Blessings to you all,
Rabbi Dudai
Above Konk Life photo shows Bounce Margil watching
as Fred Covan lights the CBZ menorah.
Thanks to all
who made
Hanukkah 5775/2014
a festive celebration
at CBZ!
3
!!!!!!! WEBSITE
www.bnaizionkw.org
!!!!!!! Constant Contact Eblasts
GET MORE
CBZ INFO!
TREES OF LIFE:
Tu B’Shevat (which literally translates to “the 15th of Shevat”) is a celebration of trees. In Israel, it is in the month of Shevat when new fruits begin to emerge on the trees and these fruits are central to observance of the holiday. The custom of conducting a “seder” based on the fruits associated with Tu B’Shevat was developed by 16th century Kabbalists and, in recent years, is increasingly being revived. The holiday of Tu B’Shevat is also called “Rosh Hashanah La’Ilanot” (“New Year of the Trees”) and it is one of the four new years marked in the Mishnah.
Tu B’Shevat is considered the Jewish “Arbor Day” and in America, and even moreso in Israel, holiday events include tree planting and other activities of ecological importance. Modern times have seen a variety of projects with tree-related themes being incorporated in the holiday’s celebration; even construction of genealogical (family) trees has become popular. Also common are donations that are tree-oriented, such as to organizations that plant trees. Marking a personal simcha on the CBZ Tree of Life would be an apropos contribution for this occasion — see below. For 2015, Tu B’Shevat falls on February 3-4 (from sundown-to-sundown) and will be celebrated at CBZ in conjunction with Shabbat services on the 6th of February. For more information about the Jewish perspective on
trees, see “Symbols in Jewish Art” on p. 7 of this issue.
FEED YOUR MIND,
FEED YOUR SOUL
Upcoming 2015 Events
—————-
Once again this wonderful combina-
tion of services welcoming Shabbat
and a speaker of interest are being
combined with Friday Night Dinner to
appeal to all of the senses. Join in!
—————-
January 9th
(Note—Change of Date!)
Speaker: Stanley Zabar
This longtime member of CBZ will
share stories of his family’s legendary
NYC store. 2014 marked a celebra-
tory 80 years for the business! Hear
tales of how three generations of the
Zabar family have kept it going strong!
—————-
February 6th
Speaker: Rabbi Steven Glazer
Following a distinguished career as a
pulpit Rabbi for 43 years, Rabbi
Glazer has established a unique
counseling practice that focuses on
families coping with the complex
issues of caring for an aging family
member. The Rabbi, also a CBZ
member, will speak on “Caring for
the Caregiver — Jewishly” and will
explore our responsibilities to our
loved ones and ourselves.
—————-
Watch for e-mail blasts that will
provide the details, including the
Rebetzen’s delicious menu choices.
MAZEL TOV! JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
9 Mildred Varon
15 Nancy Cohen
16 Margie Randall
17 Michelle Cohen
18 Gil Hermelin
20 Michael Kass
26 Michele Green
Cole Altman
27 Rachel Appelrouth
Claire Zuckerman
28 Mindy Esbin
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
1 Michael Gordon
2 Claire Zoe Young
3 Susan Samrick
4 Neal Farr
Liz Young
5 Amy Spielberg
6 Susan Server
9 Elyse Spialter
12 Judy Blume
13 Elias Gerth
Sheldon Davidson
16 Arlene Doty
17 Douglas Bradshaw
18 Janet Kass
Suzanne Teicher
Deborah Meisel
21 Si Krinsky
22 Edith Amsterdam
23 Neal Ruchman
25 Zev Zahav
28 Carol Abramovitz
JANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
7 Linda & Peter Rysman
9 Sandie Klubeck & Jim Everett
20 Linda & Harris Estroff
FEBRUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
12 Diane & Fred Covan
19 Tracey & Daren Oppenheimer
20 Bonnie & Arnold Goldsmith
MAZEL TOV to VERA SCHIFF who has been named the 2014 “unsung hero” by Impromptu Classical Concerts. She will
be honored at the annual CFFK awards luncheon on Jan. 30th. (See http://konknet.com/
konk-life/new/stories/2014-12-08-1)
Editor’s Note: The phrase “mazel tov” is generally translated to mean “good luck”, but is not used to wish someone luck for the future. Rather, the phrase is an acknowledgement of the good fortune that someone has already experienced and is used in
the same manner as “congratulations”. The actual defini-tion of the word “mazel” is “constellation” or “planetary body” and it conveys a sense of heavenly influence.
4
MAZEL TOV to KAREN GRANT MARGIL
who is sharing her talent in the role of Boo Levy in Last Night of Ballyhoo
at the Red Barn Theatre thru Jan. 17th (The CBZers who went to see Karen & the show on 12/25 are spreading rave reviews! )
A belated “mazel tov” is extended to the
Gvili Family for Rafi’s birthday on November 24
& Daniel’s birthday on December 4 and for the
anniversary of Ellen & Rafi Gvili on November 14
On behalf of CBZ, Rabbi Dudai wishes a special MAZEL TOV to
DAVID SAMRICK who is being honored by his peers in the steel industry and will receive
“Steel Man of the Year” award in June ’15
Heartfelt Thanks to the Following for
Their Contributions to B’nai Zion:
Thank You
Ellen & Rafi Gvili
t/y for Shabbat Services
Lynn Gladstone Weisman
t/y for Kiddush lunch
Marilyn Kellner
m/o lifelong friend,
Sylvia Belsky
Judie & Dr. Michael Klitenick
m/o Jack Appel
Charles Roberts
h/o Rabbi Dudai
Marsha Turner
h/o Richard Klitenick
Linda & Alan Solomon
m/o Sheldon Mermelstein
Donald Lewin
for Kiddush lunch
Anonymous
SPONSOR A KIDDUSH!
Help continue the B’nai Zion tradition of sharing a lovely Shabbat meal
after services. 3 levels of Kiddush Sponsorship are available:
STANDARD-$300 / DELUXE-$400 / SUPER DELUXE-$500 {Any donation graciously accepted & acknowledged}
To sponsor a Kiddush or help in the kitchen … please contact
Rebetzen Nadia (786-877-0118 or [email protected])
Thank you to REBETZEN NADIA and to her faithful “crew” for
their assistance with recent Kiddushes.
Thanks are extended to those who recently sponsored a Kiddush or
contributed to the Kiddush fund, including: EILEEN KAWALER (h/o
Justin’s B-day), MICHAEL POPOVICE (in appreciation for successful
surgery & return to good health), ELLEN GVILI (h/o B-days of Ravi &
Daniel), ROSE & JACK EINHORN (12/13 Kiddush), DAHLIA &
JONATHAN WOODS (anniversary), FUNT FAMILY (h/o congregation).
UPCOMING KIDDUSHES:
January 3rd — Karen & Bounce Margil (Daniel’s B-day)
January 10th — Donald Lewin (m/o Sheldon Mermelstein)
Contributions acknowledged in this issue include those posted through December 8th. Those
made after that date will be recognized in future issues of the newsletter. PLEASE NOTE: It is
helpful to include a separate note with each check that you send - specifying what the check is for,
exactly who it is from, and what you’d like listed in the newsletter regarding the donation (with the
understanding that space limitations may require altering what is included in print). Thank you!
The generosity
of all those
contributing
to CBZ is most
appreciated!
ADDITIONAL HIGH HOLIDAY DONATIONS
The pledge listings in the Nov/Dec issue of the newsletter
did not include the following:
100 Jane Dawkins for kiddushes, h/o Nadia
180 Shoshana & Gary Lichtenstein TOL leaf
600 Joan & Victor Cushman h/o the grandchildren
1800 Yael & Arnold Hermelin
100 Anna Buxton
250 Kim Gordon & Steven Mizner Thanks to the Rabbi
180 Yvonne & Theodore Finkenthal
300 Bruce York m/o mother, Ruth,
and sister, Carole
—————————————
To all those who made a High Holiday pledge, if you have not yet
sent in payment, please make that payment at this time.
THANK YOU!
Thanks to those who assisted with the proofreading for this issue: Howard Spialter, Sheldon Davidson, Liz Young,
Karen Grant-Margil, Mae McMahan & Rabbi Dudai 5
January 2015 Tevet/Shevat 5775
Yahrzeits In most instances, the date observed is the Hebrew date of death (starting at sundown)
February 2015 Shevet/Adar 5775
January 2/ 11 Tevet Gerald Jay Schiffman
January 3/ Gudrun Erding/Niepage
…………...12 Tevet Estelle Glantz
January 4/ 13 Tevet Raphael B. Malsin
January 5/ 14 Tevet Morris Nitishin
January 6/ 15 Tevet Evelyn Blanche Kawaler
January 7/ 16 Tevet Baasya Appel
Robert Horowitz
January 8/ 17 Tevet Arthur Rosinek
I. Grossman
Philip Davidson
January 9/ 18 Tevet Joseph A. Cohen
Rebecca Goldstein
Elka Holsberg
January 10/ Joseph Hornberger
…………...19 Tevet Celia Chick
Sybil Goldman
January 11/ 20 Tevet Irving Jerome Caplan
Elsie Moskowitz
January 12/ 21 Tevet Jack Baron
Cynthia Faye Projector
January 14/ 23 Tevet Eric Wasserman
Rose Kissel
Minnette Hermelin
January 15/ 24 Tevet Freida Chaiat
January 16/ 25 Tevet Mendel Holtsberg
Kate Shavin
Messod Attias
January 17/ 26 Tevet Ethel Wechter
Sidney Kaplan
January 19/ 28 Tevet Louis Padoll
January 20/ 29 Tevet Rachel Schmarek
Annie Isaac
January 21/ Forest F. Detweiler
…………….1 Shevat Reuben Gordon
January 22/ 2 Shevat Leon Lipner
January 423 3 Shevat Chaim Lieb Chajet
January 24/ 4 Shevat Sidney Karo
Adeline Littman
Ben Serling
Rabbi Sol Landau
January 25/ 5 Shevat Cele Waxman Rothman
January 26/ 6 Shevat Nellie Padoll
Sidney Levine
January 27/ Ruth York
…………….7 Shevat Maxwell M. Parker
Ida Margil
Sidney David Roth
January 28/ 8 Shevat Sarah Elsie Kawaler
January 29/ 9 Shevat Sadona Katzen
Justine Trubey Stilling
January 30/ 10 Shevat Samuel Schevach
January 31/ 11 Shevat Joseph Leonard
Merwin Sacarob
Matilda Mendell
Morris Irving Estrin
Yahrzeit Donations From … In Memory of …
********************************
Si Stern
Rebecca Stern
Bertram Stern
Bruce York
Carole York Convoy
Judie & Michael Klitenick
Tose Klitenick
Deborah & Sidney Goldman Dr. Stephen Kay
Gwen & David Hawtof Mildred Hawtof
Robert Sher
Mom, Eva Sher (Hava bas Motel)
Eileen & Neal Farr Isadore Appelrouth (grandfather)
Ida Phillips (great-grandmother)
Bertha Kane
Eugene Tosk
Sandra & Jordan Bernstein Samuel Bolotin (grandfather)
Michelle & Jeffrey Green Isadore Green
Rachel Appelrouth
Isadore Weintraub
Ida Phillips
Carol & Phillip Wilks
Ida Wilks
Carol & Larry Abramovitz
Ruth Abramovitz
Sally & Arnold Young
Frank Lewinsky (grandfather)
Sheldon Davidson & Susan Server Phillip Davidson (father)
February 1/ 12 Shevat Phillip Markovitz
Roy Grossman
Bernard B. Baschkin
February 2/ 13 Shevat Arthur Heller
February 3/ 14 Shevat Sally Ida Mayeroff
Jeanette Serling
February 4/ 15 Shevat Moe Sher
Jerome Silberman
Ethel Aronovitz
February 6/ 17 Shevat Goldie Liebe
Lewinsky Fisher
Anita Galpeer Savitch
February 7/ 18 Shevat Herman Gordon
Anna Nitishin
February 8/ 19 Shevat Esther Futterer
Sheron J. Garner
Naomi Katz Lefferts
February 9/ 20 Shevat Sam Bass
Shirley Zerda Muto
Sidney Zangwell Covan
Amanda Megan Martin
Bernard David Levin
February 10/ 21 Shevat Norman Klitenick
February 11/ 22 Shevat Isadore Weiss
February 12/ 23 Shevat Lillie Appel
February 13/ 24 Shevat Fannie Leavitt Raskin
February 14/ 25 Shevat Sophie Passo
Bernard Solomon
February 15/ 26 Shevat Jean Lewin Garner
February 16/ 27 Shevat William Raskin
Minnie Gordon
February 17/ 28 Shevat Max Roitman
Anna Brenner
February 18/ 29 Shevat Helen Elias
Lena Rosenthal Hill
Israel Paul Wechter
Harry Rodack
Selma Kass
February 19/ 30 Shevat Rose Ettinger
Leon Landesman
Edith Samrick
Ethel Young
Nathan Lipshitz
February 20/ 1 Adar Mrs. Dennis E. Amster
Joseph Buchler
February 21/ 2 Adar Jack Padve
February 22/ 3 Adar Maurice H. Ring
February 23/ 4 Adar Millard “Mike” Spialter
February 24/ 5 Adar Mrs. F. Grossman
February 25/ 6 Adar Herman Lipkin
William Goodsmith
February 26/ 7 Adar Esther Silberman
Leon Goffman
Ralph Katz
William Herman
February 27/ 8 Adar Isaac Passo
Sarah Schwartz
Maurice Rice
Bernard Spotkov
February 28/ 9 Adar Beatrice Kanzer
Rose Lipkin
Jack Kowal 6
Congregation B’nai Zion extends
heartfelt condolences to Shoshana
Lichteinstein on the passing of her
mother, GLORIA LONGO.
SYMBOLS IN
JEWISH ART - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Editor’s Note: For Volume 6 of the
newsletter (2014-15), each issue will explore a different symbol commonly found in Jewish artwork.
ETZ (Tree) Shimon bar Yochai taught that
“if you are holding a sapling in
your hand, and someone says the
Messiah has drawn near, first plant
the sapling, and then go and greet
the Messiah.” (Avot d’Rebbe Natan
31b). This quote perfectly sums up
the importance of the tree in Jewish
tradition. Trees have been of import
since the very start of humanity,
with the Tree of Knowledge and
the Tree of Life serving as focal
points in the Garden of Eden. The
Torah itself is described as being
akin to the Tree of Life . Through-
out our history the sages have
recognized the value of trees and
have correlated the attributes of
the tree and the human being. The fruit tree in particular is so crucial to the welfare of people that our tradition forbids the cutting down
of a fruit tree even for the purpose of protecting oneself in warfare.
All of the reasons above lend themselves to the tree
frequently being incorporated in Jewish art. The tree is
a particularly common theme for the ketubah (the
wedding contract), with the image of the bride and
groom being represented as two trees entwined. The
planting of trees has been so significant to the cultivation
of the land in modern Israel that it became the primary
task of the Jewish National Fund, with tree planting
certificates evolving into a most appropriate way to
honor or memorialize every possible event and
individual. These certificates themselves, and the
various artistic renditions of trees that they have invoked
(such as the piece shown here), create a cadre of tree-
related works of art.
Judaism so respects the vital nature of the tree that
there is a holiday – Tu B’Shevat – that celebrates the
tree. Find out more about this festive occasion (when and
how it is celebrated) on page 3 of this issue.
Many thanks to Judith and Stan Zabar for
their donation of Zabar’s wonderful coffee!
Now our Sabbath Kiddush luncheons are
even more fabulous thanks to them!
CBZ THANKS THE CONTRIBUTORS
LISTED ON THIS PAGE;
PLEASE SUPPORT THEM WITH
YOUR PATRONAGE!
————————
If you would like your ad HERE,
please send e-mail to
Member of the Florida Bar (1977-Present)
Fla. Bar Health Law Board Certified (2001-
06) Member of the New York Bar (1983-
Present)
1901 Fogarty Avenue #1
Key West, FL 33040
Diane Tolbert Covan (305) 293-1118
If your health insurer unfairly delays or denies
payments to you or your healthcare providers,
1460 Kennedy Drive (305) 293-9876
www. ParadiseDentalCare.com
Kendall Jones, D.D.S., P.A.
E.Wm. Goldner, D.D.S., P.A.
7
Rabbi’s Wednesday Night Class continues — 7pm in the Bernstein
Library. Contact the Rabbi with any questions.
ANNUAL CORPORATION MEETING — January 5th at 6pm.
Board of Directors Meetings follows. The Board generally meets on
the 1st Monday of the month, starting at 6:30 PM (but, it is best to double-
check as date is changed for holidays or when otherwise necessary).
Feed Your Mind, Feed Your Soul SERIES — Friday Nights January
16th and February 6th. See page 3 for more info.
Tu B’Shevat details on page 3.
Congregation B’nai Zion ~ South Florida’s Oldest Synagogue ~
Established in 1887 Rabbi Shimon Dudai
President Fred Covan PhD 750 United Street Key West, FL 33040
305-294-3437 www.BnaiZionKW.org
SHABBAT SERVICES
Saturday Morning Services 9:30 AM start (Kiddush following services)
CBZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Fred Covan President
Si Stern Vice-President
Mae McMahan Cors. Secretary
Elizabeth Young Rec. Secretary
Eileen Kawaler Treasurer
Dr. John Kreinces
Alan Solomon
Kenneth Weschler
Sid Wharton Alan Solomon
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events
The B’nai Zion GIFT SHOP: Key West’s Only Judaica Store
Judaica and Jewish-themed gifts for friends and family,
including perfect items for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries,
graduations, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and more.
If you need something special, call Mae!
Contact Mae McMahan at 296-9669
or at [email protected].
Thanks to LINDA & ALAN SOLOMON for their recent purchase.
