cbi february 2016 kolenu

For some time now we at Congregation B'nai Israel have been struggling to keep our daily Minyan alive and vibrant. In recent months, it has not been unusual to come to a morning service and see only 6 or 7 other Jews, a far cry from the required ten Jewish adults. And even with our new use of the WhatsApp Alert, we still are not able to get to the ten Jewish adults needed. It is really cold out, and hard to get out of bed – I can commiserate with that – and totally agree! Many of our regular minyanires are away – either on vacation, in Florida for the season, under the weather, or just too plain tired to get up… and we do not get to ten… And so many prayers are not able to be recited without the needed ten – Kaddish, the Kedushah, reading Torah for example.

I cannot stress enough how important a service having a daily Minyan is to the Ocean County Jewish Community. We offer the only daily egalitarian morning Minyan (Shacharit) in Ocean County. Many people count on B'nai Israel to provide a place for them to recite Kaddish. Oftentimes, it is feast or famine. Some days we are blessed with over 15 people; other days we fall short. If you want the Minyan to be there for you during your time of need, make sure to frequent our Minyan, whether or not you have a "Chiyuv" (obligation) to say Kaddish yourself. And, of course, if you are coming to say Kaddish, it might be a good idea to call friends and family to help you reach the magic "Ten."

So what do we do? If we want our Minyan to continue 365 days a year, we need people to step up and commit to more regular attendance. We can save our Minyan if a dozen or more people who are not already regulars commit to coming once, twice, or three times a week. (Or even start with once month, and then increase to twice a month, and eventually get to once a week!) I pray that we have members of our Congregation B'nai Israel family who will commit themselves

to Tefillah B'Tzibbur, communal prayer at morning Minyan at Congregation B'nai Israel. Similar to the shout out in children's show – Bob the Builder – Can we do it? Yes we can! I believe that we can, but it will take firm resolve and dedication on our part to guarantee that we maintain and support one of the most important institutions that are part of any vibrant Jewish community – the daily Minyan. Please answer the call! (I thank my colleague Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky, from Beth El Congregation in Phoenix, Arizona, for helping me write my column. His minyan too, although does not have to deal with snowstorms, does often fall short on the required ten as well.)

In conclusion, here is a top ten list of why you should help be our tenth and be part of our Minyan. Mark your calendars – Monday through Fridays at 7:45am and Sundays at 9:00am. Top 10 Reasons for coming to Minyan:10 - Fulfilling the Mitzvah of Tefillah B'Tzibbur (prayer as part of a community)9 - Having a Minyan to say Kaddish for a loved one8 - Helping make a Minyan for a friend or fellow member who has to say Kaddish7 - The "Cheers" rationale - "You want to go where everybody knows your name"6 - Become familiar with all the moving prayers5 - Never a sermon4 - You count no less than the Rabbi or Hazzan 3 - It beats going to the gym2- Everyone is happy to see you1 - Bagels and lox breakfasts on Sunday mornings!

Words from Wolintz-Fields

Help Save Our Daily Minyan

February 2016

Kolenu Congregation B’nai Israellarwy y nb tlyhq

Shevat–Adar I 5776

Upcoming EventsCBI's Got TalentSunday, February 21, 201612:00pm

CBIˇs

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February 2016 • Shevat–Adar I 5776

Congregation B'nai Israel Service Schedule

Friday/Holiday Evening Services: 7:30pmFriday Junior Congregation: 7:30pmShabbat Morning Serivces: 9:00am

Shabbat Junior Congregation: 10:15amSunday Morning Services: 9:00am

Monday through Friday Morning Minyan: 7:45am

February 2016Shevat– Adar I

Friday, February 5, 2016Candle Lighting 5:02pmAnniversary ShabbatJunior Congregation Evening Services

Saturday, February 6, 2016Parashat MishpatimShabbat Morning ServicesTorah Study Group

Friday, February 12, 2016Candle Lighting 5:11pmUSY ShabbatEvening Services

Saturday, February 13, 2016Parashat TerumahBirthday ShabbatShabbat Morning Services Torah Study Group

Friday, February 19, 2016Candle Lighting 5:19pmEvening Services

Saturday, February 20, 2016Parashat TetzavehShabbat Morning ServicesTorah Study Group

Friday, February 26, 2016Candle Lighting 5:27pmEvening Services

Saturday, February 27, 2016Parashat Ki TisaShabbat Morning ServicesTorah Study Group

Clergy

Rabbi Ellen S. [email protected]

Hazzan Steven [email protected]

Rabbi Richard Hammerman, D.D. Rabbi Emeritus

Cantor Daniel GreenCantor [email protected]

Staff

Office Manager/BookkeeperLaurie [email protected]

Administrative AssistantChristine [email protected]

Officers

Co-PresidentJeremy [email protected]

Co-PresidentPhil [email protected]

1st Vice PresidentMichele [email protected]

TreasurerFred [email protected]

Financial SecretaryPosition Open

Recording SecretarySteve [email protected]

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As we roll through February, many of us show interest in Punxsutawney Phil (no relation) and how much Winter we may or may not have to endure. No doubt that the cold weather has each of us questioning why in the world we live in New Jersey unless we're amongst the lucky few who has made the trip to Florida to escape.

We, on the other hand, think of Bill Murray and the popular movie from the early 90's, Groundhog Day. While for many it may be difficult to derive deep meaning from a comedy filled with physical humor and childish one liners, the underlying message is that doing the same thing over and over again will yield the same results. Conversely, trying new strategies and behaviors can often lead to positive innovation and added value in any endeavor.

That theme is particularly topical for CBI today. We have introduced Co-Presidents, free Talmud Torah, a ballet in March and are hosting a famous comedienne with Jewish Federation in April. These programs fit nicely with some more typical offerings like our February talent show and Super Bowl party and betting pool.

Phil and I are committed to continuing to push innovation here at CBI. We recognize that doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results truly is the definition of insanity.

Who knew that Bill Murray was so profound?

Jeremy Grunin Philip I. Brilliant [email protected] [email protected]

An update on CBI's Got Talent: We're still holding it on Sunday, February 21st, but moving the start time back to 12:00pm. This way all of our Talmud Torah students will be participating! In addition to class performances, we will still be including a solo performance portion of the show and it is not too late to sign up! Just fill out the form below or contact Hazzan directly by email at [email protected] or call 732-349-1244. First round auditions will be on Sunday, February 7th at 12:30pm and additional times will be made available as needed. Look forward to seeing all of you there.

CBI's Got Talent

Name:

Phone Number: Email:

Talent:

Please fill out and submit to the Synagogue Office.

Hazzan Steven Walvick

A Message from Our Co-Presidents

CBIˇs

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Sisterhood Book ClubTuesday, February 16th 7:30pm

The next Sisterhood Book Club will meet on Tuesday, February 16th at 7:30pm. We will be discussing "The Far Side of the Sky" by Daniel Kalla. The meeting will take place at the home of Harriet Wolf. Please RSVP to Harriet directly so that she can give an accurate list to the security gatehouse.

Sisterhood

CBI Sisterhood Presents....

"The Many Faces of the Vodka Martini" Thursday, March 17 at 6:30pm Everyone 21 and older is invited to come and join us for a fun time and a delicious "tasting experience" with a demonstration by a professional bartender.

Cheese & crackers, snacks, dessert & coffee, will be served. There's no charge, but an R.S.V.P. is required. Please call Sandy Welsher at 732-505-1417 by March 11th.

CBI Judaica Sisterhood Gift Shop Forget buying at the local malls in NJ or small strip malls. Keep it within the CBI family and shop with us instead! (no big markups and no sales tax)

New beautiful merchandise has arrived, much from Israel Don't delay. Many original one of a kind pieces! We can also special order from our catalogs or online if the order is large enough to permit. For more information contact Terri at 732-864-1566 or Susan at 732-279-0443.

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Men's Club

Thank You from Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County Dear Michael and CBI Men’s Club Members,

I would just like to take this opportunity to express my heart-felt appreciation for your generosity in purchasing the seven mattresses needed for the overnight house where we host our Interfaith Hospitality Network families.

What a wonderful surprise! I’m not sure that you realize what a great mitzvah this is - not only to our families in program, who will benefit by having comfortable sleeping arrangements, but also to the volunteers (many of whom are also Men's Club members) who have worked diligently these last fifteen years shlepping awkward heavy cots out of a van and up two flights of stairs during our weeks of service.

I appreciate, as well, your willingness to let me speak about the work we do for Interfaith at your meeting this past Sunday. Indeed, our synagogue plays a vital role in this important social action project; one that touches the lives of so many families who are experiencing their lowest periods in life. Our interest in supplying food, comfort and shelter to those in need is not only "right" from a Jewish perspective, but also keeps us in the company of community members from other faiths who share our values and with whom we share this responsibility.

I am hopeful that this is the beginning of our partnership together and that you will all continue to be blessed with the health and resources necessary to respond to those in need. Your generosity in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.

With sincere thanks,

Barbara Schulman Interfaith Hospitality Coordinator, CBI

Upcoming Men's Club Events:

World Wide Wrap Sunday, February 7th9:00amEveryone's invited to wrap tefillin together. Breakfast will be served.

Movie NightSaturday, February 20th8:00pmCome and Enjoy quality entertainment and a good time with friends. Dessert will be served. There is no charge for this event. (Adults only)

CBI MEN’S CLUB PRESENTS

SUPERBOWL BETTING POOL & PARTY

This is a BIG, FUN, FAMILY event…all CBI members are invited (We encourage you to bring your children)

$2,000 prize pool!$54-per-play (includes two dinners!)

$18-per-person dinner entry fee for non-betterschildren aged 12 and under eat free!

(If you decide to purchase a betting box, your $18 entry fee will be waived)

B.Y.O.B. (if you bring wine, it must be Kosher!)Betting charts are posted at CBI lobby & office

All bets must be registered (in person, or by phone) at the synagogue office. Payment can be mailed to CBI or can be

dropped off at the Synagogue Office.

Sunday, February 7 @ 6:00pm

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Congregation B'nai Israel Men's Club Presents....

Third Annual Student Essay Contest• Open to all children grades 4 through 12 (parents must be CBI members)• Deadline for entries: Friday, March 18th, 2016• Awards ceremony at Men's Club Shabbat Services on

Saturday, April 9th, 2016.• Contest rules and essay titles are attached and will be available

from your Talmud Torah teachers, at the synagogue office and lobby table. Students do not have to attend classes at CBI in order to enter this contest.

• There will be three prizes in each of four grade categories: 4th & 5th grades6th, 7th & 8th grades9th & 10th grades11th & 12th grades:

• First prize: $100 Barnes & Noble Gift Card• Second prize: $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card• Third prize: $30 Barnes & Noble Gift Card• Photos of contest winners will be taken on Sunday, April 16th• Winning essays and photos will be published in the summer

issue of the Kolenu.

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Student Essay Contest Questions and RulesThis contest is open to all students, grades 4 through 12, whose parents are B'nai Israel members. Below are the questions for each grade category – all parts of the questions must be discussed in your essay and help in writing essays is limited to parents and/or teachers assisting you in finding Biblical references only. In order to assist you, we've made some suggestions for Biblical references for each question.

4th & 5th Grades: In the Genesis story of Creation, why do you think God needed to rest on the 7th day? Why does it say that God "blessed the 7th day and declared it holy?" How can you make Shabbat special and holy in your life? (read Genesis, Chapter 2, verses 1–4, and commentaries....optional: Chapter 1, verses 1–31).

6th, 7th & 8th Grades: What are some of the deceptions which are perpetrated in the Genesis story of Isaac stealing Esau's birthright "blessing-of-the-firstborn" from Jacob? How does "deception" affect the brothers' relationship? How do you think all four characters in the story (Isaac, Rachel, Jacob and Esau) could have resolved their differences in a better way? (read Genesis, Chapter 27, verses 1–45, and commentaries).

9th & 10th Grades: In the Genesis story wherein Abraham sends his senior servant to find a wife for Isaac, why was the servant so nervous about this task? How did the servant know that Rebecca was "the one" who possessed the qualities that would make a perfect bride for Isaac? Why do you think this was such a critical choice for the history of Judaism? (read Genesis, Chapter 24, verses 1–20, and commentaries).

11th & 12th Grades: In Exodus, how could Moses, a person who felt that he had many limitations, become such a great leader and accomplish so much? Please mention and explain what you think were some of Moses' leadership qualities. (read Exodus Chapter 2, verses 11–12, Chapter 3, verses 11–18, Chapter 4 , verse 18, and commentaries).

Contest Rules:• Essays must include a cover sheet with your name, grade, class, teacher name (for

CBI students), parent(s) name and e-mail address.• All entries must be at least one typed page, but no more than two typed pages.• All entries must be double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Please use Cambria font at

12 point font size.• All entries must be submitted to your CBI teacher, or the CBI office by March 18th.

No entries will be accepted after that date.• Contest judges are volunteers. All submitted essays will be anonymous when the

judges receive them.• Grammar and spelling count, so be careful!

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February 3 – Renee Kitay David RosenFebruary 4 – Jane Butensky Susan ShearerFebruary 5 – Saul Balasiano Lenore Matin Iris SchulmanFebruary 7 – Carly CabeyFebruary 8 – Brian KerrFebruary 9 – Sara Brilliant Neil Brodsky Joanne GethardFebruary 10 – Lilly Fried Jarrett WeissFebruary 11 – Matthew Glassoff Steven Glassoff Randi RozovskyFebruary 12 – Alan Baxter Joseph Deutschman Lauren Gordon Saul RandFebruary 13 – Jan PelcmanFebruary 14 – Victoria GeffnerFebruary 15 – Irma Dansky

February 16 – Albert Perdeck Ron Rotem Barbara SelikoffFebruary 17 – Marilyn Gitlin Irwin Natter Estera Singer Gertrude WeilFebruary 19 – Regina Gelzer Ellen Hosid Jason Lindenbaum Zev RosenFebruary 20 – Carol Swinger Olivia WinnFebruary 22 – Donna Foxman Jeanette SchatzmanFebruary 23 – Kenneth LipkowitzFebruary 24 – Murray PetersFebruary 25 – Michael Birnbaum Dennis LyonsFebruary 26 – Harriet BrownFebruary 28 – Emanuel Kuflik Max Silverstein

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversaries (Anniversary Shabbat – Friday, February 5th)

אני לדודי ודודי ליFebruary 5 – Peter and Renee Kitay Jack and Lenore MatinFebruary 14 – Lewis and Ellen Falk David and Elaine Yelner

February 15 – Franklin and Betsy LewinsonFebruary 17 – Marty and Irene Goldstein

Birthdays (Birthday Shabbat – Saturday, February 13th)

יום הולדת שמח

Mazel TovCantor Daniel Green on the 62nd anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah

Dr. Harold and Elaine Isaacson on the birth of their great-niece Julianna Elara Millner.

Phyllis Kohl and the birth of her granddaughter, Julianna Elara Millner.

Hy Mittleberg on the 57th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah

Our CondolencesDaniel (Julie) Berger and Family on the passing of his sister Elizabeth Perlman

February 16 – Albert Perdeck Ron Rotem Barbara SelikoffFebruary 17 – Marilyn Gitlin Irwin Natter Estera Singer Gertrude WeilFebruary 19 – Regina Gelzer Ellen Hosid Jason Lindenbaum Zev RosenFebruary 20 – Carol Swinger Olivia WinnFebruary 22 – Donna Foxman Jeanette SchatzmanFebruary 23 – Kenneth LipkowitzFebruary 24 – Murray PetersFebruary 25 – Michael Birnbaum Dennis LyonsFebruary 26 – Harriet BrownFebruary 28 – Emanuel Kuflik Max Silverstein

- In memory of Alfred Arontik - Ruth Dornbush - In memory of Carl and Lotte Baum - Steven Baum - In memory of Joseph Berman - Barbara Berman- In memory of Yetta Blum - Shirley Perlman- In memory of Marilyn Bolotsky - Saul Bolotsky- In memory of Ruth Brody - Michael and Gail Brody- In memory of Luzer Buganski - Lynne Bennardo- In memory of Milton Davis - Ken and Sylvia Davis- In memory of Martin Dvores - Alan Dvores- In memory of Ruth Dvores - Alan Dvores- In memory of Herman Follick - Hal and Diane Halvorsen- In memory of Marc Freiberg - Sharon Freiberg Hammerman- In memory of Sam Frey - Alan Dvores- In memory of Tillie Frey - Alan Dvores- In memory of Philip Friedman - Sharon Freiberg Hammerman- In memory of Sally Fruchter - Ken and Phyllis Yodowitz- In memory of Herman Gellerstein - Carole Cohen- In memory of Fannie Gelzer - Milton and Janice Gelzer- In memory of Martin Ginsberg - Mona Ginsberg- In memory of Morris Goldsmith

- Florence Kaspin- Evelyn Rabinowitz

- In memory of Meyer Goldstein - Lynne Bennardo- In memory of Benjamin Gordon - Linda Sclarow- In memory of Arnold Hacken - Eleanore Kopp- In memory of Helen Josen - Malvina Perlman Becker- In memory of Ralph Karpen - Penny Peters- In memory of Linda Kokin - Carole Cohen- In memory of Max Krupnick - Sydney Krupnick- In memory of Saul Levine - Lillian Levine- In memory of Jacob Lieberman - Stephen and Sharon Lieberman- In memory of Martin Litowitz - Hannah Litowitz- In memory of Florence Lurinsky - The Hollister Family

- In memory of Bess Marro - Les Marro- In memory of Lewis Mednick - Michael Mednick- In memory of Gertrude Meskin - Mark Meskin- In memory of Felice Ruth Cohen Nifoussi - The Nifoussi Family- In memory of Jerry Oppenheim - Carol Oppenheim- In memory of Lillian Orlofsky - Irene Wolinsky- In memory of Anne Ostrove - Bonnie Heller- In memory of Francis Pardes - Steven and Marion Pardes- In memory of Bella Pelcman - The Janusz Family- In memory of Lawrence Perlman - Malvina Perlman Becker- In memory of Pearl Perlmutter - Joel and Lynn Perlmutter- In memory of Jacob Posner - Lillian Levine- In memory of Sidney Prager - Maxine Prager and Family- In memory of Saul Radziminsky - Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Weinstein- In memory of Israel Ravitz - The Ravitz Family- In memory of Philip Reiss - Selma Reiss- In memory of Evelyn Rinzler - Alan Rinzler- In memory of Joan Sadof - Bernard Sadof- In memory of Fanny Sanders - Barbara Berman - In memory of Evan Jay Schatzman - Richard and Jeanette Schatzman- In memory of Michael Schulman - Elaine Isaacson- In memory of Dorothy Seidman - Heath and Iris Schulman - In memory of Martha Silverstein - Mark, Shirley, Jacob, and Max Silverstein- In memory of Betty Simpson - Rita Simpson- In memory of David Slowatek - Faye Boico- In memory of Yvette Tutnauer - Stanley and Anita Tutnauer- In memory of Beatrice Weinstein - Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Weinstein- In memory of Jacob Wolinsky - Irene Wolinsky

Yahrzeits

January 2016 • Tevet–Shevat 5776

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Be a Patron Oneg or Kiddush SponsorCelebrating? Any occasion – be it important events in your child's life, your work life, or your home life; a graduation, anniversary, anniversary of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, birthday, engagement, retirement….

A Patron sponsorship is designed to allow you, the congregant, to celebrate special occasions with your congregation family when you are not inviting many outside guests. The food provided by a Patron sponsorship will be ample for the usual number of congregants attending Shabbat Services plus a few invited guests. Consider becoming a Patron sponsor of a Friday night Oneg Shabbat or a Saturday morning Kiddush. Just contact the Synagogue Office to make arrangements for sharing your simcha with our whole Congregation!

Thank you to Sponsoring our Oneg and Kiddush:

Thank you to Rabbi Deborah Miller for sponsoring our Kiddush in honor of her husband Hazzan Steven Walvick and her daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Walvick’s birthdays.

Thank you to Cantors Daniel and Ruth Green for enhancing our Kiddush in honor of Cantor Daniel Green's 75th birthday and his 62nd anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah.

Thank you to Hy and Megina Mittleberg for enhancing our Kiddush in honor of Hy's 70th birthday and his 57th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah.

Thank you to Betty Richman and her family for enhancing our Kiddush to thank Rabbi Wolintz-Fields and Hazzan Walvick and Congregation B’nai Israel.

Poignant Points from the Principal by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Ways to Deepen Your Judaism 1 – Put a Mezuzah on your Front Door. It's a sign to you that You are Jewish. It's a sign to others that a Jewish person lives there. It's a sign to your children that they are Jewish.

2 – Light Shabbat Candles. It transforms an ordinary day, into Shabbat! You can feel it; you can see it – because the glow of the candlelight comes to have a special Shabbat aura to it.

3 – Set up a Tzedakah (charity) box. Everybody needs a place to put their loose change, and why not put that spare change to a good use – give it to charity, and put it in one place – your family Tzedakah box.

4 – Make a point of attending Services at least once a month. We are always happy to see you at Congregation B'nai Israel, and can always use help with our Minyan, quorum of ten needed for certain prayers to be recited.

5 – Study a Jewish subject. There is so much to learn in Judaism. Start with the weekly Torah portion perhaps. Some of my favorite websites are www.jtsa.edu and www.myjewishlearning.com.

Children learn by example. If they see adults reading and studying, they will want to as well. In addition, why not ask what they are learning in Talmud Torah, and have them teach it to you!

Talmud Torah is in Session: February Wednesday – 3, 10, 17, 24 Sunday – 7, 21, 28

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Join PJ Library!PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program implemented on a local level throughout North America. We mail, high-quality Jewish children's literature and music to families across the continent on a monthly basis.

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music. The Jewish Federation of Ocean County is the local funder for this program.

All families raising Jewish children from six months up to six years old are welcome to sign up. Grandparents and other relatives can buy subscriptions on line for children who do not live in our community and do not have a sponsor in the child's families community. For more information, go to www.pjlibrary.org.

Every year, Congregation B'nai Israel provides need-based scholarships to families wishing for their children to participate in Jewish summer programs. Applications will be given out during Talmud Torah and Hebrew High School or feel free to contact the Synagogue Office in order to apply or to get more information. The deadline for applications is March 1st. All applicants must assist with the upcoming Talent Show on February 21st which benefits the Youth Scholarship Fund.

Talmud Torah

MarchWednesday – 2, 9, 16, 23 Sunday – 6, 13, 20

Junior Congregation Friday, February 5, 7:30pm Saturday, March 19, 10:15am

Class Services:Dalet – Friday, February 19Bet/Gimmel – Friday, March 4Zayin – Friday, April 8Kabblat Siddur: Gan/Alef – Saturday, May 21

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CBIˇsCantor Daniel Green Ramah Youth Scholarship Concert

Sunday, February 21, 2016 12:00pm

All ages and acts are encouraged to perform!Auditions will be held on Sunday, February 7th at 12:30pm

To purchase tickets please contact the Synagogue Office.$18 per adult/ $30 per coupleTalmud Torah Parents are $10/eachAll children are free!(all of our Talmud Torah students will be performing as a class)

Sponsorships Available!$90 for patrons$180 for sponsors

All proceeds from this event benefit the Ramah Youth Scholarship Fund.

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Around the Synagogue

Ocean County has been a great place to call home. Now is the time to make it your permanent home!We never know when the end of life will come. The only thing we know for sure is that our own death will be at a very inconvenient time. Let us admit that it will probably be our spouse or our children who will have to make the funeral and burial arrangements. But do we even own a burial plot?

If we do not make these hard decisions during our own lifetime, our family members will have to do so without being able to ask our opinion. And they will have to do it hastily. Is that really what we would want?

End-of-life decisions should be for each of us to make – not anyone else. We ourselves deserve to choose our own burial place and funeral arrangements. Let us not leave these for others to decide in haste.

Congregation B'nai Israel urges you to visit our synagogue office or main lobby and take home a copy of our B'nai Israel Memorial Park Guide & Policies. Then contact our Cemetery Chairman to reserve plots for yourself and loved ones in our beautiful Jewish cemetery, which is lovingly maintained by dedicated volunteers from our congregation. Your family will be eternally grateful.

B'nai Israel Memorial Park is located at the corner of West Whitty Road and Old Freehold Road in Toms River. For more information please contact Fred M. Weil, Cemetery Chairman, at 732-797-0197 or [email protected].

Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Birthday Community Celebration and Service held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at the Second Baptist Church of Toms River in South Toms River.

Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields led those gathered in the Prayer for Our Country and Congressman Tom Mac Arthur, Third District, gave an update from Washington D.C.

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CBI Board Approves Plan to Sell Open Pew Seats in the SanctuaryThe Board has approved a plan to sell open pew seats in the sanctuary at a cost of $1,000 per seat for a 10 year term. Pew seats that are currently owned from a previously executive sales opportunity will remain in the possession of the current owner. However, these seats will not be passed to future generations and instead will become available for sale at time of passing with current families having the first right to purchase. The new opportunity will provide a 10 year contract on a pew seat and at the time of the end of the term, the member may extend the term for the cost at the time of the term or discontinue ownership. Any plaques for pews that are no longer owned, will be relocated to the backside of the pew seat for long term prosperity. The sale is open until the end of this Fiscal Year, June 30, 2016. Please contact the office for further information or to select your pew seat(s) and purchase.

I'm Still Me

My hair has turned grayI don't move the same wayAnd I can't eat anything fried;My hearing has failedMy complexion had paledBut I'm slill me inside.

I can't drive at nightWith my poor eyesightAnd I also must confideThat 'though I am vainI must walk with a caneBut I'm still me inside.

I can't go dancingWith my age advancing-It's just a matter of pride;A little more wrinkling.A lot more "tinkling"But I'm still me inside.

I don't remember namesI forgot my favorite gamesAnd from loneliness I have cried;But I don't want your pity'Cause I'm no longer prettyJust remember – I'm still me inside.

Poem by Shirley Shames

Around the Synagogue

Hadassah Purim LuncheonOn Thursday, March 24th at 12:30pm Toms River Hadassah has planned a Deli Luncheon and Purim Shpiel Program to take place at Congregation B'nai Israel. Please make your reservation by sending a $25.00 check made out to Toms River Hadassah to: Ruth Guenzburger, 1754 Sweetbay Drive, Toms River, NJ 08755. All are welcome!

Supporters of Hadassah donated $10,000, which was matched by an anonymous donor, enabling the Toms River chapter to purchase two electronic patient beds for the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Yasher Koach to all.

Join Congregation B'nai Israel's New Minyan Alert You can help make the minyan if you're needed to make 10. It's simple and free: (1) Go to the iTunes App Store or Google Play and install the whatsapp application to your smartphone.(2) Follow the easy directions to activate.(3) Text Your Cell Number & Minyan Alert to Michael Collins at 845-661-0089, or email him at [email protected].

That's it! You'll be enrolled in our latest hi-tech mitzvah project, and you'll get a notice when and if a 10th is needed.

Thursday, April 14, 2016at Congregation B’nai Israel1488 Old Freehold RoadToms River, New JerseyFeatUring AWard-Winning Comedian Judy Gold!

6:30pm – GiFt AuCtion And dinner7:30pm – Comedy oF Judy Gold

General admission is $54.00 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, contact the Jewish Federation of ocean County at 732-363-0530.


The Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County presentsThe Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County presents

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Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

- In honor of Shirley Taff and Robert and Nava Taff on the marriage of their granddaughter and daughter Larissa to Greg Morganoff - Harriet Wolf

- In memory of Marcia Bolotsky - Richard and Judy Bolotsky

- With appreciation for your kind words and condolences - The Bolotsky Family

- With appreciation for the blessing for my recovery - Carole Cohen

- With appreciation for the Rosh Chodesh sessions - Cantor Ruth Green

- Contribution by Martha Harween

Educational Endowment Fund

- In appreciation for a mishaberach said - Mona Ginsberg

- In honor of Lauren and Amanda Brodsky marking their B'not Mitzvah - Fred and Evelyn Weil

- In honor of my birthday aliyah - Mona Ginsberg

- In memory of Samuel Abrahamovic- Jay and Lauren Gordon- Anise Singer

- In memory of Shirley Balasiano - Toby Schier

Congregation B'nai Israel Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Contributions

Arielle Eytan Memorial Fund

- In appreciation for the gift of The Observant Life - Alma Saravia and Eli Eytan

Mitzvah Care Fund

- In appreciation for Meals on Wheels- Harold and Carole Binder- Libby Jaffe

Kiddush Fund

- In honor of their 55th anniversary - Richard and Jeanette Schatzman

- In honor of their 60th anniversary - Morris and Rose Laiter

General Fund

- Contribution by Marc Nochimson

- In honor of the friendly and welcoming members of CBI - Jonathan Miller

Ramah Youth Scholarship Fund

- In honor of Shoshana Gibbor receiving the 2015 Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award by Hillel International - Michael and Teri Gibbor

Ritual Fund

- In honor of Michael Collins receiving the 2015 Men's Club Man of the Year Award - Michael and Teri Gibbor

Sam Epstein Educational Endowment Fund

Talmud Torah Fund

- In memory of Esther Fleischer - Leonard Epstein

- In memory of Clifford Appel, brother of Neal (Beth) Appel - Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Jonathan, Cameron, Coby and Samuel Fields

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Synagogue Funds

Arielle Eytan Memorial Fund: Provides materials for the Nursery School Program. Mitzvah Care Fund: Helps needy families and individuals within our Congregation. Educational Endowment Fund: Perpetual support for our Talmud Torah educational programs. Esther and Frank Simon Youth Lounge: Provides and maintains items and furnishings in our Youth Lounge. Harry and Molly Garson Fund: Used for special annual programs for the children of Congregation B’nai Israel Talmud Torah. General Fund: Used to support the ongoing needs of Congregation B'nai Israel. Goldsmith Endowment Fund: Used for the education of our youth. Memorial Plaques: Installed in the Sanctuary to memorialize dear ones who are deceased. Music Fund: Provides for musical programs and ongoing musical needs for Congregation B'nai Israel. Dr. Norman J. Meyers Library Fund: Used to support the Congregation B'nai Israel Library.Prayer Book Fund: Used to purchase Chumashim and weekly Sabbath and High Holy Days prayer books. Books may be dedicated to specific individuals.

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: Used for needy individuals and causes.Ramah-Youth Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships for summer educational and cultural programs for our youngsters (Camp Ramah, USY on Wheels, Israel Pilgrimage, etc.) Ritual Fund: Used to purchase new siddurim, tallitot and other ritual items needed to benefit and assist the Congregation. Rosen Adult Education Fund: Perpetual support for Adult Education. Talmud Torah Fund: Used to support the Religious Schools of B'nai Israel and to enhance our educational program. Tree of Life: Leaves may be purchased in honor of special occasions and family simchas. USY Fund: Used for scholarships toward regional or national events and programs for the youth of our synagogue. Yahrzeit Fund: Supports Talmud Torah in memory of dear ones. Yizkor Fund: Memorializes dear ones who are deceased. All requests must be in writing accompanied with payment to the Synagogue Office.

Congregation B'nai Israel Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Contributions

This is a perfect time to share your simchas of your loved ones by dedicating a Leaf for those that you love. Please consider adding a Leaf to our Tree of Life now. Your check for $150.00 each is made payable to Congregation B'nai Israel. You get 4 lines and 29 spaces per Leaf. Share your children and grandchildren's simchas by adding a Leaf to our Tree of Life. What a lovely gift!

Add a leaf to our Tree of Life or reserve some for the future. Please call the office, 732-349-1244 for more information. You can also chip in with friends to share a special birthday, marriage, anniversary, bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, birth of a child or grandchild, etc.

Shalom, Arlene Neugarten, Tree of Life Chairperson

Thank you to those who added the following to our Tree of Life:It is a tree of life to those who uphold it – Proverbs 3:16-8

MAZEL TOV TRUDE WEILHAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY

FEBRUARY 17, 2016LOVE, FAMILY & FRIENDS

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CBI Academy for Learning and Journeying 5776

Women's Rosh Chodesh Study Group 10:30am–12:00pmJoin us for an informative, lively, and confidential gathering of women sharing in the celebration of the new Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh is a time for women to gather for insightful study through various activities and conversation on the topic of the new month. Coffee and nosh are always served.

Thursday, March 10 – Rosh Chodesh Adar II More About Jewish Food and Eating Habits

Thursday, April 7 – Rosh Chodesh NisanDoes Pluralism Really Work?

Monday, May 9 – Rosh Chodesh IyarAll Begins with a Date

Thursday, June 9 – Rosh Chodesh SivanWedding Bells

Lunch and Learn iEngage 2.011:30am–1:00pmEngaging Israel: from the Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture Series – A video produced by the Shalom Hartman Institute, featuring Hartman scholars discussing these topics, will be watched and then discussed. Lunch at each session will be served. Please RSVP the Monday before each session. These programs are open to men and woman.

Thursday, March 17 – The Jewish People as a Tribal Family: Explores how the Jewish tradition conceptualizes the Jewish people as a tribal family. It recognizes that Jewish collective identity has always been a divided and tribal one, requiring the balancing of collective consciousness with individual and tribal sensibilities.

Thursday, May 19 – The "Orthodox" Jewish Tribes: Explores two Jewish tribes within Israel that conceive of orthodoxy as the only authentic form of Judaism: the ultra-orthodox and religious Zionists. It presents a nuanced understanding of the defining characteristics of each tribe, the challenges they face, and their place within the broader mosaic of Israel society.

Monday, June 6 – The "Liberal" Jewish Tribes: Examines the four Jewish tribes within Israel that reject the monopoly of orthodoxy – Masorti (traditional), "Jewish" secular, Israeli secular, and "Jewish Non-Jewish."

Evening iEngage 2.0 Central Themes of Dilemmas of Faith 7:00pm–9:00pmWednesday, March 2 – Dilemma of Biblical Theology: What is the Redeeming Idea of Monotheism? Explores how the Bible wants us to understand God and holiness. Dr. Micah Goodman suggests that biblical monotheism is about the absolute uniqueness of a God who is beyond nature and beyond the world. Since our beliefs in God shapre our vision for humanity and the world, Jewish theology strives to instill the ethos that perfection is not possible in the human realm.

Wednesday, May 11 – Dilemma of Theodicy: Where is God in the Midst of Suffering? Addresses the problem of understanding God, God's power, and God's goodness in the face of evil. Rabbi Lauren Berkun suggests that there has never been one response to the problem of theodicy. She offers several different traditional Jewish approaches to the question of evil and G-d's in the world.

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February 2016 Events Calendar

KolenuSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

7:00pm Board Meeting

3 4

6:30pm Sisterhood Paint Party

5

Anniversary ShabbatJunior Congregation 5:02pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

6

9:00am Shabbat ServicesTorah Study Group

7

Talmud TorahTRUSY Lox Box Delivery9:00am Men's Club World Wide Wrap12:30pm CBI's Got Talent Auditions6:00pm Men's Club Superbowl Party

8

Hebrew High School

9 Rosh Chodesh 10 Rosh Chodesh

Talmud Torah6:30pm Tzofim/Kadima Chapter Event

11 12

USY Shabbat5:11pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

13

Birthday Shabbat9:00am Shabbat ServicesTorah Study Group

14

No Talmud Torah

15

No Hebrew High School

16

7:30pm Sisterhood Book Club

17

Talmud TorahTRUSY Chapter Event

18 19

5:19pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

20

9:00am Shabbat ServicesTorah Study Group8:00pm Men's Club Movie Night

21

Talmud Torah12:00pm CBI's Got Talent

22

Hebrew High School

23 24

Talmud Torah

25 26

5:27pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

27

9:00am Shabbat ServicesTorah Study Group

28

Talmud TorahKadima/USY Ski Trip

29

Hebrew High School

cbi february 2016 kolenu

Documents