chai lites september 2010

Chai Lites

Temple Israel of Greater Miami September 2010–Elul/Tishri 5770/5771. Volume 62 Number 2

L’Shanah Tova Tikatevu Happy New Year 5771

Temple Israel of Greater Miami

The Sounds of the Shofar Call Us to Action Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and no matter how hard we try, it feels impossible to get unstuck. During such times, we need something to jolt us back to reality. The rabbis understood this aspect of human nature. For that reason, during Elul, the month which precedes the High Holydays, we are commanded to sound the shofar each day. We do this to begin the important work of cheshbon hanefesh, the soul searching required of us during the Yamim Noraim, the Ten Days of Repentance. Tekiah – Teruah – Shevarim – Tekiah Gedolah - these shofar sounds are meant to rouse us out of our spiritual complacency. Thus, by the time we arrive at the shofar section during the Rosh Hashanahh morning service, we will be ready to engage in the act of teshuvah, repentance. How come for thousands of years, Jews are still sounding a ram’s horn during the High Holydays? What possible meaning can this ancient custom still have for us today? In Biblical times, it made sense to use a ram’s horn to call people together for worship, to announce the new moon or to warn people of impending danger because it makes a loud sound that easily traverses the hilly areas around Jerusalem. And, too, there is a direct connection between the binding of Isaac narrative, which we read on Rosh Hashanah morning when Abraham, about to slay his son Isaac, looks up and sees a ram caught in the bushes. As a reward for his faith and trust, God tells Abraham to offer the ram as a sacrifice instead of Isaac. Saadiah Gaon, a 10th century Babylonian sage, taught that of the 10 reasons we sound the shofar during the Yamim Noraim, most have to do with God’s sovereignty and omnipotence. One reason is from the prophet Isaiah, which reminds us that our purpose here on earth is to gather together all those who are dispersed so that one day, we can all live together in shalom, peace. According to Isaiah, on that miraculous day, a ram’s horn will be sounded. How appropriate that the same symbol used to jolt us out of our spiritual apathy can also be a catalyst to motivate us to work harder at being God’s partners to bring wholeness and healing to our broken world. However, active listening alone may not be sufficient to motivate us to act. During the Yamim Noraim we understand that to better prepare ourselves to hear the call of the shofar, we need to physically engage ourselves in the work of teshuvah, repentance, by seeking and giving forgiveness. Hopefully, by the end of the shofar service, our consciousness has been awakened and our actions have turned towards repentance. In addition to the injunction in Leviticus 23 to make a loud noise, we are also instructed to bring an offering by fire to God on Rosh Hashanah.

Although we no longer offer animal sacrifices, there are many ways we can bring the offerings of our hearts, minds and spirits into the New Year, especially through tikkun olam, redemptive acts that help to repair the world. May 5771 be filled with good health, acts of healing and love for you, your loved ones and all of God’s children.

Rabbi Jody Cohen

Creating Modern Midrash: Applying Ancient Texts to Real Life

By popular request, this initial four part learning series has become an ongoing learning series twice a month, from noon-1:00 PM on Thursdays. We will study the Torah portion for that week using The Torah: A Woman’s Commentary as our primary source. No prior knowledge of texts required. All are welcome. Join us in the rabbi’s study for this upcoming session: September 2. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. We will provide the drinks.

Religious Services September

Friday evenings: 7:30 – 8:30 PM – Shabbat Service in the Bertha Abess Sanctuary and on 880 AM radio, as well as streaming over the internet at www.templeisrael.net. A gentle mix of conventional and spontaneous song and prayer. A welcoming community rejoicing in Shabbat.

Saturday Mornings “Divining” and Learning

We open at 9:00 – Yoga with Dena or learning how to pray with Rabbi Chefitz 9:30 – 10:30 – Ohr Chadash: New light in old vessels. Exercises in divining / davennen. 10:30 – 12:30 – Joseph’s Table: Weaving threads of Torah through the loom of our deepest collective understanding.

www.templeisrael.net

“But REPENTANCE, PRAYER and CHARITY temper judgment’s sever (sic) decree.” These words are found in Gates of Repentance at the top of page 109 in the Rosh Hashanah morning service, and again on page 314 in the Yom Kippur morning service, though in that instance the

word “severe” is spelled correctly. These words represent the pivotal spiritual moment in the morning liturgy on both Holydays. You might think if the words were so pivotal, the proofreader might have taken special care. On the other hand, the proofreader of the Rosh Hashanah service might have actually been praying, and so have descended to a moment of such spiritual intensity that the letters were blurred. Every word spoken in the Holyday morning prayers is focused upon this moment. We have descended to the greatest exposure, every one of our faults laid bare – either before Our King, or Our Father, or Our Partner, depending upon the paradigm in which one approaches the Divine. Old model or new, if one is divining (read davennen in the old tongue) with intensity, one feels the exposure. And then this reassurance: U-teshuvah u-tefilah u-tzedakah ma-a-vi-reen et ro-ah hag’zayrah. Here’s a different translation than the one we have at the head of this column: And repentance and prayer and righteous deeds can sweeten (or avert) what you consider bad in your current situation. If one prays on the Holydays to good effect, then a transformation may happen. If you do not manage such

profound prayer on Rosh Hashanah morning, you have another opportunity on Yom Kippur. What is bad in your current situation may be either sweetened or averted. It isn’t that your current situation will have changed. But the way you regard your current situation may change. If there is something causing you discomfort, prayer does not change the reality of that, but it does alter the perception. Whatever is uncomfortable is something happening to you, with you at the center of your discomfort. Prayer allows you to displace yourself from that center and perceive yourself in a larger world, in a galaxy of worlds, that extends through time and space – before you, through you, after you. When you displace yourself from your center, whatever has been plugging the opening to grace, healing, and insight is removed. Grace, healing, and insight can enter. Then it’s possible that not only the perspective of the situation might change, but the situation itself. Prayer allows you to surrender control and submit to the flow of the Divine – the process of divining/davennen. By your own you may not be able to change a situation, but by your own you can open yourself wide and wider, until it doesn’t matter any longer how a word is spelled, because the letters no longer pertain, nor do the words themselves – only the connection with the Holy One and the flow of grace, healing, and insight that come through that connection. I wish each of you a good, sweet year. L’shana tova. -- Mitch Chefitz

Rabbi Mitchell Chefitz Scholar-in-Residence

Spiritual Preparation for the Holydays

Wednesday Noontime Learning

with Rabbi Chefitz resumes September 15th.

The initial text will be:

A Heart Afire: Stories and Teachings of the

Early Hasidic Masters By Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and

Netanel Miles-Yepez Available at jewishpub.org


CLERGY JODY R. COHEN

Rabbi

MITCHELL CHEFITZ Rabbi, Scholar in Residence

MICHAEL GLOZMAN

Cantor

DIRECTORS MARLA TOWBIN

Executive Director

MELBA LEIMAN Director of Administration

Early Childhood Center

VALERIA MICHANIE Director of Education

Early Childhood Center and Religious School

DR. ALAN MASON

Director of Music

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

DOUGLAS M. JACOBS President

BENEDICT P. KUEHNE

First Vice President

JOAN L. SCHAEFFER Vice President-Administration

SUZANNE SPONDER

Vice President-Education

ROBERT L. WAXMAN Vice President-Fundraising

SANDRA GOLDSTEIN

Vice President-Real Estate

HOWARD D. GOLDSTEIN Vice President-Membership

MICHELLE KRINZMAN

Vice President-Programming

MICHAEL GRAUBERT, M.D. Vice President-Religious Affairs

ELLEN KEMPLER ROSEN

Secretary

CYNTHIA SOBEL GOLD Treasurer

PETER BERMONT* DR. JOAN BORNSTEIN*

MARSHA B. ELSER* MARTIN FINE*

ESTA FRIEDMAN ROBERT GLAZIER*

RICHARD GOLDBERG LANCE HARKE

DOUGLAS HELLER JANE KAHN JACOBS*

EDYTHE KERNESS MARLIN LEWIS

BECO LICHTMAN JANNET DANNON-MAIRENA

ARTHUR MARCUS RICHARD MILSTEIN

CARLA NEUFELD MICHAEL D. OROVITZ*

NORMA A. OROVITZ* OLIVER PFEFFER

HARRIS REIBEL NEIL ROLLNICK SILVIA ROSEN

CANDACE RUSKIN* JACK SCHILLINGER*

GERALD K. SCHWARTZ* MICHAEL A. SILVER*

STANLEY G. TATE* SUZANNE TRUSHIN

ROBERT WATERSTONE HENRY E. WOLFF, Jr.*

*PAST PRESIDENT

ADVISORY COUNCIL DR. JOAN BORNSTEIN*

Chair LEONARD L. ABESS

JOANNE BANDER MARILYN ELLIS

JOE FARCUS SEYMOUR HECKER

BETSY KAPLAN ELTON J. KERNESS

NATHAN S. LEE LAWRENCE LEITNER

GAIL LEWIS BUDD MAYER

S. RONALD PALLOT KENNETH D. ROSEN

BARTON SACHER NEIL SCHAFFEL SANDRA SIMON

BRENDA SHAPIRO JONI TATE

RICHARD WEINER

If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve obviously never been in bed with a mosquito. —Author Unknown At Temple Israel, you’re never “too small” to make a difference. We need you. Whether it is a physical involvement, financial commitment, or suggestions to make us better, we need you.

Think about getting involved. We have many committees and organizations that can use your assistance and wisdom. Please find a list of committees below for your consideration. Think about it. Get involved.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Council, the Clergy, and the Staff

we wish you a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year 5771

Douglas M. Jacobs

President

Douglas M. Jacobs President

From the President

Fundraising. Plans and organizes events to raise funds that support various temple programs. House Maintenance. This committee makes sure the physical structure of Temple Israel is maintained. Marketing and Public Relations. Helps create the best public image of the Temple among its membership and the community by promoting its programs and services through an annual communications plan, that utilizes state-of-the-art collaterals and techniques. Membership. The committee focuses on recruitment, integration and retention of members. Planned Giving. Advises members on the best ways to support our programs by leaving Temple Israel in their wills and bequests.

Programming. Plans and executes educational, cultural and social events to enlighten and entertain our members. Religious School. Advises the Director of Education on Religious School matters. Religious Affairs. This committee helps develop a shared congregational vision for worship at the Temple. Sisterhood. Sisterhood is an organization of women who band together in friendship for programs that benefit our Temple and our community. Social Justice. It’s the committee that keeps us involved with our Jewish traditions of justice and peace. Our activities go from pursuing immigration reforms to feeding the homeless, and reaching our neighbors in Overtown.

Join one of these committees:

Call Marla Towbin, Executive Director, at 305-573-5900, ext. 404, or [email protected] and let us know the committee you would like to join.


Marla’s Meisele Maysele… (My Little Story) One of my proud possessions, a Varsity letter, is displayed among other family memorabilia as you enter my home. “An athlete--you?” you might think incredulously.

There is no way that you could have known this, but I was indeed an athlete: Varsity basketball, soccer, track, tennis, golf, gymnastics and cheerleading -- to name a few. As a high-jumper, I cleared many hurdles. And when I missed my mark, I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and gave it yet another try. I never saw the hurdles as an obstacle, but an opportunity…a chance to grow, to perform, to challenge myself to make little strides, to accomplish both little and great tasks. I learned my lessons well and I have always lived my life by this model. I have learned when life tests me by throwing to me the proverbial “curve ball”, that I must face life head on and accept the challenges I am given. My life has had its share of challenges. With even the most difficult of circumstances, I have oftentimes found that if I remain open and optimistic, I can elicit a positive result. At the very least, I can realize the potential of the learning experience. In my fifteenth year as a synagogue Executive Director, I see myself as life’s cheerleader: facing every hurdle, tackling every challenge, routing everyone on. Unlike my individual participation in a sporting event, the hurdles, the challenges, the opportunities for growth and the victories—both big and small—we share together as a team…as a congregational family.

The High Holydays is a time for reflection and introspection…and thoughts about how one might improve how they relate to the world around them, become a better person, be more supportive, be a better friend and to be more in tune with the needs of others as a priority over one’s own needs. So, in this light, I offer to you the opportunity to meet with me and help me to understand your individual challenges and needs as well as areas in which I might be able to assist you or encourage you to find increased value in your membership. In his sermon “Metamorphosis” (given Rosh Hashanah 1998), Rabbi Edward Feinstein spoke about the fact that serenity and peace are not Jewish emotions. “It [Judaism] is about the struggles for a life of significance, a life of purpose, a life of importance…Judaism will not protect you from life and its dark moments, Judaism will teach you how to grow in those moments.” With the High Holydays approaching, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a year of growth with your Temple Israel family. "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem ("May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.") B’Shalom,

Marla Towbin Executive Director

Executive Director

Marla Towbin was born in New York and raised in South Florida. She learned all facets of catering and management at a young age in order to assist her father, Milton Towbin, in his resort and restaurant businesses. Marla spent many years in the hospitality industry honing these skills until Hurricane Andrew, when she decided to relocate to be closer to family and took a position at the Jewish community center in Savannah, Georgia. She was named Executive Director at Congregation Agudath Achim, also in Savannah, Georgia, where for the first time, Marla’s secular business experience effectively meshed with her commitment to Jewish tradition. This unscheduled channeling of her organizational skills into Jewish communal service was “Beshert”-- a real match made in heaven! As the director, in addition to

administering the day-to-day operations of the synagogue, Marla dedicated her time to listening and being a reliable resource for the members and staff. She took great pride in assessing and enhancing the quality and efficiencies of the facility and its grounds and security to match the needs of the congregation as well as the culture of the community. For Marla, working with families and facilitating the arrangements for their life-cycle events (including more than sixty-five B’nai Mitzvah in addition to naming ceremonies, funerals and weddings each year), gave depth and meaning to the “job”. During her tenure at Temple Sholom, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Marla had the honor to host and provide security for Henry Kissinger, Hilary Clinton, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, among others. Marla

is a life member of Hadassah, and a member of both the North American Association of Synagogue Executives and National Association of Temple Administrators. She has hosted many regional conventions, led seminars and adult staff training and mentoring, taught religious school kindergarten and helped forge a positive connection from her congregations to the surrounding Jewish community through creative initiatives. Marla has worked as a kosher caterer and party planner and has the distinction of being the only member of the Towbin family that can replicate her grandmother’s honey cake and is looking forward to sharing this and many other sweet moments with Temple Israel.

About Marla Towbin

L'shana Tova Saadiah Ga'on, a 10th century Jewish philosopher, gives us ten reasons why we are commanded to sound the shofar on Rosh Hashanah: 1. Because Rosh Hashanah is the day God created the world. Just as trumpets and horns are blown at the presence of kings, so they are blown at the presence of the Creator. 2. Rosh Hashanah is the first of ten days of repentance. The blowing of the shofar announces this to the people.

3. As we come closer to Mount Sinai, the blare of the horn grows louder and louder. 4. The words of the prophets are compared to the sounding of the shofar. "Whoever hears the sound, shall be delivered in his soul." 5. The sound of the shofar reminds us of the destruction of the temple and the battle cries of our enemies.

6. To remind us of Isaac, who offered his life to Heaven, and to sanctify his name. 7. The sounding of the shofar causes fear and trembling, causing us to be humble before God. 8. To recall the great day of judgment, a day of the horn and great alarm. 9. To remind us of the scattered ones of Israel, because at the sounding of the shofar, those who were lost will come and worship. 10. To remind us of all the inhabitants of the world and of the dead, who will be lifted up on the mountain at the sounding of the shofar. (Interpretation of article from the Jewish Heritage online magazine). Alan Mason Doctor of Musical Arts Director of Music

During the months of Elul and Tishrei we travel through different holidays. It’s not only a religious experi-ence but a beautiful spiritual and musical journey. S’lichot is an evening of

preparation in placing us into the spirit for the High Holydays through meditation and prayers of forgiveness.

Rosh Hashanah is the time to celebrate and contemplate one’s past, present and future. At this time we are lifted with special prayers and melodies right up to the sounding of the Shofar whose shrill sound awakes our souls. Yom Kippur is our holiest day of the Jewish year. Through fasting and prayer we reflect upon our relationship with other people as well as with the Divine. We ask atonement for our wrongdoings and failures during this past year and hope to take the right actions going forward. Sukkot, the pilgrimage festival, more than any other festival in the Jewish calendar,

enjoys a series of diverse rituals and moods. The building of a Sukkah begins immediately after Yom Kippur day. The atmosphere changes dramatically with this initial act of building symbolizing renewal for rejoicing. The aura surrounding these days miraculously engages our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. May you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of Life. Shana Tova.


Dr. Alan Mason, Doctor of Musical Arts Director of Music

Cantor Michael Glozman

The Aura of These Days...

Music Corner

Don't miss the Third Annual South Florida Cantorial Concert, sold out in 2009 and 2010. Twenty-five cantors and soloists will be joined by the concertmaster of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, an African dumbeg drummer, and Alan Mason at the piano on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 8:00PM in the Bertha Abess Sanctuary. Tickets and information available at: www.cantorialconcert.org, 1-888-541-9753, or 305-573-5900.

Save the Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011

8:00 PM Jewish Music from Around

the World

Sisterhood and the Community... When called upon to lend a helping hand, you can count on Sisterhood. As a team, Temple members, the ECC and Sisterhood collected school supplies for the underserved families in the neighborhood. Sisterhood then organized and delivered over 40-filled backpacks and extra school supplies to Touching Miami with Love Ministry to be distributed to the students in Overtown schools. Sisterhood works to provide social and educational events supporting Temple

Israel, the Women of Reform Judaism and our community. Our plan is to always have a community project tied in with our regular Sisterhood functions. Tikkum Olam... On October 3rd during on our Paid Up membership brunch, we will be collecting toiletries such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and feminine hygiene products to be delivered to the Lotus House Homeless Shelter. There is still time to send in your dues, bring in items to be donated and have fun

at the Paid Up Membership Brunch on October 3rd. Counting on your participation and looking forward to seeing you, Esta and Silvia


Sisterhood Corner

Esta Friedman, Silvia Rosen, Sisterhood Co-Presidents

On the heels of helping the students of the Jewish Community Centre of Wellington, New Zealand collect 1.5 million buttons to memorialize the innocents killed in the Nazi Holocaust, Temple Israel of Greater Miami is again assisting little ones, this time closer to home. As part of the Faith-in-the-City social action initiative, Temple Israel’s Trustees, Sisterhood members and

students have collected and stuffed dozens of backpacks for the Back-to-Back program run by Touching Miami With Love Ministries. Thanks especially to generous contributions from Sisterhood, Kerrin and Peter Bermont, Marilyn and Jerry Ellis, Edythe and Elton Kerness, Marcy and Scott Orth, Candace & Lloyd Ruskin, Joni and Stanley Tate and Tzedakah donors,

elementary school students in Miami’s Overtown area will start the school year with backpacks full of love and school supplies. Pictured with the completed project are Sisterhood Co-Presidents Silvia Rosen and Esta Friedman with Maintenance Supervisor Wisly Bernard.

ONEG SHABBAT Joan L. Bornstein in honor of the birthday of Ben Giller ONEG SHABBAT FUND Anonymous in honor of the Administrative Staff Michael Epstein in honor of the birthday of Joan Schaeffer

Pat and Marty Fine in honor of Michelle Krinzman receiving the 2009-2010 Or Zarua Award SISTERHOOD Sandra and Charles Simon in memory of Natalie Pritikin Chuck, Nanette, Robin and David Ruffner in memory of Edith Ruffner

SISTERHOOD BRAILLE FUND Doris Axinn and Family in memory of Armin Brown YES FUND Brandy and Larry Primak in memory of Natalie Pritikin

Donations to Sisterhood Projects

Backpacks Full of Love

Silvia Rosen, Wisly Bernard, and Esta Friedman Marilyn Ellis, Esta Friedman, and Edythe Kerness


Notes from the ECC The new school year has arrived! The school is bursting with new colors! The freshly painted walls, the just waxed floors, clean carpets and the new school supplies give the school that very

exceptional and characteristic new school year smell! The parents’ excitement about what to bring to school, the feeling of anticipation for the changes, new classes, new students and new teachers is a normal part of every new school year! It is a new beginning with many feelings coming together. We feel sadness for the little ones that left our school. We will miss them very much. We feel joy for the bright future that

awaits them, and we hope they will visit us. We are happy for the children that we still have with us, and we will have unconditional love for the new students who will be joining us this year. New infants and toddlers are joining our younger classes. We feel very proud of having the opportunity to gain the trust of new parents and children, and for the chance to develop new bonds of love, confidence and learning. This year we’ll have enrichment classes like: Ballet, Sports, and Soccer. Parents of Preschoolers Organization will start brand new projects and fundraising and will keep reinforcing and supporting the projects that are ongoing, such as: bringing more green initiatives to our center or more fundraisers to support Mitzvah Projects like the Ronald McDonald House.

Our Temple clergy, staff and lay leaders are opening their arms to our ECC families for Family Shabbat experiences, Religious School, holidays and many programs and celebrations! The teachers have prepared their classes by cleaning, organizing and planning, but the new chapters are still to be written. The special and unique experiences that every child brings make our center an extraordinary place. Good things are about to happen! Welcome to the 2010-2011 New School Year!

Valeria Michanie, Director of Education

Melba Leiman, ECC Director of Administration

ECC Teachers for the Year 2010-2011

From left to right, top row: Idalia Acosta, Yvonne Noel, Sara Marcela Fridman. Second row: Gloria Germilus, Margarita Galban, Marlen Pal-ada, Luz Rodriguez, Maintenance Staff Louis Montilus. Third row: Ivis Palada, Myriam Velasquez, Katrina Solomon, Rosa Maria Cordero, Lesly Bustillo, Carolina Rodriguez, Karina Zottola, Fourth row: Stephanie Dugue, Wendy Fiallos, Melba Leiman and Valeria Michanie.


Religious School News Do you remember your early High Holyday experiences? I remember getting ready for the High Holydays at the only Jewish School in my town of Cordoba, Argentina. Each member of my family was thinking about the High Holydays: Where are we going to meet after the services? Who will prepare the gefilte fish? (Nobody liked to have the smell of fish in the house!) Do we have enough glitter for the Rosh Hashanah card? When are we eating the apples dipped in honey? Each family member was in a different stage of their lives with different Jewish thoughts...And so are we! Our kids and each one of us have different tasks and thoughts when the High Holydays arrive and this is the wonder of Judaism! The symbols and the traditions don't change, but we do. Year after year our minds revolve around these symbols and traditions, and eventually evolve. Every year, Jews around the world find another reason to celebrate the High Holydays. For each one of us the

High Holydays will symbolize something different, but the essence of the Holydays will be the same. One of the main missions at our Religious School is to interpret the stage where our students are and develop a Jewish learning based on their needs. For our youngest students, the High Holydays will be all about the yummy apples dipped in honey. For our adolescent students, this will be the time to meet old friends and make new ones, and for our young teens this will be the first time they will be fasting after their Bat or Bar Mitzvah. The challenge for us as educators will be to help our students find a new taste of the Holydays each year. The High Holydays will be always the same, but the experiences we go through at each stage of our lives will always be different... L'shana tovah tikatev v'etahetem. "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." Valeria Michanie Religious School Director

Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2010

From left to right, first row: Dr. Alan Mason, Rabbi Jody Cohen, Cantor Michael Glozman. Second row: Melissa Orth, Ruben Rosen, Rachel Coller and Annabelle Pfeffer.

, Temple Israel of Greater Miami

Blessings for Sukkot

Blessings for dwelling in the sukkah and for the lulav.

Blessing for Dwelling in the Sukkah It is a mitzvah to celebrate in the sukkah. While the Torah instructs us to live in the sukkah for seven days, many

choose to only have meals in the sukkah. When eating or reciting kiddush in the sukkah, recite this blessing:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu leisheiv basukkah. Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of all, You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to dwell in

the sukkah.

Blessing for the Lulav The lulav is held up in the right hand, and the etrog is held pitom end (pointy side) down in the left hand. Facing east, recite the blessing. Then turn the etrog up and shake the entire bundle three times in each of six directions: straight

ahead, right, back, left, up, and down.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al n'tilat lulav.

Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of all, whose mitzvot teaches us holiness and who instructs us to take up the lulav.

Shehecheyanu

The first time you wave the lulav each year, recite the blessing marking a special occasion:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehechehyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higianu laz'man hazeh.

Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this season.


Schedule: 5:00 PM Sukkah decorating 5:45 PM Story telling for young children led by ECC Teachers 6:00 PM Dinner - Italian Buffet Adult members $10, adult non–members $15, and $5 for ages 5-12 7:00 PM Creative Sukkot/Shabbat service in the Sukkah 8:00 PM Taste the fruit of the vine—by popular request, another wine tasting led by Temple Member Brad Trushin or Kick up Your Heels—Israeli dancing and family games led by Liliana Rozental 9:00 PM Festive Oneg in the Sukkah

We’ll begin by decorating the Sukkah throughout the entire Brown patio. Stay for a delicious Italian Buffet dinner to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of eating in the Sukkah. Then worship with us in the Sukkah as we welcome Shabbat under the stars, and celebrate Sukkot with a creative service, followed by a special program of either wine tasting or Israeli dancing and games. After we’ve had our fill of praying, singing, dancing, and tasting wine, we’ll schmooze with friends over dessert in our Sukkah. Please RSVP for dinner to Phyllis at 305-573-5900, ext. 405 or [email protected], by Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

!Join us as for

"Sukkot under the Stars " a

Creative Intergenerational Sukkot Celebration!

Friday, September 24, 2010


SELICHOT Saturday, September 4 7:30 PM Dessert Reception, Study and Service EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 8 6:00 PM Dinner (RSVP required) 7:30 PM Rosh Hashanah Evening Service ROSH HASHANAH MORNING Thursday, September 9 9:45 AM Children’s Programs 10:00 AM Rosh Hashanah Morning Service PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION Thursday, September 9 Please join President Douglas M. Jacobs and his wife Jane at the Rosh Hashanah President’s reception in Wolfson Auditorium immediately following services. TASHLICH Following the President’s Reception, we will walk to the bay to symbolically cast our sins into the water. SHABBAT SHUVAH Friday, September 10 6:00 PM Shabbat Service 7:30 PM Service on the radio only CEMETERY MEMORIAL SERVICES Sunday, September 12 10:00 AM Mt. Nebo (Miami) Cemetery Richter Mausoleum 11:30 AM Lakeside Cemetery Garden of Heroes Mausoleum 12:30 PM Graceland Cemetery Gravesite of Cantor Bornstein KOL NIDRE Friday, September 17 6:00 PM Dinner (RSVP required) 7:30 PM Kol Nidre Service

YOM KIPPUR Saturday, September 18 9:45 AM Children’s Program 10:00 AM Morning Service 12:30 PM Alternative Atonement Meditation Experience 1:30 PM Social Justice Program 2:30 PM Creative Service 3:30 PM Afternoon Service 4:30 PM Yizkor Memorial Service followed by Neilah Closing Service and Sisterhood Break-the-Fast (RSVP required) SUKKOT UNDER THE STARS Friday, September 24 5:00 PM Help decorate the Sukkah which covers the entire Brown Patio 6:00 PM Dinner followed by a service in the Sukkah 8:00 PM Wine Tasting or Israeli Dancing followed by Dessert in the Sukkah. SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, October 1 6:00 PM Dinner (RSVP required) 7:30 PM Yizkor, Simchat Torah Celebration and Consecration Service LISTEN TO US ON THE RADIO AND OVER THE INTERNET Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services will be broadcast on WZAB 880 AM and streamed live on the internet (www.templeisrael.net) on: Erev Rosh Hashanah—Wednesday, September 8 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Rosh Hashanah—Thursday, September 9 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Kol Nidre—Friday, September 17 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Yom Kippur—Saturday, September 18 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM The best reception area for the radio station is in Miami-Dade County. The streaming over the internet can be heard world-wide.

5771 HIGH HOLYDAYS SCHEDULE


Selichot: A Service of Forgiveness

Jessica Pusceddu, our instructor/facilitator, attended New World School of Arts College on a full scholarship in 1992 and earned her BFA in Dance from F.I.U. in 1996. She has danced with Et Lounda in Lyon, France with direction of Balkys, Kista Tucker Dance Inc. in Rochester, New York, Dance Theater of Miami, Pure Reaction, and Demetrius Klein Dance Company. She finished her fourth season as a dancer for Karen Peterson & Dancers which features adult dancers, with and without disabilities, who create and perform "mixed-ability" dance. Jessica works closely with the community and with disabled children throughout Dade County, giving children the opportunity to receive creative movement classes funded by The Children’s

Trust Fund. She is also a certified yoga teacher for children with and without disability.

Saturday, September 4, 2010, 7:30PM

Refreshments: At 7:30PM we gather in Kahn Social Hall to welcome each other back from our summer activities, to greet newcomers, to make new friends over coffee and dessert. Focusing: That begun, the Cantor will lead us into the Gumenick Chapel with a niggun (a wordless melody) to set the tone for the Holydays. We’ll say farewell to Shabbat then learn texts to sharpen ourselves so we might be ready, intellectually, to approach the Holydays. Becoming: We’ll begin the process of spiritual preparedness through prayer, song, and interpretive dance and movement pieces created and presented by Jessica Pusceddu, a professional dancer and yoga teacher.

1 Roger Bernstein 2 Jerome Greenbaum 3 Paul Goldman 4 Janice Sussman 4 Randi Trazenfeld 4 Tyler Trushin 5 Gwen Wurm 7 Isabel Davidson 7 Sherrie Garfield 7 Brian Gerber 7 Diego Linares 7 Lewis Ress 7 Sophia Snyder 9 Leslie Coller 12 Julian Enriquez 12 Claudio Leiman 12 Oscar Musibay 14 Barbara Block 14 Mark Feldman 14 Daniella Levine 16 Pat Fine 16 Arthur Marcus 16 Jenine Silverman 17 Megan Tate 18 Jeffrey Postal 19 John Kanter 20 Abigail Auslander

Congratulations/Mazel Tov Temple Israel of Greater Miami

On Your Birthday! On Your Anniversary

September

20 Robert Glazier 20 Ric Katz 20 Peter Wechsler 21 Rabbi Jody Cohen 21 Levi Ellenby 21 Lois Rukeyser 21 Linda Siegel 22 Elle Futernick 23 Linda Datko 24 Matthew Hege 24 Lois Helen Mondres 24 Candace Ruskin 24 Suzanne Sponder 25 Carlos Muñoz 25 Ian Reiss 25 Analeah Rosen 26 Mary Prados 26 Jeffrey Snyder 27 Rachel Fried 27 Warren Trazenfeld 28 Spencer Bartram 28 Alan Bisno 28 Isabelle Csete 28 Rita Gombinski 28 Joshua Markowitz 28 Larry Sarbey 29 Molly Galler

1 Norma and Michael Orovitz 2 Alison and Lance Harke 4 Nancy and Neil Schaffel 5 Barbara and Michael Weintraub 6 Joan L. Bornstein and Ben Giller 11 Joni and Stanley Tate 12 Lois and Howard Rukeyser 15 Silvia and Alec Rosen 18 Arlene and Laurans Mendelson 20 Diane and Ron Lindner 25 Sharon and Michael Karl 30 Angela and Barton Sacher

29 Melissa Hege 29 Carla Neufeld 29 Daniel Roth 30 Laurie Kahn 30 David Rigg 30 Robert Simons 30 Fred Witkoff

Mazel Tov to: • Phyllis and Mark Wickman on the engagement of

their daughter Stephanie to Jonathan Ben-Joseph. • Sandra and Charles Simon who will receive the

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Miami Women’s Auxiliary of Douglas Gardens at their Woman of the Year Luncheon on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

Central Chavurah Offers Diverse Programming for the Coming Year

Central Chavurah has a rich and varied program of events planned for this season. Be sure to keep your eyes open for future announcements of the complete schedule and description of the programs. In the meantime note that the topics for this year will include Broadway music presented by Dr. Alan Mason and the study of Pirke Avot with Rabbi Larry Halpern. The unfolding history of Miami Beach architecture will feature a pictorial presentation arranged by Arthur Marcus. The story and details behind the Jewish artifacts displayed in the glass cases located in the Temple lobby will be fully explained by Andrew Gottlieb. In addition to the program content, the Chavurah meetings reflect a close fellowship among those who attend. Our gatherings are open to all Temple members and their friends. The first meeting this fall will be October 21st, Thursday at 7:00pm. It’s not too early to mark your calendar. For further information call Dody Raskin [email protected].

Bikur Cholim - the Mitzvah of Caring for the Sick

We rely upon our members to notify the temple office when there is an illness in your family or if someone is in need of a pastoral visit. In the morning prayer, Elu Devarim (these are the words) from Pirkei Avot (Teachings of Our Ancestors), we are instructed to visit the sick. When we are notified, we will reach out to those in need. Please call or e-mail Phyllis at 305-573-5900 or [email protected] so we can fulfill the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim by providing support and comfort for you and your loved ones.

• Appreciated securities • Closely-held stock and other business interests

• Outright cash gifts • Real estate and invest-ment properties

• State of Israel bonds

• Tangible personal property • Unrestricted Funds • Zero coupon bonds • IRA and other retirement funds

Temple Israel Heritage Society

Giving for the Future

Your will is an important element in your estate plan that enables you to protect the people you love, create a lasting support for Temple Israel and help ensure the future of this community. Your bequest may provide for a specific dollar gift, a percentage of your estate, or specific assets to be given to Temple Israel in support of various programs and activities. A bequest may also be in the form of a gift of the remaining assets of one’s estate. Bequests, like other gifts, can be designated for many purposes or given without restriction.

There are many ways to make a gift of almost any size. Listed below are some of the many options available:

Those persons who have provided for Temple Israel in their wills and have notified the Temple of their intent are honored by having their names on the Heritage Society. If you have included Temple Israel in your will or have questions about planned gifts to Temple, please call Marla Towbin, Executive Director, at 305-573-5900 or email her at [email protected].

The Joseph A. Garfield Family Susan Gumbiner

Arthur Kahn Rose Lerner

Ellen Kempler Rosen Kenneth D. Rosen

Joan Schaeffer Marjorie and Jack Schillinger

Robert Glazier and Dr. Alan Mason Sy Hecker and Bob Yocum

Norma A. and Michael D. Orovitz Anita Malmuth

Joan L. Bornstein Suzanne G. Collins Rosalind R. Ludwig Joseph Grosbard Dr. Robert Bass

Marc Levin Nanette and Budd Mayer

To date, the following families and individuals have made or pledged gifts to Temple Israel and are listed on the Heritage Society Plaque:


Mission Accomplished

"Think Global, and act Local" or so the saying goes. The urban garden movement that is sweeping the nation has arrived in Miami, and is alive and well at our very own Temple Israel! We need to sustain this very important project in the New Year. Located along the east side of the temple next to the Chapel one will find raised beds of "locally grown" vegetables consisting of collards, kale, Swiss chard, tomatoes, arugula, basil, beans, peppers, dill, radishes and more. We delivered fresh produce to Lotus House every week once the plants matured. Vegetable planting and harvesting are on hiatus for the summer, but work to recultivate and plant the beds will begin in earnest in the fall. All temple members and interested parties are welcome and greatly encouraged to get their hands dirty and to "lend a hand". Please contact the Social Justice Committee to get more involved and look for announcements in the coming weeks. We'll be preparing the garden for the fall planting on the following Sundays from 9am until noon: September 12, 19 and 26. Please RSVP to Phyllis at 305-573-5900 if you are able to join us.

Phyllis and Mark Wickman in memory of Reloris Wickman Berman Family in memory of Chantal Berman Leona Hoffman Greene in memory of Rae Hart Hoffman Bill and Barbara Sussman in memory of Sylvan Sostmann Candace and Lloyd Ruskin in memory Natalie Pritikin Joan Schaeffer in honor of Michelle Krinzman Judy Willis in honor of Jane and Doug Jacobs, Donna Seldes June and Stuart Jacobs in honor of the birthday’s of Esther and Donna Seldes Susie and Richard Goldberg in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Brandy and Larry Primak Special Gifts for Media Rosalind Jaffe in honor of Temple Israel’s High Holy Day Radio outreach to the community Bernice Sheldon for the continuation of our Radio and Internet broadcasts. JOSEPH R. NAROT ENDOWMENT FUND Ethel and Al Solomon in memory of Miriam Solomon IN APPRECIATION OF OUR CLERGY In appreciation of Rabbi Jody Cohen: Ethel and Al Solomon in memory of Miriam Solomon Harriett Freed Bulbin in memory of Natalie Pritikin Rhonda Ginsburg and Andrew Labbie in honor of Brandy and Larry Primak In appreciation of our Clergy: Lisa and Robert Waxman in memory of Bettie Nathenson Flois and David Landis in memory of Aaron Cohen Newmark Family in memory of Samuel Newmark, Eugene Cracovaner Hermina Seiden in memory of Jean Drenser, Herman Drenser

Brenda Shapiro and Javier Bray in memory of Hazel Bernstein Anne Lewis in memory of Harry Lewis FLOWER FUND Jean Sarah M. Lewis and Elisah B. Lewis in memory of Hattie Mechlouitz Harriett Freed Bulbin in memory of Lawrence Freed, Samuel Freed JONI AND STANLEY TATE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Peter and Kerrin Bermont in memory of Esther Marcinowski LEARNING PROJECT Lisa and Robert Waxman in memory of Natalie Pritikin CHARLES HELD, JR. MEMORIAL FUND TO FEED THE HUNGRY Lois Helen Mondres in memory of Joseph Mondres Barbara and Sy Frankfurt in memory of Donald Blechman Eve Pinder in honor of Rabbi Jody Cohen DOROTHY SEROTTA SOCIAL JUSTICE FORUM Dr. Maurice Serotta in memory of Max Serottta Community Garden Linda and David Berzofsky in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Brandy and Larry Primak CANTOR JACOB BORNSTEIN AND DAVID SAMUEL BORNSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND Joan L. Bornstein in memory of Abraham Levine, David Bornstein, Bettie Nathenson Barbara and Sam Minches in memory of Joseph Minches DENMARK LIBRARY Harriett Freed Bulbin in memory of May Freed Bix GOLDSTEIN MUSIC FUND Angela and Bart Sacher in memory of Martin Sacher, Inez Sacher,

Contributions We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Temple Israel by remembering and honoring their friends and loved

ones through their generous contributions.

MEMORIAL FUND Yvonne Benrube in memory of Jack Benrube Norma and Michael Orovitz in memory of Ruth Orovitz, David Achsen Sherrie Garfield in memory of Joseph Garfield Robert B. Wolfson in memory of Marion Wolfson Eleanor Sager in memory of Dora Quartin Ann Walder and Lori Walder Cohen in memory of Gregory Walder Leonard Linton in memory of Marion Suiter Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kanner in memory of Jennie Seiden Deborah Bussel in memory of Irving Bussel Annamae Kaye in memory of Laurence Levenson Naomi and Donald Smith in memory of Florence Frankenstein Helen Cowen in memory of Eva Conn RADIO FUND Marilyn and Jerry Ellis in memory of Bettie Nathenson Dotty Oren in memory of Louis Sack Bettie Nathenson and Patty Craven in memory of Phyllis Gottlieb Craig Charles and Sandra Simon in memory of Harold Jacoby Esta Friedman in memory of Bettie Nathenson, Natalie Pritikin, David Gitelman Lillian Scher in memory of Esther Powers Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Price in memory of Muriel Egan Susie and Richard Goldberg in memory of Ann Rubin, Jeanette Stone, William Stone Carole and Arthur Green in memory of Irwin Green Robin Reiter-Faragalli in memory of Saul Reiter Judy Willis in memory of Norman Willis Shirley Landwirth in memory of Michael Landwirth Felicia Deutch and Family in memory of Ruth Orovitz Esther and Donna Seldes in memory of Philip Seldes



Temple Israel’s Business and Professional Directory

PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COACHING Life coaching; counseling; hypnosis; couples therapy. Free phone consult. Kendall/Pinecrest/South Miami/Gables Diane Lindner, LCSW 305-596-0802

Temple Israel Administration Staff

(Alphabetical order)

Linda Levin, Membership Coordinator [email protected]

Phyllis Littman, Assistant to Clergy Temple Operations Coordinator

[email protected] Isabel Montoto, Office Manager

[email protected] Manuel Rodriguez, Bookkeeper [email protected] Vivian Simo, Chai Lites Editor

Communications and Public Relations Coordinator

[email protected] Marla Towbin, Executive Director

[email protected] The Joni and Stanley Tate

Early Childhood Center Valeria Michanie, Director of Education

[email protected] Melba Leiman, Director of Administration

[email protected]

Bettie Nathenson, Natalie Pritikin, Hermine Sacher Neil and Nancy Schaffel in memory of Nathan Rosen, Lillian Schaffel Juanita Levin and Family in memory of Mae Lewis Conn Dixie Finkelstein in memory of Joe Pivacco Jeanne Bernstein, Roberta and Ralph Pierra, Ina Strauss, Alice Brower, Thea Lieberman, Irving Hazan in honor of 50th Anniversary of Brandy and Larry Primak TEMPLE ISRAEL Harriett Freed Bulbin in memory of Ivy Zalka The Edward Eisenberg Family in memory of Jean Eisenberg Alan K. Roberts, M.D. in memory of Joseph Roberts, Isidore Roter

S. Ronald and Gloria Pallot in memory of Natalie Pritikin Daniel Markson in memory of Natalie Pritikin Joseph Reinhardt in honor of Temple Israel The Ginsburg Family in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Brandy and Larry Primak NExT @ 19th STREET Marc Levin GEORGE AND JENNIE FRANKLIN FUND Tricia and Martin Sandler in memory of Alvin Sandler SIDNEY AND ZENIA MEYER FUND Patricia Papper in memory of Solomon Papper

In Memoriam Rhonda Barnett

Donald Blechman Perry Kaye

Bettie Nathenson Esther Seldes

Condolences to the Family of:

Donald Blechman Husband of Terry Blechman

Bettie Nathenson Mother of Patty Craven

Sidney D. Simon Brother of Charles Simon

Brother-in-Law of Sandra Simon Charlyene Meyer

Sister of Lloyd Ruskin Sister-in-Law of Candace Ruskin

Samuel Litter Father of Alberto Litter

Father-in-Law of Dora Maya Grandfather of Paulina Litter and David Litter

Perry Kaye Husband of Annamae Kaye

Esther Seldes Mother of Donna Seldes

Aunt of Jane Kahn Jacobs and Marc Kahn

Contributions continued.


Your best option for successful social and business gatherings in the

Performing Arts District in Downtown Miami

The Wolfson/Kahn Event Center

Complimentary parking, full service event planning and catering available

For more information, please call Isabel Montoto at 305-573-5900 or [email protected].

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CHAI LITES IS PUBLISHED BY TEMPLE ISRAEL OF GREATER MIAMI 137 NE 19 Street, Miami, Florida 33132 305-573-5900 (phone), 305-573-5904 (fax) Website: www.templeisrael.net Member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Published monthly except July by Temple Israel of Greater Miami (USPS538-000) Postmaster: send returns to 137 NE 19 St., Miami, FL 33132.

Periodicals Postage P A I D

Miami, FL

As we have done in previous years, we are collecting non-perishable food for families in need. The food we collect is donated to Pass It On Ministries of South Florida, an interfaith, non-denominational organization. Please pick up a bag from the lobby of the Sanctuary and bring it back filled with canned or boxed food, pasta, rice, potatoes and paper goods. Or, if you prefer, make a financial contribution instead of food. Your check should be made payable to Pass It On Ministries. As in the past, whatever you can donate will be gratefully received. Thank you for helping this worthy cause.

Mitzvoh for the High Holydays 5771

Sponsor a congregant for the High Holyday Meals We are seeking temple members to contribute to the Mitzvah Fund to sponsor other members who cannot afford to attend the congregational High Holyday meals. If you would like to sponsor a congregant for one of our Holyday meals, please contact Phyllis Littman at 305-573-5900, or [email protected].

Drive someone to Temple If you are willing to provide a member with transportation for the High Holydays, please call the office at 305-573-5900. If you need transportation, please let us know too.

Usher at Temple Please sign up to usher and greet our congregants and guests during the High Holydays. Send in your forms or call Executive Director Marla Towbin, at 305-573-5900, ext. 404, or e-mail her at [email protected].

Food Drive to benefit Pass It On Ministries

chai lites september 2010

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