Congregation B`nai Torah Megilla

Congregation B’nai Torah Megilla
The Center Of Jewish Family Life In The Greater Trumbull Area
Vol. 5774
Issue 1
From the Co-President’s Desk
Beth Schwartz
B
’nai Torah, what a wonderful
place to be! Since the
beginning of September, I have had
the pleasure of greeting people, first
during the High Holidays. Then, on
Sunday, September 22, I caught all
the smiling faces of our Talmud Torah students and their
parents as we began another successful academic year. As
I said in my speech during the holidays - once we get you
in the building, there is always something going on to keep
you coming back.
Speaking of my speech . . . because of the technical
difficulties I had that day, we have decided to reprint my
speech in the Megilla. I thank you all for the kind words
of encouragement I received during the holidays and look
forward to two wonderful years.
Good Morning and Welcome,
I would like to begin by thanking some very special
people: my family. To my husband Hal, who once stood
here doing this exact same thing, you are a great example
for me to follow as I take on this new role. To my three
wonderful daughters, Ashley, Brittany and Danielle, all
of whom, without their support, I could not even have
imagined taking on this Presidency. To my Co-President
Linda Schulman and to Rabbi Colin, with their help, I am
encouraged by the possibilities and direction in which we
can move Congregation B’nai Torah.
I want you all to know that this is just a little bit
intimidating for me! But, not for the reasons you may
think. Growing up at B’nai Torah, I considered the
presidents as the “untouchables.” Me, I was just the kid
that spent more time in the tunnel with her friends than
sitting in synagogue during the High Holidays!
October 2013 October 2013
Now, I spend every Monday afternoon with Linda in the
office of the “Rabbi.” This too is a different experience for
me . . . being in the Rabbi’s office as a child WAS NOT
where you wanted to be. But a child’s perspective is always
a little different. And, as we grow into adulthood, I am sure
our childhood memories are not exactly how things were.
B’nai Torah has been such an important part of my life
over the years. It is a very, very special place; my family
has really found a home with this congregation. And I hope
that all who are here today feel the same way.
The new Board that Linda and I are working with has
been wonderful; it is a great mix of old and new. Time and
dedication is what gives B’nai Torah its momentum, and
the Board’s support is greatly appreciated.
For the 10 years that Rabbi Colin has been with us, we
have developed a wonderful relationship. It has definitely
helped lay the groundwork for where I am today.
For those of you who don’t know, when Rabbi Colin
came to B’nai Torah, I was the Vice President of Education.
At his request, this title changed to the position of Hebrew
School Principal, and for the next five years, we worked
very closely, making sure the Hebrew School proceeded in
the right direction.
Now decisions we make will affect the entire
congregation.
My role, as I understand it, is to relay the “State of the
Synagogue.” As I look around here this morning I have to
say the “State of the Synagogue” is good. Does this mean
we don’t have our challenges? No – certainly not. I believe
what makes this congregation so special is the core values
that permeate through our members. We are a very caring
community. We are always present for our members,
particularly during life-cycle events. (And especially when
there’s food!)
The Megilla
Continued on page 2
Page 1
From the Co-President’s Desk - Beth
Continued from page 1
In the last five years, our congregation has grown by
leaps and bounds. There is not a week that goes by when
there is not some kind of program you can attend. We want
you to come through these doors, because once you do,
you will keep coming back.
In looking over our accomplishments of the last year,
I would say that things are going extremely well. We
continue to increase our membership. The flawless merger
of Congregation B’nai Torah and Temple Beth Sholom has
created one community, one family. We are 310 families
and still growing. Our religious education program sets
the standard for the area. Parents know that providing our
children with that strong Jewish foundation helps guide
them into adulthood. The word is out! This is where the
young people want to be, even those in High School. Our
Nursery School is the standard that all others strive for.
Our Sisterhood is incredible. The women of this
organization are always there for our members. Their
many programs keep people involved and energetic. Our
newly formed Brotherhood is getting off the ground with
excitement and involvement that has not been seen here
in years. Our Social Action group keeps adding more and
more outreach programs.
Just look around this room and feel the energy, the
excitement, the way we care for each and every member.
We are headed for 350 families. Who would have
believed that this would have been possible?
Religious organizations all around us are struggling.
Don’t get me wrong; we still have our issues but we are
dealing with those while still moving forward. However,
we can do better. We MUST do better.
We operate on the money that comes in throughout the
year. Membership dues alone are not enough to support
our synagogue (or any other) these days. They only cover
about 30% of our operating expenses, much less the
numerous programs and support services we provide. We
need additional funding sources such as our annual appeal.
Page 2
Once in a while a super generous donor comes along
and that certainly helps. We have no charitable gift
annuities that we can tap into. And no financial angel has
come forward who could shower us with unlimited funds
to be used at our beck and call.
As you might expect, our more than 50-year-old
building is beginning to show wear. It’s a challenging job
and a very expensive one just to keep up with the repairs.
So given our ever rising expenses, our aging building,
and maintenance requirements, who else can we turn to
for help but you?
With your help, we look forward to B’nai Torah’s future
with hope and faith that the year 5774 will be one blessed
with peace, prosperity, and good deeds. Your participation
in the High Holiday Appeal is crucial to maintaining
Congregation B’nai Torah, which is more than a religious
school, more than a bima, more than a place for social
gatherings. It is our community’s Jewish home.
In summary, the little girl has grown up. She sees things
with adult eyes, she realizes that those presidents were
far from untouchable, they are who built the foundation
that has allowed B’nai Torah to prosper and grow, and I
am thankful for them. Things are good, but we can make
them better. We’ve accomplished much in the last year,
but there is more to do. For those of you who have not
made your pledge, please make your commitment to B’nai
Torah now. For our wonderful guests, please consider
making a donation to this amazing community. If you
don’t have a pledge card, please see one of the ushers, they
are circulating to collect your cards.
And with everyone’s help and support, we will make
B’nai Torah the best it can be. I want to thank everyone
for that support and wish you a very Happy New Year.
Shana Tova.
All pledges matter, PLEASE send in your pledge card
as soon as possible.
With your help we can continue to make B'nai Torah
the place people want to be. Check your calendar for
upcoming events . . . see you soon!
The Megilla
October 2013
Every tree tells a story…
Robert Velthuizen
E
arlier this year, after the many recent storms, two
of the trees in front of our shul were cut down by
state crews. While the surfaces of the cuts weren’t exactly
pristine, one of the trees could tell a bit of a story. According
to the tree rings, the tree was a sapling in 1856, and predates the civil war. The tree grew fast in its early years,
likely an indication of
wet and warm weather.
It developed as the
area developed with
Bridgeport growing to
a large prosperous city,
where citizens were
given access to great
parks such as Seaside
Park (donated by PT Barnum) and Beardsley Park. The
Housatonic railroad stopped at the station close to current
Starbucks and at the Parlor Rock theme park. The tree
provided shade to travelers on the Main Street tram
from Bridgeport to current day Luigi’s. The tree rings
show that much of the 1900's were very dry, especially
around 1930 and 1960. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to
find any information on the site itself, other than that it
was owned by Samuel Klahr, who donated the land to the
Trumbull Jewish Community Group. The first B’nai Torah
synagogue was built and opened in time for Rosh Hashanah
1962, and the new sanctuary was completed in 2002.
Several bad storms
(hurricanes and ice
storms) hit the area,
weakening trees and
their branches. After
the February blizzard
of 2013, Main Street
was closed for a week,
after which the two
old trees in front of
B’nai Torah were cut.
Disclaimer – dates and facts should be taken with a grain of salt; I’ve estimated rings but
they’re not all visible; and I am known to make stuff up. The pictures are real though!
Thank you
I
want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for your love and support on Tuesday
night, September 17. Our home was filled with so many caring friends that the room
overflowed. I am so grateful to have so many old and new friends who took time out of their
busy lives to pay respect to me and my family on the passing of my mother Esther (Petey)
Dumoff. –Nan Schwartz
October 2013 The Megilla
Page 3
which is not, but would also have the ability to gently grasp
the fruit and remove it from the vine without damaging the
grapes.
Israel at 65
By Dorothy Schoengood
Israel became a state in May of 1948, 65 years ago.
During the many decades since its birth, in spite of wars and
terrorism, Israel has built many gleaming cities and made
the desert bloom. In addition, Israel has made wonderful
technical, medical, agricultural, educational and cultural
advancements. Several universities and organizations are
responsible for these outstanding achievements.
The Iron Dome One of the most outstanding achievements was made by
Technion University—“the Iron Dome.” The Iron Dome is
an anti-missile system that saves lives. It identifies aerial
threats, mainly rockets, and eliminates them. The Iron
Dome has already intercepted and destroyed more than
350 missiles.
In 2012, Israel’s Iron Dome rocket defense system
successfully blasted Hamas’ rockets out of the sky. This
helped end hostilities between Israel and Hamas in seven
days. In addition, the Iron Dome knocked down 421 rockets
bound for Israeli cities. This limited Israel’s casualties to
six people during the seven days of bombardment.
Rockets and missiles, the weapons of choice of Israel’s
primary foes--Iran, Hezbolah and Hama--could soon prove
obsolete. Therefore, the Iron Dome has been immensely
successful. The Iron Dome has been so effective in
intercepting destructive rockets that Israel is deploying
them throughout the country.
Ben Gurion University–A Smart Robot Picks Only
Ripe Fruit
This university is well known for its robots. Robotics
researchers at BGU have received a $1.3 million grant to
develop intelligent sensing and manipulation for robots to
pick ripe crops such as orchard fruits and premium wine
grapes. They have developed a robot that will accurately
judge produce that is ready for harvest and skip the ones
that are not ripe. An agricultural robot must be equipped
with intelligence to be able to operate in the dynamic and
hostile agricultural environment.
Harvesting “high value” crops, like wine grapes, is a
time-consuming, laborious task. Just imagine if a robot
would not only know which grape is ready for picking and
Page 4
Some experts predict that robotic devices will be doing
much of the work on farms by the middle of the century.
Hadassah University Medical Center a Breakthrough
for the Eyes
Until a decade ago, degenerative retinal and macular
diseases were incurable. Since then, there have been
breakthrough medical technologies. Doctors in the “Center
for Retinal and Macular Degeneration” have implemented
gene therapy in patients for age-related macular
degeneration, which will be among the world’s first
human embryonic stem cell based products. Hadassah’s
development of therapeutic stem cell lines, without using
animal components, was announced in June of 2012.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Dr. Amir Amedi of the “Center for Brain Science” has
turned sound into sight for the blind. Special glasses worn
by the blind, and connected to ear phones, enable the blind
to see. When the blind person hears a word, it is then
translated to a vision that the person can see. Dr Amedi has
helped the world’s 45 million blind people, and more than
100 million people with impaired vision, to function better
in daily life. What a wonderful discovery!
Jewish National Fund
The JNF has been known for many years to enhance the
quality of life in Israel. It has built new communities in
largely uninhabited areas. By doing this it has given
families alternatives to Israel’s crowed, expensive cities.
In addition, JNF has been an innovator in ecological
development and a pioneer in forest creation. It has planted
more than 240 million trees, providing covering for more
than 250,000 acres. JNF has also been in the forefront of
water management and half of the water used in agriculture,
as well as fresh water to meet the needs of over 4 million
people a year.
AIPAC
Last, but not least, “The American Israel Public Affairs
Committee,” AIPAC, is America’s leading pro-Israel lobby.
The Megilla
Continued on page 16
October 2013
Bat Mitzvah:
Sara Scinto
S
ara Scinto will
become a Bat
Mitzvah on Saturday,
October 23. Sara is
currently an eighthgrader
at
Hillcrest
Middle
School
in
Bar Mitzvah:
Jacob Brosler
J
acob Brosler, who
will
celebrate
becoming a Bar Mitzvah
on Sunday, November
3, is currently an eighthgrade student at the
Interdistrict Discovery
Magnet
School.
There, he has lots of
opportunities to focus on his main interests - science,
computers, and Minecraft.
Trumbull. She is a member of the Trumbull High School
Golden Eagles Marching Band where she performs and
competes with the Color Guard. She has been playing the
viola since third grade. Sara loves horses and horseback
riding. She volunteers at a horse farm during the summers
and earned her Girl Scout Bronze Award doing a project
about horses, using the time she spent at the farm to learn
how to take care of them. Sara is an active member of Girl
Scouts.
Last year, he made the District Science Fair competition,
and is looking forward to another chance with this year’s
project. He also started a computer club at school last
year, and continues to be very involved with helping the
younger students learn some basic computer programing.
Ultimately, he hopes to create new video games.
When not enjoying the computer, Jacob most likes
doing karate, going to tag sales with his dad, playing with
his dog Buddy, and watching television. Jacob is looking
forward to celebrating his Bar Mitzvah with all his friends
and family. He would like to thank all his teachers, and
especially Rabbi Colin and Mrs. Volpe, for all their help in
getting him to this day. News from the Nursery School
Joan Watnick, Director
-yeare three
th
s
e
h
c
a
ow to
Colin te old classes h
Rabbi
r
a
four-ye
old and
r
fa
o
h
es
blow th
Chi
fours th ldren in
e
h
t
eir
n
shof the nur
ren i
ney Ro
ars
ser
Child ade ho
s
h
H
m
asha as th y schoo
h
e
class or Ros
l
n
y le
ah
f
arn blow
cake
a
bou
anah
t
Hash
October 2013 The Megilla
The
fo
duri ur-yea
r
ng t
he 1 -olds e
njoy
st w
eek
of sc art
hoo
l
Page 5
Adult Education Sets Next Year’s Programs
Margery Verlezza
s I write this article, I am reflecting back on a
wonderful program we had in our sanctuary here
at B’nai Torah. The community-wide Selichot program,
featuring the film “Re-Emerging: The Jews of Nigeria”
along with the discussion led by documentary filmmaker
Jeff Lieberman, was fascinating and we learned so much
about the Igbo and the Jewish customs they have been
practicing for generations.
A
Looking forward, we will continue our study of World
Jewry on Sunday, October 27, at 4 p.m.,
when we will host Shoshannah Nambi
from the Kulanu Abayudaya Organization
“in the house!” She will provide a fresh
perspective on the roles of women in the
Abayudaya community and the challenges
they face. Thank you to Congregations Beth El, B’nai
Israel and Rodeph Sholom for helping us bring both
of these inspiring programs
to fruition in the Bridgeport
community.
Our next adventure into
World Jewry will take place
on Wednesday, November
20, at 7:30 p.m., when we
warmly welcome Marcia Haddad-Ikonomopoulos,
Museum Director of Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue
and Museum in New York City, to B’nai Torah. Marcia
will discuss the long history of Greek Jews, who
developed distinctive traditions, customs and liturgy
which they also have passed down for generations. This
program is sponsored by Joan and Richard Watnick in
memory of Joan’s father Bernard Levy.
Want to get up close and personal with Marcia? Please
join us at 6:00 p.m. for a Greek dinner and the opportunity
to meet Marcia. Reservations are a must
for this kickoff to our special evening.
The fee is $15 per person. Please call the
office by Friday, November 15 to reserve
your dinner place. Everyone is welcome
to attend the discussion at 7:30 p.m.
Page 6
Rabbi Colin will open the first session of his class,
Walking with the Jewish Calendar: Rhythms of Jewish
Living, on Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. This 12week series will explore the holy days and festivals of
Judaism. Through the study of the Jewish calendar we
will explore the mysteries of our holidays and festivals:
How did they develop? Why do we observe them?
What do they tell us about the Jewish peoples’ values
and beliefs? What deeper meaning can they offer to our
lives? The classes are scheduled to continue on Nov.
7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5, and Dec. 19, in 2013, and Jan. 9,
Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, Mar. 6, Mar. 20 and Apr. 3,
in 2014.
On Saturday, November 9, we will be celebrating
Havdalah at 7:30 p.m., with a “just for fun” Kugel
Bakeoff! (This is postponed from last year when we
had a broken oven.) Laurie Raccuia and her beautiful,
melodious voice will be leading the service, and
everyone is welcome to sign up to pre-bake your
favorite kugel recipe. Please call Robin in the office at
203-268-6940 to let her know you
plan to participate. Bakers will be
scheduled for Thursday and Friday,
November 7 and 8. Remember,
all ingredients must be kosher and
nut-free.
SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday,
December 4, is Movie Night! More information will
follow.
Now that Nursery School and Talmud Torah have begun
for the year, we would like to remind everyone:
Due To Severe Allergies, Please Do Not Bring
Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Or Any Items Containing Them
Into The Synagogue. If You Have Questions, Please Call
Our Office at 203-268-6940
The Megilla
Thank You.
October 2013
TIME FOR A CHANGE
Submitted by Paul Antell
Part of the preparations for the Jewish New Year
involves an individual’s commitment to changing bad
characteristics into good ones. As I reflect on my personal
improvement plan, I am pleased to report that on a national
and global level, Israelis are definitely changing the world
to the good with their innovations.
In the medical arena, many people find it impossible to
change their diet to resolve physical obesity, so students
from the bio-design program of the Hebrew University
of Jerusalem have enforced a change to the metabolism
with a gastric sleeve that blocks food absorption. Doctors
insert the sleeve down the throat and via the stomach to the
duodenum, without surgery or anesthetic.
Israel’s NI Medical will certainly change the lives of
cardiac patients. Following an agreement with Mobile
Medical Services, NI Medical’s Non-invasive Cardiac
System (NICaS) monitors will be installed in nursing
homes across the United States. The monitors will
dramatically reduce the number of unnecessary transfers
to hospitals.
Israeli biotech D-Pharm discovered that the parasitetransmitted diseases malaria and sleeping sickness cause
changes in the metal ions within brain cells. D-Pharm
has just announced that its revolutionary treatments are
able to regulate the disrupted ions and provide a totally
new therapeutic solution to these devastating diseases.
But the world will probably be more interested in the
cosmetic changes that Israel’s EndyMed can make to the
faces of aging women. The United States Food and Drug
Administration has given its approval to EndyMed’s
3Deep treatment that applies radio frequency energy to the
skin in order to remove wrinkles.
Change the radio frequency to the visible spectrum and
you will find Israeli startup Gauzy, whose liquid crystal
technology allows “smart” glass to change from transparent
to opaque with just a touch. Too hot? Then touch the glass
to block out the sunlight. It will change the construction
market out of all recognition.
The recent launch of Israeli start-up Lingua.ly will
change how we learn languages. Lingua.ly’s personal
educational service starts with a quiz and then it indexes
October 2013 the Internet, feeding you with appropriately selected texts
based on your vocabulary. But this is nothing compared to
the changes we will see arising from the Brain Computer
Interface developments that Israel is at the forefront
of. Tel Aviv’s Brainihack competition brings together
neuroscientists, artists, designers, robotics experts, etc., to
see who can build the best viable product in one weekend.
As the Jewish Year 5774 begins and the rest of the
Middle East implodes, there has been a marked change in
how Israel is viewed among the nations. Not surprising,
given Israel’s:
-Regular discoveries of natural gas off its coast. (Even
Egypt wants to buy some.)
-Advanced telecommunications. (Enhanced by its
launch of the Amos 4 satellite).
-Expertise in water technology, (IDE just sold another
desalination system to Asia.)
-Agro technology. (Kinneret College has developed a
plant that survives extended droughts.)
Even Israel’s wine industry has become one of the most
respected of the New World with Israel’s Golan Heights
Winery picking up another award, on the eve of its 30th
anniversary. For the health conscious, Bloomberg has just confirmed
that Israel has the fourth-best healthcare system in the
world, only surpassed by Hong Kong, Singapore and
Japan. The United Kingdom came in 14th and the USA
46th.
Israel is certainly changing perceptions among ordinary
Arabs. The families of Syrian patients brought to Israeli
hospitals for treatment suddenly realize that everything
they have been told by their leaders and media about the
Jewish State has been a lie. Meanwhile, five Arab schools
in East Jerusalem have decided to change from the PA
curriculum to the Israeli curriculum.
Israel Bonds
If you need more information regarding
Israel Bonds, or would like to make a
purchase, please contact Paul Antell at
203-268-3503 or [email protected].
The Megilla
Page 7
Michelle Scinto: Frankel Award Recipient
C
ongregation B’nai Torah will present Michelle Scinto with the Muriel J. Frankel Memorial Award on Friday,
November 1, at the 7:30 pm service. This prestigious award honors her years of dedication, hard work and service
to the congregation.
Michelle’s involvement at B’nai Torah began when her oldest daughter Kayla began attending the Nursery School.
She became involved by assisting Beth Schwartz, then the Director of Education, with re-establishing an active PTO for
Talmud Torah. She continued on as PTO President once Beth Tepper took over the position of Director of Education.
Working with Beth Tepper, she helped create an art program for the Talmud Torah.
But her involvement didn’t end there. Michelle also served on the synagogue Board as Treasurer for three years. A
co-chair of the successful Art Auction in 2011, she was also heavily involved in the Presidential Gala held that same
year. She also shops and sets up onegs for the synagogue as well. After making the tallit for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah,
Michelle was asked to run a tallit-making class for adults which was extremely successful with many creative, amazing
tallit.
Talmud Torah Director Beth Tepper commends Michelle’s work and states, “Michelle is a very wonderful and
remarkably capable woman. Her work ethic is based on grace and eloquence. There is no project too difficult, no task too
complicated. It is a pleasure to have worked with her.”
Michelle is originally from Buffalo, New York. She moved to Connecticut after graduating from the Rochester Institute
of Technology with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant Management. She met her husband Tony while working at the Stamford
Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza. They are the parents of daughters Kayla and Sara.
In addition to her volunteer work at B’nai Torah, Michelle has also been active with the Trumbull Junior Women’s
Club, now known as Trumbull Community Women. She served on the Education Committee, which was responsible for
the Town-Wide Spelling Bee, and was a Girl Scout Leader for daughter Kayla’s troop.
The Frankel Award is presented to a member of the congregation in memory of the beloved wife, mother and
grandmother Muriel, who was a tireless volunteer at B’nai Torah. The Frankel family is excited to present this award to
such an extremely deserving recipient.
High Holiday Acknowledgements
he Rosh Hashanah flowers were donated by the B’nai Torah Board. The Yom Kippur flower arrangements were
donated in memory of Morris and Tillie Marks, by Vivian and Mitchell Arron and family; and in memory of Charles
and Marion Davis Becker and Herman and Frieda Friedman, by Arthur and Rosalind Friedman and family.
T
We appreciate that Grace Episcopal Church provided their parking lot for our overflow parking. In addition, our
heartfelt gratitude goes to Serlin International Limousine (Red Dot Shuttle) for providing shuttle bus service to and from
the church’s parking lot. We thank Guacamole Grille for providing additional parking.
On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Dr. Fred Lazin presented a fascinating talk, which was sponsored by Stacy and
Rick Weinstein in loving memory of their fathers Donald Mullin and Martin Weinstein.
The break fast was generously sponsored by Sid and Laura Cahn and Lynnette Litwin.
The Trumbull Police Explorers assisted in our security and parking lot management.
Finally, congratulations to the winners of our High Holiday Appeal raffle parking spaces: Mara and Wayne Brosler,
Mitzi and Bernard Goldberg, and Debbie and Robert Velthuizen. These parking spaces were generously donated by our
new members Paddy and Rebecca Jarit, of Physical Therapy for Women.
Page 8
The Megilla
October 2013
Sisterhood News
Thank you, Janet Bass, for providing your lovely home for
the occasion.
Debbie Velthuizen
O
n behalf of the Sisterhood, I’d like to thank
Rabbi Colin and Josh Fein for such beautiful and
meaningful High Holiday services.
Thank you to all the members of the Kiddush Committee
for the delicious spreads prepared throughout the busy
holiday season.
A trip to Hassidic Williamsburg and Borough Park will
take place on Sunday, November 24. The trip fee is $20;
lunch at a kosher restaurant is not included. A carpool
from B'nai Torah will leave at 9:00 a.m. For more details
or to sign up, contact Debbie. This trip is open to the
community.
Thank you also to the Cahn and Litwin Families for
sponsoring the break fast for Yom Kippur.
Please check your emails for details of upcoming events.
(The details are still in the works.)
On September 15, we
had a wonderful trip to
Silverman’s Farm for apple
picking. It was an absolutely
beautiful day - crisp weather,
crisp apples!!
The Sisterhood Brunch
was on October 6, an annual event that kicked off the year.
From The Office
Robin Magilnick
C
alling all Snowbirds . . . if you will be away for the
winter, please let me know, so I can change your
mailing address and be sure that you receive all of your
mail from us.
You may have noticed in the last flyer mailing that
a couple of the flyers were two-sided. In an effort to
conserve paper you will see this more often. Please look
on both sides of the flyers so you don't miss any important
information.
The e-Megilla is sent on a weekly basis to keep
you updated. If you don't receive the e-Megilla at this
time, please call me at 203-268-6940 or email office@
Sisterhood membership for 2013-2014 is only $18.
Make checks payable to B'nai Torah Sisterhood.
Please contact Debbie if you have any questions
or suggestions. Call 203-445-9973 or email
[email protected].
bnaitorahct.org and I will make sure you are added to the
list.
There are several 5774/2013-2014 calendars in the office
that have not yet been picked up; each member family gets
one. If you haven't gotten yours yet, please stop by for it.
Cookbooks are available during
office hours for only $18 each..
Thank you to everyone who has
been using the office mail box. It is
greatly appreciated. Putting your mail
in there saves valuable time. This will
keep your checks and RSVPs from
being delayed.
Kiddush Committee
T
he Kiddush Committee invites anyone interested in learning more about Kiddush and
Oneg preparation to join us! Contact Debbie V. for more information at
203-445-9973.
October 2013 The Megilla
Page 9
Gala Ad Journal Update
After reviewing the Ad Journal donations, we have found that some were inadvertently omitted. We are so
grateful for everyone’s contributions that we wanted to recognize each and every one.
Eighth Page: B’nai Torah Nursery School
Listings: Shira Horowitz and Maurice Karpman
Oronoque Animal Hospital ♦ Peerless Cleaners
Leslie and Kenny Roggen ♦ Steven and Jeanne Toovell
Joan and Richard Watnick
B'nai Torah Holds Successful Blood Drive
Submitted by Elaine Goldschmidt
T
he Blood Drive was held on July 10. The turnout
was much less than expected and there were fewer
blood donations, but I learned this has been happening all
over the state.
The help from the congregation was fantastic. Thanks
so much to the following volunteers who gave their time to
make the event a success: Rabbi Amanda and Yoni, Ellie,
and Rafi Brodie, Marge Winokur, Mary Steinfeld, Dottsie
Goldstein, Marge Labinger, Eleanor Yanowitz, Martin
Rosenberg, Gale Antell, June Stowe, Alissa Heilbrunn,
Renee Rubin, Rabbi Yvonne Strassman, Carole Fanslow,
Laurel Fleger, Bernice Dietz, Beverly Fein, Jeff Levi,
Linda Schulman, and especially Robin Magilnick, who
helped me immensely with all my questions.
Thanks to everyone who donated! I’m looking forward
to chairing the Blood Bank again next year. A note from the Young Emissaries
I
t was very exciting to share the High Holidays with
our new community and our host families. It was
our first holiday away from home. It was a very different
experience for us, but in a good way! We missed home
a lot, but with the warmth of our host families and the
community, everyone made us feel like we were home and
not alone for a second. Our families at home were thrilled
to hear about the difference in celebrating the holidays in
America vs. being in Israel. The things that were the same
was that families come together and there is a lot of love in
the air, lots of food on the table and everyone is in a holiday
mood – in Israel we call that “Mishpach’tiut.” What we
never experienced was seeing people driving their cars and
we missed seeing children on their bikes. Most surprising
to us was that the world around us kept moving and in
Israel everything stands still on the holidays. Walking to
the synagogue on Yom Kippur we could smell the food
coming from people’s homes, and it was odd because we
were still fasting.
Page 10
This Yom Kippur was really special for us -- being
far away from home and having the services with the
community, it was a very different experience. It was very
moving to see all the children on the bimah all blowing
the shofar together at the end. We were very touched at the
end of the Neilah and Havdalah service when the entire
congregation sang Hatikvah. We were very moved, and
our hearts were full.
Forty years ago, it was the Yom Kippur War in Israel.
Remembering that, we hope we will have a peaceful year,
for Israel and for the entire world.
We hope you had an easy fast and we wish you a Shana
Tova and a Gmar Chatima Tova !
Your Israeli Emissaries, Omer and Ya’ara
P.S. Follow us on Facebook: Omer-Ya’ara Young
Emissaries
The Megilla
October 2013
Social Action Committee
Submitted by Mara Brosler
Connecticut Veterans Need Your Help
Social Action is conducting a drive in order to
support and honor our veterans. All items collected
will be donated to the Veterans Administration
Medical Center in West Haven. The list below
details the items needed. All items must be
new – underwear must be in sealed packages.
Please note that items are needed for both men
and women. A donation box will be placed in the
B’nai Torah lobby. This drive ends October 29 to
allow time for the items to be delivered to the VA.
Any questions? Please contact Stuart or Susan
Nerenberg at 203-502-8129.
Fixodent/Denture items
Gift Cards (Wal-Mart, Stop & Shop, gas card, etc.)
Feminine Hygiene Products (i.e.- pads, tampons)
Depends underwear (variety of sizes)
Crossword, Word Search puzzle books
Underwear (variety of sizes)
T-shirts (variety of sizes)
Deodorant Cream/Lotion
PowderSoap/Body Wash
ShampooNail clippers
Conditioner
Nail files
Toothbrushes Chapstick
CombsBrushes
Hand-Made Winter Accessories for Children in
Bridgeport The Social Action Committee is knitting and
crocheting hats, scarves and mittens to be donated
to the following Bridgeport schools: Skane School,
Special Education and Pre-Kindergarten; Maplewood
School; Johnson School; and Waltersville School.
The mittens are for kindergarten and preschool
size, as well as large (for older children). The age
group for the hats is K-second grade
October 2013 Please use bright, cheerful colors. Any sport or
worsted weight yarn is good. There will be a box at
the shul where the items will be collected.
Please have them to B’nai Torah by Thanksgiving.
Thanks goes to Barbara Srebnick, who is serving
as go-between for us. If you have yarn to donate,
need yarn, or have any questions, please contact
Alissa Heilbrunn at 203-243-4086 or arh258@
hotmail.com.
B’nai Torah Food Drive Successes
What wonderful food drives! First, thanks to all of
you who helped to make Operation Isaiah a success.
We collected more than 75 bags of food to send
to the Trumbull Food Bank. (Many thanks to Stu
Nerenberg for transport duty!) I also want to thank
those who worked at the tables at the local Stop&Shop
stores and delivered the food: In Trumbull, Jacob
Brosler, David Marchenko, and Julia Wendt (and her
parents Amanda and Frank), and to Stu Nerenberg
for food transport; In Stratford, Amelia, Sara, and
Michael Hevenstone, and Eileen Goldschmidt; and
in Monroe, Jason Goldfarb. Combining all these
sites, we collected about 18 shopping carts full of
food, toiletries, and paper goods. We also received
an additional $746 to be split between the three food
banks and Jewish Family Services!!! Amazing job,
all of you!
We will not, however, just be resting on our
laurels. In the next few months, we will have
several more drives, including one for pet food and
supplies, one for children’s pajamas, and one for our
veterans. There will be many opportunities for all to
participate, so keep your eyes open for the flyers
Social Action Sponsors The Pajama Project
This project collects new pajamas which will be
distributed to students in Bridgeport. Many of the
children live in apartments with poor insulation.
Other children sleep on mattresses on the floor. We
had a tremendous response last year. The recipients
were surprised and very Continued on page 12
The Megilla
Page 11
Cards Sent by The Rabbi & The Congregation
Dr. Susan Sidransky Krutt
In memory of mother, Harriet Sidransky
Alan Sidransky
In memory of mother, Harriet Sidransky
Ariel Fein
Mazel Tov on receiving her M. A. in Art History
from Courtauld Institute.
Spencer Ross
Mazel Tov on receiving his Ph.D.
Sam and Cheryl and Milton Green In memory of Sam and Milton Green’s mother,
Minnie Green
Sandie Sommer-Morgasen
In memory of husband, Gerald
Sam Bader
In memory of wife Dorothy Bader
Sharon and Michael Nagy In memory of mother, Janet Nagy
and Family
Don PollackSpeedy recovery
Josh SearleSpeedy recovery
Mark Lambeck
Mazel Tov and thank you for the Temple Players
Steve and Ellen Mendell
Mazel Tov on the marriage of son, Jordan,
to Mara
Robert and Maxine Marino
Mazel Tov on daughter Miriam Rachael’s Bat Mitzvah
Robert and Alissa Heilbrunn
Mazel Tov on marriage of son, Michael, to Emma
Howie Morgasen
In memory of father, Gerald
Ed and Susan Jewsbury and Family In memory of Susan’s mother, Rose Lansey
Amanda Wendt and Family
In memory of grandmother, Rose Lansey
Mel and Judy Cooper and Family In memory of Judy’s mother, Fay Stevenson
Howard Weiner and Family
In memory of wife and mother, Carmen Maza
Tom and Shelly Hall
In memory of Shelly’s mother, Fay Stevenson
Burt and Nan Schwartz and Family In memory of Nan’s mother, Esther Dumoff
To send a card, please contact Shirley Cohen at 203-268-4514 or [email protected].
Social Action Sponsors
Continued from page 11
appreciative of your generosity. Please consider
contributing again this winter. We are in need of
pajamas from children’s size 5 all the way up to adult
sizes for the teenagers. New sweatshirts and pants
also provide much needed warmth. A donation box
will be in the B’nai Torah lobby. This collection will
continue through December 15.
Page 12
The Social Action Committee realizes that there
are many requests for donations during the year. We
ask you to contribute to at least one of our projects
if possible.
As always, Social Action thanks you for your
generosity. and support. If you have any questions,
please call Susan Nerenberg at 203-502-8129.
The Megilla
October 2013
Good News From Israel
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Come to Israel – get healed. 30,000 of Israel’s 3.5
million visitors in 2012 came to get medical treatment at
Israel’s top health institutions. Treatments include IVF,
brain diseases, laser surgery and heart bypasses.
Boost for Israel’s icy cancer treatment: IceSense3
cryoablation cancer treatment is to be covered by US
medical insurance giant HCSC. Vast numbers of US
patients will now be able to have breast tumors removed
by the minimally invasive ultrasound-targeted freezing
process developed by Israel’s IceCure Medical.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Helping India grow food: Israel is to provide technology
and training to India to diversify its fruit and vegetable
crops and raise yields. Israel’s Agency for International
Development Cooperation (Mashav) would help set up 28
centers of excellence in 10 Indian states - each focused on
specific fruit and vegetable crops.
Solar power for Rwanda: Jerusalem-based Energiya
Global is bringing light to the nations with a project for
an 8.5-megawatt solar field in Rwanda. The country’s first
solar field will be located at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth
Village, a boarding school east of the capital Kigali, for
orphans of the Rwandan genocide.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Landing in any weather: Elbit’s Clear Vision system was
put on show recently at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget.
The system’s advanced multi-spectral camera displays
real-time pictures on transparent glass in front of the pilot,
enabling passenger aircraft to land even in storms and fog.
Israel’s 1Gigabit Internet: Israel has commenced a tenyear, multi-billion-shekel project to lay a national fiber
optic network that will allow internet download speeds of
up to a gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second.
CROP Hunger Walk
Beverly Peck, Liaison for CROP
C
ongregation B’nai Torah is to be commended for
its fundraising for this year’s 39th CROP Hunger
Walk. The Greater Bridgeport Hunger Walk offers an
opportunity to help fight hunger locally and in other
countries. The total to date for this year’s Walk is $22,000
and counting, with participation from approximately 270
walkers. Lauren Mandell spearheaded the synagogue
collection, and B’nai Torah’s contribution was $883.
Thank you all who walked, raised funds, and donated,
either as sponsors of walkers with money placed directly
in envelopes, or with online donations. A great many of
our donations were designated for distribution through
MAZON, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to
preventing and alleviating hunger among people of all
faiths and backgrounds.
Totals included a Sunday Morning Minyan donation
that yielded more money, thanks to Charlotte Denenberg’s
quick response to a grant from The Feinstein Challenge
October 2013 and Alan Feinstein. We are thankful also that our Talmud
Torah children shared their tzedakah with CROP.
The Megilla
Page 13
News from Talmud Torah
Beth Tepper-Talmud Torah Director
S
eptember 22 marked the
start of another ruachfilled Talmud Torah school year.
Students were ready to learn and
take pride in their heritage and
they filled Hersher Hall to celebrate school’s
beginning. The magic of song and happiness
permeated the walls of B’nai Torah. The energy
is infectious!
“Brachot” is the Talmud Torah theme for the
year. Our children are familiar with how we
light the Shabbat candles, drink kiddush juice/
wine, or cut the challah and also say a blessing
of thanks. Our yeladim are now becoming
aware there are so many other appropriate times
we should say brachot as well . . . like when
seeing a mountain, witnessing a shooting star,
and seeing lightning. The reasons why they are
recited, the correct timing and appropriateness
will be our focus this year. Please take the time
to enjoy our walls as they are filled with artistic
renditions of types of brachot that exist.
Ongoing tzedakah projects include a bottle
drive, backpack filling, animal food, Juvenile
Diabetes collection and can tab collections.
Drop off your donations anytime.
Toda Raba to Elaine Bader for enriching our
children’s mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah . . .
the homemade apple cake was luscious!
Please make plans to join us for our early
Shabbat services at 7 p.m. throughout the year.
Enjoy a wonderful 5774!
B'nai Torah Scrip...
Get yours today
Purchase gift cards for your holiday gifts and
help B'nai Torah at the same time.
Stop by during office hours to get yours, call
203-268-6940 or email [email protected]
in our home and yours
Jewish Senior Services is the new name for the full range of
quality care provided by The Jewish Home for the Elderly.
Providing senior care throughout Southern Connecticut:
• Long Term Care
• Rehabilitation
• Home Care
• Hospice
• Day Services
• Advocacy & Education
• Long Term Care Protection
175 Jefferson Street, Fairfield CT • 203-365-6400
www.jseniors.org
Page 14
The Megilla
October 2013
GALA ART AUCTION AND BEER AND WINE TASTING
Sunday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.
S
unday,
November
17, will find our
synagogue turned into a
first-class
art
gallery,
brimming
with
art,
sports memorabilia and
collectibles. If that doesn’t pique
your interest, how about a beerand wine-tasting, and music to
entertain, as you preview all the
wonderful pieces available for
purchase?
“With Hanukkah less than two weeks away, this
is the perfect time to take care of all those gifts,
for the kids, the sports enthusiast,
and the wine connoisseur. There
will be an endless selection of items
at every price point,” commented
Event Co-chair Linda Colman,
who also runs the gift shop at the
synagogue. “We want this to be
a one-stop shop for all of us who
are so busy and barely have time
to shop, especially with the first
night of Hanukkah being the night
before Thanksgiving!” There will
also be a silent auction, and a raffle, with items that
will be won with purchased raffle tickets.
Brodinsky, among others, will be framed and ready
for you to carry home. All pricing is well below
standard gallery prices. “Buying art is a most
interesting process. Some buy for the investment
value, and others for the decorative aspect art brings
to your home, but most importantly, regardless of
why you are purchasing art, you should always buy
what you like,” said Margery Verlezza, Co-chair of
the event. This event is a major fundraiser for B’nai
Torah, and we urge you to bring your friends, buy art
at a great price, and have a wonderful time!
Town Line Fine
Wine, Spirits & Beer,
located on Hawley Lane in Stratford, will provide
the beer and wine. All products will be kosher
and available for purchase for holiday gift-giving.
Auction tickets will be $10 each, 2 for $18, and
will cover the price of admission, the beer and wine
tasting, entertainment, refreshments and dessert.
Tickets purchased prior to the event will include
two complimentary raffle tickets. The preview,
silent auction and the beer and wine tasting begin at
6:30 p.m. The live auction starts at 7:30 p.m. Those
who purchase tickets in advance can request certain
artists or style of art be represented that evening.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the office at
203-268-6940.
The art, featuring such well known artists as
Peter Max, Itzchak Tarkay, Yaacov Agam, Slava
WATCH YOUR E-MAIL FOR INTERESTING
INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE
ARTISTS TO BE FEATURED AT THE
AUCTION!
Linda McCartney’s photograph,
“Portrait of an Era,” bought at
the B’nai Torah auction in 2011.
www.facebook.com/bnaitorahct
October 2013 The Megilla
Margery
with
her
Itzchak Tarkay bought
at the auction in 2011.
Tarkay has since passed
away, and the value of
his art has increased.
Page 15
Warm Welcome To The Following New Members And Their Families
O
n behalf of the membership committee and the entire congregation, we would like to officially
welcome our new members. We are looking forward to getting to know you all better and to
celebrating many holidays, simchas and social events together in the years to come.
William, Lisa, Joshua, David, Benjamin, Sarah,
Zachary and Jacob Becker
Robert, Elyse and Zachary Schneider
Richard, Sharon, Amanda and Cameron Brown
Michael, Amy (Handmaker), Rachel, and Aviva
Doery
Stephen, Beth and Wesley Grunschel
Seth, Alison, Max and Mia Nierenberg
Paddy, Rebecca, Harrison, Shaina and Zachary
Jarit
Thomas and Laurie Weinstein
Israel at 65
Continued from page 4
AIPAC works with Congress to secure vital foreign aid for Israel and to stop Iran’s nuclear program.
AIPAC is a 100,000 member movement of Americans committed to ensuring Israel’s security and strengthening the
ties between the U.S. and its ally Israel.
We should all be proud of Israel’s great and important accomplishments. Israel has helped humanity by contributing
so much to the world. “Happy Birthday, Israel!”
Donations
Rudnick, Trina Berkowitz, Bill Berkowitz, Larry
Sax and Chrina May
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
To Rabbi Colin, thank you for the meaningful
service at the cemetery, from Gilda Glick
To Rabbi Colin Brodie, wishing you and your
family a healthy and peaceful New Year, from
Dr. Harold and Irma Batt (Anita Rosnick’s parents)
To Rabbi Colin, in memory of Stephanie Heine’s
parents Ruth and Harry Goldstein, from Roger and
Stephanie Heine
To Rabbi Colin, in honor of your 10th anniversary
at B’nai Torah, from Roger and Stephanie Heine
In memory of Mildred Friedman, from Arthur and
Geraldine Freeman
Yahrzeit of Ann Morgenstein, from Mary and
Joseph Steinfeld
To Sandra Sommers, Howard Morgasen and
Family and Dr. Philip and Debra Sobel and Family,
in beloved memory of a dear husband, father and
grandfather, Gerry Morgasen, from Barbara and
Elliot Rubin, Marge Labinger, Judy and Elliott
Page 16
To Rabbi Colin, thank you for a special book, from
Beth and Louis Weinstein
To Sam Marks, speedy recovery, from Dorothy
Goldstein and Harvey Sussman
To Susan Sidransky Krutt and Family, in beloved
memory of Susan’s mother and her children’s
grandmother, Harriet Sidransky, from Marty and
Arlene Rosenberg
To Florence Berman and Family, in memory of
a beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bill
Berman, from Marty and Arlene Rosenberg
To Bernard Ferszt, just to let you know we
are thinking about you and wishing you a refuah
schlema, from Trina Berkowitz and Bill Berkowitz
To Rabbi Colin, from Victor and Edna Stern
To Wendy and Josh Searle, in beloved memory
of Wendy’s mom and your children’s grandmother,
Dorothy Bader, from Marge Labinger, Linda and Jon
Schulman and Jane and Dave Zimmerman
Yahrzeit, from Beverly and Irwin Peck
The Megilla
October 2013
To Rabbi Colin, in honor of 10 years of being my
Rabbi and friend, Todah Raba, from Marge Labinger
Yahrzeit of my father Louis Searle, from Jonas
Searle
To Rabbi Colin, for honors given, from Stanley
Silverstein and Jane Smiley
Yahrzeit of Susan’s father and her children’s
grandfather, Marvin Mankowitz, from Doug and
Susan Mankowitz Fink
In memory of Estelle Jacob, from Art and Geri
Freeman
In honor of Claire Kummerman’s 90th birthday,
from Marge Winokur
Yahrzeit, from Michael and Renee Coplan
Yahrzeit for my beloved brother Donald, from
Sandra Wiener
Happy Birthday Sally Melzer, from Marge
Winokur
Yahrzeit of Adela Goryn, from Charlotte and
Jeffrey Denenberg
To Rabbi Colin, in gratitude, in honor of our
grandson Andrew Weinstein’s Bar Mitzvah, from
Terry and Sandra Hayden
To Sam Bader and Family in beloved memory of a
dear wife, mother and grandmother, Dorothy Bader,
from Debbie, Robert, Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
To Linda Schulman, in honor of you becoming
Co-President of B’nai Torah, from Dr. Marc and
Nancy Ross
To Claire Kummerman, in honor of your 90th
birthday, from Nathaniel Wernick and Family
Yahrzeit of Simon Deutsch, from Eileen and Bruno
Goldschmidt
To our twin grandsons Aaron and Ben Wasserman
on their recent graduation from the University of
Michigan with their Bachelor degrees, from Lorraine
and Buddy Hillman
In honor of our grandson Brian Hillman for getting
his Master's degree from the University of Chicago,
from Lorraine and Buddy Hillman
To Rabbi Colin for services at the cemetery, from
Bernard and Leah Ferszt
Kiddush Fund
Yahrzeit of Molly Frankel, from Leslie Frankel
To Susan and Ed Jewsbury and Family and Amanda
and Franklin Wendt and Family in beloved memory
of Susan’s mother and Amanda’s grandmother and
her children’s great grandmother, Rose Lansey, from
Debbie, Robert, Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
Yahrzeit of my mom Gussie Wiener, from Sandra
Wiener
To Fred Zeitz, feel better soon, from Debbie,
Robert, Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
To Alissa and Bob Heilbrunn, Mazel Tov on
the marriage of your son Michael to Emma, from
Debbie, Robert, Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
To Anneke Velthuizen, wishing you congratulations
on your 1st job, from your mom and dad, Debbie and
Robert Velthuizen
To Roni Yessenow, thank you for holding the
sisterhood BBQ--It was great! From Debbie, Robert,
Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
To Ellen and Steven Mendell, mazel tov on your
son Jordan’s marriage to Mara, from Debbie, Robert,
Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
To Sharon Nagy on the loss of your mom, Janet
Nagy, from Debbie, Robert, Anneke and Vincent
Velthuizen
To the Marino Family, congratulations on the Bat
Mitzvah of your daughter Miriam, from Debbie,
Robert, Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
Yahrzeit of Bea Denenberg, from Charlotte and
Jeffrey Denenberg
Yahrzeit of Soloman Hendin, from Mary and
Joseph Steinfeld
In memory of Margery's parents, Harry and
Barbara Tomsky, from Margery and Peter Verlezza
Yahrzeit of Max Goldschmidt, from Eileen and
Bruno Goldschmidt
In memory of the yahrzeit of my mother, from
Sally Melzer
October 2013 Yahrzeit of Simon Selden, from Leslie Frankel
The Megilla
Page 17
Yahrzeit of Florence Bernstein, from Martin
Bernstein
Yahrzeit of Tserna Yaffe, from Mary and Joseph
Steinfeld
To Zelig and Gerry Zacharow, wishing you well at
your new permanent address, from Marge Labinger
and the Sunday minyan at B'nai Torah
To Rabbi Colin a special donation, from
Dr. Howard Weiner and Children
To Rabbi Colin, thank you for giving Charlotte a
very special aliyah at Simchat Torah, from Charlotte
and Jeffrey Denenberg
To Rabbi Colin, thank you for honor received
during the High Holiday service, from Jay and Judith
Kopstein
To Rabbi Colin for High Holiday honor, from
Allen and Judith Brand
To Rabbi Colin in memory of Murry Rosenthal,
from Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal
To Lorraine Ganz, Mazel tov on the birth of your
great grandson Aaron David, from Mitzi and Bernard
Goldberg
In memory of my Aunt Zelda Jacob, from Dorothy
Goldstein
Yizkor for Sukkot, from Charlotte and Jeffrey
Denenberg
To the Cooper and Hall Families on the loss of a
dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother
Fay Stevenson, from Roberta and Sy Hirsch
Machzor Fund
Yahrzeit of Minna Fleger, from Harold and Laurel
Fleger and Sons
To Jeff Levi and Beverly Fein, congratulations
on a job well done as Co-Presidents of B’nai Torah,
from Marilyn and Leonard Levi
Yahrzeit of my parents and my children's
grandparents Marsha and Benjamin Frankel, from
Alan Frankel and sons
Arts in Education
To Susan and David Elkodsi, in honor of both of
“you," from Margery and Peter Verlezza
Nursery School Enrichment Fund
General Fund
To Elaine Bader, Yasher Koach for all your baking
for Selichot, you made us very proud, from Charlotte
and Jeffrey Denenberg
To Rick, Stacy and Maddie Weinstein, thank you
for sponsoring the speaker for the 2nd day of Rosh
Hashana, from Charlotte and Jeffrey Denenberg
To Alissa and Bob Heilbrunn, Mazel Tov on your
son Michael’s marriage to Emma, from Susan and
Stuart Nerenberg
To Mr. Ed Mayhew, wishing you a full and speedy
recovery from your surgery, from Charlotte and
Jeffrey Denenberg
To Patricia Caseria, in beloved memory of
your sister, Kathlene, from Charlotte and Jeffrey
Denenberg
Yahrzeit of Arja Ferszt, from Bernard and Leah
Ferszt
Yahrzeit of Elda Ferszt and Franciska Waller, from
Bernard and Leah Ferszt
Page 18
Yizkor in memory of Arja, Elda and Sam Ferszt
Family, Perelsztein Family, Abraham, Franciska and
Waller Family, from Bernard and Leah Ferszt
To Don Pollack, wishing you a full and speedy
recovery from your recent knee surgery, from Marge
Labinger
To Nancy Wilkins, wishing you a full and speedy
recovery from recent foot surgery, from Marge
Labinger
To Renee and Howard Zakim and Jeff and Judy
Zakim and Family, in loving memory of Renee’s
mother, Jeff’s grandmother and their children’s great
grandmother, Lucille Streit, from Stan and Eileen
Kaplin
To Bernice Tobin, wishing you a full and speedy
recovery from your recent surgery, from Marge
Labinger
To Susan and Stuart Nerenberg, Mazel tov on the
engagement of your son Jason to Ally, from Gale and
Paul Antell
Hesed Fund
To Judy and Mel Cooper and Family and Shelly and
Tom Hall and Family, in beloved memory of a dear
The Megilla
October 2013
mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Fay
Stevenson, from Beverly and Irwin Peck, Debbie,
Robert, Vincent and Anneke Velthuizen, Gale and
Paul Antell, Susan and Stuart Nerenberg, Bonnie and
Manny Lobel, Gerry and Zelig Zacharow, Barbara
and Carl Twickler, Jill and Les Makaron and Family,
Charlotte and Jeffrey Denenberg, Anita and Hal
Rosnick, Linda and Jon Schulman, Trina Berkowitz,
Bill Berkowitz, Lyn Eliovson and Christine Tenore
To Sam and Cheryl Green and Family in beloved
memory of Sam’s mother and the children’s
grandmother, Minnie Green, from Linda and Jon
Schulman, Gerry and Zelig Zacharow, Charlotte and
Jeffrey Denenberg, Marge Labinger, Trina Berkowitz,
Bill Berkowitz, Roz and Arthur Friedman, Anita and
Hal Rosnick, Elliott and Judy Rudnick, Marty and
Arlene Rosenberg and Lorraine and Buddy Hillman
To Judy and Mel Cooper and Shelly and Tom Hall
and families in beloved memory of a dear mother,
grandmother and great grandmother, from Alan
Frankel
In beloved memory of a dear mother of Sam,
mother in law of Cheryl and devoted grandmother,
Minnie Green, from Sam and Cheryl Green
Humash Fund
To Judy and Mel Cooper and Family and Shelly
and Tom Hall and Family, in beloved memory of a
dear mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great
grandmother, Fay Stevenson, from Debbie, Robert,
Anneke and Vincent Velthuizen
In loving memory of my husband, Richard
Labinger, from Marge Labinger
In memory of Abraham Jacob Koornhof, from
Jeffrey and Corine Scott Koornhof and family
In honor of the wedding of Mara Eisenbaum and
Jorden Mendell, from Ellen and Steve Mendell
In memory of Brian Mitchell Mendell, from Ellen
and Steve Mendell
To Linda Schulman, in honor of you becoming
Co-President of B’nai Torah, from Lynnette and
Daniel Litwin
Yahrzeit of my beloved wife Phyllis Bernstein,
from Stanton Bernstein
Ritual
For High Holiday Aliyah, from Josh and Wendy
Searle
Roof Fund
To Arin Hayden, in honor of being installed as
V.P. of House at Bnai Torah, from Beth and Louis
Weinstein
Security System Fund
Yahrzeit of Goldie Schwartz, from Sandy Schwartz
In memory of Nan’s father, Bernard Dumoff, from
Dorothy Goldstein and Harvey Sussman
Donation from Howard Weiner
To Rabbi Colin, donation of a portion of my
commision from the sale of a congregant's home,
from Irwin Peck
Mendell Fund
To Ellen and Steve Mendell, Mazel tov on the
marriage of your son Jordan to Mara, from Charlotte
and Jeffrey Denenberg and Roberta and Sy Hirsch
Talmud Torah
To Beth Tepper and all the wonderful students
from 2010-2013 and all the great students to come,
from Morah Wendy Bader Searle
If you would like to make a donation to one of our funds for a Machzor, Etz Hayim Humash, a Simcha or
Memorial, please send it to Congregation B'nai Torah, 5700 Main Street, Trumbull, CT 06611
Attention Bonnie Lobel.
Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush
If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush, please call or e-mail the
synagogue office (203-268-6940 or [email protected]). You can commemorate a birthday,
yahrzeit, anniversary, graduation, or any occasion. For a basic oneg, the cost is $100. For Saturday
morning Kiddush, prices begin at $180. Special dishes and favorite recipes are available upon
request; we are very flexible. Please plan ahead so we have time to plan, shop and prepare.
October 2013 The Megilla
Page 19
Congregation B'nai Torah
5700 Main Street
Trumbull, CT 06611
203-268-6940
Return Service Requested
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MONROE, CT
PERMIT NO. 166
Place Label Here
Calendar of Events
Wednesday, Oct 23, 7:30 p.m.
General Membership Meeting
Saturday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Kugel Cook-Off/Havdalah
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Colin's Class
Thursday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Colin's Class
Sunday, Nov. 17,
6:30 p.m. Preview
7:30 p.m. Auction
Art Auction
Tuesday, Dec. 10, Time TBA
Rosh Hodesh Women's Group
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: History of Greek Jews
Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Colin's Class
Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Colin's Class
Sunday, Dec. 22, 12 p.m.
Book Group Meeting
Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 9:15 a.m.
Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Scinto
Sunday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m.
The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda
Friday, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Muriel Frankel Award
Presentation
Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m.
Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Brosler
Wednesday, Nov. 6, Time TBA
Rosh Hodesh Women's Group
Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Colin's Class
Page 20
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 8 p.m.
Trumbull Interfaith Thanksgiving
Eve Service held at St. Catherine
of Siena Catholic Church
200 Shelton Road, Trumbull
Saturday, Nov. 30, Time TBA
Hanukkah/Havdalah Program
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Movie Night
The Megilla
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m.
Israel Action Network Program
No Talmud Torah
Tuesdays, November 5,
December 25 and 31
Sundays, December 1, 22 and 29
October 2013