September-October 2012 Newsletter

Congregation B'nai Emet
9 West Bonita Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
C.B.E. CHAI LITES
Volume 33, Issue 6
Phone: 805-581-3723
Fax: 805-581-3160
September-October 2012 / Elul 5772-Tishri-Heshvan 5773
Rabbi’s Message
Dear Friends – Shanah Tovah!
This summer I had the opportunity to
travel to Berlin and Poland with a group
of students and other faculty members
from CSUN. Admittedly, I was both
anxious and curious about travelling
to these countries, because of their
haunting Holocaust connections. Visiting such sites as the
Wannsee Villa, where the specific details of Final Solution
were drawn up, seeing “Stumbling Blocks,” small bronze
plaques in front of homes where Jewish people lived,
which note the names and dates they were deported to
concentration camps, and visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau
made the actual events of the Holocaust and Nazi reign of
terror very real. Our informative guide told us when explaining the Stumbling Blocks (stolpersteine), “this is
where we mourn those who were taken to be murdered,
because they have no burial plots.” It was more than eerie
to go to one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Berlin and to
learn that Hitler’s main propagandist, Josef Goebbels, hated
Jews so much, he ordered that the bodies and bones of
those buried there be exhumed and scattered in a forest,
toward the goal of making Berlin the first city to be Judenrein (rid of its Jews).
A highlight for me was to attend Shabbat services at the
Rykestrasse Synagogue in E. Berlin. The cantor, himself a
proud Holocaust survivor, chanted a beautiful Kabbalat
Shabbat service, in traditional Ashkenazic style. He sang
Lecha Dodi to the famous Lewandowski melody (the same
one we sing every Friday). What thrilled me was to sing
this melody in the land in which it was composed – Louis
Lewandowski was a great German-Jewish composer of
synagogue music in the 1800’s, during a glorious classical
period. The singing echoed beautifully in the grand, ornate
sanctuary, built in 1901. Singing the Shema Yisrael in
Temple that Shabbat in Germany felt triumphant –
symbolizing that despite all the terror and devastation
we’ve lived through, we Jewish people not only continue
on, we reinvent and rebuild ourselves. As one author noted,
“the story of European Jewry over the last three centuries is
one of magnificent flowering and near-total destruction.”
While Germany, Poland, and almost all of Europe are
haunted by the souls of those they murdered, there is so
much to see, to learn, and to reflect upon, about our past,
present and future. We met other Jewish people from Israel
and the U.S. who were also there to explore their roots. It
was also fascinating and exciting to see how the people in
E. Berlin and Poland have developed and blossomed since
the fall of Communism in 1989. I will present some of my
pictures and thoughts about what I learned on this trip on
Friday October 19th.
What I do know and have come to realize, is that part of the
mystery of the uniqueness of Jewish survival and culture
are the beliefs in joy, hope and optimism that are an
inherent part of our tradition.
As we enter this High Holy Day season, I hope the beauty,
poetry and profound meaning of our prayers will inspire
you. May you be uplifted by these words filled with holy
optimism; may they indeed lead us to healing and
transformation. And, as we say in our prayers, may we all
be inscribed (and inscribe ourselves) in the Book of Life,
Blessing, Peace and Contentment, Amen.
Shalom u'vrachah! (Peace & Blessing)
Rabbi Michele Paskow
P.S. If you have neighbors or friends who may be
interested in joining the CBE family, now is the time to
welcome them – please invite them to services or to visit
our Religious School. I will be happy to meet them and tell
them about our CBE activities.
“Stumbling Blocks”
with names of Jews
killed in the Holocaust
Rykestrasse Synagogue
in East Berlin, Germany
In This Issue
President’s Message by Michael Hollander
Page
Hello everyone and Shanah Tovah! On
behalf of the Congregation Board of
Directors, I want to wish all of our
congregants and anyone reading this
newsletter a wonderful and sweet new
year. I hope this past year has been
filled with mostly good times and
fulfilled wishes. I’m sure that to many
of us, the past year might be like a half-empty glass. I
admit that I have to continually remind myself to think
optimistically instead of relating things to the negative.
It’s sometimes tough to do, as we think a little black
cloud is hovering. Time and friends help heal any wounds
and make things so much better,
Part of why we exist as a synagogue and a temple family
is to support one another. For the fun times or stressful
ones, we should stand with one another. That’s what a
community is about, especially a small one such as our
temple family. At this time of year, we are told to reflect
on the past year and any transgressions we may have
committed, but also to look forward and pledge to be
better in the eyes of God, your family and neighbors. I
hope that through the prayers and introspection, you and
your family make the decision to dedicate a little more
of your time and financial support to our synagogue for
the upcoming year. We value your membership and
appreciate your support.
Content
1
Rabbi’s Message
2
President’s Message, Sukkot, CBE Board
3
B’nai Mitzvah, Men’s Club, Back to Shul Night
4
Cantor’s Message, Adult Education, Photo
5
Membership, Religious School News
6
BINGO Fundraiser
7
Women of CBE
8
Oneg Sponsors, Mt. Sinai Fundraiser, New Books in Library
9
Honey Fundraiser
10
Yom Kippur Poem, Sukkot Celebration,
High Holy Day Schedule, Simi 4 Mahj
11
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Recent Donations, Choir
12
Yahrzeits, Condolences
13
Essay, Opportunities for Involvememt
14
Advertising, Hanukkah Boutique
15
Advertising
16
Schedule of Services, Candle Lighting Times
& Torah Portions
Board of Directors and Affiliates
However, whatever you do, do it with heart and soul.
Rabbi
Cantor
President
Executive Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
VP/Membership
VP/Fundraising
VP/Programs
VP/Havurah
VP/Religious School
VP Social Action
Financial Secretary
Sisterhood
Men's Club
Temple Adm. Asst
Preschool Director
Preschool Office Mgr.
Preschool Newsletter
Rel. School Admin.
Chai Lites Editor
Gift Shop
Choir Director
L’Shana Tova
Michael
SUKKOT HARVEST FESTIVAL at CBE
Sunday, October 7, 9 am-noon
(if you would like to help sponsor this event,
Please speak with Rabbi Michele- we will have
Israeli dancing & many other activities)
See Flyer on page 10 for more information
Congregation B'nai Emet is on facebook - “Like” us at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congregation-Bnai-Emet-SimiValley-CA/133861023341661
The minutes of CBE Board meetings are available
to all members in the Temple office.
Black and white hard copies of the newsletter are also
available in the Temple office
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Michele Paskow
Michael Russ
Michael Hollander
Mitchell Salberg
Brett Moss
Stanley Melnick
Ryan Richmond
Linda Martins-Mann
RuthAnn Rossman
Nirit Levy
OPEN
OPEN
Carol Tolchin
Penny Neugroschl
Aaron Stansfield
Marilyn Hollander
Lindy Schneider
Robyn Voigt
Robyn Voigt
Meridith Patera
Suzanne Epstein
Bobbie Sion
Irwin Cohen
B’nai Mitzvah
Men’s Club
My name is Daryn Berger and I am in
Eighth Grade at Valley View Middle
School. I have two older sisters that
have already had their Bat Mitzvahs
and it is a great feeling to continue
the family tradition to have a Bat
Mitzvah. My favorite hobby is dancing.
I've taken lessons since I was three
years old and have been on a competition dance team
since I was five. I usually dance from 15-20 hours a
week and, basically, dance is my life. I also enjoy
playing tennis and being with family and friends. I have
learned from my Jewish teachers that being a good
person is a major part of being a Jewish adult. I
appreciate all the support and instruction from all the
staff members at the Hebrew school. It was a great
experience meeting other Jewish kids that, otherwise, I
would never have met.
Calling all troops!
Come help CBE to grow.
Volunteer and paid work available in
Construction and/or Security.
If interested contact Aaron Stansfield at:
(801)389-5091 or
[email protected]
September- Security preparations are beginning for High
Holy days. If you want to learn more about ongoing and
further security implementations contact Aaron (see box
above)
October- Construction begins. If interested contact Aaron
prior to October. Thanks in advance to all those who have
made this possible
Regular meetings:
2nd Sunday, 9am, at Firehouse Cafe for brunch
4th Sunday, 9am at CBE for brunch
1st Thursday, 7pm, at temple for guy’s night
My name is Jack Slotnick. I live in
Simi Valley with my brother Max and
my mom, Cindy. My sister, Annie is
a sophomore at San Diego State
University. My dad, Mark, lives in
Houston, Texas. I am a student at
Valley View Middle School in the 8th
grade. My 13th birthday was June 11th,
but that was the last day of school, so
we decided to have my Bar Mitzvah in the Fall. My
hobbies include longboarding, video games, traveling
and hanging out with my friends. I recently built my own
longboard and it’s awesome. My Bar Mitzvah is on
October 6, 2012. My Bar Mitzvah has been something I
have worked toward since I started Sunday school when
I was in 2nd grade. For my mitzvah project, I am working
on behalf of SOVA Community Food and Resource
Program to collect food for the high holidays. My Bar
Mitzvah is a big step in my Jewish adult life and I am
ready for it.
Special Thursdays:
Thursdays, 7pm till after High Holy days, for Security
preparations. If you plan to help with parking or ushering,
please attend special training for safety and security.
! ! ! No Meeting Thursday, August 30, 2012 ! ! !
Aaron Stansfield
Men’s Club President
ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS SEPTEMBER 16TH!
ARE YOU READY?
What’s new at CBE? With the new school year we have
many new and exciting activities at CBE for everyone
from pre-school age to retirement.
We hope you’ll join us and bring your friends! Be
involved in Jewish life at CBE!
Visit our website for updated information on all events:
www.congregationbnaiemet.org
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High Holy Days 2012
by Cantor Michael Russ
In our High Holy Day prayer books which our
congregation has used for several years we read the
following on Yom Kippur: “We know the birthday of
our body. Yet we can never know the moment of birth
of our character. It has no date. The birth of our
character has many beginnings and is without end in the
days and years of our life.” (Page 128).
However, if we do not read and study
those stories, we have lost a valuable
resource for our lives. If we do not
teach our children these stories, they
will be lost without the wisdom found
in these stories.
Perhaps this year, one of the things
we should decide to do for the future
is to read and study our religion, our culture. There is a
lot of wisdom there. No matter what stage of our life we
are in: the early years, the middle of our lives or even
nearer the end of our lives, we can learn much and help
make our lives even more fulfilling. The more we learn,
the more we can teach others including our children and
our grandchildren.
So here we are again, looking toward a new year and
saying “goodbye” to an old year. We take the High Holy
Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and review
the past and hope, pray and plan for the next year. We
are told to do the same thing on Shabbat week by week
but this is the “Shabbat of all Shabbats,” so we deal with
last year and next year, not just last week and next week.
The words of the prayers, the High Holy Day music and
the wisdom of our Rabbi inspire us to evaluate our lives
as individuals as well as a community. Most of us have
much to be grateful for as well as hopes and dreams of
the future. Oftentimes we are fearful of the future for we
know not what lies ahead of us. However, although we
have no control of many family and worldly events,
which occur around us, we do have control of our
character. I often say that it is not so important what
happens in our lives, as how we deal with what happens
in our lives. It is our character that we can control. It is
our character that we can improve. Life is often a
challenge in so many ways. We can learn from our past,
not just our personal past but our heritage as well. Our
lives can be enriched from the stories of our ancestors
and the wisdom of our sages.
Religion is not passive. Religion is active. To attend
services and think about the words of the service, this is
an active process. This is another way of developing our
character. Asking for forgiveness and giving forgiveness
to others helps us move on in our lives and helps to
build character.
“The birth of our character has many beginnings and is
without end in the days and years of our life.”
May I learn from my past.
May I learn to improve my life.
May I continue to learn to improve my
relationships with others.
Shanah Tovah!
Meridith Patera leads the July
Family Shabbat Service
For more information or to reserve
your place in class, contact the temple
at (805) 581-3723 or
[email protected]
4
Membership
After our successful Meet & Mingle event, we look
forward to the start of our new membership year in
September. September marks the start of many things: a
new year on the Hebrew calendar, a new school year, and
a new football season. Symbolically, we are provided an
opportunity to cast off our sins through tashlikh and start
anew.
Meet & Mingle
Membership event provided fun and
information about CBE
for all who
enjoyed the beautiful day.
CBE held its annual Meet
& Mingle membership
event in July, and it was
one of our most successful
in recent years. We had a
nice turnout of current CBE
members, and met with
several guests new to
CBE. Nirit and Lindy
made sure everyone, Rabbi
and Cantor included, was
greeted with a snow cone
on our patio. Mitchell
cooked hot dogs to order,
but the highlight for the
kids was the inflatable
water slide. Thank you to
everyone who helped make
it a great event, and thank
you to everyone who
attended.
We can carry this symbolism to our daily lives and make
positive changes in our lives. If you have always wanted
to try surfing, today is a good time to start. If you have
wanted to learn a new language, why not today? If you
have been meaning to support a local synagogue, this
membership year is a great time to start.
As I reflect on last year, my first serving on the CBE
Board, I was able to accomplish some of my goals. I have
met many of our temple members; yet I have many more
still to meet. We have made improvements to our temple
grounds; yet we have many more improvements to make.
We have brought new families to CBE; yet we have many
more families in Simi that have not visited us.
I am looking forward to a new year, where I can continue
to make progress towards my goals.
L’shanah tovah,
Ryan Richmond
VP Membership.
Religious School News
We’re looking forward to starting another great year of
Jewish education on September 9 (Sunday School) and
September 10 (Judaica High School). If you haven’t
registered by then, please come at 8:30 to register so that we
can admit your child. Members of the membership
committee will be there to help you. As always, parents are
welcome to stay for the songs and morning service at 9 AM.
education. Our Honey Fundraiser has been a success, and it’s
still going on through the High Holidays. Keep in mind that
the only source of funds for school supplies and textbooks is
donations. Thank you to everyone who has been so generous
and to Deborah Bass for running the fundraiser!
Special thanks to the Women of CBE for their purchase of
ten bottles of honey for the school staff, and for their purchase of many wonderful new books for the school library.
We are lucky to welcome back our wonderful teachers Geri
Brandler, who will teach K-2, Jill Katell (3/4), Harry Shore
(5/6) and Emily Doepking (7th). Of course, class figurations
may change due to enrollment. We’ll keep you posted; please
check your child’s folders every week for the latest school
and temple news.
The position of VP of Schools is still open. If you are
interested, please contact the temple for more information.
For a complete calendar of school sessions and services, go
to our webpage, http://congregationbnaiemet.org/school.
We will have our first Sukkot Celebration at the temple on
October 7. Look for the flyer elsewhere in this issue.
Consecration of all new students will be held at the temple
during a special Shabbat service on October 12 at 7 PM.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding
your child’s Jewish education.
We’re hoping to buy some new textbooks this year in our
ongoing efforts to give your children the best possible Jewish
Meridith S. Patera
School Administrator
[email protected]
5
Fundraising Event
For more information contact RuthAnn Rossman or Linda Mann at [email protected] or (805) 581-3723
or go to [email protected] to download order form or pay online
6
Women of CBE
Join Now for the 2012-2013 Membership Year!
Sisterhood held its "Meet and Greet" luncheon August 12; all
those present had a great time. A joint meeting sponsored by
Sisterhood and Men’s Club, on August 19, was a great
success. Following a delicious brunch, guest speaker Art
Benveniste gave a very interesting talk about "CryptoJews.”
Our annual Membership Dinner is on Sept 11. See flyer
below for details. The dinner is always a highlight of the year
and we look forward to meeting new and old members. We
hope to have lots of fun and all women are invited to join us.
We have a great year planned and as always, look forward to
new members, new ideas and many new friends.
Penny Neugroschl
President Women of CBE
Judy Sternberg leads
the Women of CBE in a
closing prayer during
Sisterhood Shabbat
For membership info contact: Carole Picker [email protected] or
805.517.1566, or Arlene Nolke [email protected] or 805.276.6436.
...or go to www.congregationbnaiemet.org/sisterhood
RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 7
Carole Picker - [email protected] or 805.517.1566 or
RSVP to:Ronnye Sacks, [email protected] or 805.527.2036 or
Cathy Holst, [email protected]
or Sylvia LeVine, 805.582.0147
Arlene Nolke - [email protected] or 805.276.6436
7
Oneg Sponsors
One Year Fundraiser to Benefit CBE
June 29, 2012
Lloyd & Carole Picker in honor of their 51st anniversary
and their granddaughter Kellie’s 21st birthday
The Poehls Family in honor of Barbara’s birthday
Meridith Patera in honor of Carla’s new beginning
The Hollander Family in honor of Michael’s birthday
The Melnick Family in honor of the marriage of their
daughter Wendei to Kris
The Salberg Family in memory of Lynn’s mother
Shirley Borrok
Our friends at Mt. Sinai Memorial Parks are offering a great
opportunity for Congregation B’nai Emet to raise $5,000 in
just one year. Called the 5-5 program, at least five burial
spaces must be purchased by Temple members, their family
members or friends. As each purchase contract is paid off,
Mt. Sinai will pay CBE $1,000. for each space, but not unless
five spaces are purchased within the year – the clock starts
March 1st.
This great offer applies to selected property for before-need
use at the Simi Valley location. Choices range from single
side-by-side spaces to companion “estates” which provide
benches and plants. Property that is already discounted is not
eligible for this program.
July 6, 2012
The Poehls Family in honor of Bob’s birthday
July 13, 2012
The Sternberg Family in honor of Judy’s birthday
Bob & Barbara Poehls in honor of their anniversary
It’s so important to think of your family and plan ahead. This
opportunity gives you a great incentive to look to the future,
giving your loved ones peace of mind while, at the same time,
providing Congregation B’nai Emet with some financial
security.
July 20, 2012
Earl & Carol Rosado in honor of their 31st anniversary
July 27, 2012
Meridith Patera in honor of Sam’s 27th birthday
For more information, please contact:
Doreen Kayne
Advance Planning Representative
(805) 306-6413
[email protected]
August 3, 2012
The Richmond Family in honor of Ryan’s birthday
August 10, 2012
The Hollander family in honor of the birthdays of
Andrew & Danny
Meridith Patera in honor of the birthdays of Max, who will
be 25 on Monday, & Carla Shaw, who is slightly
older today
Stan & Sandy Melnick in honor of their 50th wedding
anniversary
The Brandler family in honor of the birthdays of
Regina & Mark
The Berger Family in honor of Herschel & Laura’s
21st anniversary & Karli & Laura’s birthdays
Valerie Singh in honor of her birthday
Eliot & Judy Epstein in honor of Matthew’s 22nd birthday
NEW BOOKS IN TEMPLE LIBRARY
FICTION:
A Simple Story - S.Y. Agnon
Sima's Undergarments for Women - Ilana Stanger-Ross
A Day of Small Beginnings - Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum
Prophet's Wife - Milton Steinberg
Wherever You Go - Joan Leegant
The Little Bride - Anna Solomon
I Am Forbidden - Anouk Markovits
The Dovekeepers - Alice Hoffman
Jerusalem Maiden - Talia Carner
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank: Stories Nathan Englander
The Golems of Gotham - Thane Rosenbaum
The Pillar of Salt - Albert Memmi
August 17, 2012
The Enright family in memory of the birthday of Janine’s
grandma Ruth Truskin and in honor of Brandon’s
first day at Moorpark College & first day of work at
his new job, & Alyssa starting Sinaloa Middle School
Meridith Patera in memory of Harry Shaw
The Katell family in honor of Jill’s birthday
The Rossman family in honor of Gabriel’s birthday &
David getting his learner’s permit, & in memory of
Laura & Dianne
NON-FICTION:
Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Yiddish –Benjamin Blech
Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias
Hellman Created California - Frances Dinkelspiel
When Bad Things Happen to Good People – H. Kushner
The Grandees: The Story of America's Sephardic Elite–
Stephen Birmingham
The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Talmud - Aaron Parry
The Rest of Us – Stephen Birmingham
Our Crowd: The Great Jewish Families of New York Stephen Birmingham
August 24, 2012
Michele Stevens in memory of Iris Tuber
Meridith Patera in honor of Bennett’s birthday
The Ribstein Family in honor of Brittany’s 24th birthday
THANK YOU TO THE WOMEN OF CBE FOR
THIS PURCHASE!
8
To order honey go to www.congregationbnaiemet.org,
click on the honey link and follow the step-by-step instructions.
For more information or help with ordering, please contact:
Deborah Bass at 818-321-5989 or
[email protected]
9
A Poem for Yom Kippur
“Kol Nidrei” – “All the Vows”
All the vows on our lips,
the burdens in our hearts,
the pent-up regrets about
which we brooded and spoke
through prayers without end
on last Atonement Day
did not change our way of life,
did not bring deliverance
in the year that has gone.
From mountain peaks of fervor
We fell to common ways
At the close of the fast.
Will You hear our regret?
Will You open our prison,
Release us from shackles of habit?
Will you accept our prayers,
forgive our wrongs,
though we sin again and again?
For more info, contact the temple at (805) 581-3723
or [email protected]
In moments of weakness
we do not remember
promises of Atonement Day.
recall that we easily forget,
take only our heart’s intent.
forgive us, pardon us.
Ze’ev Falk
SCHEDULE OF HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES
High Holy Day services will be conducted at the Mt. Sinai
Chapel, 6150 Mt. Sinai Drive, Simi Valley.
ROSH HASHANAH
Evening service, Sunday, September 16, 8 pm
Morning service, Monday, September 17, 10 am
YOM KIPPUR
Erev Yom Kippur/ Kol Nidrei, Tuesday, September 25, 8 pm
Wednesday, September 26
Morning service - 10 am
Children's service - 1:30 pm
Adult Study Session - 3:30 pm
Yizkor/ Concluding - 4:30 pm
Services (Neilah)
SUKKOT – beautiful service outside
Friday, October 5, 8 pm
SIMCHAT TORAH (K-1 Consecration)
Friday, October 12, 7 pm
For more information, contact Judi Nachenberg
(818) 764-6240 or Kathy Smith at [email protected]
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Birthdays
Sep 1
Sep 1
Sep 1
Sep 2
Sep 2
Sep 3
Sep 6
Sep 8
Sep 8
Sep 11
Sep 12
Sep 15
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 17
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 25
Judy Epstein
Nirit Levy
Mitchell Salberg
John Elhai
Jessica Schneider
Ariella Sion
Eliot Epstein
Francine Tabak
Sandra Weinstein
Jonathan Sovetky
Debbie Knecht
Gabe Katell
Justin Ranelletti
Louis Knecht
Daryn Berger
Tami Finkbeiner
Steven Sherden
Hanna Moss
Noah Schleien
Elizabeth Anna Sternberg
Joel Bellenson
Anniversaries
Sep 27
Sep 30
Oct 1
Oct 1
Oct 2
Oct 7
Oct 11
Oct 13
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 17
Oct 18
Oct 19
Oct 25
Oct 28
Oct 28
Oct 31
Oct 31
Chen Mu-Forster
Erica Nadler
Peter Rosenstein
Leanna Smith
Eileen Luskin
Lori Sherden
Nir Levy
Dustin Breiter
Leah Rosado
Heather Foster
Alan Leon
Sandra Melnick
Jessica Stafford
Catherine Holst
Bethany Poehls
Jessica Sion
Bobbie Sion
Cherie Bordo
Kathy Smith
Cindy Elhai
Julie Stafford
Sep 9
Sep 10
Sep 12
Sep 25
Oct 6
Oct 7
Oct 11
Oct 12
Oct 12
Oct 20
Oct 22
Oct 24
Oct 26
Alan and Linda Mann
Jeff and Tara Schleien
Steve and Ruth Ann Rossman
Greg and Francine Tabak
Marion and Stefan Leon-Doten
Eric and Michelle Levine
Todd and Lindy Schneider
Jerry and Marla Bergmann
Emily and Kristopher Doepking
Mitchell and Lynn Salberg
Mark and Bridget Baskin
Michael Mutal & Julie Bienenfeld
Seymour and Rochelle Botan
TOP 10 REASONS FOR JOINING
THE CBE CHOIR
1. You enjoy singing and want to form
attachments with others who enjoy singing.
2. You want to learn more about music.
3. You want to learn more about prayer.
Recent Donations
Memorial Donations
David Glazer – in memory of Vera Glazer
Guenter and Gayle Menke – in memory of Karl Menke
Wilbur Brown – in memory of Ann Kronson
Anthony and Laura Luskin – in memory of Abraham Pichkhadze
Michael Mutal – in memory of Katherine Mutal
Julie Bienenfeld – in memory of Medill Bienenfeld
Tribute Donations
Ryan Richmond – in honor of Mitchell Salberg, Fabulous Hot
Dog “Chef”
Religious School Donations
Jeff and Arlene Nolke – in memory of Irwin Katz
Libby Scop – in memory of Daniel Scop
Peter and Jennifer Rosenstein
4. You want to learn more about Hebrew.
(Reading Hebrew not required. Every
thing is transliterated into English.)
5. Want to participate more in the service and
get good seats.
6. You need an outlet for expressing yourself.
7. You need an occasional night away from
the daily grind.
8. You don't have a budget for therapy.
(Remember, music "soothes the savage
soul.")
9. You're ready to try your singing outside
the shower and the car.
10. You've thought about it a million times.
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Stuart and Susan Singer – in memory of Shirley Borrok
Michael and Merle Russ – in memory of Bessie Keimon and
Herman Russ
General Donations
Barbara Poehls
The Habit Restaurant
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Contact Irwin Cohen at 526-8432, or
[email protected]
Yahrzeits
Sep 1
Sep 3
Sep 3
Sep 4
Sep 5
Sep 5
Sep 5
Sep 5
Sep 6
Sep 6
Sep 7
Sep 8
Sep 8
Sep 9
Sep 9
Sep 9
Sep 10
Sep 10
Sep 11
Sep 12
Sep 13
Sep 14
Sep 14
Sep 14
Sep 15
Sep 15
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 16
Sep 16
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 20
Sep 23
Sep 23
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 24
Sep 26
Sandford Scharf
Sarah Kaufman
Solomon Sussman
Ada Scheinert
Ben Bass
Harry Bercow
Jean Epstein
Tim Wolff
Rose Fleischmann
George Ribstein
Barbara Rosen
Dixie Cohen
Lynn Marlow
Harold Ducker
Gerhard Heimann
Donald J. Schwartz
Oscar Bromberger
Armin Hollander
Joseph Melnick
J.G. Neugroschl
Rudolph Edelstein
Philip Landau
Herman Leon
Anne Sussman
Annette Beezy
Evelyn Levin
Selma Wollman
Hyman Chait
Elsa Fleischmann
David McMoyler
Meyer Rabinek
Cathy Mittelman
Sandford Scharf
Jennie Sylvia Lindenbaum
Douglas A. Millings
Audrey Gramowitz
Eileen Stern
Paul Charton
Louis Karoff
Gerri Katz Tishrei 7
Morris Feldman
Harry Wollman
Jacob Brenwasser
Elul 14
Elul 16
Elul 16
Elul 17
Elul 18
Elul 18
Elul 19
Elul 20
Elul 21
Elul 21
Elul 22
Elul 22
Elul 23
Elul 24
Elul 27
Elul 27
Elul 27
Elul 28
Elul 28
Elul 28
Elul 29
Elul 29
Elul 29
Elul 29
Tishrei 1
Tishrei 3
Tishrei 3
Tishrei 4
Tishrei 7
Tishrei 7
Tishrei 8
Tishrei 8
Tishrei 10
Sep 26
Sep 26
Sep 26
Sep 26
Sep 27
Sep 28
Sep 28
Sep 29
Oct 2
Oct 3
Oct 4
Oct 6
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 11
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 16
Oct 16
Oct 16
Oct 16
Oct 17
Oct 17
Oct 17
Oct 18
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 25
Oct 25
Oct 26
Oct 27
Oct 27
Oct 27
Oct 28
Oct 28
Oct 28
Oct 28
Oct 28
Oct 28
Oct 29
Margaret Brenwasser
Judith Gail Karoff
Isaak Pichkhadze
Ester Rabinek
Ann Schwartz
Esther Cohen
Frances Frankl
Harry Israel Greenberg
Irvin Charton
Joseph Berkowitz
Carol Winner
Shirley Hoffberg
Joseph Sweet
Walter Ascher
Martin Dubin
Richard Glassman
Gussie Gold
Wilbert Melnick
Dorothy Tucker
Erna Ascher
Benno Epstein
Edythe Anita Friedman
Miriam Landau
Marian Karoff
Ida Moses
Frances Weiss
Isadore Philip Moses
Sam Farkas
Regina Rachel Mann
Hilda Mazin
Shoshanah Copelof
Daniel C. Gilson
Joel Ribstein
Rose Bercow
Reuben Lewis Mazin
Nedra Trachtenberg
Helene Bromberger
Hermann Bromberger
Samuel Bromberger
Diana Feldman
Ida Luger
Jack Nadler
Stuart Stern
Condolences to:
Michael Mutal and Julie Bienenfeld on the passing of
Michael’s father, Frank Mutal. Also to grandchildren
Adam, Aaron, and Mark Mutal.
Sally Lefton and sons Ryan and Brandon, or the passing
of her mother Shary Farkas.
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Tishrei 10
Tishrei 10
Tishrei 10
Tishrei 10
Tishrei 11
Tishrei 12
Tishrei 12
Tishrei 13
Tishrei 16
Tishrei 17
Tishrei 18
Tishrei 20
Tishrei 22
Tishrei 23
Tishrei 23
Tishrei 24
Tishrei 25
Tishrei 27
Tishrei 28
Tishrei 30
Tishrei 30
Tishrei 30
Heshvan 1
Heshvan 1
Heshvan 1
Heshvan 2
Heshvan 4
Heshvan 5
Heshvan 9
Heshvan 9
Heshvan 11
Heshvan 11
Heshvan 12
Heshvan 12
Heshvan 12
Heshvan 13
Please check the current
Yahrzeit information
on the data sheet you
received in your
membership packet.
Verify its accuracy and
call the office with any
changes or new Yahrzeit
information.
During the year, you will
receive reminders for
upcoming Yahrzeit
dates. We want to have
complete and accurate
information.
Call Michael Hollander
with any questions
regarding Yahrzeit data.
Thank you.
How to observe a
Yahrzeit at C.B.E
Light a 24-hour memorial
candle in your home at
sundown on the evening
that begins the yahrzeit
(anniversary of death.)
It is also customary to
attend Shabbat services
at Temple and recite the
Kaddish. At Congregation
B’nai Emet, names of your
loved ones are read on the
Friday evening before the
Yahrzeit. If you observe
the Gregorian (English)
date, the name will be read
following the yahrzeit
date. It is suggested that
you make a contribution to
the Temple so that the
memory of your loved one
can be honored with an act
of love and kindness.
From URJ Website:
Being a Small Congregation is Different
By Mary Hofmann
Congregation Etz Chaim, Merced, CA
you, you tend to carry through. You might not always want
to, but you do what you have to do, and you usually end up
glad that you did.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF TOLERANCE. We often exist in
areas isolated from mainstream Jewish life where many (if
not most) of our marriages are (or were) mixed, and where
some of our best friends aren’t Jewish. And our kids’ best
friends aren’t Jewish either. We focus less on turning in on
ourselves than on sharing what we have with others so they
can see that we have something worth working for.
It’s different quantitatively, of course. We don’t have as
many members as they have in large congregations.
But - even more – it’s different qualitatively from large
congregations. There are things that they have that we don’t.
But there are other things - very important things – that we
have that they don’t. And a lot of them are spending a lot of
time and money trying to capture – or recapture – that
something that we have.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR. In a congregation with
no permanent rabbi, and no money, we have to have
something enduring.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF FAMILY. We have members we
get along with, and members who drive us crazy. But there
aren’t enough of us that can afford to get uppity. We need
each other. And so we care about each other, and we
know that every last one of us is important. We aren’t an
institution. We’re still people.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF INTIMACY WITH OUR
RABBI. (or student rabbi, as the case may be). We really get
to know the rabbi, one-on-one. And the rabbi gets to know
us.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF CONTINUITY. We grow up
with close personal role models of all ages. We have a wide
diversity in age range, but we aren’t big enough to stratify
by age. So nobody thinks about age. We’re just us.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF TENACITY. We know how
fragile our presence is and how important it is that we stay
alive, stay involved and stay together – no matter what. So
we do what he have to do.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. In a very real
way, we are Judaism in our respective communities.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF INVOLVEMENT. When
organizational research indicates that most organizations
operate on an average level of involvement of 5 percent of
the membership, it’s rewarding to know that most of us are
involved most of the time.
We realize that we have the responsibility to carry on the
traditions of Judaism in places not ordinarily known for their
Jewish culture.
And we do it with all the enthusiasm and energy we can
summon.
WE HAVE A SENSE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
TO THE CONGREGATION. When everyone depends on
Because there’s nobody to do it but us.
OPPORTUNITIES for Involvement:
•
ATTEND Shabbat services
•
ESTABLISH a spiritual and emotional bond with Judaism and the Jewish people through home rituals.
•
ENRICH your knowledge with Rabbi Michele, guest speakers and adult education
•
PROMOTE AND SUPPORT Jewish life in Simi and Moorpark through:
Sisterhood
Men’s Club
Preschool/ReligiousSchool
Havurah
Choir
Religious and Community Services
For those who keep kosher and have
allergy issues, this web site may help.
https://allergyfreekosher.3dcartstores.com/
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GIFT CARDS
GIVE THE GIFT THAT GIVES
BACK!!!
Send a thoughtful greeting for sympathy, birthdays,
congratulations, or just to reach out to someone!
To purchase gift cards, contact Gift Card Chair
Bobbie Sion at [email protected] or leave her a
message at the temple: (805) 581-3723.
Go to http://www.congregationbnaiemet.org/sisterhood.php
For a printable gift card order form listing
all the many cards you can order.
You can also order a personalized certificate so that
your recipients can choose their own cards
from our large selection.
Cards from the Women for Reform Judaism's YES Fund go to
support projects for Youth, Education and Special Projects
here and in Israel, such as rabbinic training and Israeli
preschools for needy children.
B'nai mitzvah students:
Register for the gift cards you want!!!
Each card is hand written and mailed for you;
all you have to do is contact us with the information and
send a check made out to CBE Sisterhood.
Prices start at $3.00 for a plain card and $6.00 for a
colored picture card.
Other items are available. To purchase a card, contact
Lynne Kelly at [email protected].
Call for info: (805)581-3723 or (805)300-0217
(Meridith)
or email [email protected]
For printable entry form, go to
http://congregationbnaiemet.org/judaica
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Special Rates for CBE Members
Imagine Your Ad Here
Business Card size
$100.00 per year
$45.00 for 1 issue
1/4 page ad
$165.00 per year
$65.00 for 1 issue
1/2 page ad
$265.00 per year
$95.00 for 1 issue
Full page flyer
$420.00 per year
$130.00 for 1 issue
Call Temple office
For more information
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Schedule of Services, Candle lightings, & Torah Portions
Date
Candle lighting
Service
Torah Portion
Aug. 31/14 Elul
7:04 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Ki Teitzei—Deut. 21:10-25:19
Sept. 7/21 Elul
6:55 PM
Family Service 7 PM
Ki Tavo—Deut. 26:1-28:8
Sept. 9
First day of Religious School
Sept. 14/28 Elul
6:45 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Nitzavim—Deut. 29:9-30:20
Sept. 16
6:42 PM
Erev Rosh Hashanah 8 PM
Sept 17
Rosh Hashanah 10 AM
Sept. 21/6 Tishri
6:35 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Vayeilech—Deut. 31:1-31:30
Sept 25
6:29 PM
Kol Nidrei (Erev Yom Kippur) 8 PM
Sept 26
Yom Kippur 10 AM
Sept. 28/13 Tishri
6:25 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Ha’azinu—Deut. 32:1-32:52
Sept. 29
Bat Mitzvah of Daryn Berger 4 PM
Oct. 1/15 Tishri
Oct. 5/20 Tishri
6:15 PM
Sukkot begins
Family Service 7 PM
6:06 PM
5:58 PM
5:50 PM
Shabbat Service 7 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Oct. 6
Oct. 9/23 Tishri
Oct. 12/27 Tishri
Oct, 19/4 Heshvan
Oct. 26/11 Hechvan
Chol Ha-mo'ed—Num 29:26-34
Bar Mitzvah of Jack Slotnick 4 PM
Simchat Torah
Bereshit—Gen. 1:1-6:8
Noach—Gen. 6:9-11:32
Lech-Lecha—Gen. 12:1-17:27
Check out our web site at http://congregationbnaiemet.org
Congregation B'nai Emet
DATED MATERIAL
P.O. Box 878
Simi Valley, CA 93062-0878
—–Please do not delay delivery—–Chai Lites Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Volume 33 Issue 6
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