Current Newsletter - Congregation B`nai Emet

9 West Bonita Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Phone: 805-581-3723
Fax: 805-581-3160
Congregation B’nai Emet
C.B.E. Chai Lites
Sept-Oct, 2016
Av-Elul, 5776-Tishrei 5777
Volume 37, Issue 6
Rabbi’s Message
Dear Friends – Shalom Chaverim!
In June, a group of us from CBE embarked upon a Tour of Discovery through four magnificent major cities in
Central Europe: Budapest, Prague, Vienna and Berlin. We went to see the famous sites as well as to learn about
Jewish life, both past and present. Of course, it’s impossible not to see reminders of the Holocaust in all of these
places – and think about all of the loss and destruction to Jewish life and culture, but at the same time we wanted to see
how Jewish communities are rebuilding themselves today, 70+ years after the demise of Nazism and almost 3 decades
after the fall of Communism.
Dohany Synagogue (Budapest), built in 1854;
largest synagogue in Europe;
2nd largest in the world!
There are active Jewish communities in each of these cities and the stories of those involved are fascinating. Because of the trauma
of living through the Holocaust, followed by years of oppressive Communism, many Jewish people were terrified to tell their
children that they were Jewish, and of course, they have little knowledge of Judaism because religious practices weren’t allowed
during Communist rule. Now as people seek to rediscover their roots, they are finding out that they are Jewish and seeking a way to
reconnect. There are also those, who on their own, read and study about the Holocaust, and choose to become Jewish! We met such a
man at our Friday night Shabbat service in Prague. He led the service at the Progressive (Reform) congregation, davening and
chanting in Hebrew so beautifully, I asked if he had studied in Israel or gone to a special youth camp to learn! He wasn’t brought up
Jewish, he studied and learned as a young adult. Berlin now has a Reform rabbinical seminary, the Abraham Geiger College, opened
in 1999 and the Conservative Movement opened theirs just 3 years ago.
There is still anti-Semitism in these countries. The Jewish people we met in Budapest shared many stories and their understanding
that they may one day have to leave their beloved home. The influx of Muslim immigrants in Germany will undoubtedly impact
Jewish life there over the next 10-15 years. Right now, many Jewish people – largely Jews from the former Soviet Union and ex-pat
Israelis – are living comfortable, open lives in Germany, especially, dynamic Berlin.
Vienna: Excavated remains of a Synagogue Bimah from the 1300’s;
Our group on the Bimah at another Viennese synagogue
Continued on page 7
Board of Directors and Affiliates
Rabbi
Michele Paskow
Cantor
Michael Russ
President
Ryan Richmond
Executive Vice President
Debbie Knecht
Secretary
Linda Mann
Treasurer
Les Sutton
Co-VPs Membership
Frieda Bahr and Max Patera
VP Fundraising
Michael Mutal
Co-VPs Programs
Alan Mann and Sanford Miller
VP Havurah
RuthAnn Rossman
VP Religious School
Emily Doepking
VP Social Action
Jill Katell and Tami Plotkin
Financial Secretary
Eric Bordo
Sisterhood President
Meridith Patera
Men’s Club President
Michael Enright
Temple Administrative Assistant
Marilyn Hollander
Preschool Director
Lindy Schneider
Preschool Office Mgr.
Robyn Voigt
Religious School Administrator
Meridith Patera
Chai Lites Editor
Suzanne Epstein
Publicity
Tracie Breiter
Gift Shop
Bobbie Sion
Choir Director
Irwin Cohen
Photographers
Ken Bahr and Max Patera
The minutes of CBE Board Meetings
are available to all members in
the Temple office
Black and white copies of the
newsletter are also available in
the Temple office
Bulletin Bytes
Thank you & yasher koach to our
CBE Board for putting together a
great Meet and Greet on 8/21! We
look forward to a great year of
friendship, community and Jewish
living at CBE! TODAH RABBAH!
Table of Contents
Content
Page
Rabbi’s Message
1
Bulletin Bytes, Men’s Club
Board of Directors
2
President’s Message
Executive VP’s Message
Social Action, Havurah,
Back to Shul Night
3
Cantor’s Message
Mt. Sinai,
Sukkot ’N ’S’Mores
4
If you would like to learn a Hebrew
part for one of the services, please
speak with the Rabbi.
Women of CBE
September & October
events
5
BACK TO SHUL NIGHT– SEPT. 2nd
Join us for the 7 pm Family service, eat
a little ice-cream and dance with Israeli
dance instructor, Jane Bernard. She will
teach the steps. As we prepare for the
new year and kick off the school year,
this is also a time to bring your friends
to Temple with you! Help CBE grow so
we can offer even more programs and
activities! (See page 3)
Meet our CBE Family
Moving Day Photos
6
Oneg Sponsors
Pictures
Adult Ed. (Hebrew)
7
Recent Donations
First Shabbat
Simchat Torah
Car donation
8
New Machzor
9
Birthdays, Anniversaries
Sisterhood Simchas
Humor
10
Charming Charlie
SOVA Food Drive
Religious School Calendar
11
Yahrzeits
Condolences
12
DATES TO REMEMBER
First day of Religious School
Sunday Sept. 11
Erev Rosh Hashanah Sunday, Oct. 2
Rosh Hashanah, Monday, Oct. 3
Kol Nidrei (Erev Yom Kippur)
Tuesday, Oct. 11
Yom Kippur, Wednesday, Oct. 12
SUKKOT ‘N S’MORES!
Join us on Saturday October 22nd from
6-8 pm to celebrate the beautiful Sukkot
holiday. We’ll have desserts and snacks,
and spiced cider tasting as well as crafts
for kids, s’mores for all, and a beautiful
Havdalah ceremony to conclude the
Sabbath. No charge, but donations and
sponsorship accepted…. Speak with
Rabbi Michele. (See page 4)
Men’s Club
The Men’s Club meets for breakfast at
9:15 AM on the first Sunday of the month
and on the second Sunday of the month at
The Junkyard Café, 2585 Cochran Street,
Simi Valley. For more info or to RSVP,
call Alan Mann, (805) 341-3836 or
write to [email protected]
2
Advertising
13-14
Ad - Israel Bonds
15
Schedule of Services,
Candlelightings, and Torah
Portions
16
Social Action
President’s Message
Shalom,
The end of Summer marks the start of a new
year at CBE: a new religious school year, a new
membership year, and of course a new Jewish
year on Rosh Hashanah. We have a lot of events and activities
coming up, which will provide plenty of opportunities to get
involved with the Temple. A common theme among my
newsletter messages has been the strength of our Temple
Family. We need your support to continue to be successful.
With membership season coming to an end and High Holy
Days quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to invite
your friends and family to a Friday service. Let them see us in
action!
L'shalom,
Ryan Richmond
We will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable
items for SOVA on Yom Kippur. Brown bags with the list of
items needed will be handed out on the eve of Yom Kippur
after the service, then you may bring them back the
following day at the Yom Kippur service.
Jill Katell and Tami Plotkin
Co-VPs, Social Action
Havurah
Executive VP
Hello Membership, Executive V.P. reporting for duty. I became
executive vice president May 1. Do you know what the
responsibilities of the executive V.P. are? According to the CBE
By-Laws, the responsibilities are as follows:
1. Chairing Board of Director meetings in the absence of the
President.
2. Overseeing the general maintenance of the Temple facility.
3. Arranging for use of special event facilities as required.
While some people may think, “That’s all? Not much.” Trust me,
general maintenance of the Temple facility is a time consuming job.
The general maintenance includes the approximate 3.5 acres of land
in addition to many building upkeep items—air conditioning/
heating, cleaning service, pest control, gardening, storage, utility
bills, etc. These items cannot be done for free—I, for one, cannot
personally maintain the property, clean the building, spray for bugs,
service the large building heating/air conditioning compressors,
repair plumbing, fix doors, etc. All these items require the hiring of
outside contractors. One may wonder, oh, have volunteers do the
work. A few individuals contribute time and expend energy in
specific areas, but not enough volunteers are available to do all that
is required for maintaining the buildings and property. With the
yearly membership drive upon us, I ask people to think of the
mitzvah in helping the Temple financially when filling out the
membership paperwork and making payments. This property
belongs to the membership and is here to provide a religious
experience to the Jewish community. With ownership comes the
responsibility of every member to keep this place operational. The
building improvement committee’s formation allows for money
collection with the purpose of improving the exterior and interior;
much has been accomplished in the improvement area—and more
still needs to be done. However, the improvement money donated
can only be used towards the improvement projects, not the normal
facility maintenance. I implore everyone--those returning members,
prospective new members, and those who are not members but still
use the various Temple services and building--to consider the costs
of running the Temple and how important their membership
payment is to keep 9 W. Bonita a place of Jewish worship and
community gathering for years to come.
Shalom
Debbie Knecht, Exec. VP
The CBE Social Action committee is collecting school
supplies for the children at Casa Pacifica. A collection box is
at the temple. We are also collecting old eye glasses for the
Lions Club. A separate collection box is at the temple as
well.
3
Interested in expanding your relationship with other temple
members? Joining a havurah might be the perfect answer. A
havurah is made up of temple members with like interests.
Your havurah might become your family. If you are
interested contact RuthAnn Rossman at:
[email protected] or leave a message on the temple
phone, 805.581.3723. Hope to hear from each and every one
of you.
Havurah is a benefit accorded only to Congregation B'nai
Emet members.
RuthAnn Rossman
VP Havurah
Cantor’s Message
Raise funds for Congregation B’nai Emet
when you purchase property at
Mount Sinai Simi Valley
SHANAH TOVAH Autumn 2016
by Cantor Michael Russ
In this crazy busy world, what do we do to relax and
reward ourselves? Do we take some time off? . . . Go to a
special restaurant for a delightful dinner that we neither
have to prepare or clean up after? . . .Do we spend time
with friends or family to share stories, have some laughs
and simply relax?. . .Do we shop for something special, big
or small, to reward ourselves for some accomplishments?
All of the above are true for me. Strangely enough,
singing at High Holy Day services is a reward itself for
me. Yes, it takes preparation. I need to vocalize and
practice the music. I prepare by studying the prayers I sing
and many I don't sing. I feel blessed to be able to express
my feelings and hopefully evoke feelings for those who are
listening. I also enjoy sitting and listening to the beautiful
music of the choir and appreciate their special contribution
to the experience.
The services are a unique time as we individually think
about our lives and yet experience this time with the
congregational community. We are together and separate
at the same time. We are a congregation and a community
together. We warmly welcome those who only come on
the High Holy Days as well as those who formally belong
to our congregation. Everyone is welcome and none are
excluded. At these services we are all a part of the
congregation.
CBE is participating in a unique fundraising program
with Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries to raise
substantial funds for the synagogue.
For a limited time, when our congregants collectively
purchase ten spaces in advance of need at nearby Mount Sinai
Simi Valley, Mount Sinai will donate $1,000 per regular
space (wall or ground), $1,500 per lawn crypt (wall or
ground) or $2,000 per companion estate directly to B’nai
Emet as each property is paid in full.
To schedule a confidential meeting to learn more about
pre-planning and the 10/Ten Program with Mount Sinai Simi
Valley, please contact Josh T. Ryan, or Eric Frank, B’nai
Emet’s Advance Planning Representatives:
Josh T. Ryan
805.306.6411
[email protected]
Often times the congregation sings along and sometimes
the congregation listens. Sometimes others stand before the
congregation and lead us in communal prayers. We read
along from the prayer book and reflect on our lives. The
Rabbi teaches us about our religion, our culture and our
sense of belonging in the world. The words and the
melodies intertwine to give us a unique experience
especially . . . on the High Holy Days.
Notice I use the words "High Holy Days" . . . . not "High
Holidays.” Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are not
"joyous celebrations.” They are special time, set aside from
the rest of the Year to review the past, take stock of our
lives, and hope and pray for the future. We all need to set
aside some time to think and ponder from where we are
coming. We also need to decide where we go from here.
Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of the creation of the world
and the entire universe. We see it as a time to put a hold on
our everyday tasks of living in order to appreciate the
world God created for us. The time from Rosh Hashanah to
Yom Kippur is meant for contemplating our place in the
world, in time, in history, in our families and in our
community.
I am looking forward to our special time together as we
greet a New Year.
4
Eric Frank
805.306.6410
Women of CBE
Who doesn’t like Italian food? Join us for
our paid-up membership dinner on
September 13 at the temple. It will be
hard for Cheryl Hirsch & Kathy Smith
to beat last year’s Mexican Fiesta, but I’m
sure they’ll manage to surprise us with
their Bravissimo Italian Dinner. The
dinner is complimentary to all continuing
& new members. The $10 charge for all
non-members & guests will be applied to
your 2016-2017 membership if you join
that night or by November 15th.
And we know you’ll want to join us for
another year of fabulous fun and fund
raising. Sisterhood donated well over
$13,000 to CBE this past year, and we
always try to top ourselves!
After a busy summer of planning,
recruitment, and visits to the Regal
Center for ice cream, we topped it off
with our contributions to the Membership
Open House on August 21. Thank you to
Suzanne Epstein & Tracie Breiter for
handling the yummy desserts and to
Ronnye Sacks for “wo-manning” the
sisterhood information table. RuthAnn
Rossman, as usual, helped with everything. Our calendar for the year is available on
the website’s sisterhood page:
In July, RuthAnn, Laura Tepfer and I
http://congregationbnaiemet.org/
attended Women of Reform Judaism
2016-17.%20sisterhood.Event.Calendar.pdf
Pacific District Area Day in Santa Ana. In
Remember, everyone can support
addition to preparing the attendee packets,
sisterhood by buying gift cards and tribute
we got a load of new ideas, met a lot of
cards, sponsoring onegs, buying tribute
terrific women, and ate way too much.
cards, and shopping in our House of
We’re looking forward to our district
convention in Las Vegas in November. Join Judaica Gift Shop. Of course, we
appreciate your support at all our
us for the fun, fellowship and learning!
fundraisers.
Thank you to Alice Fiducia for again
See the flyers and ads elsewhere in this
tirelessly running our Macy’s Shop for a
issue or contact me for more information
Cause fundraiser. Ronnye Sacks, Cathy
on anything sisterhood. (page 11 &
Holst & Sylvia LeVine are working on a
below)
Charming Charlie fundraiser for
September 29. I can’t wait to buy their
We are all stronger together. Have a
adorable, inexpensive items and raise
happy and healthy 5777!
money for sisterhood at the same time!
In sisterhood,
We are kicking off this our campaign to
sell Mahzorim again this year. This was a Meridith Patera, President
tremendous success last year, and we are
Women of CBE
hoping it will be even better this time.
In October, we will gather in the Rabbi’s
sukkah for our meeting. This is always an
inspiring, joyous evening.
RSVP by Sept. 7 to Kathy Smith- [email protected]
Cheryl Hirsch- [email protected]
or call (805) 581-3723
5
RSVP to Suzanne Epstein
[email protected] or call
(818) 360-3778
Meet our CBE Family
In this space we will be helping you get acquainted with CBE members - some new and some who have been around a while.
This issue features Executive VP Debbie Knecht, Havurah VP RuthAnn Rossman and her husband, Steve.
Steve and I have been members of CBE for
22 years. We live in Chatsworth and both
of us have lived in the San Fernando
Valley our entire lives. We have been
married 45 years and both retired this
August; Steve as a railroad engineer for
Union Pacific, and RuthAnn as an analyst at Kaiser Woodland
Hills. We have 3 sons: Gabriel and granddaughter Frances (9yrs
old), Zachary, and David. We have 3 desert tortoises, 2 Russian
tortoises, and a box turtle.
Steve and I enjoy being with people and
helping when needed. We also like to relax and
spend time with each other. Steve likes to do
crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and read. I
like to sew, do yard work, watch General
Hospital, and socialize. The Brady Campaign
to end Gun Violence is an organization dear to
my heart. Travel and the theatre are also big
interests of ours.
Steve likes fixing things around the temple. I am
currently the 1st VP of Women of CBE
(Sisterhood), which means I will be the next
president, a position I have held in the past. I am
also serving on the temple board as the VP of
Havurah. In the past I have also served on the
temple board as VP of Membership, recording
secretary, VP of Programs, Social Action chair, and probably
other positions.
The environment is very important to us. We have solar power,
a low water usage yard, an electric car and a natural gas car. We
recycle whenever possible.
The temple is a very large part of our lives. It is one of our
biggest commitments as we reap friendship, spiritual
refreshment, and acceptance.
RuthAnn and Steve Rossman
Hello, my name is Debbie Knecht. I’ve been
around CBE since joining during the 1996-97
membership year. The following is my historical
timeline:
•
Glen, my husband, Louis, my son, and I
moved to Simi Valley in 1993 from the San
Fernando Valley.
•
Joined CBE on 1996 to put my 4-year-old son in religious
school.
•
•
1998 my daughter was born.
Jewish Life Center, board member and secretary of the board
until it was dissolved and the land was purchased
•
My husband became involved with the Men’s Club, becoming
Vice President and President (and he’s not Jewish, he is Greek
Orthodox)
•
•
2003 my adult B’nai Mitzvah with other members of CBE
2004-2006 Vice President of Religious School on the CBE
Board of Directors for two years
•
•
•
2004 my son had his Bar Mitzvah
2007 my son had his Judaica High Confirmation
January 2010 became CBE Secretary of the Board of
Directors replacing Carole Fineberg because she moved to
Nevada.
•
In March of 2010 enrolled at the University of Phoenix to
obtain a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration
•
March 2011 leave of absence from CBE to concentrate on my
degree program
•
•
2011 my daughter had her Bat Mitzvah
September 2012 graduated from University of Phoenix with
my Bachelor Degree in Business Administration
•
May 2013 became CBE Secretary of the Board of Directors,
served for the 3-year maximum
•
•
2014 my daughter had her Judaica High Confirmation
October 2015 became a member of the newly formed CBE
Building Improvement Committee
•
May 2016 because Executive Vice President of the Board of
Directors
And here I am!
We did it! With a lot of blood, sweat and some tears, we managed to
empty out over 25 years of stuff from the Kadota site to our new home on
Bonita. Thank you to everyone who helped: Max Patera, Sandy Miller,
Michael, Marilyn, Andrew & Kelsey Hollander, Suzanne & Andrew
Mahler, Geri Brandler, the Ranellettis, Kris & Emily Doepking & Emily's
mother, who thought she was coming to help bake pies. Oh well. Thanks
also to Nirit & Lindy & all the preschool staff for their help. - Meridith
Patera
CBE is very important to me. I remain supportive because if
CBE were to no longer exist, Simi Valley would not have a
presence of modern Jews. On a personal level, I know I can
count on Rabbi Michele, Cantor Russ, and other congregation
members if my family or I are ever in need—as was the case
when my father was dying. My father’s passing was in peace
because of Rabbi Michele. The experience solidified the
importance of this Synagogue to our family.
6
Oneg Sponsors
Rabbi’s Message (continued from page 1)
June 24, 2016
Sylvia LeVine in honor of her granddaughter Melissa's 21st
birthday
Judy, Eliot & Matthew Epstein in memory of Judy’s grandfather
Julius Fleischmann
July 8, 2016
Linda Pollack & Adrian Washington in honor of their aufruf
Sharlene Pass in memory of Morris Pass
Marty Richter in memory of his father, Abe Richter
The Mutal Family in memory of Frank Mutal
The Knecht Family & Bunnie Karoff in memory of
Theodore Karoff
July 15, 2016
The Mutal Family in memory of Frank Mutal
The Liebmann Family in honor of Joan’s 86th Birthday
Miriam Hintz in memory of Lawrence Chusid
July 22, 2016
The Brandler Family in memory of Florence Cricco &
Barbara Primus
July 29, 2016
Sheldon & Joan Liebmann in memory of Michael Liebmann, &
in honor of Their 64th Wedding Anniversary
Meridith Patera in honor of Sam’s 31st Birthday
Carol Rosado in memory of Earl Rosado
Aug. 5, 2016
The Mutal Family in memory of Medill Bienenfeld
Alan & Linda Mann in memory of Harold Mann
Rachel Utiger in memory of Dale Utiger
The Tepfer Family in memory of Michale Liebmann & in
honor of Brian & Emma Geller’s 10th birthday
Valerie Singh in honor of her birthday
Memorial: Shoes on the Danube (Budapest)
to remember the Jewish people shot there
It was encouraging to see Jewish communities, which our people
had all but given up on, being renewed and brought back to
creative life! It is my hope and prayer that our beautiful Jewish
life, culture and heritage will continue to flourish, here in the
U.S., in Europe, Israel, and in the many diverse places around
the world where Jews live…. “Jewish history with a future!”
Once again the High Holy Days are upon us. May we be proud
to be Jewish and actively engage in and support Jewish life and
learning. We have a great Board of Directors and volunteers
putting together various events. Don’t be a stranger! I look
forward to seeing you at the Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
services.
L’Shanah Tovah - ‫ – שנה טובה‬May you be blessed with a good
and happy 5777.
Rabbi Michele Paskow – ‫שלום וברכבה‬
Aug. 12, 2016
Meridith Patera in honor of Carla’s birthday & Max’s first
29th birthday
The Apelbaum Family in honor of Jack’s Bar Mitzvah
Eliot & Judy Epstein in honor of Matthew’s 26th birthday
The Hollander Family in honor of the birthdays of Danny,
Andrew & Lynn
Aug. 26, 2016
The Mutal Family in memory of Katherine Mutal
Meridith Patera in honor of Bennett’s 35th birthday
Audrey & Mitchell Bohn in memory of Mitchell's mother
Dottie Yarfitz
Pictures from Sisterhood Area Day
7
Contact the temple to reserve your place in class:
[email protected] or (805) 581-3723
Recent Donations
Building Improvement Fund
Ronnye Sacks – in memory of Penny Neugroschl and Alice
Gottlieb
Michael and Marilyn Hollander – in memory of Michael
Liebmann
Les and Daryl Sutton – in memory of Kathy Gelardi’s father
Marc and Jacqie (Teichner) Abramson – in memory of
Richard Fineberg
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Susan and Bruce Cohen - in honor of the 25th Anniversary of
Rabbi Michele’s Ordination
Carol Rosado – in memory of Earl Rosado; in honor of Rabbi
Michele’s Doctorate
Linda Pollack – in appreciation of Rabbi Michele officiating
wedding
Guenter and Gayle Menke – in memory of Karl Menke
Memorial Donations
Anthony and Laura Luskin – in memory of Dina and Abraham
Pichkhadze
Mitchell and Lynn Salberg – in memory of Shirley and Steven
Borrok
Bunnie Karoff – in memory of Theodore Karoff
Glen and Debbie Knecht – in memory of Theodore Karoff
Michael and Julie (Bienenfeld) Mutal – in memory of Frank
and Katherine Diana Mutal and Medill Bienenfeld
Miriam and Thomas Hintz – in memory of Lawrence Chusid
and Michael Liebmann
Joan Nadler – in memory of Donald Nadler
Tami Finkbeiner – in memory of Barbara Primus
Linda Landau – in memory of Michael Liebmann
Lawrence and Marsha Kaufman – in memory of Edwin
Kaufman
General Fund Donations
Suzanne (Mortimer-Crawford) Mahler
Ken and Suzanne Epstein
Sylvia LeVine
Sheldon and Joan Liebmann
Bob and Barbara Poehls
Glen and Debbie Knecht – High Holy Days Donation
Community Seder Donation
National Jewish Outreach Program – “Passover Across
America” Grant
TURN YOUR CAR INTO A MITZVAH!
Donate it today! Call: 855-500-RIDE
http://www.cardonatingiseasy.org/donate/?CharityID=3316
Free Pickup; tax write-off – “win-win”!
8
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
http://congregationbnaiemet.org
9
Let’s Celebrate
Birthdays
Sept 1
Sept 1
Sept 1
Sept 2
Sept 2
Sept 2
Sept 3
Sept 5
Sept 6
Sept 12
Sept 13
Sept 13
Sept 14
Sept 15
Sept 15
Sept 16
Sept 17
Sept 18
Sept 18
Sept 22
Sept 23
Sept 26
Sept 27
Sept 29
Sept 29
Mrs. Judy Epstein
Nirit Levy
Mitchell Salberg
John Elhai
Miriam Hintz
Jessica Schneider
Ariella Sion
Lawrence Kaufman
Eliot Epstein
Debbie Knecht
Melinda Mittelman
Steven Mittelman
Samantha Friedman
Gabe Katell
Justin Ranelletti
Louis Knecht
Daryn Berger
Madison Mortimer
Maxine Seidel
Hanna Moss
Elizabeth Anna Sternberg
Seidel Sumner
Chen Mu-Forster
Michael Mittelman
Mariel Vanhuizen
Sept 30
Oct 1
Oct 1
Oct 2
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
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY:
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible
for 20 % of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay at home because 17 percent of all accidents
occur in the home. (that's 37% already)
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14 percent of
all accidents occur to pedestrians. (now that's 51%)
Avoid traveling by air, trains or buses, 16 percent of
accidents involve these forms of transportation. (that's 67%)
Of the remaining 33 percent, 32 percent of all deaths occur
in hospitals. Above all else avoid hospitals.
You will be pleased to learn that less than 0.01 % of all
deaths occur in a synagogue, and these are usually related
to previous physical disorders.
Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at
any given point in time is in Synagogue.
Torah Study is even safer. The number of deaths during
Torah Study is too small to register.
For safety's sake, go to Shul as often as possible, and attend
Torah Study. It could save your life!
Author Unknown
PS: You don't have to be Jewish to go to shul. You may not
understand what the old guys are saying but sometimes they
serve wine in paper cups.
Karen Troop
Peter Rosenstein
Leanna Smith
Eileen Luskin
Nir Levy
Dustin Breiter
Leah Rosado
Heather Foster
Alan Leon
Sandra Melnick
Leslie Resnick
Catherine Holst
Bethany Poehls
Jessica Sion
Bobbie Sion
Cherie Bordo
Kathy Smith
Cindy Elhai
Shari Schultz
Anniversaries
Sept 04
Sept 09
Sept 12
Sept 29
Oct 07
Oct 11
Oct 12
Oct 12
Oct 12
Oct 18
Oct 20
Oct 24
Oct 24
Oct 26
Eric and Erica Weiner
4th
Alan and Linda Mann
9th
Steve and RuthAnn Rossman 45th
Maxine Seidel & Thomas Sumner 4th
Eric and Michelle Levine
15th
Todd and Lindy Schneider
35th
Jerry and Marla Bergmann
36th
Tom and Bonnie Cleantis
2nd
Emily and Kristopher Doepking 14th
Wayne and Shari Schultz
41st
Mitchell and Lynn Salberg
31st
Michael Mutal & Julie Bienenfeld 17th
Les and Daryl Sutton
40th
Seymour and Rochelle Botan 41st
Sisterhood Simchas
May
Cathy Holst- Thank you to Tracie Breiter and Suzanne Epstein
for the interesting program on CERT.
June
Ruth Ann Rossman- “Thank you Suzanne for your hospitality. Thank
you Suzanne and Tracie for your programs.”
Lynn Salberg- “Happy Birthday to my wonderful twins, Sarah and Seth.
Thank you Suzanne for hosting the sisterhood
meeting. Happy Anniversary.”
Tami Plotkin- “Thankful that Eliana got straight “A’s” this semester. I
was very proud to bring my daughter to vote for the
first time last week.”
Cheryl Hirsch- “In memory of Penny Neugroschl. In honor of our 41st
Wedding Anniversary.”
Suzanne Epstein-“In honor of grandson Bennett’s Culmination from
Elementary School.”
Gayle Menke- “In honor of my 51st Wedding Anniversary to the love of
my life, Guenter.”
Sandy Melnick- In honor of my granddaughter, Sarah’s High School
Graduation.”
Jill Katell- “Thank you Suzanne for hosting and providing an enriching
program.”
Laura Tepfer- “Thank you Suzanne for hosting. Congratulations,
Autumn, for losing 2 teeth.”
Ronnye Sacks- “Thanks to Suzanne and Tracie for planning a fun
evening. It’s always amazing how much we can learn about
each other! Happy Anniversary Suzanne and Ken.
Congratulations to Steven and Celia on your graduations.”
Cathy Holst- “I appreciated the June program. It was fun learning about
each other.”
10
2016 -2017 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
11 - SUNDAY SCHOOL – SESSION #1
12 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL –SESSION # 1
18 - SUNDAY SCHOOL – SESSION #2
19 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #2
25 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #3
26- JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #3
OCTOBER
2 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #4
9 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #5
10 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #4
16 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #6
17- JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #5
23 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #7
24 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #6
30 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #8
31 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #7
NOVEMBER
6 - SUNDAY SCHOOL – SESSION #9
7 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #8
13- SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #10
14 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #9
20 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #11
28 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #10
For more information, go to the sisterhood page of the CBE website:
http://congregationbnaiemet.org/sisterhood.php
DECEMBER
4 – SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #12
5 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #11
11 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #13
12 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #12
18 – SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #14
19- JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #13
JANUARY
8 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #15
9- JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #14
22 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #16
23 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #15
29 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #17
30 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #16
FEBRUARY
5 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #18
6 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #17
12 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #19
13 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #18
26 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #20
27 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #19
MARCH
5 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #21
6 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #20
12 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #22
13 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #21
19 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #23
20 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #22
APRIL
2 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #24
3 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #23
9 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #25
23 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #26
24 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #24
30 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #27
MAY
1 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #25
7 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #28
8 – JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #26
15 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #27
21 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #29
22 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #28
JUNE
4 - SUNDAY SCHOOL-SESSION #30
5 - JUDAICA HIGH SCHOOL-SESSION #29*
*SESSION 30 WILL BE A FIELD TRIP
This is a mitzvah project of Madison Crawford & Lauren Ranelletti.
11
STUDENT-LED SERVICES:
Oct. 21: 7 pm – Consecration - Simchat Torah
Dec. 2: 7 pm – Hanukkah
Feb. 3: 7 pm - 4th/5th grade tallit service
Mar. 10: 7 pm – All students - Purim
May 5: 7 pm – All students - Yom HaAtzmaut
June 2: 7 pm - 7th Grade -Graduation/Staff Appreciation
June 9: 8 pm - Judaica High Service/Confirmation
Yahrzeits
Sept 1 Katherine Diana Mutal
Sept 3 Eric Tepfer
Sept 4 Sheri Enright
Sept 4 Frances Shilkoff
Sept 5 Jean Epstein
Sept 5 Victor Ringer
Sept 5 Brett Tabak
Sept 6 George Ribstein
Sept 7 Barbara Ann Kitt
Sept 8 David Breiter
Sept 8 Sylvan Greenwald
Sept 8 Harry Shaw
Sept 8 Howard Vine
Sept 9 Harold Ducker
Sept 9 Irene Goldhammer
Sept 9 Philip Goodman
Sept 10 Oscar Bromberger
Sept 10 Leonard Hollander
Sept 12 Ann Glassman Cohen
Sept 12 J.G. Neugroschl
Sept 12 Isaac Sion
Sept 13 Rudolph Edelstein
Sept 13 Benjamin Wiseman
Sept 14 Iris Tuber
Sept 18 I.G. “Rik" Richter
Sept 18 Sandford Scharf
Sept 19 Sarah Kaufman
Sept 19 Solomon Sussman
Sept 20 Audrey Gramowitz
Sept 20 Ada Scheinert
Sept 21 Harry Bercow
Sept 21 Tim Wolff
Sept 22 Rose Fleischmann
Sept 23 Barbara Rosen
Sept 24 Dixie Cohen
Sept 24 Lynn Marlow
Sept 25 Gerhard Heimann
Sept 25 Donald J. Schwartz
Sept 26 Armin Hollander
Sept 27 Joseph Melnick
Sept 27 Faina Vineberg
Sept 30 Philip Landau
Sept 30 Herman Leon
Sept 30 Anne Sussman
Oct. 1
Annette Beezy
Oct. 1
Evelyn Levin
Oct. 1
Selma Wollman
Oct. 2
Hyman Chait
Av 28
Av 30
Elul 1
Elul 2
Elul 2
Elul 4
Elul 5
Elul 5
Elul 5
Elul 5
Elul 6
Elul 6
Elul 7
Elul 9
Elul 9
Elul 10
Elul 11
Elul 15
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 24
Elul 27
Elul 27
Elul 27
Elul 28
Elul 28
Elul 28
Elul 29
Oct. 2
Elsa Fleischmann
Elul 29
Oct. 2
David McMoyler
Elul 29
Oct. 2
Meyer Rabinek
Elul 29
Oct. 3 Raquel Goldstein-Globinsky
Tishrei 1
Oct. 3
Cathy Mittelman
Tishrei 1
Oct. 5 Jennie Sylvia Lindenbaum Tishrei 3
Oct. 5
Douglas A. Millings
Tishrei 3
Oct. 6
Sylvia Selbst
Tishrei 4
Oct. 6
Eileen Stern
Tishrei 4
Oct. 8
Ann Schneider
Tishrei 6
Oct. 9
Paul Charton
Tishrei 7
Oct. 9
Louis Karoff
Tishrei 7
Oct. 9
Gerri Katz
Tishrei 7
Oct. 9
Mayer Yaskiel
Tishrei 7
Oct. 10 Morris Feldman
Tishrei 8
Oct. 10 Harry Wollman
Tishrei 8
Oct. 12 Jacob Brenwasser
Tishrei 10
Oct. 12 Margaret Brenwasser
Tishrei 10
Oct. 12 Judith Gail Karoff
Tishrei 10
Oct. 12 Isaak Pichkhadze
Tishrei 10
Oct. 12 Ester Rabinek
Tishrei 10
Oct. 13 Ann Schwartz
Tishrei 11
Oct. 13 Edith Diane Weiner
Tishrei 11
Oct. 15 Harry Israel Greenberg Tishrei 13
Oct. 16 Benno Epstein
Oct. 17 Julius Brandler
Tishrei 15
Oct. 18 Irvin Charton
Tishrei 16
Oct. 19 Joseph Berkowitz
Tishrei 17
Oct. 20 Carol Winner
Tishrei 18
Oct. 22 Shirley Hoffberg
Tishrei 20
Oct. 22 Jeanette Ilowitz
Tishrei 20
Oct. 22 Hilda Mazin
Oct. 24 Gertrude Cohen
Tishrei 22
Oct. 24 Joseph Sweet
Tishrei 22
Oct. 25 Walter Ascher
Tishrei 23
Oct. 25 Martin Dubin
Tishrei 23
Oct. 26 Richard Glassman
Tishrei 24
Oct. 26 Joel Ribstein
Oct. 27 Reuben Lewis Mazin
Oct. 28 Helene Bromberger
Oct. 28 Hermann Bromberger
Oct. 28 Samuel Bromberger
Oct. 28 Anne Leibl
Tishrei 26
Oct. 28 Jack Volkerts
Tishrei 26
Oct. 29 Wilbert Melnick
Tishrei 27
Oct. 30 Dorothy Tucker
Tishrei 28
Oct. 31 Muriel “Cookie" Stern
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 the temple office with
any questions regarding
How to observe a
Yahrzeit at CBE
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
Condolences to:
before the Yahrzeit. If you
Geri and Dan Brandler on the passing of Geri’s sister Barbara Primus, aunt of Mark and Regina
observe the Gregorian (English)
Brandler
date, the name will be read
John Elhai on the passing of his mother
following the yahrzeit date. It is
Joan and Sheldon Liebmann on the passing of their son, Michael Liebmann. Also to sisters
Amy (Jeffry) Tellio and Ruth (Tom) Lawson, and niece and nephews Gary & Keith Lawson, and suggested that you make a
Brandon & Melisa Tellio.
contribution to the Temple so
that the memory of your loved
Carol Finberg, Brooke and Jordan on the passing of husband and father
Richard Fineberg (photo on right)
one can be honored with an act
of love and kindness.
Yehi zichronom l’vrachah – may their lives be a blessing and an inspiration
12
GIFT CARDS
GIVE THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK!!!
NEED A CARD? MAKE IT A DONATION !
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 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.
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.
You can also order a personalized certificate so that your
recipients can choose their own cards.
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
Women of CBE.
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]
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
13
GIVE THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK!
Support the temple by purchasing gift cards for many local and national
businesses and restaurants
Click here for more info: http://congregationbnaiemet.org/sisterhood.php
ATTENTION
CALLING ALL INDIVIDUALS WITH KNOWLEDGE
OF BUILDING INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION WORK
OR
LITERATE IN COMPUTER INTERNET/WEBSITES
To serve on the Temple Building Improvement
Committee. Do you want to see the Temple’s
interior design, aesthetic, improved? Do you
want to be part of the fund oversight, making
sure donations are spent wisely?
Then the Temple Building Improvement
Committee is the place for you.
THE TEMPLE NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!
Contact Debbie Knecht (805) 368-2571 – cell#
or mailto:[email protected]
14
15
Schedule of Services, Candle lightings, and Torah Portions
Date
Candle Lighting
Service
Torah Portion
Sept.2/30 Av
7:00 PM
Family Service 7 PM
Re-ei - Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17
Sept 9/7 Elul
6:50 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Shoftim - Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9
Sept 16/14 Elul
6:40 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Ki Teitzei - Deuteronomy 21:10 - 25:19
Sept 23/21 Elul
6:30 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Ki Tavo - Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8
Sept 30/28 Elul
6:21 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Nitzavim - Deuteronomy 29:9 - 30:20
Oct 2-3/1 Tishrei
6:18 PM
Rosh Hashanah 8 PM/10 AM
Special Portions
Oct 7/6 Tishrei
6:11 PM
Family Service 7 PM
Vayeilech - Deuteronomy 31:1 - 31:30
Oct 11-12/10 Tishrei
6:02 PM
Yom Kippur 8 PM/10 AM
Special Portions
Oct 14/13 Tishrei
6:02PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Ha-azinu - Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52
Oct 21/20 Tishrei
5:54 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
SUKKOT-Special Portions
Oct 28/27 Tishrei
5:46 PM
Shabbat Service 8 PM
Bereshit - Genesis 1:1 - 6:8
GO TO OUR WEBSITE: CONGREGATIONBNAIEMET.ORG
OR VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE- https://www.facebook.com/cbesimi/ TO TO SEE OUR ACTIVITES AND WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TEMPLE
CONTACT MERIDITH TO RECEIVE WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES. [email protected]
Congregation B’nai Emet
P.O. Box 878
Simi Valley, CA 93062-0878
DATED MATERIAL
—-Please do not delay delivery—
Chai Lites Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Volume 37, Issue 6