A Season of Celebration - Congregation B`nai Israel

Volume 156, Issue 9
APRIL’S
HIGHLIGHTS
Nisan/Iyyar 5775
April 2015
A Season of Celebration
Yom Pesach
We wish you and your family a happy
Passover. Passover begins with first Seder
on Friday, April 3. It’s the holiday we most
celebrate with our families, in our homes.
It also offers a chance to expand our tastes
and horizons. See Rabbi Schultz’s column
on Page 5.
Last Chance to Vote
Voting for delegates to this year’s World
Zionist Congress continues through the end
of April. Make your voice heard! Details on
Page 2.
Ira Wise (center, back row) celebrates his 20th year as the Temple Educator of
Congregation B’nai Israel.
20 Years of Educational Excellence
The Temple’s New Door
There is a new way to access B’nai Israel.
We’ve completely revamped the Temple
website (www.cbibpt.org) to make it easier
to use and more eye-catching. Details on
Page 6.
Improving Grade in Hebrew
A few years ago, B’nai Israel implemented
a new way to teach our students Hebrew
and prayers. The results to date have been
promising. Details on Page 7.
More Inside
Rabbi Prosnit …..................................... P.3
BIFTY …............................................... P.4
Library …............................................... P.4
Adult Learning ….................................. P.6
Bonim Preschool …............................... P.8
One of Us ….......................................... P.9
Donations …........................................ P.10
Shabbat Services ................................. P.16
Join us on Friday, May 1 and Saturday,
May 2 as we pay special tribute to
Temple Educator Ira Wise for 20 years
of committed service to our congregation
and the Reform movement.
The celebration begins May 1 with a
festive oneg at 5:00 p.m., followed by
Shabbat services at 6:00 pm. During the
service, Dr. Evie Levy Rotstein, director
of the New York School of Education at
Continued on Page 11
100 Years of Confirmation
This spring we celebrate 100 years of
Confirmation at Congregation B’nai
Israel. Records show our congregation’s
celebrations are older, but we are using
the Class of 1915 – the oldest photo
on the wall along the library – as our
reference.
Join us during the weekend of June 5 for a
special Shabbat service and a celebration
of this milestone. Share your memories,
and reunite with fellow Confirmands.
Mark your calendar, and then watch the
Temple website, next month’s Bulletin
and Hashavua for more details.
This year’s Religious School sophomore
class will be confirmed during a special
service on Sunday, May 31.
Please share your personal Confirmation
story now by contacting event Chairman
Larry Levine at [email protected] or
Bulletin Editor Scott Smith at ssmith@
cbibpt.org. Bulletin Board
Vote & Make a Difference
This month is the last chance you have to
vote and impact the Reform movement
here and in Israel. Cast your ballot in the
World Zionist Congress election.
HOW?
Go to www.reformjews4israel.org to
register and vote by April 30th. If you
don’t have a computer, forms for securing
paper ballots are in the Temple office.
WHOM DO I VOTE FOR?
We would never tell you who to vote for,
but we do recommend you back “ARZA:
Representing Reform Judaism.” By
voting for the ARZA slate, you will help
create a State of Israel in which all Jews
are treated equally and that progressive
Jews and Reform Jewish institutions
receive the same benefits as everyone
else.
We often are frustrated by the lack of
equality that is evident in Israel, and
feel that there’s nothing we can do about
it. Now there is something you can do.
Sharing our joy...
Congratulations to:
Cast your vote to promote true religious
pluralism in Israel.
WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
There is a processing fee of $10 if you
are 30 or over, and $5 if you are under 30.
Is it worth $10 to help change the world?
AM I ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
If you are Jewish, will be 18 years or
older by June 30, and are a resident of the
United States, you are eligible to vote.
The Mitzvah of Reading
Bar Mitzvah student Noah Giglietti
is collecting gently used books (K-8)
for Read to Grow. The books will be
distributed to agencies and families in
Bridgeport. Specially marked bins can be found in the
temple lobbies. Noah, a seventh-grader,
will be collecting the books through
April 24.
For more information, contact Noah at
[email protected]
and coffee at the Temple and then a local
service project in Greater Bridgeport. We will return to the synagogue by 11:45
a.m. so you can pick up your children
at Religious School. The project will be
geared for adults.
For more information or to get involved,
contact Shari Nerreau at snerreau@
cbibpt.org
Food for the Soul: Oneg
We need your help! Before each Shabbat
service, the Temple provides a small
oneg in the lobby. These small (nut-free)
snacks and drinks are a great ice-breaker
as you meet fellow congregants, a perfect
quick bite if you are ravenous after a long
day, and a helpful distraction for toddlers
and younger children.
However, they do not appear by magic!
If you are interested in volunteering to
bring in treats on a Friday, please contact
Naomi Schaffer at naomilev@optonline.
net. You can drop them off at any time
that’s convenient for you. Thank you!
Build a Better Community
It will be Mitzvah Morning on Sunday,
May 3. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for bagels
Jeff and Wendy Bender, on the birth of
granddaughter, Ellery Winslow Bender.
Paul and Pat Buchbinder, on the
marriage of daughter, Laura, to Bruce
Hedges
Stu and Ellen Kovar, on the birth of
first granddaughter, Jocelyn Edith Pham,
daughter of Rachel and Allen Pham
Sincere Sympathy . . .
We extend our sympathy to the bereaved
families of:
Ruth Green, mother of Judy Green
Blumenthal, grandmother of Molly and
Jacob Blumenthal, and Jon Orell
Charlene Silverberg, mother of Jeff
Silverberg
Janice Salit, sister of Marilyn Bissell
Kay Gennarini
Florence Yasser, mother of Joan Davis
2
2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 336-1858 • www.cbibpt.org
The Bulletin of Congregation B’nai Israel is published every month except July.
James Prosnit, D.D. ............................ Rabbi
Evan Schultz ................................... Rabbi
Arnold I. Sher, D.D. ............... Rabbi Emeritus
Sheri E. Blum, D.M. ........................... Cantor
Ramon Gilbert, D.M. .......... Cantor Emeritus
Ira J. Wise, R.J.E. ................ Temple Educator
Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E. ... Educator Emeritus
Alexa Cohen .......... Early Childhood Director
Abby Rohinsky ............... Director of Facility
Officers
Samuel J. Rosenberg ........................ President
Michael Blumenthal .......... 1st Vice President
Larry Levine ............................. Vice President
Shari Nerreau ........................... Vice President
Julie Pressman .......................... Vice President
Lori Underberger ............................ Treasurer
Jim Greenberg ................. Assistant Treasurer
Evelyn Rubak ................................... Secretary
Joe Varon .......................... Financial Secretary
Mindy Siegel ........... Immediate Past President
Affiliates
Marisa Underberger ............................................ BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist
Caroline DelAngelo & Harper Wise .......................................................... BIFTY Co-Presidents
What’s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at [email protected].
From the Rabbi's Desk
The End of an Era
This winter we mourned the death of
two women who embodied the spirit
of B’nai Israel for many, many years.
Kay Gennarini and Pat Marchetti were
the dynamic duo who served as office
administrators at the Temple for about
50 and 35 years respectively. They
were a big part of a lot of lives, and I
know are missed by those who have
been longstanding members of the
congregation. It was truly an end of an
era!
At their wakes (and at Kay’s funeral,
where I was honored to deliver the
eulogy), I mentioned that Kay and Pat
did more to foster Catholic-Jewish
relationships in Greater Bridgeport
than just about anyone else. They were
devoted members of their church and
wore their faith proudly, and at the same
time cared about the Jewish people
and came to know more about Jewish
practices and rituals than many Jews.
On a number of occasions I’d walk into
the office and either one would be talking
to one of our congregants, explaining
some tradition. They’d say, “Well,
you were out so I thought I’d answer
the question for you.” They’d almost
Kay Gennarini
every need to make certain that all ran
smoothly.
always be correct in their response and
in so doing would save me and my
predecessor, Rabbi Sher, a lot of time by
taking the lead.
“It wasn’t just their
competency that was
important; it was
how they engaged
people and made them
feel welcome and
respected.”
Presidents of our congregation, along
with the rabbis and cantors, came to
rely on Kay and Pat for perspective and
insights and for the wealth of information
they held in their heads. They started
long before computers and databases,
and needed neither to keep track of most
everything. I’d say to Kay, “Remember
Mrs. What’s Her Name? She used to
be married to Mr. So and So. Do you
remember who their daughter was?”
And more often than not, Kay not only
knew what I was talking about, but knew
the answer. Pat handled Confirmations
and B’nai Mitzvah and could anticipate
But it wasn’t just their competency that
was important; it was how they engaged
people and made them feel welcome
and respected. They brought so much
goodwill to the work of the Temple
that we have long been deeply in their
debt. Over the many years, Kay and Pat
welcomed new members, comforted
the bereaved, rejoiced with brides and
grooms, held the hand of a nervous Bar
or Bat Mitzvah mother certain that her
13-year-old would not be up to the task.
And they did so with grace and caring
and humor.
They’d also speak up when something
wasn’t right and remind us when we
weren’t living up to images of our higher
selves. Yes, there’s sadness and grief for
our loss and especially for their families,
but also great gratitude for two women
who meant a lot to many, who built
bridges of understanding and friendship
– and who will be fondly remembered.
Of course their legacy is continued.
How fortunate we are that the office staff
these days – Lynn, Chris, Lindsay and
Theresa continue to make us look good
and continue to be so responsive and
available to the mission and the work.
We have been – and we are so blessed.
Pat Marchetti
“They were devoted members of their church and wore their faith proudly, and at the
same came to know more about Jewish practices and rituals than many Jews.”
Donation Item of the Month: Rice and bags of beans for St. John’s.
3
Do Not
Pass Over
These Books
BIFTY
April Events
All events are held in the BIFTY Lounge
on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
May the start of April bring us all
enjoyable Passover Seders along with
the spring we have all been longing
for! There are many books in the B’nai
Israel library to help adults, children and
families enjoy the holiday season.
For our adult readers, Tova Mirvis’
“The Ladies Auxiliary” is an absorbing
glimpse into a Southern Jewish Orthodox
community. The easy reading belies the
wealth of information about beliefs,
prejudices, personalities and practices
that are characteristic of small, isolated
communities everywhere. Rochelle
Jewel Shapiro’s engaging novel, “Miriam
the Medium,” brings us to the world of a
Jewish “Long Island medium.” This light
read will appeal to you whether you are
interested in human relationships or the
“spirit world!”
We have a very important non-fiction
selection regarding the unfortunate
and ultimately tragic relationship
between Hollywood and Hitler. “The
Collaboration: Hollywood’s Pact with
Hitler” is based on extensive research by
Ben Urwand. The reader will be amazed
by the cooperation of Jewish movie
executives with the Nazis.
Your children will definitely enjoy “The
Matzah Ball,” by Mindy Avra Portnoy.
This is an amusing and inspiring story
about a Passover visit to the ballpark. “The
Secret Seder,” by Doreen Rappaport, is
a moving story about commitment to
tradition and to the value of honoring
one another. This is appropriate for
older readers. Another Passover story
stars Molly, who some children have
already met in Barbara Cohen’s “Molly’s
Pilgrim.” Ms. Cohen’s “Make a Wish,
Molly” opens the window on culture,
friendship and wonderful food!
Here’s wishing everyone a sweet and
literary Passover! We welcome you to
come in and browse! The books that
we have reviewed are available on the
library desk. If you want to borrow a
book, please follow the procedures on
the desk. We look forward to seeing you.

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The Library Ladies
April 9: Passsover Fun!
April 23: Yom Hazikaron Holocaust
Remembrance
Looking forward … May 8 will be our
Beach Service!
Havdalah selfie at our February Shul-In
Follow “cbi.bifty” on
Like “BIFTY” on Facebook!
Instagram!
High School and Kindergarten
Becky Molinoff and Zoe Lehrhaupt are
two board members who have been part
of BIFTY since they began high school.
They enjoy meeting teens from other
high schools and bonding over both
Jewish and non-Jewish events. Let’s
find out about their positions, favorite
programs, and why they love acting like
kindergarteners.
What is your position?
BM: I am the Religious and Cultural
Vice President. I run any kind of religious
service and do programs that relate to
Israel. For example, we recently had an
awesome Havdalah service where we sat
in the chapel in a circle and celebrated
with Rabbi Schultz. It was pretty rad,
I must say. I also ran an Israel trivia
program in the fall.
ZL: My position is Membership Vice
President. I’m in charge of everyone
who comes to BIFTY, and I recruit new
members. I keep track of who’s showing
up and try to get many new teens to come!
What has been one of your favorite
events?
BM: My favorite event so far was
definitely the kindergarten games event.
It was honestly hysterical the whole time.
I had to stand in the corner for timeout on
multiple occasions. ZL: One of my favorite events would
probably have to be kindergarten games!
For this, we acted like kindergarteners
and did little-kid activities. I really
enjoyed being young again, and everyone
was in on the whole “acting five” thing,
so it was fun for us all.
Why should other teenagers join
BIFTY?
BM: I feel like because we so heavily
recruit people, other teens assume it is
because it’s not fun and no one likes to
come. It’s actually the opposite. I enjoy
BIFTY immensely whether there’s
25 people or five people there, and I
want other teens to be able to have the
connections that I have. ZL: Other teens should join BIFTY
because, I promise, it will have such a
positive effect on your life. It’s so nice
to get away from school and your usual
friends and just get to hang out with
other teens. I’ve met amazing people in
BIFTY, and I can guarantee that anyone
who joins it will have the pleasure of
meeting these fun people, too! How would you describe BIFTY in 5
words?
BM: Food, fun, fiesta, fabulous, Jews.
ZL: Something that keeps us together.
Tell us your B’nai Israel story. See “One of Us” on Page 9 for details.
From Rabbi Schultz

Box of matzah.

Large tub of cream cheese.
Chew Your Maror!
obligation of matzah. (Mishneh
Torah,
Hilchot
chametz
u’matzah, chapter 6:2)
Ok, my Passover meal plan is set.
I know that Jews have made great strides
over the years when it comes to Passover
meals, but for me, when Passover arrives,
I like to stick with the basics: matzah
and cream cheese. As far back as I can
remember I delighted in eating matzah
with cream cheese at least eight times a
day, of course only to still feel hungry
before going to bed. That schmear of
cream cheese enables me to fulfill the
commandment found in the book of
Exodus: “In the evening, you shall eat
matzot” (Exodus 12:18).
Moses Maimonides, the 12th century
Spanish rabbi and scholar, teaches in his
code of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah,
that this commandment to eat matzah in
the evening actually applies to the entire
day; one should eat matzah throughout
the holiday of Passover. However,
according to Maimonides, eating matzah
is only part of our edible obligation each
day of Passover. We really should be
eating more maror, or bitter herbs. He
explains:
“Why does it matter
if we chew our food
or not? It actually
matters a great deal.”
A person who swallows matzah
[without chewing it] fulfills
his obligation. A person who
swallows maror [without
chewing it] does not fulfill
his obligation. A person who
swallows matzah and maror
together fulfills the obligation
of matzah, but not that of maror,
for the maror is secondary to the
matzah. If he wrapped them in
fibers or the like and swallowed
them, he does not even fulfill the
Recalling the Holocaust
This year marks the 70th anniversary
of the end of World War II. We also
look back on the Allies and Soviets
liberating the Nazi concentration
camps, finally ending the nightmare
of the Holocaust, the Shoah. That
includes January’s commemoration of
the Soviets’ liberating Auschwitz.
Please join us for two evenings of
commemorating and discussing Yom
Hashoah in lower Fairfield County.
On Wednesday, April 15, filmmaker
Arnon Goldfinger will discuss his
award-winning movie “The Flat”
at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth
El, 1200 Fairfield Woods Road in
Fairfield. Attendees are encouraged
to watch the film ahead of time. It is
available on Netflix and online.
Then, on Thursday, April 16, we
will participate in the Yom Hashoah
Commemoration and Service at 7:30
p.m. at the Conservative Synagogue
of Westport, 30 Hillspoint Road in
Westport.
This is a curious passage. You can
swallow matzah without chewing and
still fulfill your obligation? (I don’t even
know how that is possible.) But when
you eat maror, the bitter herbs, you must
chew it to fulfill your obligation. (We find
this commandment in Exodus 12:8. The
Torah commands us to eat the paschal
sacrifice, “with unleavened bread and
with bitter herbs.”) Why does it matter if
we chew our food or not?
It actually matters a great deal. The
Maimonides text highlights the fact that
the bitter herbs, not the matzah, may
be the most important of our Passover
foods. Jewish tradition teaches that the
bitter herbs were instituted to recall the
bitterness of slavery in Egypt. A person
who does not chew the maror does not
taste the bitterness and therefore does not
fulfill the obligation of Passover.
As much as I love my matzah with
cream cheese, eating only that for seven
days seems to miss the mark in terms of
grasping the true meaning of Passover.
Passover is about celebrating freedom
AND reminding ourselves of the
bitterness of our past and the bitterness
that remains in the world today. Chewing
the bitter herbs is a reminder of that
important symbolism of the holiday and
a call to us that we contemporary Jews
must be a catalyst for change.
So for the first time, this year I am going
to try eating some maror each day of
Passover, in hopes of staying more
connected to that bitterness throughout
the holiday. I would love for you to join
me and share your thoughts afterwards.
And don’t worry; we can still enjoy
our matzah with cream cheese as well.
Wishing you a meaningful Passover!
Trivia Quiz: Name the two B’nai Israel congregants who have appeared in a World Series? (Answer on P. 14.)
5
Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel
Adult Round Table
First Thursday of Every Month at
12:30 p.m.
Next meetings are April 2 and May 7
A discussion about current
events for anyone who
wants to go beyond the
headlines. Facilitated by
Gloria Katz. Join us the
first Thursday of every month, and bring
a sandwich, your opinion and an open
mind.
Rosh Chodesh — Women’s Group
With Rabbi Suri Krieger
Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.
The waxing and
waning of lunar
cycles has been a
guiding force for
women throughout
the ages, both literally and spiritually.
Since the Jewish feminist movement
reclaimed Rosh Chodesh in the 1970s,
women have been gathering on a monthly
basis to acknowledge and celebrate. The
form of this celebration has taken on
many faces...ancient text, contemporary
outreach, food, and fantasy.
Meanwhile, Back in Europe, Part II
Lifelong Learning – Fridays at Noon,
April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 and 22
A continuation of our
fall class! Last year we
followed the Jewish
Diaspora into Muslim
Lands – across North
Africa, Arabia and into
Spain. At the same time
– the Middle Ages – we found ourselves
spreading throughout Europe as well.
This year Ira Wise will take us on a visit
to Prague, Krakow and points west. No
need for a Eurail Pass!
Celebrating Ira Wise
Kabbalat Shabbat, following
Services and Dinner – Friday, May 1
at 8:15 p.m.
Beginning with Kabbalat Shabbat
services, this evening will celebrate
our 20th anniversary
with Ira Wise as our
Temple
Educator.
After services, we
will have a Shabbat
dinner, and then Dr.
Evie Rotstein will
speak
about
her
current research around the question
“Why is Authenticity a critical element
for Jewish learning?” Dr. Rotstein is the
Director of the School of Education at the
New York Campus of the Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
She and Ira Wise worked together for
a decade in the Leadership Institute,
which provided advanced training
and professional development for 120
synagogue educators. Reservations are
required for dinner. Please call Chris in
the Temple office at 203-336-1858 or
email her at [email protected]. The cost
for the meal is $20.
New ‘Front Door’
For the Temple
B’nai Israel now boasts a new “front door” that is easier to access and
much more pleasing to the eye.
Last month the Temple relaunched its website. The revamped platform
offers all of the information both congregants and prospective
congregants need, but in a more user-friendly, timely manner. The
new-look website features a cleaner interface, updated content and a
modern color palette.
“I believe it demonstrates well who we are as a community to potential
members and provides current congregants with information about
events and opportunities to engage together,” congregation President
Sam Rosenberg said.
The Internet address for the website remains the same as the old one –
cbibpt.org – or if you really enjoy typing, you can use the really long
version – congregationbnaiisrael.org.
The revamped website is part of an ongoing strategy to make sure the
community can access B’nai Israel in any way they feel comfortable.
“The website is an integral piece of the digital network we are creating
to foster ways of both communicating and connecting, along with
Hashavua, our Facebook page, and our Facebook group,” Rosenberg
Continued on Page 13
6
FREEDOM FIGHTERS – Join us Sunday, April
26 for a special showing of “Above & Beyond,” a
documentary about the foreign airmen who helped
Israel gain its independence. Details on Page 16.
Have the kids left home? Then it’s a perfect time to ReConnect with B’nai Israel. Contact Mindy Siegel at [email protected].
From The Education Center
Daber Ivrit – Speaking Hebrew
Nearly two years ago, we announced
that the religious school’s Hebrew
curriculum was changing to reflect
newly identified needs. For over 30
years, our students were learning
Hebrew by using texts that focused
on the prayers we say in services to
help them improve their reading and
decoding skills. And they did it well. A
Conservative rabbi in our community
once asked me, “Ira, why is it that when
your students attend a Bar Mitzvah
service here, they can read the prayers
better than our students?” High praise.
There was a problem, though. We
observed that while nearly all of our
students were competent readers of
prayers, not many of them were actually
praying. They were not internalizing
the meaning of the words or making
much of a spiritual connection. In
fact, it seemed that for many students,
the act of sitting down in a Shabbat
service felt more like a Hebrew test
than an opportunity to connect with the
community or with God.
So we tried something new. First, we
adapted a worship curriculum and
weekly services with our clergy that
taught them how to pray and how to
make meaning of the prayers. We also
created a unit in Kitah Vav (6th grade)
in which all of that meaning making
is brought together as our students dig
deeper into prayer and what it might
mean to each of them.
We also changed the texts we used to
polish our Hebrew language skills. Our
new books use modern Hebrew as it
is spoken in Israel. The topics range
from the Jewish holidays to Jewish
values to Israel – all of which are part
of our Jewish studies curriculum. This
approach has begun to integrate the
Hebrew and Jewish studies learning,
and the students are learning to translate
and make meaning of what they are
reading, rather than simply decoding.
Teaching Hebrew in the Religious School now goes beyond the page
with a wide tapestry of approaches.
The Religious School Vision Team
asked me to share my report of where
we are now, a year and half into the new
Hebrew curriculum and two-and-a-half
years into the worship curriculum. We
are doing pretty well. The teachers and
students report that they like the content
and the effect of the new Hebrew
materials a lot. More homework gets
done, and students are engaged in the
reading far more than they were before
– even when it is not their turn to read.
The worship curriculum is also doing
well. The Kitah Daled (4th grade)
students may report they feel it is going
a bit slowly, since they are only doing
one-third of the prayers. I can report
that by Kitah Vav, we are experiencing
nearly all of the students actively
engaged in all of the prayers. And spot
checks with individual students show
that many can articulate what most of
the prayers mean to them.
This is only the midterm. We have one
more year before we have a cohort that
has completed all three years of the
Hebrew curriculum. And the first small
group of students who have nearly
completed the worship curriculum are
just beginning Cantor Blum’s B’nai
Mitzvah class. So it is still too soon to
judge our success in either area. It does
seem like we are very much on the right
track!
I invite you to share any questions or
ideas you have on the subject with
me. I also invite you to begin thinking
about the possibility of becoming a
teacher in our school. Let’s talk about
the possibilities, and perhaps get you
into the classroom as a substitute this
spring!
L’shalom,
Ira J. Wise
What’s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at [email protected].
7
Bonim Preschool
Getting Ready for Kindergarten
The Bonim Preschool proudly continues
our Pre-K program aimed at five-year-old
children not yet ready for kindergarten.
Now in its third year, the Pre-K program
meets for six hours each weekday. We
attract families who wish to give their
children not only the gift of time, but also a
year in a creative, nurturing environment
with Jewish values and celebrations,
before entering kindergarten.
A typical day in Pre-K at Bonim
Preschool allows ample time for
imaginative play and outdoor play.
There is structured learning and time
dedicated to free exploration and
discovery learning in centers. We use
Houghton Mifflin’s “Splash into Pre-K,”
a research-based thematic curriculum
created by PhDs in their respective fields.
This comprehensive, hands-on program
features a balanced literacy program of
read-alouds, shared reading, writing,
listening
comprehension,
phonics
8
“Upon completion of the
year, the children have
attained the skills and
confidence they need to
succeed in traditional
kindergarten or maybe
even first grade.”
instruction and vocabulary enhancement.
Math is an integral part of the themebased curriculum, with an emphasis on
sequencing, patterns, estimation and
logical problem solving. Science, social
studies, art, music, technology, nature
and Judaism are woven into all of the
themes throughout the calendar year. We
are excited about the beautiful books and
materials this program utilizes and the
expertise of its authors.
Upon completion of the year, the children
have attained the skills and confidence
they need to succeed in traditional
kindergarten or maybe even first grade.
That poise and boost to their self-esteem
will help form their self-concepts, which
they will carry with them throughout their
school career and life. What better gift
can parents possibly give their children
than the gift of time and the chance to
develop and learn for one more year in
order to help ensure a positive transition
into kindergarten?
If you know anyone who is looking for
a high-quality, Jewish Pre-K, please send
them our way.
Thank you,
Alexa Cohen
Trailblazer: B’nai Israel student Missy Needle in 1975 became the first girl to play Little League Baseball in Fairfield.
One of Us: Ilana Ofgang
A Renaissance Woman Finds Her Way
“Judaism was a lens that opened my
eyes. It gave me strength and security in
its rituals, and the ability to accept what
had been impossible to accept.”
works as an attorney at the Kirschbaum
Law Firm in Wethersfield, focusing on
post-conviction relief, habeas corpus
claims, and appellate cases for indigent
defendants.
Ilana Ofgang
Ilana Ofgang came to B’nai Israel with
only a partial understanding of what it
meant to be Jewish. Raised by a Jewish
father and an Irish Catholic mother in
New Fairfield, she did not have any
religious training, although the family
did celebrate the holidays of both faiths’
traditions. Coming to a point in her life
when she felt she needed to explore her
natural spiritual leaning and with the
need to heal after the tragic death of a
beloved grandmother, she came to B’nai
Israel. As Ilana put it, she felt as though
“the bottom had fallen out of her life.”
Her husband, Jon Coffin, a practicing
Christian, encouraged her to talk to a
rabbi and to seek out the knowledge,
compassion and support that a community
of faith would provide. In Rabbi Rachel
Gurevitz, Ilana found the person who
could teach her. Rabbi Gurevitz gave
Ilana the tools and inspiration to create
sacred observances of her own, providing
her with a Jewish lens through which
to worship God. Ilana studied and read
with Rabbi Gurevitz for a year, and has
made B’nai Israel her home for the last
three years. The Saturday early morning
service has become her favorite time to
worship.
Ilana Ofgang (Photo Courtesy of
Kirschbaum Law Firm, LLC)
Ilana Ofgang’s musical talent is a gift
that comes from her Irish mother, who
encouraged her children to make music
together. While she was homeschooled
after fifth grade in New Fairfield, Ilana
also studied voice, organ and both
classical and jazz piano. Ilana and her
family formed a Celtic band and toured
together, producing CDs as “MacTalla
Mor.” Ilana continues to pursue her
passion for music, working as an
organist, pianist and cantor at various
churches throughout Connecticut. And
as for Jewish liturgical music, Ilana has
subbed for keyboardist Barbara Rowe
here at B’nai Israel and is interested in
furthering her studies of Jewish musical
traditions. She also hopes to learn
cantillation so that one day she might
become a bat mitzvah.
And there must have been something
special in Ilana’s upbringing that created
this person who cares so for others, a
person who has dedicated her career to
public interest law. Ilana currently
Ilana, now 32, has also faced health
challenges in recent years and is grateful
for the support of the B’nai Israel
community throughout that time. She
continues to struggle with ulcerative
colitis, a form of Irritable Bowel Disease
(IBD). This diagnosis has changed her
life in significant ways for someone so
young. When we talked about whether or
not to include this part of her life in this
article, she agreed to because others who
suffer with various forms of IBD should
know that they are not alone in facing
an illness that is often quite painful,
disabling and rarely discussed.
Ilana’s wide range of gifts is very
impressive. “On some days I’m striving
to be a Renaissance woman, and on other
days, I’m just trying to figure it out,” she
says.
We are happy to have Ilana figuring part
of it out in B’nai Israel’s community.

Janet Jurow
We want to know what makes each of
you One of Us. Please share with us your
Congregation B’nai Israel story. Email
the B’nai Israel Storytellers at ssmith@
cbibpt.org.
Global Anti-Semitism & the USA
Join us at the Temple on Sunday, May 3,
at 2:00 p.m. as Dr. Charles Asher Small,
director of the Institute for the Study
of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy
(ISGAP), explores the relationship
between global anti-Semitism and the
United States and how foreign policy
impacts university campuses. Dr. Charles Asher Small
The event is sponsored by 2G Linking
Generations of the Shoah, Congregation
B’nai Israel, Federation for Jewish
Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County,
Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut
and The Jewish Historical Society of
Fairfield County.
Dr. Small founded the Yale Initiative
for the Interdisciplinary Study of AntiSemitism, the first such research center
on anti-Semitism at a North American
university.
Donation Item of the Month: Rice and bags of beans for St. John’s.
9
Donations
Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.
Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Stacy and Rob Giglietti
Cynthia Goldstein
Janice and Marc and Matthew Katz
Beryl Kaufman
Abby, Risa and Carol Krim
Francine Stein
Rita and Kenneth Weinstein
Sheila and Burton Yaffie
Joel, Elsbeth, Jonathan and Joshua Zabin,
in memory of Kay Gennarini; in memory of
Paul Zabin.
Adele and Larry Zuckerman, in memory
of Kay Gennarini.
Sylvia Askinazi, in memory of sister, Lucille
Subbiondo.
Susan Bauchner, in memory of mother,
Bobby Kaplan.
Stacey and Duane Berlin, in memory of
grandmother, Ida Perlstein.
Marilyn Bissell, in memory of sister, Janice
Salit.
Sandy and Jack Germain and Family, in
memory of Ida Perlstein, mother of Sandy
Germain.
Alfred and Jeannette Goldreyer, a
donation.
Janice and Bernie Jacobs, in memory of
Kay Gennarini.
Beryl Kaufman, in appreciation; wellwishes to Estelle Baer.
Anne and Mark Kirsch, in honor of Rabbi
Prosnit and Wendy Bloch on the birth of
grandson, Ezra Jules Gleeson Prosnit.
Sue and Steve Klein, in honor of Nathan
Klein’s baby naming.
Barry and Judy Kramer and Family, in
loving memory of father and grandfather,
Jules Kramer.
Muggs Lefsetz, in memory of Kay
Gennarini.
Samuel Miller and Family, in memory of
Zelda Miller.
Karin Newman, in memory of father-inlaw, Sidney Newman.
Abigail Schine, in memory of mother,
Esther Elstein; in memory of father, Samuel
B. Elstein; in memory of husband, Joel D.
Schine.
Francine Stein, in memory of Matthew
Cooper, grandson of Dr. Milton and Lilla
Cooper.
Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory
of mother, Tess Valenchik.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Gerry and Elaine Winter, in memory of
Stanley Rosoff, husband of Elaine Rosoff.
The Yaffie Family, in memory of our
mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,
Mildred Skydel Seigel.
Music Fund
Donations in memory of Janice Blum were
made by:
Andy, Gina and Amelia Arnold
Edie Baum
Laura and Bruce Braverman
Linda, Mike, Jill and Danielle Epstein
Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman
Myrna Kaufman
Anne and Mark Kirsch
The Montagna Family and Grandma
Sam and Ellen Rost
Ann Small
Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn
Deena and Mark Spector
Gayle Szuchman and Family
The Underberger Family
Judy K. Weinstein
Gerry and Elaine Winter
10
Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund
Ellen and Robert Sheiman, in honor of
Rabbi Schultz’s many contributions to this
synagogue.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Barbara Abraham
Eileen and Howard Tolk
Sylvia Askinazi, in appreciation of Liz
Nigrosh.
George and Chris Markley, in loving
memory of Martha Markley.
Amy and Glenn Rich, in memory of Ellen
Kadden, wife of Jack Kadden.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Enhancement Fund
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Lori and Ken Berger
Lisa and Jim Greenberg
Katherine Pesce Kingsly
Ruth Madwed
Helane, Yaki and Danielle Moskovich
Shari and Brian Nerreau
Ruth and Joe Nitkin
Julie and Steve Pressman
Patti and Samuel Rosenberg
Lori and Bruce Skyer
The Underberger Family
Donald Sherman, Debbie and Lanny
Boles, and Harriet and Paul Moriber
Carol and Nate Barsky, in memory of
mother, Jennie Barsky, and brother, Paul
Barsky.
Edward and Luise Mann Burger, in
loving memory of Kay Gennarini and Pat
Marchetti.
Joan Frankel, in memory of Ida Perlstein,
mother of Sandy Germaine.
Marvin and Joann Gelfand, in memory of
Anna Gelfand.
Barbara Green and Jeffrey Orell, in
memory of Bess Halpert.
Lisa and Jim Greenberg, in memory of
Kay Gennarini.
Michael Greenspan, in memory of father,
Sidney Greenspan.
Katharine Harris, in memory of Jon Harris.
Andrea and Irv Kern, in memory of
beloved parents, Ernestine and Siegfried
Kern.
Alida and Al Kleban, in memory of sister,
Eleanor Levin.
Stanley Lessler, in memory of mother,
Claire Lessler.
Ruth Madwed, in memory of mother, Eva
Dolid.
Erwin Melis, in appreciation.
Bernice Rosch, in memory of dear father,
Harry Miller.
Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in memory
of Pat Marchetti and Kay Gennarini.
Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory
of father, Maurice Valenchik.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Frederic and Sharon West, in honor of
the birth of granddaughter Avery Isla West,
daughter of Kelly and Eric West.
Brenda Zickerman, in memory of son,
Brett Mark Zickerman.
Nursery School Enrichment Fund
Stephen and Molli Hourihan, a donation.
Nursery School Scholarship Fund
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Anne Green and Leonard and Gwendolyn
Braman
Gail and Peter Weinstein
Bonim Preschool Staff, in memory of
David Werber.
Stephen and Molli Hourihan, a donation.
Gail and Peter Weinstein, in memory of
We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at [email protected].
Donations
Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.
Janice Blum, mother of Cantor Sheri Blum;
in memory of Sophie Varon, mother of Joe
Varon; congratulations to Karen Ferleger on
a well-deserved honor from the Federation.
Rabbi Martin Library Fund
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Elaine and Juda Chetrit
Muggs Lefsetz
The Library Ladies – Claire Shumofsky,
Dale Demner and Carol Barsky
George and Chris Markley
Amy and Glenn Rich
Lis and George Ruderman
Carol and Nate Barsky, in memory of
Virginia L. Quint and Harland A. Quint,
mother and father of Carol Barsky.
Susan Bauchner, in memory of husband,
Burton Bauchner.
Dale and Jerry Demner, in memory of
Bertha Greenfield, mother of Dale Demner;
in memory of Lillian Slive, aunt of Dale
Demner; in memory of Phyllis Goldstein,
special friend of Dale and Jerry Demner.
Muggs Lefsetz, in memory of Janice
Kostiak, much-loved sister of Marilyn
Bissell.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Prayer Book Fund
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Mazon
Myrna Kaufman, in memory of Matthew
Cooper, grandson of Dr. Milton and Lilla
Cooper; in memory of mother, Florence
Newman.
Religious School Scholarship Fund
Gayle Szuchman and Family, in honor of
Sarah and Henry Szuchman’s B’nai Mitzvah.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Religious School Enrichment Fund
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Edward and Luise Mann Burger
William and Lorraine Smith
Nancy Lefkowitz, Noah Hendler and
Family, in honor of Georgiana Sandberg,
beloved grandmother of Stacy Sheiman.
Richard and Susan Walden, a donation.
Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund
Donations in memory of Ruth Green were
made by:
Carson and Robert Berkowitz
Bari S. Dworken
Serena and Arnie Sher
Samuel Miller and Family, in memory of
Kay Gennarini.
Audrey Bernstein, in memory of mother,
Julia Mellen.
Ellen and Lawrence Dinkes, in memory of
Ida Perlstein, mother of Bruce Perlstein.
Bari S. Dworken, in memory of Pat
Marchetti; in memory of Kay Gennarini.
Florence Feldman Mandel and Debera
First, in memory of Matthew Cooper,
beloved grandson of Lilla and Milton
Cooper.
Charles Fried Keshet Fund
Marjorie and Danny Freeman, in memory
of Ruth Green.
Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund
Karen and Ken Ferleger, in memory of
Ruth Green.
Excellence
Continued from Page 1
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute
of Religion, will present Ira with the
NATE/ARJE Distinguished Educator
Award.
all current and former religious school
teachers are invited to both celebrate with
Ira and study with Dr. Rotstein during a
lunch session.
Join us afterward for dinner, and then Dr.
Rotstein will speak about her research,
“Why is Authenticity a Critical Element
for Jewish Learning?”
Teachers who would like to join us for
the complimentary lunch-and-learn with
Dr. Rotstein should email Theresa in the
Religious School office.
To reserve your place at the Shabbat What better way to honor Ira’s work at
dinner, which costs $20 per person, our synagogue than making it a Shabbat
contact Chris at the Temple office at of Learning and inviting a renowned
(203) 336-1858
[email protected].
Abe'sor
temple
ad_Layout 1 3/11/15 1:18 educator
PM Page 1 like Dr. Rotstein to teach us?
We hope you can join us for any or all of
On Saturday, May 2, Dr. Rotstein will lead these events.
us in Torah study, and then at 11:30 a.m.,
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What is your Confirmation story? Send your celebration memories to Larry Levine at [email protected].
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The following members of the
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their support of
the B’nai Israel Bulletin:
Michael Becker
Richard Krantz
Ken Beck
Andrew R. Lubin
Eric Broder
George Markley
Marcia Cohen
Daniel Schopick
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Website ............... Continued from Page 6
said. “Who knows, perhaps Twitter and
Snapchat are also soon in our future.”
Still, a well-functioning website is
dynamic and always changing, so
please do not hesitate to offer your
feedback, be they comments, criticisms
or suggestions. You can make your
voice heard in an email to Rosenberg at
[email protected].
Community feedback is vital, as has been
community involvement. “We could
never reach this point without the hard
work of so many people,” Rosenberg
said, “but I need to especially thank
Susan Zweibaum, Ira Wise, Scott Smith,
Pamela Fink, Rabbi Prosnit, and Rabbi
Schultz for their countless hours making
this launch finally happen. I’d also like
to thank the anonymous donor without
whose generous contribution we could
never have designed this online reflection
of our synagogue and our community.”
What’s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly email. Send your request to Lynn at [email protected].
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SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE
(Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.)
Friday, April 3
Seders at Home – No
Congregational Service
Torah Portion – Pesach 1,
Exod. 12:37-42, 13:3-10
Haftarah – Isaiah 43:1-15
Saturday, April 4
9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah
10:00 a.m. Passover Service and
Celebration of Freedom
Friday, April 10
10:00 a.m. 7th Day of Passover and Yizkor
Service
6:00 p.m. Service
Torah Portion – Sh’mini 1,
Lev. 9:1-10:11
Haftarah – 11 Samuel 6:1-23
Saturday, April 11
8:00 a.m. Service
9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Torah Study
9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah
11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Josh
Rubinstein, son of Jon and
Diane Rubinstein
Friday, April 17
6:00 p.m.Service
Torah Portion – Sh’mini 11,
Lev. 10:12-11:47
Haftarah – 11 Samuel 7:1-17
Saturday, April 18
8:00 a.m. Service
9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Torah Study
9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah
Friday, April 24
5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat, Temple
Library
6:00 p.m.Service
Torah Portion – TazriaM’tzora, Lev. 12:1-15:33
Haftarah – 11 Kings 7:3-20
Saturday, April 25
8:00 a.m. Service
9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Torah Study
9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah
10:30 a.m.Rabbi’s Table, Temple
Library
11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Andrew
DelAngelo, son of Henry and
Jennifer DelAngelo
‘Above & Beyond’
Join us on Sunday, April 26, at 4:00 p.m. at
the Temple for a special celebration of Yom
HaAtzmault – Israel Independence Day.
We will screen the movie “Above and
Beyond,” the first major full-length
documentary about the foreign airmen who
helped Israel win the war for independence
in 1948.
According to the movie’s website: “In 1948,
just three years after the liberation of Nazi
death camps, a group of Jewish American
pilots answered a call for help. In secret
and at great personal risk, they smuggled
planes out of the U.S., trained behind the
Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia and flew
for Israel in its War of Independence. This
ragtag band of brothers not only turned
the tide of the war; they also embarked on
personal journeys of discovery, sacrifice and
renewed Jewish pride. ‘Above and Beyond’
is their story.”
The movie was produced by Nancy Spielberg
(sister of Steven Spielberg) and directed by
Roberta Grossman.