1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Temple Talk
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 (727) 938-9000
http://www.bnaiemmunah.org • E-mail: [email protected]
December 2014 –Kislev/Tevet 5775
A Message from the Spiritual Leader
The Cantor’s Corner, December 2014/Kislev 5775
Shalom Chaverim!
The month of Kislev is filled with happy expectations; Thanksgiving, Chanukah, New Year’s, and
most likely, visiting friends and family. At CBE, we have a lot going on to celebrate the season,
including Chanukah celebrations, the 25th Anniversary of CBE, and the dedication of the new Ner
Tamid (December 20th). Always eager for outreach, we have many opportunities to perform the
mitzvah of g’milut chasadim by donating toys, clothes and other items to the Gulf Coast Jewish
Family Services, and The Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs has invited us to come back to serve
dinner to the needy on Xmas day.
The past month saw special services like the Blessing of the Animals, which was well attended.
Our Religious School is growing with new students Sam Haberman, Morey and Jorah Kurland, and
Isabelle and Sophia Lyons. Our students will be participating at this year’s Menorah Madness on the
19th (bring your Chanukah Menorahs!) and we will be treated to Chanukah music by the Pittards.
Our growing synagogue continues to grow in membership. A year ago at this time, we had
approximately 45 family units. By the end of 2014, we will be welcoming five or six new families
since Yom Kippur, bringing our numbers closer to 60 family units. As we continue to grow, Temple
life becomes richer with what these new members bring to our Temple Family.
Temple Talk – Page 1 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
A learning opportunity that targets nonJews and Jews who want to brush up on the basics is called A
Taste of Judaism. The class/menu offers an appetizer, a choice of entree, and a dessert (Movie
Night!). The classes begin on January 14th and is free of charge. Please RSVP to
[email protected] if you wish to signup.
As the festival of Chanukah gets closer, we are asked to rededicate ourselves to our faith in Judaism.
As a religion, Judaism offers rituals and laws that show us how to become closer to our G-d. The
essence of religion is to facilitate a way in which to do that. No one can just sit down, close their eyes
and instantly connect with G-d. We need a spiritual ‘WiFi’ in order to do that!
How do we ignite our faith? Like the candles we light, ritual stands as a physical symbol of the fire
that we must feed within us the light of our souls, and the light of hope and faith in our G-d, which
guides us through the darkest times of our lives. Like the outward symbols of the Eternal Light and
the Chanukah candles, religion inspires us to reach for blessings and a higher state of living, as
partners with G-d in an everchanging world. The world may change, but the core essence of our
spiritual being never changes.
For me, one of the best things about Thanksgiving are the leftovers. My favorite thing to make is a
turkey sandwich: a thick slice of turkey between two layers of cranberry sauce. I liken this sandwich
to
the core Jewish prayer, the Shema. In our liturgy, the Shema is sandwiched between two readings of
love. The first talks about the ways that G-d loves us. The second is how G-d wants us to show our
love in return. One represents the unique spiritual nature of man and G-d. The other represents the
religion that will guide us there, like the traffic routes that will get us back home. The Shema connects
these two, as we openly share the bond of ‘Oneness’ we experience when connecting with The
Eternal One.
I wish you a Chag Hachanukah Same’ach, a Joyous Chanukah! In the words of the Prophet
Zechariah: ‘Not by might nor by power shall men live, but by my Spirit.’ ( Zechariah, 4:6).
Shalom,
Cantor Colman Reaboi
President’s Message – December 2014
Shalom Members and Friends of B’nai Emmunah –
Temple Talk – Page 2 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
November was a great month here at CBE.
The highlight was Collin Easley’s Bar Mitzvah. He led portions of the Shabbat morning service,
blessed and read from the Torah, and gave a wonderful D’var. This was the culmination of a lot of
work for him and he and his family should be extremely proud of his accomplishment. The service
was lovely and many of Collin’s family traveled to be with him and participate in the weekend’s
festivities. It brought back many memories for me of my Bar Mitzvah as well as the B’nai Mitzvah of
our two sons. Congratulations Collin on a job well done! And congratulations to Cantor Reaboi for
his support of Collin during his preparation and celebration.
Attendance at our Friday Shabbat services continues to increase. At the Family Service on
November 14 we were pleased to be joined by the Kurland family, Brian and Anna and their children
Mori and Jorah. They have subsequently joined our congregation and so we also welcome them as
a new member family. Be sure to introduce yourself to them next time you’re at services. It’s this
personal contact that makes CBE the friendly congregation that we are.
Thanksgiving has always been a time for our family to get together in San Diego and this year was
no exception. In addition to enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal this trip also gives us the
opportunity to expose our grandchildren to Chanukah. Last year, of course, Chanukah fell on
Thanksgiving Day. No such luck this year but we decided to go ahead and celebrate it early. Each
day the kids read the story of Chanukah and, with some coaching from Gramma and Grampa, recited
the blessings. It’s an experience that we all really enjoy.
December is always filled with exciting activities at CBE. The year’s highlight will be the dedication of
our new (to us) Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) scheduled for Saturday evening, December 20. Mark that
date on your calendar as we expect the evening to be a gala event with press coverage and
attendance by many people from our community.
Judy joins me in wishing all of you a Happy Chanukah and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Ed
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Visit our Gift Shop
Temple Talk – Page 3 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Contact: Sheila Shear –
(813) 598-6043
[email protected] or
Esther Peretz at [email protected]
Catalogs and special order
PLEASE ‘FRIEND’ US ON FACEBOOK! The correct CBE website is:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CongregationBnaiEmmunah/155143967956766
BUY YOUR NEW MAH JONGG CARDS FROM THE SISTERHOOD OF CBE
Order your 2014 Mah Jongg cards by January 10, 2015.
Make your check payable to CBE Sisterhood for $8.00 ­ regular; $9.00 ­ large Cards will be delivered directly to your home from National Mah Jongg League. Temple Talk – Page 4 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________
# Cards __________ $ 8.00 ________ $9.00 _____________ Total ___________
Send to: Sheila Shear
10642 Ashford Oaks Drive
Tampa, FL 33625
We Remember Them
For the Month of December
Yahrzeits
Announced Friday, November 28th
Hyman Altner
Grandfather of Sid Altner
Dec. 1st
Jeffrey Farkas
Nephew of Nanci Coller
Dec. 3rd
Daniel Ferrer
Father of Alan Ferrer
Dec. 3rd
Heather Heath
Daughter of Gary Brevoort
Dec. 4th Kislev 12
Temple Talk – Page 5 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
Sylvia Kaiser
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Mother of Babette Schoenfeld
Dec. 5th
Announced Friday, December 5th
John Deckers
Father of Linda Ferrer
Dec. 6th
Harold Kaiser
Father of Babette Schoenfeld
Dec. 6th
Jonathan Preston Krieger
Brother of Ronnie Mekler
Dec. 6th
Pearl Lasky
Mother of Roberta Reed
Dec. 6th
Rae List
Mother of Lorraine Barron
Dec. 12th Kislev 20
Announced Friday, December 12th
Jane Finlay
Mother of Bernard Finlay
Dec. 14th Kislev 20
Dora Cohen
Mother of Reva Finlay
Dec. 17th Kislev 25
Pat Rose
Sister of Tom Rose
Dec. 17th Kislev 25
Announced Friday, December 19th
Malcom Glasser
Brother of Sheila Shear
Dec. 22nd
Dorothy Seiderman
Mother of Sharon Sussman
Dec. 22nd Kislev 30
George Reed
2nd Husband of Roberta Reed
Dec. 23rd
Joseph Abramson
Brother of Tonia Lanciano
Dec. 25th
Louis Finlay
Father of Bernard Finlay
Dec. 26th Tevet 4
Announced Friday, December 26th
Irwin J. Buchwalter
Husband of Sheila Buchwalter
Dec. 28th
Melchior Nove
Father of Judy Brevoort
Dec. 28th Tevet 6
Anniversaries
Julius and Lorraine Barron
Dec. 5th
55 years
Jeffrey Pittard and Deborah Coppage
Dec. 5th
33 years
Temple Talk – Page 6 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Vicky and Irving Benedon
Dec. 18th
45 years
Edward and Judy Ungar
Dec. 29th
51 years
Joel May and Kevin Kirby
Dec. 29th
10 years
Birthdays
Jacalyn Rubin
Dec. 1st
Kevin Kirby
Dec. 2nd
Nanci Coller
Dec. 5th
Margrit Goodhand
Dec. 5th
Tonia Lanciano
Dec. 7th
Edward Zisman
Dec. 9th
Susan Rubin
Dec. 13th
Harry (Bo) Friedman
Dec. 16th
Sisterhood Update
Shalom,
It’s finally happening, the last stage of the Sisterhood Bema Beautification project, the
installation of a gorgeous, antique Ner Tamid.
On Saturday evening, December 20, at 7:00 P.M., a dedication ceremony will be held at the
Temple, with coffee and dessert to follow. We will also be celebrating our 25th anniversary as a
Synagogue. Rachel Myers, Special Projects Coordinator for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life will
be here to participate in this event. L’Dor V’Dor, from generation to generation, our 25 years young
synagogue will receive a ner tamid from a Mississippi Synagogue that is no longer active, rekindling
their eternal light. What a fitting event for the last night of Chanukah. Please mark your calendars
and plan to attend.
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Temple Talk – Page 7 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
In other Sisterhood news, the next book to be read by our Book Club (open to men
and women) will be The December Project, by Sarah Davidson. The discussion date will be
January 11th, at my house at 1:00. Directions will follow next month. Thank you Tom and Dorcey
Rose for hosting our last one.
Elsewhere in the Temple Talk, you will find:
1) A flyer for our proposed visit to Solomon’s Castle on January 18th.
2) An order form for new Mah Jongg Cards. All orders must be in by January 15th.
3) An application to play in our next Mah Jongg tournament at Aston Gardens, set for
Sunday, February 8th
4) An order form for Memorial Plaques and Tree of Life leaves.
5) Lastly, do not forget our Gift Shop and Sunshine Cards.
Hope to see you at the December 20th Ner Tamid Dedication.
Sheila Shear
The Sisterhood of CBE
Invites You to
A Mah Jongg Tournament
Sunday Feb. 8, 2015
9:00 am 3:30 PM
At
The Grand Ballroom at Aston Gardens
12951 W. LINEBAUGH AVE 1/4 MILE EAST OF RACE TRACK ROAD
ONLY $35.00 per person, includes
BOTH Continental Breakfast AND Lunch
Door Prizes, Cash Prizes, 50 / 50, Boutiques
Beginner table available if requested
Space is limited, reserve early
Questions? Call: Sheila Shear 813-926-7926
or 813-598-6043
Temple Talk – Page 8 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Make checks payable to Sisterhood CBE and mail to:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheila Shear
10642 Ashford Oaks Drive
Tampa, Florida 33625
Name _____________________________________________________
How Many Seats___________________Amount Enclosed__________
Address________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________________
Work _______________________
Cell______________________
E-mail Address ______________________________
East? Y or N _____
CANTOR COLMAN REABOI
FREE TO ALL*: A TASTE OF JUDAISM
Been a while since you tasted Jewish Delights? Not Jewish, but curious?
OUR MENU
Appetizer:
Judaism Versions 1, 2 and OU Jan. 14 6:30 P.M.
Entrees:
Spirituality Jan. 21 6:30 P.M.
Torah and the Jewish Bible Jan. 28 6:30 P.M.
History of the Tribe Feb. 4 6:30 P.M.
Holidays: when and how Feb. 11 6:30 P.M.
Dessert:
Movie night! Feb. 21 6:30 P.M.
RSVP:
727.938.9000 [email protected] www.bnaiemmunah.com
Temple Talk – Page 9 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
*Donations appreciatednd
CANTOR COLMAN RE
________________________________________________________________________________
Congregation B’nai Emmunah’s
Menorah Madness 2014
Friday, December 19th at 6:30pm
Bring your Menorah’s and Appetite for an incredible night of
Food, Music and Fun!
Family Chanukah Shabbat - Potluck Lutka and Salad Dinner
Dinner followed by
Shabbat/Chanukah Service with Cantor Colman
together with
A Special Program of Chanukah music with the Pittards
Temple Talk – Page 10 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
And then Another Awesome Oneg - Cookies, Donuts, Drinks & Sufganiyot
RSVP:
Please respond by email to Sue Park by Monday, December 15th
letting her know how many are coming –
what you can bring Lutka, Salad, Oneg and for how many
[email protected]
Temple Talk – Page 11 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
Temple Talk – Page 12 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah
December 2014- Kislev/Tevet 5775
SORROWS AND SIMCHAS
We are better than Hallmark. All cards $5.00
Contact Bobbie Reed at (813) 962-3338 or [email protected].
If you are, or know of someone who is in need of a helping hand while recovering from, or going through an illness, contact
Cantor Colman.
We have volunteers in your temple family who can help you in your time of need.
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Support CBE by shopping Amazon.com
We have created a very easy way for you to help CBE when making your purchases through
amazon.com. Amazon's Associates Program gives CBE a commission when you click through
to Amazon's site from the Temple site and purchase merchandise. It rewards associates like
CBE for attracting customers to Amazon (if the visit results in a purchase).
Use the
link from our website (bnaiemmunah.org) to purchase gifts and merchandise
on amazon.com. A percentage of your purchase (up to 10%) will automatically be routed to
CBE, enabling us to fund various activities. There is absolutely no additional cost to you as a purchaser. We are merely a portal. Help us to raise funds to enable CBE to grow and continue to
be a vibrant and inclusive community.
Temple Talk – Page 13 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah June 2014 – Sivan 5774/Tammuz 5774
Congregation B’nai Emmunah
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
ORDER FORM
“The memory of the righteous endures as a benediction forever.”
(The Talmud)
This Memorial Tablet will be a Permanent Sacred Fixture in our Sanctuary, now and through all the years to come. Kaddish for the names of your beloved departed who are recorded here, will be
recited at the appropriate time in our Synagogue and the Memorial Light will be lit to honor their
precious memory.
Please reserve for me as follows: ____________ plaque(s) at a cost of $350.00 per plaque.
(The cost of having a plaque moved from another location to CBE is $275.00)
The inscription will read: ____________________________________________________________________
(The name of your beloved)
The Hebrew date of your beloved’s passing: _____________________________________________________
(Please note: If you are not certain of the Hebrew date, the Spiritual Leader will calculate it for you from the English date.)
The civil calendar date of your beloved’s passing: _________________________________
(Was the time of your beloved’s death before sundown?) ____ Y ____N
Please send this form along with your check to:
Congregation B’nai Emmunah
3374 Keystone Road
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688­2028
Your Name: ________________________________________________________________
Your Phone Number: ________________________________________________________
Your Address: ______________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: ______________
Would you like to be present for the mounting of the plaque? ____ Yes ____ No
Temple Talk – Page 14 of 16
Congregation B'nai Emmunah June 2014 – Sivan 5774/Tammuz 5774
Is there a specific date for mounting that you request? If so please indicate here: ____________
~ December 2014 ~
◄ November
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
3
7 PM – Yo chi
January ►
Thu
4
9 AM – Qi Gong
7 PM – Hebrew
Reading Class
Fri
5
8
9
10
9:30 AM – Religious
School
7 PM – Yo chi
7 PM – Board Meeting
9 AM – Qi Gong
7 PM – Hebrew
Reading Class
14
15
16
17
9:30 AM – Religious
School
7 PM – Yo chi
Light 1st Chanukah
Candle
9 AM – Qi Gong
7 PM – Hebrew
Reading Class
21
22
23
24
25
26
9 AM – Qi Gong
Christmas
8 PM – Shabbat Service
31
Notes:
28
29
No Religious School
7 PM – Yo chi
30
6
8 PM – Shabbat Service
7
9:30 AM – Religious
7 PM – Yo chi
School Chanukah Party
Sat
11
18
12
13
7:30 – Family Shabbat
Service
10 AM – Shabbat
Morning Service
6:30 Chanukah
Chavaruh
19
20
6 PM – Menorah
Madness & Potluck Shabbat Service
9 AM – Qi Gong
`
Temple Talk – Page 15 of 16
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Congregation B'nai Emmunah June 2014 – Sivan 5774/Tammuz 5774
Temple Talk – Page 16 of 16