Sinai Newsletter - Sept-october09

SINAI NEWS September/October 2009 • Elul-Cheshvan 5769-5770

Shabbat & Holiday Schedule Shabbat Ki Tavo Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8 Sept 4

Outdoor Family Shabbat Service 7 pm

Sept 5

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Ben Davre Bar Mitzvah 10 am

Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayeilech Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30 Sept 11 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Sept 12 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am S’lichot (see page 11 for details)

Shabbat Sept 18 Erev Rosh Hashanah Service 8 pm

Rosh Hashanah Sept 19 Morning Service 9:30 am Family Service 2:30 pm Tashlich & Oneg 3:15 pm Sofar Blowing Contest 4 pm

Sept 20 Second Day Service 10:30 am Congregational Lunch following services 12 pm

Shabbat Ha’Azinu Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52 Sept 25 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

Yom Kippur continued Sept 28 Afternoon Service 3 pm Yizkor Service 4:30 pm Neilah Service 5:30 pm Break-the-fast 6:30 pm

Sukkot Oct. 2

Oct. 3

Sept 27 Kol Nidre Service 8 pm Sept 28 Morning Service 9:30 am Adult Study Session 12:30 pm Family Service 2 pm

Torah Study 8 am Sukkot Service 9:30 am

Simchat Torah Oct. 9 Consecration Dinner 6 pm Simchat Torah Service 7 pm Oct. 10 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan w/ Yizkor 9:30 am

Shabbat Bereshit Genesis 1:1 - 6:8 Oct. 16 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Oct. 17

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

Shabbat Noach Genesis 6:9 - 11:32

Rabbi’s Corner, Seniors Havurah

2

Cantor’s Notes

3

Lifelong Jewish Learning 4 School News, Adult Learning

5

September Calendar

6

October Calendar

7

Greening of Sinai, Social Action Group

8

High Holy Day Schedule, 9 Women of Sinai News President’s Message

10

Oct. 23

Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

S’lichot Weekend

11

Oct. 24

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Naomi Arenzon Bat Mitzvah 10 am

Donations

12

Shabbat Lech-Lecha Genesis 12:1 - 17:27

Rummage Sale

13

Oct . 30

Music Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

Sukkot BBQ

14

Oct. 31

Torah Study 8am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

Yahrzeits, Personals

15

Sept 26 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

Yom Kippur

Shabbat Service & Sing-a-long 5:30 pm Dinner and Oneg 6:15 pm

In this issue

Rabbi David B. Cohen • Cantor Rebecca Robins • Rabbi Emeritus Jay R. Brickman Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning Sherry H. Blumberg, Ph.D., R.J.E. Director of Administration Karen Lancina • Program Coordinator Jen Friedman • Sinai News Nicole Sether Congregation Sinai • 8223 N. Port Washington Road• Fox Point, WI 53217 414.352.2970• 414.352.0944 (fax)• www.congregationsinai.org

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September/October 2009

Rabbi’s Corner Rosh HaShanah is just a few weeks away; these weeks of the Hebrew month of Elul are punctuated by the sound of the Shofar. Twelfth century Jewish philosopher (and physician!) Maimonides translated the call of the shofar into human words: “Awake, awake, ye slumberers…consider your deeds that you might make Teshuvah – repentance.” Maimonides knew that repentance was good for the body as it was for the soul. And our annual day of soul-accounting is drawing near. Repentance is a dynamic process that involves three steps: first, identifying the wrongs we’ve done; second, approaching those we’ve hurt, our friends, our families, and asking forgiveness; and third, resolving never to repeat the wrongs. Repentance doesn’t mean forgetting or burying the past. It means confronting the past, and, in so doing, preparing our way to the future. Like Moses’s broken tablets that became the base for the second set of Ten Commandments, our past transgressions can become a source of wisdom and inspiration. We cannot forget or bury the past. But we can overlay it with new and better choices. Or, as one of my teachers once said: we ought not to confuse our mistakes with the life we are building. Teshuvah also means extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us. This is difficult but necessary. For until we have reached a point of letting go of our anger and pain, however justified, we cannot, with a full heart, ask others to forgive us. Again, forgiving others does not mean forgetting. It means putting those hurts we so often carry with us down on the

ground, that we might climb upon them and, through our souls, embrace God. To enable us to participate more fully in the work of this season, we will be sharing Selichot – the Saturday evening before Rosh HaShanah (September 12), with Milwaukee’s other reform and conservative congregations. Congregation Emanuel B’ne Jeshurun will host us in their new sanctuary. Our teacher will be Rabbi Levi Weiman Kelman, rabbi of Congregation Kol HaNeshama, in Jerusalem. American born and trained at the Jewish Theological Seminary (of the Conservative movement), Weiman Kelman serves Jerusalem’s most popular reform congregation. His openness, erudition, and innate sense of spirituality, should make for an inspiring evening. For more details on where Weiman Kelman will be teaching in the Jewish community Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday, check the J.C.C. website, www.jccmilwaukee.org or contact the J.C.C. Judaica director, Jodi Hirsh, [email protected] . A special thank you to Jodi Hirsh for arranging Weiman Kelman’s visit and securing funding, that our entire community night benefit! I hope that these weeks preceding the Holy Days will allow for introspection and self-examination. I hope we have the courage to forgive others and ourselves. And I hope that our souls emerge refreshed and renewed, and rededicated to the holy purposes to which we all aspire. Rabbi David B. Cohen

Seniors Havurah Join Rabbi Cohen for the October Seniors Havurah meeting (September’s falls in the midst of the High Holy Days) on Tuesday afternoon, October 27, from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm for a discussion of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Dexter Filkins’ book, The Forever War. Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the New York times Book Review, Best Book of the Year, The Forever War documents the experience of LA Times and New York Times correspondent Dexter Filkins, the only overseas correspondent to have witnessed the breadth of Middle East history, from the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in the late nineties, through the Iraq War, beginning in 2003. The Forever War has been compared to Michael Herr’s Dispatches, a 1977 book of war reporting on Vietnam Herr originally penned for Esquire Maga-

zine. Dispatches is held as one of the finest examples of war time reportage ever written. The Forever War joins that list, with, as they say, a bullet. A question often asked about the Senior Havurah? Exactly who is a senior? It depends, of course, on who you ask: AARP considers anyone of fifty to be a senior. Others would say sixty-five. We, on the other hand, refuse to label. Instead we use the following definition: A Senior can be anyone, of any age, who values the wisdom that accrues over decades of living. If that describes you, and you appreciate good conversation, peppered with penetrating insights, the Senior Havurah is for you!

High Holy Day Ushers Needed! Sinai is looking for men and women to usher for our High Holy Day Services. If you are interested, please contact Michael Hool at 414-352-0418.

September/October 2009

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Cantor’s Notes Praying Alone, Prayer Together Recently, I found myself in an unexpected conversation about prayer. During an afternoon with a friend, a melody from t’fillah popped into his head. The question then? Just what is the whole purpose of that prayer, “Adonai, open up my lips that my mouth may declare Your praise.” It is the shortest, yet most significant of requests. Recited before the Amida, it is a personal petition. We each pray for the ability to fulfill our responsibility of praying through the next eighteen blessings (seven on Shabbat.) It is a kavannah, an intention, recited day after day, week after week. Before the central part of the worship service, this line of text provides us with an often needed reminder to focus (or refocus) ourselves on the essential task at hand: directing our prayer towards God, and praising God for all that God makes possible. Often times, the tension between having a deeply personal prayer experience in the midst of communal prayer is a challenge for an individual worshipper to embrace or overcome. This, too, is a consideration when preparing ourselves for the High Holy Days. The joy and power of coming together as a community is exciting and fulfilling. But what is the personal responsibility unique to each worshipper during this especially community prayer experience? Adonai sfatai tiftach, Adonai open my lips, is one of only a small sprinkling of liturgical texts written in the first person. We especially notice this on the holidays as we recite as a community Our Father, Our King. We are aware of our community as we confess our communal sins: Al cheyt, for

the sins we have committed against You. For many of us, the month of Elul, and the asseret y’mei tshuvah, the ten days of repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are rich with personal reflection and tshuvah. With a sense of gratitude, renewal and joy, we will come together on erev Rosh Hashanah, and through the High Holy Days to learn, pray, celebrate, repent and reflect together. Let us take a few moments to consider the many ways that we can prepare ourselves and take moments of personal celebration, confession, reflection and prayer during our holiday worship services. The kavannah Adonai open up my lips… can prepare us to focus ourselves in our own reflections and prayer while we support one another, celebrate with one another, and share with one another by praying as a community. Our own thoughts and feelings are strengthened by sharing the experience, and knowing that, in some way, we are all in the midst of the preparation and experience of the new year. God, as we come together to celebrate and welcome 5770, and as we turn our hearts in reflection and confession, may you help us to sing Your songs, Your praises, and to strengthen one another by lending our own unique voice to our services. Amen. And may 5770 be a year of health, happiness and abundant blessing for you and your families. Shana tovah! Cantor Rebecca Robins

Break-the-fast! The Women of Sinai invite you to break-the-fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur services on Monday, September 28, 2009. If you are able to help by cooking a kugel or baking a dessert, please contact Laura Waisbren at (414) 352-4213 by Monday, September 14. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to Women of Sinai. Drop off at the synagogue office or mail to: Laura Waisbren 8172 N. Gray Log Lane Fox Point, WI 53217

Shanah Tovah

We look forward to breaking

the fast with you!

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September/October 2009

Lifelong Jewish Learning Primary Grades: Healthy Body

Elementary Grades: Healthy Mind

Young children are always growing and we want them to A Healthy mind is one that is open and willing to learn. Curihave healthy bodies. In Jewish tradition, we metaphorically say “God osity is like a gift from God. Asking questions about what we see, made us and we are God’s” (Psalm 100). If God made us, then we hear and think as well as about things that are presented to us, can should take care of the body that we have been given, since we were make for a healthy mind. During this time when school is beginning formed in the image of God. Finding ways to use our bodies in healthy and Jews are celebrating ancient holy days, it is great for children to ways is one of the tasks of our religious school. We have movement participate, ask questions, and to hear the value of those questions to teach joyous dance and art to teach our hands to create beautiful to the process of a healthy mind. This is true in all aspects of learnthings. We teach the children the motions of Jewish life (rolling like a ing. The best of learning comes in experiencing things first hand, Torah, growing like a tree, melting like candles) and we try to instill an and in seeing models that they ethic of how to use those bodies respect (namely parents and to treat ourselves, our families Health Care, Jewish Style grandparents) learning and and our friends lovingly (including Body, Soul, Mind, People growing. For this age child, we not bullying, not punching, nor Just before writing this article I spent twenty four hours in can compare how the high holy kicking). We know that somedays were celebrated in the past times we will “miss the the hospital. I was put through many serious, costly, and rigorous mark” (chet) and so we learn to tests, which revealed that the scare was unfounded. This experience, with how we commemorate them today. We compare the say, we are sorry. Yom Kippur is when reflected upon, especially at this time of year, showed me that Shabbat prayerbook with the a good time to ask: “have we kept there were many lessons to be learned and many to teach about our Machzor (high holy day prayerourselves healthy and used our health, and our health care. Judaism teaches them. I wish to share some of them with book). We teach them to blow bodies to make God’s world a you in this article. I am not a politician, and this article will not focus the Shofar and help them learn better place?” A healthy body also on the health care debate in this country (which I do believe to be a the different melodies of the includes nutrition and how we Jewish issue) rather I will speak of health of the body, the mind, the service. I would hope that we eat. Judaism had Kashrut as a soul and the health of “our people”—all of which are themes during tell them that Jewish learning in way of eating, and while we may the Jewish months of Elul and Tishre. During this time of reflection upon our lives, celebration of Sunday and Hebrew School is as not advocate that this way must be followed, the consciousness of the New Year, the start of school for our students and perhaps, the important as is the learning in what we eat, and how we eat is beginning of some new learning for us, we Jews are expected to re- public school. Not because it still important. Thus teaching evaluate ourselves and to rebuild our commitments to self, family, will help them get a job or into a better college, but because it children to say blessings and to and community. helps them know who they are think about what and how we eat Tikkun Ami: Creating a Healthy People and where our people has come is part of what makes a “healthy The Holy Days are ways in which we come together in syna- from. body.” gogue seeing old friends, family and our synagogue community. Our adult education theme this year is “Tikkun Ami”, the repair of our Teens: A Healthy Soul Adults: A Healthy Life people. During this year we will ask: Who are “our people?” Who do The teenage years are we consider a part of us, and how do we define “us?” How have we In today’s world, it is so times when a young person is come to this definition? We also should ask: “What have I done to easy to get out of balance, to trying on personalities, attitudes, help this community be the best it can be? What else needs to be spend our time only on work, or and independence. It is a time of done? Peoplehood and community have always been a major part of on worry, or on one of the many rebellion and growth. Health of our Jewish tradition since Biblical times. We believe that the whole other things that distract us from the body and the mind are very community will be saved, not just an individual. Health Care also is being the best person we can important during this time. But communal. A healthy community where we care about one another be. Perhaps that is the gift that perhaps, one of Judaism’s most can lead to a healthy life. Thus we must choose: “See I have set be- the High Holy Days, and the compowerful tips for a good life is the fore you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life in order that ing of autumn offers to us. It is a health of the soul. According to you and your children may live.” (Deut. 30:19) time to reflect on what is really Maimonides in his introduction to important. Are we working on Dr. Sherry Blumberg Pirke Avot, a healthy soul is one in having a healthy body, a healthy which there is balance and harmind, and a healthy soul? Have mony between the various needs we physical, mental and spiritual of an individual – nutritive needs, activities in our daily lives? And, imaginative needs , their desires, the intellectual needs and the spiri- do we find times for family, friends, and our community? Do we give tual or religious needs. And we are told in the morning service that back as well as take? I think this is what we are called upon to do “the soul God has given us is a pure one.” when we ask for another year of life, I believe that we are asked to Thus, the teen needs to have proper physical needs at- balance our life with physical, mental, spiritual and emotional growth, tended to, the ability to dream and imagine themselves in many (using our hearts) -- learning to make the earth a better place beways, a healthy dose of doing what they desire (within bounds), intel- cause we are in it. lectual challenges, and room and opportunity for spiritual and reliOur congregation offers many of these opportunities. Religious growth. gious services for the spiritual parts of our lives, classes for the intelTeens at Sinai can participate in classes, social action pro- lectual, and some for the physical, and opportunities to serve jects, and being a madrich in our school. In the Milwaukee Jewish (Chesed and Social Action Committees for example.) In addition, community there are other opportunities. If you need some sugges- there are good people to meet -- friends and family. We need you, and tions, ask me! I hope you know, you need us.

September/October 2009

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School News Classes will begin Sunday, September 13 from 10 am-12 pm: Parents and students are both expected, there will be Special Parents Meetings. Thursday Classes for Grades 3-6 begin September 17, 4-6 pm Consecration of K4 and New Students will be Friday, October 9 at the Simchat Torah Service Mini U Grades 7th – 9th Begin Sunday, October 18 5-7 pm Affirmation Begins Sunday, October 18 from 11-1 pm

Family Education and Involvement A. B. C. D.

Opening Day: Meet the teacher, Classroom visits, Parents meeting, 10 am-12 pm Sixth Grade Family Education: Saturday, October 14, 10 am-1 pm Affirmation Family Education and Parent’s Meeting: Sunday, October 25, 11-1 pm Sukkot Study session and Ethics: October 4, October 18, 10:30 am-12:00 pm

Scholar in Residence Save the Dates: November 20-22, Dr. Rachel Baum will be our exciting Scholar in Residence. Rachel Baum is a professor in Hebrew Studies at UW-Milwaukee. Her areas of expertise include Jewish identity, the Holocaust, and Modern Jewish Thought. She will be our scholar for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday speaking about “Can we call ourselves ‘The Tribe’”? Jewish identity in the light of modern Jewish intermarriage. Look for more information coming in the November- December Sinai News.

Adult Education Tuesday, September 1, 7:30 pm with Rabbi David Cohen: Part II of the High Holy Day Preparation Tuesday, September 8, 7:30 pm with Dr. Sherry H. Blumberg: Part III of the High Holy Day Preparation: Can I call God “Din”(Judge)? Saturday, September 12, 8:15 pm Dinner, 9:15 pm: Study with Rabbi Levi Kelman of Jerusalem, Community S’lichot celebration. See ad on page 11. Learning continues on Sunday (contact Dr. Blumberg for more information) Sunday, October 4, 10:30—12 pm: Sukkot Learning, The Book of Ecclesiastes. “To everything there is a time and a purpose under heaven”, Ethics for today. Sunday, October 6, 6-9 pm: Adult Education Kickoff. Come sign up for classes! Adult Hebrew begins. Tuesdays, October 13 (Emanu El), 20 (Shalom) and 27(Emanuel of Waukesha): MCRC’s Tuesdays with the Rabbis (topics to be announced) Friday and Saturday, October 16 – 17: Dennis Prager will be the Shabbat Learning Speaker: The Religious NonOrthodox Jew and How Judaism Differs from Humanism and Christianity.

13

Erev Yom Kippur Sukkah Construction 9 am Kol Nidre Service 8 pm

27

Rosh Hashanah Second Day Service 10:30 am Congregational Lunch 12 pm

20

K4-6th Grade Classes & Open House 10 am Sinai Outdoor Outing 1 pm

29

28

Yom Kippur Office Closed Yom Kippur Morning Service 9:30 am Adult Study Session 12:30 pm Family Service 2 pm Afternoon Service 3 pm Yizkor Service 4:30 pm Neilah Service 5:30 pm Break-the-Fast

22

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Drumming 7:30 pm

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Seniors Havurah 1 pm High Holy Day Choir Rehearsal 7 pm

21

15

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am High Holy Day Choir Rehearsal 7 pm Drumming 7:30 pm

Board Meeting 7 pm

14

8

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am High Holy Day Choir Rehearsal 7 pm High Holy Day Preparation Class 7:30 pm

7

6

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am High Holy Day Preparation Class 7:30 pm Drumming Class 7:30 pm

1

T U E

Labor Day Office Closed

M O N

S U N

30

Bible Study 9:30 am Mah Jong 7 pm

23

16

9

3

2

24

3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Weight Watchers 6 pm

17

Brotherhood Spirituality Group 7:45 am Roses pick-up 9 am 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Weight Watchers 6 pm Advanced Hebrew 7:30 pm

10

Finance Committee Meeting 7:30 am Weight Watchers 6 pm

Weight Watchers 6 pm Executive Committee Meeting 6:30 pm

T H U

W E D

September 2009

25

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Shabbat Tikkun HaNefesh 6:15 pm

18

Erev Rosh Hashanah Lunch & Learn 12 pm Erev Rosh Hashanah Service 8 pm

11

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

4

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Outdoor Shabbat Service 6 pm

F R I

26

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

19

Rosh Hashanah Torah Study 8 am Rosh Hashanah Morning Service 9:30 am Family Service 2:30 pm Tashlich and Oneg 3:15 pm Shofar Blowing Contest 4 pm

12

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

5

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Benjamin Davre Bar Mitzvah 10 am

S A T

K4-5th Grade Classes No 6th Grade Class Affirmation 11 am Mini-U 5 pm

25

K4-6th Grade Classes 10 am Affirmation 11 am Mini-U 5 pm

18

K4-6th Grade Classes 10 am MJC Educators Group 2:30 pm

11

K4-6th Grade Classes 10 am Sukkot Adult Learning 10 am

4

S U N

6

13

20

27

5

12

19

26

Seniors Havurah 1 pm

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Tuesdays with the Rabbis (at Shalom) 7 pm

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Drumming 7:30 pm

Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Adult Learning Kick-Off 7:30 pm

T U E

M O N

28

Bible Study 9:30 am Mah Jong 7 pm

21

Bible Study 9:30 am

14

Bible Study 9:30 am

7

Bible Study 9:30 am

W E D

29

3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm

22

3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm

15

Brotherhood Spirituality Group 7:45 am 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Board Meeting 7 pm

8

Finance Committee Meeting 7:30 am 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm

3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Israel Committee Wine Tasting & Food Prep 6 pm Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 pm

1

T H U

October 2009

30

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Music Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

23

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Shabbat Tikkun HaNefesh 6:15 pm

16

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Shabbat Service 6:15 pm

9

Simchat Torah Lunch & Learn 12 pm Consecration Dinner 6 pm Simchat Torah Service 7 pm

November/December Sinai News deadline

2

Lunch & Learn 12 pm Shabbat Sing-a-long 5:30 pm Sukkot BBQ 6:15 pm

F R I

31

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

24

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Naomi Arenzon Bat Mitzvah 10 am 6th Grade Family Program 10 am

17

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am

10

Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan w/ Yizkor 9:30 am

3

Sukkot Torah Study 8 am Sukkot Service 9:30 am

S A T

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September/October 2009

What’s Greening at Sinai The Eternal took and placed the human being in the Garden of Eden, to cultivate it and to protect it. (Bereishit 2:15) If any of you have visited Sinai’s Sukkah garden since it’s planting, you will know that it’s definitely growing! It might even look out of control. Not so! Appearances can be deceiving. Beneath and among those tangled vines are delicious tomatoes, beautiful gourds and scrumptious beans. The stalks of corn are bearing multi-colored cobs that will adorn our Sukkah. Many Sinai families have been cultivating and protecting our crops. We send a hearty thank you to the families who have weeded, watered and tended the garden all through the summer. If you want to join the Sukkah garden project, or any of the other projects of the Greening of Sinai Committee, please contact Deb Schermer @ [email protected]. The Greening of Sinai Committee is charged with raising awareness of environmental issues and helping Sinai become as “green” as possible. We want to hear your ideas, interests and musings. Tip of the month: Busting Garden Myths Don (“Donnie”) Engebretson is the little brother of my closest college friend...well, not so little anymore. At some point in his career, Don fell in love with gardening. He has authored several books providing practical, user-friendly

advice about annual and perennial flowers. Don loves to irreverently bust common gardening advice. We thought you might enjoy reading some. Each quotation has a link to Don’s conclusions based on recent scientific research. “Organically produced food is safer than conventionally produced food” “Gardening is always a peaceful, soothing pleasure.” “Plants have a pre-programmed height that they grow to.” “Annuals bloom all summer long” “Trees should be watered every two days after planting” "Trees roots can grow into a house foundation and cause damage." “Crabgrass pre-emergent should be spread on the lawn every spring” For in depth information and a research reliable, environmentally conscious website, visit Don’s website at: http://www.renegadegardener.com. If you email Don, please tell him Karen Schudson sent you! Karen Schudson and the Greening of Sinai Committee

Elvis may have left the building, but our artwork has returned On your next visit to Sinai, please take a moment to enjoy the fabulous artwork on the walls. With the tasteful eye and picture hanging skills of Ellen and Jim Flesch, many of the pieces from our permanent collection have been re-hung for public display. This art, combined with the Hadahr collection by Tobi Kahn displayed in the entrance foyer, meaningfully contribute to the spirituality of our building. Thank you Ellen and Jim for making this happen!!

In addition, the often requested affirmation pictures (dating back to 1957) have been replaced on the walls! A very special thank you to Jim Salinsky, who used his woodworking talents to rebuild the frames, and to Mike Wienshel and Brian Borkin, who helped get them back on the walls. These pictures capture wonderful memories of the Sinai tradition – thank you Jim, Mike and Brian.

Be part of the Social Action Committee L'Shana Tova Tikatavu. Happy New Year. May it be a good year for all. Working toward creating a better year, a better world, for ourselves and others is part of Congregation Sinai's Social Action Committee's mission. Consider joining our efforts by volunteering or by becoming part of our committee. Be part of the on-going interactions with the SDC Family Shelter, which is currently housing 75 residents, 53 of them children. Participate in work days. Donate to the monthly barrel collections. Join the knitting, dancing or other small activity groups.

Join the Greening Committee. Help harvest our Sukah garden. Research safe cleaning products for the Synagogue. Promote recycling at our events. Help determine how Sinai becomes a voice in social action issues. To get more information, join the committee or volunteer, please contact Idy Goodman at 351-3386 or [email protected] or Tom St. John at 271-0130 or [email protected].

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September/October 2009

2009 Congregation Sinai High Holy Day Schedule Date

Time

Event

Children’s Activities

Childcare

8:15 p.m.

Dinner

___

___

9:15 p.m.

Study Session

___

___

10:15 p.m.

Dessert Reception

___

___

10:30 p.m.

Havdalah and S’lichot Services

___

___

8:00 p.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service

------

------

S’LICHOT Saturday, Sept. 12

ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept. 18

Grade Programming

Infant-3 yrs.

Saturday, Sept. 19

9:30 a.m.

Morning Service

K4-6th

Saturday, Sept. 19

2:30 p.m.

Family Service

Family Service

Saturday, Sept. 19

3:15 p.m.

Tashlich and Oneg

Tashlich and Oneg

------

Saturday, Sept. 19

4:00 p.m.

Shofar Blowing Contest (children welcome)

Shofar Blowing Contest (children welcome)

------

Sunday, Sept. 20

10:30 a.m.

Second Day Service (All ages welcome)

Second Day Service & Lunch (All ages welcome)

------

8:00 p.m.

Kol Nidre Service

------

YOM KIPPUR Sunday, Sept. 27

-----K4-6th

Monday, Sept. 28

9:30 a.m.

Morning Service

Monday, Sept. 28

12:30 p.m.

Adult Study Session

Monday, Sept. 28

2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Family Service Afternoon Service Yizkor/Memorial Service Neilah/Concluding Service

Grade Programming ------

-----Infant-3 yrs ------

Family Service -----Afternoon Service Infant-12 yrs. Yizkor/Memorial Service Infant-12 yrs. Neilah/Concluding Service Infant-12 yrs. with candle lighting by children & final shofar blast. All congregants can join in with their own shofarot.

Women of Sinai News 314—What does this number mean? The answer is as follows: No, 314 does not refer to the number of mitzvahs we are to perform nor does it correlate to the amount of times we remind our children to pick up after themselves. 314 is the number of pounds the members of the weight watchers group has lost since the beginning of our quest towards a healthier lifestyle. Come join us, see the attached flyer in this edition of the Sinai News or contact me at [email protected] for information. From a Sinai Weight Watchers member: Each week in Sinai's regular email I would see the little blurb about a Weight Watchers group forming at the synagogue. It would pique my interest, but then I'd dismiss it, telling myself that Weight Watchers is for failures who don't have the strength or will-power to lose weight on their own. I was better than that, right? Besides, my problem was that my metabolism had slowed down, and there's really nothing I can do about that...

But then as my "fat clothes" got tighter and tighter around my waist, I decided that I was going to give WW a try. It was a happy relief when I saw people I knew at our first meeting, many of whom were in the same boat as I was. And our leader, Rosalie, was a motivator both in her words of encouragement and advice AND in how terrific she looked as a result of WW. One week later and I was hooked--a WW devotee! I lost nearly 4 pounds in my first week, and the group of individuals who soon felt like old friends were so supportive and positive. I looked forward to meetings, and to noting everyone's progress-not just my own. Although I was only two pounds from my goal at the end of our first session, I signed up for a second session to continue my progress and become a life member of WW. That day when I reached Life Member status was a really happy occasion for me! I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude not just to WW, but to Rosalie and to ALL the members of our wonderful group for creating such a great environment to celebrate our communal goal.

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September/October 2009

President’s Message flection.

We welcome a New Jewish Year. It is a time of re-

In the past several months, I have sometimes been overwhelmed with all of the details that it takes to effectively be president of a synagogue. In prior years, I had only watched the activity in the office as a congregant. Now I am part of the frenzy of holiday preparation, being at the synagogue almost everyday and feeling the excitement of the upcoming holidays. As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank our many exceptional volunteers who have given so generously of their time. I also want to thank our dedicated staff for their boundless energy and patience. Our caring Rabbi Cohen, our talented Cantor Robins, our committed Educator Dr. Sherry Blumberg, our two newest and talented staff members Karen Lancina and Jen Friedman, and of course Ilene, Karen, Jeri, Caroline, Tim, and Dick. Knowing that the New Year is a time of renewal, I also want to share some personal thoughts about congregational membership with you. “I think that membership in a synagogue is a mitzvah. It is a joy. It is also an obligation we willingly take on because it makes a statement about who we are and what we are doing. We belong because this is part of what it

means to be Jewish, to willingly and joyfully take on the obligations that color our lives. Being a member makes a statement; it says that when I had the chance I did something that matters- I made the decision to be a Jew who cared about the Jewish people”. As a member of Congregation Sinai we can make our people stronger, we can educate our children and ourselves, we can honor the memories of those who are gone but not forgotten. We can share in this community where we live, in this synagogue where we gather, to pray, to cry, to celebrate simchas, to laugh, to grieve, to cheer, to learn, to absorb loss, to live and thrive. We do this together as a spiritual community. I hope that you each will continue to be a personal emissary for our warm, embracing congregation. And if I have not personally met you, please consider the holidays an ideal opportunity for us to meet and worship together. As we move into the New Year of 5770, remember to enjoy our traditions, renew our precious legacy and know that I wish you and those close to you a new year of good health, fulfillment and peace. L’shanah tovah tikvataynu. Judi Ketten President of the Board of Trustees

B’nei Mitzvah Naomi Arenzon Naomi Arenzon will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah on October 24, 2009. She is the daughter of Robin and Steven Arenzon and sister of Scott, 10 and Jordan, 7. Naomi is looking forward to family and friends coming together for her special day. Naomi is a 7th grader at Maple Dale School and is an avid reader and writer. Her favorite activity, though, is just hanging out with her friends! Naomi is working on a special Mitzvah project with the Milwaukee Police Department to coordinate a "Gift of Warmth" program which will provide new hats and gloves to children and adults in need throughout the city. Items will be distributed to special care facilities, battered women's shelters, the YMCA and other locations. Thank you to Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Robins and Linda Ross for their guidance as we prepare for this day.

Benjamin Victor Samuel Davre Benjamin, an upcoming 8th grader at Whitefish Bay Middle School, will become a bar mitzvah on September 5, 2009. He is the son of Angela and Jerome Davre, and older brother to Camille. He feels privileged to be able to have his great grandmother, Rosalyn Samuels, grandparents Carol & Michael Tarnoff, and zaida Barry Zuckerman join him on his special day. Also, his paternal grandparents, Monique and Roger Davre, and Aunt Nicole will be journeying over from France to celebrate with us, as well as many of his cousins and aunts from St. Louis. He enjoys soccer, video games, tormenting his sister, and speaking French with his father. For Benjamin’s Mitzvah project, he has been asking local hotels and businesses for donations of travel-size toiletries to help him assemble welcome kits for the women in need of shelter at the Sojourner Truth house (battered women’s shelter). Benjamin would like to thank Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Robins, and Linda Ross for their help in the preparation for this special day.

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September/October 2009

Donations Donations received as of August 7. Adult Programming & Education Endowment Fund In honor of Elsie and Harry Kanin’s 60th wedding anniversary Eva and Stan Jolton Jean Katz In memory of Selma Kay Eva and Stan Jolten In honor of Jennifer Moglowsky’s hard work on the rummage sale Marlene Lauwasser Andy Brickman Museum Fund In memory of Ceil Baum Janet and Marvin Fishman Janet Greenebaum Scholarship Fund In memory of Rachel Presley Janet and Donald Greenebaum Barbara Eiseman Memorial Fund for Spiritual Growth In memory of Laurence Eiseman and Harry Rubinstein Eve and Bob Eiseman and family Miriam Miringoff Kitchen Fund In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Kohn’s 40th wedding anniversary In memory of Mary Kramsky In honor of Dr. Muriel Silbar’s 85th birthday In honor of Gilad Zvi becoming a Bar Mitzvah Judi and Michael Ketten Tzedakah Fund In memory of Frances Fershtman Naomi and Mort Soifer In memory of Michael Freeman Sue Freeman In memory of Herman Larkey Jay Larkey and Lois Malawasky In memory of Laura Peterson Roberta and Michael Schaalman

In memory of Irwin Porter Idy and Bill Goodman and family

In memory of Edna Sigal Ronna and Dick Kimmel

In memory of Lorraine Rosen Sue and Joel Kimmel

In honor of Mrs. Muriel Silbar’s 85th birthday Helen and Don Polacheck

In memory of Arthur Zechman In memory of Ida Zechman Susan and Neal Zechman

In memory of Nancie Stern Peterman and Ben Peterman Jim Peterman

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation Edward Kapper

In memory of Arnold Strickon and Rose Engel Phyllis Sweet

In appreciation Meredith Pereira

In memory of Arthur Stone Anita and Bob Stone Nancy, Scott, Andrew and Stephanie Phillips

In memory of Jeanette Barnow and Eugene Frank Bernice Fagan In memory of Anne Berger Sanford, Daniel and Lauren Berger In memory of Eugene Frank Jeffrey Frank and family In memory of Faye Gershon Milton Gershon In memory of Sarah Goodman Anne Ghory-Goodman In memory of Jay Lieberman In memory of Larry Lieberman Joan Lieberman In memory of Joseph Lubar Lubar Family Foundation Esther and Robert Sametz In memory of Harry Meissner Paul Meissner In memory of Leah and Miles Mandel In memory of Anna and Seymour Meltzer Bettie and Dave Meltzer In memory of Mamie Muchin Toots and Mannie Hassel In memory of Max Recht Sheila and Morrie Rudberg

In memory of Jack Winter Margo Winter and family Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation Meredith Pereira Robert Grant Marks Youth Fund In memory of Michael Stephen Rawitscher Sydney Greenblatt In memory of I Mark Zeligs Betsy, Peter, Jessica and Shelly Goldberg Passport to Israel Fund In memory of Selma Cherniack Nasberg Gerry Cherniack Contributions made to the Temple In memory of Elaine Doyle Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home In memory of Chana Krasner Francine Glusman Sue and Bruce Winter’s 30th wedding anniversary Jodi and Alan Holman Landscape Fund In memory of Karen Arbit’s uncle Lori and Marc Jacobson

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September/October 2009

Donations, continued In memory of Robert Pereles Jean Pereles-Strouse and Martin, Aaron and Jordan Strouse In memory of Sam Rosenbloom Caroline and Bill Schulhof and family Jacob M. Fine and Family Library Fund In memory of Eleanor Goldberg Betsy, Peter, Jessica and Shelly Goldberg In memory of Morty Greenspan Jayne and Eric Butlein In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Kohn’s birthday and wedding anniversary Rochelle and Paul Whiteman In memory of Robert W. Mann Audrey Mann In memory of Lilli Meyer Ilse Brauer Floral and Oneg Fund In memory of Rose Bradbury, Jack Brandes and Molly Schwartz Bradbury family In memory of Theodore Cayle In memory of William Miller Shari Cayle and family

In memory of Elsie Chase Naomi Arbit In memory of Samuel Chase In honor of Rena Padway’s 92nd birthday Naomi Arbit and family

In honor of Joanne and Keith Robert’s grandson’s baby naming For Nancy Stillman’s speedy recovery Barbara and Ariel Friedlander

In memory of Nellie Cherniack Gerry Cherniack

In memory of Steven Stone In memory of Sam Winick Anita and Bob Stone Nancy, Scott, Andrew and Stephanie Phillips

In memory of Larry Chudnow and Joe Lauwasser Marlene and Marvin Lauwasser

Music Fund In honor of the marriage of Jan and Marty Barnes Kate and Chip Mann

In memory of Allen Goldmann Ruth Goldmann and family

In memory of Elaine Doyle Marlene and Marvin Lauwasser

In memory of Louise Rofes and Eric Rofes Ruth Lebed-Rofes Chesed (Caring) Fund In memory of Lawrence Chudnow Melissa Chudnow and John Yopps In memory of Elaine Doyle Dorothy and Al Meyers In memory of Sherwin Kader Rona and Gary Wolfe

In memory of Susan Gassman Jeanine Semon In honor of the marriage of Jan Rosenberg and Martin Barnes Doje Sherman In memory of Jay Schmidt Lori and Marc Jacobson For Stacy Schwab’s dedication and hard work Marlene Lauwasser

In memory of James Katz Mari Katz

Sinai Rummage Sale The annual Congregation Sinai Rummage Sale conducted on July 26, 2009, was a huge success earning more than $8,000.00 for the synagogue. Many members thoughtfully saved their items over the course of the year and then generously donated to the sale. Offerings this year included furniture, jewelry, books, toys, electronics, a lot of clothing, and lots more. Bargain hunters began lining up as early as 7:00 a.m. for the 9:00 a.m. event, and even after the initial rush at the opening, attendance was strong throughout the day. After we sold the last bag at the end of the afternoon "bag sale", the congregation donated the remaining items to a variety of worthy charities. A host of congregants and staff contributed to the event's success both in the enormous preparation and on sale day. Thank you very much to: Naomi Arbit, Marjie Arena, Karen Lancina, the Scott Bern family, Susan Bernstein, David

and Sherry Blumberg, Barbie Blutstein, Marlee Sabo, Jeri Danz, Susan Fischbach, Edith Gilman, Annie Golding, Idy Goodman, Karen Hintz, Melissa Chudnow, Zachary Yopps, Mari Katz, Marlene Lauwasser, the Moglowsky family, Patti, Jeffery and Michelle Levy, Tim Tyler, Stacy and Peter Schwab, Candace Schwam, Jim Salinsky, Sandy Saltzstein, Susan Solvang, Lauren and Sydney Silbar, Stephanie and Nancy Phillips, Lise Meissner, Bobbi Rector, Ruth Lebed-Rofes, Nick and Milt Padway, Jim and Nancy Stillman, Jill Weinshel, and Ilene Wasserman. A very special thank you goes to this year's program chair: Jennifer Moglowsky, for doing an amazing job in organizing, collecting and displaying the abundance of goods donated. Please express your gratitude when you see her and sign up now to help her next year!

The Sinai Brotherhood brings you the

Annual Sukkot Barbeque The Sinai Brotherhood brings you the

ANNUAL

BARBEQUE

FRIDAY, October 2nd, 2009 5:30-6:00 p.m. Sukkot service & sing-along 6:15 p.m. Dinner & Oneg Celebrate in the Sukkah with Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Robins & Dr. Blumberg Participate in fun games & activities for kids Enjoy American and traditional Israeli fare (including chicken, burgers, hot dogs, lamb kebobs, humus, Israeli salad) Socialize with old friends & meet new ones!

Cost: $6.50 per person Maximum $30 per family

RSVP by Friday, September 25th to Jim Stillman at [email protected]

The BBQ will be held rain or shine! Co-sponsored by Israel & Membership Committees & Mitbach Sinai

September/October 2009

Page 15

September Yarhzeits September 4, 2009 Dr. Mary Zeldes Friedman Ruth Gelbart Gertrude Kerns Esther Larkey Beryl Levine Irving Malawsky Racine Meyerowitz Lee Ostermann Rose Samson Esther Smith Beverly Zitelman September 11, 2009 Rose Adler Naum Akselrod Andy Alameno

Manny Birenholtz Andrew Cherniack Milton B. Katz Joe Miller Edward Rosenberg Molly Jeanette Rosenberg Victor Salinsky Benjamin Schiffer Pauline Schwedelson Lilly Wallis Sidon Jeffrey C. Siegel Ann Simon Louis Taus September 18, 2009 Phillip Altshul Hilda Barash

Irving Bram Carl Diamond Selmer Melvin Feld Russell Fisher Abe Friedman Paul Gratch Bessie Greenfield Edik Loxvitsky Leah Mandel Kurt Meyer Jim Muchin Maybelle Sametz Charlotte Teweles Herman Veit

Klara Borkovitz Leon Borkovitz William Dinkes Maureen Kahn Milton Letven Sol Lindenberg Lottie Lubar Mariam Medvedovsky Anna Melcher Eugene Prudell Tammy Robinson Sandra Rotter Eugene Schwartz Edith Winkler Price

September 25, 2009 William Barkan

October Yarhzeits October 2, 2009 Sam Butlein Albert Cherniack David Colburn Henry Federlin Lucille Fensin Louise Friedlander Amour Gershan Helen Gordon Ralph Heilbronner Sara Kaplan Warren W. Laing Miles Mandel Eli Meltzer Ada Perlson Ethel Primakow Charlotte Rabenn Jonathan David Resek Anna Reuter Richard Saltzstein Mildred Sanderson Sara Shafton Ethel Weinberg

October 9, 2009 Howard Bern Max Fershtman Mary Fishman Joseph Edward Ghory Lehmann Goldner Louis Kaufman Sylvia Letven Eleanor Mann Joseph Pereles Herman Pollishuke Ida Rugowitz Virginia Saffro Michael Shapiro Jenny Wiviott October 16, 2009 Hannah Auerbach Milton Auerbach Dorothy Bern Lana Blok Steven Doyle Robert Fishkin Mary Flesch

Harold Frolkis Errol Glusman Jean Golper Thomas Hassel Beverly Hassel-Manburg David Hirsh Edward Jacobson Elise Kahn Isadore Kaplan Elizabeth Lamb Jerome Marks Robert Grant Marks Morris Moskol Fanny Padway Helen Sachs David Joel Schechter Morris Schwartz Esther Handelman Vail Florence Waxman Arthur Weissman Dora Werbel October 23, 2009 Bessie Becker

Ishmael Bratt Harry Brauer Jack Fagan Jacob Fine Lester M. Gershan Tony Goldner Fanny Goodman Louis Greenebaum, Jr. Abram Levine Rose Shaiken Rabbi Ulrick Steuer October 30, 2009 Janet Bensman Benjamin Einhorn Bernard Horwitz Helen Kimmel Abe Lipton Alice Quateman Carol M. Siegel-Zdatny Abraham Tepps Robert Weber

Personals Mazel Tov to: Alice and Marvin Greenfield on their 65th wedding anniversary Welcome to new member: Elizabeth Goldberg

Condolences to: Andee Bram on the death of her mother, Elaine Doyle

Congregation Sinai

8223 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217 Member of the Union for Reform Judaism Board of Trustees, 2009-2010

Judi Ketten President Marc Kartman Vice President John Mann Vice President Nick Padway Vice President David Cobb Treasurer Sandy Saltzstein Secretary Marlene Lauwasser Past President, Fundraising Patti Levy Past President Jim Salinsky Past President Susan Fishbach Fundraising Marvin Fishman Security Jenni Goldbaum Youth Education Idy Goodman Social Action Hugh Hoffman Finance Ruth Lebed Rofes Outreach Steve Moglowsky Finance Bobbi Rector Israel Tom St John Social Action Beth Shapiro Communications Susan Solvang Gift Shop Jim Stillman Brotherhood Mark Sweet Young Families Laura Waisbren Women of Sinai Congregation Jill Weinshel Celebrations

Save the Dates! Music Shabbat Services October 30, 2009 6:15 PM January 29, 2010 6:15 PM March 12, 2010 6:15 PM May 14, 2010 6:15 PM

Friday, October 5, 2009 Congregational Dinner 6 pm $6.50 per person, child under 10 free

Family Shabbat Service 7 pm w/ 5th & 6th grade participating

Please RSVP to Jeri at (414) 352-2970 or [email protected].