periodical postage paid at skokie, il temple beth · pdf filerabbi gary zola...

shabbat Friday evening, october 6*

5:30 P.M. – Likrat Shabbat

See box below for additional contributors

6:15 P.M. – Kabbalat Shabbat

October Birthday Blessings

shabbat saturday Morning, october 7 at 10:30 a.M.

Consecration

Chol Hamoed Sukkot

shabbat Friday evening, october 13 at 7:30 p.M.

“Pink” Shabbat sponsored by Sisterhood TBI


Torah Portion “Bereshit”





Bar Mitzvah of Akiva Sherin

Son of Miriam and Bruce Sherin

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan

Torah Portion “Noach”


Rabbi Gary Zola

Scholar-in-Residence


Torah Portion “Lech Lecha”

*please note time

October 2017 Tishrei – Cheshvan 5778 Volume 101 Number 1

On Rosh Hashanah, we launched our year

of celebration for our 100th Anniversary.

This Centennial is not only a chance to look

back with pride on all of our outstanding

accomplishments during our first 100 years,

it is also an opportunity to look forward, with

great anticipation, to our second century.

Throughout the year, we have scheduled special Centennial events

and many of our regular programs will be “seasoned” with a Centennial

spice. This is especially true this month for our Simchat Torah celebra-

tion. On Wednesday evening, October 11th we will gather to read the

last verses of the Book of Devarim/Deuteronomy from one Torah scroll

and then immediately turn to another Torah scroll to read the first

verses of Bereshit/Genesis. A special honor is given to the person who

recites the Torah blessings, and all children present will be invited up to

the Torah recite the final Torah blessing.

When we take the Torah scrolls from the Ark, we conduct a special

parade around the synagogue called hakafa. This year, to mark our

Centennial, we will have special hakafot in the categories listed

below. If you qualify in one or more category contact the Temple

office: 847.675.0951 or [email protected] to reserve your space. The

categories are:

• Members of TBI for 25 years or more;

• Members who have joined TBI in the last three years;

• If you were ever a camper or staff member at OSRUI;

• If you had your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or your Confirmation at TBI on

Bernard St.;

• If you ever went on a TBI trip to Israel;


Howard St.;

• If you were ever in the TBI Purim Shpiel;

• If your child will have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the coming two years.

To make it easier for some of our members, there will be supper

available (reservations required) at 6:00 p.m. and our Simchat Torah

celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m.

If you have never experienced this celebration including special

hakafot and festive dancing with the Torah scrolls (or if you haven’t

for a long time) then this year is your year! It is a celebration for the

entire congregation, members of any and every age!! I’ll look forward to

dancing with you!

Rabbi’s Columnshabbat services

DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE RUSH

Change Service Requested

Temple Beth Israel Bulletin (USPS 537-480)Published Monthly by

3601 W. Dempster Street • Skokie, Illinois 60076847.675.0951 • www.tbiskokie.org

Michael A.Weinberg, RabbiLori B.Sagarin, RJE, Director of Congregational Learning

Marla Aviva Bentley, Director of MusicAmber Wood, Director of Operations

Jon Schneider, PresidentErnst M. Lorge, Rabbi Emeritus*

S. Felix Mendelsohn, Founding Rabbi**of Blessed Memory

Printed by Total Graphics

P E R I O D I CA L P O STAG E PA I D AT S KO K I E , I L

We would like to thank Libby Beider, Nancy Goodman, Joel

Goodman, Madelon Gryll, Sharon Hermann, Lauren Kimmel,

Lynn Zakari, and Trey Zakari who made donations for the Likrat

Shabbat on October 6 in honor of their october birthdays.

likrat shabbat

Relief foR the hand and the heaRt

I never ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person. – Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

The call to action was overwhelming; the mission was simple; the execution of our plan to help was not easy; and in the end, our exhaustion was

rested by our sense of fulfillment. Within days of Hurricane Harvey hitting Houston, Texas, Temple Beth Israel had organized a relief campaign and

invited all of Skokie to join in. To some, there did not seem to be enough time to organize.

We all know the moments we watched the television coverage of Hurricane Harvey and how overwhelmed we were by the damage to property

and the fear we saw in people's faces. We experienced the devastating force by looking in the eyes of the evacuees and we were called to action.

As a result, wherever we gathered, we began to discuss what we might do to really help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Many of us had organized

a Hurricane Relief Campaign for Katrina several years ago. It was clear that the need was as great now as it was then.

I was talking with my niece, Michal Pierce (formerly of TBI), who lives in Houston. She was evacuated but her house did not flood. We began to

assess the needs of the evacuees and whether sending supplies was the best or even an effective action. First I spoke to people we knew at the

URJ summer camp in Waco and then with people at the Reform congregation in Houston. Neither was operating as a shelter. Michal made contact

with the City of Houston. It had set up offices to take calls about donations. During our conversation I found that they were very organized - and they

were very specific. If we would collect only the requested items and box and label them, the City would be happy to receive our truck.

Once we knew that the City could receive the donated items, we needed to find a truck. After several calls, I secured two donated trucks,

including the driver and fuel. Alyssa Dryver prepared an electronic piece for social media and email with the required items listed and the urgent

request went out. We also contacted other partners in the community, including the Second Baptist Church (our partners in other good work), the

MCC Muslim School in Skokie as well as other temples/synagogues in Skokie. The risks? Would people come with the right supplies? Could we find

enough people to sort and pack on the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend? In addition, when we parked the trucks on the TBI parking lot

and swung open the doors, we had forgotten just how cavernous an 18-wheeler semi-truck really is! Will we have the people to pack and load? Would

there be piles of stuff on the parking lot?

We all know the end of this account. Not because you were there or you heard about it. You know the end because you know the hearts of our

members and our friends of like minded organizations, and of our great Village of Skokie. It was not just the 200 plus cars that started coming Sunday

at 9:00 a.m. and never stopped until Monday at 7:00 p.m. It was not the 80-plus volunteers who gave up an hour or gave up 12 hours plus over the

weekend to sort, pack, and load. It was not the 1200 boxes (all donated) we filled and loaded. It was not just the energy you felt in the parking lot

and at the tables. The key was the purposefulness and the caring intent of this opportunity that we all crave. In addition to the achievement of

sending the toiletries, the cleaning supplies, the new toys and children's clothing, the paper goods, and the 850 cases of water, we sent messages.

We sent what they needed in their hands and we sent something to lift their hearts. Kids and adults wrote messages and decorated the boxes and

every one of the boxes left with a sticker, "Sent with love from Skokie, IL - Temple Beth Israel.” It does not take time to plan such a last-minute effort,

it takes people. It is part of our 100-year DNA. – Michael M. Lorge

attention journalists and

aspiring journalists!

reminder: Material for the bulletin is

due electronically to Barbara Seaver at

[email protected] on the 10th of the

month prior to publication. If you do not

have access to a computer, please submit

paper copy to the Temple office by the 7th

of the month prior to publication so that it

can be transcribed and sent by the 10th. The deadline for the

November bulletin is October 10.

in the teMple FaMilyMAZEL TOV TO:

Helene and Chuck Levine on the engagement of their daughter,

Rebecca to Michael Drayer.

Nina and David Henry on the marriage of their daughter Rebecca to

Alan Berger.

Wayne Rubinstein on being honored at the Lutheran General Annual

Gala in September, the theme of which was Make a Difference. Under

the leadership of Rubinstein and colleague Jerry Bauer, Lutheran

General is one of a few hospitals in Illinois to achieve the Gold Plus

standard for acute stroke intervention set out by the American Heart

Association/American Stroke Association.

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:

The following Temple members are recovering from recent illness:

Dick Favish, Elaine Fox, Cindy Franklin, Lynne Goldman, and Lisa Wynn.

We wish them a speedy recovery.

CONDOLENCES:

We note with sorrow the passing of Telsa Lenhoff, grandmother

of Lisa Spector; Robert Eatman, brother of Paula Fischer. May their

memories be a blessing.

FroM the president

Temple Beth Israel is a welcoming community. This

is part of our Mission Statement and most congrega-

tions would claim the same. Of course, I believe that

TBI is particularly welcoming, and I hope that you

agree. But despite our welcoming nature, as I became

President of the Congregation, I was concerned that I

may not be able to live up to the welcoming nature of

our community. Am I friendly enough? Am I inclusive enough? Am I too

severe in my political views?

I still do not know how to answer these questions. I am trying to be

friendly and inclusive. I am even trying to be less severe and more

open-minded politically. But this open-mindedness does not mean that

I need to be neutral. As Elie Wiesel said, “We must always take sides.

Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the

tormentor, never the tormented.”

As I write this, I think about the recent events in Charlottesville,

Virginia. I think about the hatred that some have not seen fit to

appropriately condemn. In Rabbi Rick Jacobs’ response to the incident,

he said, “Racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic views have no place in a

society that cherishes freedom and liberty for all. The right to speak

and to hold repugnant views is not a right to circumscribe the ability of

others to live in peace and security. Torch-lit marches of hate evoke

the KKK; the image of a heavily armed “militia” standing among the

neo-Nazi protestors should send an alarm to every person of good

conscience in our nation.”

Rabbi Jacobs continued, “We commend the opening of President

Trump’s statement condemning the ‘egregious display of hatred, bigotry

and violence’ but are deeply troubled by the moral equivalence evident

in President Trump’s statement following the events in Charlottesville.

White supremacists wielding Nazi flags and spewing racist vitriol need

to be specifically condemned, not only violence and hate ‘on many

sides.’ If our leaders can’t call out this virulent strand of hate we will

surely fail to stop it.”

When I heard President Trump’s response to the incident, I was angry

and sad. I felt that our leader was not on the side of good; that he could

not differentiate between those who spewed hatred and those who

opposed the spewing of hatred. These are tumultuous times. We are

living in a reality with a government that none of us could possibly have

expected to see take power in our country. I fear we live in a nation

where the only people whose lives are valued by many of our leaders

are White Christian Heterosexual Men. I have news for you. We don’t

qualify. More importantly, we must stand up for what is right even when

we are not the ones who are being attacked.

On August 12, thousands of white supremacists marched in

Charlottesville, Virginia, spewing hate. The wrong they fought against

was the removal of a Confederate Statue. The violence that ultimately

resulted was nearly universally condemned, but not by our President.

We need not wait until we see violence and hatred directed toward

us. One of our duties as Jews is Tikun Olam, or Repair of the World. Our

community must be a community of meaning. We must speak out for

those whose voice is not heard. We must speak out against hatred in all

forms, particularly when directed at those who are most vulnerable. As

we all are taking stock of our personal failings throughout the year and

making our own efforts to do better, we should all keep in mind that we

must speak and act on behalf of those who are less fortunate, whether

it is due to their skin color, their religion, their sexual identity, or their

country of origin. It is our duty as Jews to speak up and to protest.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but

there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” – Elie Wiesel

By Jon Schneider

nanette b. Mendelsohn

tree oF liFe Fund

Funds used for the beautification

of Temple Beth Israel

donor in honor of

Patti and Cliff Levy . . . . . . . . .Engagement of

. . . . . . Rebecca Levine to Michael Drayer

donor in Memory of

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Burman

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . .Louise Starkman

Harriet and Richard Arons . . .Marlene Drucker

sidney i. cole caMp

scholarship Fund

Provides camp scholarships

for our students who attend

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp

donor in honor of

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . . . . . . .Lori Sagarin

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . . . . . . .Shari Granat

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . .Michael Swarzman

donor in Memory of

Rozanne & Stephen Epstein

Carla & Scott Oppenheimer

Joy Wasserman & Rob Weinberg . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Rozanne & Stephen Epstein . . . .John Macsai

rabbi’s discretionary Fund

Provides funds for charitable uses

within and outside the congregation

at the discretion of the Rabbi

donor in honor of

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rabbi Michael Weinberg

Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel . . . .Good use

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of the Chupah from

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cindy & Steve Franklin

Linda Crohn & Jon Shimberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .on the marriage of Brian

Iris & Jim Fridlieb . . . . . . . . . .Baby naming for

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . granddaughter Alyssa

Sharon & Joel Garson

Dawn & Michel Strauss . . . . .Helene & Chuck

. . . . . . . . . . Levine on the engagement of

.their daughter Rebecca to Michael Drayer

Meryl & John Smyth . . . . . . . . . . . . .Safety of

. . . . .Maggie Smith during Hurricane Irma,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .thanks for the prayers

donor in Memory of

Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel

Julie & David Buckner

Jackie & Richard Favish . . . . .Gale Nudelman

Linda Benjamin . . . . . . . . . . .Martin H. Cohen

Trudy Isbitz Brodsky . . . . . . . . . .Arnold Frank

Patricia Culkin . . . . . . . . . . . .Louise Starkman

Judy & Steven Decker . . . . . .Anna P. Edelson

Nancy & Joel Goodman

Madelon & Chuck Gryll . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Ellen & Robert Hartl . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Gopin

Ellen & Robert Hartl . . . . . . . . . . . .Julia Gopin

Meryl & John Smith . . . . . .Maree Riley Smyth

education Fund

Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI

donor in honor of

Maryjane & Phillip Klein . . . .Speedy recovery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of Cindy Franklin

donor in Memory of

Barbara & Bob Agdern

Linda & Zack Fainman

Laura Cooper & Bruce Crane

Nina & David Henry

Janet & Michael Jablon

Bill Levy & Patrick Schwarz

Jennifer Oppenheimer

Sue Schneider & Kevin Schneider . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Jill & Leo Bleiman

The Furer Family . . . . . . . . . . .Gale Nudelman

Linda & Zack Fainman . . . . . .Annette Mandell

Linda & Zack Fainman . . . . . . .Barry Fainman

Howard Pfeifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anita Pfeifer


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Judy Silbery

Sandra Terman . . . . . . . . . . . .Sheldon Terman

Music Fund

Provides funds for music programs

donor in honor of

Michelle & Josh Agrest . . .Marla Aviva Bentley

Nina & David Henry . .Helene & Chuck Levine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on the engagement of


donor in Memory of

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . . . . . . . .Ruth Roth

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . . . . . . . .Jules Roth

social serVice Fund

Provides support for social service

programs within the Temple and

in the surrounding community and

to some individual tzedakah recipients

donor in honor of

Wendy Fox Schneider & Jon Schneider . . . . .

. . . . . . . .The wedding of Rebecca Henry,

. . . . . . . . .daughter of Nina & David Henry

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .to Alan Berger

donor in Memory of

Cindy & Steve Franklin . . . . . . . . .Louis Zande

Vera Rubin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Rubin

Susan Zoline . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Robert Shorr

Susan Zoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marilyn Shorr

torah Fund

Provides support for all Temple programs

donor in honor of


Sandra & Donald Rubovits

Susan Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane & Al Page

. . . . . . on their 50th Wedding Anniversary

donor in Memory of

Marianna Tax Choldin & Harvey Choldin . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samuel Katz

Mariann Tax Choldin & Harvey Choldin . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morris Tax

Sofia & Naum Ligum . . . . . . . .Gale Nudelman

rabbi ernst M. lorge

sanctuary Fund

Provides for the continued maintenance

and beautification of our sanctuary

($18.00 minimum)

donor in Memory of

Martha Garber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitch Trubitt

joseph andelMan israel

scholarship Fund

This fund is used to help send our children

on authorized trips to Israel and supports our

commitment to SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel

Program) which underwrites travel to Israel

donor in Memory of


Ellen & Stephen Keller

Barbara Seaver

Gail & Jason Weiss . . . . . . . . .Gale Nudelman

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Faye and hoWard rice

cultural Fund

This fund provides support for social

and cultural programming including

scholars in residence.

donor in Memory of

Harriet & Richard Arons . . . . . . .Bernice Arons

contributionsA minimum contribution of $15.00 (unless otherwise noted) for donation to be acknowledged with a card and published in the bulletin.

congRegational thanks

While TBI has many volunteers who go above and beyond to assure

our High Holy Day services and so many other activities go off without

a hitch, we would like to make a special note of those who worked

so hard in dramatic heat on Sunday, September 24 to close the TBI

Geniza.

Thanks to the following diggers: Newell Bentley, Adam Eisenberg,

Mark Fine, Steve Franklin, David Levinson, Morris Levy, Sara Mervis,

Brian Novak, Cyndy Novak, Rob Spiegel, and Amber Wood.

Also thanks to Bruce Crane for all of his efforts in creating the

Geniza!

Where is My e-bulletin?

Wondering what is going on and miss the weekly eBulletin? Are you

asking yourself, “Did I drop off the TBI mailing list?” If your answer to

the first question is Yes, we can tell you that the answer to the second

one is No. Our emails have a new look and feel as we are now sending

them through Constant Contact. Please check your email spam filter

and other mailboxes for emails coming from Temple Beth Israel. If you

have changed your email address, please let us know. Contact the

Temple office or Linn Ullenbrauck at [email protected].

FroM the director oF congregational learning

I vividly remember the effort to fill the semi-trailer forKatrina victims. It was the end of August, 2005 and it wasthe first time we undertook such an effort. It was chaotic,joyful, and meaningful. It was one of those powerfulmoments I will remember all my life. In late August thisyear we did it again, this time for the victims of HurricaneHarvey. It was a moving two days, filled with a completesense of collaboration and shared purpose. This time we

were more organized and we leveraged social media in a way that broughtfolks from throughout the Chicagoland area who, as they entered our park-ing lot, showered us with thanks and appreciation and who wanted us toknow that they valued us. The folks driving in and dropping off spanned therainbow that is Chicago, they were Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Therecipients were as well.

We are located in one of the most diverse communities in our state. Iwonder if all of us take into account the beauty of that. TBI serves as a lightin this community, bringing us together in joy and sadness, bringing ustogether for shared purpose and a shared mission, to do good in the world.

As we enter into this new year 5778, the year of our centennial, may weconstantly be reminded of all that we can do when we band together as acommunity of TBI members, recognizing and acting on need as we see it. Ipray this year will be one of celebration and collaboration. I am grateful to bea part of this blessed kehillah and look forward to what this year will be andwhat we will become.

Shana Tova U’metukah, Lori B. Sagarin

sisterhood neWs pink shabbat

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most

of us have been touched in some way by this disease.

About 1 in 8 women may develop breast cancer during

their lifetime, which means that approximately 18 of

our own Sisterhood TBI members could potentially

be diagnosed at some point in their lives with the

disease; in fact many of our members have already

dealt with their own personal challenges in this regard.

Fortunately, with early detection through mammogram

screenings and the support from family, friends, and

our Sisterhood organization, they are survivors. Sadly, recently for one

of our board members, this was not the outcome.

This is a time to reflect on the special women who left us too soon.

That is why the need for education and early detection is so vital.

Almost all of us have at one point or another been asked to support

someone who is looking for sponsors and/or volunteers for their walk

or run, benefiting a breast cancer organization. Step up when asked.

This will allow us to be a part of something that will affect the lives of

people we love as well as those we will never meet; it will truly make a

difference.

On Friday, October 13, Sisterhood and Temple Beth Israel will host

a “Pink Shabbat” service for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We

invite you to join us and, of course, to wear your loveliest and most

dapper pink attire. We will also be hosting the Oneg, featuring, of

course, pink food.

Our Sisterhood works together, volunteers together, and breaks

bread together. Let’s also do something significant together; let’s lend

our support to help end breast cancer.

Sheila Rosenfeld and Joanne Merritt

Sisterhood Co-Presidents

sisterhood centennial tidbit In the early 1930s A Mother/Daughter Shabbat is instituted in

addition to the Sisterhood Shabbat. For both services, the women

participated in and conducted the services.

Sisterhood TBI Centennial Committee

sisterhood MeMbership luncheonIt’s not too late to join Sisterhood TBI and

attend the annual Membership Luncheon on

Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00

p.m. in Mendelsohn Hall. The event is free to all

current Sisterhood members. Please contact

Cynthia Miller ([email protected]) or Ione

Novak (847-676-1474 or [email protected])

to RSVP, volunteer, get membership forms, or

request more information. Dues may be paid at the door.

sisterhood anniVersaries and birthdays

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Cyndy and Brian Novak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/17/2000

Roberta and Howard Rosell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/25/1964

Nina and David Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/26/1989

Cheryl and Paul Manilow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/29/1986

Sara and Billy Belkov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/30/1974

Judy and Bob Kemp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/30/1985

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Jane Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/1

Kathy Passman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/4

Marla Aviva Bentley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/7

Karen Weine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/11

Marcia Bressler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/14

Arletta Leibowitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/15

Brenda Kogan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/16

Mary Anne Wexler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/17

Judy Dorfman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/18

Elaine Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/18

Linda Janush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/18

Lillian Rubenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/18

Susan Baim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/21

Linda Crohn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/21

Clare (Chaikey) Greenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11/26

Would you like to celebrate simchas and benefit Sisterhood TBI?

Send a Uniongram, $2.00 each, by contacting: Rozanne Epstein,

[email protected], 847-676-3299 or Candy Siegel, maltesepeanut-biz@

yahoo.com, 847-679-4707.

U P C O M I N G S I S T E R H O O D E V E N T S

October 4, 12:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Program Meeting

October 15, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Board Meeting

October 22, 1:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Membership Luncheon

October 23, 7:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evening Program with

. . . . . . . . . . . . .Adult Education: Author Maggie Anton

October 25, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . .Study with Rabbi Weinberg

October 25, 7:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sisterhood Book Group

October 27-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WRJ Midwest District

. . . . . . .Leadership Training, OSRUI, Oconomowoc, WI

November 1, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . .Study with Rabbi Weinberg

November 1, 12:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Program Meeting

November 1, 6:00 p.m. . . . .Family Program with Brotherhood:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Folk Dancing

November 7, 7:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Action Program:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE)

November 8, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . .Study with Rabbi Weinberg

November 12, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Board Meeting

On Sunday September 10th, Sisterhood held its annual Bake Sale and it was a huge success. Our cookie walk was bigger and better

than last year and the variety of baked goods was larger as well. Of course, this would not have been possible without the many wonderful

and talented bakers who contributed so generously.

To all the volunteers who helped with the bake sale (there are too many to name), we owe many thanks. You pitched in with huge smiles

and hard work. I know our customers were delighted to be greeted by you.

We would also like to thank our angel who helped defer part of the cost of our sign. Your generosity is overwhelming.

To our customers, without your support we would not be able to make this event so successful. In keeping with the Centennial theme of

Temple Beth Israel, the Sisterhood awarded the 100th customer with a $25.00 gift certificate from the Judaica Gift Shop. The 100th customer

was Bea Sobel. Congratulations to Bea!

We are so thankful to work with such a variety of people who gave their time so generously. We appreciate all your hard work, generosity,

and friendship.Bake sale Co chairs

Shares Titlebaum and Paula Hyman

brotherhood neWsOpening day of the Bet Midrash at TBI is always very hectic. This

year it was especially true. Not only was there the Brotherhood picnicand the Sisterhood bake sale, there was also a B'nai Mitzvah seminar.However, as hectic as it felt at first, with people running around settingup the various events before the children arrived for school, there wasa sense of community. Brotherhood and Sisterhood worked togetherto help each other make sure their events ran smoothly. Thanks to thiscooperation, the Brotherhood picnic and the Sisterhood bake salewent without a hiccup. Parents and children were very pleased withboth events. I want to personally thank everyone who helped with theBrotherhood picnic; the picnic would not have been so successfulwithout all of you. Thank you.

David Spector, TBI Brotherhood President

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the

members of the High Holy Day Choir for their exceptional

music and leading the kahal (congregation) with kavanah

(intention) and a true understanding of our sacred texts.

The choir met the challenges of using the new machzor

(prayerbook) and alterations of the service with grace,

and determination. Thank you! Thank you also to my

musical partner and collaborator, Jennifer McCabe. As our pianist,

Jennifer plays with sensitivity and musicality and her music is the

foundation on which the choir and I are able to thrive. We are so grateful

for your commitment, hard work, and talent.

Kol HaKavod to my clergy partner, Rabbi Michael Weinberg. Each

year, Rabbi’s sermons and gentle leadership on the bimah, remind me

that I am beyond lucky to work with a person who truly embodies the

word Rav (teacher). Your sermons inspire all of us to be our best selves

and each day to work for Tikkun Olam, the repair of our world. I am also

deeply grateful for my friend and colleague, Lori Sagarin. Lori sets the

example for all of us, that we should continue to learn and seek to

understand. Thank you for the leadership of our President, Jon Schneider,

and all the officers and board of trustees. The entire Temple community

is grateful for your time, effort, and guidance!

Finally, I would like to thank the volunteers and Temple staff who make

TBI run smoothly on the High Holy Days and always. Thank you, Amber

Wood, Anne Richman-Kaplan, Tanya Frid, and Eunice Burns and all of

our weekly office volunteers: Alyce Heman, Kathy Passman, Ione Novak,

Phyllis Cantor, Sue Schneider, and Ina Hill. Thank you to our devoted

maintenance staff: Tommy Ross, Nancy Boronka, and Benji Kaplan.

Thank you to Carol Barrington and Judy Kemp for your organization and

execution of another incredible High Holy Day season.

Shanah Tovah U’mtukah

The Bentley family would like to wish you a sweet and healthy New

Year 5778.

Joy & Blessings,

Marla Aviva Bentley

Chai notes FroM the Music director

sisterhood book group

The Sisterhood Book Group will meet

on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in the TBI

Cohn Library at 7:00 p.m. when we will

discuss Mary Coin, a novel by Marisa Silver.

Heller McAlpin's book review states "Do

you remember those school assignments

where you were asked to make up a story

based on a picture? With Mary Coin, Marisa

Silver looks long and hard at an image that

has been seared into our nation's consciousness — Dorothea

Lange's iconic Depression-era photograph ‘Migrant Mother’ — and

compassionately imagines the lives behind it. The result is a fresh

angle on the Great Depression and a lesson in learning how to really

look and see."

New members are welcome. The book is available at the public

library. Please RSVP to Linda Crohn, [email protected] or Jane

Page, [email protected].

sis

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in the teMple FaMilyMAZEL TOV TO:

Helene and Chuck Levine on the engagement of their daughter,

Rebecca to Michael Drayer.

Nina and David Henry on the marriage of their daughter Rebecca to

Alan Berger.

Wayne Rubinstein on being honored at the Lutheran General Annual

Gala in September, the theme of which was Make a Difference. Under

the leadership of Rubinstein and colleague Jerry Bauer, Lutheran

General is one of a few hospitals in Illinois to achieve the Gold Plus

standard for acute stroke intervention set out by the American Heart

Association/American Stroke Association.

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:

The following Temple members are recovering from recent illness:

Dick Favish, Elaine Fox, Cindy Franklin, Lynne Goldman, and Lisa Wynn.

We wish them a speedy recovery.

CONDOLENCES:

We note with sorrow the passing of Telsa Lenhoff, grandmother

of Lisa Spector; Robert Eatman, brother of Paula Fischer. May their

memories be a blessing.

FroM the president

Temple Beth Israel is a welcoming community. This

is part of our Mission Statement and most congrega-

tions would claim the same. Of course, I believe that

TBI is particularly welcoming, and I hope that you

agree. But despite our welcoming nature, as I became

President of the Congregation, I was concerned that I

may not be able to live up to the welcoming nature of

our community. Am I friendly enough? Am I inclusive enough? Am I too

severe in my political views?

I still do not know how to answer these questions. I am trying to be

friendly and inclusive. I am even trying to be less severe and more

open-minded politically. But this open-mindedness does not mean that

I need to be neutral. As Elie Wiesel said, “We must always take sides.

Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the

tormentor, never the tormented.”

As I write this, I think about the recent events in Charlottesville,

Virginia. I think about the hatred that some have not seen fit to

appropriately condemn. In Rabbi Rick Jacobs’ response to the incident,

he said, “Racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic views have no place in a

society that cherishes freedom and liberty for all. The right to speak

and to hold repugnant views is not a right to circumscribe the ability of

others to live in peace and security. Torch-lit marches of hate evoke

the KKK; the image of a heavily armed “militia” standing among the

neo-Nazi protestors should send an alarm to every person of good

conscience in our nation.”

Rabbi Jacobs continued, “We commend the opening of President

Trump’s statement condemning the ‘egregious display of hatred, bigotry

and violence’ but are deeply troubled by the moral equivalence evident

in President Trump’s statement following the events in Charlottesville.

White supremacists wielding Nazi flags and spewing racist vitriol need

to be specifically condemned, not only violence and hate ‘on many

sides.’ If our leaders can’t call out this virulent strand of hate we will

surely fail to stop it.”

When I heard President Trump’s response to the incident, I was angry

and sad. I felt that our leader was not on the side of good; that he could

not differentiate between those who spewed hatred and those who

opposed the spewing of hatred. These are tumultuous times. We are

living in a reality with a government that none of us could possibly have

expected to see take power in our country. I fear we live in a nation

where the only people whose lives are valued by many of our leaders

are White Christian Heterosexual Men. I have news for you. We don’t

qualify. More importantly, we must stand up for what is right even when

we are not the ones who are being attacked.

On August 12, thousands of white supremacists marched in

Charlottesville, Virginia, spewing hate. The wrong they fought against

was the removal of a Confederate Statue. The violence that ultimately

resulted was nearly universally condemned, but not by our President.

We need not wait until we see violence and hatred directed toward

us. One of our duties as Jews is Tikun Olam, or Repair of the World. Our

community must be a community of meaning. We must speak out for

those whose voice is not heard. We must speak out against hatred in all

forms, particularly when directed at those who are most vulnerable. As

we all are taking stock of our personal failings throughout the year and

making our own efforts to do better, we should all keep in mind that we

must speak and act on behalf of those who are less fortunate, whether

it is due to their skin color, their religion, their sexual identity, or their

country of origin. It is our duty as Jews to speak up and to protest.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but

there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” – Elie Wiesel

By Jon Schneider

nanette b. Mendelsohn

tree oF liFe Fund

Funds used for the beautification

of Temple Beth Israel

donor in honor of

Patti and Cliff Levy . . . . . . . . .Engagement of

. . . . . . Rebecca Levine to Michael Drayer

donor in Memory of

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Burman

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . .Louise Starkman

Harriet and Richard Arons . . .Marlene Drucker

sidney i. cole caMp

scholarship Fund

Provides camp scholarships

for our students who attend

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp

donor in honor of

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . . . . . . .Lori Sagarin

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . . . . . . .Shari Granat

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . .Michael Swarzman

donor in Memory of

Rozanne & Stephen Epstein

Carla & Scott Oppenheimer

Joy Wasserman & Rob Weinberg . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Rozanne & Stephen Epstein . . . .John Macsai

rabbi’s discretionary Fund

Provides funds for charitable uses

within and outside the congregation

at the discretion of the Rabbi

donor in honor of

Michelle & Jeffrey Agrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rabbi Michael Weinberg

Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel . . . .Good use

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of the Chupah from

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cindy & Steve Franklin

Linda Crohn & Jon Shimberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .on the marriage of Brian

Iris & Jim Fridlieb . . . . . . . . . .Baby naming for

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . granddaughter Alyssa

Sharon & Joel Garson

Dawn & Michel Strauss . . . . .Helene & Chuck

. . . . . . . . . . Levine on the engagement of


Meryl & John Smyth . . . . . . . . . . . . .Safety of

. . . . .Maggie Smith during Hurricane Irma,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .thanks for the prayers

donor in Memory of

Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel

Julie & David Buckner

Jackie & Richard Favish . . . . .Gale Nudelman

Linda Benjamin . . . . . . . . . . .Martin H. Cohen

Trudy Isbitz Brodsky . . . . . . . . . .Arnold Frank

Patricia Culkin . . . . . . . . . . . .Louise Starkman

Judy & Steven Decker . . . . . .Anna P. Edelson

Nancy & Joel Goodman

Madelon & Chuck Gryll . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Ellen & Robert Hartl . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Gopin

Ellen & Robert Hartl . . . . . . . . . . . .Julia Gopin

Meryl & John Smith . . . . . .Maree Riley Smyth

education Fund

Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI

donor in honor of

Maryjane & Phillip Klein . . . .Speedy recovery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of Cindy Franklin

donor in Memory of

Barbara & Bob Agdern

Linda & Zack Fainman


Nina & David Henry

Janet & Michael Jablon

Bill Levy & Patrick Schwarz

Jennifer Oppenheimer


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Jill & Leo Bleiman

The Furer Family . . . . . . . . . . .Gale Nudelman

Linda & Zack Fainman . . . . . .Annette Mandell

Linda & Zack Fainman . . . . . . .Barry Fainman

Howard Pfeifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anita Pfeifer


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Judy Silbery

Sandra Terman . . . . . . . . . . . .Sheldon Terman

Music Fund

Provides funds for music programs

donor in honor of

Michelle & Josh Agrest . . .Marla Aviva Bentley

Nina & David Henry . .Helene & Chuck Levine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on the engagement of


donor in Memory of

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . . . . . . . .Ruth Roth

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . . . . . . . .Jules Roth

social serVice Fund

Provides support for social service

programs within the Temple and

in the surrounding community and

to some individual tzedakah recipients

donor in honor of

Wendy Fox Schneider & Jon Schneider . . . . .

. . . . . . . .The wedding of Rebecca Henry,

. . . . . . . . .daughter of Nina & David Henry

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .to Alan Berger

donor in Memory of

Cindy & Steve Franklin . . . . . . . . .Louis Zande

Vera Rubin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Rubin

Susan Zoline . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Robert Shorr

Susan Zoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marilyn Shorr

torah Fund

Provides support for all Temple programs

donor in honor of


Sandra & Donald Rubovits

Susan Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane & Al Page

. . . . . . on their 50th Wedding Anniversary

donor in Memory of

Marianna Tax Choldin & Harvey Choldin . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samuel Katz

Mariann Tax Choldin & Harvey Choldin . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morris Tax

Sofia & Naum Ligum . . . . . . . .Gale Nudelman

rabbi ernst M. lorge

sanctuary Fund

Provides for the continued maintenance

and beautification of our sanctuary

($18.00 minimum)

donor in Memory of

Martha Garber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitch Trubitt

joseph andelMan israel

scholarship Fund

This fund is used to help send our children

on authorized trips to Israel and supports our

commitment to SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel

Program) which underwrites travel to Israel

donor in Memory of


Ellen & Stephen Keller

Barbara Seaver

Gail & Jason Weiss . . . . . . . . .Gale Nudelman

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene Drucker

Faye and hoWard rice

cultural Fund

This fund provides support for social

and cultural programming including

scholars in residence.

donor in Memory of

Harriet & Richard Arons . . . . . . .Bernice Arons

contributionsA minimum contribution of $15.00 (unless otherwise noted) for donation to be acknowledged with a card and published in the bulletin.

congRegational thanks

While TBI has many volunteers who go above and beyond to assure

our High Holy Day services and so many other activities go off without

a hitch, we would like to make a special note of those who worked

so hard in dramatic heat on Sunday, September 24 to close the TBI

Geniza.

Thanks to the following diggers: Newell Bentley, Adam Eisenberg,

Mark Fine, Steve Franklin, David Levinson, Morris Levy, Sara Mervis,

Brian Novak, Cyndy Novak, Rob Spiegel, and Amber Wood.

Also thanks to Bruce Crane for all of his efforts in creating the

Geniza!

Where is My e-bulletin?

Wondering what is going on and miss the weekly eBulletin? Are you

asking yourself, “Did I drop off the TBI mailing list?” If your answer to

the first question is Yes, we can tell you that the answer to the second

one is No. Our emails have a new look and feel as we are now sending

them through Constant Contact. Please check your email spam filter

and other mailboxes for emails coming from Temple Beth Israel. If you

have changed your email address, please let us know. Contact the

Temple office or Linn Ullenbrauck at [email protected].



See box below for additional contributors


October Birthday Blessings


Consecration

Chol Hamoed Sukkot


“Pink” Shabbat sponsored by Sisterhood TBI


Torah Portion “Bereshit”





Bar Mitzvah of Akiva Sherin

Son of Miriam and Bruce Sherin

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan

Torah Portion “Noach”


Rabbi Gary Zola

Scholar-in-Residence


Torah Portion “Lech Lecha”

*please note time

October 2017 Tishrei – Cheshvan 5778 Volume 101 Number 1

On Rosh Hashanah, we launched our year

of celebration for our 100th Anniversary.

This Centennial is not only a chance to look

back with pride on all of our outstanding

accomplishments during our first 100 years,

it is also an opportunity to look forward, with

great anticipation, to our second century.

Throughout the year, we have scheduled special Centennial events

and many of our regular programs will be “seasoned” with a Centennial

spice. This is especially true this month for our Simchat Torah celebra-

tion. On Wednesday evening, October 11th we will gather to read the

last verses of the Book of Devarim/Deuteronomy from one Torah scroll

and then immediately turn to another Torah scroll to read the first

verses of Bereshit/Genesis. A special honor is given to the person who

recites the Torah blessings, and all children present will be invited up to

the Torah recite the final Torah blessing.

When we take the Torah scrolls from the Ark, we conduct a special

parade around the synagogue called hakafa. This year, to mark our

Centennial, we will have special hakafot in the categories listed

below. If you qualify in one or more category contact the Temple

office: 847.675.0951 or [email protected] to reserve your space. The

categories are:

• Members of TBI for 25 years or more;

• Members who have joined TBI in the last three years;

• If you were ever a camper or staff member at OSRUI;


Bernard St.;

• If you ever went on a TBI trip to Israel;


Howard St.;

• If you were ever in the TBI Purim Shpiel;

• If your child will have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the coming two years.

To make it easier for some of our members, there will be supper

available (reservations required) at 6:00 p.m. and our Simchat Torah

celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m.

If you have never experienced this celebration including special

hakafot and festive dancing with the Torah scrolls (or if you haven’t

for a long time) then this year is your year! It is a celebration for the

entire congregation, members of any and every age!! I’ll look forward to

dancing with you!

Rabbi’s Columnshabbat services

DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE RUSH

Change Service Requested

Temple Beth Israel Bulletin (USPS 537-480)Published Monthly by

3601 W. Dempster Street • Skokie, Illinois 60076847.675.0951 • www.tbiskokie.org

Michael A.Weinberg, RabbiLori B.Sagarin, RJE, Director of Congregational Learning

Marla Aviva Bentley, Director of MusicAmber Wood, Director of Operations

Jon Schneider, PresidentErnst M. Lorge, Rabbi Emeritus*

S. Felix Mendelsohn, Founding Rabbi**of Blessed Memory

Printed by Total Graphics

P E R I O D I CA L P O STAG E PA I D AT S KO K I E , I L

We would like to thank Libby Beider, Nancy Goodman, Joel

Goodman, Madelon Gryll, Sharon Hermann, Lauren Kimmel,

Lynn Zakari, and Trey Zakari who made donations for the Likrat

Shabbat on October 6 in honor of their october birthdays.

likrat shabbat

Relief foR the hand and the heaRt

I never ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person. – Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

The call to action was overwhelming; the mission was simple; the execution of our plan to help was not easy; and in the end, our exhaustion was

rested by our sense of fulfillment. Within days of Hurricane Harvey hitting Houston, Texas, Temple Beth Israel had organized a relief campaign and

invited all of Skokie to join in. To some, there did not seem to be enough time to organize.

We all know the moments we watched the television coverage of Hurricane Harvey and how overwhelmed we were by the damage to property

and the fear we saw in people's faces. We experienced the devastating force by looking in the eyes of the evacuees and we were called to action.

As a result, wherever we gathered, we began to discuss what we might do to really help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Many of us had organized

a Hurricane Relief Campaign for Katrina several years ago. It was clear that the need was as great now as it was then.

I was talking with my niece, Michal Pierce (formerly of TBI), who lives in Houston. She was evacuated but her house did not flood. We began to

assess the needs of the evacuees and whether sending supplies was the best or even an effective action. First I spoke to people we knew at the

URJ summer camp in Waco and then with people at the Reform congregation in Houston. Neither was operating as a shelter. Michal made contact

with the City of Houston. It had set up offices to take calls about donations. During our conversation I found that they were very organized - and they

were very specific. If we would collect only the requested items and box and label them, the City would be happy to receive our truck.

Once we knew that the City could receive the donated items, we needed to find a truck. After several calls, I secured two donated trucks,

including the driver and fuel. Alyssa Dryver prepared an electronic piece for social media and email with the required items listed and the urgent

request went out. We also contacted other partners in the community, including the Second Baptist Church (our partners in other good work), the

MCC Muslim School in Skokie as well as other temples/synagogues in Skokie. The risks? Would people come with the right supplies? Could we find

enough people to sort and pack on the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend? In addition, when we parked the trucks on the TBI parking lot

and swung open the doors, we had forgotten just how cavernous an 18-wheeler semi-truck really is! Will we have the people to pack and load? Would

there be piles of stuff on the parking lot?

We all know the end of this account. Not because you were there or you heard about it. You know the end because you know the hearts of our

members and our friends of like minded organizations, and of our great Village of Skokie. It was not just the 200 plus cars that started coming Sunday

at 9:00 a.m. and never stopped until Monday at 7:00 p.m. It was not the 80-plus volunteers who gave up an hour or gave up 12 hours plus over the

weekend to sort, pack, and load. It was not the 1200 boxes (all donated) we filled and loaded. It was not just the energy you felt in the parking lot

and at the tables. The key was the purposefulness and the caring intent of this opportunity that we all crave. In addition to the achievement of

sending the toiletries, the cleaning supplies, the new toys and children's clothing, the paper goods, and the 850 cases of water, we sent messages.

We sent what they needed in their hands and we sent something to lift their hearts. Kids and adults wrote messages and decorated the boxes and

every one of the boxes left with a sticker, "Sent with love from Skokie, IL - Temple Beth Israel.” It does not take time to plan such a last-minute effort,

it takes people. It is part of our 100-year DNA. – Michael M. Lorge

attention journalists and

aspiring journalists!

reminder: Material for the bulletin is

due electronically to Barbara Seaver at

[email protected] on the 10th of the

month prior to publication. If you do not

have access to a computer, please submit

paper copy to the Temple office by the 7th

of the month prior to publication so that it

can be transcribed and sent by the 10th. The deadline for the

November bulletin is October 10.

periodical postage paid at skokie, il temple beth · pdf filerabbi gary zola...

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