periodical postage paid at skokie, il temple beth israel ... · 3601 w. dempster street • skokie,...

shabbat Friday Evening, February 2*

5:30 P.M. – Likrat Shabbat

See box below for additional contributors

6:15 P.M. – Kabbalat Shabbat

February Birthday Blessings

shabbat saturday Morning, February 3 at 10:30 a.M.

Torah Portion “Yitro”

shabbat Friday Evening, February 9 at 7:30 P.M.

6:00 P.M. Shalom Shabbat

7:30 P.M. Erev Shabbat Services with Koleynu


Shabbat Shekalim

Torah Portion “Mishpatim”





Bar Mitzvah of Jack Broutman

Son of Paula and Jay Broutman

Torah Portion “Terumah”


Rabbi’s Yahrzeits

Rabbi David Saperstein, Guest Speaker


Bat Mitzvah of Lena Costello

Daughter of Jenny Costello

Shabbat Zachor

Torah Portion “Tetzaveh”

shabbat Friday Evening, March 2*



March Birthday Blessings

shabbat saturday Morning, March 3 at 10:30 a.M.

Torah Portion “Ki Tisa”

*Please note time

February 2018 Shevat – Adar 5778 Volume 101 Number 4

In one of my first sermons at Temple Beth

Israel, in the summer of 1987, I spoke about

our congregation having a proud heritage

and a destiny of distinction. Now, thirty years

later, those words still ring true and yet they

resonate in a slightly different fashion. As we

celebrate our centennial year we, indeed,

have much of which to be proud. Longevity,

in and of itself, is noteworthy. We are among

only a handful of congregations that have been around for a century or

more. I think that our greatest source of pride ought to be that, over the

course of the past 100 years, we have touched and inspired hundreds,

if not thousands, of people. We have been here to help our fellow

congregants cope with the most challenging times in their lives, and we

have been here to help each other celebrate our greatest joys. And we

have been here for all the times in between – the holidays, the classes,

the programs and projects to help those in need, the retreats and

Israel trips, the community engagement – and the friendships and

relationships that have spanned the decades.

Now we are looking forward to our second century. We have no

intention of resting on our laurels. We are so gratified that new members

have joined the ranks of our congregation. Each new member brings

new energy and new ideas as well as new questions, new curiosity, and

new hope. And each new member also brings his or her own life story

and life experience to be added to our collective congregational story.

Our TBI story continues to be written day in and day out – every week,

every life cycle event, every religious school class, every holiday

celebration, every social action project, every Kabbalat Shabbat.

Our congregation’s scroll is quite literally still being written. Over the

next few months please stop by the Temple and take the time to scroll

through and read of the events that your fellow congregants have

entered, and to write part of your story onto our TBI scroll. Only when

all of our stories are included will our collective story be complete. I am

thrilled to be a part of this very exciting journey of the community we

call Temple Beth Israel.

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 Barbara Alper who made a donation

for the Likrat Shabbat on February 2 in honor of her February

birthday. We would also like to thank Ernie Heimann, Debbi Kohl,

Linda Lewison, and Gary Zimmerman who made donations in

honor of their January birthdays. Thank you also to Vera Rubin

and Beth Sair who made donations in honor of their December

birthdays.

Likrat shabbat

The first weekend in December 2017 found nearly seventy

members of TBI enjoying the beauty of Olin Sang Ruby Union

Institute (OSRUI). The event was multi-generational and com-

bined spirituality, music, fun, learning, and rest. Even if you

weren’t able to participate this year, mark your calendar now

for next year’s retreat: February 8 – 10, 2019.

TBI Students had a magical time at our Chanukah Party.

in thE tEMPLE FaMiLYMAZEL TOV TO:

Lisa Wynn on the birth of her new grandson, son of Hanni Itah and

Andrew Moses.

Fran and Allan Klenestky on the birth of their new grandson, son of

Jody and Joshua Ehrenberg.

Linda and Irwin Janush on the birth of their new grandson, son of

Caryn and Bryan Mullaney.

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:

The following Temple members are recovering from recent illness:

Ina Hill and Elaine Morgan. We wish them a speedy recovery.

CONDOLENCES:

We note with sorrow the passing of Arnold Schneider, father of Jon

Schneider; Dorothy Reisberg, mother of Robert Reisberg; Jerome

Broutman, father of Jay Broutman and Debra Berk; Sheldon Rosenfeld,

brother of Eddie Rosenfeld; Elmer Goldman, brother of Eudice Lorge;

Marjorie Goldzweig, sister of Phyllis Cantor; Edward Keno, son of

Lee Keno; and Saul Kaufman, father of Michael Kaufman. May their

memories be a blessing.

FroM thE PrEsidEnt

This is the first time I’ve had to write a bulletin article

since my dad passed away. Life for me will be changed

forever. While my dad was 93 years old and his

passing was not tragic, it certainly leaves a hole in my

life. There are some things that only my dad would

understand. There have been a few times in the past

couple of months I’ve wanted to tell my dad something,

but that’s no longer possible. I’ve been attending

Shabbat services more regularly than ever in the past year, yet this is the

first time I have been a mourner, standing during the Mourner’s Kaddish.

The passing of a parent is a milestone event in my life. It somehow

makes my own mortality more real. It is a time of reflection, a time to

consider what I want out of life, what makes me happy. It has helped me

realize the importance of my family, of being together, of supporting

each other, and enjoying time with each other. It also has impacted my

feelings about TBI. While my dad was 93, TBI is now 100, having been

established 7 years before my dad’s birth in 1924. As I think about my

dad’s life and how he lives on through what he accomplished and how

he lived, I find that keeping the spirit of TBI alive for another century and

expanding its reach is even more important than before.

I look forward to continuing to work to expand TBI’s reach, not just

to new members whom we are always looking to bring in, but also to our

current members who perhaps are not as connected as we would like

them to be. The leadership of the Congregation and the professional

staff are working hard every day to create meaningful programs and

make connections with ALL our members. But we do not have a

monopoly on good ideas. How can TBI be the center of our Jewish

lives? What can we do as a community to better serve the needs of our

members? Let me know. Call me. E-mail me. There is so much that TBI

has done and so much TBI has meant over its first 100 years. What can

it become? How can we better meet the needs of the community? How

can we engage more of our current members? This is the challenge we

face moving forward into our second century. I am honored and

humbled to be a part of this amazing time at TBI. My dad would be

proud. Miss you, Pop.

UnsUng herO recOgnITIOnIn our last Bulletin of 2017, we began a program to honor volunteers

at TBI who have made contributions to our community that have been

largely unrecognized over the years. This is the space where we will be

able to continue to recognize these Unsung Heroes in our congregation.

This month, I would like to recognize another woman with a strong

history at TBI, Judy Kemp. For the last several years, Judy has been pri-

marily responsible for the meal for mourners on the day of the funeral.

This is a task which requires quick turnaround, tact, organization, and

diligence. Judy has demonstrated all of that and more. She has also

been under the radar as a key part of the Catering Committee and

coordinating Bar/Bat Mitzvahs (along with Linda Lewison), and she

has worked with Carol Barrington to coordinate our High Holy Day

Services at ETHS. She has served as Co-VP of Fund Raising and is also

currently co-chair (with Lisa Drucker) of our Committee charged with

all of the various aspects of our celebration and recognition of our

100th Anniversary as a Congregation. Whatever needs doing, Judy’s

probably done it. She is easy to work with, she gets things done, never

complains, and rarely gets the recognition she has earned for her hard

work.

With such a lengthy resume, I am very pleased to be able to give the

latest Unsung Hero award to Judy Kemp.

By Jon Schneider

POsTcArd FrOM TBI reTreAT OsrUI 2017

Shalom Friends,

Good company – new and long-term, restful Shabbat, rich conver-

sation, music, walks, full moon, Wisconsin campus, and plentiful food.

Thank you to all who facilitated! See you next year.

From a Refreshed and Grateful TBI Soul

cOngregATIOnAl ThAnk yOU

I would like to thank the members of Temple Beth Israel for the

notes, cards, flowers, and good wishes that you bestowed upon me

during my two unexpected surgeries. Your prayers and support

brightened an otherwise challenging time. I am grateful to work at a

place like Temple Beth Israel where the leadership, staff, and clergy

were so supportive during my hospitalization and recovery. You are all

my family and I feel very blessed.

Marla Aviva Bentley

In MeMOrIAMTemple Beth Israel announces with profound sorrow the passing of

BETTY WINTER

Beloved mother of Ilene Klegon and Jody Weinberg

May her memory be a blessing


ROSELIN ROTHMAN

Beloved mother of Judy Wenger


Education Fund

Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI

donor in honor of

Ellen Garber Bronfeld & Noah Bronfeld . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Happy New Year!

Laura & Leon Finkel . . . . . . . . . . . .The birth of

. . . . . . . . . .Drs. Susan and Jimmy Cohn’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .grandson, Jonah Cohn

Bill Klopsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anniversary

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Beth and Dave Osten

Beth & Dave Osten . . .Andrew Robert McFall

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on his 40th Birthday

Lillian Rubenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thank you

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for the birthday wishes

Mikala & Adam Stewart . . . . . . .Efram Stewart

donor in Memory of

Barbara & Robert Agdern . . . .Rosalyn Brown

Barbara & Robert Agdern . . . . .Shirley Agdern

Libby & Andy Beider

Elaine Gallagher

Bill Levy & Patrick Schwarz

Paula & Daniel Sabin

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sarah Meyer

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sherwin Brick

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam Brick

CPS Student Science Fair, Inc. Board of

Directors & Operating Committee Chairpersons

Helene & Charles Levine

Staff of McGreal Center and Mission & Ministry

Jay Niederhoffer . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Roseanne & James Dorger . . . . . . .Elise Levin

Nancy & Joel Goodman

Madelon & Chuck Gryll . . . . . . . . .Jerry Hirsch

Sharon Saphier Grad . . . . . . . .Rhoda Saphier

Alyce Heman

Nina & David Henry


Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider

Alyce Heman

Nina & David Henry . . . .Maurice “Mel” Crohn

Nina & David Henry . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld

Deana Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Hoffman

Joan & Albert Leb . . . . . . . . . . .Emanuel Ager

Angela & Charlie Platt . . . . . . . . . . .Elsie Levin

Paula & Daniel Sabin . . . . . .Betty Helen Giffin

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . .Marjorie Goldwzeig

Janice & Modesto Senra . . . .Arthur Gartzman

Diane Stotland-Repkin . . . . .Samuel Stotland

Carol & Mark Winston . . . . . . .Lenny Winston

Joanne Yashar . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Nasrat Yashar

Music Fund

Provides funds for music programs

donor in honor of

Gertrude Isbitz Brodsky

Nina & David Henry

Sheila & Eddie Rosenfeld

Alice Solovy

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . .Speedy recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Marla Aviva Bentley

Beth & Dave Osten . . .Andrew Robert McFall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on his 40th Birthday

Gary Zimmerman . . .Rabbi Michael Weinberg

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . .Marla Aviva Bentley

donor in Memory of

Roz & Ernie Heimann . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Nina & David Henry

Mary Bucher Kloet

Leah & Mike Ostrar

Becky & Greg Reuhs

Mary Roth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Leah & Mike Ostrar . . . . . . . . . . .Phillip Singer

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


donor in Memory of

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . .Norman Sussman

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Laura & Leon Finkel . . . . .Marjorie Goldwzeig

Betsy Fuchs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rose Fuchs

Betsy Fuchs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leonard Fuchs

Morris Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evelyn Levy

Becky & Greg Reuhs . . . . . . . .Sadie Sherman

torah Fund

Provides support for all Temple programs

donor in honor of

Lillian Rubenstein . . . . . . .Thank you to Rabbi . . . . . & Jody Weinberg and Eudice Lorge

donor in Memory of

Naomi Bayer & Stuart Brandhandler

Mimi Fox & Lloyd Wasser

Cyndy & Brian Novak

Nina & David Vinik

Lenore & Joel Wineberg . . . .Arnold Schneider

Judith Dorfman . . . . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld

Sofia & Naum Ligum . . . . . . . . .Raya Serman

Leah & Mike Ostrar

Mimi Rosenbush . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

arnoLd FaMiLY Education EnrichMEnt Fund

This fund is used for special programs in our religious and Hebrew schools

donor in honor of


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 honor of

Faye & Arnold Oskin . . . . . . . .Jack Broutman

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on his Bar Mitzvah



hErZL b. MEndELsohn LibrarY Fund

This fund is used exclusively for the

purchase of books, periodicals, furnishing

and supplies for our library

donor in honor of



donor in Memory of



Ilene & Doug Klegon . . .Maurice “Mel” Crohn

kLEi kodEsh Fund


purchase and repair of prayer books

and religious articles

donor in Memory of

Morris Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arthur Levy

Morris FaMiLY coMMunitY Fund

This fund was established to respond to

emergency needs of individuals in the

Skokie community as identified by the

Village of Skokie social services staff

donor in honor of



rabbi Ernst M. LorGE

sanctuarY Fund

Provides for the continued maintenance

and beautification of our sanctuary

($18.00 minimum)

donor in Memory of

Ilene & Doug Klegon . . . . . . . .Elmer Goldman

Roberta & Robert Washlow . . . . . .Bettie Port

Roberta & Robert Washlow . . . . . .Byron Port

FaYE and hoWard ricE

cuLturaL Fund

This fund provides support for social

and cultural programming including

scholars in residence.

donor in Memory of



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

TBI MeMBers In The newsThe 40th Anniversary Book Issue of Chicago Jewish History,

Vol.41, No.4, Fall 2017, mentions both Jewish Law In Transition: How

Economic Forces Overcame the Prohibition Against Lending Interest,

by Rabbi Hillel Gamoran, and Beyond The Scent Of Olives, by Alice

Marcus Solovy. In addition to the two TBI members of the Chicago

Jewish Historical Society having their books cited, the issue reprints an

email thanking Lori Sagarin and TBI students for giving Christmas gifts

to 460 Herzl school students in Chicago.

FroM thE dirEctor oF conGrEGationaL LEarninG

Sometimes it is a well-timed phone call, a note, or a

short visit. Sometimes it is a meal, an offer to walk a dog,

or a ride to services. It could be setting up the meal of

consolation at the outset of shiva or the offer to pick up

a prescription. These are some of the tasks provided

through the TBI Mitzvah Corp, a dedicated group of

volunteers that provides these services graciously. This

community never ceases to amaze me in our members’

willingness to step up and volunteer as needed.

Serving on the Mitzvah Corp is one of the most fulfilling volunteer roles

in our congregation and we are always seeking additional participants. If

you are interested in visiting someone, delivering soup, or providing other

needed services, please consider volunteering. If you are interested, please

reach out to the Mitzvah Corp co chairs Jolie Rubin [email protected]

and Fran Meyer [email protected].

February can be a cold, lonely, and isolating month. We can each do our

part to help others feel that they are part of a loving community. I hope you

will consider joining the team.

Stay warm!

B’shalom,

Lori B. Sagarin

One of the community programs that I saw in action is in Kiryat Gat(Chicago’s sister city!). It is a two-month course for women who want to returnto the workforce or to join it for the first time. Many – perhaps a majority – ofthese women are from ultra-orthodox homes. I attended their concluding ceremony. We heard about the success of the program from the organizers and, more importantly, from the participants. Their stories were inspiring anduplifting. After the ceremony, we shared a potluck lunch (of course there wasfood!) and a lot of conversation. I would have loved to have stayed longer tocontinue our conversation, but we were on a mission. We had to get to Netanyafor a meeting. So we said our good-byes and hit the road. The meeting inNetanya was about opening new Citizens’ Rights Centers in the Netanya area.There is work to be done and YEDID is working to be sure it happens.

I am not a social worker. I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know Israeli law. What couldI do to help? They had some development materials that needed tweaking.They wanted to update the statistics that they use in fundraising. They werebehind with their thank you notes. All of this was in English and in my wheel-house. I reworked PowerPoint presentations; I researched poverty statistics; Ideveloped templates in Word and PowerPoint. And I listened and I learnedabout realities in Israel about which I was unaware. And I had a great time.

This was not completely a busman’s holiday. I still met friends for coffee andmeals in Jerusalem and elsewhere. I visited Machane Yehuda, the big market inJerusalem; and I walked on the tayelet (the boardwalk) in Netanya. I attendedShabbat services at Har-El in Jerusalem. Some of you may have followed mysearch for The Best Shakshuka in Israel on Facebook. In a 10th grade classabout diplomacy, I presented information and stories about multi-culturalism.My annual visit to Har Herzl was particularly inspiring this year. I celebrated afriend’s retirement and mourned the loss of a dear friend.

In less than 24 hours, I will board a flight to return to the States. I return withwonderful memories and anticipation about next year’s trip, which is alreadybeing planned. I welcome you to ask me about Skilled Volunteers for Israel(www.skillvolunteerisrael.org) or anything else about my trip. (I’m even willing toshare my personal Shakshuka recipe.) Make your plans now to see Israel soon(or again).

hoW i sPEnt MY WintEr Vacation

Another winter. Another trip to Israel. And it never gets old or boring. As

my wonderful month quickly comes to an end, I decided to avoid the

morning rain and sit in my apartment to reflect with a cup of coffee and my

computer.

As many of you know, my visits to Israel have become an annual event

and one that I begin to plan even before I leave the previous year. During my

visit of 2015-16, I learned about Skilled Volunteers for Israel and it has

become the center of my visits since then. As the name implies, Skilled

Volunteers for Israel matches people who have specific skills with non-

profit organizations who could use those skills. Mine are primarily computer

skills with an emphasis on the user side of software. (I’m not a programmer

and, beyond “turn it off and on again,” I have no idea what to do when a

computer simply stops working.) The fact that my Hebrew is at a fairly high

level, opens other opportunities, although many of the people who volunteer

with Skilled Volunteers have no Hebrew beyond “Shalom,” are easily placed,

and have an equally terrific experience.

Last year I did volunteer work for The Rossing Center which was an

amazing and eye-opening opportunity. (Check out the TBI bulletin from

February 2017 at www.tbiskokie.org for the details.) This year I was placed

with YEDID (www.yedid.org.il/English). “YEDID helps thousands of Israelis

every year struggling with poverty through individual assistance, community

programs, and advocacy. We campaign to tackle the root causes of poverty

so that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help.” (From their 2016

Annual Report.) Quite a lofty goal! They have 16 Citizens’ Rights Centers

throughout the country and hope to open more. People come to these

centers for a variety of reasons: they are having trouble getting what is due

to them from Bituach Leumi (national insurance); their electricity has been

cut off; they are homeless and have been denied welfare. YEDID advocates

for these people on an individual basis. They have also had great success at

the community level and at the national level; laws have been changed and

bills have been passed in the Knesset. (The website has more information

about this.)

By Barbara Seaver

Visit our LibrarYCome and visit the Cohn Library located

on the lower level. Take time browsing throughour wonderful collection then check out yourselections. You will be glad you did!

nanEttE b. MEndELsohn

trEE oF LiFE Fund

Funds used for the beautification

of Temple Beth Israel

donor in honor of

Pam and Ted Lavine . . . . . . . .Marla Bentley’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedy Recovery

donor in Memory of

Harriet and Richard Arons

Pam and Ted Lavine

Patti and Cliff Levy

Sharrel Titlebaum . . . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld


Rozanne and Steve Epstein

Linda and Alan Nidetz . . . .Majorie Goldzweig

Harriet and Richard Arons . . . .Maurice Crohn


Minna and Marv Einhorn . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Harriet and Richard Arons . . . .Elmer Goldman

Ellen Baygood

Minna and Marv Einhorn


Joanne Merritt

Sheila and Eddie Rosenfeld

Jolie and David Rubin

Sharrel Titlebaum . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Pam and Ted Lavine


Sisterhood TBI

Sharrel Titlebaum . . . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider

sidnEY i. coLE caMP

schoLarshiP Fund

Provides camp scholarships

for our students who attend

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp

donor in honor of

Naomi Bayer & Stuart Brandhandler . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .Refuah Shelema to Leon Finkel


.Refuah Shelema to Rabbi Hillel Gamoran



donor in Memory of


Laura & Leon Finkel . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider


Susan Buchbinder

Robin & David Budish

Deborah Carter Berkson & Rabbi Marc Berkson

Rose & Oren Conway

Perri & Richard Courtheoux

Marianne Dreyfus

Rozanne & Steve Epstein

Rachel Evans

Elaine Fox

Madelon & Chuck Gryll

Lois Harris

Ina Hill

Cyndy & Brian Novak

Bobbie & Henry Nussbaum

Benette Phillips

Mary Roth

Beth & Ralph Sair

Roseanne Sangerman

Phyllis Stock

Bobby & Sam Wasserman

Alfred Zacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fae Levine

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Berman

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry Berman

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minnie Berman

Elaine Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rhoda Saphier

Faye & Arnold Oskin . . .Helen Filerman Treger

Beth & Ralph Sair . . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld

rabbi’s discrEtionarY Fund

Provides funds for charitable uses

within and outside the congregation

at the discretion of the Rabbi

donor in honor of

Shari & Daniel Gottlieb . . . . . .Rabbi and Jody

. . . . . . . Weinberg, with thanks for coming

. . . . . . .all the way to Durango to perform

. . . . . . the service for Diana’s Bat Mitzvah

Paula & Larry Hyman . . . . . .General Donation

Deborah Krupp . . . . . . . . . . .Happy Chanukah



Susan & Robert Reisberg . . . .Helene & Chuck

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

. . . . .daughter Rebecca to Michael Drayer

Susan & Robert Reisberg . . .Speedy recovery

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


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of Marla Aviva Bentley

Roberta & Howard Rosell . . .Speedy recovery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Rea Robin

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . . . . .Susan Sosin’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75th Birthday

Dawn & Michael Strauss . . . . . . . .Anniversary

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Dawn and Michael

donor in Memory of

Peggy & Melvin Alexander

Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel

Ilana Baden


Laura Cooper & Bruce Crane

Rachel & Steve Chaiken

Linda & Zachary Fainman

Laura & Leon Finkel


Nina & David Henry

Rochelle & Steven Katz


Ellen Lewis

Estelle London

Linda & Alan Nidetz

Ione & Steve Novak

Susan & Robert Reisberg

Eleanor & Ed Rosen

Janice & Mark Samberg

Sue Schneider & Kevin Schneider

Doris Simon

Meryl & John Smyth

Alice Solovy

Dawn & Michael Strauss

Judy & Steven Zacher . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Peggy & Melvin Alexander . .Evelyn Alexander

Carolyn & Bruce Anders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .Jeanette Lebedoff Steinberg

Carole & Robert Arenson . .Florence Strusiner

Carole & Robert Arenson . . . .Harvey Arenson

Deborah Bornstein & Steve Sklare . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maxine Sklare


Karen Gray-Keeler & Tom Keeler

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maurice “Mel” Crohn

Minna & Marvin Einhorn

Susan & Robert Reisberg . . . . . .Phillip Singer

Iris & Jim Friedlieb . . . . . . . . . .Walter Friedlieb



Debbie & Mark Greenberg

Luba & Robert Johnson

Village of Skokie . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Karen Gray-Keeler & Tom Keeler . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam H. Gray

Evelyn Hyman

Paula & Larry Hyman . . . . . . .Samuel Stotland

June & Joel Levin . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anna Lubow

Carolyn Lieder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Helen Treger

Sofia & Naum Ligum . . . . . . . . . . .Riva Kogan

Ione & Steve Novak . . . . .Marjorie Goldzweig


Eleanor & Ed Rosen . . . . . . . . . .Frank Klopfer

Eleanor & Ed Rosen . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Altman

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

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . .Ruth Kaplan Roth

Alice Solovy . . . . . .Jerome Raymond Marcus



In the November bulletin, I began a 3-part series

about Cantillation, or the art of chanting Torah. I

explained that the symbols of cantillation, also

known as trope, or ta-amei hamikrah, function in

three ways: melody, syllabic stress, and punctuation.

Each symbol has a prescribed melody, and where

the symbol is located above or below the Hebrew,

indicates the syllabic stress of the word. This month

we will discuss how each symbol provides punctuation and therefore

can help us interpret meaning of our sacred texts.

Each trope symbol is designated as either a mafsik (separator) or a

m’chaber (connector). The most important mafsikim (separators) also

happen to be the names of each of the 6 major clauses: Etnachtah,

Sof-Pasuk, Katon, T’vir, R’vi-i, and Segol. There are additional

separators such as: Tipcha, Pashta, and Gershayim; there are 19 in

total. Based on a system of hierarchy, each of these symbols tells the

chanter to pause. We can compare this to the way a comma, colon, or

period function in language. In contrast, other symbols called

m’chabrim (connectors) tell the chanter to connect to the next word.

The main connectors are Mercha, Munach, Mapach, Kadma, and

Darga. There are 8 connectors in total.

By understanding whether you are chanting a connector or

separator, the reader can determine phrasing and, therefore, meaning.

For example, if you examine the sentence The panda eats shoots and

leaves, you understand that the panda is an animal that eats both the

shoots of a plant and its leaves. However, if you change it to The panda

eats, shoots and leaves you have the story of an animal who, following

his meal, picks up a gun and fires it before leaving the premises. A very

different story. (By the way, Eats, Shoots & Leaves is the title of a

book about grammar by Lynne Truss.) Without proper punctuation or

with incorrect punctuation, words and phrases can be interpreted in

a way not intended by the author. Trope marks distinguish these

phrases so the reader (and the Rabbis) can focus their study.

Joy & Blessings,

Marla Aviva Bentley

sistErhood nEWs EVErYthinG i nEEd to knoW

i LEarnEd WhiLE PLaYinG Mah jonGGIn November of last year, Sisterhood organized a “Mahj for

Beginners” class. Over forty women participated, many of whom werenot members of Sisterhood or even of TBI. We showed a PowerPointpresentation, handed out an instruction booklet, played a few open-handed games, and offered snacks and wine. (Yes, Mahj does improvewith wine.) At each table we seated three beginners and one Maven. Itwas a fun and very successful program and many of the attendeesrequested follow-up sessions.

Mah Jongg is a staple at many Sisterhood and WRJ events. So, forthose of us who play Mahj on a regular basis and especially those whodo not – what life lessons can all this Mahj playing impart to us as individuals and to Sisterhood as a group? [editor’s note: Non-Mahjplayers: Even if you don't understand the Mahj terminology, you will findthe Life Lessons well worth reading. So jump to the Life Lesson and skipthe Mahj-speak.]

1. you can’t play every hand on the card.

There are 52-plus possible hands on a typical Mahj card. The idea is to rack the tiles you are dealt and then scan the card trying to find possible hands to go for. Many players get stuck here – not knowingwhat to pass and what to keep.

life lesson #1: We can’t do it all. We need to learn to choose whatwe do by being clear about our overarching goal: where we want to go,who we want to be/become. Then we can choose projects, activities,and actions that align with our goal and will bring us closer to it.

2. you can’t Mahj (win) second.

Don’t get so caught up in wanting to win that you hold on when allevidence tells you that it is not meant to be.

life lesson #2: In life we may find ourselves asking, what am I holding onto (behaviors, a job, a relationship) that is no longer working?Detaching, letting go, is very freeing. When we let go, we can step back and look at our lives and circumstances more objectively. We caninitiate new actions that will better serve our current needs and lead toachieving our goals. Letting go, detaching, is critical to success in somany aspects of our lives.

3. There is no perfect way to play the tiles you are dealt.

Each player is dealt tiles. The first person to match one of the handson the card wins the game.

life lesson #3: We are each dealt circumstances (tiles in Mahj-speak) in our lives. Our height, our body type, our family, etc. Maybe we would like to be taller, maybe we would like to be a size 4, and maybe we wish our family behaved differently. However, many of thesecircumstances cannot be changed, so we need to learn to play withwhat we have and strive to get as close to winning as possible. That’s allwe can do.

4. have a strategy.

Similar to many games, Mah Jongg has a few rules which are easy tofollow and simple to learn, but they can be difficult to master. You mustlearn what combinations of tiles make up a hand. You need to becomeskilled to play both offensively and defensively.

life lesson #4: If we don’t have a strategy, life controls us instead ofthe other way around.

5. The tiles don’t always go your way.

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how great a player you are or how solidyour strategy is. At times, the tiles just don’t come your way. You mighthave the best plan in the world, but Mahj sometimes turns on bad luck.

life lesson #5: We all need to learn to accept the hands we are dealt in life, to uncover our gifts and talents, and play our life handsextraordinarily well. For now, perhaps the seeds we have planted herewill get you thinking.

Live Long and Mah Jongg!!

Sheila Rosenfeld and Joanne Merritt – Sisterhood Co-Presidents

sistErhood anniVErsariEs and birthdaYs

MARCH ANNIVERSARIESJudi and Cary Weinstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/2/1996

Shirley and Hy Levens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/3/1946

Mary Anne and Raymond Wexler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/5/1967

Paula and Daniel Sabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3/14/1993

Shana and Matthew Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/25/2001

Lisa Gelfond and Garry Manning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/26/2000

Deborah and Jay Shulruf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/29/1980

Michelle and Jeff Dorfman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/30/2003

MARCH BIRTHDAYSShelley Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/2

Aviva Goldman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/4

Devy Weitzman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4

Rea Robin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/6

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/8

Tanya Frid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/11

Joan Hakimi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/11

Florence Berman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/13

Gail Weiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/16

Roslyne Heimann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/17

Susan Derex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

DarLynn Kaufmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

Ione Novak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/19

Linda Perlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/21

Sandy Sabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/21

Elaine Clearfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/25

Dale Cone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/26

Ardel Fogel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/28

Elaine Bers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/30

Andrea Blain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/30

Lee Schur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3/30

Chai notEs FroM thE Music dirEctor

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

February 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . .Board Meeting

February 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Book Group:

. .Having Our Say, the Delaney Sisters' First 100 Years

March 1 – 4 . . . .WRJ Fried Leadership Conference, Nashville

March 7, 12:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Program Meeting

March 7,14, and 21, 10:00-11:30 a.m. . Study With the Rabbi

March 11, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Board Meeting

March 23 – 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mah Jongg, Canasta, and

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Games Weekend, OSRUI

March 24, 6:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Fundraising Event

sistErhood cEntEnniaL tidbit

During the 1960s, Sisterhood instituted

the Career Group. Evening meetings were

held for working members. Bowling, Bridge,

and Mah Jongg groups were started and

tournaments were held. A Welcome Wagon

committee began visiting new members of the Congregation and

delivering gifts of challah, wine, and candles. New Circle groups were

started that held regular meetings with programs to suit the

interests of the group.

Sisterhood TBI Centennial Committee

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.

attEntion journaLists and

asPirinG journaLists!

reminder: Material for the bulletin is

due electronically to the Bulletin Editor 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 March

bulletin is February 10.

sistErhood book GrouP

The Sisterhood Book Group will meet on

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

in the TBI Cohn Library at 7:00 pm. We will

discuss Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters'

First 100 Years, by Sarah and A. Elizabeth

Delany with Amy Hill Hearth.

According to Goodreads "In their 200+

combined years, Sadie and Bessie Delany

have seen it all. They saw their father, who was

born into slavery, become America's first black Episcopal bishop.

They saw their mother – a woman of mixed racial parentage who

was born free – give birth to ten children, all of whom would

become college-educated, successful professionals in a time when

blacks could scarcely expect to receive a high school diploma..."

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

library. Please RSVP to Jane Page, [email protected].

Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel

Cel

ebra

t ing 100 Years 1917-2017

FUnd FOr The FUTUreWith the arrival of TBI’s Centennial Anniversary, we are celebrating

a century of community bound by love for Judaism, the Jewish people,

ties of family and friendship, and caring for one another. This very

special milestone has inspired the establishment of the congregation’s

programmatic endowment, the Fund for the Future, to carry vibrant

Jewish life into our next hundred years. With generous leadership

commitments, we already are more than halfway toward the endowment

campaign’s $1,000,000 target! Equally important as the dollars we

raise, however, is the goal of everyone’s participation. The hope is that

every member household will take part in this campaign at a level that

is personally meaningful and thereby share proud ownership of the

endowment. Every gift to the endowment is valued and important, and

is, itself, an expression of confidence in TBI’s vitality and future. Please

be prepared to respond as generously as possible when you are asked.

tELL Your FriEnds about tbi

Temple Beth Israel has so much to offer – a diverse, involved, and

caring community, a top-notch professional staff, a warm and welcom-

ing home for worship and spiritual exploration, outstanding schools

and adult education, friendly and active Sisterhood and Brotherhood,

a commitment to community service and social justice, and lots more.

So let your friends know about us. Invite them to join you for services

and programs throughout the year . . . and invite them to join us!

VIsIT The TBI weBsITe

Take a look at our NEWLY UPDATED website at

www.tbiskokie.org. You’ll find loads of up-to-date, easy to

find information about worship services, school schedules,

regular programs, and special events, along with important

phone numbers and other handy and useful information.

FroM thE dirEctor oF conGrEGationaL LEarninG

Sometimes it is a well-timed phone call, a note, or a

short visit. Sometimes it is a meal, an offer to walk a dog,

or a ride to services. It could be setting up the meal of

consolation at the outset of shiva or the offer to pick up

a prescription. These are some of the tasks provided

through the TBI Mitzvah Corp, a dedicated group of

volunteers that provides these services graciously. This

community never ceases to amaze me in our members’

willingness to step up and volunteer as needed.

Serving on the Mitzvah Corp is one of the most fulfilling volunteer roles

in our congregation and we are always seeking additional participants. If

you are interested in visiting someone, delivering soup, or providing other

needed services, please consider volunteering. If you are interested, please

reach out to the Mitzvah Corp co chairs Jolie Rubin [email protected]

and Fran Meyer [email protected].

February can be a cold, lonely, and isolating month. We can each do our

part to help others feel that they are part of a loving community. I hope you

will consider joining the team.

Stay warm!

B’shalom,

Lori B. Sagarin

One of the community programs that I saw in action is in Kiryat Gat(Chicago’s sister city!). It is a two-month course for women who want to returnto the workforce or to join it for the first time. Many – perhaps a majority – ofthese women are from ultra-orthodox homes. I attended their concluding ceremony. We heard about the success of the program from the organizers and, more importantly, from the participants. Their stories were inspiring anduplifting. After the ceremony, we shared a potluck lunch (of course there wasfood!) and a lot of conversation. I would have loved to have stayed longer tocontinue our conversation, but we were on a mission. We had to get to Netanyafor a meeting. So we said our good-byes and hit the road. The meeting inNetanya was about opening new Citizens’ Rights Centers in the Netanya area.There is work to be done and YEDID is working to be sure it happens.

I am not a social worker. I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know Israeli law. What couldI do to help? They had some development materials that needed tweaking.They wanted to update the statistics that they use in fundraising. They werebehind with their thank you notes. All of this was in English and in my wheel-house. I reworked PowerPoint presentations; I researched poverty statistics; Ideveloped templates in Word and PowerPoint. And I listened and I learnedabout realities in Israel about which I was unaware. And I had a great time.

This was not completely a busman’s holiday. I still met friends for coffee andmeals in Jerusalem and elsewhere. I visited Machane Yehuda, the big market inJerusalem; and I walked on the tayelet (the boardwalk) in Netanya. I attendedShabbat services at Har-El in Jerusalem. Some of you may have followed mysearch for The Best Shakshuka in Israel on Facebook. In a 10th grade classabout diplomacy, I presented information and stories about multi-culturalism.My annual visit to Har Herzl was particularly inspiring this year. I celebrated afriend’s retirement and mourned the loss of a dear friend.

In less than 24 hours, I will board a flight to return to the States. I return withwonderful memories and anticipation about next year’s trip, which is alreadybeing planned. I welcome you to ask me about Skilled Volunteers for Israel(www.skillvolunteerisrael.org) or anything else about my trip. (I’m even willing toshare my personal Shakshuka recipe.) Make your plans now to see Israel soon(or again).

hoW i sPEnt MY WintEr Vacation

Another winter. Another trip to Israel. And it never gets old or boring. As

my wonderful month quickly comes to an end, I decided to avoid the

morning rain and sit in my apartment to reflect with a cup of coffee and my

computer.

As many of you know, my visits to Israel have become an annual event

and one that I begin to plan even before I leave the previous year. During my

visit of 2015-16, I learned about Skilled Volunteers for Israel and it has

become the center of my visits since then. As the name implies, Skilled

Volunteers for Israel matches people who have specific skills with non-

profit organizations who could use those skills. Mine are primarily computer

skills with an emphasis on the user side of software. (I’m not a programmer

and, beyond “turn it off and on again,” I have no idea what to do when a

computer simply stops working.) The fact that my Hebrew is at a fairly high

level, opens other opportunities, although many of the people who volunteer

with Skilled Volunteers have no Hebrew beyond “Shalom,” are easily placed,

and have an equally terrific experience.

Last year I did volunteer work for The Rossing Center which was an

amazing and eye-opening opportunity. (Check out the TBI bulletin from

February 2017 at www.tbiskokie.org for the details.) This year I was placed

with YEDID (www.yedid.org.il/English). “YEDID helps thousands of Israelis

every year struggling with poverty through individual assistance, community

programs, and advocacy. We campaign to tackle the root causes of poverty

so that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help.” (From their 2016

Annual Report.) Quite a lofty goal! They have 16 Citizens’ Rights Centers

throughout the country and hope to open more. People come to these

centers for a variety of reasons: they are having trouble getting what is due

to them from Bituach Leumi (national insurance); their electricity has been

cut off; they are homeless and have been denied welfare. YEDID advocates

for these people on an individual basis. They have also had great success at

the community level and at the national level; laws have been changed and

bills have been passed in the Knesset. (The website has more information

about this.)

By Barbara Seaver

Visit our LibrarYCome and visit the Cohn Library located

on the lower level. Take time browsing throughour wonderful collection then check out yourselections. You will be glad you did!

nanEttE b. MEndELsohn

trEE oF LiFE Fund

Funds used for the beautification

of Temple Beth Israel

donor in honor of

Pam and Ted Lavine . . . . . . . .Marla Bentley’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedy Recovery

donor in Memory of


Pam and Ted Lavine


Sharrel Titlebaum . . . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld


Rozanne and Steve Epstein

Linda and Alan Nidetz . . . .Majorie Goldzweig

Harriet and Richard Arons . . . .Maurice Crohn


Minna and Marv Einhorn . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Harriet and Richard Arons . . . .Elmer Goldman

Ellen Baygood

Minna and Marv Einhorn


Joanne Merritt

Sheila and Eddie Rosenfeld


Sharrel Titlebaum . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Pam and Ted Lavine


Sisterhood TBI

Sharrel Titlebaum . . . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider

sidnEY i. coLE caMP

schoLarshiP Fund

Provides camp scholarships

for our students who attend

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp

donor in honor of


. . . . . . . . .Refuah Shelema to Leon Finkel


.Refuah Shelema to Rabbi Hillel Gamoran



donor in Memory of


Laura & Leon Finkel . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider


Susan Buchbinder

Robin & David Budish

Deborah Carter Berkson & Rabbi Marc Berkson

Rose & Oren Conway

Perri & Richard Courtheoux

Marianne Dreyfus

Rozanne & Steve Epstein

Rachel Evans

Elaine Fox

Madelon & Chuck Gryll

Lois Harris

Ina Hill

Cyndy & Brian Novak

Bobbie & Henry Nussbaum

Benette Phillips

Mary Roth

Beth & Ralph Sair

Roseanne Sangerman

Phyllis Stock

Bobby & Sam Wasserman

Alfred Zacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fae Levine

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Berman

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry Berman

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minnie Berman

Elaine Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rhoda Saphier


Beth & Ralph Sair . . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld

rabbi’s discrEtionarY Fund

Provides funds for charitable uses

within and outside the congregation

at the discretion of the Rabbi

donor in honor of

Shari & Daniel Gottlieb . . . . . .Rabbi and Jody

. . . . . . . Weinberg, with thanks for coming

. . . . . . .all the way to Durango to perform

. . . . . . the service for Diana’s Bat Mitzvah

Paula & Larry Hyman . . . . . .General Donation

Deborah Krupp . . . . . . . . . . .Happy Chanukah



Susan & Robert Reisberg . . . .Helene & Chuck

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

. . . . .daughter Rebecca to Michael Drayer


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


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of Marla Aviva Bentley

Roberta & Howard Rosell . . .Speedy recovery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Rea Robin

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . . . . .Susan Sosin’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75th Birthday

Dawn & Michael Strauss . . . . . . . .Anniversary

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Dawn and Michael

donor in Memory of

Peggy & Melvin Alexander

Andrea Backman & Mick Siegel

Ilana Baden



Rachel & Steve Chaiken

Linda & Zachary Fainman

Laura & Leon Finkel


Nina & David Henry

Rochelle & Steven Katz


Ellen Lewis

Estelle London

Linda & Alan Nidetz

Ione & Steve Novak

Susan & Robert Reisberg

Eleanor & Ed Rosen

Janice & Mark Samberg

Sue Schneider & Kevin Schneider

Doris Simon

Meryl & John Smyth

Alice Solovy

Dawn & Michael Strauss

Judy & Steven Zacher . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Peggy & Melvin Alexander . .Evelyn Alexander

Carolyn & Bruce Anders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .Jeanette Lebedoff Steinberg

Carole & Robert Arenson . .Florence Strusiner

Carole & Robert Arenson . . . .Harvey Arenson

Deborah Bornstein & Steve Sklare . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maxine Sklare


Karen Gray-Keeler & Tom Keeler

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maurice “Mel” Crohn

Minna & Marvin Einhorn

Susan & Robert Reisberg . . . . . .Phillip Singer

Iris & Jim Friedlieb . . . . . . . . . .Walter Friedlieb



Debbie & Mark Greenberg

Luba & Robert Johnson

Village of Skokie . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Karen Gray-Keeler & Tom Keeler . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam H. Gray

Evelyn Hyman

Paula & Larry Hyman . . . . . . .Samuel Stotland

June & Joel Levin . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anna Lubow

Carolyn Lieder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Helen Treger

Sofia & Naum Ligum . . . . . . . . . . .Riva Kogan

Ione & Steve Novak . . . . .Marjorie Goldzweig


Eleanor & Ed Rosen . . . . . . . . . .Frank Klopfer

Eleanor & Ed Rosen . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Altman

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

Cynthia Roth Garfield . . . . .Ruth Kaplan Roth

Alice Solovy . . . . . .Jerome Raymond Marcus



in thE tEMPLE FaMiLYMAZEL TOV TO:

Lisa Wynn on the birth of her new grandson, son of Hanni Itah and

Andrew Moses.

Fran and Allan Klenestky on the birth of their new grandson, son of

Jody and Joshua Ehrenberg.

Linda and Irwin Janush on the birth of their new grandson, son of

Caryn and Bryan Mullaney.

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:

The following Temple members are recovering from recent illness:

Ina Hill and Elaine Morgan. We wish them a speedy recovery.

CONDOLENCES:

We note with sorrow the passing of Arnold Schneider, father of Jon

Schneider; Dorothy Reisberg, mother of Robert Reisberg; Jerome

Broutman, father of Jay Broutman and Debra Berk; Sheldon Rosenfeld,

brother of Eddie Rosenfeld; Elmer Goldman, brother of Eudice Lorge;

Marjorie Goldzweig, sister of Phyllis Cantor; Edward Keno, son of

Lee Keno; and Saul Kaufman, father of Michael Kaufman. May their

memories be a blessing.

FroM thE PrEsidEnt

This is the first time I’ve had to write a bulletin article

since my dad passed away. Life for me will be changed

forever. While my dad was 93 years old and his

passing was not tragic, it certainly leaves a hole in my

life. There are some things that only my dad would

understand. There have been a few times in the past

couple of months I’ve wanted to tell my dad something,

but that’s no longer possible. I’ve been attending

Shabbat services more regularly than ever in the past year, yet this is the

first time I have been a mourner, standing during the Mourner’s Kaddish.

The passing of a parent is a milestone event in my life. It somehow

makes my own mortality more real. It is a time of reflection, a time to

consider what I want out of life, what makes me happy. It has helped me

realize the importance of my family, of being together, of supporting

each other, and enjoying time with each other. It also has impacted my

feelings about TBI. While my dad was 93, TBI is now 100, having been

established 7 years before my dad’s birth in 1924. As I think about my

dad’s life and how he lives on through what he accomplished and how

he lived, I find that keeping the spirit of TBI alive for another century and

expanding its reach is even more important than before.

I look forward to continuing to work to expand TBI’s reach, not just

to new members whom we are always looking to bring in, but also to our

current members who perhaps are not as connected as we would like

them to be. The leadership of the Congregation and the professional

staff are working hard every day to create meaningful programs and

make connections with ALL our members. But we do not have a

monopoly on good ideas. How can TBI be the center of our Jewish

lives? What can we do as a community to better serve the needs of our

members? Let me know. Call me. E-mail me. There is so much that TBI

has done and so much TBI has meant over its first 100 years. What can

it become? How can we better meet the needs of the community? How

can we engage more of our current members? This is the challenge we

face moving forward into our second century. I am honored and

humbled to be a part of this amazing time at TBI. My dad would be

proud. Miss you, Pop.

UnsUng herO recOgnITIOnIn our last Bulletin of 2017, we began a program to honor volunteers

at TBI who have made contributions to our community that have been

largely unrecognized over the years. This is the space where we will be

able to continue to recognize these Unsung Heroes in our congregation.

This month, I would like to recognize another woman with a strong

history at TBI, Judy Kemp. For the last several years, Judy has been pri-

marily responsible for the meal for mourners on the day of the funeral.

This is a task which requires quick turnaround, tact, organization, and

diligence. Judy has demonstrated all of that and more. She has also

been under the radar as a key part of the Catering Committee and

coordinating Bar/Bat Mitzvahs (along with Linda Lewison), and she

has worked with Carol Barrington to coordinate our High Holy Day

Services at ETHS. She has served as Co-VP of Fund Raising and is also

currently co-chair (with Lisa Drucker) of our Committee charged with

all of the various aspects of our celebration and recognition of our

100th Anniversary as a Congregation. Whatever needs doing, Judy’s

probably done it. She is easy to work with, she gets things done, never

complains, and rarely gets the recognition she has earned for her hard

work.

With such a lengthy resume, I am very pleased to be able to give the

latest Unsung Hero award to Judy Kemp.

By Jon Schneider

POsTcArd FrOM TBI reTreAT OsrUI 2017

Shalom Friends,

Good company – new and long-term, restful Shabbat, rich conver-

sation, music, walks, full moon, Wisconsin campus, and plentiful food.

Thank you to all who facilitated! See you next year.

From a Refreshed and Grateful TBI Soul

cOngregATIOnAl ThAnk yOU

I would like to thank the members of Temple Beth Israel for the

notes, cards, flowers, and good wishes that you bestowed upon me

during my two unexpected surgeries. Your prayers and support

brightened an otherwise challenging time. I am grateful to work at a

place like Temple Beth Israel where the leadership, staff, and clergy

were so supportive during my hospitalization and recovery. You are all

my family and I feel very blessed.

Marla Aviva Bentley


BETTY WINTER

Beloved mother of Ilene Klegon and Jody Weinberg



ROSELIN ROTHMAN

Beloved mother of Judy Wenger


Education Fund

Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI

donor in honor of

Ellen Garber Bronfeld & Noah Bronfeld . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Happy New Year!

Laura & Leon Finkel . . . . . . . . . . . .The birth of

. . . . . . . . . .Drs. Susan and Jimmy Cohn’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .grandson, Jonah Cohn

Bill Klopsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anniversary

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Beth and Dave Osten



Lillian Rubenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thank you

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for the birthday wishes

Mikala & Adam Stewart . . . . . . .Efram Stewart

donor in Memory of

Barbara & Robert Agdern . . . .Rosalyn Brown

Barbara & Robert Agdern . . . . .Shirley Agdern

Libby & Andy Beider

Elaine Gallagher


Paula & Daniel Sabin

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sarah Meyer

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sherwin Brick

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam Brick

CPS Student Science Fair, Inc. Board of

Directors & Operating Committee Chairpersons


Staff of McGreal Center and Mission & Ministry

Jay Niederhoffer . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Roseanne & James Dorger . . . . . . .Elise Levin


Madelon & Chuck Gryll . . . . . . . . .Jerry Hirsch

Sharon Saphier Grad . . . . . . . .Rhoda Saphier

Alyce Heman

Nina & David Henry


Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . .Arnold Schneider

Alyce Heman

Nina & David Henry . . . .Maurice “Mel” Crohn

Nina & David Henry . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld

Deana Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Hoffman

Joan & Albert Leb . . . . . . . . . . .Emanuel Ager

Angela & Charlie Platt . . . . . . . . . . .Elsie Levin

Paula & Daniel Sabin . . . . . .Betty Helen Giffin

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . .Marjorie Goldwzeig

Janice & Modesto Senra . . . .Arthur Gartzman

Diane Stotland-Repkin . . . . .Samuel Stotland

Carol & Mark Winston . . . . . . .Lenny Winston


Music Fund

Provides funds for music programs

donor in honor of


Nina & David Henry

Sheila & Eddie Rosenfeld

Alice Solovy

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . .Speedy recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of Marla Aviva Bentley


Gary Zimmerman . . .Rabbi Michael Weinberg

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . .Marla Aviva Bentley

donor in Memory of

Roz & Ernie Heimann . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Nina & David Henry

Mary Bucher Kloet

Leah & Mike Ostrar

Becky & Greg Reuhs

Mary Roth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Reisberg

Leah & Mike Ostrar . . . . . . . . . . .Phillip Singer

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


donor in Memory of

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . .Norman Sussman

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

Laura & Leon Finkel . . . . .Marjorie Goldwzeig



Morris Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evelyn Levy

Becky & Greg Reuhs . . . . . . . .Sadie Sherman

torah Fund

Provides support for all Temple programs

donor in honor of

Lillian Rubenstein . . . . . . .Thank you to Rabbi . . . . . & Jody Weinberg and Eudice Lorge

donor in Memory of


Mimi Fox & Lloyd Wasser

Cyndy & Brian Novak

Nina & David Vinik

Lenore & Joel Wineberg . . . .Arnold Schneider

Judith Dorfman . . . . . . . . .Sheldon Rosenfeld

Sofia & Naum Ligum . . . . . . . . .Raya Serman

Leah & Mike Ostrar

Mimi Rosenbush . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Winter

arnoLd FaMiLY Education EnrichMEnt Fund

This fund is used for special programs in our religious and Hebrew schools

donor in honor of


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 honor of

Faye & Arnold Oskin . . . . . . . .Jack Broutman

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on his Bar Mitzvah



hErZL b. MEndELsohn LibrarY Fund


purchase of books, periodicals, furnishing

and supplies for our library

donor in honor of



donor in Memory of



Ilene & Doug Klegon . . .Maurice “Mel” Crohn

kLEi kodEsh Fund


purchase and repair of prayer books

and religious articles

donor in Memory of

Morris Levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arthur Levy

Morris FaMiLY coMMunitY Fund

This fund was established to respond to

emergency needs of individuals in the

Skokie community as identified by the

Village of Skokie social services staff

donor in honor of



rabbi Ernst M. LorGE

sanctuarY Fund

Provides for the continued maintenance

and beautification of our sanctuary

($18.00 minimum)

donor in Memory of

Ilene & Doug Klegon . . . . . . . .Elmer Goldman

Roberta & Robert Washlow . . . . . .Bettie Port

Roberta & Robert Washlow . . . . . .Byron Port

FaYE and hoWard ricE

cuLturaL Fund

This fund provides support for social

and cultural programming including

scholars in residence.

donor in Memory of




TBI MeMBers In The newsThe 40th Anniversary Book Issue of Chicago Jewish History,

Vol.41, No.4, Fall 2017, mentions both Jewish Law In Transition: How

Economic Forces Overcame the Prohibition Against Lending Interest,

by Rabbi Hillel Gamoran, and Beyond The Scent Of Olives, by Alice

Marcus Solovy. In addition to the two TBI members of the Chicago

Jewish Historical Society having their books cited, the issue reprints an

email thanking Lori Sagarin and TBI students for giving Christmas gifts

to 460 Herzl school students in Chicago.



See box below for additional contributors


February Birthday Blessings


Torah Portion “Yitro”


6:00 P.M. Shalom Shabbat

7:30 P.M. Erev Shabbat Services with Koleynu


Shabbat Shekalim

Torah Portion “Mishpatim”





Bar Mitzvah of Jack Broutman

Son of Paula and Jay Broutman

Torah Portion “Terumah”


Rabbi’s Yahrzeits

Rabbi David Saperstein, Guest Speaker


Bat Mitzvah of Lena Costello

Daughter of Jenny Costello

Shabbat Zachor

Torah Portion “Tetzaveh”

shabbat Friday Evening, March 2*



March Birthday Blessings

shabbat saturday Morning, March 3 at 10:30 a.M.

Torah Portion “Ki Tisa”

*Please note time

February 2018 Shevat – Adar 5778 Volume 101 Number 4

In one of my first sermons at Temple Beth

Israel, in the summer of 1987, I spoke about

our congregation having a proud heritage

and a destiny of distinction. Now, thirty years

later, those words still ring true and yet they

resonate in a slightly different fashion. As we

celebrate our centennial year we, indeed,

have much of which to be proud. Longevity,

in and of itself, is noteworthy. We are among

only a handful of congregations that have been around for a century or

more. I think that our greatest source of pride ought to be that, over the

course of the past 100 years, we have touched and inspired hundreds,

if not thousands, of people. We have been here to help our fellow

congregants cope with the most challenging times in their lives, and we

have been here to help each other celebrate our greatest joys. And we

have been here for all the times in between – the holidays, the classes,

the programs and projects to help those in need, the retreats and

Israel trips, the community engagement – and the friendships and

relationships that have spanned the decades.

Now we are looking forward to our second century. We have no

intention of resting on our laurels. We are so gratified that new members

have joined the ranks of our congregation. Each new member brings

new energy and new ideas as well as new questions, new curiosity, and

new hope. And each new member also brings his or her own life story

and life experience to be added to our collective congregational story.

Our TBI story continues to be written day in and day out – every week,

every life cycle event, every religious school class, every holiday

celebration, every social action project, every Kabbalat Shabbat.

Our congregation’s scroll is quite literally still being written. Over the

next few months please stop by the Temple and take the time to scroll

through and read of the events that your fellow congregants have

entered, and to write part of your story onto our TBI scroll. Only when

all of our stories are included will our collective story be complete. I am

thrilled to be a part of this very exciting journey of the community we

call Temple Beth Israel.

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 Barbara Alper who made a donation

for the Likrat Shabbat on February 2 in honor of her February

birthday. We would also like to thank Ernie Heimann, Debbi Kohl,

Linda Lewison, and Gary Zimmerman who made donations in

honor of their January birthdays. Thank you also to Vera Rubin

and Beth Sair who made donations in honor of their December

birthdays.

Likrat shabbat

The first weekend in December 2017 found nearly seventy

members of TBI enjoying the beauty of Olin Sang Ruby Union

Institute (OSRUI). The event was multi-generational and com-

bined spirituality, music, fun, learning, and rest. Even if you

weren’t able to participate this year, mark your calendar now

for next year’s retreat: February 8 – 10, 2019.

TBI Students had a magical time at our Chanukah Party.

periodical postage paid at skokie, il temple beth israel ... · 3601 w. dempster street • skokie,...

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