The Shofar Bulletin - Congregation Sha

A publication of Congregation Sha’arey Israel
A Conservative Congregation
Serving Macon and Middle Georgia
Affiliated with United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism - Website: www.uscj.org
Editor: Deborah Adler
611 First Street
Macon, Georgia 31201
www.csimacon.org
Executive Committee
January 2015
Tevet - Shevat 5775
Remember www.GoodSearch.com
Choose Congregation Sha'arey Israel as the charity you are supporting.
High Stakes Bingo and Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, January 31st, 2015
Idle Hour Country Club
An Evening of Fun, Food and
Cash Prizes!
$50.00 Admission ticket
Admits one person for 3 Bingo Games
Cash Prizes; SuperBowl Trivia Prizes
Eligible to bid on Silent and Live Auction items
Enjoy a delicious cocktail buffet
Cash Bar…….and more!
President - Anne Bayme
Vice President - Theresa Rosengart
Treasurer - Robert Chanin
Recording Secretary - Pam Hill
Corresponding Secretary - Linda Haskins
Ex Officio - Shelley Davidson
Board Chairmanships
Adult Education - Jan Lewis
Board of Education - Jennifer Bernstein
Board of Trustees Liaison - David Frolich
Cemetery - Joe Finkelstein
Gifts & Memorials - David Frolich
House - Jim Henigman
Membership - Terri Frolich
Ritual - Jeff Lehman
Social Action - David Ilan
Secretary - Stephanie Johnson
Custodian - Donnell Howard
*** OFFICE HOURS ***
9:00 am - 5:00 pm M-Thursday
9:00 am - 3:30 pm Friday
Lunch 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Friday Evening Shabbat Services are held at 6:15 PM.
Saturday Shabbat services are at 9:30 AM.
Thursday morning minyan at 7:00 AM
Please check the calendar each month for any special times.
Services at a Glance - January
Thursday, January 1st
8:00 AM Minyan
Friday, January 2nd
Services 6:15 PM
Candle lighting 5:22 PM
Saturday, January 3rd
9:30 AM service
Parsha VaYechi
Thursday, January 8th
7:00 AM Minyan
Friday, January 9th
Services 6:15 PM
Candle lighting 5:27 PM
Saturday, January 10th
9:30 AM Service
Parsha Shemot
Thursday, January 15th
7:00 AM Minyan
Friday, January16th
Services 6:15 PM
Candle Lighting 5:33 PM
Bat Mitzvah - Maya Rubinstein
Saturday, January 17th
9:30 AM Service
Parsha Ve’era
Bat Mitzvah - Maya Rubinstein
Mincha/Ma’ariv at 5:30 with dinner
Thursday, January 22nd
7:00 AM Minyan
Friday, January 23rd
Services 6:15 PM
Candle lighting 5:40 PM
Saturday, January 24th
Service 9:30 AM
Parsha Bo
Thursday, January 29th
7:00 AM Minyan
Friday, January 30th
6:15 AM Services
Candle lighting 5:47 PM
“Song of the Sea” Shabbat Dinner
Saturday, January 31st
Services 9:30 AM
Parsha Beshallach
Shabbat Shirah
THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED TO JOIN THE
RUBINSTIEIN FAMILY FOR A MINCHA SERVICE
ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, AT
FOLLOWED BY A SEUDAH SHLISHIT
(DINNER OF BAKED ZITI, GARLIC BREAD AND SALAD)
5:30
,
AND THEN MA’ARIV SERVICE AT
6:40
PLEASE RSVP TO
[email protected]
OR Call
478-250-5586
HEBREW SCHOOL
January 7th; 14th; 21st; 28th
SUNDAY SCHOOL
January 11th - Teen Class & Junior Congregation
No Sunday School on January 4th and 18th
January 25th - 4K - Teen Class USY/Kadima
RABBI AARON’S OFFICE HOURS
Tuesdays - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays - Noon - 3:00 PM
Thursdays - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Or by appointment - call office 478-745-4571
A word of Torah From Rabbi Aaron Rubinstein
Personal and Professional...
Back around 1990, I was a rabbinic intern at the Forest Hills Jewish Center in Queens - big shul, sizable staff, well over a thousand
members. In terms of places I could envision myself working - pretty far off my radar screen. My mentor, the senior rabbi, was a manon-the-go; involved in a wide array of New York Jewish leadership circles, as well as consumed with layers of shul matters, large and
small.
I vividly remember him telling me that, one day, when I became a parent, I would actually understand who my congregants were; what
their real lives were like. At that time, I was put off by those words; they sounded condescending - and I, well, I think I knew everything
at that time. After all, I was a senior in rabbinical school at JTS (!). It took a few years for me to figure out just how little a newly
minted rabbi knows about the real world.
Fast forward to Macon, 1993 - Sherah Israel at that time, pre-kids. How could I possibly understand kids running around in shul, crawling under occupied chairs, parents too busy juggling bits of life to be fully engaged in shul stuff? It’s 2015, the little Macon kids have
grown up, some are parents. Our daughter is about to celebrate her becoming a bat mitzvah, and our son leaves for college in a few
months. (I still have trouble saying or writing those words without getting a bit choked up; I know, a bit pathetic, please bear with me!)
Gerry Skolnik’s words ring truer than I could ever imagine. Two phrases come to mind:
1. “These are the names”
The book of Exodus opens with a list of Jacob’s clan coming down to Egypt. These days I find myself awash in a list of names - people
who have changed my life; people who became dear friends, people who have passed away, people who made the ride so interesting,
and - way too few synagogue honors with way too many names (the absolute bane of all pre- bnei mitzvah parents.
2. “I get by with a little help from my friends”
I can’t overstate this truth. There are so many wonderful people in this kehilla who mean so much to us; people who have been there
with us and for us during this past 20 (!) years. This bat mitzvah weekend is simply one more reminder of how blessed all the Macon
Rubinstein’s are to be part of this community, to be back home again.
I know - sentimental, but it has to be said. Thank you. For everything
Love,
Aaron
A Message from our President, Anne Bayme
“Mother
Time: We all get the same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” (Hillary DePiano) We have done
quite a bit this year with our days at Congregation Sha’arey Israel! In addition to noting and celebrating four New Years on the Jewish
calendar (1 Tishre is Rosh HaShanah, The Head of the Year; 15 Shevat is the New Year of the Trees; 1 Nisan is Pesach; and 1 Elul is
the New Year for animal tithing, and also when we begin preparation for Rosh HaShanah), we wrapped up December 2014, and now
look forward to the New Year 2015.
In early December, on Thursday, the 4th, the Federation of Macon and Middle Georgia held a dinner and program at CSI. Marty
Greenberg, with Jewish Federations of North America, made opening remarks and introduced the guest comedian. Rabbi Bob Alper entertained us with his humor and wit. We all enjoyed lots of laughter, as well as all of the information that was shared. CSI hosted our
ISJL Education Fellow, Missy Goldstein, the weekend of December 5th-7th. In addition to Friday night services, we had a Shabbat dinner
and Drum Circle at CSI, and Missy had the opportunity to meet our congregation. On Sunday she met with our religious school and had
various activities planned for them. On Friday, December 12th, CSI hosted our Chanukah Rockin’ Shabbat with a great turnout. On
Sunday, December 14th, we held our Chanukah Family Lunch, and also celebrated Rabbi Aaron’s birthday. Post December 14th our religious school was out for Winter Break, so the remainder of the month was quieter, with our weekly schedule of Thursday morning minyans, and Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat services. A big thank you to everyone who helped make all of these events happen!
Looking forward to several special events in January 2015! Please mark your calendars. First, we shall celebrate with Maya
Rubinstein and her family on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah on the weekend of January 16-17th. Be sure to read about Maya’s Bat
Mitzvah project on the bulletin board next to the Rabbi’s study. Next, CSI will have the second Shabbat Shirah, Shabbat with music and
song, on January 30th. Finally, be sure to attend a fun evening at CSI’s High Stakes Bingo and Auction Fundraiser on January 31 st.
Please be reminded that we continue to collect items for DAYBREAK and Macon Outreach. DAYBREAK’s request list changes
from time to time, and they are presently requesting over the counter cough medicine, cough drops and lozenges, and Neosporin for
their Clinic. For their Technology Room, they are asking for pocket flash drives, reader glasses in various strengths, and various types of
cell phone chargers. They are also in need of powdered lemonade, creamer, and paper towels.
We periodically update our MiShebarach list, and will do this as of January 1, 2015. Please contact Stephanie, at the CSI office,
if you would like to remove a name, add a name, or keep a name on the list.
Wishing everyone a wonderful 2015! Looking forward to another 365 days together at Congregation Sha’arey Israel!
Hope everyone has had a wonderful winter break! We have had a great school year so far, and we are already halfway through
the year. Early in December we had a visit from our ISJL Education Fellow, Missy Goldstein. Missy spent the weekend of December 5-7 with our congregation and religious school. She participated in Friday night services and we enjoyed a Shabbat dinner and Drum Circle together at CSI. She attended Shabbat morning services, and on Sunday morning, engaged all of our Sunday
School students in activities with a Chanukah theme. Thank you to Jennifer and James Bernstein for hosting Missy for the weekend.
Rockin’ Shabbat happened on December 12th and continues to be well attended. Thanks to Rabbi Aaron and Miss Sharona for
music, songs, and a Chanukah story, as well as our service. Also, thanks to Anne Bayme and Shelley Davidson for hosting the
Shabbat dinner.
Our CSI Chanukah Family Lunch happened on December 14th. We celebrated Rabbi Aaron’s birthday and enjoyed latkes and
hotdogs. Thanks to Margo Kenirey and Cathy Silverman for organizing a project for our students to create, and then have as a
Chanukah gift for their families. The students used stencils to draw shapes of Jewish objects, and then filled the shapes with a
collage of stamps that were mostly from Israel. This gathering was our last day before winter break.
We look forward to the New Year, 2015! Please note that there will be NO Sunday School on January 4 th. Sunday School will
resume on January 11th. Wednesday Hebrew School will resume January 7th. We also look forward to celebrating with Maya
Rubinstein on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah the weekend of January 16-18!
Happy 2015 to all!
Join your fellow congregants
for “A Song of the Sea” Shabbat Dinner
Friday, January 30th
following services
RSVP
Congregation Sha’arey Israel office
478-745-4571
[email protected]
Adults $10.00
No charge for religious school students
Children under 3 - free
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
LIMMUD - WRESTLING WITH THE TEXT
SUNDAY, JANUARY11th
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25th
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
BEFORE AND AFTER CLASS THE GIFT SHOP WILL BE OPEN
FOR YOUR BROWSING (AND BUYING) PLEASURE
MAZEL TOV TO ELLEN GOODRICH
ON THE BIRTH OF HER NEW GRANDSON
MAX FISCHER WORKMAN
BORN DECEMBER 1st IN NASHVILLE, TN
PROUD PARENTS ARE
DAVID AND HARRIET WORKMAN
AND BIG BROTHER, SAM
Dr. Lawrence A. Haskins Memorial Trust – 2014-2015
In 1980, Gertrude and Harry Haskins, longtime members of Congregation Sha’arey Israel, established a memorial trust to honor the memory of their son Lawrence. A periodontist
born and raised in Macon, Dr. Haskins died at the age of 34, leaving a wife and two young daughters.
The purpose of the Haskins Memorial Trust as endowed is “to perpetuate and enhance Jewish education for CSI students.” Given the ever-increasing cost of Jewish camp, education,
travel and other activities, in 2010 the scholarship was elevated to a one-time award of $2,000 for qualified applicants.
It was the fondest hope of the benefactors that their generosity would further our young congregants’ knowledge of Judaism, increase their understanding of Jewish culture and the
Jewish people, and enhance their religious commitment.
The scholarship was created for young people between the ages of 10 and 20. Specifically, each recipient must be at least 10 years old and no older than 20 years old in the calendar
year in which he or she is granted the award or uses the award money.
The award requirements are as follows:
An applicant must have attended religious school at Sha’arey Israel for at least one full year
An applicant has achieved scholastic excellence
The process requires a brief application letter to include the following:
Applicant’s name
Age
Brief statement why the applicant believes he/she is worthy of the scholarship
Name of program the applicant will attend, including address, phone number, date(s) and cost
A recommendation letter from a Sha’arey Israel congregant or religious school teacher familiar with the applicant’s character and academic achievement
Nominations must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015. They may be emailed, mailed or hand-delivered to Haskins Chair Jami Gaudet.
Decisions will be made by Monday, March 14, 2015. A scholarship notification letter of acceptance will be sent to each recipient and the winner(s) will be announced in the
Bulletin and by the president at services
Other pertinent information:
The Haskins Memorial Trust Committee will select recipients annually and approve the use of the funds.
There is no limit to the number of recipients in a calendar year.
The scholarship can be used to defray the cost of:
Travel to Israel through an approved program, not individual or family travel
Attendance at a Jewish camp, conference, seminar or convention sponsored by a Jewish organization with which Sha’arey Israel is affiliated
Recipients may use the award to attend a Jewish studies course in the United States, Israel, or anywhere in the world at an accredited institution.
The student/family must provide a course description, proof of enrollment and course grade.
We prefer to send payment directly to the camp, school, program or travel organization. H owever, if a recipient’s family has already paid for the program,
payment will be sent to the parent(s) with proof of payment. The Haskins Memorial Trust Award will be presented to each
recipient at closing religious school
exercises in May.
Each recipient will be asked to speak briefly on his/her camp,educational or travel experience at opening religious school exercises in the fall and/or at a Shabbat service.
Guidelines will be provided.
Parents and congregants, please encourage our young people to apply for this generous scholarship. If I can answer any questions about the fund or application process, please contact me.
Best regards –
Jami Gaudet
Haskins Memorial Trust Chair
Macon Outreach Needs Your Support
Please everyone, remember to bring food donations for the Macon
Outreach Food Pantry. Our donations will serve many families in the
Middle Georgia area who are in need of help. Items such as canned
fish and beans, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, applesauce, canned
fruits and vegetables, rice and pastas are all especially helpful. Please
help contribute to Tikkun Olam by bringing a can with you on your
way to services and/or religious school.
Congregation Sha’arey Israel is a partner with DAYBREAK, a daytime
haven for members of our community who are either homeless or are in
need of a place to spend a day with people; a place where they can
shower, get a light snack, and feel part of a community.
Donations are needed for the following supplies: Over the counter
cough syrup, cough drops and lozenges, Neosporin (for their clinic),
pocket flash drives, reader glasses in various strengths; various types
of cell phone chargers for their Technology Room; powdered lemonade, creamer and paper towels.
LARA GELLER, a Certified Knitting and
Crocheting instructor, is starting a Stitch
-N-Kvetch group at CSI. The next meeting
will be on January 5th, at the home of
Kara Hebert, 2890 Hillandale Circle.
Please bring what you are working on
and join this fun social circle.
[email protected]
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS ANDI AND ROLAND BIRON AND THEIR
ADORABLE DAUGHTER, PIPPA (DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW AND
GRANDDAUGHTER OF DAVID AND TERRI FROLICH). ROLAND IS DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING AT THE MACON MARRIOTT HOTEL. ANDI AND ROLAND HAVE JUST LAUNCHED BIRON HERBAL
TEAS, HOMEOPATHIC BLENDS, NOW AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCAL
STORES
Beginning January 1st, 2015, we will be updating the Mi Sheberach
list that is read during Shabbat services. We periodically update the
list to keep it current. If you want to keep a name on the list, add a
name, or delete a name, please call Stephanie at the synagogue office
or email her to let her know.
SAVE THE DATE FOR A
CONGREGATION SHA’AREY ISRAEL
MOVIE EVENT
The office number is 478-745-4571
E-mail is: [email protected]
FEBRUARY 22nd, 2015
Place and time TBA
Rockin’ Shabbat
For families with young children
(older siblings welcome)
Friday, January 9th
5:30 PM In the CSI Social Hall
Fun, Child Friendly Service, Dancing,
Singing and Storytelling
Children Friendly Dinner to follow program
R.S.V.P 478-745-4571 by January 7th
RABBI AARON’S
HOMEMADE VINEGARS
AND HOT PEPPER SAUCE
ON SALE IN THE
GIFT SHOP
$10.00 PER BOTTLE
Gift Shop is open every Sunday
during Sunday School.
OR….by appointment
The CSI Gift Shop
Birthdays – Anniversaries - Weddings
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs – Graduations - House Warming Gifts
by appointment at any time. (within reason)
Terri Frolich
477-8597
Or
Deborah Adler
474-0505
Free local delivery
BACK IN STOCK
CHEF MARLA SHITSEREIN
SPICES
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO
START THINKING ABOUT
PASSOVER!
WE HAVE BEAUTIFUL
SEDER PLATES, TOYS
MATZAH PLATES,
MATZAH COVERS WITH
AFIKOMEN BAGS
DON’T FORGET PURIM IS RIGHT
AROUND THE CORNER
MARCH 5TH, 2015
WE HAVE A LARGE SELECTION OF
GROGGERS, MASKS, AND TOYS
COME ON IN AND CHECK THEM OUT!
NEW TO CSI GIFT SHOP
MOSHE BEN YOSEF
MEZUZZOT
HAND MADE CERAMIC ART
BEAUTIFUL BEN YOSEF
CERAMIC HAMSAS

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