December 2015 Volume 54 - Number 12 Kislev - Tevet 5776

Building Community Since 1954

Pages 9-11

Get ready for a Temple Israel Gala to Die For.

More Details Found Within ...

Written & Directed by:

Ken Eulo

Cast:

Michelle Bilsky - Penny Hartburn (the Bride)

Eric Hoffman - Harold Steinberg (the Groom)

Geanne Share - Reseda Steinberg (the Groom's mother)

Daniel Wise - Ralph Hartburn (the Bride's father)

Debbie Meitin - the Diva

Rootie Simms - Esther Klein (the Matchmaker)

Wayne Bilsky - Joseph Klein (Esther's husband)

Candy Goodhart - Sam (the Detective)

Jim Cleary - Abraham Braucha Cadamus,

Detective Extraordinaire

Paul Patti - the Headwaiter

Ed Borowsky - The Waiter #2

Rabbi Joshua Neely - as himself

Music by the Heavy Shtetl Band:

Music Director, Susan Bernstein

Susan Lackman

Richard Knapp

David Markowitz

Marriage Is Murder A Musical Murder Mystery

2

rabbi@tiflorida.org Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Sunday Please call or email for an appointment.

Staff Rabbi ................................ Joshua Neely

Cong. Life Coord. ......Susan Bernstein

Youth Director ........... Eliana Gershon

Off. Admin. .. John-Patrick Alexander

Bookkeeper ................... Patricia Young

Executive

Committee President .........................Eric Hoffman

1st Vice President.. ......... Mark Kluger

VP Membership ........... Geanne Share

VP Education ................. Sharon Sachs

Comptroller ................. Michelle Bilsky

Secretary ........................... Mollie Savage

Sisterhood President ....... Nancy Stern

Men’s Club Co-Pres.. ............................. ...................... Wayne Bilsky & Joe Ihns

Past President. ....... Arlene van de Rijn

Trustees Nicki D'Amato

Lauren Brown

Kris Crane

Judi Chisdes

Sandra Eisenberg

Andrew Feinberg

Joe Ihns

Fabienne Kaplan

Dick Katz

Michael Langman

Art Louv

Joni Okun

Harry Rein (Trustee Emeritus)

Fanny Sernik

Roz Weinstein

Standing

Committee Chairs Adult Education...... Michael Fineberg

Budget & Finance ....... Michelle Bilsky

Building & Grounds .............. Joe Ihns

Education - School ........ Sharon Sachs

Endowment ............ Andrew Feinberg

Ma’asim Tovim ..... Arlene van de Rijn

Marketing ..........................Larry Gutter

Membership ................... Geanne Share

Past Pres. Coun. .... Arlene van de Rijn

Ritual................................. Natan Brener

Ways & Means ........................................

................... Ed Borowsky & Paul Patti

Youth ............................... Matt Gordon

From Our Rabbi By Rabbi Joshua Neely

2 015 has been a wonderful and horrible year. Myanmar has voted for democracy and freedom. New advances

in medicine have pushed back death and bettered the lives of billions. Ebola flared and was contained. Malaria is on the ropes. Polio is al-most extinct. New prosthetics are custom printed and legs are powered by exoskeletons. We have landed a probe on a comet and discovered it has weather and the basic building blocks of life. We have sailed past Pluto and its friends discovering a dynamic system in the coldest part of our solar neighborhood. We have discovered more and more planets light-years away and also that they are all ill-suited to our kind of life. This is a special re-minder of how precious and precarious life is.

Israel drew closer to tapping the Leviathan gas field off her coast which can provide her and Europe energy free from Russian and OPEC domination. Israel has also cooperated with Egypt and Jordan to help stop terrorist or-ganizations from doing more damage. Israel has continued to provide medical and humanitarian aid to victims of terror and civil war in the countries that surround her and across the world. The US economy has begun to show more stable signs of growth and health. Fewer people than before go to bed hungry around the world.

However, 2015 has also been the year of resurgent terror. Perhaps we had forgotten the gory years of the ‘80s when global terrorism was at its peak. For so long terror had been mostly in other countries and affecting other people. There were flare ups in Israel and atrocious rocket attacks on civilians but the terrorists gained little ground. Now we have been reminded that they can and will strike anywhere because they have recognized that we are all their enemies.

The scientists making new limbs, the activists in Myanmar, the humanitarian workers, the farmers, the writers, the artists, the clerks and mechanics – we are all their enemies. The workers of hate have seen the future unfolding around them and they can, in the words of Daniel, see the writing on the wall. The world is marching over them and those who feed on fear towards a more perfect understanding of God’s creation and our place in it. We are marshaling more of our resources and spirit to ennoble life and protect it. Offensive violence is becoming an anachronism and they know it. They are desperate to grab as much attention and land and wealth as they can before history passes them by as a footnote. It is up to us, all of us, to stop them without stopping the uplift of all humankind.

3

From Our President

By Eric Hoffman

T emple Israelites,

I have now served as Temple Israel president for two years and this is my last bulletin article in that capacity. I want to thank all of you for allowing me to serve in this role. We can all agree that there are many aspects of a synagogue that need to be active if we are to retain relevancy and meet the needs of a multi-generation congregation. For any synagogue to flourish, it needs two things: money from congregants and donors, and time from volunteers. During my tenure as president, I have tried to increase participation in both of these needs. However, long after I am gone, these needs will still be present. As a swan song to my presidency, I ask all of you to contact the TI office and either give an end of the year donation (have you made your High Holiday pledge yet?) or ask how you can participate as a volunteer. We have ample opportunities for volunteers. Indeed, on this Friday, December 25, we are hosting our third annual “Mitzvah Day.” This year there are op-portunities to help in the kitchen (cleaning and labeling utensils or baking cookies to donate to fire-houses and police stations), help with hanging TI artwork throughout the building, or help with beautifying the outside of our building. If you would rather make a monetary pledge, we are always looking for money for our general fund. These dollars may be less “sexy” than beautifying a spe-cific room, but these are the monies that ensure that all Temple Israel staff receive their paychecks and that there is toilet paper in the bathrooms (items that would certainly be missed if the money wasn’t available). Amanda and I have now been members of Temple Israel for just over 10 years. In that time, Tem-ple Israel has grown a special place in my heart. Both of my kids have completed Hebrew School here and both of my kids have been b’nai mitzvah on our bima. I have seen friends married in the TI sanctuary and I have seen other friends buried at the TI cemetery. My favorite activity as presi-dent was sitting on the bima during the b’nai mitzvah of our congregants. There is certainly a re-warding feeling to watch students from our religious school, who have worked so hard, proudly lead the congregation. At the very end of the service, I then get the privilege of congratulating those new “adults.” As I step down from the presidency, I look forward to my next 10 years as a member of Temple Israel. I may be less involved with leadership, but I will always be active. I look forward to seeing all of you at Temple Israel events, whether they be ritual events (such as services and holidays), social activities (such as our Murder Mystery Theater Gala event on Decem-ber 5, or even a Sunday Schmooze), or social action undertakings (such as Mitzvah Day). Thank you for making Temple Israel the synagogue of which I am so proud to be a member.

Eric Hoffman eric.hoffman@ucf.edu 407.517.8733

4

From Our Congregational Life Coordinator

By Susan Bernstein

I grew up in a three generation household. My Bubby and Zady had much influence on my moral upbringing, as did my parents and ex-

tended family. In addition to their valuable lessons on how to be an upright individual, I was treated to my grandmother’s tales, “bubbe meisahs”… some that were believable and others that seemed farfetched. Are the poor exempt from giving charity? Even a person who is supported by commu-nity tzedakah must, in turn, give charity. The giving of charity is a mitzvah and there is no reason why this should apply only to select individuals. Obviously, if by giving tzedakah, the poor are deprived of the food necessary for survival, then the giving of charity is set aside. But this is a suspension based on extreme circumstances, and no one should see personal poverty as automatic release from the obligation to be con-cerned about others. Are we obliged to love our parents? The biblical command concerning parents is two-fold. One is the obligation to honor one’s parents. The other is the obligation to be in awe of one’s parents. Honor of parents involves feeding the parent, clothing the par-ent, taking the parent out and bringing the parent in. Being in awe of the parent in-volves specific expressions of respect, such as not sitting in the parent’s chair, not con-tradicting the parent, or doing anything that would diminish the esteem in which a par-ent should be held. Nowhere does the bible dictate an obligation for children to love their parents. Love is an emotion, a feeling that is impossible to legislate. One can dic-tate behavioral norms such as respect and honor, but one can hardly dictate how to feel. I still have not come up with a rational reason why I cannot step over someone who is lying on the floor. My Bubby told me I would stunt that person’s growth if I did and to this day, I continue to steer clear of those lying prone or supine. I also feel the need to chew on a piece of string or piece of bread if I am sewing on a button while wear-ing the garment. Crazy? I don’t think so. It makes perfect sense – you could prick yourself with the needle and bite your tongue. Right?

L’Shalom, Susan Bernstein kehillaclc@tiflorida.org 407.647.3055 ext. 304

5

From Our Youth Director By Eliana Gershon

T his month I wanted to write about something we tend to glaze over a lot of

the time. It’s something that is difficult to address, and yet it affects each

one of us in some way. I’m talking about mental health. Everyone I know in the Jewish community,

whether here or abroad, tends to take the same positive stance, except I am still left with the ques-

tion: what role does the Jewish community play in the issue of mental health treatment and aware-

ness? What is our duty as Jews to combat the lack of understanding and tolerance surrounding men-

tal health, and what should be our commitment to our neighbors who may be struggling? A few

things come to mind. First and foremost is the Jewish idea that every life is precious. We put saving a

life before any other mitzvah, because there is nothing more sacred to humankind. In that vein, we

should all be prepared and educated to recognize early signs of mental illness in our friends and fam-

ily. Making the decision to say something and offer help to a loved one can save someone’s life. Our

tradition teaches us to not stand idly by while our brother or sister is suffering. The difference be-

tween actively reaching out and remaining passive about someone’s well being can be life-altering.

When I think about why we need mental health awareness, I immediately think of children. I think

about how children today live in a much different World than the one in which I grew up. I think

about how many more pressures there are on children to achieve perfect test scores and stand out on

a college application. I think about how children have access to every piece of tragic and terrifying

news at their fingertips. I think about how children of color are living in a world where they are

afraid of police officers and afraid to walk outside. And I think about how stressful the World must

be for the fragile mind of a child.

As a teacher it is my job to ensure that my students feel special, loved, and accepted regardless of

their academic achievements, or how much money they have, or the color of their skin. But as a Jew

it is my job not just to teach my students, but also to learn from them; to understand them, to listen

to them, and to take an active role in ensuring that they are not suffering. And if they are suffering,

that I, along with my community, take accountability for saving that neshama, that precious soul of

God.

As a community we are not immune to mental illness. A person might come to pray every Shabbat,

might participate in synagogue events, might even have a devoted and loving family, and could still

be suffering inside. So to address my question, what is our duty as Jews, I think the answer is this: to

care. Care hard enough to take action, care loud enough to inspire others, and care strong enough to

take away even the tiniest sliver of someone’s pain. L’Shalom, Eliana Gershon

youthdirector@tiflorida.org. 407.647.3055 ext. 302

6

SNEAKERS THAT FIT 2015 In memory of Dr. Barry Levin

It’s time for Sneakers That Fit! Temple Israel is proud to once again partner with the CRJ Social Action Committee in this important community project. The schools chosen for this program were suggested by A Gift For Teaching. These schools were chosen due to their Title I status (60% or more of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs). Donations of sneakers and socks will be made to the following schools: Title I Status Rock Lake Elementary 408 North Tampa Ave. Orange County 100% Lake Weston Elementary 5500 Milan Drive Orange County 95% Hamilton Elementary 1501 East 8th Street Seminole County 93%

Information necessary to purchase sneakers for individual students are posted on a bulletin board inside the Roth Social Hall. Please take a card, purchase the indicated shoes and re-turn them with the identification card to the synagogue office by December 5, 2015. If you are not able to shop, donation envelopes are also available. A donation of $25 allows us to purchase one pair of sneakers and a package of socks for a child in need. The shoes will be delivered to the students before winter break. Through the generosity of our congregants and other concerned citizens, the 2015 cam-paign was able to purchase over 200 pairs of sneakers and socks in addition to the shoes purchased by those choosing to do their own shopping. Additionally, the Reebok Outlet has been a great partner in helping make this pro-ject so successful each year.

7

From Our Sisterhood President

By Nancy Stern

I n December, many of us, especially those of us with young children, focus on Chanukah and “seasonal” activities. I try

to minimize Chanukah in my household – not that it’s unimpor-tant, but we have other things that really are more critical for us to be attentive to. If you come to services this month (or rather, WHEN you come to services this month), you’ll hear the story of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, and their reunion after 22 years apart. This story is particularly apt for me this month, and not just because I’m my fa-ther’s favorite child (which, of course, I am), but because this month I will be reunited with him after 12 years apart. Not as apart as Jacob and Joseph were, to be sure, but I moved my family to Central Florida 12 years ago this January, leaving my parents and 2 out of 3 siblings back in New York. This month, I’m moving my family back to New York. This decision has been very difficult and a long time in the making and one of the things that made it so difficult is leaving Temple Israel. It took me so long to find my home here and it is truly breaking my heart to leave you all behind. I have been blessed to have been embraced by the people of Temple Israel. From the first time I walked in the doors, I was made to feel welcome and wanted and included. It was so easy to get involved, because no matter what I was interested in there was a way to be a part of it. I started out working with our Youth Committee, broadening that to getting more involved in Education, and then broadening that to joining Ways & Means, Marketing and Membership and anything else that sounded interesting along the way. I met marvelous women and soon joined Sisterhood, wanting to be able to see more of them and to participate in the myriad programs that Sisterhood sponsors at TI. I wanted my children to grow up feeling comfortable walking into shul – not just ours, but any synagogue anywhere and I think that this has been accomplished.

- continued on page 8

8

L'Shalom, Nancy Stern President, Temple Israel Sisterhood cookwithnan@yahoo.com

DID YOU KNOW

January 10, 2016 is Women’s League Annual Meeting and Day of Study in Boynton Beach, FL – why not get a group together and carpool down? It was a blast when Cathy Swerdlow, Edie Fenster and I went earlier this year … and we stopped at Glick’s, too! January 16 is the Temple Israel Sisterhood Shabbat. What role do you want to take? It’s one of the few Shabbats that Rabbi Neely gets to actually sit with his family and enjoy services without leading them.

- continued from page 7 They have learned so much from attending our wonderful religious school and services, from participating in our youth programs and synagogue-wide programs. Orlando may not have a huge Jewish community, but I think my daughters have gotten a sense of yid-dishkeit from the kehilla at Temple Israel. While I am leaving mid-year (Sisterhood’s year runs July through June, remember), that does not mean that Sisterhood will slow down. This month alone there are a lot of ac-tivities going on – we have our annual project with the Meitin Religious School on Sun-day, December 6th, and are leading the “nutshell” following services on Saturday, De-cember 19th with a discussion of Alice Hoffman’s The Dovekeepers. We’ll also be busy on Mitzvah Day with projects for the synagogue and community (December 25th). And don’t forget – our Judaica Shop is open and has been stocked with lots of new items – especially items to help make Chanukah a festive and joyous holiday for young and old. So, hopefully, I’ll see you at some of the many activities happening at Temple Israel this month before we head out and up to the frozen north. I wish you all the best and con-tinued success - may all your reunions be happy and of shorter times apart than mine and Joseph’s.

9

Dance

$70 per person - RSVP online at tiflorida.org/murder-mystery

or to the temple office (407.647.3055 - office@tiflorida.org) by November 30

Played by

Michelle Bilsky & Eric Hoffman

Eat

but watch your back, because

Marriage Is Murder A Musical Murder Mystery by Mr. Ken Eulo

You are cordially invited to the Temple Israel

(Gala) Wedding Rehearsal Dinner for

Saturday, December 5 at 6:30 PM

Roth Social Hall

Join us for Marriage & Murder, Raffles, Cash Bar

& Delicious Dinner Catered by Tinamarie

“Like rye bread, kosher pickles and bagels, this show is for everyone! You’ll laugh till you plotz.” - Ken Eulo

You don’t have to be present to win a raffle prize!

10

For this year’s Gala see Marriage Is Murder, "The world's first Musical Murder Mystery!" at

Temple Israel. Tickets are $70 per person & open to members and friends from pre-bar/bat

mitzvah age up. We also have special role play sponsor packages. See how you can partici-

pate below and on line at www.tiflorida.org/murder-mystery.

There will also be a special moment after the third act where couples will be able to renew

their vows, with Rabbi Joshua Neely officiating! If you'd like to renew your vows, please

let Rabbi Neely (rabbi@tiflorida.org) and the office (office@tiflorida.org) know so we can

prepare. Thank you.

Raffle Prizes!

Raffle tickets are $5 for 1 ticket and $20 for 5 tickets

Dinner for four people with Rabbi Neely and his family at their home

10 Hebrew lessons with Susan Bernstein

Seven day Daytona Beach Home Vacation - Wise Family

Art piece of Jerusalem - Borowsky Family

Art piece of Musical Instruments - Borowsky Family

Spa Services - Bilsky Family

Lenox Challah & Kiddush Set - Stern Family

Five one-hour professional golf lessons - Teaching Professional Jim Cleary

You don’t need to be present to win!

Role Play Sponsorship Levels:

Security $1000 Receive a Full Table and 10 drink tickets

Detective $625 Receive 6 gala tickets and 6 drink tickets

Deputy $300 Receive 2 gala tickets and 2 drink tickets

Suspect $250 Receive 2 gala tickets and 2 drink tickets

Accomplice $125 Receive 1 gala ticket and 1 drink ticket

11

Our murder mystery musical production is written and directed by Mr. Ken Eulo.

12

Game Night at Temple Israel! Monday, December 7, at 7:00 pm in the Lounge

Whatever your game is … the first Monday of the month is your night!

Come and enjoy a great game of Texas Hold’em, Mah Jongg,

Chess or Pool (or learn how!). Refreshments will be available, and

it all goes down in the Lounge. When you arrive, enter through the

front of the temple. All are welcome!

Sponsored by Temple Israel’s Men’s Club

Questions? Please call Joe Ihns at 407.267.2000.

Sunday, December 6 from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Regional Men’s Club Meeting Sunday, December 6 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 am

Sisterhood Crafts Event

Each year, the women of Sisterhood sponsor a

craft for the children in our religious school. This

year, we will be customizing kippot. Please come

help our students design and create their very own

kippah, using an ingenious tie-dye method utilizing

tissue paper. We should have enough that “helpers”

can make a kippah for themselves as well!

This is an awesome opportunity to interact with our kids and have an inter-generational (and fun!)

activity. How often do we get to role model our commitment to being Jewish and have fun with kids

at the same time? Our older kids are especially welcome to return to “school” for the morning -

and helpers can get community service credit for school, if needed.

13

Wednesday, December 9, at 5:00 pm in Kindergarten Classroom 1

Fun games, dancing, singing, crafts & more!

This year we’re celebrating Hanukkah in a galaxy far, far away … well, not that far away. Star Wars and Hanukkah are coming together in a galactic mashup, with Star Wars themed hanukkiot made by our students, R2-D2 droid-dels, a Tot program for our little ones, delicious food and more! Republic credits are no good here (the exchange rate is astronomical) so everyone gets to come free of charge! All we ask is that you please RSVP so we know how much food to prepare. Wednesday, December 9 at 5:00 pm.

5:00 pm Set up homemade Hanukkiot for judging Make your own Droid-del and play for M&M’s

5:30 pm Light Hanukkiot Sing together with Tots who will join from their program

5:45 pm Dinner – Decorate dreidel cookies with frosting 6:15 pm R2-D2 Droid-del Spin-Off and certificates to hanukkiot builders

Menu

Vegetarian quiche | Salad | Latkes | Sufganiyot (Jelly doughnuts) | Mac & Cheese

It’s almost Hanukkah and you may be wondering

… what do I get that special woman in my life?

How about a gift that shows her how much you love and respect all that she has done to help you build a family on a foundation of Jew-ish values, and honors her commitment to our Jewish community and its future?

What gift could possibly do all that?

Make her a Benefactor or Guardian (or even more!) of Torah Fund and receive this beautiful thank you gift to present to her.

For more information in supporting Torah Fund through Temple Israel, please contact Cathy Swerdlow at 321.663.3448 or cswerd@gmail.com

14

The following is the slate of officers and trustees for 2016 distributed to the Board of Directors by members of the 2015 nominating committee:

OFFICERS

President Mark Kluger Vice President Sharon Sachs VP Education Kris Crane VP Membership Geanne Share Comptroller Michelle Bilsky Secretary Mollie Savage

TRUSTEES Ed Borowsky Natan Brener Bernie Kahn

Susan Lackman Mindy Markowitz

Paul Patti Steven Sesit Daniel Wise

The congregation will vote on the above slate at the next town hall meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 13, at 10:00 am in the Roth Social Hall. Please make every effort to attend. You may direct questions to the nominating committee chair, Arlene van de Rijn, at 407.761.1243 or asvdr1026@aol.com.

2015 Nominating Committee

Arlene van de Rijn, Chair Nicki D’Amato

Joe Ihns Bob Kaplan

Dick Katz Debbie Meitin

Cathy Swerdlow

On Sunday, December 13 at 10:00 am we need everyone's attendance as we will be voting on items that re-

quire a congregational quorum. In particular, there are three items that require a vote:

First, we will be voting on the new slate of officers (you can review the slate hereas an archived version

of our earlier email this morning).

Second, we will be voting on the 2016 budget, that was approved by the Board at the November Board

meeting.

Third, we will be voting on updated and amended Articles of Incorporation, which have not been up-

dated since they were originally written in 1964.

Please make every effort to attend. Help make a minyan in the Savage Family Chapel at 9:00 am. There will also be

bagels and coffee available at 9:30 am.

15

Temple Israel Cemetery Corporation Update Reminder: Temple Israel Cemetery Corporation annual meeting Sunday December 13, 2015 just prior to the annual Temple Israel congregational meeting in the Roth Social Hall

Proposed Slate Of Officers & Directors For 2016 President: Dick Katz Vice President: Julian Meitin Treasurer: Bernie Weinstein Secretary: Laurence Morrell Voting Board Members: Arlene van de Rijn; Harvey Titen, Roz Weinstein, Sheldon Greene, Adrian Share, and Lauren Brown Non –voting Board Members: Bernie Kahn; Larry Gutter; Sheri Denberg

Approved Funeral Homes The following funeral homes have rabbinical approval to provide funeral and burial services at the Temple Israel Cemetery. Baldwin Brothers; Baldwin Fairchild; Beth Shalom; DeGuispee; National Cremation; and Woodlawn.

New Burial Areas & Options The Temple Israel Cemetery Corporation would like to announce we now offer new burial options. We now have a dedicated area for mausoleum burials. We have also created a dedicated area for cre-mated remains. There is also a dedicated area for non-Jewish burials and interfaith marriages. All of these areas have rabbinical approval and guidance. For additional information please contact Rabbi Neely or the cemetery office.

Current Pricing Starting December 2015 Name plaque on chair in the “Yank” Frank Chapel: $ 180.00 Chapel use for burial service-member: $ 250.00 Chapel use for burial service non-member: $ 500.00 Replace map and diagram of cemetery on chapel wall: $ 1,750.00 New granite frame on electronic reader board: $ 2,000.00 Cremated remains burial in cremation section $ 2,000.00 (plot, special urn, Special vault and marker) Bench including engraving and setting: $ 2,000.00 Burial plot-members: $ 2,100.00 Burial plot-non-members: $ 2,600.00 New fence to replace old wooden fence: $ 6,000.00 Mausoleum burial: (price available upon request) Cemetery burial markers are available (granite, bronze, and bronze on granite) Cemetery plots for mixed marriages * Everything at the Temple Israel Cemetery is always under Rabbinic approval.

16

Temple Israel’s Adult Education Committee Presents:

Dr. Harry Rein

From Stethoscope to Gavel: Of Becoming a Doctor, Lawyer and Judge

Please join us at Temple Israel on December 13, 2015 at about 11:15 am

(right after the Annual Congregational Town Hall meeting) as Dr. Harry

Rein discusses his new book entitled From Stethoscope to Gavel: Of Becoming

a Doctor, Lawyer and Judge. There will be refreshments followed by selected

readings, discussion and a book signing.

Dr. Rein is a Holocaust survivor who be-

came the only doctor-lawyer-judge practic-

ing in the United States.

His story begins on the final train leaving

Austria after Hitler’s annexation. He eventually arrives in America and

embarks on a remarkable journey filled with tragedy as well as triumph.

Dr. Rein’s trip through life and the three professions of doctor, lawyer,

and judge, is related through stories and anecdotes that describe the

hurdles and hardships, friends and foes, and means and methods for

reaching the “City on a Hill” described by President Reagan.

Rein is firmly committed to Judaism and Temple Israel and he believes he encounters angels—both

seen and unseen—along the way who encourage him to reach higher and help him and his family in

inexplicable ways.

From Stethoscope to Gavel is the true story of an ordinary man from a humble background whose

optimism and generosity in the face of crushing hardship will challenge, encourage, and motivate gen-

erations to come.

Copies of Dr. Rein’s book will be available for purchase and signing with all proceeds going

to Temple Israel.

17

The Dovekeepers is a novel set during and after the fall of Jerusalem (70

C.E.). The book covers a period of four years as the Romans waged war

against the Jewish stronghold of Masada, claimed by a group of 900 rebels

and their families. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman weaves a

spellbinding tale of four extraordinary bold, resourceful, and sensuous

women, each of whom comes to Masada by a different path. The story is

taken from the historian Josephus, who has written the only account of

the siege, in which he reported that two women and five children survived

the massacre on the night when the Jews committed mass suicide rather

than submit to the Roman Legion. It was they who told the story to the

Romans, and, therefore, to the world. Ms. Hoffman researched The Dove-

keepers for many years, relying not only on Josephus’s account, but also on the findings of Yigal

Yadin, the archeologist who led the Masada project.

The Dovekeepers has been made into a tv mini-series (which did not, we are sorry to say, get good re-

views).

Join us for a discussion of Alice Hoffman’s bestselling, spellbinding tale of four

extraordinarily bold, resourceful, and sensuous women in Masada in 70 C.E.

Saturday, January 16 in the Roth Social Hall,

following the Kiddush luncheon (it’s the Nutshell)

USY Minute to Win It!USY Minute to Win It!USY Minute to Win It! Sunday, December 13 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

On Friday evenings after services we traditionally

enhance our Shabbat joy known as Oneg Shab-

bat. On Friday, December 18 we will have a spe-

cial Oneg Shabbat with Israeli Dancing, led

by Debbie Meitin. You will have the opportunity

to learn new dances as well as dance to old favorites.

This evening there is also a Religious School Kabbalat, Simcha Shabbat! It’s a fun night

of celebration and dancing. Come join the fun!

18

Prayerful Meditation

Saturday, December 19 at 9:30 am in the Savage Family Chapel

An experiential workshop to help open up the channels of spirit that connect us to

God. Led by Rabbi Joshua Neely, this will include meditation, guided imagery,

breathing exercises and more.

Held in the Savage Family Chapel every last Shabbat of the month.

Mitzvah Day!Mitzvah Day!Mitzvah Day!

Friday, December 25 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

This year there are opportunities to help in the kitchen

(cleaning and labeling utensils or baking cookies to donate

to firehouses and police stations), help with beautifying the

outside of our building (by repainting the front sign) and

organizing the library.

19

20

October 2015 Donations

may be purchased or reserved. May their memories

always serve as a blessing. $360 for a perpetual

memorial plaque in the sanctuary.

Contact the synagogue office at 407.647.3055.

Friday Night Oneg & Saturday Kiddush Luncheon was Sponsored in October by: The Morrell Family - in honor of Laurence Morrell’s 60th Bar

Mitzvah anniversary Saturday Kiddush Luncheon was Sponsored in October by: The Neely Family - in honor of Penelope & Joshua Neely’s

wedding anniversary & the anniversary of Penelope’s adoption.

CEMETERY FUND Donor In Memory Of Joseph Lefkowitz Tillie Lefkowitz Helen Hosid Jack Hosid Rosalind Levitt Bertha Levitt Rita Coenson Celia Cassel ETZ HAYIM Donor In Honor Of Valerie & Bernie Kahn Fabienne & Bob Kaplan's daughter, Dahlia's wedding Valerie & Bernie Kahn Terri Fine Stenzler for her Community Relations award from the JCC Federation of Orlando GENERAL FUND Donor In Memory Of Nicki D’Amato Saul Rose Elaine Schoenfeld Miriam & Irving Berger Elaine Schoenfeld Fannie & Samuel Cohn Miriam B. Cohen Etta Baum Ruth Donenfeld Peggy Donenfeld Ruth Donenfeld Joseph Goetz General Donation Julia Walton Tina & Neil Finkler HAROLD & HANNAH ROSENBLUM EDUCATION FUND Donor In Memory Of Ruth Goldhar Joseph Lehman Susan Shevitz & Larry Bailis Harold Rosenblum MA’ASIM TOVIM Donor In Honor Of Patty Rose Rabbi Joshua Neely for his kindness and attention for her father’s passing ONEG & KIDDUSH FUND Donor In Memory Of Carol & Stephen Albert Henry Albert Helen Hosid Jack B. Hosid Helen Hosid Abraham Jabitsky Helen Hosid Gertrude Hosid Irene & Chet Herman Jack B. Hosid Irene & Chet Herman Morris Herman Judith Cope Betty A. Toll Donor In Honor Of Ruth Goldhar her 92nd birthday Carol & Stephen Albert Carol’s Bat Mitzvah anniversary Irene & Chet Herman Chet’s High Holiday honor SIDDUR CHADASH FUND Donor In Memory Of Valerie & Bernie Kahn Saul Rose SISTERHOOD FUND Donor In Memory Of Julia & Michael Fineberg Saul Rose TORAH PRESERVATION FUND Donor In Memory Of Sheryl Kashuk & Kerry Schwartz Bernard Mark Schwartz TZEDAKAH FUND Donor In Memory Of Suzanne Parelman & Allan Sapake Len Silbert Helen Hosid Jack B. Hosid Helen Hosid Abraham Jabitsky Helen Hosid Gertrude Hosid Pearl & Howard Lefkowitz Tillie Lefkowitz

Donor In Honor Of Alan Gassman Rabbi Neely for his conscientious time and attention for Marvin Gassman's passing and funeral Ellen & Laurence Morrell Rabbi Neely for his visits to Laurence while he was in the hospital

October Kiddush Luncheon Hostesses:

Arlene Silver Sarabecca Rosier Sharon Sachs Linda Silverman Susan Lackman Debbie Amdur Andrea Ravinoff Emely Katz

Sheri Stearns Marion Daitzman

Special Kiddush Luncheon Mentions for:

Linda Silverman

Arlene Silver

Phyllis Kamenoff

Shirley Gold

21

December

December 17 Howard & Lenny Roland 20 Bernie & Valerie Kahn 22 Mark & Lynn Fenster 23 Randy & Gail Coverman 24 Frank & Judy Fine 24 Chris Preisler & Brenny Goldberg 25 Bill & Fran Kahn 26 Harry & Rhea Rein 28 Jeff & Susan Morgan 29 Wayne & Michelle Bilsky 29 Chuck & Linda Silverman 29 Joe & Sonia Velez 30 Scott & Cari Kramer

If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please call the office at 407.647.3055 and we will add you to the list.

20 Aristotle Luck 21 Elijah Crane 21 Helen Hosid 21 Dick Katz 21 Melanie Minear-Lazar 23 Paula Cohen 23 Howard Oser 23 Ayah Pinhas 25 Carole Kraw 26 Ross Katzman 29 Eric Foxman 31 Sandra Eisenberg 31 Manuel Garcia 31 Bernie Kwastel

1 Joshua Korshak 1 Sarah Okun 1 Seema Zimmerman 4 Laurie Feenburg 4 Nathan Morrell-Rosenberg 6 David Swerdlow 8 Jes Baru 10 Rachel Brown 12 Sheri Denberg 12 Rosanne Karr 17 Joshua Weiner 18 Rachel Brammer 20 Jenna Ehrlich 20 Alice Foley

Thank You!

Sima Feldberg, Steven Oser & Mollie Savage

For volunteering in the office during the month of November.

A special thank you to our volunteer copy editors, without whom the Bulletin & Shabbat handout

would be rife with grammatical mishaps!

Larry Gutter, Debbie Meitin, Penelope Neely, Arlene van de Rijn, Geanne Share,

& Cathy Swerdlow

If you are interested in being an office volunteer, please call 407.647.3055.

Kosher Scrolls for your mezuzah

$25 each - 2.75" x 2.5"

Ketubot by Joanne Fink

Three styles of Ketubot available

We also have an anniversary

commemorative Ketubah

Open on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings

& by appointment.

Like us on Facebook! Look for Temple Israel Judaica Gift Shop.

We hope to see you at Simcha Shabbat

Friday, December 18, 7:30 pm

Anniversaries, birthdays and all other simchas will be

recognized, and you will be blessed from the pulpit. WITH THESE HANDS

A TASTE OF TEMPLE ISRAEL SISTERHOOD

$25.00 (inc. shipping & handling in the continental US)

If you would like to have a copy

of our Sisterhood cookbook, please let us know!

Synagogue Office: 407.647.3055, office@tiflorida.org

Cathy Swerdlow: 407.862.2374, cswerd@gmail.com

Proceeds benefit charitable projects supported by Sisterhood.

22

Donation Form (You can cut out this form and mail it into the office. Make donations online at www.tiflorida.org/donations)

My/Our Name making donation_____________________________________________________ Address (must include street, city, state & zip__________________________________________________________

Enclosed please find $____Please place contribution in the ______________________________Fund _____Date (default is the General Fund)

□In Honor of – person(s) name □In Memory of – person(s) name______________________________

On the occasion of________________________________________________________________________

Send notification of my/our donation to (please fill in complete name & address): Name_____________________________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________

For credit cards, include #_____________________________Expiration Date____ Signature_______________

Contributions may be made to honor someone on a special occasion or in memory of a departed relative or friend. Donations are tax deductible.

Giving Opportunities An important value in Jewish life is tzedakah. Temple Israel provides a simple and meaningful way of fulfilling this right-

eous act through our family of funds, and giving to Temple Israel in recognition, remembrance or celebration is an ap-

propriate way to enhance those special moments. A card will be sent acknowledging your contribution of $10 or more.

Congregation Funds

Adult Education | Cemetery | General | Library | Ma’asim Tovim | Men’s Club | Oneg/Kiddush | Rabbi’s Tzedakah

Religious School | Temple Israel Jewish Camping Scholarship | Torah Preservation | Youth Programming

Dedicated Funds

Michelle & Wayne Bilsky Education | Elaine Farb Memorial Choir | Friends of Ethan Gold Children’s Library

Harold & Hannah Rosenblum Education | Marlene A. Davis Art Education | Savage Family Chapel

Prayer Book/Torah Commentary Dedications

The dedication of a prayer book (siddur) or Torah Commentary (chumash) is a uniquely appropriate way to make a gift of

tzedakah that benefits the congregation for years to come. Your dedicated siddur or chumash will be utilized by the entire

congregation. A book plate with your specific dedication will be placed in the book prior to its addition into the congre-

gation circulation and an acknowledgement card will be sent. The appropriate minimum contribution for each sacred

book is as follows:

New Shabbat Siddur Chadash - $36

New Etz Hayim Chumash - $54

Sisterhood Funds

Temple Israel Sisterhood plays an active role in supporting all aspects of synagogue life. There are two funds that have

been established by Sisterhood:

Sisterhood Scholarship

Sisterhood General

23

Decem

ber 1

- 31, 2

015 1

9 K

islev - 1

9 T

evet 5776

Su

n

Mo

n

Tu

e

Wed

T

hu

F

ri S

at

1 7:0

0 p

m: E

xecu

tive C

mte.

Mtg.

2

12:0

0 p

m: L

un

ch &

Learn

5:0

0 p

m - 6

:30 p

m: S

cho

ol

7:0

0 p

m: M

ishn

a Brach

ot

Stu

dy w

ith R

abb

i Neely

3

4

7:0

0 p

m: M

eet & G

reet 7:3

0 p

m: K

abb

alat Sh

ab-

bat

5

9:3

0 a

m: S

ervices

11:00 a

m: Ju

nio

r Co

ngre-

gation

12

:30 p

m: Ju

daism

In a

Nutsh

ell 6:15

pm

: Havd

alah

6:3

0 p

m - 10

:00

pm

:Murd

er Mystery D

in-

ner T

heater - T

emp

le Israel's A

nn

ual G

ala

6

9:0

0 a

m: M

inyan

9:0

0 a

m: S

cho

ol

10:0

0 a

m: S

isterho

od

Crafts E

ven

t 11:0

0 a

m - 3

:00

pm

:Regio

nal M

en's C

lub

M

tg. 12

:30 p

m - 2

:30

pm

: L'D

or V

'Do

r Ha-

nukkah

Gam

es 7:0

0 p

m: B

ud

get &

Fin

ance C

mte. M

tg.

7

7:0

0 p

m: It's G

ame N

ight

At T

emp

le Israel!

8

7:0

0 p

m: B

oard

of D

irec-to

rs Mtg.

9

12:0

0 p

m: L

un

ch &

Learn

5:0

0 p

m - 6

:30 p

m: S

cho

ol

5:0

0 p

m: S

tar Wars H

a-n

ukkah

Party!

5:0

0 p

m: T

ot H

anukkah

E

ven

t

10

11 7:0

0 p

m: M

eet & G

reet 7:3

0 p

m: K

abb

alat Sh

ab-

bat

12

9:0

0 a

m: L

atino

Sh

abb

at 9:3

0 a

m: S

ervices

10:3

0 a

m: Ju

nio

r Co

ngre-

gation

at Bro

okd

ale 12

:30 p

m: Ju

daism

In a

Nutsh

ell

13

9:0

0 a

m: M

inyan

9:0

0 a

m: S

cho

ol

10:0

0 a

m: A

nn

ual C

on-

gregation

al Mtg.

11:15 am

: Dr. H

arry Rein

- F

rom

Steth

osco

pe to

G

avel: O

n B

ecom

ing a

Do

ctor, L

awyer an

d

Jud

ge 1:3

0 p

m - 3

:30 p

m: U

SY

M

inute T

o W

in It

2:0

0 p

m - 2

:45

pm

:Tem

ple Israel S

ings

at Lak

e of th

e Wo

od

s

14

15

7:0

0 p

m: E

ducatio

n C

mte.

Mtg.

16

12:0

0 p

m: L

un

ch &

Learn

5:0

0 p

m - 6

:30 p

m: S

cho

ol

7:0

0 p

m: M

ishn

a Brach

ot

Stu

dy w

ith R

abb

i Neely

17

18

7:0

0 p

m: M

eet & G

reet 7:3

0 p

m: R

eligious S

cho

ol

Kab

balat &

Sim

cha S

hab

-b

at 8:3

0 p

m: Israeli D

ancin

g

19

9:3

0 a

m: P

rayerful M

edi-

tation

9:3

0 a

m: S

ervices

20

9:0

0 a

m: M

inyan

9:0

0 a

m: N

o S

cho

ol

10:3

0 a

m: M

arketin

g &

Mem

bersh

ip C

mte. M

tgs.

21

22

7:0

0 p

m: S

isterho

od

B

oard

Mtg.

23

12:0

0 p

m: L

un

ch &

Learn

5:0

0 p

m - 6

:30 p

m: N

o

Sch

oo

l 7:0

0 p

m: M

ishn

a Brach

ot

Stu

dy w

ith R

abb

i Neely

24

All D

ay: O

ffice Clo

sed

7:0

0 p

m: R

itual C

mte.

Mtg.

25

All D

ay: O

ffice Clo

sed

9:0

0 a

m: M

itzvah

Day

7:0

0 p

m: M

eet & G

reet 7:3

0 p

m: K

abb

alat Sh

ab-

bat

26

9:3

0 a

m: S

ervices

12:3

0 p

m: Ju

daism

In a

Nutsh

ell

27

9:0

0 a

m: M

inyan

9:0

0 a

m: N

o S

cho

ol

10:0

0 a

m: M

en's C

lub

M

tg.

28

29

30

12:0

0 p

m: L

un

ch &

Learn

5:0

0 p

m - 6

:30 p

m: N

o

Sch

oo

l 7:0

0 p

m: M

ishn

a Brach

ot

Stu

dy w

ith R

abb

i Neely

31

24

Temple Israel

50 South Moss Road

Winter Springs, FL 32708

407.647.3055

www.tiflorida.org

Building Community Since 1954

Friday Service: 7:30 pm, Saturday Service: 9:30 am Meet & Greet every Friday at 7:00 pm before services

Sunday Minyan: 9:00 am (in the Savage Family Chapel)

Prayerful Meditation: Saturday at 9:30 am every last Shabbat of the month (in the Savage Family Chapel)

Weekday Community Minyan at the Jewish Academy: 7:45 am, Monday-Friday

Rabbi Joshua Neely

Temple Israel’s Keepers of the Flame Not surprisingly, our membership dues do not cover Temple Israel’s expenses, and without generous dona-

tions we would be unable to fulfill our mission of building a sacred community. Thus our basic dues represent

a member’s minimum financial commitment. Recognizing that there are many members who have the ability

and the desire to provide greater support in addition to their basic dues, Temple Israel created a membership

category called Keepers of the Flame to provide a mechanism for this increased level of giving. The generosity

of our current and future Keepers is vital to the sustainability and growth of Temple Israel.

In appreciation of this increased-dues level of commitment, Keepers of the Flame are welcome at all Temple

Israel sponsored Shabbat dinners, synagogue Seders and program events without additional charge. Only a res-

ervation is required. Additionally, there is a designated “Keepers of the Flame” seating area at all of the High

Holiday services.

The following giving levels are suggested:

Benefactors $15,000 and up

Pillars $10,000 to $14,999

Defenders $7,800 to $9,999

Guardians $5,300 to $7,799

Protectors $3,300 to $5,299

Preservers $2,400 to $3,299

Kindlers $2,000 to $2,399

If you would like to be counted among our Keepers of the Flame, please send your giving level to:

Temple Israel

50 S. Moss Rd.,

Winter Springs, FL 32708-3002

For further information please contact our President, Eric Hoffman, at 407.517.8733.