periodical postage paid at skokie, il temple beth israel ... · mazal tov – b’nai mitzvah!...

shabbat Friday Evening, april 5*

5:30 P.M. – Likrat Shabbat

6:05 P.M. – Kabbalat Shabbat

April Birthday Blessings

Sponsored by the Choldin Family in honor of Harvey Choldin’s special Birthday

shabbat saturday Morning, april 6 at 10:30 a.M.Bar Mitzvah of Max Spector, son of Lisa and David Spector

Torah Portion “Tazria”

Shabbat HaChodesh – Rosh Chodesh Nisan

shabbat Friday Evening, april 126:00 P.M. – Shalom Shabbat

6:30 P.M. – Crossover Congregational Dinner

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

Temple Beth Israel honors all Quinquennial Anniversaries of Temple Membership

shabbat saturday Morning, april 13 at 10:30 a.M.

Bat Mitzvah of Lilly Broutman, daughter of Paula and Jay Broutman

Torah Portion “Metzora”

Shabbat HaGadol


No Services

Chag Sameach


shabbat saturday Night, april 20*6:00 P.M. - Community Second Seder

Pesach

shabbat Friday Morning, april 26*

10:30 A.M. – 7th Day Pesach Morning Services

12:30 P.M. – 7th Day Pesach Luncheon

shabbat Friday Evening, april 267:30 P.M. – Erev Shabbat Services


Pesach VIII

shabbat Friday Evening, May 3*



shabbat saturday Morning, May 4 at 10:30 a.M.Torah Portion “Achare Mot”

*Please note time

April 2019 Adar II – Nisan 5779 Volume 102 Number 7

On March 2nd my oldest granddaughter was calledto the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Because she and herfamily belong to an Orthodox congregation, she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah just days after her 12thbirthday. And because their Orthodox congregationis also “inclusive” she read the Torah and helped

to lead the worship. She read her Torah and Haftarah portions with competence and confidence. Needless to say, Jody and I areexceedingly proud of our oldest granddaughter as she takes her placeamong the adult members of the Jewish community – and we enjoyedthe opportunity to kvell and to celebrate with our extended family.

This personal occasion also led me to reflect, once again, aboutwhat it means to become an adult in the Jewish community and what itmeans to live a Jewish life, as a citizen of the Jewish community. Fromtime to time I have shared in this space the text of the certificate thatwe present to our B’nai Mitzvah here at TBI. It is a statement which weexpect them to affirm, and to take on as a commitment, and literally tosign as a pledge. It says:

“In becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah I accept the privileges and responsibilities of being a Jew: lifelong Torah study and the

keeping of mitzvot; Shabbat, holy-day and life-cycle observances; participation in the life of the synagogue, the Jewish community,

and Israel; dedication to Tikun Olam, the perfection of our world.”

I have a secret hope: that members of our congregation might clipthat pledge and hang it on their refrigerator - as a concise reminder anda profound inspiration of what it means to live a Jewish life filled withmeaning and purpose. And I have another secret hope: that after awhile that reminder will no longer be necessary - as the life it describeswill have been integrated and assimilated into the lives of not only our B’nai Mitzvah students but all the adults in our congregational community. Will you take that pledge?

Rabbi’s Columnshabbat services

We would like to belatedly thank Erwin Janush, Devy Weitzman,

Roz Heimann, and Aviva Goldman who made donations for the Likrat

Shabbat on March 1, 2019 in honor of their March birthdays.

We would like to thank Ellen Bronfeld, Nina Henry, MaryJane

Klein, and Ron Berne who made donations for the Likrat Shabbat on

April 5, 2019 in honor of their April birthdays.

Likrat shabbat

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

iN thE tEMPLE FaMiLyMAZAL TOV TO:

Carl Lieberman on being honored with the Thomas and Lois LloydHumanitarian Award for 37 years of service to Shore.

Barbara and Bob Agdern on the birth of their new granddaughter,Aubrey Faye, daughter of Jillian and Brad Agdern.

Ed and Mindy Jaffe on the birth of their new son, Zev.

Emily E. LB. Twarog on being named the recipient of a 2019 FrederickBurkhardt Fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies.

CONDOLENCES:

We note with sorrow the passing of Bernard Feinerman z”l, father ofAlan Feinerman. May his memory be a blessing.

We note with sorrow the passing of Frieda Miller z”l, grandmother ofDan Miller. May her memory be a blessing.

We note with sorrow the passing of Mitchell Brick z”l, son of SherryBrick. May his memory be a blessing.

FroM thE PrEsidENt

I’ve written a few times about how my life has been

impacted by grief during my tenure as TBI President.

One lesson I’ve learned as I fulfill this sacred role in our

community is that one need not be alone in their grief.

In this role, I have seen many within our community,

or those connected to it, suffer losses. Congregants

have lost spouses, children, siblings, parents, and close

friends. Diseases or accidents or personal setbacks are happening

every day all around us.

It seems we are all suffering some sort of loss. I recently ran across

an article written by John Pavlovitz, entitled, “Everyone Around You is

Grieving. Go Easy.” He wrote about mundane tasks one must take on in

the days following the loss of a loved one. This hit home for me. While

we grieve when we suffer a loss, we must also continue living, eating,

sleeping, paying our bills, and running errands. And while we are out

doing these things, we may not be at our best. It is also likely we run

across others who are not at their best.

Who among us has not been angered by a shopper at the grocery,

a driver on the highway or a waiter at a restaurant? Why not give them

the benefit of the doubt? Perhaps the driver in that car who was in

the wrong lane just found out they had a terminal illness. Maybe the

waiter who forgot to refill your water is struggling to pay their rent. It is

possible that the person at the Jewel who didn’t take out their credit

card to pay quickly enough has just suffered the loss of a loved one.

It is not easy to give others the benefit of the doubt. We are all going

through our own daily troubles as well. How can we be more empathetic

and positive when we interact with people who, as far as we know, may

be grieving or suffering in some manner? I am reminded of a book I’ve

been reading by A.J. Jacobs, “Thanks a Thousand”, where he takes it

upon himself to thank 1000 of the people who helped him be able to

enjoy his morning coffee. He thanks not only the barista, but the farmer

who grew the beans, the cup makers, the taster, the roasters and so

many whose involvement seems tangential but without whom, perhaps

one couldn’t fully enjoy that morning coffee in the same way.

The lesson I learn from this endeavor is twofold: 1) be grateful for

all those who do so much to help us enjoy our lives; and 2) we are all

interconnected. There is no getting around it. We live in a way that

nothing we do is not impacted by thousands or millions of others who

have helped us not just have that delicious morning coffee, but our

homes, our streets, our clothes, our food, our music, everything we

enjoy or need is integrated with everyone else.

Perhaps if we can all try to be grateful for all that we have and

all those who have helped in that process, we will be a little bit more

empathetic. Gratitude often makes us happier. And if we are happier, we

may be able to pause for a moment and think so that before we scream

at the other driver, we might imagine what they are going through –

whether they are worried about their child making friends at school, their

own depression, their job status or the health of a loved one – we can

be kind. It is worth the time and energy to treat people as if they need

your help. And most of the time, being kind will help you feel a little bit

better about your own troubles. We are all suffering. Go easy.

By Jon Schneider

Mazal Tov – B’Nai MiTzvah!

Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Max

Spector on becoming Bar Mitzvah and being called

to the Torah on April 6, 2019. Max is a seventh

grader at Lincoln Hall School in Lincolnwood. He

enjoys music, theatre, sports, and has a passion

for collecting anything related to the Harry Potter

series. Max has performed in many plays and

shows. He played saxophone in his school band

and is in his school’s chorale and honor choir. He also enjoys playing

on the soccer team and running. To share his love of music and singing,

Max is volunteering in the Keshet buddy program choir for his mitzvah

initiative. He is excited for his upcoming fourth summer at OSRUI.

Max is looking forward to becoming Bar Mitzvah and celebrating with

family, friends, and his TBI community. He wants to thank everyone at

TBI who has helped him prepare for his special day.

Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Lilly

Broutman on becoming Bat Mitzvah and being

called to the Torah on April 13, 2019. Lilly is in 7th

grade at Emerson Middle School in Park Ridge.

She enjoys hanging out with her friends, family

and the family cat, Jagger. Lilly has been attending

OSRUI since she was 6 years old and will be

starting her 7th year at camp in Moshavah Bet this

summer. Lilly chose to work with the Keshet Buddy Bowling program

for her Mitzvah Project last fall. She enjoys working with special needs

kids and has volunteered to work at the Keshet camp this summer. Lilly

also plays softball with the Park Ridge Park District. Lilly is the little

sister to Jack & big sister to Max and the family comedienne to the

whole Broutman family!

Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Jaime

Kimmel Choldin on becoming Bat Mitzvah and

being called to the Torah on May 11, 2019. Jamie

is a young woman with a huge heart. She is wise

beyond her years and has incredible depth and

empathy. At her core is a creative free spirit that

manifests itself in designing and making her own

clothes, cooking, baking, and making beautiful

jewelry by hand - tiny bead by tiny bead. Jamie is accepting and toler-

ant. She does not see skin color and she is incredibly open to LGBTQ.

She has friends of every shape and size and color and type. She is a

diehard OSRUI girl, especially since one of her moms basically grew up

there. She is also into sports and is the goalie on her soccer team.

Jamie is a family person. She loves her moms, her sisters, and all of her

grandparents and cousins. She is a huge bundle of love and incredibly

generous.

hELP us gEt it right!Please help us recognize your upcoming simcha correctly in the

Bulletin. If you are planning a bar or bat mitzvah, aufruf, baby naming

or other life cycle event, please make sure we know exactly how you

want your names to be listed. Without prior notification, the Bulletin

will list names as they appear in our official TBI records. Please email

[email protected] with your information.

PErsoNaLizEd

iNVitatioNs aNd

cards

Do you have a simcha coming up?

Are you planning to send cards for the

holidays? Is there an announcement you

or your company would like to share?

Sisterhood offers high quality personal-

ized invitations and cards at discounted

prices. Elaine Berger can help you meet

your needs. Please contact her at

[email protected] or 847-677-8737.

sidNEy i. coLE caMP

schoLarshiP FuNd

Provides camp scholarships

for our students who attend

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp

donor in honor of

Rozanne & Steve Epstein . . .Levi Shai Lipsett

Gary Zimmerman . . . . Susie & Michael Lorge

donor in Memory of

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen B. Kirk

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burton Burns

Gloria & Michael Froman . . .Elissa S. Froman

Gloria & Michael Froman . . . . . .Fred Salzberg

rabbi’s discrEtioNary FuNd

Provides funds for charitable uses

within and outside the congregation

at the discretion of the Rabbi

donor in honor of

Sara & Billy Belkov . .Susie & Michael Lorge’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grandsons

Victoria & Jeremy Franklin . . . . . . . . . .Rabbi’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .participation in Joe’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bar Mitzvah Service

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

. . . . . . . . . .Eilene Isaacs’ special birthday

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . .Sharrel Titlebaum’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inspiring words

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . .Leora’s Bat Mitzvah

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . . . . .Harold Levine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Secret Mensch)

Mick Siegel & Andrea Backman . .Births of the

. .Lorge’s grandsons, Solomon Ezra Shure

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & Levi Shai Lipsett

donor in Memory of

Sheila Edstrom . . . . . . . . .Marjorie Goldzweig

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on her birthday

Tesnar Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Brick

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Brick

Dina Lokets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Volf Lokets

Joseph Goldzweig . . . . . .Marjorie Goldzweig

Gloria Gray . . . .Dr. Kasiel “Kasey” Steinhardt


. . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Kasiel “Kasey” Steinhardt

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . .Suzanne Zimmerman

Robert Arenson . . . . . . . . . . . .Albert Strusiner

Meryl & John Smyth . . . . . . . . .John U. Smyth

Judith Levey . . . . .Howard Levinson, beloved

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . father of David Levinson

EducatioN FuNd

Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI

donor in honor of

Laura & Leon Finkel

Sue & Kevin Schneider

Linda Fainman

Joel & Nancy Goodman . . . . . .Barbara & Bob

. . . . Agdern’s new granddaughter, Aubrey

Lisa & Steve Friedland . . . . . .Susie & Michael

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorge’s new grandsons

Laura & Norwin Merens . . .Marylyn & Howard

. . . . . . . Minkoff for their acts of kindness

Jon Hoffheimer . . . . . .Your hospitality for our

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . visit to Kabbalat Service

Debbie Talsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Lorge

donor in Memory of

Kathy & Marc Rocklin . . . . .Lawrence Litwack

Aviva Goldman . . . . . . . . .Sol Martin Goldman

Lisa & Steve Friedland . .Ethel & Milton Seaver

Michael Swarzman . . . . . . .Ruben Swarzman

Neala Dill Coan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sydell Dill

Sharon Grad . . . . . . . . . . . .Elaine Saphier Fox

Ellena Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . .Susan Sherman

Judith Fried

Gail Matson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phyllis Bleadon

Howard Pfeifer . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clara Krakover

Kathy Klein Rabin . . . . . .Olga Klein Grossman

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard Patinkin

Marianna & Harvey Choldin . . . . . . . . .Sol Tax

Marianna & Harvey Choldin . . . .David Choldin

Marianna & Harvey Choldin . . . .Rebecca Katz

Music FuNd

Provides funds for music programs

donor in honor of

Sisterhood TBI . . . . . . . . .Marla Aviva Bentley

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for T’fillot Nashim

donor in Memory of

Alice Solovy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marie Marcus

Lisa & David Spector . . . . . . . . . .Leona Levin

Richard & Emily Good . . . . . .Herman Heiman

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

Nina & David Henry . . . . . . . .Carl Lieberman’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . humanitarian award

Marion Kornbluth . . . . . . . . . .Kathy Kornbluth

donor in Memory of

Ruth Mandel . . . . . . . . . . . . .Florence Berman

torah FuNd

Provides support for all Temple programs

donor in honor of

Carol & Erwin Barrington . . . . . . .Bat Mitzvah

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of Leora Weinberg

FayE aNd hoWard ricE

cuLturaL FuNd

This fund provides support for social

and cultural programming including

scholars in residence

donor in Memory of

Harriet & Richard Arons . . . . . . .Pearl G. Duhl

hErzL b. MENdELsohN Library FuNd

This fund is used exclusively for the purchase

of books, periodicals, furnishings and

supplies for our library

donor in Memory of

Laura & Norwin Merens . . . . . .Rifka Steinberg

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

FroM thE dirEctor oF coNgrEgatioNaL LEarNiNg

Dear Friends,

The winter has been long and unrelenting which is

why I believe, that Passover this year will take on new

and renewed meaning.

As I have stated here before, I love Passover. Although

it does require a lot of work for me personally, I never

regret it and wait anxiously for this holiday each and

every year.

Pesach (Passover) is the most celebrated holiday by American Jews. I

know that seems surprising, but it seems to be the time when we show up.

Kids come home, relatives plan vacations around the holiday and each

family has the ongoing discussion of who is hosting this year.

We always celebrate with the same family, one that dwarfs ours in size

but has included and encompassed us since Eliana was 2 weeks old. We

have only missed once Pesach together in all those years. This year, we will

once again gather, 12 of them, a couple of us and have our deep discussions

(topics and questions sent out weeks in advance), remember the exodus and

eat lots of yummy treats.

Winter has been long. Pesach reminds us that it will indeed come to an

end, babies will be born, flowers will bloom and we will have more hours of

light.

TBI offers a wonderful Congregational Second Seder for those of you

looking for a place to be. Call the office for more information or go on

ShulCloud to register.

I hope that all of you have a joyous Pesach. Remember that we are

instructed to “let all who are hungry, come and eat” so please support

Maot Chitim, either through TBI’s project or generally and fulfill this mitzvah

of Pesach.

Chag HeAviv Sameach,

A joyous spring festival to you and yours,

B’shalom,

Lori B. Sagarin

Visit tbi Nosh caFé!Need a cup of joe on a Sunday morning? Bagels calling your

name on the way to Sunday School? Look no further! Stop in to the

delightful Nosh café for a warm smile and hot cup of coffee. Open

most days Bet Midrash is in session.

“aNd hoW JEWish is basEbaLL?”Have your pencils and scorecards ready. Let’s go.

Batter up!

Spring is in the air and it’s time to play baseball at

Temple Beth Israel.

Plan to join us on Sunday, April 7 at 9 am for breakfast

followed by a insightful presentation by Michael H. Ebner,

professor emeritus of American History, Lake Forest, (IL)

College, who presents an illustrated talk: “And How Jewish is Baseball?”

Professor Ebner taught American History for 33 years at Lake Forest

and is a veteran archivist in his North Shore community, but he is a native

of Brooklyn, NY.

As a youthful Dodger fan, he suffered his team’s World Series defeats

in 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953, and their shocking loss to the New York

Giants and Bobby Thomson in the 1951 National League playoffs. His

dream of victory was finally realized with the Dodgers’ World Series win

in 1955—then smashed when the “Boys of Summer” departed Brooklyn

for Los Angeles in 1957. He began to dream of a championship again

when he embraced the Chicago Cubs in 1974. That dream actually came

true in November 2016.

How many Jewish major leaguers have there been since Lipman Pike

signed on with the Troy Haymakers in 1871 and finished his career with

the New York Metropolitans in 1887? Maybe 250, that’s all. Yet so many

American Jews are devoted to baseball in general, and especially to our

very own Yom Kippur-observant heroes, such Dodger star hurler Sandy

Koufax.

Many great American Jewish novelists sprinkle their works with

baseball references. Baseball often meant “America” to our immigrant

forebears. Plan to join us on April 7 as Professor Ebner reminds us of

these cultural connections with a lively blend of scholarship and fan

enthusiasm.

And there’s more, the Brotherhood will be staging its first annual

health forum at TBI on Sunday, April 28, when Chuck Strand, CEO, Us

Too International, Des Plaines, IL joins us for an informative discussion on

men’s prostate health, refer to the insert for details. According to Strand,

prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American

men. (Lung cancer is No. 1.) The cost of both breakfast programs is

$5 per person. RSVP to the Temple office: 847.675.0951 now for the

April 7 baseball talk and by Wednesday, April 24 for the prostate wellness

presentation.

Submitted by Norwin Merens

Membership Chair, TBI Brotherhood

NoTES FroM ThE Social acTioN couNcil

It is easy to become immobile considering the events that demands

our attention on a daily basis, but DON’T. It is not the way we do things

as Jews and responsible human citizens. Check out the “Torah in Action”

page on the TBI website and you can focus on something that can make

the world a little better.

The program back in February on homelessness and domestic

violence featuring Wings and Connections was moving. Go to their

website and see how you can help them. Currently, flooding has become

a huge problem in the Midwestern states, especially in Nebraska where

they predict over a billion dollars in damages to their farmland. As of this

writing, donations to the American Red Cross would be helpful.

TBI needs your help to distribute food to those in need from Maot

Chitim. Please contact David H. Henry (773-405-3928) or the temple

office if you can help make deliveries from TBI on April 14. You can contact

Maot Chitim individually if you just want to help pack boxes on April 7.

We hope you found the health fair useful. To those who gave blood:

Thank you! By your donation, you helped save lives.

Have a wonderful Pesach!

attENtioN JourNaLists aNd asPiriNg JourNaLists!

reminder: Material for the bulletin isdue 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 May bulletin is april 10th. Have anidea for an article? Send it in!

B’ruchiM haBa’iM - WELcoME! JoiNiNg thE tbi FaMiLyOur coverage of new Temple Beth Israel members continues. We’re delighted to welcome the following TBI households who have discovered just

how friendly, supportive, and inclusive our community is. As it begins its second century, TBI offers a vibrant and welcoming presence in Skokie, the

North Shore, and beyond.

Becky & Matty Parker • Park Ridge, IL

Children: Joshua, 11 & Jacob, 8

Presenting the Parker Family of Park Ridge. This is one active and energetic new member family that now calls TBI its

cultural, religious and spiritual home. For starters, there’s Matty, a stay-at-home dad who was a teacher. He shared these

recent observations about TBI:

First Impressions: “We are enjoying the family-friendly and inclusive atmosphere at Temple Beth Israel. Everyone is

welcoming, and we’re excited about the upcoming Purim celebration. We are really looking forwarding to meeting more of

the wonderful people. The history of the Temple is amazing, and we are honored to be part of it.”

Getting to Know You: Before Matty pursued college studies on a trombone/baritone music scholarship, he spent many years working in his father’s

famed kosher bakery: Nadine’s of Tucson, AZ, which is now owned by his younger sister, Sara. A graduate of the Tucson Hebrew Jewish Academy,

Matty taught middle school and instrumental brass, playing during summers. That’s how he met his wife, Becky, a practicing emergency physician,

whose passion is helping people. She is currently the chief medical affairs officer for Envision Healthcare and a past president of the American College

of Emergency Physicians. She travels and flies often, which is why the Parkers live close to O’Hare International Airport. Becky still loves playing

trumpet as time permits.

Son Jacob is a third grader at Washington Elementary in Park Ridge. He plays basketball, soccer, enjoys chess club and recently started playing

the trumpet. He loves his older brother, Joshua, yet also likes to give Joshua a hard time. Joshua is now in the sixth grade at Lincoln Middle School

and is diligently studying for his Bar Mitzvah. His extracurricular interests include travel soccer, basketball and trombone, following in his dad’s

footsteps. Joshua also enjoys jazz music and staying in tune with his musically talented parents and brother.

Madelyn & David Silverman • Skokie, IL

When Madelyn and David learned that Temple Judea Mizpah of Skokie was closing and merging with Beth Emet last

summer, the couple considered joining the Evanston-based synagogue until it became apparent there were event-scheduling

and commuting issues. It just so happened that David’s brother, Marty Silverman, is a TBI member and a strong booster.

First Impressions: “We (Madelyn and I) came to several events before we decided to join and enjoyed both the

people we met and the events. Our feelings for TBI ran deep. First, it is much easier to get to TBI in Skokie than Beth Emet.

Secondly, we were members of the Temple when it was located in Albany Park and later on Howard Street in Skokie. These

memories kindled good feelings. Finally, both of our children celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at TBI.”

Getting to Know You: The Silvermans have six adult grandchildren and one great grandchild, Noah, who is now 21-months old and loves attending

the Temple’s Monday morning “Wiggles and Giggles” class run by Marla Aviva Bentley. Madelyn is a retired Chicago Public School teacher and David

is retired from the federal government. They are looking forward to becoming involved at TBI and getting acquainted with the Temple’s wonderful

member families.

Diana Tulchinsky • Skokie, IL

Diana joined Temple Beth Israel last summer because she wanted to count as an individual within the Reform Movement.

She desired to return to the roots of her Judaism without having it feel as an obligation or a duty.

First Impressions: “I am amazed at how musical Marla Aviva Bentley, our Director of Music and the choir are during the

holidays. TBI is a great place to belong. It allows me to develop my own level of religious observance just as my parents and

grandparents did before me.” She adds that TBI’s outreach to its congregants and the community at large is impressive and a

model for other religious institutions.

Getting to Know You: Diana works as a public access producer for Glenview Television, which is operated by the Village of Glenview. She loves

filming people from all walks of life, including the many entrepreneurs in their respective businesses. Diana recently attended TBI’s late winter retreat

at OSRUI in Oconomowoc, WI and had a wonderful time meeting new friends and rekindling her Judaism.

Prepared by Norwin Merens,TBI Membership Committee

Likrat shabbat sPoNsorsOn the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month our worship

is Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming Shabbat) at 6:05 p.m. This

short service filled with Shabbat songs and music is preceded at

5:30 p.m. by Likrat Shabbat when we approach Shabbat by

greeting friends and enjoying a “nosh” together.

Would you like to host Likrat Shabbat in celebration of a

family simcha or other special occasion? Please contact Carol

Barrington at 847.679.5405 for information on underwriting the

cost of food and refreshments for Likrat Shabbat.Special thanks to TBI's Sunday Morning Seminar presenter

Professor Andrew Porwancher for his presentation on Alexander

Hamilton's Jewish Life.

In just a few weeks we celebrate the festival ofPesach (Passover). One of the ways that we rejoicein our festivals, is to recite the words of Hallel. Hallel,is a series of Psalms, bookended by two blessings,which we recite during the Shalosh Regalim or ThreeFestivals of Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, as well as during Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the newmonth. One text from Hallel, which may be quite

familiar, is Pitchu Li. This text from Psalm 118 begins: “Open the gatesof righteousness for me that I may enter them and praise Adonai. Thisis the gateway to Adonai – the righteous shall enter through it.”

Many Jewish composers have chosen to set Pitchu Li to music,including Robbie Solomon, Julie Silver, Josh Nelson and Dan Nichols.Today however, I would like to draw your attention to a new melody by Deborah Sacks Mintz. Sacks Mintz is a composer, singer, guitarist,and rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She collaborates with many rising stars of new Jewish music such as JoeyWeisberg, Josh Warshawsky, Elana Arian, Chava Mirel and Shani BenOr. Her setting of Pitchu is a haunting, lyrical and joyous melody. (To hear this piece, please visit tbiskokie.org and visit the Blog section.)The two contrasting A and B sections highlight the text and the harmony created between the two vocal parts is stunning. To learnmore about Deborah Sacks Mintz, and listen to her music, visit herwebsite, https://www.deborahsacksmintz.com/. To hear her setting of Pitchu Li live, join us for Shabbat Pesach Services on Saturday, April 20 and 7th Day Pesach Services on Friday, April 26.

i i i i i i i i

Many of you know that I have always had a soft spot in my heart for little kids. As much as I love working with the adults in Koleynu orhelping to shape the young minds of my 6th grade class, I absolutelyadore teaching tots. For the past few months, I have had the joy ofteaching a JBaby music class here at TBI. JBaby is a part of JUF’sYoung Families program, whose mission is to bring Jewish education,through books, music and classes to our community. Our JBaby musicclass is called Wiggles and Giggles, and it is one of three classesoffered at TBI through the JBaby program.

In Wiggles and Giggles, we build connections while making musicand movement! Parents or Grandparents and children will exploreJewish music by singing, dancing, playing with shakers, instruments,and scarves. This class promotes social, cognitive, and communicationsskills for your growing tot. This class is best for children, 8-24 months.Our next session begins on Monday, April 1, from 10:00-11:00 am.Sign up online on the jBaby site or contact me for details.

Joy & Blessings, Marla Aviva Bentley

sistErhood NEWs This article was inspired by a WRJ project entitled “Sharing Our

Stories”. The project is described as a place where Reform/Progressive

women share personal stories of sisterhood, spirituality and social good

to help us create meaningful connections and better understanding of

each other.

Friday, March 8, 2019 was International Woman’s Day. In honor of

this important day of recognition, awareness and gratitude we reached

out to some members of Sisterhood and asked, “What woman in yourlife has inspired you and why.”

Here are some of the heartfelt responses we received.

From Libby Beider:

Everything I learned about having a Jewish home I learned from

Shirley Beider, my 2nd mom. She taught me about keeping kosher and

about going to Shul every Saturday morning. I learned about Shabbat

dinners, saying the blessings over the candles, the sweet wine and the

challah. She was infinitely patient. She liked discussion at the dinner

table but insisted it was peaceful. I learned about Pesach from her.

She taught me how to make charoset. We had Yom Kippur break fasts

together, she gave me her Strawberries and cream recipe. She was

practical. She reused and recycled long before it was the thing to do.

She wiped down aluminum foil and rinsed out bread bags. She was

never wasteful. She was a role model. She was always upbeat and found

the positive in any situation. She spoke with a smile on her face and a

twinkle in her eyes. She started using those stretchy corkscrew shoelaces

in comfortable red shoes that she called her “go to hell shoes”. Again,

that twinkle. She taught me about giving with warm hands. She loved her

husband, children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-children.

I loved her and I love her.

From Andrea Blain:

According to smallbiztrends.com, a bit more than 50% of small

businesses fail in the first four years. It’s is a good thing that I was not

aware of that statistic when I started my business 25 years ago. I was

pregnant with our son and didn’t want to schlep downtown on the El

to go to work. So, I was inspired by my good friend Vicki, who had

recently started her own company, to branch out on my own.

Vicki provided the feedback that I desperately needed to ensure that

I was not making a mistake. She is a bit bold with her advice, loves

to cuss and is very direct. “You can do this,” she would say over our

hours-long phone conversations, and “I am here to help.”

Vicki was the impetus of a boutique, loosely-held organization of

smaller, independent publicists (all women) who would network and

pass along clients to each other whenever we got busy. She is a kind,

generous friend and business associate who wishes the very best

success to her supposed “competitors.” She always said that there’s

enough business out there for all of us!

Thanks to her, my business thrived, and it just made me realize even

more that, as WRJ says, “We are stronger together.” We invite you to

share your story of a woman who has inspired you and we would guess

that you are someone who has inspired someone else.

Respectfully submitted by, Joanne Merritt and Pam Lavine

Co-Presidents, Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel

sistErhood aNNiVErsariEs aNd birthdays

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

Roslyne and Ernst Heimann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/5/1974

Brenda and Benjamin Kogan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/14/2006

Dale and William (Skip) Davison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/15/1988

Janice and Mark Samberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/20/1984

Karen Bernstein and Jeff Rhodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/20/2001

Jolie and David Rubin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/23/1993

Kathy Kirn and David Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/25/1986

Susan Derex and Jerry Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/25/1997

Michelle and Warren Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/26/1991

Ellen and Steve Sontag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/27/1974

Ione and Steve Novak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/27/1990

Michelle and Jeff Agrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/28/2000

Madelon and Charles Gryll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/29/1977

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Sandy Chaet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/4

Sandie Rubin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/5

Diane Mehlman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/7

Keryn Groner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/10

Barbara Agdern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/14

Candy Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/14

Janis Fine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/15

Lisa Spector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/16

Pam Lavine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/20

Cynthia Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/22

Elaine Kropveld-Berger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/25

Doris Simon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/26

Cynthia Roth-Garfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/28

Alyce Heman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/30

Lori Sagarin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5/30

chai NotEs FroM thE Music dirEctor

Would you like to celebrate simchas and benefit Sisterhood TBI?Uniongrams are only $2.00 each. Contact: Rozanne Epstein, [email protected], 847-676-3299; or Candy Siegel, [email protected], 847-679-4707.

sistErhood book discussioN grouP

The Sisterhood Book Discussion Group will

be meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 in

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

discussing Eleanor Oliphant is Completely

Fine, a novel, by Gail Honeyman. Quoting from

the book jacket:

"Smart, warm, uplifting, Eleanor Oliphant is

Completely Fine is the story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine

whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an

irresistible journey as she realizes...the only way to survive is to

open your heart."

New members are welcome. The book is available at the

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

or Paula Sabin, [email protected].

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

April 3, 12:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Program Meeting

April 14, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sisterhood Board Meeting

April 17 & 24, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . .Torah Study with Rabbi

April 17, 7:00 p.m. . . . . . . . .Sisterhood Book Discussion Group

April 26-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . .WRJ Midwest District Kallah, OSRUI

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

May 1 & 8, 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Torah Study with Rabbi

May 5, 9:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maj Drop-In

May 6, 7:15 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . .Combined Open/Board Meeting

tbi’s doors arE oPEN WidETemple 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 so much

more. Invite friends and family alike to join you for services and

programs throughout the year!

Calling all TBI members! We need able-bodied Ushers – people who

love TBI, Shabbat, and inviting friends and newcomers into our

wonderful community! For a job that asks for a small time commitment,

but makes a BIG contribution, contact Nina Henry at:

[email protected] or (773) 761-3928

sMaLL coMMitMENt

but a big coNtributioN!

FroM thE dirEctor oF coNgrEgatioNaL LEarNiNg

Dear Friends,

The winter has been long and unrelenting which is

why I believe, that Passover this year will take on new

and renewed meaning.

As I have stated here before, I love Passover. Although

it does require a lot of work for me personally, I never

regret it and wait anxiously for this holiday each and

every year.

Pesach (Passover) is the most celebrated holiday by American Jews. I

know that seems surprising, but it seems to be the time when we show up.

Kids come home, relatives plan vacations around the holiday and each

family has the ongoing discussion of who is hosting this year.

We always celebrate with the same family, one that dwarfs ours in size

but has included and encompassed us since Eliana was 2 weeks old. We

have only missed once Pesach together in all those years. This year, we will

once again gather, 12 of them, a couple of us and have our deep discussions

(topics and questions sent out weeks in advance), remember the exodus and

eat lots of yummy treats.

Winter has been long. Pesach reminds us that it will indeed come to an

end, babies will be born, flowers will bloom and we will have more hours of

light.

TBI offers a wonderful Congregational Second Seder for those of you

looking for a place to be. Call the office for more information or go on

ShulCloud to register.

I hope that all of you have a joyous Pesach. Remember that we are

instructed to “let all who are hungry, come and eat” so please support

Maot Chitim, either through TBI’s project or generally and fulfill this mitzvah

of Pesach.

Chag HeAviv Sameach,

A joyous spring festival to you and yours,

B’shalom,

Lori B. Sagarin

Visit tbi Nosh caFé!Need a cup of joe on a Sunday morning? Bagels calling your

name on the way to Sunday School? Look no further! Stop in to the

delightful Nosh café for a warm smile and hot cup of coffee. Open

most days Bet Midrash is in session.

“aNd hoW JEWish is basEbaLL?”Have your pencils and scorecards ready. Let’s go.

Batter up!

Spring is in the air and it’s time to play baseball at

Temple Beth Israel.

Plan to join us on Sunday, April 7 at 9 am for breakfast

followed by a insightful presentation by Michael H. Ebner,

professor emeritus of American History, Lake Forest, (IL)

College, who presents an illustrated talk: “And How Jewish is Baseball?”

Professor Ebner taught American History for 33 years at Lake Forest

and is a veteran archivist in his North Shore community, but he is a native

of Brooklyn, NY.

As a youthful Dodger fan, he suffered his team’s World Series defeats

in 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953, and their shocking loss to the New York

Giants and Bobby Thomson in the 1951 National League playoffs. His

dream of victory was finally realized with the Dodgers’ World Series win

in 1955—then smashed when the “Boys of Summer” departed Brooklyn

for Los Angeles in 1957. He began to dream of a championship again

when he embraced the Chicago Cubs in 1974. That dream actually came

true in November 2016.

How many Jewish major leaguers have there been since Lipman Pike

signed on with the Troy Haymakers in 1871 and finished his career with

the New York Metropolitans in 1887? Maybe 250, that’s all. Yet so many

American Jews are devoted to baseball in general, and especially to our

very own Yom Kippur-observant heroes, such Dodger star hurler Sandy

Koufax.

Many great American Jewish novelists sprinkle their works with

baseball references. Baseball often meant “America” to our immigrant

forebears. Plan to join us on April 7 as Professor Ebner reminds us of

these cultural connections with a lively blend of scholarship and fan

enthusiasm.

And there’s more, the Brotherhood will be staging its first annual

health forum at TBI on Sunday, April 28, when Chuck Strand, CEO, Us

Too International, Des Plaines, IL joins us for an informative discussion on

men’s prostate health, refer to the insert for details. According to Strand,

prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American

men. (Lung cancer is No. 1.) The cost of both breakfast programs is

$5 per person. RSVP to the Temple office: 847.675.0951 now for the

April 7 baseball talk and by Wednesday, April 24 for the prostate wellness

presentation.

Submitted by Norwin Merens

Membership Chair, TBI Brotherhood

NoTES FroM ThE Social acTioN couNcil

It is easy to become immobile considering the events that demands

our attention on a daily basis, but DON’T. It is not the way we do things

as Jews and responsible human citizens. Check out the “Torah in Action”

page on the TBI website and you can focus on something that can make

the world a little better.

The program back in February on homelessness and domestic

violence featuring Wings and Connections was moving. Go to their

website and see how you can help them. Currently, flooding has become

a huge problem in the Midwestern states, especially in Nebraska where

they predict over a billion dollars in damages to their farmland. As of this

writing, donations to the American Red Cross would be helpful.

TBI needs your help to distribute food to those in need from Maot

Chitim. Please contact David H. Henry (773-405-3928) or the temple

office if you can help make deliveries from TBI on April 14. You can contact

Maot Chitim individually if you just want to help pack boxes on April 7.

We hope you found the health fair useful. To those who gave blood:

Thank you! By your donation, you helped save lives.

Have a wonderful Pesach!

attENtioN JourNaLists aNd asPiriNg JourNaLists!

reminder: Material for the bulletin isdue 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 May bulletin is april 10th. Have anidea for an article? Send it in!

B’ruchiM haBa’iM - WELcoME! JoiNiNg thE tbi FaMiLyOur coverage of new Temple Beth Israel members continues. We’re delighted to welcome the following TBI households who have discovered just

how friendly, supportive, and inclusive our community is. As it begins its second century, TBI offers a vibrant and welcoming presence in Skokie, the

North Shore, and beyond.

Becky & Matty Parker • Park Ridge, IL

Children: Joshua, 11 & Jacob, 8

Presenting the Parker Family of Park Ridge. This is one active and energetic new member family that now calls TBI its

cultural, religious and spiritual home. For starters, there’s Matty, a stay-at-home dad who was a teacher. He shared these

recent observations about TBI:

First Impressions: “We are enjoying the family-friendly and inclusive atmosphere at Temple Beth Israel. Everyone is

welcoming, and we’re excited about the upcoming Purim celebration. We are really looking forwarding to meeting more of

the wonderful people. The history of the Temple is amazing, and we are honored to be part of it.”

Getting to Know You: Before Matty pursued college studies on a trombone/baritone music scholarship, he spent many years working in his father’s

famed kosher bakery: Nadine’s of Tucson, AZ, which is now owned by his younger sister, Sara. A graduate of the Tucson Hebrew Jewish Academy,

Matty taught middle school and instrumental brass, playing during summers. That’s how he met his wife, Becky, a practicing emergency physician,

whose passion is helping people. She is currently the chief medical affairs officer for Envision Healthcare and a past president of the American College

of Emergency Physicians. She travels and flies often, which is why the Parkers live close to O’Hare International Airport. Becky still loves playing

trumpet as time permits.

Son Jacob is a third grader at Washington Elementary in Park Ridge. He plays basketball, soccer, enjoys chess club and recently started playing

the trumpet. He loves his older brother, Joshua, yet also likes to give Joshua a hard time. Joshua is now in the sixth grade at Lincoln Middle School

and is diligently studying for his Bar Mitzvah. His extracurricular interests include travel soccer, basketball and trombone, following in his dad’s

footsteps. Joshua also enjoys jazz music and staying in tune with his musically talented parents and brother.

Madelyn & David Silverman • Skokie, IL

When Madelyn and David learned that Temple Judea Mizpah of Skokie was closing and merging with Beth Emet last

summer, the couple considered joining the Evanston-based synagogue until it became apparent there were event-scheduling

and commuting issues. It just so happened that David’s brother, Marty Silverman, is a TBI member and a strong booster.

First Impressions: “We (Madelyn and I) came to several events before we decided to join and enjoyed both the

people we met and the events. Our feelings for TBI ran deep. First, it is much easier to get to TBI in Skokie than Beth Emet.

Secondly, we were members of the Temple when it was located in Albany Park and later on Howard Street in Skokie. These

memories kindled good feelings. Finally, both of our children celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at TBI.”

Getting to Know You: The Silvermans have six adult grandchildren and one great grandchild, Noah, who is now 21-months old and loves attending

the Temple’s Monday morning “Wiggles and Giggles” class run by Marla Aviva Bentley. Madelyn is a retired Chicago Public School teacher and David

is retired from the federal government. They are looking forward to becoming involved at TBI and getting acquainted with the Temple’s wonderful

member families.

Diana Tulchinsky • Skokie, IL

Diana joined Temple Beth Israel last summer because she wanted to count as an individual within the Reform Movement.

She desired to return to the roots of her Judaism without having it feel as an obligation or a duty.

First Impressions: “I am amazed at how musical Marla Aviva Bentley, our Director of Music and the choir are during the

holidays. TBI is a great place to belong. It allows me to develop my own level of religious observance just as my parents and

grandparents did before me.” She adds that TBI’s outreach to its congregants and the community at large is impressive and a

model for other religious institutions.

Getting to Know You: Diana works as a public access producer for Glenview Television, which is operated by the Village of Glenview. She loves

filming people from all walks of life, including the many entrepreneurs in their respective businesses. Diana recently attended TBI’s late winter retreat

at OSRUI in Oconomowoc, WI and had a wonderful time meeting new friends and rekindling her Judaism.

Prepared by Norwin Merens,TBI Membership Committee

Likrat shabbat sPoNsorsOn the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month our worship

is Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming Shabbat) at 6:05 p.m. This

short service filled with Shabbat songs and music is preceded at

5:30 p.m. by Likrat Shabbat when we approach Shabbat by

greeting friends and enjoying a “nosh” together.

Would you like to host Likrat Shabbat in celebration of a

family simcha or other special occasion? Please contact Carol

Barrington at 847.679.5405 for information on underwriting the

cost of food and refreshments for Likrat Shabbat.Special thanks to TBI's Sunday Morning Seminar presenter

Professor Andrew Porwancher for his presentation on Alexander

Hamilton's Jewish Life.

iN thE tEMPLE FaMiLyMAZAL TOV TO:

Carl Lieberman on being honored with the Thomas and Lois LloydHumanitarian Award for 37 years of service to Shore.

Barbara and Bob Agdern on the birth of their new granddaughter,Aubrey Faye, daughter of Jillian and Brad Agdern.

Ed and Mindy Jaffe on the birth of their new son, Zev.

Emily E. LB. Twarog on being named the recipient of a 2019 FrederickBurkhardt Fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies.

CONDOLENCES:

We note with sorrow the passing of Bernard Feinerman z”l, father ofAlan Feinerman. May his memory be a blessing.

We note with sorrow the passing of Frieda Miller z”l, grandmother ofDan Miller. May her memory be a blessing.

We note with sorrow the passing of Mitchell Brick z”l, son of SherryBrick. May his memory be a blessing.

FroM thE PrEsidENt

I’ve written a few times about how my life has been

impacted by grief during my tenure as TBI President.

One lesson I’ve learned as I fulfill this sacred role in our

community is that one need not be alone in their grief.

In this role, I have seen many within our community,

or those connected to it, suffer losses. Congregants

have lost spouses, children, siblings, parents, and close

friends. Diseases or accidents or personal setbacks are happening

every day all around us.

It seems we are all suffering some sort of loss. I recently ran across

an article written by John Pavlovitz, entitled, “Everyone Around You is

Grieving. Go Easy.” He wrote about mundane tasks one must take on in

the days following the loss of a loved one. This hit home for me. While

we grieve when we suffer a loss, we must also continue living, eating,

sleeping, paying our bills, and running errands. And while we are out

doing these things, we may not be at our best. It is also likely we run

across others who are not at their best.

Who among us has not been angered by a shopper at the grocery,

a driver on the highway or a waiter at a restaurant? Why not give them

the benefit of the doubt? Perhaps the driver in that car who was in

the wrong lane just found out they had a terminal illness. Maybe the

waiter who forgot to refill your water is struggling to pay their rent. It is

possible that the person at the Jewel who didn’t take out their credit

card to pay quickly enough has just suffered the loss of a loved one.

It is not easy to give others the benefit of the doubt. We are all going

through our own daily troubles as well. How can we be more empathetic

and positive when we interact with people who, as far as we know, may

be grieving or suffering in some manner? I am reminded of a book I’ve

been reading by A.J. Jacobs, “Thanks a Thousand”, where he takes it

upon himself to thank 1000 of the people who helped him be able to

enjoy his morning coffee. He thanks not only the barista, but the farmer

who grew the beans, the cup makers, the taster, the roasters and so

many whose involvement seems tangential but without whom, perhaps

one couldn’t fully enjoy that morning coffee in the same way.

The lesson I learn from this endeavor is twofold: 1) be grateful for

all those who do so much to help us enjoy our lives; and 2) we are all

interconnected. There is no getting around it. We live in a way that

nothing we do is not impacted by thousands or millions of others who

have helped us not just have that delicious morning coffee, but our

homes, our streets, our clothes, our food, our music, everything we

enjoy or need is integrated with everyone else.

Perhaps if we can all try to be grateful for all that we have and

all those who have helped in that process, we will be a little bit more

empathetic. Gratitude often makes us happier. And if we are happier, we

may be able to pause for a moment and think so that before we scream

at the other driver, we might imagine what they are going through –

whether they are worried about their child making friends at school, their

own depression, their job status or the health of a loved one – we can

be kind. It is worth the time and energy to treat people as if they need

your help. And most of the time, being kind will help you feel a little bit

better about your own troubles. We are all suffering. Go easy.

By Jon Schneider

Mazal Tov – B’Nai MiTzvah!

Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Max

Spector on becoming Bar Mitzvah and being called

to the Torah on April 6, 2019. Max is a seventh

grader at Lincoln Hall School in Lincolnwood. He

enjoys music, theatre, sports, and has a passion

for collecting anything related to the Harry Potter

series. Max has performed in many plays and

shows. He played saxophone in his school band

and is in his school’s chorale and honor choir. He also enjoys playing

on the soccer team and running. To share his love of music and singing,

Max is volunteering in the Keshet buddy program choir for his mitzvah

initiative. He is excited for his upcoming fourth summer at OSRUI.

Max is looking forward to becoming Bar Mitzvah and celebrating with

family, friends, and his TBI community. He wants to thank everyone at

TBI who has helped him prepare for his special day.

Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Lilly

Broutman on becoming Bat Mitzvah and being

called to the Torah on April 13, 2019. Lilly is in 7th

grade at Emerson Middle School in Park Ridge.

She enjoys hanging out with her friends, family

and the family cat, Jagger. Lilly has been attending

OSRUI since she was 6 years old and will be

starting her 7th year at camp in Moshavah Bet this

summer. Lilly chose to work with the Keshet Buddy Bowling program

for her Mitzvah Project last fall. She enjoys working with special needs

kids and has volunteered to work at the Keshet camp this summer. Lilly

also plays softball with the Park Ridge Park District. Lilly is the little

sister to Jack & big sister to Max and the family comedienne to the

whole Broutman family!

Temple Beth Israel wishes mazal tov to Jaime

Kimmel Choldin on becoming Bat Mitzvah and

being called to the Torah on May 11, 2019. Jamie

is a young woman with a huge heart. She is wise

beyond her years and has incredible depth and

empathy. At her core is a creative free spirit that

manifests itself in designing and making her own

clothes, cooking, baking, and making beautiful

jewelry by hand - tiny bead by tiny bead. Jamie is accepting and toler-

ant. She does not see skin color and she is incredibly open to LGBTQ.

She has friends of every shape and size and color and type. She is a

diehard OSRUI girl, especially since one of her moms basically grew up

there. She is also into sports and is the goalie on her soccer team.

Jamie is a family person. She loves her moms, her sisters, and all of her

grandparents and cousins. She is a huge bundle of love and incredibly

generous.

hELP us gEt it right!Please help us recognize your upcoming simcha correctly in the

Bulletin. If you are planning a bar or bat mitzvah, aufruf, baby naming

or other life cycle event, please make sure we know exactly how you

want your names to be listed. Without prior notification, the Bulletin

will list names as they appear in our official TBI records. Please email

[email protected] with your information.

PErsoNaLizEd

iNVitatioNs aNd

cards

Do you have a simcha coming up?

Are you planning to send cards for the

holidays? Is there an announcement you

or your company would like to share?

Sisterhood offers high quality personal-

ized invitations and cards at discounted

prices. Elaine Berger can help you meet

your needs. Please contact her at

[email protected] or 847-677-8737.

sidNEy i. coLE caMP

schoLarshiP FuNd

Provides camp scholarships

for our students who attend

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp

donor in honor of

Rozanne & Steve Epstein . . .Levi Shai Lipsett

Gary Zimmerman . . . . Susie & Michael Lorge

donor in Memory of

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen B. Kirk

Eunice Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burton Burns

Gloria & Michael Froman . . .Elissa S. Froman

Gloria & Michael Froman . . . . . .Fred Salzberg

rabbi’s discrEtioNary FuNd

Provides funds for charitable uses

within and outside the congregation

at the discretion of the Rabbi

donor in honor of

Sara & Billy Belkov . .Susie & Michael Lorge’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grandsons

Victoria & Jeremy Franklin . . . . . . . . . .Rabbi’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .participation in Joe’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bar Mitzvah Service


. . . . . . . . . .Eilene Isaacs’ special birthday

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . .Sharrel Titlebaum’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inspiring words

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . .Leora’s Bat Mitzvah

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . . . . . . . .Harold Levine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Secret Mensch)

Mick Siegel & Andrea Backman . .Births of the

. .Lorge’s grandsons, Solomon Ezra Shure

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & Levi Shai Lipsett

donor in Memory of

Sheila Edstrom . . . . . . . . .Marjorie Goldzweig

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on her birthday

Tesnar Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Brick

Sherry Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Brick

Dina Lokets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Volf Lokets

Joseph Goldzweig . . . . . .Marjorie Goldzweig

Gloria Gray . . . .Dr. Kasiel “Kasey” Steinhardt


. . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Kasiel “Kasey” Steinhardt

Gary Zimmerman . . . . . .Suzanne Zimmerman

Robert Arenson . . . . . . . . . . . .Albert Strusiner

Meryl & John Smyth . . . . . . . . .John U. Smyth

Judith Levey . . . . .Howard Levinson, beloved

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . father of David Levinson

EducatioN FuNd

Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI

donor in honor of

Laura & Leon Finkel

Sue & Kevin Schneider

Linda Fainman

Joel & Nancy Goodman . . . . . .Barbara & Bob

. . . . Agdern’s new granddaughter, Aubrey

Lisa & Steve Friedland . . . . . .Susie & Michael

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorge’s new grandsons

Laura & Norwin Merens . . .Marylyn & Howard

. . . . . . . Minkoff for their acts of kindness

Jon Hoffheimer . . . . . .Your hospitality for our

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . visit to Kabbalat Service

Debbie Talsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Lorge

donor in Memory of

Kathy & Marc Rocklin . . . . .Lawrence Litwack

Aviva Goldman . . . . . . . . .Sol Martin Goldman

Lisa & Steve Friedland . .Ethel & Milton Seaver

Michael Swarzman . . . . . . .Ruben Swarzman

Neala Dill Coan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sydell Dill

Sharon Grad . . . . . . . . . . . .Elaine Saphier Fox

Ellena Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . .Susan Sherman

Judith Fried

Gail Matson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phyllis Bleadon

Howard Pfeifer . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clara Krakover

Kathy Klein Rabin . . . . . .Olga Klein Grossman

Sue Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard Patinkin

Marianna & Harvey Choldin . . . . . . . . .Sol Tax

Marianna & Harvey Choldin . . . .David Choldin

Marianna & Harvey Choldin . . . .Rebecca Katz

Music FuNd

Provides funds for music programs

donor in honor of

Sisterhood TBI . . . . . . . . .Marla Aviva Bentley

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for T’fillot Nashim

donor in Memory of

Alice Solovy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marie Marcus

Lisa & David Spector . . . . . . . . . .Leona Levin

Richard & Emily Good . . . . . .Herman Heiman

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

Nina & David Henry . . . . . . . .Carl Lieberman’s

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . humanitarian award

Marion Kornbluth . . . . . . . . . .Kathy Kornbluth

donor in Memory of

Ruth Mandel . . . . . . . . . . . . .Florence Berman

torah FuNd

Provides support for all Temple programs

donor in honor of

Carol & Erwin Barrington . . . . . . .Bat Mitzvah

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .of Leora Weinberg

FayE aNd hoWard ricE

cuLturaL FuNd

This fund provides support for social

and cultural programming including

scholars in residence

donor in Memory of

Harriet & Richard Arons . . . . . . .Pearl G. Duhl

hErzL b. MENdELsohN Library FuNd

This fund is used exclusively for the purchase

of books, periodicals, furnishings and

supplies for our library

donor in Memory of

Laura & Norwin Merens . . . . . .Rifka Steinberg

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




April Birthday Blessings

Sponsored by the Choldin Family in honor of Harvey Choldin’s special Birthday

shabbat saturday Morning, april 6 at 10:30 a.M.Bar Mitzvah of Max Spector, son of Lisa and David Spector

Torah Portion “Tazria”

Shabbat HaChodesh – Rosh Chodesh Nisan

shabbat Friday Evening, april 126:00 P.M. – Shalom Shabbat

6:30 P.M. – Crossover Congregational Dinner

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

Temple Beth Israel honors all Quinquennial Anniversaries of Temple Membership


Bat Mitzvah of Lilly Broutman, daughter of Paula and Jay Broutman

Torah Portion “Metzora”

Shabbat HaGadol


No Services

Chag Sameach


shabbat saturday Night, april 20*6:00 P.M. - Community Second Seder

Pesach

shabbat Friday Morning, april 26*

10:30 A.M. – 7th Day Pesach Morning Services

12:30 P.M. – 7th Day Pesach Luncheon

shabbat Friday Evening, april 267:30 P.M. – Erev Shabbat Services


Pesach VIII

shabbat Friday Evening, May 3*



shabbat saturday Morning, May 4 at 10:30 a.M.Torah Portion “Achare Mot”

*Please note time

April 2019 Adar II – Nisan 5779 Volume 102 Number 7

On March 2nd my oldest granddaughter was calledto the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Because she and herfamily belong to an Orthodox congregation, she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah just days after her 12thbirthday. And because their Orthodox congregationis also “inclusive” she read the Torah and helped

to lead the worship. She read her Torah and Haftarah portions with competence and confidence. Needless to say, Jody and I areexceedingly proud of our oldest granddaughter as she takes her placeamong the adult members of the Jewish community – and we enjoyedthe opportunity to kvell and to celebrate with our extended family.

This personal occasion also led me to reflect, once again, aboutwhat it means to become an adult in the Jewish community and what itmeans to live a Jewish life, as a citizen of the Jewish community. Fromtime to time I have shared in this space the text of the certificate thatwe present to our B’nai Mitzvah here at TBI. It is a statement which weexpect them to affirm, and to take on as a commitment, and literally tosign as a pledge. It says:

“In becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah I accept the privileges and responsibilities of being a Jew: lifelong Torah study and the

keeping of mitzvot; Shabbat, holy-day and life-cycle observances; participation in the life of the synagogue, the Jewish community,

and Israel; dedication to Tikun Olam, the perfection of our world.”

I have a secret hope: that members of our congregation might clipthat pledge and hang it on their refrigerator - as a concise reminder anda profound inspiration of what it means to live a Jewish life filled withmeaning and purpose. And I have another secret hope: that after awhile that reminder will no longer be necessary - as the life it describeswill have been integrated and assimilated into the lives of not only our B’nai Mitzvah students but all the adults in our congregational community. Will you take that pledge?

Rabbi’s Columnshabbat services

We would like to belatedly thank Erwin Janush, Devy Weitzman,

Roz Heimann, and Aviva Goldman who made donations for the Likrat

Shabbat on March 1, 2019 in honor of their March birthdays.

We would like to thank Ellen Bronfeld, Nina Henry, MaryJane

Klein, and Ron Berne who made donations for the Likrat Shabbat on

April 5, 2019 in honor of their April birthdays.

Likrat shabbat

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

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