Read the Or-acle

19 Pages·2017·3.11 MB·English

The Or-acle
A A Quarterly Publication of Temple B’nai Or
Spring 2017/Volume 62/Issue 3
Todah Rabah to the families that set a
higher standard for giving in 2016-2017 at

Temple B’nai Or!
Pillars/Amudim
Ilene & Bruce Jacobs Laurie & Joe Nosofsky Marcie & Glenn Yarnis
Guardians/Shomrim
Jackie & Larry Horn
Susan & Gary Aidekman Judith & Leslie Shrem
Gordon Keil
Jenifer & Brian Dicker Meg & Jim Wiviott
Poppy & Richard Segal
Leaders/Manhigim
Lisa & Keith Barbarosh Laura & James Hirschfeld Marilyn & Jack Piermont
Mary Fernandez & Carrie & Brad Kurtzman Cory & Greg Pine
Adam Buchsbaum Lisa & Jeff Libman Sigal & Dan Rudd
Julie & Philip Cohen Cindy McCollum & Neal & Hollye Schramm
Sheila & Paul Delson Josh Mackoff Stacey & Bill Schlosser
Liz & Gary Fisch Michele & Greg Murray Debbie & Jon Sebiri
Jill & David Goret Amy & Adam Noble Veronica & Alan Silverstein
Dana & Robert Hamwee Ruth & Fred Palace Bobbie Sobel

One of the greatest mitzvot is to enable others to perform

mitzvot, those sacred acts which propel us to godly living and
the world towards godly ends. Those who make God’s home a
“house for all people,” birth blessings beyond count and are
themselves seven-fold blessed.
Temple B’nai Or

From the Rabbi….

The Talmud teaches that people of controversy who engage in respectful
dialogue are destined to endure and not be destroyed.
We are living in controversial times. Some of us are excited for the level
of change in our country and are looking forward to what lies ahead.
Some of us are deeply concerned, and even angry, about recent events
and changes to our country. All of us abhor recent anti-Semitic
incidents.
Rabbi
Change and uncertainty are difficult, and it affects different people
Ellie Miller
differently. When we are stressed we often find that we are not our best

selves. The challenge for us today is to remain respectful toward people Cantor
who have opinions that differ from our own, and to honor the Jewish Galit Dadoun Cohen

moral imperative to, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” even in times of
Rabbis Emeritus
disagreement.
Donald B. Rossoff
Z. David Levy*
The value of different perspectives and experiences in our society is
(*Of Blessed Memory)
immeasurable – maybe especially so when everything feels so polarized.
President
There is a midrash that teaches us that even though the 12 tribes of
Michele Murray
Israel were often at odds, each one fighting for what was best for their
tribe, they came together, put their differences aside, and stood as one Executive Director
Wendy Gottsegen
when the time came to protect all of the house of Israel.

Director of Education
David Iskovitz
I want Temple to be a place where we all can safely voice viewpoints and

a variety of perspectives, and evaluate changes and events through a Director of Early
Jewish lens. I hope Temple will always be a place where we respectfully Childhood Education
Jennifer Rubin
listen and engage in thoughtful conversation with one another despite

different points of view. Choir Director and
Organist
Mark Hyczko
I want to thank everyone who has been willing to engage in respectful
dialogue, and are willing to agree to disagree. For those who have WRJ/Sisterhood
Nicole Berman
brought their concerns forward, I have heard you. I am engaged with
Jessica Temlock-Fields
the Morristown Interfaith Clergy Council, the CCAR and the URJ to best
Men’s Club
help us navigate the local and national dialogs. Respectfully. As
Jason Lerner
neighbors. Enduring without destruction.
This Bulletin is published quarterly by
Temple B’nai Or
Rabbi Ellie Miller
60 Overlook Road

Morristown, NJ 07960

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
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From the Cantor…

Onward and Upward !האלה
About 48 hours following an inspiring, emotional Shabbat Shira roller coaster, I
am still floating on the energy this created in our community. It created a
momentum to encourage us to gather often, study and celebrate our heritage,
continue to teach and elevate one another, and most importantly come closer and
closer to one another; be the best community that we can be.

We have so much to offer one another, and when people take a step forward,
perform acts of giving, study or teach our tradition and spread it, they elevate all
of us. In addition to the people I thanked during the concert, I want to express a
deep heartfelt thank you to those who came forward and said: “What can I do?
How can I help?” At Shabbat Shira services the night before, numerous people
took on roles in the worship experience that made it everyone’s. People were so
moved by the result, and were elevated by the stories and music they heard.

I mentioned many times that I hope to bring the people in this community closer to Judaism and to one
another, that I believe in our responsibility to one another, to take care of each other. This idea is what drives
all I do, and all I try to envision in the future of this congregation. I can’t thank all of you enough for such a
magnificent Shabbat.

The next mission of בוריקKeruv – bringing us closer – is through a partnership, a twinning project, with
Congregation Achva Bakerem in Jerusalem, headed by Rabbi Tamir Nir. More imformation about that will be
coming soon. I can’t wait to create more opportunities for us to get to know this congregation across the
oceans. I look forward to sharing more information with you about our future together.

Cantor Galit Dadoun Cohen
From the President…
Gratitude is an important thing at a temple. We are always so very grateful for
all of the ways our congregation supports the temple both with time and money.
That being said, we always need more. More volunteers, more money, more
work to be done. So, how do you truly demonstrate gratitude but keep on
asking? We try very hard to do it by saying “thank you” A LOT. We try to do it
by recognizing people publicly, by name, wherever possible. We try to do it by
being there when you need Temple (and sometimes when you don’t even realize
that you do).
I hope that Temple is there for you when you need it. I hope that you too say
“thank you” when our clergy, staff and fellow congregants help you. It is their
job, that is true, but a little gratitude goes a long way , enhancing relationships and understanding and seeing
everyone for what they are - human beings, trying to do the right thing, every day.
I want to say “thank you” to our clergy, our staff and all of the congregants that continually support TBO with
their time, energy and money. It is the only way we keep Reform Judaism alive in Morristown to support the
needs of Jews all over Morris County. Todah Rabah!

Michele Murray, President
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Social Action…In Action!

The TBO Social Action Committee provides opportunities for congregants to engage in activities, locally and
globally, to heal the world and make the world a better place (tikkun olam).
In the past year, we have successfully completed ten social action activities. In the category of health, we
hosted a blood drive for the Community Blood Services, and a crutches drive that provided 23 greatly needed
mobility devices to disabled children in third world countries. TBO also had its first Relay for Life team,
raising more than $2000 for the American Cancer Society.
In the category of the environment, we participated in Morristown’s annual clean up, where we picked up
garbage along the streets in the vicinity of the temple, and we had nearly 50 congregants help to prepare the
farms for the winter at Grow it Green Morristown’s Urban Farm.
Our efforts to assist in the issue of hunger and poverty consisted of hosting the Jewish Relief Agency of
Greater MetroWest where dozens of congregants helped box and distribute kosher food to needy area families.
In addition, we had a food drive collection at Kings where we collected nearly 1000 pounds of food, and $400
for the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morristown. Our annual coat drive benefited the Market Street Mission,
which focuses on helping those without permanent housing.
Finally, nearly 20 TBO congregants cheered on the Sandy Hook cyclist who rode from Sandy Hook,
Connecticut to the US Capitol in Washington, DC to raise awareness of gun violence when the riders stopped
for a supportive rally in Morristown.

Tanya Simon and Judy Stein-Loewenthal
Co-Chairs, Social Action

Worship Schedule…Join Us!
When What Time Description
1st Friday of
Shabbat Mishpacha 6:30 pm Family friendly service with birthday blessings
each month
For children from birth to Grade 2 - (a brief happy
Torah Explorers 5:45 pm
2nd Friday of Service with songs, prayers, followed by Shabbat dinner)
each month
Torah Shabbat 7:30 pm Shabbat Service with Torah reading
3rd Friday of A beautiful service accompanied by our
Choir Shabbat 7:30 pm
each month congregational choir, with sermon or guest speaker
4th Friday of Welcoming Shabbat—an earlier, shorter, informal
Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 pm
each month service—meditative and musical
5th Friday of A brief service where we explore alternative
Shabbat Service 7:30 pm
each month ways to worship
Saturday Shabbat Service 10:30 am Service held only when B’nai Mitzvah are scheduled
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Thank you for participating in the Makom Kadosh Appeal!

Shomrai Or/Keepers of Light $25,000 and greater
Susan & Gary Aidekman Ilene & Bruce Jacobs Cory & Greg Pine
Sigal & Dan Rudd Poppy & Richard Segal Marcie & Glenn Yarnis

Ohavai Or/Lovers of Light $10,000-$24,999
Mary Fernandez & Adam Buchsbaum Liz & Gary Fisch Jackie & Larry Horn
Michele & Greg Murray The Schlosser Family Debbie & Jon Sebiri
Meg & James Wiviott

Bonai Or/Builders of Light $5,000-$9,999
Meg Sosnow & Avi Kothavale Rhea & Joel Kriegsfeld Linda & Marc Rubman
Randi & David Silverstein Temple B’nai Or Sisterhood

Chavrai Or/Friends of Light $540-$4,999
Charlotte Abberman Rob Auslander Sheryl & Kenneth Austin
Lisa & Keith Barbarosh Carol & Dan Barkin Judith & Jeff Berei
Ricki & Fred Bernstein Abby & Howard Blaustein Liz & Ken Christ
Marci & Alex Craig Sheila & Paul Delson Jenifer & Brian Dicker
Ilene Dorf Manahan Judy & Steve Dreskin Audrey & Ira Forman
Dana & Jordan Fried Wendy & Peter Fried Jody Galardi & Dan Simon
Beth & Josh Gellert Joan & Herb Goldberg Maggie & Mark Goldberg
Todd Goldberg Tobi & George Goldman Anita & Louis Gordon
Jill & David Goret Wendy & Paul Gottsegen Kelly & Scott Greenberg
Lynn & Todd Gutkin Linda & Rick Haan Gail & Robert Hirsch
Lori & Michael Ingber Carol & Roger Kane Julie & Seth Kanowitz
Melissa & Richard Kasmin Gay Klapman Beth Landau & Andy Breckman
Susan Levinson & Bob Agrusti Joyce Levy & Ken Sidman Lisa & Jeff Libman
Hillary & Richard Lindner Dory & Robert Lobel Carol & Matt Marin
Carol & Steve Markoff Rabbi Ellie Miller & Nathan Lynn Nancy & Howard Moseson
Theodora & David Mulgrum Amy & Adam Noble Laurie & Joe Nosofsky
Frankie & Jay Oberst Samantha & Robert Pedinoff Marilyn & Jack Piermont
Suzy & Kenneth Press Maxine & Harry Riskin Jill & Steven Robins
Lynn & Larry Ross Samantha Rothman & John Hankin Alice & Michael Samach
Hollye & Charlie Schachter Scott Schlosser Ros & Jerome Schnee
Judy & Les Shrem Brenda & Leonard Sichel Amy Simontacchi
Marie & David Singer Laurie & Steve Spiegel Eliot Steinberg
Tara & Eric Strauss Mitzi Szerlip Wendy & Berton Taffet
Temple B’nai Or Men’s Club Stephanie Zweben & Oscar Iluzada

Notnai Or/Givers of Light under $540
Nicole & Scott Berman Marilyn & Eric Blier Jayne & Craig Chaplick
Muriel Chase Debra & Paul Cohen Cantor Galit Dadoun Cohen & Joe Cohen
Claudia & Nicolas DiGesu Nancy Ellis Sharona & James Ezaoui
Phyllis & David Feinblum Judith & Mel Fink Heidi & Matthew Forte
Tara & Kenneth Freundlich Debbie & Steve Golub Alexandra Granville
Lynn & Jimmy Gutentag Linnea Hasegawa & Robert Aung Miriam & Rich Herbert
Debra Holtzman Judith & Michael Israel Goldie Jaffe
Lannie & Keith Keenan Geri & Allen Klinger Joanne & Sid Kohn
Lois & Simon Leventhal Eli Levy Laurie & Eric Litman
Judy & Steve Loewenthal Rosalie & Philip Mandel Amy Merl
Dina & Adam Mitchell Caroline & Yaron Moshel Linda & Douglas Ratner
Barbara & Stuart Rayvid Ilene Rindfleisch Lisa & David Rogers
Lisa & Craig Safran Kathy & Richard Saltzman Susan Schulman & Owen Proctor
Penni & Eric Schultz Nona & Ira Seid Jeri & Gary Sharpe
Tanya Simon & Vince Basciano Susan Tillis Sheryl & Glenn Waldorf
Sherry & Stephen Wang Gail & Jeff Weinroth Lori & Howard Weintraub
Stephanie & Scott Zager Mindy Zaziski
*As of Feb 22, 2017

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From the Pre-School…
As a warm community, we share in the joys and sorrows that our families
experience. Over the years, we have supported one another in ways that are
extraordinary. Being present while a family is dealing with unimaginable
hardships has shaped the dynamics of our community in truly meaningful
ways. When you watch a family find a way to transform their grief into a way
to sustain the lives of others, it is awe-inspiring.
I wish to extend a huge todah rabah to Todd, Herb, and Joan
Goldberg. In September 2016, we introduced The Lisa K. Goldberg
Tuition Assistance Program for Pre-School, due to the incredible
strength, perseverance, and generosity of the Goldberg Family. After losing
Lisa, the Goldberg family felt compelled to create a way for Lisa’s spirit to
live on within the walls of our building.
As Todd wrote, “I think this is a great way to memorialize Lisa
with something positive that will improve lives of families and
children in the area. I want (our) boys to associate the values
of helping others with their mom, so they know how special a
person she was... I hope to find comfort in the fact that her
name will be associated with helping local families by having
access to the same program that our children did. This step is
just the beginning as well. I have a feeling that over the years,
it may develop into a larger program with a much broader
impact on the community.”
This year we were able to help five families bridge the gap
between what they could afford for pre-school, and what they
needed. Thanks to the continuous generosity of the Goldberg
Family, and additional donations from the community, we
already have funding for a total of ten years of assistance.

Lisa’s world was her children, husband, and family. She was
happiest knowing that the people in her life were cared for.

The Lisa K. Goldberg Tuition Assistance Program for Pre-School honors the legacy of love and
learning that was so much a part of her life.

Thank you to Todd, Joan, and Herb for establishing this program, and for allowing us the privilege
to be a part of your family. We’ll miss Lisa always, but her strength of character and spirit will always
be a part of our school. We are extremely thankful.

Jennie Rubin, Director of Early Childhood Education

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From the Religious School…

Our students are taught the Morning Prayer, Modeh Ani, which thanks G-d for returning our soul to our body
after sleeping. For me, prayer is a conversation with G-d. We are saying in prayer form that our existence is a
miracle. For traditional Jews, not only are they thanking G-d upon immediately rising, but it defines them as
one with the Jewish people and our history.
Saying thank you and showing gratitude has proven to improve physical health, strengthen the immune
system, and bring a better night’s sleep. Thankfulness reduces our feelings of frustration, regret and even
resentment. (“Let it Go” is not sufficient.) Giving thanks strengthens us. We need to develop an attitude of
gratitude.
I am thankful to our teachers for their dedication, talents, caring, and love of their students, our faith, and the
commitment to ensuring a Jewish future for our youth. Temple’s leadership has the enormous responsibility
to ensure that the everyday running of Temple B’nai Or happens seamlessly for all our families — they do an
awesome job for which I am grateful. I am also thankful for our office staff in total, and Barbara Sherman,
the religious school admin in particular, for making my job easy with their attention to detail and complete
understanding of the importance of their role in assisting our members and staff.

David Iskovitz, Director of Education

From the Youth Group...

BOOTY has had a busy few months!

In December, BOOTY had a successful Shul-
In where they put together all of the Hanuk-
kah gifts for the teachers. Thank you to eve-
ryone who participated in the fundraiser!

In December and January, members of
BOOTY were busy attending NFTY GER
Winter Kallah at Camp Harlam and hosting
a successful Parents Night Out.

BOOTY would also like to say thank you to
the Rabbi and Cantor for helping put
together an incredible creative service. We

are very grateful!

BOOTY has been busy with various Social

Action Projects. They collected 44 pounds of

food for the Interfaith Food Pantry, created

holiday cards for soldiers in the American
Armed forces, and had a toy drive for the
Morristown Children’s Hospital.
In the next few months, BOOTY will be go-
ing to Monster Mini golf and is preparing for
the Purim Carnival. For more information
on the Purim Carnival or BOOTY, please
contact me at [email protected].

Miriam Edelstein, BOOTY Advisor
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Schmooze Newz

ANNIVERSARIES B’NAI MITZVAH ORIM GRADUATES

Andrew Auslander Samantha Alexander
Karen & Bruce Seidmon
son of daughter of
30th Wedding Anniversary
Rob & Patricia Auslander Sheri & Miles Alexander

Tanya Simon & Vince Basciano Josh Conklin Sam Beilin
30th Wedding Anniversary son of son of
Jane & Michael Conklin Lorraine & Richard Beilin
Maxine & Harry Riskin
45th Wedding Anniversary Jarred Fields Kate Dobbs
son of daughter of
Robert & Barbara Friedman Jessica Temlock Fields Heather Dobbs
50th Wedding Anniversary & David Fields
Andrew Friedland

Hannah Kotkin son of
Herbert & Joan Goldberg
daughter of Holly & Stephen Friedland
50th Wedding Anniversary

Ellyn & Howard Kotkin Helen & Sam Halpern
Jane & Don Seiden Rachael L eibowitz children of
50th Wedding Anniversary daughter of Lisa Baker

Lorraine & Keith Leibowitz
BIRTH Justine Murray

Jacob Litman daughter of
Zoe Alexandra Horn son of Joan Bedrin Murray & Brian Murray
granddaughter of Laurie & Eric Litman
Kayla Rossow
Jackie & Larry Horn
Zachary Petr daughter of

son of Tracey & Scott Rossow
Zachary Simon Piermont
Rachel Platt
Miranda Siegel
grandson of
Marcella Rindfleish daughter of
Marilyn & Jack Piermont
and David Widman daughter of Laura & Len Siegel
Ilene Rindfleish
NEW MEMBERS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Sophie Schramm

daughter of Leslie Bolin
Bar Mitzvah of
Hollye & Neal Schramm Morristown
Evan Leviss

grandson of Samantha Trilling Stacy & Andrew Gellert*
Shari & Stephen Leviss daughter of Samantha, Benjamin & Adam
Stacy & Leigh Trilling
Randolph

Bat Mitzvah of
Gail Lobel
Olivia Leviss
Parsippany
granddaughter of

Shari & Stephen Leviss Barbara Pelson
Bernardsville

Scott Schlosser
Morristown

Mary & Arthur Silverstein
West Orange

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SAVE THE DATE!

The Sisterhood Annual Women’s Seder
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 5:00 PM
Invitation forthcoming

We offer a heartfelt todah rabah to our members, volunteers, and supporters
for enabling the continuation of our programs and service to the TBO community!
Renaissance News
The Renaissance Group wants to extend a special thank you to Jack Swotinsky for his more than 25 years
of dedicated service as our treasurer. Jack’s selfless commitment to Renaissance helps to explain the
groups’ long-term success and vibrancy. The Renaissance Group also wants to thank certain members for
their special efforts in program planning and execution: Charlotte Abberman, Marilyn and Eric Blier,
Josie Cook, Ted Largman, Ilene Manahan, Fran Milberg, Stuart and Barbara Rayvid, Chuck Schwartz,
Mitzi Szerlip, and Matt and Carol Marin.

Upcoming events, which are open to the entire Temple community, as well as to guests, include:

Sat., March 11, 12:55 PM– La Traviata Enjoy the Metropolitan Opera Company’s simulcast
performance of La Traviata at AMC Rockaway 16. Tickets $28 -Limited quantity available. Dinner will
be at Charlie Browns just "around the corner" from the theatre. Dinner will be pay on your own.
Sunday, April 2, 3:00 PM—Israeli Wine Tasting This is your opportunity to learn about, enjoy
and purchase Israeli wines in time for your Passover table and to bring as gifts for the holiday . Not only
will you have wines to taste, there will be an elaborate sweet table and coffee will complete the
day. Cost: $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door. Each person that registers for the tasting will receive
a $5.00 credit towards the purchase of wine.
Sunday, April 23, 2017 - Brunch at 1 PM at TBO: Attorney Bill Marks, of Basking Ridge, will speak
to us about his career dedicated to helping Holocaust survivors and their families secure compensation/
reparations. Cost: $15.00 for Renaissance members, guests $20.00.

Sunday, May 21, 2017 at TBO -Cantor Galit, accompanied by our very own Anita Gordon, will perform
a special program entitled La Chanson Francaise.

Look for more information on the Renaissance page of the TBO website (www.templebnaior.org) and
in your inbox! All programs require reservations. Contact Mitzi Szerlip, 215 Forest Glen Road,
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444, 973-839-1939
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PURIM CARNIVAL
Sunday, March 12th

9:30 Megillah Reading and Costume Parade

10:30 Carnival for Kindergarten-2nd grade
11:30 All other grades
Admission $15 first child, $10 additional children, 4th child free.
Lunch and snacks available
Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian
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