FEBRUARY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Religious school resumes on Tues., Feb. 28 and Wed., Feb. 29.

IT’S ALMOST SHOW TIME!

CBI’s annual Purim Spiel is Sunday, March 11 at 10:30 AM.  Students will attend with their classes and be supervised by their teachers. All parents, siblings, friends and relatives are invited to attend! Don’t miss the fun!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

This year’s Purim Carnival is Sunday, March 11 at 11:30 AM. The organizers of the Carnival are looking for adult volunteers. We especially need adults to supervise the Bounce House.

If you can volunteer please contact:

Beth Dworkin: 860-523-4849 / moc.loanull@012nedlog  -or-

Eric Schneider: 860-231-1403 / ten.nekribnull@redienhcSE

FOR GRADE 3 FAMILIES

Grade 3 will lead the Shabbat service on Friday, March 2 at 6:30PM. Students should arrive at 6:10PM to rehearse. We encourage parents to make every effort to attend.

FOR GRADE 4 FAMILIES

There is a Family Participation Program for 4^th grade families on Sunday, March 4, 9:00AM to 10:00AM. The program, led by Rabbi Pincus, is titled “Justice and Mercy – Din V’Rachamim.”

FOR GRADE 5 FAMILIES

There will be a Bar/Bat Mitzvah meeting for parents of 5^th graders on Sunday, March 4 at 11:45 AM.

FOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN GRADES 6, 7 AND 8

Rabbi Shaffer is excited to announce that we will host a Shabbaton here at the synagogue for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders on Friday, March 2 through Saturday, March 3. We hope that your kids will participate in this fabulous opportunity to celebrate Shabbat, socialize, and engage with one another.

The Shabbaton will begin at CBI at 5:30PM on Friday, March 2 and will conclude with Havdalah at 5:30PM on Sat., March 3.  There will be food, fun, social and educational programming.  Your child should arrive dressed appropriately for Shabbat but bring an alternative set of clothes for afterwards, as well as a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, pajamas, etc.

We look forward to seeing all our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders there! Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with questions.

moc.liamgnull@reffahsibbar

THE SIMCHA FAIR IS HAPPENING SOON!

The annual SIMCHA FAIR is Sunday, March 18, from 9:00AM to noon. Come and meet the vendors who can make your simcha special, from florists to deejays and everything in between!

CATCH THE WHALE!

All families are invited to share in an exciting pro hockey game!

Brotherhood and the Religious School are co-sponsoring a trip to see the Connecticut Whale play the Portland Pirates on Sunday, March 18^th at 3:00 PM at the XL Center in Hartford. Seating will be 4-5 rows from the ice.

If you wish, bring your skates for a free skating session following the game at approximately 5:30 PM.

Cost is $16 per person. This covers admission to the game and the free skating session. It does not include food or drink purchases. Checks should be made out to: CBI Brotherhood.

To sign up, open the form attached to this email. Print and complete the form and send it with your check no later than Wednesday, February 29, to Linda Schultz, CBI Religious School, 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT, 06119.

Questions? Contact Eric Schneider at 860-231-1403.

PERSONALIZED PASSOVER HAGGADAH FUNDRAISER

It’s time to think about Passover!  This year, new and old traditions will come alive using this beautiful Haggadah! The cover of each Haggadah is personalized with your family name or individual names!  We encourage you to purchase these personalized family Haggadahs for family & friends!  Children will LOVE and cherish their OWN Haggadah!

Haggadah orders are due no later than Sunday, March 4, to Linda Schultz in the Sunday School office.

• Haggadahs are $11.00 each. We receive 25% of all Haggadah purchases!
• Please make your check payable to: Congregation Beth Israel.
• Please write Haggadah Order on the envelope.
• You will receive your Haggadahs the end of March. There is no minimum order. Each Haggadah can have a different name on the front.
• Haggadahs may be personalized with a first name, such as “Rachel’s Haggadah” or “Papa Marvin’s Haggadah” or last names, “The Cohen Family Haggadah.”
• When you purchase 10 or more Haggadahs, you will receive a gorgeous matching storage sack/afikomen bag.
• Visit the school office to see a copy of the Haggadah or stop by the gift card table in the lobby on Sunday.
• For additional information, contact:  Amy Deutsch 860-690-7636 ten.tsacmocnull@liamhcstued

Note: There is an online option for ordering Haggadahs, but CBI will not get credit for your order that way……please order by contacting Amy.

On my way from Fort Lauderdale to speak at Kabbalat Shabbat services at Temple Judea in Coral Gables, Florida, I suddenly realized that I was hearing nothing in my right ear.  I thought it would pass.  It has not.

The ear specialist has no explanation.  He believes it is inner ear nerve damage and that it is permanent.  “It does not happen often,” he said, “but it is not unheard of.”

My hearing in both ears has been diagnosed as impaired for the past seven years.  Then, in an instant complete hearing in one was gone . What I had has been reduced by half!

Two+ weeks later, I am still in shock!  Of course, I shall pursue every medical option.  But just as certainly I shall not allow this new reality — even if it should prove permanent — to deter me from the sacred privilege and responsibility with which the World Union has entrusted me.

For the past two weeks. I have been in the San Francisco Bay area.  There I was inspired by the tireless volunteer efforts of Diane Marcus, Cherie and Fred Half, and Laura and Steve Olson.  Each of them worked non-stop from the time I arrived until the time I left, as I spoke on the two Shabbatot to four congregations, many smaller groups, and rabbis and other individuals.

I draw particular inspiration from the example of Steve Olson.  Maybe it is an  omen that he and I have the same first name and share the same birthday.  Steve suffers from spinal stenosis which forces his once athletically mobile body to walk from place to place very slowly and with the help of a cane.  And yet, Steve doesn’t let that stop him from traveling, enjoying life, and volunteering countless hours of his time to the World Union and other worthy causes. As I deal with the new reality of my life, I want to be worthy of Steve’s example.

It is my nature to look at things that happen to me in life with the same question I ask when I study a biblical story or narrative:  What can I learn from this that can make me a better person?  What can I take away  from this unfortunate incident that can help me to better fulfill my Covenantal obligation to the Almighty to use whatever abilities I have to make the world a better place?

I shall keep asking myself those questions, but for now it is clear that I must pay more close and careful attention when others speak.  As I do, my silent prayer will be: “Help me, O G-d, to really understand the word ???, “Listen!” Help me to really LISTEN to thoughts, nuances and feelings better than I ever did before — even when I had two ears that heard.

Amen

Download (PDF, 1.59MB)

Hello Noah’s Ark Families,

It’s been a busy week at Noah’s Ark (it’s always a busy week!) filled with joyful learning—literacy, math, art, music, outdoor play. At the end of each day we’re all pretty tired–children, parents and teacher alike–which as you know can make the end of the day pretty challenging.  Not only is everyone tired, but we might already be preoccupied with evening plans (What are we going to have for dinner?).  Day’s end is an opportunity to chat with a friend or talk with your child’s teacher to learn how his/her day went, which can lead to your child competing for your attention.

Noah’s Ark teachers have tons of experience with end-of-the day challenges and offer some suggestions that can make the school to home transition a little smoother and less stressful.

• In the morning, tell your child who will pick her up.  Older children might even ask, “When?”—that is, regular time, earlier, or later than usual.
• Make your child your first priority when you arrive at Noah’s Ark.  Greet him, have him show you what he’s been working or something he did today and then accompany him to his cubby to get his belongings and dressed to go home.  A tote bag or backpack frees up hands.
• If you converse with another parent or teacher, be sure your child is in the classroom with you and keep the conversation brief.  If you would like an extended conversation with your child’s teacher, we welcome you to set up a time for a conference, or find a time that is convenient for you both to talk on the phone during the day.
• Walk out of Noah’s Ark together, keeping safety in mind and reminding your child to walk.  Holding her hand will be helpful, too.

We are all part of a fast-paced world where multitasking is the way to go, but where are children are concerned giving our focus and attention to them and the task at hand will create a much more enjoyable and less stressful experience for everyone.

Next weeks will be a busy, too.  Coming soon to Noah’s Ark…

Story Time on Friday, February 24^th - Noah Webster Library story teller extraordinaire Kari Ann St. Jean will visit Noah’s Ark to lead a special program of stories, singing, movement and play with the children in the Monkey, Penguin, Turtle and Bunny Rooms.

A visit from the Tooth Fairy (aka Meren Maddon, dental hygienist), Monday, February 27^th – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and to celebrate the Tooth Fairy will visit with Noah’s Ark’s older children to help them learn how to take care of their teeth—and have some fun, too.

Purim Party and Parade!!  Mark your calendar!  March 8^th we celebrate Purim with costumes, stories, Hamentashen, treats, and a parade.  Everyone is invited—parents, too!  If your child does not usually come to Noah’s Ark on Thursday, you are welcome to bring him or her for the festivities.  Please remember, however, that you must stay with him/her—and join the fun!

Finally, this Tuesday when we return from our three-day weekend, a new teacher will join our faculty.  Amanda Cusanno will join the Lamb Room as an afternoon teacher.  Amanda grew up in West Hartford, and went to college in Rhode Island where she graduated from Roger Williams University with a degree in psychology and criminal justice.  She also completed coursework in early childhood education and child development after she graduated.  Amanda comes to Noah’s Ark after teaching for the past three years at an early childhood program in Bristol, Rhode Island, where she was the Lead Toddler Teacher.  She was also a teaching assistant at a dance school in Bristol.

Remember—Noah’s Ark is closed this Monday, February 20^th for Presidents’ Day.

Have a great long weekend!

Saturday, April 7, 5:30pm
Imagine—hundreds of people at CBI simultaneously observing one of the oldest Jewish traditions.  Imagine—hearing the story of our freedom in the way that speaks to you in a settting designed for your family.  Get ready for…Super Seder!
This year, we’ll be trying something new as we gather on the second night to tell the story of the Exodus.  While we will join together as one community in celebration, we will also strive to create a more intimate, personal atmosphere.
This year, each table will conduct its Seder independently. There will be dozens of Seder themes to choose from, from really short Seders (perfect for small kids), to dramatic Seders (where participants can dress up to play the roles of Pharaoh and Moses) to musical Seders, to Seders with an emphasis on freedom and social justice.  You will have the choice of either bringing in your own food or eating our catered meal. This will truly be an experience you’ll never forget!
To start, we need coordinators and table leaders.  Training will be provided. If you are interested in participating in Super Seder, please contact Rabbi Dena Shaffer, moc.liamgnull@reffahsibbar, 860-233-8215 x226.
Come and enjoy your own family seder in the midst of other families doing the same!

Download (PDF, 52.29KB)

701 Farmington Ave.

Map and Directions | Register

Description:

Richard McBee of Manhattan, a painter of contemporary Biblical subjects and a writer on Jewish Art, will visit Congregation Beth Israel on Sunday, March 25.  He will give an overview of Jewish Art through the ages, beginning with the earliest known examples in 250 CE, to the current outpouring of contemporary Jewish artistic creativity.  His primer on Jewish art will engage beginning art students to the knowledgeable art critic.

Mr. McBee  was Program Director of the Alliance of Figurative Artists in the 1980s and member of the Biblical Painters Group.  In the 1990s he helped found the American Guild of Judaic Art and the Jewish Art Forum held at several Manhattan Orthodox synagogues.  Since 2000 he has written a column on the Jewish Arts for the Jewish Press, and continues to exhibit painting and curate Jewish art exhibitions. He is currently the co-curator of The Dura Europos Project: An Ancient Site Revisited through 21st Century Eye, at the Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art. A selection of his work can be seen at richardmcbee.com
The event is divided into two sessions. The first session begins at 11am, when McBee will cover the years  235CE to the Renaissance. Lunch will follow at 12:30pm. The second session begins at 1 pm, when he will cover art from the Enlightenment to Contemporary Times.  Cost is $8 for one session and lunch, or $15 to attend both sessions.

Register

Download (PDF, 57.6KB)

Students United for Peace

What amazing people our kids grow up to be!  Tiki Leff, who grew up at Beth Israel, and is now a senior at DePaul University, has created an art project designed to demonstrate the true beauty in our world, if we look for it.

This is her final senior project.  Just a few years ago, she learned about the principles of tikkun olam, repair of the world, right here at CBI, and now is taking these principles to a new level by building a “mission for peace through the arts”, titled Students United for Peace.

This is a global movement. She will send out cameras to college students attending the Summer 2012 Olympics in London.  The students will take pictures of participants from every country.  Tiki will then collage the pictures into something beautiful that she will show in London this summer.

Please help her make this beautiful art project that will unite college students all over the globe in peace!

Mission Statement Video: http://youtu.be/GaVX32vrd_0
Facebook: www.facebook.com/studentsunited4peace
Blog: studentsunited4peace.tumblr.com
Donate: http://goo.gl/oTUNB

Sunday, March 11, 10:30am

Young Esther, Queen of the Desert

A musical retelling of the story of Esther

With 1970s and 1980s disco songs from the Broadway musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Rabbi D will read from the Megillah!

Barbara Friedman as Vashti

Fred FitzGerald as Hamen Boo! Hiss!

Mitch Cohen as King Ahasuerus

Rebecca Schwartz as Queen Esther

Jeff Smith as Mordechai

Original Lyrics by Pattie Weiss Levy

Produced by Cantor Pamela Siskin

Music Directed by Natasha Ulyanovsky

Chet Zaslow, Guitar and Bruce Badner, Drums

Purim Carnival!
11:30am – 1:30pm
Following the Purim Play
Light lunch includes a Community Kugel Bake
Bake a kugel: Contact Beth Dworkin, moc.loanull@012nedlog.

With
Touch of Klez
Bounce Houses
Games and Prizes
Balloon Artistry
Popcorn
Vashti’s Getaway (for the adults!)

Bring some cash for Tzedakah, Silent Auction, and Raffle opportunities brought to us by our awesome WHTY!

GET OUT YOUR 70s POLYESTER AND WEAR A COSTUME !

This year’s Purim Carnival is funded with generous shared support from the Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Your donation now or at the carnival is much appreciated. We have a goal of $400 more to help defray costs. Checks may be sent to Sisterhood, Congregation Beth Israel, with a note to direct the funds to the Purim Carnival Fund. Suggested $1/person or $5/family at the door.

Contact Eric Schneider, ten.labolgcbsnull@yugeod, for questions or to offer your help.