The Or-acle A A Quarterly Publication of Temple B’nai Or Winter 2015/Volume 61/Issue 2 Temple B’nai Or From the Rabbi…. On November 7th my son, Sam was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. It was a spectacular day! A year before the Bar Mitzvah when I thought about the day I had no worries about the service piece. The celebration… well that was another story. What was most important to me was that Sam feel celebrated, but I really did not know what that would look like. When I was getting down to the wire, and still had no plans, I decided to call a Rabbi Ellie Miller party planner. I knew she created the most amazing parties and I was hoping she could help me. After a quick conversation, she got Cantor back to me with a proposal for decorating the room. It was going Galit Dadoun Cohen to have the most incredible, beautiful, glitzy, shimmery, nightclub Rabbis Emeritus feel. When I imagined my guests coming into the room, I could Donald B. Rossoff hear them saying, “WOW! This is AMAZING…where is Sam’s Z. David Levy* (*Of Blessed Memory) party?” Simply put that party was just not who we are. It did not express our values and so we passed on the proposal. President Keith Barbarosh Sam’s Bar Mitzvah day was exactly what we hoped it would be, Executive Director and so much more. It could only be that way because it was in line Wendy Gottsegen with the values that we hold dear, that we try to teach our kids Director of Education every day. We were surrounded by family and friends. The main David Iskovitz focus of the day was the service, and it was deeply meaningful. The room had simple decorations with pictures of Sam on each Director of Early Childhood Education table. The food was delicious and the DJ, that Sam requested, Jennifer Rubin played songs exclusively from Sam’s play list. And most importantly, Sam felt celebrated. Choir Director and Organist Mark Hyczko As we think about the way we live our lives, how do we express our values? How do we teach these values to the next generation? The WRJ/Sisterhood Nicole Berman world we live in has so many glitzy options. It is so easy to get Jessica Temlock-Fields swept into the sea of need and want, to be among the first to have the latest and greatest. When we live according to our values we Men’s Club Jason Lerner teach the next generation what is truly important in our lives, and I think we will find that our lives feel richer and more meaningful. This Bulletin is published quarterly by Rabbi Ellie Miller Temple B’nai Or 60 Overlook Road Morristown, NJ 07960 Phone: 973 539 4539 Fax: 973 539 2758 Email: [email protected] 2 From the Cantor… And the study of Torah equals to them all because it leads to them all... םלוכ דגנכ הרות דומלתו During the long cold nights, it is our tradition to “lighten” the darkness with the lighting of candles. These flames we kindle symbolize the flame that burns inside our soul. The light in our heart and mind is kindled symbolically by this beauty every Shabbat and our season of Hanukkah. But do we truly kindle the flame that is within? The “Enlightenment” contains within it the world light for the reason of lighting our minds and our hearts. When we fill that light, we fulfill the Mitzvah – the commandment to study Torah. The commandment to study is in the Jewish credo and is in the center of our existence as a people. We are to study for the sake of our own enlightenment and not for the achievement of a goal. In this act we achieve closeness to our God. Luckily, our tradition and history provides us scriptures for about 1000 years of study, we have plenty to learn for at least a 100 human life times. Choice abounds… In Amos Oz’s brilliant new book, “Jews and Words,” he speaks about the revered relationship in our history between the teacher and student – Rabbi v’Talmid. This relationship is the mainstay for all postbiblical Jewish literature up to modern times. He writes: “the Mishnah tellingly instructs – Make a Rabbi for yourself. Rabbis were venerated and students deeply respected. There was a deep truth to the relationship of the pair and both learned from one another. Love and admiration laced with dispute.” And so I have listened and heard the call from my own congregation of their wishes to enlighten their souls and study. I am so excited to begin teaching an adult Hebrew Class this winter. Please join us as we connect with our most ancient language in modern times. Please contact me if you are interested in joining the class. Cantor Galit Dadoun Cohen From the President… “You are not obligated to complete the Task, but neither are you free to desist from it.” What does this Mishnah have to do with the comedian/actor Jim Carrey and New York Times Op-Ed contributor and author David Brooks? In my view, these individuals have each engaged their craft to tap into the essence of this essential Jewish teaching. Mr. Carrey’s film “YES MAN,” and Mr. Brooks recent book, “The Road to Character,” are both highly entertaining and poignant. “YES MAN” is an allegory about a depressed loner whose life changes simply by saying “yes” to questions posed in his personal and work life, and embracing whatever comes next. Mr. Brooks scholarly work traces historical concept of character starting with Adam to develop the title’s literal theme – how one can respond to Life’s events and challenges by embracing change and humility and a passionate purpose. I recommend you take the time to see the film and read this book. We Jews are a commanded tribe; God decreed that we should help repair the world by performing good acts, charity and prayer. All these things are celebrated at your shul. We have many tasks that require many hands. These tasks do not benefit the few, they benefit the many – in fact, much of what our volunteers do helps all of us. I ask you again to say YES to Temple B’nai Or, and donate your time, your talents and your capital to help our common good. I don’t ask that you finish what you start because that will be up to you. I know that when we come together as a community, the shared sense of purpose and “doing good” for others strengthens our collective and individual character. Come out and embrace your fellow Jews and share the work. We will all be better for it. Keith Barbarosh, President 3 Why I Volunteer... Julia Kanowitz, and often one or two of her lovely, young daughters, is a very familiar face in the TBO office. Julia visits the office every week, and sometimes more, to serve our community by putting up the Memorial Plaques on the Yahrzeit walls in the sanctuary. She also maintains the organization of all of the plaques in the office. We are so grateful to share Julia’s gift with you, and so we thought we would ask her: Q. Why do you Volunteer at Temple? A. I volunteer at the temple because I wanted to give something back to the community. I've met some wonderful people at TBO, and enjoy being a part of it. Q. What advice would you tell others that are interested in getting more involved? A. Volunteering at the temple is a great way to get more involved with the community, meet new people and have a greater sense of belonging. Bagels and Torah is restarting on Saturday, December 5th at 9am We hope to see you there! Worship Schedule... When What Time Description 1st Friday of Shabbat Mishpacha 6:00 pm Family friendly service with birthday blessings each month For children from birth to Grade 2— (a brief happy Service Torah Explorers 5:45 pm 2nd Friday of 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 6:00 pm each month service—meditative and musical 5th Friday of Shabbat Service 6:00 pm A brief service where we explore alternative ways to worship each month Saturday Shabbat Service 10:30 am Service held only when B’nai Mitzvah are scheduled 4 CASINO NIGHT 2015 Raises Funds, Brings together Friends to Benefit the Building Fund Thanks to co-chairs Susan & Gary Aidekman, M aggie Goldberg and Rachel Platt, TBO enjoyed a night of gaming, fun and friendship Oct 17th in support of our Temple’s Building Fund. The Committee paired up with Wild Willy Casino Parties, and many local businesses for games and raffles that delighted everyone that attended. The event successfully raised $20,000 for the Temple Building Fund. Thank you to everyone who participated in CASINO NIGHT 2015. If you couldn’t attend, we encourage you to consider an annual donation to the Building Fund. THANK YOU SPONSORS! CHAI ROLLERS Susan & Gary Aidekman Mary Fernandez & Adam Buchsbaum Laurie & Joseph Nosofsky Cory & Greg Pine Sigal & Dan Rudd Poppy & Richard Segal Marcie & Glenn Yarnis CONGRATULATIONS MITZVAH MARKERS 50/50 RAFFLE WINNERS! Jackie & Larry Horn 1st Place: Samantha Rothman Ilene & Bruce Jacobs 2nd Place: Stephanie Zweben 3rd Place: Gay Klapman ROOF RAISERS Sheila & Paul Delson Liz & Gary Fisch Todd Goldberg Gail & Melvin Hecht Melissa & Richard Kasmin Cindy McCollum & Josh Mackoff Michele & Greg Murray Judith & Leslie Shrem Randi & David Silverstein THANK YOU LOCAL BUSINESSES! and many more!!! 5 From the Religious School… We’ve been back together for only three months, and already we have many highlight moments in the books for the 2015-16 school year. We’ve taken buses to West Point, B’nai Jeshurun (NYC), and the Lower East Side, and traveled in our imaginations within the walls of Temple via special programs from Living Legacy (“How a Torah is Made” and “All about the Lulav and Etrog” and “Olive Pressing- oil for Hanukkah”). Our goal is to give students as many “Kodak,” or should I say “Facebook,” memories within their experiences here at our Religious School. The staff and I strive to bring meaning and understanding of our Jewish faith, our history, and our connection to Israel, to each and every student. We need them to be proud Jews, ready to take their place and role in our 3,000 year heritage. Please ensure that this year is a great one for the kids by communicating with your children’s teachers, the clergy and with me. Together, we can work to meet the needs of your child and your family. I firmly believe the family is our partner in building a strong future American Jewish Community. Your support and efforts are genuinely appreciated. As Mayor Ed Koch used to ask, “How am I doing?” Call me any time. David Iskovitz, Director of Education From the Youth Group... The Temple B’nai Or Senior Youth Group (BOOTY) has been very busy with exciting events and activities. There were two social events in October: a trip to Wightman’s Farms, and a night out at Funplex in East Hanover. The picture features some of our members, and a few eighth graders who came to see what BOOTY is all about! Several BOOTY members spent the weekend of October 16th at the URJ Kutz Camp for NFTY-GER’s Fall Kallah. Featured in the picture is Rachael Goldstein, Erika Lilienfeld, and Helen Halpern. The Next NFTY-GER event will be held at URJ Camp Harlam from December 27-30. The Hanukkah Gift Basket fundraiser has officially started! For $5 per teacher, your name can be added to the gift tag. Order forms and payment are due by December 6 to the TBO Office. Save the Dates: November 16 is BOOTY General Meeting 5:30pm; December 5- 6 BOOTY Shul in; December 7: BOOTY General Meeting 5:30pm; December 20: BOOTY Hanukkah Party. If you are in 9th-12th grade and are interested in finding out more about BOOTY, please contact the advisor, Miriam Edelstein, at [email protected] or Josh Yarnis at [email protected] Miriam Edelstein, BOOTY Advisor 6 Schmooze Newz BIRTHS NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS (con’t) Oliver Astor Piermont Hallie and Jeffrey Beyer Amy and Brian Naftal grandson of Charles, Simon, Rosie Hannah, Alexandra, Benjamin Barbara and Donald Piermont, Jr. Morristown Madison Sarah and Dan Blank Ernestine Pantel B’NAI MITZVAH Owen Melissa, Alison Madison Pompton Plains Boaz and Sylvie Michaels children of Marlena Fass Fayne Petok Jacqui and Daniel Michaels Leah, Ava, Aaron Morristown Madison Adam Simon Jeffrey Ploshnick son of Sam Gaidemak Jack Rachelle and David Simon Jonathan Morristown Morristown Michele Rechler Susan Glaser Bailey, Logan ANNIVERSARIES Richela, David Morristown Sheryl and Gregory Maccia Madison Stacey and Robert Reiber 30th wedding anniversary Ruth and Bruce Goldman Ethan, Ellis Sarah and Paul Harris Madison Randolph 35th wedding anniversary Richard Gordon Marla and Joe Runsdorf Vicki and Thomas Williams Zachary, Jacob Hadleigh, Elizabeth 40th wedding anniversary Morristown Morristown Valerie and Roger Granet Vivien and Andrew Greenberg Bonnie and Steven Siegel 45th wedding anniversary Ilana Charles, Samantha Mountain Lakes Mendham Adam Katz Anita Targan MARRIAGES Aden Morristown Randolph Sara Fisch to Zac Moskowitz Gail and Jeffrey Weinroth daughter of Joan and Lionel Lieberman Tyler, Drew Liz and Gary Fisch Florham Park Randolph Jenny Schlossman to Kimberly and Gary Maitland Adam Greenstein Noah granddaughter of Randolph Pearl Schlossman and David Paul niece of Keith and Lisa Barbarosh 7 From the Pre-School... Bright Futures Begin With Pre-School Statistics reinforce the importance of a solid pre-school experience for youngsters, but why is it so important? Think about the successful adults you know. What has been their edge? In my experience it is not that they are exceptionally smart or extraordinarily talented, though that helps. In almost all cases the “talent” is the ability to successfully navigate different situations. The skill set for this is good communication skills, working well with others, and respecting themselves and other people. This is the focus of a good pre-school. In our school we foster a love for learning by providing a warm, nurturing environment that promotes exploration and growth. Our pre-school teachers evaluate each child’s gifts, and provide challenges, reinforcement, and success through planned and unplanned activity. Painting, singing, moving, and building, our children finish each year having amassed knowledge and skills that are the foundation of all learning, and provide incredible life lessons. Jewish pre-school has the added bonus of providing a love of god, holidays, and tradition. We use the values of Judaism to reinforce every lesson. And even more amazing, is the beautiful experiences children and their families enjoy while being in engaged in Jewish life. Our multi award winning Pre-school offers a premiere education within a community of educated, experienced, caring professionals and truly lovely families. Registration for the 2016-17 school year, and Camp Brody of B’nai Or begins in December. Sign up for school before January 15th to receive incentive pricing. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Jennie Rubin at [email protected], or 973-267-6424. A registration form can be downloaded from our website www.templebnaior.org/preschool/learning. The future is in our children’s hands, and we couldn’t be prouder. There is no better pre-school than ours, and no greater joy than knowing that the work we do daily makes the future brighter for all of us. Jennie Rubin, Director of Early Childhood Education SAVE THE DATE!! Join us for an amazing evening of FUN and TRIVIA! Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm In the Temple B’nai Or Social Hall Tickets are $36 in advance or $40 at the door (Table of 10 for $295) Tickets will be available starting January 25 online or in the Temple office. Facilitated trivia competition, music, wine/beer, appetizers, desserts, basket raffles, photobooth All proceeds benefit the Frances & Herbert Brody Pre-School of Temple B’nai Or For more information please contact [email protected] or 973-267-6424 8 Sisterhood News Our first open meeting and Bunco Night was a great success! Thanks to all who came THANK out and offered suggestions and assistance in making this coming year one to YOU!!! remember. We extend a warm welcome to Rachel Platt, serving as Sisterhood’s VP of Fundraising! Our annual Paid Up dinner, Sunday, November 15, featured Lora Brody’s Reunion Project. In the company of 100 TBO Sisterhood members, we wined, dined, blended, and bonded. Thank you to all who helped make this event so special. Karen Rosen and Maggie Goldberg have done a wonderful job organizing Health and Wellness events and providing fun opportunities that put spring in your step. Coming up: Prepare for the holiday season and give yourself a gift! Fitness Boot Camp with TBO Member Joya Shaw Sunday 12/13 at 9:30AM in the Social Hall. RSVPs are requested. Making lots of latkes this Chanukah? Make a few extra and bring them to Latkepalooza, our ninth night of Chanukah! Fun night of yummy latkes, sufganiyot (donuts), and recipes to share for next year’s celebrations. Tuesday, December 15, 7:30-9:00 pm. Details to follow! ….and more to come! Stay tuned for more information… Nicole Berman & Jessica Temlock Fields, Sisterhood Co-Presidents Renaissance News The Renaissance Group has been having a great year. Our September breakfast meeting featured a very stimulating discussion of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) Movement led by Dean Chris Taylor of Drew University. This was followed in October by a delightful “dinner” theater program at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Upcoming events, which are open to the entire Temple community, as well as to guests, include:  Sunday, December 13 – Hanukkah Party at TBO at 1:30 PM. Wine and cheese will be followed by a traditional Hanukkah dinner. Entertainment will be a jazz group led by Marty Eigen and featuring Rio Clemente at the piano. This promises to be a really special event!  Friday, January 1 – we will celebrate New Year’s Day with our traditional Asian meal. Details to follow. Stay tuned!  Wednesday, January 20 – noon luncheon at TBO with, Rabbi Ellie Miller, our new TBO Rabbi. All programs require reservations. Luncheons are $15.00 for Renaissance members and $20.00 for all others. The Hanukkah Party is $27.00 for Renaissance members and $32.00 for all others. Pricing for the January 1st festivities will be announced shortly. For reservations, contact Mitzi Szerlip, 215 Forest Glen Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444, 973-839-1939 Questions call Stuart Rayvid, 973 515-3518, or Carol Marin, 973-366-9316. 9 WRJ/Sisterhood Judaica Shop Your Source for all you need plus more! What to Shop for: Hanukkah starts Sunday evening, December 6th. Stop in for Israeli-made gifts, candles, menorahs, dreidels, and more! Look at our selection of B’nai Mitzvah gifts, jewelry, Shabbat candlesticks, and mezzuzot! Hours: Sunday 9-11:30 and Thursday 4:30-6 we are open during Religious School hours. Please see our wonderful Temple office staff for assistance during non-shop hours. By appointment, contact Laura Siegel at 973.455.0474 Looking to order Kippot for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Contact Karen Anolick at 973.993.1096 Email the Gift Shop Staff at [email protected], Like us on Facebook: Temple B’nai Or Gift Shop All profits benefit Temple B’nai Or. Join on Thursday, December 10th at 7pm Worship followed by warm sufganyot (doughnuts) 10