In This Issue

BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, March 10, 7:30 pm

For board members only

 

OU 2
 
Kol HaChadoshot
"What's news and 'nu' in the Beth David community"
Not From The Rabbi (really!)* / 
Happy Purim
Purim photo

 

Things We Learned in Hebrew School:

1. The High Holidays have absolutely nothing to do with marijuana.

2. Where there's smoke, there may be salmon.

3. No meal is complete without leftovers.

4. Anything worth saying is worth repeating a thousand times.

5. Never take a front row seat at a Bris.

6. Next year in Jerusalem. The year after that, how about a nice cruise?

7. Never leave a restaurant empty handed.

8. Spring ahead; fall back; winters in Boca.

9. Always whisper the names of diseases.

10. If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. If you can afford it, make sure to tell everybody what you paid.

11. Laugh now, but one day you'll be driving a Lexus and eating dinner at 4:00 PM in Florida.

 

Signs on Synagogue Bulletin Boards:

  • Under the same management for over 5,775 years.
  • Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case.
  • What part of "Thou shalt not" don't you understand?

Ya Gotta Be Jewish:

  • It was mealtime during a flight on El Al."Would you like dinner?" the flight attendant asked Moshe, seated in front. "What are my choices? "Moshe asked. "Yes or no," she replied.
  • An elderly Jewish man is knocked down by a car and is brought to the local hospital. A pretty nurse tucks him into bed and says, "Mr. Gevarter, are you comfortable?" Gevarter replies, "I make a living...."
  • A rabbi was opening his mail one morning. Taking a single sheet of paper from an envelope he found written on it only one word: "Fool." At the next Friday night service, the Rabbi announced, "I have known many people who have written letters and forgot to sign their names, but this week I received a letter from someone who signed his name...and forgot to write a letter."
  • Three Jewish women get together for lunch. As they are being seated in the restaurant, one takes a deep breath and gives a long, slow "oy." The second takes a deep breath as well and lets out a long, slow "oy." The third takes a deep breath and says impatiently, "Girls, I thought we agreed that we weren't going to talk about our children."
* Thank you to the members who provided the material for this month's column.

PURIM IS COMING!

  • Wednesday, March 4, from sunrise to sundown is a fast day, the Fast of Esther. The fast begins at 5:32am, and ends at 6:19pm. 
  • Megillah reading will be on Wednesday night, March 4 at 6:15pm. If you own your own megillah, bring it to services and follow along from it.
  • There will be three separate readings of Megillat Esther on Wednesday night, all starting at 6:15pm - a "quiet" reading in the Library, a "traditional" reading in the Sanctuary, and a "women's" reading in the Chapel.
  • Unlike most positive commandments bound by time, from which women are usually exempt, all of the mitzvot of Purim apply with equal incumbency upon men and women.
  • The mitzvah of hearing a reading of the megillah continues on Thursday morning. There will be two Thursday morning readings. The first will be at 7:05am, as part of the regular morning Tefilot. Morning Tefilot will begin at 6:30am. The second reading will be at 8:45am. Both readings will be in the Chapel.
  • There will be a Thursday afternoon reading of the Megillah that will convene in the Library. This reading will begin promptly at 3:45pm; and an informal "Purim Seudah" built around pizza might be shared by some of the people attending this reading. For Seudah information, please call Rabbi Adler.
  • The Beth David party on Wednesday night is a gala event, the biggest (and loudest) Purim celebration in town, maybe even the state. Have you thought about your costume yet? Please see below for details about this year's event.
  • Purim is celebrated through mitzvot that affirm our sense of community. No one should be left out.
  • Matanot L'evyonim are charitable contributions that bring the holiday spirit to those less fortunate. Funds collected at Beth David will be distributed in the holy city of Jerusalem, through the assistance of the Od Yosef Chai organization. Donations may be made through Rabbi Adler's charity fund between now and Purim.
  • Shelach Manot are gift baskets of tasty and sweet food treats that we give to neighbors and friends. These are ideally distributed on Purim day. (As you create your list of recipients, please consider those people you know whose names might not appear on anyone else's list. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way.) Also, consider supporting the Shelach Manot fundraising projects of our local Jewish day schools.
  • Purim dinner (Thursday evening, March 5) should be marked by a holiday-style meal with fun foods, songs and camaraderie. Don't spend Purim day alone, invite a friend to share it with you.
  • The Shabbat immediately before Purim (Saturday,February 28) is called Shabbat Zachor because of a special Torah reading that recalls the infamous desert attack on our ancestors by the Amalekite army. It is a special mitzvah to attend this service. 
Purim is a celebration of life, and the victory of good over evil. Please invite your friends to meet you at Beth David and to join in our celebration of Jewish survival.
CLICK HERE to access Torah To-Go for Purim.

 

 

REGISTER NOW

 


Save on Ticket Price by purchasing ahead.

Tickets at door will have a surcharge.

 

What Is "National Day of Unplugging"?
Sponsored by an agency called Reboot, the "National Day of Unplugging" is an annual Shabbat dedicated to separating ourselves from technology and reconnecting ourselves with our relatives, friends and community.
Step One is to TURN OFF - and
unplug - cellphones, tablets, laptops and computers.
Step Two is to identify one aspect of your own life where you would like to re-connect. It could be anything - read, rest, walk, spend time with family, spend time with friends, eat better, literally anything!
Step Three is to do it.

See what is being said about this by CBS by CLICKING HERE

The Rebbot "Sabbath Manifesto" has ten steps towards making Shabbat a special day, staring with March 6/7 -
1. Avoid Technology.
2. Connect with loved ones.
3. Nurture your health.
4. Get outside.
5. Avoid commerce.
6. Light candles.
7. Drink wine. (Kiddush)
8. Eat bread (challah).
9. Find silence.
10. Give back.

To add a bit of novelty to this initiative, Reboot has distributed a "sleeping bag" for cell phones. Beth David has a limited number of these bags. Please call Tracy or Rabbi Adler if you would like a sleeping bag for your cell phone. 

Daylight Savings Time Schedule Resumes Daylight Savings Time

Sunday morning, March 8 (or Saturday night before bed), we turn our clocks forward one hour as we welcome DST. Daylight Savings Time brings certain changes to our ongoing schedule of tephillot. Please note the changes -

 

Weekday Evening Minchah/Maariv - These services will continue to convene about ten minutes before sunset, but sunset will be one hour later.On the week of March 9, Minchah/Maariv will begin at 6:35 pm.

 

Friday Evening Tephillot  - This service will convene primarily at 6:30pm for most of DST. There will be some weeks in April and May when this service might convene a bit later in order to meet the requirement of reciting Maariv at its proper time. Every effort is made to schedule this service in a way so as to not interfere with Shabbat dinner being enjoyed at a timely hour.

 

Shabbat and Yom Tov Mornings - Effective March 15, Shabbat morning services will begin at 9:30am. The morning will begin with an optional "Beit Medrash" study with Rabbi Adler.
On the Friday evening of March 13, Beth David will participate with hundreds of congregations from across America in sharing the beauty and warmth of Shabbat (and our shul) with brethren and friends. The model, though, will be different and innovative; and for it to work, we need as many members as possible to share in striving for success. Here is how it will work -

EVERY MEMBER is asked to invite a guest, or guests, to share in your Friday night Shabbat dinner at your home. The meal need not be anything different than your normal Shabbat dinner. We ask only that you share it with guests who are not members, or regular attendees, of Beth David. 

WHEN YOU EXTEND YOUR INVITATION, be sure to ask your guest(s) to join you at Beth David, before dinner, for Friday evening services. This service will begin promptly at 6:30pm, and conclude by 7:30pm. 

THE SHABBAT TABLE is a special place, often graced with songs and Torah thoughts. If you let Rabbi Adler know that you will be a host for dinner, he will provide you with a small packet of simple ideas to make your Shabbat extra special. NJOP (National Jewish Outreach Program) has online material that will be made available to everyone who hosts guests for dinner.

REMEMBER, WE ARE NOT ALONE. What will be happening at Beth David will be happening in communities across the country. If you have any questions, or seek more information about being a host, please call Rabbi Adler at 860-236-1241, X12; or send an e-mail by CLICKING HERE.
Shabbat HaGadol / March 28 -
A Break Out Shabbat of Study
Following on the success of our first 'break out' Shabbat (called originally Syna-Plex or Kaleidoscope), we will repeat the model as a way of preparing for Passover. On Shabbat morning, following the conclusion of prayers and before Kiddush, we will all have the opportunity to select from one of three break out groups for targeted study of specific Passover themes. Our groups will be -
  • What was the purpose of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt? Facilitated by Galya Greenberg   We will study a selection of commentaries from rabbinic through modern sources that deal with this issue from various points of view: Did we/they deserve it? Was it the fault of the Patriarchs? Was it to strengthen faith? Was it punishment or formative? Participants should come ready to grapple with text and big ideas!
  • From Creation to De-Creation, facilitated by Heather Fiedler

    The 10 plagues have been looked at in every way possible. In this session, we will compare the narrative of creation in B'reishit with the narrative of the destruction brought on by the 10 plagues in Shemot.

Bar Mitzvah of Leo Gold-March 14 
Leo loves being a 7th grade student at Solomon Schechter Day School where his favorite extracurricular activity is Robotics. He is a voracious reader and also loves anything related to computers and technology. Leo has been tap dancing since the age of 3 and has achieved an upper level red belt in Tae Kwon Do (more than half-way to his goal of achieving a black belt). Leo also enjoys chess, riding his bike and hanging out with his brothers. Leo has been studying diligently and is eager to share his big day day with family, friends and the Beth David community. Leo's passion for math and science led him to choose the date of his celebration as 3.14.15 - the ultimate Pi (π) Day of this century!
Coming in April -
Beth David Community Seder
Saturday Night, April 4 @ 8:00pm  

 

Adults - $36.00

Children under 12 - $30

Family Max - $125

 

Please call the shul office (860-236-1241) to place your reservations, make reservations by CLICKING HERE.

 

Catering by Abel Catering of New Haven, co-sponsored by NJOP

Rabbi Adler

Parsha and Prayer Tuesdays @ 7:00-8:00pm
(Watch calendar for shifting start times) 
A study of Torah text coupled with a review of Shabbat prayers. This study can offer something for everyone.
 
The Weekly Parsha Wednesdays @ 12:00- 1:00 pm This class is a "lunch-n-learn", and no previous text study is required. This group convenes in the library of Beth David Synagogue. 

 

Talmud Sanhedrin, Thursdays @ 12:00-1:00pm This class studies a passage from the Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin addresses matters pertaining to the Jewish legal system. The group is hosted by Mr. Harry Weller and meets at the Rocky Hill offices of the Connecticut States Attorney, 300 Corporate Place.

 

Everyday Holiness Mussar Group - Sunday, February 15, 7:30-8:30pm

Within The Congregation
Mazel Tov to Zev and Alana Butler on the birth of a baby boy Gavriel Dov.

Mazel Tov to Nathan Cohen and his family Bruce, Naomi and Abby Cohen on Nathan's recent promotion to Electrician's Mate 3/Petty Officer 3rd Class.

Condolences to the family of Henry and Carrie Katz, both of whom passed away within three weeks of each other. 

Condolences to David and Jean Federman on the passing of David's father Murray.

Condolences to the family Ruth Kronick.

Condolences to Claire Yaffa on the passing of her husband Louis. Louis and Claire were married 64 years. Louis is survived by Claire, their three children Glenn, Debra and Marsha; and his brother Irving.
New Fundraising Opportunity
Easy, Easy, Easy
smile.amazon.com
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. BETH DAVID SYNAGOGUE IS A LISTED OPTION. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

Fundraising Opportunities at Beth David

SCRIP-Purchase gift cards to Big Y, Crown, Stop & Shop and Shop Rite.  Beth David receives 5% of all sales.  This is a great fundraiser because there is no cost involved to Beth David or the scrip purchaser. Simply come to the Beth David office, purchases these cards in multiples of $100; and then use them like cash at the store.  Crown gift cards can be reloaded in the store at the cash register.

TREE OF LIFE-Honor yourself or family with a leaf on the Tree of Life.  Bronze, silver & gold leaves available. Our "tree" adorns the synagogue lobby, with many leaves ready to be engraved. Call Tracy to negotiate prices.

MEMORIAL PLAQUES-Remember a loved one with a bronze memorial plaque.  Each plaque costs $360 and will be illuminared on the anniversary of your loved one's passing as well as all holidays when Yizkor is recited.

BINGO-This is Beth David's largest on-going fundraiser.  It supports the majority portion of the Beth David's yearly fundraising goal.  Volunteering is an opportunity to meet other shul members and work off your MEP. 

Call Tracy in the office with any questions about any of the above fundraising opportunities.

  

DONATIONS

 

RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND:

In Memory of

Avi Lapidus, yahrzeit

Laurence Anne Coe

Harry Kaplan, yahrzeit

Mimi Kaplan

J. Goldenberg, yahrzeit

Minnie Goldenberg

In Honor of

The birth of Michael Orin Schwanke

Leslie and Carl Schwanke

Nicole Sandal's 18th Birthday

Maryam Sandal


 

KIDDUSH FUND

In Memory of

Mimi Mazal Bitton

Andre and Elena Bitton

Rose Langsam, yahrzeit

Norma Miller, yahrzeit

Ed and Elaine Schwartz

William Singer, yahrzeit

Judy and Fred Singer

Frank Solomon, yahrzeit

Gussie Chase, yahrzeit

Joyce Solomon

Shaya Gershkovich, yahrzeit

Maya Ungar

  Avi Lapidus, yahrzeit

  Harriet Lapidus, yahrzeit

  Rabbi Jay and Susie Lapidus

 Leah Eckstein, yahrzeit

Marianna and David Eckstein

Netti Allweiss, yahrzeit

Helga Allweiss

In Honor of

The Shabbaton Weekend

Rachel and Ben Abrams

Rabbi and Leslie Adler

Helga Allweiss

Steve Allen

Barbara Becker and Jonathan Bilmes

Judy and Bruce Brenner

Rabbi and Leah Chatinover

Aliza and Dave Chameides

Fanny and Aaron Cohen

Marianna and David Eckstein

Julia Rosenblum and Len Felson

Martin and Sharon Freilich

Bill Gamzon

Loren and Joel Gelber

Susan and David Gibeley

Sandy and Richard Greenberg

Galya and Jonathan Greenberg

Julie and Abner Gershon

Lexi and Richard Jacobson

Mark Kaye

Bob Kreger

Helen Neumann

Susan and Jon Olson

Barbara Ungar

Bonnie and Joel Wolfe

Robyn and Harry Weller

  Ruth Yancovich

Beverly Lebetkin on her Birthday

Donna Wolf and Tony Capitao

Jonah Gershon on his Bar Mitzvah

The Gershon Family

Beth David

Abraham Anavim


 

CHESED FUND

In Memory of

Henry and Carrie Katz

Irv and Selma Schein

Joan and Harold Kadish

  Barbara Ungar

Carrie Katz

Leo and Lorraine Pinsky

Ruth Kronick

Irv and Selma Schein

Anna Leah Michelson, yahrzeit

Robert Kreger

Marilyn Wolfe, yahrzeit

Joel and Bonnie Wolfe

Ruth Epstein, yahrzeit

Harriet and Barry Goldsher

Joseph Greenstein, yahrzeit

Leslie Phyllis, yahrzeit

Ruthe Greenstein

Avi Lapidus, yahrzeit

Barbara Ungar

In Honor of

The birth of a baby boy to Chris and Alana Butler

Elissa and Jonathan Freeman

The Engagement of Elayna Weller to Mark Kaye

Harriet and Barry Goldsher


 

GENERAL FUND

In memory of

Anna Moyer, yahrzeit

Albert Moyer

Morris Feldman, yahrzeit

Gertrude and Dorothy Feldman

Ethel Kowal, yahrzeit

Martin and Sharon Freilich

Yosef Zingman, yahrzeit

Zisul Zingman, yahrzeit

Israel Zingman, yahrzeit

Gisha Zingman, yahrzeit

Sarah Leah Zingman, yahrzeit

Igor Zingman

Anna Kreger, yahrzeit

Robert Kreger

Hedwig Grunebaum

Edna Adler

In Honor of

Rabbi Adler

Lisa Rubin Siegel

Jonah Gershon on his Bar Mitzvah

Mary Todd


 

Jack Shuman Fund

In Memory of

Loved one of the Sheldon Schwartz Family

Arnold Shuman


 

Miriam Cohen Memorial Fund

In Memory of

Mendel Sicklick, yahrzeit

Isaac Milkowitz, yahrzeit

Beatrice Cohn Levy


 

Sylvia Bland Memorial Fund

In Memory of

Joan Segal, yahrzeit

Marge and Bill Glater

Claire, Lew and Glenn Yaffa

Rachel Wise, yahrzeit

Cathy Potiker

Leatrice Etelis

Martin Bland, yahrzeit

Louis Yaffa

Marge and Bill Glater

Irving Kotler, yahrzeit

Ben Starr, yahrzeit

Jack Mann, yahrzeit

Claire and Lew Yaffa

 

 

"Todah Rabah" - Thank You for Your Support

We acknowledge our recent contributors and the generosity that has benefitted the mission and the cause of our congregation.

Happy Birthday   

  

Amy Goldstein

March 1

Julia Rosenblum

March 1

Nathan Cohen

March 3

Maryam Sandal

March 3

Barry Goldsher

March 4

Lacey Goldsher

March 4

Karen Benjamin

March 6

Aedan Mitchell

March 7

Jonathan Freedman

March 11

Liba Lomasky

March 11

Ben Gitman

March 12

Jacob Saidon

March 12

Ellen Stoltz

March 12

Julie Koppel

March 13

Jonathan Greenberg

March 15

Robert Fiedler

March 15

Andre Bitton

March 16

Atalya Drescher

March 19

Brian Lichtenstein

March 19

Jerry Benjamin

March 20

Eli'el Doron

March 20

Abram Melamud

March 20

Elaine Schwartz

March 20

Shawn Portfolio

March 20

Marcia Adler

March 21

David Sarota

March 23

Abie Russ-Fishbane

March 23

Sofia Braunshweiger

March 24

Yasmin Drescher

March 25

Jessica Anavim

March 26

Rosalyn Gordon

March 26

Gil Fried

March 27

Gabriel Shtern

March 27

Happy Anniversary 

Richard & Alex Jacobson

March 9

Marge & Bill Glater

March 20

Yitzchok & Leslie Adler

March 21

 "Where coming to shul is like coming home."

Our pledge is to make every visit to Beth David a warm, welcoming and satisfying experience. Let us know how we are doing. Your input helps us measure our success.
  
Sincerely,
Beth David Synagogue