Union Temple of Brooklyn

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

The Bulletin
SHABBAT NOACH
4
Friday Evening

OCTOBER, 2013

TISHREI CHESHVAN 5774

Vol. 165, No 2

SHABBAT SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER

First Friday Family Shabbat 4:00 PM - Fridays at Four: Shabbat for Tots 6:00 PM - Snacks 6:30 PM - Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 PM - Pot Luck Dinner

Saturday Morning
9:30 AM - Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM - Shabbat Morning Service Philip Bernstein will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah

Torah: Genesis 6:9-11:32

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-55:5

SHABBAT LECH LECHA

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Friday Evening
4:00 PM - Fridays at Four: Shabbat for Tots 6:30 PM - Kabbalat Shabbat

The World of Fine Wines

with professional wine connoisseur

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Saturday Morning
9:30 AM - Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM - Shabbat Morning Service Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27-41:16

Torah: Genesis 12:1-17:27

SHABBAT VAYEIRA
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Friday Evening
4:00 PM - Fridays at Four: Shabbat for Tots 6:30 PM - Kabbalat Shabbat Pizza to follow

Sam Ehrlich Saturday, October 19 6:00 PM

See Page 7 for details

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Saturday Morning
9:30 AM - Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM - Shabbat Morning Service Haftarah: II Kings 4:1-4:37

Torah: Genesis 18:1-22:24

SHABBAT CHAYEI SARAH

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Friday Evening
Fourth Friday Late Shabbat 4:00 PM - Fridays at Four: Shabbat for Tots 7:00 PM - Dinner 8:00 PM - Kabbalat Shabbat 9:00 PM - Oneg with Abraham Rabinovich

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Saturday Morning
10:30 AM - Shabbat Morning Service Haftarah: I Kings1:1-1:31

Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18

Rabbis Message

Now is the Time

Hillel taught: "Do not say 'When I have the time, I will study,' for perhaps you will never have the time." Hillel was one of the greatest sages of Jewish tradition. He lived in the pre-Christian century, approximately 60-20 BCE. He served as Nasi - a leader of the Sanhedrin. His writings appear in the Mishnah, the first post-Biblical written code of Jewish law, which was codified c. 200 CE. In addition to the advice above, he is credited with two of most famous teachings in all of Jewish tradition: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

"What is hateful to you, do not do to any person. That is the whole Torah. All the rest is commentary. Now go forth and learn." All three of these teachings appear in a tractate of the Mishnah called Pirkei Avot, alternatively translated as "Ethics of the Fathers," "Ethics of the Sages," and so on. Rather than a body of laws, Pirkei Avot is a compilation of aphorisms that teach us the right way to go in life, according to Jewish teachings. It is customary to study this tractate in the seven week period between Pesach and Shavuot. Hillel's teaching on study, with which I began this article, is particularly on my mind now, since the very early High Holy Day period has ended, and our adult study has started up again at the temple. Every Shabbat morning, Saturdays at 9 AM, a wonderful group of congregants gathers on the fourth floor of the temple to study. Of course, there are the requisite bagels and coffee. (It's a lot easier for Jews to study with bagels!) And there is the hevruta - the fellowship - that continues to develop among the folks who gather for this hevre. And it is a remarkable collection of people indeed, representing a wide divergence of professional pursuits, ages, life stories and experience. There is no specific "knowledge base" that is required - just the desire to come and learn something about Jewish tradition. This year we're studying the Book of Deuteronomy, mostly because it sneaks by most of us while we're away during the summer. I have to say that I deeply admire all these people for who they are, and for their motivation to join together on Shabbat mornings for an hour and a half to study - one of the most highly valued endeavors of Jewish life - not for a degree, not for any particular recognition, but just to study and learn more about Jewish texts and tradition - what we would call Torah Lish'mah - learning for its own sake. I also deeply appreciate their hevruta, because they give me the privilege of studying with them, as I fulfill my own pursuit of Torah Lish'mah. And, most important, we all have established a wonderful personal bond in this endeavor. I would encourage you - yes, I mean YOU - to consider joining us for study sometime. You don't have to come every week. You don't have to write papers or do required reading - unless you are so inclined, of course. Just come and study with us. The discussions that develop are fascinating. Believe me, I know you're busy, and I know what that's about, both personally and professionally. But I also know that what Hillel taught is the absolute truth: "Do not say 'When I have the time, I will study,' for perhaps you will never have the time." SHABBAT STUDY HEVRE FOR ADULTS: SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9-10:20 AM. BAGELS AND COFFEE. ALL ARE WELCOME. YOU WON'T BE SORRY, I PROMISE. -Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman

Officers Column

And They Came!

We are making these investments because we must. Anyone with a business knows that if you don't offer what potential customers or clients want, they will go elsewhere. It's no different for a synagogue. If you make it hard rather than easy for people attend services, they'll quickly turn away. If you don't have programs that are attractive to teens, you can't expect them to stick around. And if you don't demonstrate commitment to young families, they'll find a more nurturing environment.

If you build it... Did you notice how filled our sanctuary was on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur last month? Did you feel the energy? We offered tickets to all who wanted to join us on those special days. And they came. A couple of years ago, we did not have a Youth Group. We set aside money for a Youth Group Leader. And the youth came.

I hope you support us in these new ventures. As our Last year, we started a free Saturday morning propresident Bea Hanks said on Yom Kippur, we do need gram, Out of the Shabbox, for tots and preschoolers. your donations in order to keep these programs up and They came by the dozens. running. If you've already given, I say thank-you on Just a few months ago, we established the position Di- behalf of all the officers. And if you haven't gotten rector of Youth and Family Engagement. The goal: to around to it yet, please act now. We want to keep the improve the experience of families at Union Temple, momentum going. so more families will come. -Ellen D. Kolikoff, Vice President

Union Temple of Brooklyn

17 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-638-3649 www.uniontemple.org

Sisterhood

The New Year Takes Wing

Nearly two thousand years ago, in 73 C.E., Vespasians troops waged a fierce and brutal battle that destroyed Masada, the last holdout of nine hundred valiant Jews who were defying the ruthless power of Rome. In her riveting novel THE DOVE KEEPERS, Alice Hoffman chronicles the lives of four courageous women who escaped the carnage and must struggle to survive and keep their children safe in a perilous and hostile world. Join Sisterhood at 10 AM on Sunday, October 6th, for a lively discussion of this powerful book that, according to the prestigious review periodical Booklist, ...makes ancient history live and breathe...[and] is both a feminist manifesto and a deeply felt tribute to courageous men and women of faith.... Havent read the book? Not to worry. Once the conversation gets going, you are sure to have plenty to add. In addition to the book discussion, well be holding our first Rosh Chodesh Seder of 5774 as we celebrate the beginning of Cheshvan. As women, we treasure this quiet, introspective month that marks the death of our Matriarch Sarah and of several remarkable women who continue to inspire us through their works and, in some cases, martyrdom. Its a month without holidays, which gives us time to explore how we can bring renewal, inner tranquility, spiritual growth, balance, and peace into our livesand our world. So get in the groove for a season of great programs and join us for a morning of lively talk, warm friendship, and mouth-watering treats as we discuss the book that has been called Alice Hoffmans masterpiece, and celebrate our cherished month of Cheshvan. -Barbara Brett, Secretary 4

Preschool

Heres to a Magical Year

Chanin, served on the preschool committee for many years and started our very successful swim program with the Eastern Athletic Club. Julie is a recent graduate of Cornell University where she studied acting.

On Sunday, September 8th, Union Temple Preschool hosted its first ice cream party for our newly graduated four year olds who would be heading off to kindergarten. The turnout was great with most of our alums returning for an afternoon of eating ice cream and running around the big room. Mindy Sherry, the Director of Youth and Family Engagement joined us as well. I introduced her to our families and she spent the afternoon mingling and chatting with parents.

This year we are also adding a new program. Our three and four year olds who are enrolled in our full day program will have a 30 minute Spanish class twice a week. The class will be very interactive. Children will use lots of props as visual cues to make them feel comfortable. The class will move toward full imPreschool opened on Monday, September 16th. The mersion as the year progresses. majority of our staff returned. We do have two newish staff members. I am thrilled that Alexandra Beers, a I am so excited about the upcoming school year. As very beloved former UT preschool teacher and parent our psychological consultant Laurie Slodounik reof two former UT preschoolers, has returned to head minded us at our parent orientation meeting, one of up the Sparrows (three year olds). Alex will be replac- the reasons that working with preschoolers is so speing Natalie Roth who has taken a job as a school coun- cial is the magic they bring with them. Here's to a selor, the field in which she was trained. Alex will be magical year. working with a new assistant teacher this year, Julie Reed. Julie is a former UT Preschool student. Her fam- -Susan Sporer, Preschool Director ily is a long time Temple member. Her mother Stacy

Shabbat Morning Hevre Torah Study for Adults

Saturday Mornings, 9:00-10:20 This years focus: SEFER DEVARIM The Book of Deuteronomy
Because of the calendar cycle, the reading of the Book of Deuteronomy generally occurs during the summer when, quite honestly, many of us are away. This is our opportunity to look at Deuteronomy in depth. In certain ways, it is a revolutionary book in relation to the four other books of the Torah. Come study with us on Saturday mornings and together well discover why.

Bagels, Coffee, and Torah Study with fellow congregants Led by Rabbi Goodman 5

Brotherhood

Civil War Jews

One of the favorite Brotherhood activities is the annual Sukkah building and this year was no different. A determined group of came together to put together and decorate the structure. Of course the bagels and coffee were there to fuel the endeavor along. The next Brotherhood event will take place on Sunday morning, October 27th, at 10 AM. Steven Segall will lead a book discussion about Jews and the Civil War, edited by Jonathan Sarna (Brandeis University) and Adam Mendelsohn (College of Charleston). It is a collection of essays about the role of Jews in the Civil War and the wars impact on American Jews, both at the time and long afterward. It includes discussions of the battlefront (where about 8,000 Jews served, counting both sides), the home front, slavery and abolition, rabbis in wartime and other topics. Whether you have read the book or not, youll enjoy the discussion. And if you do read it, youll learn a great deal about our history as American Jews, from many perspectives. And again, well have bagels and coffee, too! -David Rapheal, Secretary and Steven Segall, Brotherhood President
Make a donation to Union Temple Its easier than ever. Go to
http://tinyurl.com/UnionTemple

You may designate your gift to one of these funds: Memorial Fund Rabbis Discretionary Fund Rabbi A. Stanley Dreyfus Memorial Fund Prayer Book Donations Happy Day Fund High Holy Day Donations Music Fund

Education Corner

Religious School: Its a Family Affair

I am excited to share that the Religious School started on September 8 th and we are off to an amazing start. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our amazing Religious School faculty: Rachel Dayan, Danielle Gach, Amanda Miller and Ian Olasov. Thank you for all that you do to help engage our students in Judaism. October is a busy month here at Union Temple. We are having our first of four Parent workshops. This month we will share our Jewish journeys and First day of Religious School. answer the question How do we as parents stay on our Jewish journey while we are trying to create one for our children? Please join us for this amazing experience (and bagels and coffee) on Sunday, October 20th at 9:30 AM. Please join us on Sunday mornings at the beginning of Religious School (9:30 am) for our Family tefillah. The following are the dates for this month. We hope to see you there. October Family Tefillah schedule: October 6th and 13th. October Out of the Shabbox schedule: October 5th, 12th and 19th. Fridays at Four with Yoshie October schedule: October 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. We have an important calendar change. Please note there is no Religious School on October 13, 2013 in observance of Columbus Day. -Mindy Sherry, Director of Youth and Family Engagement

SAVE THE DATE

Tzedakah
UNION TEMPLE MEMORIAL FUND
Donated by.................................................................................... in memory of
Dr. Dorothy Silverman............................................................................. Isabelle Silverman Henry and Susanne Singer ...................................................................... Ethel Singer Jean Pierre and Judith Halioua ................................................................. Felicie Halioua David Zupnick ......................................................................................... Marion Zupnick Anna Budd and George Hausman ............................................................ Jerry Hausman Doris Klueger .......................................................................................... Charlotte Klueger Bert Ludwig ............................................................................................ Sadye R. Altman Joyce M. Charles ..................................................................................... Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

YOM KIPPUR BREAK-THE-FAST

Donated by
Hortense Hurwitz

DR. A. STANLEY DREYFUS LECTURE FUND

Donated by.................................................................................... in memory of
Hortense Hurwitz ..................................................................................... Dr. Seymour C. Frank

Mazal Tov to our Bar Mitzvah

Philip Bernstein
Son of David Bernstein and Leslie Mathes
Philip Bernstein is an eighth grader at PS 334, The Anderson School, on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. He loves writing, math and social studies. Philip plays lots of sports at middle school, including soccer, basketball, track, and baseball. He also has been playing baseball with the Brooklyn Bulldogs since he was seven and has traveled to Indiana, Virginia, Maryland and other places to play in tournaments with the team. Mazal Tov to Philip, his parents David and Leslie and his brother Martin.

Memorial Plaques
Morris Friedman ........................................................ October 1, 1954 Albert Loeb ............................................................... October 2, 1937 Joseph Roschko ......................................................... October 2, 2003 Dorothy Hamburger ................................................... October 4, 2004 Minnie Lewis ............................................................ October 3, 1937 Hannah Bermas ......................................................... October 3, 1962 Edythe Sasuly ............................................................ October 3, 1992 Rose Underberg ......................................................... October 4, 1998 Harriett David............................................................ October 5, 1922 Dr. Jerome Hurwitz ................................................... October 7, 1998 Sarah Kolikoff ........................................................... October 7, 2001 Reta B. Boley ............................................................ October 8, 1969 Cantor Paul Kwartin .................................................. October 8, 1978 Rebecca Frank ........................................................... October 9, 1918 Bessie Sterzelbach ..................................................... October 9, 1927 Chauncey H. Levy ..................................................... October 9, 1992 Jack Epstein............................................................. October 10, 1999 George Hamburger .................................................. October 11, 1926 Toby Shirk .............................................................. October 11, 1929 Sgt. Sidney Schnell .................................................. October 11, 1944 Donald M. Newman................................................. October 11, 1979 Leopold Rice ........................................................... October 13, 1896 Helen Rosenberg ..................................................... October 14, 1947 Anna Rose Levine ................................................... October 14, 1977 Charles Jaffa ............................................................ October 16, 1972 Arnold L. Schukin ............................................... October 16, 2001 Sidney Wasch .......................................................... October 17, 1939 Maimie Goodman .................................................... October 17, 1953 Adele Kleiman......................................................... October 17, 1997 Lina Leviton ............................................................ October 19, 1964 Norman Minkin ....................................................... October 19, 1992 Max Barkan ............................................................. October 20, 1928 Nathanial Bloom...................................................... October 20, 1973 Saul Gross ............................................................... October 21, 1930 Nathan Glassheim.................................................... October 22, 1945 David Rosen ............................................................ October 22, 1957 Dr. Henry P. Boley .................................................. October 22, 1967 Jack Cooper ............................................................. October 22, 1985 Sylvia Hahn ............................................................. October 22, 1989 Minnie Bergman ...................................................... October 23, 1911 Elizabeth Kovrick .................................................... October 23, 1939 Gussie Smallberg ..................................................... October 23, 1968 Anna Rosoff ............................................................ October 24, 1944 Dora Kamen ............................................................ October 25, 1962 Frank Brown ........................................................... October 25, 1979 Louis Pokodner ....................................................... October 25, 1992 Emanuel Rodecker ................................................... October 27, 1903 Simon Steinhardt ..................................................... October 27, 1918 Rose Salzman .......................................................... October 27, 1922 Louis Hamberger ..................................................... October 27, 1957

The Bulletin
Union Temple of Brooklyn
17 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn NY 11238 (718) 638-7600 Fax (718) 783-9151 E-mail uniontemple@uniontemple.org

Website Uniontemple.org
Dr. Linda Henry Goodman Rabbi Emma Goldin Student Cantor Shinae Kim Temple Musician Susan Sporer Preschool Director

Mindy Sherry Director of Youth and Family Engagement Beatrice Hanks President Abe Barnett Ellen Kolikoff Jeffrey Stein Vice Presidents Steven Segall Secretary Leonard Shiller Treasurer Mike Baron Hortense R. Hurwitz Doris Klueger Honorary Presidents David Rapheal Bulletin Editor John Golomb Temple Administrator Martin Kasdan Funeral Director (800) 522-0588

A memorial plaque is a lasting tribute to a loved one. If you wish more information regarding obtaining a plaque in memory of a loved one please e-mail the temple at uniontemple@uniontemple.org or leave a message with the temple office. 10

Union Temple suggests that its members contact our Funeral Director Martin D. Kasdan of Boulevard-Riverside Chapels 1895 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY 1-800-522-0588 Proudly maintaining more than 50 years of Temple involvement

October 2013 ~ Tishrei-Cheshvan 5774

Sun Mon Tue
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Fri 4
4:00 PM Friday at Four First Friday Family Shabbat 6:00 PM Snacks 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 PM Pot Luck Dinner

Sat 5
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan

6:30 PM Union Temple Singers 7:30 PM Anshei Mitzvah

7:00 PM URJ Introduction to Judaism

9:00 AM Hevre 9:30 AM Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah: Philip Bernstein

9:30 AM Religious School 10:00 AM Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Seder

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6:30 PM Union Temple Singers 7:15 PM Preschool Committee 7:30 PM Anshei Mitzvah

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4:00 PM Friday at Four 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat

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9:00 AM Hevre 9:30 AM Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM Shabbat Service

6:15 PM Officers

7:00 PM URJ Introduction to Judaism

NFTY Fall Kallah --

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9:00 AM Hevre 9:30 AM Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM Shabbat Service 6:00 PM The World of Fine Wine With Sam Ehrlich

NFTY Kallah 6:00 PM Board of Trustees 6:30 PM Union Temple Singers 7:30 PM Anshei Mitzvah 7:00 PM URJ Introduction to Judaism

4:00 PM Friday at Four 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Pizza

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9:30 AM Religious School Parent BreakfastSeminar 10:00 AM Membership Committee

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4:00 PM Friday at Four

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6:15 PM Religious School Committee

6:30 PM Union Temple Singers 7:30 PM Anshei Mitzvah

7:00 PM URJ Introduction to Judaism

UniTY Havdalah & Soup Kitchen Abraham Rabinovich: Excursion The Yom Kippur War

Fourth Friday Late Shabbat 7:00 PM Dinner 8:00 PM Service 9:00 PM Oneg

9:00 AM Hevre 9:30 AM Out of the Shabbox 10:30 AM Shabbat Service

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9:30 AM Religious School 10:00 AM Brotherhood Breakfast

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7:00 PM Religious Practices Committee

6:30 PM Union Temple Singers 7:30 PM Anshei Mitzvah

7:00 PM URJ Introduction to Judaism

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Prospect Park Health and Racquet Association

In Union Temple Building at 17 Eastern Parkway 718-789-4600 Ask about Special discounts for Union Temple Members

Union Temple of Brooklyn 17 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 638-7600 Uniontemple@uniontemple.org

OCTOBER 2013 UNION TEMPLE OF BROOKLYN BULLETIN

Wine Tasting and DinnerOctober 19th