February / March 2011 sh’vat / adar 5771

Building Torat Yisrael’s Future

Extra! Extra! Learn All About It!
Iyyun: Torat Yisrael’s new Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah project
This is your time. Whether you had a bar or bat mitzvah as a kid or not, you can join a group of
Torat Yisrael members in preparing for a Spring 2012 adult bat and bar mitzvah celebration. We’ll be
looking at Judaism from an adult point of view: learning and discussing big theological questions,
reading the core sources of Judaism together, exploring questions and challenges raised by the group,
delving into the unique attributes of Conservative Judaism and preparing to lead our congregation as
literate, knowledgeable leaders. If you are interested in taking this journey with a group of TY members who will
become your good friends over the course of this course, please contact Rabbi Levin (785-1800 /
rabbi@toratyisrael.org).
The first meeting of Iyun will take place in March and the day of the week, time of day and venue for the meetings will
be determined with the members of the group and with Rabbi Levin.

Greetings from Susan Smoller

Shalom Fellow Congregants,
This has been a busy month! We have
improved our website and I am very
excited that membership applications
are now available online (and still on
paper for those who would rather complete a paper
application). This new application allows us to receive
immediate input and for new members to complete the
form in the privacy of their homes and at their
convenience. I hope that many people take
advantage of this and I request that if you have any
information you would like added to your original
application, please complete the form and submit it to
our synagogue.
We enjoyed a lively discussion with the Reverend
Donald Anderson, Executive Minister of the Rhode
Island State Council of Churches at our last Friday
night Shabbat Yachad service and we look forward to
being together to meet and discuss the current Rhode
Island situation with Russell Partridge, Program
Director of the W.A..R. M. Center in Westerly for
whom we have been collecting warm clothes and
outfits for people to use on job interviews and during
their work days. In March, Minna Ellison, the Interim
Executive Director of the newly formed Jewish Alliance
of Greater Rhode Island will join us and I hope that
many of you will come to learn about innovations
within our state’s Jewish community.

In February there is an opportunity for us to learn to I hope you stay safe and warm and look forward to
bake and braid challah! I look forward to baking my hearing from you. Please contact me at any time with
first challah and hope you will join us on Sunday, any comments or questions.
February 13 at 4 pm to bake together. As usual, this B’Shalom,
event is open to the entire family! Susan

Kesher Corner: Andrea Epstein, LICSW

Andrea serves Torat Yisrael’s members through Kesher, a joint project of the Jewish Alliance of Greater
Rhode Island, the Bernhardt Foundation, and Jewish Family Service. She can be reached at (401)
580-5879 or andrea@toratyisrael.org.
A Process of Change

The recent snowstorm highlighted the
tone of the season for me. The whole message seems
to be one of slowing down and taking measure. Of
course with the pace that most of us live at it is
impossible to hunker down and hibernate for the
1
winter! Instead, why not consider making winter a
time of steady reflection?
Many people start January by resolving to do one thing
or another. Often times these resolutions peter out
quickly and can leave one with a sense of
disappointment and even failure. What has been
studied about change though is that it is not a singular
occurrence; rather it has been studied to be a gradual
process, one with distinct phases.
Public Health models look at change through stages.
First is the precontemplation stage, one in which a
person is clearly not ready to change - they do not
recognize either a positive or negative impact from
their current behavior. Next is the contemplation
stage. This is a time when a person begins to think
about change and may start looking at their
ambivalence about change. Barriers for change are
assessed along with the recognition of the possible
benefits of change.
During the next stage, the preparation stage, people
begin to look at making a change. They may even
begin to experiment with the idea of changing, like
making small alterations in behavior. The
contemplation and preparation stages seem to
naturally match the rhythms of winter. Just as we
physically slow down and take slow but steady steps in
the icy and cold weather, we can do the same
regarding change in our lives.
I think this model of change can be both helpful and
kind, a new way for some of looking at change. By
acknowledging that change is often not an
instantaneous process it can give permission for us to
explore and make change in ways that are
sustainable. Exploring change versus demanding
change gives opportunity to thoughtfully build change
through a process of experimentation, trial and error.
Knowing that change is not a static or rigid process
opens the door to action. Why not consider making
your winter an active time of contemplation and
preparation? When spring comes you have the option
of bursting out into action, supported by all of the time
and effort you will taken in figuring out why you want
to change and what you want that change to look like.
Are you considering making some changes? Are you
struggling to get started? Sometimes talking through
it with another person can be helpful. Torat Yisrael’s
Kesher Social Worker, Andrea Epstein is available for
confidential consultations at 401-369-0160 or email
andrea@toratyisrael.org

The Cohen School News

The month of January has certainly been special tutoring an behalf of the Bureau of Jewish
one filled with typical New England Education.
weather! The cold, damp and grey of the
outdoors is not a match for the sunny, activity–filled Tu B’Shevat, which welcomes the springtime in Israel
warmth of the time spent at The Cohen School. It has seems like an oddity as I write this note in late
been a month of goodbyes and hellos. Dani Brier who January, but it is also a harbinger of things to come
has been teaching the 4th and 5th grade has left the here in Rhode Island and a reminder of the cycle of the
school in order to pursue her career as an attorney. seasons.
We wish Dani a successful start in her new job. We
also bid farewell to Joanna Charap, a second grade Cohen School Calendar
student and her family. The Charaps are settling into
their new home in Philadelphia and we know that they February
will become an integral part of their new community. February 1 Regular Classes
February 6 Regular Classes
For the hellos, we want to welcome Ronitte Vilker who February 8 Regular Classes
will be teaching Hebrew in our school, Eddye Golden February 13 Regular Classes
who will be working with 3rd-5th grade students on February 15 Regular Classes
Tuesdays and Willliam Guttin who is doing some February 27 Regular Classes

Librarian’s Corner by Laura Steele, Torat Yisrael Librarian

There is a new novel in our library collection written by well-known author Naomi Ragan called The Tenth Song. In
the beginning of the book, we read about Abigail Samuels who has achieved success. Her husband has a successful
accounting firm, and her daughter, Kayla, a Harvard law student, is engaged to a fellow student. They are pillars of
the Orthodox Jewish community in a Boston suburb until their world suddenly falls apart. When a story saying that
her husband is funding terrorists appears on the Internet, Abigail’s friends vanish. Her daughter runs off to a desert
commune in Israel to study with a charismatic Kabbalist, and Abigail rushes to rescue her. While in Israel, both
women start to question their previous life paths and begin journeys of self-discovery. Ragen’s novel mixes current
events, Jewish values, a little romance, and a touch of feminism. It will appeal to those interested in contemporary
Jewish issues and to fans of women’s fiction. I encourage you to stay warm with a book of your choice, maybe this
one!

2
A Message from Sisterhood
Sisterhood presented to the Temple four new Torah binders. On Sunday, February 13th Laurie Tessier will
demonstrate how to make and braid Challah. This will be an interactive workshop with a supply fee of $5.00. Watch
the mail for our fundraiser. See flyer for complete information.
Submitted by: Laurie Tessier and Ruth Ross, Co-presidents

Welcome to our New Members

Our Torat Yisrael family is delighted to embrace our newest members. Welcome to:
- Marc and Robin Miller and their children, Jacob and Riley

In Our TY Family
Mazal tov to everyone celebrating a Birthday in February!
Jessica Beckenstein, Milton Bronstein, Rachel Dress, Sylvia Levin, Pearl Kaplan, Judith Lubiner, Ronald
Richter, Danielle Bomzer, Waine Bresky, Lina Goikhman, Marilyn Kabalkin, Daniel Silverman, Carolyn
Blackman, Bruce Weisman, Samantha Bomzer, Seena Dittelman, Norma Wolff, Melanie Inman, Larry
Meyerson, Amy Snyder, Michael Smith, Arthur Goncalves, Laurie Goldman, Francine Cohen, Zinovy
Goikhman, Jeremy Streich, Scott Hammer, Judith Finkle and Marilyn Smith

Mazal tov to Frank & Judith Kosofsky who will be celebrating their 56th Anniversary in February!

May God who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bring
blessing and healing to: Trude Antin, Sam Buckler, Laurie Goldman, Pearl Gorden, Douglas & Barbara
Greenberg (Diane Greenberg’s brother-in-law & sister-in-law), Myer Grossman, Bonnie Lury, Lois Lury, Jody
Mihov (Mildred Beck’s niece), Sylvia Paige, Zenas & Sara Pulner, Ron Richter, Harold & Sylvia Roggen
(Barbara Karetny’s parents), Louis Russian, Sylvia and Jimmy Shocket, Meyer Tevya (Marcia Slobin’s father),
Steve Tragar, Moe Wine and Eileen Winkler (Rochelle Ziegler’s mother)

Warm Adult Clothing Needed for W.A.R.M. Center

We have Rhode Island neighbors facing a very cold winter. Please consider donating warm winter clothing, including
coats, boots, hats and gloves, to be donated to South County’s W.A.R.M. Center. You’ll find donation bins in our
Cranston TY lobby and in the TY room at The Village Lower School. Thank you.

Things You Can Do In Our TY Cranston Lobby!

Edgewood Food Closet Donations
canned tuna and salmon, canned soups, breakfast
cereal, canned vegetables and fruits. Also needed:
toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, diapers.
TYNet Café! Come Schmooze!
Torat Yisrael is wireless and caffeinated! Fresh
coffee and tea and the wifi password are all there.
Pick up a great read!
Which you’ll find at our Book Exchange corner in the TTY
lobby! For a 25¢ donation, you are welcome to help yourself to
any book on the shelves and then return it when you’re done.
Recycle #5 Plastics Here!
Plastic containers like medicine vials and yogurt and cottage
containers. Please wash containers before depositing in bin.

Kosher Food Pantry Coupon Collection for Edgewood Food Closet

Kosher non-perishables to help support Rhode Please drop your unwanted coupons in the basket near our
island’s vulnerable Jewish residents. donation and recycling center.
A Touch of Heaven Thrift Shop : You may drop off lightly used clothing at the Touch of Heaven Thrift Shop,
1665 Broad Street, Cranston. Hours of Operation: Saturday 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Tuesday 9:00 am-11:00 am,
Wednesday 5:00 pm-6:30 pm and Friday 9:00 am-11:00 am. All the proceeds from A Touch of Heaven Thrift
Shop go to our Edgewood-Pawtuxet Food Closet.

Temple Torat Yisrael Email Addresses, Facebook and Twitter

Rabbi Amy Levin: rabbi@toratyisrael.org Hazzan Devin Goldenberg: hazzan@toratyisrael.org
Susan Smoller, President: president@toratyisrael.org Ronni Guttin, Education Director: ronni@toratyisrael.org
Nicole Jellinek, Social Worker: nicole@toratyisrael.org Anita Olinsky (Dues Committee): dues@toratyisrael.org
Andrea Epstein, Social Worker: Andrea@toratyisrael.org
welcome@toratyisrael.org - Michael Field/Beth Salk (Membership Committee Chairs)

3
facebook@toratyisrael.org twitter@toratyisrael.org and @ravlevin
Sheryl Ponder, Bookkeeper/Office Manager: sheryl@toratyisrael.org
Stephanie Reinsant, Rabbi’s Secretary: stephanie@toratyisrael.org

Operation Comfort Pack

Operation Comfort Pack is a Hadassah community service project that provides foster kids in RI with belongings they
can call their own. They need your help to collect backpacks filled with items such as stuffed animals, pajamas,
school supplies, books, toiletries, card games, cuddly blankets, coloring books, toys, crayons, etc. Join them for a
Family Event at the Providence Children’s Museum on Sunday, February 6th at 3:00 pm. In lieu of an admission fee,
all are asked to bring a backpack filled with age (0-18 years) and gender specific new comfort items that will be
handed out by case workers at DCYF. Door prizes will be raffled off to those who bring backpacks! For more
information or to RSVP call (401) 463-3636 or rhodeislandchapter@hadassah.org by February 3rd.

Hug N’hamah: Circle of Consolation

A Bereavement Discussion Group meeting on alternate Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm providing a
supportive circle to bring the emotional and spiritual challenges of grief. Facilitated by Torat Yisrael
member, Dr. Judith Lubiner, a licensed psychologist, and Rabbi Amy Levin. TY members and non-members
equally welcome. Meeting February 10th and 24th and March 10th and 24th

Knit and Kvetch in East Greenwich and Cranston

Join Temple Torat Yisrael’s knitting circle from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Cranston (Torat Yisrael) – February 6th
- East Greenwich (Village Lower School) – February 27th and March 27th
Share your knowledge of knitting, crocheting, embroidering and needle-pointing. For more information,
please contact Lynn Field (lmfield593@gmail.com) or Beverly Goncalves (bevsue66@verizon.net)

Upcoming TY Events
February
Shabbat in East Greenwich:
Friday Evening:, Shabbat Yachad: Guest Speaker, Reverend Jean Barry, Executive Director / Russ
Partridge, Program Director, The WARM Center of Westerly
Friday, February 4th:Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm. Dinner and speaker at 7:00 pm. Cost: $10 adult /
$5 child 10-18 / Children under 10 Free / Family maximum $30. Please RSVP to the TY office by
January 31st; 785-1800 / Stephanie@toratyisrael.org.
Saturday, February 5th Shabbat Services at 9:15 am.

Another opportunity to observe the mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life): blood drive will
take place on Sunday, February 6th from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Shalom to Shabbat: Unwind and Nosh Before Shabbat Services in Cranston

Friday, February 11th, 7:00 pm: wine, cheese and a nice schmooze before our 7:30 pm Shabbat Service.

Challah Baking
Join the Sisterhood at Temple Torat Yisrael in Cranston at 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 13th. Learn to
bake your own Challah with TY’s own Laurie Tessier. Cost: $5.00 for ingredients. (Flyer enclosed)

4
 Our February Topic: Did You Know “Hello” is a Mitzvah?
East Greenwich: Tuesday, February 15th
12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Road (in the Benny’s Plaza), East
Greenwich – each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources addressing current
issues. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

Cranston/Warwick: Thursday, February 17th

12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at the Cozy Grill Restaurant, 440 Warwick Avenue, Warwick – each
participant orders from the menu as we study Jewish sources. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!
Look for us in the back room!

East Greenwich Shabbat: February 18-19

Friday, February 18th - 6:00 pm: Early Shabbat Service for all. Enjoy an early Shabbat service and
then arrange for a relaxed Shabbat meal at home with your family and friends.
Saturday, February 19th at 10:00 am. Shabbat Family Experience: 10 am interactive service; 11:00
am family-friendly kiddush lunch immediately following.

Schmooze with Booze

An opportunity for informal study and discussion with Rabbi Amy Levin over wine, beer, something softer,
some good munchies and an interesting topic.
Our February topic: Can it Be a Mitzvah to Lie?!
Wednesday evening, February 23rd from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at our East Greenwich house to schmooze
with booze!

March
Shabbat in East Greenwich:
Friday Evening:, Shabbat Yachad: Guest Speaker, Minna Ellison, Interim President & CEO, The Jewish
Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
Friday, March 4th:Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm. Dinner and speaker at 7:00 pm. Cost: $10 adult /
$5 child 10-18 / Children under 10 Free / Family maximum $30. Please RSVP to the TY office by
February 28th; 785-1800 / Stephanie@toratyisrael.org.
Saturday, March 5th: Shabbat Services at 9:15 am.

Shalom to Shabbat: Unwind and Nosh Before Shabbat Services in Cranston

Friday, March 11th, 7:00 pm: wine, cheese and a nice schmooze before our 7:30 pm Shabbat Service.

Our March Topic: Annual Purim Jewish Joke Fest!

East Greenwich: Tuesday, March 15
12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Road (in the Benny’s Plaza), East
Greenwich – each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources addressing current
issues. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

5
 Cranston/Warwick: Thursday, March 17th
12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at the Cozy Grill Restaurant, 440 Warwick Avenue, Warwick – each
participant orders from the menu as we study Jewish sources. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!
Look for us in the back room!

Purim is Around the Corner! Let’s Celebrate Together!

Purim Evening:
At Torat Yisrael at 8 pm on Saturday, March 19th for a
traditional evening service and full megillah reading.

Family-Friendly Purim Morning Services and Breakfast

Yes, indeed, we’re celebrating Purim with gusto at Torat Yisrael! Make sure you, your kids, your
grandkids, your neighbors, your cousins, your best friend, your newest acquaintance and anyone else
you can think of joins you for our rousing, family-friendly Megilah Reading!
Sunday, March 20th at 9:00 am followed by breakfast at the TY East Greenwich house, 1251 Middle
Road!

Schmooze with Booze

An opportunity for informal study and discussion with Rabbi Amy Levin over wine, beer, something softer,
some good munchies and an interesting topic.
Our March topic: Jewish Humor: Bring Your Favorite Jewish Joke in Honor of Purim!
Wednesday evening, March 23rd from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at our East Greenwich house to schmooze with
booze!

6
 TEMPLE TORAT YISRAEL DONATIONS
November 17, 2010 – January 20, 2011
HAROLD & ROSE BELLIN Leonard Sholes In Memory of Rebecca Foster
ENDOWMENT FUND Stanley & Bella Foster
In Memory of Arthur Bellin In Memory of Everett Sugerman
Trudy Katz Andrew & Trude Sholes
In Memory of Fred Swartz Goldman
In Memory of Rose Bellin GENERAL FUND Mr. & Mrs. H. Herman Goldman
Trudy Katz In Memory of William Abeshaus
Marc Abeshaud In Memory of Hermione Goldman
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Sid & Hy Goldman
The Capital Campaign list does not include In Memory of Dr. Orlando Armada
multiyear pledges which will be suitably Diane Greenberg In Memory of James Goldman
recognized at a future time. Zelda Goldman
In Memory of Sarah Baker
Speedy Recovery to Dorothy Bookbinder Robert Baker In Memory of Irving Gorden
Evelyn Nussenfeld Pearl Gorden
In Memory of Isy Bass
Speedy Recovery to Sam Buckler Sarah Osofsky In Memory of Gladys Greenberg
Evelyn Nussenfeld Marlene & Gerald DiPrete
In Memory of Samuel Bazar Robert & Robin Greenberg &
In Memory of Bessie Friedman Ira Bazar Family
Norma Friedman
Dorothy Kramer In Memory of Albert Bellin In Memory of Celia Greene
Trudy Katz Berne Greene
In Memory of Dr. Lester Friedman Jim & Sana Greene
Andrew & Trude Sholes In Memory of Philip Birenbaum
Gloria & Herb Spivack Beverly Rotenberg In Memory of Leo Greene
Berne Greene
In Memory of Morris Friedman In Memory of Ida Blazar
Norma Friedman Fred & Sylvia Blazar In Memory of Bessie Greenstein
Dorothy Kramer Morton & Sylvia Paige
In Memory of Janis Bolusky
In Memory of Sarra Goikhman Shirley Weiss In Memory of Esther Grossman
Evelyn Nussenfeld Florence Wexler Myer Grossman

Speedy Recovery to Laurie Goldman In Memory of Norman Bomzer In Memory of Joseph Grossman
Evelyn Nussenfeld Harriet Bomzer & Family Myer Grossman

In Memory of Samuel Gregerman Speedy Recovery to Dorothy Bookbinder In Memory of Julius Heimann
Evelyn Nussenfeld Joan & Jeff Bookbinder Sam & Lillian Mendelowitz

In Memory of Jerome Kaplan In Memory of Edith Carcieri In Memory of Sally Heimann

Andrew Sholes Sam Buckler Sam & Lillian Mendelowitz

In Memory of Philip Kramer In Memory of David Cohen In Memory of William Hoffman

Dorothy Kramer Gerald Cohen & Family Marilyn Hoffman

In Memory of Ralph Kramer In Memory of David Cohen In Memory of Edith Honig

Dorothy Kramer Madeline Cohen Nathan Honig

In Memory of Evelyn Vera Labush In Memory of Donald Cohen In Memory of Gertrude Horgick
Ruth Ross Betty Cohen & Family Herb & Gloria Spivack

In Honor of Mereco’s 50th Anniversary In Memory of Bertha Davis In Memory of Caroline Kaufman
Lucien & Roberta Arsac Marc & Helen Davis Lenore Beranbaum

In Memory of Susan Richter In Memory of Eva Davis In Memory of Stephen Kaufman

Evelyn Goldfine Marc & Helen Davis Michael Kaufman
Evelyn Nussenfeld
Gloria & Herb Spivack Get Well to Carl Feldman In Memory of Harry Klitzner
Sally Pressman Lynn Field
In Honor of Gloria & Herb Spivack’s 60th
Wedding Anniversary In Memory of Ida Dubin Fields In Memory of Rebecca Krieger
Dorothy Kramer Mr. & Mrs. H. Herman Goldman Nathan Honig
Morty & Sylvia Paige
Andrew & Trude Sholes
7
In Memory of Leonid Kulik
Svetlana & Bradley Harris
In Memory of Bessie Kutin
Helen Kutin
In Memory of Ethel Tobias
Joan Coken
In Memory of Lena Torman
Semuel & Lois Torman

In Memory of Irma Kwasha In Memory of Eleanor Westerman

Lenore Beranbaum Joel Westerman

In Memory of Evelyn Vera Labush In Memory of Sara Westerman

Harold & Jerri Labush
Leah Ross-Coke
In Memory of Jacob Lake
Leila & Sheldon Sock
In Memory of Barbara Levine
Joan & Jeff Bookbinder
In Memory of Norman Levine
Joan & Jeff Bookbinder
In Memory of Clarence Marer
Sylvia Marer
In Memory of Benjamin Mendelovitz
Sam & Lillian Mendelowitz
In Memory of Alfred Mittler
Peter, Elizabeth & Evelyn Mittler
In Memory of Minnie Pass
Harry Pass
Joel Westerman
In Memory of Charlotte Wine
Sam Buckler
In Memory of Harry Zelniker
Muriel Davis
LEO & CELIA GREENE
ENDOWMENT FUND
In Memory Leo Greene
Jim & Sana Greene
PRESIDENT’S FUND
In Memory of Stan Picker’s sister-in-law
David & Susan Smoller
In Honor of Edward Safire’s 90th Birthday
David & Susan Smoller
MICHELLE PAM ROSS FUND
In Memory of Bella Cohen
Martha Jacobs

In Memory of Lillian Pomerantz In Memory of Donald Jacobs

Nathan Honig Martha Jacobs

In Memory of Max Pressman In Memory of Sidney Jacobs

Sally Pressman Martha Jacobs

In Memory of Susan Richter In Memory of Oscar Sirkis

Harriet Bomzer & Family Martha Jacobs
Millie Brown
Charles Goldfine
Richard Goldfine
Martha (Molly) Kaufman
Allen & Marsha Kirshenbaum
Betty & Sherry Kriss
Andrew & Trude Sholes
The Sibielski Family

In Memory of Joseph Rotenberg

Barry Rotenberg
Mark Rotenberg

In Memory of Andrea Saltzman

Richard Saltzman

In Memory of Samuel Segal

Judy & Eddie Steiner

In Memory of Sidney Shapiro

Elaine & Steve Shapiro

In Memory of Alfred Steiner

Judy & Eddie Steiner

In Memory of Ira Stone

Freda, Stephen, Stacey &
Andrew Lehrer

In Memory of Bina Bass Taxin

Sarah Osofsky
8