March-April Sinai News 2014

SINAI NEWS
Issue 19, Volume 1
A bi-monthly publication
March-April 2014 Adar-Nisan 5774
Purim For All Ages!

Adult Event
Whodunnit
A night of entertainment, celebration, intrigue, mystery, and forensic science! And the first reading in 1200 years of a priceless donated megillah! Details on page 13.
In this issue
Rabbis Corner Cantors Notes Presidents Message 2 3-4 4
Shabbat / Holiday Schedule 5 MCRC Shabbat Adult Sinai Connections Lifelong Jewish Learning 6 7 8-12 13-14 15-17 18-19 20 21 22 23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34 35
Families
Family Purim Megillah Reading, Carnival, and Basket Silent Auction!
FUN FOR ALL!
Purim Whats Happening Passover Women at Sinai Brotherhood, Chesed Israel Committee Green Team Social Action Committee Scene at Sinai Supporting Sinai March/April Calendars In the Sinai Family Contributions Those We Remember
Details on pages 13 & 14.
Rabbi David B. Cohen Cantor Lauren Phillips Rabbi Emeritus Jay R. Brickman Director of Youth Education Barb Shimansky, MSW Director of Administration Karen Lancina Program Coordinator Jen Friedman Assistant to Rabbi and Cantor Karen Hintz School Administrator Jeri Danz Bookkeeper Ilene Wasserman Sinai News Nicole S ether Congregation Sinai 8223 N. Port Washington Road Fox Point, WI 53217 414.352.2970 414.352.0944 (fax) www.congregationsinai.org
March-April 2014
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Rabbis Corner
Jewish tradition teaches that every person born has a purpose for his or her life. If our lives had no purpose, the tradition reasons, there would have been no reason for us to be born. Our lives become a search for and fulfillment of that purpose. It sometimes takes our entire lives to discover our purpose. Moses was eighty years of age before God sent him to Pharaoh to say, Let my People Go! Abraham was seventy-five before God asked him to leave everything that was familiar and to set off for the Promised Land. In the story of Abrahams discovering his purpose, we learn, in part, about a purpose we share as Jews: To be a blessing. As stated in Bereshit (Genesis) chapter 12, The LORD had said to Abram, Go from your country, your people and your fathers household to the land I will show you.2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Heyeh Beracha and you shall be a blessing. From time to time not nearly often enough we are privileged to celebrate the ways members of our community have been a blessing to others. Our own Dr. Jay Larkey was awarded the Milwaukee Justice Coalitions Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award. The coalition is composed of groups whose work focuses on poverty, homelessness, economic justice and peace. The award reads: " Milwaukee Justice Coalition's Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Award" presented with gratitude to Dr. Jay Larkey for his service and contributions to Milwaukee's civil rights movement. Jay was deeply involved in the fight for civil rights, including the landmark legislation on voters rights in 1964 and 1965; the fair housing marches in Milwaukee; against the Vietnam war, even hosting Dr. Ben Spock when he came to town to protest. Archives of Jays papers at the UWM library contain photographs of the 1965 Milwaukee march to protest police action in Selma, Alabama, in which he participated. Jay most certainly practiced what he preached. This was never more true than in his work as a physician. To meet the medical needs of the indigent, as well as those involved in the civil rights struggle and marches, Jay created a free clinic housed at St. Boniface Parish to treat the medical needs of the marchers and protestors. Jay also volunteered in a free evening clinic for women who lacked health insurance. In addition, Jay was the unpaid medical director of Planned Parenthood for twenty years, before and after Roe v. Wade. So what does it mean to be a blessing? The Torah suggests that when God made a covenant with Abraham, God promised to be our God if we would be Gods people, and live up to the ethical and moral demands of Torah. To be a blessing to others means recognizing the divine spark in all people, being responsive to their needs, and offering extra help to those who remain powerless in our society, the widow, the poor and the orphan. Jay Larkey has earned the honorific title: Rodef Tzedek a pursuer of Justice. Torah exhorts us: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof Justice, justice, you shall pursue. Its a significant phrase. Not only is doing justice so important it merits a double mention; it is also decidedly not a passive activity, wherein we wait for problems to present themselves squarely in front of us. Instead, we are commanded to pursue justice, to actively search for ways to do justice, to seek out opportunities to correct injustice. At Sinai, we have two committees that offer ways to be a blessing to others. The first is the Chesed Committee, chaired by Amy Newman. Chesed means loving-kindness. The committee exists to bring community to those who who need it: people who have suffered illness, or the death of a loved one, or who are home bound during the winter months or all year round. They deliver homemade soup or Hamantaschen at Purim; they will even watch the home during a familys funeral, in order to deter burglaries. Cheseds work makes Sinai a caring home. In addition, our Social Action Committee focuses on issues of justice mostly outside the congregation. The environment, immigration, the prison system, poverty, hunger and homelessness, and human rights are just a sample of issues currently under discussion. The committee also addresses issues here at home, such as the environmental impact of fertilizer and weed control on our grounds as well as ways to mitigate the environmental impact of disposable plates versus energy spent washing. The Social Action Committee also works in concert with community groups like Tikkun-HaIr (synagogues helping to improve the city), Miklat (A Jewish response to immigration issues) and MICAH (Milwaukee coalition of churches working on a range of cityfocused issues). Indeed, there are multiple ways to be a blessing through the work of our Chesed and Social Action Committees. Jay Larkey may be exemplary, but in truth each of us has the capacity and obligation to try to be a blessing to others; not to merely wait for opportunities to present themselves right in front of us, but rather to seek out ways to correct the injustices of the world. As each of us does so, I know that the work of those like Jay Larkey will continue to be an inspiration to us! Rabbi David B. Cohen
Photograph of Lois Malawsky and Jay Larkey
March-April 2014
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Cantors Notes
Back to Basics
Earlier this winter, I had the pleasure of going ice skating with many of Sinai's young families. It was a special treat for me, since as many of you know I had a past life as a competitive figure skater. My initial interest in skating developed quite by accident. When I was in first or second grade, I struggled to learn forward crossovers a fundamental maneuver that a skater must learn before moving on to fancier tricks like jumping or spinning. I failed the test for continuing onto the next level of skating classes, which meant that I could not be in the same group as my friends. My options were to quit, to repeat the lower level while my friends progressed upwards, or to spend the summer taking private skating lessons in order to catch up. I didn't want to give up and I certainly didn't want to be left behind, so I chose the latter. By working with the right teacher who understood my learning style, I mastered the tricky forward crossovers quickly and managed to skip the next two levels of skating. I went from being in the bottom of the pack to becoming one of the most advanced skaters in my age group. If this hadn't happened, I don't think I would have developed such a passion for skating. I did not enjoy it until it became something where I excelled. And, I would never have excelled if I had not had painstakingly reviewed the most basic and boring maneuver. I did not have raw talent as a skater, but I did have perseverance and encouragement. The same model can be applied to Jewish education, especially when it comes to learning how to read Hebrew. Although you will have those rare children with natural talent for learning languages, most of us are not born with these skills. In its beginning stages, learning Hebrew can be tedious. Sure, you can spice things up with a game here or there, but the letters aren't going to stick without repetition and patience. An ideal practice for teaching basic Hebrew is laid out in a Yiddish song by Moshe Milner, called In Cheder (In the Schoolroom). A teacher gently coaxes a small child to repeat the letters after him, telling him not to be afraid. Then he pulls out a prayer book and helps the child find the letters. He shows the child the direct applicability of the language that it unlocks the teachings of Judaism. "Torah is the best merchandise," he says. "Remember, child, a Jew must learn Torah, as our holy creator told us." This sentiment is echoed in the folk song Oyfn Pripetshik (At the Fireplace). This song was written in the late 19th century and remains a musical memory of preHolocaust Europe. The teacher in the song simultaneously acknowledges the challenges and privileges involved in starting something new: Learn, children, don't be afraid. Every beginning is hard. Lucky is the Jew who studies Torah. What more do we need? The teacher also alludes to the lasting impact of Hebrew study: When, children, you will grow older You will understand, How many tears lie in these letters And how much crying? In both cases, the key to a successful teacher/student relationship involves tremendous patience and encouragement. The letters open up doors to so much more than just Hebrew reading: they form the building blocks for Jewish living. As in the following Chasidic tale, even the letters themselves can be the gateway to prayer. On Yom Kippur, the Baal Shem Tov was praying together with his students in a small Polish village. Among the inhabitants of the village was a simple shepherd boy. He did not know how to read; indeed, he could barely read the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. As the intensity of feeling in the synagogue began to mount, he decided that he also wanted to pray. But he did not know how. He could not read the words of the prayer book or mimic the prayers of the other congregants. He opened the prayer book to the first page and began to recite the letters: alef, bet, vet - reading the entire alphabet. He then called out to God: "This is all I can do. God, You know how the prayers should be pronounced. Please, arrange the letters in the proper way." The Rabbi and the congregation heard the boys words. Suddenly a voice called out, "alef." Other voices thundered back "alef." The voice continued: "bet," and the others responded "bet." They continued to pronounce every letter in the Hebrew alphabet. They had recited their prayers. This story is a testament to the fact that even the most basic learning leads to action and the perpetuation of Jewish traditions. We must all make these connections right from the start, so that learning Hebrew never becomes a chore. This rings true especially for those of us who struggle to decipher the letters. One way to do so, is through regular attendance at Tefillah, either on Shabbat or during religious school. When the words come alive off the page, we start to see how the puzzling letters come together. Indeed, many pieces of our liturgy are about teaching and learning. In our morning service, we say the prayer Eilu Dvarim, which talks about the holiest of actions the things that are of infinite value. They include mitzvot such as honoring ones father and mother, being hospitable to guests, visiting the sick, being devoted in prayer, and making peace among people. But the most important pursuit is the study of Torah, because it encompasses all of the above. The letters are each important on their own, but when put in the right order they hold the key to integrating these many facets of Torah into our lives. This is one of the reasons why we call our prayer book a siddur, after the Hebrew root for order. The Vahavta gives us literal instructions for ways in which we can do just that impressing the words upon our
Continued on page 4
March-April 2014
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Cantors Notes
children, reciting them at home and away, when we lie down and when we rise up. Many kids have learned the Vahavta by rote simply from hearing it chanted in services. When they get to their Bnai Mitzvah lessons, they sing the tune correctly, but often mix up the words. Some kids complain when I make them rework the prayer with the correct Hebrew. To these kids, I reiterate the basic message of the Vahavta. I explain to them that they have to get these words right so they can teach the prayer to their children and their childrens children. After all, that is precisely what the prayer is about! Incidentally, the tricks that I can still do as a skater are the ones I hated practicing as a kid: The forward crossovers, of course, but also footwork, lunges, pivots, and many others. These are the skills you need to master in order to jump higher and spin faster. Although my ability to land a Lutz or Salchow is but a distant memory, the fact that I learned the basic skills keeps me gracefully balanced on the ice to this very day. On the winter afternoon of our outing, many members of the Sinai family were taking to the ice for the very first time. They began by gripping onto the wall or a cone. As the afternoon went on, they gained the confidence to let go and skate unassisted. Occasionally, they would fall. More often than not, however, they would pick themselves right up and continue gliding on the ice. It is my hope that these children and any adults who are so inclined will have a similar experience with learning Hebrew. It wont always be easy, but the end result of being able to decipher the ancient holy words of Torah will be well worth the effort. Cantor Lauren Phillips
Presidents Message
As I write this article, it is a balmy 29 degrees outsidea heat wave of sorts, considering the harsh winter we all have suffered through. Unfortunately, it is highly likely that when this article is published a month or so from now, it still will be around 29 degrees. It is usually at around this time of the year that I seem to ask myself, why do I live here? The answer that tops the list is the community. I love this community, particularly the Sinai community. Our congregation has wonderful clergy, terrific staff, and so many dedicated and involved members, who all help make Sinai so welcoming. We are fast approaching Purim and Passover. There are two aspects of Purim at Sinai that I really enjoy: the Purim Carnival and the Purim Basket Auction. At the Purim Carnival, you can see the young kids enjoying the games and activities, and the parents bringing home the prizes that undoubtedly will last about two days before they break or are lost. [In our house, the groggers are lost amazingly fast. One night they are on the kids nightstand, and the next morning they have disappeared. One year we explained that the tooth fairy must be Jewish!] Also, there are those people who bake the cakes for the carnival. My wife looks forward to it every year. It really seems to bring out the competitive side in my wife. She closely monitors the cake table to see how quickly her cakes are snatched up compared to the others. To her credit, we have never had to bring any of her cake home. I love the Purim Basket Auction--not only because they are a wonderful fundraiser for us--but because it allows our members to show off their creative side. I encourage you all to come and check them out. Please make sure to bid generously. Dan told me that he will be donating a Summerfest gift basket this year. Make sure to look at the fine print though, because I think that the successful bidder has to help him sell merchandise at one of his companys tables for a few hours. During Passover, if you or someone you know is without a place to attend a Seder OR if you would like to host someone at your family's seder, please contact the office and let us know. If you have any questions, comments, or cake recipes that you think my wife should try, please let Dan or me know. BShalom, Dan Elias, Co-President Andrew Gollin, Co-President
March-April 2014
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March-April Shabbat & Holiday Service Schedule

Shabbat Vayikra Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26 March 7 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm March 8 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Shabbat Achrei Mot Leviticus 16:1 - 18:30 April 11 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm April 12 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Jonathan Parkes Bar Mitzvah 10 am Passover Morning Service 9:30 am
Shabbat Tzav Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36 March 14 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm March 15 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Erev Purim Megillah Reading 7:30 pm
Pesach April 15
Shabbat Chol Hamoed Pesach April 18 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm April 19 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Shmini Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47 March 21 MCRC Shabbat Service (@ Congregation Shalom) 7:30 pm March 22 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Justin Sadoff Bar Mitzvah 10 am
Pesach (last day) April 21 Passover Morning Service w/ Yizkor 9:30 am Shabbat Kedoshim Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27 April 25 Social Action Shabbat Service 6:15 pm April 26 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Shabbat Tazria Leviticus 12:1 - 13:59 March 28 Rockin Shabbat 6:15 pm Congregational Dinner 7:30 pm March 29 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Morgan & Matthew Schiff Bnei Mitzvah 10 am
Shabbat Metzora Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33 April 4 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm April 5 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Idy Goodman, Julie Ketten and Julie Lookatch visit Israel.
March-April 2014
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March-April 2014
Sinai Adult Connections
So you are finished with the carpooling, kids are out of the housenow what? Sinai Adult Connections is where mature adults (ages 50 and over) can enjoy interesting and informative talks and entertainment, become involved in a variety of community activities, and take the opportunity to socialize at Congregation Sinai. We would love to hear your ideas for opportunities and even a name for this particular segment of our community. Contact Jen Friedman at jfriedman@congregationsinai.org to share your ideas and lend a hand!
Just for Adults!
Jonathan Freedman - Transformations of a Jewish Princess: Salom and the Remaking of the Jewish Female Body
Thursday, March 6th, 7:30 pm @ Congregation Sinai
Oscar Wilde's play Salom was written about a Jewish woman, and for the Jewish actress Sarah Bernhardt, who never played the part; the play was banned before she could appear in it. A number of Jewish women later took on the role in theatre or dance, including silent film star Alla Nazimova, Yiddish actress Bessie Thomashefsky, and even comedienne Fanny Brice. Like the Salom in the paintings that inspired Wilde, many of these figures were famed for their thinness at a time when an ampler frame was taken as a model of feminine beauty in the culture at large, and among many Jewish women in particular. Jonathan Freedman uses these representations in order to examine the emergence of a new type of Jewish female beauty, in the context of the modern world these Jews were entering into by means of their spectacular public performances.
Art & Conflict is co-sponsored by: UWMs Center for 21st Century Studies, Center for International Education, College of Lette rs & Science, History Department, Peck School of the Arts, and the UWM Libraries, as well as the Coalition for Jewish Learning, the Harry and Rose Samson Jewish Community Center, Hillel Milwaukee, Jewish Museum Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Social Action Shabbat

April 25, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Please mark your calendars and join together for this remarkable Shabbat!
Purim like youve never experienced it!

Whodunnit!
A night of entertainment, celebration, intrigue, mystery, and forensic science!
Trembling Before G-d

Sunday, March 23rd, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Trembling Before G-d & Talk Back with Jody Hirsh -Trembling Before G-d , a 2001 American documentary, is a cinematic portrait of various gay Orthodox Jews who struggle to reconcile their faith and their sexual orientation. See page 22 for more details.
The Need For Justice in the Modern World

Featuring Reverend Willie Brisco
of MICAH, Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope. See page 21 for more details.
Saturday, March 15th

7:30 pm - Megillah with desserts and spirits to follow (poisons will be screened) 8:00 pm Whodunnit?
See page 12 for more information!
New Sanctuary Movement Prayer Vigil

Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 PM.
Sinai is hosting this months event, in which families and loved ones of those in deportation proceedings, and their friends and allies, come together to worship and reflect. There will be a short service, led by Rabbi Cohen, and an oneg afterwards. This event is open to all.
March-April 2014
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Lifelong Jewish Learning

Ltaken Olam - b'Malchut Shaddai: Fixing the World as Gods Partner
Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 PM March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 Christian and Jewish relationships, history, texts and dialogue difficulties with Dr. Sherry Blumberg. A continuation of last years "Everything Jews need to know about the New Testament. It will also explore how some Christians read the Hebrew Scriptures. It will end with a session on The Last Supper...Jesus' Seder? All newcomers welcome. Dr. Blumberg teaches in the Jewish community as well as at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner. She has been instrumental in fostering interfaith dialogue in Milwaukee.
The Whole Megillah with Cantor Lauren Phillips

Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 PM April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Many of our Jewish holidays and festivals are associated with special readings from the last third of the Bible, the Ketuvim (wisdom literature). On Passover we read Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs), on Shavuot we read from the Book of Ruth, on Tisha BAv we read Eicha (Lamentations), on Sukkot we read Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and on Purim we scream and boo at the mention of a certain villains name as we chant from the Book of Esther. These megillot include verses that correspond to the season at which they are read. Esther tells the story of how the Jews were saved on Purim, while the beautiful poetry of Shir Hashirim corresponds with Pesach the beginning of spring. Learn more about the connections between the megillot and the holidays that they are associated with in this five-part series. Each session will focus on a different scroll and will include text study, discussion, and an exploration of ways in which each megillah has been depicted through art and music. Interested participants will have a chance to learn the special chant used for some of these megillot, with an opportunity to read from the Book of Ruth at Congregation Sinais Shavuot services. Cantor Lauren Phillips joined the Congregation Sinai family in July 2013. The megillot were among her earliest encounters with Jewish texts. Cantor Phillips is interested in the ways in which contemporary Jewish composers have adapted the various megillot and engaging congregational participation.
In the Rabbis Study with Rabbi Cohen and Guests
Sunday, March 9
10:00 AM 11:30 AM
Two Rabbis, No Waiting: In Conversation with Rabbis Jay Brickman and David Cohen A rare opportunity to hear from two of Sinais spiritual leaders, together in conversation. Rabbi Jay Brickman was Sinais founding rabbi, arriving in 1955. Rabbi David Cohen is Sinais third rabbi, arriving in 1996. Together, they represent close to eighty years of rabbi-ing. Our rabbis will talk about the state of organized religion, Judaism in particular, Reform Judaism, specifically. It promises to be an engaging, entertaining and informative morning.
Sunday, May 4
10:00 AM 12:00 PM
And the Old Shall Dream Dreams, and the Youth Shall See Visions (Joel 3:1): Youth Engagement and the Future of our Jewish Community Join Rabbi Cohen as he interviews Andrew Keene, the President of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). Andrew has been a part time member of Sinais staff this year, focusing on issues relating to youth engagement. The position is funded in part by the URJ as one of many innovations Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), has introduced as youth engagement has been at the center of the URJs efforts. In his role as NFY president, Andrew has spent this year traveling across the country meeting youth and adults from all across the Jewish and non-Jewish world. Hell report what hes seen and experienced, his impressions of what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, as well as an up to the minute report of how the URJ is planning to address them. You wont want to miss this morning with one of the Jewish communitys emerging leaders for the next generation.
March-April 2014
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Ongoing Adult Learning
Lunch & Learn Pirke Avot
Day: Mondays Time: 12:00 PM Facilitator: Rabbi David B. Cohen Pirke Avot (Sayings of our Ancestors) presents nuggets of wisdom from the most famous rabbis of the Talmud. Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Hillel and many more teach such essential texts as "If I am not for myself who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" Bring a bag lunch and join us as we begin learning Pirke Avot!
Coalition for Jewish Learning honors Pauline Zarne and Jenni Goldbaum
A Modern Rabbis Approach to the Bible

Day: Wednesdays Time: 9:30 AM Facilitator: Rabbi Jay Brickman Rabbi Brickman is a trained Jungian, a philosopher, and a practitioner of Tai Chi. If you havent studied with him now is the time!
Through the Eyes of Women

Day: Fridays Time: 9:30 AM Facilitator: Dr. Sherry Blumberg Using the Torah: A Woman's Commentary as a text, we are discussing the Torah, verse by verse using critical questions, feminist readings, modern midrash, traditional commentaries and women's poetry.
Acheinu (Mens Spirituality Group)

Day: Sundays: March 30, April 27 Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM With: Joe Glassman, Mitch Colton, and Rabbi David B. Cohen Acheinu is sponsored by Sinais Brotherhood. Share nosh & discuss spiritual & practical matters concerning God, work, family & more.
Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Day: Saturdays Time: 8:00 AM Facilitator: Rabbi Jay Brickman, Rabbi David B. Cohen Verse by verse, line by line, word by word, the Torah comes alive!
March-April 2014
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School News
I just finished reading a blog post about Olympic figure skater Jason Brown. As I am writing, the Winter Olympics are still several days away; as you are now reading, we know the results and whether Jason is a medal winner or not. But Jasons success as an athlete is not what I want to focus on here. Rather, I want to note Jasons success as a Jew. Jason grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, which neighbors my own town of Deerfield. Jason and his family are members of Congregation Solel, a sister URJ congregation of Sinai. It was there that Jason became Bar Mitzvah; expressed a great love of Torah; continued on in the religious school program at Solel; and read Torah at least twice following his Bar Mitzvah. Jason also spent five summers at our URJ regional camp, OSRUI. Even when travelling, he seeks out services to attend, particularly on the High Holy Days. Now living and training in Colorado, he befriended the child of a rabbi at the skating rink, and is able to spend Jewish holidays with their family when he cannot get home to his own. Jason is certainly not the first Jewish athlete to achieve some level of fame. We tend to revel in Jewish celebrities, perhaps because we feel connected and therefore relate ever so slightly. But not every famous person who is Jewish is necessarily a positive Jewish role model. I do not make that statement based on overall behavior. I hold in high esteem those Jewish celebrities who actually PRACTICE AND LIVE JUDAISM. Jason has certainly made an effort to continue his Jewish observance, even as he reached the level of world class athlete. Once he was in high school and training for the Olympics became a reality, Jason had little time for anything else. However, he insisted on staying in public high school and stayed connected to his congregation. While he has travelled the world, he has yet to visit Israel but dreams of going on a Birthright trip someday. There are other examples of positive Jewish celebrities beyond Jason Brown. Actor Joshua Malina, currently starring in TVs Scandal, is a huge presence on Twitter (@JoshMalina), and is not shy about using that medium to express his Jewish values. In 2012, Josh started a campaign on Twitter asking people to donate to Mazon for his birthday, the Jewish Response to Hunger. Donations poured in. Our Reform youth movement, NFTY, tweeted to Josh that they would match the donation if he came to NFTY Convention in February 2013 to pick it up in person. Guess what? He showed up. And he gave a great speech to 1,000 teens not about what its like to be a television star, but what its like to be a committed Jewish person in the world. So when I see a Friday afternoon tweet of Shabbat Shalom from Josh Malina, I know that it is not lip service I know he is planning to observe Shabbat. I do not even watch Scandal, but I admire Josh for unabashedly celebrating his Judaism in a very public yet authentic way. Mayim Bialik is another example. While some may not agree with her parenting choices, she is undoubtedly a committed Jew who does not compromise her religious principles for her career. Currently starring on The Big Bang Theory (which I watch and think is one of the funniest sitcoms currently on television), Mayim makes sure that when she has a red carpet function, her clothing is modest enough to conform to her standards as a Modern Orthodox Jew. She has stated in her blogs on Kveller (which is a great site for Jewish moms if you dont know it already!) that her stylists get a little exasperated with her over the need to cover her shoulders and to make sure that necklines are not too low and hemlines are not too high but Mayims integrity keeps her fighting (and winning) those battles, and that integrity comes from her commitment to her Judaism. So what can we learn from these examples? That no matter what path we take in life, we can always make Judaism a priority. Living a committed Jewish life does not have to take the place of doing the thing about which we are most passionate. In fact, Judaism can enhance our passions while keeping us quite grounded as we pursue our chosen endeavors. If we can teach this lesson to our children, they will grow up to know that Judaism is not an activity to be decided upon in lieu of others but rather, that it is a way of life to be chosen every day in the midst of all else that we do. Barb Shimansky, MSW Director of Youth Education
Any questions about Youth Education Program activities? Contact Barb: bshimansky@congregationsinai.org or Jeri: jdanz@congregationsinai.org, or call the Sinai office.
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March-April 2014

School News
Please join us on Friday, March 14th @ 6:15 pm as our 4th grade class helps to lead us in prayer during our Erev Shabbat worship. The 4th grade Art Gallery will also be on display that evening see the creativity of our students first-hand!
Pesach/Spring Break
April 11th - April 20th
There will be no Sunday School, Mitkadem, or Kivun classes during this time.
All classes resume beginning April 21st.
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March-April 2014

What's New in Youth Engagement?
Shalom! The last two months have been very busy in the way of youth engagement! I want to share three highlights with you. 1. We continue to experiment with new methods of worship on Sunday morning. Just a few weeks ago, we formally ended Shabbat together through a Havdallah (Hebrew for separation) ceremony. We look forward to seeing parents and students in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings! 2. JuSTY has been expanded to our Sinai friends not yet in high school. In the coming months we will be offering a host of programs ranging in time, length, and interest. Stay tuned for more information! 3. During the month of January, in Kivun (our Tuesday evening teen program), we have facilitated a series of four stand-alone programs that supplement the learning happening in the more structured classes. These programs have covered topics such as gun control, anti-semitism, and pop-culture. Thank you for your continued support of the youth and teens of Congregation Sinai! lhitraot, Andrew Keene Sinai Youth Engagement Specialist akeene@congregationsinai.org
CoSY
CoSY is going to Comedy Sportz! All 8th-12th graders are invited on Saturday, March 29th. More details to come!
JuSTY
5th 7th graders: Join JuSTY on March 9th as we explore the theme of From Darkness Into Light in the Kohls Design It! Lab at Discovery World! We will meet in the youth lounge at noon to eat pizza and learn about the ways in which light is important in Judaism. We will then head to Discovery World to participate in a Lighting Laboratory. It should be an enlightening good time!
8th-12th graders!
Save the date for NFTY-Northern
Spring Kallah
April 10-13, 2014 in Minneapolis
More information coming soon!
Our last JuSTY event of the school year will be held on Sunday, April 27. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details!
Questions about any of our youth group programming? Contact Barb: bshimansky@congregationsinai.org
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March-April 2014
Purim
Congregation Sinai's 2014 Family Purim Megillah Reading & Carnival

When: Sunday, March 16th
Family Purim Service and Carnival 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Congregation Sinai What: Come in costumes! Come with noisemakers! Come
with an appetite for food and games! Silent Basket Auction with terrific items!
Who: Children of all ages! Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Bring your
friends and introduce them to Congregation Sinai!
Purim like youve never experienced it!

Whodunnit!
A night of entertainment, celebration, intrigue, mystery, and forensic science! Adults only please!
SPECIAL EVENT! An anonymous benefactor has given Sinai a priceless antiquity recently uncovered in Persia: The Lipinsky Megillah Esther. Come hear its reading for the first time in 1200 years!
Saturday, March 15th

7:30 pm - Megillah with desserts and spirits to follow (poisons will be screened) 8:00 pm - Whodunnit?
$18 per person. Please RSVP by March 10th at: http://sinaipurimwhodunnit.eventbrite.com
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March-April 2014
Purim
Purim Basket Silent Auction

Over 20 fantastic baskets at terrific affordable prices will be auctioned between February 28th and March 16th!
Starting bids are affordable with minimum bid increases of just $5.00! Baskets include, but are not limited to: Art, Yoga, Barbie, Dance, Legos, Games, Chocolate, Cooking, Sports, Books, Movies, Experiences with the Rabbi, and much more! Stay tuned for a complete listing of baskets: visit our website at www.congregationsinai.org. To make a bid simply stop in February 28th - March 16th and make a bid or give us a call in the office and well be happy to do it for you. Auction will close at 11:45 am on Sunday, March 16th at the Purim Carnival. You do not need to be present to win!
(Birth - 3)
Sunday, March 23 & April 27 at 10:00 AM

Join us for Tefillah Shirah in the sanctuary with our school at 9:30 AM
Itsy Bitsy Sinai!
We value every member at Congregation Sinai even our youngest! Our preschool age program (birth-3) is called Itsy Bitsy Sinai. It includes Sunday morning fun with the rabbi and the cantor. Activities will include: Songs Stories Instruments Craft & holiday projects We want to make coming to synagogue something that our youngest children look forward to a place of joy and laughter and fun. We strive to help parents connect to others with similar aged children, to develop bonds that will enable them to share their Jewish journeys together.
RSVP to: https://itsybitsysinaimarch.eventbrite.com https://itsybitsysinaiapril.eventbrite.com
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March-April 2014
Whats Happening
s! u n i Jo !
A Taste of Sinai
Bring Friends to See Sinai in Action!
Sunday, April 27th 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
9:30 AM: Join us for a song-filled dynamic worship service 10:00-11:00 AM: Parents meet with Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Phillips and Director
of Youth Education, Barb Shimansky to learn all about programs at Sinai. Children head down to our religious school for a morning of story, craft and fun learning!
Come experience our religious school and sample the life of our congregation.
11:00-12:00 PM: Meet our members, exciting committees and many social
groups with a variety of interests and schmooze over coffee and nosh!
Know a prospective member? Have them RSVP at: http://tasteofsinai2014.eventbrite.com

Questions? Email Jen Friedman: jfriedman@congregationsinai.org
Sharing Sinai
What is it that YOU love about Sinai?
Warm, inclusive & musical worship? Engaging, interesting and challenging learning? Nights at the theatre, the ballpark or on the hiking trail with your Sinai community?
Share what YOU love about Sinai with a friend!

We are proud to offer you the opportunity to bring your friends and families into the amazing community that is Congregation Sinai.
Know someone interested in checking us out?

Please contact our Program Coordinator, Jen Friedman at (414) 352-2970 or jfriedman@congregationsinai.org. Shell give you a token to share with your unaffiliated friends or family. Good for a one-year membership at Sinai.*
Bring your friends and family into our congregational family! Share what you love!
*Religious School fees not included
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March-April 2014
Whats Happening
Rockin' Shabbat and Roll into Dinner!

Friday, March 28
6:15 pm: Rockin' Shabbat Service 7:15 pm: Congregational Dinner
Join us for Rockin' Shabbat filled with song and music. You won't want to miss this Shabbat experience. Great for all ages! Roll into Dinner for a delicious meal! Conversation for adults, with activities for kids! This will allow for a leisurely dinner for all. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to share!
Cost: Adults: $10.00, Children 12 and under: $7.00, Children 3 and under: Free
Please RSVP by March 24 at: http://marchrockinshabbat.eventbrite.com
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March-April 2014
Whats Happening
Young-at-Hearts Senior Singles Group

Young-at-Hearts is a social group for those looking to connect and make new friends in a social setting. This is not a grief group, or matchmaking group, but a social group intended to bring together people who may be divorced, lost a spouse or just want to regain the fun in life! Young-at-Hearts conducts monthly meetings and then often go to lunch together at Maxfields. Outings and activities include: card games, lunches, dinners, sporting events, mah jongg, theater etc. Young-at-Hearts is open to all Jewish seniors in the community. Meetings are held at Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point.
Next meetings:
Wednesday, March 12: 10:00 -11:30 am followed by lunch at Maxfields Wednesday, April 9: 10:00 -11:30 am followed by lunch at Maxfields
To sign up for a meeting contact Jen Friedman at jfriedman@congregationsinai.org or call 352-2970.
Chaverim Purim
March 4, 2014 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us in preparing and serving a light meal to the members of Chaverim, The Adult Special Needs Holiday Program. Congregation Sinai always looks forward to hosting Chaverim. Interested in this important mitzvah? Contact Jen Friedman at jfriedman@congregationsinai.org. The Chaverim Adult Special Needs Holiday Program is a program of The Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in cooperation with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Volunteers Needed!
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Passover Social Justice Additional Readings

The making of war The teaching of prejudice, hate and violence Despoliation of the earth Perversion of justice and government Fomenting of vice and crime, Neglect of human needs, Oppression of nations and peoples, Corruption of culture, Subjugation of science, learning, and human discourse, The erosion of freedoms. *****
P
sonal experience is a motivation to examine the current international situation and wrestle with cases of injustice, oppression, and modern-day slavery. Thus, Passover provides us an opportunity to raise awareness of contemporary examples of slavery and oppression throughout the world, such as such as human trafficking, the sex trade, and even domestic violence, which traps victims within their homes, limiting their freedom as surely as if they were enslaved. ****** You can incorporate social action themes into your Passover observance in the following ways: Update Your Seder Plate with Fair Trade Chocolate or Cocoa Beans: The fair trade movement promotes economic partnerships based on equality, justice and sustainable environmental practices. We have a role in the process by making consumer choices that promote economic fairness for those who produce our products around the globe. Fair Trade certified chocolate and cocoa beans are grown under standards that prohibit the use of forced labor. They can be included on the seder plate to remind us that although we escaped from slavery in Egypt, forced labor is still very much an issue today. ***** Recite a New 10 Plagues As we recite the 10 plagues God sent upon Egypt, we pour out 10 drops of wine, lessening our joy in memory of these hardships upon the Egyptian people. What plagues still afflict us today?
assover is founded on the theme of social justice. Reading the Jewish story of redemption compels us to eradicate injustice in the world today, particularly those relating to hunger, homelessness, oppression, and redemption.
HUNGER: In the Babylonian Talmud, we are taught: Even the poorest person in Israel may not eat until he reclines, and they must not give him less than four cups of wine. This is a reminder that it is imperative to take care of everyone in the community, even the poorest person. The requirement that even poor Jews be provided with ample wine and presumably with all of the holidays ritual foods and practices leads to the expectation that Jews should help the poor and the hungry not just during Passover but throughout the year.
HOMELESSNESS: Passover also serves as a painful reminder that the Jewish people were seen as strangers in the land of Egypt and spent 40 long years of wandering in the wilderness without a home. These elements of the Passover story remind us of current issues of immigration and refugee concerns, and the memory of being displaced instills in us a desire to eradicate homelessness in the modern era.
OPPRESSION AND SLAVERY: At Passover, we read: This year we are slaves. Next year, may we all be free. Jews are commanded to be directly present in the Passover story, remembering what it was like for the Children of Israel to be slaves in the land of Egypt. This per-
Pick Your Definition Of Slavery/Freedom: 1) No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck. (Frederick Douglas, former slave, Washington, DC, 1883) 2) We have confused the free with the free and easy. (Adlai Stevenson, Presidential contender, 1956) 3) It is often safer to be in chains than to be free. (Franz Kafka, The Trial, Prague, 1925) 4) To be liberated, that is easy. To be a free person, that is very hard. (Andre Gide, French author, 20th cent.) 5) Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. (George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, 20th cent.) 6) None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. (Goethe, German poet, Faustus, 19th cent.) 7) No human being is free who is not master of himself. (Epicetitus, Greek philosopher, Rome, 1st cent.)
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The Secret In Suffering If your own suffering does not serve to unite you with the suffering of others, if your own imprisonment does not join you with others in prison, if you, in your smallness, remain alone, then your pain will have been for naught. [...] I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I can rest only a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended. Nelson Mandela
Basic to human existence is a sense of indebtedness of indebtedness to society, of indebtedness to God. What is emerging in our age is a strange inversion. Modern people believe that the world is indebted to them; that society is charged with duties toward them. Their standard preoccupation is: What will I get out of life? Suppressed is the question: What will life what will society get out of me? Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
of justice. Let us be dissatisfied until those who live on the outskirts of hope are brought into the metropolis of daily security. Let us be dissatisfied until slums are cast into the junk heaps of history, and every family will live in a decent, sanitary home. Let us be dissatisfied until the dark yesterdays of segregated schools will be transformed into bright tomorrows of quality integrated education. Let us be dissatisfied until integration is not seen as a problem but as an opportunity to participate in the beauty of diversity. Let us be dissatisfied until men and women will be judged on the basis of the content of their character, not on the basis of the color of their skin. Let us be dissatisfied until from every city hall, justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Let us be dissatisfied until that day when nobody will shout, White Power! when nobody will shout, Black Power! but everybody will talk about Gods power and human power. Martin Luther King, Jr
Yugoslavia to Sarajevo Part one. In 1944, Yugoslavia was under the control of the Nazis. The Muslim Lehebra family lived on the same street as the Nazi headquarters and four houses away from the Kabilios. The Kabilio family consisted of a mother, a father, and a three year-old daughter named Tova. When the Nazis arrived, the Lehebras hid the Kabilios in their attic, brought them food every day, and saved their lives. After the war, the Kabilios moved to Isra-
el. To express their gratitude, they registered the Lehebras with Yad Vashem in the garden set aside for the Righteous Gentiles. The Lehebras were inscribed there, one of the few Moslem families to be so honored. Part two. In 1992, the city of Sarajevo came under attack. Machine gun fire rattled through its streets every day. Buses carrying children were shelled. A burial taking place in a cemetery was interrupted by gunfire. Tova Kabilio, age three in 1944 and now in her early fifties, couldnt rest knowing the family that had once saved her life was in grave danger. She went to the Israeli authorities and told them her story. On July 11, 1992, an El Al plane landed in Sarajevo. Israeli agents found the Lehebras and brought them back to Jerusalem. Today, they live in Rechavia, in the house of Tova Kabilio. If you live long enough, you see everything. Rabbi Jerry Fisher (in letter to Dear Abby, 1998, adapted) ***** Before Singing Dayeinu, add this reading with its hope and vision and courage! We still have a long, long way to go before we reach the promised land of freedom. Yes, we have left the dusty soils of Egypt, and we have crossed a Red Sea that had for years been hardened by a long and piercing winter of massive resistance, but before we reach the majestic shores of the promised land, there will still be gigantic mountains of opposition ahead and prodigious hilltops of injustice Let us be dissatisfied until the tragic walls that separate the outer city of wealth and comfort from the inner city of poverty and despair shall be crushed by the battering rams of the forces
March-April 2014
March-April 2014
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Women at Sinai
Women of Sinai
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our program "Lashon Harah in the Information Age" on January 19. The lively discussion amongst our delightfully intergenerational group gave us all a lot to think about the next time we are sharing online.
If you have not sent in your membership dues for Women of Sinai yet, it's not too late to be invited to the Membership Appreciation Brunch on March 30. Women of Sinai Membership is $36 per year, and our Women of Valor level starts at $72.
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Brotherhood
Saturday night, February 1st, Marvin Berkowitz entertained a mixed Sinai audience of over 60 people! Most of those present commented that it was "long over due" for a purely social, fun, Saturday evening event, and that it was great to just get together and enjoy the evening! Sunday morning, Professor Berkowitz shifted gears and delivered an amazingly focused explanation of the work that he has been doing over the past 20 years. Marvin discussed five basic areas of importance for effective teaching and also five essential areas for effective parenting. Of the more than 30 congregants that attended the Sunday morning presentation many were teachers, and others were young parents and still others were grandparents. The audience was so enthusiastic about these essential points that after the presentation many stayed to discuss and share personal questions and concerns. The fact that Professor Berkowitz sold all of the books that he had displayed in the back of the room is a testament to the value of his presentation. We were fortunate to have our former congregant share his knowledge and expertise. We hope to continue our dialogue with him in future years. Thanks to all who attended! Brotherhood looks forward to future "social events"! Jim Stillman Brotherhood president Mike Weinshel Brotherhood vice-president
Jim Phillips, Scott Arbit, Nick Padway and Marv Berkowitz
Save the Date!
Sunday, April 6th

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brotherhood Coffee
Spiritual Nature of Man
Chesed
Did you know Chesed: Delivers soup to congregants who are ill or have suffered a loss? Offers to watch a house when a family is attending a funeral for a congregant? Offers rides to services and programs for congregants in need? Connects with congregants through letters and phone calls? We are able to do these through email lists. When we are notified of a congregant in need of soup, a house watch, or a ride, we email a group of volunteers on our lists. The volunteers let us know if they can help. No phone calls, no commitment. Please consider adding your email to our list. New for 2014: Chesed Visits We would like to begin connecting with some of our less mobile congregants through friendly visits. Our goal is to make first visits around Purim. We will call the congregant in advance, set up a date that is convenient, bring our delightful Mishloach Manot packages, and stay for a brief visit. Interested in helping? Please consider adding your email to our list of Chesed initiatives by contacting Amy Newman at amynewman1@live.com
Brotherhood Coffee with Marvin Berkowitz
When you are in the hospital our Rabbi & Cantor want to visit but
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) stand between you and your rabbi and cantor. ONLY a personal communication from you or a family member will allow us to know that you are in the hospital. Its heartbreaking to learn that you were in the hospital without the opportunity to call or visit you. Please contact Rabbi Cohens and Cantor Phillips assistant, Karen Hintz at 414-352-2970 or email her at khintz@congregationsinai.org, to tell us when you or a loved one is in the hospital. Its a mitzvah to see you and share prayers for your health and well-being. Thank you.
March-April 2014
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Sinai Committees
Israel Committee
This is the third of four articles highlighting the URJ affiliate organizations supporting Israel's transformation into a democratic and pluralistic society: In the United States, ARZA, the Reform Israel Fund, and in Israel, IMPJ, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. WHAT? you say! Isn't Israel a Democracy? The answer is 'yes' and 'no'. True, Israel has a parliamentary government elected by its citizens. But to be democratic, all members of society must have equal rights. This is why ARZA and IMPJ are exerting pressure on the Israeli court system to ensure that Reform Jews and all women have the religious freedom to grow and flourish in a Jewish state that should not be monopolized by Orthodox law. Here are some of the issues which ARZA supports financially and ideologically through IMPJ and its legal arm, the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC). 1. After a decade of legal battles, and over 18 months since the Supreme Court ruling, the Israel Government has paid salaries of Reform Rabbis in four Regional Councils. In 2015 this will increase to 6 rabbis all over Israel. This accomplishment is incredibly long overdue, as Orthodox rabbis' salaries historically have been fully subsidized. Finally, doors are opening for continued growth of non-Orthodox Jewish life in Israel. We look forward to a time when all 35 Reform congregations will be able to afford a Rabbi to guide their religious and spiritual practices. 2. Another issue to which ARZA and IMPJ are committed, is seeing the end of gender inequality across many spheres of Israeli life. Natan Sharansky, the Chairman of the Jewish Agency has derived a plan to allow for continuous egalitarian prayer at Robinson's Arch. After 25 years of restricted monthly Rosh Chodesh services at this site adjacent to the Kotel, Women of the Wall will finally be able to raise their voices in prayer at any time. Currently women are still prohibited from wearing tallitot, holding a Torah or singing/ dancing while at the Kotel. At the General Assembly of the Jewish Federation of North Americas, even Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu stated the The Kotel is in Israel, but the Kotel belongs to all the Jewish People. Change is slow and difficult, but becoming a reality! 3. The work that IMPJ is doing in support of separation of religion and state is demonstrated in a push for civil marriage, for changes in conversion and divorce law, and for change in Kashrut certification and privatization of its supervision. IMPJ continues to demonstrate that there is more than one way to be Jewish. With their presence in the news, and growing numbers of congregations around the country, Israelis are finally learning about and gravitating toward the possibilities liberal Judaism offers. With vigilance and great effort, steady strides have been made over many years towards achieving a democratic, inclusive and pluralistic society in our Jewish Homeland. We should feel proud to be a part of this evolution. The excitement of change is palpable! As Reform Jews we are a part of the history still being made in Israel. There are so many more important issues being addressed by these organizations. Please contact me if you have any questions. To learn more, or to contribute go to: www.ARZA.org where you can become a member. Bobbi Rector Israel Committee
Israel Shabbat on May 2

The Music of the Postcard Project: The Postcard Project was an initiative during the 1930s in which prominent composers like Kurt Weill, Aaron Copland and Darius Milhaud were commissioned to arrange Israeli folk songs. The songs were later printed on postcards by the Jewish National Fund and were among the first examples of secular Hebrew music to reach the European shtetls. Cantor Phillips will sing and teach some of these Zionist folk songs as part of a special Israel Shabbat program.
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March-April 2014
Sinai Committees
The Green Team
CORRECTION: In the November issue last fall, I incorrectly reported that Stoney Meadow Farm was planning to discontinue Sinai as a CSA pick-up site. In a recent communication from Andrea Levsen, she not only stated her intention to continue Sinai as a pick-up site, but also expressed interest in coordinating with other area synagogues. From Andrea: This year again we will be at Congregation Sinai on Fridays from 4-6 pm. The season begins the week of July 7th and continues for 16 weeks. Along with your share, all returning members receive a complimentary extended season share as well. We do have a limited amount of egg shares this year. The chickens have been raised organically, are extremely healthy and lay brown eggs. We are offering egg shares (1 dozen per week for 16 weeks--$3.13 a dozen) for the season for $50. We only have 6 shares available, so if you were interested please let us know ASAP. If you are interested in registering for the 2014 season, the registration form can be found on our website at stoneymeadowfarmcsa.com on the 2014 subscriptions page. Also, for your convenience, there is a PayPal option located at the bottom of that same page. We are proud that Congregation Sinai is making a healthy and sustainable food choice readily available to our congregants. Eating farm-fresh, locally grown, organic food is good for you, it is good for our community, it is good for the earth. If you have never tried a CSA before, please consider purchasing a share and trying it out this summer. The Levsens are as flexible and accommodating as can be, so dont be shy about expressing schedule concerns and your vegetable likes and dislikes to them. They will do their best to make accommodations when needed. Looking forward to the spring thaw, The Green Team Deb Schermer & Naomi Cobb
The 6th Annual Sukkah Garden Project PLANTING DAY will be on Sunday May 18th at 12:00 PM.
This is the last day of Religious School, which is followed by the Year-End Picnic and the garden project launch. Look for the weeding/watering sign-up coming soon. For more information about our Sukkah Garden Project, contact Naomi Cobb at Coyote.Naomi@gmail.com
Social Action Committee

Throughout this newsletter is information about our congregation's Social Action activities. Our current concerns and activities include: 1. Being stewards of the environment by reducing the use of paper and plastic in the Synagogue and through the planting, nourishing and harvesting of the Sinai Sukkah garden. 2. Aiding congregants in finding volunteer opportunities at the Mother Scott Meal Program, the Bethesda Meal Program, Pathfinders Youth Shelters & immigration vigils and marches. 3. Encouraging "Barrel Donations" for Pathfinders Drop-In Center and Emergency Youth Shelter. 4. Belonging to community-wide justice organizations like MICAH and Tikkun Ha-Ir and promoting education of and engagement in their activities and issues. 5. Providing education through our 4-part Film Series and Social Action Shabbats. 6. Connecting Social Action issues to the school curriculum. Your support of our programs and the Tzedakah Fund have helped make our Congregation an exciting, vital and relevant home for justice activities. Thank you so very much. If you are interested in learning more about any of these activities, suggesting additional issues, or in joining our committee, please speak to Idy Goodman or Craig Johnson, co-chairs. Idy Goodman igoodman2@mac.com Craig Johnson - cjohnson@unionyeslaw.com
March-April 2014
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Sinai Committees
Immigration Events
New Sanctuary Movement Prayer Vigil
Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 PM.
On Tuesday, March 4th, Congregation Sinai will become the first Jewish house of worship in Milwaukee to host a New Sanctuary Deportation Vigil. This monthly event brings individuals facing deportation for friends or family members together with supporters from communities of faith. Join us for a brief service, led by Rabbi Cohen. The service will begin at 7:00 pm and will be followed by an oneg. Children are welcome. Sponsored by MIKLAT a member of the New Sanctuary Movement
Please mark your calendars and join together
Social Action Shabbat: The Need For Justice in the Modern World
Friday, April 25, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Featuring Reverend Willie Brisco
Reverend Brisco, known as "a man of action and good deeds," was elected president of the Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH), in 2010. MICAH is a multi-racial, interfaith organization committed to addressing justice issues that have an impact on the community and on the members of MICAH congregations. MICAH's concerns include: Immigration, Prison and Sentencing Reform, Education, Poverty & Economics, the Rehabilitation of Inner City Homes. MICAHs goal is to empower people to act together in pursuit of justice, and to organize so that people of many traditions can come together to speak with one voice for justice. Congregation Sinai has been a member of MICAH since 2011
Your contributions make a difference:

Much of the financial support for our efforts comes through the
Sinai Tzedakah Fund

Please consider this Fund when making your next contribution in honor or memory of someone.
What is Pathfinders?
Here is the reality we are facing. There are HUNDREDS of young people per night in Milwaukee without a home to go to. The Pathfinders Drop-In Center does not provide housing, but clean showers, free clothing, and most importantly mentors and counselors to welcome them, to give them hope and guidance, to restore their humanity because someone cares. Tuesday dinners are provided IF volunteers bring it, staff tries to pull together meals on other nights based on leftovers or donated food. So for these young people, a family-style dinner is a beautiful thing. We can do this! The Sinai Social Action Committee adopted the agency Pathfinders this year as the focus of our resources and efforts. In January, we provided our first meal to the Drop-In Center, just north of Capital on Holton Street. This is a commitment we would like to keep on a regular basis. Four of us, Idy and Bill Goodman, Craig Johnson and I brought food to Pathfinders, and stayed to serve the meal and eat with the young people at the Drop-In Center that night. It was a very easy and rewarding evening and I want to invite all of you to consider taking a turn. Here's how it went: we contacted each other to divide our assignments for cooking, keeping in mind we are feeding teenagers. Lasagna, kugel, salad, fruit juice and cookies was a perfectly popular meal. We met at Pathfinders at about 5 PM and were greeted by a most helpful and appreciative staff that led us to a clean and cheery kitchen to warm the food. In a room next door, we set up the buffet to welcome our guests. A lively and most appreciative group of young people came to the table to eat, and we had plenty of leftovers for a meal the next day. Contact the Social Action Committee to participate in a dinner serving team. If you find one other family to join you, we will have a team for that night, the committee will lead you through the process. If you cannot help serve, but can cook, that helps too. In addition, the barrel in our foyer is for Pathfinders. Much needed items are new underwear, women sizes 6-8 and men's large and extra large boxer shorts. Winter wear (gently used) is always welcome as is business casual clothes for job interviews. I hope we hear from you. For more information and to help contact me at rachelida15@gmail.com. -Rachel Buff, Social Action Committee
Our entry hall barrel will now be holding items collected for Pathfinders.
Please donate!
New underwear (womens size 6-8 and mens large and x-large boxers) gently used business casual clothes and winter outer wear
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March-April 2014
Sinai Committees
Would you like to make a difference in someones life? Do you want to make a difference to a family who is in need?
You can...how? Become an active participant in our interfaith meal program at the Mother Scott Youth Fellowship Center. The Mother Scott Youth Fellowship Center provides hot meal programs as well as an emergency food pantry and nutrition for babies. They also provide a bread ministry (bread is put out daily for people to take), clothing bank, and programs for children. What can you do? Your commitment to this interfaith meal program would be to donate a specific food item every other month and drop it off at Congregation Sinai during the week we are assigned . Thats it, we make the delivery to the Mother Scott Center. In January with the help of Kate Mann, we delivered our gifts of food and other items. My heart sang with joy when I saw how much food was gifted by all of you. The grateful faces of the clients will be a memory which I will carry until I die. It made me so proud to be part of this interfaith meal program. Please take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference. Join many of your friends at Sinai and other families in the Milwaukee community who are already active members of our program. Please contact me at Red1Neubs@sbcglobal.net or (414) 354-5961 so I can send you the 2014 schedule and you can be part of our wonderful charitable undertaking. Donna Neubauer Social Action Committee Member
Congregation Sinai Volunteer Opportunity:

Help serve lunch at the Bethesda Church of Christ Meal Program with other Sinai Congregants. For over 4 decades, Congregation Sinai has been engaged with the Bethesda Church of God in Christ meal program. Located at 2810 W. Highland Blvd. in Milwaukee, this is a year-round program that serves thousands of poor and homeless men, women and children and is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each week they serve up to 600 adult clients and 90 children, totaling 1,800 adults and 360 children each month. They do remarkable work. Volunteers come from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM to help plate and serve meals.
Sinai Dates:
Tuesday, March 25 Wednesday, April 30 Thursday, May 29
Please contact Idy Goodman to volunteer or ask questions at: igoodman2@mac.com or 414-351-3386.
Social Action Committee Film Series
Trembling Before G-d

Sunday, March 23rd, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Trembling Before G-d & Talk-Back with Jody Hirsh. Trembling Before G-d, a 2001 American documentary, is a cinematic portrait of various gay Orthodox Jews who struggle to reconcile their faith and their sexual orientation. Built around intimately-told personal stories of Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who are gay or lesbian, the film portrays a group of people who face a profound dilemma - how to reconcile their passionate love of Judaism and the Divine with the drastic Biblical prohibitions that forbids homosexuality.
Save the date! Tuesday, April 22

at 7:00 PM
for our final Social Action Film.
Film to be announcedplease watch the Sinai eNews.
March-April 2014
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Scene at Sinai
Itsy Bitsy Sinai Itsy Bitsy Sinai
Kivun Channukah
PJ Havdallah Movie Night
Dan & Alex Elias mix pancake batter at the Back to School Pancake Breakfast
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Scene at Sinai
Pancake Breakfast Pancake Breakfast
Purim Carnival Planning Meeting
Discussing sacred aging
4th grade art
Young families ice skate at the Pettit
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Check out Sinais library

As you may have noticed, the Jewish holidays fell at unusual times this year. Our calendar, which is solar and lunar, gets corrected in a nineteen year cycle, by adding a leap month, Adar II. If this is the kind of concept that interests you, check out Understanding the Jewish calendar, by Rabbi Nathan Bushwick (249 Bus). Lela Gilbert is a Christian living in Israel, who has written about the shared threat and common enemy of radical Islam facing Israel today. She describes the plight of Christians who have been forced from their homes in Arab countries as had the Jews. Saturday People, Sunday People (952 Gil) is the story of Israel through the eyes of a Christian sojourner. My Promised Land (953.23 Sha) by Ari Shavit is the epic story of the Zionist idealists and pioneers who worked in Israel in the early years to the pragmatic leaders of today who are the dot.com entrepreneurs, the young people, the settlers, and the architects of Israel's foreign policy. He asks the questions: Why did Israel come to be? Can Israel survive? This is a portrait of a vibrant country living on the edge. On a completely, different subject, A Day of Small Beginnings ( F Ros) is a wonderful novel of fantasy that begins in a Jewish cemetery in Zokof Poland when Friedl Alterman is awoken from her grave and finds she cant return to it after guiding a young boy to safety. I loved this book. The Imposter Bride (F Ric) is historical fiction about a young woman who travels to Montreal to marry a man she has never met, only to be rejected by him when he first sees her. It is a tale of mothers and daughters who have been marked by the Holocaust. For the young readers in our congregation, The Boy on the Wooden Box (T B Ley) is the story of a young boy who was saved by Oskar Schindler. Just a s a reminder, the notations in ( ) after each book in these reviews, is the call number of the book. Hopefully, if one of the reviews appeals to you and you would like to borrow the book, you will be able to find it. If not, I am always available for help. Happy Reading -Jayne Butlein
Stay informed about all the happenings at Congregation Sinai!

Each week you should receive a Sinai Enews about the upcoming events at Sinai. Be sure to open and read your Sinai Enews. All kinds of exciting things are happening at Sinai and you wont want to miss any of them! If you are not currently receiving the Enews, please email office@congregationsinai.org or call Congregation Sinai at 414-352-2970 so we can update our distribution list. Also, visit our website at www.congregationsinai.org.
Supporting Sinai
Bubbe says
Support Sinai
Gift Shop
Shaina Shops!
Such gorgeous seder plates, mezuzahs, Bnei Mitzvah gifts, Kiddush cups and jewelry! Im telling you there is no better place to shop for that perfect piece of Judaica (as if you would go anywhere else knowing your purchase is a mitzvah at Congregation Sinai)! Come by and see what my Shaina has done! Oh, and if you know any nice boysmy Shaina is quite the catch! -Your Bubbe
Page 29
March-April 2014
Supporting Sinai
Shop & Support Sinai!

Support Sinai whenever you shop on-line at amazon.com.
Go to the Sinai homepage: www.congregationsinai.org. Click on the amazon.com banner. Youll be linked directly to amazon.com.
By using the website link, your purchase will support Congregation Sinai.
Support Sinai While Shopping at SENDIKS!

Purchase your Scrip card at times that are convenient!
March 2, 16, 30 & April 6, 27

Scrip cards can ALWAYS be purchased during regular Sinai office hours.
What is Scrip? Scrip means substitute money. Through Sendiks Food Market Scrip program 5% of what you pay for your Scrip card is donated to Sinai.
Questions? Contact: Leigh Maxon: lmaxon@wi.rr.com
Sponsor an Oneg or Bima Flowers

If you are looking for a wonderful way to honor or remember someone, or recognize a special occasion, you can do so by: sponsoring the flowers on the Bima an Oneg Shabbat after a Friday night service Congregation Sinai typically provides these items for Friday evenings when there is no Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Simply let us know that you would like to sponsor and we will do the rest. All sponsorships will be acknowledged in the Sinai Shabbat Pamphlet and the Sinai News. We will also send a note of congratulations or thanks to the honorees. The cost of sponsoring bima flowers is $60.00 and an Oneg Shabbat is $260.00. Please email Jen Friedman at jfriedman@congregationsinai.org or call (414) 352-2970.
March 2014
O N U E E D R I
S
H U
U N
A T
Feb. 28
Purim Basket Auction
Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Scholar-in-Residence Program 4 pm Purim Basket Auction
Scrip Sunday Religious School 9:30 am Scholar-in-Residence Sacred Aging Program 10 am CoSY Board Meeting 1 pm Purim Basket Auction Purim Basket Auction
2
Bible Study w/ Rabbi Brickman 9:30 am Mitkadem 4 pm Executive Committee Meeting 7 pm Jonathan Freedman 7:30 pm
Lunch & Learn 12 pm Mitkadem 4 pm
Through the Eyes of Women 9:30 am Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Chaverim Purim 11 am Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm New Sanctuary Movement Prayer Vigil 7:00 pm Purim Basket Auction
Religious School 9:30 am In the Rabbis Study 10 am JuSTY @ Discovery World Museum 12 pm Bible Study w/ Rabbi Brickman 9:30 am Young at Hearts (@ Cong. Shalom) 10:30 am
Lunch & Learn 12 pm Mitkadem 4 pm Brit Nashim 7:15 pm
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Mitkadem 4 pm
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Through the Eyes of Women 9:30 am Social Action Committee Meeting 12 pm Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Purim Basket Auction Purim Basket Auction
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Erev Purim Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Adult Purim Event 6:30 pm
15
Purim Basket Auction Purim Basket Auction
Finance Committee Meeting 7:30 am Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm Lataken Olam w/ Dr. Blumberg 7:30 pm Purim Basket Auction
Purim Scrip Sunday Purim Carnival 9:30 am Purim Basket Auction Closes
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Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm Lataken Olam w/ Dr. Blumberg 7:30 pm
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Bible Study w/ Rabbi Brickman 9:30 am
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Mitkadem 4 pm Board Meeting 7 pm
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Through the Eyes of Women 9:30 am MCRC Shabbat Service (@ Cong. Shalom) 7:30 pm
21
Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Justin Sadoff Bar Mitzvah 10 am
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Religious School 9:30 am Itsy Bitsy Sinai 10 am Social Action Film 10 am Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm Lataken Olam w/ Dr. Blumberg 7:30 pm
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Mitkadem 4 pm Bnei Mitzvah Family Education #3 7 pm
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Through the Eyes of Women 9:30 am Rockin Shabbat 6:15 pm Congregational Dinner 7:30 pm
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Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Morgan & Matthew Schiff Bnei Mitzvah 10 am CoSY Event (@ Comedy Sportz) 5 pm
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Scrip Sunday Acheinu (Mens Spirituality Group) 8:30 am Religious School 9:30 am Women of Sinai Appreciation Brunch 10 am
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April 2014
O N U E E D R I
S
H U
Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm Lataken Olam w/ Dr. Blumberg 7:30 pm
U N
W
Bible Study w/ Rabbi Brickman 9:30 am Mitkadem 4 pm Executive Committee Meeting 7 pm
F
A T
Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Scrip Sunday Religious School 9:30 am Brotherhood Coffee 10 am CoSY Board Meeting 12 pm
6
Finance Committee Meeting 7:30 am Lunch & Learn 12 pm ??? Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm Lataken Olam w/ Dr. Blumberg 7:30 pm Bible Study w/ Rabbi Brickman 9:30 am Young at Hearts (@ Cong. Shalom) 10:30 am Mitkadem 4 pm
Lunch & Learn 12 pm Mitkadem 4 pm Brit Nashim 7:15 pm
10
Through the Eyes of Women 9:30 am Social Action Committee Meeting 12 pm Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
11
Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am Jonathan Parkes Bar Mitzvah 10 am
12
No Religious School Pesach Office Closed Passover Morning Service 9:30 am No Mitkadem Pesach Bible Study w/ Rabbi Brickman 9:30 am
13
Erev Pesach Office Closed No Mitkadem
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Pesach No Mitkadem Board Meeting 7 pm
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Pesach Through the Eyes of Women 9:30 am Shabbat Service 6:15 pm
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Pesach Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
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Pesach No Religious School
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No Mitkadem Social Action Film 7 pm
Pesach Office Closed No Mitkadem Passover Morning Service w/ Yizkor 9:30 am Lunch & Learn 12 pm
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No Mitkadem
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Erev Yom Hashoah Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
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Scrip Sunday Acheinu (Mens Spirituality Group) 8:30 am Religious School 9:30 am Taste of Sinai 9:30 am Itsy Bitsy Sinai 10 am Teacher Staff Meeting 12 pm
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Mitkadem 4 pm CoSY Lounge 6 pm Kivun 6:30 pm The Whole Megillah w/ Cantor Phillips 7:30 pm
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March-April 2014
Page 32
In the Sinai Family

Mazel Tov to:
Mitch & Toby Colton on the birth of their grandson, Micah. Jay Larkey for receiving the Milwaukee Justice Coalitions Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Award.
Condolences to:
Hamakon YNachemMay God Comfort Family of Jean Friedlander Family of Lita Fromstein Ari, Jen, Ilana, Seth and Bennett Friedman on the death of their father and grandfather, Arthur Friedman Dr. Richard, Michelle, Charles, & Joey Lewis on the death of Richards father, Michael Lewis. Sheila Taitelman on the death of her husband, Donald Taitelman
Builders & Founders

Thank you to all our generous donors.
Anonymous (3) Jim & Joni Ansfield Margery Becker In memory of Irvin M. Becker zl Avi & Andrea Bernstein In honor of Cantor Lauren Phillips Jim & Jean Bromley In memory of Julius, Gail & Alan Bromley and Dwight & Margaret Brooks zl David & Judith Coran In honor of Rabbi David Cohen Fred & Ellen Eckman Dan Elias family Bernice Fagan & family In memory of Ben Fagan zl Judy Flegel Jim & Ellen Flesch Jeffrey Frank & family Michael & Joan Friedman Edith Gilman Gordon & Jennifer Goldbaum Larry & Anne Golding Ruth Goldmann Andrew & Patricia Gollin Bill & Idy Goodman Rachel Hafemann In memory of Bernice Saks zl Michael Hansen & Donna Davidoff Toots Hassel In memory of Mannie Hassel zl Leslie F. Hayes In memory of Marvin & Janet Fishman zl Robert & Kristin Hieb Alan & Jodi Holman Michael, Penny & Adam Hool Jeanne Jacobs In memory of Alfred Jacobs zl Marc & Cynthia Kartman Michael & Judi Ketten Jay Larkey & Lois Malawsky Marvin & Marlene Lauwasser George Levin & Sheila Smith Doug & Patti Levy Joan Lieberman George Lipshultz In memory of Frances Lipshultz zl David & Madeleine Lubar Joan Lubar In memory of Jeffrey Siegel zl Sheldon & Marianne Lubar Chip & Kate Mann Kevin Mackey & Susan LeVine In memory of Edward LeVine zl David & Bettie Meltzer In memory of Seymour & Anna Meltzer zl In honor of 59 years of Sinais existence Alan Mendeloff Daniel & Amy Newman James & Ellen Nocton In memory of Herbert Danto zl Nick & Janet Padway Jim Phillips Paul & Bobbi Rector In honor of the Builders and Founders Bill Rickards & Marleen Pugach In honor of the clergy & our friends at Sinai Gillian Rodger Robert & Lauri Roth James & Lori Salinsky Mildred Schapiro In honor of the Schapiro/Frazer family Brian & Deborah Schermer Robert Schlossmann In memory of his grandparents zl James & Francine Schulhof In memory of Leonard Keller zl Dick & Shelly Seesel Doris Sherman Ronald Sinclair & Judith Ross In memory of their parents zl Oyvind & Susan Solvang In memory of Joe Lubar zl The Sprinkmann family Tom St. John & Micaela Levine Jeff & Terri Stern In memory of Ted & Anita Stern and Frances Boxer zl Robert Steuer & Roberta Steiner In memory of Myra Steiner & Jordan Lewis zl Jim & Nancy Stillman Ruth Stroiman In memory of Ted Stroiman zl Scott Tisdel & Stefanie Jacob In honor of Cantor Lauren Phillips Mary Wurzburg In memory of Minna & A. Hart Wurzburg
Life Cycle Events

If you learn of any events - births, engagements, marriages, ordinations - that should be included in our In the Sinai Family page, please notify the congregation office at khintz@congregationsinai.org or by telephone (414) 352-2970. When there is a death in our immediate family, please notify the synagogue office, even if the funeral is out of town. The clergy and the Sinai community would like the opportunity to express sympathy for your loss.
March-April 2014
Page 33
In the Sinai Family

Bnei Mitzvah Bios
Justin Andrew Sadoff
Justin Andrew Sadoff will become a Bar Mitzvah on March 22, 2014. He is the son of Julie and Michael Sadoff, brother of Jordan and Samantha and grandson of Leslie and Barry Usow and Micky and Ron Sadoff. Justin is a 7th grader at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School. He enjoys playing basketball, snowboarding and skateboarding. Justin likes spending time with his friends and family. For his Mitzvah project, Justin is collecting new or gently used athletic shoes to be donated to Africa. He is also collecting worn-out shoes for the Nike Grind Project to recycle shoes into athletic fields and courts. Currently, Justin is studying about Africa and raising money to help an organization in that region through a non-profit charity at his school called, Voice of the Children. Justin and his family would like to thank Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Phillips and Linda Ross for their support and guidance in helping him prepare for this special day.
Matthew David Schiff

Matthew David Schiff will become a Bar Mitzvah on, March 29, 2014. Matthew is the son of Sari Schiff and Kevin (Jami) Schiff, brother of Morgan and Daniel, grandson of John and Cheryl Lubotsky, Eileen (Mike Lichtenstein) Schiff, and Barry (Ruth) Schiff. Matthew is a 7th grader at Bayside Middle School. Matthew enjoys baseball, basketball, chess and video games. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Matthew is thrilled to become a Bnei Mitzvah with his twin sister Morgan, completing the ldor vdor passed down from his parents. Matthew would like to thank the Rabbi, Cantor, Marilyn Kraar, and all his teachers for enriching and supporting him over the years.
Morgan Hope Schiff

Morgan Hope Schiff will become a Bat Mitzvah on, March 29, 2014. Morgan is the daughter of Sari Schiff and Kevin (Jami) Schiff, sister of Matthew and Daniel, granddaughter of John and Cheryl Lubotsky, Eileen (Mike Lichtenstein) Schiff, and Barry (Ruth) Schiff. Morgan is a 7th grader at Bayside Middle School. Morgan enjoys gymnastics, summer camp, and DIY crafts. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Morgan is thrilled to become a Bnei Mitzvah with her twin brother Matthew, completing the ldor vdor passed down from her parents. Morgan would like to thank the Rabbi, Cantor, Marilyn Kraar, and all her teachers for enriching and supporting her over the years.
Jonathan Clarence Parkes

Jonathan Parkes will be called to the bimah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Jonathan is the son of Monica and Joshua Parkes and brother of Cecilia. He is the grandson of Carol and the late John Parkes, Bonnie and Richard Townsend, and Mary and Dennis Mehan. Jonathan is a 7th grade student at Glen Hills Middle School. He enjoys fencing and is beginning to compete regularly in tournaments. He also enjoys playing video games and cooking. He especially loves English chocolate (which he recently discovered on a family trip). Jonathan and the Parkes family would like to thank Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Phillips, and Linda Ross for all their support and guidance in preparing for this momentous day.
Page 34
March-April 2014
Contributions
Donations received from 12/1/13 1/24/14
Andy Brickman Museum Fund In Memory of Morton Armour In Memory of Zelda Armour In Memory of Norman Jaeger Joanne & Norman Armour Tzedakah Fund In Memory of Arthur Friedman In Memory of Arthur Roth Ilene & Jeff Wasserman In Memory of Arthur Roth Richard & Susan Stuckert In Memory of Esther Soifer Naomi & Mort Soifer In Memory of Sybil Weinstein David & Naomi Cobb Rabbis Discretionary Fund With Gratitude & Appreciation to Rabbi David Cohen Judith Ross & Ronald Sinclair Roberta Steiner In Memory of Aaron C. Cherniack Gerry Cherniack & Family In Memory of David E. Davidoff, MD Donna Davidoff In Memory of Ann Eckman Ellen & Fred Eckman In Memory of Toni Ettenheim In Memory of Joan Prince Jenny Ettenheim In Memory of Nancy Frank Jeff Frank & Family In Memory of Arthur Friedman Dan Schnoll In Memory of Manley Frisch In Memory of Bertha Whiteman Rochelle & Paul Whiteman In Honor of Edith Gilman Sara & Michael Gilman In Memory of Dorothy Heilbronner Margery Becker In Memory of David Jacobs Terry, Diana, Amanda, Danielle, & David Jacobs In Memory of Phyllis Jagiello Diana & Terry Jacobs & Family In Memory of Judith Kerns Pence Pat & Joan Kerns In Memory of Werner Loewenstein Paul & Jody Loewenstein In Memory of Max Luck Shari & Dr. Allan Luck
In Memory of Manuel Padway Helen Padway In Memory of David Paset In Memory of Sandy Paset Scheferman Family In Memory of Roger Resek In Memory of Roberta Rosenberg Beth & Ron Shapiro In Memory of Arthur Roth Laura & Charles Waisbren In Memory of Elliot Shafton Barbara Shafton In Memory of Max Shapiro Ron & Beth Shapiro In Appreciation to Rabbi Cohen for Autumn Stelzers Bat Mitzvah Brenda & Marc Stelzer Cantors Discretionary Fund In Appreciation Roberta Steiner In Honor of Cantor Phillips Installation Hannah Deutsch In Memory of Dodie Freschl Larry & Gloria Freschl In Memory of Nancy Hindin In Honor of Cantor Phillips Installation Bill Wiener In Memory of Roman Ross Linda & Bill Ross Floral and Oneg Fund In Memory of David Brickman In Memory of Abram Warschauer Rabbi Jay & Rita Brickman In Memory of Harry Cheplin & Rose Feld Dr. Muriel Silbar In Memory of Janice Weiss Kahn Howard & Harriet Weiss Chesed (Caring) Fund In Memory of Arthur Friedman Joan & Mike Friedman In Memory of Phil Merker Mike & Joan Friedman In Memory of Saul Siegel Barbara Bradbury In Memory of Richard Theodore Werner Ann Abele In Memory of Ida Winick Bob & Anita Stone Scott, Nancy, Andrew, & Stephanie Phillips
Ketten/ Miringoff Simcha (Celebrations) Fund In Memory of Joe Himes In Memory of Jean Nemschoff In Memory of Arthur Roth In Memory of Edythe Schneider Judi & Michael Ketten Music Fund In Memory of Marjorie Elkind Bede Segal In Honor of Cantor Phillips Installation In Memory of Arthur Roth Marlene & Marv Lauwasser Jacob M. Fine & Family Library & Technology Fund In Memory of Arthur Friedman Eric & Jayne Butlein Janet Greenebaum Scholarship Fund In Memory of Nathan Schwartz Theodore & Barbara Bradbury Landscape Fund In Memory of Lawrence Ball In Memory of Herbert Kahn In Memory of Judi Kahn Dick Kahn & Sue Freeman In Memory of Dorothy Heilbronner Mike & Joan Friedman In Memory of Bernard Schlossmann Robert Scchlossmann Congregation Sinai Operating Fund In Memory of Jack Barnow In Memory of Benjamin Fagan Bernice Fagan In Memory of Arthur Friedman Tedd & Julie Lookatch Happy Chanukah to Edith Gilman Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Gilman & Family In Memory of Arthur Roth Scott Arbit Robert Grant Marks Youth Fund In Memory of Ruth Zeligs Betsy, Jessica, & Shelly Goldberg Prayer Book Fund In Memory of Rose Ottenstein Jim & Deborah Gollin
Those making donations will receive recognition for their generosity in the Sinai News. Those honored or the family of someone remembered will receive notice in the mail from Congregation Sinai.
Page 35
March-April 2014
Those We Remember
March Yarhzeits
March 7, 2014 Natalie Bodanskaya Arnold Borkin Dr. Harry A. Cheplin Gertrude S. Cohen Alice Ruth Culp Ellen Friedlander Geraldine Grossman Susan Hassel Milton Kerns Del F. Krom Raymond Rattner Ruth Rich Zona Stall Roger B. Stein Sy Taylor Dr. Jack J. Teplin Rabbi Elliiot Waldman Sigmund Winter Monroe Zarne March 14, 2014 Ben Alberts Dr. Harold Friedman Marvin Garfinkel Leona Virginia Hill Samuel Jacobs Anna Rosenbloom Edward B. Sametz Arthur Tiber Morris Wiviott Nate Ziskind March 21, 2014 Francine Adolph Esther Ansfield Libby Becker George Coplin Lise Lotte Freeman Leon Glassman Irwin Ira Glick Dorothy Goldberg Anne Goldstein Muriel Greenebaum Kenny Kahn Jerome Kerns Helen Koppel Ben Lerner Charlotte Orren Sara B. Plotkin Harold Rife Charles Rotman Harriet Sederbaum Harold Segal Warren Shrensker Florence Watkins Arvin Weinstein March 28, 2014 Lillian Allschwang Freda Bratt Andy Brickman Dorothy Domer Robert Eisenberg Milton B. Ettenheim, Jr. A. Leon Fishbach Richard Schott Folz Harry Friedman Robert Green Donald S. Greenebaum Lucille Grotta Rachael Jacobs Sheba Jacobson Matty S. Katz Barbara Jean Leib Laura Levy Albert May Minnie Rabinovitz Rose Sadowsky Arthur Saltzstein Walter C. Stuckert Abraham Usow
April Yarhzeits
April 4, 2014 Jerome Abelson Jack Barco William Baumgarten James Melvin Feld Morris Friedman Jay Steven Goodman Ann Hassel Anita Horwitz Nathan Kahn Hutchins Kealy Sr. Elaine Wexler Kopans Dr. Hirsh Jonathan Larkey Benjamin Lipshultz Tessie Luck Fred Mayer David Meyers Issac Mlavsky Robert E. Mueller Rena L. Padway Sidney Schatz Clara Goldberg Schiffer Ansel H. Schmidt Anne Shapiro Barry Stark April 11, 2014 Sarah Bender Nanette Berlin Emily Borenstein Morris Fine Hyman Friedman Esther Alberts Goldberg Eugene Horenstein Alfred Jacobs Justin JJ Jacob Kohen Minnie Hersch Kopelberg Neal Lebow Dorothy Miller Lerner Gertrude M. Levin Irving Lore Milton Padway Hattie Rosenthal Jewel Scklore Lee Waxman April 18, 2014 Brian James Adair Mollie Fromstein Margaret Kramer Sylvia Levine Marie MacPherson Ethel Marshall Anna Meltzer Max Meyerowitz Ruth Neubauer Milton Peck Lois Schatz Leslie H. Unger Rosalyn Levin Zaret April 25, 2014 Leland Baum Adolph Emerman Katherine Fagan David Fishman Morris Fredlich Solomon Heifetz Eunice Kartman Anna Lauwasser Katherine Loewenthal Morris Mendeloff, Jr. Bertram Miller Fred Neubauer Esther Orenstein Edwarde Perlson Mollie Razeper Arthur Schmidman Thomas A. Schmidman James I. Schulhof Pearl Schulhof Evelyn Schwartz Ruth Stillman
Congregation Sinai
8223 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217
Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Board of Trustees, 2013-2014

Dan Elias, Co-President Andy Gollin, Co-President Craig Johnson, Vice President Tom St. John, Treasurer Sandy Saltzstein, Vice President Judy Flegel, Secretary Marc Kartman, Past President Judi Ketten, Past President Marlene Lauwasser, Past President Davida Amenta, Social Action Andrea Bernstein, Young Families Rachel Buff Mitch Colton, Brotherhood Larry Glusman Toots Hassel Hugh Hoffman, Finance Terry Jacobs Marvin Lauwasser Julie Lookatch, Women of Sinai Amy Newman, Chesed Nick Padway Jimmy Schulhof, Building & Grounds Michelle Silverman, Ritual Mark Sweet Jill Weinshel, Celebrations
The form below may be used when submitting your donation. Those remembered will be promptly informed of your thoughtfulness. Please return form to the Sinai office. Please make checks payable to Congregation Sinai.
Note: Suggested minimum donations is $10.00.
Adult Programming & Education Fund Andy Brickman Museum Fund Barbara Eiseman Memorial Fund for Spiritual Growth Cantors Discretionary Fund Chesed (Caring) Fund Congregation Sinai Endowment (@ the Jewish Community Foundation) Congregation Sinai Operating Fund Floral & Oneg Fund Jacob M. Fine & Family Library & Technology Fund Janet Greenebaum Scholarship Fund Landscape Fund
Lieberman Memorial Arts Fund Ketten/Miringoff Simcha (Celebrations) Fund Music Fund Passport to Israel Fund Prayerbook Fund Rabbis Discretionary Fund Robert Grant Marks Youth Fund Tzedakah Fund Youth Engagement Scholarship Fund Youth Education Scholarship Fund Other_________________
Enclosed is a $________________ contribution
In honor of In memory of Other

Send acknowledgement card to: Name:_______________________________________ Address:_____________________________________
________________________________________________________ From: Name:___________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________ City:____________________ State:_____ Zip:__________ Phone:__________________________________________
City:___________________ State:_____ Zip:________
Do not include my contribution in the Sinai News.

March-April Sinai News 2014

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SINAI NEWS

Issue 19, Volume 1

March-April 2014 Adar-Nisan 5774

Purim For All Ages!

FUN FOR ALL!

Details on pages 13 & 14.

Photograph of Lois Malawsky and Jay Larkey

March-April Shabbat & Holiday Service Schedule

Idy Goodman, Julie Ketten and Julie Lookatch visit Israel.

Sinai Adult Connections

Just for Adults!

Social Action Shabbat

Purim like youve never experienced it!

Trembling Before G-d

The Need For Justice in the Modern World

Saturday, March 15th

See page 12 for more information!

New Sanctuary Movement Prayer Vigil

Lifelong Jewish Learning

The Whole Megillah with Cantor Lauren Phillips

In the Rabbis Study with Rabbi Cohen and Guests

Lifelong Jewish Learning

A Modern Rabbis Approach to the Bible

Through the Eyes of Women

Acheinu (Mens Spirituality Group)

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Lifelong Jewish Learning

Lifelong Jewish Learning

All classes resume beginning April 21st.

Lifelong Jewish Learning

Congregation Sinai's 2014 Family Purim Megillah Reading & Carnival

Purim like youve never experienced it!

Saturday, March 15th

Purim Basket Silent Auction

Sunday, March 23 & April 27 at 10:00 AM

Itsy Bitsy Sinai!

RSVP to: https://itsybitsysinaimarch.eventbrite.com https://itsybitsysinaiapril.eventbrite.com

Know a prospective member? Have them RSVP at: http://tasteofsinai2014.eventbrite.com

Share what YOU love about Sinai with a friend!

Know someone interested in checking us out?

Rockin' Shabbat and Roll into Dinner!

Please RSVP by March 24 at: http://marchrockinshabbat.eventbrite.com

Young-at-Hearts Senior Singles Group

Passover Social Justice Additional Readings

Jim Phillips, Scott Arbit, Nick Padway and Marv Berkowitz

Save the Date!

Sunday, April 6th

Israel Shabbat on May 2

Social Action Committee

Please mark your calendars and join together

Your contributions make a difference:

Sinai Tzedakah Fund

Congregation Sinai Volunteer Opportunity:

Social Action Committee Film Series

Trembling Before G-d

Save the date! Tuesday, April 22

Film to be announcedplease watch the Sinai eNews.

Itsy Bitsy Sinai Itsy Bitsy Sinai

PJ Havdallah Movie Night

Pancake Breakfast Pancake Breakfast

Purim Carnival Planning Meeting

Discussing sacred aging

4th grade art

Young families ice skate at the Pettit

__________________________________ From: Name:_ Address:___ City: State:_ Zip: Phone:__________________________________

City:_________________ State:_ Zip:______