February 2023 News

Nominations Open for 2023 Officers and

Board of Directors

Time to step up and take part in helping to keep Bnai Israel Congregation running smoothly and successfully.  

We will be holding elections for Officers and Board Members at our Annual Meeting in November, 2022.  Officer terms are for 1 year. Board of Directors seats are typically for 2 years, but may be 1 year to fill a vacant position. All terms begin on January 1st. Our Officers include: President, 1st VP/House Chair, VP-at-Large, Secretary and Treasurer. We have 8 Board seats and in some years, a seat for the Immediate Past President.

This year’s Nominating Committee members are Rena Goldwasser, Chair, Steven Stein and Michelle Bannon.    If you are interested in helping to shape Bnai Israel's future (or just want a mitzvah on your record), please email renagoldwasser7@gmail.com, or text or phone at 860-490-0916 (leave a message).  You may also arrange to attend a Board meeting as a visitor to see how we conduct business.

Why should you consider being a part of the Board of Directors?

We need your knowledge, experience and talents to help our synagogue best meet the needs of our members, continue to improve our operations and plan for the future. Plus, it’s a mitzvah!

What qualifications do I need to serve?

• You must be a member in good standing.
• Officers usually have served on the Board of Directors and have experience on committees here and/or at other congregations.
• Board members may have experience on committees here or at other congregations and/or have a desire to increase their involvement in certain areas and bring new ideas for us to consider.
• An ability to work well with others.
• The most important qualification is a strong desire to serve and a commitment to the success of Bnai Israel.

Click here to learn more about what is required as a Board Member. 

For more information:(link to Bylaws Article 7: Board members and Article 8: Officers

BIC Members travel to Poland to aid

Ukrainian refugees

In late June 2022, Carol Atwood, Dana Sachs and Richard Weisman traveled to Poland to contribute to the support of refugees from the war in Ukraine. These refugees, mainly women and children, began arriving soon after the war began in February.

Carol Atwood and Dana Sachs are two of the founding members of Humanity Now, which was formed in 2016 to provide direct relief to refugees and migrants arriving in Greece. With money raised in the United States, this organization invests in low-cost, practical projects. Humanity Now supports both essential needs and long-term goals, such as education and job-training. Dozens of initiatives have been funded including food distribution, sanitation and hygiene, legal aid, language instruction, and quality medical care.

Their work was recently expanded to assist those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Within weeks, Humanity Now money was providing groceries and supplies to Ukrainian refugees in Romania, Moldova, and Greece. They began supporting safe shelters for Ukrainians from the LGBTQ community, who face particular hardship. In Poland, a coordination team was launched to help the burgeoning aid community share supplies and knowledge. 

This visit to Poland will allow them to personally evaluate the situation on the ground and direct Humanity Now’s funds to where it is urgently needed and where it will make the biggest impact.

Richard Weisman has been an Overseas Member of JCC Krakow since 2013. JCC Krakow has provided a ‘home away from home’ for the Jewish community of Krakow since its founding in 2008. They serve Holocaust survivors, university students and young Poles discovering their Jewish heritage. Immediately after the war began in February, JCC Krakow pivoted to assist Ukrainian refugees, regardless of their religion. On a daily basis, they provide basic essentials, food, meals, childcare, language classes, counseling and a Safe Space for women and children. Currently they are housing 300 people in apartments and hotels.

Each year, JCC Krakow sponsors a bike ride (Ride for the Living) from Auschwitz to Krakow to raise funds for their operating expenses. This year, a significant portion of the money raised will directly support the Ukrainian refugees. JCC Krakow has pledged to continue this assistance for as long as it is needed.

Richard will participate in Ride for the Living this year in order to contribute to this lifesaving work.

Both of these organizations and those supporting them are examples of Tikkun Olam, also known as Repairing the World, a core Jewish value. We are very proud that these Bnai Israel members are involved in these endeavors. We wish them safe travels and look forward to hearing about their experiences at a Friday evening service.

Exploring Judaism
From the Open Doors Project....members are invited to check out Exploring Judaism.org., a website that is being piloted by United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism with the goal of highlighting the diversity of perspectives and practices among Conservative Jews. ExploringJudaism.org recognizes that there is beauty and complexity in this diversity and that we live in the intersection of many worlds. The website offers content for synagogue members and others who are connected to or curious about Conservative Judaism featuring articles geared for real people in their real lives.

Click here to explore the Judaism.org website.

Rabbi Bender's Soft Matzah Making Event Was A Hit!

Journal Ads for Celebration! Installation! Dedication!

We are creating a journal as part of our upcoming Celebration! Installation! Dedication! Weekend in order to commemorate this very special event.  It will include beautiful photographs, the history of Bnai Israel, details about the beautiful restoration of our sanctuary, and words of congratulations to Rabbi Bender on the occasion of her installation.  Be a part of this weekend by attending the events and by purchasing an ad for the journal.  See the attached Ad Form for further details. Don’t delay! The deadline for ads is May 5, 2022.

Click here for the ad form.

Yom HaShoah Ceremony and Documentary: I Am Here

Please register to view this life-affirming documentary, I Am Here, as part of the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival.  Rabbi Chaya Bender and Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov will introduce the film with a short Yom HaShoah ceremony.  Ticket information can be found at: http://wilmingtonjff.org/

I Am Here Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts A life-affirming documentary that celebrates the remarkable life of Ella Blumenthal. At her 98th birthday celebrations, she opens up to close friends and family about her story of survival during the Holocaust, in a way she has never done before. Her recollections, depicted through dynamic 2D animation, include tales of three concentration camps, and of narrowly escaping death in a gas chamber. Along with uplifting stories, like Ella dissuading her niece from ending her life. The animation is juxtaposed with present-day footage of Ella performing her weekly spiritual rituals, being active in the swimming pool, and walking on the promenade in Cape Town. She is not your average grandmother, her vivacious personality and her positive outlook on life are truly inspiring. Dessert reception to follow.

For more information: https://wilmingtonjff.org 

Guest Speaker Bob Bahr

In conjunction with the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival this weekend, guest host Bob Bahr will speak to the Bnai Israel Congregation after services on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  Mr. Bahr, who is an award-winning journalist and reporter for CNN and CBS News will present his talk: “How the Jews made the movies and how movies made the Jews.” Following his talk, there will be a short Q&A session. 

Mr. Bahr, who has reviewed over 500 films yearly for the largest Jewish Film Festival in America held in Atlanta, has also been awarded the Rockover Awards top prize in Jewish journalism three times and has been honored by the American Jewish Press Association.  

Calling All Cooks!

Join us as we prepare our seder in Bnai Israel’s kitchen on April 12, 13, and 14.  No experience is required.  

Call Trish at 910-762-1117 to schedule your time in the kitchen.
 

Sisterhood Book News

BIC Sisterhood has donated a book to the synagogue library to honor the memory of Hattie Joyce Popkin, mother of Greg and Cindy Popkin. The book is a biography of German Jewish painter, poet, and social progressive Florine Stettheimer, and is titled Florine Stettheimer: A Biography, by Barbara Bloemink.

Shabbat Dinner in Honor of

Eve Berger's Bat Mitzvah

On Friday, April 1, 2022, Eve's Grandparents Arleen and Don Rochlen are delighted to host invited guests and the BIC congregation for dinner from 5-7 pm before Kabbalat Shabbat services.

After services, the congregation is invited to join for an Oneg Shabbat also hosted by Don and Arleen Rochlen in honor of Eve's Bat Mitzvah.

NEWS FROM THE REOPENING COMMITTEE

The Reopening Committee met this week and are pleased to report the following changes to our policies:

Food! 
Starting this Shabbat, everyone will be allowed to serve themselves at onegs, kiddish lunches, and dinners. At some large events, servers may be utilized.

Change to Covid Guidelines
Per CDC recommendations, we are now using Community Covid levels to determine how to keep everyone safe when at Bnai Israel.

At this time, the level in New Hanover & Brunswick counties is Low.

This means we can relax our mask policy for those who are fully vaccinated. We will monitor the Covid level in our area on a daily basis. If the levels increase significantly, our policies may need to be changed again. 

Because the Community Covid levels are Low: 
Masks for adults and children 5 and older who are fully vaccinated are optional. This includes children attending religious school or events.

Who still has to wear a mask at Bnai Israel? 
Adults and children 5 and older who are not fully vaccinated.

*Please feel free to wear a mask if that is your personal preference, regardless of the Community Level. If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, please consider wearing a mask. 

What hasn’t changed?
For everyone: If you are ill with fever, cold, or flu symptoms, we ask that you remain at home until you recover.
A one-time waiver is still required for members and guests. 

Don’t forget to sign in when you arrive for services, classes, or events!

In case of a Covid exposure, we want to reach you!

Michelle Bannon, Reopening Committee Chair
 

We're Listening! The BIC Weekly Newsletter is Shorter!

We've shortened your newsletter and made links for information and event registration that log members in automatically.

The BIC Weekly Newsletter now posts each week to the BIC website.

Click here for current and back issues!
 

Payments

If you are having your financial investment company send in a check from your account to pay for your dues or make a donation, please be sure to notify our bookkeeper, Tina,  at accountant@bnaiisraelilm.com with the following information: the name of the investment company, your name, the amount of the check to be expected and how you would like the funds applied. Thank you.

Jewish Mindfulness: Every Moment Is A "Shehecheyanu" Moment

Sunday, March 6, 2022
4 pm to 5 pm on Zoom

Join together with Temple of Israel for an afternoon of mindfulness and gratitude.

Mindfulness is the state of consciousness achieved by focusing on the present moment, acknowledging our experience of thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Jewish Mindfulness is that— and so much more!
Through various modes such as text study, meditation, and a hands-on creative experience, we will explore Rabbi Heschel's theory of "Radical Amazement," and the Torah and Talmudic references to reciting 100 Blessings a day. We'll examine the Shehecheyanu, as both a blessing to recite the first time we experience something new and as a mindfulness practice to explore the many blessings we experience daily.
About the Instructor: Jennifer Judelsohn, LCSW is a psychotherapist, artist, and author/illustrator of Songs of Creation: Meditations on the Sacred Hebrew Alphabet, a collection of meditative drawings and text exploring the spiritual meaning of the Hebrew letters. Jennifer works with individuals and groups to consciously create community and connection, and develop skills to live authentically and intentionally. Jennifer facilitates retreats, workshops, and classes on Judaism, spirituality, art, and living a soulful life.

We will join together with Temple of Israel for this event.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83571117272 Dial in: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 835 7111 7272

An Open Door Project Update

Inclusion has become an important buzzword in our society. Often “inclusion” is something people think about as an after-thought—meaning after it is all said and done, in case we made ourselves inaccessible to a population, let us try to make an adjustment. However, inclusion is not something that should be an afterthought. It should be built into the framework of our organization and a part of everything we do. Most importantly, it should be the forethought, the welcoming red carpet we roll out in advance of people needing or asking for it.

Inclusion means creating opportunities for all to be full members of society. However, just creating opportunities is not in itself the goal. Rather it is an important step on the long journey to belonging. It’s about wholeheartedly caring for each member of our kehillah kedosha, holy community, and listening to each person’s individual needs.

Are those in the margins: invited, present, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, cared for, befriended, needed, and loved?

That is exactly what our Open Door Project, headed by Rena Goldwasser, is setting out to do. 

Below Rena shares an update on our Open Door Project as we head into Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month. Together we strive to make Bnai Israel a place where everyone not only feels included but has a true sense of belonging.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaya Bender

Open Door Project Article #1  

“Hospitality is temporary.  Inclusion is permanent.”
--Rabbi Steve Wernick, USCJ CEO

Hello everyone!  My name is Rena Goldwasser and I am writing to share news about our Open Door Project (ODP) that I’m working on with Rabbi Bender and other BIC members (Terry Jensen, Mike Smith, Michelle Bannon, and Diane Gerberg).

The ODP was created by the Bnai Israel Congregation (BIC) Board of Directors to serve as a resource for all of our BIC families AND those who are thinking of joining us–families with members who are of a different faith, Jewish LGBTQ+ folks, and Jews of all colors and disabilities, and all ages.  In other words, to ensure that BIC continues to be a vital 21st-century synagogue that serves 21st-century families and individuals in the Conservative tradition.  We are committed to enhancing and expanding the welcoming culture that has been a hallmark of this congregation and making sure that anyone who is looking for a Conservative Jewish home knows about BIC. 

At this time, I’m writing to highlight the idea of inclusion for all, including those with disabilities.   February is Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month  (JDAIM) 2022 which is in its 13th year of worldwide celebration.  The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) is promoting this event and has developed a website where you can find more information about this and resources that are available, including registration for Jewish Disability and Advocacy Day Conference (on Zoom) planned for February 23d and 24th.  Another site to look at will take you to a podcast collection of recordings called Everyone’s Welcome: A Fresh Conversation on Disability which explores the many areas of inclusiveness that can ensure that people with disabilities and their families can fully and comfortably participate in congregational life.  

Look for more newsletter articles and social media posts highlighting the various ways we live our diversity and inclusion at BIC right now and plans for the future. Feedback is welcomed and encouraged. We are a forum for discussing and responding to the ritual, educational and social needs of our community to make it a “spiritual home” for all. Please feel free to contact me or Rabbi Bender with any questions, suggestions, or feedback. 

Rena Goldwasser
ODP Chair
Simplythebest53@yahoo.com

Rabbi Chaya Bender
rabbi@bnaiisraelilm.com

Sunshine Meals

We're More Than Food!

Since 2018, Sunshine Meals has delivered meals to those recently hospitalized or acutely ill. Since that time, your donations and grants from Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors have allowed us to increase our services.

For members in need, at no cost, we will also:

--Run errands

--Shop for groceries

--Provide transportation to doctor’s appointments

--Provide quarterly Shabbat meals

To request services or volunteer, Contact Michelle at mdbannon@yahoo.com or 706-832-3048

Meet our newest member! 

Meet Nori, a very young and very cute German Shepherd, who you will probably see at Shabbat services.  Nori is well behaved and has a very special job as a Service Dog for Theresa Densmore. Theresa has had a progressive loss of her eyesight and is visually impaired.

Nori will assist her in many different ways and allow Theresa to continue to be a very active and involved person as always.
 

What you should know about Service Animals:

--They are highly trained and screened prior to being assigned to their owner.
--When you see them, they are working and intent on caring for and keeping their
 owner safe.
--Please don't pet or talk to Nori. That will distract her from her job.
--But, please do talk to Theresa! She has much to teach us about her experience being visually impaired and how we all can do a better job when interacting with her and others with vision loss.
 
I know how tempting it is to pet such a beautiful dog. Instead of doing that, pretend Nori's not there. That will be your mitzvah for the day, helping Nori to focus on her job.
 
Stay Safe and Shabbat Shalom,
 
Michelle

BIC's Hebrew High School visits the Good Shepherd Center

Please enjoy these pictures of our Hebrew High School's recent event, and be sure to join us for future events! Want to see even MORE pictures of this fabulous event and others? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram! Got pictures to share of any BIC event? Upload them to our Dropbox--it's easy! Click this link and follow the directions posted.

Christmas Donations for the Good Shepherd Center
 
Bnai Israel Congregation sponsored a newborn 3 months ago. With the generous support of our members, we were able to provide everything the family needed.  This family was rehoused during the worst of the pandemic by Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd reached out to us to ask if we could sponsor them for Christmas.

The wish list is below. Although mom did not request anything for herself, we want to get her a gift certificate.
 
Thanks to the generosity of people who attended the Sisterhood Latke luncheon we already have 2 large boxes wipes and 1 large box of diapers. As some of the items are costly, we are asking for donations and plan on doing the shopping. 
 
Please contact us with any questions or the amount of your donation. We appreciate your assistance in giving this family a wonderful holiday.
 
Sue Mintzes,  sue_mintzes@hotmail.com, 910-620-0782
Laurel Westreich,  laurelw5071@gmail.com, 201-317-5071
 
Girl, 8
- Roller skates (wears 2 1/2 kids' shoe)
- Bicycle (24 inch)
- Kid's boxing gloves
 
Boy, 6
- Skateboard
- Monster trucks
- Bicycle (20 inch)
 
Boy, 3 months
- Baby wipes
- Size 2 pampers
- baby walker toy

Thanks so much to all the people who volunteered their time and energy to make this year's Thanksgiving meal a wonderful success!

Enjoy these photos, and please visit our Sunshine Meals page for volunteer opportunities--we always need more helping hands.