The Azoy...Is that so?

Yiskor Service Book

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:07:00 +0000

THERE IS STILL TIME!!

To get your loved ones names in the Yiskor book for the service. Send the names and a check, PRINTED please, to:
Temple B'Nai Israel
PO Box 16556
Panama City Fl 32406-6656

1-3 names is $18.00
4-8 names is $36.00
Additional names are $2.00 each

We hope to see you at services.

Kaddish with Oprah by Simcha Jacobovici

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Kaddish with Oprah
by Simcha Jacobovici

Need a minyan? Nothing is too complicated for the Oprah show.

The phone rang in my New York hotel room. It was 1995, and I was saying Kaddish for my late father, of blessed memory, Joseph Jacobovici. I live in Toronto, but I'm a filmmaker, so I move around.

During my eleven months of saying Kaddish, I ended up in various minyans from San Francisco to Halifax. Once I extended a stopover in Detroit and rushed to the basement of an old shul, where I was greeted by nine octogenarians as if I were the Messiah himself. But the phone call in New York was the start of what turned out to be perhaps the most interesting Kaddish experience of them all.

I had just finished a documentary film called "The Selling of Innocents." The film won an Emmy, attracting the attention of Oprah Winfrey, the American icon and celebrated TV host. The producer at the other end of the telephone line asked if I could fly to Chicago and appear with my fellow producers on the Oprah show the day after next.

I was taken aback. This was the Oprah show. The big time. Great publicity for the film, and great promotion for me and my company.

"I'd love to do it," I said, "but I don't think I can."

"Why not?" the producer asked, her voice betraying her surprise. Nobody says "too busy" to the Oprah show.

"I have a problem," I answered.

The producer's voice, Lisa was her name, became steely. All business. "What's the problem?" she asked.

"It's complicated."

"Try me," she said.

I began the process of explaining to a non-Jewish television producer from Chicago about the Jewish ritual of Kaddish.

Whenever I had to explain this, people never quite got it. I would tell them that I need a minyan, and they would drive me to an empty shul.... It never quite worked out. But this was Oprah. So I gave it a try.

"I'm Jewish.. My father passed away. In our religion it's incumbent on me, three times a day, to say a certain prayer, a glorification of God's Name, really. It's called Mourner's Kaddish. To do this, I need to be in a 'Jewish quorum.' It's called a minyan... So I can't miss this ritual. If I come to Chicago, I would have to attend morning services prior to being on Oprah."

"No problem," she said. "You need a minyan to say Kaddish. Ten Jewis h men. For morning services. I'll arrange it."

"It's not so simple," I said. "You may find a synagogue, but it might not have a minyan in the morning. Or the Jewish community may send you to a synagogue that's open... which wouldn't do the trick for me."

Lisa tried to be patient. "I'll fax your flight information to your hotel. You will be met in Chicago by a limo. The driver will have the minyan information. You will say Kaddish for your father."

The rest unfolded like a military operation. The next day the ticket came. Then the limo came. The driver took me to a hotel and said, "I'll be here at 6:30 a.m. Your minyan begins at 7 a.m. I'll pick you up at 8 a.m. You'll be at the Oprah show by 8:30 a.m."

The hotel room was beautiful. I slept like a baby. At 6:30 in the morning, I came down and stepped into my limo. There was a newspaper on the seat.

I could get used to this, I thought.

The driver pulled up in front of a downtown office building and told me that there was a Chabad Lubavitch minyan on one of the upper floors.

When I got there, the rabbi looked at me and said, "So you're the guy saying Kaddish. I was warned by the Oprah show that I'd better have a minyan."

We smiled at each other. I was really impressed with Lisa a nd Oprah. And I felt that my father was surely amused. After davening, my driver took me to the Oprah show. I was met by Lisa, a black woman in her thirties. She got straight to the point.

"You had a minyan?"

"Yes, thank you," I said.

"Was it proper? Did you say Kaddish?"

"Absolutely. Couldn't be better," I answered.

She looked at me with that look that star surgeons have when they come out of the operating room. Or maybe it's the look that battle commanders have when coming back from a military operation. It's a look that says, "Nothing is too complicated."

I was on Oprah. She was very professional. I had my five minutes of fame. But all I can remember of that day is the Kaddish.

This story appears in " Living Kadish - Incredible and Inspiring Stories" Compiled and edited by Rabbi Gedalia Zweig, published by Targum Press.

The Three Weeks A Twenty-One Day Period of National Mourning

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:43:00 +0000

From Chabad.org a very interesting article on the Three Weeks.

The Three Weeks

For eight hundred and thirty years there stood an edifice upon a Jerusalem hilltop which served as the point of contact between heaven and earth. So central was this edifice to the relationship between man and G-d that nearly two-thirds of the mitzvot are contingent upon its existence. Its destruction is regarded as the greatest tragedy of our history, and its rebuilding will mark the ultimate redemption-the restoration of harmony within G-d's creation and between G-d and His creation.

A full three weeks of our year--the three weeks "between the strictures"1 of Tammuz 17 and Av 9--are designated as a time of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the resultant galut--physical exile and spiritual displacement--in which we still find ourselves.

In this period, many calamities befell the Jewish people throughout the generations. It was during this period of between the straits that both the first and second Temples were destroyed.

During this period, we lessen the extent of our rejoicing. We don't:

Conduct weddings. (Engagement parties – without music – are allowed until Rosh Chodesh Av.)
Play musical instruments or listen to music.
Recite the Shehecheyanu blessing. Thus, we do not wear new clothing or eat fruit which we have not yet eaten this season so that we will not be required to recite Shehecheyanu.
Take a haircut or shave. Many Sephardic communities permit haircuts and shaving until the week of Tisha b'Av (in other words, until the Saturday night before the fast).

(Speak to your rabbi if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from observing any of the above customs.)

Shabbat

All the laws of mourning are suspended on ShabbatAll the laws of mourning are suspended on Shabbat.2 This includes the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av3 themselves—when they fall on Shabbat, the fast days are postponed until Sunday, and the Shabbat is joyously celebrated. The Rebbe stated on numerous occasions that on these Shabbats we must increase our joy, and add an extra tasty dish to our meals, to emphasize that we are not in a state of mourning.

On the first Shabbat of the Three Weeks (or on the 17th of Tammuz itself, if it falls on Shabbat) we always read the Torah portion of Pinchas. The end of the reading discusses the three Jewish festivals. It has been said amongst chassidim that this alludes to the idea that the three Shabbats of the Three Weeks are to be celebrated on par with the three festivals...

Why is all mourning suspended on Shabbat?

Though these days and weeks heralded an exile rife with persecution and spiritual estrangement, it is our belief that ultimately this is for the good. Very soon, with the coming of Moshiach, we will understand that all the suffering was necessary in order to reach the ultimate good. At that time, the prophets foretell, these sorrowful days will be transformed into days of joy (see Breaking Walls for more on this topic).

Every Shabbat constitutes a foretaste of the Messianic Era. As such, on Shabbat we only focus on the positive element of this period.

Determination to Rebuild

Aside for the aforementioned "technical" rules and restrictions, during this period we spend extra time contemplating the less-than-perfect state the world is in now and what we can do to improve it by increasing in deeds of goodness and kindness.

The Rebbe urged that the Three Weeks should be a time of increased Torah study and giving of charity– in keeping with the verse,4 "Zion shall be redeemed by law, and her returnees by charity." Particularly, the Rebbe requested time and again the study of those portions of Torah that deal with the building of the Holy Temple.

The Three Weeks should be a time of increased Torah study and giving of charityWhy these laws? The Rebbe based his request on a dialogue, cited in the Midrash,5 that transpired after G‑d told the Prophet Ezekiel to instruct the then exiled Jewish People about the measurements and design of the third Holy Temple:

"Master of the world," Ezekiel replied, "why are You telling me to go and tell Israel the form of the House; they are now in exile in the land of our enemies—is there anything they can do about it? Let them be until they return from the exile. Then, I will go and inform them."

G‑d answered: "Should the construction of My House be ignored because My children are in exile? The study of the design of the Holy Temple as detailed in the Torah can be equated to its actual construction. Go tell them to study the form of the Holy Temple. As a reward for their study and their occupation with it, I will consider it as if they actually built the Holy Temple."

It is our generation in particular, that stands on the threshold of Redemption, that must study these laws with the awareness that these laws will be quite practical in the imminent future!

Visit our Holy Temple section to start your virtual tour of the Temple.

From Destruction to Renewal

But there is more to the Three Weeks than fasting and lamentation. The prophet describes the fasts as "days of goodwill before G-d"-days of opportunity to exploit the failings of the past as the impetus for a renewed and even deeper bond with G-d. A sense of purification accompanies the fasting, a promise of redemption pervades the mourning, and a current of joy underlies the sadness. The Ninth of Av, say our sages, is not only the day of the Temple's destruction--it is also the birthday of Moshiach.

May we soon merit the fulfillment of the prophecy: "I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice from their sorrow" (Jeremiah 31:12).

FOOTNOTES
1.	This is based on the verse (Lamentations 1:3) which states: "All of [Israel's] pursuers overtook her between the straits." The Sages (Eichah Rabbah 1) explained that "between the straits" refers to the days of affliction between the seventeenth of Tammuz and the ninth of Av.
2.	The only exception being that in many communities – including Chabad – we don't recite the Shehecheyanu even on Shabbat.
3.	If the 9th of Av falls on Shabbat (or if Shabbat is on the eve of the 9th of Av) there are certain mourning observances practiced in private—though this doesn't interfere with the public festive atmosphere. Click here for the details.
4.	Isaiah 1:27.
5.	Tanchuma, Leviticus 14.

July President's Address

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Well, here I am, finally getting around to updating the blog. If you look around you'll see many new things here. I've updated the holiday dates, the Board members, and added a few articles. There is more to come. The calendar is not finished yet, so as of now all that is there is the next service which is this Friday! Rabbi Baroff will be here to celebrate Shabbat with us as well as lead the "Lunch with the Rabbi" on Saturday. Details of that can be found at the top of this blog on the right.

We have a lot in store for the congregation this year. My focus is on building community, and to that end I hope to have a lot of different social events to help us come together as a community. Not every event will appeal to everyone, and I know that. So if you don't see something that you think you'd like, please contact me or Andrew Levy and let us know what you'd like to do.

I would like to see us begin a havurah, or a few, depending on the wants and needs of those participating.

A chavurah or havurah (חבורה: "fellowship", plural chavuroth) is a small group of like-minded Jews who assemble for the purposes of facilitating Shabbat and holiday prayer services, sharing communal experiences such as lifecycle events, and Jewish learning. Chavuroth usually provide autonomous alternatives to established Jewish institutions and Jewish denominations.

Most chavurot place an emphasis on egalitarianism in the broad sense (of which gender egalitarianism is one piece), depending on participation by the entire community rather than top-down direction by clergy. However, it can help us fill our calendar for when Rabbi Baroff can't be with us, or to allow us to engage in some self-directed Torah study. There really aren't any rules for havurah and so we can create what we want and need.

We are looking at more tikkun olam as a congregation. Many of us think it's important that we take a more active role on this. There is already one project listed on the blog, (the pencil collection....scroll down to read about it.) But there will be more coming.

As with everything else, there won't be one single thing that satisfies everyone. But I hope we can come up with enough things that each member who wishes to be included can find a place that feels right to them. Of course, if you have ideas, please share them! You have a better chance of getting what you want if your wishes are known. And if you have a complaint, please let me know. I'm usually around and easy to catch up with so call me if you want to talk about something. I want to help, and I am an able listener.

We are tackling the by-laws and working on policies and procedures as well as job descriptions for the various positions on the Board so that when elections roll around again, people will know what each job is and what they do and perhaps we can get more of you involved which will, of course, help to add to that sense of community I'd like to see nurtured. We are also going to do something about our website and stay tuned for a Facebook page and an event to get some of you who don't know how to use Facebook up and running on it, it really is a great way to get "real time" updates on what we are doing as a congregation...even more so than this blog.

Because I'm President now, and also the blog editor...I hope to have more to offer and on a more consistent basis. I am deepening my study of Judaism to include the practices of the Orthodox and Conservatives. I may publish some articles that I find interesting which will likely be more strict than Reform but I offer them as something interesting not as a policy change. I do believe that lifelong study is important and one of the things that helps us connect to each other and G-d.

I look forward to getting to know you all better...and yes, I'm back in Panama City and I'll see you Friday evening at Shabbat Services!

Volunteer of the Year Winner! By Lee Lapensohn

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:51:00 +0000

In the past several years, your Trustees have selected a Volunteer of the Year. The rules that the trustees worked with included the fact that we would not select a member of the Board of Trustees or an elected officer of the congregation. This being said, it also should be noted that in the past several years we have selected adult members of our congregation.

Surprise for this year's Volunteer of the Year. This year we have chosen a young man who has been outstanding as a volunteer for our small congregation. The trustees have selected Jacob Sickerman, the son of Carolyn and Stephen Sickerman.

Jacob is a wonderful young man of whom not only may his parents be proud but also all the members of our congregation. He is a high school senior and for the past three years has has been a teacher in our Sunday school. Just think about that, if you will For those of us who have raised teenage children, we know all too well that it's often not easy to raise them from bed on Sunday mornings. But to expect them to get up and go to a school to teach our youngsters about being Jewish is something extra special. And Jacob has done more than that. Simply by being there he has set a splendid example for the younger children in our congregation. They see him there and in so doing they learn that some day they, too, may stand at the head of that class. They learn from him by example -- a wonderful way to learn about the importance of being Jewish.

Jacob also has given all the children in our congregation -- even those who are not involved with the Sunday school -- anither important example to follow. He has blown the shofar on the High Holy Days and in so dong, he has told all the children in the congregation by example that they, too, may partake in our important services, may partake in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They also may help observe these important holidays.

He has gone a step further, however. I'm sure all of you realize our ancient Rabbis have told us that they most important Jewish holiday is the Sabbath, the time when G-d rested after creating earth and all that dwells therein. Jacob and his father Stephen have led Sabbath services from time to time and in so doing, Jacob once again has volunteered and thereby has again set an example for all of the young people who have watched while he and his dad, a former president of our congregation, have conducted the most important Sabbath service.

So your Trustees award Jacob Sickerman the honor of being identified as Volunteer of the Year, And since Jacob is a counselor at Camp Coleman at this time, we'll as his wonderful parents to notify him of this honor. We'll give him a copy of these remarks along with a certificate of appreciation. And now that he is known as the recipient throughout the land, we also can have his name engraved on the plaque that hangs in our foyer.

It's that Time of Year!

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Parents, please be watching for announcements about Sunday Shul Sign Up which will be coming soon.

Also, for those who have a child who is entering their pre-B'Nai Mitzvah period, there will be an information packet for you to pick up during Sunday Shul sign up that will explain the process and procedures.

Tikkun Olam - Temple Give Away

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:20:00 +0000

During the coming year, Temple B'Nai Israel would like to lend its support to our community by collecting and donating much need items for the less fortunate. We have always been a giving group and we know that you will not disappoint us in this endeavor. Our first collection will be pencils, a much needed school supply for many of our school students. Rosenwald High School with be the recipient of this gift.

"Jews provided major financial support for civil rights causes. Julius Rosenwald, the Chicago businessman who transformed Sears, Roebuck and Co. into a national mail order colossus, was one of them. Inspired by his Rabbi,Rosenwald used his wealth to advance black education in the South, battling reluctant officials defiant education departs, and the KKK to build more than 5,3000 public schools for black children."

Moment Jan/Feb 2009

Our local Rosenwald High School is one of those 5,300 schools. It has been a high school, college, middle school and now a high school once again.

Let's continue Julius' work by making this donation. Bring your pencils to the next Sabbath Service and we will deliver them! If you don't have time to do that then you can offer a donation marked for this worthy cause and and we will buy them for you!

We will be rotating what we are collecting and for whom over the course of time, so if you know of a project that could use this type of support please let us know. As always you can leave a comment on the blog, catch up with us at services, or give a call.

Together we can repair the world...one step at a time.

DEPARTING PRESIDENT’S ARTICLE By Helaine Norman

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Some people set out to be leaders and some have leadership thrust upon them. I claim the latter.

Here I am at the end of the two years as president. I loved it! I am grateful for having this rewarding experience. I have been privileged participating in many volunteer activities in my life but none more rewarding and has led to greater personal growth to me than the honor of serving as president. It is difficult to express in this short column the skills and the knowledge gained.

I appreciate the friendships I’ve developed in my term as president. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my goals for our temple and attainment with your support. One of two important goals was to develop our childrens' quality Jewish education. The second? Rabbi Richard Baroff will serve our temple twice a month. More of Rabbi Baroff to come.

I quote a comment I received “Commitment means not in moderation.” That adage is applicable for any life’s endeavor, especially volunteerism. In the Torah portion before Pesach God gives Moses instructions regarding detailed priestly duties, A rabbi writing on a Reform website called these duties sacred drudgery.

The comment about true commitment and what is sacred drudgery resonated with me throughout my presidency. A temple president’s responsibilities as well as any temple volunteer position can be emotionally uplifting and at the same time challenging. During my term I have maintained that any service is primarily the preservation of our congregation and continuity of world Jewry. The rabbi speaks that “The same principle applies to any mitzvah, ritual, ethical or communal. I find this significant. Willingness to perform a mitzvah creates sacred space to permit God to dwell amongst us.

Whatever our congregants do for our temple is sacred whether uplifting or mundane. Sacred matters are the purview of the ordained. During my term all these sacred matters have been fulfilled by the members of the administration fulfilling our role as a dedicated congregation to the pillars of Judaism, Torah, Prayer and Tecun Olam. I have the highest appreciation of the Board of Trustees, Sunday Shul staff, Committee Chairpersons and volunteers.

I recommend a book, Jews, G-d and History, by Max Dimont. An analysis of why the Jews have survived for four millennia and six civilizations is presented. The book examines one of history’s most persecuted nations. Our survival has always been challenged and we have prevailed because of the support of volunteers throughout our history.

To assure a quorum for our election please mark Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m on your calendar. We will welcome our new leaders and afford them our appreciation as they accept their oaths of office. The Volunteer of the Year will be honored at that time.

My term expiration is just a formality. My presence and service will always be available. I openly welcome and anticipate the opportunity to support the next administration and their ideas for the sustenance of our congregation.

Proposed Slate of Board of Trustees Fiscal Year 09-10

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Dear Temple Member:

The annual Congregation meeting is Wednesday, 17 June at 7 pm. Even though the slate is uncontested, we need a quorum to conduct business. Therefore, we are respectfully requesting that you attend. If you cannot attend, please give your proxy (it was mailed to you) to a temple member who will be attending or send a blank proxy to us to exercise so that we can have enough participation to pass the budget and take any additional action deemed necessary. Thank you very much.

Proposed Slate of Board of Trustees for Fiscal Year 2009-2010:

President: Karen Swanay

Vice President: Darren Haiman

Secretary: Marilyn Fenimore

Treasurer: Nathan Miller

Trustee: Georgie Hartzog

Trustee: Andrew Levy

Trustee: Lee Lapensohn

Trustee: Mike Moyses

Trustee: Cheryl Flax-Hyman

Ex Officio: Helaine Norman

As always, we are grateful for your support.

Shalom and best wishes

REMINDER: Elections

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:00:00 +0000

REMINDER

OPENING OF BOARD NOMINATIONS:

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

Any member of the congregation wishing to run for an available office,
please submit your name and the office for which you wish to run in
writing to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees to be received no
later than May 13, 2009:

Temple B’nai Israel
P.O. Box 16556
Panama City, FL 32405

Or, call Nathan Miller, Nominating Committee Chair, at 832-7704.

Nominations shall be closed following the regularly scheduled May
meeting of the Board of Trustees, to allow for notification to the
congregation, prior to the annual meeting in June, of the nominations
including the recommended slate by the Board of Trustees.

May President's Message

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Mazel Tov Hy Wakstein!

I’m writing this article just before our Passover Seder due to my own
schedule and commitments. To start with, I have just read The News
Herald, April 6, 2009 issue and the front page story which honored
four Bay County men, one of which our temple can claim as not only one
of our founding members but a longstanding member. That person is Hy
Wakstein. If you did not see the article, it states he, among the
other three men, were awarded the French Legion of Honor for acts in
World War II, for having fought on French territory in a campaign(s)
of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Southern France, Northern
France and the Ardennes. Hy fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

In honor of Hy and all of our military personnel, I would like to
encourage us to take the time to honor and thank them. Support them
by sending care packages and letters! Memorial Day is this month on
May 26, 2009.

Our Condolences

Our condolences go out to the family of Roberta King and the
congregation of Temple Concord in Binghamton for their active member
Roberta King, a mother of 10 and a grandmother of 17, with two more
grandchildren on the way. She was a 72 year-old English teacher whose
life was taken by a gunman in a classroom where she taught to
immigrants at Binghamton’s American Civic Association. She was one of
the 13 victims who died at the hands of a gunman.

Annual Meeting in June

Mark your calendars now for June 17, the date of the annual meeting,
approval of the new budget and election. You will be receiving
ballots with the slate when it is approved by the Board in May. We
will need a quorum to approve the budget and elect the new Board of
Trustees. I will give the State of the Temple report, and I promise
you will not want to miss this meeting! There will be a surprise
guest.

Honor Thy Mother

Mother’s Day reminds us of the commandment to honor your mother and
father.” Mother’s Day is May 10th and our Sunday Shul is planning
something special for Mother’s Day. Our ISJL Fellow Megan Roberts,
and the Dothan temple’s ISJL Fellow and the Dothan temple’s rabbi and
entire Sunday school staff and children will get together here in
Panama City.

Special Goodbyes

We sadly say goodbye to both our ISJL Fellow and our Student Rabbi
Anne Strauss too. Let’s not miss seeing Megan during her last visit
(in the schedule shown for May). If any of you want to write a
special goodbye to either of them and say thank you, please send it to
the blog or to the temple and we will forward it on. They have both
served a special purpose for our congregation and we could not have
done without them!

Mazel Tov to Megan Roberts on her engagement and her new job. The
children and the rest of us will miss her being with us the past two
years. We were lucky she was the Fellow that the ISJL hired and
partnered with our congregation.

Anne Strauss has shown us her scholarship and care at times when she
has been here this past year. We wish her well and it is comforting
to know she will be a spiritual presence and counselor to our Navy
personnel. Much luck to this fine young lady.

Thank You to Rabbi Richard Baroff

What a pleasure to have had an ordained rabbi this past month! The
weather was terrible the night of the service he conducted so we had
poor attendance. But, on behalf of our Board of Trustees and those
members who did brave the weather you missed something! Thank you
Rabbi Baroff for your spiritual presence on Friday night and the class
on Saturday.

2009 Seder Pictures

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Lee Lapensohn, Ritual Committee Chair, Student Rabbi Anne Strauss, Nathan Miller, Past President and Current Treasurer (after the seder)

Guests Joey, Beth and Paul Benamy at their seder table

Steven Momberger, always the helper after the seder, returning Haguddahs to the bookcase

Mom Linda and Daughter Hannah Joseph pretty as the picture!

Col. Ed Nagler, Sunday Shul Teacher posing with Ben and Anna

Lois Oswald, Marilyn Fenimore & Yvonne Gordon enjoying the evening together!

Dianna, Anne & Lori in conversation after the seder

The Wakstein Men at the Seder. Special Mention of Hy's Honor for being awarded the French Foreign Legion! Joe Guylay and Allen Bassin in the rear.

Ron and Sarah Feldstein, Melvin Eichholz and Michael Bamberg kibbitzing after the seder

Georgie Hartzog watching Sarah Brandt Haiman with the Student Rabbi. Marilyn Nations (Sarah Brandt's grandmother) with friend Mary Sitman enbracing, John and Aviva Mallary at their table in the rear.

2009 Seder Preparation

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Marilyn Fenimore (holding the shank bones she cooked), Aviva Mallary, Liz Berman (holding the bowls of charosets Marge Euzent prepared), Lois Oswald

As always, these ladies worked tirelessly to pull off the Seder. The whole congregation owes them a thanks for all they do. We'd be in a sorry state without them.

Interfaith Dialogue by M. Fenimore

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:25:00 +0000

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

An Interfaith Dialogue with Muslims, Jews and Christians was held on March 17th and 24^th at the Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Dothan, Alabama. The event was sponsored by Evergreen Presbyterian’s Minister Joe Johnson, Temple Emanuel’s Rabbi Lynn Goldberg and the Muslim Community of the Wiregrass’s Imam Raymond Rasheed.

From Temple B’nai Israel located in Panama City, Florida, Helaine Norman, President, and Marilyn Fenimore, Interfaith Chairperson, were there to further the understanding of commonality between the faiths, especially to share the Jewish philosophy of Tikkun Olam (community service/leaving the world a better place) and the SH’MA and its Blessings (Jewish faith prayer).

Even though the Muslim faith is suggested to be more complex than the Christian and Jewish faiths, we all have one G-d, Creator of the Universe to be the same. Allah (Arabic), Adonai (Hebrew) and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Trinity (English) are the names spoken by the different faiths referring to the Creator of the Universe/G-d. We broke into groups (with each faith represented) to discuss our commonalities, which are derived from the most important tenants of the three faiths. The tenants from all religions are the following: love G-d, love one another, do no harm, leave the world a better place by giving to and helping others.

As we discussed the radical problems, Imam Raymond Rasheed, explained that Radical Islam is “a human problem, not a religious problem”. The conditions of “no place to live and nothing to eat” give to poverty and illiteracy, which gives to drug wars, uprisings and radical movements; and with given conditions, persons of any faith could become radical.

In summation, Muslims, Jews and Christians wish to be good citizens and neighbors by practicing their commitment to tolerance, charity, work, cooperation and interfaith activities for community betterment. Sharing faith is not about who we are, but who we are to other people. Understanding our humanity and our connection to others in our community is vital for peace. Peace begins with each of us!

IMPORTANT!!!

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:39:00 +0000

OPENING OF BOARD NOMINATIONS:

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

Any member of the congregation wishing to run for an available office, please submit your name and the office for which you wish to run in writing to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees to be received no later than May 13, 2009:

Temple B’nai Israel

P.O. Box 16556

Panama City, FL 32405

Or, call Nathan Miller, Nominating Committee Chair, at 832-7704.

Nominations shall be closed following the regularly scheduled May meeting of the Board of Trustees, to allow for notification to the congregation, prior to the annual meeting in June, of the nominations including the recommended slate by the Board of Trustees.

WELCOME TO THE TRIBE!!

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:57:00 +0000

We welcome Elizabeth (left in photo) and Jacqueline (right) Sternlicht to the Tribe and to our congregation. Mom and babies are doing well, and are home now.

Mazel Tov!

Dr Elovitz comes to the Panhandle

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Emerald Coast Hadassah and Temple Beth Shalom will present an Educational program open to the public.

Date: Saturday evening, March 28th, 2009 @ 7:30 pm

Place: Temple Beth Shalom

227 Beal Parkway, FWB

Guest Speaker: Dr. Mark Elovitz - frequent lecturer, author,

law professor, pulpit Rabbi, USAF Chaplain, Public

Policy Consultant in Washington, Director of Centre

for Geopolitics, frequently visited 13 Moslem nations

Topic for discussion:"Iran, Israel and The Nuclear Conundrum"

Free admission, Please bring canned foods for Sharing & Caring of

FWB and Niceville.

For information: call 850/897-0522

BEGINNERS HEBREW CLASS CONTINUES

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:27:00 +0000

BEGINNERS HEBREW CLASS CONTINUES

Beginning 3 p.m., Saturday, February 28

We will re-establish our Beginners Hebrew Class. It will be a self-study class but the student rabbi and the ISJL Fellow will help when in town. The book we will be using is Learn Hebrew Today, alef-Bet for Adults by Paul Michael Yedwab with Howard I. Bogot. It is the first in a series. It is designed for adults who want to use Hebrew when celebrating Judaism at home and in temple. We will first learn to pronouce the letters and vowels in basic blessings. We will strive to read over thirty essential blessings and prayers, including the Barechu and the Shema, the Ve'ahavta, Mi Chamocha, the Torah blessings and the Kiddush for erev Shabbat.

Please let me know if you are interested in the class because I will be there no matter how small the class is, but would not want to show up with no one else there this weekend.

Helaine at 277-2606

Sh'ma Isreal

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Come to the Temple this weekend!!

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:58:00 +0000

How about coming to shul for this weekend’s activities? Spend time with the student rabbi. Meet new members and schmooze with your other friends. Bring a friend!

Friday 7:30pm Shabbat service followed by the oneg

SATURDAY

5:00 PM STUDY SESSION,

6 PM HAVDALLAH SERVICE

6:15 PM WINE & CHEESE ONEG

(something for the kids too)

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:29:00 +0000

It's time to reserve your space at the Passover Seder!

This year we will be holding it on the second night and the student Rabbi will be there. Please return your form with payment by 31 March to:

Lois Oswald
1615 Santa Anita Dr.
Lynn Haven, Fl 32444

Members: Adults $25.00 Children under Bar/Bat Mitzvah $12.50
Non-Members: Adults $30.00 Children under Bar/Bat Mitzvah $15.00
Active Duty Military: Free

DATE: Thursday, April 9th 2009 (Second night)
TIME: 6:00 pm
PLACE: Temple B'Nai Israel
RSVP DEADLINE 31 MARCH 2009 PAYMENT AND FORM ARE DUE!!!

(Please check back for a link to a printable form.)

Passover Seder Information!

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:02:00 +0000

It's time to reserve your place for the Temple's Passover Seder. Please take a moment to look at this information and For more information contact: Lois Oswald at 265-1935.

Members: Adults $25.00 Children under Bar/Bat Mitzvah $12.50
Non-Members: Adults $30 Children under Bar/Bat Mitzvah $15.00
DATE: Thursday April 9th 2009 (Second Night) With the Student Rabbi
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: Temple B'Nai Israel, 1910 Frankford Ave, Panama City
SEATING is LIMITED TO 110
RSVP by 31 March 09 PAYMENT AND FORM ARE DUE ON THIS DAY!

Printed Name:______________________________ Phone: _______________________

Signature: _______________________________________

Address: ____________________________ Email Address: ___________________

____________________________

______ # of Adults @ $25 ______ # of Children @ $12.50

______ # of Adults @ $30 ______ # of Children @ $15.00 ______ TOTAL

Check form of payment: ___Cash ___Check

___ Master Card ___ Visa

Credit Card #: _____________________________ Exp. Date: ________________

Any extra donation: _________

Copy this and mail with payment by 31 March to

Your feedback needed

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:12:00 +0000

Need to Know if You Have an Interest in a Saturday afternoon Jewish Learning Session followed by a short Havdalah service with the Student Rabbi Anne Strauss or ISJL Fellow Megan Roberts. Please call Helaine at 277-2606 to discuss.

Dr. Elovitz comes to Panama City Beach

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Emerald Coast Chapter of Hadassah and Temple Beth Shalom will present an educational program on Saturday evening, March 28, 2009 @ 7:30 pm at Temple Beth Shalom, 227 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. Guest speaker will be Dr. Mark Elovitz, frequent lecturer and prolific author. He holds a Phi Beta Kappa key, is a professor of law, pulpit Rabbi, U.S. Air Force Chaplain, public policy consultant in Washington. He has also written several books and has published articles on topics ranging from legal liability, religion, biomedical ethics to public policy, foreign affairs and geopolitics. Dr. Elovitz' dynamic lectures are laced with a unique depth and special insight, which reflect his colorful careers and extensive travels. He has frequently visited 13 Moslem nations. Currently he is Director of the Centre For Strategic Geopolitcs.

Dr. Elovitz topic for discussion will be, "Iran, Israel and The Nuclear Conundrum". Following a question and answer period, refreshments will be provided. There is no charge for admission. It is requested you bring cans or boxes of food for the Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach.

For information, call 850/897-0522 (Marty & Betty Siegel)

February President's Message by Helaine Norman

luvbullbreeds@gmail.com (Karen) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:07:00 +0000

A workshop was held at our temple on Sunday, January 18. Completely free of charge, the Union for Reform Judaism assisted by working with our Board and several other attendees and sending a facilitator from New York. Some of the objectives were overcoming burnout of those who have for many years worked tirelessly for this temple, creating new and energizing both old and new leadership, fortifying our foundation, providing perspective and incentive and setting and prioritizing goals for the future. It is exciting to see the new and younger members who have a vested interest in becoming active members, especially those with children. With their interest in mind, the fact that we are a small Jewish community and the need for the continuity of Judaism here make it essential that new generations be active! Thank you to Marilyn Fenimore for taking excellent notes at the meeting.

Marilyn Fenimore and Georgie Hartzog have been gracious enough to take on the responsibilities of onegs. This is very appreciated by me since I've been doing it now for a year and a half. They cannot do it alone, however, so please look forward to them contacting you for your help when needed.

Our membership has dwindled some this year. Some of this is due to attrition (death, relocation, economy, etc.) Some of you have perhaps just not gotten around to sending in your applications and dues. Always know that no one is ever turned down due to financial reasons. We cannot count you as a member without your completion of an application. Do not be too proud to discuss this with Nathan Miller, Treasurer, or I and rest assured that information is confidential. Some of you have not been with us since the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1). Your membership will be prorated.

With current economic conditions I see our temple as a source of sanctuary for us. It is even more of a reason to observe Shabbat and other traditions! Even without a rabbi emotional needs can be met when we gather and pray together and get together as a family at onegs and other occasions.

Mark your calendars and be looking for information about a new members dinner, the Purim carnival and our congregational Passover seder.

Some of you have called me to ask when services will be held. Your calls are welcome any time. I always welcome and enjoy the chance to talk with you. But, let me remind you that the calendar is always located on the right side of this blog just below the article by our Caring Committee Chair, Georgie Hartzog. Just scroll down to it. You will also find all current Joys and Remembrances and archives of blog information for past months. How cool is that!