Bath Jewish History

March/April 2021
Adar / Nisan / Iyyar 5781

Rabbi’s Message

Dear Beth Israel members and friends,

Last year CDC officials recognized COVID-19’s presence in Maine just days after we had celebrated Purim with a festive gathering at Bowdoin. Dozens of us had crowded into 30 College street on Bowdoin’s campus to make and then eat Hamantaschen and build community while eating Israeli food. It was chaotic, joyful and just right for Purim.  

In fact, March 15 marks the one year anniversary of our congregation’s decision to move all services, programs and classes to an online format out of an abundance of caution in the face of the then growing Covid-19 pandemic. And as of the writing of this newsletter, a few days ago marked the milestone of over 500,000 lives lost to Covid-19 in the United States alone. This almost unfathomable loss of life alongside the stresses to our economy, mental health, educational systems and sense of community are devastating. 

Despite this very challenging year, as I look back on this year, I am grateful for the courage and wisdom of our congregational leadership who took the responsible step to help us do what we could as a community to limit the spread of this deadly virus. I look back fondly at that sweet Purim celebration and I look forward with hope when we can gather again safely. I am truly awed by your willingness to build Jewish community in new ways over this past year. Your acts of gemillut chasadim (loving kindness) give me hope.

 The spring Jewish holidays, Purim, Passover, Yom HaShoah, Yom Haatzmaut and Shavuot, have a “high holiday” feel of their own. As opposed to the fall where we focus on our inner lives and actions, these days in the spring focus us on the possibility of freedom, rebirth, progress, and hope. As we enter this time together may we do it with continued connection through song, prayer, Jewish ritual and learning. Please continue to reach out to offer support to one another. Please reach out if you or someone in your family/friend network is in need of support. You can reach me at rabbivinikoor@gmail.com. 

B’vracha (with blessing),

Rabbi Vinikoor

President’s Message

by Peggy Brown

Hard to believe that members of Beth Israel Congregation are already discussing the availability of Passover matzo at the local supermarkets while the ground is frozen and the snow is coming down. But Passover is now within sight on the calendar and we are facing the distinct likelihood of a second annual virtual seder. Some of us have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, while many others of us wonder if there will be enough left when it gets to be our turn. Parents are hoping their children aren’t falling behind or suffering from the restrictions of the pandemic, while our children are longing for their regular activities and being with friends. We’re all doing the best we can. 

And Beth Israel Congregation continues to do amazing things in this new normal. We haven’t met in person in a year, but programming continues to be inventive and interesting. Together we are reading and talking about films, books and issues of concern, celebrating holidays, mourning our lost loved ones and teaching our children. We’re helping families with new babies and families dealing with illness. Our members and others are stepping up to help us ensure our future with generous donations. We have many volunteers who do everything from publishing this newsletter to making sure our bills get paid.  

I am so grateful to all of the individuals who have brought their energy and talent, ideas, knowledge and participation to keeping Beth Israel a thriving community throughout this difficult year. We are looking ahead to warmer days when we can meet together, in person, outside to safely spend some time. Until then, stay safe and see you online!

Panic-free Pandemic Passover Preparation 

by Debbie Smyth

It’s not too early to think about Passover planning. These are unusual times, and unusual times offer us an opportunity to innovate. This will be another year without gathering for our traditional congregational Passover Seder and community potluck. In addition, getting together with family and friends for a Seder and the traditional Passover feast where everyone chips in may also be difficult this year. Don’t panic … you don’t have to do all that cooking by yourself. No need to go it alone.  

Why not consider a group approach to Passover prep this year? A group of members can share the planning, preparation, and packaging of Passover dinner items so no one has to do it all. And what a great way to meet others in the congregation and to be together while we’re apart. 

Interested in exploring how a "Grab and Go" Passover might work? We can help you find a group, suggest how to plan and make Passover prep easier than ever. 

Storytelling Project

by Marilyn Weinberg

We have had great participation in our online storytelling workshops during the fall and winter months. It has been a wonderful way to connect with each other as we are home “staying safe.”

We are now at the point of enlisting your help in broadening our outreach. Are you interested in sharing your story? You do not need to have attended a workshop to participate. Several members have already agreed to share their stories. I think you will want to read or watch all of them on the website to get an idea of how different and fascinating they are. All formats are welcome. It can be a written article (maybe with photos) or a video, whichever you are most comfortable.

Our web page is up and running:
bethisraelbath.org/our-stories

To help you prepare consider some of these ideas:

• What events sparked your awareness of being Jewish?

• Do you have Jewish rituals, ritual items or a family photo that you find most meaningful and spark memories?

• Was there a time when you ever felt fearful or proud of letting people know you are Jewish?

If you’d like to contribute a story, please complete the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1O5QgwkByqfYRiVbvBV577D_vC8-X2ByoAGE4l6wctAI/edit

For questions or comments contact Marilyn Weinberg

Passover Game and Trivia Night 

by Marilyn Weinberg

Led by Peggy Brown and Marilyn Weinberg
March 23
7:00 pm 

Although Passover is not necessarily a gleeful holiday, we thought we all need some laughter and fun to add to our Passover preparations.  

We will have a Kahoots quiz and a few other games and even a “find the matzah challenge.” This is for all ages. Prizes will be awarded so don’t miss it.

Community Passover Seder

by Marilyn Weinberg

Sunday, March 28
5:00 pm
Virtual Seder led by Rabbi Vinikoor 

We were hoping that by this time we would be able to meet  in person for our Community Seder. Yet we have learned that virtual experiences can still be meaningful as long as we are together.

Gather together your seder plate, candles and other seder essentials and zoom in to our second online Passover Seder.

By starting early, you will have enough time to follow our community seder with your holiday meal. We look forward to celebrating this holiday with you.

Shabbat Evening Service and 6th Grade Graduation

by Camille Kauffunger

Led by Beth Israel Hebrew School and Rabbi Vinikoor
Friday, April 9
5:00 pm

Join together as we welcome Shabbat, thank our teachers and celebrate our dedicated and resilient Hebrew School Class of 2021. With the support of Rabbi Vinikoor and their classmates, our 6th grade graduates will lead us in an online Shabbat service, including reflections on the evening prayers and their Jewish education. 

Join us in saying Mazel Tov!

Yom HaShoah Service (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

by Marilyn Weinberg

Thursday, April 8
7:00 pm
Led by Rabbi Vinikoor

Yom HaShoah commemorates the lives and heroism of Jewish people who died in the Holocaust between 1933 and 1945. On Thursday, April 8, we will gather together virtually for a special service led by Rabbi Vinikoor. Join us for this service, candle lighting and special prayers. No RSVP required.

Beth Israel Congregational Read

by Debbie Smyth

Please mark your calendars! On Tuesday, April 20, at 7:00 pm, we will discuss Caste by American journalist, Isabel Wilkerson. 

We all know that racism has plagued this country for hundreds of years and continues to betray our founding principle that all of our citizens "are created equal." In Caste, Wilkerson sees the experience of American racism, not as a distinctly American phenomenon but as part of a caste system, akin to those in India and Nazi Germany. Time Magazine calls the book a "transformative new framework through which to understand identity and injustice in America."  Wilkerson identifies eight "pillars of caste" or common features of caste systems. Her analysis describes a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by notions of hierarchy, inclusion and exclusion, and purity.  

You might be asking, “Why this book?” The timing of our discussion will coincide with Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Israel Independence Day. Caste reminds us how the pillars of caste were used to ostracize, oppress, and finally murder 6 million Jews in the Holocaust and how modern-day Israel must work to avoid the pitfalls of caste, oppression, and injustice as it navigates its own cultural divide.  

Please join us for what promises to be an interesting and important discussion. You can find Caste in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats.

Hebrew School Virtual Book Club

by Anita Lichman

This winter the Hebrew School experimented with its first virtual book club. The group read book The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson about an unlikely friendship that developed between Jackie Robinson and Steve Satlow in 1940s New York. There were about ten group members representing grades 4-6. We met three times and covered approximately ⅓ of the book in each meeting.  

Doing a virtual book club with many students new to book clubs was challenging! Students discussed themes of peace and justice, discrimination, friendship, building connections across cultures and history. We also wore our favorite baseball hats, voted for our favorite baseball foods, and shares fun baseball trivia to add some casual fun to the more serious content discussions. 

We are considering doing another round of book club in the Spring. Watch for announcements!

Hebrew School Shabbat Service

by Carolyn Friedel

My children Ian, 10 and Elise, 8 are in their second year of Hebrew School with Beth Israel. We have all really enjoyed getting to know the teachers and the families in our new community. My husband Greg and I moved to Maine over 10 years ago. My husband grew up in a Jewish family in New Jersey and I grew up in a Catholic family in southern Wisconsin. Faith has always been very important to us. We have been looking for a strong faith community since we came to Maine.

I know all of the children put a lot of work into learning their prayers for the family service. I am so amazed by the student's confidence and poise while they share their prayers with the community. They all did a beautiful job.

I think we all feel a deep sense of isolation during this time. However, during the service I felt such a warmth in the communities faces in front of me. Lots of families squeezed on cozy couches embracing one another. These trying times will strengthen our relationships and we will come out stronger and with so much more gratitude. Our family feels so blessed to be part of such a welcoming and warm community.

Standing Together Against Antisemitism and White Supremacy

by Joanne Rosenthal

In recent discussions about combating antisemitism and white supremacy it's easy to feel the need to decide which of the hatreds to put one's energies towards eradicating. For a congregation affiliated with the Reform movement there are excellent resources for taking action on both fronts.

The Union of Reform Judaism, (URJ) and other national Jewish organizations recently sent the new administration and Congress recommendations to combat antisemitism. Some of the priorities include improved reporting of hate crimes, enhancing Jewish community security, and ending the promotion of antisemitism on social media platforms. The Religious Action Center at the URJ helps mobilize congregations to partner with representatives from diverse communities to fight the structural racism that is embedded in our institutions, including Jewish ones. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), committed to stopping “the defamation of the Jewish people and securing justice and fair treatment to all” is running a series of webinars, Fighting Hate from Home. They make the strong case for carrying on the historic Jewish commitment to racial justice, and encourage forming Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and Jewish coalitions to fight antisemitism, racism and extremism.

In the aftermath of the George Floyd killing and more recently the insurgency at the capital where Jews and Blacks were vilified by white supremacists, the way forward will be different than during the civil rights movement of the 50's and 60's. The Jewish community is multiracial and multicultural and to the extent that Jewish and Black fates are bound together, we can start conversations about racial and religious equity in our virtual chat rooms while we prepare for the post pandemic world.

In my opinion it would be a missed opportunity to turn away from deep listening and learning and Tikkun Olam at a time of so much hate and divisiveness. Rabbi Hillel's words, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" point me toward the power of working in solidarity to build a just, equitable and inclusive society. Watch for more information about upcoming programs addressing these topics.

Community Purim Celebration

by Marilyn Weinberg

Oh what a night! We started out with a fun Kahoots quiiz with prizes for our quickest and sharpest contestants. Then we focused in on the main attraction, our Purim Pandemic Choose Your Own Adventure spiel with Beth Israel’s finest actors. Special thanks to Rabbi Vinikoor, our director, Peggy Brown (Narrator), Katherine Bouttenot (King Achashverosh), Michelle Lisi (Vashti and Hatach), Laura McCandlish (Esther), Marilyn Weinberg (Mordechai) and of course Robert Gersh (the evil Haman) who led us in a rousing rendition of the Haman song. Who knew a virtual Purim celebration could be so much fun.

REMEMBRANCES FOR March–April 2021

May their memories be for a blessing.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Listing the birthdays and anniversaries of those in our immediate family creates a wonderful opportunity for our community/shul family to have an excuse to celebrate with each other.