Bath Jewish History

September/October 2016
Av /Elul 5776 • Tishri 5777

President's Message

by Marilyn Weinberg

It's hard to believe that summer is already nearing its end and our High Holiday time is drawing near. We always joke that the holidays are early or late, but this year they really are later than usual. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur provide us with time for personal reflection and an opportunity to renew our commitment for positive change. During this past year we had several opportunities to gather as a congregation and make decisions together. We have made so much progress.

It's hard to believe that summer is already nearing its end and our High Holiday time is drawing near. We always joke that the holidays are early or late, but this year they really are later than usual. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur provide us with time for personal reflection and an opportunity to renew our commitment for positive change. During this past year we had several opportunities to gather as a congregation and make decisions together. We have made so much progress.

I am excited about our future. The Rabbi Search committee has worked hard over the summer to finalize the application we will be submitting early this fall to the Reform Rabbi placement bureau. So many of you have come forward to lead or attend services during the year and we will continue that through out this next year. Our school is doing well under the guidance of Abigail Halpern while Rachel Connelly has engaged a number of younger families in a thriving Tot Shabbat program. And our building committee has been busy with so many projects. Although our membership is not large, there is the benefit in a small shul in that each person plays a very important role. A huge thank you goes out to all of you.

The next few months (especially October) are filled with special services and programs. We will be receiving our "Reform Charter" and welcoming back Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss to lead us during the holidays.

Each of us has different interests; different touch-points for connection to synagogue life. We have different levels of commitment to our practice of Judaism and different ways in which we want to make this world a better place. Beth Israel is here for all of you. We welcome all who enter.

I look forward to seeing all of you during this upcoming holiday season.

L'Shanah Tovah

Upcoming Services and Programs at Beth Israel

by Marilyn Weinberg

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 3 at 10:00 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Ladies' Dine Around
J.R. Maxwell's

Saturday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Saturday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Tot Shabbat
led by Rachel Connelly
Minnie Brown

Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m.
AED training
Minnie Brown

Friday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat Evening Service
led by Rachel Connelly

Saturday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Sunday, September 18 at 9:00 a.m.
Community Clean-Up Day
Meet at Minnie Brown

Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Friday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Special Shabbat Service
led by Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss
Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Rabbi Erica Asch
Dr. Jeremy Wolfe

OCTOBER
(see next page for High Holiday services)

Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Tot Shabbat
led by Rachel Connelly
Minnie Brown

Saturday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
led by Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss
Synagogue

Sunday October 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Midcoast Music Jam (High Holiday edition)
led by Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss
Minnie Brown

High Holiday Schedule 2016/5777

October 2
7:00 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Followed by Apples & Honey

October 3
9:00 a.m. - First Day of Rosh Hashanah
1:00 p.m. - Community Potluck Luncheon
2:00 p.m. - Tashlich at the Waterfront
4:00 p.m. - Family Service

October 4
9:00 a.m. - Second Day of Rosh Hashanah

October 8
10:00 a.m. - Shabbat Shuvah Torah Study

October 11
6:30 p.m. - Erev Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service

October 12
9:00 a.m. - Youth Service
11:00 p.m. - Community Potluck Luncheon
12:30 p.m. - Yizkor Service
1:00 p.m. - Afternoon Break
4:00 p.m. - Torah Study
5:00 p.m. - Mincha and Neila Services
6:43 p.m. - Shofar Blowing - Followed by Potluck Break-Fast

October 16
12:00-2:00 p.m. - Community Sukkot Celebration

Simchat Torah
October 23
5:30 p.m. - Community Potluck Dinner
6:30 p.m. - Simchat Torah Service

Shabbat Torah Study

by Marilyn Weinberg

Every Saturday through September
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Synagogue

Throughout the summer Rabbi Maslin has been leading a wonderful Shabbat morning service and Torah study session every Saturday morning at the synagogue. Being new to this group I found myself looking forward to the intriguing and varied discussions each week. I have learned so much.

I am pleased that Rabbi Maslin has agreed to continue these Shabbat prayers and discussions every Saturday morning during September. If you haven't had an opportunity to come, please consider joining us. Please note that there is an opportunity to say Kaddish during our prayer service. We give special thanks to Rabbi Maslin and all the people who have attended these services this summer.

Looking Forward to Another Year of Tot Shabbat

by Rachel Connelly

We are back for year two. After a successful trial period last year, we are offering a once-a-month Tot Shabbat program. No sign up needed. No commitment needed. Come once in a while or come every month. The program is designed for children 2 to 4, siblings welcome. We sing a little, read a picture book or two, make a craft, play some games and share a snack together. Program dates for the year are below. Mostly they are the first Saturday of the month from10:00-10:45 a.m. at Minnie Brown.

• September 10
• October 1
• November 5
• December 3
• December 17 (extra Hanukkah program)
• January 7
• February 4
• March 4
• April 1
• May 6
• June 3

Call or email Rachel Connelly with questions.

Ladies' Dine Around

by Crissy Swartz

Join us for a night out with a delicious dinner and good company!

Date: Wednesday, September 7
Place: J.R. Maxwell's - 122 Front Street, Bath - (207) 443-2014
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to Teresa Gandler

Second Annual Beth Israel Community Cleanup Day

by Todd Gandler

Sunday, September 18
9:00-1:00 p.m.

Last fall we hosted a cleanup day, headed by Marty Fox. The cleanup day was a resounding success, prompting discussion of making it an annual event. So, on Sunday, September 18, we will be having our second annual Beth Israel Community Cleanup Day!

In an effort to carry on the momentum of the strategic plan and prepare for the High Holidays we'd like to: "spruce-up" our facilities; foster an even greater sense of community; and expand the day to include not only cleaning/cleanup activities, but some minor repair, maintenance and painting as well. Don't worry! All we ask is a few hours volunteering at whatever capacity you are comfortable with. Just come and be a part of it. In return, the Chai Committee will provide a picnic lunch for all, a volunteer/s will organize sports, games, crafts, etc., for the kids, and everyone of every age can enjoy a fun-filled productive day to celebrate the loving, supportive community that is the Beth Israel Congregation.

Due to the difficulty in organizing and coordinating the day, we will not have a "rain-date." In the event of inclement weather, we will do as much as possible inside the buildings and rely on the Building Committee and volunteers to complete exterior work at a later date if possible.

Please, mark your calendars! The more members and families that show up, the better the day will be for all! We look forward to seeing you there.

Special Celebration Service

by Marilyn Weinberg

Friday September 30
7:00 p.m.
Synagogue

We will be having a very special Shabbat service to celebrate our decision to join the Reform movement. On Friday, September 30, Dr Jeremy Wolfe will be presenting us with our official framed Charter that indicates that Beth Israel is now a member of the URJ. Rabbi Erica Asch and Rabbi Simeon Maslin will also attend and be part of this celebration. To make it even better, Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss will be leading the service and adding their lovely music to this festive occasion.

This is an important milestone in the future of our congregation, and it should be fun as well. Don't miss it.

High Holiday Services

by Marilyn Weinberg

We are so excited to have Cantor Jeff Warschauer and his wife Deborah Strauss return to Beth Israel to lead our high holiday services. In addition to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services they will help lead our special service on September 30 when we receive our Reform charter. They will also lead a Torah study group on Saturday, October 8 for Shabbat Shuva and lead us in song for our third mid coast music jam on Sunday, October 9. We have lots to look forward to.

Cantor Jeff Warschauer is internationally renowned as a guitarist, mandolinist, Yiddish singer and educator. He is a member of the Strauss/Warschauer Duo, and was a long-time member of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Jeff is a Founding Artistic Director of KlezKanada and is on the faculty of Columbia University.

Deborah Strauss is an internationally acclaimed klezmer violinist, educator and Yiddish dance leader who has been active in klezmer and Yiddish music and in multi-generational Jewish education for more than 25 years. She is a member of the Strauss/Warschauer Duo and was a long-time member of the Klezmer Conservatory Band, one of the premiere groups of the klezmer revival. She has appeared on numerous recordings, was featured in the Emmy Award-winning film, Itzhak Perlman: In the Fiddler's House, and appears in the new film, Theodore Bikel: In the Shoes of Sholom Aleichem.

Deborah and Jeff are thrilled to be back this year as the High Holiday spiritual leaders at Beth Israel Congregation in Bath, Maine.

Family and Children's Services for the Holidays

Led by Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss

Monday, October 3
4:00 p.m.
Minnie Brown Center

Wednesday, October 12
11:00 a.m.
Minnie Brown Center

Join us Rosh Hashanah afternoon at the Minnie Brown Center for a special event for children, families and anyone who would like to welcome in the New Year, 5776, with songs, stories, games, movement and creative prayer.

This will not be a typical Rosh Hashanah service! It's a hands-on, no-experience-needed gathering where we will celebrate a wide variety of Rosh Hashanah customs in an interactive and alternative way.

Come sing, dance, play a musical instrument, eat Rosh Hashanah treats and celebrate a sweet New Year with friends, old and new.

On Yom Kippur, Deborah Strauss will also lead a children's service at 11:00 a.m. at the Minnie Brown Center.

Rosh Hashanah Community Luncheon

by Marilyn Weinberg

Monday, October 3
1:00 p.m.
Minnie Brown Center

Rosh Hashanah is the time when we all come together as a community. Our High Holiday potluck community luncheons have been a great opportunity to renew acquaintances.

We will begin our Rosh Hashanah luncheon at the Minnie Brown Center immediately following morning services on Monday, October 3, at approximately 1:00 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with each other and share some delicious food, for which our members are known. We will then go together for a Tashlicht service at the waterfront in Bath at approximately 2:00 p.m. You can drop off a "non-meat" dish at the Minnie Brown Center before you come to services.

Yom Kippur Break Fast

by Marilyn Weinberg

Wednesday, October 12
6:45 p.m.
Synagogue

As usual our annual potluck break fast will begin right after we blow the shofar, signaling the end of Yom Kippur. There is something very special about being together to break the fast. The break fast will be held at the Synagogue. You can drop off food any time at the Synagogue on October 11 or 12.

Mid Coast Music Jam

with Cantor Jeff Warschauer and Deborah Strauss

Calling all singers, instrumentalists and people who love to dance! No previous experience is necessary.

Come to the Sunday Jewish Music Jam and Dance Party (High Holidays Edition)

Who:
You! We invite absolutely everyone to participate, regardless of vocal or instrumental ability, previous experience or knowledge. Ages 0 to 120 are welcome. If you are someone who is shy about singing or playing, come anyway. We' will make it work, and you will have a great time! Instrumentalists, please bring your instrument and a music stand.

What:
Great music, fun, and spiritual fulfillment

Where:
Minnie Brown Center

When:
Sunday, October 9
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Community Sukkot Celebration

by Marilyn Weinberg

Sunday, October 16
12:00-2:00 p.m.

On Sunday, October 16, from 12:00-2:00 p.m., we will celebrate Sukkot with our annual Community Potluck Progressive Sukkot celebration. We will share food and bless three different sukkahs. We will be sending out a separate flyer soon with all the details. We have a great day planned, so mark your calendars now.

Simchat Torah Celebration

by Marilyn Weinberg

Sunday, October 23
5:30 p.m. Pot Luck Community Dinner
6:30 p.m. Service
Synagogue

We will be celebrating Simchat Torah this year on Sunday, October 23. We will have a potluck dinner starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by our Simchat Torah service at 6:30 p.m. We are so fortunate this year to have Rabbi Simeon Maslin lead us in this special celebration.

This holiday is a celebration of the Torah and you will have a chance to march with the Torah as we make our way around the sanctuary seven times. There will be singing and dancing as we proceed. It is not only a great time for adults, but also a great time for children to come, as they will receive an honorary aliyah as the Torah is read.

Beth Israel Religious School

by Abby Halpern

Dear Families,

Your teachers and I are excited to welcome you and your children back for another great school year! We have a jam-packed school year in the works. In addition to plenty of Hebrew, Bible, singing, and fun holiday activities, we'll also be studying the American Jewish experience from colonial times to the present and taking a closer look at Israel's culture and what makes the Jewish state special for us.

Thanks to Morah Alina's resourcefulness and Teresa's hard work, the kids will have some Beth Israel "swag"--backpacks that say Beth Israel Congregation Religious School that they can use to bring home their school folders when they need to.

Please join us on Thursday, September 8 for our opening day family program: Beth Israel Religious School's Amazing Race around the Jewish year! In teams, we'll "race" from station to station, and each station will have a holiday-related challenge to complete. (Parents, you can choose to participate, cheer on your kids, or be one of our crossing guards for safety.)

For the high holidays, we are excited to welcome back Cantor Jeff Warshauer and his wife Deborah, who will lead our family services on the first day of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Please note that the school's sukkah-decorating party will be on the day after Yom Kippur this year. The gourds that the children planted last year are growing nicely and will look beautiful in our sukkah.

Morah Alina, Morah Susan, and I wish you a Shana Tova U'metuka—a good and sweet new year!

Summer 2016 Shabbat Under The Stars

by Lenore Friedland

The Chai Committee and our whole congregation extends a very special thank you to Crissy and Marc Swartz, Todd and Teresa Gandler and Rosalind Gorin and Matthew Budd for participating in our Shabbat Under the Stars program.

On June 24th about 30 members and friends gathered at the Swartz's lovely home in Wiscasset for a potluck dinner followed by a lovely service on their deck overlooking the water. It was a perfect, picturesque setting for ushering in Shabbat. Thanks to Marilyn Weinberg and Robert Lenox for leading the service and for Robert's interpretation of the Torah portion.

On July 22nd, about 25 members and friends met at the Maine Maritime Museum and sat on benches lining the Kennebeck River while the Gandler family led the service. Hearing Todd and Alva sharing the Hebrew prayers in that lovely setting brought a smile to all of us. It reinforced what we as Jews are all about-passing tradition on to our children. Teresa, thank you for providing that lovely space and a beautiful oneg Shabbat.

And on August 19th, Rosalind Gorin and Matthew Budd invited the congregation to a delicious Shabbat dinner at their lovely home in Georgetown, the historic F. Holland Day House, which was used as a retreat for women fighting cancer. Thank you to Matthew Budd for filling us with the spiritualism of both the retreat and the candle lighting ceremony before our service led by Marilyn Weinberg.

We are planning to continue doing this next year, so if you would like to host a Shabbat Under the Stars, please let Lenore Friedland know

Automatic External Defibrillator Training

by Stan Lane

Tuesday, September 13
7:00 p.m.
Minnie Brown Center

As most members know, Beth Israel Congregation received an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). We were fortunate enough to receive this important life-saving unit through a State and Federal grant. To insure that as many members as possible know how to use the AED, the Bath Fire Department will be holding a training session on September 13, 7:00 p.m. at Minnie Brown Center. This will include the newest method of CPR (Hands only) as well as AED training. The training will be under Captain Chris Cummings, a paramedic and his crew from the Bath Fire Department. We encourage as many members to attend along with their teenage children. This is an important life-saving course.

We would like to procure an AED for Minnie Brown as well. We already have two families who have agreed to send in a donation to cover part of the cost. Please consider helping out in this endeavor.

Beth Israel Community

by Teresa Gandler

We love to see what our amazing families are doing so please send updates, and pictures, to Teresa Gandler and we will include them in our newsletter! The following was sent by Marina Singer, a proud grandparent.

Julia and Sid Pols had a busy summer attending Simpsons Point Children's Theater Camp, acting, singing and dancing their way through Beauty and the Beast and Cats. Julia made a beautiful Belle in Beauty and the Beast and also played the part of Mary in The Secret Garden, a production earlier this summer that raised money for the food pantry. She played Munkustrap and Jemima in Cats. Sid took time away from baseball and jumping off the dock at the cove to portray Lefou in Beauty and the Beast and Mungojerrie in Cats.

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. 

DONATIONS

• Stephen and Marina Singer in memory of their mothers, Bessie Singer and Henrietta Shapiro
• Jon Lichter in loving memory of his mother, Shelia Lichter
• Norma Dreyfus in loving memory of her father, Dr. Morris Goldberg
• Winifred Silverman in loving memory of her father, Albert Skigen
• Donald and Mara Giulianti in loving memory of her mother, Bertha Jablonsky Berman
• Michele Riley in loving memory of her mother, Paula Travers
• Jerrold Lurie in loving memory of his mother, Celia Lurie
• Barrett and Barbara Sliver in loving memory of his father, Milton Silver and her mother, Jean Belker
• Matt and Karen Filler in honor of the birthday of Barrett Silver
• Jay and Lenore Friedland in honor of the birthday of Barrett Silver
• Robert and Barbara Lenox in honor of the birthday of Barrett Silver
• A.K. Silver and M. Katz Filler in honor of the birthday of Barrett Silver
• Fred and Marilyn Weinberg Filler in honor of the birthday of Barrett Silver
• Marty Fox and Thyle Shartar in support of the Hebrew School Scholarship
• Marty Fox and Thyle Shartar in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• Shelia Lucente in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• Fred and Marilyn in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• Jay and Lenore Friedland for Purchase of Defibulator for Minnie Brown
• Fred and Marilyn Weinberg in Memory of Robert Libner, father of Maurie Libner
• Fred and Marilyn Weinberg in loving memory of her father, Max Isacoff
• Peter Fesenthal in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• Harry and Kathy Reissman in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• John and Marilyn Darack in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• Stephen and Barbara Baseman in support of Beth Israel Congregation
• Matthew Budd and Rosalind Gorin in support of Beth Israel Congregation

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