Bath Jewish History

September/October 2017
Elul 5777/Tishri/Heshvan 5778

Rabbi's Message

by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Dear Beth Israel Community,

Teshuvah or repentance, the practice of examining our actions in order to turn or return to paths of righteousness, is encouraged throughout the year, but the time between the first of Elul (August 23) and Yom Kippur marks a special time in the Jewish calendar, one dedicated to turning and returning to righteousness. In his book, Days of Awe, S.Y. Agnon shares the following parable about teshuva attributed to 19th century Rabbi Hayyim of Zans:

A man had been wandering in a forest for several days, not knowing which way was the right way out. Suddenly he saw another man approaching him. His heart was filled with joy. "Now I shall certainly find out which is the right way," he thought. When they neared one another, he asked the man, "Brother, tell me which is the right way. I've been wandering in this forest for several days." The other said, "Brother, I don't know the way out either. For I too have been wandering in this forest for many many days."

Here we find two lost people who are presumably frightened. If you have ever been lost in a forest, or even just wandered mistakenly off of a trail, you know that it can be disorientating and sometimes scary. And you know how reassuring it is to run into to someone else on the path! Here is how the story ends: The second man continues: "But this I can tell you: do not take the way I have been taking, for that will lead you astray. And now let us look for a new way out together." (from S.Y. Agnon, Days of Awe, p.22)

In tale's ending, we don't learn whether or not the two men made it out of the forest, but we do learn of and from their approach to discovering the right path. They find joy in being together despite being lost. They each take responsibility for finding the way out. They persevere and give each other strength, realizing that the only way they will make it out is by walking together.

As I enter a new community, which is a bit like being lost in a forest, you are the people I meet with joy! From festive Shabbat services to over ten "meet the rabbi" dinners in congregants' homes (and many more to come), I have experienced the warm embrace of the Beth Israel Community since arriving here just one month ago. As we embark on our journey together, and in particular during this sacred High Holy Day season, may we, like the characters in this parable, have the courage to acknowledge when we are lost, support each other on our journeys and persevere together to bring about peace and wholeness.

Wishing you and your families a blessed and sweet New Year,

Rabbi Vinikoor

President's Message

by Marilyn Weinberg

It's hard to believe that summer is already coming to an end and our High Holiday time is drawing near. I often feel a little sad about the ending of our beautiful Maine summer. But this year I am really looking forward to beginning our new year at Beth Israel under the leadership of Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor.

Many of you have had the opportunity to meet Rabbi Vinikoor while sharing a meal and conversation during the month of August. These meals will continue into September, with her goal to meet and talk with all of our members. To listen to each other is one of our basic Jewish ideals and one we are reminded of during the High Holiday services. We hope as a board that we listen to all of you as well.

We do face our challenges. Our buildings, although in fairly good repair, still need regular upkeep. Replacing the synagogue aging front doors, replacing and painting rotted sills and dealing with the non-insulated Minnie Brown Center continue to bring economic issues to the forefront. And creating new programs often has a monetary demand connected with it as well. So with the joy of new leadership we also face the burden of asking for your financial support as we continue to grow and flourish in the future.

Each of us has diverse interests; different touch-points for connection to synagogue life. We have different levels of commitment to our practice of Judaism and a variety of 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.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur provide us with time for personal reflection and an opportunity to renew our commitment for positive change. I am excited about our future.

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

L'Shanah Tovah

Upcoming Services and Programs at Beth Israel

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service and
Torah Discussion led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Saturday, September 2 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study
Led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Thursday, September 7 at 4:00 pm
Hebrew School (first day)
Minnie Brown Center

Friday, September 8 at 7:00 pm
Shabbat Evening Service
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
Synagogue

Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service
Aviva Feinberg Bat Mitzvah
Synagogue

Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Torah Study
Led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Minnie Brown Center

Friday, September 15 at 7:00 pm
Shabbat Evening Service
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
Synagogue

Saturday, September 16 from 10:00-10:45 am
Tot Shabbat
Led by Rachel Connelly
Minnie Brown Center

Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study
Led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
Synagogue

Saturday, September 16 at 7:00 pm
Dessert, Havdalah and Selihot Observance
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
Synagogue

Wednesday, September 20 at 7:00 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
followed by apples & honey

Thursday, September 21
9:30 am First Day of Rosh Hashanah
shimLed by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
12:30 pm Community Potluck Luncheon
1:30 pm Tashlich at the Waterfront
4:00 pm Family Service (Minnie Brown)
shimLed by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Friday, September 22
9:30 am Second Day of Rosh Hashanah
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Saturday, September 23 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
Synagogue

Friday, September 29 at 7:00 pm
Erev Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Saturday, September 30
9:30 am Yom Kippur Morning Service
shimLed by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
12:30 pm Yizkor Service
1:00 pm Afternoon break
3:30 pm Torah Study (Synagogue)
shimLed by Rabbi Simeon Maslin
3:30 pm Family Service (Minnie Brown)
shimLed by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
5:30 pm Mincha and Neila Services
7:00 pm Shofar Blowing and Havdalah
shimPotluck Break-Fast

OCTOBER

Friday, Oct. 6 at 7:00 pm
Shabbat Evening Service
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
Synagogue

Saturday, Oct. 7 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service
Isaac Ensel Bar Mitzvah
Synagogue

Sunday, Oct. 8 from 12:00-2:00 pm
Community Sukkot Celebration

Thursday, Oct. 12
5:00 pm Simchat Torah Service
shim Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
6:00 pm Community Potluck Dinner
Synagogue

Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10:00-10:45 am
Tot Shabbat
Led by Rachel Connelly
Minnie Brown Center

Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study
Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor
Synagogue

Shabbat Torah Study

by Marilyn Weinberg

Saturday mornings
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. I was able to attend many of the sessions and looked forward to the intriguing and varied discussions each week. I have learned so much.

We are pleased that Rabbi Maslin has agreed to continue these Shabbat prayers and discussions on Saturday mornings through September 16. We are fortunate that Rabbi Vinikoor will be continuing this practice with her own Shabbat morning service and Torah study two to three times a month throughout the year. If you haven't had an opportunity to come, please consider doing so. Check the web site and calendar to confirm the dates of the services. Please note that there is an opportunity to say Kaddish during the prayer service. We give special thanks to Rabbi Maslin and all the people who have attended these services this summer. We look forward to making this a regular Beth Israel practice.

Annual Beth Israel Community Cleanup Day

by Todd Gandler

Sunday, September 17
9:00-1:00 p.m.

Last fall we held our second annual community cleanup day - another resounding success and a new Beth Israel tradition! This year's community cleanup day will be Sunday, September 17.

The idea is that before the High Holidays we'd like to: "spruce-up" our facilities while continuing to foster our deep sense of community with some minor repair, maintenance, and painting together. Don't worry! All we ask is a few hours volunteering at whatever capacity you are comfortable or able. Just come and be a part of it. In return, the Chai Committee will provide food, and everyone can enjoy a nice productive day together in support of Beth Israel Congregation and the gift of its facilities.

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 later if possible.

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

Flowers for the High Holiday

by Marina Singer

If you are interested in contributing toward the synagogue flowers for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, please contact Marina Singer. Please include the names of the people you would like to honor or remember.

Your donations for the flowers should be sent to:

Treasurer
Beth Israel Congregation
PO Box 244
Bath, ME 04530

Selichot Observance

by Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Saturday, September 16
7:00 p.m.
Synagogue

Join Beth Israel Congregation for our Selichot observance. Through prayer, music and meaningful conversation, Selichot is a terrific opportunity to help you prepare for the High Holidays. We will begin the evening with dessert, Havdallah and a brief prayer service. This will be followed by a talk and conversation around the High Holiday themes of forgiveness, turning and returning with Jerome Weiner, Program Manager at the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center.

Please contact Rabbi Vinikoor with any questions at rabbivinikoor@gmail.com. No RSVP needed. All are welcome.

Rosh Hashanah Community Luncheon and Tashlich

by Marilyn Weinberg

Thursday, September 21
12:30 p.m. (following services)
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 Thursday, September 21, at approximately 12:30 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 Tashlich service at the waterfront in Bath at approximately 1:30 p.m. You can drop off a "non-meat" dish at the Minnie Brown Center before you come to services.

Family and Children's Services for the High Holidays

Led by Rabbi Lisa Vinikooor
Thursday, September 21
4:00 p.m
Minnie Brown Center

Saturday, September 30
4:00 p.m.
Minnie Brown Center

Yom Kippur Break Fast

by Marilyn Weinberg

Saturday, September 30
7:00 p.m.
Synagogue

As usual our annual potluck break fast will begin right after we blow the shofar and have Havdalah, 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 September 29 or 30.

Tot Shabbat

by Rachel Connelly

We are back for another year. No sign up needed. No commitment needed. Come once in a while or come every month. The program is designed for children two to four, 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 the Minnie Brown Center.

• September 16
• October 14
• November 4 (PJ Library program)
• December 2
• January 6
• February 3
• March 3
• April 7
• May 5
• June 2

Call or email Rachel Connelly with questions.

Exciting Plans for the New Year at Hebrew School

by Abby Halpern

I hope everyone had a great summer! We are all looking forward to seeing how much the kids have grown. Our theme for Hebrew school this year is "Receiving the Torah." Torah means teaching, and it refers not only to the five books of Moses but also to the oral Torah, which is the teachings of the rabbis. The holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai, falls this year close to the last day of school. On the last day of school, we will celebrate the Torah that we continue to receive every time we learn something new.

Parents are invited to join us on the first day of Hebrew school, September 7. From 4:00 to 5:00 we'll have a family activity on the topic of Rosh Hashana. At 5:00, while the kids go to class, Rabbi Lisa and I will be available to chat with parents and answer any questions you may have about the upcoming year.

Looking forward to a fruitful year.

Community Sukkot Celebration

by Marilyn Weinberg

Sunday, October 8
12:00-2:00 p.m.

On Sunday, October 8, 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

Thursday, October 12
5:00 p.m. Service
6:00 p.m. Pot Luck Community Dinner
Synagogue

We will be celebrating Simchat Torah this year on Thursday, October 12, at the synagogue. Rabbi Vinikoor will lead us in this celebration with the help of many of our Hebrew School students. This will be followed by a pizza dinner with potluck salads and desserts at 6:00 p.m.

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

Meet Erich Haller

by Marilyn Weinberg

Erich Haller is the newest member of the Beth Israel Board. He came to the United States from Austria in 1946 and attended Northeastern University and the GE Apprentice Program. He joined McDonald's Corporation after 14 years with GE, and attended McDonald's Restaurant Management and Masters Programs. Corporate duties included restaurant supervision, Director of Maine Operations and Field Service Director in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

In 1981 he became a McDonald's owner/operator of three McDonald's restaurants in Aroostook County. He has been retired since 1999.

Erich lives in Georgetown with his lovely wife Pauline. They have been married for 58 years. They have four children and six grandchildren. Erich is looking forward to contributing his time to serve on the Board of Beth Israel Congregation.

Ladies' Dine Around

by Crissy Swartz

All are welcome to join in.

Date: Wednesday, October 25
Time: 6:00 p.m

Place: Best Thai II
23 Elm Street
Bath, Maine
207-443-8655

RSVP: Crissy Swartz
Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 24.
Final head count needs to be phoned in.

Building Jewish Community

by Camille Kauffunger

In June, Aaron and Liza Greenwald hosted a "Meet-the-Rabbi" event for Mid Coast Jewish families to get to know Rabbi Vinikoor and explore the option of Hebrew school at Beth Israel. With nine families represented, including two current Hebrew school families, the fun and intimate gathering was a success. The positive exchange between families resulted in new commitments to the Hebrew School and a desire to get together again before the start of the school year.

On Tuesday, August 1, 15 children, ages one through nine, and 15 adults gathered at the Waterfront Park in Bath for a picnic dinner and social with Rabbi Vinikoor, sponsored by the PJ Library and organized by Anita Lichman and Camille Kauffunger. The event included families from the June meeting and additional parents interested in Hebrew school and Tot Shabbat programming at Beth Israel.

It was a beautiful evening to be by the river in Bath and to greet Rabbi Vinikoor and her wife, Alyssa Finn, on the Rabbi's official first day of work. Parents made new connections and had the opportunity for casual one-on-one or small group conversation with Rabbi Vinikoor while the children played and made new friends in the park.

Following this summer outreach, Beth Israel Hebrew School is expecting to meet at least five new children in the fall and is busy preparing for the first day of school on September 7. Other families and younger siblings of new Hebrew school students look forward to exploring Beth Israel's monthly Tot Shabbat program.

Thank you to PJ Library for sponsoring the August 1 picnic. PJ Library sends free Jewish children's books to families across the world every month. A program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation , PJ Library is made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Families with kids ages 6 months through 8 years old with Judaism as part of their lives, are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, family make-up, or observance may be. Go to the PJ Library for more information.

Shabbat Under The Stars

by Lenore Friedland

The Chai Committee and our whole congregation extend a very special thank you to Lenore & Jay Friedland, Barbara and Barrett Silver and Norma Dreyfus and Stan Lane for hosting our Shabbat Under the Stars program.

On June 30, Jay and Lenore Friedland hosted Shabbat Under the Stars. As always, we had a lovely service led by Marilyn Weinberg and a meaningful Torah talk by Robert Lenox. Our gathering of 75 people was also to surprise and honor Marilyn and Fred Weinberg for all their love, dedication, hard work and commitment to keeping our synagogue alive and moving forward. Marilyn and Fred were presented with a beautiful plaque to be hung in the synagogue.

It was hard to keep the celebration a surprise. Along with the Friedlands, we thank Stan Lane for his idea last year to do something to honor the Weinbergs, Stan Lane & Norma Dreyfus and Barbara & Robert Lenox for input on the plaque, Camille Kauffunger for her help with the temple membership list and to Jay who sent out the emails, did the cooking of main courses and handled the many details when the weather forced us inside. But mostly, thanks to everyone who came, old members, new members, young families with children—to all who helped us say thank you to Fred and Marilyn for all their years of service to Beth Israel Congregation. It was a very special evening for everyone.

On July 21, Barbara and Barrett Silver sponsored a lovely dinner followed by an outdoor service in their garden. With special readings and prayers and a great Torah discussion led by Barrett, all those who attended felt a special connection and appreciation of all of our traditions.

And on August 25, Norma Dreyfus and Stan Lane invited us to their lovely home in Arrowsic. It was so easy to feel the joy of Shabbat, as we gathered our lawn chairs in a semi circle and began to sing, This was Rabbi Vinikoor's first Shabbat Under the Stars with hopes of leading many more in the future.

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.

Beth Israel Congregation Hosts Bowdoin International Music Festival

by Camille Kauffunger

Once again, Beth Israel was fortunate to be chosen as a community concert location for the Bowdoin International Music Festival (BIMF). On August 2 the Minnie Brown Center was filled with approximately 33 community members, one dog, and the classical music of nine impressive festival students and Fellows of the BIMF Fellowship Program, one of the most respected fellowship programs in the Nation. The advanced artists, representing leading conservatories and the countries of South Korea, El Salvador, China and the United States, beautifully executed works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Stamitz with outstanding skill, passion and joy.

The goal of the Community Concert Series is to give BIMF students and Fellows the opportunity to engage with various audiences in non-traditional performance venues such as breweries, coastal resorts, libraries, community centers, care centers, and more. Through these opportunities and mentorship in outreach, students widen their reach and identify entrepreneurial ways to interact and grow through music. Don't miss the chance next year to experience outstanding artistry while supporting BIMF musicians, community access to high quality classical music, and one of our favorite local venues, Beth Israel!

Amazon Smile

by Marilyn Weinberg

Amazon has come up with a way to donate to Beth Israel without actually paying extra. AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. It's not a lot of money, but if you regularly are an Amazon shopper, it's an easy way to give us a little boost.

We have posted a link on our website (bottom left on every page). Just click on the icon. After you sign in you will need to select "Beth Israel Bath, Maine" as your charity.

We are not promoting Amazon, but know that many of you already order from them. Just use AmazonSmile and both of us will benefit.

Remembrances for september–october 2017

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.