Brotherhood
"If there has ever been a time for Jewish men to stand together, to be together, to work together as men in making a difference in the society and in this movement, now is that time."
Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, President of Hebrew Union College, made this comment. Help support the Brotherhood by becoming a member. The Brotherhood sponsors, among other things, events such as: Scholar-in-Residence, Dinner/ Movie Night and the Commuter Collection. We also cook at all congregational family functions (e.g. Purim Carnival and Mitzvah Connection).
If you would like to connect with other members of our congregation in an informal and fun way, consider joining the Brotherhood. Dues for first year members of the Brotherhood are waived. Help make a difference and connect with your fellow congregants. Join the Brotherhood!!
| The Prayer Project | |
We
are affiliated with the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods. Click here
to learn about our national mission and programs.At the time of this writing, the Brotherhood has held their last meeting for fiscal year 2008. An Executive Board was elected for the coming year, two Brotherhood members were selected to represent the group on the Temple Board and Event Planning was undertaken. We also attended the Temple’s Annual Meeting en force that evening.
We conducted a full review of the past year’s planned events and all concurred that the programming was both varied and successful. Last year’s slate included The Temple School-Year Kick-Off BBQ, a night at the Bushnell Theater, the Scholar-in- Residence Program with Dr. Joel Hoffman from Hebrew Union College in NY, Movie Nights, Ivan Maisel SportsTalk, Poker Night, Comedy Night and the famed Pressure Cookers preparing and serving food at Mitzvah Connection and the Purim Carnival.
Two of our members, Ken Rabine and Robert Bernstein, undertook our annual Veteran’s Project and placed flags at the graves of our fallen Vets at both B’nai Israel cemeteries.
This year also saw the successful launch of the Brotherhood Breakfast Sponsorship Program, so that we may now continue this time-honored tradition without the need for collections on Shabbat.
We voted to convene every other month going forward, and our next meeting will be in August, so please feel free to email me jim@unionmachinery.com if you are not presently receiving email reminders and event announcements. If you wish to formally join the Brotherhood, a great group of guys who have trouble taking themselves seriously while seriously doing great work for our Temple community, drop me an email for info.
The Brotherhood wishes to gratefully acknowledge the committed and dedicated service of Artie Weissman, our immediate Past President. We have all learned much from him and look forward to his continued contributions and counsel.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
L’shalom
Jim Greenberg
Brotherhood President
Have you ever felt that the traditional liturgy in our prayer book doesn't quite capture your innermost prayers or feelings? Or, perhaps, you feel like you have a different prayer in your heart. If so, now is your chance. If there is enough interest out there, the Brotherhood Prayer Project is going to put together a prayer booklet or pamphlet consisting of prayers written by our very own congregants; sort of like the conventional Sisterhood recipe book, but a book of prayers instead.
We are interested in submissions from all members of the synagogue, not just Brotherhood members. We are interested in personal prayers, but not personalized prayers; that is, we are looking for prayers that have some universal appeal. We plan to collect the prayers and publish them in a booklet which would be made available to the entire congregation. We are also considering establishing an informal editorial board, consisting of several Brotherhood members and the Rabbis.
If you are interested in submitting a prayer for publication in the Brotherhood prayer booklet, please let us know by sending an email to Stu Kovar at skovar@optonline.net, or by calling Stu at 374-9154. If there's enough interest, we'll take the next step, and get back in touch with you and ask you to send us your prayer for publication. Here's your chance to give voice to that inner voice!
BROTHERHOOD HAGGADAH COLLECTION
The Brotherhood is planning on launching a new Brotherhood Haggadah Collection. The idea is to provide a haggadah lending library to synagogue members who wish to explore using a new or different haggadah for their Passover seder.
The purpose of the Brotherhood Haggadah Collection would be twofold. First, it would make available to synagogue members a diverse collection of single haggadot for perusal by members who are looking into using a different haggadah.
Second, it would make available different sets of haggadot to be borrowed and used by members at their Passover seder as a means of "trying out" a new haggadah before having to purchase the whole set, or for using a different haggadah at their seder on a one-time basis.
Synagogue members who have tired of or outgrown their haggadot could donate their sets to the lending library. Donation cards would be included in each set indicating the donor. The Brotherhood Haggadah Collection would be put on display at least once a year prior to Passover.
We are now looking for donations. Do you have a single haggadah or a set of haggadot that you no longer use and would be willing to donate to the collection? If so, please Stu Kovar.
As we return the Torah to the ark, we pray:
"It is a tree of life to those
who hold it fast, and all who cling to it find happiness.
Its ways are ways
of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace."
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, has called upon Reform Jews to engage in ongoing study by reading at least four Jewish books per year. The Brotherhood has launched the Commuter Collection to assist those temple members with long commutes in achieving this goal.
The Commuter Collection is also intended to make those long commutes more productive, enlightening and enjoyable. To that end, the Commuter Collection will also include Jewish music. The Brotherhood Commuter Collection is open to the entire congregation and, of course, can be listened to while jogging, working out or any other time.
The Brotherhood Commuter Collection may be found in the Temple library and is open to the entire congregation. If you take out a CD or audiocassette and wish to share your comments or opinion (your "review"), please send me an email, and I will try to include your comments in the next email that I distribute. If you have any audiocassettes or CDs that you would like to donate to the Commuter Collection, please send Stu Kovar e-mail or give him a call at 203-374-9154.
NEW
ADDITION:
We have a wonderful, new addition to the Commuter Collection:
"The
Genesis of Justice"
by Alan M. Dershowitz
In
this book, Alan Dershowitz, the world famous criminal defense lawyer and Harvard
Law School Professor, examines ten stories from the Book of Genesis, which, according
to Mr. Dershowitz, show the Bible's preoccupation with justice. He then relates
how these ideas of justice have shaped modern moral and legal thought. Does God
struggle along with his creations to establish laws that are just and fair? Does
God actually learn from his creations? These are just two of the questions explored
in this work, through the ten Bible stories selected, which are divided into thought-provoking
chapters, some examples of which are: God Threatens-and Backs Down (Adam and Eve);
Cain Murders -and Walks; God Overreacts-And Floods the World, etc.
CURRENT
COMMUTER COLLECTION:
AUDIO BOOK:
"As
A Driven Leaf",
by Milton Steinberg.
This is an explosive, touching story of Elisha Ben Abuyah,
the real life Talmudic sage who experiences a crisis of faith in the face of political
tyranny and terrible human suffering. A historical novel, As A Driven Leaf offers
an unparalleled view of the conflicts between Judaism and the pagan world, from
the brilliant legal debates of the Sanhedrin to the bloody gladiatorial contests
of the Roman arena. The tapes were donated by our Co-President, David Beier.
"The
Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay"
by Michael Chabon.
The book is included on the List of Significant Jewish
Books prepared by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and comes recommended
by Rabbi Greene. 
According
to the UAHC guide: "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" is a novel about
magic, manhood, superheroes, and growing up Jewish in America in the 1930s and
1940s. Sammy Klayman is a young man from Brooklyn with a love for pulp fiction
and comic books, and is struggling with his sexual identity. Josef Kavalier is
an apprentice magician and an artist who escapes Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia
by hiding in a coffin along with the Golem of Prague. The novel traces the two
cousins from 1939 to 1954 as they break into publishing and confront love, war,
and loss."
"Engaging Torah, Contemporary Insights on Tape"
It
is a boxed set of 28 audiocassette tapes produced by the Union of American Hebrew
Congregations in cooperation with the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion. The tapes explore each parashah in great depth and include such leading
scholars as Eric H. Yoffie, Lawrence Kushner, Dru Greenwood, Kerry M. Olitzky
and Ellen Umansky.
King David:
The Real Life of the Man Who Ruled Israel
by Jonathan Kirsch, performed by the author. This eight-tape biography offers
an intriguing and fascinating look at a complex and controversial individual.
The tapes were donated by our Co-President, David Beier.
"My
Grandfather's Blessings:
Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging"
by Rachel Naomi Remen.
When
the author was young, she was caught between two different views of life: that
of her rabbi grandfather and that of her highly academic, research-oriented parents,
who believed religion was the opiate of the masses. The author and her grandfather
walked through life on different paths, with the author being the academic achiever,
who devotes her life to helping others in her profession as a medical doctor,
and with her rabbinic grandfather who sees the world through a more divine interpretation.
The stories here will bring a smile and evoke a tear, as science, medicine, religion
and spirituality merge together. The author embraces the world and the reader
with her compassion and love for humanity. As you listen to these heart-warming
stories, you will be left with a better understanding of life's true meaning and
purpose.
"Simple
Kabbalah" by Kim
Zetter. Performed by Theodore Bikel.
An accessible guide to the complex principles
and history of Kabbalah, a Jewish mystical belief system. The listener learns
how to practice the wisdom of Kabbalah in everyday life through meditation and
exercises for quieting the mind and developing awareness.
"Walking
the Bible" by Bruce Feiler
A 2002-3 selection of the B'nai Israel
Book Club!
(Narrated by Bruce Feiler, Published by Harper Audio, 6 hours,
4 Cassettes, abridgement approved by author, Dolby B NR)
This book is recommended
in the "Significant Jewish Books" column of the Fall
2001 issue of "Reform Judaism" magazine. The cassette jacket describes the
book as follows: "One part adventure story, one part archaeological detective
work, one part spiritual exploration, "Walking The Bible" vividly recounts an
inspiring personal odyssey -- by foot, jeep, rowboat, and camel -- through the
greatest stories ever told. ... Both a pulse-pounding adventure and an uplifting
spiritual quest, Bruce Feiler's "Walking The Bible" is a stunning and elevating
work of courage, scholarship, and heart that revisits the inscrutable desert landscape
where the world's great religions were born -- and uncovers fresh answers to the
most profound questions of the human spirit."
MUSIC
(CDs):
In
case you were unable to participate in the Scholar in Residence Program, or you
just wish to hear him again, the Brotherhood has purchased two Danny Maseng CDs,
and made them available as part of the Brotherhood Commuter Collection in the
library. The first CD is "Wasting Time with Harry Davidowitz",
which is his critically-acclaimed, one-man,
off-Broadway
musical journey of a Jewish soul. The second CD is "Soul
on Fire" and contains such "hits" as "Ma Tovu" (which we sing as part
of our services every week and which was written and inspiringly performed by
Danny Maseng) and "Sim Shalom". Contributing to this collection is a great way
to give a meaningful and lasting gift to the Congregation for all to enjoy while
honoring someone or something important in your life.
"Live
in the Fiddler's House"
Itzhak Perlman
This album follows the Emmy award winning 'In The Fiddler's
House' which has sold over 160,000 copies in the US alone. The CD was recorded
live in Radio City Music Hall with Itzhak Perlman and the same critically acclaimed
Klezmer bands who joined him on the original 'In The Fiddler's House' This live
concert finds Perlman playing with even greater freedom and fire than on his previous
Jewish albums. Joined by Brave Old World, Andy Statman, Klezmatics and Klezmer
Conservatory.
"Renewal of Spirit"
Debbie Friedman
'Renewal of the Spirit' is a Healing service, and has settings
of prayers, and original lyrics meant to aid in dealing with loss and spiritual
renewal. This is perhaps the most touching of Debbie's albums."
"New
Jewish Tunes, Ruach 5761/2001"
The newest and hottest CD of Jewish
folk/rock out there! Includes hits by Debbie Friedman, e18hteen with Dan Nichols,
Jeff Klepper, Mah Tovu, Steve Dropkin, Peri Smilow, Rick Recht, Danny Maseng,
Cantor Wally, Julie Silver, Craig Taubman and Beth Schafer!
"The Jazz Service"
Cantor Bruce Benson and Kenny G
Bruce Benson and Kenny G have culled Jazz
and Rock elements into an alternative sound for the Friday Evening service. Kenny
G makes the liturgy live and breathe through his creative talents and electrifying
performance.
"With Every Breath"
The Music of Shabbat at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun
Every Friday night, 2,000
Manhattanites crowd B'nai Jeshurun to experience this music. It's a spiritual
Happening. Let these 12 sacred songs mark your journey through the powerful beauty
of Shabbat.
"The Rock Service"
Cantor
Bruce Benson and Tzur Yisrael with the Youth Choir of Congregation B'nai Israel,
Cantor Sheri Blum, Director. Of course, no collection would be complete without
our Temple's very own CD!!!
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of any of these albums, click on the Jewish Music.com button near the top of this page. Temple will get a 5% donation. You will also find many other wonderful CD's, tapes and sheet music there!
If you would like more information about the Commuter Collection, or if you would like to make a donation, please contact Stu Kovar at 374-9154.
The Spirituality Group is a place for "always informal, always interesting" discussions about how spirituality fits in with our hectic 21st century lives. It's moderated by Rabbi Jim Prosnit - and I can tell you from personal experience that the conversations, while moderated, often take off in unexpected, fascinating tangents.
If you haven't been to one before, I recommend giving it a try. You'll engage in some interesting discussion, and get a chance to meet and renew friendships with other members of the Congregation. Please RSVP to Lynn at 336-1858.
