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1. American Red Cross Blood Drive at Congregation B’nai IsraelThursday, February 16, 1:30 – 6:00 p.m.
   Mark your calendars now!  The Semi-Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, February 16, from 1:30 – 6:00 p.m.  The need is always there.  If you possibly can, please give blood.  It only takes an hour or two out of your day, but the value is truly priceless.  Please call the Red Cross today at 1-800-448-3543 and schedule your appointment to be here.

2. Shabbat By the Book returns Friday, March 2!
   Join us for services, Shabbat dinner and a teacher...
   The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic
   Rabbi Mary Zamore is a former B’nai Israel rabbinic intern and is currently associate rabbi at Temple B’nai Or in Morristown, New Jersey. She is also the editor of a new anthology of essays which explores questions and challenges of navigating the personal and communal choices about eating.
   Click here for more details! Please respond to Lynn by February 24!
3. Our Purim Carnival is Sunday, March 4, from noon to 2:00 p.m. Whether you have a young one or are young at heart, there is something at the carnival for everyone!
   • Fun games and prizes
   • A pizza lunch
   • Opportunities to volunteer
   • Great memories, and so much more
   Remember, there’s no need to stand in line for tickets…. Purchase your tickets in advance on Sunday, February 12 at drop-off and pickup for Religious School. We also need your help to make the carnival happen. If you can spare a little or lot of time, before or during the carnival, contact Cindy Becker, Religious School Committee Chair, at cindy@cindybecker.com and we’ll find a job that fits your availability. See you at the carnival!
5. Some reflections following the wonderful presentation by Rabbi Andrea Myers at B'nai Israel last week at Rabbi Gurevitz's latest blog at myjewishlearning.com.
6. B’nai Israel connects to CONECT – Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut. Learn about the newest Social Justice initiative organizing congregations throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties. Learn more on the Social Action Page.
7. Please help us with the Coat Drive for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission – Men’s women’s and children’s coats can be dropped off in the Coat Room in the Temple for distribution to those in need.
8. Do you have young children? Have you checked out the Young Familie Havurah on Saturday mornings? Click here!
9. The Rabbis High Holy Day sermons are on line!. Click here.
10. Keep your college students connected to B'nai Israel by sending us their addresses...click here!
    
11. Is There Ever a Good Time?
    It never seems to be the right time to discuss or purchase cemetery plots. But purchasing a plot for ourselves or a loved one is something many of us will have to deal with. About a year ago, we determined that we could develop additional plots in the new section in the Kings Highway cemetery. Although many of these have been sold, there are still some Kings Highway plots available. If you are interested in learning more, please call the temple office or contact Mark Shangold at tersanams@aol.com or Bernie Jacobs at bjdjacobs@ aol.com. We can also help you choose plots in our
    cemetery in Monroe.
12. Hospital Information It has come to our attention that we are not getting accurate information from local hospitals when our congregants or family members are admitted to their facility.  We are particularly concerned when we are asked why our clergy has not made a visit to a particular hospital. Our inquiries always show that the person’s name has been listed under another synagogue and that is the reason we are not made aware of the hospitalization. We are, once again, asking for your help.  If you, a family member, neighbor or friend who belongs to B’nai Israel is admitted to any hospital, please take a minute and call the Temple office with that information.  We would rather have a dozen calls than to not be aware of someone’s hospitalization.
    
    
13. Radio “Outreach” On Friday Nights Do you miss attending Shabbat services because you are homebound?  If so, you can now listen to our Friday night services on special radio receivers which are available to you on loan from the Temple. Contact Cantor Blum.
    
    
14. College is expensive. B'nai Israel can help! Click here to learn more about the Fields/Nussenfeld Scholarship Fund.
    
    
15. Get weekly B'nai Israel news in your e-mail in-box. Subscribe to Reaching Out@Congregation B'nai Israel! Click here!
    
    
16. Are you moving out of town? Let us help you connect with a synagogue in your new community. Click here.