September 8, 2006 – Elul 15, 5766

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El, Stamford, Connecticut

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Please give generously to our High Holy Day Appeal!

Contents of the Shabbat O Gram:

(Click to scroll down)

Just the Facts (service schedule)

The (Occasionally) Ranting Rabbi

Mitzvah/Tzedakkah Opportunities

Ask the Rabbi

Spiritual Journey on the Web

Required Reading and Action Items (links to key articles on Israel and Jewish life)

Announcements (goings on in and around TBE)

TBE Youth Programming

Joke for the Week

Mazal tov to all our sisterhood cookbook contributors whose recipes were featured in the Advocate this week, and especially to Fran Ginsburg and Dana Katz.

Our mouths are watering and we’re bursting with pride!

Mazal tov to Nurit Avigdor, who recently became a grandmother for the first time! The baby, Michael, and parents Gal and Cathy, are doing great following the bris!

This week is very exciting, but also keep an eye on next weekend, with our teen programs getting into gear, Selichot services featuring Cantor Littman and Hazzan Rabinowitz, preceded by the acclaimed movie “Ushpizin,” Havdaah at the Beach, the annual Bima Building, Tot Shabbat and much more! Details below…

Quote for the Week

What is a Congregation?

A congregation is a harbor into which an anchor is cast
At a moment of inevitable silence
Before or after a storm.

A congregation is a seashell
Where one can hide
When the soul sinks down into the depths of the ocean.

A congregation is a song, a prayer, a dream
Where the spirit can sail forth, heavenward bound.

A congregation is a voice that calls out,
To reach up to the heavens
It tries again and again to cause us to make the decision
Between indifference and activity.
Between spiritual improvement and oblivion.
Between kindness and sinfulness.

A congregation is togetherness from within.

A congregation is the place from where we are commanded to enact the most simple
and most difficult of all things — loving the other.

By Annabelle Hertziger-Tanzer, Kehillat Har-El
Published in the Har-El Bulletin July-August 2004

JUST THE FACTS

Welcome back to all our Hebrew School students –

And welcome to our new ones as well!

School begins this Sunday morning!

Friday Evening

Candle lighting: 6:57 pm on Friday, September 8- Havdalah is at 7:57 pm on Saturday evening. For candle lighting times, other Jewish calendar information, and to download a Jewish calendar to your PDA, click on http://www.hebcal.com/. To see the festivals of other faiths as well, go to http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/

Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:30 PM – in the sanctuary (note later start time on 2^nd week of the month)

Shabbat Morning: 9:30 AM – Mazal Tov to Mitchell Berkoff, who becomes Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat morning

Children’s services: 10:30 AM – (the older jr. congregation service in the chapel begins next week)

Torah Portion: Ki Tavo Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8

1: 26:12-15
2: 26:16-19
3: 27:1-3
4: 27:4-8
5: 27:6-10
6: 27:11-28:3
7: 28:4-6
maf: 28:4-6

Haftarah Isaiah 60:1 - 60:22

Mincha-Havdalah service: 6:30 PM – Mazal tov to Eric Hazen, who becomes Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat afternoon.

See a weekly commentary from the UJC Rabbinic Cabinet, at www.ujc.org/mekorchaim. Read the Masorti commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. University of Judaism, JTS commentary is at: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/. USCJ Torah Sparks can be found at http://uscj.org/item20_467.html. UAHC Shabbat Table Talk discussions are at http://uahc.org/torah/exodus.shtml. Other divrei Torah via the Torahnet home page: http://uahcweb.org/torahnet/. Test your Parasha I.Q.: http://www.ou.org/jewishiq/parsha/default.htm. CLAL’s Torah commentary archive: http://click.topica.com/maaaiRtaaRvQhbV2AtLb/. World Zionist Organization Education page, including Nehama Liebowitz archives of parsha commentaries: http://www.moreshet.net/web/index.asp?f=1 For a more Kabbalistic/Zionist/Orthodox perspective from Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, go to http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/index.html. For some probing questions and meditations on key verses of the portion, with a liberal kabbalistic bent, go to http://www.jewishealing.com/learning.html or, for Kabbalistic commentaries from the Zohar itself, go to http://www.kabbalah.com/k/index.php/p=zohar/weekly/intro. To see the weekly commentary from Hillel, geared to college students and others, go to http://www.hillel.org/hillel/NewHille.nsf/FCB8259CA861AE57852567D30043BA26/DF7D129F15B3DF0885256AB80058E9C3?OpenDocument. For a Jewish Renewal and feminist approach go to http://rabbishefagold.hypermart.net/Torah1.html . For a comprehensive Orthodox viewpoint from the Israeli rabbi, Yaakov Fogelman, go to the Torah Outreach Program at http://israelvisit.co.il/top/previous.shtml. Guided meditations for each portion by Judith Abrams at http://www.maqom.com/kavannah.pdf

For online Parsha quizzes from Pardes in Israel, go to http://www.pardes.org.il/online_learning/parsha_quizzes/ Torah for Kids: http://www.torah4kids.net/ Weekly Lesson of Popular Israeli Rabbi Mordechai Elon: http://www.elon.org/archives/archives.htm - and his parsha sheets: http://www.mibereshit.org/special/download_eng_pdf.htm From Bar Ilan University: http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/; http://www.torahproductions.com/weekly_article.jsp

THE ENTIRE HEBREW BIBLE (AS WELL AS OTHER JEWISH SOURCES) CAN BE FOUND WITH SIDE-BY-SIDE TRANSLATION AT

http://www.mechon-mamre.org/

Morning Minyan: Weekdays at 7:30, Sundays at 9:30 AM

TO ENSURE A “GUARANTEED MINYAN” FOR THE DAY OF YOUR YAHRZEIT – GO TO THE ROSNER MINYAN MAKER AT WWW.TBE.ORG AND ALSO CONTACT ME AT RABBI@TBE.ORG.

We’ve had several people coming lately who are saying kaddish following recent deaths in the family. We want to make sure we have a minyan each day. Your presence any morning is greatly appreciated!

The

(occasionally)

Ranting Rabbi

Conservative Judaism at a Crossroads

It’s now all but official that the Conservative movement will be moving toward a greater acceptance of Gay rabbis and possibly sanctioning some forms of commitment ceremonies. In several recent lectures, forums and articles, various leaders within the movement have begin preparing the professionals and laity for what would be monumental change this December, when the Law Committee meets. The decision will likely be a pluralistic one, in the true spirit of the movement, allowing for various policy options for congregations and rabbis. Once those decisions are revealed, each congregation will be able to have an internal dialogue as to what the decision means for them. We will be no exception. One congregation, in Ann Arbor MI., has already made its opinion known by sending out a letter – from its board – to other congregations across the country, urging the Law Committee to vote in favor of greater inclusiveness. Their statement can be read in pdf format by clicking here. Others in Canada are threatening to secede from the movement if the change is made. My own views favoring greater inclusiveness are widely known, and I am listed among the many Conservative rabbis who have taken such a stand. You can find that extensive list of rabbis, and what it is that we are endorsing, at http://keshetrabbis.org/. It will be interesting to see how other congregations and seminaries respond to this upcoming decision.

Articles to read for more background include: Conservative Movement Seen Ending Ban On Gays (the Jewish Week), What's wrong with Jewish Conservatives? (Ha’aretz), Conservative Rabbis Predict Gay Ban Will Fall, Canadian Shuls Weigh Split With Movement (Forward) and faith-based: Why Conservative Judaism is ailing (Slate). Gay Ban’s Human Toll: A convert to Judaism was a star rabbinic pupil at JTS, until she came out as a lesbian. http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=12933

9/11 Plus 5

We Remember

Mayor Molloy, 9/11 Families, First Responders, Clergy

Join to Remember 5^th Anniversary

Stamford Government Center

Monday, September 11, 9:30am

In an act of remembrance and solidarity, Mayor Molloy and area clergy will join with families of 9/11 victims and first responders at 9:30am for a 30 minute commemoration at the government center on Monday, September 11^th.

We Remember: 5th Anniversary of 9/11 Memorial Observance represents a modest and heartfelt desire to let victims’ families know that they are not alone and that their community stands with them. We also gather to recognize the daily courage first responders must summon to answer the call of those in distress.

With words and melodies common to all faiths, we will take 30 minutes to recollect the intensity of that day five years ago. We will recollect the lives taken and families shattered by a world changed in ways we’re still trying to understand.

We Remember: 5th Anniversary of 9/11 Memorial Observance is sponsored by The Stamford Board of Rabbis in cooperation with The Mayor’s Office and the Stamford Interfaith Council.

Talk about your rabid rabbis… here’s an article from a “rabid” minister!

“And God sayeth unto man: I've had it!”

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/08/23/and_god_sayeth_unto_man_ive_had_it/

"Like a multi-screen theater,

Synaplex™ offers a variety of Shabbat experiences

for our diverse Jewish community."

-- starsynagogue.org

What is Synaplex?

Synaplex™ is a way to celebrate simultaneously the many authentic expressions of Judaism - learning, culture and gathering as well as prayer. Jews have a multitude of ways to participate in Judaism and Jewish life; Synaplex™ brings them together in Jewish "prime time," that is, in the synagogue on Shabbat.

Save the date for our Grand Opening:

Oct. 27-28

Featuring

SHABBAT UNPLUGGED

…on Friday night, led by Cantor Littman,

followed by a relaxing sit-down oneg and “rebbe’s tish.”

And on Shabbat morning,

Kabbalistic Yoga, Heschel discussion, mind-body-spirit bike ride, meditative services, family-style learners’ services, traditional “Kahal” davening service, additional services for teens and tots

and then we all come together for

"Babble"

For the portion of Noah

In the beginning, there was only one language.Then the tallest tower toppled, and translation was born.

Join the Storahtellers as they present a ritual performance of Torah portion Noah complete with traditional Hebrew chanting, dramatized English translation, live original music and audience interaction.

And…just maybe…a real-live ufruf!

Also featuring a delicious lunch, followed by lecture/discussions for all different generations, plus:

THE FIRST ANNUAL TBE “ROSNER BOWL” TOUCH FOOTBALL GAME, SCAVENGER HUNT FOR KIDS, ISRAELI DANCING WITH SHMULIK, TBE PET PALLOOZA, and much more…

And save the following dates as well…

SYNAPLEX at TBE 5767

Friday and Sat., October 27-28 GRAND OPENING Synaplex Shabbat

(Including Cantor Littman’s spectacular Shabbat Unplugged on Friday night)

Friday, December 8 - Synaplex Shabbat

(theme of diversity, exotic multi-cultural Shabbat dinner, December Dilemma)

Friday and Sat. January 19 and 20 - Synaplex Shabbat/Shabbat Unplugged

Scholar in Residence Dr. Benjamin Gampel

Fri and Sat. February 9 and 10 - Synaplex Shabbat

Sisterhood Shabbat

Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Burt Visotzky

Havdalah Unplugged

Friday March 9 - Synaplex Shabbat, Shabbat Unplugged,

Shabbat, April 7 – Beth El Cares Synaplex Shabbat - Passover

Friday May 3 - Synaplex Shabbat/Shabbat Across America,

Friday, May 10 – Synaplex Shabbat/Shabbat Unplugged

Shabbat, June 23 -Synaplex Shabbat, adult b’nai mitzvah

Download a volunteer form at

http://www.tbe.org/site/sog/SynaplexVolunteerPackage.htm

or Click here for the Volunteer Form

contact our Synaplex committee at

tbesynaplex@optonline.net

Fill it out and send it back – and join the dozens who have already stepped forward!

And for more general information about Synaplex,

go to www.starsynagogue.org

Mitzvah/Tzedakkah Opportunties

 
Beth El Cares
 
Cathy Satz (968-9191; csscounsel@yahoo.com)
Cheryl Wolff (968-6361; cwolff@optonline.net)
BETH EL CARES co-chairs

We hope you all enjoyed your summer.

Please give generously to the 2006

HIGH HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE!

September 22- October 2, 2006

Each year TBE members help to start the New Year off with a Mitzvah. You can join the team by bringing in food that will stock the pantry at PERSON to PERSON in Darien. Bags will once again be available for pick up at temple on ROSH HASHANAH. Please take one or more and fill it up with non-perishable, unopened and not expired food. Then, bring it back to temple by Yom Kippur. Your donation will then be delivered on Tuesday, October 3, 2006. Volunteers will be needed that day at PERSON TO PERSON to help unload, sort food and stock the shelves. To help, contact Cheryl Wolff (968-6361) or Cathy Satz (968-9191).

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Habitat for Humanity is recruiting volunteers to assist with the planning and building of 6 to 9 housing units on West Main Street in Stamford (near the Kentucky Fried Chicken). The actual timing of the building depends on site plan and other approvals, but the ceremonial ground breaking should take place in October 2006. Please contact bknebal@habitatcfc.org if you want to help in any way. Assistance is needed now in the formation stages, as well as later with the building. Bob Knebel, CEO, can tell you what jobs are available.

LOCKS OF LOVE HAIR DONATIONS CONTINUED

Any one wishing to donate 10 or more inches of hair to Locks of Love can contact Cathy or Cheryl for more information on how to donate and how to get your before and after photo on the TBE web sit

Cheryl Wolff

Cathy Satz

Multiple Sclerosis Sponsorship

For the past two years I have taken a role in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS). On Sunday, September 17, I will be participating again in the MS Bike Tour and I am asking you to join me in this important fight by sponsoring me.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually strikes adults in the prime of life - between the ages of 20 and 50. It is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. Imagine, one day you are ready to take on the world... and the next you are faced with the diagnosis of an incurable and debilitating disease. One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour. It comes and goes unpredictably, leaving people to wonder, "Will I become paralyzed, blind or have trouble walking? Will I be able to raise my family and continue my career?"

The National MS Society invests more money into MS research than any other voluntary health organization in the world. This investment is paying off in significant advances in treating MS, such as the new medications, which may reduce or delay future disability for people with MS. Researchers are also making advances in diagnosis, rehabilitation, and symptomatic therapies for people with all forms of MS, and are bringing us ever closer to a cure.

MS researchers have made extraordinary progress these last few years in developing new treatments for MS that can slow the progression of the disease and in searching for a cure, and your contribution will help support these vital efforts. Funds will also be used to support local programs for people with MS and their families.

You can help me reach my fundraising goal of $500 by sponsoring me in the MS Bike Tour. Support me as I ride 30 miles to find a cure. It’s easy. Please click on the "To Sponsor Me" link below and sponsor me online today.

Your support will mean so much to me, and the over 400,000 Americans living with MS. Can I count on your help?

Warmest regards,

Mark D. Plotzky

To sponsor me:
Click here

To visit My Personal Page :
Click here

For more information about this event:
Click here

For more information about the National MS Society:
Click here


If the links above appear as URLs instead of text links, please copy and paste the URLs into your web browser.

How Can I Help Israel?

Stand With Israel

Speak Out Against Global Terrorism
and its State Sponsors.

National Israel Solidarity Rally

Wednesday, September 20, 12 Noon
Second Ave. and 47th St., New York City

Send a message to the Leaders of the World
as they gather at the UN General Assembly.

Dear Friends:

We often ask ourselves how we can help Israel.  After all, we are all committed to the safety of Israel and of her citizens.  There is a high-impact charity near and dear to our hearts committed to therapy for trauma victims -- EMDR-Israel, the humanitarian assistance program in Israel dedicated to doing frontline trauma work for her citizens.

So, we are inviting you to a fundraiser on Sunday September 17th to hear a speaker, Dr. Billy Eisenberg, talk about what is happening in Israel and how people in the North have been affected by the constant bombing.  Dr. Eisenberg, himself a 9/11 survivor, does a significant amount of work with psychotrauma units in hospitals throughout Israel.  These victims - civilians and soldiers - desperately need psychological intervention and support.  In addition, Dr. Karen Alter-Reid will specifically address the type of trauma treatment being used  and how it helps alleviate and resolve post-traumatic stress symptoms.  She will also talk about how the EMDR-Israel organization uses the donated monies to provide this treatment for both acute onset and delayed post-traumatic stress syptoms and to provide trauma training for mental health professionals in Israel. All services provided by EMDR-Israel are provided by teams of volunteers.

We are asking for a donation of $50.00 to EMDR-Israel, the humanitarian assistance program in Israel.  Of course, if you could afford to give more, it would be greatly appreciated.

When: Sunday, September 17, 2006
Where: Bonnie's house: 220 West Trail, Stamford CT  06903
Time: 10:30 - 12:00 (brunch will be served)
RSVP: kalterreid@aol.com OR bonnieb@gmail.com

If you cannot attend, please feel free to send a check made out to "EMDR-Israel" and mail to Karen Alter-Reid at 66 Big Oak Road, Stamford, CT 06903 or to Bonnie Bachar at the address above.  Please also feel free to forward and extend this invitation to any interested friends and colleagues.


Directions:  Merritt Parkway to Exit 35, make left turn onto High Ridge Rd (from north or south) - drive approximately 3 miles and make a left on Sunset Road, at the stop sign make a right onto West Trail.  Drive .6 miles down - house is #220, on the left side.  Home tel # 203.968.0310.

Look forward to seeing you,

Karen Alter-Reid & Bonnie Kintzer Bachar

ISRAEL. Taking you higher.

Visiting Israel takes you higher. It heightens your senses. It heightens your awareness.

It heightens your sense of self. It heightens your faith.

And it heightens your sense of identification with a land, thousands of miles away, a land that is so very dear to us all.

We urge you to visit Israel now. To take you higher. To start planning your visit this very moment.

Experience Jerusalem, visit Tel Aviv, float in the Dead Sea, tour the Negev, and relax in Eilat.

But this time, go north too.

Take yourself to a higher plane. Visit Safed, the highest town in Israel, one of the four holy cities of Judaism.

To Haifa, majestically draped around the slopes of Mount Carmel.

Drive into the Galilee hills to admire the sculpture park at Teffen, to ride the cable car at Rosh Hanikra,

to journey through Kiryat Shmona to the waterfalls at Banias.

Israelis are waiting to greet you with open arms.

Make the decision now to visit Israel now, soon. Start planning now by calling 1-888-77-Israel and say “Take me higher.”

Or visit www.goisrael.com.

 
 
 
HELP ME HELP OTHERS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY WHO NEED OUR ASSISTANCE 
BY DONATING TO PERSON TO PERSON.
 
Person to Person located in Darien, Connecticut is an organization that collects new or worn items
such as clothing for babies, kids and adults.
They are looking for donations for only Spring and Summer items.
Needy families in emergency situations will go to Person to Person for assistance.
Person to Person services the Stamford, Norwalk and Darien areas.
 
You may donate clothing, food (canned items) and only brand new unopened toys.
 
We will be bringing a large donation of items on the first of every month.
Please help me with any donations that you would like to make.
I would greatly appreciate it.
I am hoping you can help me with this for my Mitzvah Project
because it is important for us to help others who may need it.
 
This is how you can help:
Please bring your donation to my house, 116 Wedgemere Road,
or e-mail coopbry@aol.com to make arrangements for us to pick it up.
We will do this during June, July and August.
 
Thank you so much for helping the needy. Eric Cooper 968-9591
 
Save Darfur Now

Voices to Stop Genocide.



Join the Save Darfur Coalition on

Sunday, September 17, 2:00pm

Central Park, New York City 

How Do I Become an Adult Bat Mitzvah?

(and what other adult ed options will we have this year?)

People have been asking me about becoming an adult bat mitzvah here at TBE. While our full adult ed program will be released shortly, here are some of the headlines, so you can begin planning. Yes, our adult bar/bat mitzvah program is up and running. We even have a date: next June 23, our final Synaplex Shabbat of the season. The prerequisites for Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah are my “Judaism for Everyone” course and Cantor Littman’s class, “Bima 101.” For those who did not take my class last year, it is possible to take both classes in one year. The cantor’s class will be at 10 AM on Sunday mornings and mine will take place at 11. Those seeking Hebrew instruction will be able to take classes with our new educator, Eran Vaisben. As the year progresses, Eran, the cantor and I will work with the B’not Mitzvah class (and BTW, guys can do this too!) to make final preparations for the actual service. If you are interested in any of these offerings (even if you don’t intend to become an Adult Bat Mitzvah and just want the classes) please contact our education office at education@tbe.org. All the classes are open to members and non-members of TBE.

But it will be nice to see a group of people following in the rich heritage of TBE adult B’not Mitzvah, including the “class of 2004,”

Stephne Behrend

Mindy Hausman

Vicki Kobliner

Ilene Koester

Maureen Leffand

Carol Sander

Judy Schneiderman

Barbara Shapiro

Cheryl Wolff

Incidentally, I will also be teaching a course exploring the deeper meaning of our prayers – that will be held on selected Sundays at 9. The coming year will also feature the return of “Learning and Latte” series at Borders, two spectacular scholars in residence and other speakers in conjunction with the Synaplex series, the Harold Hoffman lecture on Nov. 14 on the topic of terrorism, Israeli movie nights, and much more.

JewTube

Youtube has been in the news lately. On this website that has been around for less that a couple of years, already millions of videos are available, dealing with every imaginable subject or area of interest. Go to http://www.youtube.com/index and you will find everything from news reports from major international news outlets to home videos of a cat on the toilet. You tube is not completely unregulated, as the site will edits out material that is vulgar or hate-filled, although not with complete success. Offensive material is flagged by the viewers themselves as such. There is also significant material there of Jewish interest. During the recent war in Lebanon, videos circulated that were particularly moving, including one of Israeli soldiers reciting the traveler’s prayer from their tanks before crossing the border.

One video that I’ve found particularly moving is a montage Video to Remember the Fallen Israeli Soldiers. The song that everyone’s been singing “Chazak Amenu” is also found there, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S-5jLiFfls. Anti Israel material also abounds, but YouTube has clearly become a major outlet of expression for Israelis as they work through the traumas of the past few months. See “Brothers in Arms” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8l5JrFhcv0. Today is the finals of Israel’s version of “American Idol,” Kochav Nolad. See a previous semifinalist, Shir Biton at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-nT877N-Bg. How about a 44 minute broadcast from the History Channel on the the Israeli airstrike on Iraqi nuclear reactor (1981). Or if you feel like teen stuff, you can simply watch Israelis At The Mall.

On other matters Jewish, watch the Jewish Rapper Matisyahu, check out Jewish Life in Vilna 1939 or Jewish Life in Warsaw 1939. And there are the inevitable weddings and bar mitzvahs and the obligatory Jewish Cat with a yarmulke on his head. Go figure.

Like everything in cyberspace, freedom has its tradeoffs and its abusers. But through it we are able to be connected to the Jewish world as never before.

Let’s begin with GOOD NEWS from Israel 21c and other sources

US airport security enters a 'new age' thanks to Israeli expertise
From Boston to London to Minneapolis, airport and rail security personnel are increasingly adopting an Israeli method for spotting terrorists by their body language. Labeled SPOT - Screening Passengers by Observation Technique - the program, which has been introduced by the Transportation Safety Authority (TSA) in the US and the British Aircrafts Authority in England, was devised by New Age Security Solutions' Rafi Ron, former chief security officer of the Israeli Airport Authority. More...

Global Democracy | Israeli concert helps war victims on both sides of the border
When several young people got together in Jerusalem to plan a benefit concert to help the victims of the recent Israel-Hizbullah war, they wanted to go beyond Israel's borders. "Our hope was to spread the message that it's important to have compassion for all human beings, regardless of ethnic, religious, national lines," said organizer Daniel Siedarski. That's why the proceeds of the benefit concert, which featured Jewish and Arab artists performing rock, hip-hop and electronic music, are being divided evenly between organizations helping those living in northern Israel and in southern Lebanon.  More...

New Israeli high tech billboards aren't magic, they are Magink
Increasingly, the billboards we see on the side of the highway - or in places like Times Square - are digital, with video capabilities. But the problem for advertisers has been that in bright daylight, the digital images can be difficult or impossible to see. Israeli company Magink has a solution with a new technique using 'digital ink'. The technology was featured at the recent Cannes Film Festival and is about to be unveiled on the streets of London. Not only is the Magink solution easier to see, but their signs last longer and expend less energy.  More...

Israeli studies offer solutions for infertility
There's hopeful news from Israel for the millions of American couples with infertility issues or multiple miscarriages - two new studies point to ways in which to increase the chances of bringing home a healthy baby. One study took researchers by surprise when they found out by accident that a biopsy procedure significantly raises the chances of infertile women to conceive. Another has found that the immune system is a key to ensuring successful fetal development and preventing miscarriage. More...

Israeli, Palestinian scientists collaborate for the common good

Pro baseball coming to Israel http://www.israel21c.com/bin/en.jsp?enDispWho=Articles%5El1411&enPage=BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enVersion=0&enZone=Health&

now for the rest

Prime source: Daily Alert of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

See also http://www.theisraelproject.org/site/c.hsJPK0PIJpH/b.672581/k.CB99/Home.htm

Israel to Lift Lebanon Blockade - Ronny Sofer
U.S. Secretary of State Rice and UN Secretary-General Annan have informed Prime Minister Olmert that the multinational force in Lebanon is ready to take over monitoring of the country's sea and air ports. In response, Israel decided to lift the eight-week aerial and naval blockade of Lebanon on Thursday. (Ynet News)

Russian Arms in Hizballah Hands Cloud Russian Foreign Minister's Visit - Herb Keinon
Russian-made, state of the art weapons Israel says Hizballah used during the recent war in Lebanon will be one of the main topics of discussion during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Israel on Thursday. According to diplomatic officials, Israel wants Russia to stop supplying arms to Syria and Iran because some of these weapons ended up in Hizballah's hands. (Jerusalem Post)
See also Russia Ready to Investigate Weapons Supplies to Hizballah (MosNews-Russia)

Palestinians on the Verge of Civil War? - Paul McGeough
In Beit Hanun in Gaza, Ribhi Hussein, the father of little Osama, says: "You see this one-year-old? He will grow up to a bomber in Tel Aviv....He is my boy, but he is not as priceless as Jerusalem." On a rise overlooking the Mediterranean north of Gaza City stands a palatial residence, the home of Dr. Nabil Shaath, who was foreign minister in the Fatah-led former government. Here, the swimming pool, the manicured gardens, and the Asian household staff are read by ordinary Palestinians as proof of the rampant corruption that caused voters to turn against Fatah.
Dr. Ibrahim Ibrach, a political analyst at Gaza's Al Azhar University, agrees that the current crisis has eroded some of Hamas' popular support, but predicts that if an election was held tomorrow, Hamas would probably win because the Fatah factions are fighting among themselves. "If Hamas fails - or if it is made to fail - Palestinian voters will not rush back to Fatah's corruption and its failed peace efforts." (Sydney Morning Herald-Australia)

Everything You Know About the Recent Mideast War Is Wrong - Emanuele Ottolenghi
Each war brings Israel a new challenge. Each time, it takes Israel time to absorb the blow, understand its nature and mechanisms, and then make elaborate corrections and improvements to its combat doctrine. In the past, Israel has learned from its mistakes and it improved its fighting capabilities the next time around. In this recent war with Hizballah, Israel's performance was no different from that in past wars. At a heavy price, it inflicted a severe, but not decisive, blow to Hizballah. It will now learn how to fight better next time around. (National Review)

Bomb Tehran Today or Be Bombed Tomorrow? - Bennett Ramberg
History records applications of military force to thwart nuclear proliferation. To beat Hitler, the U.S. and Britain not only bombed a nuclear-related heavy-water plant in German-occupied Norway, but determined to destroy or capture all elements of the atomic enterprise in the defeat of the Third Reich. Nearly four decades later, Iran's air force attacked Iraq's Osirak reactor in September 1980. The following year, Israel finished the job, setting back Baghdad's nuclear program by a decade. Washington's 2003 foray into Iraq put a stake into a nuclear cadaver that had succumbed years earlier, the result of the search-and-destroy activities of international inspectors following the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
The risks of thwarting Iran's nuclear ambition pale by comparison to what could occur were the revolutionary regime to get The Bomb. While Israel could inflict second-strike devastation on Iran, its survival instinct will never leave its fate in the hands of a nation that calls for its extinction and has the capacity to launch an atomic first strike. This portent leaves the U.S., the most capable country to contest Iran, with its own stark choice in the event it or others cannot resurrect effective diplomacy: destroy Tehran's nuclear capacity today with conventional air strikes, accepting the probability of significant oil market and terrorist disruption, or assume the risk of a regional nuclear holocaust resulting in far more dramatic energy and Middle East political turmoil tomorrow. The writer served in the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs in the administration of George H. W. Bush. (San

Francisco Chronicle)

The True Price of a Prisoner Exchange Deal - Editorial (Jerusalem Post)

• We all long to see Cpl. Gilad Shalit reunited with his family. But it is difficult to see how the wildly asymmetrical deal Israel is reportedly considering, in which 800 Palestinian terrorists currently held in Israeli prisons would be released, is either morally tenable or wise.
• Israelis have already had several occasions to regret such lopsided exchanges. Of the thousands of security detainees and terrorists released over the past 20 years in exchange for soldiers and in political gestures, hundreds have returned to terror activity.
• Put simply, releasing security prisoners has, in numerous cases, created a clear and present danger to Israeli lives. There are similar problems concerning the negotiations that are reportedly underway with Hizballah over the return of reservists Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser.
• Israel has a huge moral commitment to its kidnapped soldiers - to do all it can to bring them home. But it also has a moral commitment to those soldiers' comrades to reduce, not increase, the risk of them being kidnapped in the first place.
• The price that our enemies are asking for our soldiers - a price that essentially amounts to more terror and more kidnappings - is one Israel cannot afford to pay.

Report: U.S. Seeks to Block Missiles for Hizballah (Ynet News/Janes' Defense Weekly)
Janes' Defense Weekly reported on Thursday that Israel and the U.S. have intensified efforts to prevent Hizballah from replenishing its arms depots.
On July 19, U.S. intelligence satellites spotted Iranians loading eight Chinese-designed C802 anti-ship cruise missiles and three launchers onto a transport aircraft at the military section of Mahrebad Airport outside Tehran for shipment to Hizballah via Syria.
Iranian flights have landed at three Syrian air bases: the military section of Mezze International Airport in Damascus; Nasiriya, 40 km from the Lebanese border; and Qusayr, north of Damascus and 25 km from the Bekaa Valley.
Israeli aircraft destroyed most of the bridges and roads linking Syria and Lebanon, but Israeli intelligence believes mountain smuggling trails were used to transport arms to Hizballah.

Lebanon Security Chief Escapes Attack - Clancy Chassay (Guardian-UK)
    Lt.-Col. Samir Shehade, the deputy chief of intelligence for Lebanon's internal security force (ISF), narrowly escaped a roadside bombing Tuesday that claimed the lives of four of his sergeants.
Shehade was the senior officer involved in the arrest and interrogation of the four security chiefs accused of orchestrating former prime minister Hariri's killing.

The Clandestine Life of America's Top Al-Qaeda Source - Jane Mayer (New Yorker)
    For nearly a decade, a former al-Qaeda operative named Jamal Ahmed al-Fadl has been living in the U.S. government's witness-protection program under an assumed identity.
A Sudanese citizen and a one-time confidant of Osama bin Laden, Fadl is expected to serve as a central witness in the prosecutions of at least two suspected terrorists being held at the U.S. detention facility in Guantanamo Bay.

Song Praising Hizballah Catapults Band to Rock-Star Status - Matthew Schofield (San Jose Mercury News)
    The song blares from seemingly every shop and car window in the Palestinian territories, hailing Hizballah.
Before the recent war between Israel and Hizballah, Ala-Eddin Abdul-Haija's Band of the North was a little-known purveyor of love songs.
Now it's the most popular Palestinian musical group in recent memory, thanks to "Greetings, Hope of Lebanon."
"Look at Nasrallah, bold courageous Nasrallah," they sing. "He has responded to the call for revenge from Muslims and Arabs."
The song begins with a clip from a Nasrallah speech, in which he pledges, "Jerusalem, we are coming."

Israel: Myths and Facts

MYTH #232 [reprint of #26]

"America's support of Israel is the reason that terrorists hijacked four airplanes and attacked the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001."

FACT

The heinous attacks against the United States were committed by Muslim fanatics who had a variety of motivations for these and other terrorist attacks. These Muslims have a perverted interpretation of Islam and believe they must attack infidels, particularly Americans and Jews, who do not share their beliefs. They oppose Western culture and democracy and object to any U.S. presence in Muslim nations. They are particularly angered by the existence of American military bases in SaudiaSaudi Arabia and other areas of the Persian Gulf. This would be true regardless of U.S. policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nevertheless, an added excuse for their fanaticism is the fact that the United States is allied with Israel. Previous attacks on American targets, such as the USS Cole and U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, were perpetrated by suicide bombers whose anger at the United States had little or nothing to do with Israel.

“Osama bin Laden made his explosions and then started talking about the Palestinians. He never talked about them before.”

— Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Newsweek, (October 29, 2001).

Osama bin Laden claimed he was acting on behalf of the Palestinians, and that his anger toward the United States was shaped by American support for Israel. This was a new invention by bin Laden clearly intended to attract support from the Arab public and justify his terrorist acts. Bin Laden’s antipathy toward the United States has never been related to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Though many Arabs were taken in by bin Laden’s transparent effort to drag Israel into his war, Dr. Abd Al-Hamid Al-Ansari, dean of Shar’ia and Law at Qatar University was critical, “In their hypocrisy, many of the [Arab] intellectuals linked September 11 with the Palestinian problem — something that completely contradicts seven years of Al-Qaida literature. Al-Qaida never linked anything to Palestine” (Al-Raya, January 6, 2002).

Even Yasser Arafat told the Sunday Times of London that bin Laden should stop hiding behind the Palestinian cause. Bin Laden “never helped us, he was working in another completely different area and against our interests,” Arafat said (Washington Post, December 16, 2002).

Though Al-Qaida’s agenda did not include the Palestinian cause, the organization has begun to take a more active role in terror against Israeli targets, starting with the November 28, 2002, suicide bombing at an Israeli-owned hotel in Kenya that killed three Israelis and 11 Kenyans, and the attempt to shoot down an Israeli airliner with a missile as it was taking off from Kenya that same day (CNN, December 3, 2002). Al-Qaida operatives have also now has begun to infiltrate the Palestinian Authority (Maariv, October 17, 2005).

This article can be found at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths2/USpolicy.html#r15

Source: REVISED Myths & Facts Online -- A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict by Mitchell G. Bard.

Announcements

Next Week!

Sat. September 16

Selichot: Film, Coffee and Service

8:30 PM: Film and discussion:

“Ushpizin”

10:30 PM: Selichot Service

featuring Cantor Rachael Littman and Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz

“Ushpizin,” the highly acclaimed Israeli film serves as the perfect introduction to the grand themes of the Days of Awe: sin and forgiveness, love and faith, and the possibility of change.  It also breaks new ground in fostering understanding between ultra-Orthodox and less traditional Jews.

As the festive Jewish holiday of Succot approaches, big-hearted Moshe Bellanga, (Shuli Rand) a devoutly religious man, and his wife, Malli (Michal Bat Sheva Rand), find themselves childless, broke and unable to purchase the necessary religious objects to appropriately observe the holiday. When Moshe and Malli receive an anonymous gift of $1,000 from a local charity, they interpret it as a blessing and use it purchase the holy items and build the succah (holiday dwelling) for their rituals. Meanwhile, just as the holiday begins, a dark secret from Moshe’s past is revealed as two of his former associates escape from prison and come to Moshe’s home - as they know it is considered a blessing to host guests during the holiday of Succot and will not be turned away.  The two outlaws begin to take advantage of Moshe’s hospitality and they begin to question his newfound faith and allude to his violent past.

From our membership committee

Havdalah at the Beach

Join us for singing, dancing and ice cream

bring your friends and family

Saturday, September 16, 2006

6:00 PM

Cove Island beach

Bring a picnic dinner

 Family Rosh Hashanah Service

For all ages

(no tickets required)

Sunday, September 24, 2006

4:00 PM

followed by Tashlich at 5:00 PM

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman and Cantor Rachael Littman will be holding a special family-style service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. The service will cater to families with young children, introducing them to some of the key concepts of the Days of Awe, such as the shofar, apples and honey and the themes of repentance and joy. The service will also include stories, songs, snacks, and some surprises, and will be followed by Tashlich (weather permitting). Here, the families will join the Rabbi, Cantor and members of the congregation at the pond next to Beth El to symbolically toss their sins into the water.

Contact Rabbi Hammerman at (203) 322-6901, ext. 307 or rabbi@tbe.org for additional details

The Board of Rabbis presents:

"We Remember: The Fifth Anniversary of 9/11"

Memorial Service

at 9:30 AM

Monday, September 11th,

in the lobby of the Government Center

on Washington Boulevard.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT BETH EL CEMETERY

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2006

10:30 A.M.

BIMAH SET-UP

Sunday, September 17^that 8:30 a.m.

We will be setting up the bimah platforms on Sunday, September 17^th at 8:30 a.m. and taking them down on Sunday, October 5^th at 5:00 p.m. We’ll have some refreshments (including coffee and bagels) available for both the folks who work on the installation of our bimah platforms and for those who just want to stop by and schmooze. Call Stuart Nekritz at 322-0872 (e-mail senekritz@optonline.net) if you want to have some fun playing steelworker for an hour or two, help set up chairs, or just lend general support.

Tot Shabbat at TBE!!!

Stamford’s longest running Tot service (18 years and counting). 

Led by Nurit Avigdor.

Stories!  Songs! Torah procession! Snacks! Puppets!

And lots of fun. 

Meets three times each month, on the 1^st, 3^rd and 4^th weeks, at 6:45 on Friday evening.

(this month, Tot Shabbat will meet on the 15^th and 29^th)

Contact the temple office at TempleSec@tbe.org to be included on our e-mail list.

AND SIGN UP NOW TO HOST A TOT SHABBAT FOR THE NEW YEAR!!! Contact Jeff Trell at jefft@acmesignco.com or our Tot Shabbat committee contacts:

Jeff Trell                              203-322-1531

Deb Goldberg:                    203-323-3307

Stuart Nekritz:                     203-322-0872

And don’t forget Tot Shabbat Morning with Nurit. 

Every week from 10:30-noon

Check out the new, updated Sisterhood listings on our website, www.tbe.org

Interested in becoming part of our Shofar blowing brigade to help at morning minyan during the month prior to the High Holidays? Shofar blowers or those who wish to learn to blow Shofar should contact Chuck Donen at 203-847-5667.

Registration materials are now available for the 2006-2007 TBE Religious School

Find out about our special offers for prospective members to sample a “taste of TBE.”

Contact the temple office at 322-6901.

The Sisterhood Cookbook

Delicious Recipes! Kosher! Family Favorites!

Order your copies ($18 per book) 

SUKKOT 5767 - 2006

begins on Friday evening, October 6^th

Cut and paste this order form:

Order your lulav and etrog here!

NAME PHONE

NUMBER OF REGULAR SETS at $36 per set

NUMBER OF CHILDREN’S SETS at $24 per set

TOTAL = $

Remember… Order by Friday, September 29^th

Please return this form with your check payable to:

TEMPLE BETH EL

350 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT 06902

Pick-up will be on Friday, October 6^th

9:00 a.m. - 12 noon

Learning and Latte at Borders

Stamford’s long-running monthly interfaith “tri-alogue”

featuring Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Rev. Douglas McArthur and Dr. Behjat Syed

This year’s topic:

“Moral Dilemmas for a World in Crisis”

Join us as we engage in friendly dialogue about some of the hot-button issues of the day.  

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month (except November), from 7:30-8:30 PM, October-May

Topics (subject to last-minute adjustment to keep up with the headlines)

Oct. 10– When is war justified?  What makes it “holy?”

Nov. 21 – Can an enemy become a friend?  When is forgiveness possible?  To what ends must we go to achieve peace? What does it mean to love your neighbor?

Dec. 12 – What comes first, loyalty to one’s country, or loyalty to one’s faith?

Jan. 9 –  When does life begin and what happens to the soul after life ends?

Feb. 13 -  Can other religions be “true?”  How can pluralism work for the believer?

March 13 – Is sexuality good, evil or neither?  What are the worst “sins” for our traditions?

April 10 – What are different ways of imagining God in our traditions? How does God show love? 

May 8 – What is the future of religion in America?  The world?  Is religion a source of evil?

Judaism: The Miniseries

What are the events in the Jewish life cycle? What do the Jewish holidays really mean? If you are an interfaith couple and these questions have come up in discussion or

you’ve thought about them, this four-part seminar is for you.

Please join Elise Klein, Director of the BRIDGES Program, Rabbi Phil Schechter of the Fellowship for Jewish Learning and Rabbi Joshua Hammerman of Temple Beth El, as together,

we explore the Jewish life cycle. Bring your curiosity and your questions!

2006 Schedule & Locations

September 13: An Overview and Introduction to the Jewish Holidays, Holy Days, and Festivals

October 18: A Hands-on Exploration of Sukkot and Simchat Torah

November 15: From Birth to Eternity - The Jewish Life Cycle

December 13: What Jews Believe (. . . some don’t)

To register or for more information, please contact Elise Klein at bridgesujf@aol.com or call

203-321-1373 x112

Youth Programming

Next weekend, our youth programming really gets into gear, as we welcome new Youth Advisor Edoe Cohen edoecohen@gmail.com

USY’s Kickoff Bonfire!

8-11 PM

At Danielle Shapiro’s house

52 Blue Rock Drive

Friends, Fun and Smores!

Bring towels and bathing suits!

Admission: $10 at the door

And then….

USY’s Car Wash

Sunday morning,  9/17

Adults (including Hebrew School Parents): Bring your cars ready to be washed

at Hebrew School pickup!

Price: Customer Option (you pick the price for your car!)

The money goes to support our youth program

Any questions?

Call:

Harrison Shapiro – 353-0657

Ethan Hammerman – 329-0098

Danielle Shapiro – 329-0006

KADIMA KICKOFF BARBEQUE (GRADES 6-8)

WHEN: Sunday, September 17

TIME: 12:15 – 2:15 PM

WHERE: Temple Beth El

COST: $10 (pay when you get there)

COME HAVE FUN!

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

AND SEE OLD ONES!

Please RSVP to Edoe Cohen by September 12

edoecohen@gmail.com

or call Mitchell Shapiro at 203-353-0657

JOKE FOR THE WEEK

Quite a Son-in-Law

A Jewish girl brings her fiancé home to meet her parents.

After dinner, her mother tells her father to find out about the young man. He invites the fiancé to his study for schnapps.
"So what are your plans?" the father asks the fiancé.
"I am a Torah scholar," he replies.
"A Torah scholar," the father says. "Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in, as she's accustomed to?"
"I will study," the young man replies, "and G0d will provide for us."
"And how will you buy her a beautiful engagement ring, such as she deserves?" asks the father.
"I will concentrate on my studies," the young man replies, "G0d will provide for us."
"And children?" asks the father. "How will you support children?"
"Don't worry, sir, G0d will provide," replies the fiancé.
The conversation proceeds like this, and each time the father questions, the fiancé insists that G0d will provide.
Later, the mother asks, "How did it go?" The father answers, "He has no job and no plans, but the good news is he thinks I'm G0d."

Previous Shabbat-O-Grams can be accessed directly from our web site (www.tbe.org)

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