Disparate congregations share a 24-year Thanksgiving tradition Nov 27, 2008
Children take turns showing off dance moves at the annual Thanksgiving dinner of the Ebenezer Baptist and B'nai Israel congregations ... Volunteers and guests pack the food line in Boca on Tuesday at the joint dinner of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and Congregation B'nai Israel ... Ebenezer and members of the much wealthier Congregation B'nai Israel a few miles down the road have been throwing this joint feast on Thanksgiving week and celebrating Martin Luther King Day together "way before... (The Palm Beach Post)
Interfaith service a chance to give thanks Nov 26, 2008
SENNETT People from diverse perspectives converged at Temple B'Nai Israel Tuesday night to thank God at the Cayuga County Area Inter-Faith Ministries Thanksgiving service ... We are all aware of the challenges that lie ahead for us in our country, Herb Sussman, executive director of Congregation B'Nai Israel, told the 50 people attending ... Welcome to my very egalitarian house of worship, said Elaine Cohen, Hebrew teacher at Congregation B'Nai Israel. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
The roaming rabbi: Dwindling congregations welcome visits Oct 4, 2008
"It's been helpful, helpful indeed," said Elaine Lehmann, a lifelong member of Temple B'nai Israel in Natchez, where the aging congregation has dwindled to eight people ... When Appel is not on the schedule, Temple B'Nai Israel and many of the synagogues she serves hold lay-led services ... The state's oldest congregations are B'nai Israel, formed in Natchez in 1840, and Anshe Chesed, formed in Vicksburg in 1841. (The Clarion-Ledger)
ARTTOWN: Family's life interwoven with city arts Aug 4, 2008
When prodded if there was anything they had forgotten to mention, Iris offered, "Oh yeah, remember when Yo-Yo Ma played Nancy's cello at her wedding at B'nai Israel." It is reflective of both the depth of the Birnbaums' musical connections and their modesty that this intimate association with one of the world's most acclaimed musicians was literally an afterthought. When I walked into the living room of the Birnbaum home on Elbridge Road, I noticed the piano at one end was a 7-foot Mason n... (New Britain Herald, CT)
Judaism drawing more black Americans Jun 19, 2008
"My community is the community of B'nai Israel," she said, using the Hebrew expression for the children of Israel. "I was on a quest for a relationship with God," she said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Human Rights Theme of Event at B'nai Israel Jun 11, 2008
SOUTHBURY - Members of B'nai Israel, invited dignitaries and area residents gathered Saturday evening, May 31, at the Southbury synagogue for a multi-faceted program centered on the theme of human rights ... Art O'Neill read a proclamation from Gov. M. Jodi Rell commending B'nai Israel for initiating the Human Rights Festival ... A representative from Congressman Chris Murphy's office shared a brief speech "in honor of B'nai Israel and the Town of Southbury, Connecticut, for their outstanding... (Voices, CT)
Mothers of Faith May 10, 2008
Tracy Wolfe, a member of Jewish Temple B'Nai Israel in Tupelo, works in the office at Milam Junior High School. "Some of the kids just gravitate toward me," she said. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Albanian Muslims Who Sheltered Jews Honored at Program May 9, 2008
Reminding those present that two out of every three Jews in Europe were murdered in the Holocaust, Rabbi Eric Polokoff of B'nai Israel also spoke of "acts of courage, kindness and commitment" that marked those years, particularly among the Muslims of Albania. "Here is a narrative that must be told," he said, "especially today," for it confounds prejudice at a time when Muslims themselves are frequently the targets of bigotry. (Voices, CT)
Time to reflect on diversity, language and worship at Pentecost May 3, 2008
Burt Paikoff, a lay leader at Temple B'Nai Israel in Tupelo, said that language has always been central to Jewish worship and identity. "All Torahs, which are the five holy books of Moses, are hand-written, on scrolls, in Hebrew," said Paikoff. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Families welcome students to Seders Apr 15, 2008
The two local Jewish synagogues -- the Congregation of Moses and Temple B'nai Israel -- are not planning community Seders this year either. INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Jewish congregation rocks service Apr 5, 2008
But Congregation B'nai Israel of Boca Raton would disagree. If you go. (The Palm Beach Post)
Sunday, April 13:Women's Seder Invites Celebrated Women in History Mar 26, 2008
Each woman's story will be accompanied by music chosen by Linda from a variety of sources, including women of the B'nai Israel choir, singers from the women's a cappella group Femina Melodia, the Femina Melodia Drummers, some flute players and other voices from the community. JCC Program Director Cynthia Burger of Southbury is liaison between the Seder Committee and the Federation Jewish Communities of Western Connecticut. (Voices, CT)
Social Calendar Feb 23, 2008
St. Andrews Friends of American Friends of Magen David Adom; Cocktails, dinner and private concert with Michael Feinstein; Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, 7 p.m; (561) 487-4243. 6. (The Palm Beach Post)
Damned if She Does, Damned if She Doesn't Jan 24, 2008
Rachel Kohl Finegold is the "programming and ritual director" at Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation in Chicago. And the Jewish Center in Manhattan recently hired Elana Stein Hain to serve as scholar in residence. (Slate)
Musical Gala Aids HomeFront, Other Tribury Programs Jan 23, 2008
SOUTHBURY - The eighth annual Musical Gala to benefit AmeriCares HomeFront and other community outreach programs is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 3, at B'nai Israel Synagogue, 444 Main St. North. The gala, sponsored by the Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee and the Brownstein Jewish Family Service, features a variety of musical acts from the Tribury area. (Voices, CT)
B'nai Israel Hosts King Celebration Jan 16, 2008
SOUTHBURY - Songs and Prayers for Peace: An Interfaith Family Celebration Honoring the Life and Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 20, at B'nai Israel, 444 Main St. North ... "Also appearing will be Makehla, a choir made up of congregants from B'nai Israel, directed by the temple's new cantor, Anna Zhar.Ms. Zhar grew up in Russia and spent 10 years in Israel before coming to the U.S. to study choral conducting and ultimately becoming a cantor.The... (Voices, CT)
Abramson named to fill 23rd JDC Division D judge vacancy Jan 5, 2008
Additionally, she has been president, Congregation B'Nai Israel; chair, Legal Division, Professional Division, Capital Area United Way; and a board member, Hospice Foundation of Greater Baton Rouge. In 1992 and 2005, Abramson received the President's Award from the Baton Rouge Bar Association and in 2007, she was the recipient of the President's Award from the Louisiana Bar Foundation. (Gonzales Ascension Citizen, LA)
Church Briefs Dec. 22, 2007 Dec 26, 2007
n The Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Tupelo meets at 11 a.m. Sundays at Temple B'Nai Israel, 1301 Marshall Street, Tupelo. There is no service on the fifth Sunday of the month. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Festival of lights begins Dec 21, 2007
D., Congregation B'nai Israel ... At my synagogue, Congregation B'nai Israel on Park Avenue, Bridgeport, we are following in the footsteps of our ancestors by rededicating our temple after a year of expanding and renovating our place of worship, study and community. (Derby Valley Gazette, CT)
Chanukah: Festival of rededication Dec 6, 2007
D., Congregation B'nai Israel, Trumbull ... At my synagogue, Congregation B'nai Israel on Park Avenue, Bridgeport, we are following in the footsteps of our ancestors by rededicating our temple after a year of expanding and renovating our place of worship, study and community. (Ivorytown Beacon, CT)
Hanukkah begins at sundown Dec 4, 2007
He wanted them to assimilate, to compromise their faith and defer to the Greek culture, said Burt Paikoff, a lay leader at Jewish Temple B'Nai Israel in Tupelo. "The Levitical Laws have always helped define the Jewish people," said Paikoff. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Disrespect for dead disturbs survivors Nov 29, 2007
There was no rest for the dead at B'nai Israel Cemetery ... Phillip Mizrach, a member of the B'nai Israel Congregation, founded in 1873 and the oldest continually operated modern Or thodox synagogue in Maryland, said the latest attack was the first time "we've been hit like this.". (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Community takes holidays to heart Nov 17, 2007
The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Congregation B'nai Israel, 8 John Smith Ave., Auburn. The service has become a meaningful part of the holiday season for many people. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Annie Epstein: A volunteer until the end Nov 16, 2007
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster led by Rabbi Jimmy Kessler of Temple B'nai Israel of Galveston. Born Ann Goldberg Sept. 11, 1928 in Elmira, N.Y., she married Murray Epstein on Dec. 8, 1950. (The Citizen - online, TX)
Interfaith service Sunday Nov 14, 2007
"Despite the months of work it takes to pull this together, it's something that, at the end, is very gratifying because it brings everyone closer together,'' he said. In addition to Father St-Godard and the Rev. Mr. James T. Walsh, deacon at Holy Family, participants will include: n The Most Rev. Louis E. Gelineau, Bishop Emeritus of Providence n Jeremy Brenner, president of Temple B'nai Israel n The Rev. Eletha Buote-Greig of St. James Episcopal Church, n The Rev. Marnie Miller-Gutzell of... (Woonsocket Call, RI)
A dozen churches combine to help end world hunger Oct 13, 2007
The Heifer Fair is sponsored by B'Nai Israel Congregation, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist, Holy Family, Sacred Heart/Saint Ann's, St. Alphonsus, St. Francis/St. Hyacinth Cluster, St. Mary's, Trinity Methodist, United Church of Auburn and Westminster Presbyterian Church. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Area churches serving up tasty treats Oct 13, 2007
The annual Interfaith Prayer Service will be held at the B'Nai Israel Temple Nov. 20. Chapel House Homeless shelter is in need of a washer and dryer (electric). (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Historic house of worship sells, to Christian use from Jewish use Oct 13, 2007
B'nai Israel, seller of the 111-year-old building at 265 W. Main St., was represented by Bernard Mussman, of Bernard Mussman Associates LLC. The buyer was represented by New Britain attorney Michael Carrier. The Rev. Bob Santeusanio, of the Christian Calvary Group, said he was thrilled to find a home for his congregation. (New Britain Herald, CT)
Letters to the Editor: October 9 Oct 9, 2007
Thanks to The Pensacola Jewish Federation, The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Temple Beth El, The Men's Club and Sisterhood of B'nai Israel Synagogue, and talk radio station WEBY AM-1330 for showing "Ever Again" Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Pensacola Junior College ... Mr. Jerry Gordon, a member of the board at B'nai Israel and The American Congress for Truth, Mr. Chip Merritt, president of the Pensacola Jewish Federation, and Mr. Kenneth E. Lamb, an unwavering supporter of Israel, kept the ball... (Pensacola News Journal)
Viewpoint: Disturbing wave of anti-Semitism re-emerging Sep 16, 2007
The film and discussion were co-sponsored by the Pensacola Jewish Federation, The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Temple Beth El, the Men's Club and Sisterhood of B'nai Israel Synagogue and talk-radio station WEBY AM-1330 ... Jerry Gordon is a Pensacola resident, and a member of the boards of Pensacola's B'nai Israel Synagogue and the American Congress for Truth. (Pensacola News Journal)
GALEN HOLLEY: Christians and Jews share much common ground Sep 15, 2007
In writing about Temple B'Nai Israel, I was reminded of the Jewish roots of Christianity and the rich symbols and stories that the church received: A common inheritance that encourages us to concentrate on our similarities rather than our differences. We've all heard it said that Jesus was a good Jewish boy. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
'When we remembered Zion' Sep 15, 2007
For the Jewish congregation of Tupelo, this year's memories include a look back over more than 50 years, when the fledgling gathering grew from household meetings into a congregation with a permanent worship space: Temple B'Nai Israel, located at 1301 Marshall Street ... Finally, on Aug. 24, 1939, the gathering officially became the congregation of Temple B'Nai Israel ... In beautifully poetic Jewish fashion - like that found in Psalm 137: "By the rivers of Babylon, we sat mourning and weeping,... (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Shirley Shaver Sep 5, 2007
Her funeral arrangements were private and under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket and the Chevrah Kaddisha of Congregation B'nai Israel. Memorial contributions may be made to the RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 186 Amaral St. Riverside, RI 02915 www. (Woonsocket Call, RI)
Heifer Fair to aid international project Aug 4, 2007
The 12 faith communities participating: Sacred Heart/Saint Ann's, Westminster Presbyterian, St. Alphonsus, Holy Family, B'Nai Israel Congregation, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Hyacinth, First Methodist, St. Mary's, First Presbyterian, Trinity Methodist and United Church of Auburn. They have all come together to work on this gift of love. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Saturday July 14 Concert for Darfur Slated in Southbury Jul 3, 2007
BiaXident, Ruach and Roll and the Off Beats will perform in the Benefit Concert for Save Darfur, set for 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at B'nai Israel on Main Street North ... Speaking for Ruach and Roll, Woodbury resident Linda Goodman said the band was deeply moved when they saw "The Promise," and came up with the idea of running a benefit concert at B'nai Israel, where the band often performs ... Rabbi Eric Polokoff, spiritual leader of B'nai Israel, called the ongoing genocide in the Darfur... (Voices, CT)
Palm Beach County churches continue to cope with wrath of Wilma Jun 26, 2007
To his surprise, a donation of $1,000 came from neighboring Congregation B'nai Israel. LocalLinks. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Synagogue to close after 111 years on West Main Street May 31, 2007
The 111-year-old Temple B'Nai Israel at 265 W. Main St. held its final service on Saturday ... In 1991, the Connecticut State Historical Society named Temple B'Nai Israel to its list of more than 50 historic structures in the state ... B'Nai Israel Rabbi Marshall Press could not be reached for comment. (New Britain Herald, CT)
Synagogues in South Florida are building a network for recovery May 20, 2007
Representatives of 11 synagogues in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties gathered at Congregation B'nai Israel to learn how to create a Jewish recovery network, a group of synagogue-based teams designed to answer questions about alcohol and drug abuse and refer Jews with problems to groups that will assist them ... Agler, who is married to Rabbi Richard Agler at B'nai Israel, said she decided to organize the South Florida network to help people like herself who seek comfort through... (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Interfaith Services of Remembrance planned May 18, 2007
The Wednesday, May 30 First Congregational Church of Vernon UCC program will feature the Rev. Dr. Peter Brenner of First Congregational Church of Vernon UCC, Rabbi Kim Blumenthal of Congregation B'nai Israel, and the Rev. Dr. Henrietta D. Aiello of Rockville United Methodist Church. The Wednesday, June 6 Carmon Family Center program will include several clergy members from the Farmington Valley. (Windsor Journal, CT)
Spiritual knowledge May 9, 2007
In post-World War II America, Judaism sought its place in the community, said Cliff Fiedler, the religious leader of Temple B'nai Israel in. "(Jews) had not been considered part of the local, indigenous population," he said. (Shoals TimesDaily)
Hilary Duff at Wellington polo Apr 23, 2007
The owners of the Boca-based Mrtainment which boasts a portable replica of the Saturday Night Fever dance floor were suing B'Nai Israel temple's exclusive caterer over a $5,000 payment that M it made to be allowed to do business at the Boca Raton synagogue, one of the area's wealthiest ... Cutler who said he reaps up to $1 million a year playing such ceremonies said he filed the lawsuit partly to figure out if B'Nai Israel is aware of VIP's alleged payoff requests, and profits from them ... "We... (The Palm Beach Post)
Synagogue listed on National Register Apr 8, 2007
B'nai Israel Synagogue, 618 Mynster St., has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places ... "My family has been here 25 years, and we've been participants in B'nai Israel here since we've lived here.". (Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA)
Three faiths gather under 'Tent of Abraham' Apr 6, 2007
Rabbi James Prosnit of Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport spoke of the miracle birth stories that fulfilled God's directive to "be fruitful and multiply.". The Jews' miracle story involved a post-menopausal woman, the Christians a virgin, and God was part of it in both instances, he said. (Ivorytown Beacon, CT)
Dialogue breeds better understanding Apr 6, 2007
I found everything they said interesting, but some of their remarks stood out, such as when Kareem Adeeb, president of the American Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies, referred to Rabbi James Prosnit of Temple B'nai Israel as "my cousin.". Prosnit said a side benefit of sacred rituals surrounding birth are that they help parents get through the chaos of bringing new life into their household. (Ivorytown Beacon, CT)
How do we tell our stories? Mar 29, 2007
Congregation B'nai Israel, Bridgeport. Easton Courier 2007. (Easton Courier, CT)
Keeping the faith means going green Mar 1, 2007
In December, Congregation B'nai Israel in Boca Raton gave every family a present at services during Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights: a compact fluorescent light bulb, which uses 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb. More than 350 Jewish institutions participated in the campaign, coordinated by the national Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Profile: Carl Otto Feb 13, 2007
Like the Campbell Soup complex, Mercy Hospital, Temple B'Nai Israel, the new Federal Courthouse, Frank Fat's and The Firehouse restaurants, the California Veteran's Memorial in Capitol Park, Cesar Chavez Plaza Park, various properties and Methodist Hospital, to name a few. Carl Otto is president of the general building contractor now although, he says, "My dad still drops by the office frequently to check up on us. "To this day," he says, "I meet people on the street who tell me what a great guy... (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
At B'nai Israel Event Honors Life of Dr. King Jan 31, 2007
SOUTHBURY-WOODBURY - More than 300 people gathered Sunday afternoon, January 21, at B'nai Israel in Southbury for Teach Peace, an Interfaith Family Celebration Honoring the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Co-sponsored by the clergy associations of Woodbury and Southbury and various faith communities in both towns, the event was organized by Julie Clark, co-owner of Creative Arts Studio in Woodbury, and Rabbi Eric Polokoff of B'nai Israel. (Voices, CT)
