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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

The Raw Byram News Feed

Week in Review: Sinking into the Byram River
Patch
By Nik Bonopartis | Email the author | 12:12pm When G&S Investors inked the deal to build Port Chester's waterfront complex, a new walkway and sea wall ...

Friday, December 17, 2010

Temple Sholom Weekly E-Bulletin


Temple Sholom E-Bulletin
December 17, 2010
Temple Sholom Sancuary

This Week 2

Saturday, December 18

Teen Choir, Rak Shabbat, YCFS Services

Monday, December 20

Nursery School Winter Vacation Begins

Friday, December 24

The Temple is closed

Find us on Facebook
Candle Lighting
Friday, Dec. 17
4:09 pm

Temple Sholom's
Worship Schedule
Friday, Dec. 17
6:30 - 7:15 pm

Saturday, Dec. 18
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday, Dec. 19
8:30 - 9:15 am
Temple Sholom
Simcha Corner

jewish star image

Mazel Tov to:

Howard & Betty Ochs, on the B'not Mitzvah of their daughters, Danielle & Rachel.

Moti Bashan & Michele Levy, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Kelly.

Michael & Ellen Wolfson, on the naming of their granddaughter, Jessica Abrams Schimmel. Parents are Joshua & Jennifer Schimmel.

Jeff Katz, for being accepted to Brandeis University early decision.

Evelyn Sutin, on the celebration of her birthday.


Upcoming Adult Education

at Temple Sholom

Refresh * Renew * Release

with Reb. Allison
Friday, January 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Jewish Text Exploration

with Rabbi Mitch

Tuesdays, January 11th - February 8th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Martin Luther King & The Jews

Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 12th, 12:00 - 1:00pm

Hebrew School for Adults

with Cantor Asa

Wednesdays, January 12th - February 9th, 7:00 - 8:30pm

Advanced Beginner Hebrew

with Reb Allison

Thursdays, January 13th - February 10th,

9:30 - 11:00 am

Parenting Discussion

with Rabbi Shira Leibowitz

Friday, January 14th, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Anti-Zionism is Anti Semitism

Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 19th, 12:00 - 1:00pm

American Jews & Israel: The Beinart Controversy

Israel Study group facilitated

by Gaviel Rosenfeld

Sunday, January 23rd, 9:15 - 10:30 am

Addressing Racism in German Today Lunch 'n Learn presented by AJC with Eugene Dubow and Don Snyder Wednesday, January. 26th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

All programs are no fee. To register or for more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com.


Rabbi Mitch's

Weekly Teaching


We just had the wonderful joy of hosting the Israeli Soldier Music Ensemble at the Temple as part of our Israel initiative for education and advocacy.

Now, preparing to leave on our congregational mission to Israel, and thinking about these incredible brave young Jews who defend the Jewish State, I was mindful of a story about Dvir Aminolav....


Click here to see the full version of this Teaching by Rabbi Mitch.

shabbat_artCongregational Shabbat Kiddish

Saturday, December 18th

Join our Teen Choir for Saturday morning services as we bless our group heading to Israel. Services will be followed by a congregational kiddish with families from the YCFS and Rak Shabbat services.

women's spirituality

Refresh * Renew * Release

Friday, January 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a bottle of water and join Reb Allison in the sanctuary to explore and nurture your spirit.

For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com


Sisterhood's Mahjongg for the Masses

Monday, January 10th, and the 2nd Monday of EVERY month at 7:00 pm.

RSVP required to Phyllis Shapiro at 203-637-7809 or wigini@gmail.com


Broadway ConcertAn Interfaith Broadway Concert
Sponsored by Jewels by Viggi

Saturday, January 22nd, 7:30 pm
Come hear an eclectic group of talented singers from local churches and synagogues sing some of your favorite Broadway Show Tunes. This concert is part of The Sholom Center programming.

Concert is free of charge, but please consider becoming a patron. All proceeds will go the Sholom Center and support interfaith programming. For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com


ice skatingFamily Ice Skating (2nd -12th grades)
Sunday, January 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Bring your family and friends to the Dorothy Hamill Rink for a fun afternoon of ice skating. Cost of $10 per skater includes skate rental, skating, snacks, and private room!

To rsvp or more information, contact Josh Altman at 203-542-7163 or at josh.altman@templesholom.com


Save the Date

Do You Go To Florida For The Winter

Friday & Saturday, February 18th & 19th
Join Rabbi Mitch at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach for a musical Friday night service at 6:30 pm followed by dinner. Then again for Saturday morning services at 9:15 am followed by lunch.
Annual Gala

Sunday, April 10th, 6:00 pm

Join us as we honor Evelyn and Milton Sutin with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Josh Altman with the Distinctive Service Award and celebrate the Selma Maisel Nursery School's 20th Anniversary.

For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com


In and Around the Community...


Jewish Historical Society of Lower Fairfield County present their December Speaker Program "Eyewitness To Stalin's Soviet Regime",
Sunday, December 19th, 10:00 am at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford.


Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

Rabbi's Weekly Teaching

Weekly Teaching
By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz

rabbimitch@templesholom.com
Pictures from this past Sunday's
"Keep the Lights Burning"
FIDF Musical Ensemble Concert
can be found by clicking here

Parashat Vayechi
December 17, 2010
Teaching by Rabbi Mitch
rabbimitch@templesholom.com



We just had the wonderful joy of hosting the Israeli Soldier Music Ensemble at the Temple as part of our Israel initiative for education and advocacy.

Now, preparing to leave on our congregational mission to Israel, and thinking about these incredible brave young Jews who defend the Jewish State, I was mindful of a story about Dvir Aminolav.

The Gaza War was a three-week military conflict that took place in the Gaza Strip during the winter of 2008-2009 and was dubbed Operation Cast Lead.

Dvir Aminolav was the first Israeli soldier killed in that short, but terrible war, and his father had died two years earlier after a long illness. The loss of Dvir was particularly traumatic. He was the only son among daughters, and had taken on many of the paternal responsibilities for his family.

On Dvir's birthday, his family and friends gathered around his grave. His mother, Dayla, shared there a very powerful story.

I was missing my son, terribly. One night before I went to bed, I said in a loud voice: "God, give me a sign, give me a hug from Dvir so that I will know that his death had some meaning."

It was quite some time before I fell asleep. That week my daughter asked me to accompany her to a musical performance at The International Crafts Festival in Jerusalem. I was feeling quite depressed and didn't want to go to the concert, but, I also didn't want to disappoint my daughter either, so I agreed to go halfheartedly.

The concert was a bit delayed. As the musicians were warming up, tuning their instruments, and testing the speaker system, a two-year-old boy, with beautiful blond curls, looking like a little angel, began wandering through the stands.

Without the slightest bit of self-consciousness, he walked right up to my seat and touched me on the shoulder.

My preschool teacher instincts were well in place, and as I saw the boy I was moved to smile warmly. I asked him with my softest and kindest voice: "What's your name?" "Eshel," the boy replied.

"That's a nice name. Do you want to be my friend, Eshel?"

The boy nodded in reply and sat down next to me. Eshel's parents were sitting two rows above, and thinking their little boy was bothering me, they asked him to come back up.

But, happy for the first time in a long time, I insisted that everything was fine. Then, the two-year-old Eshel chimed in, as only little children can: "I have a brother named Dvir."

I was shocked to hear the unusual name of my beloved son, and I walked up with Eshel the two rows to where his parents were sitting.

I saw a baby in his carriage, and apologizing, I said: "If you don't mind me asking, how old is your baby and when was he born?"

The baby's mother replied, "He was born right after the war in Gaza. Six months ago to be precise."

I swallowed hard. "Do you mind if I ask one more question?"

The mother said not at all, and Dalya asked: "Please tell me,

why did you choose to name him Dvir?"

Baby Dvir's mother began to explain. "I am an officer dealing with wounded soldiers in the army. When I was at the end of my pregnancy, the doctors suspected the fetus may have a very serious birth defect. Since it was the end of the pregnancy, there was little the doctors could do for me and my baby and I just had to wait and see how things would turn out. When I went home that night, the news reported that the first casualty in the war was a soldier named Dvir.


I was so saddened by this news that I decided to make a deal with God. 'If you give me a healthy son,' I said in my prayer, 'I promise to name him Dvir, in memory of the soldier that was killed.'"

I stood before this young mother with my mouth open, and finally managed to say: "I am Dvir's mother."


The young parents didn't believe me, and I repeated: "Yes, it's true. I am Dvir's mother. My name is Dalya Aminalov, from Pisgat Zeev."

The young mother had a sudden inspiration, and she handed me her baby and said: "Dvir wants to give you a hug."

I held the little baby boy in my arms and looked into his angelic face. The emotion I felt at that moment was overwhelming. I had asked for a hug from Dvir; and now I could truly feel his warm and loving embrace from the World to Come.

Miracles sometimes come from the combination of faith and fate. The first prime minister of Israel, David Ben Gurion, had it right when he proclaimed: "In order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles."

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Mitch


Temple Sholom
300 E. Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-869-7191

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

The Raw Byram News Feed

Shops in Byram join sales forces | Interior Design Tips
Shops in Byram join sales forces Barbara Reinken, owner of Stuf, in her store, in Byram, on Tuesday, Dec. 7. 2010. Photo: Helen Neafsey
Interior Design Tips - http://interiordesigntips.org/

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Save the Date for Cantor Asa's Broadway Concert in January

The Sholom Center presents

an Interfaith Broadway Concert
sponsored by Jewels by Viggi

Saturday, January 22
7:30 pm

at Temple Sholom

Hear Cantor Asa & Friends
with choirs from local churches and synagogues
sing some of your favorite Broadway Show Tunes

Free Admission

Support Interfaith Programming
like this concert,
by making a donation
to
the Sholom Center

This Interfaith Concert is free!

Please consider becoming a patron by making a donation.

All patrons will be listed in the Concert program.

Please make check out to Temple Sholom
300 E. Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
memo: The Sholom Center


Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Raw Byram News Feed

Shops in Byram join sales forces
Danbury News Times
Barbara Reinken, owner of Stuf, in her store, in Byram, on Tuesday, Dec. 7. 2010. Photo: Helen Neafsey / Greenwich Time | Buy This Photo Joining forces ...

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Raw Byram Blog Feed

Connecticut Rent Homes For Sale » Blog Archive » Charming in Byram
By admin
Charming in Byram. preview of Charming in Byram. Price: $599000, City: Greenwich , Square feet: n/a; Location: 15 Ocean View Ave , Greenwich , CT , 06831. This charming home has been lovingly restored. New kitchen, refinished hardwood ...
Connecticut Rent Homes For Sale - http://connecticut-ct.renthomesforsale.com/

Saturday, December 11, 2010

The Raw Byram News Feed

Flags back on Mianus River bridge
Greenwich Citizen
Members of the Byram-based Masons Acacia Lodge 85 and the Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Company paid for the flags and installed them on Veterans Day, ...

Friday, December 10, 2010

Temple Sholom Weekly E-Bulletin

Temple Sholom E-Bulletin
December 10, 2010
Temple Sholom Sancuary

This Week 2

Sunday, December 12

"Keep the Lights Burning" FIDF Concert & Post Chanukah Party

Monday, December 13

Mahjongg

Wednesday, December 15

Lunch n' Learn

Thursday, December 16

"Blessings of the Skinned Knee",

JNYC Pan Asian Dinner
Find us on Facebook
Candle Lighting
Friday, Dec. 10
4:08 pm

Temple Sholom's
Worship Schedule
Friday, Dec. 10
6:30- 7:15 pm

Saturday, Dec. 11
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday, Dec. 12
8:30 - 9:15 am
Temple Sholom
Simcha Corner

jewish star image

Mazel Tov to:

Kenneth Bloom & Abby Meiselman, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Phoebe.

Michael & Lisa Hecht, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Samantha.

Thomas & Paula McCloskey, on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Jared.


Upcoming Adult Education

at Temple Sholom

Refresh, Renew, Release

with Reb. Allison

Fridays, Jan. 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Jewish Text Exploration

with Rabbi Mitch

Tuesdays, Jan. 11 - Feb. 8, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Martin Luther King & The Jews

Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 12, 12:00 - 1:00pm

Hebrew School for Adults

with Cantor Asa

Wednesdays, Jan.12 - Feb.9, 7:00-8:30pm

Advanced Beginner Hebrew

with Reb Allison

Thursdays, Jan. 13 - Feb. 10,

9:30 - 11:00 am

Parenting Discussion

with Rabbi Shira Leibowitz

Friday, Jan. 14, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Anti-Zionism is Anti Semitism

Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 19, 12:00 - 1:00pm

American Jews & Israel: The Beinart Controversy

Israel Study group facilitated

by Gaviel Rosenfeld

Sunday, Jan. 23, 9:15 - 10:30 am

Addressing Racism in German Today Lunch 'n Learn presented by AJC with Eugene Dubow and Don Snyder Wednesday, Jan. 26, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

All programs are no fee. To register or for more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com



Rabbi Mitch's

Weekly Teaching


I recall sitting and watching the 1980 Winter Olympics and witnessing the "Miracle on Ice" with Al Michaels' famous call as the US Hockey Team won against the Soviets: "Do You believe in miracles? Yes!"


Click here to see the full version of this Teaching by Rabbi Mitch.

See Below or Click Here for information about the devastating fire in Israel and how you can help.

FINALLY - IT'S HERE!!! THiS SUNDAY...

"Keep the Lights Burning"

a Post Community Chanukah Celebration, December 12th, 3:30 pm

concert pic

Come dance, sing and enjoy a special concert with the FIDF (Friends of the Israel Defense Forces) musical ensemble. Then its party time! We will have a DJ, food, games & arts & crafts and more...

Many local Jewish organizations have been our community partners on this event. Invite your friends! No Charge.

For more information, call Alice Schoen, (203) 542-7165.


Sisterhood's Mahjongg for the Masses

Monday, December 13th and the 2nd Monday of EVERY month at 7:00 pm.

RSVP required: Phyllis Shapiro at 203-637-7809 or wigini@gmail.com
Jewish Network of Young Couples (JNYC) 3rd Annual Pan-Asian Dinner
Thursday, December 16th, 7:00 pm

Join the Jewish Network of Young Couples for the 3rd annual Pan-Asian dinner. This is a great opportunity to socialize with friends old and new!
To rsvp, contact Sarah Fradkin at sesamesarah@gmail.com

shabbat_artCongregational Shabbat Kiddish

Saturday, December 18th

Join our Teen Choir for Saturday morning services as we bless our group heading to Israel. Services will be followed by a congregational kiddish with families from the YCFS and Rak Shabbat services.
An Interfaith Broadway Concert
Sponsored by Jewels by Viggi

Saturday, January 22nd, 7:30 pm
Come listen to Cantor Asa and Choirs from local Churches & synagogues sing some of your favorite Broadway Tunes.


Nursery School Highlights

Enrollment for Fall 2011 is now open! Don't forget to send in your forms!

Music and Movement Class, Mondays, January 3rd - March 28, 9:30 - 10:15am space is still available

Little Explorers, Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:30 space is still available

SMNS Jazz Fest, January 29th, 7:30 pm

For more information, contact Reiko Moriguchi at 203-542-7162 or at reiko.moriguchi@templesholom.com


In and Around the Community...

AJC Westchester's "Israel...New Perspectives", Saturday, December 11th, 8:00 pm. An elegant evening featuring Israeli wine tasting, Israeli snacks and an exciting discussion of the award winning Israeli wine industry. Tickets are $36 pp, limited to 50. Event is being held in Port Chester at Congregation KTI. For more information contact, AJC at 914.948.5585 or westchester@ajc.org


Discover Schechter Westchester, Tuesday, December 14th at 8 pm. at the home of Steve & Elizabeth Katz. For more information and to rsvp, call Diana Schutt at 914-948-3111 ext. 4370 or email her at dschutt@solomon-schechter.com

Response to Fire Disaster
in
Israel's North

Fire

On Thursday, December 2, 2010, a forest fire broke out in Israel's Carmel countryside, which spread rapidly across the tinder-dry land, left parched after the hottest November in Israel in 60 years.

Forty-one people died, and tens have been injured and 10,000 residents, including 600 prison inmates, were evacuated as the blaze raged out of control, devastating hundreds of acres of pine forest before sweeping down the slopes of the Carmel plateau towards Israel's third largest city.

As of Friday the blaze had spread and currently the fire is not yet under control.


We know that many people's first instinct is to help, and we know that there are many good ways to do that.

1) Prayer - At moments like these, we believe that prayers help as well. Click here for a prayer for Israel at this moment of need from the Masorti Movement in Israel. Please share this prayer on your listserves and recite it on Shabbat with your kehillah.

2) Donations - We suggest donating through Masorti,the Conservative movement in Israel. The fund will meet immediate relief needs, including housing. After that, money will be spent on longer-term relief volunteer efforts through Noam, Masorti's youth movement in Israel. Any leftover funds will go to our partners, the Jewish National Fund, as a gift from the Conservative/Masorti movement.


To donate online, go to Masorti's contribution page and click on the Fire Emergency Fund link in the Program Designation dropdown menu.

To donate by check, send it to:

Masorti Foundation

475 Riverside Drive

Suite 832

New York NY 10115

and note that it's for the "Fire Emergency Fund", or call the foundation at 212-870-2216 to donate by credit card.



Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

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