February 2025 CEI Bulletin
Congregation Emanu-El Israel
222 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA. 15601
Shevat 5785
February 2025
724-834-0560
The Mission of Congregation Emanu-El Israel is: To support Judaism and the welfare of our community.
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FROM THE DESK OF: Rabbi Lenny
This was a dilemma faced by our patriarch Jacob. In Parshat Vayeshev, we are told that Jacob sent Joseph on a mission to Shechem. He said to him, “Lech-na re’eh et-shelom acheicha” – “Go now and see how your brothers are.”
Jacob knew that there was a deep feud, an enormous tension, between the brothers on the one hand and Joseph on the other.
Why did he send him on this mission, and what was he saying to him?
Actually, in the Hebrew text, the Torah should have said “please now go Leddarash et shelom acheicha,” in order to find out, but instead it says “re’eh” – “see the shalom of your brothers.”
What was there to see?
A 19th-century Chasidic master gives a beautiful commentary. He says the term “Shalom” – peace – comes from the root “Shalem,” which means wholeness.
When you achieve peace, everything is whole, everything is perfect. So Jacob was saying to Joseph, “Go and see the shleimut,” the wholeness, of your brothers. And what you will realize is that, right now, there is a feud between you on a particular issue, but actually, beyond that issue, you have the basis to get on well with them. See the whole person, as a result of which you will admire them. You will be able to love them.
In Pirkei Avot we are taught, “Vehevei dan et kol ha’adam lekaf zechut” – “Judge everybody favorably.” But actually, “kol ha’adam” means “judge the whole person.” Because if you’ve got some reason to doubt or to hate, actually look at the entire person, and you will find that there is so much about that individual that you can admire.
And now we can understand another teaching in Pirkei Avot: “Vehevei mekabel et kol ha’adam b’seiver panim yafot” – “You should greet every person with a cheerful countenance.” It’s not every person, it’s “kol ha’adam” – greet the whole person with a cheerful countenance.
Because sometimes, when you see certain people and you know that they are really disappointing you, you might not be so cheerful. However, if you see the whole person, then you will come to respect them and hopefully love them.
It is certainly a lesson for our times. Perhaps if we examine people not thru a particular argument or heat of the moment, but as a whole person, perhaps our world will not be so discordant.
Shalom, Rabbi Lenny
CEI LINK Program – a video conference experience. Even though CEI is open for in-house worshipers, we will continue to video conference the Shabbat Services on Friday at 7:30 PM, so you can continue to attend services from home. Visit our website www.ceigreensburg.org for instructions on how to log into the meeting and for the meeting code (which should be the same each week). If you have any questions, please call and talk with Rabbi Lenny. Songs for the service will be available on the website. The Mishkan T’filah (prayer books) used in the service are available digitally on the website.
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CHATTER
Happy Birthday to: Deborah Blozowich, Brian Chobirko, Eileen Dorfman, Gene Goldberg, Adam Goldstein, Eric Goldstein, Terri Katzman, Max Kaufer, Michael Keating, Maggie Taylor, Ronald Vorel, Brian Winters and Jared Winters.
Thank you to our Menorah Lighters and others that joined with them each night of Hanukkah: Vlad Norris, Chris DeMarco, Richard Virshup, Gary & Teri Moidel, Bruce Kaufer and the Congregation.
We mourn the death of former members Leonard Pittler and offer condolences to his family; and to Lois Ziff and offer condolences to her family.
SISTERHOOD NOTES: Terri Katzman, President
A very special thanks to all who helped at the Chanukah dinner – but especially to the Latke Ladies (and man) that included Robin, Shoshana, Karen S., Yvonne, and Dave and Autumn Blozowich. A great team made great latkes!
Just a reminder that our next meeting is on February 17th (look for additional information in this newsletter).
And, following that, we will prepare Sisterhood Shabbat on March 21, Passover Dinner on April 16 and Closing Dinner with Installation of Officers on May 14.
In the meantime, stay dry and warm.
ALFRED RATNER LIBRARY NEWS: Shirley Shpargel, Librarian
Books purchased with CEI donation:
The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold (Youth Fiction).
When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman (Youth Fiction).
The Dissident: A Novel by Paul Goldberg (Fiction).
Judaism is about Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life by Shai Held (Intro to Judaism).
Target Tehran: How Israel is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination and Secret Diplomacy by Yonah Bob and Ilan Evyatar (Israel).
Donation:
America and the Holocaust by Barbara S. Burstin PhD (Youth History).
Books from P J Library: Bone Button Borscht by Aubrey Davis (Easy Reader) and Little Red Ruthie by Gloria Koster (Hanukkah).
Tomorrow and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a novel in which the author explores her Jewish and Korean identities. The novel centers on the relationship between Sadie Green, a Jewish woman from Los Angeles, and Sam Masur, her Jewish Korean childhood friend, as they develop a successful video game company. In the 1980’s, Sam and Sadie meet in a pediatric hospital. Sadie’s older sister is being treated for childhood leukemia, while Sam is undergoing multiple surgeries on his foot, which was crushed in the car crash that killed his mother. The nurses encourage Sadie to play Nintendo with Sam in the gaming room. They meet again in Cambridge, Massachusetts where one attends Harvard and the other MIT. The creation of games draws them back together. Before graduation from college, they created their first blockbuster game named Ichigo. A game where players can escape the confines of a body and the betrayals of a heart; where death means nothing more than a chance to restart and play again. Fame and fortune take their toll on both the partnership and the friendship.
The title Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is taken from a line from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but with gamers it is a reference to possibilities. Zevin attended Harvard University in the 1990’s and lived in Los Angeles so draws on her experiences for the setting of the novel. In deciding to write about video game developers, Zevin was inspired by early generations of gamers, referred to as the “Oregon Trail Generation”. Even if you have never played a video game, you may enjoy this novel. The novel can be checked out at any WLN library near you.
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
Do you know of someone who is Jewish and currently unaffiliated?
Do you know of someone who would like to worship with us as a member?
If so, please give info to Anna Spor.
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ESTATE PLANNING
If you are planning to initiate or change your will or estate plan, please remember to include Congregation Emanu-El Israel (CEI) as part of your legacy. The monies can be used for a specific purpose as designated by you, or added to an Endowment Fund already set up to assure the ability to continue providing a full-service Congregation to serve the Jewish people of the area.
This legacy can be accomplished by a simple bequest in your will, by one of the allowable charitable trusts where you get an immediate tax advantage, or through life insurance.
PLEASE DO IT NOW! Please check with your attorney or insurance agent. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Robert Slone (724-836-5468) or Gary Moidel (724-244-6421).
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TREE OF LIFE
Share your joy by inscribing simchas on our Tree of Life… an everlasting remembrance of the meaningful happy events that touch us. Inscribe a leaf our Tree of Life. Leaf – $180 ea. (Price includes engraving)
The golden leaves may be inscribed to commemorate joyous events such as births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, etc. Share your joy by inscribing simchas on our Tree of Life… an everlasting remembrance of the meaningful happy events that touch us.
Memorial Plaques are for remembering a loved one. You may purchase a plaque for the sanctuary Memorial Boards by contacting the CEI office (724-834-0560). Cost per plaque $300.00.
Memorial Boards. For more details, please contact the CEI office at 724-834-0560.
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WHEN MAKING A DONATION
When making a donation, whether to a CEI Fund or the Remembrance Fund, please provide complete information. This will make it easier and faster to process.
1 The name and address of where to send the response to let them know you made a donation.
2 The reason for the donation (in memory of, in honor of, speedy recovery, etc.) and the full name of the honoree.
3 Name and address of donor.
Example: Please send a card (or accept this donation) to Jane Doe, XXX Main St, Greensburg, PA 156XX. In Honor of the Birthday of Jane Doe! From Jack Jones, XXX Broadway Dr., Greensburg, PA 156XX.
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WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THESE GIFTS
PULPIT FLOWERS: In Memory of:
Dec. 13: Melva Davis Weisberger by Linda & Jeffrey Reisner and Marilyn & Jim Davis. Freda Virshup by Richard & Georgi Virshup. John Halden by Bob & Shoshana Halden. Harry Goldman by Cori & Michael Liptak.
Dec. 20: Robert Davis by Marilyn & Jim Davis and Linda & Jeffrey Reisner. Rae Levine by Marilyn & Jim Davis. Mildred V. Wilson by Virginia & John Lieberman.
Jan. 3: Lillian Weiner & Daniel Katzman by Terri & Stan Katzman.
Jan. 10: Marjorie Lieberman, Dr. Irving Lieberman & Carolyn Lieberman by Virginia & John Lieberman. Ruth Schrag by Loren Vivio. Sylvia Moidel by Teri & Gary Moidel.
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CEI FUNDS
ALFRED RATNER LIBRARY FUND: Supports library facilities, books, & equipment.
ARCHIVE FUND: Helps to defray the cost of archiving the CEI material sent to the Rauh Jewish archives.
BOB & PHYLLIS DAVIS FAMILY FUND: Youth scholarships & enrichment.
CARING FUND: Supports congregants who are experiencing sickness, bereavement & other personal difficulties.
CEI ENDOWMENT FUND: Provides for the continuity of the congregation by subsidizing future operating expenses.
COMPUTER FUND: Provides a means to continually upgrade & maintain CEI’s computer system / software.
CONGREGATION GENERAL FUND: CEI operating expenses. In Honor of: Chanukah by Esther & Stuart Glasser.
CONGREGATION YAHRZEIT FUND: In Memory of: Elizabeth Marie Kates by Jonathan & Samuel Kates. William Jay Karelitz by Amy & Alan Karelitz. Harry M. Friedlander & Leonard Pittler by Bill Friedlander and Jody, Mike, Stacey & Michael Keating. Max Litchfield & Golden Litchfield by Jeanne & Jeff Sicuro. Robert Davis by Marilyn & Jim Davis & Family. Robert Mendler by Michael & Stacy Mendler. Ethel W. Kaufmann by Margie Leisawitz. Cantor Saul Hammerman by Dr. Samuel Hammerman & Family. Matthew Leiner by Irene C. Rothschild. Charlotte Krinock by Ronald Vorel. Sylvia Moidel by Teri & Gary Moidel. Julius Diamondstone by Richard & Karen Diamondstone. Albert Farber & Dorothy Claire Farber by Jeffrey & Catherine Feryus. Carolyn Lieberman, Dr. Irving Lieberman & Marjorie Lieberman by Virginia & John Lieberman.
IVAN B. YOUNG EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FUND: Supports the advancement of Jewish education.
LIBRARY BOOK FUND: Provides for the purchase of books and other resource material for the library.
NEW HIGH HOLIDAY, MISHKAN HANEFESH, PRAYER BOOKS: Provides for the purchase of new High Holiday Mishkan HaNefesh.
PULPIT FLOWERS: Provided by donations to the pulpit flower fund.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: Helps individuals and/or org. in need. In Appreciation of: Study sessions with Rabbi Lenny and the friendliness of the Congregation by Anne H. Bush.
REMEMBRANCE FUND: A special donation to Sisterhood to honor or celebrate an event or person. Virginia Lieberman (724-668-2442) or Yvonne Bureau (724-837-8072). In Honor of: Kara Kamler on her conversion and becoming a member of CEI by Irene C. Rothschild.
SOCIAL ACTION FUND: Supports projects that benefit our community.
TEMPLE EMANU-EL CEMETERY FUND: For beautification and upkeep of the Temple Emanu-El Cemetery.
TORAH REPAIR FUND: To provide funds to repair the Torah scrolls.
Please Note: All times & events subject to change.
Monday, March 3: Deadline to order Hamantaschen.
Sunday, March 9: Hamantaschen Order Pick Up. 12 – 2 PM.
Friday, March 14: Purim Celebration. 7:30 PM.
Friday, March 21: Sisterhood led Shabbat Service. 7:30 PM.
Wednesday, April 16: Congregation Passover Seder. 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, May 14: Sisterhood Closing Dinner. More details to follow.
GO FOR THE GELT WINNERS
Congratulations to our go for the gelt winners:
Teri & Gary Moidel
Marion Slone
Chris DeMarco
Jon Dohner
Conall Bradshaw
Richard Virshup
Deborah Blozowich
Mr. & Mrs. John Lieberman
We would like to thank everyone for participating in this fundraiser by purchasing raffle tickets and with your donations. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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SISTERHOOD BOOK REVIEW
CEI Sisterhood is having a book review and discussion on Monday, February 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the social hall.
Shirley Shpargel will lead the evening’s presentation. The book, The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams, is a heartwarming story about how a chance encounter with a list of library books helps forge an unlikely friendship between two very different people. If you’ve read the book – great. If you haven’t read the book, following a short synopsis, you will still be able to join in a lively discussion.
We will have a short meeting prior to the program. At this time, we will elect new officers (Shoshana Halden and Robin Mickey have signed up to run for president and vice-president). We are still looking for a new secretary and treasurer. Come forward – won’t you?
Did I forget to mention that we will, of course, enjoy a dessert.
So – will we see you on February 17th? Please RSVP to Terri at terriandstan@comcast.net or 724-837-8275.
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PURIM CELEBRATION
We are going to have a Purim Celebration during the Friday night Service on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Israel.
Megillah Reading / Songs
Costumes Optional, but add to the fun!
To help you celebrate Purim and to help raise funds for educational programs, we again are selling Hamantaschen. Order form is in the monthly bulletin. Please be sure you submit your order to the office or to Shoshana Halden by Monday March 3rd. You can pick up your Hamantaschen on Sunday March 9th from 12-2 PM, by pulling up in front of the synagogue and someone will bring your order to your car. You do not need to get out of your car and you do not need to come into the building. Payment must be submitted with the order form, payable to CEI/Education. Thanks in advance for your support.
Cost: $ 14.00 per dozen. $7.50 per half dozen.
Order Deadline: Monday, March 3rd with payment to the CEI office.
Pick up: Sunday, March 9th (12:00 – 2:00 PM)
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BAKING FOR ONEG CLASS
In addition to selling Hamantaschen, as we have in the past, but better ones; we are having a class in Baking for Oneg as we teach the tradition. We will meet on Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 AM in the kitchen. If you are interested and would like to sign up, please call Shoshana at 412-610-1924 or Terri at 724-837-8275 by March 3. It will be a fun morning.
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OFFICE HOURS
The CEI Office is open Monday, Tuesday & Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Wednesday & Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Rabbi Lenny, generally, has office hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Making an appointment is highly recommended, since emergencies and meetings outside the office do occur. The Rabbi can also be available at other times, for your convenience. Please call 724-834-0560 or Rabbi directly at 724-963-0789.
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CEI LEADERSHIP
Rabbi Leonard Sarko
CEI Officers:
President: Irene C. Rothschild. Vice President: Jamie Kaufer. Treasurer: Julie Goldstein. Recording Secretary: Virginia Lieberman. Sisterhood President: Terri Katzman. Men’s Club President: Gary Moidel. Bulletin Editors: Mary Ellen Kane, Karen Sarko & Bea Harrison.
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HONORING THEIR MEMORY
Families of the following loved ones will honor their memories and mark the occasion of their family history by reciting the Kaddish this Shabbat.
The following Yahrzeits will be honored at CEI:
February 07: Joseph Anderko, Barbara Aurick, Jack Axelrod, Joseph Blum, *Fannie Daniels-Solof, Leah Dorfman, Helen Stoll Feuerstein, Harold Freeman, Gerald Fried, *Katherine D. Friedlander, *Richard T. Goldberg, Edith Mindlin, Sidney Minushkin, *Emma Rose, Jennie Roth, *Frank Rubenstein, *Ignatz Schneider, *Charlotte Shapiro, *Sarah L. Shapiro, *Benjamin Victor and Norman Weiner.
February 14: Bessie Alabran, *Sara F. Cohen, Stanford P. Davis, *Samuel Drexler, *Fanny B. Finkelstein, Rose Barron Glick, *Samuel Hodes, Alvin Holtzer, Rita Jacobowitz, *Samuel Jacobson, *Reuben Kassel, *D. Levin, *Mary Miller Levy, *Pauline Liebman, Francine Lipowitz, *Berenice D. Pittler, *Morris Scott and Ruben Whitman.
February 21: Lorraine Backal, *Joseph Bayer, *Irving Louis Bloom, *Fanny Bloom, Dr. Richard A. Deeb, Philip Eisenstatt, Albert Farber, *Louis B. Jacobson, *Frank Levin, *Boaz Lurie, *Reuven Lurie, *Zilpa Lurie, *Mrs. Bessie Miller, *Ruth Moldovan, *Gertrude M. Ratner, *David Segal, *Sender Shirey, Howard Spiegel and Betty (Epstein) Wechsler.
February 28: Emanuel Baum, *Shepard A. Brightman, *Noah Cohen, *Samuel Daniels, *William Davis, *Belle M. Friedlander, Gerard Gau, *B.S. Gross, *Leib Gross, *Mary Levin, *Pauline Levinson, Frances Lurie, *Alexander M. Miller, Rozlyn Naughton, *Hattie Neumann, Mary Papernick, *Joseph Quint and Adolf Rothschild.
March 7: *Joanne Brodell Alpern, *Michael Arbetter, *H. Samson Binakonsky, Ellen Bray, *Eileen Cohen, *Henry Gold, *Isaac Kahanowitz, James Ratner, Herman Resnick, *Eileen “Popsy” Sadock, Gary Schenck, *Ethel Ziff Shor, Larry Ward, *Israel Weiner and Samuel E. Weiner.
* A light will be lit on a Memorial Board
