March 2025 CEI Bulletin
Congregation Emanu-El Israel
222 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA. 15601
Adar – Nisan 5785
March 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
March is not only a time my thoughts turn toward welcoming spring; it is also a time for Purim. When I think of Purim my first thoughts focus on Esther. Esther’s Hebrew name was Hadassah. The word means myrtle tree and is a Jewish symbol of peace, love and prosperity.
In modern times we often take biblical words and place them on people and organizations. Hadassah is an excellent example. The story begins with Henrietta Szold. Henrietta was the daughter of a rabbi in Baltimore. She had no brothers. She was a bright, committed individual and championed women’s rights in Jewish circles. She took classes at the Jewish Theological Seminary and excelled in that environment, even though women at that time did not have access to become a rabbi. She was also a person who did more than talk. During a trip to pre-state Israel in 1909, she saw Jews living in camps without proper plumbing or sanitation. Horrified by the impact starvation and disease had on her people, she took action.
Returning to America, Henrietta founded Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America in 1912. She devoted the rest of her long life to the health and well-being of the Jewish people and what was to become their homeland. The results of her “practical Zionism” can be seen today in Hadassah’s two world-class hospital campuses in Jerusalem and the youth villages she founded to save the children who left their homelands as the Nazis invaded Eastern Europe.
In 2005, Hadassah Medical Organization earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for bringing advanced medical care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality, in essence creating a bridge to peace through medicine.
On February 24, 1912, 38 women constituted the Hadassah Chapter of Daughters of Zion. Today, the organization has over 300,000 members from across the nation. They remain committed to building a better world through medicine and health care, advocating for change including women’s equality, and supporting Israel while promoting a strong US-Israel relationship.
As Esther/Hadassah of the Purim story was a strong, resilient person of action, so too is her namesake organization today. Both are proper to remember in this month of rebirth.
Amen, 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: David Blozowich, Ed Bureau, Marilyn Davis, Jim Davis, Larry Eisenstatt, Jon Lewis, Gary Moidel, Shirley Ratner, Tulip Serbin, Everett Slone, Georgi Virshup and Sean Winters.
Happy Anniversary to: Marilyn & Jim Davis.
SISTERHOOD NOTES: Terri Katzman, President
On Monday, February 10th, ten Sisterhood members met for a very short meeting and a book discussion.
At the meeting members voted on new officers who will take office on May 14th. These new officers will be Shoshana Halden, President; Robin Mickey, Vice President; Teri Moidel, Secretary; Marion Slone, Treasurer.
There was also a discussion on our upcoming events:
Sisterhood Shabbat, Friday, March 21. We will have twenty-two members taking part in the service.
On Wednesday, April 16, Sisterhood will provide a Passover celebration / dinner. We discussed cooking and setting up for the evening.
The closing dinner and installation of officers will take place on Wednesday, May 14th at DeNunzio’s restaurant in Jeannette. Save the date – there will be more information in the April newsletter.
At the book discussion, a lively conversation included discussion of the book, The Reading List, and sharing information about meaningful books that others have read and enjoyed and / or found fulfilling. Many thanks to Shirley Shpargel for her preparation and the leading of the discussion. And thanks to all who brought and shared the many goodies.
Stay warm, Stay dry and, Stay healthy!
ALFRED RATNER LIBRARY NEWS: Shirley Shpargel, Librarian
The Sydney Taylor Book Awards for 2025 have been announced. Named in memory of the author Sydney Taylor, the awards recognize books for children and teens that show high literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience.
An Etrog from Across the Sea by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky is the winner in the Picture Book category for grades K through 4th. Inspired by a Sephardic family’s silver etrog box, this story captures the joys and perils of Jewish life in the eighteenth century. Leah and Aaron wait for their father’s ship to return from his trading voyage with an etrog for Sukkot. This picture book is illustrated by Stacey Dressen McQueen in the style of American folk art.
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival by Estelle Nadel with Sammy Savos and Bethany Stout is the winner in the Middle Grade category, grades 4 through 8. This is a graphic memoir about a young Jewish girl’s fight for survival in Nazi occupied Poland during World War II. Estelle was once a joyful child with a song for every occasion. She would overcome loss of her family, betrayal, near-execution, and spends two years hiding from the Nazis at the age of seven. When the war was over, Estelle would lose her voice over the next five years as she walked barefoot across European borders and finally crossing the Atlantic arriving in New York City. The illustrator Sammy Savos masters Estelle’s story of survival during the Holocaust.
Night Owls by A. R. Vishny is the winner of the Young Adult category, grades 9 through 12. Molly and Clara are estries-bread-eating, owl-shifting women vampires from Jewish lore living in a former Yiddish theater. When Molly’s girlfriend vanishes, the sisters must team up with reluctant Boaz and face down a monstrous Manhattan underworld to find her or they will all disappear. The author interweaves, mystery, romance, and lore to create this story.
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:
Jan. 24: Andee Millstein by Marilyn & Jim Davis.
Jan. 31: Walter W. Baker by Cori & Michael Liptak.
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CEI FUNDS
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. A Make A Difference Fund donation by Jeffrey & Susan Firestone, Richard & Jessica Krathen, and Adam Winter.
COMPUTER FUND: Provides a means to continually upgrade & maintain CEI’s computer system / software.
CONGREGATION GENERAL FUND: CEI operating expenses. A donation by Joyce S. Leifer. Go for the Gelt winnings donated back to CEI: Virginia & John Lieberman and Richard Virshup. In Memory of: Herb Glimcher by Marilyn & Jim Davis.
CONGREGATION YAHRZEIT FUND: In Memory of: Frank Keating & Katherine D. Friedlander by Jody, Mike, Stacey & Michael Keating. Stanley Tattenbaum, Sidney Minushkin & Louis Strauss by Rachel Minushkin. Helen Stoll Feuerstein by Shirley Shpargel. Norman Weiner, Samuel E. Weiner & Daniel Katzman by Terri & Stan Katzman. Leah Dorfman by Eileen Dorfman. Annual Yahrzeits: Sam Felder, Jennie Felder, Isidore Felder, Sylvia Felder, Dr. William Felder, Jane Felder, Dr. Samuel Caplowe & Mildred Caplowe by Rabbi Adalah Caplowe & Joseph Felder. Sandra Moldovan by Sheila & Barry Kassel. Dr. Alfred A. Wolf by Dr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Wolf. Eugene Lipowitz, Francine Lipowitz & Pauline Liebman by Linda Liebman. Herman Resnick by Ben Resnick. Adolf Rothschild by Irene C. Rothschild. Eileen “Popsy” Sadock by Jonathan Sadock.
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. A donation for 2025 book purchases by Jonathan S. Dohner.
NEW HIGH HOLIDAY, MISHKAN HANEFESH, PRAYER BOOKS: Provides for the purchase of new High Holiday Mishkan HaNefesh. In Memory of our dearly, loved beloved daughter, Lara L. Wong by Marsha & Richard Wong. In loving memory of Steven & Helene Goldberg by Sara Shpargel & Jason Goldberg. In honor of Jerold & Shirley Shpargel by Sara Shpargel & Jason Goldberg.
PULPIT FLOWERS: Provided by donations to the pulpit flower fund.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: Helps individuals and/or org. in need. In Memory of: Walter Baker to purchase a sound bar by Cori & Michael Liptak.
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: A smooth & easy recovery to Bob Slone by Irene Rothschild, Jack Wilder, Terri & Stan Katzman and Virginia & John Lieberman. A smooth & easy recovery to Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Papernick by Irene Rothschild. A Happy Birthday to Irene Rothschild by Virginia & John Lieberman. In Memory of: Leonard Pittler by Wally Caplan. Marvin Levick by Wally Caplan.
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.
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SAVE THE DATE
Please Note: All times & events subject to change.
Friday, April 4: Conversion Ceremony for Ari Grabek, Vlad Norris and Zoe Pawlak. 7:00 PM.
Wednesday, April 16: Congregation Passover Celebration & Dinner. 6:00 PM.
Friday, May 2: Corned Beef Fundraiser order pick up.
Wednesday, May 14: Sisterhood Closing Dinner @ DeNunzio’s in Jeannette.
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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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PASSOVER CELEBRATION AND DINNER
Come rejoice with the community on this special holiday.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 6:00 PM at the CEI Social Hall
Traditional Passover Meal
A short service will be interwoven throughout the meal.
Cost: $20 per person, ages 12+. No cost for those 11 and under.
Reservations must be made no later than April 7 (no walk-ins) to the CEI office, 724-834-0560 or Terri Katzman, 724-837-8275.
Sponsored by CEI Sisterhood
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Friday, March 21 at 7:30 PM will be the Sisterhood led Shabbat Service.
Friday, April 4 at 7:00 PM will be the Conversion Ceremony on the front porch followed by the 7:30 PM Shabbat Service and Naming Ceremony for Ari Grabek, Vlad Norris and Zoe Pawlak in the sanctuary. A special Oneg will follow. We hope you will plan to join with us for this special milestone.
Wednesday, April 16 will be the Congregation Passover Celebration and Dinner. 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, May 14 will be the Sisterhood Closing Dinner at DeNunzio’s in Jeannette. More details to follow.
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OFFICE HOURS
The CEI Office is open Monday, Thursday, & Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Tuesday & Wednesday 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:
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.
March 14: Jacob L. Adler, *Ralph Balber, *Thesi Baneman, *Joseph C. Binakonsky, Drew Briner, Patrick Collins, *Sarah Goldstein Davis, *Mary Farber, Hyland Gefsky, Joseph Glasser, Andrew Jubelirer, *Joseph H. Rossen, Herb Seigle, *Betsy Shendowich, *Sidney Silverman, Daniel Tattenbaum, William Weiner and *Samuel N. Whiteman.
March 21: *Sidney D. Adler, *Max Applbaum, *Ida Browdie, *Gittl R. Cohen, Miriam Farber, Sylvia Felder, *Fanny Felder, *Theodore Gillis, *Jacob Glicenstein, Sadie Goldman, Fredda Hollander, *Bella B. Jacobson, *Sam Kamerman, *Mary G. Kaufman, *Albert Levick, *Harry Levine, *Isadore Levine, *Meyer Liebman, *Morris Loundy, Mickey Radman, *Morris Schultz, *Eva Ratner Schurr, *Harry B. Shendowich and *Shrage Ph. L. Ziff.
March 28: *Morris Altman, *Ann L. Axelrod, Frieda Benowitz, *Anne Bolner, *Anna Buchman, Charles Carothers, *Anna Cohen, *Michael Farber, *S. Harry Goldberg, *William Gordon, *Isaac Gross, Etta Katzman, *Doris D. Kaufman, *Theodore Levin, *Isidor Neumann, *Rachel Ozik, *Charles I. Ratner, Daniel M. Reid, Rhoda A. Reid, Henry Roth, *Seth Alan Sadock, *Isaac Schindowich, *Noah Shendow, *David L. Slone, *Goldye Taper, *Sarah VeShancey, Lillian Slone Wieder and *Samuel Wolinsky.
April 4: *Benjamin Berkofsky, *Louis Bleiberg, Frances Brodell, *Goldie Cohen, Louise Davidson, Judy Dohner, Seymour Farber, *Elliot Farber, Clara Sedel Greenberg, *Burrel Hochberg, Helen Kirkpatrick, *Lillian Kogut, Charles Koral, *B. Jacob Levine, *Michael Magadof, Sara Schulman Metz, Addie Reid Powell, *Darlene Robinowitz, *Israel Samuels, *Maxene Rita Segal, *Sol Shpargel and *William Zakowitz.
* A light will be lit on a Memorial Board
