Everything Emanuel March-April 2013 - The Emanuel Synagogue

Community of
PARTICIPATORY PRAYER / Tefilah
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ............................................................................................................ by Gail Weinstein
am a Zionist.
I I have never
known the world
without the modern
State of Israel.
I can recall Israel
in its infancy —
the pioneers, the
Kibbutzniks — and
their dreams for a Jewish state,
a Jewish homeland. I remember
my grandparents being glued to
their black and white TVs, cursing
Nasser in 1956. I remember the Six
Day War and the pride it brought
to Jews worldwide, especially
American Jews. We were proud
that Jews could fight so decisively.
From 1967 onward Jews would no
longer be viewed as underdogs, but
through hard work, true grit, passion,
and smarts, “Never Again”
would Jews not have a country or
an army. The Six Day War opened
doors left closed after World War
II as Holocaust programs were introduced
into universities. I remember
the Yom Kippur War, going to
synagogue knowing that Israel was
once again attacked — praying and
holding my breath that Israel would
emerge victorious.
I remember my joy upon my first
visit to Israel, realizing that I was
fortunate to be in Israel, fulfilling the
dreams of my grandparents, greatgrandparents,
and all those who
came before me, for whom Israel
was always a dream, a wish. I vowed
that this would not be my only visit
to Israel, indeed I have returned six
times. Each visit always fills me with
a feeling of being at home; of being
comfortable and unafraid. There is
always something “new” to see in
Israel…even if it is a “dig” uncovering
history of 2000 years ago.
I was determined that my sons
would also love and be proud of
Everything Emanuel
The Emanuel Synagogue
160 Mohegan Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
2
Israel. At our holiday tables, Israel is
front and center during our discussions.
They too have visited Israel
more than once. They believe in
and understand the importance of
Israel to the Jewish people worldwide.
To me, the modern State of Israel
is indeed a miracle. Nevertheless,
too often we are now witnessing
Israel, a sovereign nation, under attack
by the international community.
We hear calls for anti-Israel
boycotts, divestment, and sanctions;
too often, Israel’s legitimacy
is questioned on the international
stage, in the UN, the media and
on college campuses. As President
of The Emanuel Synagogue I have
introduced, Israel Update – Good
News, weekly during my Shabbat
announcements. Our weekly Tuesday
E-News features Ahavat Yisrael.
This has been done to bring Israel
into focus, to share with the congregation
all that is good within Israel,
all that we can be proud of.
I wish to share with you
the following article by Rabbi
Dr. Daniel Gordis, Senior Vice
President and Koret Distinguished
Fellow at the Shalem Center in
Jerusalem. His book Saving Israel
won the 2009 National Jewish Book
Award.
I believe this article sums up
the relationship between Israel and
American Jews today. Please read the
article and use it as a point of discussion
during your Seder. Think about
Israel — and think about visiting
Israel…soon. Experience a Miracle.
Wishing each of us a Zessin Pesach.
(continued on page 8)
Everything Emanuel (USPS 174-820) is published bi-monthly
by The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West
Hartford, CT 06117. Periodicals Postage Paid at Hartford,
CT. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Everything
Emanuel, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117.
Business Office ................................ (860) 236-1275
Business Office Fax .......................... (860) 231-8890
School Office ................................... (860) 233-2774
Internet Address: ......... www.emanuelsynagogue.org
OFFICERS AND STAFF EMAIL VOICE MAIL EXT.
Gail Weinstein ................................ President .... gjw171@aol.com
David J. Small .......................................Rabbi .... rabbismall@emanuelsynagogue.org ...... 115
Philip Lazowski ....................Rabbi Emeritus .... jonahle@aol.com
Gerald B. Zelermyer ............Rabbi Emeritus
Moshe Pinchover .................. Ritual Director .... mpinch@emanuelsynagogue.org ........... 117
Sanford Cohn .....................................Cantor .... cantorcohn@emanuelsynagogue.org .... 114
Judith T. Fox ...................Education Director .... judyefox@emanuelsynagogue.org ......... 122
Myra Emrick .........Synagogue Administrator .... myra@emanuelsynagoguue.org ............. 112
Susan Kurtis ....Communications Coordinator ..... skurtis@emanuelsynagoguue.org
Tahisha Durham ..................Rabbi’s Assistant .... tahisha@emanuelsynagogue.org ........... 110
Jeffrey Rudolph ......Asst. Synagogue Admin. .... jeff@emanuelsynagogue.org .................. 116
Beth Polebaum ............................... Librarian .... library@emanuelsynagogue.org ............ 124
Grae Sibelman .................... Family Educator .... earlychildhood@emanuelsynagogue.org
The Emanuel Synagogue is affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.