SINAI NEWS

September/October 2009 • Elul-Cheshvan 5769-5770

Shabbat & Holiday Schedule In this issue

Shabbat Ki Tavo Yom Kippur continued Rabbi’s Corner, 2
Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8 Sept 28 Afternoon Service 3 pm Seniors Havurah
Sept 4 Outdoor Family Shabbat Service 7 pm Yizkor Service 4:30 pm
Sept 5 Torah Study 8 am
Neilah Service 5:30 pm Cantor’s Notes 3
Break-the-fast 6:30 pm
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Ben Davre Bar Mitzvah 10 am
Sukkot Lifelong Jewish Learning 4
Oct. 2 Shabbat Service &
Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayeilech Sing-a-long 5:30 pm
Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30 Dinner and Oneg 6:15 pm
Sept 11 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm School News, 5
Sept 12 Torah Study 8 am
Oct. 3 Torah Study 8 am Adult Learning
Sukkot Service 9:30 am
Morning Minyan 9:30 am September Calendar 6
S’lichot (see page 11 for details) Simchat Torah
Oct. 9 Consecration Dinner 6 pm
Shabbat Simchat Torah Service 7 pm October Calendar 7
Sept 18 Erev Rosh Hashanah Service 8 pm
Oct. 10 Torah Study 8 am
Rosh Hashanah Morning Minyan w/ Yizkor 9:30 am
Greening of Sinai, 8
Sept 19 Morning Service 9:30 am
Family Service 2:30 pm Shabbat Bereshit Social Action Group
Tashlich & Oneg 3:15 pm Genesis 1:1 - 6:8
Oct. 16 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm High Holy Day Schedule, 9
Sofar Blowing Contest 4 pm
Women of Sinai News
Sept 20 Second Day Service 10:30 am Oct. 17 Torah Study 8 am
Congregational Lunch following Morning Minyan 9:30 am
President’s Message 10
services 12 pm
Shabbat Noach
Shabbat Ha’Azinu Genesis 6:9 - 11:32
Oct. 23 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm S’lichot Weekend 11
Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52
Sept 25 Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Oct. 24 Torah Study 8 am
Sept 26 Torah Study 8 am Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Naomi Arenzon Bat Mitzvah 10 am Donations 12
Morning Minyan 9:30 am

Yom Kippur
Shabbat Lech-Lecha Rummage Sale 13
Genesis 12:1 - 17:27
Sept 27 Kol Nidre Service 8 pm
Oct . 30 Music Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Sukkot BBQ 14
Sept 28 Morning Service 9:30 am
Oct. 31 Torah Study 8am
Adult Study Session 12:30 pm
Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Family Service 2 pm Yahrzeits, 15
Personals

Rabbi David B. Cohen • Cantor Rebecca Robins • Rabbi Emeritus Jay R. Brickman
Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning Sherry H. Blumberg, Ph.D., R.J.E.
Director of Administration Karen Lancina • Program Coordinator Jen Friedman • Sinai News Nicole Sether
Congregation Sinai • 8223 N. Port Washington Road• Fox Point, WI 53217
414.352.2970• 414.352.0944 (fax)• www.congregationsinai.org
Page 2
Rabbi’s Corner
Rosh HaShanah is just a few weeks away; these
weeks of the Hebrew month of Elul are punctuated by the
sound of the Shofar. Twelfth century Jewish philosopher (and
physician!) Maimonides translated the call of the shofar into
human words: “Awake, awake, ye slumberers…consider your
deeds that you might make Teshuvah – repentance.” Maimon-
ides knew that repentance was good for the body as it was for
the soul. And our annual day of soul-accounting is drawing
near.
Repentance is a dynamic process that involves three
steps: first, identifying the wrongs we’ve done; sec-
ond, approaching those we’ve hurt, our friends, our
families, and asking forgiveness; and third, resolv-
ing never to repeat the wrongs.
Repentance doesn’t mean forgetting or
burying the past. It means confronting the past,
and, in so doing, preparing our way to the future.
Like Moses’s broken tablets that became the base
for the second set of Ten Commandments, our past
transgressions can become a source of wisdom and
inspiration. We cannot forget or bury the past. But
we can overlay it with new and better choices. Or, as one of my
teachers once said: we ought not to confuse our mistakes with
the life we are building.
Teshuvah also means extending forgiveness to those
who have hurt us. This is difficult but necessary. For until we
have reached a point of letting go of our anger and pain, how-
ever justified, we cannot, with a full heart, ask others to forgive
us. Again, forgiving others does not mean forgetting. It means
putting those hurts we so often carry with us down on the
Seniors Havurah
Join Rabbi Cohen for the October Seniors Havurah
meeting (September’s falls in the midst of the High Holy
Days) on Tuesday afternoon, October 27, from 1:00 pm until
2:30 pm for a discussion of Pulitzer Prize winning author,
Dexter Filkins’ book, The Forever War. Winner of the National
Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the New York times Book
Review, Best Book of the Year, The Forever War documents
the experience of LA Times and New York Times correspon-
dent Dexter Filkins, the only overseas correspondent to have
witnessed the breadth of Middle East history, from the Tali-
ban takeover of Afghanistan in the late nineties, through the
Iraq War, beginning in 2003. The Forever War has been com-
pared to Michael Herr’s Dispatches, a 1977 book of war re-
porting on Vietnam Herr originally penned for Esquire Maga-
High Holy Day Ushers Needed!
Sinai is looking for men and women to usher for our High Holy Day Services.
If you are interested, please contact Michael Hool at 414-352-0418.
September/October 2009
ground, that we might climb upon them and, through our
souls, embrace God.
To enable us to participate more fully in the work of
this season, we will be sharing Selichot – the Saturday eve-
ning before Rosh HaShanah (September 12), with Milwau-
kee’s other reform and conservative congregations. Congre-
gation Emanuel B’ne Jeshurun will host us in their new sanc-
tuary. Our teacher will be Rabbi Levi Weiman Kelman, rabbi
of Congregation Kol HaNeshama, in Jerusalem. American
born and trained at the Jewish Theological Seminary (of the
Conservative movement), Weiman Kelman serves
Jerusalem’s most popular reform congregation.
His openness, erudition, and innate sense of
spirituality, should make for an inspiring evening.
For more details on where Weiman Kelman will
be teaching in the Jewish community Friday night,
Saturday morning and Sunday, check the J.C.C.
website, www.jccmilwaukee.org or contact the
J.C.C. Judaica director, Jodi Hirsh,
jhirsh@jccmilwaukee.org . A special thank you to
Jodi Hirsh for arranging Weiman Kelman’s visit
and securing funding, that our entire community night bene-
fit!
I hope that these weeks preceding the Holy Days
will allow for introspection and self-examination. I hope we
have the courage to forgive others and ourselves. And I
hope that our souls emerge refreshed and renewed, and
rededicated to the holy purposes to which we all aspire.
Rabbi David B. Cohen
zine. Dispatches is held as one of the finest examples of war
time reportage ever written. The Forever War joins that list,
with, as they say, a bullet.
A question often asked about the Senior Havurah?
Exactly who is a senior? It depends, of course, on who you
ask: AARP considers anyone of fifty to be a senior. Others
would say sixty-five.
We, on the other hand, refuse to label. Instead we
use the following definition: A Senior can be anyone, of any
age, who values the wisdom that accrues over decades of
living. If that describes you, and you appreciate good conver-
sation, peppered with penetrating insights, the Senior Ha-
vurah is for you!
September/October 2009
Cantor’s Notes
Praying Alone, Prayer Together
Recently, I found myself in an unexpected conversa-
tion about prayer. During an afternoon with a friend, a mel-
ody from t’fillah popped into his head. The question then?
Just what is the whole purpose of that prayer, “Adonai, open
up my lips that my mouth may declare Your praise.”
It is the shortest, yet most significant of requests.
Recited before the Amida, it is a personal petition. We each
pray for the ability to fulfill our responsibility of
praying through the next eighteen blessings
(seven on Shabbat.) It is a kavannah, an inten-
tion, recited day after day, week after week.
Before the central part of the worship service,
this line of text provides us with an often
needed reminder to focus (or refocus) our-
selves on the essential task at hand: directing
our prayer towards God, and praising God for
all that God makes possible.
Often times, the tension between hav-
ing a deeply personal prayer experience in the
midst of communal prayer is a challenge for an
individual worshipper to embrace or overcome.
This, too, is a consideration when preparing ourselves for the
High Holy Days. The joy and power of coming together as a
community is exciting and fulfilling. But what is the personal
responsibility unique to each worshipper during this espe-
cially community prayer experience?
Adonai sfatai tiftach, Adonai open my lips, is one of
only a small sprinkling of liturgical texts written in the first
person. We especially notice this on the holidays as we recite
as a community Our Father, Our King. We are aware of our
community as we confess our communal sins: Al cheyt, for
Break-the-fast!
The Women of Sinai invite you to break-the-fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur services
on Monday, September 28, 2009.
If you are able to help by cooking a kugel or baking a
dessert, please contact Laura Waisbren at (414) 352-4213 by
Monday, September 14.
Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. Make
checks payable to Women of Sinai. Drop off at the
synagogue office or mail to:
Laura Waisbren
8172 N. Gray Log Lane
Fox Point, WI 53217
Page 3
the sins we have committed against You.
For many of us, the month of Elul, and the asseret
y’mei tshuvah, the ten days of repentance between Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur are rich with personal reflection
and tshuvah. With a sense of gratitude, renewal and joy, we
will come together on erev Rosh Hashanah, and through the
High Holy Days to learn, pray, celebrate, repent and reflect
together. Let us take a few moments to consider
the many ways that we can prepare ourselves
and take moments of personal celebration,
confession, reflection and prayer during our
holiday worship services.
The kavannah Adonai open up my
lips… can prepare us to focus ourselves in our
own reflections and prayer while we support
one another, celebrate with one another, and
share with one another by praying as a com-
munity. Our own thoughts and feelings are
strengthened by sharing the experience, and
knowing that, in some way, we are all in the
midst of the preparation and experience of the
new year.
God, as we come together to celebrate and wel-
come 5770, and as we turn our hearts in reflection and con-
fession, may you help us to sing Your songs, Your praises,
and to strengthen one another by lending our own unique
voice to our services. Amen.
And may 5770 be a year of health, happiness and
abundant blessing for you and your families.
Shana tovah!
Cantor Rebecca Robins
Shanah Tovah
We look forward to breaking
the fast with you!
Page 4 September/October 2009

Lifelong Jewish Learning

Primary Grades: Healthy Body Elementary Grades: Healthy Mind
Young children are always growing and we want them to A Healthy mind is one that is open and willing to learn. Curi-
have healthy bodies. In Jewish tradition, we metaphorically say “God osity is like a gift from God. Asking questions about what we see,
made us and we are God’s” (Psalm 100). If God made us, then we hear and think as well as about things that are presented to us, can
should take care of the body that we have been given, since we were make for a healthy mind. During this time when school is beginning
formed in the image of God. Finding ways to use our bodies in healthy and Jews are celebrating ancient holy days, it is great for children to
ways is one of the tasks of our religious school. We have movement participate, ask questions, and to hear the value of those questions
to teach joyous dance and art to teach our hands to create beautiful to the process of a healthy mind. This is true in all aspects of learn-
things. We teach the children the motions of Jewish life (rolling like a ing.
Torah, growing like a tree, melting like candles) and we try to instill an The best of learning comes in experiencing things first hand,
ethic of how to use those bodies and in seeing models that they
to treat ourselves, our families respect (namely parents and
and our friends lovingly (including Health Care, Jewish Style grandparents) learning and
not bullying, not punching, nor Body, Soul, Mind, People growing. For this age child, we
kicking). We know that some- Just before writing this article I spent twenty four hours in can compare how the high holy
times we will “miss the the hospital. I was put through many serious, costly, and rigorous days were celebrated in the past
mark” (chet) and so we learn to tests, which revealed that the scare was unfounded. This experience, with how we commemorate
say, we are sorry. Yom Kippur is when reflected upon, especially at this time of year, showed me that them today. We compare the
a good time to ask: “have we kept there were many lessons to be learned and many to teach about our Shabbat prayerbook with the
ourselves healthy and used our health, and our health care. Machzor (high holy day prayer-
bodies to make God’s world a Judaism teaches them. I wish to share some of them with book). We teach them to blow
better place?” you in this article. I am not a politician, and this article will not focus the Shofar and help them learn
A healthy body also on the health care debate in this country (which I do believe to be a the different melodies of the
includes nutrition and how we Jewish issue) rather I will speak of health of the body, the mind, the service.
eat. Judaism had Kashrut as a soul and the health of “our people”—all of which are themes during I would hope that we
way of eating, and while we may the Jewish months of Elul and Tishre. tell them that Jewish learning in
not advocate that this way must During this time of reflection upon our lives, celebration of Sunday and Hebrew School is as
be followed, the consciousness of the New Year, the start of school for our students and perhaps, the important as is the learning in
what we eat, and how we eat is beginning of some new learning for us, we Jews are expected to re- public school. Not because it
still important. Thus teaching evaluate ourselves and to rebuild our commitments to self, family, will help them get a job or into a
children to say blessings and to and community. better college, but because it
think about what and how we eat helps them know who they are
is part of what makes a “healthy Tikkun Ami: Creating a Healthy People and where our people has come
body.” The Holy Days are ways in which we come together in syna- from.
gogue seeing old friends, family and our synagogue community. Our
adult education theme this year is “Tikkun Ami”, the repair of our
Teens: A Healthy Soul people. During this year we will ask: Who are “our people?” Who do Adults: A Healthy Life
The teenage years are we consider a part of us, and how do we define “us?” How have we In today’s world, it is so
times when a young person is come to this definition? We also should ask: “What have I done to easy to get out of balance, to
trying on personalities, attitudes, help this community be the best it can be? What else needs to be spend our time only on work, or
and independence. It is a time of done? Peoplehood and community have always been a major part of on worry, or on one of the many
rebellion and growth. Health of our Jewish tradition since Biblical times. We believe that the whole other things that distract us from
the body and the mind are very community will be saved, not just an individual. Health Care also is being the best person we can
important during this time. But communal. A healthy community where we care about one another be. Perhaps that is the gift that
perhaps, one of Judaism’s most can lead to a healthy life. Thus we must choose: “See I have set be- the High Holy Days, and the com-
powerful tips for a good life is the fore you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life in order that ing of autumn offers to us. It is a
health of the soul. According to you and your children may live.” (Deut. 30:19) time to reflect on what is really
Maimonides in his introduction to Dr. Sherry Blumberg important. Are we working on
Pirke Avot, a healthy soul is one in having a healthy body, a healthy
which there is balance and har- mind, and a healthy soul? Have
mony between the various needs we physical, mental and spiritual
of an individual – nutritive needs, activities in our daily lives? And,
imaginative needs , their desires, the intellectual needs and the spiri- do we find times for family, friends, and our community? Do we give
tual or religious needs. And we are told in the morning service that back as well as take? I think this is what we are called upon to do
“the soul God has given us is a pure one.” when we ask for another year of life, I believe that we are asked to
Thus, the teen needs to have proper physical needs at- balance our life with physical, mental, spiritual and emotional growth,
tended to, the ability to dream and imagine themselves in many (using our hearts) -- learning to make the earth a better place be-
ways, a healthy dose of doing what they desire (within bounds), intel- cause we are in it.
lectual challenges, and room and opportunity for spiritual and reli- Our congregation offers many of these opportunities. Reli-
gious growth. gious services for the spiritual parts of our lives, classes for the intel-
Teens at Sinai can participate in classes, social action pro- lectual, and some for the physical, and opportunities to serve
jects, and being a madrich in our school. In the Milwaukee Jewish (Chesed and Social Action Committees for example.) In addition,
community there are other opportunities. If you need some sugges- there are good people to meet -- friends and family. We need you, and
tions, ask me! I hope you know, you need us.
September/October 2009 Page 5

School News Scholar in Residence

Classes will begin Sunday, September 13 from 10 am-12 pm: Parents and students Save the Dates: November 20-22,
are both expected, there will be Special Parents Meetings. Dr. Rachel Baum will be our exciting
Scholar in Residence.
Thursday Classes for Grades 3-6 begin September 17, 4-6 pm
Rachel Baum is a professor
Consecration of K4 and New Students will be Friday, October 9 at the Simchat Torah in Hebrew Studies at UW-Milwaukee.
Service Her areas of expertise include Jew-
ish identity, the Holocaust, and Mod-
Mini U Grades 7th – 9th Begin Sunday, October 18 5-7 pm
ern Jewish Thought.
Affirmation Begins Sunday, October 18 from 11-1 pm
She will be our scholar for
Friday night, Saturday and Sunday
speaking about “Can we call our-
Family Education and Involvement selves ‘The Tribe’”? Jewish identity in
the light of modern Jewish intermar-
A. Opening Day: Meet the teacher, Classroom visits, Parents meeting, 10 am-12 pm riage.
B. Sixth Grade Family Education: Saturday, October 14, 10 am-1 pm Look for more information
C. Affirmation Family Education and Parent’s Meeting: Sunday, October 25, 11-1 pm coming in the November- December
D. Sukkot Study session and Ethics: October 4, October 18, 10:30 am-12:00 pm Sinai News.

Adult Education
Tuesday, September 1, 7:30 pm with
Rabbi David Cohen: Part II of the High
Holy Day Preparation
Tuesday, September 8, 7:30 pm with
Dr. Sherry H. Blumberg: Part III of the
High Holy Day Preparation: Can I call
God “Din”(Judge)?
Saturday, September 12, 8:15 pm
Dinner, 9:15 pm: Study with Rabbi
Levi Kelman of Jerusalem, Commu-
nity S’lichot celebration. See ad on
page 11. Learning continues on Sun-
day (contact Dr. Blumberg for more
information)
Sunday, October 4, 10:30—12 pm:
Sukkot Learning, The Book of Ecclesi-
astes. “To everything there is a time
and a purpose under heaven”, Ethics
for today.
Sunday, October 6, 6-9 pm: Adult
Education Kickoff. Come sign up for
classes! Adult Hebrew begins.
Tuesdays, October 13 (Emanu El), 20
(Shalom) and 27(Emanuel of Wauke-
sha): MCRC’s Tuesdays with the Rab-
bis (topics to be announced)
Friday and Saturday, October 16 –
17: Dennis Prager will be the Shabbat
Learning Speaker: The Religious Non-
Orthodox Jew and How Judaism Dif-
fers from Humanism and Christianity.
 September 2009
S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T
1 2 3 4 5
Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Weight Watchers 6 pm Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
High Holy Day Preparation Class Executive Committee Outdoor Shabbat Morning Minyan 9:30 am
7:30 pm Meeting 6:30 pm Service 6 pm Benjamin Davre Bar
Drumming Class 7:30 pm Mitzvah 10 am

6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Labor Day Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Finance Committee Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
Office Closed High Holy Day Choir Meeting 7:30 am Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Rehearsal 7 pm Weight Watchers 6 pm
High Holy Day Preparation Class
7:30 pm

13
K4-6th Grade Classes & Open
House 10 am
Sinai Outdoor Outing 1 pm
14 15 16 17 18 19
Board Meeting 7 pm Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Brotherhood Spirituality Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah
High Holy Day Choir Group 7:45 am Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
Rehearsal 7 pm Roses pick-up 9 am Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah Morning
Drumming 7:30 pm 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Service 8 pm Service 9:30 am
Weight Watchers 6 pm Family Service 2:30 pm
Advanced Hebrew 7:30 pm Tashlich and Oneg 3:15 pm
Shofar Blowing Contest 4 pm

20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Rosh Hashanah Second Day Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
Service 10:30 am Seniors Havurah 1 pm Weight Watchers 6 pm Shabbat Tikkun Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Congregational Lunch 12 pm High Holy Day Choir HaNefesh 6:15 pm
Rehearsal 7 pm

27 28 29 30
Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am
Sukkah Construction 9 am Office Closed Drumming 7:30 pm Mah Jong 7 pm
Kol Nidre Service 8 pm Yom Kippur Morning
Service 9:30 am
Adult Study Session 12:30 pm
Family Service 2 pm
Afternoon Service 3 pm
Yizkor Service 4:30 pm
Neilah Service 5:30 pm
Break-the-Fast
 October 2009
S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T

1 2 3
3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Lunch & Learn 12 pm Sukkot
Israel Committee Wine Tasting Shabbat Sing-a-long 5:30 pm Torah Study 8 am
& Food Prep 6 pm Sukkot BBQ 6:15 pm Sukkot Service 9:30 am
Executive Committee
Meeting 7:30 pm November/December Sinai
News deadline

4 5 6 7 8 9 10
K4-6th Grade Classes 10 am Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am Finance Committee Simchat Torah Torah Study 8 am
Sukkot Adult Learning 10 am Adult Learning Meeting 7:30 am Lunch & Learn 12 pm Morning Minyan
Kick-Off 7:30 pm 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Consecration Dinner 6 pm w/ Yizkor 9:30 am
Simchat Torah Service 7 pm

11
K4-6th Grade Classes 10 am
MJC Educators Group 2:30 pm
12 13 14 15 16 17
Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am Brotherhood Spirituality Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
Drumming 7:30 pm Group 7:45 am Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Morning Minyan 9:30 am
3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm
Board Meeting 7 pm

18 19 20 21 22 23 24
K4-6th Grade Classes 10 am Aleph Bet Yoga 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
Affirmation 11 am Tuesdays with the Rabbis Shabbat Tikkun Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Mini-U 5 pm (at Shalom) 7 pm HaNefesh 6:15 pm Naomi Arenzon Bat
Mitzvah 10 am
6th Grade Family
Program 10 am

25 26 27 28 29 30 31
K4-5th Grade Classes Seniors Havurah 1 pm Bible Study 9:30 am 3-6th Grade Classes 4 pm Lunch & Learn 12 pm Torah Study 8 am
No 6th Grade Class Mah Jong 7 pm Music Shabbat Morning Minyan 9:30 am
Affirmation 11 am Service 6:15 pm
Mini-U 5 pm
Page 8 September/October 2009

What’s Greening at Sinai

The Eternal took and placed the human being in the Garden of Eden,
to cultivate it and to protect it. (Bereishit 2:15)

If any of you have visited Sinai’s Sukkah garden since
it’s planting, you will know that it’s definitely growing! It might
even look out of control. Not so! Appearances can be deceiv-
ing. Beneath and among those tangled vines are delicious
tomatoes, beautiful gourds and scrumptious beans. The
stalks of corn are bearing multi-colored cobs that will adorn
our Sukkah. Many Sinai families have been cultivating and
protecting our crops. We send a hearty thank you to the fami-
lies who have weeded, watered and tended the garden all
through the summer. If you want to join the Sukkah garden
project, or any of the other projects of the Greening of Sinai
Committee, please contact Deb Schermer @
deb.schermer@gmail.com. The Greening of Sinai Committee
is charged with raising awareness of environmental issues
and helping Sinai become as “green” as possible. We want
to hear your ideas, interests and musings.
Tip of the month: Busting Garden Myths
Don (“Donnie”) Engebretson is the little brother of
my closest college friend...well, not so little anymore. At
some point in his career, Don fell in love with gardening. He
has authored several books providing practical, user-friendly
advice about annual and perennial flowers. Don loves to
irreverently bust common gardening advice. We thought
you might enjoy reading some. Each quotation has a link to
Don’s conclusions based on recent scientific research.
“Organically produced food is safer than conventionally pro-
duced food”
“Gardening is always a peaceful, soothing pleasure.”
“Plants have a pre-programmed height that they grow to.”
“Annuals bloom all summer long”
“Trees should be watered every two days after planting”
"Trees roots can grow into a house foundation and cause
damage."
“Crabgrass pre-emergent should be spread on the lawn
every spring”
For in depth information and a research reliable,
environmentally conscious website, visit Don’s website at:
http://www.renegadegardener.com. If you email Don,
please tell him Karen Schudson sent you!
Karen Schudson and the Greening of Sinai Committee

Elvis may have left the building, but our artwork has returned
On your next visit to Sinai, please take a moment to In addition, the often requested affirmation pictures
enjoy the fabulous artwork on the walls. With the tasteful eye (dating back to 1957) have been replaced on the walls! A
and picture hanging skills of Ellen and Jim Flesch, many of very special thank you to Jim Salinsky, who used his wood-
the pieces from our permanent collection have been re-hung working talents to rebuild the frames, and to Mike Wienshel
for public display. This art, combined with the Hadahr collec- and Brian Borkin, who helped get them back on the walls.
tion by Tobi Kahn displayed in the entrance foyer, meaning- These pictures capture wonderful memories of the Sinai
fully contribute to the spirituality of our building. Thank you tradition – thank you Jim, Mike and Brian.
Ellen and Jim for making this happen!!

Be part of the Social Action Committee

L'Shana Tova Tikatavu. Happy New Year. May it be a
good year for all.
Working toward creating a better year, a better
world, for ourselves and others is part of Congregation Sinai's
Social Action Committee's mission. Consider joining our ef-
forts by volunteering or by becoming part of our committee.
Be part of the on-going interactions with the SDC
Family Shelter, which is currently housing 75 residents, 53 of
them children. Participate in work days. Donate to the
monthly barrel collections. Join the knitting, dancing or other
small activity groups.
Join the Greening Committee. Help harvest our Su-
kah garden. Research safe cleaning products for the Syna-
gogue. Promote recycling at our events. Help determine
how Sinai becomes a voice in social action issues.
To get more information, join the committee or vol-
unteer, please contact Idy Goodman at 351-3386 or igood-
man2@mac.com or Tom St. John at 271-0130 or
tsj@ffsj.com.
Page 9 September/October 2009

2009 Congregation Sinai High Holy Day Schedule

Date Time Event Children’s Activities Childcare
S’LICHOT
Saturday, Sept. 12 8:15 p.m. Dinner ___ ___
9:15 p.m. Study Session ___ ___
10:15 p.m. Dessert Reception ___ ___
10:30 p.m. Havdalah and S’lichot Services ___ ___
ROSH HASHANAH
Friday, Sept. 18 8:00 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah Service ------ ------
Saturday, Sept. 19 9:30 a.m. Morning Service K4-6th Grade Programming Infant-3 yrs.
Saturday, Sept. 19 2:30 p.m. Family Service Family Service ------
Saturday, Sept. 19 3:15 p.m. Tashlich and Oneg Tashlich and Oneg ------
Saturday, Sept. 19 4:00 p.m. Shofar Blowing Contest Shofar Blowing Contest ------
(children welcome) (children welcome)

Sunday, Sept. 20 10:30 a.m. Second Day Service Second Day Service ------
(All ages welcome) & Lunch (All ages welcome)

YOM KIPPUR
Sunday, Sept. 27 8:00 p.m. Kol Nidre Service ------ ------
Monday, Sept. 28 9:30 a.m. Morning Service K4-6th Grade Programming Infant-3 yrs
Monday, Sept. 28 12:30 p.m. Adult Study Session ------ ------
Monday, Sept. 28 2:00 p.m. Family Service Family Service ------
3:00 p.m. Afternoon Service Afternoon Service Infant-12 yrs.
4:30 p.m. Yizkor/Memorial Service Yizkor/Memorial Service Infant-12 yrs.
5:30 p.m. Neilah/Concluding Service Neilah/Concluding Service Infant-12 yrs.
with candle lighting by children
& final shofar blast. All congregants
can join in with their own shofarot.

Women of Sinai News

314—What does this number mean?
The answer is as follows: No, 314 does not refer to the
number of mitzvahs we are to perform nor does it correlate to
the amount of times we remind our children to pick up after
themselves. 314 is the number of pounds the members of the
weight watchers group has lost since the beginning of our quest
towards a healthier lifestyle. Come join us, see the attached
flyer in this edition of the Sinai News or contact me at
lwsbrn@wi.rr.com for information.
From a Sinai Weight Watchers member:
Each week in Sinai's regular email I would see the little
blurb about a Weight Watchers group forming at the synagogue.
It would pique my interest, but then I'd dismiss it, telling myself
that Weight Watchers is for failures who don't have the strength
or will-power to lose weight on their own. I was better than that,
right? Besides, my problem was that my metabolism had slowed
down, and there's really nothing I can do about that...
But then as my "fat clothes" got tighter and tighter
around my waist, I decided that I was going to give WW a try. It
was a happy relief when I saw people I knew at our first meeting,
many of whom were in the same boat as I was. And our leader,
Rosalie, was a motivator both in her words of encouragement
and advice AND in how terrific she looked as a result of WW.
One week later and I was hooked--a WW devotee! I lost
nearly 4 pounds in my first week, and the group of individuals
who soon felt like old friends were so supportive and positive. I
looked forward to meetings, and to noting everyone's progress--
not just my own.
Although I was only two pounds from my goal at the end
of our first session, I signed up for a second session to continue
my progress and become a life member of WW. That day when I
reached Life Member status was a really happy occasion for me!
I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude not just to WW, but to Rosalie
and to ALL the members of our wonderful group for creating
such a great environment to celebrate our communal goal.
Page 10 September/October 2009

President’s Message
We welcome a New Jewish Year. It is a time of re-
flection.
In the past several months, I have sometimes been
overwhelmed with all of the details that it takes to effectively
be president of a synagogue. In prior years, I had only
watched the activity in the office as a congregant. Now I am
part of the frenzy of holiday preparation, being at the syna-
gogue almost everyday and feeling the excitement of the up-
coming holidays.
As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank
our many exceptional volunteers who have given so gener-
ously of their time. I also want to thank our dedicated staff
for their boundless energy and patience. Our caring Rabbi
Cohen, our talented Cantor Robins, our committed Educator
Dr. Sherry Blumberg, our two newest and talented staff mem-
bers Karen Lancina and Jen Friedman, and of course Ilene,
Karen, Jeri, Caroline, Tim, and Dick.
Knowing that the New Year is a time of renewal, I
also want to share some personal thoughts about congrega-
tional membership with you.
“I think that membership in a synagogue is a mitz-
vah. It is a joy. It is also an obligation we willingly take on
because it makes a statement about who we are and what
we are doing. We belong because this is part of what it
means to be Jewish, to willingly and joyfully take on the obli-
gations that color our lives. Being a member makes a state-
ment; it says that when I had the chance I did something
that matters- I made the decision to be a Jew who cared
about the Jewish people”. As a member of Congregation
Sinai we can make our people stronger, we can educate our
children and ourselves, we can honor the memories of those
who are gone but not forgotten. We can share in this com-
munity where we live, in this synagogue where we gather, to
pray, to cry, to celebrate simchas, to laugh, to grieve, to
cheer, to learn, to absorb loss, to live and thrive. We do this
together as a spiritual community. I hope that you each will
continue to be a personal emissary for our warm, embracing
congregation.
And if I have not personally met you, please con-
sider the holidays an ideal opportunity for us to meet and
worship together. As we move into the New Year of 5770,
remember to enjoy our traditions, renew our precious legacy
and know that I wish you and those close to you a new year
of good health, fulfillment and peace. L’shanah tovah tik-
vataynu.
Judi Ketten
President of the Board of Trustees

B’nei Mitzvah
Naomi Arenzon
Naomi Arenzon will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah on October 24, 2009. She is
the daughter of Robin and Steven Arenzon and sister of Scott, 10 and Jordan, 7. Naomi is
looking forward to family and friends coming together for her special day.
Naomi is a 7th grader at Maple Dale School and is an avid reader and writer. Her fa-
vorite activity, though, is just hanging out with her friends!
Naomi is working on a special Mitzvah project with the Milwaukee Police Department
to coordinate a "Gift of Warmth" program which will provide new hats and gloves to children
and adults in need throughout the city. Items will be distributed to special care facilities, bat-
tered women's shelters, the YMCA and other locations.
Thank you to Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Robins and Linda Ross for their guidance as we
prepare for this day.

Benjamin Victor Samuel Davre

Benjamin, an upcoming 8th grader at Whitefish Bay Middle School, will become
a bar mitzvah on September 5, 2009. He is the son of Angela and Jerome Davre, and
older brother to Camille. He feels privileged to be able to have his great grandmother,
Rosalyn Samuels, grandparents Carol & Michael Tarnoff, and zaida Barry Zuckerman
join him on his special day. Also, his paternal grandparents, Monique and Roger Davre,
and Aunt Nicole will be journeying over from France to celebrate with us, as well as
many of his cousins and aunts from St. Louis.
He enjoys soccer, video games, tormenting his sister, and speaking French with
his father. For Benjamin’s Mitzvah project, he has been asking local hotels and busi-
nesses for donations of travel-size toiletries to help him assemble welcome kits for the
women in need of shelter at the Sojourner Truth house (battered women’s shelter). Ben-
jamin would like to thank Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Robins, and Linda Ross for their help in
the preparation for this special day.
Page 14
Donations received as of August 7.
Adult Programming & Education
Endowment Fund
In honor of Elsie and Harry Kanin’s 60th
wedding anniversary
Eva and Stan Jolton
Jean Katz
In memory of Selma Kay
Eva and Stan Jolten
In honor of Jennifer Moglowsky’s hard
work on the rummage sale
Marlene Lauwasser
Andy Brickman Museum Fund
In memory of Ceil Baum
Janet and Marvin Fishman
Janet Greenebaum Scholarship Fund
In memory of Rachel Presley
Janet and Donald Greenebaum
Barbara Eiseman Memorial Fund for
Spiritual Growth
In memory of Laurence Eiseman and
Harry Rubinstein
Eve and Bob Eiseman
and family
Miriam Miringoff Kitchen Fund
In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Kohn’s
40th wedding anniversary
In memory of Mary Kramsky
In honor of Dr. Muriel Silbar’s 85th
birthday
In honor of Gilad Zvi becoming a Bar
Mitzvah
Judi and Michael Ketten
Tzedakah Fund
In memory of Frances Fershtman
Naomi and Mort Soifer
In memory of Michael Freeman
Sue Freeman
In memory of Herman Larkey
Jay Larkey and Lois Malawasky
In memory of Laura Peterson
Roberta and Michael
Schaalman
Donations
In memory of Irwin Porter
Idy and Bill Goodman
and family
In memory of Lorraine Rosen
Sue and Joel Kimmel
In memory of Arthur Zechman
In memory of Ida Zechman
Susan and Neal Zechman
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
In appreciation
Edward Kapper
In appreciation
Meredith Pereira
In memory of Jeanette Barnow and
Eugene Frank
Bernice Fagan
In memory of Anne Berger
Sanford, Daniel and
Lauren Berger
In memory of Eugene Frank
Jeffrey Frank and family
In memory of Faye Gershon
Milton Gershon
In memory of Sarah Goodman
Anne Ghory-Goodman
In memory of Jay Lieberman
In memory of Larry Lieberman
Joan Lieberman
In memory of Joseph Lubar
Lubar Family Foundation
Esther and Robert Sametz
In memory of Harry Meissner
Paul Meissner
In memory of Leah and Miles Mandel
In memory of Anna and Seymour
Meltzer
Bettie and Dave Meltzer
In memory of Mamie Muchin
Toots and Mannie Hassel
In memory of Max Recht
Sheila and Morrie Rudberg
September/October 2009
In memory of Edna Sigal
Ronna and Dick Kimmel
In honor of Mrs. Muriel Silbar’s 85th
birthday
Helen and Don Polacheck
In memory of Nancie Stern
Peterman and Ben Peterman
Jim Peterman
In memory of Arnold Strickon and
Rose Engel
Phyllis Sweet
In memory of Arthur Stone
Anita and Bob Stone
Nancy, Scott, Andrew and
Stephanie Phillips
In memory of Jack Winter
Margo Winter and family
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
In appreciation
Meredith Pereira
Robert Grant Marks Youth Fund
In memory of Michael Stephen
Rawitscher
Sydney Greenblatt
In memory of I Mark Zeligs
Betsy, Peter, Jessica and
Shelly Goldberg
Passport to Israel Fund
In memory of Selma Cherniack
Nasberg
Gerry Cherniack
Contributions made to the Temple
In memory of Elaine Doyle
Goodman-Bensman
Whitefish Bay Funeral Home
In memory of Chana Krasner
Francine Glusman
Sue and Bruce Winter’s 30th
wedding anniversary
Jodi and Alan Holman
Landscape Fund
In memory of Karen Arbit’s uncle
Lori and Marc Jacobson
Page 15 September/October 2009

In memory of Robert Pereles
Jean Pereles-Strouse and
Martin, Aaron and Jordan
Strouse
In memory of Sam Rosenbloom
Caroline and Bill Schulhof
and family
Jacob M. Fine and Family Library Fund
In memory of Eleanor Goldberg
Betsy, Peter, Jessica and
Shelly Goldberg
In memory of Morty Greenspan
Jayne and Eric Butlein
In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Kohn’s
birthday and wedding anniversary
Rochelle and Paul Whiteman
In memory of Robert W. Mann
Audrey Mann
In memory of Lilli Meyer
Ilse Brauer
Floral and Oneg Fund
In memory of Rose Bradbury, Jack
Brandes and Molly Schwartz
Bradbury family
In memory of Theodore Cayle
In memory of William Miller
Shari Cayle and family
Donations, continued
In memory of Elsie Chase In honor of Joanne and Keith Robert’s
Naomi Arbit grandson’s baby naming
For Nancy Stillman’s speedy recovery
In memory of Samuel Chase Barbara and Ariel Friedlander
In honor of Rena Padway’s 92nd
birthday In memory of Steven Stone
Naomi Arbit and family In memory of Sam Winick
Anita and Bob Stone
In memory of Nellie Cherniack Nancy, Scott, Andrew and
Gerry Cherniack Stephanie Phillips
In memory of Larry Chudnow and Joe Music Fund
Lauwasser In honor of the marriage of Jan and
Marlene and Marvin Marty Barnes
Lauwasser Kate and Chip Mann
In memory of Allen Goldmann In memory of Elaine Doyle
Ruth Goldmann and family Marlene and Marvin
Lauwasser
In memory of Louise Rofes and Eric
Rofes In memory of Susan Gassman
Ruth Lebed-Rofes Jeanine Semon
Chesed (Caring) Fund In honor of the marriage of Jan
In memory of Lawrence Chudnow Rosenberg and Martin Barnes
Melissa Chudnow and John Doje Sherman
Yopps
In memory of Jay Schmidt
In memory of Elaine Doyle Lori and Marc Jacobson
Dorothy and Al Meyers
For Stacy Schwab’s dedication and
In memory of Sherwin Kader hard work
Rona and Gary Wolfe Marlene Lauwasser
In memory of James Katz
Mari Katz

Sinai Rummage Sale

The annual Congregation Sinai Rummage Sale con-
ducted on July 26, 2009, was a huge success earning more
than $8,000.00 for the synagogue. Many members thought-
fully saved their items over the course of the year and then
generously donated to the sale. Offerings this year included
furniture, jewelry, books, toys, electronics, a lot of clothing,
and lots more.
Bargain hunters began lining up as early as 7:00 a.m.
for the 9:00 a.m. event, and even after the initial rush at the
opening, attendance was strong throughout the day. After we
sold the last bag at the end of the afternoon "bag sale", the
congregation donated the remaining items to a variety of wor-
thy charities. A host of congregants and staff contributed to
the event's success both in the enormous preparation and on
sale day. Thank you very much to: Naomi Arbit, Marjie Arena,
Karen Lancina, the Scott Bern family, Susan Bernstein, David
and Sherry Blumberg, Barbie Blutstein, Marlee Sabo, Jeri
Danz, Susan Fischbach, Edith Gilman, Annie Golding, Idy
Goodman, Karen Hintz, Melissa Chudnow, Zachary Yopps,
Mari Katz, Marlene Lauwasser, the
Moglowsky family, Patti, Jeffery and Michelle Levy, Tim Tyler,
Stacy and Peter Schwab, Candace Schwam, Jim Salinsky,
Sandy Saltzstein, Susan Solvang, Lauren and Sydney Silbar,
Stephanie and Nancy Phillips, Lise Meissner, Bobbi Rector,
Ruth Lebed-Rofes, Nick and Milt Padway, Jim and Nancy
Stillman, Jill Weinshel, and Ilene Wasserman.
A very special thank you goes to this year's program
chair: Jennifer Moglowsky, for doing an amazing job in orga-
nizing, collecting and displaying the abundance of goods
donated. Please express your gratitude when you see
her and sign up now to help her next year!
 The Sinai Brotherhood
brings you the
Annual Sukkot Barbeque
The Sinai Brotherhood brings you the

ANNUAL BARBEQUE
FRIDAY, October 2nd, 2009
5:30-6:00 p.m. Sukkot service & sing-along
6:15 p.m. Dinner & Oneg

Celebrate in the Sukkah with Rabbi Cohen, Cantor Robins &

Dr. Blumberg
Participate in fun games & activities for kids
Enjoy American and traditional Israeli fare (including chicken,
burgers, hot dogs, lamb kebobs, humus, Israeli salad)
Socialize with old friends & meet new ones!

Cost: $6.50 per person

Maximum $30 per family
RSVP by Friday, September 25th
to Jim Stillman at jstillman963@msn.com

The BBQ will be held rain or shine!

Co-sponsored by Israel & Membership Committees
& Mitbach Sinai
September/October 2009 Page 15

September Yarhzeits
September 4, 2009 Manny Birenholtz Irving Bram Klara Borkovitz
Dr. Mary Zeldes Friedman Andrew Cherniack Carl Diamond Leon Borkovitz
Ruth Gelbart Milton B. Katz Selmer Melvin Feld William Dinkes
Gertrude Kerns Joe Miller Russell Fisher Maureen Kahn
Esther Larkey Edward Rosenberg Abe Friedman Milton Letven
Beryl Levine Molly Jeanette Rosenberg Paul Gratch Sol Lindenberg
Irving Malawsky Victor Salinsky Bessie Greenfield Lottie Lubar
Racine Meyerowitz Benjamin Schiffer Edik Loxvitsky Mariam Medvedovsky
Lee Ostermann Pauline Schwedelson Leah Mandel Anna Melcher
Rose Samson Lilly Wallis Sidon Kurt Meyer Eugene Prudell
Esther Smith Jeffrey C. Siegel Jim Muchin Tammy Robinson
Beverly Zitelman Ann Simon Maybelle Sametz Sandra Rotter
Louis Taus Charlotte Teweles Eugene Schwartz
September 11, 2009
Herman Veit Edith Winkler Price
Rose Adler September 18, 2009
Naum Akselrod Phillip Altshul September 25, 2009
Andy Alameno Hilda Barash William Barkan

October Yarhzeits
October 2, 2009 October 9, 2009 Harold Frolkis Ishmael Bratt
Sam Butlein Howard Bern Errol Glusman Harry Brauer
Albert Cherniack Max Fershtman Jean Golper Jack Fagan
David Colburn Mary Fishman Thomas Hassel Jacob Fine
Henry Federlin Joseph Edward Ghory Beverly Hassel-Manburg Lester M. Gershan
Lucille Fensin Lehmann Goldner David Hirsh Tony Goldner
Louise Friedlander Louis Kaufman Edward Jacobson Fanny Goodman
Amour Gershan Sylvia Letven Elise Kahn Louis Greenebaum, Jr.
Helen Gordon Eleanor Mann Isadore Kaplan Abram Levine
Ralph Heilbronner Joseph Pereles Elizabeth Lamb Rose Shaiken
Sara Kaplan Herman Pollishuke Jerome Marks Rabbi Ulrick Steuer
Warren W. Laing Ida Rugowitz Robert Grant Marks
October 30, 2009
Miles Mandel Virginia Saffro Morris Moskol
Janet Bensman
Eli Meltzer Michael Shapiro Fanny Padway
Benjamin Einhorn
Ada Perlson Jenny Wiviott Helen Sachs
Bernard Horwitz
Ethel Primakow David Joel Schechter
October 16, 2009 Helen Kimmel
Charlotte Rabenn Morris Schwartz
Hannah Auerbach Abe Lipton
Jonathan David Resek Esther Handelman Vail
Milton Auerbach Alice Quateman
Anna Reuter Florence Waxman
Dorothy Bern Carol M. Siegel-Zdatny
Richard Saltzstein Arthur Weissman
Lana Blok Abraham Tepps
Mildred Sanderson Dora Werbel
Steven Doyle Robert Weber
Sara Shafton
Robert Fishkin October 23, 2009
Ethel Weinberg
Mary Flesch Bessie Becker

Personals
Mazel Tov to: Condolences to:
Alice and Marvin Greenfield on their Andee Bram on the death of her mother, Elaine Doyle
65th wedding anniversary
Welcome to new member: Elizabeth Goldberg
 Congregation Sinai
8223 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217
Member of the Union for Reform Judaism

Board of Trustees, 2009-2010

Judi Ketten President
Marc Kartman Vice President
John Mann Vice President
Nick Padway Vice President
David Cobb Treasurer
Sandy Saltzstein Secretary
Marlene Lauwasser Past President, Fundraising
Patti Levy Past President
Jim Salinsky Past President
Susan Fishbach Fundraising
Marvin Fishman Security
Jenni Goldbaum Youth Education
Idy Goodman Social Action
Hugh Hoffman Finance
Ruth Lebed Rofes Outreach
Steve Moglowsky Finance
Bobbi Rector Israel
Tom St John Social Action
Beth Shapiro Communications
Susan Solvang Gift Shop
Jim Stillman Brotherhood
Mark Sweet Young Families
Laura Waisbren Women of Sinai Congregation
Jill Weinshel Celebrations

Save the Dates!

Music Shabbat Services

October 30, 2009 6:15 PM

January 29, 2010 6:15 PM
March 12, 2010 6:15 PM Friday, October 5, 2009
May 14, 2010 6:15 PM
Congregational Dinner 6 pm
$6.50 per person, child under 10 free

Family Shabbat Service 7 pm

w/ 5th & 6th grade participating

Please RSVP to Jeri at (414) 352-2970 or

jdanz@congregationsinai.org.