January / february 2011 tevet / sh’vat 5771

Building Torat Yisrael’s Future

Celebrating Shabbat Family Style!
Torat Yisrael introduced a new Shabbat experience starting in November:
our family-friendly Shabbat. In November and December, we began the
morning at 10 am with a one-hour, interactive service based on our beautiful,
accessible new Family Prayer Book: Siddur Mah Tov. Thank you to new TY
members Donna and Joel Evans for their generous donation of 25 additional
prayer books! Donna and Joel saw the need and immediately volunteered to
add to our supply of family prayer books.
The newly expanded downstairs prayer space was filled to capacity both
Shabbat mornings (over 60 people! over 80 people!) as young families and older Shabbat
regulars came together to sing, pray, learn and enjoy our young children practice their prayer
skills.
The Shabbat experience continues with blessings, lunch and singing and everyone comes away
with a sense of joy from Shabbat and our mulit-generational community.
Make sure you reserve your place for our January Shabbat Family Experience. It will be enhanced by our beautiful
and yummy annual T’u B’Shvat Seder celebrating the indigenous fruits and grains of the Land of Israel. You’ll find
details below and on the enclosed flyer.

Greetings from Susan Smoller

Shalom Fellow Congregants,
There is much news about our East
Greenwich property this month!
Thanks to the hard work of Andy
Sholes, Alan Field and Ben Sholes,
the downstairs level of the house
has been expanded and will be able
to accommodate all of us comfortably for services.
Additional volunteers are designing an ark to hold our
Torahs. We also held a Friday night service that was
followed by dinner with Nancy Kirsch, the Executive
Editor of the Jewish Voice and Herald. Our January
speaker will be the Reverend Donald Anderson,
Executive Minister of the Rhode Island State Council of
Churches. I hope you will plan to join us. Thank you
to Elaine Shapiro and her committee for offering to
cater our Friday evening dinners in East Greenwich and
the Shabbat luncheons.
The telephone pole has been installed at the foot of the
East Greenwich driveway and we are now able to park
comfortably along the side of the driveway to access
the house.
I would like to remind you that school will be cancelled
if the East Greenwich schools are cancelled or the
weather is hazardous. TY religious services will also be
cancelled in hazardous weather – please check the
local television channels for the latest information.
Wishing you a comfortable, warm and safe winter.
Please contact me at any time with any comments or
questions.
B’Shalom,
Susan

Kesher Corner: Andrea Epstein, LICSW

Andrea serves Torat Yisrael’s members through Kesher, a joint project of the Jewish Alliance of Greater
Rhode Island, the Bernhardt Foundation, and Jewish Family Service. She can be reached at (401)
580-5879 or andrea@toratyisrael.org.

Loneliness in December (and other times of the year too).

It may seem strange, a newsletter article about this topic now. Loneliness is subjective; you can feel
loneliness in December. After all it is traditionally a alone in a crowd of people. The holiday expectations
time of year when we are surrounded by family and can even exacerbate feelings of isolation and
friends. This is precisely why I thought to write about aloneness.

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To be clear, people can be fine being alone and not
necessarily lonely at all. The interesting thing I found
in researching loneliness is that scientists are finding
that it is contagious. So, if their numbers are correct
and the average person experiences loneliness 48 days
in a year then we are impacting ourselves and others
simply by being lonely.
The idea goes like this: if you are feeling lonely you
share this, verbally and non-verbally, with the people
around you. They receive these cues and in turn act to
disconnect you and you from them. This can
effectively undo a social network and perpetuate
loneliness.
What could a possible antidote be to loneliness?
Meaningful connection! We can reach out to others.
During the holiday season it is especially easy to
extend your well wishes. You may be drawing
someone who feels socially isolated back into the fold
and giving yourself a dose of “preventative
connection”. Volunteering is always a good way to
connect with people and feel great about doing
something positive in the world.
There is growing evidence that loneliness can
negatively impact physically health. The gift of
spending connective time with someone (emphasis on
connective) could be the ultimate holiday and health
boosting present! Spending quality time with people is
a gift that is for any time of year though and one that
gives back to the giver as well.
*Please note there is a difference between chronic
depression, and loneliness. If you think you are
experiencing depression feel free to contact me for
further information or for an evaluation.
If you have questions on loneliness or other topics I
invite you to contact me, Andrea Epstein, LICSW. I
hold weekly office hours at Torat Yisrael on
Wednesdays, and am available to make appointments
at other times as well. I can be reached by e-mail,
andrea@toratyisrael.org or telephonically:
(401) 580-5879.

The Cohen School News

Dear Cohen School Families: January Schedule
A tree of life to those who hold fast to it, Sunday January 2 School
and all who cling to it find happiness. Tuesday, January 4 School
Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and Sunday, January 9 School
all its paths are peace. Tuesday, January 11 School
Help us and guide us, inspire us and provide us with Sunday, January 16 No School
the wisdom Your Torah can show. Tuesday, January 18 School
Cause us to learn, renew and return, just as in days of Saturday, January 22 Family Shabbat/Tu B’Shevat
old. Seder
During the month of January, we will be celebrating Tu Sunday, January 23 No School
B’Shevat as we do every year on the 15th day of the Tuesday, January 25 School
Hebrew month of Shevat. In our tradition, we show Sunday, January 30 School
respect for our environment every day, but we
consider this a time to show particular honor. In the February Schedule
aftermath of the wildfire in Israel, we are making a Tuesday, February 1 School
particular effort in The Cohen School to collect Sunday, February 6 School
tzedakah money to purchase replacement trees to help Tuesday, February 8 School
to repair some of the damage. When we celebrate Sunday, February 13 School
together on January 22 at our family Tu B’Shevat Tuesday, February 15 School
seder, our students and their families will have an Sunday, February 20 No School
opportunity to learn together and enjoy some special Tuesday, February 22 No School
foods. Sunday, February 27 School

Librarian’s Corner by Laura Steele, Torat Yisrael Librarian

As you may be able to tell by now, I love to cook and especially to bake so I was thrilled to see The Kosher Baker:
Over 160 Dairy-free Recipes from Traditional to Trendy by Paula Shoyer at our book fair.
Pastry expert and baking instructor Shoyer proves that readers don't need to deprive themselves of sweets just to
keep kosher in this outstanding collection for all seasons and faiths. Bakers with access to parve (kosher) versions of
cream, cream cheese, and other key ingredients (tips and name brands are provided) will find a litany of recipes for
Passover, Seder, and other special occasions. Yes, there are Babkas, Rugelach, Hamentaschen, and Challah, but there
is also a rich Chocolate Mousse Truffle Cake, easy and impressive Cinnamon Palmiers, classic French Macarons, a
Pistachio and Raspberry Tart and the ingenious Scones au Chocolate, virtually all of which are within the reach of
most bakers and budgets. Grouped by effort, from quick desserts requiring only one-bowl (Amaretto Cookies, for
instance) to more advanced dishes like Coconut Cake with Lime Filling, Shoyer gives bakers plenty of options for all
tastes with copious instructions and photos throughout. Simple but crucial tips like keeping a few sticks of margarine
in the freezer so it'll behave more like cold butter when it's time to make pie or tart dough ensure dishes turn out the
way they were intended, making this a can't-miss collection of classics. I have loved trying out some new recipes and
know that you will too. It will warm up your home and smell wonderful!!! Happy Baking!
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Welcome to our New Members
Our Torat Yisrael family is delighted to embrace our newest members. Welcome to:
- Joel and Donna Evans and their children, Jake and Ryan
- Mrs. Elaine Rubin, mother of Fran and Les Cohen

In Our TY Family
Mazal tov to everyone celebrating a Birthday in January!
Esta Karp, Andrea Kaplan, Samuel Torman, Sandra Levy, Frank Prosnitz, Sophia Mayo, Robert
Sidman, Nathan Safferson, Zenas Pulner, Maxwell Wolff, Judith Steiner, Florence Sarenson,
Mitchell Golden and Alan Olinsky

Mazal tov to Herbert and Gloria Spivack who will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary in January!

May God who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bring
blessing and healing to: Trude Antin, Sam Buckler, Laurie Goldman, Pearl Gorden, Douglas &
Barbara Greenberg (Diane Greenberg’s brother-in-law & sister-in-law), Myer Grossman, Sandy Karp,
Bonnie Lury, Lois Lury, Jody Mihov (Mildred Beck’s niece), Sylvia Paige, Zenas & Sara Pulner, Ron
Richter, Harold & Sylvia Roggen (Barbara Karetny’s parents), Louis Russian, Sylvia and Jimmy
Shocket, Meyer Tevya (Marcia Slobin’s father), Steve Tragar, Moe Wine and Eileen Winkler
(Rochelle Ziegler’s mother)

Warm Adult Clothing Needed for W.A.R.M. Center

We have Rhode Island neighbors facing a very cold winter. Please consider donating warm winter clothing, including
coats, boots, hats and gloves, to be donated to South County’s W.A.R.M. Center. You’ll find donation bins in our
Cranston TY lobby and in the TY room at The Village Lower School. Thank you.

Things You Can Do In Our TY Cranston Lobby!

Edgewood Food Closet Donations
canned tuna and salmon, canned soups, breakfast
cereal, canned vegetables and fruits. Also needed:
toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, diapers.
TYNet Café! Come Schmooze!
Torat Yisrael is wireless and caffeinated! Fresh
coffee and tea and the wifi password are all there.
Pick up a great read!
Which you’ll find at our Book Exchange corner in the TTY
lobby! For a 25¢ donation, you are welcome to help yourself to
any book on the shelves and then return it when you’re done.
Recycle #5 Plastics Here!
Plastic containers like medicine vials and yogurt and cottage
containers. Please wash containers before depositing in bin.

Kosher Food Pantry Coupon Collection for Edgewood Food Closet

Kosher non-perishables to help support Rhode Please drop your unwanted coupons in the basket near our
island’s vulnerable Jewish residents. donation and recycling center.
A Touch of Heaven Thrift Shop : You may drop off lightly used clothing at the Touch of Heaven Thrift Shop,
1665 Broad Street, Cranston. Hours of Operation: Saturday 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Tuesday 9:00 am-11:00 am,
Wednesday 5:00 pm-6:30 pm and Friday 9:00 am-11:00 am. All the proceeds from A Touch of Heaven Thrift
Shop go to our Edgewood-Pawtuxet Food Closet.

Temple Torat Yisrael Email Addresses, Facebook and Twitter

Rabbi Amy Levin: rabbi@toratyisrael.org Hazzan Devin Goldenberg: hazzan@toratyisrael.org
Susan Smoller, President: president@toratyisrael.org Ronni Guttin, Education Director: ronni@toratyisrael.org
Nicole Jellinek, Social Worker: nicole@toratyisrael.org Anita Olinsky (Dues Committee): dues@toratyisrael.org
Andrea Epstein, Social Worker: Andrea@toratyisrael.org
welcome@toratyisrael.org - Michael Field/Beth Salk (Membership Committee Chairs)
facebook@toratyisrael.org twitter@toratyisrael.org and @ravlevin
Sheryl Ponder, Bookkeeper/Office Manager: sheryl@toratyisrael.org
Stephanie Reinsant, Rabbi’s Secretary: stephanie@toratyisrael.org

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 Hug N’hamah: Circle of Consolation
A Bereavement Discussion Group meeting on alternate Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm providing a
supportive circle to bring the emotional and spiritual challenges of grief. Facilitated by Torat Yisrael
member, Dr. Judith Lubiner, a licensed psychologist, and Rabbi Amy Levin. TY members and non-members
equally welcome. Meeting January 13th and 27th and February 10th and 24th

Knit and Kvetch in East Greenwich and Cranston

Join Temple Torat Yisrael’s knitting circle from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- East Greenwich (Village Lower School) – January 9th and February 27th
- Cranston (Torat Yisrael) – January 23rd and February 6th
Share your knowledge of knitting, crocheting, embroidering and needle-pointing. For more information,
please contact Lynn Field (lmfield593@gmail.com) or Beverly Goncalves (bevsue66@verizon.net)

Upcoming TY Events
January
Shabbat Yachad in East Greenwich: Guest Speaker, Reverend Donald Anderson, Executive
Minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches
Friday, January 7th: Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm. Dinner and speaker at 7:00 pm.
Cost: $10 adults/ $5 children ages 10-18 /Children under 10 Free /Family maximum $30.
Please RSVP to the TY office by Monday, January 3rd; 785-1800.
Saturday, January 8th Shabbat Services will be in East Greenwich at 9:15 am.

Shalom to Shabbat: Unwind and Nosh Before Shabbat Services in Cranston

Friday, January 14th, 7:00 pm: wine, cheese and a nice schmooze before our 7:30 pm Shabbat Service.

Our January Topic: Whistleblowing and Leaking: Does Judaism Say ‘Yes’
or ‘No’”?
East Greenwich: Tuesday, January 18th
12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Road (in the Benny’s
Plaza), East Greenwich – each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources
addressing current issues. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

Cranston/Warwick: Thursday, January 20th

12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at the Cozy Grill Restaurant, 440 Warwick Avenue, Warwick – each
participant orders from the menu as we study Jewish sources. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!
Look for us in the back room!

East Greenwich Shabbat: January 21-22

Friday 6:00 pm early Shabbat Service for all. Enjoy an early Shabbat service and then arrange for a
relaxed Shabbat meal at home with your family and friends.

Family Shabbat Experience with T’u B’shvat Seder

Come check out this brand-new, 1 hour learning service (for learners of all ages) on Saturday,
January 22nd at 10:00 am. Our January Family Shabbat Experience will be enhanced by our annual
congregational Tu B’Shvat Seder. Lunch for all immediately following.

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 This is Torat Yisrael’s fifth annual celebration of Rosh Hashanah l’Ilanot: The New Year of the Trees.
We’ll enjoy a taste of the seven varieties of food which symbolize Israel: Wheat, barley, figs, dates,
almonds, olives and pomegranate, we’ll drink four shades of grape juice to symbolize the four seasons
of the year, we’ll sing some great songs and enjoy each others company.

Please RSVP to the TY office by Monday, January 17th; 785-1800.

Family Game Day in East Greenwich

Join the Sisterhood and Men’s Club on Sunday, January 23rd from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Bring your
favorite games to share with your Torat Yisrael friends. There will be munchies and lots of laughs! (Flyer
enclosed)

Schmooze with Booze!

An opportunity for informal study and discussion with Rabbi Amy Levin over wine, beer, something softer,
some good munchies and an interesting topic.
Our opening discussion: How to Have a Jewish Argument!
Join us on Wednesday evening, January 26th from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at our East Greenwich home to
schmooze with booze!

Special Kiddush Luncheon in honor of Gloria & Herb Spivack’s 60th Anniversary
Gloria and Herb Spivack are sponsoring a Kiddush luncheon celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on
Saturday, January 29th. We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone with them. Mazal tov, Herb
and Gloria! May you enjoy many more healthy and happy years together! Services at 9:15 am with
luncheon to follow.

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February
Shabbat Yachad in East Greenwich: Guest Speaker, __________________
Join us on Friday, February 4th for Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm. Cost:
$10 adults/$5 kids 10-18/Children under 10 Free/Family maximum $30. Please RSVP to the TY office by
January 31st; 785-1800.
Saturday, February 5th Shabbat Services will be in East Greenwich at 9:15 am.

Another opportunity to observe the mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life): blood drive
will take place on Sunday, February 6th from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Shalom to Shabbat: Unwind and Nosh Before Shabbat Services in Cranston

Join us on Friday, February 11th at 7:00 pm for wine and cheese before our 7:30 pm Shabbat Service.

Rabbi please put in February topic.

Our February Topic: _____________________________
East Greenwich: Tuesday, February 15th
12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Road (in the Benny’s Plaza),
East Greenwich – each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources
addressing current issues. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

Cranston/Warwick: Thursday, February 17th

12:00-1:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn at the Cozy Grill Restaurant, 440 Warwick Avenue, Warwick – each
participant orders from the menu as we study Jewish sources. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend! Look
for us in the back room!

Shabbat Services in East Greenwich

Friday, February 18th - 6:00 pm: Early Shabbat Service for all. Enjoy an early Shabbat service and then
arrange for a relaxed Shabbat meal at home with your family and friends.

Family Shabbat in East Greenwich

Come check out this brand-new, 1 hour learning service (for learners of all ages) on Saturday,
February 19th at 10:00 am. We’ll gather in our East Greenwich home with our new, beautiful family
prayer books and doing lots of singing. 11:00 am Family lunch immediately following, if you’d like to join
in.

Rabbi – please add in more details.

Schmooze and Booze in East Greenwich
Join us on Wednesday evening, February 23rd from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at our East Greenwich home to
schmooze and booze!