November / december 2011

heshvan / kislev 5771

Building Torat Yisraels Future

Now Open! Torat Tots: Our TY Pre-School Program
Nothing says future like cute little kids! TYs Torat Tots program will begin on Sunday, November 6th, with a twice-a-month two-hour program for our 3.5 to 4.5 year old children. Our Torat Tots program is open to the children of TY members and non-members as well. Registration and tuition may be paid on the opening day of the program on November 6th, and a parents meeting with TY Education Director Donna Tarutz and Rabbi Levin will be held at the same time so that questions can be answered, and to enable parents to get to know each other as well. Please contact Donna Tarutz (tarutz@toratyisrael.org) or Rabbi Levin (rabbi@toratyisrael.org) if you have any questions. And please share this information with anyone you know who might be interested in bringing their child to Torat Tots. There is more information available on the home page of our website: www.toratyisrael.org.

Greetings from Susan Smoller, President

Shalom Fellow Congregants, I hope you had occasion to enjoy some time in our Torat Yisrael Sukkah or maybe your own family Sukkah. The holidays unite us with Jews throughout the world and allow us to realize how we are really part of a large Jewish community. Last weekend I joined other congregants on a special tour of Touro Synagogue in Newport and remembered how we are truly all connected. The school year has begun and we have received feedback from parents telling us how the students are enjoying their learning and socialization. We will be beginning a program for children ages 3-5 in November. We have also met with some of the families with young children and will have periodic programs for the families on Friday afternoons. The programs will include a light dinner and I hope that you will contact the Rabbi, Donna Tarutz, me or the office for further information so that you can participate or recommend these programs to your families and friends. Please join us the first weekend of each month for dinner following services in East Greenwich. There will be a speaker at each dinner and their names will be in the monthly calendars. I look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Gift Fair on November 13th from 10am to 3pm at Swift Gym in East Greenwich. Please contact me at any time with any comments or questions. BShalom, Susan

The Cohen School News

Students at the Yeladon Program and the Cohen School have been engaged in learning based on the curriculum. Laura Steele, Torat Yisraels librarian, visited the K-4 classes to discuss the holidays with the children. Laura will be visiting the Lower School classes monthly to focus on a specific Jewish value. In October, students in each class made decorations for the Sukkah and decorated the Sukkah in East Greenwich. In December, students will visit the Jewish residents of the Atria Harborhill Assisted Living facility in EG to celebrate Chanukah with them. During the year, there will be a group tefillah for grades 3-7. Children will feel even more comfortable with the prayers.

Each class will be in charge of a specific prayer at each Family Shabbat Celebration. By the our March, April and May services every class will be leading their prayer. The Yeladon (K-1) students and second graders began to lead the Shma at our October 22 Family Service and now it will be their job to lead the Shma each month. The 6th and 7th grades will begin to lead hotzaat (taking out) and hachnasat (returning) the Sefer Torah starting on November 19th. The 5th grade students will begin to lead Birkat Avot, the first blessing in the Amidah, starting on December 17th. Our 4th grade students will begin to lead the Shabbat morning Kiddush (blessing over wine), Vshamru and Hamotzi starting January 21st. Our 3rd grade students will begin to lead the VAhavta starting on March 17th As you know, when we meet for the Shabbat Service on the third Shabbat, this is in place of meeting for Hebrew School the following Sunday. The Family Shabbat Celebration is another wonderful opportunity for all of us to get together as a community. At the learning Family Shabbat Service, Rabbi Levin gives us a deeper understanding of the prayers. The Family Shabbat Celebration is a critical part of our childrens Jewish education and also helps our children to feel a part of the larger Torat Yisrael Community. The multigenerational Family Shabbat Service is followed by lunch, singing and definitely a lot of fun. Please continue to share your thoughts and ideas as we create together a strong and vibrant school community. Lshalom, Donna Tarutz Education Director

Jenn Futtermans 6-7 Grade Hebrew Class Harry Wasser, Isabella Bellini, Sarah Bresky, Jonathan Inman, Shayla Thompson

Kesher Corner: Andrea Epstein, LICSW

Andrea is Temple Torat Yisrael's part time social worker funded by the Kesher Program, a joint project of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Jewish Family Service, and the synagogue. She can be reached at andrea@templetorat.org or (401) 369-0160

ADHD
ADHD. We hear the acronym all the time, especially if there are school-aged children in our lives. The difficulty is, many of us dont really know what it means to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This lack of understanding matters because the better we understand the diagnosis, the better we can support the child whether he or she is our child or grandchild, our childs best friend, or the child who lives next door. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects the frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls executive functions. These functions include the abilities to think and plan ahead, be organized, complete tasks without being distracted, recognize and respond to social cues, and control impulses. In fact, many researchers believe that ADHD has less to do with attention and more to do with impulsivity. The trouble isnt that children with ADHD cant keep their attention on one thing in fact some kids with ADHD tend to hyper-focus on whatever is most interesting to them, regardless of whether its what theyre supposed to be focusing on. Rather, the trouble is that kids with ADHD have difficulty ignoring inappropriate impulses the impulse to jump up and look our the window in the middle of class, the impulse to play with Legos when they should be coming down for breakfast, the impulse to laugh with friends rather than write down homework, the impulse to interrupt a conversation with whatever interests them regardless of whether its a non-sequitor. Although the research is still evolving, most experts agree that the frontal lobe in people with ADHD is disorganized. This appears to be why stimulants like Ritalin can help some kids brains organize themselves and control impulsivity. Its counter-intuitive wouldnt you expect a stimulant to

make a kid more hyperactive? but Ive seen it work many times. Since stimulants come with side effects that can be significant, whether to try medication needs to be the familys decision in consultation with a medical professional. But certainly there should be no stigma attached to the choice. To my mind, taking a medication to regulate brain function isnt so different from taking a medication to regulate blood sugar. Whether or not a family chooses to try medication, children with ADHD can compensate for their disorder by learning organizational, social, and self-awareness skills. Although they arent cured, the difference in their quality of life and the reduction in family stress can be dramatic. This is just a quickie overview of ADHD, but the point Id most like to stress is that the no matter how frustrating or overwhelming children with ADHDs behavior can be, its a result of a brain disorder and not of the children being willful. Remembering this can help us have more patience with and better support the children with ADHD in our lives.

References http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_parenting_stra tegies.htm http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/childre n/parents/behavior/118.html http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attentiondeficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml http://www.4-adhd.com/girls_with_adhd.html This months Kesher article was written by Kesher Social Worker Barbara Gordon, LCSW. If you have any questions regarding ADHD or concerning behavior in your child, call Temple Torat Yisraels Kesher Social Worker, Andrea Epstein, LICSW for further information, support, or community resources. All services are free and confidential. Ideas for monthly columns are always appreciated! Andrea Epstein: (401) 369-0160 or andrea@toratyisrael.org

Librarians Corner by Laura Steele, Torat Yisrael Librarian

I love historical fiction and thus was happy to be introduced to The Lost Minyan. Historical fiction tells a story that is set in the past with a setting that is usually real and drawn from history. The work may contain actual historical persons, but the main characters may also be fictional. Writers of stories in this genre, while technically writing fiction, attempt to capture the manners and social conditions of the persons or time presented in the story. I enjoy historical fiction because it allows me to learn about history but is told in an interesting, readable format. The Lost Minyan (University of New Mexico, 2010) written by David M. Gitlitz, fits my expectations of an historical fiction book very well. It is a well-written and meticulously researched novel penned by a University of Rhode Island scholar-administrator who has conducted research on Sephardic history topics. The Lost Minyan focuses on the stories of ten Crypto-Jewish families living in the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Dating from anti-Jewish riots in 1391 in Spain, and strengthened by the 1478 papal approval of Fernando and Isabels establishment of the Inquisition in Spain, the Inquisition was intended to save souls by inducing individuals to recant their heretical beliefs and behaviors in order to commit themselves to Christian practice and to publicly punish sinners. I was surprised to learn that the Holy Office (as the Inquisition was referred) functioned in Spain until 1834. The Inquisition also existed in Portugal, to which many Spaniards had fled, from 1539 until 1821. The ten stories in The Lost Minyan range from the 1480s until the 1630s. The extent to which the Inquisition researched an individuals past to uncover their true beliefs surprised me. Conversos (those converted) did not merely have to convert publicly, but had to demonstrate to all of their family members, their servants and others around them such as neighbors that they had converted. Even that was sometimes not enough. At times spouses and children were unaware of a family members Jewish practices. Sometimes these rituals were passed down to children who may have been unaware that they were actually Jewish customs. It was a truly frightening period of time. I applaud Gitlitz in his research of this period and thank him for enlightening me and I hope many others to this horrible chapter in our history.

In Our TY Family
Mazal tov to everyone celebrating a Birthday in November!
Ira Fleisher, Bradley Harris, Carole Goldman, Ruth Ross, David Talan, Joel Evans, Jack Silverman (11 years old), Peter Snyder, Rosalind Herman, Shayla Thompson (12 years old), Susan Abbotson, William Karetny, Frederick Lury, Lorraine Rappoport and Michelle Neri

Mazal tov to Lewis & Jo-Ann Antin who celebrated their 9th Anniversary in November! May God who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bring blessing and healing to: Trude Antin, Bella Foster, Pearl Gorden, Douglas and Barbara Greenberg (Diane
Greenbergs brother-in-law & sister-in-law), Myer Grossman, Harriet Landesberg, Peter Letendre (friend of Rochelle Ziegler), Bonnie Lury, Morton Paige, Bev Prosnitz, Ron Richter, Harold & Sylvia Roggen (Barbara Karetnys parents), Sylvia & Jimmy Shocket and Eileen Winkler (Rochelle Zieglers mother).

2012 Entertainment Books are here!

These make terrific gifts as well as providing great savings for you. You save and support Torat Yisrael at the same time. Thats a win-win! Call 785-1800 or email Sheryl@toratyisrael.org to order your 2012 Entertainment Books. $30 each.

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 Donna Tarutz, Education Director: tarutz@toratyisrael.org Andrea Epstein, Social Worker: andrea@toratyisrael.org Anita Olinsky (Dues Committee): dues@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, Rabbis Secretary: stephanie@toratyisrael.org

Are you raising Jewish children. . . . but youre not Jewish? Dont do it alone. Join us for Mothers Circle!
The Mothers Circle is a free educational and welcoming program empowering non-Jewish mothers to create Jewish homes. The eight-month, fifteen-session interactive curriculum explores Jewish holidays, practices, rituals, and ethics while providing resources and tools for enriching Jewish family life at home. Our fourth Rhode Island group will be starting in November. For more information please contact Kit Haspel, Mothers Circle Coordinator, at 401.331.0956 x184 or khaspel@shalomri.org.

Hug Nhamah: Circle of Consolation

Bereavement Discussion Group meeting Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm providing emotional and spiritual support. Facilitated by Dr. Tom Broffman and Rabbi Amy Levin. TY members and non-members equally welcome. Meeting November 10th and December 8th and 22nd

November
Shabbat in East Greenwich:
Friday Evening:, Shabbat Yachad: Guest Speaker, Kit Haspel/ Welcoming Interfaith Families Into the Jewish Community
Kit Haspel is the Mothers Circle Coordinator for Rhode Island, a mutual support and education program for nonJewish mothers raising Jewish children. Friday, November 4th: Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm. Dinner and speaker at 7:00 pm. Cost: $10 adult / $5 child 10-18/ Children under 10 Free / Family maximum $30. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 1st to the TY office; 785-1800 / Stephanie@toratyisrael.org or on our website: www.toratyisrael.org.

Saturday, November 5th: Shabbat Services at 9:15 am.

Our November Topic: The Kosher Way to Visit the Sick

Each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources addressing current issues. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

East Greenwich: Tuesday, November 8th

12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn at Ts Restaurant, 5600 Post Road (in the Bennys Plaza), East Greenwich

Cranston/Warwick: Thursday, November 10th

12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn at the Cozy Grill Restaurant, 440 Warwick Avenue, Warwick

Shabbat Service and Dinner Honoring our Veterans in Cranston

Please join us on Friday, November 11th for a 6:00 pm Shabbat Service honoring Veterans with a dinner to follow. (Flyer enclosed and rsvp at www.toratyisrael.org). Another opportunity to observe the mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life): a mobile blood drive will take place at the Holiday Gift Fair on Sunday, November 13th from 8:30 am 12:30 pm at the Swift Gym in East Greenwich (111 Pierce Street).

Mobile Blood Drive at the Swift Gym in East Greenwich

Holiday Gift Fair!

Were having our 2nd annual Holiday Gift Fair on Sunday, November 13th from 10:00 am 3:00 pm at the Swift Gym in East Greenwich (111 Pierce Street). Dont miss out on some great holiday gifts! Flyer enclosed.

Wanted! Bakers are needed for the Holiday Gift Fair!

Bakers are needed for the bake sale at Swift Gym in East Greenwich to be held on Sunday, November 13th. Please wrap and label cakes, cookies, brownies telling whether there are nuts or not. Judy Finkle will pick up any baked items at the Village Lower School by 9:15 am on that Sunday. Thank you for your help! Cash Contributions also accepted.

East Greenwich Shabbat: November 18-19

Friday, November 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. Saturday, November 19th Family Shabbat Celebration: 10:00 am: interactive service, 11:00 am Kiddush Lunch

December

Shabbat Yachad in East Greenwich:

Friday Evening:, Shabbat Yachad: Guest Speaker, Tom Broffman, Gambling Problems: A Jewish Dont Ask Dont Tell
Tom Broffman is a Chemical Dependency Consultant at the RI Dept. of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, Eleanor Slater Hospital in Cranston, RI. He is a regionally known trainer and consultant. In 2006, he was awarded the Social Worker of the Year in Addictions by the RI Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Friday, December 2nd: Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm. Dinner and speaker at 7:00 pm. Cost: $10 adult / $5 child 10-18/ Children under 10 Free / Family maximum $30. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 29th to the TY office; 785-1800 / Stephanie@toratyisrael.org or on our website: www.toratyisrael.org.

Saturday, December 3rd: Shabbat Services at 9:15 am.

Annual Galkin Concert Presents . . . . Celebrating the History of Jewish Music Bo & Bill Winiker

Join us on Sunday, December 4th at 3:00 pm at Archie R. Cole Junior High School (100 Cedar Avenue, East Greenwich) for this sensational ensemble! Free Admission. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Ira S. and Anna Galkin Charitable Trust. Flyer enclosed.

Shalom to Shabbat: Unwind and Nosh Before Shabbat Services in Cranston East Greenwich Shabbat/ Family Shabbat Celebration: December 16-17

Friday, December 9th, 7:00 pm: wine, cheese and a nice schmooze before our 7:30 pm Shabbat Service.

Friday, December 16th - 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. Saturday, December 17th Family Shabbat Celebration: 10:00 am: interactive service, 11:00 am Kiddush Lunch

Rabbi Levins Seventh Annual Chanukah Open House

Please join me on Sunday, December 25th, the 6th Candle of Hanukah! from 4 to 8 pm for my Seventh Annual Chanukah Open House! Ill need your help eating those latkes and jelly doughnuts! Im looking forward to welcoming you to my home: 84 Roger Williams Circle. Instead of a gift, please bring a donation for the Edgewood Food Closet or the Kosher Food Pantry. Thank you! Rabbi Amy Levin

Our December Topic: Between Jews and Non-Jews

Each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources addressing current issues. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

East Greenwich: Tuesday, December 20th

12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn at Ts Restaurant, 5600 Post Road (in the Bennys Plaza), East Greenwich

Cranston/Warwick: Thursday, December 22nd

12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn at the Cozy Grill Restaurant, 440 Warwick Avenue, Warwick

Rhode Island Family Shelter Christmas Dinner is Cooking at Torat Yisrael

On Thursday, December 22nd starting at 6:00 pm we will be cooking a Kosher Christmas dinner to be delivered to the shelter Christmas afternoon. We need volunteers to help cook on Thursday and deliver the food to the shelter on Christmas afternoon. For more information contact the TY office at 785-1800. (Flyer enclosed).