President’s Message

May 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

We will be celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut on the evening of Monday, May 5^th, corresponding with the Hebrew date of the 5^th of Iyar. In Israel, the joyous festivities will begin immediately after sunset following Israel Memorial Day. Twelve torches will be lit individually representing the twelve Tribes of Israel. The celebration continues throughout the next day. People are encouraged to spend the day outside by going on hikes and having barbecues. Historically, Israel Independence Day began on May 14, 1948 and centered on David Ben-Gurion reading the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. This carefully crafted seven part document has as much relevance now as it did sixty-six years ago during the reaffirmation of our Jewish homeland.

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April 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

I have been collecting Passover Haggadot for many years. I am most intrigued by the thousands of versions available. The obligation to retell our children of the exodus from Egypt may have been an influence in why the manuscripts are highly illustrated. When studying the printed versions of the Haggadah through the ages, we develop an appreciation of how the celebration of Passover has been continuously evolving. Our sense of freedom is challenged and our solidarity within the community is contested.

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March 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

We will be celebrating the holiday of Purim on the evening of March 15^th. It seems like we just celebrated Chanukah and Pesach will be quickly arriving soon. All are such joyous occasions celebrating triumphant historic events and freedom. The miracle of Purim is not as clearly seen as the other two holidays. G-d guided us with a watchful hand but is not mentioned in the Book of Esther. It is truly the story of concealment and hidden beauty. This is exemplified by the hamantash. It is a plain cookie pastry with its beauty hidden inside. Colorful, tangy, or sweet, it is always a wonderful surprise. My monthly column has not mentioned food in quite some time. The focus has been on the brain, so now with food being an important part of the upcoming holidays; we will go back to discussing gastronomy.

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February 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

Many of you are aware that we have started a campaign to raise the funds to replace the roof on our Temple. The goal is clear, and the appeal to contribute has been established. In and of itself, that may be enough of a reason for your participation in this construction project. I would like to discuss another motivational reason to join the expanding list of contributors. The act of giving is inherently rewarding. Many studies have examined the act of charitable giving with a focus on the individual’s benefit. As a group, we can determine if our positive results to altruistic behavior are similar to the research that I would like to present in this column.

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January 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

This time of year many people are making New Year resolutions to improve their health. After the recent holidays, they are interested in restoring a daily routine. Holistically, our goal should include a spiritual as well as physical component to improving health. I hope that this brief article will provide incentive for your increased participation in TBS religious services for the coming year.

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December 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

            Last spring, my daughter Sara spent a semester abroad in Granada, Spain. She enjoyed being immersed in the culture and loved the southern region of Spain. This was an opportunity for me to study the history of Jews in Spain both before and after the Inquisition. There are no Jewish synagogues or yeshivas remaining in Granada. The lasting contribution of the Jews in this region can be found in the text and writings left by the scholars. Spanish culture and Jewish history is complex and fascinating. I can’t help but wonder if my ancestors descended from Spanish Jews in exile.

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November 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

            Love It or List It is a Canadian television show aired on the Home & Garden Network. I rarely watch television other than sports. I am entertained by this show; however I question its truthfulness and authenticity. Homeowners make an emotional and financial decision to choose between renovating and selling their house. A budget is arbitrarily determined in which the worn-out home is transformed into a castle that renews their love, or possibly motivates them to list the home with a realtor. Either because of my stubbornness or loyalty, I have yet to view an episode where I feel the homeowners should choose to leave their home. There must be a reason why these individuals initially fell in love with their home. So the question becomes; what has changed in their lives and altered their perspective?

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October 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

            Welcome, L’Shanah Tova and good evening. I would like to wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year. I am honored to serve as President of Temple Beth Sholom, and to have the opportunity of sitting on this Bimah these past four years. I would like to thank and praise the officers, committee members, and all the dedicated volunteers who represent the various arms of the Temple, for their enthusiasm and commitment. Special praise to Rabbi Scolnic and Cantor Simon is extended for all the preparation and care taken to ensure the wonderful High Holiday services. The services are extremely special with our talented members who have read Torah, Haftorah, and volunteered to daven parts of the service. I would like to welcome our new members and families and thank them for choosing Temple Beth Sholom as their house of worship and becoming an important part of our family.

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September 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

Temple Beth Sholom began as a vision in the 1940’s as a place in Hamden where Jewish life would be celebrated as a community. From generation to generation, families have relied on the spiritual, educational, and communal aspects of our Temple. It is now our challenge to see what legacy we can leave for our children’s future. It is a troubling fact that 80% of Jewish wealth is left to non-Jewish organizations. Temple Beth Sholom is a strong institution, but through our foresight and vision, we can insure our future for years to come. Our responsibility lies in meeting this challenge. Ask yourself what you value most about TBS, and we will work together to protect those interests. It always brought great pleasure to Debby and me to read the book Something from Nothing to Sara and Molly about a Jewish tailor. Through his creativity and love, the tailor altered his grandson’s worn blanket’s usefulness as it became tattered. The grandfather created a legacy by teaching his grandson that the intrinsic value of an object is maintained even when it is transformed and its purpose renewed.

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July/August 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

I would like to welcome our new Officers, Trustees, and Directors, and wish them a rewarding experience during their new term. The continued involvement of new members is the driving force that keeps our organization fresh and vibrant. New ideas and approaches are enlightening and bring enthusiasm and enjoyment to the responsibilities of the Board of Directors.

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