Click Here to visit our Advertiser's Websites                                                          Click Here for Membership information
Click Here to see pictures from our wonderful GALA party
Click on the image below to read the current bulletin on line
THE GAIL S. WARREN LEGACY FOR LEADERSHIP FUND Established at Congregation B’nai Israel   The Gail S. Warren Legacy for Leadership Fund has been established in loving memory of Gail Warren at Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg by her family and friends.  Throughout the community, Gail embodied vision, inspiration, effectiveness,  leadership and community building. She was committed to dialogue, learning and development of synagogue leadership.  The fund will provide for activities that will deepen or develop leadership skills for current or emerging Congregational leaders such as promoting educational activities and speakers, and help to annually recognize a Congregation member selected for leadership recognition.  Those who donate to this fund in Gail's memory will help to promote those qualities that Gail valued so much; it will stimulate congregational family involvement, and recognize and nurture CBI leaders of the future.  Pictured from left to right:  Rabbi Jacob Luski, Susan Marger LeVine, Michael Warren, Dr. Steven Warren, Allison Warren, Laurie Reiskind, Dr. Harold Pollack
HEBREW HIGH SCHOOL  Attention Hebrew High School Students and Parents! The Spring Semester will begin on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm.  CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION AND CLASS INFORMATION
Click here to see the pictures from our Hanukkah Party
	USCJ UPDATE ON THE SITUATION IN HAITI       There are many efforts in the US to aid victims of the terrible earthquake in Haiti. There are no Reform or Conservative synagogues in Haiti, nor is there any Chaba presence.  The JDC reports that there are 7 Jews in Haiti and they have all been accounted for.    United Synagogue has a Disaster Relief Fund set up for those who wish to help earthquake victims. The URL for on-line donations is: www.uscj.org/donate/relief     In addition, there was a recent White House Conference Call on the Haiti Rescue Efforts call. Below are the notes from the call:   Host: Tina Chen, Director of Office of Public Engagement, The White House   Speakers: Patrick Gaspard, Director of Political Affairs, The White House (Patrick is Haitian American) Gene Gray, National Security Council, Director of Caribbean and Central America Rajiv "Raj" Shah, Administrator, USAID   The US government, USAID, Departments of State and Defense working closely together to take appropriate action. There immediate concerns are...   To make sure embassy personal and American citizens in Haiti are safe (8 Embassy staff were injured, 4 seriously) To mobilize resources in immediate rescue efforts, military overflights, rescue teams arriving on ground To ensure the entire US government is working in tight coordination, Raj Shah, Administrator of USAID is lead coordinator   Current conditions in Haiti...   Currently, there are 3 American fatalities Only 1 of 3 cell phone company in Haiti is working with consistency, land lines are not working American Embassy is damaged Extensive damage to UN headquarters 4 urban search and rescue teams en route from Fairfax, VA Miami, FL and Los Angeles, CA The American Government is sending an airport traffic control team to help at the airport   Websites/Phone Numbers for Information   number for state department 1-888-407-4747looking for assistance to find relatives whitehouse.gov (lead banner on front page) has links to Center for International Disaster Information, USAID and InterAction Interaction Website:  http://www.interaction.org/ crisis-list/earthquake-haiti, InterAction is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world's poor and most vulnerable people. Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or 703-276-1914- if you have donations, go to this website   To help with relief efforts, text "HAITI" to "90999" and $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross, charged to your cell phone bill     SE REGION USCJ Harry Silverman Executive Director
The Chili Cook-off and Bonfire was a huge success. Click here for the recipes
Founded in 1923, Congregation B'nai Israel is a traditional Conservative egalitarian congregation. We have evolved from a nucleus of twelve families to more than 500 families spanning at least four generations. We invite you to browse our Web site and see the wonderful things we offer for both members and non-members alike for Pinellas County's Jewish Community.
TALMUD MADE EASY RETURNS Stephen Wein will continue his class covering the first tractate of the Talmud, Berachot.  The class will study the actual text as well as selected commentaries.  Knowledge of Hebrew, Aramaic or Jewish or American law is not required or necessary.  All materials will be provided.  Berachot deals with blessings and prayers that make up Judaism's fundamental rituals.  The class involves both textual analysis and lively discussion and is open to all with no necessary prerequisites. Classes will meet in the Buns Family Library at 7:00 pm on the following dates:  7:00 pm, Tuesdays, February 9 and Wednesday, February 24. TORAH FOR SENIORS Join Rabbi Luski on Tuesday mornings each month at 11 a.m. at Philip Benjamin Towers as he teaches and discusses Torah in an easy to follow fashion. 2010: January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20 & May 11. LUNCH WITH RABBI Deli lunch and Mishna Study with Rabbi Luski meets monthly on Wednesdays at noon in the CBI Atrium.  Come and join our group as we enjoy lunch, schmooze and enjoy a meaningful time learning “What, When, Why & Where” of our Jewish History in an informal atmosphere.  Previous knowledge not necessary.  Classes are held in English. Please RSVP your lunch orders to 381-4900 by 4 PM by Tuesday before.   2010: January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21 & May 12.
	Introduction  To Judaism Begins           Rabbi Jacob Luski has formed his Introduction to Judaism to meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:15-6:45 pm. This class is a unique opportunity for Jews by birth to learn more about the meaning of Judaism, as well as those non-Jews considering conversion. The class offers a warm and intimate environment to explore the fundamental beliefs, values, practices and history that have shaped the Jewish people throughout the ages.    Please contact Rabbi Jacob Luski at 727-381-4900, extension 203, about your interest in this class.
	Cracking The Code: Delving into the  Mystery, Meaning & Structure of our Prayerbook Join Rabbi Jacob Luski to delve into Jewish prayer to gain a deeper sense of meaning of Jewish prayer including an overview of the structure and history of Jewish prayer. All classes are entirely in English. Wednesdays, 8:00—9:00 pm in the Library: February 3, 2010:    The Mystery of the Friday Evening service February 10. 2010:  The Meaning of the Shabbat Morning service February 17, 2020:  The Structure of the Weekday service
OFFICE TELEPHONES  Please note we have gone to automated answering of the synagogue telephone lines on a daily basis.  Once you hear the recording you may dial directly to the following extensions:   Anita Helfand, Office Team, x 201 Sara Latham, Executive Director, x 202 Pam Askin, Office Team, x 203 Barbara Jarvis, Office Team, Accounting, x 204 Hazzan Paul Goldstein, x 205 Rabbi Jacob Luski, x 207 Library, x 208 Sandy Brasch, Youth Director, x 209 Bonnie Halprin, Preschool Director, x 211 Ilana Dayan, Education Director, x 310 Kitchen, x 230 Click here for the exciting new website from the Conservative Movement. This is the place that will be the gateway that will lead to the various organizations and groups that make up its larger whole. Look at it, play around with it, see what it has, and pass it on. You will be amazed at all the information available here!!

Congregation B'nai Israel is a member of the 
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

727-381-4900
FAX
727-344-1307
Postal address
300 - 58th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
Electronic mail
General Information: info@cbistpete.org