ISRAEL BONDS BREAKFAST 2011

On a crisp late autumn Sunday morning in December, Temple Sholom members and friends joined with congregants of East Midwood Jewish Center, Flatbush Park JC, Congregation Magen Avraham, and Bnai Raphael for a community breakfast to support the State of Israel by purchasing bonds. Nearly 100 filled the Temple Sholom ballroom which was beautifully arranged by our staff, and Signature Caterers.

In attendance, were our Rabbi Weintraub, who offered the opening prayer for Israel and the IDF, and our Cantor Schor, who sang Hatikvah. Temple Sholom honorees, Linda and Howard Schain, came with their own rooting team, a lively group of friends and family. They were introduced by Rabbi Weintraub who shared with the assembled their love of Israel and their active involvement in our Temple and in the Jewish community. They received a beautiful plaque from Israel Bonds as did the special couple, Dr. Howard and Joanne Honigman, honored by EMJC. East Midwood came to our breakfast in full force, led by their renowned, Rabbi Alvin Kass, who eloquently introduced their honorees. EMJC Cantor Sam Levine sang the Star Spangled Banner; their President, Larry Isaacson, their Executive Director, Edith Maiman, and their former President and co-chair of the Bonds breakfast, Gail Hammerman, led their entourage. We were pleased to have Flatbush Park Jewish Center’s esteemed Rabbi David Halpern, and their President Charles R. Harary at the event in support of the State of Israel. We were also privileged to have Rafi Hazen attend. Rafi is the man behind the Bnai Raphael Food pantry which helps feed thousands of indigent Jews here and in Israel every day of the year. Our good friend Shaul Ozeri was with us as well representing his vibrant Yemenite shul, Congregation Magen Avraham.

The breakfast was an elaborate, generous and scrumptious buffet which all enjoyed. Our speaker, Consul Gil Lainer, was both interesting and informing as he updated us on current conditions in Israel and the continuing threats it faces. And, there was surprise entertainment by Jerry Markovitz, who put on a show for us as he sang and played the keyboard. Many got up to dance as the music inspired them to leave their seats.

Most importantly, was the enthusiastic purchasing of Israel Bonds which surpassed $200,000. This unified group of Brooklyn Jews, Orthodox, Conservative, Ashkenaz and Sephardic, understood that Israel Bonds have been the life-blood of Israel since its formation in 1948, and that Jewish survival in the 21^st century may well depend on the continued viability and strength of Medinat Yisroel.

Thanks to our Rabbi and Cantor for their support and participation. Special thanks to Bruce Hoffman who helped to prepare the Temple for the event, to Tessie Bukatman, and Dorothy Goldberg, who helped to register our guests, and to Shelley Durst, our photographer. Thanks and kudos to my co-chair, Gail Hammerman, who worked tirelessly to make this event a success.

Most especially, I want to thank all those who supported this bonds breakfast, those who came and bought, and those who couldn’t attend but still bought bonds. I urge all of you to buy Israel Bonds and to support Israel in every way possible; it is an investment in your future, and in your children’s and grandchildren’s future. Sholom, and am Yisroel chai!

Dr. Len Goldberg

Co-chairperson, Israel Bonds Breakfast