CIS_Setting Sights_Programming Guide 2018

Inaugural Journal of Torah Thoughts
Published by Congregation Israel of Springfield

We learn in Pirkei Avos (Ethics of Our Fathers), that the world stands on three
things: the Torah (learning Torah), Avodah (observing the mitzvos) and Gemilas
Chasadim (acts of kindness). While the Congregation Israel of Springfield
(“CIS”) community has long been synonymous with warmth, chesed and
middos tovos, over the past 15 years, the CIS community has been focusing on
making serious efforts to further develop our individual and communal Torah
learning. We have endeavored to build a community where each one of us,
regardless of where we are in our religious observance at the time, is working
on developing a deeper and more personal relationship with Hashem. There
is simply no greater way to develop this relationship than through the study
of Torah. It is with this in mind that we are proud to publish our 2nd annual
programming guide called “Setting Sights”.

The goal of CIS’ “Setting Sights” initiative is to provide a diverse array of events
for the CIS community to engage in throughout the year with each event
having its own nuanced attraction. With Hashem’s help, these programs will
deliver the opportunities needed for everyone to find the means to help
facilitate their own religious growth. It is our fervent hope and belief that
the CIS community can become something far greater than any of us could
have imagined. However, that potential can only be realized with an active
commitment to continually and passionately engage in working on our Avodas
Hashem. One of the best ways to connect with Torah is to be part of the
process of disseminating Torah. CIS is excited to be printing its second Journal
of Torah thoughts, titled Rei’ach HaSadeh, in conjunction with “Setting Sights.”
This new volume focuses on Chesed and is pictured to the left.

May the Ribono Shel Olam bless us all that our efforts in these important
endeavors are successful and may we merit, both individually and communally,
to elevate our lives to be inspired and guided by a deep and meaningful
commitment to Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasadim.

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Chaim Marcus Ben Hoffer

Rabbi President

www.congregationisrael.org | 339 Mountain Ave | Springfield, NJ | 973.467.9666

SCHOLARS IN
RESIDENCE

SEPTEMBER 8-9, 2018

Rabbi Menachem Penner

Sponsored by Yeshiva University
Rabbi Menachem Penner is the Max and Marion Grill
Dean of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at
Yeshiva University and the Men’s Undergraduate Torah
Studies programs at Yeshiva University. The parent of a
child with special needs, he speaks across the country on
issues of children with disabilities.

OCTOBER 13-14, 2018

Rabbi Avrohom Leventhal

Co-sponsored by Lemaan Achai in honor of its partnership with CIS over the years

Rabbi Avrohom Leventhal is an educator, sought-after-
speaker and the Executive Director of Lema’an Achai in
Israel. Prior to his Aliyah in 2005, Rabbi Leventhal was a
senior instructor at the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore
and a director of the Ahavas Yisrael Chesed Fund. Since
Aliyah, Rabbi Leventhal has been involved in many aspects of
communal affairs including rabbinic leadership, municipal
politics and international initiatives against poverty.

DECEMBER 22-23, 2018

Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

Rabbi Horowitz is the founder and dean of Yeshiva
Darchei Noam of Monsey, and founder and Director
of Project Y.E.S. (Youth Enrichment Services). He is
recognized throughout the Jewish community as an
authority on raising children in these challenging times.
He is the author of two books, Growing with the Parsha
and Living and Parenting, and has produced a whole host
of best-selling parenting audio-visual materials.

MARCH 9-10, 2019

Rabbi Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

Rabbi Lebowitz currently serves as the Mara D’Asra of Beis
Haknesses of North Woodmere. He is a Senior Maggid Shuir
at Lander College for Men and Rebbe at the Davis Renov
Stahler (DRS) Yeshiva High School in Woodmere. He has
published numerous articles on practical Halacha in various
journals, including the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary
Society. His thousands of recorded shiurim on Halacha,
Gemara and Derush have gained widespread popularity.

MAY 3-4, 2019

Rabbanit Shani Taragin

Sponsored by Rick and Diane Covkin
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MIZRACHI WORLD MOVEMENT AS PART OF THEIR ISRAEL360 PROJECT

Rabbanit Shani Taragin received her B.A. and M.A. in Tanakh
and Talmud from Bar-llan University and is a graduate of
Nishmat’s Keren Ariel Program for certification as a halachic
advisor (yoetzet halacha) in issues of family purity law She
is the educational director of Matan Eshkolot - Tanakh
teachers’ education program and of the Morot l’Halacha
program in Matan Renana. Rabbanit Taragin serves on
the advisory committee for the World Mizrachi Shalhevet
program for shlichim and lectures throughout Israel and
North America on topics of Tanakh and Jewish Law.

JUNE 15-16, 2019

Rabbi Paysach Krohn

Rabbi Krohn is a noted author who may most be well
known for his ‘Maggid Speaks’ series of books. He is also
a prolific lecturer, compiling over 175 lectures with diverse
topics ranging from Chessed to Preparing Children for
Marriage. Rabbi Krohn is a fifth-generation Mohel, with
hospital affiliations including Long Island Jewish and North
Shore University Hospitals.

SPECIAL
GUEST SERIES

DECEMBER 1-2, 2018
Israel Bonds Shabbat

Featuring
Sgt. Benjamin Anthony

Benjamin Anthony is the founder of Our Soldiers Speak. This
non-for-profit NGO provides briefings and analysis on the
realities and challenges faced by the Israel Defense Forces in
asymmetrical combat situations. Benjamin is the lead lecturer
for the organization which has reached diverse audiences at
more than 380 campuses across several continents as well as
leading think tanks in various countries. Benjamin also speaks
annually on Capitol Hill, and arranges briefings by senior IDF
officers for members of the US Congress and their staffers.
A Sergeant in the I.D.F. reserves, he has served in Judea and
Samaria / The West Bank and along Israel’s northern border.

LOX &
LEARNING

Come enjoy serious Torah learning along with a
scrumptious breakfast on Legal Holidays.

THANKSGIVING DAY NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Rav Dovid Selengut

Rav Dovid Selengut has been a beloved Rebbe in JKHA since
1994. He teaches Judaic studies to all middle school grades.
Rav Selengut is also Dean of Students, overseeing the social,
emotional, religious and academic development of students
at JKHA. Rav Selengut is a graduate of the Mirrer Yeshiva in
Jerusalem, and of Beth Medrash Gavoah in Lakewood New
Jersey. His Semicha and BA in Talmudic Law is from BMG. Rav
Selengut’s MA in Education is from Adelphi University.

NEW YEAR’S DAY JANUARY 1, 2019

Rabbi Yosef Carlebach

Rabbi Yosef Carlebach is a Rebbe at the JEC for third and fifth
grade boys. Rabbi Carlebach is an adored Rebbe who instills in
his students an excitement for torah learning that transcends the
classroom.

WOMEN’S SHIUR
HACHODESH SERIES

FEATURED SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Chevi Garfinkel

An acclaimed educator with over 15 years of experience, Miss Chevi
Garfinkel lectures throughout the United States, Canada and Eretz Yisroel,
and is a regular teacher in Shulamis and Bruriah High Schools. During
the summer, Miss Garfinkel directs Camp Frontier, an innovative teenage
hiking camp that merges wholesome fun with transformative learning.
Chevi has also taught tefilla and moadim at Ohr Naava on a bi-monthly
basis since the organization’s inceptio.

Yael Axelrod

Lecture sponsored by Ariana and Adam Reich in memory of Dr. Robin Goldman z’l Riza bas Zvi Yaakov
Yael Axelrod has more than a dozen years of experience as a Jewish educator
and administrator. She has been involved in middle school education, as
both a Judaic Studies teacher and administrator, at HALB, Moriah School of
Englewood, and Westchester Day School. Rebbetzin Yael Axelrod is married
to Chaim Axelrod, Assistant Rabbi at Young Israel of New Rochelle.

Toba Shifrin

Mrs. Toba Shifrin travels around the world inspiring women of all ages in
and out of the classroom. Toba spends her summers as Director of Camp
Anna Heller, the teen division of Camp Sternberg where her shiurim and
innovative programming have been inspiring girls for over a decade. Her
humor and content-laden lectures will have you laughing and learning.

Shira Schiowitz

Rebbetzin Shira Schiowitz is a noted teacher of Tanach. She currently teaches
at SAR Academy High School. Rebbetzin Schiowitz has also served as Chair
of the Tanach Department and co-director of professional development at
Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School. She lectures for adults in various venues
including Shaare Tefillah of Teaneck where she is the rebbetzin. Shira has an
MA in Bible from the Bernard Revel Graduate School at Yeshiva University.

WEEKLY SHIURIM By Rabbi Marcus

Monday - Thursday Morning | Amud Yomi | 5:45 am

Gemara shuir, learning one Amud of Gemara a day (masechta varies).

Sunday Morning | Gemara Sanhedrin | 9:15 am

Come join Rabbi Marcus as he engages your mind and explores the
depths and complexity of Gemara Sanhedrin.

Monday Night | Women’s Parsha Shiur | Time Varies

Insightful discussion on the weekly Parsha and its impact on our daily lives.

Tuesday Night | Halacha B’Iyun | Time Varies

This shiur will help participants gain a better understanding of halachik
practices and its modern day application.

Thursday Night | Mussar for Men | Time Varies

Character development and spiritual growth shiur incorporating themes
of the weekly parsha and holidays (when applicable)

Shabbos Afternoon | Navi Shiur | 30 minutes before Mincha

Explore the books of Tanach and become captivated by the heroes of Nevi’im.

Shabbos Afternoon | 1st - 4th Grade Shuir | Time Varies

On alternating weeks for 1st-4th grade boys and girls, Rabbi Marcus
engages our youngest and brightest with exciting torah topics

SISTERHOOD OF CIS

The Sisterhood of CIS strives to offer the women of Congregation Israel
programs and events for spending time with other, meeting new friends, and
giving back to the community. This year the goal of the Sisterhood is to bring
together and unite the women of our growing community.

ANNUAL PROGRAMS RUN BY AND/OR SPONSORED BY THE SISTERHOOD INCLUDE:
• Mishloach Manot baskets for purchase
• Annual boutique open to the Springfield community and surrounding communities
• Shabbos HaGadol Kiddush and Luncheon for the entire community
• Yom Ha’atzmaut Kuddish and Luncheon for the entire community

YOM CHESSED: A DAY OF GIVING BACK

This past year the first inauguration of Yom Chessed took place and was a true success!
Families of CIS joined together to perform various acts of giving back, including packing
care packages for Lone Soldiers of the IDF, making stuffed animals for children in
hospitals, assisting with the garden and food pantry at Jewish Family Services, and
raising money for tzedakah by selling Lemonade in various locations in the community.

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS

MYSTERY SHABBOS

Who will you eat with? It’s a surprise! Mystery Shabbos is a great opportunity to enjoy
a meal with new and old friends, but to only find out whom you will be eating with
moments before lunch. This bi-annual event creates opportunities for both long-
standing and new members to enjoy a Shabbos afternoon meal together before
reconvening as a whole group for a community-wide dessert.

PARSHA ON THE LAWN

Feel like Shabbos afternoon in the summers are too long? Parsha on the lawn is a
community-wide opportunity for socializing, noshing, and hearing words of inspiration
in the backyard of a community member during the summer months. Families in the
surrounding areas co-sponsor the event.

ANNUAL BBQ

Even though summer may be coming to an end, it doesn’t mean we can’t have one last
community party! Join your fellow shul members as we gather together for great food,
games, and an afternoon of family fun.

NO@TS Night Out @ the Shul

Night Out @ The Shul (NO@TS) is a fun, casual program that allows our growing
community to remain tight-knit and connected. Join CIS members on a Saturday night
in the winter for a night of friends, food, and fun at the shul.

YOUTH

DEPARTMENT

The CIS Youth Department has created an expansive and awesome slate of programming
for the kids of CIS to participate in and enjoy throughout the year. Programs include
Sporting Events, Theatre Trips, Rock Climbing, BBQs, Purim Carnival, Chanukah
Chagigah, Ice Skating, White Water Rafting, and much more. On a weekly basis, youth
groups are held for children from nursery through fourth grade during davening every
Shabbos morning. These groups are led by our teen youth leaders (9th grade-12th grade)
and our Youth Leaders in Training (YLITs 5th grade-8th grade) with the goal being to
provide a safe, fun, and warm shul environment for the children of CIS. Tailored on an
age appropriate level, all youth groups enjoy davening, playing games, learning, and
having fun together on Shabbos mornings in shul. Additionally, parent-child learning
on Shabbos afternoons (or on Motzei Shabbos in the winter) is a wonderful opportunity
for parents to join with the youth and make Time for Torah together.

Benny and Ark Bromberg
YOUTH DIRECTORS

Benny and Ark Bromberg joined the CIS family in September
2016. Benny grew up in the small Jewish community of Overbrook
Park West-Philadelphia. Prior to becoming the youth director, he held
various youth leadership positions in several camps; including Special
Activities Coordinator, Mechanech and Athletics Director, and was a
member of the Chinuch Staff. Benny also served as an NCSY Advisor
and Behavioral Assistant for children with special needs. He graduated
from Yeshiva University with a degree in history and teaches at Joseph
Kushner Hebrew Academy. Benny loves to play music and sports and
is often seen with a guitar or football in hand when in action!

Ark hails from Staten Island, NY and spent her teenage years actively involved as a youth leader.
She spent her summers involved in youth programming in her different roles as a camp counselor
and lifeguard, and developed wonderful relationships with many campers over the years. She can
always be found lending an ear to a child or teen who needs to talk or hanging out with the teens
on Shabbos. While she has many hobbies, Ark loves listening to music and singing karaoke with
our teen and YLIT girls. While Ark enjoys spending time with the all of the children in our shul, she
loves her time with their daughter Becky most of all!

SNEAK A PEEK INTO
WHAT’S IN STORE….

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

9/2 Teen/YLIT Orientation BBQ
9/2 Apple Picking
9/24 Annual Sukkah Hop (1st Day Sukkos)
9/27 YLIT & Teen “Pizza In the Hut” (2nd Night Chol HaMoed)
9/30 Bowcraft (Hoshana Raba)

OCTOBER EVENTS

10/1 Mini Hakafos with a special story from Benny
10/14 Post Parshas Noach trip to Turtleback Zoo

NOVEMBER EVENTS

11/4 Paint the Youth House
11/9 Teen Oneg
11/10 YLIT & Teen Ice Skating

DECEMBER EVENTS

12/10 Chanukah Chagigah
12/15 YLIT & Teen Mall Scavenger Hunt

JANUARY EVENTS

1/4 Teen Oneg
1/5 YLIT & Teen Movie Night
1/6 Pump It Up

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Dedication of Adult Education Program..................................................... $10,000
Dedication of Women’s Shiur Hachodesh Series....................................... $3,600
Scholar-In-Residence Programs....................................................... $2,000-$5,000
Women’s Monthly Shiur..........................................................................................$ 6 0 0
Lox & Learning............................................................................................................$ 5 4 0
Tuesday Night Torah................................................................................................ $ 1 5 0
Rabbi’s Shiur (Women’s, Halacha, Tefillah, Navi)............................................ $ 1 0 0
For Sponsorship and General donations, visit our website www.congregationisrael.org

JOIN US FOR SHABBOS!

Springfield is a cozy and pleasant place to live and raise a family. The center of the Orthodox
Jewish community is Congregation Israel of Springfield (CIS). Under the leadership of Rabbi
Chaim Marcus who is committed to creating an environment that helps each community
member grow in their Avodas Hashem to the best of their abilities, CIS has seen explosive
growth with the young family demographic increasing from a handful of families a decade
ago to almost 50 young families today! CIS is a warm and inviting shul and a place all
community members feel at home. CIS is the only Orthodox shul in Springfield that results
in an out-of-town style community only a little more than 30 minutes outside NYC.

To come experience Springfield for Shabbos, please email [email protected]
www.congregationisrael.org | 339 Mountain Ave | Springfield, NJ | 973.467.9666