By Michael Roland

The annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, November 19th, at Grace United Methodist Church in Nassau. Board member Michael Roland represented the Nassau Synagogue. 

For those of us who haven't attended this service, it's a wonderful gathering of the local religious community. In addition to our congregation, the service was attended by the AQRT Sufi Order, the HVB Interfaith Network, the Baha'i Faith, the Nassau Reformed Church, St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and the Town and Village of Nassau, respectively. 

Along with music and hymns, the service consisted of readings by each representative, in turn.  In addition to giving thanks for our blessings, a consistent theme emerged from the readers: the need for truth and integrity, justice and compassion in the face of a troubled world and political climate.  For example, Michael's reading was of Psalm 101, which opens with "I will sing of mercy and justice." 

A reception followed the service with refreshments and good conversation with the community. We are all invited to next years' service.

 

Melody Howarth, Nassau's town historian, reached out to the shul seeking pictures and items about Chanukah for inclusion in their holiday display case at the Town Hall. Several pictures of past Chanukah celebrations at the shul and several dreidels on loan from Faith Schottenfeld are on display through the holiday season. The Town Hall is located at 29 Church Street in the Village of Nassau.  

The Nassau Synagogue tradition is that one need not be a member to attend Shabbat services or to participate in our events and programs.  We do not sell seats for the High Holidays, nor do we auction aliyot. How have we been able to do this over the years and still keep membership dues so very low?  It is through your continued support that is essential to keeping us strong.  The Nassau Synagogue relies almost exclusively on the contributions of its supporters and on our membership dues.  So please, help us with a donation, and/or consider becoming a member. 

 

NAME________________________________________________________________

 

ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________

 

PHONE NO._______________________E-MAIL______________________________

 

MEMBERSHIP

Please note that at least one adult member of a membership unit must be Jewish by matrilineal descent.

 

Family Membership         $300

Individual Membership   $200

 

________I would like to renew membership in the Nassau Synagogue

 

________I would like to join the Nassau Synagogue

 

_____   If you are joining or renewing your synagogue membership, please check here if you would like your personal information included in the Membership directory. By checking here you are agreeing to the terms and conditions as follows: that the main purpose of the directory is to make personal contact with other members to encourage social interactions, acknowledgement of celebrations and other meaningful events, and to encourage the promotion of shul related activities among those on the list.  The list may not be shared with anyone who is not on the list, given to any organization without the prior consent of the Board, or used to promote political ideas or platforms. 

 

CONTRIBUTIONS

To the General Fund:  $_______________                            To the Hebrew School:  $ _____________

 

To the Kiddush Fund:   $ ______________  

Or contact Barbara Neiman, 477-9580 or [email protected] , if you would like to sponsor a full Shabbat Kiddush

 

In Honor of_____________________________________________________________

 

In Memory of___________________________________________________________

 

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE NASSAU SYNAGOGUE and mail with a printout of this form to:  PO Box 670, Nassau, New York   12123. 

The Mitzvah knitters met on November 20th and collected four blankets, two made by Judy Ehrlich and two by Kate Rachel Lozier. These beautiful hand-knit blankets are being donated to Joseph's house in Troy, NY. This is our third donation of blankets to this organization. They greatly appreciate our handmade gifts. Joseph's House provides emergency shelter and support services, on average, to 1000 men, women and children yearly. Their mission is to provide non-judgmental services to end homelessness.

            We also collected three scarfs, six hats, one headband, and two new, non-handmade hats for the Nassau Resource Center, Nassau's local food bank and resource center. Its clients need hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and other warm winter gear. The Mitzvah knitters will continue to knit and donate warm accessories throughout the cold months. Donated items must be brand new. The center also needs new toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.). To donate goods, please call them at 518-766-9014 for open hours. They are located at 15 Church St., in the Village of Nassau.

            Once again, a Nassau Synagogue crew volunteered for the annual Equinox Thanksgiving Day meal: Many thanks to shul members Irv & Myrna Paris and Faith &   

Matthew Schottenfeld for representing us in this incredible community-wide event.

Volunteers from our shul are greatly appreciated. Please contact Kate Lozier at [email protected], or any board member, about Tikkun Olam activities you'd like to involve the shul with and to learn about current shul-sponsored volunteer activities .