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5777 High Holiday Edition
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Dear Friends,
This coming new year brings a major change for our shul. David and Lynn Gross are making Aliyah at the end of October. They have been the backbone of our congregation for many years and will be missed by all of us.
"The heat won’t turn on…. call David. He'll know what to do. I can’t light the oven. Call David, he'll know what to do. We need someone to lead services. Call David…" This list could go on and on. David Gross has done it all and been there through it all. His departure will leave a vacuum and also an opportunity for congregants to volunteer and help out. Anyone interested in leading Shabbat services?!
This has been a busy summer at the shul. We installed improvements in the kitchen, hallway and bathrooms. If you have not yet seen it, please drop by and have a look.
I have been busy working with the committee led by Larry Fader to organize the upcoming Rensselaer Jewish Farmer’s Family Reunion on the weekend of October 28-30. This will be an opportunity to learn about and celebrate our farming heritage in this county. Activities begin Friday evening with services at the synagogue followed by a full weekend itinerary, which will include speakers and Jewish artists selling their wares among other events.
On a personal note, I extend a huge thank you to our board and the Jewish Federation for supporting my trip to NewCAJE Conference for Jewish Educators. I had anticipated learning new tools to help teach our children, but I gained so much more than that! Topics covered ranged from Israeli Education to technology in our classroom, new methods of teaching Hebrew and much more. I attended sessions discussing meeting congregant needs and building a strong Jewish community. This four day experience was rich — educationally, professionally and spiritually. Throughout this upcoming year, I plan to implement all that I learned to our Hebrew School and to our shul.
We are exited to welcome back Derek Fields and Rebecca Glass to lead us in our High Holiday services once again this year. All are invited to join as we welcome 5777.
Shana Tova Tikatevu,
Pam Tatar
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Israel's Gain, Our Loss
By Lynn Rothenberg
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The Nassau Synagogue will lose two of its most valued and devoted members after the High Holidays. Long-time and well-known and loved congregants David and Lynn Gross are moving to Israel to join their daughter Marissa, her husband Aaron Yarm, and their 14-month old daughter, Zohar Tovah (Zoe). We share their joy as they prepare to forge a new life in Israel but we also feel deep sadness and will miss them.
David's relationship with the Nassau Shul began when he was two years old. He and his brother attended services every Saturday with their father, who was president of the shul, although David admits he wasn't praying. His attentions were diverted by a pole, which, oddly, stood in the middle of the synagogue, and was far more exciting to two young boys than davening. He and his brother would joyfully twirl around and climb that pole. However, their delight was an East Nassau congregant's irritation. "If these boys are here, I'm leaving!" he declared one shabbos morning, to which the other congregants responded: "So leave! The boys stay!" And stay David did.
Fast forward to 1980. David had befriended Rabbi Paul Silton and the Rabbi, in his helpful manner, hatched the idea to perform a shidduch and introduced David to his new secretary, Lynn Rosen; three weeks later David and Lynn became engaged, and on June 14, 1981, Rabbi Silton performed their wedding ceremony with Cantor Chaim Picker in the Nassau Shul. David built the chuppah, catered the wedding, and he and Lynn arranged the flowers with the help of a neighbor. Even now, they recount their meeting with a display of youthful giddiness, delight, and even some surprise when details come out that one or the other didn't know about all those years ago. "I knew what I wanted," David said simply. It seems they both knew. They celebrated their 35th anniversary this past June.
Lynn reflects back on what it was like to join a new synagogue when she began her life in Nassau. "From the moment I walked in the shul I was welcomed with such warmth and hospitality. I knew that was the wonderful tradition at the Nassau Shul."
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David served as president of the synagogue for a decade. David and Lynn assisted with the formation of the lay leader tradition in early 2000, a tradition that still continues. The shul had been Orthodox for many years, but in the 1980s it became Conservative. He and Lynn led services twice a month while Rabbi Deborah Gordon led services once a month.
They both agree they'll miss the four seasons living in Israel, and they were both thoughtful and somewhat wistful when asked how they felt about leaving this small shul, their friends and community. Why make this huge move, leave all that's familiar to them? "We want to be in a truly Jewish community that is living a Jewish way of life in all aspects," Lynn explained. "Over there, you're in a Jewish environment and culture. You can lead a Jewish way of life and feel comfortable with it," she said and David agreed. As for the language, Lynn describes herself as an advanced beginner in Hebrew and David said he's not quite to that point yet. They plan to polish their language when they enroll in Ulpan, which is part of the aliyah package and paid for by the Israeli government.
"I've been there for such a long period of time," David said. "It's been my shul forever. I grew up in that shul. I've gone to other shuls, but Nassau Shul is my shul. It's engrained in me. It's not going to be easy to move and leave because I do services there and many other things as well."
Lynn agreed. "I was married there and my baby naming was there. The services are very fulfilling because of the intimacy. I have loved coming to services. As years went by, we have formed friendships and became more and more involved. I was the teacher and administrator of the Hebrew School, and I initiated Yiddish Night with Rose Ann Roth as well as other special events. I'm really going to miss my close friends in the Northeast."
The Nassau Shul is really a family and has always been a family." David said.
"Now, we're going to our own family," Lynn said.
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Yiddish Night
By Lynn Gross
This year over 40 people attended the Nassau Synagogue's annual Yiddish Night, no doubt attracted by the lively theme: Klezmania: From the Old World to the New. The evening was a journey into the roots of Klezmer music and its evolution through the 20th and 21st centuries.
We enjoyed listening to music that spanned centuries beginning with the Old World, then during the large Jewish immigration to America followed by a Klezmer Revival during the 60s, 70s and up to the present time including Irish and Blue Grass Klezmer. In addition, we enjoyed stories about various Klezmer characters by Sholom Aleichem and others.
I would like to thank the following people for their contribution to the great success of Yiddish Night: Rose Ann Roth — my partner for over 10 years in coordinating this program — who was a wonderful narrator and storyteller; David Gross, my better half, was our technical manager and storyteller; Joe Adler, who brought Klezmer albums and Yiddish books from his bookstore, The Jewish Book Maven, and Margo and Izzy Singer for lending us their exotic, modern Klezmer CDs.
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Rose Ann Roth (l) and Lynn Gross (r) at Yiddish Night
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Hebrew School
by Pam Tatar
Did you know that our Hebrew School is free for children of our members? What a deal! Please help us spread the word. Our students benefit from our use of creative and multi sensory environment. This is not their parents’ Hebrew School - this is one the kids love to attend and don’t want to leave at the end of class!
Classes start Monday, September 12 at 6 pm.
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Building & Grounds Report
By Tom Seamon
The Nassau Shul recently hired Brett Crandall, an experienced local contractor who renovated the kitchen, the hallway and both bathrooms. He replaced the flooring in all three areas with new vinyl composition tiles and added new plumbing fixtures in both bathrooms that concealed the pipes. He also replaced sheetrock and painted giving it a fresh new look.
Members of the Nassau Shul involved in the renovation process include: Barbara Neiman, Pam Tatar, Tom Seamon, Irv Paris, David Gross, and other members of the Nassau Shul and Board of Trustees. This much needed remodeling is a major improvement to the shul and will benefit our members and guests for years to come.
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Does Siri Really Know What ‘Red’ Is?
by Bruce Huttner
I admit it: I talk to my phone all the time. Siri and I are on a first name basis and have been since the day we met. I also talk to my dog, Loki. I know his name, but I don’t think he knows mine, although I can’t assume that. I normally don’t talk to my toaster, but I sometimes curse at my skillet. I don’t think that really counts for anything.
My dog seldom talks back, but Siri almost always responds in a velvety, slightly suggestive voice. In spite of Siri’s flirtatiousness, I still prefer to talk to my dog. Why is that? I wonder.
Well, this is the question that we tried to chase down this year in the Jewish Philosophy Book Group. Siri is simply a voice on my phone. Yes, she talks back to me, and will even tell me what color a ripe tomato is. Still, I doubt that she really knows what ‘red’ is, even though apparently she knows that a ripe tomato is red. As for Loki, I’m not sure he can even see the color red; yet I think he has a better sense of it than Siri has.
Curiousor and curiousor…
We started the year with Douglas Hofstadter’s book, “Gödel, Escher, Bach," which took a deep dive into the possibility of machine consciousness. Mr. Hofstadter and Siri should get together: They would have a lot to talk about. We finished the year with The Blackwell Compendium of Consciousness, a thick tome containing numerous essays on the philosophy and science of consciousness, primarily human consciousness — its nature, and its qualities.
So, am I any closer to understanding what it means to be conscious today, as compared to where I was a year and a half ago? Not really, but I can say that I appreciate Loki more.
At our annul summer picnic we discussed Sigmund Freud’s book “The Future of an Illusion." We also discussed Elie Wiesel’s book “Night” which we added to our summer list in honor of Mr. Wiesel’s recent passing.
And next year? We will be picking up on an author we encountered last year, a major contributor to the philosophy of consciousness. We’ll be reading Daniel Dennett’s book, “Darwin’s Dangerous Idea," and thinking about how Darwin’s theory of natural selection has changed humanity's view of our place in the universe. Care to join us? More more information, contact Bruce. brucehuttner@gmail.com
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From the Board
The Board of Trustees agreed that it was important to compile all of the policies and procedures that have been adapted over time. Although we are an unaffiliated congregation, most of our ritual-related policies are consistent with the Conservative movement, including but not limited to, those that we have adopted over the years by Minhag HaMakom, defined as the customs of the place. The remaining policies seek to ensure consistency and transparency in the synagogue's general operation.
We will send all current members in good standing copies of our policies by email or snail mail. Non-members may also request a copy by e-mailing Barbara Neiman at barnei@nycap.rr.com or by calling her at (518) 477-9580. Copies will also be available in the shul.
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Pam Tatar's special birthday
Jeremy Kimmelstiel's graduation from School of Veterinary Medicine at University of Pennsylvania
Andrea Neiman who was inducted into the Columbia High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
Cathy Huttner for attaining her masters degree in Behavioral Analysis from the College of St. Rose.
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We Extend Our Deepest Condolences To
Nancy Lord and family for the loss of Albert Robbins
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GET WELL WISHES
Our prayers go out for a healing of body and of spirit
✡Tiara Jaron
✡Ann Blaustein
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ADULT EDUCATION
by Danny Nerenberg
This spring we were fortunate to have Sharon Miller as a guest speaker at the Nassau Synagogue. She spoke about Israeli communities living under the stress of missile attacks from Gaza and Israeli social services available to help these beleaguered communities.
We are excited to have had an increase in the number of members who are interested in learning more about reading Torah, haftarah, megillah and becoming involved in traditions that allow them to contribute to tefillah on Shabbat and holidays. We hope this trend to delve deeper into Jewish study and participation will continue.
Our field trips to NYC have been popular and included visits to the Yiddish Museum as well as to various performances. Ongoing events include our annual Yiddish Night, which Lynn Gross, Rose Ann Roth and others have worked hard to make a treasured tradition. And of course our decades-old weekly book group (see Bruce Huttner’s separate update in this newsletter) plays a significant role in Adult Education at the shul.
I strongly encourage everyone reading this newsletter to please contact me if you have ideas for study topics or events that you would like to see included in our Adult Education program. Most programs are free or offered at a reasonable cost and help to strengthen our Jewish community.
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THANKS FOR THE DONATIONS
Paul & Linda Krouner
Dan & Cheryl Smith
Norma Phillips in honor of the marriage of Jonathan Lord and Kelly Bigel
David Levy in memory of Leah Levy and Evelyn & Sidney Levy
Stacey Rattner & Kevin Civerolo
Sidney & Anne Richter
Joyce Fishman Klein in honor of Rose Ann Roth’s speedy recovery
Alan & Doris Blum in memory of Dale Agata
Judith Ehrlich
James Jaron
William Panitch
Howard & Kippy Brezner
Ben & Sharon Cohen in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Ravi Kiran Cohen
Maida Bogoslofsky
Kate Lozier – Tuff Bags fundraiser
John Harder
Rose Ann Roth in memory of Albert Kimmelstiel and Albert Robbins
The Sarachan Family in memory of parents Ezra & Sonya Sarachan; Eda, Al and George Kronman; and sister Ann Beth Deily
Sherri Kramerson in memory of her father, Harry Froim
Ann Blaustein in memory of parents Morris & Ida Schwartz, brothers David, Franky and Philip Schwartz, nephew David Schwartz, niece Linda Van Brookhoven
Gail & Seth Agata – Hebrew School Fund in memory of Joseph Gordon and Louise Nathanson
Ben & Sharon Cohen in memory of Enid Wallowitz
Elaine Rosen to honor the yahrzeits of Hilda Weiss Rosen and Ray Bellin Rosen
Fred Kimmelstiel – Kiddush Fund
Irving and Myrna Paris – in memory of Clement (Kalmon) Paris Yahrzeit Tummuz 14
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Anyone wishing to memorialize their loved one may purchase a plaque. Plaques are $100 for synagogue members and $300 for non-members.
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שנה טובה שנה טובה שנה טובה
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High Holiday Service Schedule
Rosh Hashana
Sunday, 10/2/2016 Mincha: 6:00 PM Candle Lighting and Maariv: 6:15PM
Monday, 10/3/2016 Shacharit: 9:00 AM Children’s Service: 10:00AM Tashlich to follow after services
Tuesday, 10/4/2016 Shacharit: 9:00 AM
Yom Kippur
Tuesday, 10/11/16 Mincha: 5:15 PM Kol Nidre: 5:30 PM
Wednesday, 10/12/2016 Shacharit: 9:00 AM Torah Reading: 10:00 AM Children's Service 10:00 AM Yizkor: 11:30 AM Musaf: 12:30 PM Mincha: 4:00 PM Neilah: 6:00 PM Breakfast to follow
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We proudly announce that Tari Civerolo will lead our Children’s Services along with her mom, Stacey Rattner this year. Please join them on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur starting at 10:00 AM.
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Services will be lead again this year by Derek Field. On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Debra Gordon will join us as a co-leader. As always, no tickets are required for seating! Parking is available across the street in the old Stewarts parking lot.
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The Nassau Synagogue and Jewish Community commemorative booklet celebrating the 100-year history of our beloved Nassau shul is now available for purchase. We are excited to offer this keepsake of shul history and memories that recounts the life of the Nassau Synagogue, its members, and Rensselaer County Jewish farmers through documented research, photographs, and personal narratives. We encourage you to purchase this booklet as a way to enjoy, preserve, and pass to future generations the past and still-living history of our shul’s special niche in Jewish history and heritage. Please use the attached booklet order form and its instructions to order your copy/copies.
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Have you sent in your registration yet?
Deadline extended to September 19th.
Advance registration is required!
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Your membership is the foundation of support for our little shul. Without it we couldn’t possibly afford to continue our weekly Shabbat services, Hebrew School, High Holiday services and the other programs we offer. It is a “mitzvah” to belong to a synagogue and given our reasonable cost for membership, why not join?? If you are unable to become a member, your donation is always greatly appreciated.
NAME________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________
PHONE NO._______________________E-MAIL______________________________
NOTE: PLEASE CHECK HERE IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL INFORMATION TO BE SHARED WITH OTHER MEMBERS: ______
I would like to contribute: $_________
In Honor of_____________________________________________________________
In Memory of___________________________________________________________
I would like to make a contribution to the Hebrew School: $__________
I would like to make a contribution to the Synagogue’s General Fund: $_________
________I would like to renew membership in the Nassau Synagogue
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Family Membership $250____________________
Individual Membership $200____________________
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE NASSAU SYNAGOGUE
And mail to: Nassau Synagogue Box 670 Nassau, NY 12123
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