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Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island
315 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
tmplisrael@aol.com
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Rabbi Michael D. Howald Student Cantor Elizabeth Flynn
President Bryn Biren
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E-Shalom -November 2017
Temple Israel’s New Electronic Bulletin
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“Shalom, Welcome to Temple Israel....” is a phrase taught to us by Carole Lachman, a beloved, long-time congregant and bulletin editor who died in 2002. We named our bulletin in her honor and worked to realize her vision of Temple Israel as a community that welcomes the stranger and lets no one stand alone. As we move to a new version of this tradition of communicating with our Temple Israel family, we continue to forward Carole’s vision, love and devotion for our synagogue.
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A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
In Jewish tradition, the “Shalshelet HaKabbalah” refers to the “chain of transmission” which connects the Jews of today with the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai as detailed in the Book of Exodus. We symbolize this chain of tradition by passing the Sefer Torah from generation to generation at the beginning of a Torah Service for a bar or bat mitzvah. In this way, we metaphorically declare that the chain of tradition stretches unbroken from one generation to another up until the present day. Just as a literal chain cannot tolerate a missing link, the Shalshelet HaKabbalah cannot suffer a break in the succession of generations without losing a part of the connection with binds us to the past.
This year, however, we face the prospect of a break in one of our own congregational Shalsheletot HaKabbalah, the succession of confirmation classes which connect us to the first confirmands in the history of Temple Israel. You can see the record of these past classes along the hallway which runs between our downstairs stairway and the Rabbi Marcus Kramer Library. The pictures hung on that wall display the proud portraits of one confirmation class after another, dating from the first days of our synagogue up to the present day. This year, however, perhaps for the first time since Temple Israel opened on Forest Avenue, we may celebrate Shavuot, the traditional holiday for confirmation, without a single confirmand to lead services or read from the 10 Commandments in the Book of Exodus.
We have had gaps in our student confirmation classes in the past. On those occasions, willing adults have come forward and committed to extend their study of Judaism beyond their youthful bar- or bat-mitzvah to include the leading of services on Erev Shavuot. Those who have done so have felt a sense of accomplishment and Yiddishkeit that transcends the modest hours of study they devoted to deepening their understanding of the mother tongue of all Jews and the traditions of our people. The experience has changed them and been among the most meaningful hours I have spent in our congregation. As the year 5778 begins, I am asking each of you who has considered an adult confirmation in the past to contact me and begin a journey of exploration that will benefit you and extend the Shalshelet HaKabbalah of our congregation into the future.
Even for those who are still working, or those who have a busy schedule after retirement, adult confirmation can fit easily within your existing calendar. Since we are a small congregation, the classes can be tailored to each student’s individual schedule, relying on a combination of individual and group study that maximizes our time together. Adults who have completely forgotten their Hebrew have successfully read from Torah on Erev Shavuot when they have dedicated themselves to just a few hours of study every week. In these classes, we have also laughed together, expanded our horizons and learned the joys of studying together without grades or tests except for the standards we each set for ourselves in the goals we pursue. If you are interested in helping to extend our chain of tradition for another year, and in dedicating yourself to a course of study that will refine your knowledge of Jewish tradition and of your own capabilities, send me an e-mail at
mdhowald@gmail.com
so that we can begin a conversation that will benefit our own congregation and, who knows, change your life for the good!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Rabbi Michael Howald
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A Message from
President
Bryn Biren
I am always trying to find topics that might be of interest to you. This month I came across an article entitled, “Seven Principles of Jewish Leadership” by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. In this article a distinction is made between leadership by Jews and leadership that is conducted in a Jewish way, according to Judaic principles.
- Principle 1. Leadership begins with taking responsibility.
It means that when we see something wrong we are prepared to act.
- Principle 2. No one can lead alone. We can’t live alone and we can’ t lead alone. When you lead you are part of a team.
- Principle 3. Leadership is about the future. It is vital that the leader has a vision and is able to communicate that vision to others.
- Principle 4. Leaders learn. They must study more than others.
- Principle 5. Leadership means believing in the people you lead.
The highest form of leadership is teaching. Teaching creates leaders.
- Principle 6. Leadership involves timing and pace.
In Num.27: 16-17 Moses said two things about leadership.
A leader must lead from the front, but must not be so far ahead that, when he/she
turns around, there is no one following. The leader must also go at a pace that
people can bear.
- Principle 7. Leadership is stressful and emotionally demanding.
Leaders see the need for people to change, but change can be resisted. They
know that there is work to do, there are people in need and there are problems to
be solved.
At Temple Israel it is our goal for our Board of Trustees and our Executive Board to serve as your leaders. We are looking to the future of this synagogue and are constantly evaluating ways in which we can make Temple Israel better for each of you.
We have many “ seasoned leaders”. By seasoned, I mean that a number of our most involved individuals have served in many positions. They have years of knowledge and experience. What we need is new opinions and workers who will step up to the plate and carry on future leadership.
This is my fourth year serving as your leader. I take those seven principles very seriously. I, along with our current Temple leaders, am ready to help mentor anyone who is interested in beginning a journey of leadership. It means involvement, time and lots of fumbling along the way. But, for the sake of our fellow Jews and our beloved Temple Israel, it is worth the effort.
Let us hear from you in the coming months. We value your opinions and your involvement.
Sincerely,
Bryn Biren
President
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Notes from
Student Cantor Elizabeth Flynn
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As the High Holy Day season has finally subsided it has left in its wake a vacuum of sorts. We have spent the past 6 weeks constantly on the move – bustling in and out of shul, mingling with friends, and attending countless holiday dinners with our families. While it is undoubtedly a pleasant time of year, filled with mirth, reunions, and recollection, there is one fact that simply cannot be denied: it is exhausting! I won’t speak for everyone, but personally after all of this intensity, all I want to do is rest. Thankfully the Jewish calendar is structured in a way that gives us a bit of time to do just that.
The month of Cheshvan has just begun. It is a month you may have never heard of before – or if you are familiar with the name – it probably instills very little enthusiasm or excitement. This is understandable as Cheshvan is unique in that it is one of only a handful of months in the Jewish calendar which does not contain any holidays or significant events. So devoid of special occasions is this month that some members of the Jewish community even refer to it as “mar Cheshvan,” literally, “Bitter Cheshvan.” While it may be a traditional view to feel disheartened by the lack of holidays, I, and probably many other Jewish professionals, find this nickname quite silly. Cheshvan’s lack of holidays, is not upsetting, for me but is actually a wonderful reprieve – a chance for me to breathe after the whirlwind of the chaggim. Especially among the stress of my final year of cantorial school, this break is invaluable. I am learning to take more time as I walk down the street, appreciating the beautiful blue sky and breathing in the fresh air that still smells of summer.
So, my thoughts this bulletin contain no profound advice or sage teaching – instead I wish to share with you the simplest and best advice I know. Take advantage of the gift the Jewish calendar has given you. While other aspects of your lives are undoubtedly busy, revel in the freedom of being able to pray what you want, if you want to, when you want to. Take a walk, enjoy the sun, and smell the flowers – did you notice they are still in bloom?
Wishing you all a Matok Cheshvan, a Sweet Cheshvan.
Student Cantor Liz
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A VERY SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE RITUAL COMMITTEE
.....A THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED
Elsewhere in E-Shalom, our article describes all the activities that went on this year for the holiday season. However, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who took part in services from
Rosh HaShanah
to Simchat Torah
. We apologize if we missed anyone.
Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Elizabeth Flynn worked very hard to expand and enhance our prayer service this year. But they are not alone. At Temple Israel, the holidays from Selichot to Simchat Torah are a truly communal and participatory experience. During our Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services, over 130 congregants came onto the Bimah to fill some role during the service from reading a poem to opening the Ark to blowing the Shofar. This year, they included: Janet Aronson, Joseph Aronson, Dr. Ron Avis, Dr. Victor Avis, Stephen Baver, Terry Baver, Paul Bierman, Jaimie Blackman, Claire Bleiman, Alan Brill, Linda Brill, Pamela Carlton, Maya Castelli, Maxine Checchi, James Cohen, Maxine Cohen, Nathaniel Coritjo, Ethan DeVito, Jonathan DeVito, Jay Duskin, Phyllis Elrich, Deanna Feder, Barbara Feigelman, Larry Flaum, Susan Freedman, Barbara Fried, Sheila Fried-Grossman, Miriam Friend, Scott Fuller, Joseph Gamoran, Jeffrey Ganz, Shariann Ganz, Ira Gershansky, Libby Gershansky, Hon. Joel Goldberg, John Greenbaum, Izzy Greenspan, Molly Greenspan, Janice Gross, Jerrold Gross, Karen Gross, Arnold Grossman, Claire Guttsman, Dennis Guttsman, Jory Guttsman, Brian Hanibal, Larry Hanibal, Linda Hanibal, Caroline Harrison, Timothy Harrison, Fred Hecht, Iris Hershenson, Robin Howald, Ronit Joseph, Wayne Kalish, Andy Kass, Sally Koren, George Kurlander, Harriet Kurlander, Phineas Larson, Elliot Lee, Judy Lee, Nathaniel Lee, Lydia Leimsider, Richard Leimsider, Simone Lenner, Gavin Levine, Landon Levine, Kevin Lipsitz, Rachel Lipsitz, Brooke Lopez, Freda Lopez, Genevieve Lopez, Irwin Magnus, Judith Magnus, Susan Marks, Beverly Mazer, Jaclyn Mazzola, Salvatore Mazzola, Sandy Mazzucco, Daniel Meltzer, David Meltzer, Joanna Meltzer, Jerrold Mulnick, Linda Mulnick, Charles Nadel, Jordan Padilla, Ilene Pappert, Judith Pessah, Kenneth Popler, Blanche Ricci, JR Rich, Derek Rogozin, Pamela Rogozin, Shannon Rogozin, Elizabeth Rohan, Nina Rohan, Arlene Ruskin, Neil Ruskin, Susan Sappin, Judy Scher, Steven Scher, Maurice Schlefstein, Cindy Selmon, Alexa Shperling, Mia Shperling, Alina Shteynberg, Alan Siegel, Jesse Siegel, Jodi Siegel, Lynn Silberman, Robert Silberman, Su Ellen Silverman, Andrea Simon, Fred Simon, Inez Singer, Arlene Sorkin, David Sorkin, Shari Stein-Ballow, Jennifer Straniere, Philip Straniere, Alan Tepper, Barbara Tepper, Rhonda Trontz‑Allen, Ahava Walpola, Orly Walpola, Sarah Rachel Walters, Alan Weissglass, Luigia Wiesner, Lissa Winchel, Karen Wolff and Deborah Young.
Our services would not be the same if it were not for our choir: Bryn Biren, Pamela Carlton, Scott Fuller, Karen Gross, Wayne Kalish, Andy Kass, Judy Lee, Jo Ann Lewis, Beverly Mazer, Judith Pessah, James Rohan, Cindy Selmon, Jodi Siegel, Shari Stein-Ballow, Barbara Tepper, and Sarah Walters. Elona Migirov is our High Holy Day organist and Vincent Moncada is the cellist on Kol Nidre.
The Shofar sounds several times during the holidays. We thank Jaimie Blackman, John Greenbaum, Nathaniel Lee, Daniel Meltzer, Jordan Padilla, Derek Rogozin, Su Ellen Siverman and Ahava Walpola for helping us fulfill the command to hear the Shofar (
Numbers 29:1 - And in the seventh month, on the first day, ….. It shall be a day of shofar sounding for you.
)
Helping us keep a spiritual atmosphere in the sanctuary are our ushers, coordinated by High Holy Day Ushering Chair Jerrold Gross. This year Terry Baver, Phyllis Elrich, Larry Flaum, Barbara Fried, Brian Ganz, Matthew Ganz, Libby Gershansky, Karen Gross, Jory Guttsman, David Meltzer, Blanche Ricci, JR Rich, Pamela Rogozin, Nina Rohan, Judy Scher, Inez Singer, Jennifer Straniere, Philip Straniere, Alan Tepper, Rhonda Trontz Allen and Rebecca Trontz helped with the tasks.
But Yom Kippur does not mark the end of the festival season. After Brotherhood puts up the Sukkah, we have services that include welcoming new students and families. And we cannot leave out the sounds of Rock of Israel on Simchat Torah. This year, Rock of Israel included Jaimie Blackman, Wayne Kalish, Andy Kass, Elona Migirov, Jerry Mulnick, Jim Rohan and Student Cantor Elizabeth Flynn.
Nearly thirty congregants participated in Erev Sukkot and Erev Simchat Torah services: Claire Bleiman, Larry Flaum, Miriam Friend, Jeffrey Ganz, Shariann Ganz, Claire Guttsman, Linda Hanibal, Rachel Hanibal, Wayne Kalish, Phineas Larson, Remy Larson‑DeVito, Judy Lee, Kevin Lipsitz, Brooke Lopez, David Meltzer, Joanna Meltzer, Barbara Menna, Joyce Miller , Noah Miller, Jerry Mulnick, Linda Mulnick, Blanche Ricci, JR Rich, Andrea Simon, Fred Simon, Alan Tepper, Rhonda Trontz‑Allen and Lissa Winchel.
And when all was quiet after Simchat Torah morning services concluded, Linda Brill, Barbara Fried, Deanna Feder, Susan Freedman, Jerrold Gross, Karen Gross and Cindy Selmon re-dressed the Torahs in their regular mantles, storing the white covers until Selichot next year.
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Sisterhood is extremely thankful this month. Not just because we are all getting ready for Thanksgiving, but because October has come to an end. It may have been the busy month we have ever had at Temple Israel.
It began with our Sukkot Bring-a-Dairy-Dish-to-Share, coordinated by our Co-President Shariann Ganz. Thank you to all those who helped to set up and clean up and to everyone who attended and brought such delicious dishes. The very next week, Blanche & Bobby Ricci were busy creating the traditional apple, nuts and raisin gift packages for all who attended our Erev Simchat Torah services, while Blanche made sure that we had plenty of flags to wave as we danced with the Torahs. We are all so grateful for their dedication to these beautiful traditions. The following weekend, some Sisterhood members participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at South Beach, contributing over $1000 to that very worthy cause. Thank you to Inez Singer for always leading the way for this very worthwhile cause.
On Saturday evening October 21, our Ways & Means Vice Presidents, Claire Guttsman & Sandy Mazzuco ,along with many helpers including Judy Lee, ShariAnn and Jeff Ganz, Fern Barris, Dennis Guttsman & Richie Marlieb, made sure that
“Old and Not So Old Jews Telling Jokes”
was not only a fun and profitable evening, but also a delicious one! We loved our egg creams with those real old-fashioned seltzer bottles!
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Thanks to all our comedians: Philip Straniere, Phyllis Elrich, Jodi & Alan Siegel, Rabbi Howald, Harry Elrich, Shari Ballow, Dennis Guttsman and Fred Simon for all the great laughs! Special thanks to Jennifer Straniere for all the technical support. We are grateful to George and Harriet Kurlander for their generous donation for our raffle.
The very next morning, Blanche Ricci, along with countless Sisterhood women, organized our annual Gift Fair. In addition to beautiful items from our own Judaica Shop, outside vendors were on hand providing our Temple community with the opportunity to purchase beautiful artwork and gifts for all occasions. If you were unable to make it to the Gift Fair, please let Blanche Ricci know if you would like to purchase anything from our Judaica Shop. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to get your Raffle tickets for the magnificent YAR EMANUEL bowl. (Details & photo can be found below.)
On Wednesday, October 25th, we held our annual “Paid Up Members” event in honor of all those women and men who are members of our incredible organization. This year, breaking from our traditional breakfast, we had a lovely catered dinner and program, all planned by our current Vice President of Membership, Sue Freedman. Many thanks to Sue and her committee, and to Rabbi Howald for the fabulous program and evening. It was wonderful to have all our “Friends of Sisterhood” and special guests in attendance as well.
If that were not enough for October, each scheduled event was bookended by our legendary sponsored onegs each Shabbat. Many thanks go to Libby Gershansky, Claire Bleiman, Debbie Chernoff, Jim and Nina Rohan, Linda Brill, Jodi Siegel, Shariann Ganz, Jennifer Straniere, Terry Baver, and all of the women and men who serve, shop, schlep, organize, prepare and clean up! (Apologies for not being able to name you all individually.)
So....we are thankful for all the wonderful events we’ve had this month and for all the amazing planners, preparers and participants who made them happen.
Our next Sisterhood Meeting will take place on Saturday, November 18th at 6:30 p.m. We hope to see you there and at our upcoming Candidates Breakfast on Sunday, November 5th and our Rummage Sale on Sunday, November 19th.
To see our calendar for the entire year, please
click here
.
In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
NO SHUSH SHABBAT
6:00 p.m.
FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE
7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL TRIP TO THE ELDRIDGE STREET MUSEUM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
I*SHABBAT
(Interactive Service for very young children)
6:00 p.m.
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BROTHERHOOD OF
TEMPLE ISRAEL
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Brotherhood was very busy during the month of October. On Sunday October 1st, we had our Temple Sukkah set up for all of our Temple members to use. A short business meeting was held thereafter. Our Religious School children had the chance to decorate it that day during school time. The next week Brotherhood, once again delighted our Temple Family with its annual Ice Cream Sundae Party on Simchat Torah. A delicious time was had by all.
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I am happy to report that this year we have already exceeded the number of Brotherhood members we have for the past few years. Together we stand strong to bring knowledge, fun and friendship to all of our Temple Family.
I would like to welcome .the following Brothers who are complimentary this year as their families are new to Temple Israel this year. We welcome Alex Lenner, Josh Steinhart and Russell Kaminsky. We look forward to having you participate in our monthly breakfasts and other events throughout the year.
As I write this article I want to let you know that once again Brotherhood is sponsoring a Chanukah Greeting card to all of our Temple Family. A link to the flyer is in this bulletin. You will also receive a flyer in the mail shortly. I would also like to announce the return of the Brotherhoods annual Chanukah Party for all of the children. This is scheduled for Sunday December 17 right after Religious school. A link to that flyer is in this bulletin as well, and a mailing will be out to you shortly. This event is for the whole family. Pizza, Sufganiyot and goodies will be served. There will be fun activities for the children to participate in. So come one come all. Bring all the kids and Grandparents bring your grandkids they will have a great time.
Brotherhood is a vital affiliate organization to the Temple and I strongly ask that everyone become a member. We hold monthly meetings to take care of business, but more importantly to offer a bonding experience with your fellow men of the Temple Family. .
Please share your ideas with us to enhance the Brotherhood experience this year. Together as one we will experience renewed strength.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
November 12
Brotherhood Breakfast Meeting
December 17
Brotherhood Meeting/ Family Chanukah Party
Yours in Friendship and Brotherhood,
Jeff Ganz
President
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Please consider becoming a member of our
KAVOD SOCIETY
.
It helps to make membership available to all our families.
Speak to our Financial Secretary to upgrade your membership.
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On Friday, October 20th, we celebrated Shabbat with a special Torah Service and Oneg in honor of our Kavod Society Members for 2016-2017. Thank you to all who planned the evening, participated in the service and enjoyed our special Champagne Oneg!
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WRJ
Fried Leadership Conference
2018
Sisterhood of Temple has applied for a grant to send representatives to Nashville, Tennessee, March 1-4, for what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend at the WRJ Fried Leadership Conference (FLC)! It is a 4-day experience to hone leadership skills, further Jewish learning, and deepen
connections with other sisterhoods, leaders, and WRJ.
FLC is intended for current, rising, and experienced sisterhood leaders, WRJ Board members and Board alumnae, new WRJ members, and any woman interested in WRJ and the Reform Movement. It is the perfect opportunity to gain and fine-tune skills, strengthen sisterhoods, broaden Jewish knowledge and spiritual horizons, and learn about and connect (or reconnect) with WRJ.
If you are interested in attending, please let Jodi Siegel know. You can
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GOOD & WELFARE
MAZEL TOV
Ruth & Dom Andirani on the birth of their grandson Alexander James Kilbride.
GET WELL WISHES
Stephen Singer recovering form hip replacement.
Jacqueline Jacobson, sister of Phyllis Elrich, recovering from a stroke.
Lara Calderon, recovering from surgery.
Rebecca Hand, recovering for a broken ankle.
Larry Hanibal recovering from minor surgery.
Fred Simon recuperating from rotator cuff surgery.
CONDOLENCES
The Family and Friends of our beloved Temple member Josephine Grober.
WELCOME
New Members
The Kaminsky Family
Rochelle Maltz
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Sunday, November 5
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Co-sponsored by Sisterhood & Brotherhood.
Meet the Candidates!
Listen to their views before you vote!
Have your questions answered
and your concerns heard!
As of the date of publication, the following candidates will be attending:
TOM SHCHERBENKO- Borough President
MICHAEL PENROSE - City Council 49th District
TERESA NUCCIO - Civil Court Judge District 2
Light Breakfast.
Admission:
$5.00 for Sisterhood/Brotherhood Members
$10.00 for all others.
All welcome, but may not be
appropriate for young children.
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JOIN US
as
PAST PRESIDENT JEFFREY GANZ
is honored by the JCC with a
Star of David Award
on Wednesday evening, November 15th.
To attend, take an ad, or for more information, please call Sylvia Cohen at 718-475-5246 or
scohen@sijcc.com.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2017
Drop off donations on
Saturday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m.
For more details about donations and volunteering,
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CELEBRATE CHANUKAH WITH US!
Join with Sisterhood as we welcome our new Temple Members and celebrate Chanukah Shabbat at dinner on Friday, December 15th. Get your reservations in early. Space is limited! New members of our congregation are invited to be guests of Sisterhood, but we still need your reservations!
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BROTHERHOOD’S ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CHANUKAH PARTY
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GREAT FAMILY FUN!
Click on the flyer to download and print.
Get your reservations in early.
Bring your friends!
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SPREAD THE JOY OF CHANUKAH!
PARTICIPATE IN OUR COMMUNITY CHANUKAH CARD
Just click on the flyer on the left to download and print it!
Don’t miss the December 1st Deadline.
Please send tear-offs with payment in the Brotherhood Mailbox in the
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SISTERHOOOD CHANUKAH RAFFLE
A YAR EMANUEL BOWL WITH POMEGRANATES
RAFFLES ARE 1 FOR $5 OR 3 FOR $10
SEE BLANCHE RICCI TO PURCHASE TICKETS
WINNER TO BE DRAWN AT THE SISTERHOOD MEETING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017
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It takes a village to provide the High Holy Days and subsequent Festival Services for our Congregants. We are most grateful to Rabbi Howard, Student Cantor Flynn, the Adult Choir, musical accompanists Elona Migirov (organist) and Vincent Moncada (cellist), Sisterhood and Brotherhood and our House Committee and custodial staff Gerard and Tom... all who made it happen.
Thank you to Shariann Ganz and Joanna Meltzer for organizing the children’s activities on Rosh Hashanah morning. Thank you to Sisterhood with Libby Gershansky and committee for the challah and cake and breadcrumbs after Rosh Hashanah morning Services for Tashlich and Sisterhood with Jennifer Straniere and committee for spice bags for Havdalah and Break the Fast after Yom Kippur. We also thank the men of Brotherhood for building the Sukkah and taking it down, the Sisterhood with Shariann and Jeff Ganz for the Dairy Dish to Share Dinner on Erev Sukkot and Sisterhood with Blanche and Robert Ricci for the Simchat Torah apple, peanut and raisin bags, the Rock of Israel Band for the music we danced to with the Torahs on Erev Simchat Torah and Brotherhood for the Ice Cream Oneg.
We wish our Temple Family a happy, healthy and sweet 5778.
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Chairs Ritual Committee
__________________________________________________________
The Ritual committee thanks the following congregants for accepting the honor of ushering and/or sitting on the Bimah during Shabbat services in September and October:
Paul Bierman, Alan Brill, Linda Brill, Deborah Chernoff, Jay Duskin, Barbara Feigelman, Libby Gershansky, Karen Gross, Irwin Magnus, Beverly Mazer, Sandy Mazzucco, Judith Pessah, Blanche Ricci, JR Rich, Judy Scher, Maurice Schlefstein, Muriel Schlefstein, Cindy Selmon, Jodi Siegel, Alan Siegel, Lynn Silberman, Robert Silberman, Jennifer Straniere, Sarah Rachel Walters and Karen Wolff.
Jerrold Gross and Nina Rohan
Ushering Co-Chairs
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Many thanks to Rabbi Howald for his thoughtful discussion, on October 30th, of
Waking Lions
, by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, a literary thriller used as a vehicle to explore big moral issues. Let's keep on reading!
On
Tuesday, November 14 at 7PM
we are planning to attend the musical play "Lili Marlene" (remember singing the song of that name in school?) at St. Luke's Theatre, 308 W. 46th St. The tickets are $39.50. This is the story of the fictional character Rosie Pen who in pre-WWII Berlin, is a Cabaret Singer and falls in love with a German Count, and the complications that ensue. Please email both Barbara Tepper at
Barbaralesp@yahoo.com
and
m
e at
judithpessah@gmail.com
before October 22 so the tickets can be ordered.
Judith Pessah and Barbara Tepper
Co-Chairs
Notes from the Outside
Did you know there is a Sukkah run by Chabad of the Airport at JFK, where travelers can go to make a Bracha with an available Lulav and Etrog, or eat a meal. Chabad of the Airport has bern serving the needs of Jewish travelers for 40 years.
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TRIVIA NIGHT
Saturday, November 11, 2017
We are bringing back the very popular and successful Trivia Night, which was a big hit a couple of years ago. We will have teams of between 4-6 people per table trying their knowledge of new topics and new and improved questions.
It will be an evening of challenge and competition, but most importantly everyone will have a fun time trying to win prizes. We will also have a raffle and a 50/50. Our very own “Alex Trebeck”, Fred Simon, will be the MC.
Light refreshments will be served and BYOB. Hurry, come join the fun by reserving your team and if you register and pay by November 1, 2017 you will received the discounted admission price. See registration flyers in the lobby or
click here
.
SAVE-THE-DATE
LOONEY BIN COMEDY CLUB Saturday, January 13, 2018
(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE!)
Once again, our annual winter event has been booked for the date directly above. We are planning a wonderful evening of laughter and hilarity at one of our favorite off-site fundraising locations. Just ask anyone who has previously attended this event and they will tell you what a great time they had. We will be having a raffle and chances for a 50/50 winner. Flyers are in the lobby or
click here
.
We are looking forward to bringing you more exciting events in 2018 and as soon as any details are finalized we will inform you.
Respectfully,
Andrea Simon and Karen E. Frey-Gamoran
Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs
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Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join us.
Thursdays 7:15-8:15 p.m.
November 2,9,16,30
Sundays 6:00-7:00 p.m.
November 5,12,19
Members: $15
Non-Members $18.
Bring your own Yoga Mat
Both sets of classes are for
ADULTS ONLY
.
Both Chair and mat students are accommodated at each class.
For more information contact
Bryn Biren
1(718)727-2231
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Religious School
(Sundays: 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. for Kitonim)
Hebrew School
(Wednesdays: 4:30 pm- 6:00pm
for Students in 3
rd
Grade & Up)
PLEASE NOTE:
Days there
will not be school
on
Sunday, November 26, 2017 Thanksgiving Weekend
On
Sunday, November 12, 2017
, there will be an
optional trip to the
MUSEUM AT ELDRIDGE STREET.
REGULAR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CLASSES WILL BE IN SESSION FOR STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING THE TRIP.
All students with parents/guardian will be leaving after the learning service at about 10:30 am via public transportation to lower Manhattan to visit The Museum at Eldridge Street.
The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a magnificent National Historic Landmark that has been meticulously restored. Opened in 1887, the synagogue is the first great house of worship built in America by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, it is the only remaining marker of the great wave of Jewish migration to the Lower East Side that is open to a broad public who wish to visit Jewish New York. Exhibits,
tours
,
cultural events
and
educational programs
tell the story of Jewish immigrant life, explore architecture and historic preservation, inspire reflection on cultural continuity, and foster collaboration and exchange between people of all faiths, heritages and interests.
We will be attending the
“Generation to Generation Festival”.
For details and more information about this specific program,
CLICK HERE
.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Joyce Miller
School Advisor
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Our children decorating the Sukkah!
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Tikkun Olam
, to heal the world, is one of the basic tenets of Reform Judaism. Therefore, the work of our Social Action Committee is important; to us, to identify more closely with our faith, to the community, to show others what is important to us.
There are so many activities for you to help make Staten Island a better place to live, and feel good about yourself at the same time!
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Food Preparations
: Several times a year we prepare meals for Project Hospitality. Each time we feed over 100 homeless, or needy, people. You don’t have to know how to cook. If you can open a can using a can opener, peel carrots or potatoes with a peeler, mix cooked pasta with tomato sauce, WE NEED YOU! Christmas morning is a traditional Food Preparation day for us. We start at 9:30 in the morning, and have the food prepared and ready to be brought to designated locations by 1 pm. So plan on making this Christmas a special one, for you, and the people of Staten Island
Diaper Project:
Did you know that neither WIC nor food stamps cover the cost of baby diapers? So when a mother is left “high and dry”, with no financial support, how is she supposed to pay for these necessities? We purchase packages of diapers, any brand, generic is fine, in all sizes, which are delivered to Project Hospitality to be distributed to mothers with infants in their facilities across Staten Island. Please buy diapers, or make a donation to Social Action for us to use to make the purchase. We will make sure they get to the mothers and children who need them!
Barbara Feigelman and Barbara Tepper have been volunteering for the
New York City Marathon
for the past 4 years. Sure, you have to get up at an ungodly hour. But, it’s only one day a year, here on Staten Island by the foot of the Verrazano Bridge, for about 5 to 6 hours. You get to meet amazing people from all over the world, and be an ambassador of sorts for New York City. If we can get more volunteers to join us, we can have our own “Temple Israel Team” of volunteers, working together to help make this awesome event be successful. Contact either one of us if you want to join in the fun!
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Tepper & Pamela Rogozin
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The E-Shalom Editor would like to sincerely thank
FERN BARRIS
JERRY GROSS
and
JOANNA MELTZER
for their time and assistance with the many aspects of the publication of this monthly bulletin.
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FOR CHANUAKAH AND ALL YOUR JUDAICA NEEDS, VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP OR CONTACT BLANCHE RICCI THROUGH SISTERHOOD!
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If you have not completed your membership packets or made arrangements for your annual commitment, please email our Financial Secretary,
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C
ontributions to Temple Israel as tributes, dedications or memorials are welcome.
Donations can be dedicated to the general Temple Israel Fund or to any of the following specific funds:
- Adult Education Fund
- Building Preservation Fund
- Caring Community Fund
- Carole Lachman Memorial Fund
- Choir Fund
- Estelle A. Gootenberg Memorial Fund (for Torah Repair/ Restoration)
- Gerald J. Lustig Memorial Fund (for Ark & Ark Doors)
- Liheyot Fund
- Membership Fund
- Prayerbook Fund
- Rabbi Marcus Kramer Memorial Library Fund
- Shoah Education Fund
- Scholarship Fund
- Social Action
A $5.00 minimum donation is requested for these funds. Checks for donations to any of these funds should be made payable to Temple Israel.
PRAYERBOOKS
may be dedicated in honor or memory of a special person or occasion. For specific prayerbooks and donation amounts, scroll down to the bottom of this bulletin..
Please make checks for Donations to the
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
payable to that fund.
Donations in any amount may be made to
SISTERHOOD OF TEMPLE ISRAEL
or
BROTHERHOOD OF TEMPLE ISRAEL
with checks made payable directly to the affiliate organization.
For a leaf on the
TREE OF LIFE
in honor of a simcha, please scroll down.
For permanent
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
on our Family Memorial Wall or Original Memorial Wall, please call the Temple office at 718-727-2231.
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To see list of all recent
Tributes and Program
Donations to Funds...
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Unfortunately, we lost one of our beloved members, Josephine Grober. Josephine, who we called Josie, was an amazing woman from her generation. Highly intelligent, always looking for fun, she was an active member of our Sisterhood and became an Honorary Vice President of Membership. Josephine did not have a large family of her own, so her Temple Israel Family held a Memorial Service for her on October 19 in the Social Hall. Over 50 people were in attendance! Our "Caring Community" catered the event.
It is customary for congregants and family members to make a donation of Temple Israel Caring Community if they appreciate the work of this committee. So please, open up your check book, and donate to Caring Community so we can continue this mitzvah.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Tepper and Pamela Rogozin
Co-Chairs
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November 3, 2017
Beatrice Don
Thea Silberman *
Martha Sugar
Seymour Wolinitz *
Benjamin Lustig *
Mildred Cohen *
Claire Silberlight
Ralph Friend *
Hon. Royal Radin *
Gussie Friend *
Allen Scher
Ruth Sher *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Tauba Hermin
Aleksander Gorski
Mendl Waksman
Walter Noe
Georg Loebell
November 10, 2017
Louis S. Berlin *
Edward Brandt *
Mathew Guttman
Leslie Klein
Robert Kurlander
Ida Popkins-Feuerstein
Lillian Lipsitz *
Frances Marcus *
Evelyn Parness *
Gabriel Topel
Harry Dembiner
Jenny Dembiner
Golda Kramer *
George Palevsky
Adelaida Pujol
Annette Mogol Scheiner *
Gertrude Pisetzner *
Mary Schwarz *
Helen Bey Kitoff
Sylvia Rodman
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Morduch Rosochowski
Max Siebauer
Rivkah Henik
Magdalena Seidl
Lea Schreiber
November 17, 2017
Harry Cohen
Joseph Hershenson
Sarah Cohen *
Max Heit
Ira Taub *
Abraham Miller
Michael Slamow *
Helen Diamond *
Harry Asher Simons *
Emma Meyers
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Yehuda-Zinwel Zaydman
Fredek Knapik
Frida Schein
Lilly Koenigsberger
Yitzhak Wajsberg
November 24, 2017
Sophia Axelrod *
Marion Vogelman
Edward Fine *
Lewis A Selmon
Herbert Gross *
Hyman Ruskin *
Adele Salzberg
Arthur M. Selznick
Joy Paula Duskin
Joseph Matisoff
Nellie Beck
And we remember from the Holocaust:
François Ingenbleek
Andries Krammer
Eugene Jeaniot
Edward Kowalczyk
Adolf Sidlo
*
These names are on our Memorial Wall.
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We wish the following couples a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Jeffrey & Shariann Ganz
November 7
Alan & Barbara Tepper
November 12
Neil & Arlene Ruskin
November 15
Gerald & Helen Silberlight
November 27
Duane & Rebecca Hand
November 29
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We wish the following people a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Meryl Braun
11/01
Barbara Fried 11/02
Simone Lenner
11/03
Sarah Rachel Walters 11/03
Alexandra Blackman 11/04
Ashley Dirzis 11/04
Steve Weinman
11/04
Adam Biren 11/05
Linda Brill
11/05
Fern Barris 11/06
Maurice Schlefstein 11/06
Dr. Kenneth Popler 11/07
Joel Tanzer 11/07
Rhonda Trontz-Allen 11/07
Sydney Avis 11/08
Rebecca Schwartz 11/08
Lynn Silberman 11/08
Andrea Simon 11/08
Jamie Axelrod 11/12
Michael Howald 11/12
Landon Levine 11/12
Nataly Amelia Hernandez
11/13
Elliot Lee 11/13
Naomi Tepper 11/13
Michael Aronson 11/14
Andrew Kadin 11/14
Ari Targownik 11/14
Dr. Victor Avis 11/15
Suzanne Peterson 11/18
Florence Werb 11/18
Connor Allen 11/19
Dr. Ira Pisetzner
11/19
Muriel Schlefstein 11/19
Richard Braun 11/20
R. Randy Lee 11/20
Rachel Pedicini
11/21
Gerald Silverlight 11/23
Jayden Lenner 11/25
James Rohan 11/25
Shari Ballow 11/27
Michelle Benezery 11/27
Linda Mulnick 11/27
Shari Stein Ballon 11/27
Shariann Ganz 11/28
Adam Silberlight
11/28
Miriam Friend 11/29
Alan Habib 11/29
Carol Rosen 11/29
Susan Vogelman 11/29
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We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted.
Please contact Lara at the Temple Office to update your membership information.
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Of course you do!
You can help Temple Israel raise much needed funds
without any cost to you.
We also can get Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Off Fifth, PetSmart, Peet’s Coffee, Barnes and Noble, Fairway, Marshalls/TJ Maxx. We are looking into getting The Container Store.
Just purchase gift certificates to these stores from Larry Hanibal, Rhonda Trontz-Allen, or Barbara Tepper. You pay the face value, but as we buy these in bulk, we get a discount. The discount becomes our profit, as much as 11% for Macy’s, 5% for the supermarkets and drug stores. Ask Larry or Barbara for details. There are many more vendors for which we can get gift certificates, so ask us if you have any special requests. Most gift certificates come in $25 and $100 denominations.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Tepper
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Commemorate a special celebration or honor a family member or friend with a beautifully engraved leaf or stone on our Tree of Life.
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LOOKING FOR A JEWISH
E-CARD
FOR HOLIDAYS OR LIFE CYCLE EVENTS??
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B
irthday, Anniversary, Birth, Engagement, Wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
CELEBRATE ANY SIMCHA
and
share your joy with the Congregation at services on any Friday evening.
Sisterhood
will take care of everything for you!
To sponsor an oneg, just call the Temple office at 718-727-2231 and we will be in touch!
Please join us for Erev Shabbat Services every Friday.
On November 3, the Oneg will be sponsored by those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in the month of November.
On November 17, the Oneg will be sponsored by Scott Levine on the occasion
of his son, Landon, becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
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URJ BIENNIAL
DECEMBER 6-10
Join our Delegation!
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As the largest Jewish gathering in North America, the @Union for Reform Judaism's 2017 Biennial convention is a great way to meet others who share your interest in synagogue life. It's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Reform Judaism and return to Temple Israel armed with new resources, ideas, and the know-how to put it all to use strengthening our spiritual home. For more information, visit
urj.org/biennial
.
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Consider DONATING A PRAYERBOOK
in honor of or in memory of a loved one or in celebration of life cycle event.
Select any of the prayerbooks used at Temple Israel for adults or children.
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Click on the Prayerbook of your choice for the Prayerbook Donation Form!
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CONTACT INFORMATION
718-727-2231
tmplisrael@aol.com
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
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Our E-Bulletin is shared with the entire Temple Israel Family and the Staten Island Community. If you are a local business or community organization and you would like to advertise in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Temple Office at 718-727-2231 or e-mail
TICommunication@aol.com.
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