Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island
315 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
tmplisrael@aol.com
‌
Rabbi Michael D. Howald                     Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey
Co-Presidents Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
E-Shalom - DECEMBER 2018
Temple Israel’s Electronic Bulletin
“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.
May love and light fill your heart and home this Chanukah!
A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald

Last week, Rabbi David Wolpe, the well-known author and religious leader of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, wrote a plea on his Facebook page on behalf of the “most endangered public resource in our public lives, the assumption of good intentions.  Throughout his rabbinate, Rabbi Wolpe wrote, he has been tempted to assume that the people who disagreed with him had less than pure motives.  Rather than give in to that temptation, he has strived to follow the advice found in the ancient compendium of Jewish wisdom, Pirke Avot:  דן את כל האדם לכף זכות( “Dan et chol ha-adam l’kaf zchut.   Give every person the benefit of the doubt.”).  True listening, he reminded us, can only begin with the recognition that those we disagree with are worth listening to.  If we give even our opponents the benefit of that doubt, perhaps they will listen to us as well.
Rabbi Wolpe’s message is particularly timely.  Try as we might to resist, many of us have become addicted to a news media/social media cycle of outrage that keeps us in a constant state of frustration and anger. We direct that anger at both the leaders who make the decisions that affect our lives as well as their supporters. The people we disagree with are not just misinformed, we are increasingly told, they are malign, base and dangerous.  Or, in the alternative, they are weak, fragile and easily misled.  Whatever narrative we choose between these two stark alternatives, we more and more often view the people who disagree with us as not worthy of the benefit of our doubt or our time.
On Rosh Hashana, I spoke about Megan Phelps Roper, who grew up as the granddaughter of the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, famous for their bigoted and divisive beliefs and rhetoric.  She left the church after becoming convinced that the people who disagreed with the church’s message of doom and intolerance were not the demons she had been led to believe since she was a little girl.  Today she lectures about how a few people who gave her the benefit of a doubt changed her life.  The first and most important thing they did?  They refused to assume she was evil when they spoke or communicated with her, even though they disagreed, sometimes vehemently, with her public statements. If they had assumed malevolent intent on her part, on the other hand, constructive conversation would have been impossible. Indeed, without their assumption of her good intentions, she would probably still be a member of her grandfather’s church.
Assuming good intentions about others does not ask us to abandon our beliefs and opinions. It simply helps us let go of our contempt and scorn for those who disagree with us. Just as we affirm our own good intentions in any argument we enter, so may we allow that others do so as well, even if we do not share their viewpoint.  This is particularly important within the walls of our synagogue, a place where respect for Jewish traditions and values applies especially when we disagree. Rabbi Wolpe is right to believe that the assumption of good intentions is our most endangered public resource. Our efforts to preserve and nurture it deserve our full attention, both within our own Temple community and in the broader world as well.  Kol Tuv and Chanukah Sama’ach!  

All the best and Happy Chanukah! 
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel

We would like to welcome all of our fellow Congregants to the Happy Holiday Season of Chanukah as we celebrate with our Religious School Students. Brotherhood will be sponsoring their annual celebration on Sunday, December 2 nd following our students’ holiday program.  Later in the day, all congregants are welcome to observe Sisterhood’s Chocolate Gelt Mosaic creation just before our students and their parents help to deconstruct the Mosaic and enjoy the chocolate coins that they will collect and we conclude our Chanukah celebration with our annual Chanukah/New Member Shabbat Dinner and Consecration of our New Members on December 7th.

Our attention continues to be directed to the upgrading of our Temple security  program in light of the recent incidents in Pittsburgh and other areas.  We will work together with our concerned Congregants on a Safety and Security Committee to address these matters.  We have recently had a facility review by personnel from the NYPD’s 120 th Precinct and have implemented some of their recommendations.  We have improved out video surveillance system and will be upgrading our entry procedures to further improve our Temple’s security.  Please be assured that you will be advised of our ongoing efforts in this regard.

As always, we look forward to greeting you at our Erev Shabbat Services and encourage your attendance and participation at Torah Study and Saturday morning Shabbat Services.  You are, of course, welcome at our many Temple-wide activities throughout the month and we encourage you to become active participants in Brotherhood and Sisterhood.

Please accept our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
Notes from Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey
As we approach Chanukah, the festival of lights, it begs the question, “How can we bring light into this world?” The holiday season brings out the best in people. It is a time of warmth, family, and giving. What about this time of year is so special? Perhaps we are reminded of the light we have absorbed from others’ presence in our lives over the course of the year. Perhaps we begin to look at the world in a new light as our calendar year draws to a close and are reinvigorated to do our part in repairing the world, tikkun olam. Maybe we are filled more with a bit more Godliness than we normally perceive and are reminded of the goodness within each of us.
Our world is broken right now, but there is still so much light. We are tasked with finding it and sharing it. This Chanukah, as our chanukiot bring light and joy within your homes, may we also display that light for others to see through kindness so that we might share in the joy of community and humanity.

B’shir,
Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
Recently, reporter Ari Feldman, wrote an article for the  Forward  about the future of synagogue and temple sisterhoods.  As soon as I saw the title of the article, I must admit, I panicked a bit.


After reading the article, which I hope you will do (by clicking on the title), I realized there was nothing new in it.  Our Sisterhood has been discussing these issues for the last few years.  

Mr. Feldman, just as our own Temple Israel Sisterhood Officers have been doing, explores:
  • the need for change;
  • the involvement of younger women;
  • the relationship of local temple sisterhoods to Women of Reform Judaism (our national organization); 
  • the spiritual, social and political activism of women who are or aren’t active members of their Sisterhood;
  • how Sisterhood supports the Temple;
  • future leadership;
  • finding community and sorority in Sisterhood;
  • decreasing membership;
  • the potential of Sisterhoods.

At a recent WRJ regional convention, it was suggested that “listening campaigns” were the way to figure out what it is that congregational women want.  

Well, our ears are open!  They have always been open….as have our doors.  We invite you to join us at any meeting, stop us on the way to or from services, sit with us at an oneg, bend our ear in the kitchen, make a date for coffee, or send an e-mail to any of us to let us know what you think, what you want, what you need. Sisterhood needs to be here for Temple Israel and for you, but we cannot do it  without you. 

In Sisterhood,
Shariann Ganz & Jodi Siegel
Co-President s

PLEASE JOIN US AT
EACH OF THESE UPCOMING SISTERHOOD SPONSORED EVENTS
November 30 - 12:00 noon
Build the World’s Largest Chanukah Gelt Mosaic
December 2 - 2:00 p.m.
Go for the Gelt! - Grab chocolate coins to go (for a small donation)
December 7 - 6:00 p.m.
New Member/Chanukah Shabbat Dinner (reservations required)
December 8 - 7:00 p.m .
Bring your gently used donations to our
Semi-Annual Rummage Sale set-up and help us get organized
December 9 - 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Rummage Sale - Come early and or stay late to help!
January 19 - 7:00 p.m.
Comedy Night at the Looney Bin

Details about each of these events can be found in this issue of the E-Bulletin.
THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
Brotherhood was happy to co-sponsor the Breakfast in November with Sisterhood. We held some valuable discussions about the future direction of our Temple and how are current members and new members can work together to make the Temple Israel experience the best it can be for all of our members. By the time you read this you should have received or will shortly receive the Temple Community Chanukah card that was sent to the entire congregation.  On Sunday December 2 the Brotherhood will sponsor our children’s Chanukah Party. This is a great event with cookie decorating, games, food  and Chanukah presents for all of the children who attend.. This is a great afternoon of fun and excitement for all.

Looking ahead , we will be planning many events as the year progresses. Details will become available once they are finalized.  Please consider joining our group.
Brotherhood dues are only $45 and they cover many of the events and celebrations that we sponsor for the Congregation, and the children of our Temple. Please consider joining our group because together we can make a difference. A quick reminder, that if you are a new member to our Temple family your membership for the first year is complimentary.

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….
Yours in Friendship and Brotherhood,
Jeff Ganz

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 2018
F or calendar updates click here .
To print a copy of this calendar, click here .
Mazel Tov
Andy & Carole Kass on the engagement of Jenna to Dylan Roth.

Condolences To
Former members Dr. Stanley and Ruth Soren on the passing of their son, Steven.
The Palevsky family on the passing of former long time member Helen Palevsky.
The Korman family on the passing for former member Joseph Korman.  Joe was Temple Israel’s first webmaster and his son Seth was a long time Youth Group Advisor.

Get Well
 Joyce Kantrowitz, mother of Linda Hanibal.

Thinking of you
Pearl Brill

Project Hospitality is in great need of new warm winter clothing for Staten Islanders in need. Please help us by bringing any of the following items to Temple Israel whenever you come over the next few weeks.
  • WOOLEN HATS, GLOVES, SCARVES
  • FLANNEL SHIRTS
  • SWEATPANTS
  • SWEATSHIRTS
  • SWEATERS
  • HOODED SWEATSHIRTS
  • SOCKS
Please leave your donations in the basket in the lobby.
Please click directly on flyer to print or download.
Please click directly on flyer to print or download.
If you have any questions about your membership or if you know a potential new member please contact our Financial Secretary Jennifer Straniere at  tmplisfinsec@aol.com .
  1. Go to Smile.Amazon.com
  2. Select "Change Your Charity"
  3. Type in “Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island"
  4. Click Search
  5. Click Select
  6. Order as usual.
  7. Temple Israel benefits!
With Much Gratitude to this year's
High Holiday Donors.

Please consider adding your name to this list.
The Ritual Committee wishes everyone a Happy Chanukah!  The first candle is on Sunday evening December 2 nd . We hope to see you at all the Chanukah celebrations at Temple this month. 
Refugee Shabbat was observed on October 19h with guest speaker Henry Salmon.  We are grateful to all those who helped make this special Service happen.
The Ritual Committee thanks Jerry Gross for leading Friday night Shabbat Services on October 26 th with Student Cantor Benrey, JR Rich for leading Torah Study on Saturday October 27 th and Jaimie Blackman and Linda Brill for leading Services that morning when Rabbi Howald was away.  We also thank James Rohan for his musical leadership on Friday night November 9 th when Student Cantor Benrey was away.
Rabbi Howald led a Memorial Service on Tuesday evening October 30 th at 6:00 PM to remember those who were murdered in Pittsburgh.  May their memories be for blessing.

Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:

    Thank you to the following congregants for their assistance with ushering during services as well as for honoring the congregation with their presence on the Bimah in November:

Barbara Fried, Shariann and Jeffrey Ganz,
Libby Gershansky, Larry and Linda Hanibal, 
Robin Howald, Claire Guttsman, Beverly Mazer,
Judy Pessah, Blanche Ricci, JR Rich, Judy Scher,
Inez Singer and Rhonda Trontz-Allen.
  Nina Rohan
 Ushering Chair
December 7, 2018
Diane Terris Eisenkraft
Joseph Berman
Joanne Hanibal
Helene Lipton
Joseph Reznikoff
Lillian Rebecca Scher *
Eileen Tepper
Alfred Levinson
Evelyn Wildrick
Sophie Elman *
Dorothy Peretz *
Bernard Haber
Nettie Mazer *
Florence Ruskin *
Pearl Smith
Alexander Weiss *

AND WE REMEMBER FROM THE HOLOCAUST:
JANOS JUHASZ
IGNACNE LEIPNIK
META KANN
KARL SEDLACEK
SHMUEL-LEIB WAJSBERG

December 14, 2018
Isaak Fuks
Theodora Teddy" Goldstone"
Richard Lasher *
Sidney Tanzer
Peggy Bachman Boyer
Phillip S. Menna *
Yetta Pisetzner
Morris Martin Blumin *
Savin Cohen *
Morris Jaeger *
Alvin Nalitt *
Mary Howald
Anna Berg
Dr. Charles Biren
Harry Goldberg *
Charlotte Selma Kitoff
Selma Nison
Philip Hirsch
Rita Weinman

AND WE REMEMBER FROM THE HOLOCAUST:
JUDEL ZAKS
TZVI BERLINER
SHIMON WILUNSKI
HAIM-YISROEL WAJNBAUM
MALEKH GROSMAN
December 21, 2018
Charlotte Manger *
Morris Soller *
Meyer Meltzer
Shirley Schneider
Alan Guttsman
Julius Kerstein
Saul Polonsky
Fannie Reznikoff
Nicholas Straniere *
Roselyn G. Gross *
Joan Richter *
Fannie Calmus
Beatrice Cohen *
Yetta Soller

AND WE REMEMBER FROM THE HOLOCAUST:
OLTICOJADOS MARINUSCH CHAIM FUHRMAN FERENCZ DALLOS ALOIS KOSEK ROBERT GUILLO

December 28, 2018
Julie Ellyn Kanter *
Herman Levinson
Mary Berlin *
Irwin Jaeger *
Harriet Ganz
Sigmund Haber *
Jacob Kitoff *
Charles Kurlander *
Joseph Lipsitz

AND WE REMEMBER FROM THE HOLOCAUST:
HERSH ZELKOWICZ SEELENBERGER ANNA MARIA SARAH BIBERMAN EDGAR MEULEMANNS ADITA ROSENBURCH
* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact Lara at the Temple Office to update your membership information.

Friday, December 7

CHANUKAH SHABBAT
with
Consecration of New Members
preceded by
Chanukah / New Member Dinner
6:00 p.m.


Friday, December 7
Oneg sponsored in honor of Shabbat in celebration of those celebrating
December Birthdays and Anniversaries
and by Sisterhood in honor of all our new members and Chanukah.
Birthday, Anniversary, Birth, Engagement, Wedding, Bat/Bar Mitzvah?
CELEBRATE ANY SIMCHA and share your joy with the Congregation at Services on any Friday evening.
Sisterhood will tak e care of everything for you!
To sponsor an oneg, just Contact Sisterhood through the Temple Office (718)727-2231.
balloons_happy_bday.jpg
The Sisterhood of Temple Israel would like to help you celebrate birthdays and anniversaries for you and your family.
You can share the joy of Shabbat and your birthday and/or anniversary by helping to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat on the Friday evening when we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries for that month.
In addition to sponsoring the Oneg, the names of those celebrating appear in the Friday night program and celebrants are invited to the Bimah.
A contribution of $10 for birthdays and $18 for anniversaries is suggested to honor your special occasion and help the Temple at the same time.  
Letters are sent out early in the month prior and payment would be appreciated before the first Friday of the month of the celebration. 
When writing checks made out to "Sisterhood of Temple Israel", please always indicate exactly what the check is payment for in the “Memo” line . We have so many events and initiatives. We need your cooperation to make sure that our record keeping is correct!

Thank you,
Blanche Ricci and Beverly Mazer , Sisterhood Treasurer
and Financial Secretary
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.
‌
Temple Israel Sisterhood Judaica Shop
EVERY HOLIDAY

EVERY LIFE CYCLE

EVERY SIMCHA

Just what you need and just what they want!
The only place on Staten Island for all your Jewish gifts.
Special Orders available.
Some featured items this month:
Contact branchtr@aol.com or call the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.
On Sunday, November 4th, the religious school committee held a meet and greet for our school’s parents and involved grandparents. There were 18 attendees from 15 families, representing 23 religious school children. We had a lively and productive conversation about our own Jewish education and what we can take from that experience to inform the direction of the religious school.

The meeting’s goals were to build a sense of community amongst the school families, gauge interest in future involvement with the religious school committee and school volunteer opportunities, and to begin a discussion about goals and expectations of their children’s religious school experience. 

Our children have been hard at work in religious school. Some November highlights include Kitah Aleph’s work with Morah Joanna on their “Jewish Treasures from the Home” project and Kitah Gimmel’s work with Cantor Benrey toward building a siddur. 

The Chanukah assembly is coming up soon, on Sunday, December 2nd. We hope parents will attend. Be on the look out for emails regarding what to bring.

If you have input regarding religious school or would like to be more involved, please feel free to email me at ti.si.school.bd@gmail.com.

Jennifer Cortijo
Chair of the Religious School Committee

REHEARSALS
Wednesdays
December 5,19
6:45 p.m.

CHOIR SINGS ON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
If you would like to join the Temple Israel Adult Choir, just come to any rehearsal...and all the rehearsals that follow!
people_social_icons.jpg
‌
‌
Please come help at our  Food Preparation Event on Christmas, Tuesday December 25 th at 9:00am . I know it’s early but we prepare this as a luncheon/early dinner meal to be served at noon.  Every year we do a great Mitzvah by preparing a Holiday meal for those in need.  The Mitzvah of feeding the poor is one of the most important mitzvahs we can do to help our community.  But we need your help to accomplish this important task. Please let me know if you will be able to come and help, or just show up if you can’t call.

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 and to show others what is important to us.  There are many activities at Temple Israel that you can take part in to help our community.

In November, we prepared a meal for the project hospitality walk in center complete with turkey pot pie, bread pudding and our popular BBQ sauce meatballs.  Thank you to all of those who helped with the food preparation that day and for anyone who helped deliver the food.  

BACKPACKS Through the generous donations of some of our members we are getting close to filling our backpacks for next year!!  If you would like to be a part of this wonderful mitzvah please donate to Social Action and indicate that you are donating for the Backpacks.  If you would like to attend the graduation where the backpacks are given out just let me know!!!

FOOD PREPARATIONS  Our Social action group prepares meals to bring to Project Hospitality for those that are hungry.  Feeding people that do not have enough to eat is such an important Mitzvah!!!   Thank you to all of the hard workers who come to help prepare the food!!!  This Mitzvah would not be possible without you!!!  If you have not joined us in the past, please come to this month’s food preparation on Christmas Day, Tuesday December 25 th at 9:00am when we prepare a special Christmas meal for those who cannot afford to make one for themselves.
DIAPERS Did you know that neither WIC food stamps cover the cost of baby diapers?  In order to help, we provide packages of diapers to Project Hospitality to be distributed to mothers of infants.  Please buy diapers or make a donation to Social Action to support this cause.

DONATIONS   Of course, none of the things Social Action does could be accomplished without your generous donations.  We have been able to feed thousands of people less fortunate than ourselves and hope to feed thousands mor e,  thanks to you!    We have given hundreds of backpacks to children who might otherwise not received them, and hope to give hundreds more, thanks to you!  We have diapered hundreds of babies helping hundreds of families, and we hope to help hundreds more, thanks to you!  

Please help us continue our important work for our community by donating both your time (for food prep events if you are available) and funds.  Thank you so much for your support!


Pamela Rogozin
(917)607-0782
Social Action Chair


Adult Learning is planning several exciting events!
  Adult Learning wishes everyone a joyous Chanukah! We met on November 7th and thank Deanna Feder for hosting. Our next meeting will be on Jan. 10th at 7pm at Pam Carlton's home. At 7:30 we will be discussing "After Anatevka" by Alexandra Silber. All are welcome.
On Wednesday, December 12th at 11 am we will be taking a backstage tour of the St. George Theater. The cost is $7. We will then have lunch at a nearby restaurant. If you would like to join us please rsvp by December 6th to Cheryl at  cherylmlevine@gmail.com.
On December 15th we are planning to attend the Illuminations Productions premiere of a musical titled,"Senior Moments" at Wagner College. If you would like to attend this event please rsvp to Judy  judithpessah@gmail.com .

We are planning many events for the spring including a trip to Wagner College's Holocaust Center on April 11th, a trip to learn about the Bukharian Jewish community in Queens,a tour given by the Lower East Side Conservancy, and yiddish lessons.
For more information and to RSVP to any or all of these events please contact Cheryl at  cherylmlevine@gmail.com  or Judy at  judithpessah@gmail.com .
Thank you.
Cheryl Levine ad Judith Pessah
Co-Chairs
hands_together_sand.jpg

This month we were saddened by the passing of Steven Soren, the son of former members of Temple Israel Dr. Stanley and Ruth Soren.  Our condolences also went out to the Palevsky family as we learned of the passing of former long time member Helen Palevsky.  May their memories be a blessing.
As always, we hope that you will continue to support our Caring Community with your donations that help cover the costs of food, paper goods, tolls, parking, etc. used to assist those of our Temple Community that need assistance.  Our committee assists congregants who need help with a Shiva, rides to doctors when they cannot get there themselves and meals when necessary. Thank you all for your generous donations. 
If you need help. Please let us know.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy month!!  And a Happy Hanukkah!!!
During the month of December I will be away, so if you need help, please contact Lara at the Temple Office or Rabbi Howald.

 Respectfully submitted, 
Pamela Rogozin
(917)607-0782
Chairperson
CLICK DIRECTLY ON FLYER TO PRINT OF DOWNLOAD
elbow-children-line.jpg
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
BUILD THE LARGEST GELT MOSAIC IN THE WORLD - 12 Noon

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
STEAM WORKSHOPS - 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL -9:30 a.m
CHANUKAH ASSEMBLY - 11 a.m
JR. CHOIR PRACTICE - 12:OO p.m.
BROTHERHOOD’S CHILDREN’S CHANUKAH PARTY - 12:30 p.m.
GO FOR THE GELT (Take home the Chocolate Gelt) - 2:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
HEBREW SCHOOL - 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
CHANUKAH/NEW MEMBER SHABBAT DINNER - 6 p.m.
FAMILY/CHANUKAH SHABBAT SERVICE with NEW MEMBER CONSECRATION & BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY ONEG - 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
STEAM WORKSHOPS
Ages 5-8 4:15 p.m.
Ages 9-13 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY,DECEMBER 9
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL -9:30 a.m
JR. CHOIR PRACTICE - 12:OO p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
HEBREW SCHOOL - 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
STEAM WORKSHOPS
Ages 5-8 4:15 p.m.
Ages 9-13 5:30 p.m.


SUNDAY,DECEMBER 16
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL -9:30 a.m
JR. CHOIR PRACTICE - 12:OO p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
HEBREW SCHOOL - 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
I*SHABBAT - 6:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25
FOOD PREPARATION EVENT TO BENEFIT THOSE IN NEED -9:00 a.m.

THE DR. RONALD AVIS FOUNDATION

The most exciting news to report during the month of November is the involvement of our Avis families at Temple Israel. The vision of Dr. Ron Avis is coming true!
Jennifer Cortijo has stepped up and will be the chair of the Religious School Committee. She has also acted as a co-facilitator at the Temple Talk Focus Group Discussions which took place on November 11th. Gayle Chason and Felicia Otto were also co-facilitators along with long-time members Phyllis Elrich, Claire Guttsman and Fred Simon. Brian Cortijo is now a member of our Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee.
Our new families are now participating in the Religious school, attending Brotherhood and Sisterhood meetings, as well as Erev Shabbat services. We are in the process of planning more family activities in the coming months.
During the month of November our boys and girls attended four STEAM sessions at The Resource Room. They were involved in two painting classes, and the older children explored solar energy and raced solar cars. The younger children explored the animal kingdom and coded the feeding time of their animals.
Each of the new Avis families who have joined our congregation this year has been invited to be Sisterhood’s guests at the New Member Chanukah Sabbath Supper on December 7th at 6:00 PM. We hope that every family will be there. It is a delightful evening. Please be sure to respond to Sisterhood by November 30th with your reservation if you are planning to attend.
We are so very happy to have each of you as a part of Temple Israel. We are looking for additional families to become part of our family. Contact us and we will reach out to anyone who might be interested.
Happy Hanukah!

Sincerely,
Bryn Biren & Terry Baver
CLICK ON FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD
meditation_pose_silhouette.jpg
Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join us.

Thursdays 7:15-8:15 p.m.
December 6, 13, 20, 27

Sundays 6:00-7:00 p.m.
December 2, 9, 16, 30

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
Contributions to Temple Israel as tributes, dedications or memorials are welcome  and are published in the weekly Shabbat program.

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.
To see list of all recent
Tributes and Program
Donations to Funds...
PLEASE PATRONIZE THESE BUSINESSES
WHO SUPPORT TEMPLE ISRAEL.
Be sure to mention that you saw their advertisement in our E-Bulletin.
Sunset Hill Laser & Electrolysis
Fern L. Barris
Hair Removal Specialist
891 Bard Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
www.SunsetHillLaser.com
(718)390-0531
If you are not receiving this Bulletin via a direct e-mail and would like to, please contact us at TICOMMUNICATION@aol.com to be added to our mailing list.
CONTACT INFORMATION
718-727-2231 
   tmplisrael@aol.com
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
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.