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 Jennifer Benrey Co-Presidents Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel

E-Shalom -JANUARY 2020 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.

As the New Year begins, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank everyone who contributes to this monthly publication. This includes all those committee chairs, clergy, and temple officers who regularly submit their articles and flyers for each bulletin. I would especially like to recognize and extend my sincere gratitude to Joanna Meltzer, Jerry Gross, Lara Calderon and Fern Barris . Their never-ending work in creating links, lists, documents and proof-reading enables us all to receive our comprehensive E-bulletin in a timely manner, every single month. I am so very grateful for their hard work and support. Jodi Siegel

A Message from Rabbi Michael D. Howald          I just returned from my 5 th  Union for Reform Judaism (“URJ”) Biennial, held this year in downtown Chicago.  I love attending the Biennials and I wanted to share with you why I love them in the hope that you will consider, particularly if you have never been to a Biennial, coming to the next one, scheduled for December of 2021 in Washington D.C.  Temple Israel was a “platinum congregation” once again this year (based on the percentage of our members who attend) and I hope we can achieve that status again in 2021!          First, some background about the Biennials.  Every two years (hence the word “biennial”), the Reform movement holds a convention in North America and invites all parts of our movement to attend, from lay leaders and congregants, rabbis, cantors and educators, to the leadership of all the many organizations affiliated with the Reform movement.  It is the most democratic of our Reform gatherings and routinely attracts over 5000 attendees for up to 5 days of workshops, song sessions, services and meetings.  Aaron Panken (z”l) once told me that no one should expect to get much sleep during a Biennial because there is so much going on, from early morning until late at night, that nobody wants to miss a thing!  Each time I attend a Biennial, I agree more and more with that sentiment.  I write this article, accordingly, still recuperating from the whirlwind of events from the past week, but anxious to share a little of what happened with those of you who were unable to be there.          The Biennial is the largest gathering of Jews in North America.  During that time, we study together, sing together, pray together and laugh together.  By attending the Biennial, you learn not only what the cutting-edge thinking is about such things as youth engagement, social action and synagogue transformation but you also discover how many of us are facing the same challenges.  Attending a workshop on youth engagement, for instance, provides both guidance on best practices from leaders across our movement and an opportunity to share practical advice from members of congregations across North America who have been dealing with the same issues and pressures as we do on Staten Island.  From these opportunities, attendees learn new ideas to bring back to their congregations and that we are not alone in facing the opportunities and pitfalls of Jewish congregational life in the 21 st century.  The Biennial gives us an opportunity to share that collective wisdom.          The part I cherish the most about the Biennials is attending services with thousands of other Reform Jews.  The Shabbat services are filled with music, with spirit and with real joy at the opportunity to pray together with so many others who, whatever tradition they grew up in, have embraced Reform Judaism as a source of inspiration and strength.  The rabbis of old used to say that one who had never seen the Second Temple in all its glory had never seen beauty.  Today, that saying might be “One who has never attended the Biennial has never experienced the joy of singing and praying together with 5000 other fellow Jews.” For many, including myself, it is an emotional moment, filled with both laughter and tears and always unforgettable.           You can expect to start receiving information about the next Biennial in the summer of 2021.  Washington D.C. is right around the corner and we have a great opportunity to once again send a platinum congregation to the Biennial.  If you can’t attend all 5 days of the Biennial, you can purchase weekday or weekend passes that give you access to the events planned for those days of the convention.  If you have already attended a Biennial, I hope you will consider doing so again.  If you have never come, I urge you to consider joining us in 2021 so that we can talk, sing, learn and pray together with thousands of other Reform Jews! Rabbi Michael Howald 

ADDENDUM: As some of you may have already heard, I am taking one-month of my sabbatical during the month of January. In coordination with the lay leadership of our congregation, we have arranged for life-cycle coverage during the time I am on sabbatical. We have also prepared for services and Torah study during my absence with a schedule that includes our student cantor and members of our congregation. Religious school and Hebrew school duties have also been divided between our existing teachers to minimize any change in our school schedule during the time I am away. I hope to come back to Temple Israel refreshed and revitalized for the months and years ahead with this wonderful congregation!   Todah Rabbah, Thank you all very much, for this opportunity for rest and renewal.   Rabbi Michael Howald

A Message from Co-Presidents Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel

Please allow us to be among the first people to wish you a very Happy and Healthy Secular New Year.  For better or worse, 2019 is now behind us and we are embarking on the last year of the old decade or the first year of the new decade.  However you view this year, we look forward to sharing it with you at Temple Israel.  As we all close out our business for 2019, we can also re-dedicate ourselves to greater involvement and commitment to our spiritual home.  Your on-going support will ensure that we are a viable presence in the Staten Island Jewish Community. As you know, our Temple Israel Platinum Delegation has returned from the URJ Biennial with feedback about the future of Reform Congregations in the United States over the course of the next ten years.  In light of the information with which they were provided, our Temple appears to be in good shape as compared with similar congregations around the country.  While that is comforting to some extent, we need to be vigilant about continuing our efforts to engage new members as well as retaining our current members.  There are many activities planned throughout the course of the year to help us reach these goals. Looking forward to the month of January, in addition to our regular weekly Shabbat services and both Sisterhood and Brotherhood meetings, some of the special events include:             Saturday, January 11 th , Sisterhood’s Bingo Night (adults only);              Sunday, January 19 th , Avis sponsored Bus Trip to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum;             Saturday, January 25 th , The Looney Bin (now meeting at the Colonnade Diner)             Sunday, January 26 th , Sisterhood’s Family Bowling Event. And Temple life is not just “events” – there are other things you may want to participate in, such as Judy Scher’s sessions on Grandparenting in the 21 st  century January 5 th  or Parenting in the 21 st  century on the 12 th .  Please be sure to check your E-Shalom Bulletin and the weekly News and Notes for updates. We want to wish Rabbi a rewarding Sabbatical month and look forward to his return in February.  During Rabbi’s Sabbatical month, there will be coverage of all needed Temple-related functions.  While we hope that there is no need for you to call, please be reminded that in the event of a family emergency you can call the special phone number (718) 447-5810.  Or, you may contact either of us directly at our personal numbers, Alan (917) 873-4739 or Jerry (917) 575-6916. Again, wishing you a wonderful New Year, Jerry & Alan  Jerrold Gross and Alan Siegel Co-Presidents

Notes from Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey

Shalom, Temple Israelites!  What a wonderful month we’ve had! December was filled with love, light, lots of singing, pajamas, and boatloads of Chanukah sweaters. What a treat to have celebrated Chanukah at Temple Israel! However, this light was unfortunately tinged with the darkness cast by the shadow of anti-Semitism in our midst. Still, nothing can dim the light of a community that bands together in solidarity, hope, love, and prayer. I pray that the light we shared this month shines ever more brightly in the coming year, that we might live not in fear, but with joy, and that this light may guide our way forward. Not by might and not by power, but with spirit alone shall we all live in peace. Wishing you all blessings in 2020! L’shalom, Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey

Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz Co-Presidents

December was a really busy month for Sisterhood. It began with an amazing first-ever Hanukah Pajamakah Shabbat complete with a “milk and cookies” Oneg on December 6th. The following Sunday, everyone had the chance to shop for their holiday gifts and supplies at our annual Judaica Shop Holiday Gift Fair. Only hours later, we got creative at Clay & Kiln and painted beautiful designs on our brand new ceramic pieces. A few days later, a bunch of us, along with Rabbi Howald, formed our Platinum Delegation and represented Temple Israel at the Union of Reform Judaism’s Biennial Convention in Chicago. When we returned to Staten Island, newly energized and inspired from 5 days of learning, prayer, song and dance with 5000 other Reform Jews, we celebrated the fabulous Phyllis Elrich as she gets ready to permanently re-locate to Florida. When the tears ended, we immediately got to work on our gorgeous new Chanukah Gelt Mosaic created with almost 10,000 chocolate coins. Three days later, we worked with the Social Action Committee to prepare meals for those in need and delivered them to Project Hospitality on Christmas day. And then, if that weren’t enough, we hosted over 70 people at our annual Chanukah/New Member Shabbat Dinner. Special thanks to all those who contributed to the success of each of these events, particularly Bryn Biren, Jodi Siegel, Blanche Ricci, Claire Guttsman, Libby Gershansky, Linda Brill, Linda Hanibal, Judy Lee, Judy Pessah, Pamela Rogozin and Shariann & Jeffrey Ganz. Please take a moment to enjoy photos from some of these activities below. .

THE MONTH OF JANUARY WILL BE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SISTERHOOD AND THE LETTER B ! Join us for BINGO January 11th at 7:00 pm BROWN-BAG BREAKFAST General Membership Meeting on January 26th at 10:00 am. (We’ll provide the hot and cold beverages; you bring your own breakfast. We’ll have a relaxing morning with time to schmooze. Bring a game, a topic or discussion or just yourself!) BOWLING BONANZA January 26th at 3:00 pm Our next Sisterhood Executive Board Meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel. Our next General Membership meeting will be Sunday, January 26th at 10:00 a.m. Check out our updated 2019-2020 Calendar by clicking on the icon below!

We wish you a very Happy New Year and we hope to see you very often in 2020! In Sisterhood, Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz Co-Presidents

THE BROTHERHOOD Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island brotherhoodpresident.ti.si@gmail.com

On Sunday morning, December 22 the Brotherhood met to have a brief business meeting prior to setting up for the Children’s Chanukah Party. A great time was had by all who attended the party. Dreidle cookies to decorate were expertly baked by Religious school teacher Shariann Ganz. The children decorated different crafts, played Chanukah Bingo, ate pizza and, before leaving for the afternoon, each child received a small Chanukah gift. Parents got to take part in all the as well.  Our Brotherhood Community Chanukah was designed and prepared by Joanna Meltzer. We thank her for her artistic talents and time spent assisting Brotherhood in accomplishing this wonderful card. As we move forward during the winter months we plan for our annual Purim Carnival and other events which will take place during the spring months. In the meantime, keep warm and join us at our monthly breakfast meetings. Brotherhood needs your support. Please join us as we become even more successful next year. For only $45 you can become a Brotherhood member. Please mail your check to Temple, attention Brotherhood. Brotherhood is a vital affiliate organization to the Temple. Together we are strong and make a difference to our Temple Family.   Please share your ideas with us to enhance the Brotherhood experience.

Your in Friendship and Brotherhood, Jeff Ganz President

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 2020

F or calendar updates click here . To print a copy of this calendar, click here .

Condolences to... JUDY LEE  & family on the loss of her mother, Eleanor Hannah Rosenblum Mazel Tov to... Blanche and Bobby Ricci on the birth of their grandson, Aaron Gabriel Ricci, and to proud parents Eric and Meg. Get Well Wishes to... Bryn Biren & Freda Lopez  recovering from broken right feet Thinking of You... Janet Aaronson and Family Alicia Baskin Claire Bleiman Phyllis Elrich as she relocates to Florida Jerry Gross Beverly Mazer David Meltzer Ken Pickover Susan Weinman

The Ritual Committee wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy Secular New Year 2020.  We hope you all had a joyous Chanukah with family and friends.  We also hope you enjoyed all the Chanukah celebrations at Temple during the month of December. We particularly thank Jodi Siegel and Bryn Biren for organizing the very successful Hanukah Pajamakah on Friday evening, December 6 th  which included Pizza and Chanukah themed activities followed by a Chanukah themed family Shabbat Service led by Rabbi and Cantor and included the participation of the Junior Choir.  We thank Sisterhood for the Judaica Chanukah Fair on Sunday December 8 th  and the New Member/Chanukah Dinner on Friday December 27 th  preceding the Shabbat in Chanukah Service led by Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Benrey.   We also thank Brotherhood for their Annual Children’s Chanukah Party on Sunday December 22 nd . The Ritual Committee is grateful to Jeff Ganz for leading the Friday night Shabbat Service with Student Cantor Benry on Friday December 17 th  and Rochelle Maltz for leading Torah Study and Pamela Carlton for leading the Saturday morning Shabbat Service on December 18 th  when Rabbi Howald was away at the URJ Biennial. As you may already know Rabbi Howald is taking a well-deserved Sabbatical for this month of January.  The Ritual Committee, along with other Temple leadership continues to work to schedule the lay leadership and other coverage needed for this time period.  Should you have any questions please feel free to contact us.  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 December: Brian Cortijo, Phyllis Elrich, Shariann Ganz, Libby and Ira Gershansky, Claire and Dennis Guttsman, Larry Hanibal, Joanna and David Meltzer, Felicia Otto, Pamela Rogozin, Jodi Siegel, Rhonda Trontz-Allen and Lissa Winchel  Nina Rohan  Ushering Chair

JANUARY 3, 2020 Joseph Lipsitz * Sidney Tanzer Morris (Moses) Eichler Robert May Yetta Pisetzner Linda Schulman Samuel Sheirr * Florence Spungun Louis Barnet * William Garfunkel * Morris Jaeger * Marian Lee * Telva Nison Jerome Sommer Bertha Dicker * Mary Howald Olga Lieberman Albert Melniker * Norman Silverman * Lydia Doris Weiss * Phyllis Zimmerman Rita Guttsman David Morse * Arlene Rich Abraham Schwartz * Maynard Selmon And We Remember From The Holocaust: MARGIT TRIKEL MAX BARAMY MEIJER ROEG JULIUS MARKUS TIBOR ALTMANN JANUARY 10, 2020 Selma Blumin * Larry Dumont Roselyn G. Gross * Samuel Shapiro * Meyer Axelrod * Claire Biren Tina Goldstone David Aronson Barnett Kadin * Irving Schwimmer * Benjamin Feitelson * Edward Kitoff * Herman Lippman Nathan Nadel Dorothy Smith * Lawrence Applebaum Fannie Calmus Stanley Miller Mord Reuben * Rose Dunn * Julius Hyatt Amelia Schmeidler * And We Remember From The Holocaust: HERBERT NEUEMI JACOB MONTANJEES LEOPOLD SKOTNICKY JUDEL GOL STANISLAWA SUCHANEK

JANUARY 17, 2020 Harry Docteroff * Solomon Horowitz * Ruth Applebaum Joseph Klauber * Herman Levinson Irwin Jaeger * Alvin Myron Mulnick Robert Koren May G Stein * Paula Brandt * Daniel Lewin * Florence Lustig * Barry Lee Joseph Stern * Eileen Carlton * Anna Dichter * Louis Wolinitz And We Remember From The Holocaust: EFRAIM SAND WIKELEY MELEVANOW ABRAHAMNE KRAUSZ MAURICE CHAROY THEODORE MACHARIS JANUARY 24, 2020 Marie Rosati Checchi Joan Kass * Michael Pisetzner Rose Roth * Nathan Sappin * Edythe Kadin * Mitchell R. Stein * Shirley Bankofsky * Bernice Hanibal Melvin Sher * Jack Freedman Louis Kunofsky Sam Lauter * Sam Tannenbaum Morris Taub * Roy Dumont Jerome Fishman Abe Outman And We Remember From The Holocaust: TOBA-FAYGA JUSTMAN SARAH WLOSZCHOWSKI GRETE WOLFF ABRAHAM GERLER JAN SALAJ JANUARY 31, 2020 Nettie Barnet * Martha Dickar * Beatrice Litkofsky Arthur Lomazow Sophie Mulnick Joseph Pollak * Sarah Tatt Ester Weis Molly Rosenbaum Hedy Schwartz * Raisa Borodova Richard Silberstein * Ben Levee * Harriet Bogart Emma Greenwald * Gussie Siegel * Sandy Slamow * Hersh Blumin * Max Dichter * Abigail Wolchok And We Remember From The Holocaust: KURT BEHLERT SIMONNE BISCHITZ MALKA WIGOCKI STANISLAW JANISZEWSKI LASZLO JUNG

* 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.

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.

Friday, January 3 FAMILY SERVICE AT 7:00 p.m. CELEBRATION OF JANUARY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES Friday, January 10 KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 17 TOT SHABBAT 6:00 p.m. KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m. Celebrating the Principles of Martin Luther King, Jr. Friday, January 24 KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 31 KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m. Oneg sponsored in Honor of Shabbat by Nina & James Rohan and Linda & Stuart Safier on the Occasion of the Auf Ruf of Elizabeth & Jereme.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FRIDAY NIGHT PRAYER BOOKS FROM THE RITUAL COMMITTEE As many of you know, the bindings on many of our Mishkan T’Filah prayer books (the ones we use every Shabbat and festival except the High Holy Days) have failing bindings.   The majority of our books which are experiencing this problem back, and we will be sending them back to the publisher for re-binding; however, this means that there will not a books available at every seat.     While the books are out for repair, the ushers will be handing out Mishkans as you enter the sanctuary for services.   Please remember to return your prayer books to the cart as you exit for Kiddush! Thank you for your co-operation,  Linda  Brill & Jeffrey Ganz Ritual Committee Co-Chairs

Services on the 1st Friday of each month begin at 7:00 p.m.

$$$ EASY fundraising

1.Go to Smile.Amazon.com 2.Select "Change Your Charity" 3.Type in “Temple Israel Reform 4.Congregation of Staten Island" 5.Click Search 6.Click Select 7.Order as usual. Temple Israel benefits!

Thank you to all who participated at Jimmy Max on December 8th. Please join us for the Looney Bin on Saturday January 25, 2020 at the Colonnade Diner, 2001 Hylan Blvd. We would appreciate it if you can let us know ASAP so that we can make sure we have the minimum number of people for this event. Doors open at 8, showtime is 9. If you come that night please, bring $20 cash to get in. There is a 2 menu item minimum. Please see attached Flyer. In addition, we need gifts to raffle off on March 14, 2020 , when the Avis Foundation is generously sponsoring a concert, Jews and the Great American Songbook . The Fundraising Committee is collecting the raffle prizes for this wonderful event. Please consider donating a gift to raffle anytime or please let us know if you have suggestions for businesses that may be willing to donate. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel Co-Chairs

Click on flyer to download or print.

ORDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. CLICK ON THE FORMS BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT THEM. JUST FILL THEM OUT AND GIVE THEM TO LARRY HANIBAL WITH PAYMENT.

Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens. Welcome to the Temple Israel Family- * Robin Hertzberg ___________________________________ TI   WIIFM (Temple Israel-What’s In It For Me)  In this space we will be featuring what our members-both new and long-term-say about their connection to Temple Israel. From Libby Gershansky: “Temple Israel has been the spiritual home for my family for the past 33 years.  It is where my daughter, Sarah, became a bat mitzvah and a confirmand, where my husband, Ira, became an adult confirmand, and where our granddaughter, Gabriela Faye, was welcomed into the community of Israel.  It’s not  Cheers,  but it’s where ‘everyone knows my name’. It’s my source for faith, family and friendship. It’s where I can express myself as a Woman of Reform Judaism and an equal partner in Jewish ritual. It is my hope that Temple Israel will remain strong, as the bastion of liberal Judaism on Staten Island, now and for many generations yet to be. “   ___________________________________ Some things to try this month:  (flyers available throughout this E-Shalom) For Adults only: * Attend a Saturday morning Torah Study and gain some inspiration from the Torah portion of the week and think about its applicability to our lives today. * Laugh with your Temple family at the Looney Bin Comedy Club on Saturday, January 25 th -RSVP required. * Try your luck at Bingo on Saturday. January 11 th . See flyer for details. For Young Families: * Tempt your sweet tooth on the trip to the Brooklyn Jewish Children’s Museum for a chocolate making class on January 19 th . RSVP required. * Test your skills at the Bowling Bonanza on Sunday, January 26 th  at 3pm. * Enjoy the beauty of Shabbat at early (7pm) Family Shabbat Services on Fri. January 3 rd . 

Click flyer to download or print.

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.

Contact branchtr@aol.com or call the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.

Some featured items this month:

GROW KITS FOR TU B’SHEVAT!

Since June, over 300 new books have been added to the library, many of them recently published, especially novels with Jewish themes, written by Jewish authors. The library hours are Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon, coinciding with Hebrew School classes. Books can be returned to the office where there is a box for them as well as for any books to be donated. For more information, contact Steve Scher at 347-683-0606 or  stevescher12@gmail.com  Steve Scher Chair

FAMILY TRIP Courtesy of the Avis Foundation to the

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 9:45 am CHOCOLATE MAKERY A mouthwatering and eye opening experience where students will discover the fascinating process of how chocolate is made and its unique connection to Shabbat! Children will gain a wealth of knowledge on this exciting journey and join in the fun as they harvest the cocoa pods, grind and roast the beans, and mold their very own delicious chocolate creation! Transportation Available (Seating is limited. First come first served!) RESERVATIONS REQUIRED To reserve or for questions contact Terry Baver at terryqbaver@gmail.com

ADULT CHOIR REHEARSALS WEDNESDAYS JANUARY 8 & 29 6:30 p.m. SHARP!!!! JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSALS SUNDAYS JANUARY 5, 12, 26 11:30 a.m. BOTH CHOIRS SING ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

If you would like to join the Choir, just come to any rehearsal... and all the rehearsals that follow!

Click here to print or download Tot Shabbat flyer.

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.   FOOD PREPARATIONS    We had our yearly Christmas food preparation on Christmas day, December 25 th .  We prepared food for the community center called El Centro and the food was greatly appreciated. Thank you to all those who helped with this important Mitzvah, and to those whose donations made this event possible. **LOVING STATEN ISLAND  is an interfaith program bringing together members of our community who want to enjoy a bring a dish to share meal and special programs with those from our community who have different religions.  If you are interested in this program there will be a flyer in the temple of the upcoming events. BACKPACKS  Every year our social action committee collects donations specifically to provide backpacks and school supplies to the children in the Head Start program that use our temple during the week.  Those children graduating from the program are given a backpack to start them on their way to a wonder of education that awaits them in the coming 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!!! DIAPERS  Did you know that neither WIC nor 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 Chairperson

Exciting news!!!!! Adult Learning is bringing back ROSH CHODESH!!!! This celebration of women will take place Monday evening, January 27th at 7pm at the home of Susan Marks. Program by Susan and Pam Carlton. Thank you Susan and Pam. We're asking that you bring a dessert to share. RSVPs are a Must Must Must to Cheryl Levine at  cherylmlevine@gmail.com . We hope to see you there!

On our third try we made it to The Met Cloisters on November 26th to view the Colmar Treasure a small but fascinating collection of Judaica on loan from the Musee de Cluny in  France.It  was a beautiful day and we were able to also enjoy the many balconies and lovely view! In December we traveled to New Brunswick to the George Street Playhouse to see a one woman show, "My Life on a Diet." This entertaining production was written by and starring Renee Taylor. We are now reading "Fleishman's in Trouble" by Taffy Brodesser Akner. The book discussion, led by Judy Lee will occur on February 18th at the home of Maxine Cohen. Please read the book and join us. Save the date! On March 29th we will be co-sponsoring a talk on the Exodus with Sisterhood given by Jonathan Goldstein. Our next meeting will take place on January 6th in the Library. For information about any of our programs please contact Cheryl at  cherylmlevine@gmail.com  or Judy at  judithpessah@gmail.com . Cheryl Levine Judy Pessah Co-chairs

This month Judy Lee lost her mother Eleanor Hannah Rosenblum at the age of 101.  She is survived by her husband, Jacob Rosenblum, her daughters Jill Morgan and Judy Lee, son-in-law Robert Slaney and grandchild JD Lee.  May the family of Eleanor Hannah Rosenblum find comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may her memory be a blessing. Our Co-President Jerry Gross is still on the mend and we all wish him a speedy recovery.  Get well wishes also go out to our dear friend Beverly Mazer.  To anyone else who is recovering from illness or surgery we wish you all the best of health.  If you need assistance, please let us know.  As always, we hope that you, our congregants, 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. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy month!! Pamela Rogozin (917)607-0782 Chairperson

Click on flyer to print or download.

Click on flyer to print or download.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH 1:30-3:30 pm CREATIVE FRUIT CARVING WORKSHOP BY SHEINA HERRERA HANDS ON WORSHOP WITH SIX DIFFERENT PROJECTS (All fruit, tools and instruction books included at workshop) $40.00 PER PERSON (see Claire Guttsman for info)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 7:00 pm Birthday/Anniversary Oneg SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 SHABBAT SERVICE 11:00 am SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 9:30 am JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL 11:30 a.m. PURIM SCHPIEL REHEARSAL 12 NOON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 HEBREW SCHOOL 5:00 pm*** (***Please note change in time for the month of January) FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 pm SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 SHABBAT SERVICE 11:00 am STEAM Workshop (Ages 5-8)- 4:15 pm SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 9:30 am JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL 11:30 am PURIM SCHPIEL REHEARSAL 12 noon WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 HEBREW SCHOOL 5:00 pm*** FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 TOT SHABBAT 6:00 p.m. EREV SHABBAT SERVICE CELEBRATING THE PRINCIPLES OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 8:00 pm SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 SHABBAT SERVICE 11:00 am STEAM Workshop (Ages 5-8)- 4:15 pm SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 TRIP TO THE BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (CHOCOLATE MAKING CLASS) RSVP REQUIRED TO TERRY BAVER ( terryqbaver@gmail.com ) 9:45 am WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 HEBREW SCHOOL 5:00 pm*** FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 pm SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 SHABBAT SERVICE 11:00 am STEAM Workshop (Ages 5-8)- 4:15 pm SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 9:30 am JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL 11:30 am PURIM SCHPIEL REHEARSAL 12 noon FAMILY BOWLING BONANZA 3:00 p.m. Reservations Required Contact Felicia Otto (feliciaholtzman@gmail.com) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 HEBREW SCHOOL 5:00 pm*** FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 pm Auf Ruf of Elizabeth Rohan & Jereme Safier

We have a lot of activities in the cold of winter to keep your family busy. The STEAM program from children ages 5-8 continues on Saturdays January 11, 18 and 25 from 4:15-5:15 PM at The Resource Room (located at 534 Forest Avenue). The themes on those days will be “ Penny Dropper”, “ Bridge Builder” and “ Gummy Bear Launch”. The Avis Foundation is sponsoring a very special trip for families to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Sunday, January 19th. The program is from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. There is a very special chocolate exhibit, we will have tour guides. Parents and the grandparents of our children are welcome. Brian, the Animal Guy has been postponed from Sunday, January 27th to a future date. Instead we encourage you to attend the Sisterhood Bowling Event with your entire family on 1/27 from 3:00-5:00 PM. The exciting Purim Shiel will take place on March 9th. Children of all ages and their parents are welcome to participate in “Green Eggs and Hamentashen”, a Dr. Seuss musical. Rehearsals for the Shpiel take place on Sundays directly after Religious School from now until March. Contact Brooke Lopez (MsBiren78@aol.com) immediately if you would like to be part of the show. If you are aware of any young family that might be interested in becoming part of our Temple family contact Terry Baver at  Terryqbaver@gmail.com  or Bryn Biren at  MsBunny7@aol.com . We will reach out to them immediately. Stay warm and we hope to see you at our family activities. Bryn Biren

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Are you stressed? Do you want to build your core strength? Join Us. Thursdays 7:15-8:15 p.m. (January 2,9,16,23,30) Sundays 6:00 -7:00 p.m. (January 5,12,19,26) Free for Temple Israel Members Non-members - $15 Bring your own Yoga Mat Both sets of classes are for ADULT ONLY. Both chair and mat students are accommodated at each class. For more information, contact Bryn Biren 718-727-2231

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.

If you have any questions about your membership or if you know a potential new member please contact our Financial Secretary Jennifer Straniere at  tmplisrfinsec@aol.com .

If you know anyone who might be interested in becoming a member of Temple Israel please have them contact me or call the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.   If you have any questions about your membership please contact me at  tmplisrfinsec@aol.com .        I am available to answer any questions you might have. We urge you to consider becoming a member of the Kavod Society or if you are already a Kavod member please consider moving up a level. This additional funding allows us to assist some of our other members.   Have a good month, Jennifer Straniere Financial Secretary

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, look for the Prayerbook icons found in 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...

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