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

E-Shalom - March 2018 Temple Israel’s New 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.

A Message from Rabbi Michael D. Howald Many people in the Jewish community believe that domestic violence almost never occurs in Jewish households. They also believe that intimate partner violence, when it does occur, is a shonda that should not be talked about, admitted or addressed lest it bring shame upon the Jewish community. Today, however, we know, sometimes from police reports and sometimes from surveys, that domestic abuse happens in all communities, of every faith and at every socio-economic level. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 3 women in the United States experience some abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetimes, and that 1 in 4 women experience severe physical violence at the hands of a partner at some point in their lives. When it comes to the Jewish community, many sources estimate that domestic abuse occurs in about 20 to 25% of all Jewish households and that the rates of violence within an intimate relationship are about the same across the different denominations within Judaism.            These numbers expose the belief that such things don’t occur in Jewish households as a complete myth. Knowing this, what can we do about it? First and foremost, we can all be aware that the myth has hidden and continues to conceal the reality of domestic violence in every neighborhood and community. Knowing this reality helps us see through the walls that the myth has built around us and make us more likely to recognize the signs of intimate partner abuse and offer aid and understanding when the time comes.            Second, we can offer aid by reminding victims and victimizers alike that marriage or relationship does not license verbal or physical abuse. The highest values of our community are not preserving reputation or attachment to a failed intimate partnership, but the preservation of life and the protection of the vulnerable and powerless. The Torah, for instance, prohibits the oppression of widow and orphan, not as an exhaustive list of those may require aid, but only as examples of those who suffer from exploitation in human society. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who escaped Nazi Germany and walked arm in arm with Dr. King, reminds us the “prophets…tried to teach us how to think in the categories of holiness, justice, compassion as a challenge to look for ways to translate Biblical commandments into patterns of conduct required in our own conditions. Reading from the concern for widow, orphan and stranger, we are invited to extend our concern to all those who suffer abuse at the hands of another human being.             Third, we can refer those seeking help from intimate partner violence to places of support and refuge. Staten Island now has a Family Justice Center where victims of abuse seeking help can receive comprehensive counselling in the assistance available to them, from legal aid, public assistance, and shelter to therapy and other mental health services. The Family Justice Center, located at 126 Stuyvesant Place on Staten Island (718-697-4300), is open 9 to 5 every weekday and is available to everyone, including walk-ins. A hotline (1-800-621-HOPE (4673) is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for those who need help and support outside of business hours.  New York City also maintains a website with information and contact information for victims of domestic abuse. ( https://www.safehorizon.org/get-informed/domestic-violence-statistics-facts/#definition/ )  As we let go of the myth that intimate partner violence doesn’t occur in Jewish households, may we also have the vision to understand that each of us has a part to play in recognizing and protecting those who suffer from abuse, whether physical or verbal, from someone close to them. Kein Y’hi ratzon . May this be God’s will.  Rabbi Michael Howald

A Message from President Bryn Biren We are a small Reform congregation. We work hard to maintain our building, balance our budget and provide religious and social activities for our congregants. I recently attended a Sisterhood meeting and marveled at everything that is going on. There are food preparation sessions for the needy, Rummage sales that donate the profits to charitable organizations, dinners, lectures, festival celebrations, so many wonderful activities that would take too much time and space to list. The members of Sisterhood (which does have a male membership category) function so smoothly and accomplish so much. Sisterhood functions so well most people are not aware of how much effort goes into each event. As your current President I oversee what is going on at Temple Israel and I must say that our organization is an incredible one. As a leader it is in my job description to appoint committee chairpeople and to make certain that those committees function independently and well. Brotherhood works to provide festival set ups, raises money for Temple Israel, hosts events for our children, and is always available when help is needed. I can say with absolute certainty that our Ritual Committee, especially during the High Holy Days, is second to none. Our Caring Community is a role model, serving congregants when they are ill or have suffered the loss of a family member. Our Adult Choir members volunteer their time, working throughout the year to elevate our services with song. I won’t name each of our many other committees, but they are comprised of dedicated workers. Years ago I spoke to a friend who is an employee of a wealthy congregation in New York City. She said that although her membership is willing to make financial donations they are not willing to donate time. At Temple Israel we are so lucky to have more than one-third of our Membership involved in volunteer positions. We are a strong team. Our calendar is crammed with so many activities. We are UNIQUE AND VERY LUCKY to have so many dedicated and talented volunteers. Sincerely, Bryn Biren President

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Notes from  Student Cantor Elizabeth Flynn

Shalom kulam. Hello everyone. Given my current journey into job placement, I have spent much of my time immersing myself in each week’s parshiot, preparing myself in case I am asked to give an on the spot d’var or share my thoughts on a specific portion. For those who were at services in mid-February, you heard me share my thoughts on a particular portion that caught my eye – Terumah . This portion which focuses on the building of the Mishkan, the mobile sanctuary built by the Israelites as they wandered the desert has taken over my thoughts over the past few weeks. My focus on this portion does not deal with the ornate materials used to build the physical structure of the mishkan but rather on the invisible materials – the spirit, love, and dedication of the Jewish people that was required in order to build it and on a larger scale, to set the foundation for Jewish people hood and community in the future. It is on this concept, that I have been ruminating for several days now: both the strengths Jewish community boasts and more concerning, the issues which I feel threaten our people-hood… and what I as a future fully ordained member of the clergy can do about it.            There is much about progressive Judaism that I think is wonderful: the importance of social justice, adaptability of the liturgy, and acceptance of diverse communities, just to name a few. There are, however, of course many issues that face the Reform Jewish community, and the Jewish community as a whole. Outlining a few of these issues can help us identify possible avenues for improvement within our people and help us build a more inclusive, understanding, and knowledgeable community.            First and foremost I am deeply concerned about the divide of Jews over political and social issues – whether it be Israel or degree of observance, Jews fighting against Jews is simply terrifying. We are such a small group of people. We have beaten the persecution that has followed us throughout time and history, we have done this as a unified people. I am deeply concerned however over the rising hostility openly expressed from groups of Jews towards others. Whether it be Zionist and pro-BDS clashes online and at rallies or the harassment of Nashot HaKotel by Haredi men and women at the Kotel… it is a very distressing occurrence. We are too small a group of people who have far too many enemies to be fighting amongst ourselves. If this continues, I do not know how we can survive.            My second big issue focuses on the changing nature of the synagogue. Making synagogue membership accessible, affordable and “attractive” to the young professional Jew is essential for the future of our movement to succeed. I put the word “attractive” in quotes because I mean much more than simply making the synagogue seem more appealing on the surface. This process is about rethinking synagogue programming and services in ways that are relevant for the modern family and individual. Over the 20 th and 21 st centuries, with the increase of technology, the way we relate to each other as human beings has changed dramatically. Community no longer is the center of life. Connecting to other human beings in-person as a large social group is no longer seen as a vital part of life. As an extension of this shifting perspective, the synagogue is seeming less and less relevant to modern life. I do not have specific answers, but I know that the synagogue provides emotional, spiritual, and social support that people no longer think they need, until they experience it. We need to make sure we are able to bring people in so they can experience just how much this support can bring to their lives. Aside from the large perspective shift, high membership fees and the corporate structure of the modern synagogue can be adjusted to make it more accessible to young professionals and families.            Finally, Reform Judaism was founded on the premise of informed choice – that those who are in the Reform community decide which Jewish practices they follow after careful consideration of what the customs mean, where they come from, and whether or not their practice brings meaning and significance to their connection to Judaism. As it stands, beyond the training of clergy, the Judaic knowledge of the standard Reform Jew is lacking. The influence I bring to the religious schools in the congregations I will lead will be helping to shape curricula for religious school and family education programs, to help educate families and children to have full and enthusiastic understandings of their faith and culture.            These are just a few of the things that are on my mind as I prepare to fully join a community as their spiritual leader. These concerns define my approach to spiritual and communal leadership and I hope will provide open avenues for discussion and exploration. The bottom line is that I do not have all the answers – no one does, but that open communication and discussion is the first step to addressing them. I would love to hear my community’s thoughts on these so if you have anything you want to share please feel free to pull me aside at an oneg or on a Sunday. I am always delighted to engage in these important discussions. B’shirah! Student Cantor Liz

Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz Co-Presidents As I sat on the pool deck on the 4th day of my Caribbean cruise last week, studying my Torah Portion for my upcoming Confirmation, another passenger, seated close by, received a phone call. I could not help but overhear her side of the conversation. She simply asked, “What are the arrangements?” , “Where are they sitting Shiva?” and “What do they need?” After the first call ended, she made a few more calls and then followed them up with several text messages. It was obvious to me that she, too, was a Sisterhood President. From her lounge chair in the middle of the ocean in the middle of her vacation, she was making sure that all the details were being taken care for the family in need. When we made eye contact a few moments later, I smiled at her and asked, “Sisterhood President?” She looked at me in disbelief, said that she was and asked how I could tell! I explained that I had overheard her conversation, which was all too familiar! We shared a few “war stories” and then talked about what was going on in our respective Sisterhoods. It shouldn’t surprise me anymore, but when others hear about all that Temple Israel Sisterhood does, they are shocked. I am always so proud. Sisterhood’s activities, accomplishments and impact are astonishing! In the past month alone, we made hundreds of sandwiches for Project Hospitality clients, kicked off our first ever Matzohgram fundraiser, learned the art of cookie decorating, and purchased brand new silverware to replace the ancient set our congregation has been using for our more formal luncheons and dinners and seders. Many thanks to Pamela Rogozin and Barbara Tepper for organizing our food preparation. Thanks to Claire Guttsman for spearheading our Silverware Committee with Karen Gross and Pam Rogozin. And more thanks to Claire who, along with Sandy Mazzucco, also arranged our Sweetness & Love Cookie Decorating event. If you were in attendance for Purim, then you know what an extraordinary evening it was. Every year, Sisterhood's Shalach Manot Gifts get better and better! A huge thank you must go out to Linda Hanibal and Blanche Ricci and Deanna Feder for chairing the project, along with their volunteer packagers (Linda Scher, Karen Gross, Pam Rogozin, Roni Schorr, Libby Gershansky, Linda Brill, Karen Gross, Lorraine Isenberg, Inez Singer, and Jodi Siegel), for making sure every single person who attended Purim at Temple Israel received another fabulous Purim gift filled with creative, traditional and delicious surprises. Our Shalach Manot are in such demand, we even ship them out of state! Thank you to all who contributed to the wonderful Purim mitzvah and profitable Sisterhood fundraiser. Here are some photos from these events!

The Annual Community Passover Seder at Temple Israel will take place on March 30th. Advance registration and payment are a must! If you do not have plans for the first night of Passover, please join us. It promises to be a wonderful Seder, filled with traditional readings, food and music, chaired by Jennifer Straniere and led by Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Elizabeth Flynn. Please bring friends and family. Flyers can found in the Temple lobby or in this Bulletin. If you wish to have your own copy of the Haggadah we will be using, you can purchase one in advance from our Judaica Shop for $18. Please contact Blanche Ricci if you are interested. Speaking of our Judaica Shop……please do stop by and take a look at all the beautiful new merchandise. If you are looking for something special for Passover this year, you can find beautiful seder related gifts in a range of prices. Please let your friends outside of Temple know about our shop. We may be the only place to find these kinds of gifts on Staten Island. As our Nominating Committee continues its work to prepare our Slate of Officers for the 2017-2018 Year, we encourage you to “step up”. Accept a position, chair a committee, or volunteer to assist. SISTERHOOD NEEDS YOU!!! We want to continue to impress all those other Sisterhood presidents we may run into! Sisterhood is grateful for your support as we continue work to sustain our synagogue. Chag Pesach Sameach ~ wishing every member of our Temple Israel family and friends, a wonderful, meaningful Passover!  " Jodi Siegel Co-President

Upcoming Events Friday, March 2 nd – Birthday/Anniversary Oneg Tuesday, March 6 th – Sisterhood Executive Board Meeting – 7:30 Sunday, March 18 – Sisterhood General Membership Meeting – 10 a.m. Monday March 26th -JCC Women’s Seder - 6:00 PM Wednesday, March 28 – Set Up for Seder – 7 p.m. Friday, March 30 – Community Passover Seder

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

Thank you to Sisterhood for allowing us to share Breakfast with them at our February meeting. We discussed a variety of issues including our upcoming Purim Carnival, and our Annual Men’s Seder. Flyers have been sent out to all to remind everyone of these upcoming events. Our Purim Carnival will be held on Saturday evening March 3 starting with Havdalah at 4:45P.M, The Carnival immediately following. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be games and Prizes for the children, Food for purchase and a Costume Party for the children. On Sunday March 25 th we will hold our annual Men’s Seder. This annual event has proven to be a very inspiring and tasty experience for all. Please join us as we partake in this special meal with an emphasis on the Mens role in the traditions of the holiday. Looking ahead we will once again distribute Yellow Yom Hashoah Candles to the congregation to commemorate Yom Hashoah. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. I would like to welcome all of the new families to Temple Israel this year and invite them to participate in all of our events. This year I have reinstituted the idea of giving Tzedukah in the name of something you are grateful for at the start of each meeting. This month we decided to send our Tzedukah to the Staten Island Museum to assist with the wonderful work they do enhancing the cultural life of Staten Island. 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 March 3 Purim Carnival 4:45 P.M. March 25  Men’s Seder 12:30P.M. Yours in Friendship and Brotherhood, Jeff Ganz

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH 2018

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

Mazel Tov To Joel and Sapna Astman on the birth of their son, Akiva James Neravanda Astman, born on February 1. Congratulations to Talia on becoming a big sister! To Alisa Grossman, Esquire, daughter of Arnie Grossman, sworn in by the Chief Justice of the USA and now able to try cases before the Supreme Court. Welcome To our new members, Regina Fuks and Jerry Lokshin and their children Samantha & Isabella Galitsky and Rebecca & Joshua Lokshin. Condolences To Susan Marks on the loss of her cousin, Janet Donohue. To The Silberlight Family on the loss of Gerald Silberlight. Get Well Wishes Karen Gamoran Ruth Stein Thinking of You Laura and Louis Glatt Rebecca Hand

The Ritual Committee thanks all who were involved with the celebration of Purim which included the Megillah reading and Purim Spiel on February 28 th , the Sisterhood’s organizing of the giving of Shalach Manot and the Brotherhood sponsored Carnival which is being held on Saturday March 3 rd starting at 4:45PM with a Havdalah Service. Special thanks to Brooke Lopez for writing and directing the Purim Spiel and to all those children and adults who participated, both cast and crew. Passover will soon be here. Please be sure to make your reservations for Sisterhood’s Community Seder early. The Seder will be held on the first night of Passover, Friday night March 30 th starting at 6:00 PM. There will be no Shabbat Service that evening but join us on Saturday morning March 31 st for first day Passover/Shabbat Services at 11:00 AM which follows Torah Study at 10:00 AM. Seventh day morning Passover Services including Yizkor will be held on Friday April 6 th at 10:30 AM followed by a Kosher For Passover Dairy Dish to Share Lunch. Note: Prepare for Passover by attending Brotherhood’s Men Seder on Sunday March 25 th at 12:30 PM at the Temple and the Community Women’s Seder on Monday March 26 th at the JCC. Information for both events will be available in the lobby or see Jeff Ganz or Linda Brill respectively.   And keep the following dates open. Wednesday April 11 th – Erev Yom Hashoah-Temple Israel’s observance and Service will start at 7:30 PM Sunday April 15 th – The Community Yom Hashoah Observance will be held at 6:30 PM also at Temple Israel. Doors open at 6:00 PM. The theme of the evening is “Women of the Resistance”. More information on both events will be available soon. Jeffrey Ganz and Linda Brill , Co-Chairpersons Ritual Committee _________________________________________________________ YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:    We thank the following congregants for their assistance with ushering during services as well as for honoring the congregation with their presence on the Bimah during Services since the last e‑Shalom: Janet Aronson, Joseph Aronson, Libby Gershansky, David Meltzer, David Meltzer, Joanna Meltzer, Joanna Meltzer, Judy Scher, Alan Siegel, Jodi Siegel, Inez Singer and Barbara Tepper. Jerry Gross & Nina Rohan , Ushering Co-Chairs Jeffrey Ganz and Linda Brill , Co-Chairpersons Ritual Committee

March 2, 2018 Thomas McGowan Ruth Mulnick Ida Silverman * Barney Sher * Sarah Samith Sylvia Polonsky Jacques Pessah Elinor May Sadie Mogol * Thomas Sparacio Blanche Dembiner Harry Levee * Albert Rosen * Ella Small And we remember from the Holocaust: Hershlik Wilhelm Maurice Grünberg Jozsef Abelesz Julius Lentschuetzki Sofie Schweiger March 9, 2018 Ida Baver * Felix Ecker * Ethel Kessler * Edward Lipsitz * David Sappin Harry Siegel * Margaret Guttman Max Kadin * William Levine Estelle Kleinman * Lena Tannenbaum Samuel Smith * Howard Wolodiger * Harry Dicker * Sidney Lachman * Carl Litkofsky Edward Matisoff Cecily Marianne Sostek Veronica Balogh Mary Curatola Norman Feigelman Michael Levine Mark James Sheirr * And we remember from the Holocaust: German Fellhauer Henoch Kagen Ashza Wisberg Yakov-Grunem Winter Anna Karpati

March 16, 2018 Ida Grober Charles Overberger Michael Sorkin Esther Bierman Luz Burstein * Marie Mord * Robert Stakofsky * Falik Bronzaft Beni Kessler * William Pollack * Bertram Bronzaft Israel Pisetzner * Rose Sugarman Eleanor Weinberg Ruth Blumenreich Caroline Elrich Greta Newman * Samuel Tepper * Arlene Blumenreich Andelman * Harriet Simmons * And we remember from the Holocaust: Lola Low Toni Pollak Lotti Scheuerman Chana Kanel Hermanne Hochfeld March 23, 2018 Thelma Fuller Mollie Kantrowitz Daniel Shapiro Alice W. Blach Aida Josel Brouse * George Schwartz * Emanuel Sugerman Warren Silverman James Levy * Helene Sparber Gertrude Doria Ida Herman * Lena Levinson * Jack Sugar Steven Schreiber * Lee Shaw Lori Singer-Olson And we remember from the Holocaust: Hedwig Willner Shaul Trajman Roger Le Normand Simon Kwadijk Pal Weisz March 30, 2018 ** (see note below) Aaron Parness * Jeffrey Walters Ann Berman Florence Rubin Nancy Avis * Israel Pisetzner * Carl Isaacs * Helen O'Krepke Dr. Hyman Poritz * Shelia Schreiber * Gilda Schuster Estelle Dichter * Steve Nison Louis Siegel * And we remember from the Holocaust: Hava Zarb Emanuel Reisz Armin Braun Fjott Jewrenko Hershel Opocinski

* These names are on our Memorial Wall.   ** Please note : Because of the Seder, the Erev Shabbat reading of these names will be March 23. They will be read at the March 31 morning Shabbat Festival service. ( Also, there will be no Shabbat Program March 30.)

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. MARCH 2 Sponsored by those celebrating March Birthdays/Annivesarires MARCH 9 Sponsored by Fern & Neil Barris in honor of MIA VICTORIA, daughter Gabrielle and Marcus Ledee and RILEY LYNN MICHELE, daughter of Jillian Barris and David Bryant BEING WELCOMED INTO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL.

PASSOVER MARCH 30-APRIL 6, 2018 Pesach , known as Passover in English, is a major Jewish spring festival, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The ritual observance of this holiday centers around a special home service called the seder (meaning "order") and a festive meal; the prohibition of  chametz  (leaven); and the eating of  matzah  (an unleavened bread). On the fifteenth day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, Jews gather with family and friends in the evening to read from a book called the  haggadah , meaning "telling," which contains the order of prayers, rituals, readings, and songs for the Passover seder. Today, the holiday is a celebration of freedom and family. Click on these links for more information: Passover History Passover Customs and Rituals Passover Recipes Passover Family Activities Passover Seder Preparation Checklist

PLEASE NOTE THAT RESERVATIONS WITH PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 23rd. CLICK DIRECTLY ON FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD.

Thank you to everyone who helped and participated in joining us at the Looney Bin Comedy Club. We had a successful raffle and 50/50. Everyone had a wonderful time. THE DATE -- MAY 12, 2018 Our Committee has a wonderful Square Dance event planned for the above date.  No square dancing experience is required. We will have a professional caller who will be announcing all the dance steps. So note your respective calendar and mosey on down to T.I. with family and friends to dosey doe for an evening of fun. Click on the flyer to the left or find it in the Temple Lobby or on our website for registration. Respectfully submitted, Andrea Simon & Karen E. Frey Gamora n

Religious School Sundays: 9:30 am–12:00 pm (9:30- 11:45am 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 due to attendance of students in observation of Jewish holidays and/or public school holiday closings: Sunday, March 4, 2018 - Community Parade – no access to Temple Thank you to all the parents who contribute and support our school whenever they are called upon to do. Thank You!    UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE: Friday, March 2 nd at 7:30pm – Shabbat Family Service Saturday, March 3 rd at 4:45pm - Havdalah followed by PURIM CARNIVAL Come in Costume!! Sunday, March 11 th at 12:30pm - Brian the Animal Guy Wednesday, March 14 th at 4:00- 5:00 – “Your World Drum Circle” with Brendon Finnegan in the Temple Israel Social Hall.  Free admission. Sunday, March 18 th at 12:30pm – The Magic of Music -RSVP (718)490-4428 Sunday, March 25 th at 11:00am – MODEL SEDER (PARENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE) 12:30pm – The Magic of Music-RSVP (718)447-6225 Friday, March 30 th at 6:00pm – COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER (reservations required- see flyer above)- (No Shabbat Services) Joyce Miller School Advisor

We are working with Rabbi Howald on making an “Encore Campaign” a reality. This is an attempt to listen to your needs and desires for programming that fits each of your particular age groups with emphasis on those who are above middle age and have “done it all”, thus having Encores! So please watch and listen carefully for further information on how we will go about this. Please speak to the Rabbi if you have any ideas for this program. We will also be offering a program which will recognize and applaud women for their accomplishments upon reaching a “certain age”. Again watch for more information. We are giving some thought to combining committees who work on presenting programs of social action and intellectual stimulation, and just plain fun! This will be with the goal of expanding our ideas and presenting them in a new, creative way.

Yes, another book by one of our favorite authors! “The Devil in Jerusalem” is a novel based on a true story. Deborah Goodman, raised as a Modern Orthodox Jew in Pittsburgh, looks for something more. She finds her soul mate in a Shlomie, another soul seeking to become a Talmud scholar. They make the Aliyah to Israel, trying their hands at farming. After failing at that, Deborah’s grandmother passes, leaving the bulk of her estate to Deborah. Deborah and Shlomie move to the city, living off Grandma’s legacy. They are entranced by “The Messiah”, and become victims of his cult. Deborah’s children suffer the consequences. This gripping novel takes you through their lives, the investigation, and the outcome. Knowing this is based on a true story keeps you turning the pages. Read this great book, and let me know if you want to have a book discussion! Barbara Tepper, Library Chair

Rabbi Howald’s next book discussion will be on Monday, January 29, 2018. This will again be a Bring A Dairy Dish to Share dinner, to eat while we discuss, beginning at 7 pm. The book Rabbi Howald has chosen is “To the End of the Land” by David Grossman, an Israeli author. As reviewed in the New York Times, "  Grossman offers a wonderful, almost quirky account of Ora raising her two boys. He has a way of making the most ordinary moments glow, each detail chosen to suggest how odd and engaging people are, and how unsimple and deeply interesting human relations become. Like everything else in the book, the haven of love and care that Ora creates for her sons and her husband is invaded by fear and misery and a sort of coarseness once her sons begin their military service, entering a world of roadblocks, ambushes and arrests that she can only imagine in horror." Please RSVP to Judith Pessah at  judithpessah@gmail.com Please let Judy know what you plan to bring! We hope to see you there, having read the book!  Remember, you can purchase Barnes and Noble gift cards through our Certificate Program in order to purchase the book. Scroll down to see details.

January 20 th , 2018 was an amazing day! Almost 200,000 women, men and children marched in New York City to protest, well, choose your poison. We had a great contingent from Temple Israel, including Barbara Tepper, Barbara Fried, Barbara Fiegelman, Linda Mulnick, Robin Howald, Judy Scher, Judy Lee, Eileen Pappert, Terry and Steve Baver, as well as former members Anne Young and Deborah Schwartz. It was a balmy, sunny day. Just seeing so many New Yorkers marching was awe inspiring. The powerful mood was contagious, the signs ranging from serious to comical (carried by a young child “I am 5 years old and thoroughly disgusted. I can’t wait to vote!). Afterwards, some went home, some intrepid marchers stayed in the city to see a movie. Let’s hope we don’t have to do this again in 2019. But if we do, please consider joining us, and have your spirits lifted! Respectfully submitted, Barbara Tepper and Pamela Rogozin, Co-Chairs

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 NO SHUSH SHABBAT (for Special Needs Children & their families) h 6:00 p.m. FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 3 HAVDALAH SERVICE PURIM CARNIVAL 4:00 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 11 BRIAN WILD & HIS INTERACTIVE ANIMALS 12:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 “YOUR WORLD DRUM CIRCLE" 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 16 I*SHABBAT (Interactive Shabbat Service for Young Children & Families) 6:00 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 18 THE MAGIC OF MUSIC 12:30 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 25 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MODEL SEDER 11:00 a.m.  For information and future dates for No Shush Shabbats, click here !

ORDERS MAY BE PLACED UNTIL MARCH 23 . STOCK IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE PLACE YOUR ORDERS EARLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! We encourage you to share the flyer and ordering information with family and friends!

HELP SUPPORT Sisterhood of Temple Israel Buy Matzohgram © Printed Matzos for Passover Dear Friends, Sisterhood of Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island is excited to offer you a fun way to celebrate Passover while supporting our temple with your purchase! Matzohgram © Printed Matzos were recently featured in USA TODAY, The Jerusalem Post, URJ Biennial in December and was awarded “Best New Product” at KosherFest (the worlds largest kosher food exposition).  With each purchase of at least $30.00, Matzohgram © will generously donate 30% of your product purchase back to our synagogue. These monies will help fund exciting Sisterhood programming and community outreach opportunities here at Temple Israel. Available in two sizes: Large and Mini. Each box contains multiple designs. Matzohgram © uses FDA compliant food grade edible inks and are Certified Kosher for Passover.   All Matzos are baked by Matzot Aviv in Israel.   Purchasing is quick and easy! Beginning February 10, 2018, 1.    Go To: www.Matzohgram.com 2.    Place your Matzohgram © order ($30 min.) 3.    Type in our Synagogue “Charity Code”  RFM712 4.    Matzohgram © will ship directly to you. Feel good knowing that Matzohgram © will generously donate 30% of your product purchase directly back to Sisterhood of Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island. Pass along our exclusive Charity Code to friends and family to ensure that Temple Israel will also benefit when they order.   For further information please contact Jodi Siegel or Claire Guttsman at (718)727-2231 or ticommunication@aol.com. Click here to print this letter!

Click here to download or print the flyer!

CLICK ON THE FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD

Are you stressed? Do you want to build your core strength? Join us. Thursdays 7:15-8:15 p.m. March 1,8,15,22 Sundays 6:00-7:00 p.m. March 4,11,18,25 Members: $15 Non-Members $18. Bring your own Yoga Mat Both sets of classes are for ADULTS ONLY . Free baby sitting during Sunday classes only. Both Chair and mat students are accommodated at each class. For more information contact Bryn Biren  1(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.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT FLYER

SAVE THE DATE!

To place an ad in our Commemorative Gala Journal, click here!

Look for your invitation in the mail within the next few weeks .

Contributions 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. To see list of all recent Tributes and Program Donations to Funds...

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THE DR. RONALD AVIS FOUNDATION The Avis Foundation is happy to welcome a new members to Temple Israel. REGINA FUKS and JERRY LOKSHIN have become members, along with children SAMANTHA, ISABELLA, REBECCA & JOSHUA. We are delighted to welcome them to our Temple Family, During the month of March we have a number of exciting activities. On Sunday, March 11th Brian the Animal Guy returns for the final visit from 12:30-1:30. He is bringing a variety of his favorite animals. The children will be encouraged to touch the pets and ask many questions, On Wednesday, March 14th, from 4:00 - 5:00 PM,Temple Israel hosts “ YOUR WORLD DRUM CIRCLE”, starring Brendan Finnegan. This is part of the JCC Music Festival. Children will all participate in this musical program. The program is free and open to the community. Join us on Sundays, March 18 & 25 from 12:30 - 1:30 PM, as the Avis Foundation presents “A Magical Taste of Music” for children ages 4-9. RUSSELL SMITH, teacher at the JCC Music Institute, will instruct the children with a variety of musical techniques and will demonstrate instruments. The programs are free. Adult Yoga classes are offered every Sunday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. DENISE NIZARRE leads the classes which are designed for both mat and Chair students. DENISE is an inspiring instructor, providing variety of instruction each week. The Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation was established to make it possible for young families to become members of Temple Israel at greatly reduced rates. If you know of any young families that might be interested have them contact us. For more information call the Temple office at 1(718)727-2231.  Sincerely, Bryn Biren & Terry Baver

Click here to print or download this flyer.

CLICK ON THE FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD.

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

TREE OF LIFE   Commemorate a special celebration or honor a family member or friend with a beautifully engraved leaf or stone on our Tree of Life.  Click here for details.  LOOKING FOR A JEWISH E-CARD FOR HOLIDAYS OR LIFE CYCLE EVENTS?? Visit URJ AT THIS LINK

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.

Click on the Prayerbook of your choice for the Prayerbook Donation Form!

For a printable version of this calendar, click here !

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

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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.