Temple Israel Reform Congregation
of Staten Island
315 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
tmplisrael@aol.com
‌
Rabbi Michael D. Howald                     Student Cantor Shirel Richman
Co-Presidents Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
E-Shalom - SEPTEMBER 2021
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.
We are happy to announce that live Friday Evening Erev Shabbat Services in our beautiful Sanctuary have resumed. They are also being live streamed.

Saturday morning Torah study and Shabbat Services will remain on Zoom.

Links for Live Streamed services will be e-mailed to all congregants, along with the Friday night Progam, every Friday. The Zoom link for Saturday morning Torah Study and Services can be found below.
Every week on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. followed by Services at 11:00 a.m.

Meeting ID: 894 4131 1190
Passcode: 981418
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89441311190#,,,,*981418# US (New York)
+13017158592,,89441311190#,,,,*981418# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
    +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
    +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
    +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
    +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 894 4131 1190
Passcode: 981418
ONLINE ACCESS TO
MISHKAN T'FILAH

Through the generosity of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, there is a free online flip-book version of our prayer book, Mishkan T'filah for Shabbat, available 
ONLINE ACCESS TO
MISHKAN T'FILAH for YOUTH

Through the generosity of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, there is a free online flip-book version of our prayer book, Mishkan T'filah for Youth, available 
Thank you to all who supported
Temple Israel
by participating in our Journal!
A Message from


Rabbi Michael D. Howald
      This year Rosh Hashana comes early, while the seasonal calendar still gives us several more weeks of summer. Since Rosh Hashana starts on September 6th, we switched to our prayer book for the Hebrew month of Elul and S’lichot (Mishkan HaLev “Sanctuary of the Heart) in the middle of a sweltering and humid August. Although Rosh Hashana can come as early as September 5th and as late as October 5th in the secular reckoning of the months, however, our Elul prayer book contains several readings that presume or praise the High Holidays when they come in the fall.  No readings in the prayer book that I can find celebrate a Rosh Hashana that, like this year, comes when we are still basking in the summer heat.
         Its not that hard to figure out why. We associate Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur with turning and change and its helpful when our inner and outer worlds are aligned. One of the opening readings in Mishkan HaLev speaks of the leaves “beginning to turn from green to red and orange” and the birds “beginning to turn” and head “once more toward the south.” A piece of poetry by Marge Piercy in the book states that “I like Rosh Hashonah late, when the leaves are half burnt” because “I repent better in the waning season….” Clergy (and ritual committees!) tend to like late Rosh Hashana better because it gives them more time to plan, but it’s hard to deny the additional power that all our High Holiday talk about “change” and “returning” has when our senses also confirm the world is changing around us.
         One of our professors at Hebrew Union College, Eugene Borowitz (z”l) used to remind us that part of the art of praying was learning how to pray in a variety of circumstances. Sometimes we come to services primed for the ritual, the words, and the music. Other times we come to prayer with a metaphorical chip on our shoulder, daring the book and the melodies to try to move us from our stubborn opposition to engagement.  Add to the variability in ourselves each time we come to services, the differences in the music and readings chosen, in the nature and number of the congregation, and in the identity and mood of the service leaders (to name just a few outside factors) and we soon realize that all of us are already experienced in how to negotiate services, even when our inner and outer worlds are not aligned. The skill, professor Borowitz would teach us, is in finding some mental anchor that will hold us fast in whatever seas (or seasons) our prayers take place in.
         For this year, we need new metaphors to keep us steady.  Instead of talking about falling leaves and birds flying south, let’s remind ourselves of a world still lush and verdant as a symbol of the ongoing vitality of the Jewish people in the face of antisemitism. Instead of relishing the threat of frost, let’s speak of summer as a sign of life’s enduring renewal despite ongoing challenges of life during a pandemic.  Just as the trees grow toward the sun, so let us strive to grow toward those moments that nurture us spiritually and away from those bad habits that fail to send our roots rain. Instead of seeing green leaves and songbirds as a discordant note on Rosh Hashana, let’s see them as an indication that we still have time to change and that the gates of repentance are not yet closed. If we can see the world in that way, even if we never lose our preference for a late beginning to the Jewish year, we can still learn to treasure both the late, and the early, Rosh Hashana. Shana Tova and an easy fast! 
Rabbi Michael Howald   
A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
L’Shana Tovah,

It is with optimism that we enter the holiest period of our calendar, hoping that the current virus surge is only a temporary setback.  Please be assured that we are closely monitoring the situation. As we have repeatedly said, the plans that we publish (even in this issue of E-Shalom) are subject to change to maximize the safety of our Congregation while trying our best to allow everyone to worship and participate at their own comfort levels.

Please check your mail for your Membership Cards and watch your e-mail for additional streaming details.  Also, we ask that you submit your proof of vaccination documents to the Temple office where they will be kept in a secure file.  These documents must be received prior to your arrival for our High Holy Day services.

We hope that you will be joining us in person or viewing our services via our streaming service. In either case, please keep in mind that your High Holy Day pledge, more than ever, makes a difference in supporting Temple Israel.

Wishing you and easy fast,

Jerry and Alan
Jerry Gross
Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
‌
Dear Fellow Congregants,

As you read this article we will be rapidly approaching our High Holy Day Services.  As with our Summer Erev Shabbat services, our HHD services will be returning to our Sanctuary.  We will gladly welcome those of you who are able to attend in person, as well as those who will be live streaming these services from a remote location.  In either case, you will need your current membership card to participate.  For those attending in person, you will also need to show proof of completed Covid vaccination.  In addition, as a form of health-related protection, masks will be required for all attendees while on Temple property.

We are grateful to all of you who have already begun to honor your annual commitment to Temple Israel for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, and you will be the first among our congregation to receive your membership cards in the mail.  Those congregants who have not yet begun this process will have to personally obtain their cards prior to admission.  If you have not yet done so, please submit your documents and appropriate portion of your commitment to allow us to send your membership card to you prior to your attendance at our services.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me via the Temple office at 718-727-2231 or by calling me directly at 917-873-4739 and I will gladly speak with you.

With our best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year, please accept our thanks for your on-going commitment to Temple Israel.  It is with your generous support that we are able to maintain our religious home for today and for the future of Reform Judaism on Staten Island.

Alan Siegel
Financial Secretary (acting)
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.




Dear Temple Israel,

It is so good and exciting to come back to you after the summer break, to return to what already feels like a second home to me – not just virtually but physically as well.

Teshuvah (“return” or “coming back”) is a prominent theme in the month before the high holidays -- the month of Elul -- and during the High Holidays. In that context, we are invited to come back to our best selves, to think back on the year we had, do heshbon nefesh (self-examination), leave our bad choices behind and make plans to make this year better. This is a time for a deep search -- an internal search as individuals, and also a search as a community to learn and become better.

Especially this year, we have so much to come back to. Sadly, in the past eighteen months we had to leave so much behind because of the global pandemic. Now we have the privilege to slowly and carefully come back to small, in-person gatherings. 

How do you come back to people you only met online? Do you introduce yourself as if you just met, or are you now old friends (who just met)? Meeting people in-person that you only met online can be disorienting – faces look different, heights are surprising, and the appearance of legs and feet is shocking. 

And what are the new rules for hugs? Handshakes? Physical touch or social distance? 

As we are approaching the High Holidays together, we need to remember that as much as we want to return, our return is not complete. Before hugging, it is necessary to take the time to ask the person in front of us what are their new boundaries. Singing in masks can be uncomfortable, our voices will sound muffled or weaker than we remembered. Communal singing will feel uplifting and the temptation to lift the mask will be great. But we must do our public Teshuvah in a responsible way. In a way that will be as safe as possible for the entire community, rewarding and meaningful in the moment but carefully planned and thoughtful.

Welcome back to our holy space – our physical, virtual and communal Temple Israel.

L’shana Tovah Tikatevu V’techatemu! (May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year!)

Shirel Richman
Student Cantor

Adult Choir Rehearsals
Thursday, September 2- 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 9- 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 14- 7:00 p.m.(tent.)

Junior Choir Rehearsals
Sunday, September 12-12 noon
Sunday, September 19-12 noon
Sunday, September 26-12 noon
If you would like to join the Choir, please contact Student Cantor Shirel Richman at scantorrichman@gmail.com.
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
As we reflect on the summer activities of Sisterhood, we are thrilled that we had a pretty "normal" summer. Services, onegs, and annual activities took place "just like always". We are especially grateful to Sandy Mazzucco, who along with some fabulous assistance from her husband Richie, made our Defensive Driving Course happen. We thank Sandy for her organization, sense of humor and her generosity in creating this successful program and fundraiser in July.

Special Thanks go to Silvia Gornstein, Susie Goldstein, Linda Brill, Maxine Cohen, Pamela Carlton, Felicia Otto and Bryn Biren for providing wonderful desserts for our unsponsored Onegs in August. Thank you to all those who have volunteered to serve in order to keep everyone healthy and safe. We are so appreciative of all the work Terry Baver continues to do to organize our servers and keep us all up to date on policies and practices. It has been wonderful being able to pray together again in our beautiful sanctuary and to enjoy desserts and each other in our social hall following services.  Come join us on a Friday evening for Erev Shabbat Services and Oneg!

As we get ready for the Holiday-filled month of September, we are excited that we will be able to celebrate in person at Temple. We have had to adjust some of our traditions this year, but we are sure that you understand all the reasons for these temporary changes. On the other hand, some things never change.
Thank you to Linda Brill, Sue Freedman, Anita Zuckerberg, Blanche Ricci, Silvia Gornstein and Pamela Carlton for making sure that our Ritual Silver sparkles for the High Holidays.
We want to thank Blanche Ricci and her cadre of honey elves (Inez Singer, Cheryl Levine, Beverly Mazer, Deanna Feder, Larry Hanibal and Jesse Siegel) for creating and delivering sweet New Year wishes in the form of beautiful honey gift bags.

Please look for Sisterhood's Annual Community New Year's Card to arrive in your mailbox very soon. We are grateful to Sisterhood Vice Presidents Judy Lee, Felicia Otto and Silvia Gornstein for continuing this wonderful tradition for us, and to Claire Guttsman for her guidance and advice. This year's card was designed by JD Lee, Judy's child. We know you will love and appreciate the magnificent artwork! Get your frames ready! Thank you JD!

We will, once again, be raising funds in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will take place on Sunday, October 17th. (Details to follow.) The Temple Israel Community has always enthusiastically supported this event and we are hoping to raise even more funds this year. Please help us by submitting your donations made payable to The American Cancer Society to Sisterhood or mail them directly to Inez Singer at 501 Greaves Lane, SI, NY 10308.

We look forward to seeing you at all the Sisterhood events taking place over the next month or so. Don't miss a thing!

Sisterhood/Brotherhood Kick-Off Meeting & Breakfast- Sunday, 9/12
A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, Author of Here All Along - Thursday, 9/23
Pizza in the Hut and Sippin' In the Sukkah - Saturday, 9/25
Sisterhood's Paid-Up Members' Breakfast and Program- Sunday, 10/3

PLEASE RSVP:

Please participate in Sisterhood's High Holiday Food Drive to benefit Project Hospitality. Bring your non-perishable donations to our Kick-off Meeting on Sunday, September 12th.

Full 2021-2022 Sisterhood Calendar is ready.  Just click on the link below to see all the fabulous events we have planned for this year and mark your own calendars so that you can be there!!!

Sisterhood offers a world of opportunities for friendship, learning, spirituality, fun community service and volunteerism. You don't have to be a Sisterhood Officer to get involved. If there are any activities or events that interest you and you would like to help plan or if there is something that you would like to see happen, just let us know. We would be thrilled to have you join us.

We wish you a New Year filled with joy, peace, healthy and happiness.
L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu.
In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents


Click on the icon to the right to print or download the entire Sisterhood Calendar for 2021-2022.
Please note that this calendar may not reflect very recent changes or updates.
In conjunction with other Sisterhoods of the WRJ Northeast District, we are proud to present.....
REGISTRATION IS FREE TO ALL PAID UP SISTERHOOD & FRIENDS OF SISTERHOOD MEMBERS. (NON-MEMBERS MAY ATTEND FOR $18).
TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE:
THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island


Hello Everyone. 

I hope everyone continues to enjoy good health as we navigate through these uncertain times.

We held our Brotherhood Barbeque on Sunday August 15th. We had about 40 people attend, and a good time was had by all. I want to thank Kevin Lipsitz for taking the lead on this event once again this year.

Special thanks to Sylvia Gornstein and Susie Goldstein for their donation of fruit and desserts.

We had many Brotherhood and Sisterhood members assist us on that day. Their generous offering of helping serve, prepare and cleanup was greatly appreciated. We hope to continue the tradition next year.

 Once again, thank you to all the Brotherhood members for their dedication this past year, and I hope next year will be even better. 

As we move forward, in-person events and meetings for the Brotherhood have been calendared for the coming year. Hopefully we will all be able to come together soon and experience the friendship and camaraderie that we so much look forward to.

Now is the time to make your commitment to Brotherhood for the coming year. Thank you to all the men who have already done so, but if you have not, please send your $45 dues check, along with your name, phone number and e-mail to the Temple—Attention: Brotherhood.

We look forward to our kickoff Breakfast along with Sisterhood on Sunday morning, September 12th at 10 AM. I hope to see you there.

Always know that we are here to assist in any way. If you need something done, someone to talk to or whatever it might be please reach out and we will make sure your needs are addressed.  I leave you with, stay strong, stay safe, be positive and do your best together we will come through this stronger,

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
SEPTEMBER 2021
MAZEL TOV TO:
JOSH & RACHEL BAVER on the birth of Benjamin Noah and to proud grandparents TERRY & STEPHEN BAVER;
Founder and CEO ILENE PAPPERT on securing a $52.9M grant for improvements to the Goodhue Center;
Jack Freedman, son of SUSAN FREEDMAN on receiving an NYFA Grant to conduct poetry workshops.

CONDOLENCES TO:
Former member Harriet Friedman-Wilson and family on the loss of her mother Norma Friedman at age 100.

GET WELL WISHES TO:  

SANDY FEUERSTEIN recovering from a foot injury; 
JANET HARRIS SMITH recovering from surgery;
HELEN SIBERLIGHT recovering from a broken shoulder

THINKING OF YOU:

CLAIRE & DENNIS GUTTSMAN; SUE FREEDMAN, DR. ALICIA BASKIN; SUSAN WEINMAN;MAXINE COHEN;  REBECCA HAND; JOYCE KANTROWITZ ( mother of LINDA HANIBAL); ARNIE GROSSMAN; JOSEPH GAMORAN.



Condolences to former member Harriet Friedman-Wilson and family on the ;oss of her mother Norma Friedman at 100.

Congratulations to

L’Shanah Tova.  As we write this article we continue to prepare for the High Holy Days.  And though some things may look a little different this year due to the need to take into consideration the safety and health of our clergy and congregation, we are grateful to be able to have in person and streamed High Holy Day Services for 5782 starting on Evev Rosh Hashanah Monday September 6th at 8:00PM Masks are to be worn and special directions for seating have been communicated by the Temple Board.  Congregants have been instructed to bring their own crumbs for Tashlicht and there will be no Sisterhood sponsored “Break the Fast” this year.

The Memory Book is just about ready for the printer thanks to the computer expertise of Temple Co-President Jerrold Gross. High Holy Day honors are and continue to be adjusted as needed, Pamela Carlton, Sue Freedman, Silvia Gornstein, Blanche Ricci and Anita Zuckerberg polished the Ritual Silver and Sisterhood Serving Trays with Linda and Shariann and Jeff Ganz made sure the High Holy Day White Torah Covers were dry cleaned in time for Selichot.

Selichot, a prelude to the High Holy Days will be observed on Saturday Evening August 28th starting at 7:00 PM and includes a very light repast, a study session led by Rabbi Howald titled “Forgiving the Departed-Seeking Forgiveness from the Departed”, Havdalah and the Selichot Service. Please join us.  And we look forward to seeing you at Temple for Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat Shuvah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.  The specific dates and times of all Services are found elsewhere in the Bulletin.  And if you are more comfortable, as noted above all Services are streamed.  Using the flyer included in this Bulletin, be sure to order your Lulav and Etrog Sets by September 12th and be prepared to wave them in all directions during Sukkot.

As the summer ends and we welcome back our Student Cantor Shirel Richman from her summer break, we thank Jim Rohan for providing musical leadership for the Erev Shabbat Services in the months of July and August.  Saturday Morning Torah Study and Services continued and will continue on the Zoom platform at least through the beginning of September.  The lay leaders who led Saturday morning Torah Study in the months of July and August were Linda Brill, Pam Carlton, Judy Lee, Barbara Fried, JR Rich, Arnie Grossman, and Maxine Cohen.  The Saturday morning Shabbat Services were led by Jaimie Blackman, Dr. Ken Pickover and Pamela Carlton. We thank them all for their dedication and generosity of time.

Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
__________________________

We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of ushering, lighting the candles and reciting the Motzi at Erev Shabbat Services in August:
Felicia Otto, Cheryl Levine, Shariann Ganz, Jeffrey Ganz and Linda Brill
  
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
September 3, 2021
Solomon Jacob Gross *
Phyllis Vaccarelli
Samuel Flaum
Charles Hirsh
Irving E. Rothaus *
Gertrude Newhouse Diamond *
Helen E. Frey
Jack Goodman
Marc Kopstein *

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Leska Haeusler
Ferencne Kemeny
Louis Marcaud
Abram Gonsior
Raymond Faugere


September 10, 2021
Florence Harrison
Robert T. Lane *
Tom Sparacio
Samuel Elman *
Harold Landowne
Boris Reznikoff
David Schmeidler *
Harry Avis *
Leo Diamond *
Irving Reznikoff
Sidney Simon *
Harold Pappert
Joseph Gershansky
Irving Lieberman

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Emilie Heidt
Wladyslaw Schulz
Leah-Feigele Wargon
Edit Levai
Alfred Pruchciak
September 17, 2021
Sidney Goldberg *
Pauline Spector *
Martin Goldstone
Joseph Newman *
Lewis Schwartz
Irving Spector *
Isidore Janatofsky *
Dr. Melvin Victor *
Mark Heitowit *
Emanuel Leef
Marivic Lipton
Jacob Rosenberg *
Searle Selmon
Arthur Duskin *
Abraham Gamoran
Rebecca Henken
Lewis Werb *
Solomon Davidson *
Harriet Kramer

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Robert Menczer
Abe Beder
Oscher Abramowicz
Bruno Meissner
Ferenc Hean

September 24, 2021
Sedge Levee *
Milton Silberlight
Jeffrey Tenzer
Florence Weinstein *
Samuel Gootenberg *
Mollie Hirsh
Abraham Mendelsohn
Max Reiman *
Frances Lipston *
Herman Gross
Michael Berlyand
Fannie Kruger Levy *
Jorge Vinocur

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Albert Mizrahi
Judel Oliszewski
Brana Wagner
Mina Wisberg
Shmerl Volfson


 
* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
About the Weekly Yahrzeit List...

It has come to our attention that there is some confusion about who is listed on the Yahrzeit List each Shabbat.  The list consists of three parts.

The first part is only read when there has been a recent death in the congregational family, and is introduced by “….recently taken from our midst.”  In this section, we list congregants who have passed away, or the seven closest family members of a congregant as defined by those for whom a mourner is traditionally obligated to sit shiva:  spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter.  These names are included weekly for the month after their funeral.

The second part of the list is preceded by the phrase “We recall the names of our loved ones whose Yahrzeit is observed this week” and it consists of those whose yahrzeits (death anniversary) fall from Saturday to the next Friday.  These names come from the compilation of names of people our congregants have submitted that they wish to remember annually on either the Hebrew or Gregorian anniversary of their passing.  It is not limited to family members outlined above and can include grandparents, in-laws or others of significance to you.  You have the opportunity to add names every year with the papers that come with the renewal of your annual commitment. You can also add names at any time by writing to the Temple Office.  These names are kept from year to year.  Those who have had a memorial plaque dedicated to their name will be read each year regardless of your membership status.

The third part of the list contains the name of several Holocaust victims from the list we have obtained from Yad Vashem as of way of remembering those who have no one to say Kaddish for them

As you may have noticed, after Rabbi has finished reading the Yahrzeit List, he invites Service attendees to offer additional names for any period of mourning.  This is an opportunity to mention anyone important to you.

Please be aware that the second and third part of the weekly Yahrzeit List are printed in E-Shalom each month.  Also, you will receive a letter from Rabbi prior to the Yahrzeit that the name will be read on an upcoming Shabbat and a reminder when to light a Yahrzeit candle if that is your practice.  You can also make a donation in your loved one’s memory in the Shabbat program the week his or her name is read.

If you have any further questions about the weekly Yahrzeit List, please feel free to reach out to us through the Temple office.
We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact John at the Temple Office to update your membership information.
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. 
Erev Shabbat Services

Friday, September 3
Celebration of September
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Service at 7:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)

Friday, September 10
SHABBAT SHUVAH
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)

Friday, September 17
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)

Friday, September 24
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
Happy New Year and Happy New SCHOOL year! We are excited to be back to Religious and Hebrew school in-person this fall!
School kicks off on Sunday, September 12th with our family service at 9:30am in the sanctuary and classes from 10:00am-12:00pm.

Important September dates to join us for also include:
  • Thursday, September 16th- our children's Yom Kippur Service at 1:30pm
  • Sunday, September 19th-our children will decorate the sukkah during school
  • Saturday, September 25th-Sisterhood's Pizza in the Hut event- a great opportunity to enjoy our sukkah and have pizza together with family and friends.

Our first parents' committee meeting will take place on Sunday, September 26th at 10:00am and we're looking forward to supporting our school and congregation with some wonderful events this year. All are encouraged to get involved. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. 

Be well!

Felicia Otto
Parents' Committee Chair
Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens.

The first Membership Committee event for the new year will take place on Saturday, October 23rd.  Join us for any or all of the following components of the day:
●    Torah Study at 10:00 am
●    Shabbat morning services at 11:00 am
●    Lunch following services at 1:00 pm.
See flyer following this article. 
We look forward to a beautiful and spiritual morning and to celebrating Shabbat together.

Learn- Pray-Eat-Sing and Schmooze with us!

Our community offers everything from worship to family engagement to adult learning to opportunities to engage in social justice activities. We are all the best ambassadors for Temple Israel and for the future of progressive Jewish values on Staten Island.

If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our Temple, please have them contact the Membership Committee through the Temple Office.
$$$EASYfundraising
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!
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.ricci@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.
Some featured Judaica Shop items this month:
Contact Blanche Ricci at branchtr.ricci@gmail.com
if you are interested in any Judaica Shop items.
The Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation at Temple Israel was begun with the goal of making it possible for young families to affiliate with a synagogue and to educate their children in the Reform tradition. It is an expensive world, there are many demands placed on young families, and Dr. Avis did not want financial stresses to prevent Temple affiliation. The Avis Foundation provides an adjusted dues scale over a period of years. In addition the Foundation offers educational and social opportunities for the children and their parents.

This is the start of our new Religious School year. Educating the children is the foremost goal. Beginning this month we are delighted to welcome two new teachers to our school, Molly Nemirow and Alyx Magnus. In the coming weeks you will meet them, will be impressed by their enthusiasm and intelligence, and will be happy to have them working in our school. We are also hoping that the new year will bring even greater participation of the parents in our Religious School students. In addition to gaining new families, Dr. Avis’ wish was to develop leaders to take Temple Israel into the future. Many of our current leaders have done the decision making and the Temple’s work for many years. They are ready to work together with this next generation of parents, preparing them to take over the leadership roles of our congregation.

It is a new year , a time for a new start and new involvements. Let us know about any families who might want to join Temple Israel. We will reach out to them. Just contact Terry Baver at Terryqbaver@aol.com or Bryn Biren at 
MsBunny7@ aol.com and we will contact them.

L’Shanah Tovah! May this be a sweet, safe, and healthy year for each of you. 
Bryn Biren
Terry Baver
Avis Foundation Trustees
Book Discussions
Many thanks to Judy Lee for conducting, on August 24th, our discussion of ”Yes I Can Say That When They Come for the Comedians We Are In Trouble” by Judy Gold. Though, she is not the best of writers, Judy Gold’s book stimulated much thought, and annoyance!

October 19 at 7PM—“Yiddish Policeman’s Union” by Michael Chabon. Robin Howald will lead the discussion. RSVP and check with Cheryl for the location, if you wish to join us. Cherylmlevine@gmail.com.

“Paris, Here We Come, Again”
We will be presenting two programs (on Zoom) given by our Parisian guide, Karen Rudel, and her company, Sightseekers Delight.
Sunday, October 10, at 4PM—“Montmartre” featuring the Artistic history of the area.
Sunday, January 30, at 4PM—“French Food Frenzy” the substance of which we can leave to your imagination. 
Email Judy ASAP, judithpessah@gmail.com if you wish to attend.
At least two weeks before each presentation, please send $18 to Temple Israel; write Adult Learning in the Memo.

Jewish Boat Ride
On Sunday, October 17 at 1PM, we will be embarking on a guided journey around Manhattan’s waterways to view places of interest that are in some way connected to the Jewish People. Please let Cheryl know if you will be sailing with us. The fee is $45. Watch for a flyer with more details.
This is real!!! We will meet at the Circle Line Dock!                                   

Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons














Please join the FUNdraising committee on Saturday October 16, 2021 for A Night at The Races.
This will be a fun filled night with laughter guaranteed! $20 per person by October 8. $25pp at the door. Children 13 and under are free. Come and be a horse at the races. You can also sponsor a race for $36
Please see attached Flyer for all the information.

Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
NEWLY ADDED:
KOHL’S, TARGET & CARVEL!!!!
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.
Click the order forms above to print or download.
meditation_pose_silhouette.jpg
Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join Us.

ALL YOGA CLASSES
ARE TAKING PLACE
VIA ZOOM ON

Thursday, September 2 - 6:15
Thursday, September 23 - 6:15
Sunday, September 26 - 6:00
Thursday, September 30 - 6:15


Instructor: Denise Nizzare

ZOOM LINK FOR MONDAYS
ZOOM MEETING ID:
964 585 2910
PASSWORD:
332084

PLEASE CONTACT BRYN BIREN FOR INFORMATION.


Free for Temple Israel Members & Their Friends!


Classes are for ADULTS ONLY.

Both chair and mat students are accommodated at each class.

For more information, contact
Terry Baver at 718-490-4428 or
Bryn Biren at 718-447-6225

We recently read in parashah Shof’tim, from the book of Deuteronomy, the famous words, “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” These words remind us that Judaism is concerned with establishing a fair and equitable society where everyone can participate in the democratic process.  As the High Holidays approach and we take stock of our own lives, the RAC would also like us to take stock of our democracy and take action to preserve the voting rights which are the foundation of our democratic society. 

The Reform Movement’s 2021 Racial Justice Campaign

Call to Action
Congress will be reconvening with the promise of passing voting rights legislation.  Please email our Senators to keep up the pressure and not allow this bill to be ignored or buried due to other legislative initiatives.


As Jews we are mandated to pursue justice, to work for freedom and to make this world a better place for all.
PLEASE SUPPORT SISTERHOOD
AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.
Send your donation checks payable to: THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY to Sisterhood at Temple Israel OR mail them directly to Inez Singer at 501 Greaves Lane, Staten Island, NY 10308.
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 
  • Confirmation 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 
  • Rabbi Michael D. Howald Fund for Social Action and Tikkun Olam

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...
CLICK ON THIS ICON TO TAKE YOU THERE!
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.