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 Shirel Richman
Co-Presidents Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
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E-Shalom - DECEMBER 2021
Temple Israel’s Electronic Bulletin
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“Shalom, Welcome to Temple Israel....” is a phrase taught to us by Carole Lachman, a beloved, long-time congregant and bulletin editor who died in 2002. We named our bulletin in her honor and worked to realize her vision of Temple Israel as a community that welcomes the stranger and lets no one stand alone. As we move to a new version of this tradition of communicating with our Temple Israel family, we continue to forward Carole’s vision, love and devotion for our synagogue. |
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The Temple Board has updated the Temple COVID policy with respect to attending anything inside the Temple building. It now includes all events, not just services, and provides access to meetings and services for non-vaccinated attendees upon proof of a recent negative COVID test.
Proof of vaccination is required for those 16 and older, or, for the unvaccinated (regardless of medical waiver,) a negative COVID test taken within the previous 7 days.
This is effective as of Friday, September 24, 2021. In summary, the policy for admittance to the building will be:
· For entry into the Temple building for any event, adults and children over 16 must show proof of vaccination or present a negative result of a COVID test taken in the previous seven (7) days.
· All children must remain with their parents or guardians except during school classes or organized child activities.
· Masks must be worn at all times, within and outside of the building.
· Please bring your vaccination information to the door (phone app or copy of certificate.) You can also submit proof to the Temple office to expedite entry.
Thank you for your cooperation in maximizing the safety of our Congregation.
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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. (Please check weekly News and Notes and the Friday Night Program for any updates or changes.)
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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
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 894 4131 1190
Passcode: 981418
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**PLEASE CHECK NEWS & NOTES AND THE FRIDAY NIGHT PROGRAM E-MAILS FOR STREAMING LINKS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS AND FOR ANY CHANGES REGARDING STREAMING AND/OR ZOOM LINKS. |
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SPECIAL LINKS FOR EREV SHABBAT SERVICES ON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 AND FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
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Meeting ID: 847 6931 6595
Passcode: 632644
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
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Meeting ID: 819 2946 2154
Passcode: 359820
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
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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
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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
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A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
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We know that gratitude is central to the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Not everyone knows, however, that thanksgiving stands at the center of our traditional Chanukah celebration as well. Sometimes lost in the gift-giving common to the American observance of the Festival of Lights are the special prayers of gratefulness found in the prayerbook insertions for the days of Chanukah. These prayers, one called Hanerot Halalu (“These Lights") and the other inserted into the daily prayer of gratitude (Al haNisim- “Concerning the Miracles”) each thankfully acknowledge the miracles and mighty deeds done for our ancestors in the days of the Maccabees. Recognizing this, Rabbi Nachman of Bretslov, who lived in late 18th and early 19th Poland, would teach that “the days of Chanukah are days of thanksgiving.”
Gratitude, of course, has been an important theme of Judaism since the beginning. Leah named her fourth child, Yehuda (“Judah”), a name that means “[I] give thanks.” The word “Jew” derives from this name since the name for the ancient kingdom and land of Judea derives from the name of this fourth son of Leah, the son whose descendants become the line of the sovereigns of Israel. The idea that gratitude is intrinsic to Judaism, as Alan Morinis, the founder of the Mussar Institute writes, is “confirmed in the prayerbook where so many of the prayers express gratitude to God for all we have.”
In Hebrew, the term used to express the idea of thankfulness or gratitude is haKarat haTov, “recognizing the good.” The ethical discipline of Mussar, a set of teachings for cultivating spiritual growth within Judaism, views haKarat haTov as an important middah, a “measure” or “soul-trait” on which we should focus as part of an effort to refine our behavior. Focusing on the soul-trait of gratitude helps us recognize the good we already have. This recognition helps us, to paraphrase the words of Alan Morinis once again, make the heart feel what the mind already knows, i.e., that we all have received gifts, not the least of which are life itself and the human capacity to find meaning and hope even in the most terrible of circumstances.
Rav Eliyahu Lopian, a modern student of Mussar, particularly encouraged focusing on haKarat haTov in the context of family. The holidays of Thanksgiving and Chanukah are especially associated with family gatherings. After most of us missed the opportunity to be together for these holidays last year because of the pandemic, reflecting on thanks and gratitude in the context of seeing family again is a perfect way to gain perspective on what truly matters in this life. Yes, the supply chain may be clogged, and our country may still be divided by partisan strife, but by focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack, we expand our capacity to recognize the good when it enters our lives. If we can learn to do that, we will have a happy Chanukah indeed! Chag Urim Samai’ach! May the lights of the festival of lights shine in your mind and your heart this holiday season!
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A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
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Welcome to our final column for the 2021 calendar year. In this, the final month of that year we are still looking forward to many exciting events in which we can participate on an "in-person" basis. Hanukah continues during this month, even though it started ‘early’ this year during the month of November. Nonetheless, Temple Israel’s celebrations will be focused on the first weekend in December. We are very encouraged that the Shabbat Hanukah dinner is well-subscribed and will, of course, take place before our Erev Shabbat Service on the evening of December 3rd. At this dinner we will welcome our new members to our Congregation. And please remember that on December 3rd, in addition to celebrating the month’s birthdays and anniversaries, we will also be participating in our annual HANUKAH PAJAMAKAH where everyone is encouraged to wear their most colorful holiday-themed pajamas.
Another sign-of-the-times is the presence of Sisterhood’s colorful and creative chocolate gelt mosaic. This year’s presentation was prepared by more than 20 Sisterhood members and remains on display in our Social Hall if front of the Tapestry. Please be sure to take a look!
In a recent D’var Torah, Rabbi Howald spoke about the numerous examples of the depiction of Jacob’s Ladder that exist in our House of Worship. In his reference to Jacob ascending the ladder to Heaven, he also alluded to the need for members of our Congregation to ascend to positions of leadership in Temple Israel. We strongly support this idea and encourage each of you to consider how your active participation in the life of our Temple will help to sustain it in the future as the home of Reform Judaism on Staten Island. Please feel free to check in with us to identify how you can begin on the road to leadership at Temple Israel.
We look forward to greeting you at our many activities during this month and in the coming months of the new calendar year.
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Jerry and Alan
Jerry Gross
Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
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Thanks to all of our Congregants who have made arrangements to honor their annual commitments to Temple Israel. If you still have outstanding obligations, please forward them to my attention at the Temple Office.
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Please remember that you are welcome to acknowledge special events, memorialize family members, share get well wishes or simply offer support to one of your favorite Temple funds by submitting a donation to our weekly Shabbat program. Your donations help to support the efforts of our Temple, as does your your support of all of our fundraising events.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Temple account, please feel free to contact me at finsectmplisr@gmail.com and I will be glad to speak with you.
Best wishes for a happy, safe and happy new year.
Alan Siegel
Financial Secretary (acting)
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Please consider becoming a member of our
KAVOD SOCIETY.
It helps to make membership available to all our families. Speak to our Financial Secretary to upgrade your membership.
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Shirel Richman
Student Cantor
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Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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This past month has been a whirlwind of activity for Sisterhood. It kicked off with our Executive Board meeting where we finalized plans for all of the upcoming membership and fundraising activities.
Many of us attended the fabulous cabaret evening, sponsored by the Avis Foundation for Temple Israel, in memory of our beloved Jennifer Straniere. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees and the support of Bryn Biren and Terry Baver, Sisterhood raised over $2600 for the “Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Seder”. These funds will allow us to continue the work Jennifer did for so many years and will make it possible for more of our community to celebrate Passover with us at Temple Israel.
Just a week later, we held our annual Holiday Gift Fair in the Social Hall. Thanks to Blanche Ricci and Deanna Feder, our Judaica Shop chairs, and the assistance of so many others, we were able to provide a very successful Chanukah shopping experience for our congregation and their friends. Between all of our Judaica and Chanukah items and the special items created by our guest vendors, there was something for everyone—from our youngest Religious School students to their parents, and grandparents, Brotherhood members, Sisterhood members and clergy! Thank you to all who shopped, purchased, set up and cleaned up. We appreciate you all.
Only 4 days after that, we hosted an Adult Pizza Making Party at Bario’s. Thanks to our Vice Presidents of Ways and Means, Judy Lee, Silvia Gornstein, and Felicia Otto, and Director Janice Gross, we enjoyed wine, appetizers, desserts and, of course, creating and eating our very own pizzas. (Check out the photos below.)
Two days later, not even having fully digested our pizzas, we held our November General Membership Meeting and recommenced our annual Chanukah tradition of creating our record-breaking Chocolate Gelt Mosaic using over 7000 coins! There are some photos below, but nothing beats seeing this masterpiece in person. It will be on display in the Social Hall until December 12th. This has truly become a labor of love for our Sisterhood, and we hope you enjoy it. Don’t worry, though! We still have lots of gelt left for you to enjoy all throughout Chanukah.
We look forward to celebrating the Festival of Lights with you on Friday, December 3rd as we welcome Temple Israel’s newest members at our Chanukah New Member Shabbat Dinner. Don’t forget to wear your Hanukah Pajamakahs and join us for traditional holiday foods, rituals, songs and fun.
Looking ahead, we are now taking reservations for our Bowling Bonanza which will take place on Sunday, January 23. See the flyer in the bulletin and get your reservations to Felicia Otto as soon as possible. This event is for everyone!
We will be holding our 2nd Annual Sample(d) Sale in February. So, save all those “not-so-perfect-for-me” gifts you receive this holiday season and help us make this event as much fun as it was last year. Details to follow!
You can also start putting aside all those items you just don’t need or want anymore because our “in-person” Rummage Sale will be back at the end of March. If you already have stuff you would like to donate and get out of the house, let us know. We may be able to take it off your hands now!
We thank you all for your support of Sisterhood and all it’s initiatives and we look forward to your participation in our future endeavors.
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In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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Click on the icon to the right to print or download the entire Updated Sisterhood Calendar for 2021-2022.
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Please note that this calendar may not reflect very recent changes. |
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Please join the Social Action Committee as we prepare our annual holiday meal for the needy. Please come join us with your sharp knives and a willingness to chop, mix, clean, measure, and combine (or form our famous meatballs).
You may bring friends from outside the Temple and children enjoy icing and decorating the cakes!! (Please remember that all participants must be vaccinated or show proof of negative COVID test within 72 hours). Masks are a must!
We hope to see you there as we perform this important Mitzvah!!
Please RSVP to Pamela Rogozin at
(917)607-0782
if you can make it.
Last minute attendees will be welcome!
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THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
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Hello Everyone.
As the winter season approaches, Brotherhood is keeping very busy.
It is very important to keep the work of Brotherhood going strong as we have moved to in person events and meetings. We take all precautions to make everyone feel safe and secure during these transitional times.
Brotherhood’s annual Chanukah Card to the Temple Family was a fantastic success. Thank you to all who participated this year. This is one of our largest fundraisers of the year and is always a great success.
Our Children’s Chanukah Party is once again scheduled for Sunday, December 5th at 12:00PM. There will be Pizza, Crafts, Games and every child will receive a Chanukah Present. Please bring your children and grandchildren to help celebrate this festive holiday.
Please be on the lookout for our annual Yellow Candle Project to remember the Holocaust. Once again, Brotherhood will provide the Yellow Memorial Candles for the entire congregation. Please be so kind as to offer a donation to offset the cost of this very important initiative which we undertake each year.
Flyers are available for all our events in this E-Shalom & News and Notes, as well as a mailing that you should have received.
As we move forward, our meetings and events will be held on site. Please join us when you can.
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 this: 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.
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Yours in Friendship and Brotherhood,
Jeff Ganz
President
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 2021
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MAZEL TOV TO:
ANDREA AND FRED SIMON as they permanently relocate to their Florida residence;
SHARIANN & JEFF GANZ on their 40th wedding anniversary and on the purchase of their home in Florida;
LORI WEINTROB being honored by B’Nai Jeshrun & Wagner College
ROBIN HOWALD & Rachel Marks on completing the NYC Marathon;
CONDOLENCES TO:
THE HERSHENSON/BLACKMAN FAMILY on the loss of Iris' sister,
Ellen Wollman.
GEORGE & HARRIET KURLANDER and family on the loss of George’s twin sister Carol Harmon.
Former member Ruth Andriani and family on the loss of her husband Dominick.
GET WELL WISHES TO:
CHERYL LEVINE, recovering from a corneal abrasion
Marcie Weiss, sister of SANDY FEUERSTEIN, recovering from robotic heart surgery;
JOE GAMORAN recovering from an on-going infection and back surgery;
Brenda Cluna, sister of BARBARA FRIED;
SANDY MAZZUCCO recovering from cataract surgery
THINKING OF YOU:
AZI RICHMAN, HELEN SILBERLIGHT, RICHARD LEIMSIDER, DR. ALICIA BASKIN, SUSAN WEINMAN.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
HARRIET TABACK
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Chag Sameach! Happy Chanukah. We thank Sisterhood for decorating the Synagogue so beautifully for Chanukah with the creative Chocolate Gelt Mosaic and we are looking forward to the Sisterhood sponsored Shabbat/Chanukah/New Member Dinner on Friday, December 3rd starting at 6:00 PM with the Family Service following at 7:30 PM. The celebration of Chanukah will conclude at Temple with the Brotherhood sponsored Children’s Chanukah Party on Sunday, December 5th.
We are grateful to congregant Jim Rohan for his musical leadership during Erev Shabbat Services this past month while our Student Cantor Shirel Richman and husband Lincoln Richman have been in Israel caring for Lincoln’s son Azi. We send healing prayers to Azi with our love and support to the entire Richman Family. We continue to be grateful to Jaimie Blackman for his musical leadership, as well as Dr. Ken Pickover for his musical talents, during Saturday morning Shabbat Services when they are available. We note that currently both Torah Study and Saturday morning Shabbat Services remain on the Zoom platform except for some special events or special occasions.
Looking ahead, in an effort to be sensitive to this busy holiday season and to our interfaith families, please note that Erev Shabbat Services will be presented on the Zoom platform rather than in person on Friday December 24th and Friday December 31st starting at 6:00 PM. The necessary link will be provided.
Again, Chag Sameach to you and yours,
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
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We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of ushering and candle lighting Erev Shabbat Services in November:
Bryn Biren, Silvia Gornstein, Russel Kaminsky, Blanche Ricci, Pamela Rogozin and Jodi Siegel
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
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December 3, 2021
Tobie Schaeffer
Faye Radin-Ferretti
Michael Rosch
Abraham Friend
Pearl Brill
Diane Terris Eisenkraft
David Meltzer
Sophie Elman
Joanne Hanibal
Helene Lipton
Joseph Reznikoff
Florence Ruskin
Lillian Rebecca Scher
Eileen Tepper
Alexander Weiss
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Wolf-Eidl Blausztajn
Henny Van Adelsberg
Rokhma Waksman
Jerzy Kawa
Feigela Davidowicz
December 10, 2021
Sidney Tanzer
Evelyn Wildrick
Dorothy Peretz
Yetta Pisetzner
Morris Jaeger
Nettie Mazer
Pearl Smith
Isaak Fuks
Theodora "Teddy" Goldstone
Mary Howald
Rose Kurlander
Richard Lasher
Peggy Bachman Boyer
Phillip S. Menna
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Yakov Wadislowski
Frieda Goldschmied
Mendel Justman
Artur Frankl
Yehuda Herman
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December 17, 2021
Morris Martin Blumin
Savin Cohen
Roselyn G. Gross
Anna Berg
Dr. Charles Biren
Harry Goldberg
Charlotte Selma Kitoff
Selma Nison
Frieda Zuckerberg
Philip Hirsch
Rita Weinman
Charlotte Manger
Fannie Calmus
Morris Soller
Meyer Meltzer
Shirley Schneider
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Feiwel Scherzer
Kato Jung
Anna Van Derhoek
Ottokar Seidler
Pierre Brossard
December 24, 2021
Alan Guttsman
Julius Kerstein
Saul Polonsky
Fannie Reznikoff
Nicholas Straniere
Roselyn G. Gross
Joan Richter
Beatrice Cohen
Irwin Jaeger
Yetta Soller
Julie Ellyn Kanter
Mary Berlin
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Lui Metzkelini
Jon Skeie
Georg Haissat
Grunem Judkewicz
Lucien Puny
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December 31, 2021
Michael Pisetzner
Harriet Ganz
Sigmund Haber
Jacob Kitoff
Charles Kurlander
Joseph Lipsitz
Robert May
Samuel Sheirr
Marian Lee
Jerome Sommer
And we remember from the
Holocaust:
Elfriede Schwichtenberg
Stephania Leminiska
Karl Kraus
Betzaleil Hartman
Erno Schwartz
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* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
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About the Weekly Yahrzeit List... |
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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.
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We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact John at the Temple Office to update your membership information. |
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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.
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Erev Shabbat Services
Friday, December 3
HANUKAH PAJAMAKAH
Chanukah Shabbat & New Member Dinner
Celebration of December
Birthdays & Anniversaries
FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE
Service at 7:30 p.m.*
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
*note different time for this month
_________
Friday, December 10
TOT SHABBAT
6:00 p.m.
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
Adult Choir Sings
(streamed)
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Friday, December 17
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg Sponsored by the Straniere Family in celebration of the Life of Jennifer Straniere.
_________
Friday, December 24
Service at 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM ONLY
*note different time
Meeting ID: 847 6931 6595
Passcode: 632644
_________
Friday, December 31
Service at 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM ONLY
*note different time
Meeting ID: 819 2946 2154
Passcode: 359820
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Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
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Happy Hanukkah to all families and congregants! Our school is excited to celebrate Hanukkah together with our Temple family. Our youngest religious school class, Kitonim, with teacher Ms. Alyxandra Magnus, enjoyed an early Hanukkah party last week to kick off the season. Featured here are some photos of the class creating their own menorahs, playing pin the candle on the menorah and enjoying latkes, jelly donuts, dreidel cookies and other treats. Thank you so much to all of the families who participated and helped send in items to make the day special.
Throughout the month of November, the school collected tzedakah for Project Hospitality and we raised $136.00. Thank you to Rabbi’s class Kitah Gimel for selecting such a deserving organization. We are excited to support Project Hospitality in this way and to teach our kids about mitzvot and tzedakah. Stay tuned to see what the next class will select for this month’s tzedakah donations.
We are excited to be a part of Sisterhood’s Hanukkah Pajamakah and Dinner on Friday, December 3rd and Brotherhood’s Children’s Hanukkah Party on Sunday, December 5th. We hope all families will attend these fun and festive celebrations.
Tot Shabbat will take place on Friday, December 10th at 6:00pm for our youngest children. This interactive 30 minute service is a great way to get kids interested in services.
Have a great month and enjoy these photos!
Felicia Otto
Parents' Committee Chair
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CLICK ON FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD. |
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Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens.
Temple Israel is a busy place. There is so much to take advantage of to enrich our spiritual and intellectual lives. The specifics are listed throughout this electronic bulletin.
❖ Attend in person Erev Shabbat services and the delicious Oneg following or usher in Shabbat using the livestream.
❖ Learn what our tradition can teach us about dilemmas we face in our everyday lives by attending a Torah study.
❖ Read and discuss a good book or take a virtual trip. Check out what Adult Ed is planning.
❖ Bask in the joy, warmth and glow of Chanukah by attending the Chanukah Pajamakah Shabbat dinner honoring our new members, sponsored by Sisterhood.
❖ Do you feel like humming a Broadway tune or learning about important works of art or healing your body and calming your mind through yoga? The Avis Foundation at Temple Israel has exactly what you’re looking for.
❖ Learn- Pray-Eat-Sing and Schmooze with us!
Save Saturday, January 22nd for an in person Saturday morning Torah study, followed by Shabbat morning services and lunch.
Get involved. Make new friends and/or connect with old friends.
We are the best ambassadors for our Temple.
If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our Temple, please have them contact the Membership Committee through the Temple Office.
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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!
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Temple Israel Sisterhood Judaica Shop
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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.
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Some featured Judaica Shop items this month: |
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Contact Blanche Ricci at branchtr.ricci@gmail.com
if you are interested in any Judaica Shop items.
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The Library is ready to reopen. New acquisitions have been shelved.
There are a lot of new books for young children.
We are accepting book donations but please limit it to Jewish content only. Please contact me through the Temple Office if you would like to make a donation.
If you wish to sign out a book, simply make note of it on the sign up sheet on the desk.
Thank you.
Steve Scher
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Bryn Biren
Terry Baver
Avis Foundation Trustees
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As you can clearly see, the title of this article each month is FAMILY ACTIVITIES. The Avis Foundation’s mission is to provide Temple Israel membership for all families that are interested in educating their children in the Reform Jewish tradition. We hope to develop future leadership for our synagogue, as well. We want all families to feel a connection to their religion and to their fellow congregants and the community.
On November 6th the Avis Foundation hosted an adult, Saturday evening Cabaret. Our Social Hall was transformed into a nightclub and 86 people attended. They were entertained by five very talented musical performers. They were individuals who had close connections to Jennifer Straniere, our beloved Temple member, who we lost earlier this year. Jennifer’s family has been active in our synagogue since it was founded in 1948.
For that evening, Jodi Siegel wrote a beautiful tribute to her very dear friend, Jennifer which included:
“Jennifer taught in our religious school,
costumed, stage-managed and directed productions, was an active member of our Sisterhood, arranged Candidate’s Forums, served as the Temple’s Financial Secretary, organized our Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast, and was the co-chair of our annual Gala event for over twenty years.
With all of that, if asked about Jennifer, most of our congregants would quickly say 'The Passover Seder.' This was Jennifer’s baby. She could plan and prep for Sisterhood’s Community seder and magically manage it for hundreds of people year after year, practically with her eyes closed.
Thousands of Jews on Staten Island benefitted
from her meticulous organization of the Passover Seder
for almost 30 years”.
On that evening, over $2,600 was raised in memory of Jennifer through the generosity of those who attended the event. The funds will offset the costs of the event, which, going forward, will be named “The Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Seder”.
How does this relate to each of you? We want your families to each find roots that will continue for generations at Temple Israel. Jennifer, her husband, Philip, and their children’s lives have been interwoven here at Temple Israel. The Temple is just a part of them.
We want and need you to join committees, pitch in to help at events, serve on the Board of Trustees. Step up and be a future leader. If you feel that you don’t have the time, think twice. There was never anyone busier than Jennifer. She just acted and achieved. If anyone here at Temple Israel served as a role model for you, it was Jennifer Straniere.
BE A REAL PART OF THE TEMPLE ISRAEL FAMILY!
Sincerely,
Bryn Biren and Terry Baver
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Looking Forward
Saturday, December 11–We will be “learning” about amazing food portions by eating at Harold’s in Edison, N.J. Contact cherylmlevine@gmail.com if you wish to join us.
Tuesday, December 14 – A discussion of “The Third Daughter” by Talia Carner. A heart rending tale of the plight of a 14 year old Russian Jewish girl during the late 1800s, and the time of the many pogroms. Location TBA. RSVP to cherylmlevine@gmail.com.
Sunday, December 19, 2PM - We will view “Becoming Dr Ruth” a one woman show performed by Tovah Feldshuh, chronicling the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer; at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. We will have lunch at the museum beforehand. Contact Judy Lee, aninformed source@aol.com to check the availability of tickets.
Sunday, January 30, 4PM - Return to Paris by way of Zoom, with our lovely guide, Karen, for a “French Food Frenzy” (Kosher Style). Your Zoom screen will be compliments of the Adult Learning Committee! Contact judithpessah@gmail.com if you wish to “travel” with us.
Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons
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Please join us for our Virtual Comedy Night via Zoom on Saturday January 8, 2022. $20 per person includes show and a raffle. Additional raffles $10 each. Please RSVP by January 2, 2021.
Please see attached flyer for all the information.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
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NEWLY ADDED:
BUY BUY BABY TARGET & CARVEL!!!!
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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.
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Click the order forms above to print or download. |
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Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join Us.
ALL YOGA CLASSES
ARE TAKING PLACE
VIA ZOOM ON
Thursday, December 2- 6:30 pm
Monday, December 6 - 6:00 pm
Thursday, December 9 - 6:30 pm
Monday, December 13- 6:00 pm
Thursday, December 16 - 6:30 pm
Monday, December 20 - 6:00 pm
Thursday, December 23 - 6:30 pm
Monday, December 27 - 6:00 pm
Thursday, December 30 - 6:30 pm
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
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Build Back Better:
As Reform Jews we are committed to tikkun olam- repairing our world and promoting equality and justice for all members of our society. To that end, The Build Back Better Act will improve education, health care and provide economic security for workers and families. The RAC is asking us to urge members of Congress to vote YES on this bill.
Sign up here to submit a letter to our congressional representatives.
The Reform Movement’s 2021 Racial Justice and Freedom to Vote Campaign
The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act need to advance in the Senate in order to combat voter suppression and ensure that voting is accessible to all. URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs said, “Suppressing the vote is an American tradition, an ugly, racist tradition and it’s been around for a very long time. The God I worship is impatient with injustice; passing laws to prevent some people from voting is injustice; plain & simple.”
You can call Senator Schumer (1-202-224-6542) and Senator Gillibrand (1-202-224-4451) to state your support of this legislation and let them know that this is still an issue that is important to their constituents.
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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
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Estelle A. Gootenberg Memorial Fund (for Torah Repair/ Restoration)
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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...
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CLICK ON THIS ICON TO TAKE YOU THERE! |
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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.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
718-727-2231
tmplisrael@aol.com
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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.
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