SHALOM, IT'S YOUR APRIL BULLETIN FROM TEMPLE ISRAEL

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 - APRIL 2022

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.

The current Covid policy regarding participation in on-site activities within our building as adopted by your Board is:

Adults and children 16 and up must show proof of vaccination or present a negative Covid test result taken within the previous 5 days

All children must remain with their parents or guardian except during school classes or organized children’s activities.

Masks must be worn at all times on the Temple grounds.

Proof of vaccination is to be shown upon entry (copy of certificate or phone app).

Copies of proof may be submitted to the Temple office in advance of your arrival.

We thank you for your cooperation in maximizing the safety of our Congregants and our Temple.

__________________________

We are aware of the changing guidelines from the state and CDC. We will monitor them carefully, adapting them as needed to maximize protection for our temple's unique population.

Erev Shabbat Services take place IN PERSON. Live-stream links, for those unable to join us, 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.)

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY AND SERVICES**

Every week on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. followed by Services at 11:00 a.m.

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.

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

HERE

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

HERE

A Message from

Rabbi Michael D. Howald

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had drawn the attention of the world to this beleaguered country and to the humanitarian crisis which continues to grow in Eastern Europe as the invasion enters its second month. Although geographically large and an important source of food and natural resources, Ukraine and its history are still largely unknown to most Americans. Yet, Ukraine has a rich and sometimes difficult past, particularly regarding the history of its Jewish community. Some of the most influential rabbis of that last millennia came from what is now Ukraine and some of the Jewish people’s greatest tragedies also occurred on its soil. As we continue to struggle with how to respond to the brutality of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, it might be helpful to consider the long history of Ukraine’s Jewish community.

The lands we today call Ukraine have been home to Jews since at least the 8^th century C.E. The Khazar empire, which once extended from the shores of the Black and Caspian seas and as far west as Kyiv, was one of the few kingdoms which welcomed Jews to settle and allowed the free practice of religion. Many members of the royal family of Khazar eventually converted to Judaism and Jewish life thrived in Khazaria until the fall of the empire in the late 10^th and early 11^th centuries.

With the fall of Khazaria, the Jewish community living on lands that now constitute part of the modern state of Ukraine fell into the hands of various rulers who were sometimes hostile to Judaism. The Crusades (circa 1200 C.E.) and the Black Death (circa 1300 C.E.) brought many Jewish refugees fleeing Germany into lands that sometimes were ruled by Polish rulers and sometimes by rulers centered in Kyiv or Lithuania. Yiddish became the language that united these communities together and a rich culture largely centered on rural life at the margins of Christian society was the norm for centuries.

By the 17^th century, the Jews of Poland and Ukraine grew into a large, thriving community. Some leaders, jealous of the growing Jewish influence, made Jews the target of their anger. One of the worst pogroms in Jewish history, the Chmielnicki Massacre, took place in what is now Ukraine and Poland, during two years of attacks that took the lives of approximately 15,000 to 30,000 Jews. In the wake of the deep, existential crisis caused this devastation, a teacher who called himself the Baal Shem Tov, or the Master of the Good Name, arose in western Ukraine, who taught a new kind of Judaism called Hasidism, centered in the mystical tradition and focusing, not on texts, but the joys of daily Jewish living. The Baal Shem Tov and his followers, including Rabbi Nachman of Bratslov, transformed the face of Judaism in Eastern Europe and beyond.

Notwithstanding recurrent pogroms and attacks, the Jews of Ukraine continued to flourish into the early decades of the 20^th century. Yiddish was an officially recognized language in some regions and Jews owned many small and medium sized businesses. The Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, however, changed all that. Those who could, fled deeper into the Soviet Union, those who stayed behind became victims of the Holocaust, in some cases actively assisted by members of the Ukrainian population. Just outside Kyiv, in a ravine known as Babi Yar, 10’s of thousands of Jews were murdered by Nazis and their Ukrainian collaborators.

After the end of World War II, many Ukrainian Jews made Aliyah to Israel. Today, however, the Jewish community in the independent nation of Ukraine is the world’s 12^th largest, sandwiched between South Africa and Mexico. Most Ukrainian Jews live in one of 4 urban centers, Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkov and Odessa and constitute less than 1% of the total population. Nevertheless, Jewish life has begun to flourish again in Ukraine after the country became independent in 1991. Once repurposed synagogues have been returned to the Jewish community and Jewish day schools and yeshivas once again operate on Ukrainian soil. In 2019, a Jewish comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, became president of Ukraine and another member of the Jewish community, Volodymyr Groysman, became its prime minister, the first country other than Israel in which Jews occupied both high positions.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, as we see every day in the news, has devastated some parts of the country. Among those affected by this invasion, are members of the Jewish community who make their homes in Ukraine. Understanding the long history of the Jewish community in Ukraine helps us to appreciate the human cost of brutal cost of war, on lives taken, homes destroyed, and heritage devastated. If you want to help, the Reform movement suggests donations to the World Union’s Ukraine Crisis Fund. https://wupj.org/give/ukraine/.

In the meantime, I quote from Rabbi Nachman’s prayer for peace, written in his home in Ukraine more than 200 years ago:

May it be Your will,

Holy One, our God, our ancestors’ God,

that you erase war and bloodshed from the world

and in its place draw down

a great and glorious peace

so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation

neither shall they learn war anymore. Amen and Amen!

Rabbi Michael Howald

World Union for Progressive Judaism

Ukraine Crisis Fund

Your gift today will be a lifeline to Ukraine’s most vulnerable Jews. Give today!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

A Message from

Co-Presidents

Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel

If you direct your Internet browser to https://nationaldaycalendar.com, your will find that just about every day celebrates something. Weeks and months, too.

We all remember that April 1^st is April Fool’s Day, but did you know that April 30^th is National Honesty Day? And, the last week of April also observes National Preservation Day.

In line with these themes, please allow us to be HONEST with you about the need to PRESERVE the future of Temple Israel.

We are under unprecedented financial pressure this year. Working with our Finance Committee, we have striven to maintain your base Annual Commitment rate for many years, stretching other resources of income to cover our increasing costs.

Aside from the rising cost of everything, our finances have been complicated by several things. Of the most important is that for the first time, the very small student body at HUC resulted in Temple Israel not being matched with a student cantor for the upcoming year. Music is an integral part of our worship, and we are working to maintain that critical relationship, but the added cost is uncertain. In addition, we have had to add streaming to accommodate those who cannot attend services, and we are now carrying out much delayed upgrades to lighting and video security.

When all of these items are taken into account, your involvement in Temple’s activities is critical, as well as the need for your financial support. But, COVID has hampered our fundraising activities. For the second year, we have had to cancel our annual Temple Gala. Sisterhood and the FUNdraising committee have stepped up their efforts, but we need a major Temple-wide financial effort beyond what they can do.

As we write this message, a committee is creating a special drive to replace the budgeted income from the Gala. They are diligently working to make it possible for every member to participate. And we are counting on your participation.

As you are aware, the new year at Temple will see a change in the leadership of our Executive Board, as well as the leadership of Brotherhood and Sisterhood, so when the details of this effort are revealed shortly, we urge you to be as generous as you can be in support of Temple Israel and your new leadership. Your future and the future of Temple Israel will depend on it.

Jerry and Alan

Jerry Gross

Alan Siegel

Co-Presidents

Dear Fellow Congregants,

And now we have successfully set our clocks ahead and are enjoying an extra hour of daylight each day. And so, it is now light outside, especially on Friday evenings, so that you can easily find your way back to in-person Erev Shabbat services at Temple Israel. We look forward to having you in our Sanctuary so that you can join us as an active participant in prayer and song. Now that the health-related concerns are being abated, the time is right for your return. We look forward to greeting you as come back to the Sanctuary of Temple Israel.

Please check to see that your Annual Commitment to the Temple is up to date for the current year, as we approach the end of our fiscal year and prepare for the new year at Temple. Should you need any assistance or clarification regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me either through the Temple office or directly at 917-873-4739.

Thanks in advance for your on-going commitment to Temple Israel; we are grateful for your support and look forward to greeting you in person.

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.

Asking Questions

In a casual conversation I had recently with a convert-to-Judaism friend, I asked her what brought her to Judaism. She came from a Catholic family and went to religious schools and the local church her entire life. Her answer was surprisingly simple. “Many of my friends growing up were Jewish. When I went to visit their families, I always had questions and the parents always had answers. The nuns never answered my questions. And even more than that – they did not appreciate it when I kept asking.”

I remember coming to the United States and attending graduate school. I was so thirsty to learn and often asked my professors many questions. After I graduated, a close friend told me that before she got to know me, she was certain I was an extremely rude person. “You always asked so many questions and it looked like you were trying to ‘catch the professors not knowing the answers.’” Thankfully, my friend got to know me better and knew that it was not the case. It was just pure curiosity.

As a teacher I love inquisitive students. Those are the students I learn from the most. Even those who are trying to be rude by asking “the wrong questions” are usually on to something the class can learn from.

One of my favorite sections in the Passover Haggadah is the Talmudic text about the four children: the wise, the wicked, the simple and the one who does not know how to ask.

The wise son asks for information and is to be instructed in details of the law, the rabbis teach. The wicked asks about the meaning of the holiday to you and not to him. By that, he removes himself from the community and should be told that if he were an Israelite in Egypt, he would have not been saved. The simple child asks simple questions, which according to the rabbis, we need to provide a one-line answer: The entire Haggadah is “With a strong hand, God brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” To the son who does not know how to ask, we make our own assumption and plunge in with our answer. We do not consider what unspoken questions might be hidden within him.

Today we know that every learner is different, and there are many kinds of intelligences, interests, talents and learning needs. In Proverbs 22:6 we read:

חֲנֹ֣ךְ לַ֭נַּעַר עַל־פִּ֣י דַרְכּ֑וֹ גַּ֥ם כִּי־יַ֝זְקִ֗ין לֹֽא־יָס֥וּר מִמֶּֽנָּה׃

Train a lad in the way he ought to go;

He will not swerve from it even in old age.

A different interpretation to the four children is that every “child” represents a different stage in a person’s life. The child who cannot speak is a baby who is non-verbal yet learns so much! The simple child just learned how to speak and now wants to ask “what” and “why” questions (I am thinking about exhausting 2-5 years old children and their questions.) Then, we have the teenage learner (the wicked child) who challenges their parents, tries to separate themselves and creates their own separate identity. And the college age learner (The wise child), who comes with curiosity and an open heart to learn about the world.

Another interpretation of the four children is that all four of them live within us in every given moment. What might it be like if instead we were to view these children as expressions of our learning and our view of the world in different moments?

When do you feel like you have no words to ask or express your feelings? When do you feel like you are separated from others? When do you feel curious about the why and what in the world, and when do you feel thirsty for knowledge and open hearted to receive knowledge?

Whoever you are in each moment, do not stop asking and wondering. That is probably one of the most beautiful things that our tradition teaches us.

Happy Passover!

Shirel Richman

Student Cantor

Adult Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday, April 27- TBA

Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz

Co-Presidents

Sisterhood has burst into Spring in a big way.

Here’s the rundown:

This year’s Purim Shalach Manot gifts were as big a hit as ever, thanks to Blanche Ricci, Linda Hanibal and Deanna Feder and their team of Purim Elves. We are grateful to all our sponsors who contributed to this Mitzvah. (see photos below)

Our traditional Rummage Sale Fundraiser resumed after not being able to have one for the past 2 years. Thank you to all who helped, donated and purchased. We are especially grateful to our “Rummage Queen” Linda Hanibal and her King Larry and their family for making it all run smoothly. Thank you to Alan Siegel and John Burman and all those who moved tables and chairs and heaven and earth to make this happen. Thank you to Pam Carlton who transformed her garage into our Rummage Storage Warehouse for months leading up to this event.

We kicked off our new Social Action/Fundraising Project: GotSneakers?

Thanks to Remy Smith, Polina Leibovich and Gayle Chason for spearheading this campaign. Most people throw away their used sneakers every 125-200 days without ever thinking about recycling. Since sneakers are manufactured with materials that are not biodegradable, they remain in landfills or are incinerated, which leads to toxic chemicals in our air and soil. Help us recycle and reuse! Bring your old sneakers to Temple and drop them in the box in the lobby. For more information, see the flyer in this bulletin.

There is still room for you and your family to join us at our in-person Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Passover Seder. Join us for a traditional Seder led by Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Richman with all the traditional Passover foods and traditions. (Flyer can be found in the Passover section of this bulletin).

Help us support the JCC Kosher Food Pantry by making your monetary donation to the Kosher for Passover Food Drive. Checks can be made payable to Sisterhood and sent directly to Maxine Cohen. (Scroll for full advertisement.)

And after Passover, you'll be able to treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious custom -flavored pretzels when you take part in our Spring Fundraiser. Four different flavors of beautifully packaged pretzels are available for you to enjoy or gift. See the flyer later in this bulletin to place your orders and support Sisterhood. Contact Sandy Mazzucco if you have questions.

It’s time to Celebrate! We’re coming out of hibernation and making up for lost time. Join us at Services on Friday, May 13^th. It will be a wonderful evening. It starts with a pre-service gathering hosted by the Membership Committee, continues with a music filled Erev Shabbat Service, and ends with a fabulous Dessert Oneg in celebration of all the Birthdays and Anniversaries that we couldn’t celebrate in person over the past two years. RSVPs to JSiegel23@aol.com are necessary. Please see the flyer below! And BE THERE!

Our 2n Annual Shabbaton is taking place on Saturday, May 21^st. This year’s theme is Female Empowerment. All are welcome…. that includes you, your children, your parents, your friends. There will be a participatory Shabbat service with music, lunch and a wonderful guest speaker. See the flyer below in this bulletin for details and registration. For questions, contact Sue Freedman.

We are happy to announce that we will be resuming our tradition of celebrating Sisterhood with our traditional End-of-Year Dinner. All Sisterhood members and Friends of Sisterhood are invited to join us at The Staaten on Tuesday, June 14th. All information is available on the flyer later in this bulletin.

The Proposed Slate of Officers for Sisterhood for the 2022-23 year will be announced at our General Membership Meeting on Sunday, April 10^th, via Zoom. Look for your e-mail with the Zoom Link and join us for a virtual Tour of the Nooks and Crannies of New York City, led by premier tour guide Justin Ferate.

CELEBRATE SPRING AND TEMPLE ISRAEL WITH US!!!!!

In Sisterhood,

Jodi Siegel

Co-President

Click on the icon to the right to print or download the entire Updated Sisterhood Calendar for 2021-2022.

Please note that this calendar may not reflect very recent changes.

THE BROTHERHOOD

Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island

brotherhoodpresident.ti.si@gmail.com

Brotherhood continues to keep busy in the work we do for our Temple Family.

Although our Annual Purim Carnival is always a great experience for our Religious School students, after some serious thought and consultation with the School Board, we decided to distribute Shalach Manot gift bags to each of our Religious School children instead. We hope all the children enjoyed the gifts and goodies.

Our focus for April will be the 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 annual initiative. It is a remembrance that should never be forgotten.

Later this month we will be taking nominations for Brotherhood Officers and Directors for the coming year.

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.

Yours in Friendship and Brotherhood,

Jeff Ganz

President

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL 2022

For calendar updates click here.

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

MAZEL TOV TO:

LISSA & NEIL WINCHEL on the engagement of their daughter, ALEXA, to Chris D’Antonio

JASON & /FELICIA HOLTZMAN OTTO and the entire Holtzman/Otto Family on the upcoming marriage of her brother Chad Holtzman to Melissa Chotiner

GET WELL WISHES TO:

SILVIA GORNSTEIN recovering from back surgery

THINKING OF YOU:

AZI RICHMAN, JOE GAMERON, CLAIRE BLEIMAN

Spring is upon us. In keeping with the Executive Board’s decision for in-person Erev Shabbat Services starting in March, the Family Service of March 4^th was held in the Sanctuary at 7:00 PM. It was wonderful to see so many congregants in person including the many students who attended. Our in-person Erev Shabbat Services continue with streaming available for Services held in the Sanctuary. Torah Study and Saturday morning Shabbat Services remain on the Zoom platform for now except for special events or observances. We continue to thank Jaimie Blackman and Dr. Ken Pickover for their musical expertise and support at Shabbat morning Services when they are available.

Purim was observed in person at Temple on Wednesday, March 16^th. The evening included the reading of the Megillah and a Purim Spiel written by Rabbi Howald and inspired by the show Ted Lasso. Sisterhood distributed Shalach Manot and bags of Hamantaschen to all attending families. Previously on March13^th, Brotherhood provided Purim gift bags to our students. It was a joyous evening with many congregants and students attending. Thank you to our clergy, the Purim players, all the Megillah readers and Sisterhood and Brotherhood.

Later in this month of April we will celebrate Passover. The first night of Passover is April 15^th. That night Sisterhood is sponsoring the Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Seder commencing in-person at 6:00 PM. There will be no Erev Shabbat Service that evening. Saturday Morning Shabbat First Day Passover Service on April 16^th will follow. Torah Study that morning begins at 10:00AM, both on Zoom. The 7^th Day Passover/Yizkor Service will be held in-person on Friday morning April 22^nd at 10:30AM. There will NOT be a Dairy Dish to Share Lunch. We wish all a Zissen Pesach.

On Thursday April 28^thstarting at 7:30 PM, Temple Israel will observe Yom HaShoah in person. Our guest speaker will be Farah Kraus, a long-time board member and volunteer speaker for 3GNY/Descendants of Holocaust Survivors. Farah will share the story of her maternal grandmother, Eva Kostre, who was born in Trzcianne, Poland (Near Bialystok). As a teenager Eva miraculously survived Auschwitz and Ravensnbruck and eventually resettled in the US in 1949. Please see the flyer found in this bulletin for a more complete overview of this compelling evening. Please join us. We thank Manny Saks and Dave Reckess, Executive Director of 3G/NYDescendants of Holocaust Survivors for their assistance in arranging for Farah Kraus’s visit to our congregation.

Stay safe. We look forward to seeing you in person at Temple.

Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz

Co-Chairpersons

__________________________

We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honor of serving as Ushers at Erev Shabbat Services during the month of March:

Deanna Feder, Silvia Gornstein, Sam Gornstein, Blanche Ricci, Pamela Rogozin, Inez Singer, Rhonda Trontz-Allen

and Lissa Winchell

Nina Rohan

Ushering Chair

April 1, 2022

Florence Rubin

Nancy Avis *

Israel Pisetzner *

Ellyn Sigmund

Falik Bronzaft

Helen O'Krepke

Dr. Hyman Poritz *

Gilda Schuster

Bertram Bronzaft

Estelle Dichter *

Brian Kudler

Steve Nison

Israel Pisetzner *

Louis Siegel *

Rose Sugarman

Max Baruch *

Paul Leder

Edith Miller

Daral Neiman

Theodore Ruskin

Florence Soloff *

Edward Marcus *

Florence Sigmund

Alan Trontz

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Maria Belowska

René Mandiaux

Moise Derczanski

Rubin Chojnowski

Giuseppe Zucca

April 8, 2022

Sidney Sheren *

Stanley Benjamin *

Aida Josel Brouse *

Emanuel Sugerman

Mitchell (Melech) Gordon *

David Gornstein

Esther Burger *

David Feldhamer *

Helene Sparber

Earl Gross

Betty Liebowitz *

Murray Mazer

Albert V Rosen *

Ira Bankofsky *

Sol Lubin

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Pesya Lakhman

Reinhold Sommer

Bruno Meyer

Leon Abusz

Anna Slavec

April 15, 2022

These names will be read

Friday night April 8 &

Saturday April 16

due to the Seder.

Clara Vinocur

Michael Doria

Frances Friedman

Ruth Kosnitsky-Feigelman

David Behar *

Paul Martin Gross *

Sara Pappert

Herman Schnittman *

Albert David Soren *

Evelyn (Lynne) Benjamin *

Mary Goldberg *

Edythe Kahn

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Shlomoh-Yitzhak Beser

David Doornheim

Marian Gadaszewski

Israel Katz

Klara Sykar

April 22, 2022

Shirley Shapiro *

Seymour Barris

Dora Flaum

Bertha Schlefstein *

Dora Selmon

Charles Ira Salzberg

Rubin Sheren *

Franklin Joseph Stein *

Rhea Greenspan

Maurice Scher *

Estelle Gootenberg *

Glenda Kalish

Larry Littman

Bert Meyerberg *

Etylda Berkowicz *

Klara Berkowicz *

Abraham Pollak *

Markus Pollak *

Rosa Pollak *

Sofia Pollak *

Malvina Goldberg *

Murray Lee *

Samuel Richter *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Etienne Patoux

Harri Diebel

Ruschla Dobrujinska

Willi Pless

Armin Gubics

April 29, 2022

Cornelius Bregoff *

Edith Gloates *

Irving Smith

Carl Berkowicz

Sallie Klaw *

Joseph Kerstein *

Rose Schneider

Jennie Blumenthal *

Abraham Cohen *

Ethel Gershansky

Naomi Newhouse Jablons *

Sonia Outman

Joel Chernoff

James Gamble

Minnie Pepperman

Frances Reiss

Julius Schneider

Benjamin Sherman

Arnold Wells *

Ettie Berman *

Sidney Holzman

Rebecca Lauren Lipsitz *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Fritz Sommer

Emil Lederer

Rachel Preminger

Ernst Heller

Erno Wiener

* These names are on our Memorial Wall.

YOM HASHOAH – REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST

Temple Israel has proudly maintained a special Yom HaShoah observance for over 32 years. Interrupted only once in 2020 at the start of the COVID shutdown, Temple Israel has created a program to explore various aspects of the Holocaust followed by an original service which highlights our Holocaust Torah from Nachod and honors the memory of that lost congregation.

Please be sure to attend our Yom HaShoah service on Thursday evening, April 28th, when we will have the honor of listening as the story of Eva Kostre, who incredibly survived the Auschwitz and Ravensbrȕck and Holocaust death camps. Her story will be narrated by her granddaughter, Farah Kraus, a member of 3GNY. 3GNY is made up of the 3^rd generation of survivor families and its members are dedicated to re-telling the stories of the family members who survived the camps. We will also hear about the mission of the new Staten Island Holocaust Center.

Also, please be sure to have your yellow Yom HaShoah memorial candle (which is being delivered to you by Brotherhood) available so that you can light it in memory of the many victims of the Holocaust on Wednesday night, April 27.

We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact John at the Temple Office to update your membership information.

The Sisterhood of Temple Israel would like to help you celebrate birthdays and anniversaries for you and your family.

You can share the joy of Shabbat and your birthday and/or anniversary by helping to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat on the Friday evening when we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries for that month.

In addition to sponsoring the Oneg, the names of those celebrating appear in the Friday night program and celebrants are invited to the Bimah.

A contribution of $10 for birthdays and $18 for anniversaries is suggested to honor your special occasion and help the Temple at the same time.

Letters are sent out early in the month prior and payment would be appreciated before the first Friday of the month of the celebration.

Erev Shabbat Services

Friday, April 1

Celebration of April

Birthdays & Anniversaries

FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE

Service at 7:00 p.m.

In Person and

via Live-Stream

(link to be sent via e-mail)

_________

Friday, April 8

TOT SHABBAT

6:00 p.m.

Service at 7:30 p.m.

Oneg sponsored by Judy & Steve Scher on the Occasion of their 50th Anniversary

In Person and

via Live-Stream

(link to be sent via e-mail)

_________

Friday, April 15

1ST NIGHT OF PASSOVER

Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Seder

6:00 p.m.

(by reservation)

NO EREV SHABBAT SERVICE

_________

Friday, April 22

Service at 7:30 p.m.

In Person and

via Live-Stream

(link to be sent via e-mail)

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

Torah Study and Shabbat Services

Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.

Via ZOOM

Click here to come to Saturday Morning Torah Study and Shabbat Zoom Services!

We celebrate the start of the month with a Family Shabbat Service on April 1st at 7:00pm. The Parents’ Committee will provide another special Spring themed Challah with delicious toppings. We have 15 students who attended the March Family Shabbat or Tot Shabbat who are eligible for our gift card incentive. It was awesome and joyful to see all of the kids singing, dancing, praying and participating at last month’s Family service. We are looking forward to welcoming even more students into the sanctuary this month for our family service.

Don't forget to have your student bring their Shabbat Service Attendance card to Tot Shabbat or the Family Service for another star!

Our Parents Committee is working on our in person Model Seder on Sunday, April 10th in the social hall. This year we will be splitting up the school into 2 sessions based on age groups. The seder will include two parts: a seder led by Rabbi Howald and Cantor Richman and then a special presentation on horseradish by Marc Gold of Gold’s horseradish. We are excited for our guest speaker and a horseradish tasting in addition to enjoying the foods on our sedar plate.

Finally, please see a few pictures of our kids learning in religious school. Kitah Bet created and shared mitzvah projects with each other and Kitonim made their own Shabbat boxes with challah covers, a juice cup and candlesticks. The class learned the blessings and enjoyed challah and juice following the lesson. Enjoy these photos!

Happy Passover!

Felicia Otto

Parents' Committee Chair

Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens

Our Shabbat Shalom from Home dinner via Zoom took place on Friday, February 25th. Dinners were delivered to participating members’ homes across Staten Island. In addition, several members joined from Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Florida. The evening began with Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Richman leading us in Shabbat candle blessings, kiddush and motzi. We then broke into virtual table groups for dinner and reconvened as a whole group for Birkat Hamazon and Erev Shabbat Services. We were pleased that we were able to create Shabbat community when we were physically unable to be at Temple. In addition, these events also help us connect to our affiliate members outside of Staten Island.

Save the date for our next event- Shabbat Lites- scheduled for Friday, May 13th. At 6:30 PM.

Join us as we enjoy some light snacks, connect with one another, and prepare to welcome Shabbat. Remember to get in your RSVP by May 1st. See the flyer following this article.

Thank you to Rabbi Howald, Student Cantor Richman, our leadership, and everyone who works to make all events possible.

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

If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our Temple, please have them contact the Membership Committee through the Temple Office.

$$$EASYfundraising

1.Go to Smile.Amazon.com

2.Select "Change Your Charity"

3.Type in “Temple Israel Reform 4.Congregation of Staten Island"

5.Click Search

6.Click Select

7.Order as usual.

Temple Israel benefits!

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.

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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

The mission of the Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation for Temple Israel Reform Congregation is:

…. to provide financial support for young families seeking membership in Temple Israel, and to attract new young families by providing learning opportunities, family programming, and social justice initiatives.

************************************************************

Each month the focus is usually about the various activities that are available to our Temple Israel members. It is now April and we have come through two very difficult years. It was incredibly invigorating to witness the March Family Shabbat service. There was singing and the children were even dancing in the aisles of the Sanctuary. Tot Shabbat during the month of March was another sign of our emergence from a really trying period of time. What was especially hopeful was the attendance by numerous families at the SI Children’s Museum for the “Paint Like Picasso” afternoon. However, it was not only the children who were enjoying themselves. That afternoon was a bonding experience for the parents. New relationships were being formed between the Dads and Moms of the children. The parents were making friends.

The future of our synagogue depends upon the young families stepping up to take a leadership role. Thirty and forty somethings have an entirely different perspective on what they want for their children than seventy-year-olds. What makes a Purim Carnival exciting? What is an exciting afternoon for a family with a five-year-old and an infant?

It is time for our young parents to get involved in the leadership of Temple Israel. Two or three Dads can create a terrific Succah. They can create new games for Purim and the Moms can enjoy themselves while working to make the Religious school better.

We are all busy. Being a working parent is difficult, exhausting, demanding, and yet it is the greatest job of all. Children grow up very quickly. The days what will hold your greatest memories are the ones when you were involved with your young children…including those at Temple Israel. They are still yours- they do not yet belong to the world and their friends. This is time you cannot get back.

We challenge you to step up!

Contact Felicia Otto who chairs the Religious School Commitee.

Contact Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com or Terry Baver at Terryqbaver@gmail.com to make suggestions about what Avis Foundation activities you would like for your family and would be willing to help organize.

Join Sisterhood.

Join Brotherhood.

Chair a Temple Committee.

Come to Services.

Support your child’s Religious School Experience by becoming involved in Temple Israel.

Temple Israel is an organization that is run by volunteers. Whatever activities take place are the result of time and effort that has been put forth by volunteers who are doing their best for you. It is time for all to join in the effort. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our temple.

Sincerely,

Bryn Biren and Terry Baver

The Adult Learning Committee met by Zoom on Wednesday, March 2nd. We discussed both present projects and future plans. Special thanks to Deanna Feder who served as our Zoom host. All are welcome to attend our planning meetings and share ideas for future programs. Look for Meeting Notices, and if you have a wonderful idea for a presentation, contact judithpessah@gmail.com or Cherylmlevine@gmail.com , ASAP!

Looking Forward

On Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM, the Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss “All About Me”, an autobiography by Mel Brooks. The 95 year old tells his inspiring story , starting in the Depression in Brooklyn, moving to the Catskills, and of his involvement in television, movies, and Broadway, and finally his receipt of the National Medal of Arts.

Those of us “of a certain age” can delight in his reminiscing about working with Sid Caesar and Carl Reiner on the “Show of Shows”. (Perhaps a fond memory of our childhood?). Cheryl Levine will lead the discussion. Location to be announced. RSVP to Cherylmlevine@gmail.com

On Sunday, May 1, a group of us will view Barry Manilow’s original musical, “Harmony”, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. This is based on the true story of a hit musical group in Germany and how the members face WW1. If interested, please contact the museum to see if more tickets are available for that day or others.

We will be visiting the museum’s exhibits and having lunch at the Cafe.

We are planning future trips to the Holocaust Center at Wagner College, and the Lower East Side. Check News and Notes and Flyers for dates.

Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah

Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons

Please join the FUNdraising committee for A Taste of the Rothchild Legend. Please be on the look out for the new date.

We will have a presentation by Larry Flaum about the Rothchild's and will have a little wine tasting of the region accompanied by a light snack.

BYOB and come socialize with us at Temple Israel.

Cost will be $10 to attend. There will be raffles for prizes and a 50/50. If you cannot attend in person please be part of the event by purchasing raffles. $15 a sleeve for prizes and $15 a sleeve for the 50/50.

Once we know the date, please make your check payable to Temple Israel and mail it to Rhonda Trontz-Allen, 660 Bard Ave., Staten Island NY 10310. Please also include your cell # and e-mail for confirmation.

Respectfully submitted,

Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel

Co-Chairs

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NEWLY ADDED:

BUY BUY BABY 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.

ALL CLASSES TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM

YOGA

Monday, April 4- 6:00 pm

Thursday, April 7- 6:00 pm

Monday, April 11- 6:00 pm

Thursday, April 14- 6:00 pm

Monday, April 18- 6:00 pm

Thursday, April 21- 6:00 pm

Monday, April 25- 6:00 pm

Instructor: Denise Nizzare

PILATES

Sunday,April 3- 6:00 pm

Sunday, April 10- 6:00 pm

Instructor: Katarina Smith

PLEASE CONTACT BRYN BIREN

FOR ZOOM LINK AND

INFORMATION.

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

The cost of Yoga is:

Temple Israel members: $48 per month $6 per class

Non members : $10 per class

(Two people in a home pay only one fee)

Pilates classes are FREE.

Checks payable to:

Ronald Avis Temple Israel Foundation

Send monthly payment to:

Terry Baver. 30 Theresa Place. SI, NY. 10301

Crisis in Ukraine- We are all feeling a great deal of anger, frustration and pain as we see the scenes of war unfold on our nightly television screens. Some steps to take are to donate to the World Union for Progressive Judaism’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. In addition, as the numbers of refugees soar, we need to lobby Congress to pass The Guaranteed Refugee Admissions Ceiling Enhancement Act (GRACE) ensuring that our country will always welcome refugees as world situations dictate.