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

Meeting ID: 894 4131 1190
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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 
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 
A Message from


Rabbi Michael D. Howald
Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish “New Year for Trees,” begins this year on the evening of January 16. Although the significance of this “New Year” was originally limited to determining how much tax Jewish growers would pay on their fruit- and nut-bearing trees, in modern times the rituals of Tu B’Shevat have roots in mystical, Zionistic, and environmental perspectives. The story of Tu B’Shevat, accordingly, is one of evolution and, surprisingly, controversy as well.
       
In ancient times when the Temple still stood and Jews retained some sovereignty over their own land, the “New Year of Trees” was the day the tax authorities determined the amount of the tithe growers would pay on their fruit- and nut-bearing trees. Trees that were in bloom on Tu B’Shevat would be taxed in the current year, trees that had yet to bloom would be taxed in the following year. In the wake of the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, Jews lost the ability to levy taxes in their own land and, as a result, Tu B’Shevat was largely forgotten in the Jewish community for more than a thousand years.
         
In the early 18th century, however, an unknown group of mystics from the school of Rabbi Isaac Luria (sometimes known as “HaAri” (the Lion”)) published a mystical pamphlet called “Pri Atz Hadar” (“Fruit of the Goodly Tree”) which contained a text for a Tu B’Shevat seder (a meal eaten in a particular order) modelled on Passover. This anonymous work was then published in an anthology of kabbalistic customs published in 1728 called Hemdat Yamin (the “Best of Days”). This seder borrowed heavily from the Zohar and assumed that the reader was thoroughly schooled in the teachings of Lurianic Kabbalah. As a result, the text of Pri Etz Hadar was almost incomprehensible to the wider Jewish community. More controversially, prominent Ashkenazi authorities condemned the anthology, including Pri Atz Hadar, as the heretical product of followers of Shabbetai Tzvi, the 17th century pseudo-messiah who later converted to Islam.
         
Until the 20th century, accordingly, observance of Tu B’Shevat or knowledge of Pri Atz Hadar was largely limited to kabbalistic circles in the Sephardic community. In the decades that preceded and followed Israel’s Declaration of Independence, however, young Zionists began searching for traditional texts to give meaning to their effort to replant Israel with trees. Building on the idea of a Tu B’Shevat celebration pioneered by Pri Atz Hadar, the Jewish National Fund (“JNF”) began to hold large tree plantings in Israel on Tu B’Shevat in the early 20thcentury and raised funds for their cause outside the Land with activities focused on the land of Israel. Sometimes, these efforts involved seders built around fruits and nuts grown in the Land.
       
The observance of Tu B’Shevat in Israel now engages an ever-increasing number of Israelis in well attended tree-planting activities. As a result of this and other efforts, Israel ended the 20th century with more trees than it had at its beginning, the only nation able to make that claim. In this country, January or February (when Tu B’Shevat usually falls) are often not good months for planting trees. As a consequence, Tu B’Shevat’s focus on trees was combined with teachings focusing on respect for the natural world as part of a wider ecological concern with all growing things. The explosion of interest in Jewish mysticism in the last 20 years also led to a “rediscovery” of Pri Atz Hadar in the wider Jewish community. Through that mystical lens, the growth of trees and plants, the habits of birds and the return of spring are seen as symbols of a hidden divine realm accessible to those steeped in kabbalah.

Due to the diversity of ways we understand Tu B’Shevat today, it is possible to find a number of Tu B’Shevat seder texts for use on the holiday. Some focus just on mysticism, some just on the environment, some just on Israel. Some combine multiple perspectives. Hardly anyone remembers that the first Tu B’Shevat seder was considered heretical in some parts of the Jewish community and inaccessible in others. Far from obscure, Tu B’Shevat has become one of the most popular of the Jewish “minor” holidays. No matter how you choose to celebrate, I wish you a tasty and hope-filled Tu B’Shevat!
Rabbi Michael Howald   
A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
 “The days are long, but the years are short”.
Anna Quindlen
 
It may be hard to believe, but we are just 5 months from completing four years in office.  Our Constitution wisely provides that Presidents can only have four consecutive terms.  While we have indeed had some very long days, the years have flown. 
 
At this time of year, it is traditional to make resolutions.  We ask that you make one to be more involved in the communal work of keeping Temple Israel functioning.  Please understand that most of what happens at Temple is the result of volunteer efforts.  We only have three full time staff – Rabbi Howald, John Burman who handles some of the day-to-day work that passes through the office, and Gerard Altieri, our custodian. 
 
Aside from the religious school faculty – that is it for paid staff.  Everything else – from Onegs to the Purim carnival to caring for the library – is accomplished by the volunteer work of your fellow Temple Israel members.  Our Treasurer supervises our money accounts and makes sure our cash flow is handled and recorded correctly, Our Financial Secretary manages the billing and collection of annual commitments.  Sisterhood runs events such as the Jennifer Straniere Community Passover Seder, supplies all paper goods, linens, candles, challahs and wine, runs the Judaica Shop and makes sure our sweet tooths are happy at the Onegs.  Brotherhood has its events as well, and pitches in when additional effort is needed to accomplish something.  The House committee keeps our building in great shape.  The Ritual committee collaborates with Rabbi to make sure our worship experience is what we desire.  Volunteers produce this monthly bulletin, sing in the choir and take care of the memorial walls and Trees of Life. Other groups such as the Adult Learning Committee, the Membership Committee, the Parents Committee, the Avis Foundation and the Fundraising Committee are integral parts of the fabric of the Temple Israel Community which we could not do without.
 
We are (hopefully) emerging from the most challenging time in Temple Israel’s history.  COVID still affects almost everything we do and must be woven into the planning for every event.  We are incredibly proud of how the Temple family has been handling this nationwide emergency.  Our bonds are stronger than ever, but there is work to do as we climb out of this crisis. 
 
So, as we come down the homestretch of our four years, we look, not back, but forward to many of you doing your part in assuring the future of Temple Israel by becoming more active in any of the myriad ways available to you. 
 
Phones will start ringing soon.  Please answer the call to step into the leadership of Temple Israel. It's time.
Jerry and Alan
Jerry Gross
Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
Dear Fellow Congregants,

Please accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.  I am sure that we all hope that 2022 will be a much better year for all of us.

The start of the new year also coincides with the beginning of the second half of our Temple’s fiscal year.  Please check to see that your Annual Commitment to the Temple is up to date so that we can continue to meet the needs of our Congregants during this difficult time.  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. 

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,

The new year is starting and it brings feelings of renewal, hope, and new ideas. As you know, Lincoln and I spent two months in Israel to care for Lincoln’s son Azi from his prior marriage. Azi had a terrible bus accident at the end of October and twenty-four hours later Lincoln and I were on our way to Israel. We are so glad to share that Azi was strong enough to come back with us to the States eight weeks later in the end of December. Lincoln and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing support, emails, and text messages. After four surgeries at Shaare Zedek Hospital and two weeks at the ALYN rehabilitation hospital, Azi is expected to fully recover after a continued long period of rehabilitation.

Between hospital visits, attending Hebrew Union College (HUC) classes on Zoom from Israel (sometimes at very strange times of day) and using HUC Jerusalem’s library and practice rooms, I also attended different Shabbat services in Jerusalem. Lincoln and I were welcomed and supported by “Kehilat Kol Haneshamah” a Reform congregation in Jerusalem. It was great to hear a combination of Jewish-American music with mainstream Israeli songs and Sephardic and Ashkenazi liturgy immersed with modern Israeli thought. 

We also visited “Kehilat Tzion” a Masorti-Conservative congregation and met with their “paytanit” (the Sephardic term for a female cantor). That congregation’s musical style is very different from ours at Temple Israel. Their Friday night services mostly consist of Sephardic piyyutim (sacred poems) that are sung by their paytanit – a highly trained singer who is improvising on middle eastern Jewish modes. They do not use any instruments on Shabbat and the service is very participatory by the congregants. Even if they do not sing the actual piyyut, they support the prayer by singing long notes while the paytanit is singing, repeating specific lines, or coming together in repeating sections.

As I am thinking about new beginnings in the new year, I cannot wait to come back to you and try to bring some of the music and experience I had in Israel. I truly missed leading services, conducting Temple Israel’s adult choir, the children’s choir and teaching in our religious school. After a year on Zoom, starting in-person meetings last August felt so real and exciting, yet cautious and well-thought out. Now, after coming back from Israel, I cannot wait to spend time together again in whichever way possible. Please know that everybody’s safety and health come first. 

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year full of inspiration and strong friendship.

Musically yours,

Shirel Richman
Student Cantor








Adult Choir Rehearsals

Wednesday, January 5 - TBA
Wednesday, January 12 - TBA


Junior Choir Rehearsals

Sunday, January 9-12 noon
Sunday, January 23-TBA
Sunday, January 30-TBA
If you would like to join the Choir, please contact Student Cantor Shirel Richman at scantorrichman@gmail.com.
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
Welcome to 2022 and the beginning of another whirlwind of Sisterhood activity.

We look forward to your participation in as many of our events and happenings as you can comfortably fit into your schedule.  Although we envision all our events taking place in person, we are certainly sensitive to the daily COVID situations, and we will make whatever adjustments are necessary should we need to “go virtual” at any time.  Just keep your eye on your e-mails for any required updates.

In the meantime, please join us for our January General Membership meeting on Sunday, January 23.  We have a wonderful program planned for you.  Jonathan Goldstein will present “The Jewish History of Harlem”.  This will be our second tour with Jonathan, having virtually toured Biblical Israel through the Halls of MOMA with him last year.  This time, however, Jonathan will be live and in-person in our very own Social Hall. To find out about Jonathan, click here: 
 
After we leave Harlem (and the social hall) that day, we will head to Rab’s Country Lanes for our annual Bowling Bonanza fundraiser chaired by Felicia Otto.  This event is not for children only!  You can support us by attending, purchasing raffle tickets, sponsoring a lane, bowling, or just joining us for pizza.  See the flyer elsewhere in this bulletin for all the details.  We look forward to a fun afternoon.
 
Next on our calendar of events will be our 2nd Annual Sample(d) Sale.  We are looking for donations of brand new or once used pristine items, designer purses, jewelry, children’s items, electronics, small appliances, collectibles, Judaica and more.  If you have quality items you would like to include for sale, let us know.  We’ll be sending out the specifics as soon as all the details are finalized.  In the meantime, please be sure to save Saturday evening, February 12th for a fun-filled and exciting event!
 
Should you have items for donation that are not exactly "Sample(d) Sale worthy", please be sure to save them for our Rummage Sale, which is planned for Sunday, March 27th.  You can drop them off the evening before (Saturday, March 26th at 7pm).  If you need to make other arrangements, please contact Linda Hanibal.  We hope you will also be able to help us out by volunteering to help set up and then staff the sale.
 
Purim is just around the corner.  Our stellar Shalach Manot committee has been planning for months and this year’s baskets promise to be as extraordinary as ever.  Add your name to our list of generous Sponsors by completing the Shalach Manot order form and sending it in with your donation of $180.  Your contribution makes it possible for Sisterhood to provide each of our Congregant families with a special Purim gift after the Megillah Reading and Purim Shpiel.  Individual and children’s baskets can also be ordered.  
 
We could go on, listing all our amazing plans for the rest of the year, but we don’t want to overwhelm you.  Just know that there is certainly more to come!
 
We wish you a happy, healthy and Sisterhood-filled year ahead.
In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents


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.
CLICK ON ANYWHERE ON THE FLYER ABOVE FOR THE REGISTRATION LINK.
THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
Brotherhood continues to keep busy in the work we do for our Temple Family. 

Brotherhood’s annual Chanukah Card was a fantastic success. Thank you to all who participated this year. 

Our Children’s Chanukah Party held, on Sunday, December 5th, was a great afternoon for the children of our Religious School, as well as a few others. The Pizza, Crafts, and  Games were a big hit. Thanks to Larry Flaum for spearheading our BINGO games which gave the children an opportunity to win some prizes.  Every child left with a special Chanukah present from the Brotherhood. Additional thanks to Alan Siegel, and Shariann Ganz for making this a great afternoon. 

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 we undertake each year.

As we move forward, our meetings and events will hopefully continue to 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: 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
JANUARY 2022
MAZEL TOV TO:
BLANCHE RICCI & family on the birth of her grandson, Damien Richard Ricci.

CONDOLENCES TO:  
ALEX LENNER & family on the loss of his grandmother, Myliya Leshchiner;  
SCOTT SCHWARTZ & MARNI BLIT and family on the loss of his mother, Rona Schwartz.

GET WELL WISHES TO: 
JOE GAMORAN recovering from neck and back surgery
at Eger Rehabilitation Center;
CLAIRE BLEIMAN hospitalized with COPD;
IRA GERSHANSKY recovering from a brief hospital stay.

THINKING OF YOU: 
CHERYL LEVINE, AZI RICHMAN, ADAM SILBERLIGHT,
RICHARD LEIMSIDER


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
MICHELLE & EUGENE SHAGENOV and OREN & DANIEL


WELCOME BACK MEMBERS:
JOYCE & MEL KAPLAN

Happy Secular New Year!! 

As you know, in an effort to be sensitive to the busy holiday season and to our interfaith families, Erev Shabbat Services were presented on the Zoom platform on December 24th and (will be on) December 31st starting at 6:00 PM.  We now go back to our regular schedule of in person Erev Shabbat Services starting at 7:30 PM except on the First Friday of the month when our Family in person Erev Shabbat Service begins at 7:00PM.  And all the Erev Shabbat Services will be streamed for those congregants unable to attend in person.

We continue to be grateful to congregant Jim Rohan for his musical leadership during most of the Erev Shabbat Services these past couple of months while our Student Cantor Shirel Richman was in Israel with her husband Lincoln Richman caring for Lincoln’s son Azi.  As we continue to send healing prayers to Azi and love and support to the Richman Family, we look forward to having them back with us. And we thank guest Student Cantor Sierra Jade Fox for participating in our “Shabbat in Chanukah” Erev Shabbat Family Service on December 3rdwith the accompaniment of Elona Migarov.  And we thank the Temple Israel Senior Choir for their participation in a number of our Erev Shabbat Services.  Thanks also go to Cantor Lauren Bandman, our guest Cantor on December 24th.

Both Torah Study and Saturday Morning Shabbat Services remain on the Zoom platform except for some special events or special occasions.  Thank you to Jaimie Blackman for his musical leadership as well as Dr. Ken Pickover for his musical talents on Saturday morning when they are available.

The month of January brings the observance of Shabbat Shira and Tu B’Shevat both falling during the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.   Also, during that weekend on Saturday morning January 15th student Peri Elle Sgambelluri will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.  We congratulate Peri and all her family. 

Please look to your e-mails, messages, Temple Israel’s News and Notes, Facebook Page and this E-Shalom Bulletin for any additional information that become available.

Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
__________________________


We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of ushering and candle lighting Erev Shabbat Services in December:
Linda Brill, Larry Hanibal, Blanche Ricci, Inez Singer,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Lissa Winchel


Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
January 7, 2022
Bertha Dicker *
Olga Lieberman
Albert Melniker *
Norman Silverman *
Sarah Tatt
Lydia Doris Weiss *
Phyllis Zimmerman
Molly Rosenbaum
Rita Guttsman
David Morse *
Arlene Rich
Abraham Schwartz *
Maynard Selmon
Janet Aronson
Selma Blumin *
Larry Dumont
Samuel Shapiro *
Meyer Axelrod *
Claire Biren
Tina Goldstone
Sandy Slamow *
David Aronson
Barnett Kadin *
Irving Schwimmer *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Franz Schwenk
Nikolaus Leb
Maria Milczarek
Imre Raab
Coca Ruebner
 
January 14, 2022
Benjamin Feitelson *
Edward Kitoff *
Herman Lippman
Nathan Nadel
Dorothy Smith *
Lawrence Applebaum
Abraham Cohen *
Stanley Miller
Mord Reuben *
Leo Bleiman
Rose Dunn *
Julius Hyatt
Amelia Schmeidler *
Harry Docteroff *
Solomon Horowitz *
Ruth Applebaum
Joseph Klauber *
Henrietta Hershfield
Alvin Myron Mulnick
Robert Koren
May G Stein *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Michael Dolja
Lydia Krakewaka
Bruno Seidler
Mor Berg
Josef Marcinkow
 
January 21, 2022
Paula Brandt *
Daniel Lewin *
Florence Lustig *
Barry Lee
Joseph Stern *
Eileen Carlton *
Anna Dichter *
Barbara Pisetzner
Minnie Wolff
Louis Wolinitz
Mary Wolodiger *
Marie Rosati Checchi
Joan Kass *
Rose Roth *
Nathan Sappin *
Nathan Goldberg *
Edythe Kadin *
Mitchell R. Stein *
Bernice Hanibal
Melvin Sher *
Jack Freedman
Louis Kunofsky
Sam Lauter *
Sam Tannenbaum
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Guidor Gessler
Jeno Chajmovic
Kubi Goldaper
Roger Coulon
Chaim Abzac
 
January 28, 2022
Morris Taub *
Roy Dumont
Jerome Fishman
Joshua Kemeny
Abe Outman
Nettie Barnet *
Martha Dickar *
Beatrice Litkofsky
Arthur Lomazow
Sophie Mulnick
Joseph Pollak *
Ester Weis
Hedy Schwartz *
Abraham Talisman
Raisa Borodova
Ben Levee * 
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Johann Jaskulla
Irma Boros
Christian Rivage
Gitl Hartman
Josef Dunster
* 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, January 7
Celebration of January
Birthdays & Anniversaries
FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE
Service at 7:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg sponsored by those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in January
_________

Friday, January 14
SHABBAT SHIRA
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
Adult Choir Sings
(streamed)
Oneg sponsored by the Sgambelluri Family in honor of Shabbat on the occasion of Peri Elle Sgambelluri becoming a Bat Mitzvah
_________

Friday, January 21
TOT SHABBAT
6:00 p.m.
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)

_________

Friday, January 28
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
As we welcome a new secular New Year, there is a lot to look forward to in our school.

Religious school resumes on Sunday, January 9th   following a mid-winter break. We are happy to welcome back our Student Cantor Shirel Richman not only to our congregation, but to our school and our Kitah Alef class. 

This winter and spring our committee will be working with the school to have each class have an active part in a monthly family Friday night Shabbat service. Parents, please be on the lookout for your invitation to your child’s special honor as they are chosen to have a part on the Bimah. 

Our Tzedakah for the month will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and JCC Sunrise Day Camp. Our youngest Kitonim class selected “sick children” as the recipients for this month so we have chosen those two organizations. 

On Saturday, January 15th, we celebrate Peri Sgambelluri, one of our students, will be called to the Torah as she becomes a Bat Mitzvah at the service at 10:30am. 

On Sunday, January 23rd we encourage all families to have fun while also raising funds for our Temple’s Sisterhood at our Annual Bowling Bonanza at Rab’s Bowling Alley from 2:00pm-4:00pm. This is one of Sisterhood’s larger fundraisers and it is family friendly with bowling, food and raffle prizes for all ages! 

Happy 2022!
Felicia Otto
Parents' Committee Chair
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Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens.

The Membership Committee wishes our Temple Israel family a very happy and HEALTHY 2022. We look forward to better days ahead. 

The next in person Shabbat morning Torah study, services and lunch will take place on Saturday, January 22nd.  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  
(Use your acting skills to make the week’s Torah portion come alive. Explore alternate points of view as we enact and discuss the parsha of the week.)
●    Lunch following services at 12:00 pm. 

In order to keep everyone safe and follow national and local guidelines, we are asking everyone who attends to be prepared to show proof of vaccination at the door or a negative COVID test (within 3 days). Masking will be required for Torah study and Shabbat morning services.

See flyer following this article. 
We look forward to a beautiful and spiritual morning and to celebrating Shabbat together.

 We are working on additional ideas for in person gatherings. Watch this space for more information.

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. 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!
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.
Contact Blanche Ricci at branchtr.ricci@gmail.com
if you are interested in any Judaica Shop items.

Bryn Biren
Terry Baver
Avis Foundation Trustees
Wow! January, 2022, is it possible? It may be cold, and the days may be short, but we have activities to keep our families busy.

Our children between the ages of 6 and 9 are invited to visit the Resource Room (located at 534 Forest Avenues) from 4:00-5:15 PM on Fridays, January 21 and 28, February 4, 11, and 25. During the FUN FRIDAYS the girls and boys will be involved in STEM projects, including the topics of robots, drones, and mystery paper bag projects. If your child is interested in participating contact Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com.

This month, in addition to adult Yoga classes on Monday and Thursday evenings, the Avis Foundation will be introducing PILATES FOR ADULTS (all levels) on Sunday evenings 1/9, 1/23, 2/6 and 2/20 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Katarina Smith is a certified Pilates Reformer instructor, who also holds a BFA degree in dance (and a degree in Economics) from Fordham University. Pilates is an excellent way to improve your power base through strengthening stomach muscles, and also decreasing back pain. All classes will be held on ZOOM. Contact Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com if you are interested in attending.

Pam Silvestri, Food Editor of the Staten Island Advance, continues her FASCINATION with FOOD course with the following sessions on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM on ZOOM.
January 6 - ITALIAN FOOD
January 13 - SALMON
January 20 - KNIFE AND CHOPPING SKILLS

All of these courses are provided, at no cost, through the generosity of the Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation.
We welcome any programming suggestions for our children and adults. We also are looking for new adult leadership to help us planning and executing the various aspects of the Avis Foundation, contact Terry Baver at Terryqbaver@gmail.com or Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com.

Finally, we are always looking for new families with children to join our Temple Israel congregation. Do not hesitate to contact us with any new prospective members’ names and we will reach out to them.

Stay safe and well!

Sincerely,
Bryn Biren and Terry Baver
Our thanks go to Sylvia Gornstein and Susie Goldstein for conducting the December 14th discussion of “The Third Daughter” by Talia Carner. Their discussion, including their knowledge of events in their home country of Argentina, was enlightening! Thanks to Jodi Siegel for enabling our Zooming!
Heartfelt thanks to Judy Lee for organizing our wonderful trip on December 19th to the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Tovah Feldshuh’s one woman presentation of “ Becoming Dr Ruth” was amazing! We highly recommend, that if the show continues elsewhere, you make every effort to get tickets. The show, with enormous humor and pathos, presents an unforgettable view of Dr Ruth and a survivor's life after the Kindertransport.
Events to Come
Sunday, January 30, 4 PM—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! (Donations to Adult Learning always welcome) Contact judithpessah@gmail.com ASAP if you wish to ‘travel”with us.
Thursday, February 10, 7PM—Book Discussion—“The Four Winds” by Kristen Hannah. An American epic about love and heroism and hope, set during the Great Depression.
Location to be announced. Contact Cherylmlevine@ gmail.com if you wish to attend.

Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons













It's not too late to join us for our virtual comedy night via zoom on Saturday January 8th, 2021. Just $20 per person and if you want another raffle just add $10. Please contact one of us to let us know that you will be participating, and put your check in the mail payable to Temple Israel to Rhonda Trontz-Allen, 660 Bard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310. Don't forget to put your email address when you send us a check for the raffles. Please see attached flyer.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
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.
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Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join Us.

ALL CLASSES TAKE PLACE
VIA ZOOM AT 6:00 P.M.
meditation_pose_silhouette.jpg
WITH DENISE NIZZARE
Mondays and Thursdays
January 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
WITH KATARINA SMITH
Every other Sunday
January 9, 24
February 6, 20
PLEASE CONTACT BRYN BIREN FOR INFORMATION.


Free for Temple Israel Members & Their Friends!

Classes are for ADULTS ONLY.
Bryn Biren at 718-447-6225
As this is being written, the Senate has still not have passed two crucial pieces of legislation - voting rights and Build Back Better.  The RAC is asking us to call our senators to once again let them know that their constituents strongly support these bills and encourage their efforts in reforming the filibuster to make this happen.

Build Back Better:
The Build Back Better Act will improve education, health care unemployment, climate change, child care and provide economic security for workers and families.

Voting Rights
The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Actneed to advance in the Senate in order to combat voter suppression and ensure that all votes are counted and all voices are heard.
Register with the RAC to make the calls here:
As Reform Jews we are committed to tikkun olam- repairing our world and promoting equality and justice for all members of our society. Our actions make these values a reality.

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Thanks to all who helped with the food prep for Project Hospitality on December 24. As always, they were most appreciative of our efforts lead by our recipe guru, Pamela Rogozin.


Pamela Carlton
Pamela Rogozin
Caring Community Co-Chairs
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
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.