Rabbi Michael D. Howald

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein

Bryn Biren, Russell Kaminsky

Co-Presidents

JULY 2024

Sivan-Tammuz 5784

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CANASTA

HONEY GIFTS

TREE OF LIFE

CROCHET CLASSES

Shabbat Morning

Torah Study at 10:00 a.m.

Services have been suspended for the month of July.

Meeting ID: 878 5582 6129 

Passcode: 778943

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      In early May of this year, the Jewish Federations of North America released a survey of Jewish Americans that found a surge in interest in making meaningful connections to Jewish life. The survey found, for instance, that of the 83% of Jews who were “only somewhat,” “not very,” or “not at all engaged” prior to October 7, a whopping 40% are now starting to show up in larger numbers in Jewish life. 

https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-surge-of-interest-in-jewish-life/  

This “surge” includes individuals in every age demographic, particularly people over fifty-five with no children at home and singles in the 18-34 age range who reported experiencing the most antisemitism, particularly online. The members of the surge wanted substantive engagement about antisemitism and Israel, but they craved community most of all.

         Many of these people report having only a handful of Jewish friends. So, when they do show up to Jewish events, they report greater feelings of isolation and loneliness. Not surprisingly, they feel most welcome when they know other people at the event (77%), when someone personally invites them (51%) and when they see themselves reflected in the people who attend (42%). Most seekers initially seem to focus on Jewish gatherings outside of the synagogue, but a significant percentage (37% of the unaffiliated) express a willing to consider joining a congregation after October 7^th. According to a summary of the report from the Federation, “most synagogue interest comes from those who identify as Reform or as having no denomination, with 41% of the 48% of Reform Jews who are unaffiliated being open to joining and 33% of the 79% of Jews without a denomination being open to joining.” 

         No one knows how long this increase in Jewish interest and engagement will last. Yet it may offer an historic opportunity to engage seekers for Jewish meaning on Staten Island. A recent opinion article in EJewishphilantrophy (June 18, 2024), a free online Jewish magazine, believes that the best way to engage these previously under- or unengaged individuals is to focus on building personal relationships with this population. In other words, sophisticated educational offerings and meaningful worship will only go so far, what these new seekers are looking for is relationships to guide them deeper into Jewish life. https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/meeting-the-surge-through-relational-engagement

         We can immediately take two steps to engage those seeking greater connection to Jewish life. When visitors come to our synagogue, let us invite them to sit with us during services and at our oneg tables. Let them know we are available outside of services to answer any questions they may have about other opportunities for participation in Jewish life on Staten Island, even if its outside the walls of Temple Israel. The lesson of this survey is that what makes people go from unconnected to engaged is knowing people who can help them take the next steps in making new connections. In this environment of rising antisemitism, what the seekers are looking for most of all is friendship within the Jewish community. And, when it comes to joining a synagogue community, one of the key factors is knowing someone who is already a member.

         So, when you meet someone at the JCC, or at a fundraiser for Illuminarts or Sunrise Day Camp who is interested in greater participation in Jewish life, being a good Temple Israel ambassador does not necessarily mean twisting arms to get them to attend a Shabbat service. More important and effective is extending your guidance and friendship for their journey inward. We have so much to offer those who are looking for Jewish community and our greatest resource is each one of you showing them how greater participation in Jewish life has made a difference in your life. Sharing that can be the greatest gift you can give to those who are yearning for greater Jewish involvement in their lives!

Bryn Biren

Russell Kaminsky

We have had quite a year! Our Temple Gala on June 2nd was truly an evening to remember. It is what we would call the best of times. A big thanks to Jesse Siegel for such an excellent job. Thanks to Claire Guttsman and Ann Targownik for a very successful digital journal. A big thank you goes to the Gala committee and to everyone who contributed to the event. 

Our honorees - The Avis Foundation, Larry Hanibal, Jim Rohan, Jodi & Alan Siegel represent years of work and dedication to our synagogue. They are the behind-the-scenes individuals that create the finished product that our congregants see. They raise the funds, clean out the drawers in the kitchen, they check on the A/C to be sure it is working.  They practice musical instruments so that our services will sound beautiful. They constantly sell certificates to raise needed funds to pay for the expenses that keep our building running. They rush to the building when there is a leak, or the refrigerator is too warm. They are here seven days a week, fifty-two weeks each year, organizing fabulous events.

From the beginning of the High Holy days through the Installation of our Board of Trustees, our honorees, as well as our Committee chairs and their committee members have been at work for YOU. Now it is July. It is time to take a break. It is time to take a breath and celebrate Shabbat - perhaps longer than we do throughout the calendar year. We all need to relax and enjoy summer downtime.

Join us during the summer for Shabbat services after a day at the pool to pause, to relax with friends in the sanctuary, to really appreciate our time off.

 We wish each of you a healthy and enjoyable summer. As parents of grown children both of us realize just how quickly childhood passes and how spending time with family is of UTMOST importance. Take advantage, please. Be well!

Sincerely,

Bryn Biren & Russell Kaminsky

Co-Presidents

Wishing everyone a pleasant summer. Hug your family, laugh with friends, go on a new adventure whether far away or right in your own backyard! 

🎶 “I‘ll see you in September.”

Senior Choir rehearsals for the High Holy Days begin on Tuesday, September 10. 

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein 

Check back next month for dates and times for our High Holiday Rehearsal Schedule.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY 2024

SIVAN-TAMMUZ 5784

For calendar updates please check the Temple website.

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

MAZEL TOV TO:

Temple Israels' Gala Honorees DR. RONALD AVIS FOUNDATION FOR TEMPLE ISRAEL, LARRY HANIBAL, JIM ROHAN,

JODI & ALAN SIEGEL;

JESSE SIEGEL  being honored by the United Federation of Teachers with the Community Champion Award; 

THE LEIBOVICH FAMILY as their son, SAMSON, is called to the Torah as Bar Mitzvah;

SHARIANN GANZ & Family on the Aufruf and and upcoming marriage of BRIAN GANZ to JACLYN SMOLIN;

SARAH & BRYAN SARFATI as Temple Israel honorees at the annual UJA Comunity Breakfast,

GILLIAN RICCI, daughter of BLANCHE RICCI on her graduation;

SUSIE & MAURICE GOLDSTEIN on their 60th wedding anniversary;

The Outgoing and Incoming members of the BOARDS OF SISTERHOOD, BROTHERHOOD AND THE TEMPLE;

The Confirmation Class of 2024: ETHAN DEVITO & MA'AYAN FELDMAN.

CONDOLENCES TO:

JASON OTTO & FAMILY on the passing of his father, Henry James (Jim) Otto.

GET WELL WISHES TO:

JERRY MULNICK healing from a broken wrist.

PAMELA ROGOZIN recovering from two surgeries;

INEZ SINGER recovering from COVID.

THINKING OF YOU:

DEBBIE CHERNOFF

SUE FREEDMAN

BARBARA FRIED

BARBARA MENNA

RUSSEL KAMINSKY

July 5, 2024

Susan Scherker

Howard Levine

Jean Pollack *

Herbert Flaum

Ellen Pisetzner

Adele Mushnick *

David Marks

Louis Katzman *

George Curatola

Samuel Greene *

Joseph Wolff

Samuel Rubenstein *

Bernard Jablon *

Peter Prosaw *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Philemon Hauman

Sandor Leipniker

Hermann Sorgenfrei

Gustav Egger

Franz Xaver Josef Sinzinger

July 12, 2024

Herman Brouse *

Julius Holtz *

Gary Fried *

Charles Weissglass *

Leon Berkowicz

Sylvia Schwartz *

Max Davidson *

Herman Sigmund

Sonia Dumont

Jerome Krant *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Gyorgy Politzer

Helene Schier

Aron Beder

Samuel Josef

Franz Kilinski

July 19, 2024

Morris Gross

Leroy Tepper *

Jerome Berg *

Lillian Feldman

Muriel Schwartz

Ruth Bodell

Miriam Blackman

Bill Greenfield

Hyman Snyder

Carl Orland *

Louis Blumenthal *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Aurelia Gabe

Bela Flejszer

Rivkah Berliner

Dovid Lichtensztajn

Nena Honigman

July 26, 2024

Lucille Chazanoff

Alice Rosen *

Jacob Drescher

Steven Martin Cohen

Michael Selig

John Vogelman

William Silverberg *

Joseph Schulter

Estelle Ballow

Bernard Freedman

Bessie Topel

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Johannes Guldemond

Jozsefne Rosenfeld

Jean Dabat

Pal Teltsch

Matje Wolf

The Advance Payment Program allows members to pay in advance for Friday night program ads. Members usually deposit $100 (or less in some cases) and when an ad is placed, $5 is deducted. When the balance gets low (usually to about $10) an e-mail is sent reminding the member that they should consider adding money to their account. 

You may, if you wish, pay in advance for Friday night program announcements. For more details contact the Temple office or contact Deanna Feder at  dfeder19@aol.com to set up an account. 

DEDICATE A LEAF ON OUR

TREE OF LIFE

Click on the image below.

Dear Fellow Congregants,

As the Temple’s Fiscal Year comes to a close, please be sure to review your records to ensure that your Annual Commitment is up to date.  Also, please be reminded that the Temple’s Building Fund of $1100 per member is scheduled to be honored during the first four years of membership.  If there were to be a ‘life-cycle event’ prior to that timeframe, it is required that the submission of the Building Fund be completed before that event takes place.

Should you have any questions or issues, please feel free to contact me

@ (347) 631-9802. Thank you for your on-going support of Temple Israel.

Jacqueline Rabinowitz 

Financial Secretary

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.

On Tuesday, June 18, 50 Sisterhood members and Friends of Sisterhood enjoyed a wonderful “End of the Year Dinner,”  at Li Greci’s Staaten.  Claire Guttsman and Feuerstein organized a lovely evening. Co-presidents of Sisterhood Judy Lee, Pamela Carlton, and Susan Freedman (Anita Zuckerberg was on vacation) received lovely blankets which were chosen by Blanche Ricci, Linda Hanibal, and Libby Gershansky.

The co-presidents presented posters, generously donated by Jodi Siegel, to the following for volunteering to help us with Onegs, other functions, such as Sisterhood General Meeting Breakfasts; and for outstanding service:

·      Robin Hertzberg, Director of Sisterhood (“Judaism is about sanctifying life,” Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks).

·      Inez Singer, Past President of Sisterhood (“Judaism is founded on human faith and the divine promise that the World can be perfected,” Rabbi Yitz Greenberg).

·      Pamela Rogozin, Past President of Sisterhood and Vice President of Programming (“A life without a dream is not a life, but a dream without limits is an illustration,”  Rabbi Yitz Greenberg).

·      Karen Gross, Past President of Sisterhood (“I am blessed to be a voyager on an ancient pathway, Rabbi Rachel Cowan).                       

·      Esther Magid, Director of Sisterhood (“How wonderful it is that no one has to wait, but can start right now to gradually change the world,”  Anne Frank).

·      Sarah Sarfati, Director of Sisterhood (“Serving others is one of the pillars upon which Judaism rest,”  Lynn Schusterman).

Past President, Nina Rohan, was given a beautiful pashmina scarf, in appreciation for all that she has done to help us.

We wish the new Sisterhood Presidents, Jodi Siegel and Shariann Ganz, an amazing and productive year. 

Judy Lee, Sue Freedman, Pamela Carlton, Anita Zuckerberg

The following is the text of the remarks offered by incoming Sisterhood Co-President Jodi Siegel at the Installation Service on June 14, 2024.

We’re Back!

Thank you to Judy Lee, Anita Zuckerberg, Pam Carlton, Sue Freedman and Pam Rogozin for keeping Sisterhood warm for us over the past two years.

On behalf of Shariann and myself, we want to thank Sisterhood for the honor of allowing us to return to serve as your co-presidents for the upcoming year.  We know there was a very long line of people waiting to grab this position.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Sisterhood Past President Cheryl Levine for serving as our Installing Officer this evening.  Cheryl, you set an example for us many years ago when you were SH President, and you continue to set examples for us all with your professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to serve our Sisterhood and our Temple.  

Bryn likes to say that Sisterhood is the backbone of Temple Israel.  Well, the backbone of Sisterhood is made up of all the officers, directors and members of Sisterhood, past and present, who work diligently and tirelessly to make sure that the timeless traditions and new initiatives of our organization are carried out with beauty, grace, spirit and sensitivity. 

Over the past few years, Sisterhood has made a concerted effort to increase our membership in order to engage every woman in our Temple.  In these ever-changing times, being part of gendered organization may not always be the most popular or politically correct thing to do.  But we have made room for and welcome everyone, no matter how they identify.  Our goal, of course, would be to have our membership fully reflect Temple membership.  And although our numbers remain steady, we have not yet met our goal of 100%.  I’m not a fan of “preaching to the choir” as they say, so permit me a moment to address those in our congregation who have chosen not to become a Sisterhood member or a Friend of Sisterhood whether they are here tonight or not….

• If you have ever taken a bite of a piece of the challah or had a cup of wine or juice at a Kiddush after services, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If you have ever used a utensil or dish or napkin at an oneg or a seder or a Shabbat dinner here, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If, in a starved frenzy, you’ve grabbed a gefilte fish ball or a cup of orange juice at the end of Yom Kippur services, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If your child has received a Torah Commentary or Tanakh at Confirmation or B’Nei Mitzvah, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If you have not had to deal with the sun in your eyes because the vertical blinds in the social hall work, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If you have admired the flowers on the bimah, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If you’ve received a Shalach Manot basket on Purim or a flag on Simchat Torah, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If you’ve noticed the decorations or lights in the Sukkah, it’s because of SH.
• If you’ve ever purchased something at the Chanukah Holiday Fair or from the Judaica shop, it’s because of Sisterhood.
• If your children have guessed the number of gelt coins in a jar or played bingo at our Chanukah Shabbat dinner, it’s because of Sisterhood.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.  So, even if you can’t or come to meetings, even if you don’t choose to attend any of our fundraising events which help to support our temple or our community or join us for a fun girls’ night out, even if you don’t want the comraderie  and friendship of the beautiful people with wonderful hearts who make up our organization, you can support sisterhood by simply sending in your dues and becoming a member so that we can continue to provide you and our temple with all those experiences and more. Oh, and, helping at an Oneg now and then would be great too!

Sisterhood is in transition.  We are fully aware that if we wish to continue to thrive, we need to re-examine who we are, how we function, what our purpose is and what we need to do so that we can remain strong and healthy.  Over the next few months, we will be following the lead of our umbrella organization, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), and begin planning to focus more on the 3 pillars of WRJ: Sisterhood, Spirituality and Social Action.  We have a lot of work to do. We hope you will join us in this work.

Thank you to Rabbi & Cantor for a lovely service this evening.

We congratulate Bob Zuckerberg and the officers and directors of Brotherhood.  We know that we can continue to join forces and work together with you to do great things for Temple Israel.

We look forward to the support of the Temple Board of Trustees through all of our endeavors.

Shariann and I would like to thank all Sisterhood’s outgoing and incoming executive officers and directors and members and welcome those who are joining our board. We appreciate everything single thing you have done and all that you will do. 

We look forward to working with all of you and to watching Sisterhood grow.

Jodi Siegel and Shariann Ganz

Sisterhood Co-Presidents 

Brotherhood at Temple Israel continues….Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

As the current Temple year approaches the summer season, we are continuing our efforts to draw on the support and expertise of our current members as well as prospective members.  We will be continuing to provide opportunities for involvement in support of Temple Israel.  

Thank you to all those who attended our June 14^th Installation Service. We are happy that Brotherhood is now back in full swing with officers and directors, and we are looking forward to the many ways we will be supporting Temple Israel in the coming year.

Please be reminded that the Summer BBQ has been scheduled for 

July 14th and will include activities for children of TI who will be attending.  Please see the flyer following this article. Your reservations are due not later than July 1st. 

We also look forward to having you join us for our Canasta Lessons on July 10th, August 7th and. August 21st.

Looking ahead to the new Temple year, we will be scheduling a complimentary Breakfast in September to kick off Brotherhood activities going forward.  Please join us and volunteer your assistance as we continue to support the efforts of Temple’s service to the Reform Jewish Community of Staten Island.

We wish you and your families a safe, restful and healthy summer season.

Bob Zuckerberg

SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

10:00 AM

Please check back with us next month for all the information you need for school schedules and events in September.

Felicia Otto and Brooke Lopez

Religious School Committee Co-Chairs

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

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN ONEG, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FLYER BELOW AT LEAST ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE YOU ARE REQUESTING.

SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO SISTERHOOD VIA THE SISTERHOOD MAILBOX, OR GIVE IT DIRECTLY TO

SISTERHOOD CO-PRESIDENT SHARIANN GANZ.

YOU WILL THEN BE CONTACTED BY A SISTERHOOD REPRESENTATIVE WHO WILL HAPPILY ASSIST YOU WITH ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS & DETAILS.

Our last meeting was shortened due to limited attendance. Much discussion was related to the “Buddy” system proposed by Felicia. Intergenerational activities have been an initiative proposed by the Membership Committee, so we are looking forward to working with Felicia. While there are members of the committee that are willing to participate, the details of what this program will entail needs additional clarification. Sarah will speak to Felicia to get a more detailed description of what would be expected of the participating children and the Temple volunteers. With additional clarification, we will create a calendar of events to send to the members of the congregation, new families with children and those families participating in Sunday school. 

We discussed the use of name tags to be used at Friday night services. Sarah suggested having the tags and a pen available at a table next to the ushers. Sarah created a sign to let people know that the tags are available and to fill them out. We started using them at the Friday night June 14th service.

The Committee is looking forward to the coming year and we hope to create a variety of events to increase the membership of the Temple. 

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Mazzucco

Claire Guttsman

Sarah Sarfati

Rian Silverman

Co-Chairs

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.

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

Welcome to July!

We continue to hope all of you are enjoying your summer. 

We hope you all are thinking about things you would like to work on at temple this coming year. Everyone should be volunteering; working on a committee; helping with many things! Our temple is all volunteers! So it is so important to be a part of our volunteering community.

Please, reach out to either of us to discuss any volunteering you are interested in doing. And we can tell you about all the committees and the kind of work we all have volunteered  to do throughout our wonderful years of life at our temple congregation. 

We also continue to encourage all of you to help us welcome new families to be members at our temple. If you know anyone who might be interested, let them know about the Avis Foundation and feel free to reach out to us so we can meet up with them.

Continue to enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Bryn Biren and Terry Baver

MsBunny7@aol.com

terryqbaver@gmail.com

The story of the Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation for Temple Israel

Dr. Avis originally provided our wonderful Foundation to cover a portion of the membership cost for the first 6 years for young families with young children. Our congregation had been diminishing and he was looking for a way to help us all begin to grow. After meeting with Bryn and Terry a few times, more money was added so the families would also have the opportunities to experience programs for their children. Many wonderful events have been set up for the young families including museum visits, Chanukah cookie designs, a Challah class, a program at the Staten Island Holocaust Center, and many other experiences. The foundation has also helped cover the cost of the religious school teachers.

But then!!!! Covid happened!!!!!!

So the decision was made to use a portion of the foundation money to help all the temple members. The Avis Foundation began to create the zoom classes for the adults in our congregation. These classes are continuing and the foundation covers the costs of them all. The Avis Foundation also covered the cost of the 75th anniversary event. And the foundation is now working with Judy Pessah and the Adult Education Committee to help cover the cost of all the events and classes for the adults in the congregation. 

So: Our entire congregation has benefitted from the generosity of the Foundation. Thank you RON!!!!

Summer is just beginning and we are quietly thinking about Adult Learning plans for next year. We would appreciate it if you think along with us. Please tell us what you are eager to learn about, suggest what you yourself may be able to teach us, and let us know of people who can present learning programs to us.

Some of our budding ideas for programs—

Furthering our knowledge of Jewish observance and practice.

Conversational Hebrew

The evolution of Reformed Judaism

The Birth of Christianity and its effect on Judaism

Aspects of the Holocaust

A bus trip to “Jewish” Philadelphia

Viewing the play “Gene and Gilda” at the George St. Playhouse in New Brunswick, N.J., some time in December. (Please send us a note if you are interested).

Hope you have a wonderful summer. Please look out for Adult Learning Committee meeting notices and JOIN US!

Judith Pessah & Judy Lee

Adult Learning Committee Chairpersons

Thank you to all who participated in our Jimmy Max FUNdraiser on

Tuesday June 25.

Please save the date Saturday December 14, 2024,

for our next FUNdraiser.  

More info to follow.

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

Co-Chairs