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 - NOVEMBER 2020
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. |
|
|
Many of our usual Temple activities have now become virtual. Please join us for any or all of the following Shabbat and Festival services and Torah Study sessions by simply clicking on the links in the link boxes at the posted times. All sessions will take place using Zoom. Links are also posted in weekly News and Notes. If you wish to call into these meetings, the phone numbers for audio access are also listed. *Please note that some of the meetings may require that you include the listed password.
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 6th at 7 p.m.
All other weeks on Friday at 8 p.m.
|
|
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 947 946 323
Passcode: 947053
|
|
|
|
Every week on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. |
|
Dial by your location
1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 614 246 852
Passcode: 549042
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
Several years ago, I spoke during the High Holy Days about “ambiguous loss,” a phenomenon identified and named by Professor and therapist Pauline Boss. Ambiguous loss occurs when we grieve losses that are incomplete and uncertain. A family with a parent who suffers from dementia experiences ambiguous loss because, even though the parent is still present physically, they are psychologically absent. Ambiguous loss can often be the most distressing of all losses, because even though we recognize a loss, its exact nature remains unclear and indeterminate. We hunger for certainty. Ambiguous loss promises continuation of doubt.
The current pandemic is perhaps the largest ambiguous loss humanity has ever experienced. The loss is ambiguous because we still don’t know when “normal” will return or what it will look like when it does. This uncertainty has frozen some of us in place while others insist on absolutes, acting as if the world has been turned completely upside down while others deny that anything has changed. The ambiguity has prevented us from participating in symbolic rituals of closure and has left us physically and emotionally exhausted from the relentless uncertainty and the equally persistent feeling that we have lost our ability to understand and manage the world.
Thinking about the ongoing epidemic as an ambiguous loss can help us cope with the current uncertainty. Our current loss may be complicated and hard to define but the key, as Professor Boss points out in her book, Ambiguous Loss, is to find a way to accept imperfect solutions. In the Torah portion for this week, God commands Noah to build an ark and sequester himself on it, along with his family and all the animals, for months until God decides to reveal the dry land once again. We think of this as a story for children but, in many ways, it has become the story of our entire world. We are all adrift on the ark, waiting for the vaccine to appear, yet without a precise timetable or clear knowledge of how effective the inoculation will be.
We can start with the advantage Noah had when the Flood began. “Noah was a righteous man in his generation,” the Torah portion begins, informing us, from the very beginning of the narrative, that the flood that follows is not the result of Noah’s actions. We can find fault with how we and others have dealt with the pandemic since it began, but letting go of cause and effect thinking with regard to how COVID-19 has affected our family, our friendships or our careers can help free us of undeserved guilt. Recognizing that our loss is ambiguous, in addition, reminds us that while we have certainly suffered a loss, something also remains, much as the elements for rebuilding the world anew existed on the ark with Noah. Understanding that ambiguous loss often prevents us from reorganizing our relationships in response to the changed circumstances can also empower us to realign our roles and our rules to better reflect the new circumstances. Since our collective loss is ambiguous and not certain, finally, we are free to be positive about the outcome. Viktor Frankl, concentration camp survivor and author, called this “tragic optimism,” an optimism borne of hope for the future even in the presence of previously unimaginable loss.
We cannot bring complete clarity to questions about the pandemic, but we can bring greater lucidity to how we will respond to this ongoing uncertainty. The critical questions for now, as they were for Noah and his family quarantined in the ark, is not when the world will return to normal, but how we will live with this ambiguity until then. “For each of us,” says Professor Boss, “the answers will be different. But the answers are less critical than the questions.” May the One who has bestowed goodness upon us in the past, continue to bestow goodness upon us in the days to come.
|
|
A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
|
|
Dear Fellow Congregants,
In just a few days we will all be setting our clocks back by one hour as we do every year. It is refreshing that some things are still happening as they have for many, many years. Our current world-wide situation has brought us so many new challenges with which to deal and has shown that many things have changed with little or no notice.
Here at Temple Israel we have all been dealing with changes to our usual ways of doing things. Building on our already strong relationship, your Temple leadership, both Clergy and Lay Leaders, have been working together to provide you with consistency and support in order to maintain the focus of Temple Israel which is to serve its Congregants.
As we continue to focus on an eventual safe return to on-site activities, we continue to offer you the opportunities to remain active by means of Zoom services, meetings and other activities. Art, music, yoga and book discussions have been very well attended. We welcome your participation and encourage you to bring a congregational friend with you when next you attend. In fact, we would welcome unaffiliated friends to attend those sessions that are open to non-members.
As you know, there are many committees that work to support the Temple. We believe that your participation on these committees will benefit your fellow congregants as well as provide you with a sense of self-satisfaction. To that end, we are publishing a list of the standing committees and the chair of each. Please take a look at the somewhat extensive list and decide with which one you would like to assist. You may directly contact the committee chair to volunteer your service or call the Temple Office and request that the Chairperson call you. Working together, we can help to ensure the ongoing health and future of our Temple as we look forward to reaching a “new normal” in the near future.
Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
COMMITTEES & CHAIRS
Adult Learning-Cheryl Levine & Judy Pessah
Bulletin-Jodi Siegel
Capital Campaign-Jeffrey Ganz
Capital Construction-(open)
Caring Community-Pamela Rogozin
Certificates-Larry Hanibal
Endowment-Phyllis Elrich & Fred Simon
FUNdraising-Karen Frey Gamoran, Rhonda Trontz-Allen & Lissa Winchel
Gala-Jodi Siegel & Jennifer Straniere
Gala Journal-Claire Guttsman
House-Alan Siegel (acting)
Library-Steven Scher
Parent Association-Felicia Otto
The Rabbi Howald Fund for Social Justice & Tikkun Olam-Pamela Rogozin
Ushering-.Nina Rohan
Webmaster-Joanna Meltzer
|
|
On October 12, 2020, your Board of Trustees adopted a policy to guide congregants, clergy and employees so ensure maximum safety during the pandemic. Please note that this policy does not set any timeline for indoor gatherings on our property – it only lays out the procedures to follow at such time that indoor events resume. To see the policy CLICK HERE.
(The document consists of 6 pages: 1 to 3 is the policy, 4 is the tracking log and 5 & 6 is the waiver form.)
|
|
Politics, Religion and… Education.
In polite society, we are taught to never talk about politics or religion but today I am going to talk about both: Elections are coming. I would like to take a moment to NOT talk about Trump or Biden, red or blue, Russia or China, Iran or Israel. I would like to talk about Jewish values, core principles in our tradition and what we can teach our children about how to be Jewish in the world these days.
We can teach our children that ״דינא דמלכותא דינא״ — “dina d’malkhuta dina” — the law of the land is the law. Our children should be encouraged to understand that this Jewish value is critical to one’s obligations and responsibilities to the society in which one resides. In a democracy, that means that all citizens over 18-years-old should be free to vote, able to vote, and have their votes counted.
Jewish tradition is filled with wonder. Asking questions is encouraged and valued from a young age. When asking questions, we might get answers with which we disagree or would like to challenge. The Talmud is based on rabbis - teachers and intellectuals who argue and debate.
Political argument and debate are important; they must be encouraged. Our children should also know that all discourse that takes place ״לשם שמיים״ -- “l’shem shamayim” — for the sake of the heavens — and in the spirit of Hillel and Shammai’s many disagreements, they must occur with civility, respect, and without threat of violence or retribution.
Our children should be taught that even though they might be too young to vote, they still have a critical role to play in the world. They should also be presented with adult role models who guide them,”על פי דרכו” -- “al pi darko” — according to their ways, so that they can become the best citizens they can be.
Especially now during this pandemic, we can teach our children and grandchildren all of this with the utmost consideration of ״פיקוח נפש״ -- “pikuach nefesh” — saving of lives.
Politics, religion and education are all important but preserving and saving lives come first. So let us continue to socially distance, wear masks, and wash our hands so we can get through this pandemic as quickly as possible so we can all sing together again in our sanctuary and classrooms!
B’shira, (with singing!)
Shirel Richman
Student Cantor
|
|
Adult Choir Rehearsals (Virtual)
Tuesday November 3 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 24 - 7:00 p.m.
Junior Choir Rehearsals (Virtual)
Sunday, November 8 - 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 - 11:30 p.m.
|
|
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
|
|
Can you believe that it’s November already? So many of our socially-distant, face-covered, quarantined days seem to move so slowly, yet the months seem to fly by so quickly. I am sure, that like me, you had hoped that we would be able to resume our regular routines and activities by now, but regrettably it doesn’t look like that will happen anytime in the very near future. Given all of this, it amazes me that our Sisterhood has not missed a beat. We continue to find creative ways to engage our membership, provide activities and service to our congregation and continue our long-standing traditions.
It was a joy to see so many celebrate Sukkot with us on the Temple patio for our first “Pizza in the Hut” gathering and then, later that evening, at our annual “Sippin’ in the Sukkah” get-together. Thank you to my co-president, Shariann Ganz, our husbands Alan and Jeff and Andrea and Fred Simon for helping us to set up and clean up. Thank you to Student Cantor Shirel Richman, Lincoln Richman and Rabbi Howald for leading us in Havdallah in between those two activities.
Although we were unable to show our support by walking in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness walk in October, we are grateful to all who supported our Sisterhood Team by making generous contributions to the American Cancer Society. With your help, we were able to raise over $1200 so far. Thank you to Inez Singer who works so hard every year to keep this important issue at the forefront for us. If you have not yet made your donation, please feel free to contact Inez at nezzle@aol.com. Donations will continue to be accepted through this week.
We are kicking off this month with a joyous musical concert provided virtually by Nefesh Mountain on November 1st. Thank you to our co-sponsors The Avis Foundation for Temple Israel and the Adult Learning Committee, and to Blanche Ricci for making this possible. Please join us this Sunday night at 7 pm. If you have not yet expressed an interest in attending, please contact Blanche Ricci before Saturday.
We will be joining all our sisters from the WRJ Northeast District on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7th in "Celebrating Our Stories” at their very first Virtual Convention. We invite you to register, free of charge, to find our about WRJ and other Sisterhoods in our region. See the flyer and registration link below this article.
We will continue our celebration of November and ready ourselves for Thanksgiving with a fabulous Wine-Tasting Fundraiser on Saturday, November 14th. You will be guided through this inter-active Zoomed event by Pam Silvestri, the Staten Island Advance Food Editor. Pam will help us experience 4 different wines and paired cheeses and answer any questions we have. The cost includes 4 raffle tickets for wine-basket prizes. Thanks to Felicia Otto, Nina Rohan, Claire Guttsman and Bryn Biren for helping to make this event happen.
Later in the month, on November 22nd from 10 a.m.- 12 noon, Sisterhood will continue with our annual tradition of providing high quality Chanukah gifts and wares to our congregants at our annual Holiday Gift Fair. All health and safety protocols will be observed as we invite you to stop by the Temple Israel Social Hall (through the patio doors) and shop in a socially distanced manner. The number of shoppers will be monitored to ensure safety.
We are asking that whether you come to shop or not, that you make a contribution to our Thanksgiving Food Drive. We will be collecting donations in the Temple Parking Lot which will go to the Project Hospitality Food Pantry. We are grateful to Anita Zuckerberg for spearheading this much needed community service activity.
Later that day, we will honor all Sisterhood’s current Paid-up Members and Friends of Sisterhood with a wonderful Lunch and Leiber Program. Be sure to see the flyer following this article for details and join us for a docent-led tour the Judith Leiber Exhibit at the Jewish Museum of Florida. It’s still not too late to pay your Sisterhood dues so that you are able to take part in this wonderful event. Contact sfreedman9204@gmail.com, bartenda23@aol.com, or aninformedsource@aol.com for information about Sisterhood Membership.
We are looking forward to also continuing our wonderful Chanukah Pajamakah New Member Shabbat Dinner on Friday, December 11th. This is an event you will not want to miss. Traditional Chanukah Shabbat Dinners will be delivered to your home and we will light our Menorahs, eat our chocolate gelt and enjoy Chanukah together, all while welcoming and blessing the newest members of our Temple Israel Family.
Look for the flyers for each of these events elsewhere in the bulletin.
|
|
Wishing you all a healthy, peaceful and joyous Thanksgiving.
In Sisterhood and Friendship,
Jodi Siegel
Co-President
|
|
To print or download the entire 2020-2021 Sisterhood Calendar, just click on the calendar above. |
|
Click above to print or download this flyer.
If you have not yet paid your Sisterhood ($45) or Friend of Sisterhood ($36) Dues, please send your check to Sisterhood so that you can join us for this wonderful event!
|
|
THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
|
|
Hello Everyone. I hope everyone continues to enjoy good health as we continue to remain somewhat socially distant during these unprecedented times. We continue to remain connected via our Zoom meetings which have been well attended.. On Sunday morning October 18th, the Brotherhood came out to deconstruct the Sukkah and store it for next year. We are also going to investigate on purchasing a new Sukkah for next year. Hopefully, that will be able to be accomplished.
As we move on in the year please keep in mind the Brotherhood's annual Chanukah Card. This is a wonderful way to wish your fellow Temple Israel family a happy and magical season of lights. Since Chanukah is early please look out for flyers in mailings and in our various forms of communication. But, more importantly, please participate.
It is very important to keep the work of Brotherhood going strong as we navigate these unprecedented times. I would like to thank those members that have made their annual commitment to our affiliate organization for those that have not done so yet I am asking each and every Male member to please consider joining Brotherhood. The dues are only $45. Now more than ever we need your support.
During these trying and unprecedented times we know we can always count on Rabbi for his spirituality, guidance and knowledge to lift up our feelings.
At this time all in person events and meetings for the Brotherhood are being cancelled and held via Zoom unless otherwise noted. Hopefully we will all be able to come together soon and experience the friendship and camaraderie that we so much look forward to.
During these changing times 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. Until we can enjoy our personal interaction I leave you with, stay strong, stay safe, be positive and do your best together we will come through this stronger,
Brotherhood is a vital affiliate organization to the Temple. Together we are strong and make a difference to our Temple Family
Please share your ideas with us to enhance the Brotherhood experience….
|
|
Your in Friendship and Brotherhood,
Jeff Ganz
President
|
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2020
|
|
or call Anita at 917-698-9244 |
|
MAZEL TOV TO:
JUDITH PESSAH and her entire family on the occasion of her grandson Jonah King Childs being called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
RONI SCHORR on the engagement of her son, Josh to Adena Ruchames;
INEZ & STEVE SINGER as they await the birth of a new grandson in April to Aniko & Andrew and soon to be big brother, Liam;
DEBRA SMITH & SCOTT LEVINE on the engagement of their daughter, Michelle to Matthew Branagh.
CONDOLENCES TO:
THE GAMORAN FAMILY on the loss of Joe’s Sister-in-Law, ROXANNE GAMORAN;
CANDESS AND RICHARD BRAUN AND FAMILY on the Passing of Candess’ Father, ALEXANDER LAWRENCE CHARLES;
CINDY SELMON & FAMILY on the loss of her husband, SEARLE SELMON;
The families of former members JOYCE SCHOLAR and ELEANOR NALITT;
Former member HARRIET FRIEDMAN WILSON on the sudden loss of her husband, Robert;
MARGARET EICHLER on the loss of her husband, DR. HAROLD EICHLER
GET WELL WISHES TO:
KAREN GROSS recuperating from kidney surgery
THINKING OF YOU:
DAVID MELTZER, JENNIFER STRANIERE, KAREN GROSS
and to all our members impacted by the coronavirus.
|
|
Happy Fall!! As we prepare for cooler days and watch falling leaves, we are entering a slower month ritually. October saw the celebration of Sukkot on Zoom. Lulav and Etrog sets were purchased and delivered to the Temple and to those who ordered them. Thanks to Brotherhood for building the Sukkah, our Religious School Students for decorating it, and to Sisterhood for the new decorations and their sponsoring of “Pizza in the Hut” and “Sippin in the Sukkah”, which enabled congregants to come to the Temple patio to observe in person on Saturday night October 3rd and to participate in a Havdalah Service led by Rabbi Howald, Student Cantor Richman and Lincoln Richman as well as to watch or wave the Lulav and Etrog is six directions. Simchat Torah was also celebrated with singing and dancing with the Torah on the Zoom platform on Friday evening October 9th and Saturday morning October 10th which included the opportunity to remember our loved ones at the Yizkor Service.
We congratulate GAVIN CARTER LEVINE and all his family on his being called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday October 24th. During these unusual times it was necessary for this life cycle event to be private so that social distancing and safety could be practiced.
Looking ahead, the Ritual Committee recommended to the Temple Israel Board of Directors, and the Board approved, that future Friday night Services start at 7:30 PM rather than the usual 8:00 PM time. (The Family Service on the first Friday of the month staying at its 7:00 PM time). This change is effective as of January.
Please continue to look to your e-mails, messages, Temple Israel’s News and Notes, Facebook Page, and this E-Shalom Bulletin for updated information regarding special Services, Study opportunities.
Finally, this month of November brings the secular holiday of Thanksgiving. Even during these challenging times, we have much to be thankful for, including our Temple Israel family.
Please stay safe and heathy.
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
__________________________
We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of lighting the candles and reciting the Motzi at Erev Shabbat Services in October:
Andrea Simon, Fred Simon, Linda Hanibal, Larry Hanibal,
Libby Gershansky, Ira Gershansky, Sue Freedman,
Gayle Schwartz, Wayne Schwartz.
Thank you to Jim Rohan and Joyce Miller for serving as ushers at the October 24th Bar Mitzvah Service with special thanks to Alan Siegel for all his assistance.
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
|
|
|
November 6, 2020
Hon. Royal Radin *
Allen Scher
Ruth Sher *
Louis S. Berlin *
Edward Brandt *
Morris Cohen
Mathew Guttman
Estelle Hyatt
Leslie Klein
Robert Kurlander
Ida Popkins-Feuerstein
Lillian Lipsitz *
Frances Marcus *
Gabriel Topel
Harry Dembiner
Jennie Dembiner
Golda Kramer *
Adelaida Pujol
Annette Mogol Scheiner *
Jack Zuckerberg
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Ernst Stiller
Hans Koscherak
Hermann Segall
Josef Soicher
Armin Klein
November 13, 2020
Herman Neiman
Jean Neiman
Gertrude Pisetzner *
Mary Schwarz *
Joyce Grossman
Helen Bey Kitoff
Sylvia Rodman
Ida Cohen
Deborah Gornstein
Harry Cohen
Joseph Hershenson
Michael Slamow *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Leon Hamburger
Erwin Gasa
Hasiza Ofman
Feiga Wilhelm
Ţiupa Vainştein
|
|
November 20, 2020
Sarah Cohen *
Max Heit
Joseph Korman
Ira Taub *
Abraham Miller
Helen Diamond *
Emma Meyers
Sophia Axelrod *
Marilyn W. Lipsitz
Lewis A Selmon
Hyman Ruskin *
Arthur M. Selznick
Marion Vogelman
Edward Fine *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Emanuel Costa
Stanislaw Niedzielski
Arkadiusz Kedzielski
Olga Saliman
Betty Flora Velleman
November 27, 2020
Joy Paula Duskin
Herbert Gross *
Adele Salzberg
Nellie Beck
Richard B. Marcus *
Eleanor Rosenblum
Ann Docteroff *
Fanny Goldberg *
Tobie Schaeffer
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Emil Ehrenfreund
Fritz Seyfert
Jennie Kohn
Rachel Alpert
Yakov Wilunski
|
|
* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
|
|
We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact Lara 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.
|
|
As soon as we are able to celebrate Shabbat together
in person at Temple Israel,
we will celebrate all the Birthdays and Anniversaries
that we missed at a very special Oneg!
In the meantime, please celebrate with us at our Zoom Shabbat Services on the 1st Friday of each month.
We appreciate you sending in your contributions toward these wonderful Onegs!
|
|
|
|
Erev Shabbat Services
Friday, November 6
Celebration of November Birthdays & Anniversaries
7:00 p.m. via ZOOM
Friday,November 13
8:00 p.m. via ZOOM
Friday, November 20
8:00 p.m. via ZOOM
Friday, November 27
8:00 p.m. via ZOOM
|
Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
|
|
|
BEGINNING IN JANUARY,
THERE WILL BE A CHANGE IN TIME FOR FRIDAY EVENING EREV SHABBAT SERVICES.
1st Fridays will remain at 7:00 p.m.
All other Friday evening services
will begin at 7:30 p.m.
|
|
Dear Parents,
It has been so wonderful to see so many of you joining your kids for our Sunday morning Religious school service each week. Attending the service together as we would if we were in the sanctuary is a bonding opportunity for families and the children enjoy spending that time with each other and with us.
This month kicks off with a very special virtual field trip program to the Tenement Museum on Sunday, November 1st at 10:00am. The program will be about the Rogarshevsky family and how they balanced their religious faith, work and family. The trip is most appropriate for children between the ages of 8-14, but we think even some of the younger children will enjoy it! Thank you to Terry Baver and the AVIS Foundation for setting up this experience for us!
Sunday, November 22 at 10:00am we will be running a special event where we will have private or semi-private Holiday shopping experiences for the kids and families at Sisterhood's Annual Holiday Gift Fair. Look out for an email from me to schedule your child's time where they can shop. This will be a great opportunity to bring your child back into the building, even if for a few minutes, and to do it safely. Every child and every parent who attends will receive a free raffle ticket for gifts!
Additionally, we hope you will encourage your children to bring donations for Sisterhood’s Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Project Hospitality’s Food Pantry. Just drop your non-perishable canned and packaged goods in one of the bins in the Temple Parking Lot when you come for the Holiday Fair.
Our next Parent's Committee meeting will take place Sunday, December 6th at 9:30am through google meet. Please contact me if you would like to join us!
Have a great month!
Felicia
Felicia Otto
646-425-9524
|
|
Every Voice, Every Vote.
The Reform Movement's
2020 Civic Engagement Campaign
|
|
Every Voice, Every Vote.
The Reform Movement's 2020 Civic Engagement Campaign
As you read this, we will be only days away from the official Election Day. Please consider that voting is a hard-won privilege that many have fought for in our American democracy. It is also an important Jewish value, since choosing leaders is mentioned in the Talmud. Please remember to exercise your right to vote and let us be grateful to all who came before us to make this privilege a reality.
PLAN TO VOTE BY HAVING A PLAN TO VOTE
Here are some important things to think about as we approach Nov. 3rd. Please share with family and friends.
-
Voting by absentee ballot-
- Absentee ballots can be dropped off at 1 Edgewater Plaza. There is a drop box in the lobby. They can also be dropped off at your early voting poll site or your regular poll site on Election Day.
-
Make sure that you sign and date the security envelope and insert it in the mailing envelope with the bar code showing in the window. Click here for a visual of where to sign and how to insert the ballot into the envelope. https://templeisraelsiny.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2020/10/Absentee-Ballot-InfoFINAL.pdf
- Keep track of your Voter ID number and barcode number. Track whether your vote was counted by going to:
-
Early Voting will take place from Sat. Oct. 24th- Sun. Nov. 1st. Go to:
to find out specific information for your address as well as a sample ballot.
-
In-person voting on November 3rd -Look up your polling place here and view a sample ballot
THANK YOU FOR MAKING
TEMPLE ISRAEL
A
100% VOTING CONGREGATION!
|
|
CLICK ON FLYER TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT |
|
Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens.
SHABBAT SHALOM TOGETHER AT HOME DINNER:
By the time that you read this we will have experienced our first Shabbat Shalom Together at Home Dinner. Thanks to Rabbi Howald, Student Cantor Richman, Bryn Biren, Joanna Meltzer, The Membership Committee and all who worked to make this event possible. We hope to be able to try this and similar together at home experiences to keep us all engaged until we can be together in person.
** TI- WIIFM (Temple Israel-What’s In It For Me?)
Temple Israel is a busy place.
What’s in it for you? Lifelong friendships, Shabbat and holiday services, Torah Study, Religious School and a plethora of activities to engage your mind and body – mostly virtual for now.
We hope that you and your family found meaning in the beautiful Sukkot and Simchat Torah services. Pizza in the Hut and Sippin in the Sukkah provided opportunities for in-person gatherings.
Some things to try this month: (flyers available throughout this E-Shalom)
- Attend Shabbat Services and/or Saturday morning Torah Study. That’s a great way to tune out the stress of our current daily lives.
Need more programming to relieve your anxiety?
- Try yoga, or learn about famous artists and the eras in which they created their work.
-
Attend a free, virtual concert on November 1st by an upbeat Jewish bluegrass group- Nefesh Mountain.
The Co-presidents, Temple leadership and committee chairs, along with the Avis Foundation at Temple Israel, are working hard to offer creative ways to engage our minds, bodies and souls. Follow updates through the weekly News ‘n Notes.
If you know of anyone who is interested in joining Temple Israel, please contact the Membership Committee through the Temple Office.
|
|
If you have any questions about your membership at this time please contact me at 917-838-6675 or email me at tmplisrfinsec@aol.com.
Jennifer Straniere
Financial Secretary
|
|
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.
|
|
Some featured items this month: |
|
Contact Blanche Ricci at branchtr.ricci@gmail.com
if you are interested in any Judaica Shop items.
|
|
Click on any of the flyers below to print or download. |
|
Thanks to Jodi Siegel and Blanche Ricci, along with Sisterhood, The Avis Foundation and the Adult Learning Committee for providing us with the wonderful Nefesh Mountain Concert. Thanks to those who donated to Sisterhood.
Thanks to Bryn Biren for arranging the challenging programs given by Mark Meyer on the History of Art. We just learned the many aspects of color! Mark’s last program of this session will be on November 10 at 7:30. But we are not letting Mark go. He will return in 2021 to enlighten us some more. Let Bryn know if you are interested. Msbunny7@aol.com.
Karen O’Donnell Tennenbaum will help us improve our photography skills on our phones! Wednesdays November 18, December 2, 9, and 16. at 7:30. Read Terry Baver’s detailed explanation of what skills we will learn following this article. Let Terry know if you are interested in attending by e-mailing her at Terryqbaver@gmail.com.
“Is there a Light at the End of the Tunnel?”. Societal Effects of the COVID 19 Pandemic and Social Distancing! A discussion session, Sunday, November 15 from 4:00 to 5:30. The program will be led by Judy Lee, Judy Pessah, and Judy Scher. (Yes, Judy, Judy, Judy, We need Cary Grant to announce us!). Let Judy Pessah know if you are interested. JudithPessah@gmail.com.
In the month of January, Lincoln Richman (husband of Student Cantor Shirel Richman) will present a program called “Rhythm and Jews”. Wednesdays 1/6, 1/13, 1/20 at 7:30.
RSVP. Msbunny7@aol.com
All of the above programs will be presented on Zoom. We will email the ID and code as soon as we get it, to the folks who have responded.
Programs under consideration—
A virtual tour of the Jewish section of Paris with an experienced guide (who toured with both Judy Pessah and her daughter Sari, on their visits to Paris). We will let you know the date and time as soon as the tour is booked.
Jewish Meditation- this was successfully practiced here many years ago and we will attempt
to revise the practice.
Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons
|
|
Adult Learners
of Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island
is bringing to you...
Phone Photography Workshop
Funded by the Avis Foundation
|
|
Do you struggle to take really good photos on your phone?
Do you wonder why your photos are okay but your friends’ photos are great?
Do you think that great photos can only be taken on a “professional” camera?
If you want to take “Wow” photos with your phone, this workshop is for you!
Professional Photographer Karen O’Donnell will guide you through the steps to taking the kind of photos you will be proud to share. Whether you want to take beautiful photos of your children or grandchildren, travel photos, flower photos, architectural photos, action photos or great photos of the food on your plate this workshop is for you.
A professional photographer from the time her children were little until now when she is retired from her nursing career, Karen has lots of experience in different genres of photography. Karen believed, as many people do, that the more sophisticated the camera, the better the photography. But she soon learned that a good photo needs one thing, a really good photographer. Karen used to miss some terrific photos because she didn’t have her pro camera with her and didn’t think she could get the shot with her phone. Then she began to notice that there were a lot of really good phone photos out there and before she knew it a whole new professional photography genre came about; phone photography became popular. She figured she’d get on the bandwagon and use the skills she already had and start shooting with her phone camera. Now she never misses a shot because she’s not carrying her pro camera.
In this workshop, Karen will cover basic rules of good photography. You will learn the importance of composition, story telling, color, finding the subject etc. You will also learn the workings and the secrets of your phone camera and we will introduce some editing software that is free and can bring your photos from good to amazing. You will have assignments each week and most of all you will have a lot of fun and great photos to show for it.
Learn to take photos like this and have a great time with your phone!
.
Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9PM via Zoom
November 18, December 2, 9, 16, February 3, 10
If anyone is interested in joining Temple Israel please contact Terry Baver at 718-490-4428.
|
|
Let’s talk turkey! Actually, let’s talk about what is going on at Temple Israel for families.
On Sunday, November 1st the Avis Foundation is sponsoring a visit from the Tenement Museum for our Religious School students. However, we invited grandparents, aunts and uncles to join us for the program. The program is presented with 8-14 year olds in mind, but is of interest to the entire family. It is an insight into the immigrant experience through the eyes of a family. The hope is that our children will take a look back into their own personal family background.
In conjunction with the Adult Learning Committee we will be offering a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn how to take pictures of their children and families using their I-phones and I-pads. (Androids welcome, too!) A professional photographer will lead us through the techniques to take family memories, capturing the beautiful faces of your children. Join us on November 18, December 2, December 9 and December 16 at 8:00 PM to learn more. If you are interested in participating e-mail Terryqbaver@gmail.com to get the link.
The Avis Foundation is arranging to have a CHALLAH MAKING ZOOM CLASS for our Religious School students. Kits will be delivered to your homes and we will all work together to create our delicious breads making one Sunday morning. More specific information will follow.
Next month we are already planning to provide a family Chanukah project for all of you.
We are open to suggestions for meaningful, educational family programming- especially during this time of limited contact. Feel free to e-mail BRYN BIREN at MsBunny7@aol.com or Terry Baver at Terryqbaver@gmail.com with any suggestions that you think might work.
Stay well, stay safe!
|
|
Sincerely,
Terry Baver & Bryn Biren
|
|
We had a very successful Trivia Night (Jewpardy) on Wednesday, October 28,2020. Thank you to all who participated and donated.
Please save the date Saturday May 1, 2021 for our next fundraiser hopefully at the Temple. Details to follow closer to the event date.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
|
|
|
|
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 form above to print or download. |
|
Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join Us.
ALL NOVEMBER
YOGA CLASSES ARE TAKING PLACE
VIA ZOOM ON
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
MONDAY class begins at 6:15 PM.
THURSDAY class begins at 6:30 PM.
(No class on 11/26)
THE MEETING ID:
964 585 2910
PASSWORD:
332084
PLEASE CONTACT BRYN BIREN FOR INFORMATION.
Free for Temple Israel Members & Their Friends during the month of September!
Classes are for ADULT 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
|
|
Please contact the committee chair for information.
Pamela Rogozin
Chair
917-607-0782
|
|
If you are in need of any assistance or support, please contact Pamela Rogozin at 917-607-0782.
Pamela Carlton
Caring Community Co-Chair
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
If you have any questions about your membership or if you know a potential new member please contact our Financial Secretary Jennifer Straniere at tmplisrfinsec@aol.com.
|
|
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
-
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
