Temple Israel Reform Congregation
of Staten Island
315 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
tmplisrael@aol.com
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Rabbi Michael D. Howald Student Cantor Shirel Richman
Co-Presidents Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
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E-Shalom - OCTOBER 2021
Temple Israel’s Electronic Bulletin
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“Shalom, Welcome to Temple Israel....” is a phrase taught to us by Carole Lachman, a beloved, long-time congregant and bulletin editor who died in 2002. We named our bulletin in her honor and worked to realize her vision of Temple Israel as a community that welcomes the stranger and lets no one stand alone. As we move to a new version of this tradition of communicating with our Temple Israel family, we continue to forward Carole’s vision, love and devotion for our synagogue. |
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The Temple Board has updated the Temple COVID policy with respect to attending anything inside the Temple building. It now includes all events, not just services, and provides access to meetings and services for non-vaccinated attendees upon proof of a recent negative COVID test.
Proof of vaccination is required for those 16 and older, or, for the unvaccinated (regardless of medical waiver,) a negative COVID test taken within the previous 7 days.
This is effective as of Friday, September 24, 2021. In summary, the policy for admittance to the building will be:
· For entry into the Temple building for any event, adults and children over 16 must show proof of vaccination or present a negative result of a COVID test taken in the previous seven (7) days.
· All children must remain with their parents or guardians except during school classes or organized child activities.
· Masks must be worn at all times, within and outside of the building.
· Please bring your vaccination information to the door (phone app or copy of certificate.) You can also submit proof to the Temple office to expedite entry.
Thank you for your cooperation in maximizing the safety of our Congregation.
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Live Friday Evening Erev Shabbat Services in our beautiful Sanctuary have resumed. They are also being live streamed.
Saturday morning Torah study and Shabbat Services will remain on Zoom.
Links for Live Streamed services will be e-mailed to all congregants, along with the Friday night Progam, every Friday. The Zoom link for Saturday morning Torah Study and Services can be found below. (Please check weekly News and Notes and the Friday Night Program for any updates or changes.)
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Every week on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. followed by Services at 11:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 894 4131 1190
Passcode: 981418
One tap mobile
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Meeting ID: 894 4131 1190
Passcode: 981418
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**PLEASE CHECK NEWS & NOTES AND THE FRIDAY NIGHT PROGRAM E-MAILS FOR ANY CHANGES REGARDING STREAMING AND/OR ZOOM LINKS. |
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ONLINE ACCESS TO
MISHKAN T'FILAH
Through the generosity of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, there is a free online flip-book version of our prayer book, Mishkan T'filah for Shabbat, available
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ONLINE ACCESS TO
MISHKAN T'FILAH for YOUTH
Through the generosity of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, there is a free online flip-book version of our prayer book, Mishkan T'filah for Youth, available
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Thank you to all who supported
Temple Israel
by participating in our Journal!
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A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
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As we say goodbye to the High Holy Days of the Hebrew year 5782, let me say thank you to everyone who made the beautiful and immersive experience that was the High Holy Days at Temple Israel possible. To the Ritual Committee: I see how hard you work to make services seamless and participatory. Thank you for all your meetings and telephone calls and keeping track of everyone so well, even if the rabbi doesn’t always get it right. To our student cantor, you joined us during the first year of the pandemic when we recorded everything in advance. This year, a lot rested on your shoulders for your first in-person High Holy Days. Your hard work, your care and your growth showed in everything you did, and we are so proud to have you as our student cantor. You and our wonderful accompanist, Elona Migirov, uplifted our prayer to the very heavens this year. With your beautiful voice and music carrying our prayers for redemption upwards, how could the Holy One of Blessing not write us all in the Book of Life?
To our Temple Israel choir, you are the heart and soul of our High Holy Days services. This year, the changing medical advice and the Delta surge threatened to derail our choir entirely, yet you persisted in your desire to be a vital part of our services. You accepted that, this year, extraordinary measures were required, and you sang your hearts out while wearing masks in a sanctuary without air conditioning. You submitted to testing, isolated yourselves when that was prudent, and still showed up to raise your voices in song in prayer even when circumstances prevented us from holding all the rehearsals we might have wanted. Your presence made us all realize how much we not only missed choral singing during the last 18 months but how much we needed it as well.
To our readers of Torah and Haftarah and their blessings, you impressed all of us with the quality of your chanting and reading and we are lucky to have such accomplished and willing volunteers for an honor that requires such time and care. I hope next year we can have even more volunteer Torah readers if the pandemic finally abates, and we can all return with confidence to our sanctuary. For all those who accepted honors, from those who read or sang the blessings, offered a reading, opened the ark, or assisted with the Torah service, or served as ushers, you enriched our services with your voices, your presence and your leadership.
For all those who joined us in person, we couldn’t have prayed without you and your presence and your voices as we looked out from the bema reminded clergy and lay leaders alike why Martin Buber believed that we truly see the divine in the face of others. Some of you were unable to join us in the sanctuary and we thank all those who watched us on the livestream. We felt your virtual presence and we truly appreciate your decision to join us at Temple Israel online when so many other choices existed this year.
To the leadership of Temple Israel, I appreciate that this was a difficult year for all of us. I never doubted for one minute that everyone spoke with the best interests of our congregation as they saw them. We didn’t always agree, and our discussions were sometimes frank and spirited, but we belong to a tradition that believes that the best way forward emerges from honest and open discussion. We may not have always got it right, but we all shared the same goal: how to provide the most meaningful High Holy Day experience possible under challenging circumstances. May this year be the last we have to decide how to pray together during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur in the midst of an ongoing pandemic!
Lastly and most importantly, to my wife Robin, who put up with me buying and reading books and articles all summer to write my sermons, who gave me space to prepare and stress about the High Holidays once again and who let me take the car to come to the synagogue hours before services began even though that meant she had to walk here, thank you for your constant support and advice. It’s been quite an adventure since we first met each other in the basement of the law school more years ago than we’d like to admit. Life has taken us in some directions we never expected when we first met but I could never have taken this journey without you by my side. With your love and support, the years ahead will be rich indeed!
Todah rabbah, many thanks, to you all!
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A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
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Having just concluded our High Holy Days season, we want to take this opportunity to thank Rabbi Howald for leading us in prayer, and to Student Cantor Shirel Richman, Organist Ilona Migirov, Musical accompanist Lincoln Richman and our Senior Choir for providing us the musical support that helped to enhance the entire experience. As you can appreciate, the challenges that we had to face due to the on-going Covid-19 situation were all addressed in order to provide a safe and healthful environment at Temple Israel. We thank you for your cooperation and support.
As we move forward into our Fall season, the upcoming calendar of events is robust and full of many interesting opportunities for your participation. As you review the monthly calendar in this newsletter and the Temple website, your will be able see some of the Avis Foundation-related events such as on-line art classes, mat and chair yoga, and Fun Fridays at the Resource Room for our 6-to-8-year olds. Please be sure to contact Bryn Biren for additional information.
Our Adult Learning Committee will be sponsoring a Virtual Tour of Paris as well as a book discussion in addition to the Grand Boat Tour of Jewish New York Harbor. Judy Pessah and Chery Levine are co-chairing this committee and are available for reservations. Brotherhood and Sisterhood continue to support all aspects of temple life with monthly meetings, annual traditions and fundraisers. Our Fundraising Committee is looking forward to your attendance at Night at the Races, which promises to be a fun event. Our Religious/Hebrew School is actively engaging our youngest members, with Felicia Otto working diligently to keep parents informed and involved.
We are committed to remaining vigilant with regard to the ever-changing Covid-19 related mandates and protocols issued by local, State and Federal agencies. Most recently, to remain in congruence with these requirements, the Temple Board of Trustees voted to limit entry to all activities within our building to persons over the age of 16 who can demonstrate vaccination documentation or proof of a negative Covid test within 7 days prior to the on-site activity. Entry is being monitored by volunteer congregants at each event. We encourage your cooperation as we continue to provide the safest possible environment at Temple Israel.
Please plan to return to our Temple as soon as your personal situation allows. We look forward to greeting you in the new year.
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Jerry and Alan
Jerry Gross
Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
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L’Shana Tovah,
Not only is our New Year now underway, but our Temple’s fiscal year is also progressing nicely. Thanks to all of our Congregants who have made arrangements to honor their annual commitments to Temple Israel.
Please remember that you are welcome to acknowledge special events, memorialize family members, share get well wishes or simply offer support to one of your favorite Temple funds by submitting a donation to our weekly Shabbat program. Your donations help to support the efforts of our Temple, as does your your support of all of our fundraising events and initiatives.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Temple account, please feel free to contact me at finsectmplisr@gmail.com and I will be glad to speak with you.
Best wishes for a happy, safe and happy new year.
Alan Siegel
Financial Secretary (acting)
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Please consider becoming a member of our
KAVOD SOCIETY.
It helps to make membership available to all our families. Speak to our Financial Secretary to upgrade your membership.
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All Hallows Eve – Halloween and Being Jewish in America
When I grew up in Israel, I only knew about Halloween from American movies and TV shows. The idea of going to neighbors’ houses to ask for candies or threatening them if they would not provide any, seemed embarrassing to me, a little dangerous (not all neighbors are kind, right?) but also fun and exciting. When I came to America when I was 26-years-old, I got to celebrate Halloween with friends who were not Jewish. When I asked them to teach me about the holiday, most of them did not really have a definite answer. Some said it is just a fun holiday in which to dress up, wear provocative or scary or plain hideous costumes, and drink a lot.
As a Jew, that reminded me much of Purim -- a holiday where we dress up and drink. But as opposed to Purim, Halloween did not seem to have a story or a specific value. Later on, I learned that its origins are in pagan cultures and later Christianity. Pagans and Christians celebrated the presence of the devil, everything that is evil, and the dead in their postmortem and pre-afterlife stages.
Jewish law (Halakha) teaches us that we may celebrate foreign holidays only if certain conditions apply. When we specifically talk about Halloween, one of these statements should be true for us to celebrate it:
1) Halloween celebrations have a secular origin.
2) The conduct of the individuals “celebrating Halloween” can be rationally explained independent of Halloween.
3) The pagan origins of Halloween or the Catholic response to it are so deeply hidden that they have disappeared, and the celebrations can be attributed to some secular source or reason.
4) The activities memorialized by Halloween are actually consistent with the Jewish tradition.
As Reform Jews, we believe in individual choice and the right of personal autonomy and responsibility for our actions in the world. I believe that good choices should be made only after consideration of facts and learning. So I would only like to pose questions for further thought:
What does success look like in our children’s education?
Should we care about Halakha and traditional Jewish ways?
When should we think tribally and when should we think universally?
Do we open the door to self-destructive assimilation by putting on a Halloween costume?
Is Halloween a secular American holiday or is it a Christian/Pagan holiday? Does it matter?
Where do Jewish values and American values line up with each other and when do they diverge?
Have a safe, healthy and thought-provoking month!
Yours,
Shirel Richman
Student Cantor
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Adult Choir Rehearsals
Wednesday, October 6- TBA
Wednesday, October 20- TBA
Junior Choir Rehearsals
Sunday, October 3-12 noon
Sunday, October 17-12 noon
Sunday, October 24-12 noon
Sunday, October 30-12 noon
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Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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It’s hard to believe that it’s only October and we are already done with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot AND Simchat Torah. Wow! Those holidays sure were early this year! And they certainly kept us busy during the last month, along with a rousing start to our new year of Sisterhood.
It was truly wonderful to see so many of our members in person at our Kick-off meeting on September 12th. It felt like ages since we were able to gather together in our Social Hall….Oh wait…it has been ages! How delightful it was to sit next to each other and share a sumptuous family-style breakfast, lovingly prepared by Pam Rogozin, and to have all our Sisterhood business and happenings discussed outside of those little Zoom boxes. Thank you to everyone who donated non-perishable food to support Project Hospitality. We hope to make this an on-going initiative, so please continue to bring your donations to every Sisterhood Meeting.
Our Zoom program with Sara Hurwitz, author of Here All Along, which we co-sponsored with other WRJ Northeast Sisterhoods on September 23, was an interesting and informative event. We encourage you to read the book, if you haven't done so. We hope to collaborate on more inter-sisterhood events in the future.
Our annual Pizza in the Hut/Sippin’ in the Sukkah gathering on September 25th was a fun and relaxing way to celebrate Sukkot. Our Sukkah was, once again, beautifully decorated with the assistance of our Religious School Children and their parents. Special thanks go to Alan Siegel and Jeffrey Ganz for all their assistance with set up and clean up....always, and to Jim Rohan for helping to lead us in a lovely Havdallah service which added a warm feeling of camaraderie to this special event. (See photos below.)
We are thrilled to welcome so many new members to Sisterhood and to Temple Israel. We continued our long-standing tradition, thanks to VP of Membership, Sandy Feuerstein and her husband, Les, of delivering a Welcome Bag complete with all the necessities for a Shabbat celebration, to each new member family. Congratulations to Esther Magid, Kari Goldstein, Jen Rachman, Lori Weintrob, Liza Sussman, Liz Weiss and Jan Shperling and their famiies for becoming members of our Sisterhood and our amazing Temple Israel family. We look forward to seeing you often.
Our Paid-Up Members Breakfast and Program will take place on Sunday, October 3rd. Please make sure to RSVP Claire Guttsman (speechrose1@msn.com) immediately, if you have not already done so. All Sisterhood Members and Friends of Sisterhood are welcome. If you have not paid your dues yet, please make sure to contact Claire or Sandy Feuerstein (bartenda23@aol.com) to make arrangements before this event.
Our annual support of Breast Cancer Awareness continues. Thanks to Inez Singer for coordinating donations. Although we will not be participating as a team in the Staten Island Making Strides Walk this year on October 17th, we encourage you to attend and/or make a donation to this worthy cause. Please send your checks (made out to American Cancer Society) to Sisterhood and Inez will be sure to include them in our group donation.
We are so looking forward to celebrating Chanukah together in-person this year! Just like the High Holidays, Chanukah is “early this year”! Sisterhood has so many events planned, including our Holiday Gift Fair on Sunday, November 14, our Chanukah/New Member Dinner on. Friday, December 3rd and, excitedly, the re-building of our Annual Chanukah Mosaic Mural on Saturday, November 20th. We are readying our thousands of multi colored chocolate gelt pieces for another new and creative design which will be on display throughout the holiday season! Save the date to join us to assist in this fun and artistic activity!
As always, we are proud to be serving as your co-presidents and we are grateful to all the Sisterhood Officers, Directors and Committee members who keep our organization functioning at an outstanding level.
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In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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Click on the icon to the right to print or download the entire Sisterhood Calendar for 2021-2022.
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Please note that this calendar may not reflect very recent changes. |
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THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
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Hello Everyone,
I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. As I write this article, we have completed the High Holiday season. It was wonderful that many of us were able to gather to partake of our inspiring High Holiday services. And for those that could not attend, our streaming allowed for everyone to have the ability to participate.
We held our Brotherhood /Sisterhood Kick off breakfast on Sunday September 12th. It was a great morning of being able to gather, enjoy breakfast and allow us the opportunity to discuss the work of the Brotherhood.
As we prepared for Sukkot, many of the men gathered Sunday morning, September 19th, to build the Sukkah. A huge thanks to our helpers: Alan Siegel, Fred Simon, Russell Kaminsky, Jeffrey Chason, Kevin Lipsitz, Sam Gornstein, Steven Scherer, Jerry Grossman, Josh Sussman, Jason Otto and Alex Lenner. Thanks to Sisterhood for the beautiful decorations. It was great to see the children of our Religious School help decorate as well.
We were happy to provide and serve ice cream on the evening of our Simchat Torah service. We hope everyone enjoyed the treat.
Thank you to all of the Brotherhood members for their dedication this past year, and I hope next year will be even better.
As we move forward, in-person events and meetings for the Brotherhood have been calendared for the coming year. Hopefully, we will all be able to come together and experience the friendship and camaraderie that we so much look forward to.
Now is the time to make your commitment to Brotherhood for the coming year. Thank you to all the men who have already done so, but if you have not, please send your $45 dues along with your name, phone number and e-mail to Temple attention Brotherhood.
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.
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Your in Friendship and Brotherhood,
Jeff Ganz
President
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER 2021
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MAZEL TOV TO:
LOU & SCOTT FULLER on the marriage of their daughter, Leah Aurora
Fuller to Jim Chou;
FRED & ANDREA SIMON as they prepare to relocate to Florida
GET WELL WISHES TO:
FERN BARRIS, recovering from hip surgery.
Rachel Marks, daughter of STEWART & SUSAN MARKS recovering from surgery;
RICHARD LEIMSIDER recovering from surgery;
PAMELA CARLTON recovering from COVID
Cara Gross, daughter-in-law of KAREN & JERRY GROSS, recovering from surgery.
THINKING OF YOU:
DR. ALICIA BASKIN, SUSAN WEINMAN, ARNIE GROSSMAN,
JOSEPH GAMORAN.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
KARI GOLDSTEIN & DYLAN AND HUDSON
JEN, CHAD & ELLIOT RACHMAN
JAN, SAM & MIA AND ALEXA SHPERLING
LIZA, JOSH & ADEENA AND SAM SUSSMAN
LORI & SOPHIA WEINTROB
LIZ, STEVE & REBECCA AND MORIAH WEISS
ESTHER & STEPHEN MAGID
WELCOME BACK:
SYLVANNE GORDON
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As summer turns to fall a busy Holiday Season for the Ritual Committee is ending.
Rosh Hashanah was celebrated in person and via live-stream starting the evening of Monday September 6th with changes needing to be made up to the last minute, due to events beyond anyone’s control and the need to take into consideration the safety and health of our clergy and congregation. All were disappointed that the Adult Choir could not participate for Rosh Hashanah. Happily, the Adult Choir was able to participate starting the evening of Wednesday, September 15th for Kol Nidre. The observance of Yom Kippur continued Thursday, September 16th with a Morning Service, a Children’s Service, an Afternoon Service and the concluding Yizkor/Neilah Service. And although Services looked a little different this year, with special instructions for mask wearing, entry into the building, seating, bringing your own Tashlich crumbs, and no Breakthe-Fast, we were all happy to be together either in person or virtually.
We note the return of the physically printed Memory Books this year, which were distributed at the Yizkor Service. Copies are available for pick-up in the Temple lobby, and copies will be mailed to those who do not live on Staten Island. We are grateful to all our congregants who were able to accept their honors for the High Holy Days. (A more detailed list is available following this article). With special thanks to Rabbi Howald, Student Cantor Shirel Richman, our Adult Choir, organist Elona Migirov and cellist Vincent Moncada (Yom Kippur) for beautiful and meaningful High Holy Day Services during these challenging times.
Holiday observances and celebrations continued Monday September 20th and Tuesday September 21st with Sukkot Services where we were able to wave our Lulav and Etrog in six directions and bless our wine and challah in the Sukkah. This was followed with the observance of Simchat Torah on Monday evening September 27th at 6:30PM when we will danced with the Torahs, even if in an abbreviated form. Wednesday morning, September 28th, the 10:30 AM Simchat Torah Service included Yizkor.
Looking ahead in October, we congratulate Nathaniel Oliver Lee and all his family, as Nathaniel will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday October 2nd.
Finally, please remember to follow all special guidelines that have been developed for the safety and health of all.
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
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We thank the following congregants for their assistance with ushering during services for the High Holidays
Erev Rosh Hashanah:
Alan Brill, Silvia Gornstein, Blanche Ricci, Phil Straniere, Bryan and Matthew Ganz
Rosh Hashanah Day:
Russell Kaminsky, Alina Shteynberg, Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Lissa Winchel, Bryan and Matthew Ganz
Kol Nidre:
Jeffrey Chason, Phyllis Elrich, Joyce Miller and Rhonda Trontz-Allen
Yom Kippur Morning:
Terry Baver, Steve Baver, Larry Flaum and Felicia Otto
YK Children's Service:
Jesse Siegel and Judy Scher
YK afternoon:
Silvia Gornstein, Sandy Mazzucco and Jesse Siegel
Yizkor:
Silvia Gornstein and Jesse Siegel
Erev Sukkot:
Judy Scher
Erev Simchat Torah:
Bryn Biren and Russell Kaminsky
We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of ushering and candle lighting Erev Shabbat Services in September:
Linda Brill, Cheryl Levine, Felicia Otto, Jeffrey Ganz, Shariann Ganz,
Jim Rohan, Alan Siegel, Jodi Siegel, Silvia Gornstein and Sam Gornstein
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
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Thank you for your participation......
We are encouraged by the substantial number of congregants who accepted honors and participated in our High Holy Day services this year.
As you may be aware, due to COVID precautions on Rosh HaShanah our full choir could not sing, although we could hear their individual voices from the pews. They were back on Yom Kippur and,as always, they added to the majesty and spirituality of the services. We thank our choir members: Bryn Biren, Pam Carlton, Scott Fuller, Samuel Gornstein, Judy Lee, Beverly Mazer, Judith Pessah, Pamela Rogozin, Jim Rohan, Jodi Siegel, Shari- Stein Ballow and Luigia Weisner who spent long hours during the summer with Student Cantor Shirel Richman. We must also thank our Organist Elona Migirov and on Kol Nidre, cellist Vincent Moncada. James Rohan helped with the Children’s service.
We were stirred by the blasts of the shofar on Rosh HaShanah morning and at Neilah. Providing those moments were Jaimie Blackman, Su Ellen Silverman and Student Cantor Shirel Richman.
During the main services, nearly eighty congregants came to the Bimah to lead services, open the Ark doors, read from Torah and other honors. Some congregants even stepped up again to fill last minute vacancies. We thank these participants: Joseph Aronson, Stephen Baver, Terry Baver, Alan Bernikow, Ellen Birch, Bryn Biren, Jaimie Blackman, Richard Braun, Alan Brill, Linda Brill, Gayle Chason, Jacob Chason, Jeffrey Chason, Jay Chazanoff, Maxine Checchi, Jay Duskin, Phyllis Elrich, Sandy Feuerstein, Larry Flaum, Susan Freedman, Scott Fuller, JeffreyGanz, ShariannGanz, Ira Gershansky, Libby Gershansky, Hon. Joel Goldberg, Susie Goldstein, Samuel Gornstein, Siliva Gornstein, John Greenbaum, Jerrold Gross, Karen Gross, Brian Hanibal, Larry Hanibal, Linda Hanibal, Fred Hecht, Iris Hershenson, Robin Howald, Russell Kaminsky, Judy Lee, Cheryl Levine, Randi Levine, Brianna Levinsky, Polina Liebovitz, Kevin Lipsitz, Brooke Lopez, Genevieve Lopez, Judith Magnus, Stacie Magnus, Sandy Mazzucco, Barbara Menna, Joyce Miller, Jerry Mulnick, Charles Nadel, Felicia Otto, Judith Pessah, Pamela Rogozin, Nina Rohan, Judy Scher, Steven Scher, Alina Shteynberg, Alan Siegel, Jesse Siegel, Jodi Siegel, Su Ellen Silverman, Andrea Simon, Fred Simon, Inez Singer, Shari Stein‑Ballow, Hon. Philip Straniere, Rhonda Trontz‑Allen, Luigia Wiesner, Hon. Karen Wolff, Anita Zuckerberg and Robert Zuckerberg.
Helping maintain the solemnity of our services are our ushers, led by chair Nina Rohan. Assisting her were Steve Baver, Terry Baver, Alan Brill, Jeffrey Chason, Phyllis Elrich, Larry Flaum, Bryan Ganz, Matthew Ganz, Silvia Gornstein, Russell Kaminsky, Sandy Mazzucco, Joyce Miller, Felicia Otto, Blanche Ricci, Judy Scher, Alina Shteynberg, Jesse Siegel, Phil Straniere, Rhonda Trontz‑Allen and Lissa Winchel.
The holiday season did not end at Neilah. Sukkot and Simchat Torah services had many congregants participating from Aliyahs to ushering. They were: Bryn Biren, Linda Brill, Gayle Chason, Jeffrey Chason, Jeffrey Ganz, Shariann Ganz, Jerrold Gross, Karen Gross, Russell Kaminsky, Michelle Lee, Jake Leibovich, Polina Leibovich, Julia Lenner , Michael Rabinowitz, Blanche Ricci, Nina Rohan, Sarah Sarfati, Judy Scher, Alan Siegel, Jodi Siegel and Rhonda Trontz‑Allen.
And Simchat Torah would not be complete without our own Rock of Israel band. Coordinated by Jim Rohan, this wonderful band of volunteer musicians included Jaimie Blackman, Alex Lenner, Student Cantor Shirel Richman and Jim Rohan.
Erev Simchat Torah is a time that we welcome our new students: They are Oliver Baver, Sam Levinsky, Abigail MacConnell, Arielle Otto, Dylan Petillo, Hudson Petillo, Sophia Pappas, Emilia Rabinowitz, Elliot Rachman, Evelyn Rainer Sarfati, Adina Sussman, Sam Sussman and Rebecca Weiss. Each student present received a miniature Torah to commemorate the beginning of their religious education.
Temple Israel Ritual Committee
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz, Co-Chairs
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October 1, 2021
Carol Schwimmer *
Millard Siegler *
Edith Fazio
Stuart Schorr
Joseph Steinberg
Louis Benjamin *
Sylvia Selig
Albert Mulnick
Victor Pessah *
Beatrice Simon *
Lillian Winer *
Mary Borack *
Loretta Grossman
Ruth Sommer
Laura Don
Dr. Lewis Gross
Irving Grossman
And we remember from
the Holocaust:
Stefan Misztak
Sara Tauber
Krzysztof Blezejczyk
Luna Lewkowicz
Wladyslaw Lachowicz
October 8, 2021
Howard Bierman
Rose Rosen
Helene Werb *
Rubin Levine *
Charles Wiesner
Harvey Don
Joseph Drescher
Benjamin Herman *
Minde Herman
Kenneth William Lipsitz *
Norma Feinberg Andrews
Mark Bronnberg
David Elrich
Abraham Leimsider
Anna Reznikoff
And we remember from
the Holocaust:
Antoni Blacha
Irene Rosenfeld
Hans Munk
Parale Mentrack
Maxi Kohn
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October 15, 2021
Rose Talisman
Helen Aronson
Josephine Grober
Catherine Howald
Murray Milton Scher
Diane Teitelbaum *
Seymour Gold *
Kermit Krisburg *
Celia Weissglass *
Malcolm Kass *
Seymour Richman
Maurice Schlefstein
Simche Silberman *
Marvin Aroll
Samuel Surpin *
Erica Greenbaum
And we remember from
the Holocaust:
Bilha Harth
Jenö Zilahi
Jozsef Antal
Tuvia Zarski
Arminne Kohn
October 22, 2021
Mildred Cohen *
Dorothy Holzman
Joseph Yale Lipp *
Kenneth Peretz *
Delane Soposnick
Rose Grodman
Lottie Hirsch
Maude Kunofsky
Barbara Kurlander *
Esther Katzman *
Joseph Werb *
Joseph H. Diamond *
Charlotte Nash *
Ruth Quartin Weitz *
And we remember from
the Holocaust:
Benjamin De Vries
Flora Gisella
Francois Lehaut
Hersh Eisenkraft
Heinrich Coors
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October 29, 2021
Charles Berg
Morris Cohen
Charles Kalish
Margaret McGowan
Joel Schaefer *
Sylvia Smith
Sidney Don
Israel Kantrowitz
Beatrice Don
Thea Silberman *
Martha Sugar
Seymour Wolinitz *
And we remember from
the Holocaust:
Albert Hochwald
Ottmar Schwenninger
Sandor Baron
Konrad Czuczka
Erzsebet Weisz
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* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
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About the Weekly Yahrzeit List... |
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It has come to our attention that there is some confusion about who is listed on the Yahrzeit List each Shabbat. The list consists of three parts.
The first part is only read when there has been a recent death in the congregational family, and is introduced by “….recently taken from our midst.” In this section, we list congregants who have passed away, or the seven closest family members of a congregant as defined by those for whom a mourner is traditionally obligated to sit shiva: spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter. These names are included weekly for the month after their funeral.
The second part of the list is preceded by the phrase “We recall the names of our loved ones whose Yahrzeit is observed this week” and it consists of those whose yahrzeits (death anniversary) fall from Saturday to the next Friday. These names come from the compilation of names of people our congregants have submitted that they wish to remember annually on either the Hebrew or Gregorian anniversary of their passing. It is not limited to family members outlined above and can include grandparents, in-laws or others of significance to you. You have the opportunity to add names every year with the papers that come with the renewal of your annual commitment. You can also add names at any time by writing to the Temple Office. These names are kept from year to year. Those who have had a memorial plaque dedicated to their name will be read each year regardless of your membership status.
The third part of the list contains the name of several Holocaust victims from the list we have obtained from Yad Vashem as of way of remembering those who have no one to say Kaddish for them
As you may have noticed, after Rabbi has finished reading the Yahrzeit List, he invites Service attendees to offer additional names for any period of mourning. This is an opportunity to mention anyone important to you.
Please be aware that the second and third part of the weekly Yahrzeit List are printed in E-Shalom each month. Also, you will receive a letter from Rabbi prior to the Yahrzeit that the name will be read on an upcoming Shabbat and a reminder when to light a Yahrzeit candle if that is your practice. You can also make a donation in your loved one’s memory in the Shabbat program the week his or her name is read.
If you have any further questions about the weekly Yahrzeit List, please feel free to reach out to us through the Temple office.
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We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact John at the Temple Office to update your membership information. |
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The Sisterhood of Temple Israel would like to help you celebrate birthdays and anniversaries for you and your family.
You can share the joy of Shabbat and your birthday and/or anniversary by helping to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat on the Friday evening when we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries for that month.
In addition to sponsoring the Oneg, the names of those celebrating appear in the Friday night program and celebrants are invited to the Bimah.
A contribution of $10 for birthdays and $18 for anniversaries is suggested to honor your special occasion and help the Temple at the same time.
Letters are sent out early in the month prior and payment would be appreciated before the first Friday of the month of the celebration.
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Erev Shabbat Services
Friday, October 1
Celebration of October
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Service at 7:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Saturday,October 2
10:30 a.m.
*Service in Sanctuary
Bar Mitzvah Service
Nathaniel Lee
(Please check your News & Notes/Friday Night Program for Zoom/Streaming Information)
Friday, October 8
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Friday, October 15
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Friday, October 22
Tot Shabbat
6:00 p.m.
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Friday, October 29
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
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Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
*Saturday, October 2
Torah Study will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Service at 10:30 a.m.
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School kicked off last month with enthusiasm, several new, young families enrolled, and a beautiful outdoor family service the morning of September 12th! Since then, students enjoyed ‘Sundaes in the Sukkah’ where the ice cream truck treated us to some midday treats after we helped decorate the sukkah. Those new school students who were present at our Erev Simchat Torah service, received a special blessing and their own Torah scroll to be treasured throughout their education.
With our largest enrollments in our preschool and confirmation classes as of recent years, we have hired two new teachers to our faculty and continue to partner with the AVIS foundation on a weekly basis to provide enrichment and family programming.
Our Religious School Parents’ Committee met on Sunday, September 26th to begin planning Hanukkah celebrations and fundraising efforts for fall.
Sincerely,
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, healthy and sweet New Year. We look forward to better and healthier days ahead.
We are trying our best to create some in person activities while respecting the health and safety of our members.
The first Membership Committee event for the new year will take place on Saturday, October 23rd. 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
● Lunch following services at 1:00 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 on that day ( a paper or online copy of your vaccination record, your Excelsior Pass or a medical waiver). 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.
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 activities. We are all the best ambassadors for Temple Israel and for the future of progressive Jewish values on Staten Island. 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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Click on the flyer above to print or download. |
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2.Select "Change Your Charity"
3.Type in “Temple Israel Reform 4.Congregation of Staten Island"
5.Click Search
6.Click Select
7.Order as usual.
Temple Israel benefits!
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Temple Israel Sisterhood Judaica Shop
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EVERY HOLIDAY
EVERY LIFE CYCLE
EVERY SIMCHA
Just what you need and just what they want!
The only place on Staten Island for all your Jewish gifts.
Special Orders available.
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Some featured Judaica Shop items this month: |
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Contact Blanche Ricci at branchtr.ricci@gmail.com
if you are interested in any Judaica Shop items.
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Bryn Biren
Terry Baver
Avis Foundation Trustees
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We are so delighted to welcome every one back to a very exciting new year at Temple Israel. The Avis Foundation is delighted to welcome six new families to our synagogue family. We are hoping that you spread the word about Temple Israel to other families that have children below the age of twelve. Dr. Ronald Avis has made it his mission to make Temple Israel membership possible to all families who would like their children to receive a Reform Jewish education. Just contact Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com or Terry Baver at Terryqbaver@gmail.com.
For our children who are 6-8 years old we will begin bi-weekly programs at The Resource Room at 534 Forest Avenue. Each class incorporates the principles of the STEM Program and they are a LOT of fun. There is adult supervision in a spatially distanced environment. The first session is in FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 from 3:45-5:00 PM. Your child MUST be registered in advance with Bryn Biren. Register immediately!
The second class is on Friday, October 15. It is requested that, if you do sign up for the classes, you do attend the sessions. Signing up is a commitment. Of course, there are emergencies and sickness. However, the classes are costly and we would like to offer them to students who really want to attend.
Parents: we will be offering Adult Yoga for you on Sunday evenings at 6:15 PM (10/3,10/10,10/17,10/24, and 10/31). Thursday evening classes take place at 6:30 ( 10/7, 10/14,10/21,10/28). The yoga classes are taught by Denise Nizarre, a licensed Yoga teacher on ZOOM. They are gentle and you can be either a mat or chair student. There is no FEE.
The ID for each session is:
964 585 2910.
The Password is:
332 084.
Feel free to share the link with friends and family.
We are also offering AVIS Adult education classes each Tuesday night, OCTOBER 5, at 7:30 PM on ZOOM. Our first set of classes is ART HISTORY with the wonderful Mark Meyer. Each class is about one hour in length, there is no work involved, just sit back at learn. If you are interested contact Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol to receive the link.
These courses are available to all Temple Israel members.
We are going to have a full schedule of activities for children and parents in the coming year. We will constantly be in touch to help you plan for future events!
Again, we are so happy to welcome you!
Sincerely,
Bryn Biren and Terry Baver
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Next Book Discussion—October 19 at 7PM, Location to be announced
“Yiddish Policemen’s Union” by Michael Chabon
Robin Howald will lead the discussion.
“Paris Here We Come, Again”
We will be presenting 2 Zoom programs given by our Parisian guide, Karen Rudel and her company Sight Seeker’s Delight
Sunday, October 10 at 4 PM—“Montmartre”, featuring the artistic history of the area.
Sunday, January 30, at 4PM—“French Food Frenzy”, the substance of which we can leave to your imagination.
For each program please send a check for $18 to Temple Israel, with Adult Learning and the name of the program in the menu!
A Jewish Sailing
On Sunday, October 17 from 11 to 1, we will be embarking on a guided river journey around Manhattan’s waterways to view places of interest that are in some way connected to the Jewish People.
The fee is $45.
Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons
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Please join the FUNdraising committee on Saturday October 16, 2021 for A Night at The Races.
This will be a fun filled night with laughter guaranteed! $20 per person by October 8. $25pp at the door. Come and be a horse at the races. You can also sponsor a race for $36
Please see attached Flyer for all the information.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
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NEWLY ADDED:
KOHL’S, TARGET & CARVEL!!!!
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ORDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
CLICK ON THE FORMS BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT THEM.
JUST FILL THEM OUT AND GIVE THEM TO LARRY HANIBAL WITH PAYMENT.
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Click the order forms above to print or download. |
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Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join Us.
ALL YOGA CLASSES
ARE TAKING PLACE
VIA ZOOM ON
Sunday, October 3 - 6:15 pm
Thursday, October 7 - 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 10 - 6:15 pm
Thursday, October 14 - 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 17 - 6:15 pm
Thursday, October 20 - 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 24 - 6:15 pm
Thursday, October 28- 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 31 - 6:15 pm
Instructor: Denise Nizzare
ZOOM LINK FOR MONDAYS
ZOOM MEETING ID:
964 585 2910
PASSWORD:
332084
PLEASE CONTACT BRYN BIREN FOR INFORMATION.
Free for Temple Israel Members & Their Friends!
Classes are for ADULTS ONLY.
Both chair and mat students are accommodated at each class.
For more information, contact
Terry Baver at 718-490-4428 or
Bryn Biren at 718-447-6225
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The Reform Movement’s 2021 Racial Justice and Freedom to Vote Campaign
The RAC continues to work with member congregations to ensure that everyone’s right to vote is protected and that the For the People Act is finally passed in the Senate.
Call to Action:
The RAC is having an informational session on Zoom on October 6th at 8pm. They will discuss the progress that they have made with recent lobbying efforts for Freedom to Vote bills and will discuss plans for future online lobbying.
A lobbying session on Zoom doesn’t require that you speak. Your presence will convey that this issue is important. Large numbers of Zoom boxes convince Senators that their constituents care about these issues and will keep up the pressure for enacting future legislation.
You can register here:
The call of the shofar awakens us to improve upon where we fell short in our own lives as well as to take steps to repair the world around us.
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PLEASE SUPPORT SISTERHOOD
AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.
Send your donation checks payable to: THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY to Sisterhood at Temple Israel OR mail them directly to Inez Singer at 501 Greaves Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308.
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The Staten Island Making Strides Walk will take place on Sunday, October 17th. If you would like to participate, you can access information at: |
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Thank you to Sisterhood for facilitating the collection of non-perishable foods and supplies for Project Hospitality. We look forward to continuing this mitzvah at every Sisterhood meeting this year.
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Contributions to Temple Israel as tributes, dedications or memorials are welcome and are published in the weekly Shabbat program.
Donations can be dedicated to the general Temple Israel Fund or to any of the following specific funds:
- Adult Education Fund
- Building Preservation Fund
- Caring Community Fund
- Carole Lachman Memorial Fund
- Choir Fund
- Confirmation Fund
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Estelle A. Gootenberg Memorial Fund (for Torah Repair/ Restoration)
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Gerald J. Lustig Memorial Fund (for Ark & Ark Doors)
- Liheyot Fund
- Membership Fund
- Prayerbook Fund
- Rabbi Marcus Kramer Memorial Library Fund
- Shoah Education Fund
- Scholarship Fund
- Rabbi Michael D. Howald Fund for Social Action and Tikkun Olam
A $5.00 minimum donation is requested for these funds. Checks for donations to any of these funds should be made payable to Temple Israel.
PRAYERBOOKS may be dedicated in honor or memory of a special person or occasion. For specific prayerbooks and donation amounts, look for the Prayerbook icons found in this bulletin
Please make checks for Donations to the RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND payable to that fund.
Donations in any amount may be made to SISTERHOOD OF TEMPLE ISRAEL or BROTHERHOOD OF TEMPLE ISRAEL with checks made payable directly to the affiliate organization.
For a leaf on the TREE OF LIFE in honor of a simcha, please scroll down.
For permanent MEMORIAL PLAQUES on our Family Memorial Wall or Original Memorial Wall, please call the Temple office at 718-727-2231.
To see list of all recent
Tributes and Program
Donations to Funds...
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CLICK ON THIS ICON TO TAKE YOU THERE! |
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If you are not receiving this Bulletin via a direct e-mail and would like to, please contact us at TICOMMUNICATION@aol.com to be added to our mailing list.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
718-727-2231
tmplisrael@aol.com
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES |
Our E-Bulletin is shared with the entire Temple Israel Family and the Staten Island Community. If you are a local business or community organization and you would like to advertise in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Temple Office at 718-727-2231 or e-mail TICommunication@aol.com.
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