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 - JULY 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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We are happy to announce that we will be resuming live Friday Evening Erev Shabbat Services in our beautiful Santuary. They will also be live streamed.
For now, 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 morning. The Zoom link for Saturday morning Torah Study and Services can be found below.
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Every week on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. followed by Services at 11:00 a.m.
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Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 614 246 852
Passcode: 549042
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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 those who supported Temple Israel by participating in this year's Virtual Gala Journal.
Please look for it to arrive
via E-mail on
July 12th!
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A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
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In Judaism, the Jewish people are commanded to remember. The Hebrew Bible repeatedly tells us to remember that we were “slaves in the land of Egypt.” On the shores of the Jordan, Moses enjoins the Israelites to “remember the days of old” and never to forget what “Amalek did to you on your journey after you left Egypt.” When we remember, as important, we remember collectively and what we remember is not necessarily historical facts but the significance of these events in narratives shaped by themes of human imperfection, divine retribution, and national redemption.
The establishment of June 19th as a national holiday commemorating the formal emancipation of the last group of still enslaved people at the end of American Civil War rests on a similar imperative. The story of Israel’s redemption from Egyptian slavery had enormous influence over the abolitionist sentiments that divided North and South into two warring factions before and during the Civil War. Now, more than 150 years after the end of that conflict, it seems appropriate for our country to collectively remember the great injustice of slavery and the still necessary imperative for human freedom by making Juneteenth a national holiday. For that reason, many synagogues plan on making acknowledgment of this new day of remembrance and celebration a part of their yearly cycle of services.
The Baal Shem Tov used to say that “forgetfulness leads to exile, while remembrance is the secret of redemption.” Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman teaches that we remember the good and the bad so that we can make tomorrow better than today and yesterday. Just as the people of Israel remember that we were slaves in the land of Egypt to recognize and celebrate the ongoing need for a journey from oppression to deliverance, so may our country’s observance of June 19th serve the same purpose in our national consciousness. Through these shared acts of remembrance may we learn, in the words of our prayer book that: “wherever we go, it is eternally Egypt, that there is a better place, a promised land…[and] there is no way to get from here to there except by joining hands, marching together.”
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A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
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As we promised in our June column, we have begun to sort out the changing guidelines as they apply to our community and start to bring our congregation physically together in our sacred and social places.
But first, as this very challenging year comes to an end, we want to re-state how grateful we are that so many pitched in to keep us active by creating on-line activities to keep our congregants engaged, entertained and educated. To all of you who subscribed and participated, thank you for maintaining your support and commitment to Temple Israel. We would also like to thank our Clergy, Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Richman, for delivering Erev Shabbat services via Zoom to help maintain the spiritual connections for our congregants and our Temple. In addition, Torah Study and Shabbat morning services via Zoom enabled us to remain connected through the electronic medium since we were unable to gather in person. And a special ‘thank you’ to Lincoln Richman who provided musical support for our Student Cantor, as well as a ‘well done’ to all of our own congregants who shared their musical talents for our on-line activities.
As we move into the Summer season, we are now looking forward to sharing our Erev Shabbat services in our Sanctuary as we move toward a full reopening of our Temple facilities. As you can appreciate, we will still be guided by local, state and federal guidelines related to Covid-19 protocols. For the comfort and safety of our congregants, we will be asking everyone to continue the use of face masks while participating in group activities in our facilities. We are also sure that appropriate social distancing will be observed. As you can appreciate, the suggested precautions will go a long way in helping to preserve the health, safety and welfare of all of us.
Please be sure to join us at our Temple activities whether in-person or on-line.
You are an important member of this Congregation and we look forward to sharing many activities with you.
Jerry and Alan
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Dear Fellow Congregants,
As you read this article, I am sure that you join with me in sharing the pain of the loss of Jennifer Straniere, long-time member and stalwart of Temple Israel. Jennifer remains a role-model for us and she continues reminding us of what dedication and commitment really mean. I am personally grateful to her for her guidance throughout the years as I temporarily assume her responsibilities as Financial Secretary as we move toward a new and eventful year at Temple Israel.
Respectfully,
Alan Siegel
We have now concluded our 2020-2021 fiscal year and, as of July 1st, embark on the new fiscal year. The challenges of the past year have had a financial impact on our Temple. Some of our expenses have remained constant while our income for the use of our facility has decreased. Additionally, we have sustained added expenses for the recording of last year’s High Holiday services, the installation of a Live-Streaming system in our Sanctuary, and maintenance of our facility. As you know, we are a self-sustaining entity, supported by the annual commitments and generosity of our members. As we move into the new fiscal year, we will become more reliant on your commitments to our Temple.
We will soon be sending you your membership document for the new year. This document has been streamlined to reduce the amount of paper being sent out and for you to indicate any changes to your family status. Your family’s standard annual commitment will be listed, along with any outstanding balance on your account. Please review this document and should there be any question about it, please feel free to contact me at 917-873-4739 and I will be glad to speak with you.
Thanks in advance for your on-going commitment to Temple Israel; we are grateful for your support.
Alan Siegel
Co-President
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If you have any questions about your membership at this time please contact me at the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.
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See you in the fall!
B’shirah (with singing),
Shirel Richman
Student Cantor
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In person Adult Choir Rehearsals will resume in August.
Mondays, August 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursdays, August 12, 19, 26
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Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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In 2017, Shariann and I established “The Presidents’ Awards” to be presented to those Sisterhood members who consistently go above and beyond, and selflessly serve Sisterhood for the benefit of our congregation or our community.
In the inaugural year, we recognized 6 wonderful women, Deanna Feder, Blanche Ricci, Claire Bleiman, Libby Gershansky, Debbie Chernoff, and Linda Hanibal. In 2018, Fern Barris, Terry Baver, Karen Gross, Larry Hanibal, Sue Freedman, Nina Rohan, Judy Lee and Claire Guttsman were honored. In 2019, we showed our gratitude to Silvia Gornstein, Felicia Otto, Cheryl Levine, Sandy Feuerstein, Beverly Mazer, Linda Brill and Jennifer Straniere.
Last year we were in Limbo. But we are thrilled to be able to celebrate together once again, to continue this tradition and to acknowledge the contributions of those Sisterhood Members who have made significant contributions to Sisterhood over the course of the past year.
Each of this year’s honorees will be presented with a framed print from the Proudly Jewish Series from Voices & Visions. Each print contains a powerful quote and beautiful image, which symbolizes the contributions and special values that each of our recipients represents.
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Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel provided the quote for this beautiful piece of art. It says, “A Jew is asked to take a leap of action, rather than a leap of faith.” He teaches us to take a leap into ethical and spiritual action that compels transformation, and not to act by faith alone. He also taught: “To be is to stand for”. In these times, when a overabundance of choices can paralyze, people often tend toward conformity, apathy and disengagement. If we merely follow social trends, our most meaningful and authentic community activities would disappear. Midrash teaches us about Nachshon Ben Aminadav. When the newly-freed Israelites approached the Red Sea with the Egyptians in pursuit, God had not yet parted the waters to save them. The Israelites were frightened of what lay ahead and they wanted to return to Egypt. Nachshon Ben Aminadav responded to his pessimistic brethren by jumping into the howling sea. The waters parted. The miracle happened. For jumping into unknown waters, for looking toward the future, and for realizing that now is the time to plan ahead and make things happen by co-leading this year’s Nominating Committee, this award goes to Pamela Carlton.
In Pirke Avot, Rabbi Hillel says, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?”
Hillel captures our attention by posing two questions, each intended to articulate a paradox. The first challenges those of us who believe that piety and goodness demand an attitude of absolute selflessness pursued at the expense of our own interests. In other words, to be a good person, don’t think about yourself. But, as Hillel suggests, if a person is not concerned with his own needs and well-being, why should he expect others to be? So, if Sisterhood as a whole makes no effort to ensure our future, is it reasonable to expect our members to devote themselves to ensuring that future? But we cannot just be a member for ourselves, we must be here for each other. “If not now, when?” For putting Sisterhood first, for her creativity in finding new ways to develop leadership and for always being there with a smile…for working so incredibly hard and long on building Sisterhood in order to ensure its future, we recognize Ellen Birch.
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We have one more special acknowledgement to make. Although we have made it a policy not to present the same person with multiple Presidents’ Awards since we began this tradition 5 Sisterhood seasons ago, we find it necessary to create a new Special Recognition Award to acknowledge a previous awardee who has gone above and beyond this year…again. For working so hard with the nominating committee this year and helping to secure the future leadership of Sisterhood, we are proud to present our first Special Recognition Certificate to Nina Rohan.
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In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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CLICK ON FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD |
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Click on flyer to print or download. |
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Click on the a flyer above to download or print. |
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THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
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Hello Everyone.
I hope everyone continues to enjoy good health as we begin to return to somewhat of a normal Temple Life.
We held our Brotherhood paid Up Breakfast on Sunday Morning June 27 at the Arms Restaurant on Forest Avenue. It gave us a chance to help celebrate our achievements over the past year, as well as enjoy each other’s company.
It is very important to keep the work of Brotherhood going strong as we move towards reopening.
Although I scheduled August 22nd as the date for the annual Brotherhood Barbeque, it may have to be moved to the prior week. Flyers will be available shortly as soon as the date is confirmed.
Thank you to all of the Brotherhood members for their dedication this past year, and I hope next year will be even better.
During these trying and unprecedented times we wish to thank Rabbi for his spirituality, guidance and knowledge to lift up our feelings.
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 soon and experience the friendship and camaraderie that we so much look forward to.
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
JULY 2021
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MAZEL TOV TO:
BROOKE & LUIS LOPEZ (AND GRANDPARENTS BRYN & RICHARD BIREN) & family as their daughterGENEVIEVE SIMONE BLUE LOPEZ is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah;
BRIAN LEVINSKY on receiving his Masters in Health Law and Public Policy from Hofstra University;
NEIL & FERN BARRIS as their daughter, Kaycee Barris, received her BS in Accounting;
JANICE GROSS & LARRY FLAUM on the birth of their grandson Adam Benjamin Semeiks to her daughter Jenna and her husband Jeremy Semeiks.
CONDOLENCES TO:
The Werb Family on the passing of long time Kavod member FLORENCE WERB;
HON.PHILIP STRANIERE and Gregory, Amanda, Nicholas and Abigail on the loss of JENNIFER STRANIERE, wife, mother, grandmother and Temple Financial Secretary and long time Temple member;
PAMELA ROGOZIN & family on the loss of her cousin, Douglas Kantor;
Former member Anne Young on the loss of her husband, Jon.
GET WELL WISHES TO:
CLAIRE GUTTSMAN recovering from hip surgery.
ARNIE GROSSMAN recovering from abdominal surgery,
JANET HARRIS SMITH recovering from an emergency appendectomy;
FRED SIMON recovering from a kidney infection;
JOYCE KANTROWITZ, mother of LINDA HANIBAL;
MIKE ALLEN recovering from a heart attack
THINKING OF YOU:
SUE FREEDMAN, DR. ALICIA BASKIN, SUSAN WEINMAN,
MAXINE COHEN, DENNIS GUTTSMAN
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As our world is on the path of reopening, possibilities continue to be considered on how to move ahead. We are happy to inform you that starting Friday July 2nd Friday night Services will be in person as well as live-streamed. As the July 2nd Service is the first Friday of the month it is a Family Service starting at 7:00 PM and includes the celebration of July Birthdays and Anniversaries and will be followed by a Sisterhood sponsored celebratory Oneg. Please look elsewhere in the Bulletin for any special instructions for these in-person Services.
Starting on Friday June 18th our Student Cantor Shirel Richman is away for her summer break.
Congregant Jim Rohan will be providing musical leadership for our Erev Shabbat Services while she is away for the summer. Thank you to Jim. However, at this point in time, Saturday morning Torah Study and Shabbat Services will initially at least, continue to be held on the Zoom platform with lay leaders leading in the months of July and August. If there is any change in the location, you will be advised. And we continue to thank Jaimie Blackman and Dr. Ken Pickover for providing musical leadership and accompaniment on Saturday morning Zoom Services when they are available.
Looking ahead to the High Holy Days you will be receiving in the next week or so information by mail about the Memory Book that is distributed during the Yizkor Service on Yom Kippur afternoon. The Memory Book is an opportunity to remember family and friends. To participate in the Memory Book please follow the instructions provided in the mailing (once you receive it) and return immediately to the Temple Office in the envelope provided. We note that although, as always, the High Holy Days are right on time, this year they are early.
Selichot Saturday August 28th
Erev Rosh Hashanah Monday September 6th
Rosh Hashanah First Day Tuesday September 7th
Rosh Hashanah Second Day Wednesday September 8th
Kol Nidre Wednesday September 15th
Yom Kippur Day Thursday September 16th
Erev Sukkot Monday September20th
Sukkot Day Tuesday September 21st
Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Erev Monday September 27th
Simchat Torah Day Tuesday September 28th
We look forward to seeing you all in person at Temple.
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
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We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of ushering, lighting the candles and reciting the Motzi at Erev Shabbat Services in June:
Gayle Chason, Jeffrey Chason, Bryn Biren, Brooke Lopez, Pamela Carlton,Karen Gross, Jerry Gross, Shariann Ganz,
Jeffrey Ganz, Russell Kaminsky, Felicia Otto, Ellen Birch,
Sandy Mazzucco, Pamela Rogozin, Phyllis Elrich and Judy Lee.
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
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July 2, 2021
Jack J. Freedland
Eli Grossman
Bernard Samith
Max Feuerstein
Joseph Heiferman
Howard Levine
Jean Pollack *
Susan Scherker
Herbert Flaum
Adele Mushnick *
George Curatola
Louis Katzman *
Harry Selznick *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Ella Buchheim
Haim-Ahron Bernfeld
Julius Hirschberg
Wouter Kuit
Boleslaw Pyrek
July 9, 2021
Samuel Greene *
Bernard Jablon *
Peter Prosaw *
Samuel Rubenstein *
Joseph Wolff
Herman Brouse *
Julius Holtz *
Gary Fried *
Charles Weissglass *
Leon Berkowicz
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Bianka Heymann
Mendel Lakhman
Selma Blum
Nekhema Alpert
Shlomo Buechler
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July 16, 2021
Sylvia Schwartz *
Max Davidson *
Sonia Dumont
Jerome Krant *
Leroy Tepper *
Jerome Berg *
Lillian Feldman
Muriel Schwartz
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Yehuda Ruebner
Rachela Aronson
Salman Kimmelman
Meta Clara On
Fany Lein
July 23, 2021
Miriam Blackman
Bill Greenfield
Hyman Snyder
Carl Orland *
Louis Blumenthal *
Alter Pisetzner
Betty S. Rothaus *
Lucille Chazanoff
Alice Rosen *
Jacob Drescher
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Teunis Glijnis
Rudolf Lowith
Gabina Kerszenstein
Yakov Ofman
Rudolf Guensberger
July 30, 2021
Steven Martin Cohen
Michael Selig
John Vogelman
Joseph Schulter
William Silverberg *
Estelle Ballow
Bernard Freedman
Bessie Topel
Isidore Drucker
Joseph Markowitz
Sidney Morse *
Jean Goodman
Roslyn Mendelsohn
Victor G. Bloom
John Garand Rowan *
Shirley Ann Hirsh *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Franziska Sleyska
Erich Seidemann
Levy Sigall
Reisel Steckel
Maria Seibel
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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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WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO RESUMING ONEGS THIS SUMMER.
AS PROMISED, WE WILL CELEBRATE ALL THE BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES THAT WE WERE UNABLE TO SHARE IN PERSON
WITH A VERY SPECIAL ONEG ON
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH.
PLEASE JOIN US.
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AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ONEGS
SISTERHOOD IS PROUD OF OUR ONEGS.
WE HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED HIGH STANDARDS AND TRADITIONS--FROM THE CHOICE OF ITEMS WE MAKE AVAILABLE TO HOW REFRESHMENTS ARE DISPLAYED AND SERVED.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE COMFORT AND HEALTH OF ALL OUR CONGREGANTS, SISTERHOOD HAS DECIDED THAT, UNTIL IT IS COMPLETELY SAFE FOR EVERYONE, ALL FOOD ITEMS AND BEVERAGES AT ONEGS WILL BE SERVED BY GLOVED VOLUNTEERS. WE WILL NO LONGER OFFER A "SERVE YOURSELF" OPTION.
WE ARE HAPPY TO DO THIS; HOWEVER, WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! YOU DO NO HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF SISTERHOOD. ALL CONGREGANTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US IN THE HONOR OF SERVING. AS LONG AS WE HAVE ENOUGH ASSISTANCE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY AND ENJOYMENT OF OUR ONEGS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP US KEEP UP THIS WONDERFUL COMMUNITY TRADITION, WE ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST US ON ANY FRIDAY EVENING.
PLEASE HELP US COORDINATE OUR SUMMER ONEG VOLUNTEERS BY E-MAILING sisterhoodti@aol.com WITH THE DATE(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP, BEGINNING WITH THIS FRIDAY, JULY 2ND.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU IN THE TEMPLE KITCHEN AT LEAST 1/2 HOUR PRIOR TO SERVICES.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP!
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Erev Shabbat Services
Friday, July 2
Celebration of June
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Service at 7:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg to follow
Friday, July 9
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg to follow
Friday, July 16
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg to follow
Friday, July 23
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg to follow
Friday, July 30
Service at 7:30 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
(streamed)
Oneg to follow
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Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
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School’s out for summer, but planning for September continues. There is a lot of work to accomplish to organize next school year and plan our holiday celebrations, assemblies and programming.
The Parents’ Committee is in need of helpers. Whether you are a family member of a school student or a congregation member interested in the future of the school, please reach out to me if you are willing and able to join this committee and help with school programs.
Have a happy and sunny July!
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.
As this year comes to a close and we look forward to a new year of health and being together in person, let’s think about how much Temple Israel means to us and what it has to offer members.We are all the best ambassadors for our Temple, so I’m going to reprint some thoughts that were expressed in an earlier E-Shalom Membership article this year. As you are out and about and rekindle relationships with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues, please keep in mind some of the wonderful reasons for belonging to Temple Israel.
What’s in it for me? For us? A lot!!
● Social connection and a sense of belonging, which is so very important at this time
● Connection to our Rabbi and Student Cantor who help us add the dimensions of spirituality and holiness to our lives
● Shabbat and holiday services
● Saturday morning Torah study
● Hebrew School
● Choir and Junior Choir
● Creative activities and special programming for young families
● A wide variety of learning opportunities for adults
● Opportunities to engage in Tikkun Olam to help those in our community who are less fortunate than we are
● Engagement with fellow congregants through Brotherhood and Sisterhood
● Connections to our national affiliates- The Union for Reform Judaism and Women of Reform Judaism
Eat-Pray-Learn-Laugh-Sing and Schmooz with us!
If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our Temple, please have them contact the Membership Committee through the Temple Office.
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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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In conjunction with other Sisterhoods of the WRJ Northeast District, we are proud to present..... |
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Our gratitude to Mark Meyer for enlightening us to the wonderful world of fine Art! Many Thanks to Judy Scher and her “Judy” colleagues, Judy Lee and Judy Pessah, for providing us with comfort and an opportunity to express ourselves, while enduring the psychological and physical effects of the Pandemic. We hope to be able to have sessions addressing other issues in the near future. Our relaxation needs were met, with thanks to Jennifer Korten and her gentle approach to Meditation.
PLEASE START READING! We are beginning a book discussion group, meeting in each other’s homes, every other month, on a Tuesday, beginning in August. Watch for notices or email
Cherylmlevine@gmail.com.
August 24 at 7:00 p.m.—“Yes I Can Say That When They Come For The Comedians We Are In Trouble” by Judy Gold. Judy Lee will lead the discussion.
October 19th at 7:00 p.m.—“Yiddish Policemens’ Union” by Michael Chabon. Robin Howald will lead the discussion.
THINKING AHEAD. We will shortly be scheduling 2 Zoom programs given by our Parisian guide, Karen, and her company, Sightseekers Delight! One, “Montmartre” features artistic history, and the other, “French Food Frenzy”, we can leave to your imagination. They will be scheduled for Sunday afternoons in the Fall and Winter.
Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons
and
Bryn Biren & Terry Baver
Avis Foundation
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With everything that went on in the world surrounding us we have had quite a busy year for our families. Our girls and boys spent the month of June enjoying the Resource Room, making snow and building with marshmallows to determine which shapes provided the best support. We hope to return again in the Fall for more experimentation and enjoyment.
We have decided to give the children a vacation during summer. We do have an assignment for the parents. We are looking for new family members at Temple Israel. The summer is the time of year when families are beginning to think about possibly affiliating with a Temple. The High Holy Days begin with Rosh Hoshanah on September 6th. Religious school begins on September 13th.
We are ready and willing to contact any interested families. Children who are toilet trained, as young as 3, are accepted into our Religious school on Sundays. Reach out to find families for us. You are our best marketing tools!
We will return in the Fall with new classes, trips, and activities for children and families in September. A big thanks goes to the generosity of the AVIS FOUNDATION and Dr. Ron Avis.
We wish you a peaceful, enjoyable, well-deserved summer!
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Sincerely,
Terry Baver & Bryn Biren
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Please join us for a fall FUNdraiser at a local restaurant. Details to follow.
Thank you for all of your support to make this year's FUNdraising activities so successful!
Stay safe and enjoy the summer.
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 JULY
YOGA CLASSES ARE TAKING PLACE
VIA ZOOM ON
MONDAYS ONLY.
SUNDAY classes begins at 6:15 PM.
Instructor: Denise Nizarre
JULY 5, 12, 19, 16
ZOOM LINK FOR SUNDAYS ONLY
ZOOM MEETING ID:
629 410 6339
PASSWORD:
2021
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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Caring community thanks all of the people that helped prepare the social hall and repast for the Shiva Minyan service of our beloved temple member, Jennifer Straniere .
Pamela Carlton
Caring Community Co-Chair
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The Reform Movement’s
2021 Racial Justice Campaign
Take a moment to consider what the right to vote means to you and what it meant to the generations that came before you. Think about the importance of preserving a free, just and democratic society for the generations that will follow us. With these thoughts in mind, it is imperative that Congress pass H.R.1- “For the People Act” (S.1 in the Senate) to make voting accessible for all individuals, across all states.
In addition Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act (John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate) to restore voting rights for all races and across all regions.
What can congregations do?
The RAC is suggesting that we take the following actions:
1- Email our U.S. Senators asking them to support the “For The People Act of 2021” AND “The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” Even though our Senators are supportive of these measures, it is important for them to hear from constituents so that they will feel the pressure to continue to push forward with this legislation.
2- Register for the RAC’s online training on July 14th at 8 p.m. concerning the issue of Freedom to Vote and how to lobby congressional leaders.
The lobbying will take place online and won’t require that everyone speak. Pages and pages of participants on a lobbying call will show our Representatives and our Senators that we care.
As Jews we are mandated to pursue justice, to work for freedom and to make this world a better place for all.
Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
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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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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.
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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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