Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island
315 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
tmplisrael@aol.com
Rabbi Michael D. Howald                     Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey
Co-Presidents Jerry Gross and Alan Siegel
E-Shalom -NOVEMBER 2019
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.
A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
        
This week I received the final volume of the Koren Talmud Bavli, a 42-volume set of the Babylonian Talmud (the “Bavli”) including commentary by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz.  I started receiving the volumes almost 8 years ago after signing up for a subscription with Koren, the publishers of the then-new edition of the Bavli, at the 2011 URJ Biennial in Washington D.C.  Since then, I have received a new volume of the Talmud every few months, scheduled to arrive in coordination with the “Daf Yomi” (a “page a day”) cycle which takes readers through the entire Talmud in 7 years and 5 months.  These volumes now fill up several shelves in my office library and form the core of my collection of central Jewish texts.
The Talmud has been a source of study for over a millennia.  “If the Bible is the cornerstone of Judaism, then the Talmud is the central pillar….No other work has had a comparable influence on the theory and practice of Jewish life.” [1]   For centuries, however, the Talmud was the inheritance of only a few, restricted to those who could set forth on a sea of Mishnaic Hebrew and Jewish Babylonian Aramaic that covers over 2700 double-sided folio pages.  First written by hand on scrolls, moreover, a full set of the Talmud was beyond the financial reach of all but the wealthiest communities.  The first printed editions of the Bavli date back to the 16 th  century and made the Talmud available to a wider audience.  Even so, owning a complete set of the printed Bavli was beyond most scholars until recently.
The 20 th  and 21 st  centuries, in particular, have seen a resurgence in interest in the Talmud, not just for its original discussion, but for the commentary that has grown up around it like a flourishing plant since the days of Rashi in the 11 th  century.  Rabbi Meir Shapira of Lublin is considered one of the primary architects of this revival of interest in the Bavli by virtue of his proposal in 1923 that scholars and laypeople devote themselves to daily Talmud study by studying a folio page a day.  Rabbi Shapira’s “Daf Yomi [daily study of page of Talmud]” idea has grown each year and now includes 10’s of thousands of people following an easily accessible calendar that brings students through the entire Babylonian Talmud in just under 7 ½ years.
The Koren Talmud Bavli was written and published with this daily cycle of readings in mind.  Containing both the Aramaic and Hebrew text and an English translation, the Koren edition has made the Talmud accessible to world-wide readership with little or no background in Talmud study.  I received the last volume just a week before its study begins.  At the completion of this volume, people from all other the world who have been following the Daf Yomi schedule, will gather together in a variety of venues to celebrate a  Siyyum HaShas , a party that celebrates both the completion of the old cycle and the start of the new daily calendar.
The next  Siyyum  will take place on January 4, 2020 with the completion of the last tractate of the Talmud and the commemoration of the beginning of a new cycle on the following day.  If you are interested in following along with the upcoming cycle which begins in January, you can sign up to receive a daily Daf Yomi email from numerous websites.  You don’t even need to own a copy of the Talmud!  If you want to look at a page or two from a real Talmud instead of a virtual one, you know who you can ask! 
May the year to come be filled with the joy of new discovery and the satisfaction of meaningful study!    
Rabbi Michael Howald
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1]  Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz,  The Essential Talmud  at 3.
A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel

Are you  “templed out”  yet?  We hear that phrase often around this time of year, Other than Rabbi, we are not sure if anyone attended all 14 holiday-related services from Selichot to Simchat Torah.
 
Rabbi gets a pass on using the term, but the rest of us?  Not so much.  And there is so much more to our Temple Israel Community than services.
 
Among things you can do this month:
  • Bring your child to a STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) course sponsored by the Avis Foundation;
  • Become one with your karma at a Yoga session on most Sundays and Thursdays (and Sundays are FREE for members);
  • Become a member of the Adult Learning committee at their November 5th planning meeting;
  • See how Temple Israel brings out the best in our students at a Bat Mitzvah;
  • Test your knowledge at the Trivia Night;
  •  Learn about parenting in the 21st Century, when your village is not always with you;
  • Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage with free admission and a tour;
  • Listen to a judge talk about courtroom antics;
  • Attend a Sisterhood and Brotherhood meeting to find out about what you can do for Temple Israel and what Temple Israel can do for you!
And so on.....
 
So, what are you waiting for?  Get out your appointment book, scroll down to the calendar and find a few things to do with your fellow congregants.

Jerrold Gross and Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents  
 
Notes from Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey
Shalom, Temple Israelites!

Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving in spades. As we approach this month of Thanksgiving, I reflect on all that I am thankful for. I am grateful for this congregation welcoming me as their student cantor for my last two years of school and for nurturing my growth as I move from student cantor to cantor. I am grateful to work with such a menschy rabbi and with great teachers in the religious school. I am grateful to have been able to pray the High Holy Days with our adult choir and am endlessly grateful for all of their hard work in the weeks and months leading up to them. 

I am grateful for my life and the ability to use it to try to make a difference in the world. I am grateful for my health and for the things about myself that make me who I am. I am grateful for my loved ones and friends and all who make up my support system. I am grateful for my teachers and my various communities. I am grateful for the ability to be grateful. For all this and more, I pray that I continue to find gratitude in all of life’s little pleasures. May we all take stock of our blessings and begin each day with a simple thank you.

Todah and b’bracha,
Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
As we begin to take a breath after the whirlwind of the High Holiday season, it is only fitting and proper that we thank all those who worked so hard to uphold Sisterhood’s traditions and make the holidays special for all of our congregants and holiday guests.
Thank you to all those who helped shop, slice, pour, set-up, serve and organize our Rosh Hashanah pre-Tashlich cake and challah and our Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast: Libby Gershansky, Blanche Ricci, Silvia Gornstein, Lou Fuller, Andrea Simon, Gayle Chason, Maxine Cohen, Sandy Feuerstein, Brian Cortijo, Phineas Larsen, Jonathan DeVito, Ethan DeVito, Jacob Chason, Shelby Chason, Evan Chason, Gavin Levine, Samuel Miller, Noah Miller, Mia Shperling, Alexa Shperling, Jennifer Straniere, Debbie Chernoff, Bryan Ganz.
Thanks to Anita Zuckerberg for spearheading our High Holiday Food Drive to benefit Project Hospitality, and to all our congregants who contributed by bringing non-perishable food donations. We will continue to collect and deliver, so please continue to bring your donations to the Temple. Shopping bags are still available to be filled, or you can bring your own.
Thanks also to Inez Singer, who with the help of Blanche Ricci's bracelet project, lead our annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign which culminated in Sisterhood’s participation in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Midland Beach on Sunday, October 20th. With everyone’s help, we were able to collect over $1600 for our donation to the American Cancer Society.
Thank you to Blanche and Bobby Ricci for continuing their long-standing tradition of packaging and providing the wonderful apple, raisin and sweets gift bags for everyone who attends our Simchat Torah celebration.
Thank you to the Sisterhood Officers & Past Presidents who hosted a lunch for WRJ Representatives Robin Kreiger and Marian Klein on October 4. We were so proud to share all our our Sisterhood activities and initiatives with them and even more proud when they expressed their interest and admiration for all that our Sisterhood accomplishes. (Special thanks to Bryn Biren for her Staten Island Ferry “escort services”.)
Thank you to our Vice-Presidents of Membership, Sue Freedman and Inez Singer for organizing another lovely Paid Up Members Dinner and Program. Additional special thanks go to Fern Barris for her guidance, advice and support. We hope that all those who attended the evening enjoyed the sumptuous buffet and entertaining Sing-Along Rodgers and Hammerstein program.
Apologies to anyone who’s name or contributions may have been unintentionally omitted. Our brains are a little fried from all the activity.
We are looking forward to so many upcoming events and we hope to see you at all of them.
  • Our Rummage Sale Set up is scheduled for Saturday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m. and we could use your help. We’d also love to see you the next day, Sunday, November 17th, to help sell, shop and clean up!
  • All Sisterhood Officers and Directors will be at our next Executive Board Meeting on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Temple Library.
  • Please join us for our next Sisterhood General Membership meeting on Sunday, November 24th at 10 a.m. for a wonderful program: “Temple Israel Sisterhood Around the World"
  • Don’t miss our Holiday Gift Fair on December 8th. It’s a great opportunity to find the perfect Chanukah gift for everyone on your list.
  • Also on December 8th, we hope to see your creative side at Clay, Kiln and Camaraderie at 7:00 p.m.
  • Enjoy all your Chanukah Favorites at our New Member Chanukah Sabbath Supper on Friday, December 27th.
  • Be sure to save the dates for another Adult Bingo Night on January 11th and Bowling Bonanza on January 26th.
Flyers with detailed information on all these events can be found when you scroll through the bulletin. Check out our 2019-2020 Calendar by clicking on the icon below!

In Sisterhood,
Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
THE BROTHERHOOD
Temple Israel – Reform Congregation of Staten Island
On Sunday morning, October 13, the Brotherhood gathered to put up our Congregational Sukkah. As always we were out bright and early so that the children of our Religious school had a chance to decorate it and enjoy some snacks in the Sukkah. Many thanks to all the men who came out to help accomplish this task with ease. The entire congregation was able to use the Sukkah on Erev Sukkot and the following week as we all did some "Sippin' in the Sukkah". On Simchat Torah, we once again had our fabulous Ice Cream Sundae Oneg. Everyone had the chance to join us as we danced with the Torahs, listened to the Rock of Israel Band and celebrated together.

We are, as is tradition, to have our annual Chanukah Card available for all to join in wishing their fellow congregants a happy Season of Lights. Also, on Sunday, December 22, Brotherhood will once again sponsor our children’s Chanukah Party. This is always a fun-filled afternoon for the children and parents as we play games, decorate cookies, make crafts and enjoy pizza. Please mark your calendars and join us. Flyers for both the Chanukah card and Chanukah Party are out and are available in this E- Shalom by clicking the appropriate link.

Brotherhood needs your support, Please join us as we become even more successful in the coming year. For only $45 you can become a Brotherhood member. Please mail your check to Temple, attention Brotherhood.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2019
F or calendar updates click here .
To print a copy of this calendar, click here .
Condolences to...
Muriel Schlefstein, her daughters Linda, Dale and Suzanne, their spouses Ross Miller and Ed Corcoran and their families on the loss of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, Maurice.

John and Samuel Greenbaum on the loss of their beloved wife and mother, Erica Marie Greenbaum.

Welcome New Members...
Dawn and Frank Pascarella and their children Farrah and Matthew.

Mazel Tov to...
Cheryl Levine on the birth of her granddaughter, Priya Kosila Levine.
Shari Stein Ballow on completing her Clinical Doctorate in
Occupational Therapy.
Joyce Miller on the Bar Mitzvah of her son Samuel Ryan Miller.
Elaine and Harold Wolchok on the Baby Naming of their granddaughter, Shayna Maya Wolchok.

Get Well Wishes to...
Claire Bleiman
Fred Hecht

Thinking of You...
Pamela Carlton
David Meltzer
George Kurlander
Susan Weinman
Alicia Baskin
Ken Pickover
Jerry Gross

$$$ EASY fundraising
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!
Happy 5780 to all.   

As always, the early fall months were a busy time for the Ritual Committee as we prepared, along with Rabbi Howald, for the High Holy Days and the festivals that followed.

As we prepared for the Days of Awe, Selichot was observed on Saturday evening September 21st.  The evening included a Havdalah Service, a light repast, a program titled “From This World to the Next” led by Rabbi Howald and a Service led by both Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Benrey using the prayer book Mishkan HaLev.  During this service, our Torah covers were changed to the white High Holy Day Covers.  We note that the Committee arranged for these Covers to be cleaned and coordinated with Sisterhood for the cleaning of the Ritual Silver.   Thank you to Linda Brill, Susan Freedman and Blanche Ricci for the Silver Polishing; Shariann and Jeffrey Ganz for arranging for the cleaning of the white Torah Covers.

We thank Rabbi Howald, Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey, our Adult Choir, organist Elona Migirov and cellist Vincent Moncada (Yom Kippur) for the beautiful and meaningful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services.  We thank all who accepted honors for these Services. Thank you to Shariann Ganz for organizing the children’s activities Rosh Hashanah morning.  Shariann along with Joanna Meltzer and Bryan Ganz helped make Rosh Hashanah morning meaningful for our young congregants.  Thank you to Sisterhood with Libby Gershansky and committee for the cake and challah after Rosh Hashanah morning Services for Tashlich and Jennifer Straniere and committee for the Break the Fast treats at the end of Yom Kippur.  We also thank Jennifer for the spice bags for Havdalah on Selichot and Yom Kippur and for touching up the High Holy Day silk flower arrangements.

The Ritual committee is also responsible for the Memory Book 5780 which was provided at the Yizkor Service on Yom Kippur.  Congregants and friends were contacted by mail and by phone follow-ups for updates to their Memory Book entries and for inquiring about new entries and new participants.  As always thank you to Jerry Gross for his computer expertise.  Copies of the Memory Book are available in the Temple Lobby.  
Festivities continued as Sukkot was celebrated on Sunday evening October 13 th.   The Service started at 7:30 PM led by Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Benrey.  We all had the chance to wave the Lulav and Etrog in six directions.  The Service was preceded by a Sisterhood-sponsored Dairy Dish to Share Dinner.  Special thanks to Shariann Ganz and her committee for organizing the Festive Dinner and to the Brotherhood who built the Sukkah early that morning.  Rabbi also led a morning Sukkot Service on Monday October 14 th starting at 10:30AM.   Erev Simchat Torah was celebrated Sunday night October 20 th .  Services started at 6:30 PM.  Our new students and families were blessed and there was singing, dancing and parading with Israeli Flags (provided by Sisterhood) and Torahs of all sizes.  The Rock of Israel Band was featured along with our Student Cantor.  The Brotherhood Ice Cream Oneg followed and Sisterhood’s Blanche Ricci distributed bags of treats.  Morning Simchat Torah/Yizkor Services were at 10:30AM on Monday October 21 st  followed by a Bring a Dairy Dish to Share Lunch.  We thank Nina Rohan for arranging the honors for Sukkot and Simchat Torah and thank all who accepted their honors.  In fact, we thank everyone involved for all their efforts. 

We congratulate Samuel Miller and all his family as he was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday October 12 th .  

Looking ahead, we congratulate Simone Lenner and family as she will be called to the Bimah as a Bat Mitzvah on November 9 th .

Although the month of November is quieter ritually, we look forward to seeing you at Friday night Erev Shabbat Services of all types and/or Saturday morning Torah Study and Shabbat Services.

Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:
Thank you to the following congregants for their assistance with 
ushering during services, as well as for honoring the Congregation with their presence on the Bimah in October:

Linda Brill, Bryn Biren, Barbara Feigelman, Samuel Gornstein, Silvia Gornstein, Karen Gross, Larry Hanibal, Cheryl Levine, Beverly Mazer, Judy Pessah, Blanche Ricci, Maurice Schlefstein, Muriel Schlefstein, Alina Shetyenberg and Jodi Siegel.
Nina Rohan
 Ushering Chair
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Thank You for Your Participation!

An amazing number of congregants accepted honors and participated in our High Holy Day services this year. 

On Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, our choir added to the majesty and spirituality of the services.  We thank our choir members: Ellen Birch, Bryn Biren, Pamela Carlton, Scott Fuller, Sam Gornstein, Karen Gross, Judy Lee, Beverly Mazer, Judith Pessah, Pamela Rogozin, James Rohan, Jodi Siegel, Shari Stein-Ballow, Sarah Rachel Walters and Luigia Weisner who spent long hours during the summer with Student Cantor Jennifer Benrey.  We must also thank our Organist Elona Migirov and on Kol Nidre, cellist Vincent Moncada.

We were stirred by the blasts of the shofar on Rosh HaShanah morning and at Neilah.  Providing those moments were Jillian Ballow, Jaimie Blackman, Scott Feldman, Eric Ricci, Derek Rogozin and Su Ellen Silverman.

During the main services, 100 congregants came to the Bimah to lead services, open the Ark doors, read from Torah and other honors.  We thank those members:  Dr. Victor Avis, Kim Avis, Stephen Baver, Terry Baver, Alan Bernikow, Ellen Birch, Bryn Biren, Jaimie Blackman, Alan Brill, Linda Brill, Gayle Chason, Jeffrey Chason, Jay Chazanoff, Deborah Chernoff, James Cohen, Brian Cortijo, Jennifer Cortijo, Jay Duskin, Phyllis Elrich, Deanna Feder, Barbara Feigelman, Sandra   Feuerstein Susan Freedman, Barbara Fried, Scott Fuller, Joseph Gamoran, Jeffrey Ganz, Shariann   Ganz Ira Gershansky, Libby Gershansky, Joel Goldberg, Suzie   Goldstein Samuel Gornstein, Silvia   Gornstein Jerrold Gross, Karen Gross, Claire Guttsman, Dennis Guttsman, Jory Guttsman, Brian Hanibal, Larry   Hanibal Linda Hanibal, Tim Harrison, Fred Hecht, Iris Hershensen, Robin Howald, Russel Kaminsky, Judy Lee, Michelle Lee, Lydia Leimsider, Richard Leimsider, Cheryl Levine, Landon Levine, Scott F. Levine, Kevin Lipsitz, Brooke Lopez, Richard Marlieb, Beverly Mazer, Sandy Mazzucco, Daniel Meltzer, David Meltzer, Joanna Meltzer, Barbara Menna, Joyce Miller, Jerrold Mulnick, Linda Mulnick, Charles Nadel, Judith Pessah, Ken Pickover, Kenneth Popler, Blanche Ricci, JR Rich, Pamela Rogozin, Elizabeth Rohan, Nina Rohan, Susan Sappin, Judy Scher, Steven Scher, Maurice Schlefstein, Muriel Schlefstein, Alina Shteynberg, Alan Siegel, Jesse Siegel, Jodi Siegel, Andrea Simon, Fred Simon, Inez Singer, Remy Smith, Arlene Sorkin, David Sorkin, Shari Stein-Ballow, Philip   Straniere Elizabeth Tanzer, Joel Tanzer, Rhonda Trontz‑Allen, Luigia Wiesner, Lissa Winchel and Karen Wolff.


As the holiday season wound down, many congregants accepted honors on Sukkot and Simchat Torah.  They were Bryn Biren, Jeffrey Chason, Maxine Cohen, Jeffrey Ganz, Shariann Ganz, Libby Gershansky, Claire Guttsman, Linda Hanibal, Michelle Lee, Polina Leibovich, Brianna Levinsky, Brooke Lopez, Susan Marks, Joanna Meltzer, Joyce Miller, Jerrold Mulnick, Felicia Holtzman Otto, Samantha Sherer, Alan Siegel, Jodi Siegel, Andrea Simon, Fred Simon, Remy Smith and Rhonda Trontz Allen.

Finally, Simchat Torah would not be the same if Rock of Israel did not provide the music for dancing with the Torah. Band members include Larry Ballow, Jaimie Blackman, Alex Lenner, Elona Migirov, Jerrold Mulnick, Ed Perez, Jim Rohan, Ahava Walpola, Orly Walpola and Deborah Young.  They were joined by Student Jennifer Cantor Benrey. 

Temple Israel Ritual Committee
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-chairs
November 1, 2019
Sidney Don
Israel Kantrowitz
Beatrice Don
Thea Silberman *
Martha Sugar
Seymour Wolinitz *
Charles Wiesner
Claire Silberlight
Hon. Royal Radin *
Rose Talisman

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Karl Koenigsberg
Sebastian Kinberg
Malka Krasner
Simon Monnikendam
Rozalia Kohn

November 8, 2019
Allen Scher
Ruth Sher *
Louis S. Berlin *
Edward Brandt *
Mathew Guttman
Leslie Klein
Robert Kurlander
Ida Popkins-Feuerstein
Marvin Aroll
Lillian Lipsitz *
Frances Marcus *
Gabriel Topel
Harry Dembiner
Jenny Dembiner
Golda Kramer *
Adelaida Pujol
Annette Mogol Scheiner *
Jack Zuckerberg
Mildred Cohen *
Gertrude Pisetzner *

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Baby Grunfeld
Devorah Hamer
Hava Epsztajn
Rudolf Van Gelder
Bronek Winer
November 15, 2019
Mary Schwarz *
Helen Bey Kitoff
Sylvia Rodman
Deborah Gornstein
Harry Cohen
Joseph Hershenson
Sarah Cohen *
Max Heit
Ira Taub *
Abraham Miller

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Joseph Fruth
Mordekhai Witman
Josef Lowy
Zoltan Salamon
Marcel Depriester

November 22, 2019
Helen Diamond *
Harry Asher Simons *
Emma Meyers
Sophia Axelrod *
Marilyn W. Lipsitz
Marion Vogelman
Edward Fine *
Herbert Gross *
Adele Salzberg
Joy Paula Duskin

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Julius Meier
Lipman Zeligfeld
Rachel Dimant
Dovid Zarb
Marton Farkas

November 29, 2019
Nellie Beck
Richard B. Marcus *
Michael Slamow *
Ann Docteroff *
Tobie Schaeffer
Faye Radin-Ferretti
Michael Rosch

And we remember from the Holocaust:
Marian Bisinski
Ben-Zion Bestherman
Antonie Schranak
Erno Lorant
Wassili Maizko
* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
In Memory of The Victims of The Tree of Life Synagogue Pittsburgh, PA
October 27, 2018
We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact Lara 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. 
Friday, November 1
FAMILY SERVICE AT 7:00 p.m.
CELEBRATION OF NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Friday, November 8
KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m.
CHOIR SINGS
ONEG SPONSORED BY
THE LENNER FAMILY

Friday, November 15
TOT SHABBAT 6:00 p.m.
KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 22
KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 29
KABBALAT SHABBAT 8:00 p.m.

Services
on the
1st Friday of each month
begin at 7:00 p.m.
TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday, November 9th
 
We are bringing back the very popular and successful Trivia Night, which has been enjoyed by many congregants in the past. We will have teams of 4-6 people per table, to compete for prizes, using their knowledge on a variety of categories. It will be an evening of challenge and competition, but most importantly, everyone will have a fun time! This year, a dinner of sandwiches and side dishes will be served. Please feel free to BYOB. Our very own talented Fred Simon will be the host for the evening. We will have prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle.  See registration flyers in the lobby or CLICK HERE to download or print the one that follows!

Please consider donating a gift to raffle, or please let us know if you have suggestions for businesses that may be willing to donate.

In addition, we need gifts to raffle off on March 14, 2020, when the Avis Foundation is generously sponsoring a concert, Jews and the Great American Songbook. The Fundraising Committee is collecting the raffle prizes for this wonderful event.

Save the Date: Thursday December 5, 2019 Join us at Jimmy Max for lunch or dinner or a snack to make $ for Temple Israel.

Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs  
Saturday January 25, 2020 
The Looney Bin at the Colonnade Diner
2001 Hylan Blvd, SI NY 10306
$20/person
2 item minimum
Raffles and a 50/50!
  Become part of our community by participating in our community. Temple Israel is where community happens.

Welcome to our new members :
* Dawn & Frank Pascarella and their children Farrah Cate and Matthew Gerald.
We are delighted to have you as part of our Temple Israel family.

TI-   WIIFM (Temple Israel-What’s In It For Me) 
In this space we will be featuring what our members-both new and long-term-say about their connection to Temple Israel.
From Felicia Holtzman Otto:
“To our family, Temple Israel means community, friendship and finding a home away from home. Our 5 year old son, Austin, loves to eat at Temple, especially at the Shabbat dinners, where he is a more adventurous eater than at home. He also enjoyed eating cupcakes in the Sukkah.”
            
Some things to try this month:  (flyers available throughout this E-Shalom)
* Think about learning a little Hebrew at Hebrew Boot Camp on 11/7- no prior Hebrew experience needed.
* Attend a Kabbalat Shabbat service and enjoy the sweet Oneg following services,
* Take a trip to the Jewish Heritage Museum with the Avis Foundation -11/11.
* Attend Judge Joel Goldberg’s book talk-11/14.
* Attend the new Saturday morning Family Service – Mishkan Pituach (Open Sanctuary)-11/23

Temple Israel is a busy place, and there is something for everyone.

If you know of anyone who is interested in joining, please contact the Membership Committee through the Temple Office.

Click flyer to download or print.
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.


START YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING EARLY!!

Some featured items this month:
Great Socks!!!!

Contact branchtr@aol.com or call the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.
Since June, over 300 new books have been added to the library, many of them recently published, especially novels with Jewish themes, written by Jewish authors.

The library hours are Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon, coinciding with Hebrew School classes. Books can be returned to the office where there is a box for them as well as for any books to be donated.

For more information,
contact Steve Scher at 347-683-0606 or  stevescher12@gmail.com

Steve Scher
Chair

REHEARSALS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
6:45 p.m. SHARP!!!!


CHOIR SINGS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
If you would like to join the Temple Israel Adult Choir, just come to any rehearsal...and all the rehearsals that follow!
CLICK ON FLYER TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT!
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Tikkun Olam, to heal the world, is one of the basic tenets of Reform Judaism.  Therefore, the work of our Social Action Committee is important to us, to identify more closely with our faith, to the community and to show others what is important to us.  There are many activities at Temple Israel that you can take part in to help our community.

CURT SUMMIT   In October Social Action contributed Macaroni and Cheese and Baked Ziti Trays to the CURT (Communities United for Respect and Trust) Anti Bias/Anti-Violence Summit held at Port Richmond High School.  The Summit was a success and our donation was greatly appreciated.

**LOVING STATEN ISLAND  is an interfaith program bringing together members of our community who want to enjoy a bring a dish to share meal and special programs with those from our community who have different religions.  If you are interested in this program give me a call for more information.

BACKPACKS  Every year our social action committee collects donations specifically to provide backpacks and school supplies to the children in the Head Start program that use our temple during the week.  Those children graduating from the program are given a backpack to start them on their way to a wonder of education that awaits them in the coming year.  If you would like to be a part of this wonderful mitzvah please donate to Social Action and indicate that you are donating for the Backpacks.  If you would like to attend the graduation where the backpacks are given out just let me know!!!

FOOD PREPARATIONS  We do not have any food preparations scheduled for the month of November but we will be having our yearly Christmas food preparation on Christmas day, December 25 th , at 9:00am.  If you would like to help all are welcome.  If you plan to come and can let me know that would be great!  But if you don’t let me know in advance you are still welcome. Thank you again to all those who help with this important Mitzvah.

DIAPERS  Did you know that neither WIC nor food stamps cover the cost of baby diapers?  In order to help, we provide packages of diapers to Project Hospitality to be distributed to mothers of infants.  Please buy diapers or make a donation to Social Action to support this cause.

DONATIONS   Of course, none of the things Social Action does could be accomplished without your generous donations.  We have been able to feed thousands of people less fortunate than ourselves and hope to feed thousands mor e,  thanks to you!    We have given hundreds of backpacks to children who might otherwise not received them, and hope to give hundreds more, thanks to you!  We have diapered hundreds of babies helping hundreds of families, and we hope to help hundreds more, thanks to you!  Please help us continue our important work for our community by donating both your time (for food prep events if you are available) and funds.  Thank you so much for your support!
 

Pamela Rogozin
(917)607-0782
Chairperson
The Adult Learning Committee has been very busy.

We're so happy to have offered 3 sessions of a Mini-Yiddish class taught by Beth Siegel-Graf in  October. It  was informative and fun! Now we can play "Simon Says" in Yiddish! Thank you Beth! Thanks to all the participants and special thanks to Jodi and Alan Siegel for all their help!

On October 23rd we visited The Met Cloisters to view a fascinating new exhibit on loan from the Musee de Cluny in Paris, "The Colmar Treasure." We were also able to view an exhibit of Judaica from around the world. Thanks so much to Jerry Gross for driving.

On November 14th at 7:30pm we will be presenting a talk by Judge Joel Goldberg, a long-time Temple member, speaking about his memoir, "New York Justice." The talk is entitled "Murder, Mayhem, and Humor in the Criminal Courts." He will also be answering questions about the New York criminal justice system. Please join us!

Also, in November, on the 20th, from 6:30 - 9pm Rabbi Howald will be presenting a Boot Camp in Hebrew. This will be a review of basic Hebrew. Please see the flyer for more  information.To  take part please register by emailing Cheryl at  cherylmlevine@gmail.com .

On Dec. 5th we will be attending The George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick to see a comedy starring Renee Taylor, "My Life on a Diet." (Tickets for this event are sold out.) What better follow-up could there be to a play with this title than a dinner afterwards at Jimmy Max Restaurant? We will be supporting the Temple Israel fundraiser that day.Hope to see you there!

We are also working on plans for many other events, such as a visit to Wagner College to the new Holocaust Museum. 
We picked our next book selection at our meeting. It is "Fleishman Is In Trouble" by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

Our next meeting will be on November 5th at Pam Carlton's home.
For information about any of our programs please contact Cheryl at  cherylmlevine@gmail.com  or Judy at  judithpessah@gmail.com .

Cheryl Levine
Judy Pessah
Co-chairs
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During October our temple community suffered the great loss of a member of our congregation whose involvement in the temple, other than being an active member of the Brotherhood for many years, included The House Committee, and helping with many important Temple matters.  Maurice Schlefstein was a true gentleman and a wonderful man who will be truly missed by our temple.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Muriel, loving children, their spouses and several grandchildren.

We were also saddened by the loss of Erica Marie Greenbaum, a long-time member and wife of former Temple Israel President John Greenbaum. Our sincerest condolences to John, their son Samuel and all of their family.

Thank you to all of our congregants who helped with the Shivas and being there for the families in their time of need. May their families find comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may their memories be a blessing.

Our Co-President Jerry Gross is still on the mend after surgery and we all wish him a speedy recovery.  To those who are recovering from illness or surgery we wish you all the best of health.  

If you need assistance, please let us know.  As always, we hope that you, our congregants, will continue to support our Caring Community with your donations that help cover the costs of food, paper goods, tolls, parking, etc. used to assist those of our Temple Community that need assistance.  Our committee assists congregants who need help with a Shiva, rides to doctors when they cannot get there themselves and meals when necessary.  Thank you all for your generous donations.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy month!!
Pamela Rogozin
(917)607-0782
Chairperson
Click on flyer to print or download!
Click flyer to print or download.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
FAMILY EREV SHABBAT SERVICE
7:00 pm

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
STEAM PROGRAM (ages 5-8)
4:15
STEAM PROGRAM (ages 9-13)
5:30
(Registration Required-718-447-6225)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
9:30 am
JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL
12 noon

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
HEBREW SCHOOL
4:30 pm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE
8:00 pm

SATUDAY, NOVEMBER 9
SHABBAT BAT MITZVAH SERVICE
FOR SIMONE MICHELLE LENNER
10:30 am

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
9:30 am
JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL
12 noon

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
TOUR OF MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE
(RSVP Required)
1:45 pm

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
HEBREW SCHOOL
4:30 pm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
TOT SHABBAT
6:00 pm

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE
8:00 pm

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
POTTERY CLASS AT WAGNER COLLEGE
(AGES 9+)
(Registration Required-718-447-6225)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
9:30 am
JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL
12 noon

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
HEBREW SCHOOL
4:30 pm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE
8:00 pm

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
MISHKAN PITUACH (OPEN SANCTUARY) FAMILY SERVICE
11:00 a.m.
POTTERY CLASS AT WAGNER COLLEGE
(AGES 9+)
(Registration Required-718-447-6225)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
9:30 am
JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL
12 noon
CULTUREATS PROGRAM
1:00 pm
(Registration Required)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE
8:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE FOR
JANUARY 26th
3:00-5:00 pm
Details to Follow
Our new Fall calendar has gotten off to a wonderful start with the first STEAM class, the new Pottery Class at Wagner College, and with a visit from Brian, the Animal Guy.
In the coming month of November we return to The Resource Room on November 2 for “ Slime Me”.
The Wagner College Pottery class will continue on Saturday, November 16. The children are creating their own projects from scratch, using a Potter’s wheel, painting, glazing and firing their bowls and vases. We are the first group to be involved in such a program with non-college students.
On Veteran’s Day a very special program is being provided by the Avis Foundation at the Museum of Jewish Heritage at 36 Battery Place, NYC. There will be a tour of the Holocaust Exhibit for the parents and a tour about the importance of museum exhibits for the youngsters. We will meet at the Museum at 1:45 PM. Please contact Terry Baver at 1(718)490-4428 if you plan to attend.
The next CULTUREATS program (for children ages 9 and older) takes place on Sunday, November 24th from 1:00-3:30 PM. The country of Greece is the focus of this culture and food preparation session. There are a limited number of spaces so you must pre-register your child for the class at  Alina@CulturEatsNYC.com.
Our number of young families at Temple Israel is expanding. We are always looking for new families who would like to raise their children in the Reform tradition and meet many new friends. Just contact Terry Baver at 1(718)490-4428 or Bryn Biren at 1(718)447-6225.
Have a wonderful month and a very Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.

Bryn Biren
Click on the flyer to download or print.
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Are you stressed?
Do you want to build your core strength?
Join Us.

Thursdays 7:15-8:15 p.m.
(November 7,21)

Sundays 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
(November 3,10,17,24)


Free for Temple Israel Members
Non-members - $15

Bring your own Yoga Mat
Both sets of classes are for
ADULTS ONLY.

Both chair and mat students are accommodated at each class.

For more information, contact
Bryn Biren
718-727-2231
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 .
The year is moving ahead so quickly. We have welcomed our new members and returning members to our Temple Israel family. 
 
If you know anyone who might be interested in becoming a member of Temple Israel please have them contact me or call the Temple Office at 718-727-2231.
 
If you have any questions about your membership please contact me at  tmplisrfinsec@aol.com .
I am available to answer any questions you might have.

We urge you to consider becoming a member of the Kavod Society or to upgrade your current status. This additional funding allows us to assist some of our other members.
 
Have a good month,
Jennifer Straniere
Financial Secretary 
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 
  • Social Action

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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