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 - MARCH 2022
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 current Covid policy regarding participation in on-site activities within our building as adopted by your Board is:
Adults and children 16 and up must show proof of vaccination or present a negative Covid test result taken within the previous 5 days.
All children must remain with their parents or guardian except during school classes or organized children’s activities.
Masks must be worn at all times on the Temple grounds.
Proof of vaccination is to be shown upon entry (copy of certificate or phone app).
Copies of proof may be submitted to the Temple office in advance of your arrival.
We thank you for your cooperation in maximizing the safety of our Congregants and our Temple.
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We are aware of the changing guidelines from the state and CDC. We will monitor them carefully, adapting them as needed to maximize protection for our temple's unique population.
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Erev Shabbat Services will be IN PERSON beginning Friday, March 4. Live-stream links 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 STREAMING LINKS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS AND 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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On Wednesday, March 16th, we will celebrate Erev Purim with a reading of the Megillah (our special Temple Israel version of the Book of Esther), special Purim songs and a Purim “Spiel,” a parody which uses the story of Esther and Mordechai defeating the evil Haman as an opportunity for celebration. By meeting in this way, we are following in a tradition, extending back to antiquity, of defying anti-Jewish hatred through laughter and derision. In the Talmud, written and compiled during the last centuries of the Roman Empire, Jews celebrated by exchanging gifts, giving tzedakah to the poor and hosting parties which featured bonfires, revelry and drinking so much that celebrants couldn’t tell the difference between “’cursed is Haman’ and ‘blessed is Mordecai (Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Megillah, page 7b)’”. Later, it also became the practice to observe Purim by presenting a theatrical skit which lampoons the evil Haman and presents Mordechai and Esther as wily heroes who overcome the evil plot to destroy the Jews of Persia and Media through cleverness and courage.
The earliest reference we have to a Purim “shpil” or “spiel” dates to 15th century Europe. Deriving from a Yiddish word that means “play” or “skit,” the spiel was an opportunity for the community to cheer Esther and Mordechai and mock Haman in a play or monologue that retold the story of the Book of Esther to make it understandable to a community often far removed, both geographical and chronologically, from the setting of the original story. Often, the spiel was filled with mocking references to personalities known in the community to add to an atmosphere of frivolity and derision of authority. According to YIVO, the Institute for Jewish Research, these medieval plays often alternated serious thoughts intended for the edification of the audience with burlesque scenes filled with otherwise inappropriate language, insults and transgressive parodies meant to portray Purim as a time which turns the world upside down. For most of their history, these spiels were presented in times and places where Jews were genuinely threatened, both economically and physically. Through these communal presentations, Jewish communities all over Europe engaged in a kind of resistance to antisemitism that persists to this day.
Some scholars maintain that the Purim spiel, with its standard characters and its comedic structure, was the foundation upon modern Yiddish theater developed. Avrom Goldfadn, sometimes referred to as the father of Yiddish theater, was a veteran of Purim spiels at the rabbinical school he attended as a child and young adult. Through the genre of the Purim spiel, Goldfadn and many others learned standard features of Yiddish theater, such as irreverent retorts, jokes, mockery of authority and mime, costume, music, and dance. In today’s world, who knows how many actors of both screen, television and theater first caught the acting “bug” when performing in their synagogue’s Purim spiel?
The institution of the Purim spiel supports NYU Professor Jeffrey Rubenstein’s belief that Purim is a time which deliberately blurs traditional social boundaries and norms. Through a humorous play which makes fun of antisemites and valorizes Jewish courage and resistance, the Jewish community celebrates its solidarity and reminds itself that it is not powerless in the face of hatred. Naysayers maintain that this frivolity diminishes the spiritual significance of the holiday but it, in fact, is a lesson and a remembrance of how good can prevail over evil if we only dare to take our fate in our own hands. The story of Purim, with its simply story of Jewish survival in a distant and hostile land, invites each of us, in our own way, to remember, in Tillie Olsen’s words, that we are not, no matter the time or place in which we live, shirts on an ironing board helpless before the iron. Through the Purim spiel, in all its infinite diversity, we learn that the courage and defiance of Esther and Mordechai can also be our own. Chag Purim Sama-ach! Happy Purim and see you soon in the real!
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American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
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Your gift today will be a lifeline to Ukraine’s most vulnerable Jews. Give today!
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A Message from
Co-Presidents
Jerry Gross & Alan Siegel
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Will the third time be the charm? For the third time since COVID shut us down two years ago we plan to go back full time into our beloved building with some exceptions. Our students have led the way with resumption of on-site classes in February, and now Erev Shabbat services, the Purim celebration and more will move back into their accustomed spots. And, to kick off our return to on-site Erev Shabbat services, please make every effort to join us on Friday, March 4th as we celebrate Shabbat with an early, first Friday of the month, Family Service. You will help to support our Temple children as they celebrate Shabbat and then partake of a very special Sabbath Challah provided by our Religious School Parents Committee.
The phrase “new normal” is thrown around a lot. Recently, Lake Superior State University released a list of the top 10 misused, overused or useless phrases submitted by people across the globe and “new normal” made the list.
If you think about it, we have been through a lot of “new normals” over the years, and the pace is accelerating. When Jerry’s oldest child entered college, a PC in a dorm room was rare. Before she graduated, many rooms had one, dutifully hooked up to a 56K phone modem, AOL was the e-mail of choice, and Netscape was the dominant browser. What does your child use now?
We have gone from flip phones to cell phones that rival, or even outstrip, the computers that put Neil Armstrong on the moon, and three year olds carry them around.
But now we are faced with a game changer that can’t be overcome with a bigger cell phone or smarter car and that can force significant changes in our behavior in a time span measured in weeks, or even days.
So, yes, “new normal” is not really descriptive. What normal means in 2022 is different than 2019 or 1999, but it is not “new” – it is evolved.
Even when we fully understand and master the changes that COVID will force on us in both the immediate future and our long term lifestyles, Temple Israel must remain flexible and continue to adapt our programs to meet the challenges.
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Jerry and Alan
Jerry Gross
Alan Siegel
Co-Presidents
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Dear Fellow Congregants,
As we reach the Spring season, we are all looking forward to a healthier time for our entire community. As you have read in the Co-Presidents’ message in this issue, we are now returning to on-site, in-person events at our Temple. We look forward to your regular participation in the many events that are planned for the balance of the year. As you can appreciate, our Temple ‘home’ has been maintained so that it will continue to be a welcoming site for our Congregants.
As such, there have been expenditures associated with this on-going effort.
Please check to see that your Annual Commitment to the Temple is up to date so that we can continue to meet the needs of our Congregants during this difficult time. Should you need any assistance or clarification regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me either through the Temple office or directly at 917-873-4739.
Thanks in advance for your on-going commitment to Temple Israel; we are grateful for your support and look forward to greeting you in person.
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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The story of Purim is the story of v’nahafoch hu—literally, of events fundamentally and profoundly reordered. It is a story of carefully made plans turned topsy-turvy by divine intervention or by people who simply objected to their initial status and decided to take action. Purim is the story of hopes unrealized and destiny fulfilled. It is a story of miraculous transformations, accomplished at breathtaking speed.
And there are so many “v’nahafoch hu” characters and events in the Megillah of Esther. The wicked Haman who wanted to bring the Jewish people to their end and ended up hanged together with his own sons. Esther, the orphan maiden who was only supported by her uncle, with no fortune nor status, became the leader of her people. When other women wore their best clothes and jewels, Esther’s beauty was the most profound because of her modesty. That is why she was chosen against all odds and expectations. When she hid her true identity to keep her own safety, it was the moment of “v’nahafoch hu” when she decided to reveal her true Jewish identity to Achashverosh that saved not only her but the entire Jewish people.
We also see “v’nahafoch hu” elements in the story of the megillah when we look at gender roles. Of course, Esther is a woman who unpredictably becomes a powerful hero. Mordechai is her uncle who serves as her caregiver – again, an opposite gender role. Caregiver roles are usually given to women.
We can see opposite status roles – King Achashverosh has all the power, responsibility, and fortune, yet his behavior is characteristic of a buffoon. The king is drinking, partying, and releasing his power to his servants to the point where his servants pretend to be kings or demand to be worshiped by the people like gods.
In our current reality, we can see a lot of “v’nahafoch hu” moments and situations. A community which is based on close relationships between people is forced to keep its people isolated for their own safety. When it is time to meet again in person, the joy is real and the excitement is substantial but meeting people again also brings feelings of anxiety, fear and mixed feelings.
From the bimah, seeing real people without the barriers of their ZOOM squares feels so wonderful, but the barriers of masks are still there. While they are designed to protect us from possible infections, our v’nahafoch hu unavoidable feeling is that the masks are the cause of separation. On Purim, masks are a source of laughter, joy and celebration of our Jewish resilience. This Purim, as we are gathering again in person, we will face moments of mixed feelings where opposites are living side by side. Let’s embrace these opposites and make the best of our time with laughter and celebration.
Yours in song and joy,
Shirel Richman
Student Cantor
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Adult Choir Rehearsals
Wednesday, March 9- TBA
Wednesday, March 23 - TBA
Junior Choir Rehearsals
Sunday, March 20-12 noon
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Jodi Siegel & Shariann Ganz
Co-Presidents
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February may have been a “short” month, but that didn’t stop Sisterhood from packing the calendar with events and keeping everyone busy.
During the first week of the month, our Judaica Shop chairs attended the NY Now Gift Show at the Javits Center and found some exciting, new and different items. Stop by our upcoming Sisterhood events or the Judaica showcases in the Temple lobby to see these innovative items for sale. You're sure to find a creative, fun, or beautiful gift for everyone!
The next week, we held our second successful Sisterhood Sample(d) Sale (how’s that for alliteration!) via Zoom. Thank you to those of you who donated and attended our Zoom sale. It was a fun evening filled with raffle prizes, lots of chatting, great bargains and not one, but two, salad spinners! (By the way, I am loving my brand-new blue suede denim jacket!). Thanks to the very hard work of Felicia Otto and Jesse Siegel, we raised over $1200. Hopefully, next year we will be able hold this event in person and expand the event.
The next week, our General Membership Meeting, via Zoom, included a special program by our own Lori Weintrob. Lori is the Director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center and treated us to a virtual tour of the facility as well as a discussion about many of Heroines of the Holocaust, the female Resistance fighters. It was an interesting and enlightening program and we are looking forward to visiting the Holocaust Center in person in the near future. Thank you, Lori. And thank you to Cheryl Levine for arranging this.
We hope you will join us at our upcoming General Membership Meetings for an informative talk with the Director of the Staten Island’s own, National Lighthouse Museum (March 20th) and a virtual tour of the "Nooks and Crannies of NYC," about the Hidden Gems of New York City, with premier tour guide Justin Ferate (April 10th).
The month came to an end with our Sisterhood receiving some well-deserved recognition from our umbrella organization, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ). Check out this article in the Sharing Strategies section of the WRJ Blog:
We have so many reasons to celebrate the Sisterhood of Temple Israel!
We look forward to seeing you as we return to in-person Erev Shabbat services this month. We will be happy to have you share in our onegs and even more thrilled to have you join us for the honor of serving at one of them. Just let us know when you are available.
You have one day left to place your orders for Shalach Manot and to become a sponsor participant for this wonderful mitzvah. The flyer is still available in this Purim section of this bulletin for you to download and print. Please make sure you let Blanche Ricci know if you’re sending in a last-minute form (branchtr.ricci@gmail.com).
Time is also running out for you to get your reservations in for our in-person Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Passover Seder. Seating is limited, so please send in your reservations before we run out of room. It is always an incredible evening filled with a wonderful Seder led by Rabbi Howald and Student Cantor Richman with all the traditional Passover foods and traditions. Please join us. (Flyer can be found in the Passover section of this bulletin).
Help us support the JCC Kosher Food Pantry by making your monetary donation to the Kosher for Passover Food Drive. Checks can be made payable to Sisterhood and sent directly to Maxine Cohen. (Scroll for full advertisement.)
And after Passover, you'll be able to treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious custom -flavored pretzels when you take part in our Spring Fundraiser. Four different flavors of beautifully packaged pretzels are available for you to enjoy or gift. See the flyer later in this bulletin to place your orders and support Sisterhood. Contact Sandy Mazzucco if you have questions.
Our Nominating Committee is hard at work filling our Slate of Officers and Directors for the 2022-23 year. Make sure your name is on it. It’s time for you to get involved in Sisterhood and lead us into the future!
Please be sure to save Saturday, May 21st for Sisterhood’s Shabbaton. This year’s theme is Female Empowerment. All are welcome. There will be a participatory Shabbat service, lunch and program. Details and registration to follow. For questions, contact Sue Freedman.
Thank you to all the women who keep our Sisterhood and our Temple going at full speed!
In Sisterhood,
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SISTERHOOD EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
FOR ALL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
(Past Presidents are Welcome).
Tuesday, March 8 -7 :30 pm on Zoom
SHALACH MANOT PACKAGING
Monday, March 14 - 10:00 am at Temple
EREV PURIM
Wednesday, March 14 -7:00 p.m. at Temple
SISTERHOOD GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Sunday, March 20 - 10:00 am. at Temple
RUMMAGE SALE SET UP
Saturday, March 26 - 7:00 pm at Temple
RUMMAGE SALE
Sunday, March 27 - at Temple
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Click on the icon to the right to print or download the entire Updated 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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Brotherhood continues to keep busy in the work we do for our Temple Family.
Brotherhood anxiously awaits the return of in person gatherings at the Temple. This is scheduled to start March 1st. Hopefully, we will be able to continue on a more normal path as we move into the future.
Although our Annual Purim Carnival is always great experience for our Religious School students, after some serious thought and consultation with the School Board we will be sponsoring an alternative event to the Carnival. Details will be available very shortly. We are confident that the students will enjoy the event.
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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Yours in Friendship and Brotherhood,
Jeff Ganz
President
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH 2022
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MAZEL TOV TO:
THE HANIBAL FAMILY on the birth of Penelope Shea to Brian Hanibal and Gayle Teofilo.
HON. KAREN WOLFF & JAY DUSKIN as their son, Dr. Jonathan A. Duskin, is named Chief Resident in Neurology at Mass General Brigham & Women’s Hospital.
GET WELL WISHES TO:
Joyce Kantrowitz, mother of LINDA HANIBAL recovering from COVID; SCOTT FULLER recovering from shoulder surgery;
PAMELA ROGOZIN
THINKING OF YOU:
AZI RICHMAN, JOE GAMERON, CLAIRE BLEIMAN, CHERYL LEVINE
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Let the March winds blow. We are happy to let you know, that as long as Covid numbers stay low, Temple is retuning to in person Erev Shabbat Services as of March 4th with streaming available for Services held in the Sanctuary for those not ready or able to return in person. Saturday morning Torah Study and Shabbat Services remain on the Zoom platform except for special events or observances. The Services commence at their usual times (Erev Shabbat First Friday Family Service 7:00 PM, all other Fridays 7:30 PM, Saturday morning Torah Study 10:00 AM, Saturday Morning Service 11:00 AM).
We thank the Membership Committee for organizing the “Shabbat Shalom Dinner Together From Home Via Zoom” on Friday February 25th prior to the zoomed Erev Shabbat Service that followed. Special thanks to those whose technical expertise make these Zoom events possible.
Later this month we will observe Purim. On Wednesday March 16th at 7:00 PM, come to Temple for the Megillah Reading, Purim Spiel as well as the distribution of Shalach Manot bags organized by Sisterhood. We note there will be a Purim Event sponsored by Brotherhood on Sunday March 13th.
Looking ahead, the first night of Passover is Friday, April 15th. That night Sisterhood is sponsoring the “Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Seder” commencing in-person at 6:00 PM. There will be no Erev Shabbat Service that evening. More information about the Seder is found elsewhere in this Bulletin. Please be sure to make your reservations early.
Stay safe and warm. We look forward to seeing you at Temple in person.
Linda Brill and Jeffrey Ganz
Co-Chairpersons
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We thank the following congregants who have graciously accepted the honors of candle lighting and Motzi at Erev Shabbat Services in February:
Bryn Biren, Libby Gershansky, Phineas Larsen, Felicia Otto, Austin Otto, Andre Simon, Fred Simon, and Remy Larsen.
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
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MARCH 4, 2022
Sarah Samithi
Sylvia Polonsky
Jacques Pessah *
Elinor May
Sadie Mogol *
Thomas Sparacio
Blanche Dembiner
Harry Levee *
Albert Rosen *
Ella Small
Ida Baver *
Felix Ecker *
Moises Gornstein
Ethel Kessler *
Edward Lipsitz *
David Sappin
Harry Siegel *
Margaret Guttman
Max Kadin *
William Levine
Pamela Popler-Tolk
Elaine Schnittman *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Germain Plattinier
Henri Hueg
Jozsef Beczko
Margit Schwarz
Bronislaw Salbut
MARCH 11, 2022
Lena Tannenbaum
Samuel Smith *
Sidney Lachman *
Carl Litkofsky
Cecily Marianne Sostek
Veronica Balogh
Mary Curatola
Louis Harrison
Lillian Selznick *
Norman Feigelman
Michael Levine
Mark James Sheirr *
Ida Grober
Charles Overberger
Michael Sorkin
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Jacques Sztack
Abraham Reichman
Berta Feiger
Edene Fleiszig
Inla Preller
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MARCH 18, 2022
Esther Bierman
Luz Burstein *
Robert Stakofsky *
Beni Kessler *
William Pollack *
Eleanor Weinberg
Caroline Elrich
Greta Newman *
Samuel Tepper *
Harriet Simmons *
Thelma Fuller
Mollie Kantrowitz
Daniel Shapiro
Alice W. Blach
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Marius Tramonti
Yosef Wajsberg
Estera Winokur
Emil Marcus
Josek Kober
MARCH 25, 2022
George Schwartz *
Jerry Fleishman
Sheila Blit
Phyllis Brennan
James Levy *
Gertrude Doria
Ida Herman *
Lena Levinson *
Jack Sugar
Howard Wolodiger *
Steven Schreiber *
Lori Singer-Olson
Jeffrey Walters *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Rakhel Okrent
Dirk Karssen
Robert Hecht
Agnes Keleti
Hinda Reif
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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, March 4
Celebration of March
Birthdays & Anniversaries
FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE
Service at 7:00 p.m.
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
_________
Friday, March 11
Service at 7:30 p.m.
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
_________
Friday, March 18
Service at 7:30 p.m.
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
_________
Friday, March 25
Service at 7:30 p.m.
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
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SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES
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Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
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CLICK ON FLYER TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD.
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This month is a busy one in our Religious school and we are kicking if off with a special surprise challah at the Family Shabbat In-Person Service on Friday, March 4th at 7:00pm. Families, come out with your children and be treated to a special, giant challah with rainbow sprinkles and other fun toppings! Reading and participation parts are available to all children. Let me know if you will be there and if your child(ren) are interested in participating in our service. Any child who attends the March, April, May and June Family Shabbat Service on the first Friday of every month will receive a special gift card in June!
Following our mid-winter break, religious school resumes on Sunday, March 6th via zoom due to the Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade which makes access to the Temple impossible at the time that school is in session.
On Wednesday, March 16th we encourage all students to attend the Purim Spiel and Erev Purim Service.
Finally, thanks to the AVIS Foundation, on Sunday, March 27th the school will take a trip to the Brooklyn Jewish Children's Museum where children will cut, thresh, and grind wheat into flour and then while racing against the clock, mix, punch, roll and bake their very own matzah to take home!
Looking forward to a fun and engaging month at Temple with all of our children!
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 above phrase is more than just a catchy subtitle. When you join Temple Israel you are becoming part of a community that has supported and sustained Reform Judaism on Staten Island since 1948.
We pray together and have even found ways to do that virtually when necessary- as evidenced by our very successful Shabbat Shalom from Home dinner on February 25th.
We learn together.
We provide for the education of our children so that they are proud of their Jewish heritage.
We laugh together and share in joyous events.
We cry together and support one another in times of stress and sorrow.
We engage with the larger community through acts of Tikkun Olam.
We are indeed a community that cares for one another and the world around us.
Learn- Pray-Eat-Sing and Schmooze 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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CLICK ON FLYER ABOVE TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD.
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The Library is ready to reopen. New acquisitions have been shelved.
There are a lot of new books for young children.
We are accepting book donations but please limit it to Jewish content only. Please contact me through the Temple Office if you would like to make a donation.
If you wish to sign out a book, simply make note of it on the sign up sheet on the desk.
Thank you.
Steve Scher
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POETRY
with Jacob R. Moses
Jacob Moses, also known as Jack Freedman to many of us, led two wonderful evenings of poetry during the month of February. Jacob is a soft- spoken word artist and poet from Staten Island. He is the author of a full length poetry book entitled, “GRIMOIRE”. Publications of his work span 15 countries.
During the first session Jacob had each participant choose 3 adjectives to describe our favorite possessions. Each of us wrote a poem based on one of those adjectives. The assignment for the second evening was to create an ODE describing a place in the world that was special to us.
Some of the most reluctant participants created excellent, creative touching odes and poems.
Jacob created an environment that encouraged each person to be expressive and to feel comfortable.
Enjoy some of their poetic efforts!
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Welcome to America
by Sue Freedman
Step 1 – the Staten Island Ferry to Whitehall Street
Step 2 – the ferry to the Statue of Liberty
Step 3 – the final stop on the ferry – Ellis Island
I found my ancestors
on the museum’s database
I found a ship’s manifest
for the S.S. Finland, 1904
San Skutelsky and Avramayer
My grandfather and great-grandfather
They traveled by train
from their ancestral home
in Preili, Latvia
They sailed
from Hamburg to NYC
Passing the Statue,
the culmination of their destination
displayed a photo of the Finland
It hangs with pride
in my living room
How brave they were
sailing to a new world
to a life blessed with
Sarah, his wife
and their children
Jesse, Paul, and Naomi
Sam and Sarah
fulfilled the essence
of the American dream
A small tailor shop
on Washington Heights
The promise of freedom
The freedom to be a Jew
A journey had begun
A new life in America
Starting at Ellis Island
______________________
Affluence of Wonder
by Jacob R. Moses
Geometry within a sacred shrine
No conquest of this village can degrade
Illuminated staircase, bright moonshine
Our apparitions emanate from shade
Tall gates extending for a thousand miles
Serenity within this fortress sought
Our amphitheater, no one dares defile
These ivory domes encase our embalmed hearts
Within this hanging garden, we will dwell
Our luminescence shines upon the sea
We will stand tall amid colossal bells
As mausoleum columns still the breeze
Within this temple, our hearts live in sync
Upon the mountains, to our love, we drink
-Originally published in Grimoire (iiPublishing, 2021)
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Ode to The Grand Canyon
By Sandy Mazzucco
I saw you for the first time at the crack of dawn… the light, the shadows waking up your colors, your edges and your beauty.
You are never ending in your cease to amaze.
The view, expansive, I don’t know where to turn first.
You have been here forever but change daily.
I take a step forward with trepidation, but I do not want to miss… what I would not otherwise see.
The river below adds another aspect to your personality and the magic you put forth.
Dusk begins and yet more to see… I am stronger in body and mind, mesmerized by you at this time.
Your rims filled with sculpted rock, going to sleep now after a long day of work, giving visual pleasure to me and all who came.
All that you gave that day is a wonderment forever.
______________________
ODE TO RACHEL’S TOMB
By Barbara Fried
On the side of a dusty road you stand
Guarded by men, with guns in hand
How strange to see men surrounding your space
It is a woman’s tomb I have come to embrace.
I silently walk through your heavy door
I have come to pray, to weep, to implore
So many women are gathered here
Heads bowed low, hearts full of despair.
You hear, give me a child that I do not have
You hear, cure my sick child that he might live
Rachel, our Mother will hear our pain
In the darkness of a tomb, hope lives again.
_______________
I am strong
By Judy Lee
New challenges, new adventures, new goals and objectives
I get up, I fall down
I dust myself off and start again
Sometimes invigorating, often scary
Facing the days with anticipation, apprehension,
excitement, awe, determination
Moving on
Shaky confidence at times
Positive self-talk
Reaching out- - movement, meditation, focusing…
Gaining strength
Staying strong
______________
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__________________
ODE
by Bryn Biren
I loved you the moment I saw you
I was young and had no expectations. You were like stepping into a dream world, so removed from my life and time.
I gazed at the charming homes and buildings with their twinkling lights as I gazed down the canal.
Wandering through your twisty, winding narrow streets made no sense. It did not matter.
Violins serenaded as I sipped rich, velvety hot chocolate at Café Lavanna.
Chic women, little children chasing pigeons, the sound of language foreign and mysterious.
You have drawn me back many times, for highs and the deepest lows.
You are unique, you are unreal, you are Venice.
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Ode to a Statue
(with a nod to Emma)
by Richard Biren
O’ lithe colossus astride a modern shore
beckon those who come: “Fear no more.”
“Drop thy burden, take up one anew,”
the Mother of Exiles does’t implore.
“Find here freedom, forevermore.”
To those who sight her first time at dawn,
a torch ablaze against a lightening sky,
“Behold, the Goddess of Liberty,” they cry.
Nor travails behind left
in distant lands
do they mourn.
For there is hope ahead
that none do scorn.
And sweet air of absolution
o’ercomes tyranny
in the vivacious morn.
Prayeth she fervently as they pass inside her Golden Door
that teeming masses shall adore
rank and file and voters galore,
and all become with hearty
appetite,
as emerge from darkest night,
and become part now of American lore,
a benefit and not a tribulation
shall they bring
to our Homeland’s
shore.
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Bryn Biren
Terry Baver
Avis Foundation Trustees
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The mission of the Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation for Temple Israel Reform Congregation is:
…. to provide financial support for young families seeking membership in Temple Israel, and to attract new young families by providing learning opportunities, family programming, and social justice initiatives.
Spring is almost here! The weather should be getting warmer. We should also be moving in the direction of being back together. Won’t that be a pleasure?
On Sunday, March 27th , from 10:30-12:30 PM our families are invited to visit the Jewish Children’s Museum at 792 Eastern Parkway. Families will meet at the Museum at 10:15 AM. The children will be part of the Model Matzoh Factory program. They will each bake their own matzah that they will bring home. There will also be a tour of the museum to follow. This program is in lieu of Religious School on that day. The program is sponsored by the Avis Foundation and is open to our students and their parents. If you are interested in attending you must contact Terry Baver at Terryqbaver@gmail.com or Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com in advance.
In addition to the Yoga classes that we offer to our adults on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM, we have added Pilates classes on Sunday nights March 6 & 20th at 6:00 PM. Katarina Smith will be teaching the Pilates classes for all levels of ability. The cost of the Yoga classes is $6 per class or $48 per month for Temple Israel members. The cost for Yoga is $10 per class for non-members. ALL PILATES CLASSES ARE FREE TO EVERYONE. Checks are payable to the Avis Foundation at Temple Israel and sent to Terry Baver 30 Theresa Place, Staten Island, NY. 10301 each month.
During the month of March adults can join us for ART with Mark Meyer on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM (3/1, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29) on ZOOM. Mark with explore 19th and 20th century Jewish Painters, will take us on a tour of the Chelsea Galleries, and will talk about the 10 most important contemporary artists. Contact Bryn Biren at MsBunny7@aol.com if you would like to register.
This is your synagogue. We want to hear from you and want you to become involved in the planning of future activities for your children. Contact Terry or Bryn at any time for suggestions or willingness to join with us.
Sincerely,
Bryn Biren and Terry Baver
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On Sunday, January 30, we once again Zoomed to Paris! Our Sight Seekers Delight Guide, Karen Reb Rudel, enthralled us with visits to shops offering the most fantastic French Pastries and other delicacies! We are still salivating. Watch for announcements of future “Trips”.
On Thursday, February 10, our Book Discussion Group talked about “The Four Winds” by Kristen Hannah. This epic story of a family’s heartbreaking struggle during the “Dust Bowl” will long remain with us. If you didn’t join us for this discussion, read the book, and view the Documentary, “The Dust Bowl” by Ken Burns on Subscriber’s PBS.
Looking Forward
On Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM, the Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss “All About Me”, an Autobiography by Mel Brooks. Location to be announced.
(On Wednesday, March 2 at 7 PM, the Adult Learning Committee will meet. Zoom link will be sent. If you would like to share some ideas with us, please let us know, judithpessah@gmail.com, and then join us!)
Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons
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Please join the FUNdraising committee for A Taste of the Rothchild Legend on Saturday April 30, 2022 at 8 pm.
We will have a presentation by Larry Flaum about the Rothchild's and we will have tasting of the regional wines accompanied by a light snack.
BYOB and come socialize with us at Temple Israel.
The cost is $10 to attend. There will be raffles for prizes and a 50/50. If you cannot attend in person please be part of the event by purchasing raffles. $15 a sleeve for prizes and $15 a sleeve for the 50/50.
Make your check payable to Temple Israel and mail it to Rhonda Trontz-Allen, 660 Bard Ave., Staten Island NY 10310
RSVP by Saturday April 23, 2022.
Please see the attached flyer.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
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NEWLY ADDED:
BUY BUY BABY 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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ALL CLASSES TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM
YOGA
Thursday, March 3- 6:00 pm
Monday, March 7- 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 10- 6:00 pm
Monday, March 14- 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 17- 6:00 pm
Monday, March 21- 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 24- 6:00 pm
Monday, March 28- 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 31- 6:00 pm
Instructor: Denise Nizzare
PILATES
Sunday, March 6- 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 20- 6:00 pm
Instructor: Katarina Smith
PLEASE CONTACT BRYN BIREN
FOR ZOOM LINK AND
INFORMATION.
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 cost of Yoga is:
Temple Israel members: $48 per month $6 per class
Non members : $10 per class
(Two people in a home pay only one fee)
Pilates classes are FREE.
Checks payable to:
Ronald Avis Temple Israel Foundation
Send monthly payment to:
Terry Baver. 30 Theresa Place. SI, NY. 10301
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Climate Change- RAC-NY is beginning an important new initiative entitled Climate Covenant: A RAC-NY Campaign to Combat Climate Change. We all need to do everything that we can to protect our air, our water, and our planet for future generations. You can find out more about this initiative by attending one of the two Zoom gatherings planned for Tuesday, March 22nd at 8:15 pm
or Wednesday, March 23rd at 12 noon.
To read more about this initiative follow the link below.
Antisemitism- Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the RAC, has issued a statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, concerning the recent antisemitic incidents. You can read his statement here-
Voting Rights- In January, The U.S. Senate failed to pass The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The RAC is still committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and that all votes be counted. We should all be vigilant in ensuring that everyone in our community knows how, when and where to cast their ballots. We will forward more information from the RAC as it becomes available.
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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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CONTACT INFORMATION
718-727-2231
tmplisrael@aol.com
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
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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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