Discovering the Treasure

of Shabbat together

The goal of Shabbat is not modest.

As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, we aim to enter "a palace in time," to experience an over-abundance of pleasure, both physical and spiritual, to touch eternity with time-bound hands, to experience nothing less than the world to come.

And so we prepare in advance. We shop. We extend or receive invitations. We labor, cook and clean. We scramble. We surrender Friday afternoon to the idiosyncratic rhythm of rising dough. We sing. We bless our children. And when we sit down, at last, to dinner, we imagine away our exertions and the things we've left undone. We live for an hour or two or twenty-five as if restored to the Garden of Eden.

It doesn't always happen just like that. Sometimes our ardent efforts fall flat. Sometimes the world intrudes in ways that make it impossible to access the full richness of what Shabbat has to offer. But luckily we get fifty-two chances every year to get it right.

And when it does happen, we discover something extraordinary.

We discover that Shabbat is one of the greatest gifts the Jewish people have ever received.

It is the gift of rest in a culture that glorifies busyness. The gift of family in a world that pulls us in countless directions. The gift of community in a time when loneliness has become increasingly common. The gift of sacred time in lives governed by schedules, deadlines, notifications, and endless distractions.

Ahad Ha'am–an important 19th century Zionist thinker and a poetic advocate on behalf of Jewish cultural creativity and renewal–famously wrote, "More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews." Throughout centuries of challenge and change, Shabbat became the heartbeat of Jewish life, a shield that guarded against threats from the outside and a treasure that nourished us from within. Around Shabbat tables, families gathered. Communities checked on one another. Life's joys and sorrows were shared. Children learned songs, blessings, stories, and values. Every week, Jews stepped away from the demands of the world and reconnected with what mattered most.

In the coming school year, we hope to rededicate ourselves to the ongoing adventure of bringing Shabbat more fully into our lives and to co-creating rich Shabbat experiences for the children, parents, and grandparents in our community. Like all adventures, the path is not yet fully defined. In fact, it will be defined in large part by how we walk it, both individually and together, as we strive to lead lives guided by the ancient Jewish rhythms of work and rest. 



Please stay tuned as we continue to reimagine how to help our children discover the rich, sweetness that Shabbat has to offer, not only by learning about it but by experiencing it, both at the Learning Center and beyond. And please join us in the walking. 

Ben & Ana

On Sunday, June 7, our community gathered for a beautiful Gala, masterfully organized by Alexandra Charney. It was a wonderful morning filled with celebration, gratitude, and recognition of those who help make PJC such a vibrant and caring community.

I would like to share the remarks I offered in honor of this year's Gala honorees: Emily Pauley and Sari and Jeremy Schulman, with whom I have had the privilege of working closely through the Learning Center, and whose wonderful children and families have enriched our community in countless ways.

Below are my words for them on that special Sunday:

Good morning and Shavua Tov!

This past Shabbat, as we read Parashat Beha’alotecha, we encounter G-d's instruction to Aaron regarding the Menorah in the wilderness:

‘When you raise up the lamps, let the seven lamps cast their light toward the front of the Menorah’

The commentators ask: Why does the Torah emphasize that the light should shine forward?

Perhaps because true leadership is not about drawing light to ourselves. It is about directing our light outward, illuminating the path for others and helping them shine as well. Today, as we honor Jeremy and Sari Schulman and Emily Pauley, I cannot think of a more fitting image.

At the Learning Center, we are blessed to watch children grow from curious young students into confident Jewish leaders. But behind every child who shines brightly stands a family that helped kindle that light.

Jeremy and Sari's daughters, Davi and Mira, were among those bright lights. As students and later as madrichot, they guided younger learners, helped decode Hebrew, taught Torah and prayer, and became role models for the next generation. Their contributions did not happen by accident. They grew out of a home where giving, leading, and caring for community are lived values.

Jeremy and Sari have brought those same values to our congregation. Through the PJC Players, they created much more than a theater program. They created a place where people of all ages could discover talents they did not know they had, build friendships, gain confidence, and experience the joy of creating something together. Most recently, through Shrek, they opened the stage to our Learning Center students, giving them the opportunity to shine under their guidance and encouragement.

As Education Chair, Sari was always a source of wisdom, support, and thoughtful counsel. Whenever I needed advice, perspective, or simply a listening ear, Sari was there. She has been a true partner in strengthening Jewish education at PJC and a light I have often looked toward.

And then there is Emily.

Emily's daughters, Lilyann and Eve, are only beginning their journey with us, but already we can see the values they bring from home. One day, as I was asking students to encourage their parents to volunteer after our Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration, Eve confidently raised her hand and said, "I'm sure my mother can volunteer for that."

What Eve didn't fully realize was that her mother was already the person behind the entire event.

That moment captured Emily perfectly.

Emily doesn't simply volunteer; she makes things happen. She stepped forward to elevate our First Friday Shabbat dinners, creating opportunities for families to gather, celebrate Shabbat together, and build community without the stress of preparing everything themselves. She thoughtfully organized our Hanukkah and Purim celebrations, paying attention to every detail and ensuring that every child and every family felt welcomed, included, and connected to the spirit of the holidays.

Like the lamps of the Menorah, Emily shines her light outward, creating spaces where others can gather, celebrate, and belong.

Jeremy, Sari, and Emily each embody a different expression of leadership, but they share a common gift: they inspire others to step forward and shine.

Their children follow their example. Our students benefit from their dedication. Our Learning Center is stronger because of them. And I am personally grateful and blessed to have them as partners, supporters, and friends.

May they continue to be sources of light for their families, for our Learning Center, and for the entire PJC community.

Mazal Tov to our honorees, and thank you for helping all of us shine a little brighter.”

As I reflect on that day, I am reminded that communities are built not only by institutions, programs, or buildings, but by people who quietly and consistently choose to give of themselves. Emily, Sari, and Jeremy embody that spirit of generosity, leadership, and kindness. Their light inspires others to shine, and their example strengthens our Learning Center and our entire PJC family.

May we continue to learn from their example and, like the lamps of the Menorah, direct our own light outward, toward one another, toward our community, and toward the generations that will follow.

Mazal Tov once again to our honorees, and thank you for helping make PJC a place where so many lights can shine together.

Wishing each and everyone of you a safe and relaxing summer,

Ana

Dear Friends,

Our tribute to community and commitment, The Pelham Jewish Center's Kachol V'Lavan, Blue & White Gala Brunch celebration took place on a picture-perfect Sunday morning. Over a hundred congregants and 15 kids were in attendance. It was an inspiring and tasty celebration of our honorees: Sari and Jeremy Schulman (Leading by Example) and Emily Pauley (Woman of Valor). Accompanied by their families, our honorees spoke eloquently. We were even serenaded by the Schulman family, singing Crosby, Stills & Nash's hit, Helplessly Hoping, a tribute to the PJC community.

"They are one person, they are two alone, they are three together, they are for each other."

I was happy to be in attendance reconnecting with familiar faces and delighting in seeing many unfamiliar faces celebrating our PJC community. It was a fitting conclusion to our 5786 schedule. This is the last HaKol of the calendar year. HaKol will resume again in the Fall. I welcome any feedback and contribution of content you may offer. I wish all of you a safe, happy and meaningful summer.

Barbara

This Is Not About Us

Allegra Goodman

But this is certainly about all of us - American Jewish families in the 21st century. Allegra Goodman has the eyes and ears of a diligent observer of modern Jewish family life across generations. In her eleventh book, this master story teller spins her tale with love, pathos and humor.

A misunderstanding over apple cake during a family shiva, leads to a fallout between elderly sisters that defies reason. Following the path of Jewish ritual celebrations, we see the ties and scars that bind the extended Rubinstein family.

This Is Not About Us is a story of growing up and growing old, clinging to or rejecting Jewish tradition while traversing the weight of parental expectations and the complex connections between sisters. Reading this book will spark many moments of recognition, acceptance and love.

Barbara

Jerusalem is Full of Used Jews

Yehuda Amichai

Jerusalem is full of Jews used by history

Secondhand Jews, with small flaws, bargains.

The eye turns always to Zion. And all the eyes

Of the living and the dead are broken like eggs

On the edge of the bowl to make the city

Rich and fat and rise like dough.

Jerusalem is full of tired Jews

Always whipped into memorial days and feasts

Like bears dancing on aching legs.

What does Jerusalem need? It doesn't need a mayor,

It needs a ringmaster with a whip in his hand

To tame prophecies and to train prophets to gallop

Round and round in a circle, and to teach its stones to arrange

themselves

In a daring and dangerous formation in the final act.

Afterwards they spring to the ground

To the sound of cheers and wars.

And the eye turns to Zion and weeps.

Translated by Glenda Abramson & Tudor Parfitt

Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer was a "formative" experience--both as a writer and young man, Efrem Sigel said at a book discussion---the latest in our Jewish Authors' series---following Shabbat services at the PJC on June 6. Efrem, whom many will remember as a two-time PJC president (during the 1990s), came to speak about his new book, a collection of prize-winning stories entitled "Let There Be Light." He turned his assignment to Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa during the 1960s as a Peace Corps English teacher into the moving title story, which focused on a young volunteer coping with the frustrations and transformative experience of living far from home, dealing with obdurate bureaucrats and discovering previously untapped strengths---a state of being that deeply resonated with me, as a former 'PCV (in Guatemala).

Efrem read excerpts from other stories in the book, which centered similarly on young people--particularly Jews---confronting the complexities of the adult world. Efrem continued to deploy his volunteer experience as a leader of nonprofits offering assistance to under-served young people in New York City. He has published two previous novels, numerous essays and op eds, and reports he's working on another book. PJC members will find his latest book well worth a look. It is available at the discounted pre-pub price of $20 to PJC members (along with tennis players, hikers, friends, and colleagues!!) by clicking here/

Stephen

"Share a Simcha" allows congregants to share their news with our PJC community. Please submit news about family members -- engagements, births, job updates, kid achievements, community acknowledgements and any other milestones -- to the HaKol Editor, Barbara Saunders-Adams.

*Mazal Tov to our June Birthday Celebrants: Erin Scherer, Abigail Leonard, Jordan Perkis, Logan Spitzer, Eleanor Schoomer, Zachary Levy, Adrian Moshe, Elizabeth Tzetzo, Romina Levy, Jodie Cabin, Alain Sasson, Sarah Zaleman, Paula Geller, Amy Martin, Meryl Druckerman, Sarah Jacobson, Zachary Morgan, Ethan Teitelbaum, John Leonard, Michelle Dvorkin, Morgan Calles, Roselle Glick, Michael Droller, Sybil Rosenberg, Jordan Schwarz, Izak Lee, Bennett Wies, Noah Breskin, Adam Rubock, Sarah Abeshouse, David Garvett, Casper Lieberman, Stephanie Carniol, Shelley Klein, Clara Masson, Dan Mailick, Aviv Ram, Naomi Birutti, Roger Krulak, Edward Geller, Meredith Price

• Mazal Tov to Rabbi Benjamin Resnick on the Hebrew publication of his book, Next Stop תחנה הבאה.
• Mazal Tov to Efrem Sigel on the publication of his short story collection, Let There Be Light
• Mazal Tov to The Morgan family in honor of the joint baby-naming ceremony for Jessica and Daniel's daughter, Lily and Daniel and Cynthia's daughter, Margot.
• Mazal Tov to Mitchell & Julie Cepler in honor of the B'nei mitzvot of Liam & Scarlett

Share a Simcha is a regular HaKol feature, so keep your news and updates coming!

Donations to the General Fund & Tributes 

Adam & Magdalena Bukowski, in memory of Abbey Goldstein

Bob & Sandra Goldman, in honor of Desmond Bazeli’s Bar Mitzvah

Bob & Sandra Goldman, in memory of Abbey Goldstein

David & Jeanne Radvany, in memory of Abbey Goldstein

Jeb & Betsey Singer, in honor of Rhonda Singer’s 75th birthday 

Joel & Beth Serebransky, in memory of Lee Cohen

Mark & Linda Levine, in memory of Carey Hochberg

Mark & Linda Levine, in memory of Lee Cohen 

Michael Bowen & Judy Shampanier, in memory of Lee Cohen

Mitchell & Julie & Cepler

Neco & Ana Turkienicz, in memory of Lee Cohen

Donations to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund 

Marcelo & Jakeline Fischer

An Update From The Treasurer

As of June 30, Kesef, our third-party accounting firm, will no longer deposit checks on our behalf. Starting immediately, all checks should be sent to the PJC Office (451 Esplanade, Pelham, NY 10803).

Additionally, as we approach our fiscal year-end (June 30, 2026), please address any open balances. If you have any questions or concerns, I'm available to discuss them.

Key Takeaways:

• Send all checks to the PJC. Kesef will deposit checks sent to Montvale until August.

• No more mailing checks to Kesef in Montvale, NJ. 

• Best ways to pay: ACH (no fee) or a credit card directly on our website is the easiest and fastest way.

• Other ways to pay: You can also pay with investment securities or IRA distributions, which can help lower your taxes.

There are multiple ways to make donations:

• Check:

Mail to: Pelham Jewish Center, 451 Esplanade, Pelham, NY, 10803

• Credit or Debit Card

Log-in at https://thepjc.shulcloud.com/member or our new PJC member app on ShulCloud. You can set up automatic recurring payments. You can also access your account through the link in your monthly billing statement to pay online.

If you are interested in paying via appreciated securities or IRA distributions, please email Mitch Cepler.

It is the policy of the Pelham Jewish Center to make every effort to assist members experiencing financial challenges. Financial challenges should never be a barrier to being an active member of the PJC community. You can reach out to President, Lisa Neubardt, Treasurer, Mitchell Cepler or Rabbi Benjamin Resnick to speak confidentially concerning your ability to pay PJC dues and Learning Center tuition.