Rabbi Michael D. Howald

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein

Bryn Biren, Linda Brill, Sandy Mazzucco, Felicia Otto

Co-Presidents

MAY 2023

Iyar-Sivan 5783

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AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OR COPY OF

MISHKAN T'FILAH

MAY BE PURCHASED FROM CCAR

AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OR COPY OF

MISHKAN T'FILAH FOR YOUTH

MAY BE PURCHASED FROM CCAR

This year, for the first time, we are “Counting the Omer” as a regular part of our Shabbat evening services during days between the 2^nd day of Passover and the day before Shavuot. The Book of Leviticus sets forth this practice:  “When you enter the land which I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the first sheaf of your harvest to the priest….From the day on which you bring the sheaf of wave offerings….you shall count off seven weeks—they must be complete. You must count until the day after the seventh week—fifty days….” The word for “sheaf” in Hebrew is omer, a dry measure of quantity equivalent to about two quarts of grain.

The Hebrew Bible explains this ritual as a first fruits ceremony, in which the first sheaf of every day’s harvesting of the barley crop is symbolically brought to the Temple. In the ancient land of Israel, barley was the first grain to ripen, typically starting to become ready to reap around the time of Passover. Since the biblical harvests exclusively relied on human, rather than mechanical power, a complete harvest of all the barley in the land of Israel, with its different growing climates across the breath and length of the land, probably took about 2 months to complete. A sheaf of standing grain tied together with a ribbon was symbolically cut after sundown at the beginning of each day (the Hebrew day begins at sunset), and brought to the Temple to be offered to the priest. At the Temple, the priest would offer the first sheaf of each day by “waving” it before the alter as an acknowledgement of gratitude for the land and its harvest.

This ceremony of first fruits ceased with the destruction of the Temple almost 2,000 years ago. The Jewish people nevertheless continued to “count the omer” during the period between Passover and Shavuot, usually in the evening service since the sheaf was typically cut at night in ancient times. Over time, the omerperiod has become associated with practices not found in the Hebrew Bible.  Some traditional communities, for instance, do not marry during all or part of the Omer period, viewing it as a time of semi-mourning.  Some congregations avoid joyful music during this time for the same reason.  At some point, Reform Judaism rejected all these practices, the counting as well as the avoidance of marriages and music, viewing them as either suspended by the destruction of the Temple or based upon beliefs and practices outside the biblical text. If you look at the New Union Prayer Book (also known as “Shaarei T’filah” or the “Gates of Prayer”), for instance, you will not find any reference to the omer or its counting.

Mishkan T’filah changed that. Not only do we have the blessing for counting the omer in the “Weekday, Shabbat and Festival” edition of the book, but we also have part of the medieval meditation that proceeds the blessing (p. 570).  The footnote on that page offers a reinterpretation of the “counting of the omer” from a first fruits ceremony to a ritual during which we “[bring] to consciousness our people’s movement from slavery to Sinai.” This is consistent with the rabbinic tradition that the people of Israel left Egypt on the second day of Passover and arrived at Mount Sinai for the giving of the Torah 49 days later.

The more recent interest in counting the omer in Reform congregations, however, probably has more to do with the medieval reconception of this period as a spiritual journey of self-reflection and discovery. A plethora of different daily meditations for this 49-day period abound on the Internet and you can also find books to guide you. A Reform Rabbi, Karyn Kedar, has written a such a handbook, along with inspiration cards for each day, which you can now purchase on from the CCAR Press, the printing arm of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Its publication and availability from a Reform press speaks to the greater interest in the ritual of counting the omer, even in congregation that never did so before.

This year, accordingly, we will be counting the omer until the day before Shavuot on May 25. If you come to evening services in the remaining days of April and May, you will hear the meditation and blessing from Mishkan T’filah recited, as well as the count.  I hope this will spark your interest in this ancient practice.  I also hope you will find it meaningful in your own life as we, as a congregation and as a people, make the spiritual journey from slavery to freedom. 

May, 2023 marks 75 years since a group of forward thinking, progressive people determined that Staten Island needed a Reform Congregation. Having attended Conservative and Orthodox synagogues on Staten Island they decided it was time for a change. They worked together and received their Certificate of Incorporation on January 18, 1949. Temple Israel had various homes, including the Gans Estate on Victory Boulevard in Sunnyside. When the building burned to the ground in 1959 we met in various locations, High Holy Day services were held at the chapel in Sailor’s Snug Harbor.

In 1963 we were thrilled when our current location was purchased. Percival Goodman, was hired as the architect for the permanent structure. In the Fall of 1964 the permanent home  that we know today opened. It was thought of as an incredibly modern and beautiful structure.

Cornelius Bregoff served as the first President of Temple Israel, followed by Presidents Morris Singer and Dr. David Machol. A total of 31 Presidents led our synagogue in the past . And now, the four of us can proudly say that we have represented the Temple during the year 2022-2023. We stand on the shoulders of men and women who wanted to educate their children, who wanted equality of worship, who recognized the value of T’kon Olam and who worked very hard over the years.

In the year 2017 the Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation was formed. This has made it possible for young families to join Temple Israel and to help to solidify the chance for Temple Israel to continue to flourish in the future. 

We salute our Executive Board, Board of Trustees, Sisterhood, Brotherhood and our many terrific auxiliary Committees. Thank you to our wonderful Rabbi Michael Howald and dynamic Cantor Suzanne Bernstein, as well as our office manager Nilaja Troy. We also thank our custodial staff - Gerard Altieri, Justin LaPierre and Susan Cheek. We would not be celebrating our 75th anniversary without each and every one of YOU!

Let’s all raise a glass to celebrate this monumental occasion. As the 32nd- 35th Presidents we look forward to 75 more years of the Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island.

Mazel Tov to us all. !!

Co-Presidents

Bryn Biren, Linda Brill, Sandy Mazzucco and Felicia Otto

Dear Fellow Congregants,

As the Temple’s Fiscal Year comes to a close, please be sure to review you records to ensure that your Annual Commitment is up to date.  Also, please be reminded that notifications for completion of your building fund will be sent as a separate document.  As you know, the Temple’s Building Fund of $1100 per member is scheduled to be honored during the first four years of membership.  If there were to be a ‘life-cycle event’ prior to that timeframe, it is required that the submission of the Building Fund be completed before that event takes place.

You are welcome to contact me directly at 917-873-4739 should you wish to discuss any matter regarding your annual commitment or satisfaction of your family’s Building Fund.  Be sure to leave your name and phone number if you are leaving a message.

Again, thank you for your on-going support of Temple Israel.

Alan Siegel

Financial Secretary

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.

Ever wonder what the women of Chelm were doing while the wise men of Chelm were solving the problems of community life?  At the Sisterhood Shabbaton on Saturday, May 20, we will become the women of Chelm - or discover that we already are!   Inspired by the writings of artist and Chelm historian, Jenny Tango, we will find our inner Chelmers through dance, art, and music.  My daughter, Miryam Coppersmith and I will be co-leading our journey through Jenny’s vision.   Miryam teaches movement and dance in Philadelphia, New York and beyond, including at Yiddish NYC and the URJ Creative Arts Camp.  You can find out more about Miryam’s work as a dancer and Jewish educator at:  miryamcoppersmith.com.  Jenny Tango, now in her vibrant 90’s, plans to be present to contribute her unique wisdom.  With Jenny, Miryam and me as your guides, we will travel to Chelm without leaving the social hall - you won’t want to miss this adventure!  

Our trip to Chelm is only one of the many highlights of May merrymaking!  On May 12, three beloved members of the Temple Israel Senior Choir will be marking the same significant birthday milestone —it’s up to them to tell you which one —  by sponsoring the oneg, so of course the choir will sing!  Yom Huledet Sameach to Pamela Carleton, Judith Pessah and Beverly Mazer.  And the birthday honors continue the following Shabbat, May 19, when the Ballow family and I will co-sponsor the oneg as Miryam and Jill Ballow both turn 30, can you believe it?  The Siegel family will also be co-sponsoring the oneg that evening to mark the 20th anniversary of Jesse’s bat mitzvah.  

Oh, and speaking of big birthdays, Temple Israel and the state of Israel both turn 75 this year!

Mazal tov to all who are celebrating in May, including our wonderful confirmands, who will be consecrated on May 19 and confirmed on Erev Shavuot, May 25.  

Lay’hudim hay’tah ora v’simchah v’sason vikar! 

The Jews had light, joy, gladness, and honor.  (Esther 8:16)

B’ahava,

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein 

MAY CHOIR SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, MAY 5

JR. CHOIR

Warm up at 6:30 for 7 p.m. Family Service

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 2023

IYAR-SIVAN 5783

For calendar updates click here....

To print or download a copy of this calendar, click here.

MAZEL TOV TO:

 LINDA BRILL honored as the Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement; 

FELICIA OTTO honored at the JCC L'Dor V'Dor Luncheon;

THE SMITH-DEVITO FAMILY on Ethan being called tothe Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Zofia Pollak, mother of CLAIRE GUTTSMAN, on her 98th Birthday.

CONDOLENCES TO:

THE GROSS AND UNGER FAMILIES on the loss of

Rosalie Unger.

GET WELL WISHES TO:

ALICIA BASKIN recovering from heart surgery;

STACIE MAGNUS recovering from carpal tunnel surgery;

BRYN BIREN recovering from hand surgery.

THINKING OF YOU: 

RICHARD LEIMSIDER, DR. ALICIA BASKIN, JOE GAMORAN,

SILVIA GORNSTEIN.

May 5, 2023

Ettie Berman *

Sidney Holzman

Rebecca Lauren Lipsitz *

Elizabeth Greenfield

Clara Hershenson

Clara Schneider

Gary Singer

Sally Berger *

Stuart Feigelman

Louis Melniker

Michael Duskin *

Katherine Marks *

Rose Kitoff *

Beatrice Kutell

Solomon Nison

Anna Siegel

Alan Bernard Sostek

Harriette Duskin *

Alma Rothwein Jacobs *

Richard Litkofsky *

Clara E. Silverberg *

Muriel Trachman *

Milton Eisen *

Barry Nadel *

Ida Shenman *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Kurt Siegert

Józef Cap

Stanislaw Lipinski

Antoni Nobis

Lea Has

May 12, 2023

Gertrude Gross *

Fay Schaefer *

Esther Goldman Dumont

Dora Wolchok

Beatrice Lachman *

Ada Lauter *

Dr. A.  Milton Jacobs *

Dorothy M. Melniker *

Rea Silberberg

Augusta Berman Sostek

Ernest Beck

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Henya Lipszyc

Walter Keller

Gittel Weinbach

Walter Thurow

Yehezkeil Davidowicz

May 19, 2023

Harold B. Blach

Roslyn Klein

Craig Lawrence Horn *

Suzanne Nadel *

Marilyn Tanzer

Fred Feigelman

Murray Gold *

Florence Hurkin *

Deidre Sostek

Charlotte A. Braverman *

Seymour G. Gollubier *

William Grodman

Rose Lipson

Itta Berlyand

Irene F. Carducci *

Edith Gamoran

Iris Mushnick

Etta Rabin *

Ane Sussman *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Elija Jankevich

Belane Gelb

Hermann Gruenwald

Philip Feitsma

Wassilij Garkonscha

May 26, 2023

Rita Feldstein *

Eugenia Gavarlynsh

Ruth Lewis

Dr. H. Edward Marshon *

William Brill *

Irving Cohen *

Carole Lachman *

Burton Cohen *

Anna Katy Silverman *

Leon Grossman

Robert Selig

Peter Nash *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Moshe Zwi Kober

Rubin Berkowitsch

Yakov Hartman

Eli Zylbersztajn

Jan Van Veenendaal

The Advance Payment Program allows members to pay in advance for Friday night program ads. Members usually deposit $100 (or less in some cases) and when an ad is placed, $5 is deducted. When the balance gets low (usually to about $10) an e-mail is sent reminding the member that they should consider adding money to their account. 

You may, if you wish, pay in advance for Friday night program announcements. For more details contact the Temple office or contact Deanna Feder [email protected] to set up an account. 

Last month we celebrated Passover, a holiday of traditions, family recipes, and reflections on the biblical story of Exodus when God released Egypt’s slaves from bondage.  We hope you all had a happy Passover 2023.

We thank Jodi Siegel and all the volunteers who helped create a wonderful Annual Jennifer Straniere Memorial Community Passover Seder.  Thanks as well to Rabbi Howald and Cantor Bernstein for their guided prayer and lively songs.

A big thanks to Maxine Cohen for collecting donations for the Kosher Food Pantry.  The drive was very successful.

All Sisterhood members and friends of Sisterhood who have paid dues for the year were invited to attend the Annual Membership Dinner as guests. This year, on April 19, we served Chinese food in the social hall to all our paid-up sisterhood members.  A Sisterhood General Meeting followed the dinner.   

During the past months, our Board sisters have brought us some enjoyable activities.  Next month on May 7 after a short meeting, Anita Zuckerberg will be teaching the sisters how to make challah from scratch.  Even if you have made challah before, please join the fun. Be sure to RSVP, so Anita knows how much flour, yeast, and other ingredients to prepare.  Reply to [email protected] if you had not done so already.

Another upcoming event will take place at Temple Israel on Saturday, May 20.  Sue Freedman has planned a Sisterhood Shabbaton.  Men are invited, too.  Rabbi Howald and Cantor Bernstein will conduct our service and then Cantor Bernstein and her daughter Miryam will treat us to a show.  We are also doing a community outreach program that day and ask that you bring in new or gently used English and Spanish books for children in need.  The books do not have to be new!  You can choose to attend one or all the planned events. If you wish to attend and/or participate in the service in English or Hebrew, please let Sue know at [email protected].  

Our last event of the year is Sisterhood’s End-of-Year Dinner on June 8 at 6:30 pm at Nucci’s.   A flyer will be distributed shortly so you can make a reservation.

We love seeing new faces (and old ones too).  Attend our monthly meetings and events, as Sisterhood offers new perspectives, ideas, and friendships. Everyone has something valuable to contribute.  



Thank you again to those who volunteered for Friday night onegs.  Your efforts are appreciated.  We always need volunteers so let us know when you are available to help.  Your assistance helps onegs go smoothly for everyone’s enjoyment!  

Anita Zuckerberg, Pam Rogozin, Judy Lee

Sisterhood Co-Presidents 

Brotherhood at Temple Israel continues….

Thanks to all of our fellow Congregants who participated in the annual Yellow Candle Yom Ha’Shoah program.  As we can all agree, it is imperative that the memory of the Holocaust should be acknowledged so that it is never forgotten.



Thanks to our members who travelled the borough to deliver the memorial candles to those of you who were not available to pick them up at the Temple.  Thanks to Larry Flaum, Josh Sussman, Jeff Ganz and Russ Kaminsky who assisted us with the distribution.  Please remember, each yellow bag included a return envelope should you wish to make a donation that will assist with continuing this project in the future.  Thanks to those of you who have already shown your support.

We will be scheduling a Brotherhood Membership breakfast in the next few weeks, so please watch you email for the announcement.  We will also be soliciting your interest in holding a “Brotherhood Dining Out Evening”.  Again, please be sure to reply so that we can have another successful gathering.

Alan Siegel and Bob Zuckerberg



MOST FLYERS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR PRINTING BY CLICKING DIRECTLY ON THE FLYER.

Our school year is coming to a close this month. Sunday, May 7th is our last day of classes before our Year End Stepping Up Ceremony and Celebration on Sunday, May 21st. This year all students in our school will participate in leading our Sunday morning learning service on May 21st at 9:30am. We encourage all families and congregants to come out and see our students lead prayer, song and readings. 

Following our learning service and ceremony, students will be treated to a celebration with refreshments, a magician and a visit from the ice cream truck! We look forward to seeing all that our students have learned this school year. 

Over the summer, we will be having a certified teacher write the curriculum and daily lesson plans for classes Kitonmin-Kitah Bet so that our faculty is even more prepared next year. Our Parents' Committee will be meeting over the summer to plan our events, fundraisers and integration of music into the curriculum. 

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at this month's Family Shabbat on Friday, May 5th at 7:00pm. 

Sincerely, 

Felicia Otto

Membership continues to “spring” into action to keep the Congregation connected. We are in the process of looking into more ideas for programs to recruit and retain members. 

We continue to need your help and participation at Temple events. There are so many interesting and exciting activities planned but we NEED people TO ATTEND. Please read the weekly News and Notes and the E-Shalom Bulletin for links to upcoming events.

The committee continues to reach out to members with whom we have not had recent contact. Everyone that has been contacted already has really appreciated receiving the calls.

The committee chairs are planning meetings with Bryn Biren and Terry Baver to discuss ways to intermingle the Avis Families with long time Temple Members for future intergenerational activities.

The Membership Committee is open to any new ideas from the Congregation.

Let’s all continue to take advantage of this beautiful Spring by attending future events and Friday night Shabbat services in person. 

Sandy Mazzucco

Claire Guttsman

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.

************************************************************

Welcome to May!   We look forward to seeing you at our Family service on May 5th. The Junior Choir will be singing and we encourage all of you to encourage ALL of your children to join the choir! 

On May 6th we will be having our wonderful 75th Anniversary Cabaret.  We hope you all plan to come!  A reminder: the Cabaret is only for adults! And then…on Sunday May 7th at noon, BRIAN, THE ANIMAL GUY will be there for our children. They will love seeing the animals and learning about them from BRIAN!

The “Stepping Up” ceremony for our children will be on Sunday May 21st. A magician will be there to entertain our children AND an Ice Cream Truck!!! All of the children will have a part in the 9:30 learning service that day. 

We hope you all continue to find ways to volunteer for our community. Keep your eyes open as things come up where volunteers are needed. And also, if you have your own ideas about things you would like the children to be involved with, join the School committee! 



Sincerely,

Bryn Biren and Terry Baver

Many thanks to Rabbi Scott Kalmikoff for his presentation on April 26, of “History of the Jews on Staten Island”. It was fun and insightful to learn about how we all arrived on our beautiful island, especially in light of our Temple’s 75th Anniversary. There were many memories shared.

Looking Ahead

Wednesday, May 10th at 7:30 on Zoom

Book Discussion—“Once We Were Home” by National Jewish Book Award Finalist, Jennifer Rosner. For more information contact [email protected].

And since we live in a very diverse world, a program on “The History of Christianity” and its’ relationship to our people, is being thought of for the Fall.

(Search on your device for “My Jewish Learning” for some very informative articles.)

Please join the FUNdraising committee for our final fundraiser of the year. Join us at Jimmy Max on Tuesday June 6th. You can go anytime from 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Just mention that you are there for Temple Israel and 50% of the food portion of your bill will be donated to Temple Israel.

Hope to see everyone there. Please see attached flyer

Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel

Co-Chairs

We have added new books to the library, especially in the children's area.

Please continue to drop off Jewish Related books in the office. No prayerbooks, please.