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
Cantor Suzanne Bernstein
Bryn Biren, Linda Brill, Sandy Mazzucco, Felicia Otto
Co-Presidents
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Temple Israel’s Electronic Bulletin
E-Shalom
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December 2022
Kislev-Tevet 5783
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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. | |
Hanukkah (or Chanukah), one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, is a festive eight-day celebration that for many people falls during the darkest, coldest season of the year. Also called the Festival of Lights, the holiday brings light, joy, and warmth to our homes and communities as we celebrate with candles, food, family, and friends. Light comes literally, with the lighting of an additional candle each day, and metaphorically, through a newer emphasis on charitable donations and a commitment to tikkun olam during the holiday. Hanukkah (alternately spelled Chanukah), meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates the victory of a small group of Jewish rebels (led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, collectively known as “the Maccabees”) over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. Modern celebrations of Hanukkah focus on family and friends and include the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah (also called a hanukkiyah); singing and playing special songs and games (dreidel); and eating foods prepared in oil including latkes, sufganiyot, bimuelos (fried dough puffs) and keftes de prasas (leek patties).
©2022 Union for Reform Judaism
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CLICK ON FLYER ABOVE TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD. | |
Monday | Remote*
Phone and E-mail Communications
| 11 am - 5 pm | Tuesday | On Site | 11 am - 5 pm | Wednesday | Remote*
Phone and E-mail Communications | 11 am - 5 pm | Thursday | On Site | 11 am - 5 pm | Friday | On Site | 11 am - 5 pm | | |
Erev Shabbat Services take place IN PERSON. Live-stream links, for those unable to join us, 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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Shabbat Morning**
Torah Study at 10:00 a.m. followed by Services at 11:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 842 7725 0914
Passcode: 345339
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Dial by your location
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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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A Message from
Rabbi Michael D. Howald
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This week I attended the Poor Peoples’ Dinner sponsored by Project Hospitality to raise funds to address the problems of hunger and homelessness on Staten Island. Whenever this dinner approaches on the calendar, which takes place before Thanksgiving, I often reflect on the meaning of a difficult verse from the Psalms that has become part of the Birchat HaMazon, the Grace After Meals, recited, often with great joy, after enjoying a meal in the Jewish community. This challenging verse from Psalm 37 says: Na’ar hayiti v’gam zakanti velo ra’iti tzadik ne’ezav, vzar’o mevakesh lachem (“I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.”). I find this verse hard because, in the world in which we live, we HAVE seen the righteous abandoned and children suffering from hunger. Indeed, the existence of human abandonment and privation is the reason many of us go to fundraisers like the Poor People’s Dinner, particularly at this time of the year.
How then are we to interpret this phrase from the Psalms? How can we reconcile this verse with what our eyes tell us to be true: That we live in a country capable of feeding and housing every person, yet the neglected and the hungry are all around us? Some of my teachers at rabbinical school counseled me to interpret this verse as an aspiration, as a hope for a world that would take the shape that our loving arms would give it. Others advised me to refrain from singing this line in the Birchat HaMazon as a silent protest against the cruelty of want in society of plenty.
I have tried both these strategies over the years, but I found my greatest comfort in the audacious words of Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov, an 18th century Hasidic rebbe. He taught his followers that there are times when one is obligated, not just encouraged, but obligated, to behave as if God does not exist! When someone asks you for bread, he explained, you may not send them away by saying that ‘God will provide,' or that God does not abandon the righteous. Instead, at that moment, he taught, you must act as if God does not exist, and that the fulfillment of the words of Scripture depend solely on you. Then, and only then, will the vision of a world in which no one is abandoned and no one’s children beg for bread be realized here on earth.
When we give time and money to efforts to reduce the suffering in this world, accordingly, our actions testify to a desire to not only pray for a world which fulfills the words of the 37th Psalm, but to act as if its fulfillment solely rested on our shoulders. When that day will come is beyond our ken, but Rabbi Leib reminds us of our responsibility to help bring it through our own efforts. During winter, the need for shelter and food in our city is particularly acute. If you believe in a Staten Island without hunger and neglect, this is an especially important time to give to the charity of your choice. For, without our efforts, the words of the 37th Psalm will forever remain only an aspiration.
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A Message from the Co-Presidents
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The clocks have been turned back and the darkness of winter is upon us, but have no fear, the lights and events are still very much “ON” at Temple Israel. This month we look forward to our Sisterhood Holiday Fair on Dec 4th. There will be a fun time for all on Dec 16th at our Hanukkah Pajamakah New Member Shabbat dinner followed by a Hanukkah Pajamakah Shabbat Service. These are just a few of the many events that will take place this month.
On Sunday night Dec 18th we will be lighting the first Hanukkah candle. Although Hanukkah is considered a “minor” Jewish festival, today it ranks, along with Passover and Purim, as one of the most beloved Jewish family holidays. Hanukkah marks the miraculous event that took place over 2000 years ago in what is now known as modern day Israel. The Holy Temple was desecrated, and a small group of warriors called the Maccabees stood up and fought for their right to worship freely defeating the dominant Syrian-Greek army and retaking and rededicating the Temple. In fact, the Hebrew word Hanukkah translates as rededication. Today the holiday reminds Jews to rededicate themselves to stand against forces that could destroy Judaism and to keep alive the flame of Jewish religion and culture so that it may be passed on to the next generation.
The victory of the “few over the many” is one of the great miracles that Hanukkah retells, but it is not the most well-known. Two hundred years after the Maccabean revolt, the Jewish people would be exiled out of the land of Israel. What was not short lived however, was the symbolism of a second miracle, the well-known miracle of the oil. The Maccabees found the flames of the Menorah, which illuminated the Temple, was extinguished and the flasks containing its special oil was desecrated and destroyed. One flask was found and there was only enough oil to burn for one full night but after it was lit, a great miracle occurred that extended the life of the oil and it illuminated for 8 nights. It is the symbolism of the light of the menorah which has stuck in the Jewish memory for thousands of years. It has been a sustaining symbol of hope and joy for all our communities throughout the diaspora.
In my readings about Hanukkah, I noted a spiritual Jewish teaching that compared the flame of a candle to the human soul. The flame, when lit, seems to be in a constant struggle to reach higher, and to elevate. We as human beings struggle to do good, to perform acts of kindness and humility when in the face of negative external pressure. The candles of Hanukkah shine their lights every year around the time of the winter solstice, when the nights are at their longest and darkest. The image of the lit candles are a reminder to ourselves to find the unique spark inside each of us, and to let it shine out to the world. Within each of us, and joined together with our Temple Israel family, we can turn a single flame into eight.
This year may the light of the Menorah in our windows unite us into a collective burst that illuminates the world in comfort and peace. During this time may our light shine that much brighter.
Happy Hanukkah to all.
Co-President
Sandy Mazzucco
on behalf of Co-Presidents Bryn Biren, Linda Brill, and Felicia Otto
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Dear Fellow Congregants,
Thanks to all of you who have already completed your annual commitments to Temple Israel. Please watch your mail for a reminder regarding completion of outstanding balances on your account. Please be reminded that notifications for completion of your building fund will be sent as a separate document.
A reminder that your Membership Form provides us with the most current information about you and your family. If your form was not fully completed, one of our Membership Committee members may be contacting you to secure any information that was omitted. Please be sure to update changes in email contacts and new phone numbers for all included family members.
Please feel free to contact me directly at 917-873-4739 should you wish to discuss any matter regarding your annual commitment. 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.
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Alan Siegel
Financial Secretary
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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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In every morning service, both on weekdays and Shabbat, we read a passage from the Mishnah, Peah 1:1, which offers a blueprint for a fulfilling life. The passage begins, "These are things that are limitless, of which a person enjoys the fruit of the world, while the principal remains in the world to come." It goes on to list honoring one's father and mother, engaging in deeds of compassion, studying, welcoming guests, visiting the sick, providing for the wedding couple, accompanying the dead for burial, praying and making peace, concluding with "but the study of Torah encompasses them all." If you generally only attend Friday evening services, you are missing out on this checklist of life lessons (pages 44 and 206 in Mishkan Tefilah.) Friday evening services are all about the joy of welcoming Shabbat while the morning services, especially when we read and study Torah, instruct us in what each of us can do to share and increase the joy and blessings.
As a cantor, it has been a particular joy for me to bring the songs of our rich Jewish heritage to those who can't physically come to the temple. I see doing this as "bikkur cholim," visiting the sick, one of the mitzvot in the morning prayer. With this in mind, I invite you to join me and members of our choirs on Friday, December 16 to help residents at the Brielle welcome Shabbat. We will gather in the lobby entrance at 3:30 p.m. and then at 3:45 we will light LED Shabbat candles and sing some Shabbat and Chanukah songs. Our visit will last just a half hour, giving everyone plenty of time to get ready to come to the temple for the Chanukah dinner and Pajamakah! I want to thank Jodi Siegel for making the arrangements with The Brielle. Jodi also wrangled many of the choir members to join her on the bima to lead the singing for an erev Shabbat service in November when Jim Rohan was down with the virus. Kol hakavod to Jodi and to all the choir members! Your enthusiasm and singing brings joy and blessings to our temple family. Let's share the joy and blessings with folks at the Brielle!
Happy Chanukah!
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DECEMBER CHOIR SCHEDULE
Friday, December 2
Junior choir meets at 6:30 p.m. for 7 p.m. family service
Sunday, December 11
10:00 a.m.: Senior choir rehearsal
12:00 noon: Junior choir rehearsal
Thursday, December 15
7 p.m.: Senior choir rehearsal
Friday, December 16
(Join us at The Brielle at 3:30 p.m.)
Senior Choir meet at 7 p.m. for 7:30 service;
Jr. choir members can also participate
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ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US
AS WE WELCOME SHABBAT and CHANUKAH
WITH RESIDENTS OF
THE BRIELLE
(Assisted Living)
ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16
3:30 P.M.
All ages welcome.
140 FRIENDSHIP LANE (off Bradley Avenue).
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 2022
KISLEV-TEVET 5783
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MAZEL TOV TO:
ALYXANDRA MAGNUS (daughter of
STACIE & STEVEN MAGNUS, granddaughter of JUDITH MAGNUS and MEL & JOYCE KAPLAN) on her marriage to ETHAN TERWILLIGER;
ELLEN BIRCH on her retirement;
AMANDA & MICHAEL DONOVAN & family as their daughter, CAMILA IVY DONOVAN, is welcomed into the House of Israel.
GET WELL WISHES TO:
NINA & JIM ROHAN, BARBARA FEIGELMAN, ANNA WU recovering from COVID;
BRYN & RICHARD BIREN recovering from a lingering virus; NATHANIEL CORTIJO (son of BRIAN & JENNIFER CORTIJO) recovering from an emergency appendectomy;
DR. LARRY FLAUM recovering from hospitalization for a skin infection;
DR. ALICIA BASKIN recovering from heart and lung problems.
CONDOLENCES TO:
Religious school teacher JENNIFER TAUB and family on the loss of her grandmother and former temple member, ENID TAUB;
the family of former member, RALPH DICKAR;
THE MELTZER FAMILY on the loss of CLAIRE MELTZER, beloved grandmother and mother-in-law.
THINKING OF YOU:
ALICIA BASKIN, CLAIRE GUTTSMAN, SILVIA GORNSTEIN, JOE GAMORAN
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
THE SILVERMAN FAMILY
THE BROOKS FAMILY
THE BROWN FAMILY
WELCOME RETURNING MEMBERS:
JANE ADLER
ANNE YOUNG
BARBARA TRILLING
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DECEMBER 2, 2022
Ann Docteroff *
Lewis A Selmon
Hyman Ruskin *
Tobie Schaeffer
Arthur M. Selznick
Faye Radin-Ferretti
Michael Rosch
Abraham Friend *
Pearl Brill *
Diane Terris Eisenkraft
David Meltzer
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Beida Fekala
Laszlone Vago
Dovid Zaydman
Otto Elias
Folcia Berliner
DECEMBER 9, 2022
Herbert Gross *
Joanne Hanibal
Helene Lipton
Joseph Reznikoff
Lillian Rebecca Scher *
Eileen Tepper
Fanny Goldberg *
Evelyn Wildrick
Dorothy Peretz *
Nettie Mazer *
Pearl Smith
Isaak Fuks
Theodora Teddy" Goldstone"
Rose Kurlander *
Richard Lasher *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Bluma Wajnman
Miksane Krausz
Igor Iwanow
Sientje Polak
Alter Blausztajn
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DECEMBER 16, 2022
Peggy Bachman Boyer
Phillip S. Menna *
Morris Martin Blumin *
Savin Cohen *
Douglas Howald
Anna Berg
Dr. Charles Biren
Harry Goldberg *
Charlotte Selma Kitoff
Jacob Mydlarz
Selma Nison
Frieda Zuckerberg
Philip Hirsch
Rita Weinman
Charlotte Manger *
Morris Soller *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Mose Duxler
Miksane Szunyog
Henry Foy
Blanka Krausova
Georges Girod
DECEMBER 23, 2022
Meyer Meltzer
Shirley Schneider
Alan Guttsman
Julius Kerstein
Saul Polonsky
Fannie Reznikoff
Nicholas Straniere *
Roselyn G. Gross *
Joan Richter *
Beatrice Cohen *
Yetta Soller *
Sophie Elman *
Julie Ellyn Kanter *
Florence Ruskin *
Alexander Weiss *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Esther Ofman
Walter Breuer
Gutsia Ofman
Jean Compagnan
Meir Ebenstein
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DECEMBER 30, 2022
Mary Berlin *
Sidney Tanzer
Harriet Ganz
Sigmund Haber *
Jacob Kitoff *
Charles Kurlander *
Yetta Pisetzner
Morris Jaeger *
Mary Howald
Joseph Lipsitz *
Robert May
Linda Schulman
Samuel Sheirr *
And we remember from the Holocaust:
Laszlone Kelemen
Jehuda Blumberg
Jakob Musko
Yakov Wolkowicz
Szlama Rotbard
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* These names are on our Memorial Wall.
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Erev Shabbat Services
Friday, December 2
Celebration of December
Birthdays & Anniversaries
FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE
JR. CHOIR SINGS
Service at 7:00 p.m.
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
ONEG SPONSORED IN HONOR OF SHABBAT BY
THOSE CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES IN DECEMBER.
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Friday, December 9
Service at 7:30 p.m.
SPECIAL TORAH SERVICE WITH CONGREGATIONAL PARTICIPATION
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
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Friday, December 16
Service at 7:30 p.m.
HANUKAH PAJAMAKAH
CHOIR SINGS
CHANUKAH / NEW MEMBER DINNER- 6:00 PM
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
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Friday, December 23
Service at 7:30 p.m.
In Person and
via Live-Stream
(link to be sent via e-mail)
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Friday, December 30
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
TORAH STUDY &
SHABBAT SERVICES
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Torah Study and Shabbat Services
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DONATIONS MADE EASY! | |
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 dfeder19@aol.com to set up an account.
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As a “small congregation” we are grateful to be able to have Rabbi Howald and Cantor Bernstein, a full-time Rabbi and a part-time Cantor. In addition, we have congregants who step up and participate in our Services as well. Jim Rohan provides musical leadership for most Friday nights when Cantor Bernstein is not here. Jaimie Blackman and Dr. Kenneth Pickover provide musical accompaniment to our Saturday morning Shabbat Zoom Services whenever they are available. In addition, we have the voices of our Adult and Junior Choirs, who under the leadership of Cantor Bernstein, usually participate in our Services once a month.
If you were not at Temple or streaming on Erev Shabbat, November 11th, you missed a demonstration of how great an asset the Adult Choir is. Jim Rohan was to be the musical leader, but when Shabbat approached, he was under the weather and could not sing. Adult choir member Jodi Siegel coordinated with members of the Adult Choir to provide our musical leadership and accompaniment. We thank Jodi and the members of the Adult Choir for their generous support.
And please mark your calendars for Friday night December 9th when in a continued effort to enrich our Services congregants will be taking a part in leading a Torah Service with Rabbi and Jim Rohan. We hope you responded positively to the recent flyer or phone call you received. We look forward to seeing you all on December 9th.
Later in the month we will be celebrating Hanukah. Chag Sameach! We thank Sisterhood for the many ways they help our Temple family to celebrate. December 4th is the Sisterhood Holiday Fair and Friday night December 16th is the Sisterhood sponsored Hanukah Pajamakah and the Hanukah & New Member Dinner. This will be followed by a Shabbat Hanukah Service with Rabbi Howald, Cantor Bernstein and the Adult and Junior Choirs. We do note that the first Hanukah candle is lit at sundown on Sunday December 18th so the actual Shabbat in Hanukah is Friday night December 23rd, we hope to see you then as well. And for those students in our Hebrew School there will be a school Hanukah party on December 11th and a Hanukah Assembly on December 18th.
In any and all ways you celebrate, we again wish you Chag Sameach and a healthy and happy secular New Year.
Linda Brill, Jerry Gross Nina Rohan
Co-Chairpersons
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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 November:
Linda Brill, Barbara Fried (Bimah), Barbara Fried (Usher), Judy Lee, Sandy Mazzucco, Joanna Meltzer, Felicia Otto, Jackie Rabinowitz,
Judy Scher, Alan Siegel (Usher), Alan Siegel (Bimah), Jesse Siegel and Philip Straniere
Nina Rohan
Ushering Chair
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DREIDELS AND SO MUCH MORE AT OUR HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR!
DON'T MISS IT.
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November was a busy month as we finished the holidays. Sisterhood sponsored a musical cabaret on Saturday, November 5th. Rochelle Maltz recommended Kama Linden, a professional singer and songwriter, who with her guitar and lovely voice performed a variety of songs for the guests. Bob Zuckerberg held a 50/50. Joyce Miller sold raffles for the 21 wonderful prizes that were all donated. Michelle Lee baked three dozen delicious brownies that everyone quickly gobbled up with their coffee. Silvia Gornstein collected all the checks before the event and from those at the door. In addition, all guests went home with a yoga CD that the singer had donated to the event. It was a profitable fundraiser that helps Sisterhood pay for Onegs and many other Temple events.
Sisterhood is looking forward to our annual Holiday Fair on December 4th from 10:00 to 12:30. This is always a fun event. There will be tables of Judaica, Chanukah items, toys, jewelry, and crafts. The setup for the December 4th holiday fair will be on December 3rd at 6 pm, and the breakdown will take place on December 4th at 12:30. We can use some helpers before and after the holiday fair. Come and enjoy!
Our Sisterhood General Meeting on December 11th will be on Zoom, when we will view an exciting and educational program from Paris. Thank you to Judy Pessah of Adult Learning and the Programing Committee for setting up this wonderful event. There will be a meeting beginning at 1:30 pm prior to this program which will begin at 2:00 pm. (BYOB (Bring your own Brunch - or booze).
Sisterhood is preparing for the Annual Chanukah and New Member Shabbat Dinner on Friday, December 16th. This is a wonderful dinner where new and old members enjoy a special time together. There will be a discount for early reservations (by December 2nd), and all reservations must be received by December 9th. New members who have become part of the Temple Israel Family in 2022 and their families, are invited as guests of Sisterhood, but must let us know by December 2nd that they will be attending. Jodi Siegel will be coordinating Chanukah Pajamakah. Come dressed in your Chanukah-themed pajamas and enjoy the evening. There will be activities for the children, an opportunity to take photo with Chanukah props, and lots of fun. There will be a delicious dinner with traditional Chanukah fare. You don’t want to miss this warm and joyous event.
On November 20th, we held a General Sisterhood Meeting. After conducting Sisterhood business, some members showed off their creative talents by doing adult coloring with sheets and colored pencils supplied by Rochelle Maltz. Other sisters worked together or alone to create their own Chanukah centerpieces, using assorted materials provided to them and items from home, that will be used at the Chanukah dinner. The sisters demonstrated their first-class imaginative artistic skills AND it was fun too! Prizes were awarded for the two best creations.
Our Paid-up Membership Breakfast has been postponed. Presently, there are 67 paid members of sisterhood along with 7 paid friends of sisterhood. Sisterhood continues to welcome new members. We hope you will join us if you have not already done so. We also welcome “Friends of Sisterhood” (the men).
As tzedakah for the month of November, Sisterhood donated to MAZON, a national organization fighting to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel.
Sisterhood is encouraging members to sponsor onegs. We are hoping that you will consider sponsoring an oneg as it is enjoyable to help temple members celebrate their anniversaries, birthdays, baby naming, bar and bat mitzvahs, promotions, and many, many other happy life events. Sisterhood will take care of all the arrangements. For information, please contact: Jodi Siegel at jsiegel23@aol.com, or Nina Rohan at rohan.shire@verizon.net.
We hope you had a pleasant Thanksgiving and wish you and your family a very healthy and happy Chanukah!
Respectfully submitted,
Anita Zuckerberg, Pam Rogozin, Judy Lee
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
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Brotherhood at Temple Israel continues….
Believe it or not, we are now rapidly approaching one of the highlights of the Holiday Season. Chanukah, the Festival of Lights will soon be upon us. Our annual Temple-wide Chanukah Greeting Card is now being prepared with special, original artwork created by JD Lee.
Please look for the flyer (earlier in this bulletin or click here) which will allow you to participate by including your family name to share with our entire Temple family. Please follow the instructions on the flyer to ensure that your participation is appropriately noted. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to share your good wishes for a happy Chanukah season with all your fellow congregants.
Thank you in advance for your participation and support of this annual Brotherhood effort.
And while you're at it, if you have not yet submitted your Brotherhood dues, you may send in your check for $45 at your earliest convenience.
Please accept our best wishes for a bright and shining holiday. Alan Siegel and Bob Zuckerberg
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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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Our busiest month of school is here and we are gearing up for Hanukkah! On Sunday, December 4th all religious school classes will shop for friends and family at Sisterhood’s Holiday Gift Fair. On Sunday, December 11th our school will have our 1st Annual Hanukkah Carnival with face painting, balloon artistry, music, cotton candy and a special appearance by Mr. Dreidel! On Friday, December 16th we hope to see many families at Sisterhood’s Hanukkah Pajamakah and on Sunday, December 18th we will enjoy a Hanukkah school-wide assembly.
Our students have given over $300 in tzedakah this year so far to Team Seas and Best Friends Animal Hospital and we are currently collecting weekly tzedakah which will go toward Project Hospitality.
We are working on professional development with our teachers so that our kids get the best religious education we can provide. On Sunday, November 20th Brooke Lopez led a professional development for our school teachers. We thank her for her preparation of themed units and teaching of pedagogical strategies for our school.
All of our school parties and events are made possible through the generosity of our congregants and families during our fundraisers. Wednesday, November 30th when you are tired of turkey, please dine in or out at Jimmy Max where 50% of your bill will be donated back to our school. Our Fun Pasta fundraiser is wrapping up, but there are still a few days to get orders in. We thank you all in advance!
Looking forward to hearing our students sing in junior choir on Friday, December 2nd at Family Shabbat and Friday, December 16th at Hanukkah Pajamakah.
Felicia Otto
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What is a Membership Committee?
Research suggests that the role of a membership committee is to keep everyone connected; whether you are thinking of joining or you are already a member. The committee supports the Temple in recruitment, retention and satisfaction of members.
Keeping this definition in mind, one must agree that we are all members of the membership committee in some way. We must each re-examine our role and develop ways to recruit and retain members.
We should think of ourselves as ambassadors for Temple Israel. As we engage in the community we often meet people we would like to invite to our Temple. We meet young families, singles, empty- nester and seniors who need to connect or re-connect to a spiritual home.
Our Temple Israel is a thriving synagogue that most people describe as their home. We need to spread the message. Our goal is to integrate all new members into our synagogue life. We have a wonderful clergy that brings spirituality to every member. We have excellent programming to involve all age groups.
We are not a static committee. We try to understand the needs of our members. We welcome change, but we realize that change does not come easily.
We are here to to listen to what you hope Temple can bring to you. We are here and so are you!!!
We are here to make each member whether new or old feel that their spiritual home is meeting their needs. We want to help build a warm, caring and inclusive relationship with all of our Temple Israel Family.
Please contact us at any time. Every question, comment, suggestion, etc. is worthwhile!
Sandy Mazzucco
Claire Guttsman
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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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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.
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Join us as we celebrate Chanukah.
As you can read on the URJ websites, “Chanukah, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, is a festive eight-day celebration that for many people falls during the darkest, coldest season of the year. Also called the Festival of Lights, the holiday brings light and joy, and warmth to our homes and communities as we celebrate with candles, food, family, and friends”.
Our moms and young children will be creating beautiful Chanukah cookies on December 3rd at 2 at Cutest Cookies.
We will be having a wonderful Chanukah Pajamakah Shabbat/New Member dinner at temple on December 16th. We hope all the families with young children will come. The children (and you all!) are invited to stay for the evening’s Chanukah Shabbat service. All can wear PJ’s decorated for Chanukah! They are easy to find online! Reach out to Sisterhood to sign up for the dinner.
Then, Join us for an afternoon of painting, pizza and swimming fun at the JCC on December 18th at 1PM. If you are interested, reach out to Felicia and sign up!
You might all also want to join your children on Sunday December 4th at the Sisterhood Holiday Fair. It is a very nice place to help your children purchase Chanukah gifts for family members. And there will be lovely items there for you all to purchase.
We hope you enjoy the holiday and for all those children in interfaith families, we hope you enjoy Christmas too!
Please remember to consider volunteering for committees in our congregation. We are a community of volunteers and need everyone’s help and support!
Sincerely,
Bryn Biren and Terry Baver
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Judy Scher led a fascinating discussion on Thursday evening, November 10th, via Zoom. The topic was “After the Pandemic”. The attendees discussed their experiences and how their world, and the world around us, has changed. Thank you, Judy Scher!
The next part of the series was planned to be held via Zoom, on Thursday, December 1st at 7:30 PM. This evening Judy discusses “Generational Differences” clarifying our knowledge of the observed differences. Do you know how Generation Xers behave?
RSVP—judithpessah@gmail.com, to confirm attendance.
On Wednesday evening, November 16th, the Adult Learning Book
Discussion Club met to discuss “The People’s Book”, a novel by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Geraldine Brooks. Anita Zuckerberg deftly led this discussion of the finding of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah. Thank you, Anita!
Watch upcoming announcements for the title of the next book and the date and time of the next discussion.
For more information about the Book Club, please contact Cherylmlevine@gmail.com.
Looking Ahead
On Sunday, December 11, at 2 PM, on Zoom, (after a 1:30 meeting) the Adult Learning Committee is co-sponsoring, with Sisterhood, a virtual visit, once again to Gay Paree, led by our delightful Parisian guide Karen Reb Rudman. If you wish to come along, and receive the Zoom link, please email judithpessah@gmail.com, ASAP!
Bonjour, mon amis!
We are excited to present, on Wednesday evenings, February 8 and 15th, at 7:30 PM, a two part presentation on the “Jewish Catskills”; by premier tour guide, Justin Ferate.
Please join us! To reserve a spot, please contact Cheryl, at cherylmlevine@gmail.com.
What would you like to learn about Judaism and its’ liturgy?
We have been brainstorming some ways to answer your, so let us know what you are curious about!
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Cheryl Levine and Judith Pessah
Adult Learning Committee Co-Chairpersons
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The FUNdraising committee has a New Date for our Games Extravaganza January 21, 2022.
Join us for a fun filled night, laughter guaranteed! Bring a team or join a team. Challenge your Temple Israel family. Enjoy some tasty snacks. Bring your own bottle (BYOB).
$20 per person pre-paid (preferred).
See our new flyer below
Make your check payable to Temple Israel (Write fundraising at the foot of the check) and please mail to:
Rhonda Trontz- Allen, 660 Bard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310
Questions? contact
Lissa 917-846-5454
Rhonda Rhondata61@yahoo.com
Karen kefreygamoran@aol.com
Thank you for your support!
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Trontz-Allen, Karen Frey-Gamoran, Lissa Winchel
Co-Chairs
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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.
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Contributions to Temple Israel as tributes, dedications or memorials are welcome and are published in the weekly Shabbat program.
Donations can be dedicated to the general Temple Israel Fund or to any of the following specific funds:
- Adult Education Fund
- Building Preservation Fund
- Caring Community Fund
- Carole Lachman Memorial Fund
- Choir Fund
- Confirmation Fund
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Estelle A. Gootenberg Memorial Fund (for Torah Repair/ Restoration)
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Gerald J. Lustig Memorial Fund (for Ark & Ark Doors)
- Liheyot Fund
- Membership Fund
- Prayerbook Fund
- Rabbi Marcus Kramer Memorial Library Fund
- Shoah Education Fund
- Scholarship Fund
- Rabbi Michael D. Howald Fund for Social Action and Tikkun Olam
A $5.00 minimum donation is requested for these funds. Checks for donations to any of these funds should be made payable to Temple Israel.
PRAYERBOOKS may be dedicated in honor or memory of a special person or occasion. For specific prayerbooks and donation amounts, look for the Prayerbook icons found in this bulletin
Please make checks for Donations to the RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND payable to that fund.
Donations in any amount may be made to SISTERHOOD OF TEMPLE ISRAEL or BROTHERHOOD OF TEMPLE ISRAEL with checks made payable directly to the affiliate organization.
For a leaf on the TREE OF LIFE in honor of a simcha, please scroll down.
For permanent MEMORIAL PLAQUES on our Family Memorial Wall or Original Memorial Wall, please call the Temple office at 718-727-2231.
To see list of all recent
Tributes and Program
Donations to Funds...
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CLICK ON THIS ICON TO TAKE YOU THERE!
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If you are not receiving this Bulletin via a direct e-mail and would like to, please contact us at TICOMMUNICATION@aol.com to be added to our mailing list. | | |
CONTACT INFORMATION
718-727-2231
tmplisrael@aol.com
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES |
Our E-Bulletin is shared with the entire Temple Israel Family and the Staten Island Community. If you are a local business or community organization and you would like to advertise in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Temple Office at 718-727-2231 or e-mail TICommunication@aol.com.
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