Rabbi Michael D. Howald

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein

Bryn Biren, Russel Kaminsky

Co-Presidents

AUGUST 2024

Tammuz-Av 5784

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PIZZAA IN THE HUT/

SIPPIN' IN THE SUKKAH

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE

ONEG SPONSORSHIP

CERTIFICATES

TREE OF LIFE

Shabbat Morning

Torah Study at 10:00 a.m. followed by Services at will take place on designated Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.

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MISHKAN T'FILAH

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MISHKAN T'FILAH FOR YOUTH

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When we think of summer, we usually imagine beaches, barbeques and sitting by the pool. During a presidential election year, we supplement this blissful list with the less joyful start of the general election season. Although it increasingly seems that the campaigning never really stops, the party conventions during the summer of an election year usually kick-off a period of intense electioneering and political commercials that leave us all glad for the respite that comes after the Tuesday that follows the first Monday in November, the constitutionally mandated day for voting for president of the United States.

We know that all citizens have the right to vote in our country. Nevertheless, at least one third of the electorate, even in a presidential election year, do not cast their ballot.[1] In fact, most Americans are intermittent voters, with less than 40% indicating that they voted in all three federal elections in 2018, 2020 and 2022. That means that, increasingly, it is the occasional voters who determine the outcome of the elections. This confirms our own common sense. The committed members of both parties consistently vote while less devoted voters are more or less likely to vote depending on the issues and candidates involved in the race.

We are told that it is our civic duty as Americans to vote. What, however, does Jewish tradition have to say about participating in civic life? Quite a lot as it turns out! The prophet Jeremiah, when preaching to the Israelites being taken into exile in Babylonia counseled them to: “Seek the peace of the city to which you have been exiled, and pray on its behalf to Adonai, for through its peace you shall have peace (Jer. 29:7).” For more than two millennia, Jewish communities followed this advice, participating to the extent they could in the governance of the city, state, or empire in which they lived. Often this amounted to little more than appointing a leader of the community who would maintain order in the Jewish quarter or ghetto and cooperate with gentile authorities when the need arose. When, however, states began in the 18^th and 19^th centuries to emancipate their Jewish residents from the disabilities which had prevented their more fulsome participation in political life, many Jews enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity.

The Jewish population in the United States was the first to receive the franchise. Beginning with the Declaration of Independence, Jewish male citizens had the right to vote. Jewish women were granted that right in 1920 with the passage of the 19^th Amendment. Given the political disabilities many immigrant Jews had faced in their countries of origin, those who came to the United States were extremely grateful and proud to vote. Indeed, many viewed casting their ballot as equivalent to a sacred religious obligation.

Rabbi Moshe Feinberg, considered the greatest Orthodox legal authority of the 20^th century, supported this view. He referred to the United States as a “malchut shel chesed” a “kingdom of kindness” to the Jews, deserving of respect and appreciation for all levels of government. In October of 1984, he signed a letter encouraging the Jewish community to vote in the upcoming presidential election. In it he stated:

“[1]It is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility of each individual is to register and to vote. Therefore, I urge all members of the Jewish community to fulfill their obligations by registering as soon as possible, and by voting. By this, we can express our appreciation and contribute to the continued security of our community.”

Reform Judaism also regards voting as a sacred duty:

It is via government that Jews fulfill their civic duty to communities where they maintain residence and citizenship – not only by paying taxes, but also through public service, and especially by voting. That is why how effectively our government performs its duties – public health and safety, social policy, criminal justice, environmental protection, and more – is a “Jewish issue.” That is the Jewish commitment to our nation, whatever our personal politics may be.[2]

Voting in the upcoming presidential election, consequently, is both a civic and a religious obligation in the Jewish community. No matter who you intend to vote for, I urge you to cast your ballot on November 5^th. By doing so, you uphold our democracy and express gratitude for the privilege of living in a country that has been for so many of us a malchut shel chesed!

___________________________________________________________

[1]Pew Research Center Report: Republican Gains in 2022 Midterms Driven Mostly by Turnout Advantage  https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/07/12/voter-turnout-2018-2022/

[2] The Commandment to Vote: Jewish Texts on Voting and Fair Elections. Rabbi Ed Stafman and Rabbi Mark Hurvitz, https://reformjudaism.org/commandment-vote-jewish-texts-voting-and-fair-elections

Bryn Biren

Russell Kaminsky

Summertime is the time to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and warm weather activities. It is also a time to give some thought to what you want in the Fall. Do you want to continue with the same schedule that you followed in the past year? Do you want to learn something new, try something different?  

It might be a good time to think about what Temple Israel has to offer and what you might want to try for the first time once our busy schedule resumes. Have you ever attended Torah study with Rabbi Howald that takes place on Zoom on Saturday mornings at 10 AM? Have you brought your children to attend a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah on a Saturday morning? Have you come to an early Family service at 7:00 PM? They are held in the first Friday of each month. Watching the enthusiasm of the children throughout the evening is a joy. Have you attended the Sippin’ in the Sukkah? Have you donned your pj’s and come to Chanukah Pajamaka? Have you participated in the Tuesday evening Zoom classes sponsored by the Avis Foundation? You can learn art history, music appreciation, the history of Israel, wine pairing, cooking, poetry, and many more topics. Are you taking advantage of all that we have to offer?

Take a careful look at the E-Shalom and really discover just how much there is at Temple Israel. We are here because we have decided to be Reform Jews, but our synagogue offers adult education and a great number of social activities. This is the year to try something new. It can be the year to join the Membership Committee, or become involved in Sisterhood, or to offer your help in the Religious school.

The more YOU do the more you will get from your Temple Israel membership. We hope to see you in September. If you have any questions about a new activity, feel free to contact either of us.

Bryn Biren & Russell Kaminsky

Co-Presidents

Wishing everyone a pleasant summer. Hug your family, laugh with friends, go on a new adventure whether far away or right in your own backyard! 

🎶 “I‘ll see you in September.”

Senior Choir rehearsals for the High Holy Days begin on Tuesday, September 10. 

Cantor Suzanne Bernstein 

Choir members should check their e-mails and News & Notes for updated information regarding Choir Rehearsal Schedules.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST 2024

TAMMUZ-AV 5784

For calendar updates please check the Temple website.

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

MAZEL TOV TO:

JOE GAMORAN on his 65th birthday; 

SUE & STEWART MARKS & family as their granddaughter, Eliana Isabelle is welcomed into the House of Israel; 

BARBARA FRIED as she relocates to Chicago;

SHARIANN GANZ AND FAMILY on the marriage of

Bryan Ganz to Jaclyn Smolin

GET WELL WISHES TO:

PAMELA ROGOZIN

JERRY MULNICK

JERRY GROSS

MAXINE CHECCHI

THINKING OF YOU:

SUE FREEDMAN

BARBARA MENNA

RUSSEL KAMINSKY

August 2, 2024

Sidney Morse *

Isidore Drucker

Matthew Kinsey

Joseph Markowitz

Harry Selznick *

Jean Goodman

Roslyn Mendelsohn

Joyce Kantrowitz

John Garand Rowan *

Victor G. Bloom

Shirley Ann Hirsh *

Sylvia Marcus

Jacob Price *

Alex Cohen

Yetta Weiss *

Shimonov Mashiach

Lenore Herrmann

Jimmy Smith

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Moishe Ofman

Jakab Kahan

Alexander Kristeber

Mano Stern

Lajos Szinaberg

August 9, 2024

Stella Blumin *

Augusta Straniere *

Jean Baruch *

Jeffrey Ganz

Stanley Schuster

Marion Cohen

Emanuel Trachman *

Lila Avis *

Celia Holtz *

Alter Pisetzner

Isadore Marks Dumont

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Francesco Del Pozzo

Reischel Belven

Srul Dawidowicz

Marian Jarmuszkiewicz

Ernst Moses

August 16, 2024

Irwin Magnus

Claire Eisen *

Harriet Taylor

Lewis Dickar *

"Papa" David Sostek

Gertrude Sappin *

Alter Pisetzner

Betty S. Rothaus *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Franciszek Wojnarski

Doris Liesbeth Seyfert

Richard Schwillinsky

Ruth Thal

Bernard Larcher

August 23, 2024

Fannie Feldhamer *

Renee Nadel

Audrey Lasher *

Max Baskin

Joseph Silberberg

Bertram Bleiman

Emil Checchi

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Albert Heymann

Ferencne Hertz

Heinrich Tenschert

George Stephan De Kadt

Sala Pergricht

August 30, 2024

John David Muhlfelder *

Eva Benjamin *

Lena Goldberg *

Sarah Miriam Gross *

Rose Lippman

Vera Armstrong

Mary Krisburg *

Sylvia Chazanoff

Evelyn Ruth Konigsberg *

Louis Schlefstein *

Rose Jaeger *

Mary Freedman

Phyllis Vaccarelli

Solomon Jacob Gross *

And we remember from the Holocaust:

Martin Skibinski

Josef Dorner

Rachel De Jongh

Sandor Leipnik

Moishe Liberman

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 at  dfeder19@aol.com to set up an account. 

DEDICATE A LEAF ON OUR

TREE OF LIFE

Click on the image below.

For information regarding your fiancial commitment to Temple Israel for this year, please contact Jacqueline Rabinowitz directly at: jperezrabin@gmail.com.

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.

Sisterhood never sleeps.

The month of July was packed with pastries, planning, preparations, practice and playing.

We are grateful to Linda Hanibal for making sure that all our formally sponsored Onegs over the course of the summer were (and will be) so beautiful and filled with delicious treats.  Thank you also to Claire Guttsman and Bryn Biren who baked a wonderful selection of desserts for July 19^th and to all those dedicated Sisterhood members who accepted the honors of setting up and serving at each of our onegs this past month.  We are also especially grateful to Sal Mazzola who has become an invaluable supporter and is always a generous helper.

Sisterhood is happy to have been able to purchase a new ice machine for the Temple.  Thank you to Alan Siegel for all his help with that project. Linda Hanibal did the research and shopping for the new set of tablecloths we purchased for use in the social hall.  We will be replacing our old and very used sets with additional new, clean, crisp and colorful table toppers!

Shari Stein-Ballow continues to provide crochet lessons for those who wish to develpe their creative interests, and Anita & Bob Zuckerberg are keeping our recreational skills going with Canasta Lessons. Thank you to each of them.

Sandy Mazzucco is making all the final arrangements for our Defensive Driving class on August 11^th.  Completion of the course will give you a rate reduction on your insurance or, if necessary, a point reduction on your license.  Payment is due by August 7^th.  This course is also open to non-members Contact Sandy at speakdok@aol.com.

Preparations for the High Holidays are in full swing. 

Blanche Ricci has made sure that our Judaica shop is filled with all kinds of Rosh Hashanah gift ideas, including our fabulous Honey Gift Packs.  They are going fast, so if you haven’t ordered yours yet, please contact Blanche at branchtr.ricci@gmail.com.

Silvia Gornstein and Judy Lee are organizing Sisterhood’s always well-received New Year’s Card beautifully designed by Jules Lee.  Early bird pricing ends on August 8^th with a final deadline to participate by September 6^th.  We will not be able to include anyone after that date, so please be sure to send in your checks and names on time! 

We will be asking for your assistance with many of our other High Holiday responsibilities, including the polishing of the ritual silver, Rosh Hashanah Challah and Cake following services and our traditional Break-the-Fast following Neilah services on Yom Kippur.  We hope you will consider lending a hand for any or all these wonderful traditions. Details to follow. 

We have already begun planning for Sukkot and Simchat Torah.  We hope to see you at our Bring-A-Dairy-Dish to Share prior to Sukkot services, Pizza in the Hut, Sippin’ in the Sukkah and our Dairy-Dish-To-Share Luncheon following the Simchat Torah Yizkor Service.

Most importantly, we hope that you will renew or begin your Sisterhood Membership for the coming year.  Your support, with your presence and your dues, helps us to maintain our temple traditions and continue to support Temple Israel with activities, ice machines, tablecloths, onegs, etc.  For information about membership, please contact our Membership Vice-Presidents Karen Gross and Sandy Feuerstein at karenjg33@gmail.com or bartenda23@aol.com. 

We look forward to seeing you all again in the fall as we continue to foster the three pillars of Women of Reform Judaism:  Sisterhood, Spirituality and Social Justice.  We hope you will find a home with us to build any or all of these areas of core values.

Jodi Siegel and Shariann Ganz

Sisterhood Co-Presidents 

UPCOMING SISTERHOOD CALENDAR DATES

Brotherhood at Temple Israel continues….Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

As the summer starts to fade, Brotherhood continues to plan for next year. Our most recent success was the summer Barbecue, produced by our crew of ‘grillers’ and enjoyed by all in attendance.

Our new officers and directors are looking forward to a variety of activities that will be supporting Temple Israel in the coming year. We hope to have some meetings during August and look forward to your participation to offer your ideas and assistance. Events in conjunction with Sisterhood such as Bingo are currently under consideration.

As we move ahead toward this year’s High Holiday activities, please keep in mind that your assistance with the construction and decoration of our Community Sukkah will be gratefully accepted. The Sukkah becomes the focal point of Succot as it will again host activities for our religious school students as well as Pizza in the Hut and Sippin’ in the Sukkah.

Remember that Temple Israel is the only access to Reform Judaism on Staten Island and we need your support to help maintain it.

We wish you and your family a safe, healthy and restful balance of the Summer Season.

Bob Zuckerberg

President

We are sorry if your name was inadvertently omitted. Please contact the Temple Office to update your membership information.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN ONEG, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FLYER BELOW AT LEAST ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE YOU ARE REQUESTING.

SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO SISTERHOOD VIA THE SISTERHOOD MAILBOX, OR GIVE IT DIRECTLY TO

SISTERHOOD CO-PRESIDENT SHARIANN GANZ.

YOU WILL THEN BE CONTACTED BY A SISTERHOOD REPRESENTATIVE WHO WILL HAPPILY ASSIST YOU WITH ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS & DETAILS.

The Membership Committee will be meeting again at the beginning of August.

Stay tuned for some new and exciting Membership events to be announced for the Fall and the coming year.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Mazzucco

Claire Guttsman

Sarah Sarfati

Rian Silverman

Co-Chairs

Please join Sisterhood as we work with URJ’s Religious Action Center, RAC-FL, Women of Reform Judaism, Florida Yes on 4 and the Floridians Protecting Freedom Campaign TO PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM THROUGH A NOVEMBER BALLOT AMENDMENT. 

At our kick-off meeting on Sunday, September 29th, we will be writing postcards which will encourage voters to vote YES on Issue 4 to limit government interference with abortion access.

All supplies, instructions and postage will be provided.  We just need your assistance in getting the job done for this important issue.  All are welcome to join us!

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.

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

Sunday School will be starting for your children on September 8th. We are hoping many of you will bring friends who have young children and who may be interested in joining our congregation and having their children attend our Sunday School class. 

We will arrange for many wonderful things this coming year, including going to the Children’s Jewish Museum in Brooklyn, learning how to make Challah, the wonderful Cutest Cookie store where our children can create Chanukah cookies, and other good events for our children. 

Please, reach out to either of us to discuss any volunteering you are interested in doing and we can tell you about all the committees and the kind of work we all have volunteered to do throughout our wonderful years of life at our temple congregation. 

Continue to enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Bryn Biren and Terry Baver

MsBunny7@aol.com

terryqbaver@gmail.com

The story of the Dr. Ronald Avis Foundation for Temple Israel

Dr. Avis originally provided our wonderful Foundation to cover a portion of the membership cost for the first 6 years for young families with young children. Our congregation had been diminishing and he was looking for a way to help us all begin to grow. After meeting with Bryn and Terry a few times, more money was added so the families would also have the opportunities to experience programs for their children. Many wonderful events have been set up for the young families including museum visits, Chanukah cookie designs, a Challah class, a program at the Staten Island Holocaust Center, and many other experiences. The foundation has also helped cover the cost of the religious school teachers.

But then!!!! Covid happened!!!!!!

So the decision was made to use a portion of the foundation money to help all the temple members. The Avis Foundation began to create the zoom classes for the adults in our congregation. These classes are continuing and the foundation covers the costs of them all. The Avis Foundation also covered the cost of the 75th anniversary event. And the foundation is now working with Judy Pessah and the Adult Education Committee to help cover the cost of all the events and classes for the adults in the congregation. 

So: Our entire congregation has benefitted from the generosity of the Foundation. Thank you RON!!!!

Start Reading—“Freud’s Mistress”, by Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman

You didn’t learn this about Sigmund Freud in your Psychology Class!

Book discussion will be held in the Fall, date TBA.

We are thinking about Adult Learning plans for next year. We would appreciate it if you think along with us. Please tell us what you are eager to learn about, suggest what you yourself may be able to teach us, and let us know of people who can present learning programs to us.

Some of our budding ideas for programs—

• Furthering our knowledge of Jewish observance and practice.

• Conversational Hebrew

• The evolution of Reformed Judaism

• The Birth of Christianity and its effect on Judaism

• Aspects of the Holocaust

• A bus trip to “Jewish” Philadelphia

• Viewing the play “Gene and Gilda” at the George St. Playhouse in New Brunswick, N.J., on December 15th.

Hope you are having a wonderful summer. Please look out for Adult Learning Committee meeting notices and JOIN US!

Judith Pessah & Judy Lee

Adult Learning Committee Chairperson

In December, we will be having a Goods and Services auction. For this to be a successful fundraiser, we hope everybody will join us by offering a service. We value your skills, whether you can teach, offer an event in your home, or donate an item or an experience, we'd love to add it to the list! Some examples of services include taking portrait pictures, offering a guitar lesson or two, donating time at a vacation home, or donating an afternoon at your pool with lunch. The goods part can be a donation of a piece of jewelry, artwork, or a gift certificate. Be creative and have fun, while giving back to your spiritual home.  

Please forward your generous donation ideas to Tifundraising@yahoo.com .  Additionally, please let us know if you can help us out and if you’re interested in attending this fundraising event.

Thank you,

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

Co-Chairs