The Westchester Jewish Council's
Community Connection
Final Summer Issue
September 2, 2021 25 Elul 5781
|
|
It feels as if we are off to a running start this month with all that is upon us including Labor Day, Rosh Hashana (the celebration of the Jewish new year) and the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. There are many ways we as a community will commemorate these important holidays/events, with some being highlighted below. We hope you will take part in these offerings in the coming week and throughout the year. Please read below for a wide range of events and happenings. How blessed we are to live in such a vibrant community.
On behalf of the leadership of the Westchester Jewish Council, we thank you for your support and wish you a happy and healthy start of the Jewish year - 5782
William H. Schrag, President
Lori Kurlander, Communications Manager
Elliot Forchheimer, CEO
WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL
"HERE WHEN YOU NEED US-YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW"
(The Council is financially supported by donations from individuals,
dues from 130 member organizations and generous grant support from UJA-Federation.)
|
|
Maccabeats "Apples and Honey" |
|
Please support the work of the Westchester Jewish Council. Your donation makes a difference each and every day. Click here to donate.
|
|
|
|
Join the forum on zoom:
facebook.com/ShellyMayerSD37
|
|
UJA-FEDERATION OF NY IN WESTCHESTER |
|
CELEBRATING HOPE
Friday, September 10, 2021 • 10:00 - 11:00 am
HOPE COMMUNITY SERVICES
50 Washington Ave, New Rochelle
(Use 60 Union Ave for GPS; the entrance is across the street from HOPE)
Join with UJA and our partners HOPE Community Services, Met Council, and Feeding Westchester to dedicate Westchester’s new kosher food pantry. You’ll hear from our leadership about the impact that the pantry is already having on our community and what the future will bring. To mark this occasion, please bring one or more of the kosher food items listed below to help stock the pantry - Canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned tuna, canned beans, rice, pasta, and pasta sauce. All items should be unopened, not past their expiration date, and with a Kosher certification.
Attendance at this event is limited to individuals who have completed the Covid-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to the date of the event. Proof of vaccination will be required for admittance. Individuals may provide proof via paper form, the NYS Excelsior Pass, or other mobile app. This event will be held in accordance with all applicable law and regulations, including state, local, and CDC guidelines, to protect the health and welfare of our staff and guests.
|
|
THE COUNCIL LOOKS BACK - HOLIDAY SECURITY BRIEFING |
|
The Council's annual High Holiday Security Briefing was held virtually on Wednesday, September 1st. This program provides an opportunity to hear security updates from our local and state law enforcement officers and elected officials. Thank you to the Council's security chair, Jeff Kapelus for moderating and to guest speakers including Hon. George Latimer, District Attorney, Mimi Rocah, Chief Dan McKenna, Chief Andrew Matturro, Chief Michael Cerone, William J. Hayes and all of our partners at Community Security Initiative (CSI).
|
|
Jeff Kapelus-Westchester Jewish Council Security Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
William J. Hayes, Regional Security Manager |
|
WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL UPCOMING PROGRAMS |
|
WESTCHESTER LEADERSHIP KICK-OFF RECEPTION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th from 7:00 to 8:15pm
This annual program is open to the leadership of the Westchester Jewish Council member organizations, Council board members and our elected officials. It will take place outdoors in a tent at the JCC of Mid-Westchester. We are adhering to guidelines to make sure this event is safe for everyone. Check your email for final information.
|
|
The Teshuva of Our Time
A pre-Yom Kippur Day of Learning with
Pardes North America
Date: September 12, 2021
Time: 11:00 AM-3:00 PM EDT
How can we understand the concept of Teshuva (repentance), a central point of reflection in Jewish tradition, in light of our present moment? Where can we do better as a Jewish and global community? Join Pardes North America for a pre-Yom Kippur day of learning as we delve into the critical intersection between Teshuva and mental health, environmentalism, relationships, and more. Featuring guest faculty Rabbi Dr. Art Green, Rabbi Mychal Springer and Rabbi Avram Mlotek, as well as Pardes faculty, Rabbi Mike Uram, Rabbi Michael Hattin, Rabbi Amirit Rosen, Tovah Leah Nachmani, and Rabbi Zvi Hirchfield.
|
|
The Sound of the Shofar:
The History & Sounds of the Jewish High Holidays
Monday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Start your week with the special sounds of the shofar, the ram's horn that is traditionally blown in synagogues throughout the world as a sacred component of the Jewish High Holidays. Jeffrey Cahn, Executive Director of NYC congregation Romemu, will join us to provide background about the shofar, demonstrate his formidable shofar-blowing skills, and answer your questions about this unique instrument and its important symbolism. Don't miss this special program!
To register and receive the link, please click: Shofar
|
|
|
|
Metro: Stroll Through Strawberry Fields
September 23, 2021 @ 7:15PM — 8:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Join us for a presentation about the Beatles!
Please click here to register.
|
|
HOPE COMMUNITY SERVICES FOOD PANTRY |
|
This past Spring, Hope Community Services in New Rochelle opened their doors to provide free kosher food to our community. The Hope Community Services Food Pantry is a partnership between Met Council and Feeding Westchester and was created through a grant from UJA-Federation. All who live in Westchester County, work or attend Westchester schools are eligible to receive free food. As the holidays are DAYS away, we are reminding the community of this wonderful resource so everyone has what they need at their table. Email (pantry@hope-cs.org) or call (914-636-4010 Ex. 2) Hope immediately to sign up. The next formal pick up is September 9th at 10am. If there is a need to receive food prior, please feel free to call Hope now to organize a quick pick up.
|
|
WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL ROUNDTABLES (ConnecTables) |
|
Westchester Jewish Council
Upcoming Community Roundtables
(The Council thanks the hundreds of people that dedicate time to attend our Roundtables -
a signature initiative of the Council often sponsored with wonderful partners from among our member organizations)
Upcoming Virtual Council Roundtables:
Synagogue Executiuve Directors - Thursday, September 9 from 2:00pm - 3:00 pm
Youth Professionals Roundtable (with the amazing team at the Jewish Education Project) - Thursday, October 14 from 12:00pm - 1:30 pm
Contact the Council office at (914) 328-7001 or info@wjcouncil.org for information on these and other Roundtables--a key offering of the Westchester Jewish Council.
|
|
The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day), is a chance to help others in tribute to those killed and injured on September 11, 2001, first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe. September 11, 2021, is the 20th Anniversary of that tragic day.
|
|
9/11 Day of Service Package Delivery
DOROT's package delivery program brings hundreds of older adults and volunteers together to share warmth and companionship. Join us on September 12 or 13 for this special program in recognition of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Volunteers will:
1. Pick up a package of treats at DOROT Westchester
2. Deliver the package to an older adult
3. Connect by phone with the older adult for a 20-30-minute friendly phone call.
9/11 Day Intergenerational Zoom Programs
Volunteer via Zoom as part of an intergenerational group with DOROT older adults. Meet new people and share wit and wisdom. Programs include:
Group Cardmaking on Thursday, September 2, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Join other DOROT volunteers to make Day of Service cards for active-duty military and veterans, learn New York trivia and have some fun!
For more 9/11 Dorot programs, please click here.
|
|
|
|
To learn about community-wide volunteering opportunities in honor of 9/11, please click here.
|
|
NEW COUNCIL CONNECT-ORY IS IN THE WORKS!
The all new Council Connect-ory will be here soon and based on your input, we are going green! The information will be published in our all new online Directory which is always available on our website and in other council communications.
The Connect-ory is a comprehensive directory which includes all of our member organizations and synagogues working in the Westchester County and a bit beyond. Our Connect-ory is used by both professionals, lay people and our elected officials as the source for “all things Jewish” in the Westchester area. We remind all of our member organizations and synagogues to continue to send in your updated information for publication. Business supporters are always welcome and will be included in our online directory in the business partner section.
|
|
The Making of a Mensch: The Crucial Role Grandparents Play
Monday, September 13th at 7pm
Sponsored by the Grandparents Network, join this program for a conversation with two wise and accomplished women about how grandparents contribute to and mold the character development of their grandchildren. Jane Isay and Tiffany Shlain will share key ideas for developing a strong character drawn from elegant Jewish wisdom on how to live a good life and be a mensch.
|
|
DOROT Westchester
Intergenerational Chess
This is an opportunity for older adults to participate in an intergenerational chess program. For more information, please contact DOROT's Westchester office at 914-485-8354 or infoWestchester@dorotusa.org
|
|
|
WESTCHESTER COUNTY
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
|
|
The Academy for Jewish Religion, a pluralistic Jewish seminary located in Yonkers, New York, has an immediate opening for a part time experienced Administrative Assistant. This position is an on-site position at our location in Yonkers. It is a part-time position, 20-25 hours per week. The hours can be divided into full days or partial days, Monday through Thursday.
For more information, please click here.
|
|
DOROT Westchester seeks a dynamic, tech savvy, and hard-working individual to provide support and office assistance for the team. The Program Administrator will work with the Director to streamline, support, and enhance day-to-day operations of the department, current programs and new growth opportunities. The ideal candidate possesses good judgement. strong customer service and client engagement skills, an affinity for older adults, and has a track record in creative problem solving under pressure.
For more details, please click here.
|
|
Temple Israel of Northern Westchester (TINW), a vibrant Reform congregation, seeks to welcome a new educator into our religious school, the Center for Jewish Learning. We are looking for a warm and dedicated individual who is available to teach lower grade Judaica, in-person on Sunday mornings. . Classes will be small, held outside and everyone will be masked and socially distanced. All applicants must be fully vaccinated. If you are interested, please send your resume to Rabbi Wendy Pein at educator@tinw.org. |
|
WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL'S
SECURITY AND SAFETY UPDATE
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" B. Franklin
|
|
The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) (Council member) has created a bridge loan fund providing capital to federal and state security grant recipients to make all necessary security upgrades immediately while awaiting reimbursement from the government. This program provides interest-free loans of up to $150,000 to organizations in our area. Click here for more information, or contact Fred Cohen at fcohen@hfls.org
|
|
Please be aware of the DA’s Tips Hotline (914-995-TIPS) to help combat hate and bias in Westchester.
If anyone requires help with security grants, please contact security@wjcouncil.org.
As always and per protocol, please report any security concerns immediately to your local Police Department and then to the Council and to CSI/Bill Hayes for follow up.
Stay alert, prepared and safe.
|
|
We invite teens in the community to represent their agencies and synagogues at our WJC Youth Volunteer Roundtable. We ask our Youth Professionals to recommend a teen(s) to join us at the table. Please send the name and contact and any questions to Donna Bartell - Donna@WJCouncil.org
Thank you to The Jewish Education Project for working so closely with our Teen professionals and volunteers!
|
|
Spectrum 219 and 830, DirecTV 388,
Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and streamed on www.jbstv.org
For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org
The Hudson Valley 211 Helpline is Here
This is a service of United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
|
|
Westchester Jewish Council
925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY 10604
914-328-7001 | info@wjcouncil.org | www.wjcouncil.org
|
|
The next Community Connection will be published on or about September 15, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
