CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL is the Jewish home we share. We are a community creating positive experiences with individuals of every age. CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL is our spiritual center, where together, our family of families celebrates, commemorates, worships, learns, nurtures, gives, and grows. We constantly strive to achieve the beauty that comes from experiencing the world through Jewish eyes.
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL 2 Banksville Road • Armonk, NY 10504 • Winter 2015/2016 Quarterly Bulletin
TRADITION
Returning to Wholeness―Refuah Shleimah Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky My thoughts have been revolving around health and healing these last weeks, as a beloved family member has been critically ill. It is impossible to not feel powerless watching helplessly from the bedside. What can one do other than advocate for the patient’s care… and pray? I sent the Hebrew name to friends and colleagues to add to their Mi Shebeirach lists for prayer, and asked everyone around me to pray- pray to whomever and to whatever they pray. Pray to the sunrise, pray to Mecca, pray to Mohammed and to Jesus Christ. I have to believe in the power of prayer. I have seen prayer make a difference in the world. Even scientific researchers have shown measurable differences in the medical outcomes of patients for whom prayers were said. Yet when bad things happen to good people, our beliefs are thrown into question. “Why pray to a God who could have prevented this from happening in the first place?” “Will this prayer make any difference?” Regardless, I know with absolute confidence there is benefit in merely positive attitude. Thus I repress those nagging questions: “How could this happen?” “Why is this amazing person plagued with suffering?” And I pray.
So much is unknown in times like these; who would begrudge even the possibility that prayer could make a difference? I said prayers in the ICU, I said prayers on the airplane up and down the East Coast, I said prayers in bed, I said prayers during Shabbat services, Friday and Saturday both. I said simplistic prayers with my child. I led the family in group prayer. I electronically sent prayers across the globe to be placed in the Kotel, the Wailing Wall, in Jerusalem. And I wait. continues on page 3
IN THIS ISSUE Cover-3 Tradition
Returning to Wholeness-Refuah Shleimah
We Want to Honor You An Unforgetable Evening in Spain
3-7 Community
8-10 Commitment to Others
Annual Cantor's Concert Shabbat Service Guest Speaker: Rabbi Schechter Birthday Blessings To Our Future, For Our Future: Annual Boutique and Installation of Rabbi Strom Being Audacious Save the Date: CBY Gala: April 9 CBY Cultural Connections and Brotherhood: Upcoming Programs
Midnight Run Coat Drive Chanukah Gift Giving Party Upcoming Programs Quilts Donated to Children's Hospital Annual High Holy Day Food Drive
10 Leadership
From Our President
11-13 Learning
Tzedakah and Hanukkah PJ Library: A Gift for Jewish Children and their Families Music & Miles: Changing Minds Upcoming Programs JID Program Fall 2015 Adult Education For Our Young Families
13-14 Investment
Creating a Blueprint for CBY 's Future Annual Giving Campaign and Donations Amazon Smile
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL
Our Cornerstones
Tradition Congregation B’nai Yisrael connects individuals to our Jewish heritage and weaves our traditions into our individual and family identities. Our religious traditions form a framework for meaningful Jewish lives, and /CBYArmonk help us to celebrate moments of wonder in life’s cycle and to find comfort in times of tragedy and sorrow. Our spiritual home connects our members Rabbi Joshua Strom to that which is Divine, to the rich variety of Jewish living, and to others rabbistrom@cbyarmonk.org in our community. 2 Banksville Road, Armonk, NY 10504 (914) 273-2220 • fax (914) 273-2285 cbyarmonk.org • temple@cbyarmonk.org
Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky cantorkobilinsky@cbyarmonk.org Community Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz Founding Rabbi, Retired Congregation B'nai Yisrael is the center of Jewish life in Armonk. As a neighborhood synagogue, we form a bond among our member families. Melissa Cohavi Director of Jewish Identity Development The synagogue serves as a spiritual and a social center where individuals melissa@cbyarmonk.org Ava Saperstein Administrator fulfill their religious needs and find meaning in Judaism at every stage of life. ava@cbyarmonk.org Jessica Gollin Education Coordinator Learning jessica@cbyarmonk.org Alicia Allison Communications Director Learning the lessons of our Jewish heritage is a primary focus at alicia@cbyarmonk.org Congregation B'nai Yisrael. Together we discover the building blocks of David Pribish Bookkeeper Jewish life, expand our sense of self in a Jewish context, and apply Jewish david@cbyarmonk.org wisdom to every stage of our journey. Frank Vetere Facilities Manager frank@cbyarmonk.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Committee Lisa Broomer President Brian Kaminer Vice President, Business Affairs Communications Co-chair Samantha Schwam Vice President, Programs; Caring/Social Action Co-chair; William Katz Treasurer Bonni Stanley Secretary, Human Resources Chair Paul Skurman Member-At-Large, High Holy Day Honors Chair Members of the Board Susan Bloom CBY Cultural Connections Chair Valerie Drossman Michelle Eickelbeck Membership Chair Diane Freedman Jewish Identity Development Chair Sheldon Ganis High Holy Day Fundraising Aaron Kwittken Communications Co-chair Ina Lane Suzanne Lipton Cookie Markhoff Religious Practices Chair Charles Shapiro Long Range Planning Chair Amy Yallof Felicia Zacks
PAST PRESIDENTS Lewis Schaffer Robert Regal John Stern Marilyn Heimerdinger Michael J. Gross ז״לShelly Jacob Mike Jacobs David Brody Lyle Halperin ז״ל Barby K. Siegel Ann Leber Joel Dworetzky Ellen Bernstein Frederic J. Siegel Charles Shapiro Lawrence C. Fox
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Commitment to Others The Jewish impulse to repair the world [Tikkun Olam] plays a central role in the life of our community. We care for other human beings and strive to make a difference in people’s lives through individual and communal acts of tzedakah here in Armonk, in our wider Westchester community, and throughout our world. Investment We are deeply committed to maintaining our vibrant community. We demonstrate our dedication by sharing our time and our resources to insure a healthy future for our synagogue. Leadership Our clergy and leadership are accessible and responsive. It is our responsibility to be deeply connected to one another, in order to hear what every individual and family needs, and learn how to strengthen our community. Relevance From ancient times, Judaism has thrived by maintaining its traditions in an evolving world. Our synagogue helps our families build contemporary Jewish lives. Through celebration and study, by taking care of our own and reaching out to help others, by respecting every individual and embodying a spirit of diversity, we are able to be authentic Jews in a modern world.
Printed on 100% recycled paper. Read this issue of our Bulletin, as well as past issues, online at cbyarmonk.org under Calendar and Events.
TRADITION continues from cover
The Hebrew equivalent of “Get Well Soon!” is “Refuah Shleimah” (complete healing). The term “shleimah,” or complete, also connotes wholeness. Since one can’t always expect a recovery to the exact previous state of health, the concept of “wholeness” leaves much open for interpretation. We can be whole while still imperfect. Imagine walking away from a car accident, and saying, “I’m in one piece- I’m lucky!” I might suggest that the idea of “wholeness” of healing might be used interchangeably with that idea of being in one piece. Getting through such a crisis, our priorities shift-a scratch on a new car can certainly be infuriating, but after a more serious accident, one quickly overlooks damaged metal and plastic, focusing on the greater value of the life within the vehicle. How quickly would we exchange the most valuable objects in our possession for health? If only such an easy transaction were available… This leads me to a troubling question: Does prayer fail? I have prayed for people that stayed sick, or declined, or died.
Did I fail? Did the words fail? Did God fail? What a catch-22. We pray not knowing the outcome. We pray even when hope is lost. Do we pray the next time anyway? I’ve also prayed for outcomes that were achieved. Were those outcomes proof of successful prayer? I am reminded of the phrase, “My father was a wandering Aramean” from the last book of the Torah, Devarim/ Deuteronomy, and the Passover Haggadah. We wandered through the desert for 40 years in search of the Promised Land, sick of manna and the desert heat, but we kept trudging on. My ancestors emigrated to America with no money, no possessions, no promises, no ideas of the struggles they would encounter. Yet they still came. And I wander through the words of prayer- formal, written, and impromptu, not knowing their destination in time or space. I don’t know the future. But I hope. And I believe.
COMMUNITY
Birthday Blessings For children and adults alike! Starting in January 2016 Rabbi Strom and Cantor Kobilinsky will give monthly birthday blessings on the first Friday of the month. Join us at services, receive a blessing on the bima for a good year, and children will receive a special treat too. The dates for our special birthday blessings are: • • • • • •
January 1 February 5 March 4 April 1 May 6 June 3 (for all summer birthdays)
Annual Cantor's Concert Family Concert―A Tribute to Children and Parents Music from multiple genres Sunday, February 28 at 4:00 p.m. in the CBY Sanctuary Free and open to the community
Shabbat Guest Speaker: Rabbi Philip Schechter Join us for a special guest speaker at Shabbat Services on Friday, January 22 at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Schechter will be speaking about his experiences as a young rabbi during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 60's. He was on the front lines of the civil rights movement in Baltimore, and was arrested for his actions as a civil rights activist. He also marched on the Edmond Pettit Bridge in Selma, Alabama during some of the most heated times of the civil rights movement.
Congratulations Jeffrey Tuchman and Felicia Buebel on the birth of their granddaughter, Penelope Jane Tuchman, on August 15, 2015 Shelly and Bernie Jacob on the birth of their grandson, Grayson Jacob Meltzer, on November 9, 2015
In Memoriam Betty Kurzman, mother of Ellen Lestz David Cirin, father of Felisse Starker George Greene, father of Alex Greene Justin Newman, father of Joanne Peyser Lester Pollack, father of Bruce Pollack Letty Goldman, mother of Glenn Goldman Rabbi Paul Siegel, father of Fred Siegel Sylvia Levine, grandmother of Leslie Cziner David Waksman, brother of Rich Waksman
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COMMUNITY
To Our Future, For Our Future: Annual Boutique and Installation of Rabbi Strom: October 23
View more pictures from these events and others on our facebook page: facebook.com/CBYArmonk. 4
COMMUNITY
Being Audacious Rabbi Joshua Strom April Baskin is the Union for Reform Judaism’s Vice President of Audacious Hospitality. Yes, there is such a position. And yes, I will confess that I, like many, had a brief chuckle at the idea that such a high level of authority and responsibility has been devoted to such a particular area within the ranks of the Union. Until I learned exactly what that term means. Until I learned that audacious hospitality is not such a particular area at all. Until I learned that April, a Jew of color, has had, mostly unfortunately, an entirely different experience of being a Jew than virtually any of us at CBY, I’d venture to guess. When your father is mistaken as a bouncer, a security guard, even as a thief pilfering flowers from a bat mitzvah celebration, that will change your perspective on synagogues and Jewish institutions, exposing the gap between how welcoming congregations are and how welcoming they believe they are. And yet, even as April leads us into difficult conversations we now know we need to have within and beyond our communities, she can still do so with a smile, even sometimes with a laugh. Like how when people ask her, “How are you Jewish?,” she replies, “I’m good, how are you?” Among the many things I learned and the memorable experiences I enjoyed at the recent URJ Biennial Convention in Orlando, audacious hospitality seemed to be everywhere I turned. And what I discovered is that audacious hospitality is nothing less than a philosophy all its own. Audacious hospitality is more than just a friendly face smiling to greet you with warmth and welcoming as you enter the synagogue or the sanctuary.
It is more than having a ramp available to be installed for elderly grandparents at a bat mitzvah, more than an accessible toilet in the restrooms. It is more than a sensitivity to those with nut allergies. It is about doing everything we can as a congregation to make everyone – everyone feel like they have a place here. It is thinking strategically and thoroughly about what is the first and second and hundredth impression made upon any person who enters into our synagogue. It’s ensuring that the diverse learning needs of every single child in our JID program are understood and met. It’s using a microphone when I come down off the bimah, even if there is a small crowd at Shabbat services, because I can’t assume no one there is hearing impaired. It’s in being thoughtful and intentional about the language we use both in worship and during the oneg or the pancake breakfast or the Brotherhood bagel brunch so that those who identify as gay or transgender don’t feel excluded, those who are part of interfaith families don’t feel alienated or marginalized. In short, audacious hospitality is about doing everything within our power to make our congregation a place where no one ever feels like “the other.” In the coming weeks and months, as we continue with our Long Range Planning initiative, spearheaded by the incredibly talented Charles Shapiro, this is a conversation I hope to start at CBY. I am confident we will rise to this challenge, as we have already begun to with so many others. And perhaps, for each of us as individuals, there is something that this concept of audacious hospitality can teach us as well.
Save the Date "As my ancestors planted for me, so I too plant for my children." -Talmud Ta'anit 23a CBY Gala in honor of Rabbi Joshua Strom for inspiring our future Shelly and Bernie Jacob for 27 years of dedicated service Saturday Evening, April 9, 2016 at Willow Ridge Country Club, Harrison, NY Benefactor and journal ad contributions currently available at cbyarmonk.org/gala 5
COMMUNITY
CBY Cultural Connections Staged Reading of Driving Miss Daisy and Walking Tour of the Lower East Side.
Upcoming CBY Brotherhood Volunteer at the Food Bank in Elmsford, NY Sunday, February 7. 10:00am-12:00pm Start your Superbowl Sunday off right by helping those in need at the local food pantry.
CBY Cultural Connections Italian Feast Sur La Table Cooking Class Tuesday, February 2. 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Westchester Mall, White Plains, NY Docent Led Tour of the Isaac Mizrahi Exhibit at the Jewish Museum Tuesday, April 19. 11:00 a.m.
We Want to Honor YOU Ina Lane Last year, our clergy began offering the honor of an aliyah for the Friday evening Shabbat Torah reading to those whose bar/bat mitzvah portion corresponded to the portion being chanted by Cantor Kobilinsky. All who participated found it a warm and rewarding event. Right now, we have the Torah portion information for those who answered that question in last year’s membership survey and for all of the children who celebrated their bar/bat mitzvah on our bimah. We want to expand this program to include all congregants. To that end, you should have received an email during the week of December 14 asking you to electronically submit information about your bar/bat mitzvah date and the Torah portion you chanted. (If you only have the date, we have historical calendars to determine the portion). Our goal is to have a database with that information for the entire congregation, so that all of our members can have the honor of an aliyah. To be clear, the invitation is to chant the blessings before the after the Torah readings, not chant the Torah portion! Once you are in the database, you can expect to receive an invitation for the honor of an Aliyah about 1-2 months before the Shabbat when the portion will be chanted. If you have any questions, please contact me at aliyot@cbyarmonk.org. 6
COMMUNITY
An Unforgetable Evening in Spain Frederic J. Siegel Our family had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving week in Spain because our daughter Matty, a junior in college, has been studying there since September. Despite the fact that the Spanish Inquisition (between 1478 and 1501) represented one of the worst periods for our people (those unwilling to convert and become Catholic were either killed or forced into exile from Spain), Judaism still lives in Spain today. Our first contact with Judaism in Spain was our visit to the Sinagoga Major, a synagogue in the heart of Barcelona that dates back to the 13th century. A very small place, 4 x 20 ft, it sits in the Jewish Quarter. This was the only Synagogue that permitted the possession of seats—a prized item tied to all sorts of transactions (leanings, donations and inheritances). Its foundation dates back to Roman times and it was truly an understated but special place to visit. Today there are about 5,000 Jews living in Barcelona and the Jewish quarter consists of one Judaica shop, a kosher restaurant and the Synagogue.
I don’t know exactly why but I found myself somewhat weepy during the service until a smile was generated by our older daughter, Matty, making hand gestures to the exit from above me that we should leave. We didn’t leave until the end of the service and I am glad we stayed. After a lovely Kiddish we were invited to have dinner in the basement of the building. We sat with the Rabbi and his wife, a couple from Israel and a young Jewish woman, a family therapist from New York who had stopped in Madrid on her way to Israel. The Rabbi led another service before, during and after dinner and we sang songs, some of which we did recognize. Dinner consisted of salad items, fish, pasta and for dessert grapes—and of course a very nice Challah. Interestingly, they also had peanuts on the table. When Barby asked if the peanuts had special meaning, the Cantor responded no —they just like peanuts.
From Barcelona we traveled to Madrid. Although our daughters were not enthusiastic about attending Shabbat services, Barby and I very much wanted to do so—to pray with Spanish Jews in a place where our history is so tragic. I wanted to say Kaddish for my father who died in October. I found a Sephardic Synagogue about 20 minutes from our hotel. The gentleman with whom I spoke on the phone told me our family would be welcome to pray with them. So on Friday night we traveled by taxi to Comunidad Judia de Madrid, an Orthodox Sephardic synagogue. A sign of the times I suppose, we pulled up to four police officers with sub machine guns standing next to the shul with their police vehicle. After showing our passports and answering some questions, we were invited into the Synagogue. Being Orthodox, I was separated from Barby and the girls. I sat on the main level and they above me in the balcony. The sanctuary was small and compact adorned by one of the most beautiful eternal lights I have ever seen. The sanctuary was small and compact adorned by one of the most beautiful eternal lights I have ever seen. The service was in Spanish and Hebrew. Throughout the service, various members of the synagogue chanted and the Cantor sang a prayer to the Italian tune, “O Solo Mio.” While we say the Mourner’s Kaddish only once in Armonk they did it four or five times and I stood up each time with a few other mourners.
Yes, we had many great meals in Spain but none was quite as meaningful and special as this one. A night we will not soon forget. As we told Matty and Mallory, our only connection to these people was that we were Jews and we were treated like family. In our world that seems to have a new tragedy almost daily, it is comforting to know that these type of experiences can happen—that unadulterated goodness can still exist in today’s world. Being Jewish is not always easy as our history tells us, but it does make us part of a unique family and for that we should be grateful.
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COMMITMENT TO OTHERS
Midnight Run A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Midnight Run on Saturday, December 12. Thanks to everyone who donated food as well as new and used clothing We sent four full cars to NYC carrying over 100 lunches, hot food for 75 people and tons of clothing and toiletries. Special thanks to our cooks: Margo and Allan Ratafia; Peter and Carol Gold; Caryl Hahn; and Nancy Markhoff and also to those who went into the city to deliver all of the donations: Elyse Lazansky; Hannah Kreutzer; Chad and Jonah Schwam; Daren, Zoe, Eli and Hannah Tolz; Neil and Jason Katz; Eric, Susan and Max Levy; Lisa and Zach Knoop; Melissa and Adam Cohavi; and Rabbi Strom. This year’s run was a big success and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of so many volunteers! A special thank you to DeCicco's, Equinox, and Armonk Personal Training who also helped make this year's run possible through making and collecting donations.
Coat Drive Help our neighbors stay warm this winter by bringing your gently used, clean coats, mittens, sweaters, scarves, etc to our temple Many coats were donated during Midnight Run, but the Community Center of Northern Westchester is still in need of donations.
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COMMITMENT TO OTHERS
Chanukah Gift Giving Party During our Chanukah Gift Giving Party this year we wrapped over 120 gifts for the children at The Pleasantville Cottage School and Hope's Door. Thank you to everyone who donated!
Upcoming HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Spring BAKING MACAROONS FOR SEDER FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED Passover NORTH CASTLE ZERO WASTE DAY April 30 During Zero Waste Day, help run the Community Center of Northern Westchester tent and bring them the donations. BLOOD DRIVE May CBY hosts an annual Blood Drive with the New York Blood Center. COOKING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED Weekly/Ongoing Members of our community cook a meal once every 4-6 weeks for a person or family in need.
BRISTAL ASSISTED LIVING: WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICE weekly/ongoing A member of our congregation leads a simple service once every 4-6 weeks. SHOPPING FOR THE HUNGRY Ongoing We collect food weekly to donate to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Food donations can be dropped off at CBY at any time. For any questions or to become involved with our programs contact the Caring and Social Action Committee at socialaction@cbyarmonk.org.
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COMMITMENT TO OTHERS
Quilts Donated to Children's Hospital
Annual High Holy Day Food Drive
A special thank you to Jaime, Sydney and Rylie Dordik for delivering quilts to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. These handmade quilts are donated to us by the Northern Star Quilter's Guild who use our social hall during the summer months.
This year we delivered over 2,000 pounds of food to the Community Center of Northern Westchester, a record for CBY. Thank you to everyone who donated and to our 6th and 7th graders who helped load the cars that delivered the food.
LEADERSHIP
From Our President Lisa Broomer Having grown up in a neighborhood that was not predominantly Jewish, I have always had a great affinity for the year end holiday season. A little unusual for a temple President, I know, but this time of year has always represented to me three things I think are very much in line with Jewish values: fun, family and fulfillment. It is a time of year where we make time to have fun―from singing together with others in our Armonk community at our Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service to eating latkes and playing dreidel throughout Chanukah to ringing in a new year and watching your favorites on TV (whether that is football or floats made of flowers) on New Year's Day. It is certainly a season for enjoying time with friends and family, often making little distinction between the two. While many may see this as a season where materialism takes over, it often encourages an enormous amount of generosity and thoughtfulness about those less fortunate than we are.
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We think about warm coats for those who do not have any, food for those who cannot buy any and creating joy in the lives of those who are struggling. I am proud to say that CBY has created many opportunities for this type of giving, bringing fulfillment to many of our congregants. We have held coat and pajama drives, cooked and delivered food during a Midnight Run and wrapped gifts for children at The Pleasantville Cottage School and Hope's Door, just to name a few. To ensure that we can continue to be able to organize these types of activities, I hope that you will all consider making an end of year donation to CBY's operating fund.
I hope that everyone is able to extend this season of fun, family and fulfillment through the next few weeks and into the Spring, which may seem far away, but is never far behind.
LEARNING
Tzedakah and Hanukkah Melissa Cohavi, Director of Jewish Identity Development Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for charity. But the interesting thing about tzedakah is that while charity suggests benevolence or generosity, the root of the word actually signifies fairness and justice. In Judaism, giving is not viewed as generous or magnanimous, but simply a righteous act. The right thing to do. Makes you think a little, doesn’t it? Tzedakah represents not what your heart moves you to do or share, but that which is expected of you. Your obligation to others. So, as we are in the holiday season consider ways to make it mean more than just wish lists and presents, here are some ideas for incorporating Tzedakah into your family’s holiday … and maybe your family’s customs throughout the year! 1. Tzedakah Box. Dating back thousands of years, the tzedakah box was originally used to collect donations for repair of the Temple. Today, its presence represents an established Jewish household and it’s used to collect coins for a good cause. Contribute to your box as a family and select a seasonal (or monthly!) recipient together. 2. Tzedakah Night. In lieu of gifts one night of Hanukkah …
• As a family purchase items on a local nonprofit’s wish list and deliver them to the organization together. • Discuss the monetary value of the gifts that would have been distributed in your family that night and write and deliver a check together to an organization that has meaning to your family. • Sacrifice a gift. • Do a clean-up of your playroom and closets. Donate gently used items such as coats, toys or go through your pantry and deliver non-perishable items to your local food bank. 3. Day of Service. Select a day during the holiday season and volunteer as a family. 4. Document and reflect. Create a scrapbook or hang pictures in a special place in your house that celebrate and document your families giving efforts and achievements. This will keep the memories fresh. I wish all of you a happy holiday season and am looking forward to a wonderful 2016 together!
PJ Library: A Gift for Jewish Children and their Families For the past six years CBY has been partnering with PJ Library and sending free Jewish-content books and music every month to children 6 months to 8 years old. With over 160 children already enrolled, members and nonmembers are welcome to join for free. Sign up by visiting pjlibrary.org and choosing CBY as your community. This program is free to families through the generous donation made by our Board of Trustees. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations.
Music & Miles: Changing Minds On Saturday, January 23 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. support a preshow benefit reception to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention among young adults at The Capital Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Special guest appearance by the members of the funk band Lettuce. All proceeds will benefit The Jed Foundation and The Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund at Lagond Music School, established to honor and remember Miles Applebaum. Visit musicandmiles.org for more information and to buy tickets.
Upcoming Tu B'shevat Family Seder Sunday, January 24 at 10:00 a.m. Purim Megillah Reading, Spiel and Carnival Sunday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. Book Fair Sunday, March 13-Thursday, March 17 Chocolate Passover Seder Sunday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. 11
LEARNING
JID Program Fall 2015
Adult Education TEXT IN THE CITY | Wednesdays at noon with Rabbi Strom, 1/13, 2/10, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11, 6/8, at Pryor Cashman LLP, Times Square, NYC STUDY IN THE SUBURBS | Wednesdays at noon with Rabbi Strom, 1/20, 2/24, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15 at CBY
TORAH STUDY | Saturdays, new time of 8:45 a.m. beginning 1/9
A weekly opportunity every Shabbat morning in our library to discuss the week’s Torah portion with our clergy. Come every week or once in a while; all you need to bring is an open mind.
ROSH CHODESH LUNCHEON & STUDY GROUP | Fridays at noon once a month, 1/15, 2/12, 3/11, 4/8, 5/6
Rosh Chodesh is a special holiday where we find peace, enrichment, and sisterhood. At CBY we are a grassroots gathering of women who meet each Hebrew month to celebrate the new moon. We serve lunch and share in informal programs focusing on Jewish and/ or women’s issues.
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LEARNING
For Our Young Families TOT SHABBAT | Fridays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. 1/9, 2/6, 3/13, 4/10, 5/8 Tot Shabbat is a time for our children to experience Shabbat through storytelling and music with their parents. Our program is shared with our clergy and features the music, fun and excitement of Kenny Green. KINDERGARTEN | Sundays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. 1/25, 2/8, 3/22, 4/19, 5/3 Our Kindergarten program is an experience for the whole family to learn about the Jewish holidays, Jewish food, and Jewish living. 1st AND 2nd GRADE PROGRAM | Sundays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (weekly), following our pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. for the whole family. Family Days: 1/25, 2/8, 3/22, 4/19, 5/3
INVESTMENT
Creating a Blueprint for CBY's Future Charles Shapiro, Long Range Planning Chair In the same way that corporations have processes to project and manage their long-term growth, non-profit organizations like CBY need to do the same. To that end, our work on a strategic plan for CBY has begun. Several task forces are working on analyzing data related to membership trends, our fiscal health and our programs and services. A steering committee will soon review our findings to date. More than 20 congregants have already committed to participate in one or more of these working groups, and at some point, every member will be given the opportunity to add their views to the work. Each task force named above is currently reviewing a variety of data having to do with the overall state of CBY. They will soon begin to suggest necessary initiatives designed to improve the engagement of all the various constituencies in our membership. We are combining these inputs with literature on trends in other reform congregations as well as data on the community and other temples in Northern Westchester.
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The membership task force is currently analyzing data on membership growth and current member retention, both of which are critical to our future.
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The fiscal task force is analyzing our financial position and will soon be exploring strategies to ensure CBY’s long-term financial stability
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The program and services task force is exploring what we value most in the variety of programs and services provided throughout the year.
Early next year, we hope to conduct “sounding board” sessions that will be open to all congregants where they will have the chance to review the work to date, suggest additional ideas and express preferences and ideas for our future. As work proceeds, we will keep everyone informed of our progress, and of your chance to play a pivotal role to help shape Congregation B’nai Yisrael’s future, together.
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INVESTMENT
Annual Giving Campaign Richard and Lindsay Anfang Sidney Auerbach Robert and Ellen Belson Fran Bernard Debra Bernstein Steven and Susan Bloom Allen Blum and Stacy Wilder Marc and Beth Brickel Steven and Lisa Broomer William and Deborah Charron Robert and Diane Charron Neil and Hilary Chavkin Fred and Marlene Cohen Thomas and Michelle Coleman David Cziner and Leslie Blum William Dorfman Michael and Joan Dritz Steven and Michelle Eickelbeck Howard and Denise Engle Andrew and Mychal Ertel Monte Ezratty Brian and Debra Ezratty Howard and Randee Fischer Howard and Louise Freilich Lewis Friedman Sheldon and Susan Ganis Richard and Lisa Gladstone Ted and Alex Gladstone Gary Glauber and Deborah Cerar Alan and Stephanie Glazer Peter and Carol Gold Allan Goldberg and Louise Kaminer Robert Goldberg and Janice Yass Goldberg Eric Goodison and Lisa Mazure Robert and Debra Gottlieb Alex and Lori Greene Jeffrey and Tracey Greenfield Steven and Jill Greenspan Bruce and Dianne Grossman Ronald & Marilyn Grossman Jeffrey and Caryl Hahn John and Marilyn Heimerdinger Jeffrey and Olga Henick Ross and Michelle Honig David and Lori Ingber Bernard and Shelly Jacob Brian and Alka Kaminer William and Penny Katz Kenny and Kara Klein Frank and Helene Klein Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky and Benjamin Poserow Lawrence and Estelle Kobilinsky Lewis and Claire Koh Aaron and Tessa Kwittken Stanley and Ina Lane David and Debra Lerner Ralph and Paula Levine Eric and Susan Levy Russell and Ellen Lewis Peter and Marsha Liebowitz Peter and Margareta Limburg Mark and Suzanne Lipton Matthew and Aimee Marcus Alex Margolin and Lana Bernstein Harris and Cookie Markhoff Richard and Fran Mast Brad and Pamela Mattes
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Stuart and Judith Mencher Mark and Lisa Neporent Ilya and Alexsandra Paladnik Jerome Pickholz Joshua and Roni Podell Robert and Barbara Regal Arnold and Faye Rosen Stuart and Ellen Rosenstein Martin and Elisa Rube Betram and Regina Schapiro Kara Schissler Jennifer Guttman Frederic and Samantha Schwam Walter and Claire Schwartz Jack and Renata Schwebel Charles and Marya Shapiro Frank Shechtman and Marla Sukoff Frederic and Barby Siegel Bruce and Marilyn Silver Harold and Hope Simkowitz Stuart and Joan Skloot Paul and Cathy Skurman William and Bonni Stanley David and Felisse Starker Joseph Strassman Rabbi Joshua and Tali Ruderman Strom Ivan and Rhoda Tantleff Alan Tantleff and Debra Bowden Tantleff Ronald and Deborah Tobias Jeffrey Tuchman and Felicia Buebel Daniel and Harriet Vale Fred and Marjorie Vandenberg Richard and Susan Waksman Phyllis Widder Harold Wild Steven Wittels and Risa Kirsh Robert and Randi Wolchok Earle and Beth Yaffa Matthew and Amy Yallof Jeffrey and Michelle Zelekowitz Bernard and Sara Zelm Starr Zuckerman
Donations General Fund Louise Kaminer Rabbi Elliot and Susan Strom in appreciation of the congregation for opening their doors and their hearts Bristal Assisted Living in honor of the Shabbat ladies Rabbi Douglas and Joan Krantz in honor of Marilyn Heimerdinger's special birthday Harris and Cookie Markhoff in honor of Marilyn Heimerdinger's special birthday Joshua and Tali Strom in honor of Giving Tuesday Mark and Suzanne Lipton in honor of Giving Tuesday Robert and Debra Gottlieb in honor of Rabbi Strom's installation Stephen and Ann Leber in honor of Marilyn Heimerdinger's special birthday Charles and Marya Shapiro in memory of Justin Newman Edward and Shari Applebaum in memory of Miles Applebaum Joel and Amy Dworetzky in memory of Rabbi Paul Siegel Robert Bresler and Joanne Peyser in memory of Justin Newman Robert Bresler and Joanne Peyser in memory of Howard Peyser and Irwin Newman Jack and Renata Schwebel in appreciation for the JID program
Kara Schissler in memory of Isaac Cavaliero Kara Schissler in honor of Arlene and Norman Basner Martin and Elisa Rube in memory of Thelma Grotto Peter and Caryl Poser in honor of the marriage of Sarah Birnbaum to Scott Schwartz Rabbi Strom's Discretionary Fund Norman and Ilana Adler Leon Silverman in appreciation of High Holy Day Services Arlene Provder in honor of Rabbi Strom Faith Silberstein in honor of Rabbi Strom Hal and Jean Weiss in honor of Rabbi Joshua Strom Lauren Bernard in honor of Jordyn's bat mitzvah Lois Diamond in honor of Allan, Margo, Abbey and Josie Ratafia Merril and Hope Sobie in honor of Giving Tuesday William and Bonni Stanley in honor of Rabbi Strom's installation William and Bonni Stanley in memory of James Widder Frederic and Barby Siegel in memory of Rabbi Paul Siegel Nucene Blumenthal in memory of Abe Blumenthal Robert Bresler and Joanne Peyser in memory of Justin Newman Andrew and Mychal Ertel in honor of Dylan's bat mitzvah David and Mindy Falk Brian and Alka Kaminer in honor of Rabbi Strom's installation Brad and Pam Mattes Earl and Beth Yaffa in memory of Beatrice, Louis and Michael Alan Yaffa Jason and Carrie Gold in honor of the naming of Skylar Gold Cantor Kobilinsky's Discretionary Fund Frank and Amy Spadafino Lauren Bernard in honor of Jordyn's bat mitzvah Frederic and Barby Siegel in memory of Rabbi Paul Siegel Paul and Cathy Skurman in memory of Dorothy Mann William and Kathleen Dichter in memory of Stanley Dichter Edward and Shari Applebaum in memory of Miles Applebaum Jeffrey Blum and Leslie Cziner in memory of Syliva Levine Bernard and Shelly Jacob Frank Shechtman and Marla Sukoff Robert Bresler and Joanne Peyser in memory of Justin Newman Andrew and Mychal Ertel in honor of Dylan's bat mitzvah Rabbi Krantz's Discretionary Fund Eric and Nancy Birnbaum in appreciation of Rabbi Krantz officiating at Sarah's wedding.
Contributions can be made online at
Amazon Smile Congregants can contribute to the CBY community in an ongoing manner is through the Amazon Smile program. Amazon Smile allows you to direct a portion of your eligible Amazon.com purchases to non-profits like CBY. Just click on the Amazon Smile link on the Amazon homepage and select Congregation B'nai Yisrael as your charity partner. Once you do this, 0.5% of every one of your eligible Amazon purchases will be donated to CBY.
King David Memorial Chapel, Inc Generations of lasting service to the Jewish Community Family Owned and Operated • Handicapped Accessibility Graveside Services • Monuments • Preneed and Prepaid Planning • Fully Accommodating Facilities
288 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 914-241-7100 • www.kingdavidmemorials.com
To advertise in our quarterly Bulletin, contact Alicia in the temple office at (914) 273-2220, alicia@cbyarmonk.org. 15
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL 2 Banksville Road, Armonk, New York 10504
or current resident
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY PERMIT NO. 4438