Isaiah bulletin dec2014 lo res by Temple Isaiah

Temple Isaiah Bulletin Volume 50, Issue 4 December 2014

Happy Chanukah

Youth Group Cook-a-thon with Rabbi Sobel

Bernie Friend Brotherhood Latke Bash

Sunday December 7th from 1 to 2:30 pm

Sunday December 14th at 10:30 am

Scholastic Book Fair

Latkes & Vodka at Gloria and Mark Snyder’s House Saturday December 20th at 7:30 pm

Sunday December 7th through Tuesday December 9th

Also in this Issue: Supporting Israel By Joining ARZA A The Iranian Nuclear Moment of Truth Temple Isaiah’s “Giving Tree” A Chai for Chayalim A Sisterhood’s “Movie & Pizza” Night “He who saves a single life, it is as though he has saved an entire world.” Talmud

Member Union for Reform Judaism

10:30-11:30 am Tanach Study/Ecclesiastes (Rabbi Karol) offsite 1:30 pm Renaissance Club Social Hall

Chanukah 6th night 9-10 am Atid 10:30-11:30 am Tanach Study/Ecclesiastes (Rabbi Karol) offsite

Religious School/ YA 10:30 am Bernie Friend Brotherhood Latke Bash 10:30-11:30 am Tanach Study/Ecclesiastes (Rabbi Karol) offsite

Religious School/ YA/ ATID Scholastic Book Fair 9:09 am Brotherhood Mtg 10:30-11:30 am Tanach Study (Rabbi Karol) offsite 1 pm Youth Group Cook-athon with Rabbi Sobel 4 pm Cantor Search Focus Group 5 pm Congregational Vote

Sunday

Chanukah 7th night

Religious School 2 pm Book Discussion Group @ Rm 5 8 pm Bd of Trustees Mtg

Religious School 1 pm Cantor Search Focus Group: Open to Congregation at Jefferson’s Ferry 4:30 pm Scholastic Book Fair 8 pm Religious School Bd Mtg @ Cindy’s House

Religious School

Monday

Chanukah 8th night

Chanukah 1st night Religious School

Religious School 4:30 pm Scholastic Book Fair 7:30 pm Adult Ed Shabbat Hebrew Prayers Carole-Ann Gordon

Religious School 7:30-8:30 pm Spiritual Pathway via Meditation & Poetry Carole-Ann Gordon

Tuesday

Chanukah 2nd night

1 pm Cantor Search Focus Group: Open to Congregation Meeting in Library

Wednesday

5 Mazer 19 Feldman/Cohen

Friday Ushers

Office Closed

Chanukah 3rd night

7:30 pm Social Action Mtg. @ Rm 5

7:30 pm Ritual Committee Mtg @ Rm 4

Thursday

December 2014 / Kislev - Tevet 5775

6 Rosen 13 Mazer 20 Kanter 27 Rosenzweig

Saturday Ushers

Candles: 4:16

8 pm Erev Shabbat Evening Service

Candles: 4:12

12 Chanukah 4th night 5 pm Tot Shabbat

Candles: 4:10

7 pm Family Service Youth Lead

Candles: 4:10

8 pm Erev Shabbat Evening Service

Friday

20 10 am Shabbat Morning Service

8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Daniel Liquori Bar Mitzvah Latkes & Vodka @ the Snyder’s House

10 am Shabbat Morning Service

Chanukah 5th night 8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study

7 pm Youth Group/Overnight

10 am Shabbat Morning Service

8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study

10 am Shabbat Morning Service

8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Shabbat

Rabbi Sobel ‘s Reflections Rabbi Sobel ‘s Reflections Supporting Israel By Joining ARZA I have been an ardent Zionist since I was very young.

much more. Not only does the IMPJ provide Israelis with

My love of Israel was inculcated within me by my grand-

the opportunity for a religious identity that is progressive

mother – who made me a life-member of Hadassah at

and modern, it also strives to:

the age of seven – and my parents. My first visit to Israel was for 6 weeks the summer following my Bat Mitzvah.

A Provide regional security for both Israelis and Pales-

The visit inspired within me a desire to spend even more

tinians

time there, getting to know the land and people more

A Provide

intimately. So, I completed four years of high school in

youth, teens and adults from within a liberal, Jewish

three years and spent a full year in Israel, volunteering

framework

on a Kibbutz, studying Hebrew and traveling the country.

A Fight for religious equality for all Jewish denomina-

leadership development and training for

tions, where all Jews are treated fairly and with respect my first year of rabbinical school. Eventually, my career

A Advocate for women’s rights and gender equality A Provide free legal aid for tens of thousands of new

path led me to become the head of ARZA Canada, the

immigrants each and every year

Zionist arm of the Canadian Reform Movement. In that

A Offer

capacity, I led many trips to Israel, participated in fund-

whether from war, hunger or poverty

Since that time, I lived in Jerusalem for one year during

respite and assistance to those in crises,

raising bike rides in Israel to raise much-needed funds for the Israeli Reform movement, and partnered with

As American Reform Jews, we can lend our support

the Israeli Reform movement to strengthen ties between

by joining ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists

Canada and Israel.

of America. ARZA unconditionally supports Israel and champions activities that further Israel as a pluralistic,

Israel needs our support now more than ever, and the

just and democratic Jewish state.

Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is counting on us, the North American Reform

ARZA is the Reform movement’s vehicle for the engage-

Movement, to partner with them to help Israel remain a

ment of American Reform Jews with all aspects of

strong and vital society.

Israel and emphasizes education, advocacy, travel and relationship building. ARZA’s mission is to make Israel

The IMPJ is comprised of over 30+ Reform congrega-

fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identity of

tions, two Reform Kibbutzim, one Reform moshav, The

Reform Jews.

Israel Religious Action Center, Hebrew Union College (in Jerusalem), Mercaz Shimshon and Beit Daniel (Guest

ARZA provides the IMPJ with financial support gener-

Centers/Education Centers) in Jerusalem, The Daniel

ated through membership dollars.

Centers for Progressive Judaism in Tel Aviv/Jaffa and so

(continued on page 5)

Sustaining Members & Friends of Temple Isaiah 2014 Please help us to maintain Temple Isaiah as a house of worship, a house of learning, and a house of assembly by becoming a Sustaining Member in 2014. It is here where you celebrate life-cycle events, and it is here where you will find support when you need it. It is with your strong financial support that Temple Isaiah will continue to provide education, worship services, and support for people who are experiencing loss, crisis, or illness. Please join our growing list of Sustaining Members!

Silver Chai

Circle of Hope

Mitzvah Partner

Chai or Multiple

Claire Baer

(continued)

Judy Albano

(continued)

Arnie & Honey Katz

Stephen & Lisa Sokoloff

Stephen & Sandy Dick

Carole-Ann Gordon

Richard & Gina Rose

Dan Stenzler & Joan Korins

Joseph & Eileen Donnelly

Steven & Bonnie Katz

Phyllis Sterne

Larry & Sharon Epstein

Lance & Lisa Kirshner

Pamela Feldman

Carl Kravitz

Circle of Enrichment Jerry & Linda Barancik

Chaverim

James & Janet Feldstein

Charles & June Levine

Jerry & Barbara Fine

Howard & Leah Block

Howard & Shelley Fleit

Carlos & Michelle Lopes

David & Iris Schiff

Mark & Essie Freilach

Rose French

Harriet Martin

Mark & Gloria Snyder

Suzanne Gabrielsen

Marian Guralnick

Howard & Jodi Mazer

Harry Verby

Stewart & Anita Gaffan

Stephen & Janet Hiller

Norman & Gigi Querido

Bernard & Irene Gische

Ira & Robin Koeppel

Harvey & Fran Robinson

Circle of Growth

Barbara Goldberg

Marlin & Cora Levi

Jay & Margaret Schoenfeld

Craig & Paula Balaban

Luis Gruberg &

Steven Shapiro

Ilene & Dion Shea

Steve & Paula Bennett

Rakefet Einav Gruberg

Cantor Michael & Cherie

Pamela Shulder

Rabbi Adam & Eileen Fisher

Gary & Barbara Kamen

Trachtenberg

Randee Silberfeld

Marc & Ruth Fisher

Marshall Lacoff

Douglas & Lisa Walters

Brett & Fern Silverman

Rodger & Linda Jonas

Micheal & Dreania LeVine

Tom & Robin Wells

Saul & Irva Steinweis

Rabbi Stephen Karol

Theo & Marion Pavlidis

Ted & Deborah Rosenberg

Morton & Bernice Rosen

Chai or Multiple

Shirley Willig

Richard & Linda Stopsky

Dean & Susan Rosenzweig

Bruce & Jill Berns

Richard & Barbara Wright

Alan & Myra Rosofsky

Kenneth & Melissa Bossert

Larry & Marcia Yellin

Circle of Hope

Mark & Mona Saidens

Jayne Cohen

Ivan & Ilene Ensler

Lewis Silverman

Alan & Shari Countess

Alfred & Suzan Goldhaber

Richard & Susan Tuckman

Steven Fallis & Carrie Blank

Randee Kanter & Pat Urquhart

Daniel & Phyllis Turner

Sylvia Feingold

Paul & Norma Michael

Stephen & Diane Weitzman

Lillian Goldstein

A A A A A

Platinum Chai ($5,400 or above) Golden Chai ($3,600-$5,399) Silver Chai ($1,800-$3,599) Circle of Enrichment ($1,018-$1,799) Circle of Growth ($540-$1,017)

George Sterman & Elise Frank

A A A A

Circle of Hope ($360-$539) Chaverim ($180-$359) Mitzvah Partner ($118-$179) Chai or Multiple ($18-$117)

A Note from the Cantor “Oy, Chanukah, Oy Chanukah!” Perhaps it is human nature, but when holiday seasons

to walk around in a bathing suit, looking at Christmas

come around, I recall (in this case) Chanukah seasons

decorations and Chanukah Menorahs. Veterans have

of years past. Perhaps my earliest recollection is when I

shared memories of their years in the military and

was 5 years old. Our family always lit the candles, and

Chanukahs celebrated in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and

there was a small gift for me, but on the 8th night this

more recently, Iraq and Afghanistan.

particular year, I received a train set from my maternal grandmother. My father and I set up the trains in the living room, the largest open area in our small Brooklyn apartment, and it stayed up for about a week.

We all have our own suitcase of memories of celebrations with family and friends. Some past Chanukah celebrations at Temple Isaiah have involved lighting the Menorah with religious school students, Howard Stern’s

Over the years, the set grew, adding accessories and

beautiful Menorah in front of our building, the wonder-

track; when we moved to Queens, we set it up in our

ful “Zimriah,” led by Donna Siani, and the legendary

basement. I still have some of the trains and “stuff.”

“Bernie Friend Latke Bash”.

Our family joined a Conservative synagogue when we moved to Queens. The new synagogue put on a Chanukah play, in which I had a (singing) role as a priest.

As the Yiddish song says: “Sing ‘Al Hanissim,’ love God for the miracles, and come and dance in a circle!

I would later be involved in our synagogue’s choir, youth

A “Frailiche Chanukah” (a Happy Chanukah), and a

group, daily minyan, and other activities.

happy, healthy 2015.

Of course, I have developed additional memories. I was

Shalom,

once in the Caribbean for a vacation. It seemed odd

Cantor Michael Trachtenberg

Rabbi Sobel ‘s Reflections

(continued from page 3)

Beginning with our January dues statements, you will

difference as well by voting in the upcoming World Zion-

have the opportunity to join ARZA, by “checking off”

ist Congress Elections.

ARZA on your Temple Isaiah dues statement. We will collect the dues for you and then remit the funds

Please join me in supporting Israel by joining ARZA. For more information, please visit: www.arza.org

to ARZA on your behalf. “Checking off” ARZA is one way that each of us can “Stand up for Israel.” Next month, I will explain how each of us can make a

Religious School Review From The Principal’s Desk At the end of October I had the opportunity to participate

Israeli dance lessons, or when Rabbi Witman taught

in two weddings. The first was my son Greg’s at Congre-

them Hebrew and Yiddish songs.

gation Rodeph Sholom in NYC, where he is the Rabbinic Intern, and the second was the mock 7th grade shtetl wedding that I have been privileged to be part of for over thirty years. As the students who have gone through our 7th grade simulations in the past can attest, “the memories last forever.”

While it is fashionable in some parts of the United States today to attend Religious School for an hour a week, or only learn enough Hebrew to read a prayer or two at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service, it is not, however, preparation to live a meaningful Reform Jewish life in the 21st century. At Temple Isaiah, we are blessed with innovative, expe-

No, Greg didn’t marry the girl he “married” during the

rienced teachers who are committed to your children’s

mock wedding when he was in 7th grade - but many of

Jewish education.

his friends who joined in the celebration in Manhattan had been part of the Religious School wedding as well.

The Rabbinic sages ask “Why does every volume of the Talmud begin with daph Bet, page two and not with daph

Greg’s Jewish connections began with these friends

Alef, page one?” It is to impress on each Jew that Jew-

during Cradle Roll and continued from kindergarten

ish wisdom has no beginning, and therefore no ending.

through Confirmation and Post Confirmation, and includ-

There is no easy way to become a knowledgeable Jew.

ed participation in Youth Group, NFTY, and time together at the URJ Eisner Camp.

At Temple Isaiah, our Jewish educational decisions are always made by professionals with long-term goals that

At the wedding reception, the eyes of those longtime

may not follow the latest fads, but rather are designed to

friends in attendance lit up when they saw Rabbi Fisher,

ensure the lifetime Jewish growth of our students. Jewish

Rabbi Witman, Cantor Trachtenberg and Ilene Ensler

Education is more than just feeling Jewish, or just eating

(their Hebrew and 6th grade teacher). Many spent con-

Jewish, or wearing a chai or a Jewish star, or preparing

siderable time reminiscing about their Religious School

for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service. It is learning about the

experiences, including the shtetl wedding, the day they

past, praying for the present, studying for the future,

simulated going from Russia to Germany, the day they

and remembering that Reform Jewish life depends on

simulated arriving at Ellis Island and the impact their

everyone who came before, while being part of a larger

Religious School education had on their lives.

and modern Jewish community.

It was amazing to watch them enjoy and sing Israeli

Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazayk

songs while dancing the hora with abandon, while

Stephen Weitzman

remembering how they moaned and groaned during

President’s Report Making Sure Your Voice Is Heard Since becoming your president nearly a year ago, I’ve focused on making it a priority to listen to what our con-

A December 3rd at 1 pm in the Temple Library A December 5th during the Oneg after the Friday Night

gregants have to say. Often it’s during conversations at

the temple, other times it’s been during phone calls or

A December 7th at 4 pm - an hour before the congrega-

email exchanges. I really enjoy hearing what’s on your

mind, even when you’re offering constructive criticism.

A December

It gives me great insight into how much you enjoy being

Shabbat Service tional meeting for those who wish to attend both 8th at 1

- being held at Jefferson’s

Ferry, but open to the entire congregation

part of the Isaiah community, or occasionally, to hear about what’s really bothering you.

These focus groups will provide the search committee, led by Rodger Jonas and Joy Schneider, with crucial

Our upcoming annual Congregational Meeting on Sun-

insight into what our congregants are looking for in our

day, December 7th at 5

also provides an ideal forum

next cantor. I encourage you to share your thoughts at

for your voice to be heard as we present the upcoming

these focus groups and to continue to reach out to Rodger

year’s budget and the candidates nominated to serve on

and Joy with your additional thoughts as the search

the Board of Trustees for the next 12 months. Much

process continues into this spring.

pm,

thought and effort have gone into planning for Temple Isaiah for 2015 and beyond, and I encourage you to be on hand to ask questions, engage in healthy dialogue, and ultimately cast your ballot.

I look forward to seeing you at the congregational meeting and to hearing from you during our future one on one conversation. I truly believe it makes me a better leader of this congregation.

This year provides an additional opportunity for your voice to be heard, as we begin the exciting search for a new cantor.

Every member of the Isaiah community

should be part of this important search effort and the decision making process that goes into it. Perhaps you’ve already attended one of the many focus groups the search committee is offering. If not, there are plenty of additional opportunities to participate in a focus

Speak - I promise your voice will be heard! L’Shalom, Dean Rosenzweig Email: dtrosenzweig@gmail.com Home Ph (631) 444-0199 Cell Ph (646) 884-3615

group session before this part of the search process winds down. Here are the remaining focus group dates, a mix of days and times to hopefully accommodate your schedule:

P ostings

from the

Parents ’ Association

Looking for Chanukah gifts? Our annual Scholastic Book Fair will be held on Sunday, December 7th - Monday, December 8th - and Tuesday, December 9th during religious school hours. A large selection of Jewish themed books and books by Jewish authors will be sold. Bingo Night is coming January 10th at 6 pm! Mark your calendars. We’ll have lots of pizza, fun and prizes. See you then. If you would like to be involved with the Parents’ Association, please e-mail us, Nancy Linden & Ilene Horan, at nlinden@optonline.net & mamallama2@optonline. net. We’re the co-chairs of the Parents’ Association and we’re looking forward to meeting you! Our next meeting is January 11th!.

The Rabbi Adam D. Fisher Library Our temple library is open one half-hour before each Erev Shabbat Service. If you are available to volunteer, please call Barbara Yarmus at 981-2709.

Camp Corner At our camps, one is always being Jewish, while having fun with Jewish peers. Please visit these websites for our regional Reform camps.

http://eisnercranelake.urjcamps.org

Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen Members of Temple Isaiah’s Social Action Committee and other volunteers staff the Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at St. James Catholic Church (429 Route 25A in Setauket). Please note the times: set-up will be from 1:15 - 2 pm, dinner will be served at 3 pm, and all clean-up should be done by 5 pm.

Temple Isaiah Wish List We have been trying to keep the Wish List current and prominent in the minds of our congregation. The response has been wonderful. Thank you to Sy & Helen Schlachter for donating $500 to purchase a Ping Pong Table and Pool Table for our Youth Lounge. The goal of our Wish List is to raise needed funds for temple improvements, without raising dues or tapping into the temple's operating budget. We owe a huge todah rabah to all who have taken an interest in this work. The following is the list of remaining projects that still need our attention: Irrigation for cemetery section I Blinds for all classrooms

$5,000

$3,000

10 rectangular tables

$950

2 rectangular table caddies

$378

10 circular tables

$1,890

2 circular table caddies

60 folding chairs

2 LCD players

$690 $1,500

TV/DVD projection equipment for the Youth Building

$650 $800

Cork Board for Youth Building

$50

Shelving for Youth Building

$100

Please remember that we are engaged in an effort to thrive, and not just survive. Helping us to purchase any item on the wish list is a mitzvah, a tax deduction, and a way to make Temple Isaiah a better home for our families. Mort Rosen

Tot Shabbat Friday December 19th at 5 pm

Music, Story & Shabbat Celebration

Join Rabbi Sharon Sobel and Cantor Michael Trachtenberg Children Ages 0-5 (feel free to invite your parents and siblings to join you!) Challah, Juice, Fun and Friends

Breaking Bread With Brotherhood Bernie Friend Latke Bash is Coming! Sunday, December 14th Thanks to everyone who made Comedy Night such

In these hours, during the peeling, slicing, chopping,

a success. Our comedians – Maria Walsh, Maureen

mixing, frying and tasting, is when you get the true

Langan, Rich Walker and Eric Haft – had us laughing

sense of what Brotherhood is about. We have cur-

hysterically, and the Martini Garden gave us a great

rent members, former members and future members

reason to hang around after the show. If you were

(some of our older children) all working together as

there, you know why Comedy Night has become one

equals to get the job done. The bonds that develop

of our most popular events. Thanks to Alan Fisher for

as we work side by side are truly amazing and last a

organizing it, and to all our volunteers and sponsors

very long time.

(full listing in the next Bulletin) for their support. Our December Brotherhood meeting will take place Sunday, December 7th at 9:09

am.

in the Temple

kitchen. Have a bagel, meet some of your fellow congregants and hear about what we’ve got planned. Better yet, come with ideas about what else we could do. There are no dues for first-year members. Our main order of business will be a discussion with the Cantorial Search Committee (co-chaired by our own Rodger Jonas) to get our input as they go forward. I encourage everyone to participate in the Cantorial search process by attending at least one of these sessions. Brotherhood’s biggest event, the “Bernie Friend Latke Bash,” will take place on Sunday, December 14th. Everyone is welcome. It is named in honor of Bernie, a former Brotherhood President and President of our Temple Board. Bernie passed away too early, several years ago. While the Latke Bash is a great event, the best part

We can always use more help. Feel free to come by in the early morning and pitch in, or just meet us at our Brotherhood table at the Latke Bash. Also in the works for December are a Bowling Night and a Stony Brook Seawolves basketball game at the new Stony Brook arena. Details aren’t yet finalized; watch the weekly announcements for details. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve another term as your President. Re-elected along with me are Vice President Mike Kelson, Treasurer Alan Fisher and Secretary Rodger Jonas. We appreciate your confidence and support. I wish you a Happy Chanukah and look forward to seeing you in December. As always, if you have any thoughts, ideas, suggestions or comments, please email me at tekuates@yahoo.com or call me evenings at 981-5128. Jay Schoenfeld Brotherhood President

takes place several hours earlier, when Brotherhood members gather at 6:00 am to begin the preparations.

Shmoozing with S isterhood Movie & Pizza Night is Coming! Sunday, December 14th Sisterhood would like to extend truly heartfelt thanks

pbennett100@gmail.com and ask to be added to

to Ruth Gerbi and Teddy Reiner for their very dedi-

our list. (You don’t have to be a Sisterhood member

cated service to Sisterhood and our Temple for fall

to join Sisterhood’s group, but we will encourage you

rummage. We would also like to thank all of our won-

to join, of course. You’ll be glad you did!)

derful helpers and all of you who helped Sisterhood raise funds through your donations of your gently used items. The money raised helps provide camp scholarships for our religious school students and needed items for our Temple.

We are also planning a Mahjong evening for January, so stay tuned. It should be a delightful evening for all. If you don’t know how to play, but would like to learn, this night’s for you! If you do play, you’ll have fun playing and experience the joy of teaching.

On Sunday, December 14th, Sisterhood will be having a movie and pizza get together at Stony Brook Loews theater/Sole Mio restaurant. (Title and show time to be announced.) Further information will be

Sisterhood wishes all of you a joyous Chanukah and a wonderful 2015 filled with good health, love and many blessings.

sent out on TI Sisterhood’s Google Groups e-mail blast

Very Sincerely Yours,

line. If you would like to be added to Sisterhood’s

Paula Bennett and Eileen Donnelly

Google Groups mailing list, please send a request to

TI Sisterhood Co-Presidents

Adult Education at Temple Isaiah See our “2014 Fall Program Book” for full details or visit our website at www.tisbny.org

Renaissance Club Attention Seniors! Our Renaissance Club meets once a month at the Temple. You are invited to come, make new friends, and share your ideas for speakers, outings, and events. The next meeting is December 28th at 1:30 pm. Please call Lillian Goldstein at 862-1747 for more information.

Social Action Activities This year, Mitzvah Day (Sunday, April 19th) will be a day for the entire congregation to participate. We will have activities for everyone. I urge Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Youth group members, Hebrew school staff and any student and/or congregant to join us in planning this day of mitzvots. Please mark December 11th at 7:30

on your calendar for the Social Action meeting to plan this special day.

Make the holiday special for a child in need. If you have not already done so, please lift a child’s name off our Giving Tree. And do not forget our brave men and women overseas and donate to Chai for Chayalim (life for soldiers) so that we can bring some joy to their lives as well. Wishing all a joyful, happy, and blessed holiday season. Sheila Silberhartz Social Action Chairperson

The Giving Tree Brighten the Holidays of Needy Children Temple Isaiah has partnered with M’yad L’yad (Helping Hands) to provide gifts this holiday season for children in need.

Here’s how you can help fulfill this wonderful mitzvah! Visit the Giving Tree in the Temple Lobby and take a tag with a holiday wish. Write your name, telephone number, email and tag number (from back of tag) on the sheet near the Giving Tree. Purchase the item on the tag, attach the tag to it (so we can make sure it gets to the right child) and return it to the basket under the Giving Tree no later than December 14. If you don’t have time to shop but would like to participate, you can donate money or gift cards, which will be used to fulfill the wishes of children whose tags were not taken. Please put checks or gift cards in the Social Action mailbox in the Temple Office. Questions? Contact Sheila Silberhartz at sheil48402@aol.com or Ilene Shea at ileneshea@gmail.com or 631-513-0573.

THANKS FOR GIVING! 12

“Latkes & Vodka” Cocktails and Appetizer Social Evening Saturday, December 20, 2014 – 7:30 pm at the home of Gloria and Mark Snyder (They will provide the Latkes & Vodka)

Let’s Celebrate with a Potpourri of “Chanukah-type” Foods from Around the World! Please RSVP to Penny Gentile at (631) 751-8518 or: tisaiah@optonline.net to get the Snyder’s address and to let her know what you will bring to share. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 17th Here are a few ideas or use your imagination: A Vegetable pakoras A mini vegetarian egg rolls A crispy sweet potato fries A veggie tempura bites A fried mozzarella sticks w/ sauce A mini donut holes A fruit platter A vegetable platter & dip A cheese & crackers A sweets A other forms of “libations” A and of course, Pepto Bismol

Israel Committee Insights The Iranian Nuclear Moment of Truth As of this writing, we are nearing possibly the single

use executive powers to bypass Congress so that the

most important foreign policy development in a

deal goes forward.

generation. November 24th is the deadline for a negotiated deal with Iran, whose purpose was to peacefully prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear threshold state in return for ending the economic sanctions on the Iranian Islamic Republic. The Obama administration believes this deal will keep Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions in check; critics say it is troubling. There is a lot at stake.

The Iranian regime is an Islamist supremacist regime that intends to spread its revolution around the world. It’s hostile to the United States and is the leading state sponsor of terrorism. Its leaders have threatened to destroy Israel and it is a blatant human rights abuser, yet it is the policy of the Obama administration to loosen economic sanctions that were having a significant effect on the regime in return

For years, concerns about Iran’s nuclear weapons

for sub-optimal nuclear development concessions

ambitions have been met with economic sanctions,

that may still leave Iran with the ability to produce

which were having a significant impact on the Iranian

nuclear weapons in a short breakout time.

economy and put political pressure on the Iranian regime. Then, about a year ago, President Obama decided to pursue a diplomatic solution. He engaged in negotiations with Iran, partnering with the leading economic powers (the P5 plus 1), and offered Iran an easing of the economic sanctions in return originally for a dismantling of its enrichment capabilities and an inspection regime that would ensure that it would not be able to manufacture a nuclear weapon.

In the late 1990s, a similar diplomatic deal failed to prevent North Korea from developing nuclear weapons. But the prospects of an Iranian nuclear bomb is far worse. If Iran succeeds in obtaining a nuclear breakout capability it will behave even more aggressively, and the Sunni Arab states like Saudi Arabia and UAE will pursue the acquisition of a nuclear capability from Pakistan. The entire nuclear nonproliferation regime will collapse perhaps forever.

The Obama administration assured those concerned,

The world will be a vastly more dangerous place and

including Israel, that the negotiations were to be

Israel’s existence will be at the whim of a hostile

limited to 6 months as Iran was already feverishly

ruthless regime.

enriching uranium approaching weapons grade levels. In July the deadline was extended several more months. Now with this second deadline fast approaching, the New York Times is reporting that the Obama administration is retreating from its original demand to dismantle the centrifuges alto-

The moral, practical and safest policy is one that encourages regime change in Iran, not détente. In my opinion, our administration should be instituting the maximum economic sanctions possible. That’s the best chance for a more peaceful future.

gether and is now demanding merely that the piping

Rich Tuckman

between the centrifuges be disconnected. This

Chair of the Israel Committee

would leave the centrifuges intact. The Times is also

dooderspa@aol.com

reporting the Obama administration is planning to

Media Watch Israel Israel’s Moral Imperative 1. Massive cult complex discovered at Tel Burna, Israel. Said possibly to have been site for Baal worship. http://news.yahoo.com/storm-god-worship-ancient-cult-complex-discovered-israel-120150092.html 2. Rare fragment of stone engraved with Latin inscription dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian is said

to be one of the most important Latin inscriptions discovered in Jerusalem.

http://www.jpost.com/Not-Just-News/WATCH-2000-year-old-commemorative-inscription-dedicated-to Roman-emperor-Hadrian-unveiled-379384 3. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visiting a Gaza donors meeting in Cairo accused Israel of causing last summer’s violence with Hamas in Gaza, due to a “restrictive occupation.” Israeli Prime Minister

explained to him during a subsequent visit to Jerusalem that there is no Israeli occupation of Gaza.

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Netanyahu-to-Ban-Gaza-is-not-occupied-378807 4. US Secretary of State links Arab-Israeli conflict with gains by ISIS, “…a cause of recruitment and of

street anger and agitation…” Israeli official denounces comment as a “boost to global terrorism.” [Ed.:

Iranian officials separately charged Israel as intentionally causing ISIS, and blaming the US for same, as

reported in Algemeiner.]

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Bennett-blasts-Kerry-for-linking-Israeli-Palestinian-conflict-to ISIS-proliferation-379080 5. Emeritus chief rabbi of United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth, Lord Sacks,

describes the alarming rise of anti-Semitism across Europe, and its implications for Jews and non-Jews.

[Ed.: Although an Op-Ed, it is referenced in this news column because of its source, timeliness and pen-

etrating perspective.]

http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/europes-alarming-new-anti-semitism-1412270003-lMyQjAxM TA0MzA2NTIwMjUyWj 6. “Israeli and Palestinian officials met… to draw up an action plan to prevent the Ebola epidemic from

spreading to the territories they control, the Israeli military said Sunday.” [Ed. Palestinian Health Ministry

official goes to lengths seemingly to explain that this cooperation should not be seen as prelude to peace.]

http://news.yahoo.com/israelis-palestinians-join-forces combat-ebola-165754549.html

Larry Weber

weberl@optonline.net

Chai for Chayalim Chanukah Cards Make a difference in the lives of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewish service members. Please help our soldiers celebrate the Miracle of Lights. Chai for Chayalim Chanukah cards are on sale now. You will receive a set of Chanukah cards for your donation. Chai for Chayalim (Life for a Soldiers) is Temple Isaiahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own initiative. The program is committed to sending religious items, food stuff, and gifts for Chanukah and Passover to American Jewish soldiers who are deployed overseas. Make all checks payable to Temple Isaiah. Mail in your check with the enclosed form or call and request that you be billed. Cards can be picked up at the main office, or you can have them mailed to you. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.

So that we may have your Chanukah cards in time for the holiday, please call or return form. Thank you. Name Address Amount of Donation

Amount enclosed

Please Bill me Will pick up cards Please mail to the above address

Suggested minimum donation:

18 00

Simchas & Tzures Whether you have happy news (simchas) or sad

If you would like one of our rabbis to officiate

news (tzures), we hope you will share it with us.

at a funeral, please speak to Rabbi Sobel before

Rabbi Sobel likes to know about births, engage-

scheduling. Our sanctuary is available for funeral

ments, weddings, and other happy occasions, as

or memorial services. If you call the Temple about

well as hospitalizations, sicknesses, or deaths. As

a funeral and have to leave a message with the

hospital stays are often short, and hospitals do not

answering service, please mention that you are

call us when you are admitted, please let us know

calling regarding a funeral.

so Rabbi or Cantor can arrange to visit or at least telephone.

Congratulations Mazel Tov to Lloyd and Donna Newman on the birth of their grandson Henry Maxwell Newman. Mazel Tov to Martin and Marion Liebowitz on the birth of a great-grandaughter, Leah Narbonne.

Sunshine Funds

Beautification Fund

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always the "right time" to make a contribution

The purpose of the Beautification Fund is to

to your Temple. It might be in honor of a living per-

generate money to renovate and beautify our syna-

son or a recent event, or in memory of someone or

gogue. All monies will go into a fund dedicated to

something, or anything you want. Donations can

this purpose.

be made over the phone, by email, or through the USPS. However you send the information, your do-

To assist in this goal, a wall sculpture has been

nation can be added to your monthly Temple Isa-

commissioned. This permanent work of art pro-

iah invoice for easy bookkeeping. Sunshine cards

vides the opportunity to commemorate your

require a minimum contribution of ten dollars.

support for Temple Isaiah. Plaques of different sizes will be available in the following categories:

Minimum contribution is $10 Prayer Book: $45 Chumash: $60 Tree of Life Leaf: $118 Pew Plaque: $500 Memorial Board Plaque: $250 Please call the office for more information regarding the above contributions.

CONTRIBUTOR........ $250 per year for 3 years SPONSOR................. $500 per year for 3 years PATRON................. $1000 per year for 3 years BENEFACTOR......... $2500 per year for 3 years To make a contribution, or if you have any questions, please call the office at 751-8518.

Sunshine Funds & Other Donations Camp Fund

Music Fund

In memory of Traute Stern Janet & James Feldstein Mazel Tov to Irva & Saul Steinweis on the birth of their granddaughter Susan & Rich Tuckman Mazel Tov to Diane & Stephen Weitzman on the marriage of their son Janet & James Feldstein Alice Schleifer Perri & Larry Lieblich Sue & Dean Rosenzweig Myra & Alan Rosofsky Susan & Rich Tuckman

In memory of Leon Agatstein Marge & Paul Weiser In memory of Estelle Goldstein Barbara, Richard and Jacob Wright

Fund to Feed the Hungry In In In In In In

memory of Leonard Goldstein Lillian Goldstein memory of Shirley Rivkin Marge & Bert Feldstein Alice Schleifer memory of Pearl Silverman Lewis Silverman memory of Sidney Stenzler Joan Korins & Dan and Josh Stenzler memory of Traute Stern Amy & Mort Rosen memory of Manny Wohl Amy & Mort Rosen

Israel Fund In memory of Lillian Lieblich Lawrence Lieblich In memory of Murray Kamen The Kamen Family

Landscape Fund In memory of Neil Abelson Cantor Michael Trachtenberg and Cherie Trachtenberg In memory of Shirley Rivkin Cantor Michael Trachtenberg and Cherie Trachtenberg

Rabbi Adam D. Fisher Library In In In In In

memory of Nettie Deifik Honey & Arnie Katz memory of Richard Mazzola Honey & Arnie Katz memory of Manny Wohl Sue & Dean Rosenzweig memory of Harold H. Hirsch Dr. & Mrs. Jerrold Hirsch memory of Jesse Lietner Rhoda Lieberman

Rabbi Karol Youth Lounge Fund In memory of Jack Greenland Claire Baer In memory of Shirley Rivkin Nancy & Toni Cali

Rabbi Sobelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discretionary Fund In memory of Louise Baron Judy Albano In memory of Florence Bernstein Maureen & Harvey Bernstein In memory of Estelle Goldstein Barbara Goldberg In memory of Jack Hollander Paul Rosenthal In memory of Max Rosenzweig Arlene Gitter In memory of Shirley Rivkin Linda & Gary Bernstein Susan & Lloyd Lense Ilene and Ivan Ensler In memory of Traute Stern Ellen & Mark Koenig Lori & Howard Stern

18 18

Sunshine Funds & Other Donations Rabbi Sobel’s Discretionary Fund (continued) In memory of Manny Wohl Ellen & Mark Koenig Janet & James Feldstein Mazel Tov to Diane & Stephen Weitzman on the marriage of their son Gloria & Mark Snyder

Religious School Fund In memory of Manny Wohl Grace La Torre In memory of Shirley Rivkin Eileen & Joseph Donnelly Doris & Leo Dvorken Barbara Goldberg Robert Licht Myra & Alan Rosofsky Iris & David Schiff Marge & Paul Weiser In honor of Harvey Witman’s exceptional service Barbara Goldberg Myra & Alan Rosofsky

Special Projects Fund In In In In

memory of Neil Abelson Claire Baer Doris & Leo Dvorken memory of Martin F. Koeppel Elaine, Robin & Ira Koeppel memory of Traute Stern Claire Baer Eileen & Joseph Donnelly Sue & Dean Rosenzweig Mona & Mark Saidens honor of Dean Rosenzweig Sandra & Dennis Rosenzweig

Office (631) 751-0196 Cell (631) 807-7162

764 RT. 25A SETAUKET, NY 11733

Tikkun Olam Fund In memory of Max & Rose Kamenetzky The Kamen Family In memory of Ben & Anne Horowitz The Kamen Family

CS MAEDER LANDSCAPE Candy's Organic Gardening • Spring & Fall Clean-ups • Gutters Cleaned • Seasonal Programs • Shrubs Trimmed • Vegetable & Herb Gardens • Rototilling • Perennial Garden Design, Planting & Maintenance • Bulb Gardens • Gravesite/Memorial Plantings & Maintenance

631-988-9211

Serving 3V community for over 35 years LIC. / INS. • Senior Discounts

Randy DeStefano Managing Partner of Nesconset Bagel Cafe

(516) 971-8035 Old fashioned hand-rolled, water kettled & baked to perfection A tradition since 1986 248 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset, NY 11767 www.libagelcafe.com

(631) 366-2362 (P) (631) 366-2363 (F) Randy@libagelcafe.com

Visit our Websites for Special Offers

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179 Belle Meade Road, East Setauket, NY 11733

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SPS: 631-751-4400 v Spa: 631.751.2693

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“A Better Life Through Better Education”

Success with JEI

Building Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Math • English • Reading & Writing • Enrichment • Brain Safari • Common Core Aligned

Open House Sunday, Dec. 14th, 11

to 3

Join Our Parent Seminar

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(online registration to secure your spot)

Grab the Special Open House Rate

Assistance • Accompaniment • Transportation • Companionship

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Diagnostic English & Math Tests The most scientific supplementary education system

Aligned with Common Core State Standards Get a two-page report that pinpoints your child’s strengths & weaknesses Wheelchair Accessible Van

We Can Transport Your Loved Ones To Special Occasions! Tom & Robin Wells, owners/operators phone: 631-751--0909 • email: info@wells-care.com website: www.wells-care.com

Pre-K to 9th Grade

Special Offer

Temple Isaiah Members Buy One Diagnostic Test

Get One Free (Math or English)

plus FREE Registration Not valid w/any other offer. Expires 12/20/14

JEI Learning Center Stony Brook 190 N. Belle Mead Road, Setauket, NY 11733

(631) 364-9888

stonybrook@jeilearning.com http://stonybrook.jeilearning.com • http://www.sbecny.com

Bar Mitzvah December 2014 Daniel Liquori December 20th Son of Brett and Jennifer Liquori

Siman Tov & Mazel Tov To All!

Rabbi—Sharon L. Sobel

Parents' Association Co-Chairs—Nancy Linden

Cantor—Michael F. Trachtenberg

& Ilene Horan

Educational Director— Stephen Weitzman

Youth Group Director—Joanna Schess

Temple President—Dean Rosenzweig

Youth Group President—Allana Rosenberg

Sisterhood Co-President—Paula Bennett

Rabbi Emeritus—Stephen A. Karol

Brotherhood President—Jay Schoenfeld

Rabbi Emeritus—Adam D. Fisher

Temple Isaiah A 1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook, N.Y. 11790 (631) 751- 8518 A www.tisbny.org A tisaiah@optonline.net Bulletin designed by Gary Kamen and edited by Adam Mandelbaum