Please Join Us on Friday, January 29th as Temple Isaiah Welcomes Guest Speaker
Rabbi Rick Jacobs
President of the Union for Reform Judaism
Temple Isaiah Bulletin A Volume 51, Issue 5 A January 2016
Member Union for Reform Judaism
January 2016 / Tevet - Shevat 5776 Sunday
Monday
Friday Ushers 1 Rosofsky 8 Steinweis & Weitzman 15 Sterne 22 Schiff 29 Countess
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Saturday Ushers 9 Sterne
Friday
Shabbat
6 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service New Year’s Day Office closed
1
Candles: 4:20 4:30-6:30 pm Religious School
No Religious School
3 Religious School Youth Group 9:09 am Brthrhd Mtg @ Kitchen 9-11 am Town Hall RS Mtg 10:30-11:45 am Tanakh Study
4 4:30-6:30 pm Religious School
10 No Religious School
4:30-6:30 pm Religious School
11
7-9 pm Adult B’Nai Mitzvah Class
5 4:30-6:30 pm Religious School 2 pm Book Discussion Group @ Rm 5 8 pm Religious School Bd Mtg @ Cindy’s House
12
6 7:30 pm Sisterhood Mtg
7
14
8
Candles: 4:28
7-9 pm Adult B’Nai Mitzvah Class
Candles: 4:36
2 8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study 10 am Shabbat Morning Service Hannah Lambert Bat Mitzvah 6 pm PA Bingo Night @ Social Hall
5 pm Tot Shabbat 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service / Board Installation
7-9 pm Adult B’Nai Mitzvah Class
13
4:30-6:30 pm Religious School
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Office Closed
7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Family Service
8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study 10 am Shabbat Morning Service
15
7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
9 8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study 10 am Shabbat Morning Service
16 8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study 10 am Shabbat Morning Service
17 Religious School 9:30 am PA Mtg @ Kitchen 10:30-11:45 am Tanakh Study 5 pm Tu B’Shevat Family Seder
24
Religious School 1:30 pm Renaissance Club @ Social Hall 10:30-11:45 am Tanakh Study
31
18 2 pm Book Discussion Group @ Rm 5 4:30-6:30 pm Religious School
25
19
20 7-9 pm Adult B’Nai Mitzvah Class
4:30-6:30 pm Religious School
26
21
27
Candles: 4:42
22
6 pm Shabbat Dinner 7:30 PM Musical Shabbat Service/ Rabbi Rick Jacobs
28
Candles: 4:51
29
23 8:30-9:30 am Shabbat Morning Torah Study 10 am Shabbat Morning Service
30 2
Rabbi Rabbi Sobel Sobel ‘s ‘s Reflections Reflections Temple Isaiah’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Continues! Happy New Year!
new “green” sanctuary, one of only a handful of Jewish
As we welcome 2016, Temple Isaiah continues to
houses of worship in the nation to carry this designation.
celebrate our 50th Golden Anniversary. We are so thrilled
Prior to his tenure at WRT, Rabbi Jacobs served the
that our celebrations will continue on Friday, January
Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, where he founded and
29th as we welcome the President of the Union for
co-directed the first synagogue-based homeless shelter
Reform
North
in New York City. He was ordained in 1982 by Hebrew
American body), Rabbi Rick Jacobs, to our Erev Shabbat
Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR)
service as our guest speaker.
in New York. Deeply committed to the State of Israel,
Judaism
(the
Reform
Movement’s
We’ll begin the evening with our warm and haimish Shabbat pot-luck dinner (we’ll provide the chicken and challah – please see page 9 for details). We know you won’t want to miss what promises to be a very special evening!
Rabbi Jacobs has studied for two decades at Jerusalem’s Shalom Hartman Institute, where he is now a senior rabbinic fellow. Rabbi Jacobs is a product of the Reform Movement, and has held numerous leadership posts within the URJ, the CCAR, ARZA and WUPJ. He also has served on the
Rabbi Rick Jacobs is one of the most powerful liberal
boards of Jewish organizations in the community-at-large,
forces in North American Jewish life. The URJ leads
including American Jewish World Service, UJA-Fed-
the largest and most diverse Jewish movement in North
eration of New York, and, since its inception in 1996,
America, with almost 900 congregations reaching nearly
Synagogue 2000 and its successor, Synagogue 3000.
1.5 million people. For nearly 150 years, the URJ has been at the forefront in promoting an open, progressive Judaism.
Dedicated to global social justice issues, Rabbi Jacobs was part of a delegation that assessed disaster response following Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010. He
The URJ’s programs and communities inspire more and
also observed the plight of Darfur refugees as part of an
more people—from children to seniors—to explore what
international humanitarian mission to the Chad-Darfur
it means to be Jewish, pursue justice around the world,
border area in 2005, and in 2009, participated in an
and forge stronger ties to Israel.
annual conference of Muslim and Christian leaders, held in Qatar, designed to build understanding between the
A longtime and devoted creative change agent, Rabbi
West and the Muslim world.
Jacobs spent 20 years as a dynamic, visionary spiritual leader at Westchester Reform Temple (WRT) in Scars-
Rabbi Jacobs and his wife Susan K. Freedman have
dale, New York. During his tenure, he reshaped
three children: Aaron, David and Sarah.
communal worship, transformed the congregation into a community of lifelong learners, and strengthened the synagogue’s commitment to vibrancy and inclusion. Under Rabbi Jacobs’ leadership, WRT completed a
3
A Musical Note from the Cantor Focusing On A Relevant Future Over the last few months, many members of the Temple
and bulletin, every member of Temple Isaiah has been
have participated in informal focus groups. These groups
invited to participate in a Town Hall meeting that will
have taken place in the back of our sanctuary, our Oneg
provide the information needed for the strategic plan-
following Shabbat services, in the foyer, in the parking lot
ning process for our Religious School.
both before and after meetings. I would like to think of these conversations as part of an ongoing strategic plan-
I want you to know I believe this, and I’ll tell you why.
ning process. Focus groups are the first step in allowing
It should come as no surprise that Temple Isaiah is not
members of the Temple to meet each other. What I’ve
the congregation or the Religious School you first came
learned above all is that now, more than ever, we need
to know thirty years ago. In fact, it is not the same when
each other. We need to know that we matter here, that
you joined twenty, ten, or even one year ago. The world
we are welcome here. However, if those conversations
changes, the community changes, and people change.
are the end of the story, then we have all been cheated. Clearly, those conversations are only the beginning of a
The founders of Temple Isaiah were different than the
process of introspection and planning, and only the first
majority of those now active or enrolled in our Religious
step in creating opportunities for relationship building.
School. Our founders were of a generation that valued institutional loyalty, and who felt an obligation to sustain
A wonderful rabbinic tale teaches that when King Solo-
and maintain Jewish institutions and philanthropies.
mon built the Temple, he installed two gates at either end, so that as people entered from opposite ends of the
The generation now joining synagogues, if they join at
Temple court and circled through it, they would meet
all, is described by scholars, commentators and mem-
face to face, talk, and learn about the goings-on in each
bers of the Religious School Committee, as “consumers”
other’s lives. And “when the Temple was no more,” the
obtaining what they need when they need it and then
midrash concludes, “they would go to the synagogues
moving on to something else.
instead.”
I say this not to be critical, but, rather, to challenge us
In an article, “Synagogue Renewal in an Age of Extreme
to think about how to best meet the needs of more than
Choice,” Rabbi Chayim Herring refers to a model known
325 “membership units” in which 140 Religious School
as the “Third Place.” First place is home and the second
families, spanning generations and different back-
place is work, the third place is where people go to
grounds, come to us for a variety of reasons.
participate socially and meaningfully. Our Temple and Religious School is the ‘Third Place” and has always been a relevant, supportive and an authentic community of sharing, listening and learning.
A Rabbi and mentor of mine says, “any institution that remains static in its thinking soon becomes irrelevant.” I want Temple Isaiah to be a House of God, to be relevant and play a meaningful role in the lives of our families.
Buber taught, “All real living is meeting.” Your experi-
I want our Religious School to be a house of Torah
ences and stories mean something to me, and I want
and Avodah, where children and adults engage in the
you to share them. As you know from our weekly e-mails
continued on page 5
4
Sustaining Members & Friends of Temple Isaiah 2015 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 2016. 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!
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)
A A A A A
Circle of Growth ($540-$1,017) Circle of Hope ($360-$539) Chaverim ($180-$359) Mitzvah Partner ($118-$179) Chai or Multiple ($36-$117)
A Musical Note from the Cantor continued from page 4 incredible opportunity of acquiring Jewish knowledge at
what you need from the Temple leadership and from your
every level. Above all, I want our Temple to be a place
fellow congregants. There are, of course, risks in asking
where we gather, engage our Jewish values of Tzedakah,
questions because sometimes there are answers that are
and work together towards Tikkun Olam.
difficult to hear, but this is a risk we must take in order
In order for Temple Isaiah to be these things, we need to
to plan effectively.
understand what our members need in 2016. We need
For me, the most important outcome from this process
to understand the ways our families who are enrolled in
will come from the personal connections so many want
our Religious School have changed over the past decade.
and need. Those of you I’ve spoken with were clear in
By change I don’t mean demographics, but how people
your desire for connections, for community. The work we
have changed. We need to understand what motivates
do together now will help to create a path to a meaningful
people to join our congregation and enroll their children
and relevant future for Temple Isaiah and our Religious
in our Religious School, and what will motivate them to
School.
become actively involved. We need to understand how we can make Judaism meaningful not just for our children, but for parents and grandparents, as well. How will we get the information we need to make in-
Please don’t let this opportunity go by, be part of this important endeavor. Let us hear from you so that Temple Isaiah and our Religious School can move into a bright and meaningful future.
formed decisions about what Temple Isaiah and our Religious School can do to ensure a meaningful future?
Cantor-Educator Scott Harris
We will listen to you, so we can, hopefully, understand
5
Please support these local businesses who generously contributed to our 50th Anniversary Celebration: Ace Hardware Arthur Matarazzo, CFS Bernice Kornfield-Premisler, Psychotherapist Brookhaven Opticians Capital One Bank Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern Domansky Family Foundation East Bay Mechanical Elegant Eating Federmann Financial Advisors Flowerfield Celebrations Four D Landscaping FPF Construction Fricke Memorials Harold I. Guberman, Attorney at Law Hilton Garden Inn I. J. Morris Jeffrey Hendel Financial Services Joey’s Z Pita Café Marriott Wind Watch M. Cary General Contracting McKan Construction Corporation MCN Distributors
Meadow Club Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown Nesconset Bagel Café New Horizon Graphics O Sole Mio PJ Cinemas Port Jefferson Hearing Renzo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria Rosenberg & Gluck LLP Schnippers Quality Kitchen Scientific Exterminating Shalom Memorial Chapels Siena Wealth Advisory Group Stafford Associates Syzygy Creative Studios Temple Isaiah Board of Directors Temple Isaiah Brotherhood Temple Isaiah Sisterhood Village Times Herald Villa Sorrento Watermill Caterers Wiggs Opticians
6
President’s Report A Holy Congregation Happy New Year! I look forward to serving as President
As I became more involved, I began to see things, ask
of our congregation as Temple Isaiah begins its next
questions and try to make things better. This is every-
50 years. I’ve served on the Board of Directors for the
one’s responsibility, whether you bring your children to
past four years, most recently as Brotherhood President.
Hebrew School, take a class, come to services, serve on
When I first joined Temple Isaiah, it was mostly so my
a committee, etc. Temple Isaiah is not just a place or a
son could become Bar Mitzvah. I had no expectation of
building, it’s the sum of all our inputs, efforts and expe-
being on the Board, let alone being President someday.
riences. Some refer to this as a kehilla kedusha, a holy
My experience as a new member was typical. Your child starts Hebrew school. Maybe you go to services, a little
congregation. But it’s really the congregation, all of us together, that create the holiness.
unsure of the routine at first, or not knowing or remem-
One of the things that makes Temple Isaiah special to
bering the Hebrew. Having grown up in a Conservative
me is how so many people with varying interests and at
congregation, it was comforting to find enough of the
different stages of life can come together, find or develop
service in English that I could participate. If you come
some common ground by sharing experiences together,
a few times, you will catch on and it will become famil-
and feel welcome and comfortable here. The relation-
iar. Then when I was standing by myself at the Oneg,
ships that develop from shared communal experiences
some friendly people came over to me and introduced
with others are truly special. I hope that everyone takes
themselves. We would talk and I would then seek them
advantage of the opportunities that belonging to Temple
out at subsequent services, or vice versa. Or they would
Isaiah provides. By doing so, you will help make Temple
introduce me to other people.
Isaiah better and strengthen our kehilla kedusha.
I also joined Brotherhood, since it was free for new
Along with the Board of Trustees, I look forward to work-
Temple members. (Sisterhood has the same offer. It’s
ing with you in the year ahead to make Temple Isaiah
a shame that so few people take advantage of it). In
better. If you have any thoughts, ideas, questions, or
Brotherhood, I met other people, some who had children
concerns, feel free to contact me at tekuates@yahoo.
in Religious school and others who didn’t. Then, after
com or at 981-5128 evenings.
a short time, the Secretary resigned and someone suggested I take his place. Since no one else wanted to do it, I got the job. Being Brotherhood Secretary ultimately
Jay Schoenfeld President
led to my joining the Temple Board as Recording Secretary, the person responsible for the minutes of the Board meetings.
Temple Isaiah 2016 Long-Term Planning Committee If you are interested in joining our Planning Committee, please contact Rich Tuckman at dooderspa@aol.com
7
L’Dor V ’D
The Ensler Family Jason Lauren Rebecca
The Leonoff Family Matthew Rachel The Lowitt Family Eli Gary Randi Raymond Ross Seth Sharon
The Proothi Family Benjamin Jackson The Rosenzweig Family Clara Emma Harrison Jacob The Sama Family Hope Lily Rebecca The Sanabia Family Michael Naomi
eneration
The Donnelly Family Audrey Brianna Emma Isaiah Joshua Oliver
The Fastenberg Family Dylan Nathan Samuel
om Genera - Fr ti o n
to G
The Baum Family Ethan Jordan
or
The Shulder Family Alex Alexa David Ethan Jillian The Sobel Family Heather Marie Katherine Nicole Makis Jules Samanth Lynn Sarah Melissa Sydney Gabriella Xavier George Zoe Elizabeth The Steinweis Family Brooke Scarlett
The Weiser Family Carly Elliot Jaden Julia Lana Leo Sela
8
Temple Isaiah’s 50th Golden Anniversary Celebration Continues! Please Join Us as We Welcome
RABBI RICK JACOBS
President, Union for Reform Judaism As our Guest Speaker
Friday, January 29th
Congregational Potluck Dinner 6:00 pm $5/person; $18/family Sign up at: PerfectPotluck.com Password: TI Shabbat Coordinator: Gentile (Please also rsvp to office@TempleIsaiahSB.org)
We’ll provide the chicken, congregants provide everything else!
Erev Shabbat Musical Service 7:30 pm Music by our Klezmer band
The Chai Notes Guest Speaker:
Rabbi Rick Jacobs Celebratory Oneg to Follow! 9
Media Watch Israel Israel’s Moral Imperative 1. “US-Israel defense cooperation goes both ways,” Pentagon says: http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/US-Israel-defense-cooperation-goes-both ways-Pentagon-says-432072 2. Legislative “Push for New York to Cut Ties with Israel Boycotters Gains Momentum.” http://observer.com/2015/11/push-for-new-york-to-cut-ties-with-israel-boycotters-gains-momentum/ 3. Due to EU’s new settlement labeling guidelines, Israeli PM temporarily suspends diplomatic contact with
EU representatives re: M.E. peace process, pending reevaluation.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-orders-reassessment-of-Israeli diplomatic-ties-with-EU-institutions-435750 4. US Secretary of State warns that if the Palestinian Authority collapses, Israel will become a bi-national country. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME& TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-11-02-11-08-23 5. Recap of history of ill-fated alliances chosen by successive Palestinian Arab leaderships. http://www.jpost.com/International/Middle-Israel-Last-tango-in-Paris-434726
Larry Weber
weberl@optonline.net
Triad Concert Series If you are interested in baking for a concert in March, April or May 2016, please contact Paula Plotkin at (631) 902-1584 or pauladaula@optonline.net
10
Ritual Committee Report The Misheberach List In order to keep the Misheberach list recited at our services current and up to date, Temple Isaiah has revised its policy: The Misheberach list will now be refreshed in the middle of the year and at the end of the year. Temple members who wish to keep their loved ones’ names on the list need only call or email the Temple office every six months, in June and January of each year. Congregants will be publicly reminded through Temple emails and the bulletin when the renewal date is coming up. Of course, names can be added at any time. If you have any questions about this revised policy, please feel free to contact the temple at administrator@ templeisaiahsb.org.
Comments
from the
Caring Committee
Please Help Us Help Those In Need Temple Isaiah’s newly re-invigorated Caring Committee has identified three priorities for our work for this coming year: 1. To offer comfort and support during times of death, shiva, bereavement 2. To assist and support those who are experiencing illness and those who are elderly 3. To connect with our Temple Isaiah College/University students We invite you to join us in the mitzvah of caring for others. Please watch this space in upcoming bulletins and eblasts for more information regarding the Caring Committee and our work! We will be offering a Shiva Minyan Leader Training Workshop, Visiting the Sick Training and more! Suzanne Dulin & Preston Schoenfeld, Caring Committee Co-Chairs
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. Our next meeting is Sunday, January 31st at 1:30 pm. Please call Lillian Goldstein at 862-1747 for more information.
11
Shmoozing With Sisterhood Coming Soon: Trace Your Ancestry & Mahjongg Sisterhood wishes our Temple Isaiah community
pbennett1000@gmail.com and request an invitation
a very happy and healthy 2016! Sisterhood would
to join “TI Sisterhood’s Google Group.” You must
like to extend our warmest thanks and appreciation
respond to the invitation within a certain period of
to outgoing TI President, Dean Rosenzweig, for his
time or it will expire and you must e-mail another
dedication and service. It’s been a great year. Sister-
request.
hood wishes a very heart felt Mazel Tov to our new TI President, Jay Schoenfeld. We look forward to working with you.
You do not have to be a Sisterhood member to join the Google group, everyone is welcome. We always
Our December Paint Party was a smash!
post reminders for meetings and events on this site.
Everyone who attended our December paint party had
Also, keep an eye out on Temple Isaiah’s website for
a grand old time. Veronica from MD Design Studio
Sisterhood – our activities are posted there as well.
was a really good teacher and everyone who partici-
Our meetings and events are open to all. Our first
pated, created and took home a masterpiece!
two events of 2016 will be working on family histo-
If you have not yet had a chance to join TI Sisterhood because your fall schedule was too busy, our
ries (January) and learning the basics of Mah Jongg (February).
mailings. Join us… you’ll be glad you did! We have
TRACE YOUR ANCESTRY WITH MEREDITH KAYE-TIERNEY
some really nice events planned for winter/spring
Sunday, January 24th 10-11:30 am in the Social Hall
2016. Also, if you are not receiving e-mails about
Want to start a family tree or work on furthering your
membership form will be out in the January Temple
TI Sisterhood events and would like to, please send an e-mail with your name to Paula Bennett:
continued on page 13
12
Goings
on in the
Youth Group
Service, Celebration & Fun! What an AMAZING 2015 TISBY has had!!! We have done so many exciting things from Gaga for Gaga! to Chopped! and of course our hours in the game room! 2016 has even more to look forward to! This month alone we will hold a Lip Sync Battle and create Israel from ice cream and our favorite toppings! The seniors will also be meeting with former TISBY alums to catch up with old friends and to find out all they will need to know about Jewish life on today’s campuses, and other tips for college! 2016 promises to be a fun-packed and busy schedule of wonderful events! Save the Date: March 11th is the Youth Led Service! TISBY members and TI religious students of all ages will be participating! Can’t wait to see you there! Temple Isaiah Youth Group Director Emily Gergen
Shmoozing
with
Sisterhood
continued from page 12 family’s genealogy research? Meredith Kaye-Tierney
Here’s your chance! Pam and helpers will introduce
will teach you how the internet can help! Find out her
you to the “ins and outs” of Chows, Pungs and Kongs
secrets to successful searching and resources. We’ll
to make winning hands playing a few tutorial rounds.
sign into Wi-Fi to work on individual family trees.
Bagels, fortune cookies, coffee and Chinese tea will
There will be time to do some original research and
be served. Bring a game set if you have one. You
get expert hands-on assistance. Bring a laptop or
must RSVP to the Temple Office 751-8518, or Pam
tablet if you have one. Space is limited to the first 18
Diamond, goldie1006@gmail.com or Paula Bennett,
participants, so please register early. You must RSVP
pbennett1000@gmail.com by Wednesday February
to the Temple Office 751-8518, to Paula Bennett
3rd. There is a $3 registration fee for this event to
pbennett1000@gmail.com, or to Eileen Donnelly
cover costs.
ebdonnel@optonline.net for this event. Coffee, bagels and instructional handouts provided.
LEARN THE BASICS OF MAH JONGG WITH PAM DIAMOND AND “THE GALS” Sunday, February 7th 11am-12:30
pm
in the Social
Hall (Snow-Date: Sunday February 28th) Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the American version of this ancient Chinese game?
We hope you’ll join us for another Winter/Spring season. It’s going to be great! Very Sincerely Yours, Paula Bennett and Eileen Donnelly TI Sisterhood Co-Presidents pbennett1000@gmail.com and ebdonnel@optonline.net
13
Parents’ Association
Family B ingo N ight Saturday, January 9th 6-8 pm
There will be
B ingo , P izza , R efreshments and L ots of F un P rizes for the K ids ! Please bring a non-perishable food item for the pantry. Cost: $1 per Bingo Card Please RSVP to Alison by 1/4/16 at theafamily@yahoo.com 14
It’s Tu B’Shevat
Celebrate the New Year of the Trees! January 15th at 5 pm Join Rabbi Sharon Sobel and Cantor Scott Harris for
A Special Tu B’Shevat Project
Music, Story and Shabbat Celebration! Children Ages 0-5 (feel free to invite your parents and siblings to join you!)
Challah, Juice, Fun and Friends
Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen Members of Temple Isaiah’s Social Action Committee help staff Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at St. James Catholic Church (429 Route 25A in Setauket). Each Sunday afternoon, dinner is provided to over 100 adults and children, by teams of volunteers working on a rotating schedule. Although housed at St. James Parish, the group itself comprises participants from various community faith-based groups and organizations. Volunteers in this organization serve in a variety of ways, including food planning, cooking, serving and cleanup, as well as providing transportation, supervision of the nursery area, pantry and clothing distribution. To help with this mitzvah, please call our Temple office, or contact: Joyce Bonitch at (631) 941-2731 Where/When: Sundays at 3:00
pm
in the church basement.
15
The Rabbi Adam D. Fisher Library Among the many new books in the library is, “Doomed to Succeed,” by Dennis Ross. Ross served as a Middle East advisor in many administrations both Republican and Democratic. His book details America’s relationship with Israel in each of them since Truman. It is an eye opener about the inner workings of American diplomacy, as well as the way that Israel, the Palestinians and the Arab world dealt with various issues and events. In addition to books, the library has received a large donation of DVDs including dramas, comedies and documentaries that deal with Judaism and/or Jewish values, from Arnie and Honey Katz. Arnie, a film buff, showed “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” which is one of the best films of Jewish interest ever shown, and gave a wonderful commentary on it. We hope to have more such programs in the future. Finally, the library was pleased to host the introduction of a new collection of stories called “Jewish Noir” edited by Ken Wishnia. I have a story in this fine collection. Rabbi Adam D. Fisher Please note: Our Temple library is open one half-hour before each Erev Shabbat Service.
As You Journey Through Bereavement A Support Group Can Help Our Group Meets Weekly on Thursdays from 7 - 8:30 pm New 8 Week Sessions to Follow
Free of Charge Unitarian Universalist Fellowship • 380 Nicolls Rd. in East Setauket • Call 631-751-0297 to register 16
Adult Education RSVP to Penny for all courses: Administrator@TempleIsaiahSB.org
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Every Saturday: 8:30 am – 9:30 am Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel No RSVP necessary Join the lively discussion as we study the Hebrew Bible, line-by-line, phrase-byphrase. No prior knowledge is necessary. Newcomers are always welcome! Coffee and a light breakfast are provided. Great friends, food and conversation!
Adult Education
“Temple Isaiah Reads” Book Discussion Groups Daytime Group: Monday, January 25h at 2 pm
Adult Bar/Bat Mitvah & Confirmation Class
Thursdays: 7 – 9 pm. (already in session, new registrants are welcome!) Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel This is a Two-Year program for all who have: • Never celebrated becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a teenager (for any reason) • For anyone who was never called to the Torah • For anyone who would like to learn Hebrew and more about Jewish practice/observance and belief • For those who HAVE celebrated Bar/Bat Mitzvah but would like to learn more! • For those who are not Jewish and would like to increase their Jewish knowledge This is a wonderful opportunity to bond with fellow congregants and engage with our tradition in deep and meaningful ways. Yearly Fee to cover Hebrew Instruction, Books and Materials: $500.00/year (limited financial assistance is available to those in need. Please speak with Rabbi Sobel in confidence). Contact Rabbi Sobel directly if you are interested in joining: Rabbi@TempleIsaiahSB.org
Early Morning Study with Rabbi Adam D. Fisher Tuesday Mornings: 6:30 – 7:30 am
Tanakh Study with Rabbi Stephen Karol
Sunday Mornings: 10:30 am – 11:45 am Location: Jefferson’s Ferry in South Setauket. Card Room on Second Floor. This year, we will be reading and discussing two of the most important yet unknown books in the Hebrew Bible—Ezra and Nehemiah. More than anyone else, these two men were responsible for the reestablishment of a Jewish presence in Jerusalem after the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile. Without their policies and influence, there is no telling what would have happened to our ancestors during that crucial period in Jewish history. We are still affected by their accomplishments— especially when we read the Torah in public. All you need for Tanakh Study are a copy of the English translation of the Hebrew Bible and the willingness to share your interpretations of the text. Knowledge of Hebrew and previous experience with studying the Bible are not prerequisites.
17
Co mm e mo rate a Spe ci a l Eve nt a t Tem pl e I sa i a h
We Have so Many Reasons to Celebrate Together! A The Birth of a Child or Grandchild A A Bris or Baby Naming A A Bar or Bat Mitzvah A A Confirmation or Graduation A An Engagement A A Marriage and More... All are Excellent Occasions to
Sponsor an Oneg Whether in Honor of a Special Occasion or a Special Someone, Your Sponsorship is a Mitzvah Your Temple Family will Greatly Appreciate. Please call the Temple office at 751-8518 for details or email Penny at administrator@templeisaiahsb.org
18
Tu B'Shevat The New Year of Trees The New Year of Trees Sunday, January 24th
Sunday, January 24th Seder: 5 pm Dinner: 5:45 pm Conclusion of Seder: 6:30 pm Come celebrate and observe the Birthday of Trees at our Tu B’Shevat Family Seder for children and adults
Seder: 5 PM Dinner: 5:45 PMTu B’Shevat Seder Please Join Us at Our Annual Conclusion of Seder: 6:30 PM for the Entire Family This beautiful seder involves tasting many kinds of fruits, wines (juice for children) along with readings, songs and poetry. We will celebrate the bounty that will come with spring and plant parsley to take home to be used later at Passover. Details: • • • •
Please bring your own Kosher-style dinner (no shellfish, pork products, or dairy-meatcombinations). Dessert, coffee, wine, fruit, and challah will be provided. Cost: $5 per person/$18 per family. A portion of this donation will go to Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger. Reservations for the Tu B'Shevat Seder must be received by January 20th. RSVP to Penny at administrator@templeisaiahsb.org
Name ______________________________ Email Address: ________________________ Cell Phone _______________________ # Attending ________ Amount Enclosed __________
19
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.
a funeral and have to leave a message with the
Please let us know of any hospitalizations, so
answering service, please mention that you are
Rabbi or Cantor can arrange to visit, or at least
calling regarding a funeral.
telephone.
Condolences
Congratulations
A To Barbara Yarmus on the death of her husband A To June and Steve Hoffman on the birth of their
Robert Yarmus.
twin grandchildren Kira Lillian & Tyce Harold,
A To Adam Mandelbaum on the death of his
son & daughter of Brian & Daniella Hoffman.
A To Janis and Mark Studin on the birth of their
grandmother Nathalie Bernstein
Welcome New Members A
granddaughter Ava Drew.
Woody Goldstein
Sunshine Funds
Beautification Fund
It’s always the "right time" to make a contribution to your Temple. It might be in honor of a living person or a recent event, or in memory of someone or something, or anything you want. Donations can be made over the phone, by email, or through the USPS. However you send the information, your donation can be added to your monthly Temple Isaiah invoice for easy bookkeeping. Sunshine cards require a minimum contribution of ten dollars.
The purpose of the Beautification Fund is to generate money to renovate and beautify our synagogue. All monies will go into a fund dedicated to this purpose.
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.
To assist in this goal, a wall sculpture has been commissioned. This permanent work of art provides the opportunity to commemorate your support for Temple Isaiah. Plaques of different sizes will be available in the following categories: 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.
20
Sunshine Funds & Other Donations Adult Education Fund
In memory of Rose Racer Fran & Harvey Robinson In honor of Allison & Vladimir Smagin’s wedding
Beautification Fund In memory of Beatrice Flinker Lillian Goldstein
Camp Fund In In In In
memory of Fay Kaminsky Diane & Stephen Weitzman memory of Jerry Kaminsky Diane & Stephen Weitzman memory of Ida Weitzman Diane & Stephen Weitzman memory of Joseph Weitzman Diane & Stephen Weitzman
Fund to Feed the Hungry In In In In In
memory of Mina Cymerman Diane & Jerome Cymerman memory of Samuel Mehrman Marion & Theo Pavlides memory of Sylvia Robbins Marion & Theo Pavlides memory of Milton Schiff David Schiff memory of Max Racer Fran & Harvey Robinson
Israel Fund
In memory of Taibi Weisberg Gladys & Sheldon Rothbell
Landscape Fund
In memory of Robert Yarmus Perri & Larry Lieblich
Music Fund
In memory of Alexander Ferris Cheryl & Jerrold Hirsch In memory of Esther Kaplan Barbara & Bruce Meyer In honor of Stephen Goldstein Ilene & Ivan Ensler Myra & Alan Rosofsky
Rabbi Karol Youth Lounge Fund In memory of Jack Flinker Lillian Goldstein Thank you for the beautiful service Allison Aldrich & Vladimir Smagin
Rabbi Adam D. Fisher Library In memory of Bob Yarmus Claire Baer Eileen & Joe Donnelly Ilene & Ivan Ensler Barbara & Jerry Fine Essie & Mark Freilach Honey & Arnie Katz Tina Dunayer & Harold Guberman Marion & Theo Pavlides Joan Korins & Dan Stenzler Myra & Alan Rosofsky Amy & Mort Rosen Gloria & Mark Snyder Cherie & Michael Trachtenberg Bonnie & Steve Katz
Rabbi Sobel’s Discretionary Fund In In In In In In In In In
memory of Irene Harris David Harris memory of Florence Lucas David Harris memory of David Block Block family memory of Philip Perman Eileen Baker memory of Malka Perman Eileen Baker memory of Kermit Gitter Ellen Koenig memory of Julius Katz Honey & Arnie Katz memory of Rose Katz Honey & Arnie Katz memory of Anne Siegelman Doris & Leo Dvorken
Special Projects Fund In memory of George Rosenthal Paul Rosenthal
Tikkun Olam Fund In memory of Murray Kamen The Kamen Family
Vivian Kohn Fund
In memory of Frank Weitzman Diane & Stephen Weitzman
Youth Group Fund In memory of Leo Ziegler Betsy & Joel Ziegler
21
22
Visit our Websites for Special Offers
Gift Certificates Available
Dr. Kneessy
Dr. Adler
Dr. Coccaro
179 Belle Meade Road, East Setauket, NY 11733
SUFFOLK PLASTIC SURGEONS, PC
SPS: 631-751-4400 v Spa: 631.751.2693
www.suffolkplasticsurgeon.com v www.spabellemeade.com
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
www.wix.com/gemsda/davidaltman
23
24
Office (631) 751-0196 Cell (631) 807-7162
Bernice Kornfield Premisler LCSW Psychotherapist 764 RT. 25A SETAUKET, NY 11733
18 25
B’nai Mitzvah January 2016 Hannah Lambert January 9th
Daughter of Abby & Philip Lambert
Siman Tov & Mazel Tov To All!
Rabbi—Sharon L. Sobel
Parents' Association Co-Chairs—Nancy Linden
Cantor-Educator––Scott Harris
& Ilene Horan
Temple President—Jay Schoenfeld
Youth Group Advisor—Emily Gergen
Sisterhood Co-Presidents—Paula Bennett
Youth Group President—Rebecca Schneider
& Eileen Donnelly
Rabbi Emeritus—Stephen A. Karol
Brotherhood President—Alan Fisher
Rabbi Emeritus—Adam D. Fisher Cantor Emeritus—Michael F. Trachtenberg
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