THE
LADDER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
And Jacob dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to the heavens...
A SWEET & HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS High Holy Day Information
Adult Education Catalog
Pages 4-7 Pages 8-11
Book Drive Page 12 Youth Activities
Pages 12-13
RABBI’S MESSAGE Dear Members of the Beth El Family, “And may they construct a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8) So instructs God to the Israelites, having recently been redeemed from Egyptian bondage. One might think that God would command that the sanctuary be built “that I may dwell within it”. But the Torah avoids this anthropomorphic image of the deity residing within the sacred structure by preferring “that I may dwell among them”, illustrating that God’s presence exists among the people, wherever they may be. As the Mishna teaches, “Whenever two sit together to share words of Torah, then God’s presence resides between them.” (Pirke Avot 3:2)
220 SOUTH BEDFORD ROAD CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514
WWW.BETHELNW.ORG 914.238.3928 T 914.238.4030 F EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 914.238.5735 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 914.238.5641 TEMPLE@BETHELNW.ORG
TEMPLE STAFF JONATHAN JAFFE Senior Rabbi MAURA H. LINZER Rabbi-Educator ELIZABETH STERNLIEB Cantor GENNIFER KELLY Executive Director RABBI NORMAN COHEN, Ph.D. Scholar-in-Residence HOPE BLAUNER Early Childhood Director RHONDA REGAN President
This September, for the first time in two years, our entire congregation will be welcomed into the sanctuary and campus that we call home for the High Holy Days. For many of us, Temple Beth El houses memories of sacred moments and milestones. For others, it is the place where our children happily meet friends and engage in Jewish living and learning. And for others, it is the foundation of our community and the connections which bring us together in an isolated world. In any case, whenever we gather within it, God’s presence dwells among us. It is for this reason that I am overjoyed to welcome you home for this year’s High Holy Days. As you will see, we have been busy renewing our campus while waiting for you. Our parking lot has been freshly paved and water drainage issues addressed, so hopefully the back end of the lot will no longer look like a skating rink this winter. The building has been newly stained and painted so that the newer addition more closely matches the color of the original building. Security planters now decorate the front curb and new signage welcomes all visitors at the front entrance. The building anxiously awaits your arrival alongside those of us who “dwell” within it. Even as safety precautions are maintained and unvaccinated children and individuals will wait until the second day of Rosh Hashanah to gather outdoors, we will have the opportunity to come together in worship and reflection. For those who are unable or uncomfortable with entering the building, please know that both of our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur sanctuary services will be live streamed for your convenience. We will also be offering outdoor tashlich and hiking at Gedney Park. In this way, we hope to demonstrate the spirit of inclusion which underscores our congregation. The Greek word “synagogue” means house of gathering. The same goes for the Hebrew “beit knesset”. Without the people, the synagogue is simply a structure, devoid of spiritual awakening. And so on behalf of our clergy, staff and lay leaders, we are excitedly looking forward to the building coming alive with your return. Welcome home. Wishing you and sweet and happy new year,
A Proud Member of the URJ
2
Rabbi Jaffe
CANTOR’S CORNER Dear Friends, I am thrilled that our High Holy Day services will take place in our sanctuary in real time and I hope to see many of your shining eyes in the room! I am looking forward to being surrounded by our Temple Beth El sacred family, as together we usher in the New Year. This past year and a half has been (and continues to be) fraught with challenge, frustration and sadness. For me, It has also been a time of deep introspection, innovation, inspiration, mindfulness and creativity. There were times I was completely disoriented and disconnected as my daily routine fell out from under me and nothing looked or felt familiar. I had to manage a new and daunting level of stress that I had never been acquainted with. Isolation and fear brought with it a serious battle with the blues and I was missing my friends, my work space, and my extended family. I was often up at night worrying about family members, loved ones and our congregation. As a coping mechanism, I started a journal and I found myself focusing more and more on living in each moment. My main goal (aside from Cantor responsibilities) was to stay healthy and get through each day with some sense of Shlemut (inner peace). In this journal I composed my own poetry and meditations. My anthem for Kol Nidre last year was inspired by one of these meditations, “The Sun Will Shine Again.” (More on that shortly). A recurring theme that threaded through the journal was in figuring out some way to help. I felt fortunate and blessed as I was working and safe at home with food on my table. Reports of joblessness and hunger plagued the daily news. This led to the creation of the first online “Cantors and Company Coast to Coast” concert. Producing this concert in service to an international cause brought me a great deal of purpose. My time with generous and talented colleagues, albeit on zoom, was very rich and up-lifting. This lift allowed me to fly in a new way, in a new direction, with a new energy and as soon as we wrapped the first project, I set a date for a second concert. I was reminded through this time that something always pulls me to be in “service” in order to continually lead and live a meaningful life. My sleep improved, my blues were replaced with a rainbow here and there. I was still missing people and worried, but the intensity became more manageable. I am so grateful to Cathy Dreilinger for all of her support, encouragement and help in coordinating with the staff at Mazon. Enormous props to Genn Kelly, Leslie Aufieri-Schneiderman, Jaclyn Dubray, and Ann Testone for all the “behind the scenes” support, huge kudos to Zach Munowitz for his seamless editing and thank you to all of you who helped support these project by making generous donations to underwrite or for purchasing tickets to support the concert series and Mazon, putting food on empty tables. In June, for PRIDE month, I was called to write a brand new song in support of LGBTQ youth. Beth Styles (www.bethstyles.com) (who guided our “virtual sanctuary” footage for last years High Holy Day services) jumped on this project and together we composed “Living in the Light of Pride.” This song video (produced by Beth) was received with great enthusiasm and gratitude by the LGBTQ community and I am so happy to share that we have reached over 25k views. In late July, I received an email with notice of a hearty mazal tov from Transcontinental Music Publications telling me that they selected my Covid meditation song “The Sun Will Shine Again” (from my journal book) out of hundreds of submissions, to be included in their new publication Mikraei Kodesh (Songs of Lifecycle and Sacred Moments) Volume II, scheduled for release in winter 2022-23. My wish and my prayer is that very soon we will be able to sing together in groups again. I await a time when we will bring our adult choir (Kol Sasson) and our youth choir (Kol Simcha) back together. I am paying very close attention to all the news and all the science. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will get our musical groove back on and raise the roof in song a celebration. Until then, please know I have missed you all and look forward to seeing you again very soon. Wishing you all a Sweet New Year. Shana Tova U’metukah,
Cantor Sternlieb
3
HIGH HOLY DAYS 2021 (5782) Please note that all in-person services are for members and will require a ticket. All services inside the building will require proof of vaccination to enter. All Sanctuary services will be live-streamed and recorded. Full details on our website: bethelnw.org/High-Holy-Days Prayer books, for those watching from home, will be provided in advance.
zegilq
SELICHOT SERVICE
Saturday, August 28 6:00 pm Selichot in the Klein Courtyard with Rabbi Jaffe and Cantor Sternlieb
ROSH HASHANAH
dpyd y`x
EREV ROSH HASHANAH Monday, September 6 5:00 pm Rosh Hashanah Evening Service in the Sanctuary* ROSH HASHANAH DAY Tuesday, September 7 9:30 am Rosh Hashanah Morning Service in the Sanctuary (Early)* 1:00 pm Rosh Hashanah Morning Service in the Sanctuary (Late)* 4:00 pm Tashlich at Gedney Park ROSH HASHANAH 2nd DAY Wednesday, September 8 9:30 am Outdoor Preschool Service 11:30 am Outdoor Family Service 1:00 pm Casual Rosh Hashanah Hike with Rabbi Jaffe (meet at Gedney Park dock) 2:15 pm Second Day Tashlich (at Gedney Park dock)
pyd y`x
SUKKOT
Friday, September 24 6:00 pm Crafting & Decorating the Sukkah 7:15 pm Shabbat Worship Service in Sukkah
SIMCHAT TORAH
dpyd y`x
Monday, September 27 5:30 pm Simchat Torah Celebration
4
YOM KIPPUR
xetiA mei
KOL NIDRE Wednesday, September 15 8:00 pm Kol Nidre Service in the Sanctuary* YOM KIPPUR DAY Thursday, September 16 9:30 am Yom Kippur Morning Service in the Sanctuary (Early)* 1:00 pm Yom Kippur Morning Service in the Sanctuary (Late)* 2:00 pm Gedney Park Hike led by Congregant Norma Klein (pets welcome) 3:00 pm Yom Kippur Afternoon Text Discussion with Rabbi Norman Cohen in the Social Hall 5:00 pm Yizkor Memorial Service in the Sanctuary* 6:00 pm Neilah Concluding Service in the Sanctuary* * Live-streamed and recorded
Looking to perform a High Holy Day Mitzvah? Join our Usher Corps and help the clergy and fellow members at our synagogue! Please sign up to volunteer on our website: bethelnw.org/HHD-Usher-Form
SELICHOT Selichot Service with Rabbi Jaffe and Cantor Sternlieb Saturday, August 28 at 6:00 pm Join Rabbi Jaffe and Cantor Sternlieb as we usher in the High Holy Days with the observance of Selichot, in which we begin the process of repentance and self-reflection. Weather permitting, the service will take place in our Klein Courtyard as the sun sets. We will conclude the observance with Havdalah, marking the end of Shabbat, and light refreshments.
TASHLICH Tashlich at Gedney Park Tuesday, September 7 at 4:00 pm Wednesday, September 8 at 2:15 pm In the ritual of Tashlich, we cast away crumbs of bread as a symbol of those feelings of guilt, anger, remorse, and sadness which we have carried in our pockets throughout the past year. Throughout the centuries, Jews have traveled to the nearest body of water on Rosh Hashanah afternoon to perform this ritual. As in past years, we will gather at the Gedney Park pond overlook for shofar blowing, songs, and the casting of bread crumbs. Congregants of all ages (and their pets) are welcome to join us!
ROSH HASHANAH 2ND DAY Outdoor Preschool Service Wednesday, September 8 at 9:30 am Join Rabbis Jaffe and Linzer and Cantor Sternlieb for a 30 minute service aimed towards our youngest congregants and their families. We will gather for songs, prayer, sharing and the blowing of the shofar in a participative and casual environment.
Outdoor Family Service Wednesday, September 8 at 11:30 am This one-hour service will cater to elementary and middle school children and their families. We will include many highlights of the High Holy Days, including Torah reading, shofar blowing and key liturgical moments such as Avinu Malkeinu. Rabbis Jaffe and Linzer and Cantor Sternlieb will be on hand to lead the liturgy, music and sharing. All are welcome.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Our High Holy Days website has all information including: • Service Schedule • Service Links • Busing & Parking Information Visit bethelnw.org/High-Holy-Days for full details
5
YOM KIPPUR AFTERNOON Yom Kippur Afternoon Text Discussion Thursday, September 16 3:00–4:00 pm
with Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Norman Cohen, Ph.D. The afternoon provides us with additional opportunities to reflect upon the past year while also exploring central Jewish themes of loss, renewal, and redemption. Please join our Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Norman Cohen, Ph.D. in an exploration of these topics.
Memorial Yizkor Service 5:00 pm The Yizkor service is a beautiful tradition of remembering beloved family members and friends who have died. If you wish to have the name of a family member who has died since last Yom Kippur read during Yizkor, but have not previously recorded the name with the temple, please contact the office so that we can include that person.
Neilah Concluding Service 5:45 pm We conclude Yom Kippur with Neilah when we hear the final sounds of the shofar. The brief, beautiful Havdalah service before we break fast together is one of the sweetest moments of the holiday season.
HIGH HOLY DAY FOOD DRIVE Food Drive September 16 Each year during the High Holy Days, our congregation generously donates food to a Westchesterbased organization, serving individuals in need. These food pantries serve individuals from local communities who are the truly needy: elderly singles who can’t pay Westchester rents; disabled men and women with little disability insurance with families to feed; mentally impaired individuals; mothers and children fleeing from abusive situations; families in which parents were temporarily laid off who have now used up what little savings they had. And this year the needs are greater than ever with so many individuals and families affected by the current economic downturn. Full details and items needed listed on our website: bethelnw.org/HHD-FoodDrive
6
SUKKOT Sukkot celebrates both the fall harvest and our deeper connection to nature. It is a joyous season that symbolizes our people’s redemption and God’s protecting presence as they wandered through the wilderness. Sukkot is one of the most physically beautiful holidays because of the sukkah (temporary booth) that we decorate with symbols of the harvest, and the lulav and etrog, which we shake as we pray for a good season of rain.
Friday, September 24 6:00 pm Crafting & Decorating the Sukkah 7:15 pm Shabbat Worship Service in Sukkah Festivities to take place in the Klein Courtyard
SIMCHAT TORAH Monday, September 27 5:30 pm Outdoor Simchat Torah Celebration Simchat Torah, meaning “The Joy of Torah”, celebrates the completion and new cycle of reading the Torah. We hold up the Torah as it is completely opened and read the final verses of Deuteronomy and the first lines of Genesis. In order to allow our younger congregants to participate in this festive ritual, the service will be held outdoors.
7
SPECIAL INSERT ADULT EDUCATION CATALOG 2021-22
8
FEATURED SERIES: EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES ON ISRAEL Listening to the Wide Spectrum of American Jewish Thought on Israel The response to the eruption of violence in Israel and Gaza in May of 2021 revealed a changing perspective on the part of younger American Jews regarding the Jewish State and its relationship with the Palestinian people. In order to fully understand this shift, we are inviting thought leaders representing varying views as expressed by younger American Jews. We invite you to join us in listening, confronting and wrestling with divergent opinions as we consider the relationship between Israel and American Jewry.
Jonathan Kessler, Founder/CEO Heart of a Nation Sunday, October 17, 9:15–10:30 am Beit Midrash with live Zoom option Jonathan Kessler is the founder and CEO of Heart of a Nation, a non-profit aimed towards bringing together progressives of all faiths and backgrounds to form an intentional Community of Purpose that is committed to the ambitious task of making Israel and America better countries. As the progressive impulses in Israeli and American societies are challenged by darker forces, American progressives are drifting away from Israel and Israeli politics is just a shadow of its progressive roots. The acceleration of these trends will harm both countries, as well as advancements toward equality, justice, and peace. For these reasons, uniting in common purpose the progressive communities in the U.S., Israel, and Palestine is more urgent than ever.
Shifra Sered, J Street Regional Director, Tri-State & PA Region Sunday, November 21, 9:15–10:30 am Beit Midrash with live Zoom option Shifra Sered is the J Street Regional Director of the Tri-State and Pennsylvania Region. She joined J Street after returning to the U.S. from living and working in Israel for four years. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in linguistics and completing a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in North Carolina, Shifra moved to Israel as part of the NIF/Shatil Social Justice Fellowship. As a New Israel Fund fellow, she worked with two grassroots, bi-national organizations empowering marginalized Jewish and Palestinian communities to organize for a more just and democratic Israel.
Yona Shem-Tov, Executive Director, Encounter Tuesday, December 14, 7:00 pm on Zoom Yona Shem-Tov has worked as a Jewish educator for over 20 years. Prior to joining Encounter in 2011, Yona pursued graduate studies at The Hebrew University and doctoral research in Education and Jewish Studies at New York University as a Wexner Graduate Fellow. Encounter is an educational organization working toward informed, courageous and resilient American & Israeli Jewish communal leadership on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They believe this moment, and responsible Jewish leadership demands of us to engage seriously and directly with both the voices of others in our community and of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Their programs offer the opportunity to do both, which is a fundamental act of Ahavat Yisrael: Love of One’s People.
9
FEATURED SERIES: EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES ON ISRAEL Dick and Lee Laster Annual Lecture: David Harris, Chief Executive Officer, AJC Sunday, January 2, 2022, 9:15–10:30 am Beit Midrash with live Zoom option David Harris has led American Jewish Committee (AJC), described by the New York Times as the “dean of American Jewish organizations,” since 1990. He was referred to by the late Israeli President Shimon Peres as the “foreign minister of the Jewish people.” David has been honored more than 20 times, including by the governments of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine for his international efforts on behalf of the defense of human rights, advancement of the transatlantic partnership, and dedication to the Jewish people. He has written hundreds of articles in leading media outlets. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania and London School of Economics, he has been a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University and Oxford University.
Batya Ungar-Sargon, Deputy Opinion Editor, Newsweek Sunday, February 13, 2022, 9:15–10:30 am Beit Midrash with live Zoom option Batya Ungar-Sargon is the deputy opinion editor of Newsweek. Her job involves curating an opinion section devoted to radical diversity from across the political, racial, religious, and ideological spectrum. She is the co-host of Newsweek’s debate podcast, and her book “Bad News: How Woke Media Is Undermining Democracy,” will be out in October 2021. Batya earned her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Her awards include: 2017 Religion News Association finalist; 2016 Clarion Award for “On the Border of Justice;” 2016 New York Press Club Award for “City Limits 2015 Housing Coverage;” 3rd Place in the 11th Annual Ippies in 2013 for Best Story on an Immigrant Community: “After the Flood, Brighton’s Latinos Struggle in the Shadows” in City Limits; Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Doctoral fellowship, 2011-2012; and BNOW honoree, Berkeley National Organization for Women, 2010. Batya is a Fellow of the third class of the Civil Society Fellowship, a Partnership of ADL and The Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Bader Fund Annual Lecture: Amanda Berman, Founder and Executive Director, Zioness Sunday, March 6, 2022, 9:15–10:30 am Beit Midrash with live Zoom option Amanda Berman is the Founder and Executive Director of the Zioness Movement, a new initiative empowering and activating Zionists on the progressive left to stand proudly in social justice spaces as Jews and Zionists. Until she recently made the transition to focusing exclusively on building the much-needed Zioness community, Amanda was also a civil rights attorney fighting anti-Semitism legally, spearheading such groundbreaking initiatives as the international action against Kuwait Airways for its discrimination against Israeli nationals, and the dual cases against San Francisco State University for its constitutional and civil rights violations against Jewish and Israeli students and community members. Amanda writes on Jewish and civil rights issues and is a media contributor across various mediums and outlets. She has spoken and presented before diverse audiences including Hadassah, JNF, B’nei Brith, Jewish Federation, AIPAC, JCRC, Hillel, and many others. She is a graduate of the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute, the recipient of Hadassah’s prestigious Myrtle Wreath Award, and was listed by the Algemeiner as one of the top “100 people positively contributing to Jewish life” in 2018.
10
FEATURED SERIES: EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES ON ISRAEL Looking at the Israeli Declaration of Independence as a Jewish Text Source Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, Temple Beth El Sunday, April 24, 2022, 9:15–10:30 am Beit Midrash with live Zoom option The Israeli Declaration of Independence is both a document of statecraft and a uniquely Jewish text, replete with allusions to religious and historical motifs. The declaration also illustrates a careful balance between the religious and secular impulses that animated the Jewish state from its very origins and continue to inform the norms and values of today’s Israel. No Hebrew or text background required.
NEW SERIES Tacos and Torah with Rabbi Jaffe October 7, 2021, January 20, 2022, April 7, 2022 7:00 pm Rotating Between Local Taco Shops! We hope to mix our love of learning and eating with a new limited series, Tacos and Torah, to be held at The Taco Project in Pleasantville. Order your tacos, chips and margarita. Then join Rabbi Jaffe and your Beth El neighbors in an informal discussion on Jewish text. All ages welcome. We will kick off the series on Thursday, October 7 at The Taco Project in Pleasantville. Salud!
What Lies Under the Fig Leaf? Biblical Stories of Clothing and Identity Select Sundays, 11:15 am–12:30 pm with Scholar in Residence Rabbi Norman Cohen, Ph.D. In Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” the invisible suit of clothing tells us much about the character of the emperor as well as that of his subjects. It also reveals the writer’s concerns and values. The symbolic power of clothing, both in what it hides and reveals, has everything to do with identity and how we perceive it. So, as we read biblical stories through the interpretive lens of Midrash, we will gain a powerful sense of what lies under the garment of Torah.” Dates: Session 1 - April 24: Garments Concealing and Revealing our Identities. Genesis 3, 9 and 27 Session 2 - May 1: Uncovering our True Identities. Genesis 37-39 Session 3 - May 15: Changing Garments; Transforming our Identities. Numbers 20, 1st and 2nd Samuel, The Book of Esther.
11
TIKKUN OLAM Caring Committee 2021 Book Drive This year’s Caring Committee Book Drive in support of the Ossining Children’s Center and Ossining Open Door. These are the kinds of books we ask to be donated: • Children’s Picture Books, hard or soft cover (Pre-K through 2nd Grade) • Middle Grade Chapter Books and Young Adult Books (ages 12-18) • Series Books such as Henry and Mudge; Harry Potter; Goosebumps; Thomas the Train; Twilight series, Dragon books; Clue books; Cam Jansen; Amelia Bedelia; Mike Lupica Sports books; Beverly Cleary books; Wimpy Kid; Christopher Sports books; Capt. Underpants; Junie B. Jones; Ivy and Bean; Clifford the Dog; Judy Mood Please Note: No Adult Books should be donated. Please bring your books to the temple where boxes will be located for donations from October 3–9 in the main lobby. WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT NEW OR GENTLY READ BOOKS! The Caring Committee and volunteers will be sorting and packing the books October 12-14. Come join us and be a part of this exciting annual project! Any questions? Please contact one of the Caring Committee Co-Chairs listed below: Penny Hamlet (914-953-9029) Rachel Rosin (914) 523-9784
YOUTH ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE The Youth Activities Committee is designed to encourage our children’s desire to be involved by offering a wide variety of fun, social and community-based events!
2nd Grade Warrior Fitness Bootcamp Sunday, September 26 11:00–11:45 am (directly after Religious School) Burn off some energy! Led by Natasha Flora of Prescriptions for Fitness, this session features fitness through fun-filled games incorporating relay races, sports and healthy competition. RSVP on our website: bethelnw.org/event/2nd-bootcamp2021 Cost: $25/child charged to your TBE account
3rd Grade Day at the Games Sunday, October 3 11:00–11:45 am (directly after Religious School) It’s game time! Join in on some friendly competition with crowd-pleasing games like Bingo, Simon Says and more! RSVP on our website: bethelnw.org/event/3rd-games2021 Cost: $15/child charged to your TBE account
12
YOUTH ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE 4th Grade Day at the Games Tuesday, October 5 5:45–6:30 pm (directly after Religious School) It’s game time! Join in on some friendly competition with crowd-pleasing games like Bingo, Simon Says and more! RSVP on our website: bethelnw.org/event/4th-games2021 Cost: $15/child charged to your TBE account
5th & 6th Grade Laser Tag Thursday, October 7 6:00–7:00 pm (directly after Religious School) That friendly, home turf known as the Temple Beth El courtyard is now contested territory. Sign up for Laser Tag! RSVP on our website: bethelnw.org/event/5th6th-Tag2021 Cost: $40/child charged to your TBE account
1st Grade Warrior Fitness Bootcamp Sunday, October 17 11:00–11:45 am (directly after Religious School) Burn off some energy! Led by Natasha Flora of Prescriptions for Fitness, this session features fitness through fun-filled games incorporating relay races, sports and healthy competition. RSVP by our website: bethelnw.org/event/1st-bootcamp2021 Cost: $25/child charged to your TBE account
Kindergarteners Arts & Crafts Sunday, October 24 11:00–11:45 am (directly after Religious School) An exciting story and activity guaranteed to entertain. RSVP our website: bethelnw.org/event/K-Arts2021
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS September 19 Opening Day of Religious School for K-4th Grade with Sukkah Visits for K-3rd Grade 20 Opening Day of Religious School for 5th-7th Grade with Sukkah Visits for 5th Grade Twos Parent Separation Workshop 7:00-8:00 pm 21 Sukkah Visits for 4th Grade 23 Sukkah Visits for 6th Grade 26 JY 2nd Grade Warrior Fitness Bootcamp October 1 First Friday Family Shabbat at 7:15 pm with 6th Grade Participation 3 Consecration of New Students 10:45-11:15am JY 3rd Grade Day at the Games 5 JY 4th Grade Day at the Games 7 JY 5th & 6th Grade Laser Tag 10-11 School Closed Columbus Day 11 S’mores with the Clergy at TBE 8th and 9th grade 6:15-7:00 pm 10th-12th grade 7:00-7:45 pm 17 JY 1st Grade Warrior Fitness Bootcamp 24 JY Kindergarteners Arts & Crafts 24 3rd Grade Parent Education
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER TBE ECC HIGHLIGHTS September 2 2s Separation Meeting at 7:00 pm 10 School Visits Twos Parent Separation Workshop 7:00-8:00 pm 13 First Day of School 16 School Closed Yom Kippur 23 Pre-K Starts October 11 School Closed Columbus Day 13 Back-To-School Night at 7:00 pm 29 School Closed Staff Development Day
Cost: $15/child charged to your TBE account
13
B’NEI MITZVAH Appears in print only
14
B’NEI MITZVAH
15
vjna CELEBRATE at
FACILITY RENTAL
TBE!
From weddings and life-cycle events to private gatherings, business functions, and lectures, Temple Beth El’s stunning new facilities provide an exceptional setting for all types of special occasions and events.
For rental inquiries or to schedule a tour of our facilities, please call Carmen Stevens 914.238.3928 ext. 1312 or email cstevens@bethelnw.org. We look forward to helping you create a memorable event. For more information, please visit www.bethelnw.org/facility_rental.
16
B’NEI MITZVAH CONFERENCES BIRTHDAY PARTIES LECTURES MEETINGS CELEBRATIONS WEDDINGS
JOYS & SORROWS RECENT GIFTS
April 9–July 27, 2021 Betty & Jack Bader Adult Education Fund Clifford & Susan Ray in memory of Samuel Liber Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Marc & Tracey Appel in honor of Julianne Appel’s Bat Mitzvah Jeff & Debbie Samberg in honor of Dani becoming a Bat Mitzvah David & Alonna Travin in honor of Alex Travin becoming a Bar Mitzvah Caring Community Fund Jonathan & Maxine Ferencz in honor of Ann Testone Dovia Lerrick in honor of Melissa Sussberg Dovia Lerrick in honor of Noah Sorkin Jonathan & Maxine Ferencz in memory of Edna Clayman Dovia Lerrick in memory of Robert Lerrick Marshall & Nancy Schiff in memory of Madeleine Wallach Scott & Melissa Singer in memory of Rose Singer Scott & Melissa Singer in memory of Leroy Gains Rich & Jane Zenker in memory of Alan Mirken Early Childhood Center Fund Jordan & Samantha Cohen in honor of the staff at ECC - Thank you for a wonderful year! Edward & Valerie Berman in memory of Jon Blauner Michael & Hope Blauner in memory of Jon Blauner Andrew & Laura Milano in memory of Jon Blauner Rabbi Chaim Stern Caring Community Endowment Fund Mort Goldberg in memory of Flo Rapkin Goldberg Flower Fund Brad Handler in memory of Heather Handler Sylvia Waksman in memory of Murray Waksman and Sam Lefkowitz Gregory Altman Music & Arts Fund Andy & Harriet Singer in memory of Ness Gaines Prayer Book Fund Howie Edelstein & Gabby Fisher in memory of Fred Moskowitz Rabbi Educator Discretionary Fund Peter Halperin in memory of Andrea Halperin Religious School and Family Education Fund Michael & Jane Swirsky in memory of Sandra Sterling Senior Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund David & Leslie Hinderstein Michael & Whitney Bagliebter in general Rabbi Jaffe and Staff Marc & Tracey Appel in honor of Julianne Appel’s Bat Mitzvah Jeff & Debbie Samberg in honor of Dani becoming a Bat Mitzvah David & Alonna Travin in honor of Alex Travin becoming a Bar Mitzvah Raymond & Barbara Breakstone in memory of Barbara Breakstone Arthur & Nancy Feibus in memory of Toby Rozen
YAHRZEITS September 1-4 Arnold Cohen Nat Horowitz Marjorie Krinzman Bernice Lederer Hy Levine Louis Lipshutz Barbara Mirken Lillian Osheroff Mollie Reibeisen Leonard Rhodes Mollie Shiloff Irvin Yagoda Raquel Zymeck September 5-11 Jacob Baron May Berkowitz Jacob Byck Patsy Feldman Bella Fleischman Warren Frisch Ness Gaines Dorothy Hale William Hecht Bennie Hyman Herzfeld Rube Israel Paul Klein Ruth Kramer Anna Leifer Michael Model Sylvia Rubin Hyman Shiloff Sally Silverman Mary Stabler Jack Tenzer Catherine Toohey Donald Zadeck September 12-18 Richard Abrons Nathan Axelrod Ina Braslow Rita Dreilinger Morris Epstein Barbara Goldfarb Doris Hamill Eugene Handler Eva Juster Max Kaplan Melvin Kilgman Bonnie Mittman Mollie Morris Jonathan Resnick
Irving Rosenshein Lee Ross Harry Shienbloom Gary Sussman Maurice F. Tauber Jerome Waller Harry Weisberg Suzanne Weiss Irving Widett Harriet Wlody Beatrice Zimmerman September 19-25 Harry Adler Marvin Bernstein Abe Brotz Marilyn Campanello Elaine Corbin Elaine Corwin Sigmund Dreilinger Nathan Futterman Moses Gorban Jean Greenbaum Mollie Grossman Fred Grubel Arnold Hertz Sam Klein Robert Lederer Josh Mizrahi Molly Moscowitz Stanley Robinson Rosalind Rosenthal Benjamin Rosenzweig Beatrice Rothenberg Susan Rubenstein Maxwell Sagat Jeanne Shepard Geiser Gail Sorrel- Mosk Albert Stein Robert Sterling Henry Strauss Ruth Strauss September 26-October 2 Jack Becker Helen Biren Herbert Gold Rebecca Goldman Henry Goldsmith Bertha Gottfried Bob Harrison Ilene Kahan Joel Kaplowitz Barbara Reimer Mollie Sagat Joel Sammet
17
JOYS & SORROWS YAHRZEITS(Continued) September 26-October 2 Ida Scherl Albert Singer Craig Smith Ammiel Spicehandler Fanny Tulbowitz Maurice Wolf October 3-9 Samuel Brown Charlotte Diamondstein Doris Galofaro Mannie Goldberg Bernice Goldenberg Jeanette Hoffman Harvard Jacobs Rose Kozierok Milton Maisell Manoocher Manoochehrian David Meisel Cecelia Monk Harold Rabinowitz Leona Redston Leonard Rosenberg Jerome Rosenthal Ann Rosenzweig Ceil Schreier Seymour Scolnick Swanson Shields Rita B. Simpson Alex Sterling Shirley Tainsky Robert Wagner Maurice Wallack Mark Zuckerman October 10-16 Irving Blechner Joseph Deutsch Michael Gelfand Henry Gewitz Arthur Gruen Esther Jaffe Julia Lewis Donald Lewis Bernard Perelman Phyllis Posner Dorothy Raskin Oscar Schechner Jerome Shiloff Nathan Schiff Charles Talbot
18
October 17-23 Natalie Ballen Miriam Becker Fannie Blasenheim Elliott Brotz Joseph Cooper Irving Elias Jeanette Feinstein Mollie Gersten Aaron Goodman Lois M. Halper Werner Hamlet Susan Hankin Joseph Hecht Leah Lowen Gertrude Miller James Posner Frieda Press Sima Ptaszek Marvin Schachter Florence Siegel Janice Sternlieb Helen Jonap Titunik Dorothy Alice Tocin Joseph Weber Rose Widett October 24-30 Adeline Alpert Stanley Batkin Jack Beeber Raymond Breakstone Ducy Bronson Lawrence H. Clayman Catharine Daub Leonard Disavino Helen Dreyer Pauline Ehrlich Jack Goldberg Warren Hyman Sylvia Kaplan David Leifer Florence Lenowitz Walter Meyer William Quinn David Rolbein Arthur Rosenbluth Ruth Rubin Phyllis Sanders Max Sauerhaft Irma Schneider Selma Swirsky October 31 Lucille Cahn Touba Hakim May Rolle
Senior Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (Continued) Arthur & Nancy Feibus in memory of Michael Rozen Arthur & Nancy Feibus in memory of Barbara Feibus Mort Goldberg in memory of Flo Rapkin Goldberg Stuart Katz & Jenny Pariser in memory of Robert Katz Perry Levine in memory of Nathan Levine Perry Levine in memory of Sandra Levine Clifford & Susan Ray in memory of Mannie Ray Marshall & Nancy Schiff in memory of Florence Schiff Tributes Robin Chwatko in memory of Sharon Friedman José Antonio & Erika Garcia-Gonzalez in memory of José García del Valle Marc & Terry Goldfischer in memory of Lillian Kaufman, Bella Goldfischer and David Kaufman Phyllis Kirshner in memory of Susan Friedman Joan Kolbert in memory of Stanley Axelrod Valentin & Tamara Kolev in memory of Ronald Finger Eric & Lauren Schecter in memory of Stephen Schecter
dkxal dpexkif
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO José Antonio on the death of his father, José García del Valle (Pepe) Michael Blauner on the death of his father, Jon Blauner Ruth Clark on the death of her mother, Maria Clark Matthew Gluck on the death of his father, Harvey Gluck Mort Goldberg on the death of his wife, Florence (Flo) Goldberg Heidi Israel on the death of her mother, Sandra Lee Levy Brachfeld Stuart Katz on the death of his father, Robert Katz Glenn Monk on the death of his father, Gilbert F. Monk The Pearsall Family on the death of long time member, Susan Friedman-Pearsall Caren Raylesberg on the death of her mother, Adela W. Coven Richard Spitalny on the death of his mother, Miriam Spitalny
TEMPLE DIRECTORY 220 SOUTH BEDFORD RD 914.238.3928 T CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 914.238.4030 F WWW.BETHELNW.ORG TEMPLE@BETHELNW.ORG
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 914.238.5735 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
914.238.5641
TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS 1311 Senior Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe 1121 Rabbi-Educator Maura H. Linzer 1316 Cantor Elizabeth Sternlieb 1321 Gennifer Kelly, Executive Director 1221 Hope Blauner, Early Childhood Center Director 1220 Beth Cohen, Administration Assistant to ECC Director 1323 Jaclyn Trustman-Dubray, Administrative & Life-Cycle
Senior Rabbi
Jonathan Jaffe
Rabbi-Educator
Maura H. Linzer
Cantor
Elizabeth Sternlieb
Executive Director
Gennifer Kelly
Director of Early Childhood Center
Hope Blauner
jjaffe@bethelnw.org
mlinzer@bethelnw.org
esternlieb@bethelnw.org executivedirector@bethelnw.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS
Rhonda Regan President
Marc Fried
Coordinator
1320 Leslie Aufieri-Schneiderman, Communications Director
Executive Vice President
1322 Ann Testone, Bookkeeper
Lisa Crandall
1312 Carmen Stevens, Development Coordinator 1325 Jason Stringer, Building Operations Manager 1122 Heather Satin, Religious School Assistant Principal 1110 Joni Gehebe-Kellogg, Youth Coordinator 1300 Life-Cycle Emergency Please send all checks to our accounting company: Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester PO Box 418 Montvale, NJ 07645 WE ARE AN INCLUSIVE CONGREGATION Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester appreciates the rich diversity of the Jewish community and invites all who seek a connection to Jewish life to join us. We encourage participation of interfaith couples and families as well as people of all backgrounds, ages, financial means, sexual orientations and gender identities. We welcome children and adults with disabilities and their families. We strive to ensure that our programs and facilities are accessible to all and to accommodate special needs. The synagogue is a kehilah kedoshah — a sacred community. Like a sukkah, it is constructed of many different branches woven together: the married and the unmarried, single parents, grandparents, non-Jewish spouses and those of all sexual orientations. The broader the sukkah’s reach, the more tightly its branches are woven, the stronger it stands. So too the synagogue: the greater the variety of people welcomed within it, the closer they feel to one another, the stronger the temple stands.
Vice President
Gregg Diller Vice President
Sarah Lieb
Vice President
Jennifer Pariser Vice President
Alyssa White
hblauner@bethelnw.org TRUSTEES Term Expires 2022 Deb Fass Jacobs Gary Kibel Pam Klein Meryl Lefkowitz Janet Levy Karla Shepard Rubinger Carol Wolk Term Expires 2023 Larry Block Alyssa Garnick Lerner Pam Goldfarb Norma Klein Art Saltzman Stephanie Saltzman Debbie Samberg
Treasurer
Pam Klein Secretary
Term Expires 2024 Gary Munowitz Stacey Pfeffer Stacey Stambleck Diane Thaler
Amy Robin Immediate Past President Past Presidents, Honorary Members of the Board Ernest M. Grunebaum Steve Adler Barry Meisel Richard Albert Gloria Meisel Stanley Amberg William Pollak Lisa Davis David Ruzow Melvin Ehrlich 19
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14115 White Plains, NY
220 SOUTH BEDFORD ROAD CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
SAVE THE DATE! First Friday Family Shabbat Friday, November 5 5:00 pm Tot Shabbat 7:15 pm Family Shabbat Worship Service with 5th Grade Participation