September 2015 web

SEPTEMBER 2015 ELUL 5775 ~ TISHREI 5776 www.bethelnr.org

Our Simchat Torah honorees............ page 2 Holiday Schedules..................pages 8, 9, 10 Sukkah Walk...................................... page 3 BeTzelem Elokim .............................page 11

Museum........................................... page 12 Youth & Family Engagement........... page 17

MEET OUR 2015 SIMCHAT TORAH HONOREES Carrie Fox, Kallat Kol HaNearim Carrie’s love of Judaism stems from her childhood in Manhattan, where she was active in NFTY and the Kutz Camp for Reform teen leaders. During college Carrie spent a semester in Israel at BenGurion University, and returned to Cornell eager to recruit for BGU. Her first recruit was her future husband, David Shechter, whom (her mom says) she recruited for life.

After college Carrie was associate director of BGU’s Overseas Student Program before she attended Yale Law School. While working as a corporate associate in New York City law firms, Carrie co-founded the Tomorrow’s Leadership division of AABGU. Carrie later worked as Associate General Counsel at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and is now the Deputy General Counsel of BioScrip, Inc., a national home infusion company.

David and Carrie moved to New Rochelle in 2010 and quickly became immersed in the Beth El community.

Carrie serves on the Religious School Board, Membership Committee, Youth Services Committee, and Constitution Committee, and she previously served on the Board of Trustees, the Assistant Rabbi Search Committee, and the Nursery School Board. Carrie coordinates Beth El’s Zumba class, which is a fun exercise class, a synagogue fund raiser,

Nina Luban, Kallat Torah Nina and husband, Scott Bonci, East-Coasters, met while living and working in Los Angeles. Following the birth of their son Matthew in 1995, they came running for cover back to their families, who were spread across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. New Rochelle, they discovered, was an excellent midway family meeting point.

Thanks to the persistence and charm of new neighbor Marjorie Seidenfeld, then co-chair of Beth El’s Membership Committee, they visited the synagogue and then visited again.

Each time they were greeted warmly at shul, and Scott, who is not Jewish, enjoyed the warmth of the welcome.

Over the past ten years, Nina has served on Beth El committees that have been meaningful to her and her family—the Kallah Committee when Matt was young, the Keruv Committee as it grappled with intermarriage concerns, the Limmud Committee while in her former position as Director of WAJE (Westchester Adult Jewish Education), and, most recently, the Rabbi Search Committee on which she had the honor of serving.

Committee “work” has been a joy, fellow committee members a pleasure to be with, and committee chairs models of dedication as they serve Beth El with distinction.

In short, committee work has been not only meaningful,

Biographies continued on page 20 Ellen Gelboim, Kallat Beresheit Ellen Gelboim moved to New Rochelle in 1980 with her husband, Moshe, and sons Avi and Ricky.

They literally moved on a Tuesday and joined Beth El two days later! She considers her activities at Beth El to be her career, as she was fortunate enough to be able to be a stay at home mom, although she wasn’t staying at home much because of all of her commitments. Avi and Ricky are graduates of Beth El Nursery School and The Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, where Ellen also spent many volunteer hours in numerous endeavors. In addition, Ellen served UJAFederation in numerous positions over the years.

It is almost impossible to enumerate all the committees that Ellen has worked on but she has chaired numerous dinner dances, fund raising efforts (including the Torah Campaign), served on Synagogue 2000, the Assistant Rabbi Search Committee, and the Executive Director Search Committee.

Ellen worked her way up the ranks of leadership to the position of President. Today her primary involvement is with the Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community, which she founded in loving memory of her parents. Most specifically, the Special Needs Seder, which she has chaired with Sandy Gruenberg for many years, is her greatest joy.

Outside of Beth El, Ellen’s greatest joy are her three

Darren Peister, Hatan Maftir Darren Peister was born and raised in Suffern, New York, and his family attended Pomona Jewish Center, a Conservative family synagogue. He grew up enjoying the USY movement and still keeps in contact with friends from that circle. He went NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to study film and television and graduated with a BFA degree. Upon graduation he spent a summer in Israel with Livnot U’Lehibanot, a work/study program in Safed that gave a great amount of significance to the rituals he had learned growing up. He met Jayne a few years after and they married in 1993. While she was raised and was active in the Reform synagogue, Jayne had no qualms about joining Beth El and has taken an active role for years. Both of their children have gone through the Beth El school program and have benefited greatly. Darren initially was a quiet Beth El congregant, but over the past years has broken out from being known as “Jayne’s husband” by doing special projects.

Over the years Darren has created numerous videos for Beth El including the Purim stories and Rabbi Sirner’s retirement clip which were extremely well received.

He also attends services quite regularly and likes to be a greeter or usher during high holidays. And while it may have gone unnoticed by Beth El members, Darren admits to having 2

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER ROSH HASHANAH GREETINGS www.shanatovaproject.com

No fussing with writing out cards or getting addresses . . . Beth El Synagogue Center and its Sisterhood will do the work for you!

Send Shana Tovah greetings to your Beth El friends, as well as family and friends in other communities, while supporting Beth El Synagogue Center and Sisterhood. Beth El members, family, and friends that you select, will receive a beautiful card (new design this year) in the mail from you, with a personal message that you can include, wishing them a Shana Tovah!

The cost for the first card (the first Beth El member chosen) is $10. Thereafter, every Beth El member you choose is just $2. This may be less expensive than buying your own cards and stamps. For friends and family outside the Beth El community the cost is just $3/per card. As with our Purim campaign, reciprocity is available. If you choose this option, names added through reciprocity (i.e. names that were not part of your original selections, but who sent to you) will be added at $3/per card. There is a $180 cap on all greetings sent to members of Beth El, so you can wish a Shana Tovah to the entire Beth El family for just $180!

All orders must be placed by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th! After this, no orders will be accepted and you will not be able to access the website.

How can I participate? Visit www.shanatovaproject.com and log in with your username and password (mailed to you) and place your order. If you have any questions about the Rosh Hashanah greetings or how to use the website, please contact Abby Wise at 914-235-2700, ext. 291, or awise@bethelnr.org. Proceeds will benefit Beth El Synagogue Center and its Sisterhood.

From all of us at Beth El and Sisterhood we wish you a Shana Tovah!

Purchase a Lulav and Etrog Sukkah Walk September 28th, after Kiddush Lunch A Sukkah Walk is a progressive pot luck community lunch. Families from our congregation will stroll from Beth El to the homes of local congregants to enjoy a three-course meal, with each course hosted in a family Sukkah.

Everyone is invited to participate. Each participating family is asked to contribute a Kosher Dairy or Parve appetizer or main course. Once you register, you will be provided with the host locations. Dishes should be left at the home of the host families before the start of the holiday.

Register at bethelnr.org/sukkahwalk.

Watch for Information about Our Other Sukkah Events: J-Life Supper in the Sukkah, Thursday, October 1st, 5:00 pm-6:30 pm Men’s Club Steak & Scotch, Thursday, October 1st, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm (see pg. 14) 3

Sukkot begins Sunday evening, September 27th Be a part of this special holiday experience on Sukkot. Order your Lulav and Etrog by Monday, September 21st, at the low cost of just $50!

To place your order, visit www.bethelnr.org/lulav, call Cantor Aqua at 914-235-2700, ext. 222, or call the office, ext.

223. Please make your check payable to Beth El Synagogue Center. Payment in full is required in advance, and no later than Monday, September 21st.

Questions? Contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org, or 914.235.2700, ext. 222.

Pick up your order on Friday, September 25th, or Sunday morning, September 27th.

Rabbi’S MESSAGE It is hard to believe that the summer has, moreor-less, come to an end. This means many things to different people— school is around the corner; the hectic Rabbi pace of life is about David A. Schuck to restart; vacation time has come to a halt; preparations for a winter in Florida begin, and so on. It also means that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are around the corner.

Did that line ignite a sense of dread in you?

For some, this dread is connected to the fear that arrives when we imagine ourselves standing before a heavenly court, hoping that we will be granted another year of life. This type of dread probably reflects an experience of being “inside” the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe), an experience in which the rituals, metaphors, and prayers of these days impact one’s inner religious/ spiritual life. To wit, such a person experiences awe, which is one of the emotions that these days aim to engender in us.

For others, that dread is connected to the experience of being an outsider to the practices and rituals of these days. The liturgical poetry and prayers of these days may seem dense and impossible to connect with. The metaphors may feel obsolete and the service endlessly long. This can produce a creeping feeling that these holiest days of

the year are no longer relevant. If this is how you feel, I completely understand.

But it doesn’t have to be this way, and there are things that we can do to change our experience.

For starters, the rabbis understood that for the experience to be transformational, it can’t start on Rosh Hashanah morning.

Introspection—an important theme of these sacred days—requires our most precious commodity, time. Unfortunately, so many of us feel like we don’t have enough hours in the day to deal with the stresses and challenges of life—work, parenting, our health, financial struggles, and caring for loved ones. Time for personal reflection feels like a luxury. Yet a life lived without introspection is an impoverished one.

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the ten days between them are meant to be the culmination of a period of self-reflection that started a full month earlier on the first day of Elul when we blow the shofar for the first time. The sound of this blast wakes us up, not to immediate action, but to a process of soul searching. Imagine how different your experience of Rosh Hashanah would be if you had already started the process of evaluating your own life. The final shofar blast on Yom Kippur would then be a call to action, a call to make real changes that you came to realize were important to your life.

To this end, I suggest spending a few minutes each day, even if it is just five to ten minutes, reflecting on the religious questions of these days of awe—Do I take the natural world in which I live for granted,

SCHMOOZE WITH RABBI SCHUCK FOR . . .

S.M.A.R.T. People: Thursday, October 22nd (time to be decided) Parents of Tweens/Teens (6th-12th): Sunday, October 25th, 10:30 am What is a Schmooze with Rabbi Schuck Event? A small gathering for different segments of our congregation (e.g. seniors, nursery school families, etc.) which will enable Rabbi Schuck and our members to get to know each another in a more intimate setting. To keep the meetings small, we will cap registration and schedule additional events to meet the additional demand. To register, go to bethelnr.org/SchmoozeRSVP. Please watch for additional Schmooze events to be scheduled after the holidays!

or do I appreciate and protect its beauty? Do I make time for my family, and if so, am I working to be fully present with them when we are together? Have I taken the privilege of belonging to a people for granted and do I make time to find ways to be with my people in Israel? Do I make time to make the world more just and support organizations committed to this mission? Have I made time to connect to a community that asks something of me, that values my presence and brings meaning into my life and the lives of other? Do I make an effort to grow deeper as a Jew or as someone connected to the Jewish community? Do I pay attention to my emotional and spiritual needs or do I live solely in my rational mind? Do I still think of God in a childish way or have I worked to cultivate a more sophisticated grappling with this eternal question?

Perhaps you have a commute to work and you can shut down your music or put down your phone and use that time to ponder some of these questions? Maybe there are other moments during your day that you can turn inward, or perhaps talk about these questions with a spouse or loved one? Don’t start by looking for solutions. Begin with these simple questions, and trust that by the time that you hear the final shofar blast of Yom Kippur, you will know one or two concrete steps that you can take to better care for your own soul and contribute something significant to the Jewish community and the world.

I will do my best to help make the rituals and liturgy of these days more accessible and illuminating during the Yamim Noraim. I will teach and share reflections as much as I can during the holidays with the hope of helping all of us find moments of meaning, insight, or connection. But we have to take small steps. Such moments are often fleeting, but over time, they band together and become the foundation for a rich inner life. I invite you to meet me halfway and make the time do some of your own work before we meet over those special days.

I look forward to taking this journey together. L’Shana Tovah. May 5776 be a year of health, prosperity, and connection.

Rabbi David A. Schuck 4

president’S MESSAGE—A NEW YEAR AND A NEW CHAPTER FOR BETH EL IS UPON US and now college. Yali is experiencing a big change and beginning a new “chapter” in her life and, of course, having my son Kenny alone at home is also a change and a new “chapter” for Tris and me as well.

Samuel E. Berger What is so incredible is how many of these wonderful memories and meaningful milestones in our family’s journey have intersected with our Jewish journey through all the amazing offerings and opportunities we have been blessed with as members of Beth El. The shul, our friends, and our community were and are a significant part of so many of the “chapters” of our lives.

It’s a long flight so I had time to reflect on the past year at Beth El too. So much has happened during the last twelve months… the Sukkah walk, the great turnout on Simchat Torah, the start of BabyU (a new program for moms/parents of babies under one), the Private Jewish Day School and Camp [continued, page 6]

Dear Friends: Rosh Hashanah is right around the corner and, as Jews, it is a time of reflection, an opportunity to stop and look back on the past year. I am writing this article while flying back to New York from Los Angeles after moving my daughter Yali into her freshman dorm at the University of Southern California. As a father just sending off my oldest child to start college, I have been reflecting not just on the past year, but also on the past 18 years. It is just amazing that Yali is now in college. It seems like just a couple days ago that Tris and I had an aliyah when Yali was named at Beth El, and it seems like just yesterday when we were attending Torah for Tots, dropping her off at the Beth El Day Camp, attending Mishpacha programs, and going to the first Beth El Kallah. As I continued to reflect at this special time of the year, I remembered her first day at the lower school at Solomon Schechter, Junior Congregation services, her first day at the middle school, her bat mitzvah, Schechter High School, all the SAT prep and college applications, graduation, a gap year in Israel,

notes from the hazzan Already in his short time at Beth El, our new rabbi, Rabbi Schuck, taught me something I had not considered before. While teaching a niggun (a wordless melody), Hazzan Jamie Gloth he quoted one of his teachers, who said that the goal or endgame of the niggun is to reach the silence that immediately comes at its conclusion. That silence, and all it contains, is like the final sigh of relief and contentment one feels when accomplishing something significant. In this case, it is an expression of our feelings in an almost primal way.

As I have been preparing for the High Holidays this year, I have been thinking a lot about that silence after the song. They say that timing is everything, but knowing when not to sing is at least as important as knowing when to sing. As a cantor, I am acutely aware of the pauses I take between the notes, words, and different prayers that I sing. I could choose to simply zip through the text, cutting significant time from the service. But for me, that would ruin the prayer experience entirely. It is the pauses, the space in-between, that puts everything else into proper context. That silence is a vital part of the prayer experience.

I believe that we can apply the same principle to our lives.

Most of us feel busier than ever these days, one task running into the next, one day blending together with the rest. But think of every possession, every activity, every moment of your life as a note in a symphony. When a musician composes a song, he does not fill it with as many notes as possible; instead, he carefully chooses just enough to make a pleasing melody.

Claude Debussy, a French composer, said, “Music is the space between the notes.” The space between notes allows them to resonate, reverberate, and reach their full measure of expression.

The same might be said for prayer. Genuine prayer does not need

to be loud; it does not need to be complex. Certainly at this time of year, we all try to focus our prayers on contemplating the past year and beginning anew, fresh in the coming year. We pack a lot into just a few intense days. And so the silence after the prayers, that sigh of letting it all go, becomes a vital part of the experience.

We have to allow ourselves to take the time to dwell in that silence.

For some, silence is uncomfortable. Having unscheduled time with nothing specific to do can be difficult. But the High Holidays are our opportunity to embrace that silence, escape the cacophony of our lives, and to focus on what we are feeling inside. Once we are able to find that, it is much easier to share it with God. It is my hope and prayer that this year during the High Holidays, we hear the sounds of our prayers and take the time to hear the silence between them as well. May 5776 be one of peace and happiness for us, for all of Israel, and for all of humankind. On behalf of Bina, Avi, Micah, Jacob, and Naomi, I wish you and your family a sweet and happy New Year. Shana tovah!

Hazzan Jamie Gloth

Saturday, September 5 • 12:45 pm Join Hazzan Gloth for an informal get together.

We will sing old Shabbat morning favorites as well as some new tunes. No registration or sign up. You do not need to have a good voice or be fluent in Hebrew. Anyone can come! You just have to love to sing.

5

Limmud Classes September 2015 Thursday, September 3 Saturday, September 5 Saturday, September 5 Thursday, September 10 Saturday, September 12 Thursday, September 17 Saturday, September 19 Saturday, September 26

8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 12:45 pm ShabbaTunes 1:00 pm Daf Shevui 8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 1:00 pm Daf Shevui 8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 1:00 pm Daf Shevui 1:00 pm Daf Shevui

For questions on all other programs, contact Rabbi Josh Dorsch at jdorsch@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 260.

Yiddish Vinkl Fridays, at 1:00 pm Starting, October 2nd All are welcome!

We all enjoy speaking mamalochen!

Join us every Friday! Speak Yiddish, schmooze, and have fun!

For further information, contact Bea Freedman, 914-337-8645.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, continued from page 5 Fair, the Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner and Comedy Show, the Hanukkah After Party on December 25th, the Nursery School Game Show Night, Men’s Club Monday Night Football, our Shanok Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Ethan Tucker, the Choral Shabbat, the Purim Spiel and Video, the Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch, Pasta Palooza, the Bobby Doowah Concert, the Kallah Weekend, the Tzofim, and the Sisterhood Gala honoring Anita Better.

Wow what a year, but, as we all know, there was even more. Beyond these programs, we came together for Shabbat and holidays, deep learning and sharing, and opportunities for us each to find our own path along our Jewish journey. Our Beth El community has been there lifting our spirits and coming together as a community. It never ceases to amaze me as we go through each of the steps in our lives, how our community is always there to celebrate the s’machot with us, and to give us hugs and provide comfort to help me and my family get through the challenges.

And, of course, reflections of this past year include the meaningful and emotional celebration surrounding the retirement of Rabbi Sirner and Lenore after fortythree years of service to the shul. From an educational panel in Rabbi Sirner’s honor to the special Shabbat celebration and Gala honoring Rabbi and Lenore, we all laughed and cried through these emotional and spiritual events. We will all surely miss Rabbi Sirner, but he should be back in New Rochelle next Rosh Hashanah after spending a year as an interim rabbi in Atlanta and, maybe even more importantly, after spending a year

with his grandson Lev, and Lev’s parents, Gabrielle and Morris, just half a mile away from the Sirner’s temporary home.

But wait…there was also another big happening this past year and that was the hiring of Rabbi David Schuck as the new Senior Rabbi of Beth El. For those of us that have had the opportunity to hear Rabbi Schuck teach, listen to one of his sermons, or meet with him since he started in mid-July, I believe the shul has made an excellent choice. So Beth El is also experiencing change and starting a new “chapter” in our shul’s history. It is unbelievably exciting!

Rabbi Schuck, his wife, Tali, and their three children have already been embraced as the newest members of our family and we look forward to many years together as he leads Beth El to even greater heights in our Jewish journey.

Please look for “Schmooze with Rabbi Schuck” events throughout the upcoming year and other opportunities to get to know Rabbi Schuck. We are trying to create the chance for every congregant to meet with him. And, keep an eye out for Rabbi Schuck’s family too . . . his spouse, Tali, and their children.

I guess I’ve gone on longer than usual, but it is truly a reflection of the amazing year we’ve just completed and the excitement and hope that lies ahead for all of us.

On behalf of Tris, Yali, and Kenny, I wish everyone a Shana Tovah u’metukak and a New Year filled with good health and happiness to you and your loved ones.

See you in shul on the holidays (and hopefully a lot of other times too!).

Sam 6

“A Modern Understanding of the Bible” Rabbi David L. Blumenfeld, Ph.D. (Near Eastern Literature and Languages)

“The Book of Psalms— An Overview”

October 17th

8:30 am - 9:30 am in the Board Room

The passionate expressions found in the 150 Psalms of the Bible speak universally to the heart of every living person past and present. By applying the most upto-date scholarship to some very notable psalms, a new dimension will be added to our Shabbat prayer experience at Beth El. All are welcome. No fee.

Further Psalms session dates are: October 31, November 21, December 12, March 12, April 2, and May 21

Jayne and Darren Peister Visit Beth El’s Sister Synagogue in France When we decided to of glass which has the old city of take a vacation overseas Jerusalem etched on it has been this summer, the first in framed into the wall. Jayne was decades, several people invited by the rabbi to light the questioned our decision Sabbath candles. The service in choosing France. “Is it had approximately twenty-five safe for you? For Jews?,” participants, and in minutes we they asked. “Are you sure felt that same warmth, friendship, you want to support an and common purpose we feel in anti-Semitic people that New Rochelle at Beth El (lots they are?” some queried. of kibbitzing and schmoozing, We pondered these very but all in French). They even questions ourselves and use our same prayer book, in decided that our priority Hebrew and French! Still, the was to support the Jews of security is vastly tighter than we At Adath Shalom Synagogue with France by patronizing their Darren in Marais at Mickey’s Jacques, an Executive Board Member are used to and its reasons cannot establishments. Shortly after Jewish Deli “since 5755” be ignored. The congregants told of the shul.

(20 years ago) our arrival in Paris we indeed us about the newly installed, fivewent to the Marais section of Paris, an area completely nondescript residential building, inch thick, bullet-proof double glass doors also considered The Jewish Quarter by many. having no signs of being a site where one and reinforced walls. Upon our departure And we returned several times, relishing in would think to congregate. This is intentional we observed heavily armed guards in full a dinner, a latte, and incredibly delicious and it drove home the stark difference military uniform strolling the street to falafel for which we patiently waited on a between our mindset in the United States ensure peace and quiet. Knowing that our very long line. We are happy to report that the and theirs in France. Perhaps what we see actions can speak louder than words, and Jews of Paris are alive and well, and appear as our sense of pride and our inherent right that the combination of the two are even would be perceived there as arrogant—and more meaningful, we were glad to have to be living in relative calm and comfort.

We were also eager and determined certainly risky. Taking a hunch we entered participated in the service and shared in the to visit Beth El’s sister synagogue, Adath through a set of security doors and once mitzvah of celebrating Shabbat with our Shalom Synagogue, to show our solidarity inside were warmly welcomed by the rabbi, extended family some 3,600 miles from and concern with this Masorti Parisian members of the executive board, and the our home. shul. It was early Friday evening and our congregation. We made our way into the French driver circled the block looking for a sanctuary with a little bit of trepidation. The structure emblematic of a place of worship to sanctuary is small, simple, and modestly Senior Mature Adult Retired Together drop us off, but found none. In fact, theirs is a ornate. Behind the bima, a very large sheet Beth El’s SMART programming continues to grow and be enhanced under the direction of Julie Rockowitz. The SMART community of Beth El promotes Jewish cultural heritage and values by providing Memories to Go is a group of people You do not have to be a writer to join social, educational, and recreational who care about remembering the past, while our group. We help one another better our programs in a vibrant and active setting for actively living in the present. We invite all skills by reading aloud what we have written this important Beth El constituency. The of you to join us as we share our memories and offering constructive criticism. Each SMART program encourages its participants of a time and place no longer here. Although month a different person publishes an essay to learn, exercise, grow, and enrich their the 20th century has passed, many memories in this Bulletin that reflects a particular time lives together. Through these opportunities, remain vivid in our minds. Remember World and place. Feel free to come and join your we hope to strengthen our connections to our War II, the 50s, and the 60s along with us. memories to ours. We meet on Mondays, community and Beth El. Remember Korea, Vietnam, a youthful two times a month. Our next class will be on This year, our SMART program will Palestine, the Bronx, Brooklyn, suburbia, Monday, October 12th, at 10:00 am. consist on average of two programs each The New Year is upon us and Memories month (speakers and trips) and one exercise and anywhere else you were living when you were young. We want to leave a written to Go is pleased to welcome Rabbi David offering each week at 10:30 am. Programming legacy for our children and grandchildren so Schuck to Beth El Synagogue Center. and exercise, including balance training they can have a window into the world we With love we said our goodbyes to Rabbi to improve one’s health, will begin after once knew. As Elie Wiesel said, “Without Sirner, and we now open our hearts to the holidays. Watch details in the October memory, there is no culture. Without Rabbi Schuck. May you create many good Bulletin and in e-mails for. Questions? memory, there would be no civilization, no memories for the next generation.

Contact Julie Rockowitz at 914-235-2700, Lynn Lowin ext. 256, or jrockowitz@bethelnr.org. society, no future.”

S.M.A.R.T.

Memories to Go: Our Stories about the Twentieth Century

7

Youth Programming ROSH HASHANAH

KOL NIDRE

Teen Congregation

Tuesday Evening, September 22 Service and Activities, 6:00 pm - 9:00

Monday, September 14 & Tuesday, September 15 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 10:00 10:30 12:15

pm

Teen Congregation and Junior Congregation

- 10:30 am.............................. Light Breakfast am - 12:15 pm...................... Service and Kiddush pm - 1:00 pm........................... Honey Distribution

Babysitting available for children from birth through grade 3.

am

Yom Kippur Wednesday Morning, September 23 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Junior Congregation Monday, September 14 9:00 am................................................... Board Games 10:30 am...........................................Interactive Tefillah 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm...............................................Oneg

Teen Congregation 10:00 10:30

Tuesday, September 15 9:00 am....................................Board Games/ Hang Out 10:30 am............................. Holiday/Ice Breaker Games 11:00 am......... Interactive Tefillah & Shofar Presentation 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm.......................Games/Story/Kiddush

am................................Food am..........................Service

Drive Bag Collection and Discussion Group

junior Congregation 9:00 am...............................Board Games and Hang Out 10:30 am........................................... Interactive Tefillah 11:40 am - 1:00 pm.................Jonah Drama/Comic Book

mini-minyan

MINI Minyan

Monday, September 14 9:00 am....................................................... Babysitting 10:30 am............................. Holiday/Ice Breaker Games 11:00 am...........................................Snack and Tefillah 11:45 am...................................... Activated Story Teller 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm.......................Games/Story/Kiddush

9:00 am....................................................... Babysitting 10:45 am...........................Holiday Games/Tefillah/Snack 11:45 am.......................................... Master Story Teller 12:30 pm - 1:00pm........................ Kiddush/Motzi/Games

TORAH FOR Tots

Tuesday, September 15

9:00 am....................................................... Babysitting 10:30 am................................................. Songs/Stories 11:00 am.......................................... Master Story Teller 11:40 am - 1:00 pm....................... Snack/Tefillah/Games

9:00 am....................................................... Babysitting 10:30 am............................. Holiday/Ice Breaker Games 10:45 am........................................................... Tefillah 11:30 am............................................................ Snack 11:45 am..........................................Master Story Teller 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm............................ Tefillah & Kiddush

Which PROGRAM is right for you?

Teen Congregation = grades 8-12............ Goldberger Chapel

TORAH FOR Tots

Junior Congr. = grade 4 - Pre-Bar/Bat Mitz................Youth Lounge Mini Minyan = grades 1-3...........................Levenson Chapel Torah for Tots = Ages 0-Kindergarten.............. Wiener Lounge

Monday, September 14 & Tuesday, September 15 9:00 am....................................................... Babysitting 10:30 am.......................................... Songs and Stories 11:00 am*.........................................Tefillah and Snack 11:45 am*.................................... Activated Story Teller 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm ......................... Games and Stories

Our youth service schedule is available at bethelnr.org.

* Tuesday, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, Master Story Teller, followed by a snack, story, and Tefillah

BABYSITTING

for children from babies through age 8 Rosh Hashanah 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday, September 14 & Tuesday, September 15 KOL NIDRE AND Yom Kippur Tuesday, September 22............... 6:00 pm - 9:00 Wednesday, September 23.......... 9:00 am - 8:00

pm pm

Snacks & water provided • No reservations required 8

high holiday schedule 2015 - 5776 ROSH HASHANAH Sunday Evening, September 13*................. 6:45

SHABBAT SHUVAH (Sabbath of Repentance)

pm

Monday Morning, September 14 Main Sanctuary One Service for Shacharit.......... 8:00 am - 9:15 am Main Sanctuary and Kasakove Auditorium Two simultaneous services......... 9:15 am - 1:00 pm (beginning with the Torah Service) Monday Evening, September 14.................. 6:45 pm

Friday Evening, September 19*................... 6:30 pm Saturday Morning, September 20................ 9:00 am

Tuesday Morning, September 15 One Service for Shacharit.......... 8:00 am - 9:15 am Main Sanctuary and Kasakove Auditorium Two simultaneous services......... 9:15 am - 1:00 pm (beginning with the Torah Service) Tuesday Evening, September 15.................. 6:45 pm

Tuesday, September 22 Mincha...................................................1:00 pm Main Sanctuary and Kasakove Candle Lighting........................ 6:15 pm - 6:30 pm Kol Nidre................................................6:30 pm

KOL NIDRE AND YOM KIPPUR

* Candle Lighting begins 15 minutes prior to services

TASHLICH Monday Evening, September 14.....5:00 pm We will come together at Paine Lake with our clergy to symbolically cast away our sins and renew our souls in relation to sin and repentance. The bread crumbs we cast away symbolize the things we are ready to release, the things that no longer serve us, the things that feel old and dried out. Dress casually and bring bread so that you can symbolically cast your sins into the lake. (We offer a satellite location—the Wooden Bridge on Pinebrook Blvd., south of the baseball field, across from Van Etten Blvd.)

NEW THIS YEAR!

Wednesday Morning, September 23** Main Sanctuary and Kasakove Two simultaneous services......... 9:00 am - 1:15 pm Main Sanctuary One combined service........1:15 pm - to conclusion ** Yizkor (Memorial) Service following sermon, approximately 11:30 am

CONCLUSION OF YOM KIPPUR Mincha........................................................ 4:45 pm Ne’ilah........................................................ 6:00 pm Fast Ends/Shofar/Havdalah............................ 7:32 pm Join us for an inspiring and special Havdalah service at the end of Yom Kippur. Children are invited to gather in the Wiener Lounge at 7:00 pm and they will be on the Bimah for the conclusion of the service. Children and adults are invited to bring their own shofarot for the final blast.

Security

Family Activity Room in the Board Room Available on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Tuesday, September 15, and on Yom Kippur, Wednesday, September 23.

Your safety and security are our priority. We take extra precautions for the High Holidays and thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Please be prepared to show your tickets at the main entrance to our building and allow extra time, since additional security precautions may result in delays upon entering the building.

Quiet Room in the Library Available on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur morning.

9

Keruv

Do You Have a Child or Grandchild in College?

For the past several years the Keruv Committee has focused on removing barriers that people experience that may prevent them from full participation in synagogue life. What are those barriers? Some are inadvertently created by synagogue administrative functions—the nature of our application process. Other limitations are created for people with physical difficulties in moving about the synagogue, e.g. limited access because of stairways; people with hearing problems; visual difficulties; difficulty in reading Hebrew. We’ve made efforts to remove or to minimize these obstacles by revamping our application procedure, installing an elevator, providing hearing devices and large type books; even an effort to teach Hebrew reading during services [though not during Torah reading].

Some of these barriers are self imposed— feelings of discomfort or alienation if a child has married out of the Jewish faith, or if you have a non-Jewish spouse; feeling that one is too different from other congregants [skin color, sexual orientation]; physical differences, or cognitive, emotional, or developmental disorders.

BeTzelem Elokim has been formed to address some of these issues. The Keruv Committee will now focus more on problems that may be created by intermarriage, including perceived feelings of embarrassment or guilt; problems about the upcoming wedding ceremony, the establishment of a Jewish home, raising children, relationships with in-laws [and their relationship and influence on the new couple and the grandchildren]. These concerns may cause a person to feel less and less at one with other congregants, and more and more insulated from the congregation.

How should you deal with this and your own feelings, and to deal with your child and new son/daughter in law? You just want to relate, as always with them, lovingly and kindly. But it may be that the time has come to “deal” with them, and still be loving, kind and supportive, to face the realities of the situation and talk about it with them and perhaps with others. You yourself may need support in this situation.

Keruv will try to ease the path to that end. Interested? Does this deal with your concerns? If so, please contact me!

Bob Sussman rbsuss@optonline.net

Sign up your child or grandchild to receive fun holiday packages from the College-Age Committee! The College-Age Committee welcomes you to join us in our mission to keep our children connected to our synagogue, to Israel, and to the greater Jewish community. The first and perhaps most important way that we, as parents, can go about this is to complete the online form for our college roster at bethelnr.org/adult-programs/college-age-committee/.

This information you provide enables us to send those listed holiday packages, important synagogue e-mails, and publications that are pertinent to Jewish campus life. We strongly encourage all parents to contribute a voluntary fee of $36 ($54 for two or more children) to help defray the cost of the mailings, thus ensuring the continuation of high quality and meaningful gifts to our students. Even if you have signed up your child in the past, we need this done every year with your student’s updated address.

Join us for the High Holiday packing on Thursday, September 10th, at 7:30 pm, at Beth El. R.S.V.P. to bethelnr.org/college.

We are looking forward to another successful, fun-filled, productive, and rewarding year for all. If you have questions, comments, or ideas please e-mail Debra Ackerman at Acker5family@gmail.com, or Lori Schwartz at oreomets13@yahoo.com.

Debra Ackerman and Lori Schwartz, Co Chairs, College Age Committee

HIGH HOLIDAY OFFICIANTS MAIN SANCTUARY First Day of Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre Rabbi David A. Schuck and Hazzan Jamie Gloth Second Day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Cantor Uri Aqua Additional Participants Donald Fleishaker, Dr. Robert Schepp Dr. Michael Wechsler, Dr. Sol Haber

KASAKOVE AUDITORIUM First Day of Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Cantor Uri Aqua Second Day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Rabbi David A. Schuck and Hazzan Jamie Gloth Additional Paricipant Evan Levy On both days of Rosh Hashanah, there will be one service for Shacharit in the Main Sanctuary from 8:00 am to 9:15 am, and two simultaneous services in the Main Sanctuary and Kasakove Auditorium, beginning with the Torah Service, at 9:15 am to the conclusion (see schedule, pages 8 and 9).

On Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Eve, there will be two simultaneous services in the Main Sanctuary and the Kasakove Auditorium, from 6:15 pm to its conclusion.

On Yom Kippur Day, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (including Torah Service and Yizkor), there will be two simultaneous services. On Yom Kippur, from 1:15 pm to the conclusion (Musaf, Mincha, and Ne’ilah), there will be one combined service in the Main Sanctuary.

10

The results are in…

As we approach the High Holidays, most of us reflect on the year that has past, mistakes we may have made, and ways we can improve going forward. In a way, Beth El as a congregation is going through a similar process as we respond to our recent Inclusion Questionnaire. Akin to taking a personal inventory, the BeTzelem Elokim Committee has been reviewing the responses to our questionnaire to learn where we have come up short in meeting our members’ needs. We wish to thank everyone who took the time to complete our survey.

We received 110 responses, roughly 16-17% of our membership. Although a self-selected group, enough of you participated to provide us with meaningful insights.

Seven of our respondents have family members with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and twice that number have someone with some intellectual, developmental, or learning disorder. Many of these families feel isolated, as if they are the only congregants struggling with these issues. In fact, more than thirty percent of our respondents expressed interest in a support group for parents of children with disabilities. In response, Beth El is initiating a professionally facilitated support group for parents of children with special needs. Please contact Beth Cohen at bethfischcohen@hotmail.com as soon

Save the date!

Please join us for an eye opening and inspiring evening: “Belonging at Beth El – A Different Voice” A special Beth El event Thursday, October 22nd 6:45 pm – 9:00 pm

BeTzelem Elokim

as possible if you have any interest in this group. We are also planning a “quiet room” during frenetic community-wide activities, and will look into providing special needs babysitting, so that parents can have an opportunity to participate more fully in Beth El events.

Not surprisingly, almost half our respondents have some sort of food intolerance. Given that greater than three quarters of our respondents listed Kiddush luncheon as especially meaningful or enjoyable, we needed to take immediate action! We are working with the caterer and Fairway to consistently identify Kiddush foods that are gluten-free, nutfree, vegan, etc. with appropriate signage.

For more detailed information about specific ingredients, please contact Alise Liquorie in the main office.

More than 20% of our respondents are hearing impaired and 18% have limited mobility or use a wheelchair. This to a large extent reflects the growing proportion of our active membership that is aging. Please be aware that we have personal amplification devices outside the entrance to the Main Sanctuary that will transmit anything said into a microphone directly to your ear. (We supply ear buds or you can bring your own.)

We can provide sign language interpreters for the High Holidays or other events if we get requests in advance. Note that we have an elevator in the main building and two handicapped accessible bathrooms. We also

have a chair lift to the Bima. Please take advantage of these options!

However, technology is not the only solution required. We all need to be aware and sensitive to one another’s needs.

“Smiling congregants offering a hand” was the number one “accommodation” endorsed on our questionnaire. This is not as simple as it sounds. Young and old alike love to see children enlivening our shul. They represent our future. On the other hand, older members with impaired balance, vision, and or mobility are sometimes frightened because they can easily trip or fall if someone small darts across their path. Similarly, families with young children or those with special needs are essential to our congregation and are alienated by shushing . . . but we also have to be sensitive to the needs of the hearing impaired, whose hearing aids stop working in the presence of too much background noise.

We value every congregant. Yet, sometimes individuals’ needs may conflict.

The goal of BeTzelem Elokim is for our caring and well- intentioned community to resolve these conflicts by becoming more aware and sensitive to one another’s needs.

Toward that end, we will be joining with other committees and affiliates throughout the year to sponsor programs and initiatives that enhance our culture of inclusion. Please save the date, Thursday evening, October 22nd, for our kick-off event.

Elise Richman, BeTzelem Elokim Chair

Beth El is forming a support group for parents of individuals with special needs.

We hope to provide a community where parents can share feelings and resources to improve family life.

If you are interested, please contact Beth Cohen at bethfischcohen@hotmail.com or call 917-648-5788.

Sponsored by BeTzelem Elokim (In the Image of God) Questions? E-mail Rabbi Dorsch at jdorsch@bethelnr.org.

11

Andrea Strongwater in the Kanner-Kurzon Museum September 12 -October 18 of the people he helped Professional artist during the war. She Andrea Strongwater will survived only because her present an exhibit entitled grandfather supported her “Lost Synagogues of and her sons in hiding, as Europe” during this he did for many others.

High Holiday season.

For Andrea, this She has had two books of project illuminates her paintings published: Jewish life before the Where We Once Gathered: war and what was done Lost Synagogues of by the Third Reich Europe and Where We to end that life. Each Once Gathered - Lost synagogue depicted has Synagogues of Germany. its own story. One hosted The project of painting Zionist meetings; another these images began when had the first organ in a she found a book on her Nuremburg Reform synagogue paid shelf that she had not for by a court noticed in many J e w. A n o t h e r years: Images had an organ that e t Tr a d i t i o n s was never used Juives, Gerard on the Sabbath.

Sylvain’s The synagogues collection served as centers of postcards of Jewish life for detailing Jewish prayer, the latest life around the gossip, lectures, world from 1897 music, art, to 1917. From weddings and those grainy other Jewish life black and white events. None of reproductions the synagogues and other images Frankfurt she collected, she created full color paintings depicted continue to exist. She plans to of synagogues destroyed by the Nazis and expand the project to cover synagogues from related parties. Once the synagogues were North Africa, Arab countries, and Israel.

Andrea’s artistic talent was obvious burned or blown apart the Jewish community was often levied a fee or forced to remove from an early age when the parents of a fellow the debris themselves, sometimes by hand. nursery school student collected her work for The synagogues left no physical record their walls. Her father would bring home all other than photos and occasional memorial kinds of materials to play with, including oil plaques. She found images and historical paints, a Japanese sumi brush and ink set, information in various archives, libraries, iron filings and magnets, ceramic tiles with private collections and web sites. Historical grout, and clippers for mosaics. For lessons information was not always attached to she went to Mme. Jonnard in New Rochelle found images, and much work was spent for several years. Ladies and girls were taught to paint genteel paintings and to draw researching the history of each building.

Her mother’s family came to the United in various media. In high school she won a States in 1926 from Poland at the instigation place in a Scholarship Painting workshop at of her grandfather, who was looking for a New York University, and she was able to safe place for his family and many relatives. take classes at Columbia University because He became a citizen as quickly as he could her high school art teacher pretended that and then sent passports to Europe where she was a “little sister.” She attended Buck’s they could be doctored to get everyone out Rock Camp when it was a focus for creativity of there before, during, and after World War and attracted distinguished artists in many II. Her grandfather’s second wife was one fields. Most important were her four years at 12

L’Dor V’Dor Inter-generational Literacy Program After a fulfilling first year for our Nursery School children, staff and members of Beth El Synagogue Center, we are looking forward to our second year of this Intergenerational Literacy Program.

We hope to welcome back Joan Atlas, Deena Davis, Irwin S. Davison, and Ellen Hollander to connect and share the love of reading with our youngest children.

If you are interested in being a reader (a once a week commitment), please contact Julie at JRockowitz@bethelnr.org.

Jo Kellman, Consultant to Project SEED, Supporting Early Emotional Development, as part of the Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS).

Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, where she learned that she could be a professional artist.

As a professional she creates art for the gift market—wrapping paper, puzzles, dinnerware, textiles, ketubahs, cards, anything with art on it. Her first agent suggested that she create some Judaica, leading to a calendar and a series of paintings for all of the holidays and many rituals. These images have been reproduced as large scale prints to decorate a synagogue in Atlanta and printed on other assorted objects. The Judaica work has led to many connections, including help with the synagogue project from the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Holocaust Museum, in Washington, D.C. Andrea has been a member of the Council of American Jewish Museums and works with the library and librarians at Cornell University. Some of the synagogue paintings have been commissioned by people whose families came from those areas. Her training in architecture, art, and planning play a significant role in defining this project.

The exhibit can be visited daily, whenever Beth El is open. If the room is locked you can get the key from the office or from the greeter at the front door.

An artist’s reception will be held on Sunday, September 27th, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm.

Come meet the artist and discuss her work with her.

Nursery School NEWS The secular world thinks the year begins in January, but for us, it begins in September. In addition to our Jewish calendar beginning this year in September, so, too, does our school year start in the loveliness of September, with its beautiful mornings and pleasant evenings. A friend once reflected, “Is eighty Septembers enough?” When you think about how long you might live it seems to me we should take all the advantage we can of September. It still stays light into the evenings and you can sit out and watch the children play, talk to the neighbors as they walk by with their dogs, and wave to the others driving by. September—when children go back to school and you are hoping that the teachers falls in love with your child.

September starts with a long weekend that honors the laboring people. Those of us in education have labored to get everything ready for the children, hoping they fall in love with what we have done. We can hardly wait to throw open the door at the preschool and get to know all these children. Even the ones that were in school last year will have grown in many ways over the summer. We know we have every part of the school ready—the art, the science, the outside, but as I write this, we haven’t seen the children yet so we will have to wait and watch to see if we are really ready. And, then in a week, we will make adjustments, adding some more of this and some less of that.

In order to acquaint you with our program for the coming

year, all parents are invited to the Wiener Lounge at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8th, for an important Orientation meeting.

Following this meeting, parents will have an opportunity to socialize with each other and meet teachers, clergy, and synagogue staff. Light refreshments will be served.

On Wednesday, September 9th, we will be hosting an exciting opening school event—Beginning to Connect, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Bring your children to visit their classrooms, drop supplies in their cubby, and join everyone outside in the playground.

The first day of school is Thursday, September 10th. As always, our goal is to create a feeling of belonging here in the Nursery School and with the entire Beth El community.

We begin our year by sharing a common vision of developmental goals for children’s self-esteem and independence, interaction and cooperation, communication, discovery and exploration, physical capabilities, and artistic expression and appreciation. Each child has unique circumstances and strengths, so staff and parents can work together to customize an approach that will help the child progress in the context of the group at school and the family at home.

When you have ideas, please share them. Offer your talents and resources. Please feel free to request pointers related to your family’s unique situation. When challenges arise, let’s all focus on solutions and take responsibility for whatever we can do to help implement them. We pray for a new year of growth and learning, good health, happiness and peace in Israel. Shana Tovah!

PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING

13

A Note from Your Men’s Club . . .

• • • • •

We begin our invitation to join and participate in the Beth El Men’s Club this year with a outstanding first event. Please plan on joining us for Steak and Scotch in the Sukkah on Thursday, October 1st, at 7:30 pm. At a mere $20 for Beth El Men’s Club members and $30 for non-members (you can join when you arrive), it will be a great night. Please see the flyer below, and register at www.bethelnr.org/scotch so we know how much food to buy.

We also welcome everyone to join us for a Monday Night Football game on October 19th, featuring the Giants against the Eagles. The game will be shown on the television set that Men’s Club donated to the shul last year.

The Beth El Men’s Club had an unbelievable assortment of activities last year, and has plans for more exciting and important events in the year that’s just begun. We welcome you to join the group (dues are only $49 for the year) and come out and participate in any or all of the activities we hold throughout the year. We have monthly meetings on Sunday mornings, and feel free to join us for a bagel, schmeer, and some camaraderie. Our first meeting will take place on Sunday, October 11th, at 9:00 am.

Among the various events we are planning for the year: • Blood Drive • Pancake Breakfast for families, part of Beth El’s day of service

Purim Carnival – repairing and replacing games Breakfast for USY Kinnus event attendees at Beth El World Wide Wrap Packing and Distribution of Holocaust candles Minor league baseball game on Jewish Heritage day

But the Men’s Club is a lot more than just events. In the spring, we honor our Man-of-the-Year and Youth-of-the-Year at the Hudson Valley Regional dinner. We do charitable work such as the blood drive, and we focus on Jewish events, including the Holocaust candle project and the World-Wide Wrap. We also are a supporter of Beth El Synagogue Center, having donated the aforementioned television, furniture to the Youth Lounge, and the Benchers we use every Shabbat after Kiddush.

Please consider becoming active and help us expand the current programs and charitable events and help us make the group even stronger and more dynamic. Along the way you’ll have some fun and feel good by helping out on various worthy causes. We look forward to seeing current and new members for Steak and Scotch on October 1st.

Robert Levine and Steven Young Co-Presidents

14

SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Scene S h a n a To v a h f r o m Sisterhood! September has always been an exciting month for me as it means beginnings—the Jewish New Year and a new academic year.

Our Sisterhood calendar also begins again as we kick off the year with our membership drive, special activities and events, and Torah Fund campaign.

By now you should have received our membership information in the mail. Please join us! Your membership helps support our beloved Beth El Synagogue Center, and it also enriches the lives of the women of our congregation and the Jewish community in general. We have planned a year filled with exciting events. Many of those are noted on this page, and we invite you to attend and bring a friend! All are welcome at our events (including men) regardless of synagogue or Sisterhood membership.

As noted elsewhere on this page, we are looking forward to Brunch in our beautiful Beth El Sukkah on Sunday, October 4th, at 11:00 am, so mark your calendars for a relaxing welcome back event. Also note that your membership in Sisterhood includes our

JOIN SISTERHOOD Our annual newsletter and invitation to join Sisterhood has been mailed. We hope you will take a few moments to put your check in our remittance envelope and return it to us. Your support is important to us and helps us to provide events and activities for your enjoyment. Questions? Contact Sandy Gruenberg at gamson36@gmail.com, or Linda Resnick at cosa48@yahoo.com.

Paid-Up Membership dinner on Tuesday, October 27th. Other ongoing events are also publicized on this page and we welcome and encourage your attendance.

I am also excited to report on the grand re-opening of our Sisterhood Baum Judaica Gift Shop. Please support us so we can support Beth El. Finally, a world about Torah Fund.

Beth El Sisterhood is proud of the fact that we raise a substantial amount of money for the Jewish Theological Seminary through our annual Torah Fund campaign. The pins that you see on many of our members are a symbol of our commitment and financial support. The Seminary trains our rabbis, cantors, scholars, educators, and other Jewish communal professionals. It is vital that we help support this institution and we can do this by participating in the Women’s League Torah Fund project. Contact Rita Kaufman at rita.kaufman@gmail.com or Susan Morris at sgmorris@optonline.net so that you can be a part of this important program.

Shalom,

Barbara Horowitz

Celebrate Sukkot with Sisterhood Join us for brunch on Sunday, October 4th, at 11:00 am, to celebrate Sukkot with Sisterhood. Sukkot, z’man simhateinu, the season of our joy, offers a wonderful opportunity to join together with new and old friends, and, of course, food.

Sisterhood Baum Judaica Gift Shop Watch for the grand re-opening this month!

Gifts and holiday items available now!

High Holiday Highlights: Honey & Apple Dishes, Toy Torahs, Toy Shofarot

Sisterhood Torah Fund— Ensuring Conservative/ Masorti Jewish Education We undertake our Torah Fund Campaign because we care deeply about preserving the strength of Conservative Jewish Education.

We know our fellow congregants, not just members of Sisterhood, also wish to ensure our legacy to future generations of Conservative Jews. We can accomplish this together with a successful Torah Fund Campaign, the proceeds of which are presented to JTS, where future rabbis, cantors, educators, administrators, social workers, scholars, professional and lay leaders, researchers, and more receive their training. Members of our own clergy and professional staff were trained by JTS—a great testament to the institution.

Our pin this year, Nat’ah Karem, is pictured below. Nat’ah karem is a phrase from the beloved prayer Eishet Chayil, taken from the biblical Book of Proverbs. We re-envision this prayer today with appreciation for the hard-working, generous, family-oriented woman who “plants a vineyard by her own labors” (Proverbs 31:7). We honor her productivity, independence, creativity, and orientation to a hopeful future with the 2016 Torah Fund pin/pendant. We hope you will honor the hard-working, generous, family-oriented woman who “plants a vineyard . . .” in your home. Your contribution strengthens and perpetuates Conservative/Masorti Judaism throughout the world. A donation at any level is gratefully appreciated. One of these beautiful pins will be given to you as a special gift from JTS in appreciation for your donation at any of the levels below.

Keter Kavod.................... $5,000 Scholarship Patron.......... $2,500 Patron.............................. $1,200 Associate Patron................. $600 Guardian............................. $300 Benefactor.......................... $180

Deep discounts on selected items!

Something for every Jewish occasion and more!

Open most Sunday mornings—check the Beth El calendar for the schedule.

Available by appointment: Carole Graham: carolegraham@optonline.net, or 914 576 6617 Ellen Hollander: ellenarts@optonline.net, or 914 632 4658

15

For information, contact Rita Kaufman at rita.kaufman@gmail.com, or Susan Morris at sgmorris@optonline.net.

THE USYers ARE COMING! FAMILIES WITH 9th - 12th GRADERS: This is a very special opportunity for our teens to experience a USY weekend in their home congregation. We hope your teen will join us for this special Shabbat!

Dear Beth El Members, We are excited to host this year’s METNY USY Regional Fall Kinnus here at Beth El Synagogue Center, from November 13th to November 15th. This opportunity comes along only once every four years. Over 250 teens and staff from all over the New York area will gather at Beth El from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to be invigorated by the joy and ruach that our USYers will bring over Shabbat and throughout the weekend. We need your help to make sure the weekend is a success! Watch your e-mail for sign up information.

JOIN US FOR SHABBAT! USY will be leading all parts of the Shabbat morning service on Saturday, November 14th, in the Main Sanctuary. We hope you will join us to be inspired by their ruach!

If you have any questions, or are ready to volunteer, please contact Jen Vegh at jvegh@bethelnr.org, or Bekkah Gold at rgold@ bethelnr.org.

HOME HOSPITALITY: All staff and teens attending the weekend stay in homes of our members Friday and Saturday nights. You need not have a teen at home to house USYers. Host families only feed their guests Saturday morning breakfast, all other meals are provided by USY at the shul.

Jen and Bekkah

Follow the Religious School on Twitter! @bethelrelschool

VOLUNTEER: In addition to host homes, we are seeking volunteers for driving to host homes, registration and luggage, meals (cooking, serving, cleaning up), and supervising. Even if you only have an hour of time to lend, we appreciate your help!

Youth Community Visited by Beth El Clergy and Staff this Summer This summer the Youth Community sent postcards to our children at camp. Jen Vegh, Hazzan Gloth, Bekkah Gold, Rabbi Dorsch, and Rabbi Schuck also visited Beth El campers at the NJY camps, Ramah Nyack, and Ramah Berkshires, as well as USYers at METNY Encampment. Our youth had incredible summers! Check out more camp pictures in our Youth Community Facebook group.

PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING

16

DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Department News Youth Community Update This summer, we excitedly renamed our departments as the Department of Youth and Family Engagement. Under this name, we can now appropriately label the work of both the Youth Community and the Religious School as the goal-oriented programs that they are. We believe that Jewish engagement is a journey, a path towards continued commitment and connection to Jewish life and learning in the future. Through the work of our department, we can now understand the role of these programs, as well as others like the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Institute, family programming, and parent programming, as facilitating this journey and encouraging long-term Jewish investment.

As a part of this work, we are particularly excited to welcome Bekkah Gold, who began her full-time role as Assistant Director of Youth

and Family Engagement at the beginning of August. In addition to supporting the full spectrum of work of the Youth Community and Religious School, Bekkah will focus much of her time and energies on engaging and building connections with the 6th-12th grade populations, in both the Religious School and the broader Youth Community.

Bekkah will continue to serve as Beth El’s Kadima and USY advisor, as well as leader of the Rosh Hodesh, It’s a Girl Thing program.

She will also continue to facilitate the Teen High Holiday services.

With this unification of vision, and the addition of Bekkah to our leadership team, we are especially excited for a phenomenal year together. As always, please contact us with ideas, feedback, or just to say hello!

Jen Vegh

Religious School News

We are excited to begin another fantastic year of community building and meaningful learning for our Gan (kindergarten) through E.L.I. (12th grade) learners. We look forward to continuing to grow our opportunities for full family engagement, by offering more parent programming, like our monthly Rosh Hodesh parent learning sessions, and more opportunities for families to be a part of their child’s Religious School experience.

We look forward to seeing all of our Religious School families at our Opening Day on Sunday, September 20th to kick-off a wonderful year. Our learners will get to know their educators and each other in new ways, and our parents will reflect in a new way on last year, and look forward to goals for the coming year. For those entering 12th grade, the informational meeting for the Educational Leadership Institute will take place at 5:00 pm on Monday, September 21st.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Thursday, September 10 Sunday, September 20 Monday, September 21

Thursday, September 24 Sunday, September 27

Wednesday, September 30

Educator Orientation, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Religious School Opening Day, 9:00 am Educational Leadership Institute Informational Meeting for 12th graders, 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm First Thursday of Religious School Religious School Closed. Join the Youth Community for Family Sukkah Decorating, 10:00 am – 11:30 am!

Religious School Parent Organization Paint Night in the Sukkah

YOUTH COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Wednesday, September 9 Beth El USY Board Opening Dinner Sunday, September 27 Youth Community Family Sukkah Decorating, 10:00 am-11:30 am Thursday, October 1 Beth El USY Sushi in the Sukkah at the Carr-Gloth home, 6:15 pm-7:45 pm Watch your e-mail for information about other upcoming Youth Events!

17

Beth El Youth Community aims to provide social programming for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade in a Jewish environment. Our Youth Community is ready for a fun-filled year of programs planned by our amazing advisors and our Youth Community leaders. We look forward to working together to build engaging, exciting, meaningful opportunities for Jewish life and learning. We welcome your ideas for new and exciting programming, or feedback on existing programming! Please feel free to contact us at anytime.

What’s going on this year?

• We have great programming set up for our Ruach (K-2nd grade), Chaverim (3rd-5th grades), Kadima (6th-8th grades), and USY (9th-12th grades). To learn more about what we have coming up, check out http://www.bethelnr.org/young-families/ youth-community/.

• We welcome Max Leader, our new Chaverim advisor.

• Basketball for 5th-12th grades: Teams are filled on a first-come, first-served basis for our Jewish basketball league. Watch your e-mail in October for registration information.

• Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! This is an amazing opportunity for eighth grade girls to get to know each other, be creative, build self-esteem, and explore Jewish concepts. E-mail roshhodeshgirls@bethelnr. org for more information.

• We are looking to kick off a new Shevet Achim program for 8th grade boys to create a special space for them to get to know one another better and address the challenges they face, all from a Jewish lens. If you’re interested, contact jvegh@bethelnr.org.

• Cub Scouts: Designed for boys in 1st-4th grades, Beth El Youth Community is happy to host a Jewish Cub Scout troop that meets regularly on site, as well as off site for exciting activities. For more information, contact the Youth Community office.

• Join us on Sunday, September 27th, to make and hang decorations (or bring decorations you made at home) for our Youth Community Family Sukkah Decorating Day. Drop in anytime between 10:00 am and 11:30 am.

• Mark your calendar! This year’s Purim Carnival will be Sunday, March 20th.

I look forward to seeing you at our kickoff events this month. Watch your e-mail or check our website for details!

SEPTEMBER 2015 MONDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY 1

1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804-2190 914-235-2700 • www.bethelnr.org

Mahjong 12:45 pm

A Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi ....................................David A. Schuck Hazzan ........................................Jamie Gloth Associate Rabbi......................Joshua Dorsch Associate Cantor .............................. Uri Aqua Rabbi Emeritus ..................... Melvin N. Sirner Cantor Emeritus...............Lawrence Avery, z”l Hazzan Emeritus ................... Farid Dardashti Executive Director ................. Erica Leventhal Controller ....................................Olivier Vogel Day Camp Director ................ Julie Rockowitz Nursery School Director ........ Ronnie Becher Dir. of Youth & Family Engagement .. Jen Vegh Special Projects Director ........Linda Newman Maintenance Director ...............Milton Sinclair

Officers Meeting 7:30 pm Nursery School Board Meeting 7:30 pm Sisterhood Executive Board Meeting 7:30 pm

6

22 ELUL 7

23 ELUL

Synagogue Offices Closed

RoHo Girls 4:00 pm Shevet Achim 4:00 pm Nursery School Parent Orientation 7:00 pm Sisterhood General Board Meeting 7:30 pm LABOR DAY

13

29 ELUL

6:51 pm

Sisterhood President ...........Barbara Horowitz Men’s Club Co-Presidents ........ Robert Levine Steven L. Young Religious Sch. Parent Org. ........... Ellen Barlis, Rachel Casanova, Marci Marcus Editor & Production.................Linda Newman Assistant Editors ....... Michelle Levy Blaustein Jack Gruenberg, Steven L. Young EDITORIAL BOARD Rabbi David A. Schuck Samuel E. Berger Hazzan Jamie Gloth Erica Leventhal Steven L. Young

The Bulletin September 2015 Vol. 98, No. 2 Elul 5775 ~ Tishrei 5776

14

1 TISHREI

Nursery and Religious Schools Closed Synagogue Offices Closed

after 7:49 pm

15

2 TISHREI

Nursery and Religious Schools Closed Synagogue Offices Closed

Yom Tov ends 7:47pm

Tashlich 5:00 pm ROSH HODESH ROSH HASHANAH

EREV ROSH HASHANAH

20

7 TISHREI 21

ROSH HASHANAH

8 TISHREI

Religious School Opening Day

Sisterhood Bagels and Books 9:30 am

Nursery School Apple Picking 11:30 am (off-site)

Walking Club 11:30 am

22

9 TISHREI Nursery and Religious Schools Closed 6:36 pm

Canasta 12:45 pm E.L.I. Information Meeting 5:00 pm KOL NIDRE EREV YOM KIPPUR

27

14 TISHREI 28

15 TISHREI

Nursery and Religious Schools Closed

Religious School Closed

Please visit the Beth El Synagogue Center website, WWW.BETHELNR.ORG for the most current information on meetings and events.

To send us a message, e-mail info@bethelnr.org.

24 ELUL

Mahjong 12:45 pm

Walking Club 9:30 am

AFFILIATE OFFICERS

BULLETIN COMMITTEE

8 All Staff Meeting 11:00 am

OFFICERS President ............................Samuel E. Berger Executive Vice President... Geralynn C. Reifer Vice President .......................... Daniel Burton Vice President .................. Sandra Gruenberg Vice President ......................Mark Seidenfeld Treasurer .............................. Joseph Wygoda Financial Secretary ...................Debbie Young Recording Secretary ................. Jayne Peister

17 ELUL

Youth Community Family Sukkah Decorating 10:00 am

29

16 TISHREI

Nursery and Religious Schools Closed

Sukkah Walk approx. 1:00 pm

Artist’s Reception 2:00 pm

EREV SUKKOT

SUKKOT 18

SUKKOT

ELUL 5775 ~ TISHRI 5776 WEDNESDAY 2

18 ELUL

FRIDAY

THURSDAY 3

19 ELUL

SHABBAT

4

20 ELUL

5

21 ELUL

Shabbat ends 8:04pm

KI TAVO 7:06pm

Ritual Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm

Chai House Visitors Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am ShabbaTunes 12:45 pm Daf Shevui 1:00 pm S’lichot 9:00 pm

9

25 ELUL

Nursery School Beginning to Connect 9:30 am

10

26 ELUL First Day of Nursery School

Nursery School Parent Lounge 9:00 am

USY Board Opening Dinner 6:00 pm

Religious School Educator Orientation 5:00 pm

Board of Trustees 8:00 pm

College-Age Committee Packing 7:30 pm

11

27ELUL

Nursery School Parent Lounge 9:00 am

3 TISHREI

Nursery School Parent Lounge 9:00 am

17

4 TISHREI

6:55 pm

Nursery School Parent Lounge 9:00 am

18

12 NITZAVIM

Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm

16

S’LICHOT

5 TISHREI

Nursery School Parent Lounge 9:00 am

Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Birthday Shab. 12:00 pm Daf Shevui 1:00 pm

19 VAYELECH

6:43 pm

Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm

28 ELUL

Shabbat ends 7:52pm

6 TISHREI Shabbat ends 7:40 pm

Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 1:00 pm

TZOM GEDALIAH

23

10 TISHREI

24

11 TISHREI

25

12 TISHREI 26

Nursery and Religious Schools Closed Synagogue Offices Closed

HAAZINU Yom Tov ends 7:32 pm

6:31 pm

USY Opening Event 6:00 pm YIZKOR YOM KIPPUR

30

13 TISHREI

17 TISHREI

Religious School Parent Organization Paint Night in the Sukkah 8:00 pm HOL HAMOED SUKKOT 19

Shabbat ends 7:28 pm

Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 1:00 pm

Simchat Torah Honorees, continued

SELICHOT 2015 SELICHOT: INSPIRATION FOR THE HIGH HOLY DAYS Saturday Evening, September 5th, we will mark the traditional Selichot Service, preparing us for the coming High Holy Days. We are excited that this year, members of our clergy will be leading study/discussion sessions on High Holy Day topics.

Rabbi David Schuck, Hazzan Jamie Gloth, and Rabbi Josh Dorsch will be teaching to help prepare us for the upcoming High Holy Days. The sessions will be offered at 8:45 pm, and again at 9:15 pm, affording participants the opportunity to attend two of the three learning sessions.

Carrie Fox, cont. page 2

Nina Luban, cont. page 2

and a nice social group (which is open to newcomers—Sundays at 9:30 am!).

Beth El is a second home for the FoxShechter family. David is chair of the Havurah service and Kasakove High Holiday service, and serves on the Ritual Committee. Their children Ilana, Jacob, and Naomi attend Religious School, Day Camp, youth groups, and the Family Kehillah Service. Carrie is excited to be honored just days after Ilana becomes a Bat Mitzvah, and she looks forward to celebrating many more s’machot with the Beth El community!

but a labor of love for many. For those reading this who have not yet dipped a toe into Beth El’s committees, Nina is paying it forward by warmly inviting you to try it.

Much to the amusement of husband and son, Nina makes a radical change in her career every ten years, like clockwork—English teacher in the United States and abroad, environmental attorney, educational administrator, and, at just around the time she should be thinking of retiring, she instead joined her best friend from high school to create a digital health start-up company.

Life is good, and she is grateful to family, friends, and the Beth El community for making it so.

Ellen Gelboim, cont. page 2 grandchildren, Julia and Rachel, who are two-years-old and live in Evanston, Illinois; and Jesse, who was born in June and is a Manhattanite.

Darren Peister, cont. page 2 a soft spot for chocolate candy and ice cream—which he likes to share. He is humbled by the honor bestowed upon him by Beth El Synagogue Center, and hopes to continue bringing levity to the community with his quirky disposition.

Light refreshments will follow the discussions, followed by Selichot service, which precede the changing of the Torah mantles ceremony at 11:00 pm.

Beth El Celebrates September Birthdays Beth El Synagogue Center would like to extend a “Happy Birthday!” to its members with a birthday in the month of September. If you have a Edward Ackerman Naomi Schiller Ron Amidror Erik Avni Mayan Axelrod Ruby Axelrod Ellen Barlis Michele Bauman Brett Bernstein Anita Better Judy Bomback Lauren Freeman Bosworth David Brot Greta Brown Sanjiv Chhahira Gary Claar Michelle Cohen Lynne Cohen

Lawrence Cooper Galina Erlikh Karen Esteves Ella Fayer Phyllis Feingold Emily Feldman Jill Forman Jay Goldstein Susan Goldstein Marc Gross David Herman Hope Herzog Karen Herzog Jacob Hollander Paul Jablansky Alan Kaplan Adena Katz Gary Kern Rachel Kessler

September birthday, but your name does not appear on the list, we are sorry for the omission and we ask that you contact the synagogue at info@bethelnr.org so that we can update our records. Please contact us if Jeffrey Lowin Lynn Lowin Susan Lurie Joyce Marcus Debra Markovits Thomas Markovits Kenneth May Mark Medin Alvia Miller Jeff Mittleman Martin Morgenstern Tami Novoseller Maximo Nozyce Henry Oksman Adam Portnoff Nathan Rosenfeld Barbara Rosenzweig Annette Safer Arlene Salman

Alisa Kesten Randi Klee Madeline Klonsky Talia Kornreich Ariella Kornreich Eli Kornreich Donald Kotler Ruby Kravitz Lance Kravitz Lisa Kulak Marc Lazarus Asher Leffell Michael Lenchner Warren Lesser Erica Leventhal Mila Levine Caryn Levison Tracey Levy Helene Liebstein 20

you do not wish to have your name appear on our birthday list. (The list reflects our adult members and post-bar/bat mitzvah children up to the age of 21.)

Morgan Salomon Fran Salomon Jules Schwartz Wendy Schwartz Howard Seiden Paige Selber Susanne Shabasson Dawn Shammas Ilana Shechter Monica Shedroff Rudi Sherbansky Barbara Shulman Harold Shulman Mark Silver Lawrence Silverman Marc Sininsky Sam Solomon Adam Stein Marjorie Stein

Berish Strauch Benjamin Tait Eric Treiber Julie Weisbrod Bruce Wenig Debra Wenig Michele Wolk Claudia Wolloch Robyn Yairi Marjorie Zimmerman Happy Birthday!

Mazal Tov

SEPTEMBER YAHRZEITS

The yahrzeit of the following deceased persons permanently inscribed on our Memorial Walls are observed on these dates:

Newsmakers . . .

Rivka and Harry Spring upon the birth of grandson Jacob Aviv, and to parents Lior Spring and Daniel Miller; Fred and Selma Moses upon the marriage of their granddaughter Barbara Moses to Mitch Yofee, and to parents Drs. Edward and Stephanie Moses; Susan and Bob Goldstein upon the birth of grandson Jacob Ian Belsky, son of Rebecca and Brad Belsky; Rochelle Chaiken upon the engagement of her son Brian Scharfman to Stacy Berkowitz, daughter of Lisa and Larry Berkowitz; Zipporah and Henry Oksman upon the birth of grandson Eliot Joseph, and to parents Ben and Dana Oksman; Sheila Cohen and Irwin Cohen upon the birth of granddaughter Chloe Paige, and to parents Marisa and Michael Goldberg; Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua upon the birth of their grandson, and to parents Danny and Debbie Aqua; Harriet and David Rudnick upon the engagement of their daughter Elana to Brandon Liebeskind, son of Stuart and Debbie Liebeskind; Ronnie and Mitchel Kaplan upon the birth of granddaughter Joanna Beatrice, and to parents Nicole and Matthew Kaplan; Barbara Pitkoff Lande upon the engagement of her daughter Jennifer Lande to Adam Leffell, son of Lisa and Michael Leffell; Naomi Raber on the engagement of her granddaughter Maia Raber to Peter Leopold.

Louis Gordon 1 Samuel M. Lerner 1 Jack Siegel 1 Sarah Kooper 2 Jacob Fischler 3 Joseph Hausner 3 Irwin Resnick 3 Isaac Axenzow 4 Simon Bogash 4 Ruth F. Mendelsohn 4 Paul Getzofff 5 Israel Kalen 5 Raquel Kramer 5 David J. London 6 Adolph Horn 7 Alice Levy 7 Julius M. Rosen 8 Blanche Fein 9 Annie Levine 9 Hannah Meyers 9 Else Warms 11 Isidor Farber 12 Harry Frankel 12 Tessie Heyman 12 Anna M. Kaplan 12 Dr. Charles Edelstein 13 Frank I. Eisenman 13 Leo Feureisen 13 Benjamin Victor Goldstein 13 Samuel E. Singer 15 Jacob Streger 15 Claire Feibelmann 16 Isaac Goldfarb 16 Sylvia Morganstern 16 Margaret Cantor 17 Hannah Feinberg 17 Irving R. Raber 17 Michael Ginsberg 18

A Warm Beth El Mazal Tov to One and All!!

Kiddush The Kiddush of August 1st was sponsored by the Beth El Minyan. In addition to covering the cost of the luncheon for that day, the group made a donation that will be applied to future Kiddush lunches.

The Kiddush of August 8th was sponsored by the “Big Bang” group.

In addition to covering the cost of the luncheon for that day, the group made a donation that will be applied to future Kiddush lunches.

Welcome to the Beth El Community The Aronauer-Schwartz Family (re-joined) Of New Rochelle Peri Schwartz & Joseph Aronauer The Barney-Cohen Family Of Larchmont Alisa Cohen & Glenn Barney Jonah, 3 ½; Eliana, 9 months The Elzam-Mendelsohn Family Of Larchmont Scott Elzam & Cerrah Mendelsohn-Elzam Ava, 7; Noah, 5 The Kessler Family Of New Rochelle Vera & Jason Kessler Jeremy, 8; Leah, 6; Elizabeth, 3

The Keusch Family (rejoined) Of Scarsdale David & Jessica Keusch Sam, 7; Reece, 5 The Schwartz Family Of Scarsdale Daniel & Diana Schwartz Jordan, 4; Alexis, 2

Esther Levine Rose Rapaport David Morris Rubin Samuel Cohen May Finn David Sampson Mollie Schulman David Warshaw Joseph Brustein Rebecca Kleinman Stanley Strauss Emanuel Gross Louis Halpern Ann Rubin Anna K. Springer William Dinkes B. Sol Goldfinger Ethel Streger Fay Friedman Solomon Troodler Herman Fishman Abraham Newman Dina Ulitzky Reuben Davidson Margot Fately Rev. Wolf Joslevitz Joel Miller Samuel Schaffer Ida Schneidman Berl Wigder Esther Croland Oscar Falk Gertrude Israel Miriam Levitin Esther Sampson Peter Kardon Gross Frank Cohn Marion Noren

18 18 19 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 26 26 27 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 29 30 30

Condolences

The Seiden-Keltz Family Of New Rochelle Zachary Seiden & Julia Keltz Hannah, 5; Jared, 2

We record with sorrow the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies.

Condolences to: Debra Seltzer upon the loss of her brother Gary Seltzer; Debra Cohen Markovits upon the loss of her brother Jeffrey Cohen; Mitchell Kaphan upon the loss of his mother, Gertrude Kaplan; The family of Norman Fately upon his passing; The family of Ruth Goldstein upon her passing; Helene Pollack upon the loss of her husband, Elliott.

The Towl Family Of Larchmont Gregory & Jessica Towl Ryan, 3; Forrest (Harry), 3

21

Contributions RABBI SIRNER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Hazzan’s Discretionary Fund

Jennie Driesen in honor of Shari Chinitz’s teaching; Annette and Mitchell Fogelman in memory of Jerome Agular; William Winters in honor of the engagement of Claire Gross; Judy and Fred Bomback in memory of Cantor Avery; Marcia and Nathan Assor in honor of Rabbi Dorsch’s marriage; Caryl Fuchs in memory of Taube Sokol upon yahrzeit; Deborah Gerstein in memory of her grandfather upon his yahrzeit; Elias Rosenblatt in memory of his father, Morris Rosenblatt; Loretta and Arthur Holland in memory of Samuel Wick.

Herbert and Florence Joffe in honor of Michael Kamer on his High School graduation.

Rabbi sCHUCK’S Discretionary Fund Eilene Kahn in memory of her brother Lester Kellman; Nina Luban in memory of her mother, Mildred Luban; Caryl Fuchs upon her mother’s yahrzeit; Noel and Leah Edelson in memory of David and Sylvia Tuchinsky; Susan and Jeff Mittleman in memory of Bernard Rothenberg, father of Les Rothenberg; Nora Klion-Wolloch in honor of Norbert Wolloch’s birthday; Janet Seligman in memory of her mother, Hannah Kenler; Noel and Leah Edelson in memory of Claire Edelson; David Flitter in memory of his parents, Ruth and Harry Flitter; Ruth and Richard Kling in memory of Gertrude Kaplan, beloved mother of Mitch and Robin Kaphan; Sharon Spenser in honor of her aliyah on August 1st; Linda and Sol Haber in memory of Gertrude Kaplan, beloved mother of Mitch and Robin Kaphan.

PTA LIBRARY FUND IN MEMORY OF: Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Elaine and Jack Katz.

ELEANOR G. BAUMWALD PRAYERBOOK FUND

Lois Kohn-Claar and Gary Claar in honor of the Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua’s new grandson.

Dana Rottman in memory of Cantor Lawrence Avery.

PTA ISRAEL TRAVEL STUDY SCHOLARSHIP IN HONOR OF: Rochelle Chaiken on the engagement of her son Brian Scharfman to Stacy Berkowitz, from Erica and Larry Epstein.

Nora Klion-Wolloch and Richard Wolloch on the marriage of their daughter Deena to Eiran Misika, from Margo Lampert, and Sharon and Peter Spenser.

SPECIAL NEEDS FUND IN HONOR OF: A generous donation was received from Evelyn and Gary Trachten.

The wedding of Stephanie Millman and Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from Lynn and Jeffery Lowin.

My grandson Spencer Morris Dickman on his graduation from Roesh Shalom School, from Patricia Markowitz Morris.

IN MEMORY OF: Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father and grandfather, from Ellen and Jack Hollander.

Miriam Rosenberg, our mother, on her yahrzeit, from Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.

The yahrzeit of Rachel Oestreicher, beloved mother of Julius Oestreicher and Sylvia Salsberg, and beloved grandmother, from the Oestreicher family.

IN HONOR OF:

The yahrzeit of Sande Holland, beloved mother of Arthur Holland, from Loretta and Arthur Holland.

The marriage of Sharon Lawi and Noah Shanok, from the Hodara family.

My beloved father, Sidney M. Markowitz, on his yahrzeit, from Patricia Markowitz Morris.

The birth of Lev Benjamin, grandson of Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner, from Patricia Morkowitz Morris.

The yahrzeit of our beloved mother, Gladys Orans, from Barbara and Lawrence Orans.

IN MEMORY OF: Herman Gordon, beloved husband of Yvette Gordon, a high holiday mahzor was dedicated

by Susan and Len Mark.

Sidney Fein, my beloved father, from Elaine Fein.

Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father and grandfather, from the Naomi Raber.

Saralee and Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved parents of Lisa Joy and Adina, from Patricia Markowitz Morris and family.

Trudy Kaplan, beloved mother of Mitchell Kaphan, from Debbie and Steven Young.

Herman Gordon, beloved husband of Yvette Gordon, and Hy Harary cherished husband of Judy Harary, from the Summer Reading Group— Evelyn Davidson, Ellin Falk, Carol Freedman, Esther Glassman, Yvette Gordon, Betty GradGross, Judy Harary, Eunice Kaplan, Elaine Katz, Geri Katz, Shirley Katz, Judy Kosak, Ruth Laudor, Elaine Levitin, Mindy Patchen, Miriam Rabin, Harriet Rudnick, Marj Schlosberg, Ruth Slater, Rena Strauch, and Dorothy Zaro.

22

GENERAL FUND A generous donation was received from Diane and Eugene Linett.

IN HONOR OF: Rabbi Dorsch’s youth education initiatives, from Pearl Sullivan.

Michael Wechsler’s aliyah on our forty-eighth wedding anniversary, from Joyce and Michael Wechsler.

Selma and Fred Moses on the marriage of their granddaughter, from Mila and Michael Greenberg.

Rochelle Chaiken on the engagement of her son Brian Scharfman to Stacy Berkowitz, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay, and Erica and Larry Epstein.

Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua upon the birth of their grandson, and to parents Danny and Debbie Aqua, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay. RECOVERY OF: Refuah Shleimah to Faith Liberman, from Robin Liberman and Debra Lassaw.

IN MEMORY OF: Cantor Avery, beloved father, grandfather, and Cantor Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue Center, from Terry and Marc Wager.

Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Marian Lutzky, and Mila and Mike Greenberg.

Samuel Goldstein, beloved father of Howard Goldstein, on his yahrzeit, from Helene and Howard Goldstein.

Jeffery Cohen, beloved brother of Debra Cohen Markovits, from Donna Shakin and Howard Gershen.

Yahrzeit/Yizkor Donation Deborah Chassen; Richard and Judy Aronow; Belle Kellman; Laura Penn; Kathryn Honig; Ruth Kling; Lois Morgenstern; Sheila Tanenbaum; Donald Kotler; Lorri Levine; Susan Diamond; Rick and Anne Weisbrod; Barbara Finder; Gary Trachten; Myriam Tamar Batista; The Troyetsky Family; Elissa Baum; Dara Spielvogel and Steven Chester; Susan Lawi; Reba Zuckerman; Randi Klee; Mary Salpeter and Allyn Salpeter; Ellen and Moshe Gelboim and family; Sanford Batkin; Barbara and David Horowitz; Joseph and Carrie Goldberg; Rachelle and Steven Stern; Irwin Cohen; Myra Fisch; Jay Sommer; Barbara and Arthur Margolin; Andrea and Ira Lippel; Bernard Freedman; Michael Malina.

NURSERY SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF: Jerome Agular, beloved father of Linda Mazursky, from Eden Aronoff.

Contributions SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER CHESED COMMUNITY FUND IN HONOR OF: Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua upon the birth of their grandson, and to parents Danny and Debbie Aqua, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Rochelle Chaiken on the engagement of her son Brian Scharfman to Stacy Berkowitz, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Zipporah and Henry Oksman on the birth of their grandson Eliot, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

IN MEMORY OF: Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from the Hodara family.

Trudy Kaplan, beloved mother of Mitchell Kaphan, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

The family of GERTRUDE (TRUDY) KAPLAN, z’l would like to thank the clergy, staff, and congregants of Beth El for their concern and caring during our recent bereavement.

We are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community.

With appreciation and gratitude from her children and grandchildren, Mitchell, Robin, Mark, Adam, and Alison Kaphan

SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND In Honor of: Anita Better on being honored by Sisterhood, from Susan and George Morris.

Bernice Ward on the birth of her greatgranddaughter Nessa Abigail, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Phyllis and Harvey Jay on the birth of their grandson Benjamin, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Barbara and David Horowitz on the engagement of their son Michael to Maria Gajda, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Phyllis and Harvey Jay on the engagement of their daughter Becky to Michael Forman, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Linda and Sol Haber on the marriage of their daughter Jordana to Alberto Hazan, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Dr. Gary B. Seltzer, z”l thanks the Beth El Community for your love, support, and charity following the loss of our beloved brother and uncle, a kind, wise, generous, and loving man.

Dr. Debra Seltzer & Charles Altman & Jonathan

Olga Lefkovic, beloved mother of Lisa Jacobs, from Ellen and Jack Hollander.

Mark Hirsch, beloved brother of Sandra Stolzberg, from Ellen and Jack Hollander.

Leonard Mishler, beloved father of Rob Mishler, from Joan and Jonah Atlas.

Florence Rossard, beloved sister of Marianne Sussman, from Rosalind and Richard Kaufman, Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Herman Gordon, beloved husband of Yvette Gordon, from Rosalind and Richard Kaufman, Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Shelley and Arnie Silverman.

Robin and Mitchell Kaphan on the engagement of their son Adam to Frances Stein, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Mollie Eisenberg, beloved mother of Ellen Hollander, from Rosalind and Richard Kaufman, Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Shelley and Arnie Silverman.

Rosalie and Stanley Cohen on the bar mitzvah of grandson Zachary, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Jerome Agular, beloved father of Linda Mazursky from Joyce and Michael Wechsler.

David Rosenstein on producing an extraordinary magic show, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Moshe Shahar, beloved brother of Avi Shahar, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Arlene Kamer on the bat mitzvah of granddaughter Sophie, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Herbert Rudnick, beloved father of David Rudnick, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Irene and Leon Greenspan on the birth of twin grandchildren Brooke and Jordan Wittenstein, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Jackie and Avi Einzig on the engagement of daughter Shana to Amos Segal, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Gaby and George Newfield on the birth of grandson Jackson, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Arlene Kamer on the high school graduation of grandson Michael Kamer, from Blanche Fried.

The family of

Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary and beloved father, from Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Ellen and Jack Hollander.

IN MEMORY OF: Lenore Cheskin, beloved mother of Elise Schepp, from Rosalind and Richard Kaufman, and Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Ellen and Jack Hollander.

Sylvia and Walter Klee, beloved parents of Marc Klee, from Ellen and Jack Hollander.

Irving Luban, beloved father of Nina Luban, from Ellen and Jack Hollander.

Jeanne Altman, beloved mother of Charles Altman, from Ellen and Jack Hollander, and Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Janet Felsher, beloved mother of Candace Silver, from Ellen and Jack Hollander, and Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Rowena Dorsch, beloved grandmother of Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Ellen and Jack Hollander.

23

David Marvi, beloved father of Shirin Stein, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Hymie Jacks, beloved father of Joel Jacks, from Vicki and Nate Fisher Ruth Hayman, beloved grandmother of Abby Wise, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Arthur Straussberg, beloved father of Mark Straussberg, from Vicki and Nate Fisher.

Cila Ganz, beloved sister of Dalia Fenster, from Vicki and Nate Fisher, Shelley and Arnie Silverman, Linda and Joseph Resnick, and Marianne and Bob Sussman.

Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father of Lisa Avery-Peck, from Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Shelley and Arnie Silverman.

Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father of Dina Avery Grossman, from Vicki and Nate Fisher, and Shelley and Arnie Silverman.

Allan Simon, beloved husband of Barbara Simon, from Shelley and Arnie Silverman.

Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund: Call Rise Stern, 914-761-5645, or mail to 59 Bayne Place, White Plains, NY 10605. Please make your check payable to Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund.

Contributions THE JEREMY SCHEINFELD MEMORIAL FUND

RABBI MELVIN AND LENORE SIRNER FUND FOR JEWISH INSPIRATION

IN HONOR OF:

IN HONOR OF:

Rochelle Chaiken on the engagement of her son Brian Scharfman to Stacy Berkowitz, from the Schepp family.

The fortieth wedding anniversaries of Barbara and David Horowitz, Barbara and Harvey Katzeff, and Robin and Mitchell Kaphan, celebrating 120 years of marriage and many years of friendship—and to 120 more, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.

The birth of a grandson to Judy and Cantor Uri Aqua, from the Jablansky family.

IN MEMORY OF: The yahrzeit of my beloved sister Roberta Zuckerman, from Paul Schneiderman.

THE DAY CAMP FUND IN HONOR OF:

Jeffery Cohen, beloved brother of Debra Cohen Markovits, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan, and Geralynn and David Reifer.

Riley’s first summer at Beth El day camp, from Ella and Russell Fayer.

Harriet and David Rudnick on the engagement of their daughter Elana, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Trudy Kaplan, beloved mother of Mitchell Kaphan, from the Schepp family, and Joy and Steve Rotker.

Phoebe and Peter Gross on the engagement of their daughter Claire, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

THE DOROTHY FLEISHAKER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND

REFUAH SHLEIMAH:

IN HONOR OF:

Barney Troodler, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua upon the birth of their grandson, and to parents Danny and Debbie Aqua, from Linda and Sol Haber.

Bernice Ward, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Helene Wolloch, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Harriet and David Rudnick upon the engagement of their daughter Elana to Brandon Liebeskind, from Linda and Sol Haber.

THE ANDREW SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND

Donald Fleishaker on his eighty-fifth birthday, from Allison and Jason Wulliger, and the Zegura family.

IN MEMORY OF:

IN MEMORY OF:

Ed Shapiro, father of Andrew Shapiro, from Harland and Rose Arlene Shapiro, and Richard A. Brown.

The beloved mother of Cindy Waxman, from Sheryl and Aaron Fleishaker.

Sch EchTE R WESTch ESTE R

FIFTY YEARS YOUNG

Longevity is the reward for embracing tradition and innovation.

For half a century, Solomon Schechter School of Westchester has combined a values-based Jewish day school education with the most rigorous and creative academics. Our students are prepared for twenty-first century success – in the classroom, in the lab, on the playing field, and in the larger world.

24

Mary Ann Giacobbe Award Winning Global Relocation Network Recipient of Westchester Board of Realtor’s Diamond Award 2000-2014 Platinum Award Winner 2000-2014 Ranked #1 Selling Agent in New Rochelle Brokerage 2013-2014*

Real Estate Salesperson

Mobile: 914.424.4651 maryannhl921@aol.com www.maryannhl.com www.maryanngiacobbe.houlihanlawrence.com If you are selling or buying a home, let Mary Ann put her expertise, diligence, professional negotiating skills and exceptional results to work for you.

New Rochelle Brokerage | 15 Quaker Ridge Road, NY 10804 | 914.636.6700 *Houlihan Lawrence units and gross commission 25

26

27

28

29

Where Your Child Comes First Comprehensive Care from Birth to Age 21 Convenient on-site parking Extended evening and weekend hours

State of the Art Pediatric Office Spacious child-friendly waiting area Most insurances accepted

Susan H. Meisler, M.D. • Hilary S. Smith, M.D., Lisa Mandelker, D.O., • Debra Etelson-Mayblum, M.D.

145 Huguenot Street, Suite 200, New Rochelle, NY 10801 Telephone: (914) 235-1400 Fax: (914) 235-1534

www.pasw4kids.com

Helping Older Adults Live Forward Since 1917

Meet RiverSpring Health™ For nearly a century, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has been helping older adults live the fullest lives they can. Today, we’ve grown from our award-winning nursing home into RiverSpring Health, a new brand offering a full range of care solutions including managed long-term care, independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and much more.

Learn more about how we can help you live forward at 1.800.56.SENIOR or by visiting riverspringhealth.org.

30

T H E B R I S TA L A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • W H E R E E V E RY D AY M E A N S M O R E ®

R E S I D E N T S A N D S TA F F O F T H E B R I S TA L

Reflections Memory Care Program

Peace of mind.

If someone you hold dear is facing Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease or other memory-related impairments, consider Reflections at The Bristal. Fully licensed by the Department of Health, our Memory Care Program can make all the difference in your loved one’s life. Protected within a private neighborhood at each of our communities, Reflections is safe, secure and built on studied memory care therapies and strategies to help your loved one flourish with dignity, elegance and grace. Our loving staff is exceptionally skilled in recollection exercises and a host of other interactive activities, keeping our residents engaged and stimulated. Contact us to learn more about our Memory Care Program at Reflections.

ARMONK | 90 Business Park Drive | (914) 432.8200

WHITE PLAINS | 305 North Street | (914) 681.1800

THE BRISTAL.COM LICENSED BY THE DEPT OF HEALTH • ELIGIBLE FOR MOST LONG TERM CARE POLICIES • QUALITY COMMUNITIES BY THE ENGEL BURMAN GROUP

31

A 2015 DREAM HOME 237 OVERLOOK ROAD NEW ROCHELLE | WEB# NR1121659 $2,190,000

The ideal fusion of the charm of a classic Tudor and all the brand-new luxuries and efficiencies of 2015 dream home. Completely gutted and rebuilt to perfection.

Incredible lot with room for pool if desired. State-of-the-art, oversized kitchen/great room with open plan living. Impressive dining room chockfull of architectural details.

Sunken living room with striking original beams and fireplace. Five bedrooms – all on one level. Master bedroom suite offers gas fireplace, walk-in closets, steam shower, free standing tub and double sinks. Walk to houses of worship.

JOCELYN BURTON #1 AGENT IN NEW ROCHELLE LISTING DOLLAR VOLUME JOCELYN BURTON Real Estate Salesperson Mobile 917.693.3557 JBurton@houlihanlawrence.com NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE | 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE NY 10804 HGMLS, 1/1/14–12/31/14, All Property Types, Total Listed Dollar Volume by Agent, New Rochelle School District.

32

Steven Guggenheim, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Specializing in counseling adults regarding:

• Aging and physical illness

…Westchester’s Outstanding Day Camp… in Scarsdale, NY

• Caring for sick loved ones

A SUMMER TRADITION FOR 87 YEARS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 3-13

• Coping with everyday problems Provider for Medicare & most insurance plans.

(914) 714-4426

FOR INFORMATION, CALL (914) 949-8857, or visit our website at www.camphillard.com One Family

Four Generations

Est. 1929

2039 Palmer Ave. Larchmont

Advertise your business here!

Call 914-235-2700, ext. 246!

ction e l e s large ods! a e v We ha repared fo of p

Ever y t

hing

you n

eed!

Specializing in a complete line of Kosher Meats, Provisions, Cooked Foods & Specialty Groceries. We have a full-service catering department for all your party needs.

SEASONSNY.com 1066 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583

Place your order online and either pick it up in the store or have it delivered to your home! E-mail scarsdaleorders@seasonsny.com.

33

Tel: 472-2240 Fax: 472-2215

Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont and NOEL GREENSTEIN invite you to see our

Luxury Sedans & SUVs

Riverside memorial chapel WESTCHESTER: 21 West Broad Street Mount Vernon, NY 10552

914-664-6800

Just off Exit 7 of the Cross County Parkway East

The Source of Support for the Jewish Community since 1897 www.riversidememorialmountvernon.com Charles S. Salomon • Joel E. Simon

1435 Boston Post Road Larchmont, N.Y.

Continuing to maintain the high service standards of the Rosenthal, Grossberg, and Alpert families

Pretty Paper

(914) 833-5000 ngreenstein@raycatena.com

Law Office­ of­

& Polka Dots

David Lacher­ Providing creative solutions to individuals and the business community • Real Estate: Commercial and Residential • Wills, Trusts, and Estate administration­ • Business Services, including Contracts, New Business Formations, and Sales/Purchases chase bank building­

270 north avenue, 8th floor­ new rochelle, ny 10801­­ 34

914-355-5900

www.lacherlaw.com­­

35

Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804-2190

Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID White Plains, N.Y. Permit No. 925

address service requested

Shery Rosenstein Sales Associate

Personalized attention to you and your needs.

FROM MY HOME TO YOURS,

B: (914) 723-8228 C: (914) 420-8556 E: s.rosenstein@yahoo.com W: www.clairedleone.com

ALL THE BEST FOR A HAPPY 29 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583

AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. SHANAH TOVAH.

“A GENUINELY HAPPY PERSON IS ONE WHO HAS RENDERED OTHERS HAPPY.” DAISAKU IKEDA

#1 Ranked Agent in New Rochelle Listing Dollar Volume

GAY ROSEN

As Real As Real Estate Gets

Licensed R.E. Associate Broker ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GREEN, GRI, SRES c: 914.907.2645 • gay.rosen@juliabfee.com gayrosen.com Larchmont Brokerage • 1946 Palmer Avenue Each office is independently owned and operated

JOCELYN BURTON

Real Estate Salesperson 917.693.3557 JBurton@HoulihanLawrence.com

NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE | 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD HGMLS, 1/1/14–12/31/14, All Property Types, Total Listed Dollar Volume by Agent, New Rochelle School District.