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2 Banksville Road • Box 7 • Armonk, NY 10504 • Fall 2014 Quarterly Bulletin /
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It's a Small World After All Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky You don’t have to tell me that it was a little bit crazy to go to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom—in August—in 101°F heat— with a 4-year-old. We knew it already, but couldn’t resist the innocent requests to go see Mickey Mouse. It was, after all, the week of his birthday. The flashbacks were numerous, in particular, waiting on line for the 35-second-long Dumbo ride. It was much better this time, with an air-conditioned indoor waiting/play area to spend the 30 minutes. The last time, my father nearly exploded after a more-than-2-hour wait with me, insistent to ride Dumbo. It was a LONG time ago. Fortunately, several of these original rides live on for parents to reminisce as they ride again, this time with children of their own. One of these “oldies-but-goodiesâ€? is the “It’s a Small Worldâ€? ride. My husband had never been on it, and I gleefully told him that it was a very simple, gentle ride, but that the looping and repeating song, “It’s a Small World After All,â€? would stay with him all week. It didn’t really matter what kind of ride it was, so long as it was out of the sun and air-conditioned. The ride did not disappoint. I noticed small details I never would have noticed as a child, such as how the scenes of different cultures were grouped by continent. And then, just around the corner towards the end of the ride, I saw a chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy). Don’t ask why a wedding scene would be depicted with children‌I was just blown away that there was any Jewish scene at all! The little boy groom even wore tzitzis (the 4-cornered fringed garment worm by some observant Jews). I hurriedly snapped a photo to remember it. The scene stuck with me long after we exited back into the sun. Why WAS there a Jewish scene at all? To the best of my recollection, I had not seen any other religious scene represented. Yes, Judaism has a culture all its own, but so does Islam and Christianity‌and Buddhism, and Taoism, and Hinduism. Why did Judaism get its own little display? Furthermore, how did Disney determine in which country to place it? I’m guessing that either a visitor requested a Jewish scene, or a worker placed it in there to be inclusive. I’m fairly certain that it wasn’t there originally. I didn’t mind, and in fact I was glad to have seen it, but I wish there had been other religious ceremonies represented as well. I don’t think that Judaism alone merits inclusion. I hope that most would agree with me. As a modern, liberal Jew, I believe that we all worship the same God, and that the different prayers and different languages and liturgy all get where they need to go, and are all understood by a higher power. After all, it’s a small world. I mean, it’s a small world after all. It’s a small world, indeed, but we are certainly good at dividing it and fighting over it. No wonder the Israeli national anthem, HaTikvah, (“the hopeâ€?) speaks of being free in our land. Written in 1886, 62 years before the creation of the State of Israel, the poet Naphtali Herz Imber neatly summed up the quest for peace and freedom: continues on page 3 (
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Cover-5 Community
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It's a Small World After All Honors and Acknowledgements High Holy Days 5775 CBY Brotherhood Forming: Members Needed CBY Cultural Connections Nicaragua Community Service Trip Informational Meeting
10-11 Commitment to Others
Meet the New Members of our Board of Ttrustees From the Rabbi's Study Early Shabbat Service to Welcome Rabbi Katz
High Holy Day Food Drive School Supplies Drive
8-9 Learning Building A Kehilah Kedosha— A Sacred Community
11 Investment High Holy Day Campaign
12 Tradition High Holy Day Recipes
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(914) 273-2220 • fax (914) 273-2285 cbyarmonk.org • temple@cbyarmonk.org facebook.com/cbyarmonk • @cbyarmonk
Rabbi David Katz, Interim rabbikatz@cbyarmonk.org Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky cantorkobilinsky@cbyarmonk.org Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz Founding Rabbi, Retired
Ava Saperstein Administrator ava@cbyarmonk.org David Pribish Bookkeeper david@cbyarmonk.org Frank Vetere Facilities Manager frank@cbyarmonk.org Alicia Allison Communications Director alicia@cbyarmonk.org Jessica Gollin B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator jessica@cbyarmonk.org Rabbi Joan Farber Interim Director of Education rabbifarber@cbyarmonk.org Nancy Tejada-Ward Administrative Assistant to the Religious School nancy@cbyarmonk.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Committee Lisa Broomer President Brian Kaminer Vice President, Finance Communications Co-chair Samantha Schwam Vice President, Programs; Caring/Social Action Co-chair; Transitions Chair Debra Ezratty Treasurer, Fundraising Chair Bonni Stanley Secretary, Human Resources Chair Ivy Levien Member-At-Large Members of the Board Susan Bloom Sari Deutsch Michelle Eickelbeck Diane Freedman Sheldon Ganis Kara Klein Aaron Kwittken Cookie Markhoff Paul Skurman Brian Socolow Rich Waksman Amy Yallof Felicia Zacks
CBY Cultural Connections Chair Membership Co-chair Membership Co-chair Jewish Identity Development Chair
Communications Co-chair Religious Practices Chair High Holy Day Honors Chair Budget and Finance Chair
Our Cornerstones Tradition Congregation B’nai Yisrael connects individuals to our Jewish heritage and weaves our traditions into our individual and family identities. Our religious traditions form a framework for meaningful Jewish lives, and help us to to celebrate moments of wonder in life’s cycle and to find comfort in times of tragedy and sorrow. Our spiritual home connects our members to that which is Divine, to the rich variety of Jewish living, and to others in our community. Community Congregation B'nai Yisrael is the center of Jewish life in Armonk. As a neighborhood synagogue, we form a bond among our member families. The synagogue serves as a spiritual and a social center where individuals fulfill their religious needs and find meaning in Judaism at every stage of life. Learning Learning the lessons of our Jewish heritage is a primary focus at Congregation B'nai Yisrael. Together we discover the building blocks of Jewish life, expand our sense of self in a Jewish context, and apply Jewish wisdom to every stage of our journey. Commitment to Others The Jewish impulse to repair the world [Tikkun Olam] plays a central role in the life of our community. We care for other human beings and strive to make a difference in people’s lives through individual and communal acts of tzedakah here in Armonk, in our wider Westchester community, and throughout our world. Investment We are deeply committed to maintaining our vibrant community. We demonstrate our dedication by sharing our time and our resources to insure a healthy future for our synagogue. Leadership Our clergy and leadership are accessible and responsive. It is our responsibility to be deeply connected to one another, in order to hear what every individual and family needs, and learn how to strengthen our community. Relevance From ancient times, Judaism has thrived by maintaining its traditions in an evolving world. Our synagogue helps our families build contemporary Jewish lives. Through celebration and study, by taking care of our own and reaching out to help others, by respecting every individual and embodying a spirit of diversity, we are able to be authentic Jews in a modern world.
PAST PRESIDENTS Lewis Schaffer John Stern Michael J. Gross ז״ל Mike Jacobs Lyle Halperin ז״ל Ann Leber Ellen Bernstein Charles Shapiro
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Robert Regal Marilyn Heimerdinger Shelly Jacob David Brody Barby K. Siegel Joel Dworetzky Frederic J. Siegel Lawrence C. Fox
Printed on 100% recycled paper. Read this issue of our Bulletin, as well as past issues, online at cbyarmonk.org under Calendar and Events.
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As long as the Jewish spirit is yearning deep in the heart, With eyes turned toward the East, looking toward Zion, Then our hope–the two-thousand-year-old hope–will not be lost: To be a free people in our land The land of Zion and Jerusalem. 1
However, these amazing, inspirational organizations which thrive and do wonderful, important work, don't get enough press for it. I ask readers who have made it this far, imagine what could be if each of those stand-out organizations had a spotlight in the media and enough funding to expand and bring in as many young people as possible?
You might notice that there is no hatred expressed in HaTikvah. It is purely hope. We all know that there are many, many people around the world expressing hatred today. And plenty of Jews among them. Is there an equal number expressing hope? What does the majority fee—is it hope or hatred? Extremists certainly sell hatred. The media so often pushes the hatred. Hatred sells papers and wins ratings. Grassroots peace efforts? Not so much. So I ask the following question: Where is the voice of the moderate?
Please do further reading. Look up these organizations and the many more like them:
You may notice that I haven’t been specific about from where the hope is coming, nor have I specified from where the hatred is coming, because both are coming from all around us. Jews, Arabs, Christians, Americans, Israelis… No, I mustn’t begin a list, because it has no end. Let it not go unsaid: none of us are immune to (or better than) hatred. We, the moderates, must speak up. We, the moderates, must place the desires of the majority (I HOPE it is the majority) into the headlines. We, the moderates, must focus on the hope of the future. If we, the moderates don't speak up, then hatred gets the spotlights, no competition.
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Hands of Peace (handsofpeace.org), “an interfaith organization developing peacebuilding and leadership skills in Israeli, Palestinian and American teens, through the power of dialogue and personal relationships.”
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Seeds of Peace (seedsofpeace.org), a summer camp and year-round leadership program which “inspires and equips new generations of leaders from regions of conflict with the relationships, understanding, and skills needed to advance lasting peace.”
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HeartBeat (heartbeat.fm), a performing band which “unites Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians to build critical understanding develop creative nonviolent tools for social change, and amplify their voices to influence the world around them.” I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to see them perform in Israel this July when I attended the annual convention of the American Conference of Cantors.
Finally, an organization for families and those of all ages: •
The Parents Circle Families Forum (theparentscircle.com), an organization of bereaved families, both Israeli and Palestinian, which focuses its efforts on “reconciliation between individuals and nations…to [achieve] a sustainable peace.”
This is my hope, HaTikvah, for the future: that maybe, just maybe, these organizations will produce the leaders of the future. That one day there will be a leader for the Palestinian people, and one for the Israeli people, who come NOT from those intent on and infected with hatred, but from those who were vaccinated against, or (dare I say it) treated and cured of hatred. Call me naïve; I can take it. But to not work towards a better future? That I can NOT take. Nor should you. It’s a small world, after all. There is a powerful metaphor I heard,2 used to refer to a challenge which needs to be dealt with on more than one front. It was regarding the fight against malaria—“We have to drain the swamps AND distribute the quinine.” I would suggest that we must promote, work with, and invest in peaceful organizations that focus on bringing young people together, not driving them apart. We know the importance of starting young. The poison of hatred drips down, generation to generation, and the power of hatred must not be ignored. If we don’t (in the words of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) “teach the children well,” then others will do it for us. There are all too many influences that will infect their thinking. True, organizations which focus on peace will draw primarily from an audience which is already in agreement.
The postscript to my story: A glimmer of hope appeared in The New York Times’ Sunday Review, which published an article online on Aug. 22, 2014 (in the New York print edition of Aug. 24, 2014, page SR9), entitled “Peace Through Friendship,” on the positive results of peaceful organizations like the ones above. It made me happy indeed, although they beat my publication date. That’s OK by me; they have a wider audience. Thank you, New York Times, for giving press where press is due. 1 Translation taken from http://www.stateofisrael.com/anthem/ 2 I heard this metaphor from our Founding Rabbi, Douglas E. Krantz, who informed me he heard the phrase from Israeli politician, pacifist, and musician Joseph Abileah.
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Honors and Acknowledgements
Paul Skurman, Honors & Acknowledgements Committee Chair
This year we are continuing our tradition of calling up members of our congregation to the bimah during the morning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to participate in the services. This honor will be given to selected members of the congregation—those who are “leaders,” “do-ers,” “givers,” “elders” and “learners.”
With input from the Board and Clergy our committee will select this year’s honorees. This will be a difficult task because not everyone who is deserving of an honor can be selected this year. However, our plan is to recognize others who should be honored in the years to come.
The Honors and Acknowledgements Committee has been formed at the direction of the Board of Trustees and I am Chairing the committee. The other members of the committee are Joanne Peyser, Karen Sherman, Marcia Goldstein and Jocelyn Deutsch.
It is with great enthusiasm that we continue this tradition that affords us the opportunity to celebrate the richness of our temple family. We look forward to seeing you during the holidays.
High Holy Days 5775 Beginning this year, Congregation B'nai Yisrael will strictly enforce its policy of requiring passes to attend all High Holy Day services with the only exceptions being Family Services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the Memorial Service on Yom Kippur. Passes will be checked at the High School parking lot and only those who have a valid pass will be allowed to board a bus to the Temple. For drop-offs by car at the Temple, passes will be checked at the parking lot entrance. Passes may also be checked at the Temple entrance. As always, please allow yourself adequate time when planning to attend services.
Congratulations To Bernard and Shelly Jacob on the engagement of their daughter, Amy, to David Klausner Marc and Susan Failing on the birth of their granddaughter, Blake Anne Robbins, to their daughter, Valerie, and Danny Robbins
In Memoriam Bernard Goodman, father of Susan Okin Joan Cziner, mother of David Cziner Leonard Hertzlich, father of Caryl Hahn Melvin Fader, father of Ilyse Bauer
Our Congregation Welcomes Barry and Lisa Geller and their children, Rebecca and Matthew Jerome Pickholz Efraim Berkovich and Alison Leff and their children, Jacob and Karlie
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ROSH HASHANAH Erev Rosh Hashanah Service Wednesday, 9/24, 8:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Morning Service Thursday, 9/25, 10:00 a.m. Family Service, up to age 10 Thursday, 9/25, 2:30 p.m. Tashlich at Wampus Pond Thursday, 9/25, 3:30 p.m.
YOM KIPPUR Kol Nidre Service Friday, 10/3, 8:00 p.m. Yom Kippur Morning Service Saturday, 10/4, 10:00 a.m. Yom Kippur Dialogue Saturday, 10/4, 12:30 p.m. Family Service, up to age 10 Saturday, 10/4, 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Service Saturday, 10/4, 3:30 p.m. Memorial & Closing Services Saturday, 10/4, 4:30 p.m.
CBY Brotherhood Forming: Members Needed CBY will attempt to form a brotherhood in early September. The purpose is to provide friendly comradery, social and educational participation amongst men of all ages. The CBY kickoff event is scheduled to be a 1:00 p.m. family tailgate in the CBY parking lot Sunday, October 19 before the 4:30 p.m. Giants/Cowboys game in Dallas (the Jets don’t play this day). In order for this event to happen, CBY needs a few good men to form an initial committee. If you are interested join our meeting on Sunday, September 7 at 10:15 a.m. in the CBY Library. For questions, contact Allan Ratafia at allan@ratafia.com.
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CBY Cultural Connections Now in its third year, CBY Cultural Connections is planning a wide variety of programs, including an author series, cooking classes, and art and film programs. Save the date for the following events, and keep an eye out for more events and programs in our weekly Shabbat Shalom email, on our website: cbyarmonk.org, and in our next Bulletin in the winter.
JEWISH HARLEM WALKING TOUR | Tuesday, October 7. $30/person. 20 person limit. Join Marty Shore, urban historian and founder of Manhattan Walks, as he leads us through the sites of Jewish religious life in the remarkable urban settlement of Harlem, once the second largest Jewish community in the United States. Optional lunch to follow at Red Rooster. Exact times and transportation TBD. Jewish Harlem Walking Tour is through the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy.
NICHOLAS KRISTOF | Monday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, winners of the Pulitzer Prize and the authors of the #1 bestseller Half the Sky, will be discussing their new book A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity, a unique and essential narrative about making a difference in the world.
SOUL DOCTOR | Wednesday, December 3 Off-Broadway show that is a cross between Fiddler on the Roof and Hair
Nicaragua Community Service Trip Informational Meeting Last year a group of 8 of our young people and adults traveled to Nicaragua to build a house for a week and returned with invaluable lessons and an everlasting bond. The trip was sponsored through Bridges to Community, an organization that started over 20 years ago and has hosted hundreds of trips to help with the extreme poverty in Nicaragua. In February 2015 Bridges to Community and Congregation B'nai Yisrael will be hosting a second Community Service Trip To Nindiri, Nicaragua. Together we will work on ongoing community development projects for families living in Nindiri all while building relationships of empathy, respect and support. Come find out how you can be part of this meaningful experience at our Informational Meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. in our CBY Social Hall. Our trip is open to our students ages 15 and older and adults. For questions contact Samantha Schwam and Lisa Mazure, Caring and Social Action Committee Chairs, at socialaction@cbyarmonk.org
Early Shabbat Services This year our Early Shabbat Service will be twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. To check Shabbat service times each week, visit our website at cbyarmonk.org or check our weekly Shabbat Shalom email. Early Services will be on September 5, September 19, October 17, November 7, 21, December 5, 19, January 2, 16, February 6, 20, March 6, 20, April 17, May 1, 15, and June 5.
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Meet the New Members of our Board of Trustees Felicia Zacks • • • • • • •
Congregant since: 2011. Board member: 2014 Family: husband, Toby; daughters, Lila and Chloe School: Pine Manor Work: business development and copywriter for Zagwear Where grew up: Old Brookville, New York Other organizations: volunteer at the Pleasantville Cottage School Activities/interests: skiing, movies, music, writing, dogs
My early career was as a beauty and fitness editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. Years later, I worked in the corporate office of Ian Schrager Hotels, handling in-house public relations as well as making arrangements for celebrities and VIPs. I grew up in a Jewish family, but we were never very religious. My Judaism and that of my immediate family is something I've always wanted to explore further. It is very important to me that my daughters grow up knowing their heritage and I look forward to the day when they are called to the Torah. I am excited and very much looking forward to contributing to the Congregation B'nai Yisrael community.
Amy Yallof • • • • • • •
Congregant since: 2010. Board member: 2014 Board roles/Committees: Fundraising and Membership Family: Matt (my husband) and 3 kids: Alex & Abby (10) and Isabella (12) School: Marymount Manhattan College, NYC Work: Marketing and Media Consultant Where grew up: Roslyn, NY Activities/Interests: Walking/Running, Tennis, Reading, Spending time with Family, Surrogacy Advocate
The Yallof Family moved to Armonk in 2006 with 3 young children. Previously, we lived outside of Philadelphia for 6 years, and Buffalo for 2 years. Given that Matt and I had not grown up in religious households, we both felt strongly that we wanted our children to have a Jewish identity. When our older daughter was ready to start Hebrew school, we explored numerous congregations in the area. B’nai Yisrael was a natural fit for our family. The clergy and staff were warm and welcomed our family into the community immediately. Since we joined, I have participated in a number of activities, including spearheading the Hebrew school grade Shabbat dinners, Purim parties, Holiday Wrapping Event and recently chaired the auction for CBY’s annual fundraiser. Professionally, I am Direct Marketing consultant and Media Strategist with over 20 years experience in the offline and online marketplaces. Working part-time helps me keep balance in my life while still having an active role as a mom for my children. I am extremely excited and honored to be part of CBY’s Board of Directors. I recently joined the Membership and Fundraising Committees and I look forward to helping move CBY forward during this transition period. My daughter will have her Bat Mitzvah on May 2, 2015 and we are overjoyed to celebrate with our CBY family!
Cookie Markhoff When I was in High School in Mt. Vernon, New York, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. After college and obtaining my Masters in History from Columbia University, I taught in Social Studies at Lincoln High School in Yonkers, never thinking I would become involved in Jewish Education. After having 3 children, and living in Northern Westchester, I was asked if I would teach a class of young children at The Pound Ridge Jewish Community. I was hooked, and Jewish Education became part of my life. In 1983, I became the first Principal of Congregation B’nai Yisrael. What excited me about this new position was that this young congregation was enthusiastic about becoming involved in the Union of Reform Judaism’s new education project, To See The World Through Jewish Eyes. Through this curriculum, children and adults alike, explored their Jewish identity by bringing all aspects of our Jewish heritage into their lives. CBY became a family, exploring and learning together. In 2000, I decided it was time to slow down, and just be a member of CBY. I served on various committees, chaired the membership committee, served on the Board, received the Howard Peyser Award, and in 2009 to 2011 became acting principal. At the present time, I am a member of Board of Trustees of The Jewish Education Project, a member of several UJA task forces, as well as The Special Needs Round Table, and Building Communities, which advocates and supports Jewish families with special needs. The membership, clergy, and staff of our congregation are very much a part of my life and that of my family. It is a place where my family worships, where three of my seven grandchildren have attended Religious school, celebrated their Bar and B’not Mitzvot, and become confirmands. It is our home.
Learn more about all of the congregants currently serving on our Board on our website: cbyarmonk.org. 6
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From the Rabbi's Study Rabbi David Katz, Interim I become your Interim Rabbi with high hopes that the year ahead will be fruitful and productive, that our congregation will prosper and that we will successfully move forward in all our endeavors. Many people have been kind to Nancy and me as we made our way from the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh to Armonk. For this we are grateful.
The High Holy Days call us to the highest vision of ourselves. During this season of introspection we ask ourselves how far we have come and where we are going. Have we done our best to create a better world and given everything that we could? Or were we discouraged because the world disappointed us or because we did not live up to the best that was in us?
First impression? The beautiful foliage is beautiful in Westchester. Winding roads leads through green forests. There is a calm, peaceful sense of contentment.
We have been blessed with food and shelter to sustain us and the sun continues to shine everyday. For these gifts of life we should give thanks and return the blessings that are ours with deeds of loving kindness.
But just as we arrived, hostilities grew outside this lovely corner of the world. Wars have raged. Israel has battled her neighbors—once again. Planes unexpectedly disappeared from the radar. Peace, it seems, is ever elusive. As the High Holy Days approach, let us all pray for peace between the peoples of the world but also within our own nation as well, within our cities and in our neighborhoods. And let us pray for peace within our homes and within our families—between parents and children, between husbands and wives, between brothers and sisters. Our lives are simply too short to dwell on pettiness. We are given a brief time on this earth and each moment needs to be treasured. God has given us a choice. Our hearts can be filled with anger and sadness or our hearts can be filled with compassion and joy. Let us strive for wisdom and turn to joy.
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Let us pray for peace in the world and at the same time create peace in our homes. Another year goes and another year comes. This year we take the journey together. L’shanah Tovah.
Early Shabbat Service to Welcome Rabbi Katz Join us on Friday, September 5 at 6:30 p.m. for an Early Shabbat Service followed by Oneg to welcome Rabbi Katz and his wife Nancy.
Adult Education TEXT IN THE CITY | Wednesdays at noon, Dates TBD, at Pryor Cashman LLP, Times Square, NYC STUDY IN THE SUBURBS | Wednesdays at noon, 10/15, 11/19, 12/17, 1/21, 2/25, 3/25, 4/15, 5/20 at Congregation B'nai Yisrael TORAH STUDY | Saturdays, 9:00- 9:45 a.m. • Resumes September 13 A weekly opportunity every Shabbat morning in our library to discuss the week’s Torah portion with our clergy. Come every week or once in a while; all you need to bring is an open mind. ROSH CHODESH LUNCHEON & STUDY GROUP | Fridays at noon once a month, dates TBD Rosh Chodesh is a special holiday where we find peace, enrichment, and sisterhood. At CBY we are a grassroots gathering of women who meet each Hebrew month to celebrate the new moon. We serve lunch and share in informal programs focusing on Jewish and/or women’s issues.
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Religious School Schedule 2014-2015 3rd grade
Family Reorientation Program, Thursday, September 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., after school session begins September 18
4th grade
Family Reorientation Program, Thursday, September 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., after school session begins September 18
5th grade
Family Reorientation Program, Tuesday, September 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., after school session begins September 16
6th grade
Family Reorientation Program, Wednesday, September 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesdays, 3:15-5:30 p.m., after school session begins September 17
7th grade
Family Reorientation Program, Wednesday, October 1, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesdays, 3:15-5:30 p.m., after school session begins October 8
For Our Young Families TOT SHABBAT | Fridays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. 9/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12, 1/9, 2/6, 3/13, 4/10, 5/8 Tot Shabbat is a time for our children to experience Shabbat through storytelling and music with their parents. Our program is shared with our clergy and features the music, fun and excitement of Kenny Green.
KINDERGARTEN | Sundays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, 12/14, 1/25, 2/8, 3/22, 4/19, 5/3 Our Kindergarten program is an experience for the whole family to learn about the Jewish holidays, Jewish food, and Jewish living.
1st AND 2nd GRADE PROGRAM | Sundays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (weekly), following our pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. for the whole family. Begins 9/14. Family Days: 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, 12/14, 1/25, 2/8, 3/22, 4/19, 5/3 Our programs for young families are free and open to the community.
Post B'nai Mitzvah Program: 8th-12th Grade The goal for our teens who have become b’nai mitzvah is that they develop the Jewish identity they have built here at CBY by exploring how to apply Judaism to their lives and world. Our leadership spent a lot of time focused on how we could connect to more of our teens in meaningful ways. It is out of those those discussions that we developed an entirely new post b'nai mitzvah program last year. We have shifted to an elective style system and are allowing our teens to choose those courses that they personally will find fulfilling. Program choices include: ▶ Taking individual courses based upon interest ▶ Being at CBY every Tuesday evening as a regular experience ▶ Confirmation (requires at least 9 courses during grades 8-10) To sign up or if you have questions, contact Rabbi Farber at (914) 273-2220 or rabbifarber@cbyarmonk.org.
Holiday Celebrations SUKKAH DECORATING AND FAMILY DINNER | Wednesday, October 9 • 5:30 p.m. SIMCHAT TORAH SERVICE AND CONSECRATION | Friday, October 17 • 6:30 p.m. Celebrate our Torah as we begin a new Torah reading cycle for the year. During our special service our 1st graders will be called up to the bema to receive a special blessing as they embark on their new journey in our Jewish Identity Program and our 3rd graders who are beginning their Hebrew studies will help lead the marching around the sanctuary with our Torah. 8
Building A Kehilah Kedosha—A Sacred Community Rabbi Joan Farber, Interim Director of Education With the new school year approaching, there is much to look forward to: the students filling the halls with laughter, the teachers encouraging the students’ questions and the rekindling of friendships. The summer has been quiet and given me plenty of time to prepare for September. I have been meeting with teachers and parents and ordering the needed supplies. This year, we are focusing on building a Kehilah Kedosha, a sacred and caring community within the religious school. With the shift in the schedule which will bring two grades into the building on Wednesdays and Thursdays, we will be able to bring the students together for music, holiday celebrations and special programs (fifth grade will also have the same celebrations and programs). We will be doing activities to introduce the children in the different grades to each other. Through community building exercises, we will hopefully create a Kehilah Kedosha which encourages cooperation and caring.
These mitzvah projects will be on-going, personal and in most instances local. The projects might include book drives, making cards for the military, volunteering at shelters and the food bank. The JID committee is committed to making the performance of mitzvot an integral part of our Kehilah Kedosha. The curriculum remains the same as in past years with a few enhancements. The Hebrew program will be using a new series called Kol Yisrael, which includes all of the prayers we have taught in the past and an on-line component which is linked to the text. In addition, each grade will have access to on-line features to enhance their learning. Teachers have been using videos and YouTube clips in the classrooms and this will be easier with our new large screen internet enabled television and two iPads. As the students, parents and teachers build our Kehilah Kedosha together, we will share the joys of Judaism and learning together.
In order the bring our Kehilah Kedosha to the greater community, the Jewish Identity Development (JID) Committee, chaired by Diane Freedman, is developing a series of mitzvah projects for each grade.
Rabbi Joan Farber visited our campers over the summer and received a certificate of appreciation on behalf of CBY for outstanding support for sending 10 children to URJ Summer Youth Programs: Eisner, Crane Lake, and Six Points Sci-tech camps and NFTY in Israel. 9
Upc o mi n g Progra ms Mitzvot Weekend: December 13 & 14 MIDNIGHT RUN Saturday, December 13 Every winter CBY participates in the Midnight Run, providing a meal, clothing and toiletries for NYC's homeless. We help by donating essential items and food, preparing meals and packing up clothing/blankets, and driving to NYC to deliver the donations to the homeless. While helping the homeless, we break through the barriers of prejudice and fear that separate us from “the homeless" and learn to see them as real people. CHANUKAH GIFT DRIVE Sunday, December 14 Our first Chanukah Gift Drive in 2011 exceeded our expectations. Over 75 congregants of all ages spent the morning wrapping 300 holiday gifts for residents of the Pleasantville Cottage School, a residential treatment center for emotionally troubled young people. The gifts and wrapping paper were all donated by our families. Since then, it has become a yearly program that brings families together to help make the holidays happier for the young people living at the Cottage School.
SHOPPING FOR THE HUNGRY Ongoing We collect food weekly to donate to the Community Center of NW. Food donations can be dropped off at CBY at any time. COAT DRIVE November through January Each year we help our neighbors stay warm by collecting gently used, clean coats, mittens, sweaters, and scarves. Our families have an opportunity donate items, as well as hand them out to people in need during the Midnight Run. PAJAMA DRIVE November through January To help our youngest neighbors in need stay warm in the winter we collect sleepwear, robes, socks and slippers for children, ages infant through 18 years. The Pajama Drive is also sponsored by the Community Center of NW. EMERGENCY SHELTER PARTNERSHIP March 2-8 For several years CBY has joined with the Emergency Shelter Partnership and is one of several religious organizations to help house the local homeless of Northern Westchester. For a week we provide cook hot meals and stay overnight with those in need. KLEZMER CONCERT May 7 Every year we host a Klezmer Concert for the Havorah Program of Westchester Jewish Community Services. The concert is a unique opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to experience Jewish life. Our families greet our guests and serve snacks, offering us an opportunity to interact and share a special evening with the disabled community in Westchester. BLOOD DRIVE Spring, Date TBD CBY hosts an annual Blood Drive with the New York Blood Center.
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High Holy Days Food Drive As we enjoy the abundance around us, we remember our neighbors who are struggling to put food on their table. Our Caring and Social Action Committee will be distributing bags with a list of needed items from our local food bank after Rosh Hashanah services. We encourage everyone to fill the bags with food donations and return them on Yom Kippur. The food will be delivered by the committee to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Our 2013 Food Drive collected over 1,758 pounds of food and we look forward to collecting even more in 2014.
Needed Items Canned fruit and vegetables Tuna and canned meat Cans of soup, beef stew and chili Peanut butter and jelly Pasta, rice and spaghetti sauce Dried and canned beans Fruit juice Hot and cold cereal Baby food and diapers
Sleeping Bags Needed Every year CBY participates in the Emergency Shelter Partnership which provides short term housing for local homeless during the winter months. For the upcoming winter the Partnership is in need of gently-used, adult size sleeping bags. Donations can be dropped off at the temple.
Community Center of Northern Westchester Community Partner Congregation B’nai Yisrael became the 28th community partner of the Community Center of Northern Westchester in March 2010. Through the efforts of the Caring and Social Action Committee, our congregation supports the Center through a variety of annual events, including weekly food collection and High Holy Day food drive, Zero Waste Day, and our School Supplies, Prom Dresses, and Pajama drives. The Community Center of Northern Westchester was formed as a response to the Katonah community’s need for food and clothing during an economic downturn in 1992. Today the Community Center offers a range of services, including providing food and clothing for hundreds of households in Northern Westchester, employment counseling and classes, and assisting clients in accessing other resources, including health care, educational and social services. The Community Center operates solely through community partner and individual volunteer efforts and donations. For more information, visit communitycenternw.org.
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School Supplies Drive For fourteen years, the Community Center of Northern Westchester has provided thousands of students with basic school supplies. The following items are needed and can be dropped off at CBY: Black & white marble composition books Blue or black pens (package of 10-12) Crayola Washable Broad-Tip Markers Crayola crayons (box of 24) Crayola large crayons Colored pencils Coloring book or pad Handheld pencil sharpener
Large glue sticks #2 pencils (package of 12) 5" scissors 1” 3-ring binder 3” x 3” Post-Its 3” x 5” white ruled index cards 12" ruler with standard & metric units Notebook filler paper
Nylon pencil bag Pink "Pearl" eraser Subject dividers Single subject notebooks Two-pocket plastic folders Yellow highlighters
A donation of $25 will provide a student with basic supplies. (Make your check out to CCNW with “School Supplies” in the memo section and mail it to CCNW, 84 Bedford Road, Katonah NY 10536)
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High Holy Day Campaign Sheldon Ganis, Board of Trustees
Donations
We look forward to what promises to be an incredible year at Congregation B’nai Yisrael of Armonk. We are grateful to all of you for your support in helping our synagogue through this year of transition. With your continued help and active engagement, our CBY community will come out stronger than ever.
General Fund Kenneth and Kimberly Glinert, in honor of Rabbi Limmer's 14 years of service at Congregation B'nai Yisrael Norman and Ilana Adler, in memory of Sara Rachmani and Guessie Adler Robert Goldberg and Janice Yass Goldberg, in appreciation of their beautiful wedding ceremony at the temple Stanley and Ina Lane, in memory of Burt I. Sherman and Shirley Sherman
Last year we began to lay the cultural foundation for the new era of CBY and worked to establish a financial system that better reflects the familial spirit at the heart of our synagogue. We were blessed with a successful High Holy Day Fundraiser and are confident that with your help we will be able to repeat or exceed that success this year. We are indebted to all the people who generously support our community during our campaign. Regardless of the amount, all donations are greatly appreciated. These gifts provide a significant portion of the funds needed to maintain and enrich our spiritual home. This will have profound impact on how well our temple can serve its members in the coming year. Like last year, families who donate at the Endorser level or higher will be recognized with a formal tribute display identifying those who give to the campaign at those levels. This display will remain in our synagogue lobby throughout the year and is just the first of many ways in which we will thank and honor all of those who give generously to our CBY family. Every contribution to our High Holy Day campaign will be appreciated and acknowledged in our Bulletin.
Rabbi Katz's Discretionary Fund David Cziner and Leslie Blum, in memory of Joan Cziner Cantor Kobilinsky's Discretionary Fund Martin and Elisa Rube, in memory of Harvey Stahl Rabbi Krantz's Discretionary Fund Mark and Arlene Comora, thanking Rabbi Krantz for all his help
Tree of Life Leaves have been placed on our Tree of Life in honor of Matthew Deutsch • Bar Mitzvah • September 6, 2014
Memorial Wall Names have been placed on our Memorial Wall in memory of Leon Cairo Phyllis R. Pickholz Shirley Meringola
For more information on our tribute, please contact the temple office. 11
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Hi gh H ol y D ays Re c ipes Honey Cake
Lori Greene
Ingredients
Directions
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c. vegetable oil 2 large eggs ¾ c. honey 1 c. strong coffee (not hot) 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. allspice 3 c. flour c. raisins
Preheat oven to 335 degrees. (Yes, that's 335 degrees). Coat a 9 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Line it with waxed paper and spray the paper. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients, except the flour and raisins, and stir vigorously until well mixed and smooth. (Sieve the baking soda and baking power into the mixture if they're lumpy.) Stir in the flour until well incoporated, then the raisins. Pour into the lined pan and bake 1 to 1 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack 15 to 20 minutes, then invert onto the rack and remove the waxed paper. Turn right side up and cool completely. Serves 9 or more, depending on how big you cut the slices. Variation: Substitute chocolate chips or nuts for raisins. This recipe is from my mother-in-law Ellen Greene. I ask her to make it every Rosh Hashanah because it is so delicious. ©
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Holiday Chicken
Lori and Bob Horowitz
Ingredients
Directions
4 tsp. butter, melted c. honey c. Saucy Susan or apricot jam 4 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 Tbsp. white wine 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 12 chicken pieces (bone in) Paprika
In a large baking pan, mix togther the first 7 ingredients to prepare the marinade. Coat the chicken well; cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Turn the chicken pieces skin side up; baste with sauce, sprinkle with paprika, and bake 1 hours, basting occasionally, until brown and cooked through. Serves 6.
Butternut Squash Soup
Ann Leber
Ingredients
Directions
¾ butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut up lb. green apples, cored (but unpeeled) and cut up 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 2 c. chicken stock 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 small sprig fresh rosemary or tsp. dried 1 small sprig fresh marjoram or tsp. dried ⅛ tsp. salt Pepper to taste Plain yogurt, sour cream, or creme fraiche to garnish
Combine all the ingredients, except the garnish, in large saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until squash and apples are tender, about 30 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor and puree until smooth. Serve hot or cold, with garnish.
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It's sweet and yummy and perfect for the holidays.
Cook the squash in the microwave oven approximately 2 minutes to make peeling easier.
These recipes are from Congregation B'nai Yisrael's Family Cookbook, Delicious Dishes. To buy a copy, contact the temple office. 12
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Selling a Car, Truck or 4x4? Help CBY by donating a vehicle you no longer need. Donating your vehicle is safe, fast, and tax deductible. Some restrictions apply. This service is provided free to the temple. For more information, please call Auto-Line Enterprises at (914) 681-1757
To advertise in our quarterly Bulletin, contact Alicia in the temple office at (914) 273-2220, alicia@cbyarmonk.org.
Save the Date Jewish Harlem Walking Tour | Tuesday, October 7 Family Sukkah Decorating & Dinner | Wednesday, October 8 • 5:30 p.m. Text in the City | Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. in NYC, Dates TBD Study in the Suburbs | Wednesdays, October 15, November 19, December 17, 12:00 p.m. at CBY Simchat Torah & Consecration Service | Friday, October 17 • 6:30 p.m. Author Series: Nicholas Kristof | Monday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service | Tuesday, November 25 • 8:00 p.m. Soul Doctor: Off-Broadway Show | Wednesday, December 3 Midnight Run | Saturday, December 13 Chanukah Gift Giving Party | Sunday, December 14 • 11:00 a.m. Visit our website at cbyarmonk.org for a full calendar of programs and events. 14
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rel•e•vance noun \'re-l -v n(t)s\ close connection to the matter at hand; practical and especially social applicability: my Judaism has relevance to my modern life.
Welcoming the Stranger: Hachnasat Orchim
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Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky Judaism treats “welcoming the stranger” as a particularly important commandment, and is a concept dealt with early in the Torah in the book of Genesis, when Abraham and Sarah warmly welcomed travelers to their tent and provided them with food and drink. The Talmud reflects on the importance of this action, and we incorporate it into modern practice by inviting guests to one’s sukkah and to the seder table on Sukkot and Pesach, respectively. Furthermore, Jews who pray daily recite a short list of the most significant of our 613 commandments, of which “hachnasat orchim” is one. How do we make hachnasat orchim happen? On some level, it’s easy: it occurs each time we hold the door for someone or make small-talk at a baseball game. Judaism gives us many tools to welcome others. The scholars of the Talmud try to outdo each other to express how important welcoming the stranger is: Judah Loew ben Bezalel referred to Pirkei Avot when he wrote, “When one extends hospitality to guests, one is welcoming human beings who are created in God’s image. This is in essence a Godly activity…” Dimi of Naharda’ah, goes so far as to say that hospitality to guests “is even greater than arising early to attend Beit Midrash” (Torah study). A third, Yehudah, quotes “Rav” in saying that “welcoming guests is greater than greeting the Shechinah (Divine Presence).” Our liturgy overflows with the urgent charge to remember—zeicher—being taken out of Egypt, and that we were slaves in that land. If we can suspend disbelief and imagine ourselves as the outsider, it focuses us on the task of being welcoming. The last three words of our festive Shabbat song Yismechu are about remembering our time in Egypt; not ironically, its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make people smile at one another and sing along in harmony. On the holiday of Sukkot, we welcome guests to our sukkah whom are called “ushpizin,” a word derived from Aramaic. It is our task to invite them, include them and rejoice with them. One might infer the goal is to teach the strangers, but in fact, we are to learn from them. Some provide a special chair for the ushpizin, who are said to embody a lesson about welcoming. The temporary nature of a sukkah helps us recognize how uncertain our footing is and how quickly we, too, can become a wayfarer. We live in a time when children are taught to not speak to strangers, and when we lock our doors and set alarms just in case. Yet we must maintain our humanity and give of ourselves, which is not easy to do in such an environment. Take the opportunity during Shabbat services to introduce yourself to those seated around you. Since all our summer services take place at 6:30 p.m., consider inviting others to have dinner afterwards. Go for a walk on a warm evening this summer and meet new neighbors. And by all means, stop in to the temple or come to one of our upcoming meet-and-greets to welcome our new interim rabbi. We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you!