CBY Summer 2014 Bulletin by Congregation B'nai Yisrael of Armonk

2 Banksville Road â&#x20AC;˘ Box 7 â&#x20AC;˘ Armonk, NY 10504 â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2014 Quarterly Bulletin /

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Rabbi Katz joins CBY July 1 as Interim Rabbi Transitions are never easy. They are particularly difficult when they occur at our places of worship, which we count on for spiritual respite from the challenges and changes we confront daily in our work, community and home lives. But in life there is always movement, and in changeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;when it is approached with skill and careâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there is always optimism. A rabbiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departure can bring a great sense of loss to congregants, of course, but it also presents tremendous opportunities . This is the ideal time for envisioning the next era for the congregation: How do we reinforce our core values, redefine our vision in an ever-changing world and recast our roles and contributions in our congregation, the Jewish community, and the world at large? These are big questions and to ensure we address them with due consideration, care and compassion, our Board of Trustees has selected Rabbi David Katz to begin serving as our interim rabbi on July 1. Trained by the Central Conference of American Rabbis, interim rabbis specialize in helping congregations to define the synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the lay leadership and staff, build trust between them and, most important, provide closure around the earlier rabbiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As an interim rabbi, Rabbi Katz has been trained to guide us through our transition and avoid the trap of hiring a successor rabbi too quickly or reactively,â&#x20AC;? said Lisa Broomer, president of the Board of Trustees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With his help, we will be able to assess who we are now and where we want to be. Envisioning a future not yet here is difficult and Rabbi Katz will be able to shift our focus from what was to what we can be in the years ahead.â&#x20AC;? continues on page 3 (

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2-5 Community Rabbi Seth Limmer's Farewell Shabbat High Holy Days 5775 5-6 Learning Class Mural Projects Looking Forward to a New School Year Religious School Schedule 2014-2015

7 Leadership Doin' The Time Warp

10 Tradition Summer Recipes

8 Commitment to Others School Supplies Drive

Backpage Relevance Welcoming the Stranger: Hachnasat Orchim

8-9 Investment Comedy Night

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(914) 273-2220 • fax (914) 273-2285 cbyarmonk.org • temple@cbyarmonk.org facebook.com/cbyarmonk • @cbyarmonk

Rabbi Seth M. Limmer rabbilimmer@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

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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Rabbi Katz currently serves as the interim rabbi of Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park, PA. Prior to that, he was interim rabbi at Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton, Calif. From 2005 through 2008 he was rabbi at Temple Concord in Binghamton, Vt., and from 1988 through 2004 he was rabbi at Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island. He has deep academic credentials, having served as senior scholar-in-residence at Wagner College, assistant professor in theology at St. John’s University and temple educator at Temple Israel in Boston. Rabbi Katz says his short-term goal as rabbi is to listen to as many voices as possible in order to fully understand the issues, needs and desires of the congregation. Once a picture has emerged, he will be able to develop a tailored strategy for the temple, which will help guide the search for a “settled” (permanent) rabbi. But most of all, he sees his role as instilling a sense of hope in the congregation, helping people to see change as an opportunity. He is particularly excited about joining Congregation B’nai Yisrael in part because of the strong foundation that he will be working from when he joins us in July. “Congregation B’nai Yisrael is poised for a wonderful future and I am so looking forward to helping to facilitate that,” said Rabbi Katz. “I think that the staff is strong, it’s located in a lovely area, the leadership has created a wonderful physical structure and most important, the people are good, well intentioned and hopeful.” Every congregation sees its moments of difficulty and challenge,” he continued. “But in this instance, I wanted to be part of this enterprise in order to help the congregation move into what I think is going to be fruitful new directions.” In the longer term, Rabbi Katz aims to help the congregation map out the path forward, reinforce the positive relationship between clergy and lay leadership, and ensure that the life of the temple is dynamic and thriving while he and the board work to identify the best candidate to be our settled rabbi. Rabbi Katz hopes the congregants will approach this period with open minds and hearts, and a sense of excitement about the future.

“I want everyone to know that smiles are appreciated in every which way at every meeting and every place between congregants,” said Rabbi Katz. “This will be a lot hard work but at the same time, ironically, it’s a respite, an in-between time that’s ideal for reflection and idealism.” Rabbi Katz’s rabbinical journey was ignited by a somewhat unconventional spark, but it’s one that has served him well in his roles as spiritual guide and educator. Whereas most rabbis cite an elder rabbi or camp experience as the inspiration for their career choice, Rabbi Katz found his calling through the theater. “My own journey as a rabbi is somewhat different from the norm, but it’s a path that has been very helpful for my role as interim rabbi,” said Rabbi Katz. “As a student, I was very involved in theater and ultimately earned my Master’s degree in it. As a rabbi I always strive to teach both to the heart and the mind and having the skills and background in theater have served me well.” In Rabbi Katz’s view, being a successful interim rabbi is all about engaging effectively with a congregation, which requires tremendous skill in forging relationships and interpreting scripts—and scriptures. “Theater is an art all about human relationships and finding the subtext in the script that you’re reading,” said Rabbi Katz. “The difference is that I now find the subtext in the Torah and in the commentaries, always looking for the question behind the answer that is provided.” As for the role congregants should play in this transition period, Rabbi Katz offers counsel fitting for a man of his background. “I think it is important for all of us to lean back and ask ourselves ‘what is the next step? Where do we want to go?’, said Rabbi Katz. “It’s important to know that we’re all characters in a cosmic drama, just doing our part, playing our role and trying to do our best.” Beginning July 1, you can contact Rabbi Katz by calling the office: (914) 273-2220 or by email: rabbikatz@cbyarmonk.org.

Save the Date: Meet and Greet Meet and Greet with Rabbi David Katz and his wife Nancy Sunday, July 20, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at CBY 3

Rabbi Seth Limmer's Farewell Shabbat On June 13 Rabbi Seth Limmer led his final Shabbat Service with our congregation after 14 years of service to our temple and our community. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touched us and the lives of our loved ones through joy and sorrow and his presence and his wisdom will be missed. We wish Seth, Molly, Rosey and Lily the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives in Chicago.

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.

ROSH HASHANAH

YOM KIPPUR

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.

Kol Nidre Service Friday, 10/3, 8:00 p.m. Yom Kippur Morning Service Saturday, 10/4, 10:00 a.m. Interfaith 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.

New Facilities Manager In March Frank Vetere joined our CBY staff as our new Facilities Manager. Frank has over 30 years of property management, building construction, and engineering experience and has previously worked in this role at the Jacob Burns Film Center and Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, NY. He is committed to sustainable energy and creating a green environment. Frank was instrumental in achieving the first LEED Gold Certified building in Westchester County. If you see Frank around our building, please join us in welcoming him to CBY.

Summer Shabbat Services Summer Shabbat Services will be at 6:30 p.m. from 6/20-8/29.

In Memoriam Harvey Stahl, step-father of Lisa Rube

Congratulations On the marriage of Robert Goldberg to Janice Yass On the marriage of Jane Metzger to Mike Giacio

Board of Trustees At our Annual Meeting on June 10, three members were elected to our Board of Trustees: Cookie Markhoff, Amy Yallof and Felicia Zacks. Newly elected to our Executive Committee are Brian Kaminer, (Vice President-Finance) and Samantha Schwam (Vice President-Programming). A special thank you to Ross Honig, Lisa Mazure and Felicia Buebel who have compeleted two 3 year terms on our Board.

Class Mural Projects Our 3rd-6th grade class murals are complete and will soon be hung in the halls of our Religious School. Special thank you to Sarah Glickman who was our artist-in-residence.

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Looking Forward to a New School Year Rabbi Joan Farber, Interim Director of Education We are looking forward to another exciting year together. It is already time to register for the 2014-2015/5775 year. If you have not already sent in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration forms, please return them to the Religious School office as soon as possible. The summer will be devoted to preparing for next year and working with each of our teachers to plan their calendars and find additional resources. We will be introducing new textbooks for fourth through sixth grade Hebrew classes, called Kol Yisrael. This series reflects our current Hebrew curriculum, focuses on the meaning and use of the prayers, introduces some Modern Hebrew and has a web-based program to accompany it. We will be utilizing technology more next year, including iPads and our new WI-FI enabled TV throughout the program.

Please also note that we have made adjustments to our 20142015 Religious School schedule. The demographics in our community have been shifting which has led to fewer children enrolled in our Religious School program. Taking this into account, our Jewish Identity Development (JID) Committee has been reviewing our program and has made adjustments after consulting with the Board of Trustees. With the smaller class sizes, we will have the ability to bring two grades into the building at the same time. This configuration will create a greater sense of community beyond a single age group and will allow us to create special programs which will better integrate the grades and foster transitions. The individual grade-based curricula will remain the same. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Have a fantastic, safe, and fun summer.

Religious School Schedule 2014-2015 1st & 2nd Grade

Family Day (1st Day), Sunday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. Sundays, Pancake Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. Program Begins 9:30 a.m. Family Days: 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, 12/14, 1/25, 2/8, 3/22, 4/19, 5/3

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

TOT Shabbat for Families with Children Ages 3-6 Fridays 5:30-6:15 p.m. September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12, January 9, February 6, March 13, April 10, and May 8 Tot Shabbat is a time for children and their parents to experience Shabbat through storytelling and music. Our program is led by our clergy and features the music, fun and excitement of Kenny Green.

Kindergarten Sundays 9:30-10:15 a.m., pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. for the whole family September 14, October 19, November 16, December 14, January 25, February 8, March 22, April 19, and May 3. Our Kindergarten program is an experience for the whole family to learn about the upcoming Jewish holidays, Jewish food, and Jewish living.

Our TOT Shabbat and Kindergarten programs are free and open to the entire community. 6

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Doin' The Time Warp Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky Please forgive this cantor for peppering her column with multiple song references, although this is certainly an occupational hazard. I must say, however, that it seems as though this year has been a cross between two memorable songs: first, "The Time Warp" of The Rocky Horror Picture Show: in the words of this cult classic, "It's astounding, time is fleeting… I remember doing the Time Warp." On the other hand, I think of the gentle words and melody of Linda Ronstadt's "The Circle Game," which are selfreflectively and literally cyclical: "And the seasons, they go round and round… we're captive on the carousel of time..." Despite its being a ubiquitous cliché, time has "flown by," leaving me in a sort of time warp, where some of the important resolutions I made nearly a year ago have barely begun, and others completed so long ago, that it seems as though life has always been as it is today. Meanwhile, I have seen another year of our Jewish calendar go by, from our beautiful High Holy Day services, celebrating with our youngest children as they entered our Identity Development program, passing through handfuls of holidays and dozens of B'nai Mitzvah, and capping off the year with another group of fine young people marking their Confirmation. I remember it all, but wish that time had slowed a bit, giving me a few more chances to tie up loose ends and do more of the "it would be nice, but I have no time"-type activities. I am too often reminded of the reading in our Yom Kippur machzorim (prayer books) about time: "They hadn't the time. Too late, they had no more..." I have always felt that our Jewish life cycle lends to us a certain stability and sense of expectation of what is to come, and yet, it is very clear to us all that much is beyond our control. I am sure that I am not alone in feeling a certain sense of both excitement and unease in what the future brings. In the life of our temple, we are experiencing great change, and I mean "great" in both a sense of positivity and dimension. The most obvious change, that of half our clergy team, is already under way. If you haven’t yet met our new Interim Rabbi, David Katz, and his wife Nancy, please take advantage of one of the upcoming “meet & greet” opportunities. We want to welcome them with warmth and open arms.

And yet, before we are even recovered from the High Holy Days, we will be entering a process of searching for a new stability with both a rabbinic and an educator search. These are all exciting and opportunity-filled times, and we must embrace our future, its experiences and its emotions. Change is difficult for anyone and everyone. I feel that one of the beautiful things about change, if we can bring ourselves to keep the door of possibility open, is that we do not erase or negate the past by moving forward. Rather, it is when we accept that life is different, that we can allow ourselves to move forward into new environments. Success comes at the cost of pushing ourselves past the point of comfort, and here is my charge/sermon of this article: There has never been a time more ripe for possibility than the present. Look into our community’s events. Get involved. Come to a cultural connections event, or a celebration you never attended before. Try out a committee. You, my readers, are our future. By this time next year, there will be new faces of leadership at the temple. The work between now and then is the best kind of work: creating the future into what we want it to be. I wish you a peaceful and restful summer, with safe travels, warm sunshine, and meaningful time with family and friends.

Save the Date You are invited to hear Cantor Kobilinsky singing, along with members of Kol Hazzanim-Westchester Community of Cantors, in the annual Westchester Jewish Music and Arts Festival on Sunday, August 17 from 12:00-6:00 PM at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Admission is free.

School Supplies Drive For fourteen years, the Community Center of Northern Westchester has provided thousands of students with basic school supplies. Once again, they are asking for donations of new items for hundreds of students ages 3-18. This program eases the financial burden faced by many families at the beginning of the school year, and helps students get off to a great start in school. Supplies are handed out in August. The following items are needed: 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) Donations may be brought to Congregation B’nai Yisrael. If you would like to volunteer to help sort and pack school supplies, contact the Community Center at 232-6572 or at info@communitycenternw.org. Visit communitycenternw.org for more information.

Donations General Fund Howard and Randee Fischer, in appreciation David and Liz Freund, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Emma Adam and Michelle Rosmarin, in honor of Debra Ezratty receiving the Howard Peyser Award Edward and Marian Steinberg, in memory of Tom Pearlman Jeff and Allison Berman, in honor of Lisa Broomer's birthday Brian and Debra Ezratty, in honor of Lisa Broomer's birthday Ross and Michelle Honig, in honor of Lisa Broomer's birthday In honor of Rabbi Limmer's 14 Years of Service to CBY Cene Blumenthal Robert Bresler and Joanne Peyser Joel and Amy Dworetzky Lawrence and Laura Fox Alan and Stephanie Glazer Robert and Debra Gottlieb Robert and Barbara Greer Jeff and Caryl Hahn Ross and Michelle Honig Adam and Rhoda Ingberman Bernard and Shelly Jacob Brian and Alka Kaminer Russell and Melissa Katz Jeff and Joan Konigsberg Eric and Susan Levy Peter and Maggie Limburg Robert and Barbara Regal Phyllis Padow Sederbaum Scott and Stacy Semel Alan Tantleff and Debra Bowden Tantleff 8

Cantor Kobilinsky's Discretionary Fund David and Liz Freund, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Emma Eric Kahn and Lauren Burack, in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Benjamin Stan and Ina Lane, in appreciation of the Cantor's Concert Bruce and Susan Pollack, in memory of Joan Levy Gerard Rabbi Limmer's Discretionary Fund Bruce and Susan Pollack, in memory of Joan Levy Gerard Ben and Jamie Teig, in appreciation

Tree of Life Leaves have been purchased for our Tree of Life in honor of: Dylan Starker • Bat Mitzvah • May 24, 2014 Benjamin Kahn • Bar Mitzvah• March 8, 2014 Sophia Heilman • Bat Mitzvah • June 14, 2014 Chad Schwam • Confirmation • June 3, 2014

Memorial Wall Names have been purchased for our Memorial Wall in memory of Joan Levy Gerard Names purchased by July 15 will be placed on our Memorial Wall in time for High Holy Days.

Comedy Night Over 130 people joined us for our To Our Future, For Our Future Comedy Night on April 24. Thank you to everyone who helped us raise nearly $20,000.

Su mmer Rec ipes Gazpacho Pearl Vogel Ingredients 1 garlic clove, cut 6 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped c. chopped scallions c. chopped green pepper 5 c. tomato juice c. canola or olive oil 4 Tbsp. lemon juice Hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper to taste Croutons and chopped parsley (garnish)

Directions Rub a large glass bowl with the cut garlic clove. Combine all the other ingredients, except the garnish, in the bowl and season to taste. Refrigerate overnight. Serve in chilled bowls garnished with croutons and parsley. Serves 6.

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salsa Ingredients 2 c. canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained c. chopped fresh cilantro 6 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 6 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil c. minced red onion c. minced green onion 1 tsp. cumin c. chopped ripe tomatoes Salt and pepper

Reese Berman

Directions Mix together all ingredients except the tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill. (Can be made a day in advance to this point). Add tomatoes; mix well and serve. Serves 12 This extremely easy and good recipe was given to me by Lynne Brofman, who is a fabulous cook.

White Bean Tuna Salad

Susan Waksman

Ingredients

Directions

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 cans tuna in spring water, drained and flaked 1 large rib celery, diced cucumber, scrubbed and diced 2 scallions, trimmed and chopped c. capers, drained c chopped fresh parsley c. chopped fresh dill Extra virgin olive oil Red or white wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground pepper

Toss together the beans, fish, vegetables, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar to taste. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Chill to blend flavors, or serve at once. Serves 4.

Good as a lunch dish or as part of an antipasta platter.

These recipes are from Congregation B'nai Yisrael's Family Cookbook, Delicious Dishes. To buy a copy, contact the temple office. 10

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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!