CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL is the Jewish home we share. We are a community creating positive experiences with individuals of every age. CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL is our spiritual center, where together, our family of families celebrates, commemorates, worships, learns, nurtures, gives, and grows. We constantly strive to achieve the beauty that comes from experiencing the world through Jewish eyes.
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL 2 Banksville Road • Armonk, NY 10504 • Fall 2015 Quarterly Bulletin
COMMUNITY
Onward and Upward Rabbi Joshua Strom In my first official act as your rabbi, I hereby ban the word “transition” from any further usage within and regarding Congregation B’nai Yisrael. Okay, I’m kidding. But only slightly. I know the word has been bandied about for months —if not longer—here at CBY, waiting for all of the pieces and moving parts to fall into place. The good news is: they have. As I write this, I have begun my second month serving as your rabbi, and Tali, Jonah, Gabriel, and I have gotten settled very comfortably in our new home. Melissa Cohavi, our new Director of Jewish Identity Development, has hit the ground running, infusing her vision and talents into the educational experiences planned for our youth. Working in tandem with the veteran leadership of Cantor Kobilinsky and Ava Saperstein, with our President, Lisa Broomer, and the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the congregation, we have already accomplished so much, and we are looking forward to an incredibly bright future together. And yet, in the words of the famous song, “We’ve only just begun.” Now we shift gears, from “the t-word” to a new phase: the evolution of B’nai Yisrael. Now that a new foundation has been laid, it is time to build upward and outward, to begin— finally—to move forward. “Rabbi, that’s all good and fine,” I can hear you saying. “But how do we do that?” When Pharaoh challenged Moses, responding to his well-known demand to “Let my people go,” Pharaoh asked him, “Who will be the ones to go?” Moses’ answer? “We will all go—our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, our flocks and our herds” (Exodus 10:8-9).
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IN THIS ISSUE Cover-6 Community
Annual CBY Boutique and Installation of Rabbi Strom: October 23 Getting to Know the Peyser Award Winner— Ross Honig High Holy Days 5776 Honors and Acknowledgements CBY Brotherhood: Upcoming Events Bridges to Community Trip to Dominican Republic
CBY Cultural Connections Walking Tour Women's Retreat
6-8 Leadership
From Our President Meet the New Members of our Board of Trustees
9 Commitment to Others
High Holy Day Food Drive Upcoming Programs
10-11 Tradition
Peace Be With You
12-13 Learning
A New Year: A New Perspective Adult Education
13 Investment
Make Your Contrbution Online Amazon Smile
Our Cornerstones
CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL
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 /CBYArmonk 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 Rabbi Joshua Strom to that which is Divine, to the rich variety of Jewish living, and to others rabbistrom@cbyarmonk.org in our community. 2 Banksville Road, Armonk, NY 10504 (914) 273-2220 • fax (914) 273-2285 cbyarmonk.org • temple@cbyarmonk.org
Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky cantorkobilinsky@cbyarmonk.org Community Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz Founding Rabbi, Retired Congregation 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 and Religious School Assistant jessica@cbyarmonk.org Melissa Cohavi Director of Jewish Identity Development melissa@cbyarmonk.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Committee Lisa Broomer Brian Kaminer Samantha Schwam William Katz Bonni Stanley Paul Skurman Members of the Board Susan Bloom Valerie Drossman Michelle Eickelbeck Diane Freedman Sheldon Ganis Aaron Kwittken Ina Lane Suzanne Lipton Cookie Markhoff Charles Shapiro Amy Yallof Felicia Zacks
President Vice President, Business Affairs Communications Co-chair Vice President, Programs; Caring/Social Action Co-chair; Treasurer Secretary, Human Resources Chair Member-At-Large, High Holy Day Honors Chair CBY Cultural Connections Chair Membership Chair Jewish Identity Development Chair High Holy Day Fundraising Communications Co-chair Religious Practices Chair
PAST PRESIDENTS Lewis Schaffer John Stern Robert Regal Michael J. Gross ז״לMarilyn Heimerdinger Mike Jacobs Shelly Jacob Lyle Halperin ז״ל David Brody Ann Leber Barby K. Siegel Ellen Bernstein Joel Dworetzky Charles Shapiro Frederic J. Siegel Lawrence C. Fox
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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.
Printed on 100% recycled paper. Read this issue of our Bulletin, as well as past issues, online at cbyarmonk.org under Calendar and Events.
COMMUNITY continues from cover
Who will be the ones to go? Who will lead our congregation into this next exciting stage of our history? Who will carry us forward, lighting the way with creativity and innovation, with engagement and commitment, with enthusiasm and energy? You will. Yes, you. We all will. And it begins right now. As the new year of 5776 approaches, as we embark on building our future together, I’m asking you to invest in that future, in our congregation and greater community. Yes, the term “investment” speaks to the financial contributions that make it possible for us to serve the community, and to continue growing in our capacity to do so. We hope that you will give all that you can to support the congregation’s Annual Appeal, to lay a stable foundation upon which to build our future. Details on how to do so, as well as our recognition of you for doing so, can be found in this mailing. And yet, investing in our future is about so much more. In the coming months, guided by our past president, Charles Shapiro, we will begin a series of structured conversations focused on crafting a Strategic Plan for B’nai Yisrael. Through this process we will develop an attainable vision of our future, as well as the steps we must take to achieve it. Working groups will be formed to address topics ranging from future membership levels and fiscal health, to religious and community programs, facilities and operations.
This is where you—yes, you—come in. Your voice, your involvement, your ideas and opinions are all not just requested, but absolutely necessary in order to be successful in every sense of the word. While we know that achieving 100% participation is perhaps not the most realistic, we are willing to do whatever it takes to get as close to that goal as humanly possible. At this time of year, we are traditionally engaged in cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of our souls, to examine and review where we have been in the past year, and to look forward to decide who we want and hope to be in the year to come. I humbly ask for you to think deeply and seriously about the future of CBY. What do you want to see come to life and flourish in the next 5, 10, 20 years in our congregation? How do we want to see ourselves and be seen by others in that timeframe? How can CBY best serve Armonk and the greater Northern Westchester community? The answers are in your very hands. And I hope that when we reach out to you in the coming months, that your response will be like that of Abraham and Moses when called upon by God: Hineini. Here I am. Ready to share my voice.
Please Join Us As We Celebrate the Future of Congregation B'nai Yisrael on October 23 Annual CBY Boutique: Pre-Holiday Shopping Event to Benefit CBY 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Start your Holiday Shopping Early with Jewelry, Handbags, Scarves, Belts, Sunglasses, Clothing, Tableware, Leather and Suede Accessories, Teachers’ Gifts & so much more! $18/person in advance. $25/person at the door. RSVP at cbyarmonk.org/boutique.
The Board of Trustees cordially invites you to the Installation of Rabbi Joshua Strom at Shabbat Services at 8:00 p.m. We are honored to welcome Rabbi Joshua Strom and his family. Join us as our community gathers to celebrate this milestone in the life of our congregation.
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COMMUNITY
Getting to Know the Peyser Award Winner—Ross Honig Ron Tobias What is the Peyser Service Award? The Peyser Service Award is presented annually to a member of our temple whose efforts on behalf of CBY reflect the selflessness, commitment and longterm service we remember of the late Howard Peyser. Ross Honig has fit this description by working very hard as a previous member of the Executive Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Long Term Planning Committee, and as a Board Member. He took the lead in preparing new Bylaws for CBY, negotiated CBY’s mortgage, and is a founding member of the recently restarted CBY Brotherhood. Getting to Know Ross Ross, Michelle and their three sons have been members of CBY since 2001. They joined CBY because it was important for them to be part of a local Jewish community, as that was how they were brought up. Being part of a Jewish community was important to them because it was a connection to Jewish history of the past (holocaust and Jewish persecution) and to insure continued history and traditions for future generations. Additionally, it is having a connection to local Jews with similar experiences and educations. Ross felt that “people need to belong to a temple to insure the survival of a Jewish community, as the temple is the glue that keeps us all together.” Like most parents with young kids, Ross had a job in NYC that was very demanding while Michelle became very active in various public school activities. While they did not light candles every Shabbat, they made sure their kids attended Hebrew school, became b’nai mitzvah, and attended High Holy Day services with them as a family and grandparents (creating multiple generation connections). This helped their kids be ingrained with their Jewish identity that has continued on into their adulthood.
Reflections “If we are honest with ourselves, I think we all could carve out 1-2 hours a month to being part of a committee. If individuals put in the time they will meet and get to know their fellow congregants. In return they will feel good that they have given back to their community in a meaningful way and have become more connected to the CBY community”.
Congratulations
Our Congregation Welcomes
Bernie and Shelly Jacob on the marriage of their daughter, Amy Brooke Jacob, to David Adam Klausner (son of Andrea and Ronald Klausner), on August 8, 2015 Ethel Sanders on the birth of her grandchildren, Brandon Jacob and Mason Asher
Daryl and Judith Battaglia, and their children, Emily and Sari Sccott and Lauren Anchin, and their children, Lily and Tyler Lisa Easton, and her son, Aaron Andrew and Kim Goldberg, and their children, Alexa and Benji Michael and Sandra Schoenhaut, and their children, Ava, Jonathan, and Max Eric and Danielle Fisher, and their children, Marlee and Zoe Joshua Stein and Christine Fitzgerald, and their children, Aaron and Leah Robert and Anissa Klein, and their children, Jake, Chloe, and Charlie Simon and Jaime Dordik, and their children, Sydney and Rylie Matthew and Alyssa Grodin, and their children, Andrew and Natalie Michael and Laura Strober, and their children, Max, Jed, and Ella Andrew and Sasha Solow and their children, Michael, Benjamin and Ellie
In Memoriam Paul Camerino, father of Lydia Singer Joseph Strassman, father of Sharyn Friedman Les Perline, father of Justin and Chloe
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How and Why Ross Got Involved So what was it that this family with a busy schedule became more actively involved with CBY? The answer is that CBY called and asked Michelle if she was interested in joining the Board and she indicated that Ross might be a really good choice. The timing was right for Ross as his job was not as demanding as it had been. He wanted to take advantage of this time to satisfy a real desire to feel that he was doing something of value outside of work and family. His background as a real estate lawyer and real estate finance lawyer proved to be very helpful providing CBY with important advice and legal work (on a pro bono basis) at a time when CBY found his assistance really helpful. The satisfaction he received from his initial experience generated an interest in being more involved with CBY as it provided him with a sense of accomplishment that he was giving back. Ross said: “I think that there are a lot of people who are wanting to do something but are not that self-confident or outgoing who just need to be asked to do something with some kind of specificity. Once they do it I think that they will feel fulfilled and would probably want to do it again.” His wife Michelle was asked to join the search committee looking for a new rabbi and really enjoyed the experience and now is thinking about joining another committee. She liked having that connection with other people and getting to know others in the CBY community.
COMMUNITY
High Holy Days 5776 ROSH HASHANAH
YOM KIPPUR
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service Sunday, 9/13, 8:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Morning Service Monday, 9/14, 10:00 a.m. Family Service, up to age 10 Monday, 9/14, 2:30 p.m. Tashlich at Wampus Pond Monday, 9/14, 3:30 p.m. 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Study & Discussion Tuesday, 9/15, 10:00 a.m.
Kol Nidre Service Tuesday, 9/22, 8:00 p.m. Yom Kippur Morning Service Wednesday, 9/23, 10:00 a.m. Yom Kippur Dialogue Wednesday, 9/23, 12:30 p.m. Family Service, up to age 10 Wednesday, 9/23, 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Service Wednesday, 9/23, 3:30 p.m. Memorial & Closing Services Wednesday, 9/23, 4:30 p.m.
Join Rabbi Strom over bagels and coffee as we take a look at Mishkan HaNefesh, the Reform Movement's new High Holy Day prayerbook. We'll study and discuss some of the powerful passages within and talk about how the words we pray together can best reflect the prayers of our heart at this time of year.
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 Robyn Herman.
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.
CBY Brotherhood: Upcoming Events The Brotherhood is really rolling and we have some great events planned for the fall. The Brotherhood is a vehicle for you to meet and socialize with other men in a relaxed and fun setting—it’s about friendship. Whether you are a young member of CBY or a veteran, the Brotherhood welcomes and wants you. Thursday, September 17—Wine Tasting at 7:15pm, followed by speaker at 8:00pm Brotherhood Kickoff: Moderne Barne Wine & Spirits, Armonk • Presentation & discussion on impact of Iran nuclear deal on US, Israel and the world with Speaker Scott Richman, Regional Director, AJC Westchester/Fairfield • Election of Brotherhood Officers • Drinks & socializing • Watch Thursday night football if interested Sunday, October 25—11:00am Brotherhood Brunch, including high-end smoked fish from Mt Kisco Smokehouse • Includes meet & greet dialogue from Rabbi Strom on CBY state of affairs. • Hosted at brothers home with option to watch Jets/Patriots game at 1:00pm.
Thursday, November 19—7:30pm (Date Tentative) DeCicco’s Beer Bar: Monthly Brotherhood Meeting • Discussion/coordination regarding upcoming Westchester Food Bank event on Sunday, December 13 • Rabbi Strom update • Drinks & socializing too Sunday, December 13—10:30am (Date Tentative) Volunteer at a Local Food Pantry • Includes Brothers and their kids • Packaging food for the hungry • Followed by brunch and reflection at a brother's home
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COMMUNITY
Bridges to Community Trip to Dominican Republic February 13-20, 2015 Calling all CBY teens in grades 9 & up! Do you want to help change the world? Are you interested in social justice work? Then join Rabbi Strom & JID Director Melissa Cohavi on the trip of a lifetime! Learn more about the trip and other teen programs at our Informational Meeting on Tuesday, September 29 at 6:30 pm (dinner included). Fee for this program is $2,500. Deadline to register is November 15, 2015. Learn more on our website: cbyarmonk.org
Save the Date: CBY Cultural Connections Walking Tour Join us for a Walking Tour of the Lower East Side on Thursday, October 15. More information coming soon.
Women's Retreat Cantor Kobilinsky and JID Director Melissa Cohavi will be leading a spiritual adult women’s retreat at The Guest House Retreat and Conference Center in Chester, Connecticut the weekend of January 29 - 31. The weekend will be packed with activities including creative Shabbat and Havdallah services, sisterhood, book discussion, great food, yoga/meditation and more! We will also collaborate on a special hands-on project to bring back to CBY. Come with your friends and make new ones! RSVP by November 1st and indicate what type of room you would like. Payment is due in full by December 15th. Price $425 for single room, $325 double, $250 triple. This includes room, activities and all meals. Questions? Contact Melissa at (914) 273-2220, melissa@cbyarmonk.org
LEADERSHIP
From Our President Lisa Broomer
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A few weeks ago, our Administrator, Ava Saperstein, made an observation that was both simple and profound at the same time. She said that it was the first time she had seen me smile at CBY in a long time. She was right, but not just for me. The entire congregation is smiling with a level of positive energy we have not felt for some time. You can feel it when you walk into the building, and I encourage those who have not had the opportunity to visit yet to do so. You will not be disappointed.
Now is the time to build on this positive momentum and get the entire community focused on the future of our congregation. We have achieved a lot, but most of all, we are in a position to grow, to learn and to connect. As always, we can look to our leadership, Rabbi Joshua Strom, Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky and Educator Melissa Cohavi to inspire us, but will need your time, your energy, your ideas, and your generosity to keep the momentum going.
Rabbi Strom and our new Educator, Melissa Cohavi, have settled in. Watch the short interview videos on the website (cbyarmonk.org) that introduce both of them, then stop by to say hello and welcome in person. We have taken some opportunities to adjust our staffing to better meet the congregation's needs and have physically reconfigured the office to provide a more welcoming feeling when a congregant or guest enters the building. Based your generosity, we were able to complete our last fiscal year without taking a loan from the Weinstein endowment. We have welcomed 16 new families to the congregation so far, and the list goes on.
We need each and every member of our community to be engaged in our future to reach our full potential. It is an exciting time to be a member. Please take the remaining weeks of Summer to decide how you want to be involved. I look forward to seeing everyone at the High Holy Days this year!
LEADERSHIP
Meet the New Members of our Board of Trustees Valerie Drossman • • • • • • • • • •
Congregant since: 2004 Board member: 2015-2018 Board roles / Committees: Cultural Connections Residence: Armonk, New York Family: Husband, Mitch, and my boys, Justin (20), Brandon (18) and Jordan (15) School: BBA in Finance, University of Michigan 1988, JD, Brooklyn Law School 1991 Work: Attorney and math tutor Where grew up: Massapequa, New York Other roles and organizations: Dorot, delivering food to the needy. Activities / interests: Very active and love to figure skate, ski, run, bike, and hike. I also love to read and do crossword puzzles and go to the beach.
Since we joined CBY, I have always felt that it was a home away from home. I love the sense of belonging that CBY seems to exude. All of my kids had their B'nai Mitzvah at CBY and the personal feel we experienced at the service is something I will never forget. I have been a long time member of the wonderful CBY choir, which welcomed me with open arms when I started. Every year, I look forward to singing at the High Holy Days. I am also on the Cultural Connections committee and have been involved in organizing the author series. In addition, I cook meals and bring them to the temple. They are then delivered to people in need. All of these experiences have enriched my connection to CBY and have enabled me to fully appreciate the true goodness and passion of everyone at the temple. I am so excited about our new rabbi and JID director and know that with them, the future of CBY will be bright and vibrant. As a Board member, I will work hard to foster CBY’s values of inclusion, community and caring for others.
Ina Lane • • • • • • • • • • •
Congregant since: 1998 Board member: 2002-2008 Board roles / Committees: Chair of JID committee, Treasurer Residence: Pleasantville, New York Family: Husband, Stan, Sons are Barrett (28) and Darren (24)] School: BS Econ, Univ. of Pennsylvania MBA, Univ. of Chicago Work: Alliance Capital Management until 1998 Where grew up: Roslyn, New York Other roles and organizations: Former Board member of UJA North. Westch. Women’s Div. Activities / interests: Theatre, Travel and Jewish Life Contact info: bdis4L@aol.com
I am excited to rejoin the Board at Congregation B’nai Yisrael as we welcome and move forward with Rabbi Strom while respecting and continuing the traditions that help define us. My family moved to this area 17 years ago and CBY became part of our lives almost immediately. We have prayed, been educated and shared simchas and sorrows with our CBY family. We developed strong friendships and connections with fellow congregants. What I enjoy most is the monthly Study in the Suburbs sessions, the women’s Rosh Chodesh group, and the beautiful music of our cantor. Making all members, particularly new members, experience the warmth of our caring Jewish community is one of my primary concerns as a Board member. One of the best ways to do this is to provide programs, whether the focus is religious, educational, cultural or just plain fun, that will attract members and keep them active and engaged, no matter what stage of life they are in. I urge all members to get involved. Feel free to e-mail me with suggestions or comments regarding ways we can improve any aspect of CBY. Being part of a Jewish community has always been important to me and the practice of Judaism is fundamental to my identity. Keeping Israel strong and secure is also important to me. 7
LEADERSHIP
Suzanne Lipton • • • • • • • • •
Congregant since: 2013 Board member: 2015-2018 Board roles/Committees: Fundraising, Jewish Identity Development, Membership Residence: Armonk, NY Family: husband, Mark, and three boys School: B.A. Wellesley College Work: Level 3 Communications Where grew up: Hartsdale, NY Activities/interests: I am enjoying my busy and full life with our three boys, our extended family, and our friends. In addition, I am President of the Wellesley-in-Westchester alumnae club, which keeps alumnae from my alma mater connected on a local level, engaged in community service and lifelong learning.
My husband, Mark, and I moved our family to Armonk from Scarsdale in 2013. We quickly engaged at CBY—enjoying Sunday morning pancake breakfasts with our children and other families. Inspired, I expanded my involvement, including supporting the temple’s fundraising objectives. It has been a pleasure to have met dynamic and welcoming individuals in the process. We have a very exciting time ahead of us at CBY and a tremendous opportunity to shape our future together. I am honored to serve as a member of our board of trustees and look forward to further elevating my support of our community.
Charles Shapiro • • • • • • • • • • •
Congregant since: 1984 Board member: 1987-1992 Board roles / Committees: Former President, Treasurer Residence: Armonk, NY Family: wife, Marya; two grown children: William & Rebecca School: BS/BA Swarthmore College; MCP Harvard Graduate School of Design Work: retired Urban Planner & Strategic Real Estate Consultant Where grew up: Riverdale, Bronx, NY Other roles and organizations: former North Castle Airport Committee; Former Consultant to Town of North Castle Activities / interests: Music, Tennis
Marya and I have lived in Armonk since we were married here 33 years ago. Coming from a somewhat convoluted background that ranged from Orthodox Judaism to Conservative to non-affiliation, I was curious how Reform Judaism and CBY, in particular, would welcome my cross-cultural family. I also wondered whether it could offer me a path back to Judaism. Just a few minutes with Religious School Principal Cookie Markhoff and Rabbi Douglas Krantz convinced me that we would not only be welcomed but valued by CBY. Our decision to join CBY was a harbinger of a life of continuous learning and strong friendships. CBY combined things that were familiar with things that were new, philosophies that were traditional with a sense of constant questioning. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to participate more fully, first by joining the Budget & Finance Committee, then becoming Treasurer and eventually President. These were times of great volunteerism and participation in our small congregation. Our kids were among the first in the new T.O.T. Shabbat program. We were a congregation of strong advocacy on a variety of social issues, and, not without controversy, Douglas shared the Beema with a rich array of fervent speakers. After these initial years of very intensive participation, our family settled into a more personal experience of CBY: our kids going through the religious school and having two very memorable B’nai Mitzvahs, one in the old Lutheran Church, the next in our spectacular new Temple. Over the years, we have often reflected on the preponderance of lifetime friends whom we first met at CBY, particularly on the Board and various committees. While our family has certainly been active in many different aspects of Armonk life, almost without consciously realizing it, CBY has formed the primary common thread that links us to so many kindred souls, including many who have since moved far from Armonk. Most recently, after a few brief years spent in Cincinnati where we attended one of America’s oldest and largest Reform congregations, Marya and I returned to Armonk and began participating at CBY during the transitional year with Rabbi Katz. When asked to re-join the Board, I considered whether the “old” CBY could have any relevance for today’s congregation. I concluded that my experience during those early years of volunteerism, and the realization that we are beginning a distinctly new chapter at CBY with Rabbi Strom, Cantor Koblinsky and Melissa Learn more about all of the congregants currently serving on our Board on our website: cbyarmonk.org. 8
COMMITMENT TO OTHERS
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 2014 Food Drive collected over 1,577 pounds of food and we look forward to collecting even more in 2015.
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
Upcoming Programs
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Spring
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.
BAKING MACAROONS FOR SEDER FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED Passover
PAJAMA DRIVE October/November 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. Donations go to the Community Center of NW. COAT DRIVE November 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. The remaining donations go to the Community Center of NW. CHANUKAH GIFT GIVING PARTY Sunday, December 6 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 as well as Hope's Door in Pleasantville. MIDNIGHT RUN Saturday, December 12 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.
NORTH CASTLE ZERO WASTE DAY April 30 During Zero Waste Day, help run the Community Center of NW tent and bring them the donations. KLEZMER CONCERT HOSTED AT CBY FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED May 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 May CBY hosts an annual Blood Drive with the New York Blood Center. COOKING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED Weekly/Ongoing Members of our community cook a meal once every 4-6 weeks for a person or family in need. BRISTAL ASSISTED LIVING: WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICE weekly/ongoing A member of our congregation leads a simple service once every 4-6 weeks. For any questions or to become involved with our programs contact the Caring and Social Action Committee at socialaction@cbyarmonk.org.
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TRADITION
Peace Be With You Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky My former high school choir teacher, “Mr. B,” whom I adored, was quite the character. His picture should be found in the dictionary under “twinkle in the eye,” as he was addicted to joking around, always with that twinkle giving away his mock serious demeanor. He was particularly supportive of me, as I was already singing opera at that time, and would occasionally gift me with a box set of LPs (to you young folks, that means records… the way we USED to listen to recorded music) of some grand opera from his enormous, and ever-growing collection. On the side, Mr. B was the musical director of his Methodist church, where he both played organ and piano and led the singing of the hymns. He would occasionally invite me to be a guest soloist and sing some secular selections at a Sunday morning service, which I did several times. (As an aside, although we lost touch following my graduation, I found him again years later, after my ordination as Cantor, and he invited me back to sing at his services again in my capacity of Jewish clergy. He had long believed in broadening the horizon of his congregation’s appreciation for all religious musical traditions. We collaborated together that last Sunday on several Jewish pieces.) Sitting in the church pew in between my selections, I found the commonalities in our liturgies fascinating, for example, the thrice-repeated “Holy, Holy, Holy…” which is adapted from the Hebrew morning prayer Kedushah: “Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh…” Two other observations of that Sunday morning stay with me to this day. The first, seeing nearly every congregant enter the sanctuary with bags full of food to donate to the hungry, and bring them up to the altar just prior to the beginning of the service. It amounted to an enormous mountain of supplies. The sight was quite moving. The second, during the service, when the pastor announced they had arrived at the time in the service for “Passing the Peace.” Everyone in the congregation stood up and walked to different people, shaking their hands and saying, “Peace be with you.” The response was, “And with you.” I remained seated during this portion of the service, but that didn’t stop congregants from approaching me and wishing me peace. It was warm and welcoming, even to a total outsider such as myself. It wasn’t “God-centric,” as there was no God language involved, which made it feel acceptable despite my Jewishness. Plus, I felt it was such a lovely gesture that individuals took the initiative to walk over to me, specifically, to shake my hand and wish me peace. It made me feel appreciated for my mere presence there. This strong memory is one of the reasons why I have always loved our tradition at B’nai Yisrael of taking a pause during Friday night Shabbat services for everyone to wish those around them a Shabbat Shalom. It doesn’t take long to turn from one’s seat and wish someone else Shabbat Shalom and introduce oneself. In fact, it’s less timeconsuming than a single English reading, or even the very brief “Sh’ma.” 10
And what an easy opening of a conversation, or better yet, a relationship! Relationship-building is both the phrase “du jour” and “de rigeur” lately (no pretension intended). Everybody’s talking about it, frankly, from the Union for Reform Judaism to various Jewish-interest newspapers. (The topic has a full book dedicated to it as well: “Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community,” by Ron Wolfson.) Here’s what the matter boils down to: times have changed, and people don’t necessarily feel the urge, need, or responsibility to become/remain members of the Jewish community via a synagogue. The building of relationships, however, is key to bringing people in and keeping them connected. I’m not going to debate the matter here, as it’s preaching to the choir, so to speak: you, my readers, are already members of our congregation. The topic in general, though, deserves much thought and discussion. Lately I’ve noticed a surge in articles floating around the ‘web on the topic of inclusion and outreach. They are chock-full of reminders to welcome those with disabilities or special needs, those who are intermarried, those of various sexual orientations, etc. Add those to the recent study by the Jewish Outreach Institute, which came out with some rather startling results about how welcoming (or not) our local Jewish organizations come across. It seems to me that this is not a problem restricted to synagogues, different types of communities, geographical location, individual congregants, clergy, or staff. This is a universal problem, which only some very introspective and proactive congregations manage to not only combat, but to reverse. When you walk into our synagogue for services, for example, and see options of where to sit, where do you go? Do you sit in the front, back or side? Do you look for a place to be by yourself or to sit near others? I don’t mean to criticize in any way, as there are many seating choices for a good reason: some people enjoy being up close and others wish to experience the service in a more private way. One might be in mourning, and not want to risk becoming emotional amongst others, or conversely might enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by others singing the melodies and words. It is a very personal choice, which I well understand; on the rare occasions when I have the opportunity to attend services at other congregations, I often sit in the back so as not to intrude, and I tend to prefer to listen to the cantor’s chanting as opposed to singing along. I wouldn’t want to suggest that congregants should be pressured to sit elbow to elbow with others, or to sing along despite discomfort doing so. However, for those of us who feel comfortable doing so, I feel it is helpful to have a reminder of the value of being welcoming to others, not only to other members whom you may not know, but to visitors and strangers.
TRADITION
continued from page 10 Taking advantage of those fleeting and valuable moments to introduce oneself, welcome a visitor to our sanctuary, and “schmooze” for a bit are more important than we might imagine. We don’t need to say “Shabbat Shalom,” or “Peace be with you,” to simply smile and say “Hello! I’m Hayley. Do we know each other? No? Oh, are you here for tomorrow’s Bat Mitzvah? Well, welcome! We’re so glad to have you visit.” Often one has no way of knowing if someone is feeling out of place in our temple. I’m sure that there are members who are less familiar with Jewish traditions that might seem strange, such as some of our prayer choreography, or the ever complex rituals of our Torah service. I imagine it must be relieving to have someone who has made an overture of welcome to sit next to, of whom one might ask the questions, “What page are we on now?” or “Is it okay for me to not stand?” These moments are when not only the relationship is built and strengthened, but when people begin to feel good to be a part of the community. One might rightly observe that much of what I’ve described above seems obvious. We all know how to introduce ourselves, and if asked, all of us would gladly point out the page number in our prayer book to a visitor. This is a new world, however.
We have become ensconced in a “me”-era of seclusion. I know I can watch hours fly by while I sit tapping on my phone or computer, reading articles and sending messages about work matters or play dates for my son. If we are not approached and not asked, we don’t even notice that someone has entered the sanctuary and sat by themselves, without a prayer book. We don’t want to risk a faux pas of introducing ourselves to someone whom perhaps we met once through a mutual friend. I acknowledge it can be intimidating at times, and I am in that position constantly. We must realize, though, that each of us is an ambassador. Each of us can share the responsibility and honor of welcoming others, making sure they have a prayer book and know where to hang a coat. We are each ambassadors of our holy community and moreover, of Judaism itself. I hope that you, my readers, might remember this request and help us make the walls of our Jewish home inviting and the space within warm. And may peace be with us all.
LEARNING
Summer Sunday Funday on August 2 & CBY Teen Pool Party on August 27 11
LEARNING
A New Year: A New Perspective Melissa Cohavi, Director of Jewish Identity Development As we come upon the new year of 5776 and think about all that we want to accomplish in the coming year, both personally and professionally, as the new JID Director I am doing the same. My first two months at CBY have been amazing. And although everything is new, I already feel like I am part of the family. Lay leaders, staff and congregants alike have been so welcoming and supportive. I am especially excited to be working with Rabbi Strom and Cantor Kobilinsky and we already have many new things planned. In my role as JID Director, with fresh eyes and a new perspective, I have taken a look at the curriculum, structure of the JID program, materials used, and teaching styles and have set up a framework within which the faculty will work. I have put a written curriculum in place and would love to share it with anyone who might be interested. Together with my partners, I have planned a trip to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington D.C. and a February social action trip to the Dominican Republic for our teens. I am implementing family programs for each grade which will take place on Sunday’s, some of which include a trip to the Bronx Zoo for a biblical animal scavenger hunt and a family history/living museum program. CBY’s youth group is currently in the midst of its planning stages, but our first event already took place on August 27th. It was a pool party and BBQ at the home of Diane and Perry Freedman. Fifteen teens came and everyone had a great time! We have a few teens who will be attending NFTY’s Leadership Training Institute together with Rabbi Strom and me on Sunday, September 20th at Hebrew Union College in NYC and our next event is in the works. CBY will be having its first ever women’s retreat the weekend of January 29–31, 2016. Cantor Kobilinsky and I have been working together with a lay committee to put everything into place. It will be a spiritual adult women’s retreat. The weekend will be packed with activities including yoga, meditation, great food, sisterhood, a book discussion, creative Shabbat services and more! The Saturday evening Havdalah will include a white elephant gift exchange. We will also collaborate on a special hands-on project to bring back to CBY. This retreat is for anyone and everyone, so consider joining us. I also am looking forward to working together with the cultural connections committee to create more programs for our adult community.
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Dates to Remember Tot Shabbat Friday, September 11, 5:30 p.m. BBQ in the Hut: Sukkot Celebration and JID Program Kick– off Sunday, September 27. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. RSVP to Jessica: (914) 273-2220, jessica@cbyarmonk.org First Day for 3rd Grade Tuesday, September 29 Teen Info Session for all Teen Programs and Dominican Republic Trip Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. First Day for 6th & 7th Grades Wednesday, September 30 First Day for 4th & 5th Grades Thursday, October 1 First Day for K, 1 & 2 and Family Day Sunday, October 4 Consecration and Simchat Torah Celebration Sunday, October 4, 9:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast, 9:30 a.m. Program Begins Breakfast for everyone! Watch Rabbi Strom unroll the entire Torah scroll! Special gifts for our new students! Dance and sing with the Torah!
First day for Tichon CBY program: 8th-12th Grade Tuesday, October 6 Buddies Not Bullies Program for 6th & 7th grades Wednesday, October 21 K, 1 & 2 Family Day Sunday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. Biblical Animal Scavenger Hunt at the Bronx Zoo for 3rd & 4th Grade Families Sunday, November 1 JID Fundraiser Thursday, November 12 Tot Shabbat Friday, November 13, 5:30 p.m.
I am looking forward to a great year, and I hope you can read my excitement in everything that is happening at CBY. Please stop by or give me a call—I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you!
K, 1 & 2 Family Day Sunday, November 15, 9:00 a.m.
Shana tova u’metkua & g’mar chatima tova. Have a sweet new year and may you be inscribed in the book of life.
B’nai Mitzvah Family Education program and Yad-making Sunday, November 22
Camp Shabbat and 6th & 7th Grade Shabbat Dinner and Service Friday, November 20
LEARNING
Adult Education TEXT IN THE CITY | Wednesdays at noon with Rabbi Strom, 10/14, 11/11, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11, 6/8, at Pryor Cashman LLP, Times Square, New York City STUDY IN THE SUBURBS | Wednesdays at noon with Rabbi Strom, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/24, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15 at Congregation B'nai Yisrael
TORAH STUDY | Saturdays, 9:00- 9:45 a.m. • Resumes October 10 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, 10/16, 11/13, 12/18, 1/15, 2/12, 3/11, 4/8, 5/6 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.
INVESTMENT
Donations General Fund Randall and Pam Eisenberg Seth and Linda Potash, in memory of Paul Camerino Stanley and Ina Lane, in memory of Burt I. Sherman and Shirley Sherman Adam and Alicia Ifshin Marc and Susan Failing, thanking Rabbi Katz and in honor of the naming of their grandchild, Blake Norman and Ilana Adler, in memory of Gussie Adler and Sara Rahmani Rabbi Strom's Discretionary Fund Daniel and Barri Waltcher, in honor of Joshua and Tali Strom Harriet Cook, thanking Rabbi Strom for all the caring and love he has shown Ruth Hallett, in honor of Rabbi Joushua Strom Susan Merson, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Barbara and Robert Greer Cantor Kobilinsky's Discretionary Fund Stanley and Ina Lane, in deep appreciation for the concert you arranged and performed in and for the joy you bring to our lives Eric and Linda Roth, in honor of Eli Roth's bar mitzvah Jeffrey and Tracey Greenfield, in honor of their son's bar mitzvah Vicki and John Etteson and Lydia and Neil Singer, in memory of Paul Camerino Rabbi Krantz's Discretionary Fund Stephen and Arlene Veach, in honor of their son's marriage William Dorfman, in honor of the memory of Jancy Dorfman
Make Your Contribution Online Making a contribution to CBY is a wonderful way to acknowledge those we love by honoring their memory or honoring a special occasion, including a birth, b'nai mitzvah, wedding or anniversary. Contributions can be made online at cbyarmonk.org/donate.
Amazon Smile A new way our congregants can contribute to the CBY community in an ongoing manner is through the Amazon Smile program. Amazon Smile allows you to direct a portion of your eligible Amazon.com purchases to non-profits like CBY. Just click on the Amazon Smile link on the Amazon homepage and select Congregation B'nai Yisrael as your charity partner. Once you do this, 0.5% of every one of your eligible Amazon purchases will be donated to CBY.
Donate Your Car or Truck 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
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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.
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CONGREGATION B’NAI YISRAEL 2 Banksville Road, Armonk, New York 10504
or current resident
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY PERMIT NO. 4438