We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us. - Winston Churchill
Our unique cover image was created using thousands of photos of our Temple Sinai family. Just as these photos bring the image to life, our members bring life to our vibrant community.
Dear Friends Natan Sharansky is a Jewish hero. He spent years in solitary confinement in the former Soviet Union for the crime of demanding to live as an observant Jew in the State of Israel. It’s impossible to imagine his courage, conviction, and strength. Finally freed in 1986 as part of a prisoner exchange, Sharansky reflected back on the moment of his redemption: It was very dramatic. In one day, I was taken from a Soviet prison, put on an airplane, brought to Germany, crossed the bridge, saw my wife who I had not seen for 12 years, came to Israel and at night, together with all the people of Israel, celebrated my release. So I do know what it is to go straight from hell to paradise. In these inspiring words, Sharansky conveys a deep measure of humble gratitude for his liberation. As we emerge from the two-year-old COVID nightmare, the world is also experiencing a kind of liberation. Like Sharansky, we, too, have a sense of gratitude for the gift of life, for the miracle of vaccines and medicines, and for the devotion and sacrifices made by health care professionals, front line workers, teachers, and many more. At Temple Sinai, we are grateful to emerge from the harsher moments of this pandemic strong and eager. As other congregations eliminated staff and cut back, we dug deep into our financial reserves and invested in you and in our Jewish present and future. Our education programs are vigorous, exciting, and packed. Our B’nei Mitzvah classes are large and our Early Childhood Center is growing by leaps and bounds, the largest in our history. During the pandemic our leadership made the strategic decision to expand our offerings to keep you engaged and connected. When asked if he always knew he would be a leader, Sharansky demurred: It is good in advance that you don’t know about everything that will happen in your life and you are learning, you are building yourself and you are strengthening while going through this. We agree. Leadership is often a strong response to the conditions one faces, building and strengthening along the way. That’s how we at Temple Sinai approached our obligations during this pandemic: confidently building for the future. We are so very grateful for our sacred Jewish community, our Temple Sinai. We have learned that in difficult times, our shelter of care, wisdom, and community connection brings blessing to us all. We pray that as the cloud of COVID passes we can look forward with joy and gratitude for the blessings we continue to share. Thank you for your continued membership. Quite literally, we cannot do it without you. L’Shalom,
Rabbi Michael A. White
Amy Braunstein, President
TEMPLE SINAI LIFE CYCLES 2021-2022 Saturday Morning Minyan
Bris & Baby Namings
Sharing Shabbats
B’nei Mitzvah
High Holy Day Services
Conversions
Auf Rufs & Weddings
Tashlich Participants
Yahrzeits Observed
Birthday Blessings
Funerals & Unveilings
Anniversary Blessings
We worshiped and marked the cycles of life. As we faced a second challenging year, we continued to focus on what it means to be a sacred community, grounded in our collective worship and undaunted in our celebration of life cycles and milestones. Above all, we continued to create opportunities for all congregants to gather together in person and virtually in ways that were both safe and meaningful.
You can never have too many Torahs!
cha ouble sim d a d e t zvah s celebra came B’not Mit n o k r o B The a be and Alan y ll o M when
Best Clergy...
Carol & Jim Rotenberg are a wonderful add ition to our congregation
So proud of our Teen Leaders!
EVER!!!
We fostered joyful Jewish learning for families, children, and youth. TEMPLE SINAI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER At Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center, children’s learning experiences are complemented by the joyful and engaging introduction to Jewish culture, traditions, and values. We strive to deepen relationships by seeking to understand what is uniquely important to each family. We create experiences that are in service to those priorities. Our families are a part of a vibrant community filled with trusted and caring partners that extend beyond our classrooms to the clergy, lay leaders and administrative team, who help us create a feeling of belonging that fosters long-term growth for the broader Temple Sinai of Roslyn community.
What’s exciting?
Age-appropriate Jewish content developed by our Jewish Curriculum Coordinator for Infants through Pre-K
TSECC rainbow logo reflects our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Shabbat & holiday celebrations customized by age group and led by the clergy
Each child’s development is supported as an individual through the encouragement of exploration and investigation, creating fun, flexible, learning experiences in a caring and safe environment
Programs and worship services specifically designed for young families
Enhanced teacherstudent ratios for the best possible class experience
NEW ParentFaculty Association creates opportunities for family & community engagement
Optional small group enrichments focus on children’s interests: Science, Art, Fitness/ Athletics, Drama, and Music & Movement
Awarded a PJ Library grant to host a monthly multi-generational program that focuses on Jewish holidays through an SEL lens
Complimentary temple memberships are made available to ECC families
The addition of our Associate Director of Health & Safety helps maintain our commitment to strong health & safety practices
TEMPLE SINAI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Warm and nurturing teachers, led by Cantor Elena Schwartz, provide ongoing support and counseling to all Religious School families in our premier Jewish education program for children in kindergarten through seventh grade. As we continued to navigate the pandemic in 2021-22, we offered two learning modalities: in-person and online. This, combined with flexible scheduling, resulted in nearly perfect attendance throughout the school year. Our new ShalomLearning curriculum instills positive feelings about Jewish identity while keeping students engaged and more comfortable participating in prayer services. Another exciting addition to the curriculum is Bibliodrama. a creative method of study that incorporates improvisational theatre with stories from the Bible. We are fortunate to have Gera Sandler, star of the Netflix series, Unorthodox, lead these fantastic weekly sessions.
Religious School by the numbers ShalomLearning curriculum
Hebrew tutorials
Training for 60 B’nei Mitzvah students
305
179
720
hours
hours
234
20
hours
47
hours
202 in-person, 49 virtual, 13 Kadima In-person learning
264
152
participants
Israel education with Shinshin Inbal Har
Bibliodrama classes Milestone service training
students
150
hours
40
In the Holocaust & Jewish Resistance class
hours
55 hours
children
90
students
30
Attended 5 Sharing Shabbat programs
Baked challah with Morah Paula
Tech equipment to properly teach curriculum
units
students
Offered 15 Hineni Mitzvah Ed programs
SULAM TEEN PROGRAMS
Temple Sinai offered unique leadership opportunities to our teens, increasing the number of students participating in muliple programs. We continued our efforts in tikkun olam with our Hand in Hand and Havdallah for Hunger programs. Two of our teens spearheaded Teen Support for Ukraine, raising nearly $30,000 to date. We extended our intergenerational programming with Building Bridges, a forum for adult/teen conversations, and kicked off another great year of Zikaron Basalon. During Purim and Passover, we connected with more than 60 of our college students; an in-person dinner is scheduled for June. We expanded our Madrichim program as an increased number of teens stepped into teacher’s assistant roles in the Religious School, to support our next generation of learners.
We deepened our wisdom and enriched our lives with culture, arts, and music. While COVID forced most of our programs to be offered virtually, Temple Sinai Adult Engagement had a banner year, offering the congregation diverse opportunities to learn and build community together. Offerings ranged from clergy classes on sacred texts and timely topics, to programs with top speakers on antisemitism, World Jewry, and human rights crises. We have hosted - via ZOOM! - world-class musicians, and enjoyed virtual museum tours and art history lectures, films, and health and wellness programs. Our newly launched Sinai Tribes, small groups of up to 12 people, have brought members together by age and stage of life or by shared passion area. These micro-communities within the larger Temple Sinai population have allowed congregants to connect more deeply with one another, forging new friendships and strengthening existing ones.
WHAT A YEAR IT WAS! Clergy Classes
Sinai Tribes (Small Groups)
The Torah of Shtisel • Great Talmudic Discussions Happy Hour • The David Story Wine, Women, and Wisdom • Scotch and Sacred Text
Ask Big Questions (Adults, Couples, 20-Somethings) Giving Circle • Grandparenting Korbanot
Building Bridges
Culinary Programs
Adult/Teen Conversations
What parts of your life have influenced you most? What makes each of us unique? • Memory & Independence
Make Your Thanksgiving More Festive
Musical Programs
Art Lectures
Cantors’ Lunch & Learn with Barry Tucker
The Contributions of Jewish Photographers to the Arts Judaica in America • Jewish Women Artists Virtual Tour of the Jewish Museum
Author’s Talks - Jewish Book Council
Other Authors
X Troop: The Secret Jewish Commandos of WWII -
Committed: Dispatches from a Psychiatrist in Training - Adam Stern, MD The Takeaway Men - Meryl Ain
Leah Garrett
The Art of the Jewish Family - Laura Arnold Leibman
Politics/Current Events
The State of Immigration on Long Island - Patrick Young When Jews are Shut Out of Progressive Spaces - Amanda Berman, Zioness Uyghur Human Rights (2x) - Tom Suozzi, et al; Jewish World Watch Navigating Higher Education as a Jewish Student - Nancy Kaplan, ADL A Discussion on Antisemitism - Scott Richman, ADL Jewish Perspectives on the War in Ukraine - Zvi Gitelman
Wellness Webinars
Gratitude Emotional Temperature Check (two years into the pandemic)
We continued to forge friendships while serving our congregation and our community. Despite a second year dealing with the challenges posed by COVID-19, Brotherhood remains a vibrant organization with a dedicated membership. This year, they forged ahead with a full complement of activities; all were well-attended whether held on ZOOM or safely in-person. The very special Brotherhood tradition, Scotch & Sacred Text with Rabbi Michael White, was able to continue uninterrupted. For the first time since 2019, Brotherhood had an early Passover celebration with Rabbi Schachter at Ben’s in Greenvale. They also sponsored a delicious barbecue at the temple’s Welcome Back event following Mitzvah Morning.
Our Networking Group TSR CONNECT, spearheaded by Brotherhood President Richard Blatt, is a tremendous success. Unlike typical networking groups, the vision and goals of CONNECT are to make each member feel comfortable and supported in ways that go beyond business. By forming warm friendships and helping one another develop our businesses, we are helping to better the wellbeing of our Temple Sinai Community.
Donated over $8,000 to causes including the Ukraine Support Fund, Temple Sinai Youth Programs,Camp Eisner, Temple Hatikvah in Kyiv The Men of Reform Judaism, and the Temple Sinai Magic of Giving Fundraiser
Raised Delivered coats and food $1,000 to aid the
for Sinai Support through the first-ever Super Bowl pool.
Called
Friendship Baptist Church
older members to help them stay connected during COVID
Celebrating its 20th year, Friend of a Friend/Chaverot continues to thrive. Under the leadership of Tammy Szerencsy, Friend of a Friend made wonderful contributions to our community. They hosted many in-person activities and ZOOM events in 2021-22 such as a virtual Cooking for a Cause event, where meals for local families in need were prepared and delivered, sponsorship of the annual Religious School Chanukah boutique, and a well-attended tour of Old Westbury Gardens.
500 members 55
Shalach Manot bags created to spread good cheer on Purim
242
recipes collected by Lori Yaspan for the amazing 20th Anniversary Cookbook
50
enjoyed a Sukkot brunch, while listening to beautiful stories and memories from mother/daughter Ushpizin Burnette Groveman & Audra Needle
50
competed in the second annual ZOOM BINGO BASH
2
programs hosted by Cantor Elena: Wine, Women, & Wisdom and Borscht, Women, & Wisdom!
4
programs co-sponsored with Temple Sinai Adult Engagement
We served those in need and made efforts to repair the world. As Reform Jews, it is our obligation to make the practice of tikkun olam an integral part of everyday life. The Social Action Committee provides our congregation with meaningful experiences through which we can repair our world. Social Action has longstanding, ongoing relationships with a variety of organizations that provide all kinds of assistance, right here in our community and around the world. Even when a crisis arises, the Social Action Committee is always ready to act.
UPHOLDING HUMANITY Temple Sinai is a founding member of Upholding Humanity, an interfaith coalition made up of local faith leaders. The group is currently working on an initiative to resettle at least 15 Afghan refugee families to Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. The Torah commands 36 times to welcome the stranger and to treat the stranger as our own kin. Because of our people’s history of displacement and seeking refuge and security in foreign lands, we know the difference welcoming and supportive hands and hearts can make.
“
What a great surprise! Thank you so much for my delicious meal. It is good to know that there are still kind people in the world. You made my day happy!
”
- Cooking for a Cause meal recipient Ruth Corey
Collected over 2,300 pounds of food during the High Holy Days Food Drive
Provided a link to help those in New Orleans impacted by Hurricane Ida
Partnered with the Sid Jacobson JCC to collect items for local families with young children
Annual drive to collect winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for those in need
Fed dozens in the community through our very popular Cooking for a Cause Mornings
Filled the pantry at the Friendship Baptist Church in memory of the beloved Pastor Victor Lewis
Partnered with the Mid-Island JCC to create traditional Thanksgiving dinners for those in need
Participated in the Mid-Island JCC’s Grant-a-Wish program, purchasing and wrapping gifts for children
Supplied links to provide assistance to those affected by tornadoes in Kentucky
Collected books and pajamas for children
Provided food and supplies to a women’s homeless shelter
Ongoing work with both HIAS and Hatzilu, organizations supporting Jewish families & immigrants
FINANCIALS This year, Temple Sinai continued to feel the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on membership dues, High Holy Day ticket sales, and catering income among others. Despite limited opportunities, we continued to worship and gather together in person. While continuing salary freezes, we found unique ways to celebrate and recognize our talented and committed support team. We identified methods to effectively value-engineer solutions to technology and operational challenges. We remain committed to fiscally responsible expense management, while continuing to provide the highest quality social, cultural, educational, and religious offerings. We value the ongoing dialogue with our members that helps us determine what will be next and new. Through the many challenges of the past two years, the presence, partnership, and financial support of YOU, our Temple Sinai family, helped us to continue to serve as a center of spiritual and intellectual nourishment, a provider of care and support, tikkun olam, and so much more. We are forever grateful!
2021-2022 HIGHLIGHTS
• Successful transition to QuickBooks accounting software, which provides a more efficient, user-friendly, and sophisticated interface with ShulCloud data. • Transition to Insperity, a Professional Employment Organization providing human resource, payroll, and employee management support along with comprehensive data visibility and a cost effective suite of employee benefits. • The Early Childhood Center has more than doubled enrollment this fiscal year and is operating a profitable, high quality program. • The Early Childhood Center was awarded a NYS Grant in the amount of $150,000 to support ongoing operations, implement rigorous health and safety protocols, high-quality programming and material needs. • The 2022 Gala was a success, raising $95,000, catalyzed by a lively, well-attended ZOOM experience. 2021-2022
2020-2021* Fundraising & Gifts $189,000
Early Childhood Center $1,350,000 Membership Dues $1,750,000
Catering $48,000
Membership Dues $1,625,000
Catering $65,000 * No income from the ECC Fundraising & Gifts $189,000
PERCENTAGE OF EXPENSES COVERED BY MEMBERSHIP DUES Membership dues cover approximately half of the cost of operating Temple Sinai. Additional income is critical to elevating the experiences of our members through the scope and quality of our programs and operations. As the beacon for progressive Judaism on Long Island, we rely on your generosity and commitment, both for today and as a cornerstone of the financial and cultural foundation for future generations.
51%
TEMPLE LEADERSHIP 2021-2022 CLERGY Rabbi Michael A. White Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz Rabbi Ilana Schachter
OFFICERS
BOARD MEMBERS
Amy Braunstein President
Richard Blatt Lauren Borkon Jacqueline Covey Frank D’Ambrosio Jana Grotas Steven Halpern Ginny Jordan Bert Kraus Donna Liebowitz Amy Mandell Danielle Massari Adam Mesh Anne Niesenbaum Scott Nussbaum Jonathan Rothschild Tammy Szerencsy Gil Vilkas Adam Weinschel Jara Weinstock Leslie Wollin Tracy Zimmerman
Allen Geller Executive Vice President Robyn Corbin Andrew Kraus Liz Wiener Neale Vice Presidents Jeffrey Sklar Vice President/Treasurer Maribeth Kraus Secretary Charles Weiss Legal Counsel
HONORARY TRUSTEES Charles Berman Howard Berrent Irwin A. Cantor Jonathan Cheris Richard Evans Michelle Golden Dr. Steven Goodman Barbara M. Kessler Richard C. Laskey Martin Marlowe Daniel S. Reich David M. Schwartz Sandra Tankoos Carol Biener Weinstock Howard J. Weisler Toni Wiener
2022-2023 NOMINEES Lynn Falkowitz Rob Kuppersmith
PROFESSIONAL STAFF Lee Mirrer
Executive Director
Lauren Belferder
Director of Youth Engagement
Lindsay Dayan ECC Director
Adrianne Rubin, PhD
Director of Membership & Engagement
Temple Sinai of Roslyn 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.6800 mysinai.org Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism