Temple Sinai 2022-23 Annual Report

- L. Frank Baum

Enjoying a Friend of a Friend Girls’ Night Out

Scotch & Sacred Text is a wonderful Brotherhood tradition

Celebrating the 100th day of school!

It feels so great when we are Cooking for a Cause

We were so honored to welcome esteemed Rabbi Meir Azari to our sanctuary

Temple Sinai goes to Broadway!

Dear Friends,

I’ve been meditating on an ancient poem, traditionally attributed to our biblical prophetess Miriam, Moses’s sister. You may remember the story: Pharaoh decreed all newborn Jewish baby boys were to be tossed into the Nile and killed. Terrified that Moses would meet this horrible fate, Miriam placed her brother in a basket and sent it to float down the Nile, where Pharaoh’s daughter discovered it, and drew Moses out of the water to protect and raise him. When, from a distance, Miriam could see that Moses was safe, she wrote these words:

Could song fill my mouth as water fills the sea, And could joy flood my tongue as countless waves… Cold lips utter praise as limitless as the sky... Never could I fully declare my gratitude... for one ten thousandth of the love and precious blessing, Dearest God, that you granted to us today.

I shared these words at my son David’s recent wedding, because they reflect a heart bursting with gratitude; a blessing for life’s great goodness, beautiful words of humble gratitude for blessings that cannot be measured or put into words.

This year’s annual report arrives after a powerful series of sacred gatherings at temple. The Anti-Defamation League’s gifted leader, Jonathan Greenblatt, taught a group of teenagers how to respond to bigotry, anti-Israel propaganda and more, and then he helped our entire community—ten congregations co-sponsored his visit—to face the ongoing ubiquitous antisemitic threats we see across our country. Our annual Yom HaShoah commemoration, led by Abbie Laskey’s sixth grade students and their parents, inspired a packed sanctuary of learners and worshippers of every generation. Our annual art show, featuring many talented Sinai members, filled our cocktail room with amazed and delighted art lovers. Laughing kids and teens fill our halls and classrooms. Bar and Bat Mitzvah services and celebrations reflect a joyful and strong future, and so much more.

It’s with humble, joyful gratitude that we can say: your Temple Sinai has emerged from this pandemic strong, impactful, prepared and equipped to engage our mission, a vibrant, creative Jewish community for today and the future. And, it’s because of you. We don’t say “thank you” nearly often enough, so let Miriam’s poem reflect our deepest gratitude to you for your continued membership, presence, and devotion to our wonderful Temple Sinai community.

Never could I fully declare my gratitude... for one ten thousandth of the love and precious blessing, Dearest God, that you granted to us today.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Michael A. White

our sanctuary

Dear Friends,

After being away from our spiritual home during the pandemic, we were delighted and grateful to join together with family and friends last fall, in dedicating our newly renovated sacred space, The Ilene Barshay Sanctuary.

The intentional design concept of our new sanctuary serves to elevate and create a more intimate worship experience. This was accomplished by our new visual T’fillah, upgraded sound system, enhanced accessibility, bimah re-design and flexible seating, which can be adjusted to optimize the experience for a broad range of services and events. We were mindful of re-inventing the space and continuing to provide a hybrid streaming experience, while retaining elements that continue to evoke Temple Sinai’s rich history and traditions.

This past year we have hosted many special and diverse worship services, programs, and events in our new sanctuary. Our heartfelt thanks to the members of our Sanctuary Décor and Construction committees who have generously shared their talents, time, and enthusiasm in order to support the successful completion of this meaningful project which will serve us today and for generations to come.

Lee Mirrer Executive Director

The new sanctuary colors feel open, airy, and calming, while the different textures add warmth, and our ark doors and the stained glass above keep tradition front and center. The flexible seating and the much-needed ramp mean that each time the sanctuary is used, it will meet our needs perfectly. It’s a joy to enter this space.

L’Shalom, Lee Mirrer

- Jackie Covey

upholding humanity

In addition to all the incredible work Temple Sinai has done in the arena of direct service and social action, we have been leaders in an interfaith coalition known as Upholding Humanity, focused on refugee resettlement in Queens and Long Island. Upholding Humanity was formed in Fall 2021, in response to the needs of Afghan evacuees arriving in the United States. Together, leaders from Temple Sinai, the Islamic Center of Long Island, The Community Synagogue, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, and the UJA-Federation of New York gathered resources and began supporting the resettlement of Afghan refugees on Long Island. In addition to meeting immediate needs of newcomers such as donating clothes, food, and other necessities, Upholding Humanity also began partnering with refugee resettlement agencies and other community members to recruit volunteers and gather funds to expand our impact. Since its inception, Temple Sinai has been a leader in this coalition.

In the past year, we have been awarded $190,000 in grants from the UJA-Federation of New York to do this sacred work. Through our network of over 60 volunteers, Upholding Humanity has resettled/is in the process of resettling six Afghan families, one Salvadoran family, and three Ukrainian families in Queens and Long Island. We’ve also been able to support an additional 38 Afghan individuals and 10 Ukrainian individuals, including large families with young children, throughout the country. Locally, we provide families with temporary housing, rent support, cash assistance, furniture and other housing items, and more. In addition, our team of volunteers work with adults to find permanent housing, register for ESL classes, develop resumes, search for jobs, submit immigration documents, and navigate life in New York in general. Our incredible volunteers speak over six languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Pashto, and Dari/Farsi) and step in to assist with interpretation between refugees and others as needed. We remain committed to the current families we work with while also continuing our partnerships with HIAS, the IRC, and Catholic Charities of Long Island to resettle as many Afghan and Ukrainian families as our resources will allow.

Temple Sinai has been active both in leadership, hands-on volunteering and in-kind donations. We are instructed in the Talmud, It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it. While we know that the refugee crisis is not something that any one institution or group of institutions can solve, we are so proud of what Temple Sinai has accomplished this year as part of this special coalition.

Ever since the start of the war in Ukraine in February, 2022, the Temple Sinai community has been unbelievably generous. Your unending support has made a significant difference for those still in Ukraine and refugees in Europe and the United States.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest and sincere appreciation for all the support and assistance our families, friends, and students received from all of you during the difficult time when they were forced to flee their homes in Ukraine to find a safe and secure place to live. Any change in life is difficult, but when you are forced to leave your home during war time it is more challenging and painful. Your generous support and contribution helped our families overcome the challenges and obstacles that they faced during those dark times.

Your kind gestures and generous contributions helped them not only to stand strong in the face of adversity but also to feel accepted, loved, and cared for. Your help included covering a few months of rent and buying clothing for a mother and her children, furnishing an apartment for another mother and her daughters, and providing a student in middle school with an iPad. Those are only some examples of the support that you provided and continue to provide to help people from Ukraine.

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support and kindness made a tremendous difference in our lives and showed us that we are not alone in our struggles. We will forever be grateful for everything you have done for us and Ukraine.

- Olesyea Beigelman and Tali Kagan Ukraine Crisis Fund

We marked the first anniversary of the war with a special Solidarity Shabbat. It was an honor to be joined by David Harris, former CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) who spoke about World Jewry’s role in Ukraine. Among the other guests were two Ukrainian refugee families who have been receiving assistance from funds collected through Temple Sinai.

We were also thrilled that several of those we have helped were able to take part in our Friend of a Friend Women’s Intergenerational Seder on March 23.

early childhood center

Lindsay Dayan Director

Audra Needle Associate Director, Operations

Michelle Smithson Associate Director, Health & Safety

The hallmark of the Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center is our ability to me and a true understanding of our community, making us one of the most so for toddlers/twos, which will allow us to serve even more in the community. Sue Topek, training our teachers on our Jewish curriculum. She also has mo

My husband and I have been so incredibly happy with our choice to entrust TSECC with our two kiddos. The school is full of loving, experienced teachers and very capable staff - from the school director to the security guards, everyone is professional and kind. They are so attentive to all the kids needs and development, and I can’t imagine a better place for little ones to spend these critical early years.

Art Therapy is blended into our specials

Additional bathrooms built into our main floor classrooms

I love the playground, playing with my friends, learning how to read ... it’s my happy place!

- Emily Posey, mom of Stella, 3 & Cooper, 10 months

- Sylvia Silberstein, age 4

et the needs of each family. We have become known for our incredible attention to detail ught after schools in the area. In fact, we are opening a new wing with six new classrooms

The ECC is also excited to have award-winning author and Jewish early childhood educator, nthly storytimes with our students.

School-wide events for holidays & special occasions in our ballroom catered by V&Z

Sinai Summer Jam is just one of the amazing fundraisers created by our PFA, now in its second year

Children in our expanded-day program receive an additional special, included in tuition

Staff retention is at an all-time high

TSECC has a special place in my heart as both a parent and now as a teacher. I absolutely love working at TSECC because it is a warm and loving environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, creativity and growth. The teachers at TSECC are patient, engaging, compassionate and enthusiastic every day! TSECC is truly my home away from home and I feel incredibly blessed to work at such a special place. ��

- “Miss” Trish Levin, teacher

religious school

Temple Sinai Religious School has been a warm and welcoming place for our three children for over 10 years. From Religious School to teen programming to Confirmation class and beyond, Temple Sinai has done a wonderful job of keeping our family involved and connected. In a short time, our son has learned how to read Hebrew in his small group tutorial class. Our older son was Confirmed and is now a Vice President of the Havdallah for Hunger community service program. Our daughter is in college and is very involved in Jewish life on her campus, in large part because of what she learned in her years at Temple Sinai.

- Lisa Rabinovich, mom of Mia, Benjamin, & Jordan

250

Cantor-Educator

Elena Schwartz

Religious School Director

191

students; 7 Kadima students hours of in-person learning hours of ShalomLearning curriculum

240

112

students learned to bake challah with Morah

55 hours of Israel Education with ShinShinit Inbar

Paula

500 hours of B’nei Mitzvah tutoring

plus new!

• Prayer Pack addition to the curriculum, created by Cantor Elena Schwartz

• Family Education program for K-2 grade

20 hours of Milestone preparation

26 years of Holocaust classes with the Laskeys

49 students & adults took the Holocaust class

133 hours of FREE Hebrew tutoring for all 4-7th graders

153 Hineni students

200 children at 8 Sharing Shabbat programs

10 Mitzvah Education programs

I have been a Hebrew school teacher for about 25 years. I am about to complete my fifth year teaching at Temple Sinai Religious School and it is an absolute pleasure! I feel fortunate to work for and with Cantor Elena. She always gives the teachers her full support and if there is ever an issue, she always takes the time to listen and help find a resolution. I believe that young minds are best educated in an environment that supports teamwork, and Temple Sinai is the perfect example of that. Debra, the Religious School Coordinator, is wonderful. She supports the teachers in so many ways and always with a smile. Whether it’s our clergy, the custodial staff, youth staff, or the office staff, everyone at Temple Sinai is extremely personable and always helpful. I hope to work at Temple Sinai well into the future.

- Marty Hirschfield, Temple Sinai Religious School Teacher

b’mitzvah program

The purpose of the reimagined B’Mitzvah program is to engage families through both traditional pedagogy and the application of a new creative arts approach, which allows families to create specific projects depending on the student’s grade. For the 2022-23 school year, Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz and Pam Alcala, Family Educator and Artist-in-Residence, designed a multidisciplinary integrated curriculum that addressed not only the educational aspect of the B’nei Mitzvah process, but also focused on the mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health aspects of the B’nei Mitzvah journey.

The new curriculum allows both the educational team and the families to connect in a way that goes beyond the basic learning required for the B’nei Mitzvah; it engages families and encourages life-long learning based on the ideals of l’dor v’dor, generation to generation.

80 total number of families engaged in the program

In order to address the changing needs of families juggling sports and other extracurricular activities, this year, the Religious School offered two B’Mitzvah sessions: a Thursday evening and a Sunday afternoon.

b’mitzvah family education

5th grade The Tanach

Families delved deeper into their child’s Torah portion while gaining a better understanding of Jewish sacred text as a whole. For the creative arts component, they learned about our Mishkan T’filah (siddur), and were given their own copy with a cover they decorated as a family. Having their own siddur and using it for their studies will help ensure that the students are comfortable with the text and they will use their copies during their B’nei Mitzvah service.

6th grade The Wimple

During this three-class series, families learned about the history and tradition of the Wimple, a linen sash that wraps the Sefer Torah. At the conclusion of the first session, each student was given a Wimple they would decorate in ways that represent themselves and their family. This Wimple will play an important role at their B’nei Mitzvah service. The B’Mitzvah program for 6th grade families also provides in-depth study about the symbols of the covenant, including kippot, tallit, tzitzit, and tefillin. In addition, all families have individual meetings with Cantor Elena to further explore the connection between what they have learned, their Mitzvah project, and their individual Torah portions.

Cantor-Educator

Elena Schwartz

Pamela Alcala Family Educator/ Artist-in-Residence

BA Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Journey

mazel tov to our b’nei mitzvah 2022-23

september

Chase Rand

Skylar Rand

Gavin Ryback

Morgan Colwell

Ian Doneson

Hillary Mazor

Matthew Marvin

Cameron Levy

october

Roxie Bishop

Samantha Marks

Olivia Goldman

Ryan Rosenbaum

Brett Birnbaum

Nina Goldman

november

Reese Kuppersmith

Luke Leitner

december

Eliza Bronstein

Lily Weinstein

january

Lyla Siskind

Reese Grotas

mazel tov to our confirmands

february

Max Gilbert

Leah Blumberg

march

Ethan Saraf

Noa Brockey

april

Zachary Goldberg

Jessica O’Malia

Hailey Neale

Summer Spier

Ryan Alfred

Ava Klein

may

Sidney Shapiro

Casey Berger

Sophia Reichman

Sienna Donzis

Ashley Tenem

june

Peyton Gass

Kameron Steir

Jordana Poplock

Sammi Russ

may 12, 2023

Aidan Katz • Zachary Kuppersmith • Freddy Murad

Sophie Plotnitzky • Ethan Yedvab

youth & teen engagement

Dina Kwasnicki Director of Youth & Teen Engagement

It was another stellar year for Temple Sinai Youth & Teen Engagement. While we were thrilled to welcome Dina Kwasnicki, who is a wonderful addition to

engagement by the numbers

Over 115 uniquely engaged teens

87

More than

10 students

teens engaged in regularly scheduled programs, participating on average in two such programs throughout the year

30 teens attended one-off programs throughout the year involved in multigenerational programming opportunities in the wider Temple Sinai community

Temple Sinai’s Youth & Teen Engagement programs have had a profound impact on our teen’s life. These programs have provided him with unique access to intergenerational connections and to actively engage in charitable causes together rather than just talking about doing good. By participating in debates and discussions about values, he has heard new perspectives and ideas that have broadened his horizons. Furthermore, the programs have instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility towards making a positive impact in the world.

- Adam Weinschel, dad of Henry - 11th grade

we were sad to say goodbye to Lauren “Lulu” Belferder after more than 10 years at TSR, the team!

Throughout my involvement in the teen programs of Temple Sinai, I have not only gained skills of leadership, communication, and responsibility, but I have also been able to make meaningful connections with new peers.

- Logan Grotas, SORTY Board President 2022-23 - 12th grade

leadership by the numbers

29 teens in leadership roles at Temple Sinai

1x a month

Number of times leaders meet to hone their skills and plan events for their peers. Teen leaders also play an active role in planning community-wide programs such as Purim.

90% Year-to-year retention rate of students who begin in a leadership role and continue in leadership

tikkun olam/community service by the numbers

Our teens give up free time after school and on weekends to help repair the world.

1085 total hours of community service performed through SULAM Teen Programs

20 teens mentor and support children through the NYC Department of Homeless Services

once a month,

29 teens provide food and hygiene kits to 20-30 homeless men & women in NYC

200+ to-go meals packed & donated to the Hebrew Union College Soup Kitchen

a total of

250 meals and hygiene kits have been provided this year

750 lbs. of medical supplies and hygiene kits packed & donated to the Interfaith Nutrition Network

Sinai’s various teen programs facilitate my daughter’s, and the rest of our family’s, ability to engage in positive social action initiatives within the neighborhood and beyond our community. The teen programs and staff leaders at Sinai have taught and instilled in our future generations a most valuable lesson of caring for others despite our many differences. The programs encourage lifelong social responsibility and commitment with benefits that will hopefully, be immeasurable.

- Carrie Steir, mom of Sidney - 9th grade

adult engagement

Adult Engagement enjoyed a particularly robust year of programming, events, and community-building as we celebrate both Israel and Temple Sinai turning 75. Our clergy classes, including Jews and Curls and Transforming Torah, have illuminated our sacred texts through innovative perspectives. We have learned about Israeli art, the history of Israeli fashion, and we have enjoyed jazz and light classical concerts. We have once again hosted authors through the Jewish Book Council, and we eagerly anticipate the long-awaited weekend residency of poet/ liturgist Alden Solovy. Perhaps most importantly, we have continued to address important and timely issues, including the current state of Israeli politics, antisemitism, the Jewish perspective on reproductive justice, and how to become better allies to the Transgender community. Our Sinai Tribes are flourishing, and thanks to a grant from PJ Library, we are learning about relational-based engagement, with a particular eye towards building relationships with our young families.

Clergy Classes

Jews and Curls, Happy Hour, Transforming Torah, Did You Hear?, Scotch & Sacred Text, Wine, Women & Wisdom

Sinai Tribes

Grandparenting, Korbanot, Shabbat Dinner Group, Beyond Manischewitz (wine-tasting)

Musical Programs

Jazz Without Borders, Light Classical Concert

Arts, History, & Culture

Contemporary Israeli Artists, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Stitching a New Identity, History of Synagogues on LI, Alden Solovy

Israeli Politics

Gil Hoffman: Peace, Politics, and Plutonium, Yossi Klein Halevi: The Current State of Israeli Politics

Antisemitism

Daniel Kelly: Fighting Online

Hate, A Conversation with Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO & National Director of ADL

Social Justice

National Council of Jewish Women (Reproductive Rights), Transgender Awareness

Jewish Book Council

Author Talks

Lisa Barr, Woman on Fire, Alla Shapiro, Doctor on Call

What a wonderful idea to educate all of us on such an important topic.

The program was so entertaining and enlightening. We were so happy to be with everyone!

Adrianne Rubin Director of Membership & Engagement

JEWS Cu s SINAI TRIBES

this is what some members think about our wonderful adult engagement programs:

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.

Plato

Music is an integral part of our temple. Whether its the sacred music we sing during worship services or a light jazz concert on a Sunday afternoon, music enhances our synagogue experience. This year, Cantors Sergei and Elena Schwartz brought us a wide variety of musical services, programs, and events that kept us humming all year long.

this year’s musical highlights included:

• Monthly Shishi Israeli Shabbat Services in honor of Israel’s 75th birthday, featured a variety of Israeli musicians, including one IsraeliPalestinian

• The celebration of Israel’s milestone birthday included several light classical concerts with Israeli performers such as Jazz Without Borders and trumpeter David Glukh

• Sinai Sights and Sounds - juried art show and concert with the Alon Yavnai Jazz Trio

• Services, including a pre-Chanukah Shabbat Service, featured the Community Choir

• A congreagational trip to the Tilles Center for a perfomance by the Lviv National Symphony Orchestra in support of Ukraine

• Diamonds Are For Esther, this year’s Purim Shpiel, written by Chuck Weiss and David Niederbach, was a musical tribute to the 75th birthdays of Temple Sinai and the State of Israel

Cantors Sergei & Elena Schwartz

brotherhood

Brotherhood’s mission is to serve our congregation and community in accordance with Jewish traditions and values. We welcome all men who want to participate in social, educational, social action, and religious activities that support both the temple and the Jewish community.

This year, we were thrilled to return to (mostly) in-person meetings and events. As we came out of the pandemic, we forged ahead with a full complement of activities. Our networking initiative, Temple Sinai CONNECT, continues to grow - it has proven to be an invaluable resource for our members.

CONNECT has proven to be a huge success! Unlike typical networking groups, our vision and goals are to make each member feel comfortable and support one another in ways that go beyond a business transaction. By forming warm friendships, and helping each member improve their business, we are helping to improve the well-being of our Temple Sinai community.

Raised $1,000 for Sinai Support through our second annual Super Bowl pool

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 Diamonds are Forever Gala

Delivered coats and food to aid the Friendship Baptist Church, the JCC, Dress for Success, and Hatzilu

Richard Blatt Brotherhood President

- Richard Blatt

Friend of a Friend is members strong! It was a great year - we were able to have most events in person and they were very well attended. We decorated the Sukkah, and more than women atteded our annual Sukkot Brunch where our Ushpizin Michelle Golden shared her beautiful life stories and very interesting family history.

Over women joined us for a beautiful sculpture tour of the Old Westbury Gardens.

Lainie Krasnoff showed us many of her amazing handmade quilts, each designed with beautiful colors and a unique name.

Over women attend our beautiful Chanukah luncheon, planned by Barbara Blatte. We were happy to make donations of hot chocolate and latkes for Chanukah celebrations in the Early Childhood Center and the Religious School. With help from Religious School parents, we held a successful Chanukah Boutique.

Over women learned great makeup tips from Crystal at Royal 24 Boutique.

We prepared and delivered meals for local families in need at our Cooking for a Cause event.

We kicked off 2023 with over people participating in ZOOM Bingo, where we raised money for Social Action.

A great wellness week included the start of our successful series of yoga classes. At our Kintsugi event, we broke bowls into pieces and learned the importance of putting them back together. Dr. Diamond from Northwell Health joined us to share valuable tips on MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction.

Once again we raised money for Ukranian refugees through the sale of Purim postcards and we created and delivered over Purim bags.

Friend of a Friend co-sponsored Adult Engagement events.

We were thrilled to have over women back together, in person, for our annual Intergenerational Women’s Seder, where we welcomed a very special group of Ukranian Refugees. Esther Fortunoff shared her incredible knowledge of diamonds at a Temple Sinai diamond anniversary-inspired Wine, Women and Wisdom with Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz.

In May, we will dedicate our FOF Shabbat Service to the memory of Lori Yaspan, a founding member and amazing friend and leader who passed away in February. In June, we will hold our annual Spring Brunch as well as co-host our annual BBQ with Brotherhood.

Tammy Szerencsy Friend of a Friend President

social action

Social Action is about people coming together to improve lives and taking small, positive steps to help those in our communities. It encourages building relationships with the local community as we set goals together, investing in its places and people. This is what moves me to be so involved.

- Robyn Schreiber

your generosity made all of this possible...

Collected

2,574 pounds

of food during the High Holy Days Food Drive

150 volunteers assembled

25,056 meals of rice, beans, and spice packets for Rise Against Hunger

Sponsored annual drive to collect winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for those in need

Partnered with the Mid-Island JCC to create traditional Thanksgiving dinners for those who would be without

Delivered 50 meals to local food-insecure families through our very popular Cooking for a Cause Mornings

When we cook and deliver meals, everyone feels good long after. Those who participate can’t wait to share feedback about how grateful the recipients are and how rewarding it feels to do this.

- Ginny Jordan

Partnered with the Mid-Island JCC to fill backpacks to help local students in need start the school year off right

Helped fill food pantries for the Sid Jacobson JCC, Interfaith Nutrition Network, EJOY/Baptist Church, Giving is Living, & Hatzilu

Together, we filled buckets with much-needed cleaning supplies for those moving out of homeless shelters and into their own homes through the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless

Robyn Schreiber Chair, Social Action Committee

Thanks to you, we were also able to help HIAS, The Pajama Program, and the Long Island Volunteer Center

Social Action allows me to stay connected to Temple Sinai while making a difference in the lives of others. It’s a win/win!

- Pauli Wertheim

As we began to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, our temple-wide focus has been on fostering opportunities for re-connection among our community, as we provide multiple platforms for engagement in worship, customized programming, and special events, making Temple Sinai a unique place to explore and celebrate being Jewish.

As always, Temple Sinai continues to serve as a center of spiritual and intellectual nourishment, a provider of care and support, tikkun olam, and so much more.

2022-2023 highlights

• In partnership with our members, we successfully launched a new membership model, providing congregants with a broader range of options that best fit their needs.

• The launch of our fundraising campaign, Sinai 75, in honor of Temple Sinai’s 75th Anniversary, in tandem with the anniversary of the State of Israel, is off to a strong start. We are grateful to all those who have contributed thus far.

• We were blessed by the generous gift of our sanctuary renovation, creating a welcoming, flexible, and visually compelling worship environment.

• Our Early Childhood Center was awarded a NYS Grant in the amount of $58,400 to support the retention of our best-in-class teachers and quality program.

• Our ECC enrollment was the highest on record at 110 students. We continue to operate a distinguished program which cultivates connections between ECC families, our clergy team and the broader Temple Sinai community.

• We welcomed new additions to our professional staff who will support us in delivering uniquely responsive experiences to our members.

• Member participation in our LEV Society grew by 39% in 2022-23.

percentage of expenses covered by membership dues: 54%

Membership dues cover just over 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 for today and as a cornerstone of the financial and cultural foundation for future generations.

Jeffrey Sklar Vice President/ Treasurer

temple sinai leadership 2022-2023

clergy

Rabbi Michael A. White

Cantor Sergei Schwartz

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz

Rabbi Ilana Schachter

officers

Amy Braunstein President

Allen Geller

Executive Vice President

Liz Wiener Neale

Scott Nussbaum 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

board members

Richard Blatt

Lauren Borkon

Jacqueline Covey

Frank D’Ambrosio

Lynn Falkowitz

Jana Grotas

Steven Halpern

Ginny Jordan

Bert Kraus

Rob Kuppersmith

Donna Liebowitz

Amy Mandell

Daniel Marvin

Danielle Massari

Adam Mesh

Anne Niesenbaum

Tammy Szerencsy

Gil Vilkas

Adam Weinschel

Jara Weinstock

Leslie Wollin

Tracy Zimmerman

2023-2024 nominees

Charlotte Hollander

Norman Hollander

professional staff

Lee Mirrer

Executive Director

Lindsay Dayan

ECC Director

Dina Kwasnicki

Director of Youth & Teen Engagement

Heather Murray

Director of Operations & Technology

Adrianne Rubin, PhD

Director of Membership & Engagement

We had a blast at TorahFest!

It was so exciting to be back for Second Night Sederfun for the entire family!

We enjoyed

On Chanukah, we let it GLOW!

Former AJC CEO David Harris joined us for Solidarity Shabbat for Ukraine

Our Mitzvah Makers volunteered at the Hebrew Union College Soup Kitchen

Cantor Elena's homemade borscht

Diamond Jubilee