A STRONG community IS A PLACE OF joyAND
belonging
TEMPLE SINAI LEADERSHIP
Rabbi Michael A. White
Rabbi Ilana Schachter
CLERGY
Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor-Educator
Elena Schwartz
OFFICERS
Jeffrey Sklar President
Lauren Borkon Vice President
Amy Pepper Vice President
Richard Blatt Treasurer
Lauryn Berger
Rachel Bloom
Jacqueline Covey
Frank D’Ambrosio
Francine Fabricant
Lynne Falkowitz
Alan Flyer
Charles Berman
Howard Berrent
Amy Braunstein
Jonathan Cheris
Richard Evans
William Brickner
Lindsay Dayan ECC Director
Jana Grotas Vice President
Ginny Jordan Secretary
Michelle Golden Executive Vice President
Scott Nussbaum Vice President
Adam Weinschel Vice President
Charles Weiss Legal Counsel
BOARD MEMBERS
Deborah Glennon
Charlotte Hollander
Norman Hollander
Maribeth Kraus
Julie Krystal
Rob Kuppersmith
Gabriel Markiz
Daniel Marvin
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Allen Geller
Dr. Steven Goodman
Barbara M. Kessler
Richard C. Laskey
Daniel S. Reich
2026-2027 NOMINEES
Laurie Finkelstein
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Lee Mirrer Executive Director
Dina Kwasnicki Director of Youth & Teen Engagement
Danielle Massari
Anne Niesenbaum
Carol Rotenberg
Rachel Shapiro
Tammy Szerencsy
Leslie Wollin
Amy Zuflacht
David Schwartz
Michael Shaffet
Carol B. Weinstock
Howard J. Weisler
Toni Wiener
Rebecca Lichten
Adrianne Rubin, PhD Director of Membership & Engagement
Heather Silva Director of Operations & Technology
A LETTER FROM SENIOR RABBI MICHAEL A. WHITE
Sinai is a hallowed place. It is fitting in these troubled times that people recall the events of Sinai and apply its ancient message of faith and hope in our community and in the world. Our congregation will continue to serve the community as in the past, as a House of Worship, a House of Study, and a House of Assembly.
- Rabbi Alvin Rubin Founding Rabbi, Temple Sinai, 1951
Temple Sinai began in 1948, when a small group of young families settled in Roslyn after World War II. Many of the men had only recently returned from the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. They sought a place to pray, to educate their children, and to build Jewish community and Jewish future. Early services were held at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church; religious school classes met in the local firehouse. From those modest beginnings grew the vibrant, creative, multi-generational congregation we proudly call Temple Sinai of Roslyn.
Rabbi Rubin described those years as “troubled times.” The founders returned to a nation where antisemitism still restricted opportunity and acceptance. Yet, they built this congregation with faith, determination, and the belief that Jewish life must not merely endure, but flourish.
Today, we again confront “troubled times.” The rise in antisemitism across our society, in schools, on college campuses, online, and in acts of violence against Jewish institutions, reminds us how essential our sacred Jewish community remains. Our founders understood that Jews would always need a place of belonging: a place to feel safe and proud, to learn our history and values, and to raise children deeply connected to Jewish life.
Because of their vision, our future is bright.
I write these words just after our senior youth group led a beautiful Shabbat service, and as our Confirmation students prepare to do the same. Our teen program, now among the largest in the country with nearly 120 students, is filled with thoughtful, passionate young Jews eager to embrace their identity and shape the next chapter of Jewish life.
This year, more than ever, I am deeply grateful for your membership and support of Temple Sinai. I also ask for your continued generosity. One painful reality of this moment is the enormous cost of keeping our community safe. We now spend more than $300,000 annually on security to protect our congregation, including the hundreds of children who fill this building each week.
Yet, even in challenging times, our mission remains unchanged: to create a vibrant center for Jewish worship, learning, compassion, and community for every generation. Temple Sinai will continue to stand as a beacon of Jewish strength, hope, and humanity, for this moment, and for the future.
Rabbi Michael A. White
MAZEL TOV TO OUR B’NEI MITZVAH & CONFIRMANDS
September 2025
Ryan Birnbaum • Greyson Donzis • Kyle Gass • Benjamin Meyer
Aiden Pillersdorf • Miles Rosenman
October 2025
Ethan Alcala • Sadie Lazar • Spencer Lerner • Jordan Wertheim
November 2025
Baker Bendett • Brendan Bendett • Lexie Levine • Brooke Lubin
Julia Pnini • Sailor Spier • Cooper Yagerman
December 2025
Addison Aloni • Hudson Kurtz • Samantha Mazor
Jacob Radden • Zoe Radden
January 2026
Amber Edelstein • Jax Levy • Ethan Marvin • Scarlett Oliphant
Cole Siskin • Kate Weiss
February 2026
Jillian Garfinkel • Adam Levine • Gabe Levine
March 2026
Jack Bedrick • Sam Burak • Scarlett Lalin • Brody Schifrin
April 2026
Jake Mashaal • Matthew Neale
May 2026
Harper Kwiat • Stella Lenson • Allie Poplock • Micah Weinstock
June 2026
Zachary Chirls • Emmy Hershkowitz
SHAVUOT SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION
MAY 17, 2026
Zach Arlow • Audrey Bergman • Lola Burak • Zachary Goldberg
Reese Grotas • Ava Klein • Sammi Russ • Hunter Schifrin
Kameron Steir • Lila Zarin
SINAI SHABBAT SATURDAYS
SHABBAT MORNINGS REIMAGINED
Temple Sinai prides itself on having multiple Shabbat offerings on Saturday mornings. In addition to our virtual minyan service and our Sanctuary services, we also provide opportunities for yoga, meditation, hikes and walks, and engaging, dynamic Torah study that sparks meaningful discussions. By diversifying our Shabbat offerings, we have helped our congregants expand their idea of what celebrating Shabbat looks like and have successfully increased our Shabbat engagement and participation.
“ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
I have been a minyan “regular” for many years. I have especially enjoyed the new Shabbat offerings of walks at the Nassau Art Museum and in-person Torah study. It’s so nice to study in community or commune with nature on Shabbat.
- Anne Niesenbaum
Shabbat yoga at Temple Sinai is an experience for the body and the soul. It is an opportunity to be calm and introspective as individuals. Then we close with Kaddish which draws us back together as a community.
- Randi Alberts-Markiz
I have been attending the Saturday minyan in various incarnations for years. I especially like the diverse, in-person offerings that foster a feeling of community, such as the Shabbat walks, Torah study, and, when the body cooperates, Shabbat yoga.
- Keith Niesenbaum Shabbat is a holy day where the spirit can manifest itself in a variety of ways that can be fulfilling. I have enjoyed the traditional morning minyan as well as being amazed during Torah Study. The spirit can be uplifted by doing something more physical such as during our monthly Shabbat yoga as well as the Shabbat walks at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Whatever we do, and the community we do it with, Saturday morning is an uplifting experience.
- Bill Brickner
INTERFAITH INITIATIVES
LED BY RABBI ILANA
SCHACHTER
Temple Sinai is proud to be a leader in interfaith work on Long Island, and this year’s initiatives have been incredibly powerful.
Last October, Rabbi Schachter was invited to participate in an interfaith pilgrimage to Israel as part of a delegation of Long Island clergy. The trip was organized by UJA Federation of New York and JCRC-LI as part of an effort to build bridges across faiths. Together, this diverse group traveled across the country, visiting holy sites from various faith traditions while bearing witness to the devastation of the October 7th attacks. The immersive nature of this experience resulted in close partnerships among the participants and a strong desire to continue this work. Since returning to Long Island, they have deepened relationships and spearheaded interfaith experiences for learning and dialogue, including an inaugural Day of Prayer in May, with over 75 participants.
Perhaps most inspiring this year has been the pulpit exchange between Rabbi Schachter and Pastor Ed Palafox of the Community Church of East Williston. This initiative provided both the church and our synagogue exposure to ideas and leadership from a different faith tradition. Moreover, it allowed the two communities to feel connected in a meaningful way.
Pastor Palafox and Rabbi Schachter have continued to expand the circle of interfaith community by creating a regional interfaith council, Tapestry of Faith, which plans to bring together communities in the surrounding area to build fellowship with one another throughout the year.
These initiatives are filled with hope for a better future, and are powerful reminders that we, as a Jewish community, are never alone.
CELEBRATING JEWISH JOY WITH YOUR TEMPLE SINAI FAMILY
Clergy Classes
We Do What?!: Exploring Judaism’s Strangest Rituals and Holidays • Elul Circle Resistance & Resilience: Tales of the Jewish Spirit • Scotch & Sacred Text Wine, Women & Wisdom
Sinai Tribes
Photography - led by Bill Brickner • ECC Moms Mahjong - led by Carlie Passes Holding On, Letting Go: Honoring Both Loss and Growth - led by Caryn Hirshleifer and Jodi Efros
Travel
Adult Trip to Germany • Teens Community Service Trip to New Orleans
Holidays
Sukkot • Brotherhood Sukkot Brunch • FOF Sukkot Brunch • Simchat Torah • ECC Thanksgiving Feast • ECC Chanukah Ball • Chanukah Shabbat • FOF Chanukah Luncheon • Purim “Just Glow With It” • Purim Shpiel/Silent Disco • Brotherhood Pre-Passover Dinner FOF Intergenerational Women’s Seder • ECC Passover Seder • Second Night Seder Shavuot Confirmation Service
Musical Programs
Israel Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall • Light Classical Concert with violinist Yulia Ziskel and pianist Anna Vinnitsky • Berman Does Broadway
Arts, History, and Culture
Jewish Book Council author talk: Kitty Zeldis, One of Them: A Novel • Meryl Ain, Remember to Eat and Other Stories • Tours: Identity, Culture, and Community: Stories from the Collection of the Jewish Museum and a Chanukiyot exhibition at the Jewish Museum • Temple Emanu-El Sanctuary and Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica at Temple Emanu-El Paul Klee: Other Possible Worlds at the Jewish Museum • Theatre: Hannah Senesh
Films
Among Neighbors • Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire (with a special introduction by Sinai’s own, author Joshua Greene)
Israel
A Conversation with Rabbi Meir Azari • Israel Update and Passover Teaching with Rabbi Ofek Meir Humans of Tel Aviv • Conversational Hebrew class • Basketball Clinic with NBA player Ben Saraf
Antisemitism
David White, ADL: Combatting Antisemitism
Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood
Marjan Keypour (Greenblatt) • Rabbi Stacey Blank • Dr. Grigory Mashkevich
Tikkun Olam
High Holy Days Food Drive • Thanksgiving Cooking for a Cause • Rise Against Hunger
LEARNING
ISRAEL
TIKKUN OLAM • JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
LINDSAY DAYAN, DIRECTOR
Community, Connection & Program Value
This year has been defined by an incredibly strong sense of community and parent partnership. Our events, from Slides & Slices on the playground, to our You Are My Sunshine Mother’s Day celebration, and our holiday experiences including Passover, Chanukah, and Purim, have become highly anticipated community gatherings for our families.
Families consistently share how much they see and feel the value of the program, not just what we offer, but how thoughtfully the arc of activities and programming is implemented. There is a true feeling of belonging among the TSECC community.
Judaic Life & Shabbat Stars
Our Shabbat Stars program continues to be a highlight of the week. The clergy rotation brings a dynamic, meaningful presence, enabling children and families to build authentic connections with our clergy team in a warm, accessible way.
Our Keshet program with Miss Robin remains a cornerstone of our Judaic curriculum. It enriches Jewish learning with warmth, consistency, and meaningful connection, across all ages in a way that is both engaging and developmentally appropriate.
Program Growth & New Initiatives
We are grateful to have our in-house Special Education teacher, who works closely with our ECC Director and our teaching teams to support both children and staff. Her focus on social emotional learning (SEL) helps ensure that every child is met where they are, while strengthening our teachers’ ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively in the classroom. This layer of support continues to be invaluable to achieving a high-quality program for all of our young learners.
We are excited to implement a new end-of-year 2’s celebration, a meaningful step in building confidence, community, and early exposure to performance in a developmentally appropriate and joyful way.
Signature Experiences
• ECC Passover Seder & our Pre-K Performance in the Sanctuary are deeply meaningful and widely attended
• Chanukah celebrations, including our Pre-K performance in the Sanctuary are joyful, high-energy, and community-building
• Purim festivities in collaboration with the Temple Teen Department + Yom Ha’atzmaut with the Religious School, are fun, spirited, and engaging for all ages
• Slides & Slices Playground Event invited families to celebrate our enhanced outdoor space
• Mother’s Day + Father’s Day Celebrations: honored moms and dads in warm and creative ways
Each of these moments reflects who we are: thoughtful, joyful, and deeply committed to cultivating a caring and connected community.
Staff & Culture
Our team continues to lead with heart, showing up each day with warmth and professionalism, and creating joyful experiences for both children and their families. The consistency of our staff and their connection-first mindset remains one of our greatest strengths. We are proud of the team we are building.
TSECC is not simply a school, but a place where children and families feel connected, supported, and inspired.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CANTOR-EDUCATOR ELENA SCHWARTZ,
DIRECTOR
16 teachers
8 teaching assistants
2 Hebrew specialists
3 B’nei Mitzvah tutors
4 Hebrew prayer tutors
9 Madrachim
45 students received of B’nei Mitzvah tutoring hours
607
2 large Israel celebrations
50 hours of Israel Education with our ShinShin Itay Cohen from Israel students participated in 50 hours of Holocaust and Jewish Resistance classes
14
2025-2026 BY THE NUMBERS
246 students in grades K-7 including 12 Kadima/Tutorial students 50 new students in grades K-6 spent 199 students and 7th grade Mitzvah Makers students spent weeks 5
8 learning about Israel
64 students
cooked Jewish foods with Morah Rhonda and Morah Lainie
cooked Jewish foods with Morah Paula 135 students weeks
166 hours of Hebrew tutorials
200 hours of in-person learning
18 Torah Resource Binders for grades K-6
179 Prayer Resource Binders for grades 3-6
20 hours preparing students for their Milestone Services
117 families participated in Family Education Programs in grades 3-6
320 attendees Sharing Shabbat programs
4 at
YOUTH & TEEN ENGAGEMENT
DINA KWASNICKI, DIRECTOR
ENGAGEMENT
118 uniquely engaged teens at Temple Sinai
• 73 teens engaged in monthly programming
• 45 teens engaged in weekly programming
• 29 teens are Temple Sinai Interns, working weekly in various offices, the ECC, and Religious School classrooms
• 27 teens attended stand-alone programs throughout the year
• 25 graduating seniors have been involved with teen programs from 8th grade through 12th grade
• 8 non-Sinai teens (who belong to other congregations) participate in our programming, including our trips
• 80 students participated in multigenerational programming, including the High Holy Days, Thanksgiving Cooking for a Cause, Purim Community Service Project, Intergenerational Chess, and Rise Against Hunger
• 4 teens attended Albany Advocacy Day with the Religious Action Center, advocating for climate justice at the state capitol
• On average, 14 teens attend monthly SORTY Social Events including a Mets game, Sushi in the Sukkah, midterm puppy break, and more!
LEADERSHIP
• 27 teens are in leadership roles at Temple Sinai
• Leaders meet 1-2 times a month to expand their skills and plan events for their peers, such as community-wide social action projects
• 78% retention rate of students continuing over multiple years in leadership positions
TIKKUN OLAM/COMMUNITY SERVICE/TRAVEL
• 34 8th & 9th graders traveled with Temple Sinai to New Orleans for a service learning & cultural adventure!
• NOLA trip participants completed 15 hours of community service each, totaling 550 hours committed to the New Orleans community
• Teens spearheaded our intergenerational Thanksgiving Cooking for a Cause initiative where Temple Sinai members cooked over 700 Thanksgiving meals (lunches & dinners) for residents of local homeless shelters
• Teens volunteered an average of 15 hours a month with Temple Sinai on various projects serving the homeless, the food insecure, the elderly, and more
JUNIOR YOUTH GROUPS
• Averaged 11 participants per session
• 2-3 sessions per month, featuring co-ed and gender-specific programs
• Creative and engaging programs included: NAILED it Turkey Cake Decorating Challenge, Bonsai Trees & Boba for Tu B’shvat, Tzedakah Box Decorating, Chocolate Seder, Chanukah Paint Night, and more!
ADULT ENGAGEMENT
ADRIANNE RUBIN Ph.D.,
DIRECTOR
OF MEMBERSHIP & ADULT ENGAGEMENT
Adult Engagement’s programming for the 2025-2026 year continued to balance our commitment to facing our shared challenges with the joy of celebrating our collective heritage. Our offerings included both in-person and Zoom updates from Israeli rabbis in conversation with Rabbi White, two deeply moving Holocaust-related documentaries, engaging museum exhibitions, and a lively Jewish Book Council author’s talk and brunch.
We also experienced a sobering theatrical performance on the life of Hannah Senesh, and an equally sobering update on the current state of antisemitism with the ADL’s David White. An awe-inspiring visit to Temple Emanu-El provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection.
Closer to home, our very own Lisa Berman infused a cold winter’s night with Jewish joy during her spirited performance of Berman Does Broadway, while our adult members honed their language skills in our Conversational Hebrew class. Rabbi Schachter taught us about Judaism’s quirkiest rituals and then explored the enduring themes of the Resistance and Resilience of the Jewish people. As always, our Cantors delighted our community with world-class music.
Sinai Tribes continue to flourish, helping to forge and deepen relationships among congregants of all ages.
Temple Sinai is blessed with a dedicated Adult Engagement Committee, chaired by Barbara Klein and Lynn Fishkind, that brings all these programs to fruition to keep our temple family informed, inspired, and connected.
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
ROBYN SCHREIBER, CHAIR
In addition to its “hands-on” work, every year, the Temple Sinai Social Action Committee disburses up to $7,000 to 15 different organizations whose causes include Israel, the Holocaust, homelessness, the LGBT+ community, mental illness, cancer, and domestic violence.
We collected 2,661 pounds of food during our Annual High Holy Days Food Drive.
We partnered with the Sinai teens to prepare and donate over 300 Thanksgiving dinners to Our Lady of Fatima food pantry.
Over 100 volunteers put together 20,000 meals of rice, beans and spice packets for “Rise Against Hunger” – an international hunger relief non-profit organization that coordinates the packaging and distribution of food and other aid to people in
In December we collected over 50 boxes of books graciously donated by our congregants. These books were delivered to Book Fairies, who source and redistribute books to under-resourced communities on Long Island, NYC and internationally
We partnered with Sunrise Day Camp (for children with cancer and their siblings) and donated much-needed items for their MESH program.
We also:
• raised funds for Israel through Magen David Adom, Leket, and Maram
• prepared brunch for families staying at the Long Island Ronald McDonald House
• collected and distributed coats, hats, gloves and scarves to local families in need
• collected pajamas and books for kids for the Glen Cove Economic Opportunity Commission
• collected blankets, towels and toys for Waldo’s Rescue, Little Shelter, and North Shore Animal League
• provided needed supplies to Hatzilu, HIAS, and food pantries at The INN, EJOY & JCC
BROTHERHOOD GABRIEL MARKIZ, PRESIDENT
Brotherhood continues to flourish as a vibrant, relationship-driven force within our temple community, by providing the opportunity for men of all ages to connect, participate, learn, and serve in close partnership with clergy, staff, and lay leadership.
As we do every year, our members came together to build the congregational sukkah, followed by a spirited brunch— combining hands-on tradition, fellowship, and community pride.
In November, Temple Sinai’s Brotherhood proudly hosted the Long Island Chapter of Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ), expanding our reach beyond our congregation. We also launched our Men’s Health Forum Speaker Series with an engaging presentation by Dr. Meyer Abbitan on heart health.
In January, the series continued with Dr. Stewart Lipner, who led a meaningful conversation on navigating life’s transitions and supporting one another through every stage of life.
In November, we also took a tour of The New York Transit Museum, led by Todd Glickman and Larry Krasnoff, which offered a memorable blend of history, learning, and camaraderie.
We were honored to participate in a dedicated Brotherhood Shabbat Service, actively reading, leading, engaging, and transforming Shabbat from something to watch into a meaningful experience we shared together.
Our annual Pre-Passover dinner and learning program with Rabbi Ilana Schachter, brought members together for an evening of connection and reflection, highlighted by a special presentation honoring Rabbi Schachter’s inspiring leadership, wisdom, and compassion.
Throughout the year, Brotherhood continued our Quarterly Chevruta: “Scotch & Sacred Text,” offering a relaxed, welcoming space with Rabbi White for thoughtful conversation, learning, and connection.
FRIEND OF A FRIEND
FRANCINE FABRICANT Ed.D., PRESIDENT
For the 2025-2026 program year, we had 244 paid FOF members!
We host up to 5 events plus 1 planning meeting per month!
Our High Holy Days Honey Sale was a huge success thanks to Susan Moisoff, who spearheaded the sale, and launched a new website that streamlined the ordering process.
FOF partnered with Religious School parents to sell and wrap gifts for the Religious School and ECC students at the Chanukah Boutique! Thank you to Amy Zuflacht and all of our volunteers!
More than 60 women came together for our beloved annual Chanukah luncheon at Mim’s! Thanks to Barbara Blatte and Amy Braunstein for organizing and planning such a magnificent event!
We decorated the Sukkah, and more than 65 women enjoyed a beautiful Sukkot service and brunch, where our Ushpizin, Jacqueline Covey, shared very special family photos from her Jewish journey inspiring all of us to reflect on our own!
We served over 560 latkes at Chanukah parties for the ECC, Religious School, and teens!
Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial, we learned about Jewish women in America thanks to Maribeth Kraus, who researched women for this very special program series!
The 4th annual FOF Games Day brought more than 40 women together for games and lunch thanks to the hard work of Pamela Potter-Osit and Diane Hirsch
Over 85 women attended our Intergenerational Women’s Seder, with FOF members leading the service and everyone enjoying a delicious Passover dinner from V+Z Catering
Temple Sinai continues to be a place of worship, learning, compassion, and belonging. For more than 75 years, we have nurtured a vibrant Jewish community across generations. Today, like synagogues everywhere, we face rising operating costs, including a significant increase in security expenses needed to protect our community amid the alarming rise in antisemitism.
Your contribution helps sustain the vibrant programming, meaningful worship, outstanding education of our next generation, pastoral care, and community engagement that define our synagogue, while ensuring that our members can gather safely and proudly as Jews. Your support makes it possible for us to respond with strength rather than retreat.
Meeting this moment requires all of us. Your generosity is not simply an investment in a building or a budget, it is an investment in Jewish continuity, resilience, and the future of our sacred community. Together, we will continue to protect, strengthen, and celebrate Jewish life.
(Simcha Fund, Sinai Support, Memorial Book, Memorial Fund, Kol Nidre, Book of Life, Book of Remembrance)
• In partnership with our congregation, our Board of Trustees continues to make thoughtful budgeting decisions guided by Temple Sinai’s mission, while safeguarding the immediate and long-term financial strength of our institution.
• Despite ongoing demographic shifts across Long Island that continue to affect synagogue membership trends, our congregation remains strong, generating more than $1.9 million in membership dues revenue in 2025-2026.
• Temple Sinai operates on a fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2026. Therefore, please note that the stated year-end income is projected. $ Revenue % of Revenue
Membership dues cover less than half of Temple Sinai’s operating costs. As a beacon of Reform Judaism on Long Island, we rely on the commitment and generosity of our members to serve as the financial and spiritual foundation upon which future generations will build vibrant Jewish lives, meaningful connections, and enduring community.
Temple Sinai of Roslyn • 425 Roslyn Road • Roslyn Heights, New York 11577