June-July-August 2023 Scribe

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”

JUNE • JULY • AUGUST

JUNE

Friday, June 2 • 6:45pm

Shabbat Hallelu/ECC Family Shabbat/ Birthday Blessings

Saturday, June 3 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, June 9 • 6:45pm

Shabbat Service/Normandy Shabbat/ Board Installation Shabbat

Saturday, June 10 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, June 16 • 6:45pm

Shishi Israeli Shabbat Service/Pride Shabbat/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings

Saturday, June 17 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, June 23 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning

Saturday, June 24 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, June 30 • 6:30pm

JULY

Saturday, July 1 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, July 7 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning/ Birthday Blessings

Saturday, July 8 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, July 14 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning

Saturday, July 15 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, July 21 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning/ Birthday & Anniversary Blessings

Saturday, July 22 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, July 28 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning

Saturday, July 29 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

AUGUST

Friday, August 4 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning/ Birthday Blessings

Saturday, August 5 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, August 11 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning

Saturday, August 12 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, August 18 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning/ Birthday & Anniversary Blessings

Saturday, August 19 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

Friday, August 25 • 6:30pm

Shabbat Service Under the Awning

Saturday, August 26 • 9:00am

Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

RAIN OR SHINE

High Holy Days 2023

Selichot

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Friday, September 15

Rosh Hashanah

Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17

Saturday, September 9 Details

Erev Yom Kippur

Sunday, September 24 Yom Kippur

Monday, September 25

LOVE IS LOVE

followed by the Brotherhood/ Friend of a Friend BBQ

Shishi Israeli Shabbat

Friday, June 16 • 6:45pm

Andy Austin, chair of A Wider Bridge and a proud gay Jew, joins us upon his return from a Pride mission in Israel. He will speak about the current issues facing LGBTQ communities.

The service will also feature the Community Choir.

TEMPLE SINAI MEMORIAL BOOK 2023

MEMORIAL BO OK

2023

You have been sent (and may have already received) cards for the Temple Sinai Memorial Book for Yom Kippur. If you had a listing in a prior Memorial Book, those names appear on the back of the card. If the information is correct, simply put a check mark where indicated and check your donation amount. If you have new names, or did not have a listing last year, print the name(s) clearly on the front of the card and check the donation amount. Please return the card with your check payable to Temple Sinai in the return envelope provided. Submissions must be received by August 21, 2023.

A reminder mailing will be sent to you in mid-July. If you are a new member and did not receive the information, or if you have any questions, please contact Betty Brandel in the temple office.

Are You a Veteran of the Maccabiah Games?

If you ever participated in the Maccabiah Games, we would like to speak to you about your experiences for a future Adult Engagement Program! Please contact Adrianne Rubin at arubin@mysinai.org.

LAY LEADERSHI P 2022-2023

A special thank you to our outgoing Board Members

Donna Liebowitz & Jara Weinstock for their dedication and service to Temple Sinai

Officers President

Allen Geller

Vice President

Liz Wiener Neale

Vice President

Adam Weinschel

Vice President

EVP/Treasurer

Jeffrey Sklar

Vice President

Scott Nussbaum

Secretary

Tammy Szerencsy

Board of Trustees

Richard Blatt

Lauren Borkon

Jacqueline Covey

Frank D’Ambrosio

Lynne Falkowitz

Deborah Glennon

Jana Grotas

Amy Braunstein

Charles Berman

Howard Berrent

Irwin A. Cantor

Jonathan Cheris

Richard Evans

Steven Halpern

Charlotte Hollander

Norm Hollander

Ginny Jordan

Bert Kraus

Maribeth Kraus

Rob Kuppersmith

Honorary Trustees

Michelle Golden

Dr. Steven Goodman

Barbara M. Kessler

Richard C. Laskey

Martin Marlowe

Daniel S. Reich

Amy Pepper

Legal Counsel

Charles Weiss

Daniel Marvin

Danielle Massari

Adam Mesh

Anne Niesenbaum

Gil Vilkas

Leslie Wollin

Tracy Zimmerman

David Schwartz

Michael Shaffet (Past Treasurer)

Sandra Tankoos

Carol B. Weinstock

Howard J. Weisler

Toni Wiener

from RABBI WHITE’S study

Rabbi Michael A. White rabbiwhite@mysinai.org

My Remarks from the Temple Sinai 75th Congregational Meeting

Thank you Amy. Thank you for your leadership these past two years and for your many years of active participation and leadership preceding your presidency. You and your family are so precious to us, at the heart of us. Your boys were constant, wonderful presences here as they grew up. Not only is Richard a devoted member of our congregation, he is also an amazing physician. I can read this brief dvar Torah thanks to him! Amy, your presidency was among the most consequential, navigating the challenges of emerging from the darkness of the pandemic while trying to reassert our strength and impact in this new, post-Covid world. We were in uncharted territory. You led us with enthusiasm, foresight, a deep, deep love for our temple, and humor, too, especially when that humor helped us get past a difficult moment and move forward. I know I echo our team when I say, Amy, we all are so grateful for your support and your partnership.

At this, our 75th Annual Meeting, I’ve been thinking about the stories I’ve heard about the first congregational meetings of the newly incorporated Roslyn Jewish Community Center. I’m told that the first meeting took place in the living room of our temple’s second president, Herb Hyman, of blessed memory. Herb was a good man. Together with a wonderful group of young Jews - most of the men were veterans of World War II, newly married and new parents and new to the Roslyn area - they created what has become our inheritance. Seeds planted in a living room in Brower’s Hill and look at us now!

Speaking of seeds, famed Israeli author, Meir Shalev, recently passed away. I love his work because his prose is deeply embedded in the soil of the State of Israel, which is also celebrating its 75th anniversary. One of his most important books, My Wild Garden, is a beautiful description of Israel’s biblical vegetation. In the section about his fig trees, he notes the prophet Micah’s hope that one day, every person shall sit under his own vine and

fig tree, and none shall be afraid. Shalev noted that his garden’s fig trees were planted long before he owned the land. In fact, all the fruit we enjoy from today’s fig trees and vines were planted by previous generations, and we should express gratitude for their labor.

Since Shalev died, I’ve been meditating on this obligationto give thanks for the sweet fruit we enjoy here at temple, and also remembering our founders and the seeds they planted ... every time I hear our ECC and Religious School students singing our songs with such energy and enthusiasm ... every time I stand before the Holy Ark with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to return the Torah and I see relief and pride all over their faces (and their parents’ faces, too) ... every time I see confidence building in our Confirmation students, as they find their voices, and as their Jewish souls grow in strength. In each holy moment, we both plant a seed and enjoy the sweetness of trees planted long ago.

And so, at this 75th annual gathering of our congregation, it’s a joy and a blessing to note our strength, our reach, our vibrancy, and the obvious joy and excitement we see and feel at every gathering. With humble gratitude, we note the prophetic sacrifices - the seeds planted by Herb Hyman and his friends, and all the holy gardeners who followed. Now, ours is the task to plant new seeds, to tend to this sacred garden, our Temple Sinai, with the same care and dedication, so 75 years hence, a rabbi and a temple president can stand before the 150th gathering of Temple Sinai’s membership and say of us: thank you.

Rabbi Michael A. White May 3, 2023

From the comfort of your home, go on a Jewish journey that is sure to inspire!

During each session, Rabbi White will discuss a different topic from a Jewish perspective. Pour your favorite cocktail, iced tea, coffee, or other drink of choice and join the conversation.

THURSDAYS AT 5:30PM VIA ZOOM •

DID YOU HEAR?

A Class about Jews, Gossip, Yentas, and Shandas

with Rabbi Ilana Schachter

Join Rabbi Schachter as we explore the Jewish fascination with scandal and our conflicted relationship with gossip. If you miss it, it would be a Shanda!

THE FINAL CLASS OF THE SERIES

Wednesday, JUNE 7 at 7:00PM ONLY VIA ZOOM

Saturday Morning Minyan • 9:00am

led by Rabbi Ilana Schachter &

special guests

Summer Schedule

JUNE 3 - In person

Alden Solovy leads the teaching hour

10 - via ZOOM

17- In person

24 - via ZOOM

JULY

AUGUST 5 - via ZOOM

12 - In person

19 - via ZOOM

26 - In person

Meet Heather Murray

Temple Sinai’s New Director of Operations & Technology

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Heather Murray to the newly-created position of Director of Operations & Technology.

Heather developed her operational expertise over the past seven years as a New York City certified Senior Center Director and Mentor at Bright Horizons. She has been recognized for the quality of her program, unparalleled teacher and family retention, and exceptional financial performance.

The new Director of Operations and Technology role is a unique opportunity to help innovate the operational tools, processes, and technologies that support our vibrant and visionary synagogue. The goal of this role is to achieve the seamless execution of day-to-day business and facility operations, setting the stage to elevate and enrich the experiences and connections of our members and the broader community. The Director of Ops & Tech will partner with Executive Director Lee Mirrer to help TSR employ a strategic, collaborative, people-focused, results-driven approach to accelerate the achievement of Temple Sinai’s organizational goals.

Heather is a graduate of the University of South Florida. Born in Huntington and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Heather couldn’t wait to return to New York after college. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her partner and especially loves trying the local cuisines!

Please stop by the temple office and welcome Heather to the Temple Sinai family!

Our Summer Book!

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

by Allison Pataki

HOTEL CUBA

Thursday, June 8 7:30pm in the Simcha Room

We are excited to welcome author Aaron Hamburger to Temple Sinai to discuss his latest novel, Hotel Cuba. A heartbreaking, epic family story, Hotel Cuba explores the profound courage of two women displaced from their home who strive to create a new future in an enticing and dangerous world far different from anything they have ever known.

Aaron Hamburger is an award-winning novelist whose writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Forward. He has also taught Creative Writing at Columbia University, NYU, and the George Washington University, to name a few.

The author will be happy to sign copies of the book at the conclusion of the program.

Great Gifts at Great Prices

Great Gifts at Great Prices

15% OFF your purchase – use code TEMPLE21

15% OFF your purchase - use code TEMPLE23

Offer expires on August 31, 2023. Restrictions apply.

Offer expires on November 20, 2021. Restrictions apply.

FortunoffJewelry.com • 800-636-7886

Author’s Talk: Aaron Hamburger

my view from the bimah

Amy Braunstein abraunstein@mysinai.org

It’s Not Goodbye...It’s See You Later

It is a bittersweet moment as I write my final SCRIBE message to our congregation. My journey to become temple president began in 2005, when Charlie Berman asked me to serve as his secretary on the Temple Board. Since that time, I have been continuously engaged in temple leadership, spanning board membership, committee participation, serving as committee chairperson, as a member of the Executive Board, and now as president. I have cherished and grown from every opportunity and role at Temple Sinai with the support of so many friends, leaders, and clergy. Although my term as president is now ending, my engagement and support of Temple Sinai is still strong and will continue for many more years.

My presidency began in the midst of a pandemic, creating a series of daily challenges which would occupy a great deal of time and require thoughtful decision making on almost a daily basis. I am deeply appreciative for all of Michelle Golden’s efforts to make our transition smooth through an incredibly turbulent time in our community and synagogue. Michelle has continued to help me throughout my term, providing guidance and partnership for the past two years. The many challenges I experienced, although somewhat unique to the circumstances, are no different from those of my legacy of predecessors at Sinai. Temple presidency is a unique role, balancing the business of the synagogue, the many religious programs, the needs of all of our congregants, and our place in our local, regional, and national community. I am so grateful for the experience and support of our past presidents, many of whom guided me through challenging times to make the decisions we could and they were always available and happy to help in any way possible.

Throughout my two years as president, the opportunity to work directly with, and in support of, our extraordinary clergy has greatly enriched my Jewish knowledge, commitment, and understanding of our responsibilities as Jews. It is the unseen work of the clergy that occurs each and every day that is truly the backbone of our temple. Religious School curriculum, B’nei Mitzvah preparation, community engagement, support of families and congregants in need, life cycle events, support of the ECC, preparation for all of our services and the daily programming that Temple Sinai delivers to its members in-person and online is just a short list of the breadth of their work. Their spiritual guidance and

ethical values have always been at the heart of nearly every decision I have made as president and will continue to be my guiding principles as I go forward.

Of the many wonderful experiences I participated in as temple president, none was more memorable than this year’s High Holy Day services in our newly renovated Ilene Barshay Sanctuary. It was a unique moment in history for so many different reasons. Having lived through a pandemic and now, returning to our home together in great numbers, was deeply moving and reminded us all of how important it is to be together to pray at temple. The privilege to address the congregation from the bimah with such a reinvigorated energy is a memory I will always cherish. Over the past two years, we have launched many new programs and made every effort to keep young children, teens, and adults engaged throughout the year. Our ECC has matured into a wonderful, full childcare program with a waitlist for new children, thanks to our talented director Lindsay Dayan and her wonderful staff. To help ensure that families remain at Temple Sinai, this year we established a new membership model which allows congregants at various stages in their lives to remain engaged with greater flexibility. We have also launched Sinai’s first major fundraising campaign in twenty years to ensure that Temple Sinai will continue to be a place to serve our community for generations to come.

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year along with the State of Israel, I am proud to have contributed to our temple’s legacy and commitment to the community. We stand stronger than ever, resolved to fulfill our Jewish values from Roslyn to Israel! I am deeply indebted to so many people who helped prepare me and carry me on this wonderful journey. First and foremost, I must thank Rabbi White. When asked why I chose to become temple president the answer was simple: the rabbi asked me to! In addition, I would like to thank Cantors Sergei and Elena Schwartz and Rabbi Schachter for all of their guidance and support. None of this would have been possible without my amazing Executive Board of Allen Geller, Jeff Sklar, Scott Nussbaum, Liz Neale, Robyn Corbin and Andy Kraus, who worked so hard on a daily basis and always had my back as well as Chuck Weiss, our chief legal counsel and Maribeth Kraus, the

board secretary. Finally, I cannot say enough about Lee Mirrer and her dedicated staff including Mara, Kathy, Adrianne, Betty, Dafna, Lulu, Debra, Mike and Juan. Lee and I started together in our roles and for the past two years we have spoken every day. I think we will both have some sense of withdrawal as my presidency ends, but I know that we will continue to speak regularly. She has been a partner, strategist, and friend, without whom this job would not have been possible.

As I look at my email today, and This Week at Temple Sinai, it is filled with so much information about our temple and its programs. I am touched by a new program launched by our new Director of Youth & Teen Engagement, Dina Kwasnicki. Study with Sinai was created for high school students taking AP exams. It offers open study spaces, snacks, candy, PUPPIES(!), challah baking, and even chair massages. It is clear that we are committed to do anything and possibly everything to help support our children as we wrap our Temple’s long arms around them.

I would be remiss to not acknowledge the continuous and heartfelt love, support, and sometimes writing assistance, from my amazing family. My parents Barbara and Larry Blatte, my children, Andrew, Emily, and Michael, my brother and sister-inlaw, David and Stacee, and my wonderful and loving husband, Richard, who carried me through more meetings, phone calls, never ending text chats, and commitments than I can truly thank him for. Finally, my deepest gratitude to all of you for your support during this two-year journey and for the privilege of serving as President. I wish you all good health, happiness, and a wonderful summer. May we all find a sense of peace and calmness as our lives return to normal.

Shalom, Amy Braunstein

WHERE EVERY HAS A HOME

our membership tiers

The new Temple Sinai membership year begins July 1. This year’s renewal process is simple! Unless we hear from you, we will automatically renew your membership at the level you chose for the 2022-23 membership year.

Our membership tiers provide you with a more personalized experience within our vibrant Jewish community, dedicated to social action, Torah learning, and meaningful relationships.

ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE TIER

Devotees of Temple Sinai who have children enrolled in Religious School, B’nei Mitzvah, or Teen Programs, from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. This is the minimum level of commitment required, as the cost of these programs is partially subsidized by Temple Sinai.

The tier was previously known as the Family Level.

PLEASE NOTE: Tuition for the Early Childhood Center, Religious School, and Teen Programs is ADDITIONAL and requires separate applications.

SUSTAINER

SUSTAINER TIER

Our basic membership for devotees of Temple Sinai.

Those who join at the SUSTAINER tier may upgrade their status upon request.

SUPPORTER TIER

For those who belong to another synagogue or live beyond commuting distance to Temple Sinai (a 60-mile radius) but wish to remain connected to our community.

SUPPORTER

GUARDIAN

GUARDIAN TIER

A reduced-rate membership for devotees of Temple Sinai whose years of temple membership (as the primary or secondary member), PLUS their age equals 100.

For example, 34 years of Temple Sinai membership + 72 years of age = 106 - this person qualifies for the GUARDIAN membership tier.

PILLAR TIER

PILLAR

Devotees of Temple Sinai whose years of temple membership (as the primary or secondary member), PLUS their age equals 100, and who choose to make a single, one-time payment that qualifies them as Lifetime Members.

The LEV SOCIETY membership tiers were created for a unique cadre of our members who are passionate about Temple Sinai’s mission and vision; members who are committed to investing in the epicenter of progressive Jewish life on Long Island. We are seeking the involvement of those whose hearts so move them, to catapult our synagogue to the next level.

LEV CHAMPION TIER

Devotees of Temple Sinai, whose dues cover the ACTUAL cost of their household’s engagement in the Temple Sinai community.

LEV CHAMPION

LEV BENEFACTOR TIER

Devotee of Temple Sinai whose dues cover the cost of their household’s engagement at Temple Sinai AND enables another household to remain as part of our community.

LEV VISIONARY TIER

Devotees of Temple Sinai whose contribution secures a meaningful center of Jewish life for future generations.

LEV BENEFACTOR

Friend of a Friend/Chaverot

The women of Friend of a Friend have been very busy!

We delivered Purim Shalach Manot bags, and shared a fabulous evening of tradition, song, and celebration at our Intergenerational Women’s Seder. We had a wonderful evening of learning all about diamonds and celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut led by Esther Fortunoff & Cantor Elena. We have been increasing our mental and physical energy, through weekly yoga classes. We enjoyed an amazing game day and luncheon together. We had a special FOF Shabbat service dedicated to Lori Yaspan. Read on for what’s to come as we wind down our season.

Is your FOF membership up to date?

To renew or join us, please send your check payable to Temple Sinai for $36 with “FOF” in the memo line: Temple Sinai, 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577.

Visit us at mysinai.org/fof, email us at fof@mysinai.org and follow us on Insta @mysinai_fof.

SPRING BRUNCH

Friday, June 9 at 10:00am

Come celebrate the year with Friend of a Friend. Spend the morning with friends old and new, share your summer plans, and honor the special women among us.

For FOF Members.

(Visit mysinai.org/fof to join FOF beforehand and don’t miss out!)

BBQ WITH FOF & BROTHERHOOD

Friday, June 16 immediately following the PRIDE/Shishi Israeli Shabbat Service

The women and men of Temple Sinai will share a fabulous BBQ as the sun sets. Join your friends in welcoming summer! No charge.

cMake Me a Matchb

An exploration of Jewish Matchmaking, from the shtetl to reality TV

Wednesdays at 11am

July 26 e August 2 e August 9 in person at Temple Sinai

In this fun class with Rabbi Schachter, we will delve into the role of the Shadchanit (matchmaker) throughout Jewish texts and history, while exploring the culture around the Shidduch (setup).

Whether you love that scene from Fiddler On the Roof, or have been binging Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix, this class is for you!

“BEE” Ready for the High Holy Days!

Send the sweetest of all Rosh Hashanah greetings

• This distinctive 8-ounce bottle of Kosher honey is a wonderful way to wish family, friends, and business associates a “sweet and healthy new year.”

• Decorated with a festive label and personalized “L’Shana Tova” card that lets the recipient know a donation has been made in their honor to Friend of a Friend/Chaverot.

• Cost is $14.00 per jar (only credit card payments accepted)includes shipping & handling in the U.S. (shipping outside of U.S. available for an additional fee)

FREE shipping through August 1*

• Orders placed by August 25 will arrive in time for Rosh Hashanah. Orders will be accepted through September 15.

To order honey go to honeyfromtheheart.org/SRH

Questions? Contact Jill Goldberg at 516.318.0996 or honeyatsinai@yahoo.com

After August 1, add $7.00 per jar for shipping within the U.S.

Regardless of order date add: $25 for Canada, $35 for other countries $5.50 for APO/FPO military addresses

The Caring

Are

Kicking off your career journey? Don’t know where to start? Build your brand? Crush your interview? The Purple Unicorn team provides support to clients in identifying, preparing, and landing the job they desire.

well as a free market analysis.

UPCOMING BROTHERHOOD EVENTS

Monthly Meetings • Wednesdays at 7:30pm • in the TSR Library

June 7

Project Zoysia 2

Last year, members of Brotherhood conducted a Mitzvah Day activity at New Montefiore Cemetery in Farmingdale, planting zoysia grass plugs in a section of the cemetery owned by Temple Sinai. This year, several members of Brotherhood converged on another section of the cemetery on May 7 to continue this activity, nicknamed Project Zoysia 2.

Temple Sinai owns three separate sections in this cemetery, and the maintenance and appearance of the grounds are the responsibility of the temple’s Cemetery Committee. Last year, the Committee initiated a beautification project that will have a long-lasting impact on our sections. Zoysia grass is a hardy, drought-resistant, spreading grass variety that is ideal for sunny areas without an irrigation system such as a cemetery. The grass plugs we plant now should eventually spread to provide a lush grass carpet that requires less maintenance in our sections of the cemetery.

The participants met at the Temple Sinai parking lot and carpooled to the cemetery. There, teams were created, assignments issued, and tools and grass plugs distributed. A brief demonstration was conducted to demonstrate the proper drilling of holes, application of water from containers and planting of the zoysia plugs.

We are told that this is a mitzvah of the highest order, an avodat kodesh, one where those who perform the activity cannot expect thanks or comparable reward from those receiving the efforts.

We extend our appreciation to those who participated in this activity: Richard Blatt, John and Jacob Feuerstein, Seth Golden, Larry Krasnoff, Andy Kraus, Jeff Krugman, Gabe Markiz, and Dave Neiderbach.

Project Zoysia 2 was completed without complications and now it is up to nature to complete the project by nurturing and spreading the grass through our sections of the cemetery.

- Larry Krasnoff

CONNECT, Temple Sinai’s Networking Group, has been going strong since it launched in November, 2020. The mission of CONNECT is to bring professionals together with the goal of referring good contacts and potential clients to one another. By helping one another improve our businesses, we are helping to improve the well-being of our Temple Sinai community.

Join us at our upcoming meetings - Wednesdays at 8:00am: June 7 & 21

July 5 & 19

August 2, 16, & 30

from generation to generation

Your tzedakah will enable us to continue to be a strong, vibrant, and welcoming Jewish community; a place through which Jewish values and Jewish pride can be handed down from generation to generation.

For more information, scan the QR code.

Mazel tov to our B’nei Mitzvah

Peyton Gass

June 1

Parents: Perri & Adam Gass

Siblings: Kyle-10

Grandparents:

Linda & Jeffrey Gass

Sheryl & Joseph Francis

School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade

Parsha: Naso

Jordana Poplock

June 10

Parents: Rachel & Raphael Poplock

Siblings: Allie-9

Grandparents: Andrew Morganstern

School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade

Parsha: Beha’alotecha

Kameron Steir

June 3

Parents: Carrie & Marc Steir

Siblings: Sidney-14

Grandparents:

Ellen Steir

Marsha Abramson

School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade

Parsha: Naso

Sammi Russ

June 17

Parents: Sharon & Adam Russ

Siblings: Maxwell-23, Alex-21

Grandparents: Barbara & Edward Portnof

Adrienne & Michael Russ

School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade

Parsha: Shelach-Lecha

Dina Kwasnicki, the New Director of Youth & Teen Engagement

With over 10 years of experience in the field, Dina is a force to be reckoned with, known for her infectious energy, innovative programming, and deep commitment to Jewish education.

Landing at Temple Sinai feels bashert (meant to be) for Dina, having first met Temple Sinai teens and professionals Lulu Belferder and Ali Stamm all those years ago at the start of her career at a NFTY NAR Kallah!

Back then, as a part-time Youth Director in Forest Hills and full-time Graduate Student in Modern Jewish Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Dina was deeply inspired by educators like Lulu and Ali. After finishing her Master’s in Modern Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary, with a focus on Millennial and Gen Z engagement, Dina spent eight years serving as the Associate Director of Youth & Teen Engagement at Congregation Rodeph Sholom on the Upper West Side.

As a Queens native now living in Little Neck, Dina is thrilled to return to the area and join the warm and loving Temple Sinai community– a place where youth and teens are clearly as high a priority to others as they are to her. The significantly shorter commute time only sweetens the pot!

Some fun facts about Dina:

• Dina recently married her college sweetheart, Jason Kwasnicki, on 11/11/22 after 11 years together. You can’t miss her car in the parking lot– she can’t get the “Just Married Sticker” off!

• She’s a self-proclaimed “Jewish Studies Nerd,” going on her third Jewish Studies degree by pursuing Rabbinical School part-time at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

• She loves re-posting and creating funny Jewish content on social media platforms – she’s on all of them and loves social media as much as most teens do! Check out her Instagram @tisidinster for many funny faces, costumes, puppy pics and lots of Jewish content!

• Loves: Coffee, Torah, true crime, costumes, dogs, pop culture, kitschy Jewish things, Grey’s Anatomy & The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

• Philosophy on Jewish youth and teen engagement: It’s all about relationships, when we get to know our teens we can curate the elements of Judaism that resonate most to them AND expose them to the Jewish values they may not even know they need. I find it important to “meet them where they’re at” and push them just a little further to grow!

Dina’s Teen Talk

Dina Kwasnicki dkwasnicki@mysinai.org

SULAM: Temple Sinai Teen Opportunities this Summer

Are You A Teen Looking to Change the World this Summer?

Apply for a “Time-Sensitive Project” with the Dave Fenton Community Impact Fellowship & Grant to spend your summer addressing a crisis or immediate need. Time-sensitive projects are eligible for up to $1500 in grant funding. To learn more go to bit.ly/DFCIfellowshipTSR

To apply now scan the QR Code Below:.

Have a great summer!

Dina Kwasnicki

SORTY BOARD 2023-2024

Looking for some real-world office experience?

Spend some of your summer as an intern at Temple Sinai! Gain valuable administrative experience while exploring your interests in a supportive and engaging environment.

Intern in one of our various administrative offices and areas, ranging from finance, youth programming, communications, and more. You’ll get hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals and we’ll even help you list it on your resume too! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical skills and new experiences. Interested? Email Dina Kwasnicki, Director of Youth & Teen Engagement at Dkwasnicki@mysinai.org.

EXECUTIVE PRESIDENTS

Tyler Green • Benji Rabinovich • Sloane Simon • Blake Sohmer

AREA SPECIFIC PRESIDENTS

Caroline Faber Programming President Anna Falcone Engagement & Recruitment President

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Henry Weinschel

VPs: RECRUITMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Spencer Gerson • Jake Greenberg • Jordan Siegel

VPs: PROGRAMMING & TEMPLE EVENTS

Sarah Fernbach • Maxwell Katcher • Russell Plotnitzky

VPs: COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

Olivia Jacobson • Annie Marcus

VPs: HAVDALLAH FOR HUNGER

Annabel Nussbaum • Sidney Steir • Harris Zimmerman

VPs: HAND IN HAND

Robby Adler • Danielle Emouna • Riley Green • Sophie Plotnitzky

VPs: JUNIOR YOUTH PROGRAMMING

JCREW: Ethan Fiterstein • Lee Levine ROSH HODESH: Izzy Lomazow

JORTY: Marli Jacobson • Max Lippman

For more information, contact Social Action at socialaction@mysinai.org

Those of you who support the Social Action Committee are a part of a thread that connects all of us. This thread creates deeper meaning in our lives and the lives of those we help. Together, we all create a strong and vibrant sense of community that reaches near and far. You are why we make a difference. You share your time, tzedakah, and talents. We could not practice tikkun olam without you. Thank you today, tomorrow, and always!

Thank you to everyone who participated in two of the recent Mitzvot of the Month: the always-popular Cooking for a Cause and Rise Against Hunger.

CALLING ALL SEVENTH GRADERS!

We are excited to offer a new resource, right here within our temple walls! Let Social Action partner with you on your Mitzvah Project!

Together, your project can have even greater meaning for you and for the recipients of your Mitzvah.

LET’S DO THIS!!

HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS SUMMER

THE LONG ISLAND COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS is dedicated to reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on Long Island, and providing support until they have permanent housing. Sadly, more than half of the homeless population have children.

DURING JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST Please donate NEW UNDERWEAR and SOCKS for men, women, and children and place them in the bins in the temple lobby. If you prefer, you can order them from Amazon and have them sent directly to the temple. See our emails for the Amazon link.

Your donations of items and tzedakah make a difference we witness first hand. Tikkun olam is about repairing the world, and Social Action does that: one person at a time, one meal at a time, one jacket at a time, one book at a time, one heart to another, - every time.

We thank you deeply and wish you a happiness-filled summer.

Drs. Anne & Keith Niesenbaum on the birth of their grandson Louis Solomon Mayer

Alice & Stuart Cohen on the engagement of their son Neil to Parris Zakarin

Irwin A. Cantor on the birth of his great-grandson Brody Reese Cantor

Laurel & David Nachman on the birth of their grandson Wells Simon Wasserstrum

Lynn Fishkind & Loryn Solomon on the marriage of their son Peter Fishkind to Emily Hamburger

Leslie Lewit Milner & Lawrence Milner on the marriage of their daughter/stepdaughter Lindsay Milner to Jesse Katz

Karen Black & Stanley Kopchynsky on the marriage of their daughter/stepdaughter Lindsay Milner to Jesse Katz

Lynn & Michael Wolf on the birth of their granddaughter Whitney Kayla Wolf

Ellen & Seth Levenberg on the engagement of their son Justin to Kendall Ecker

Gail & Illan Silberman on the birth of their granddaughter Brooke Ava Silberman

Susan & Bruce Jacobson on the birth of their grandson Adam Luke Jacobson

Deborah Schutzer-Litt & Marty Litt on the birth of their grandson Spencer Shea Litt

Danny Reich on the birth of his grandson Oren Blake Michelle

Jamie & Dr. Howard Freedman on the birth of their grandson Oren Blake Michelle

Ilissa & Scott Reich on the birth of their nephew Oren Blake Michelle

Rebecca Katz-White & Rabbi Michael White on the marriage of their son David to Melissa Klein

Robin & Billy Breitner on the marriage of their son Dustin to Rachel Geller

Robyn & Warren Schreiber on the birth of their granddaughter Noa Blake Schreiber

with deepest sympathy

Marcia Weisser on the loss of her brother Arthur Silfen

Susan Nettler on the loss of her husband Paul Nettler

Sharon Tyner on the loss of her mother Minette Rothenberg

Deborah Glennon on the loss of her grandmother Norma Shapiro

Robin Nalitt on the loss of her grandmother Norma Shapiro

Joan Perilla on the loss of her husband Robert Perilla

Rabbi Ilana Schachter on the loss of her grandmother Hedda Kleinfeld Schachter

David Streiner on the loss of his mother Gail Stadler

Dr. Allison Bloom on the loss of her mother Judith Bloom

Marjorie Berrent on the loss of her brother David Steiner

Lynne & Gary Falkowitz on the loss of their son Ethan Falkowitz

Jaime & Mitchell Hassenbein on the loss of their son Drew Hassenbein

We record with sorrow the death of these temple members

Paul Nettler

Robert Perilla

With deepest sympathy to their families; May their memories be for a blessing.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Elaine Rosen

last known address:

400 East 56th Street

Apt 36R

New York, NY 10022

Stuart Rosen (son)

200 Birch Drive

Roslyn, NY 11576

DID YOU KNOW?

The Cemetery Committee of Temple Sinai needs your help in locating former congregants or their next of kin with whom we have lost contact. The temple needs to determine whether these individuals expect to use the cemetery plots that have been reserved for them in the future.

Please reach out to Committee Member Larry Krasnoff (516.484.2276 or larkarch@yahoo.com) or Temple Member Services Manager, Betty Brandel (516.621.6800 or bbrandel@mysinai.org) with any current contact information you may have for the following families. Last known cities/towns are provided below:

Israel and Susan Cohen

6850 Palmetto Circle So.

Apt. 1309

Boca Raton, FL 33433

Carole Gordon (deceased)

Neil S. Gordon (brother) 14 Hummingbird Drive

Roslyn, NY 11576

Temple Sinai has recently acquired a limited number of graves in our sections at New Montefiore Cemetery in the areas that were previously sold out. These have been graciously donated back to the temple by families who have relocated and find they can no longer use them. Rather than wait until it becomes a matter of some urgency, we want to give our congregants an opportunity to explore their options. We have groupings of up to four graves that can become family plots.

If you are interested, please contact Betty Brandel in the temple office. Any questions you have are welcome.

Rosanne Saltzman in honor of Social Action for backpacks

Reva & Alan Rothenberg in honor of Social Action for backpacks

Cantors Elena & Sergei Schwartz in honor of Social Action for backpacks

Stacey & Sean Simon in honor of Social Action for backpacks

Emily & Michael Roberts in honor of Social Action for backpacks

Donations are a meaningful way to mark a special occasion, honor the memory of a loved one, or send good wishes to a friend.

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUND

These are just a few of the funds which support various congregational programs and provide scholarship assistance to members in need.

Amy & Dr. Richard Braunstein in honor of Tracy & Robert Zimmerman upon their son Harris becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Pauli & David Wertheim in honor of Education & Youth Programming

SINAI STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FUND

get to know our funds

CHAZAK FUND

Contributions to this fund support our wonderful Jewish education program for children with special needs and developmental differences.

Donations are a meaningful way to mark a special occasion, honor the memory of a loved one, or send good wishes to a friend. These are just a few of the funds which support various congregational programs and provide scholarship assistance to members in need.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES FUND

CHAZAK FUND

(formerly the YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FUND)

Pamela Potter-Osit & Matthew Osit in honor of Education & Youth Programming

Janet & Jon Gottlieb in honor of Education & Youth Programming

Contributions to this fund exclusively enables the temple to sponsor high-quality experiential Jewish activities such as field trips for children in grades K-12.

Regina Stone in honor of Education & Youth Programming

Linda & Michael Fox in honor of Education & Youth Programming

Lainie & Larry Krasnoff in honor of Nancy & Allen Geller upon the birth of their granddaughter Simone Hadley Shinabarger

Robyn & Richard Corbin in honor of Education & Youth

Programming

Contributions to this fund support our wonderful Jewish education program for children with special needs and developmental differences.

Contributions to the Distinguished Lecture Series Fund, supports bringing noted speakers such as Nobel Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to our community.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER FUND

Contributions to this fund are used for special early childhood programming, activities and events.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

Contributions to this fund will support Holocaust education, lecturers and additions to the Holocaust memorial in the Fortunoff Family Garden.

Click on either donate or payments in the upper right hand corner, and follow the instructions.

Donations to Clergy Discretionary and Other Funds

A donation to any of the clergy discretionary funds requires a separate check. For each of these donations, please make your check payable to Temple Sinai of Roslyn with the specific discretionary fund written in the check memo line:

Rabbi Michael White’s Discretionary Fund

Cantor Sergei Schwartz’s Discretionary Fund

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz’s Discretionary Fund

Rabbi Ilana Schachter’s Discretionary Fund

Donations to any other funds can be combined in one check made payable to Temple Sinai of Roslyn. Please remember that if you use a company or similar type check, your name should appear on the check so we can properly credit your account.

HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES WITH PLAQUES AND LEAVES

Leaves on the Tree of Life

The cost of each leaf is $1000.

Memorial Plaques honor the memories of our loved ones who have passed away. They are in the hallway leading to the sanctuary. Cost of each plaque is $700, which includes a second version to be put up for your loved one’s yahrzeit.

Please contact Betty Brandel in the temple office at 516.621.6800 for more information or to place an order.

7:30pm

Dates and times are current as of May 15, 2023 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website at mysinai.org for all other program and event information.

Dates and times are current as of May 15, 2023 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website at mysinai.org for all other program and event information.

Temple Sinai of Roslyn 425 Roslyn Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.6800 mysinai.org

TEMPLE SINAI

Main Office: 516.621.6800

Early Childhood Center: 516.621.8708

Religious School: 516.621.8016

Rabbi Michael White rabbiwhite@mysinai.org

Cantor Sergei Schwartz cantorsergeischwartz@mysinai.org

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org

Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org

Cantor Emeritus

Cantor Andrew H. Edison

President

Allen Geller

Executive Vice President/Treasurer

Jeffrey Sklar

Vice Presidents

Liz Wiener Neale

Scott Nussbaum

Amy Pepper

Adam Weinschel

Secretary

Tammy Szerencsy

Legal Counsel

Charles Weiss

Executive Director Lee Mirrer lmirrer@mysinai.org

Director of Operations & Technology

Heather Murray hmurray@mysinai.org

Marketing & Communications Manager

Kathy Diamond kdiamond@mysinai.org

Member Services Manager

Betty Brandel bbrandel@mysinai.org

Financial Manager

Mara Rosenwasser mrosenwasser@mysinai.org

Accounting Specialist

Michael Gamba mgamba@mysinai.org

Brotherhood President

Norman Hollander brotherhood@mysinai.org

Friend of a Friend/Chaverot Co-Presidents

Charlotte Hollander

Leslie Wollin

Director of Membership & Engagement Adrianne Rubin, PhD arubin@mysinai.org

Director of Youth & Teen Engagement Dina Kwasnicki dkwasnicki@mysinai.org

Early Childhood Center Director Lindsay Dayan ldayan@mysinai.org

Executive Assistant to the Rabbis/ B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator Dafna Weintraub dweintraub@mysinai.org

Religious School Coordinator/ Cantors Assistant

Debra Hollander dhollander@mysinai.org

V&Z Caterers info@vandzcaterers.com 516.484.4300