“Bricks, stone, mortar and plaster make up the physical building of the Temple, but the heart of Temple Sinai is a warm and welcoming home to those who seek a meaningful connection to Judaism. Temple Sinai means a place to study with the Minyan, worship with friends and neighbors, celebrate good times and feel the community of caring during difficult times. We never enter the building without someone greeting us warmly. We have been members for over 54 years, and our feelings about Temple Sinai just keep getting stronger all the time …This is our religious home.” BARBARA AND SANDY K.
Every heart has a home at Temple Sinai
Cantor Sergei Schwartz
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz
AS THE LARGEST REFORM SYNAGOGUE ON LONG ISLAND, we offer a warm, welcoming and nurturing
home to all those who seek a meaningful and enduring connection to Judaism. Each week, our classrooms, sanctuary and meeting halls are teeming with young families and seniors, interfaith families and teenagers, B’nei Mitzvah students and adult learners, all experiencing the excitement, warmth and sense of connection for which Temple Sinai is known. Our commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tzedakah (charity) touches and accents everything we do, and our devotion to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel is firm and enduring. Jews from all backgrounds, races, cultures and sexual orientations, as well as Jews by choice and interfaith families, are an integral part of our Temple Sinai family.
Rabbi Michael A. White
Rabbi Alex Kress
Temple Sinai is dedicated to celebrating Shabbat, life cycle events and holidays in meaningful, spiritual ways. Our Shabbat services do not begin until we have warmly welcomed everyone in our sanctuary. Our voices rise in song and harmony; enhanced by musical instruments. Streaming services enable those who are not in close proximity to be part of our inspirational services.
Come home to Judaism. Come home to Temple Sinai! L’Shalom, Rabbi Michael A. White Rabbi Alex Kress Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz
TEMPLE SINAI IS WHERE LITTLE Success Starts with Small Steps at Temple Sinai’s Nursery School TEMPLE SINAI’S AWARD WINNING “BEST OF LONG ISLAND” NURSERY SCHOOL, directed by renowned educator Debbie
Neuschatz, is guided by the philosophy that “play is child’s work.” The Nursery students enjoy a beautiful, modern facility and creative environment that is equipped with a state-of-the-art SMARTboard table, a puppet stage, fully-stocked library and quality toys. Outdoor playground and impressive indoor gym, secular and Judaic music, healthy snacks and after school enrichment are all part Temple Sinai’s outstanding, licensed Nursery program. The curriculum includes Judaic education, and Shabbat is joyously celebrated each week. Our secular curriculum includes academic learning with “Shari’s Little Learners,” which teaches reading and writing to prepare children for kindergarten. Flexible before-and after-care hours are available to meet the needs of all of our families. Our nurturing environment balances learning and playing to allow each child to reach his or her full potential.
“I love my friends and eating Challah.” ESTHER B. (AGE 31/4)
Finally, a Religious School Your Children will Love! OUR FOCUS IS ON OFFERING THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF JEWISH LEARNING AND FUN, and is led by talented Cantor-
Educator Elena Schwartz. The program includes experiential programs, trips, social action projects and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Our children grow up with a firm understanding of what it means to be a Reform Jew, are enthusiastic about prayer services, and have positive feelings about their Jewish identity. The Religious School offers flexible learning models to fit the needs of our families. Teachers use a variety of learning modalities, including Jewish art, music, library, technology and holiday celebrations to complement the classroom learning. Families are invited to “Sharing Shabbat” services for children ages two through grade three and are welcomed as a part of the Temple Sinai family. Education is a priority at Temple Sinai, and the Religious School prepares our children to take an active role in the future of the larger Jewish community. Students are given the tools to help them make personal decisions about what Judaism means for them.
LEARNERS BECOME BIG THINKERS Teen Programming…Your Teen Belongs Here AS THE LARGEST CONGREGATIONAL TEEN PROGRAM IN GREATER NEW YORK, more than 130 teens join us regularly to enhance their
Jewish education, repair the world, feel connected to each other and spend time in a safe and welcoming environment. By offering unique and varied post B’nei Mitzvah programs each day of the week, we’ve opened our doors to a myriad of teens who desire Jewish learning and community. Our offerings range from Jewish cooking classes, an advocacy training program, a fantasy football league, and a Tzedakah (charity) club. The 10th grade confirmation students meet weekly with Rabbi White to discuss relevant issues through a Reform Jewish lens. This close relationship with Rabbi White is a cherished experience for our teens, and establishes a connection that extends well beyond their high school years. Teens registered in all of our programs are considered part of our senior youth group, SORTY. In addition to our weekly programs, we offer amazing trips and single-day events.
“I gained leadership skills and learned how to be a role model for children. I find the teen programs to be supportive and positive for all involved. Being involved here makes me so proud to be Jewish.” JENNA N.
Adult Education…Where Purpose, Passion and Perspective Meet AT TEMPLE SINAI, WE CONTINUALLY EXPLORE WAYS TO ENRICH OUR INTELLECTUAL EXPERIENCES and present our community
with compelling and entertaining programming. We invite worldrenowned speakers to Temple Sinai and sponsor lectures, concerts, special events, and educational offerings. The clergy teach many stimulating classes that reflect deep Jewish spirituality and devotion to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel. We have top of the line programming including speakers, authors and award winning journalists who discuss Israel and the Middle East. We are proud of our strong relationship with AIPAC. Temple Sinai has a long-standing commitment to Adult Education, and we have featured distinguished lecturers including Ehud Barak (former Israeli Prime Minister), Bill Clinton (former President of the United States), Henry Kissinger (former US Secretary of State), Shimon Peres (former Israeli Prime Minister), and Elie Wiesel (Nobel Laureate). The Adult Education Committee invites you to learn with us, laugh with us, and expand your horizons.
CELEBRATE AND WORSHIP WITH Holidays and Life Cycles HOLIDAYS TAKE ON A SPECIAL MEANING AND IMPORTANCE AT TEMPLE SINAI where they are celebrated with purpose. High Holy Days are sacred; Simchat Torah is joyful; Chanukah is meaningful; Purim is exciting; Pesach is rich in tradition; and Shavuot is a personal affirmation to Judaism.
Temple Sinai stands together as one for communal celebrations or personal life cycle moments. We are dedicated to nurturing and to developing a feeling of community and extended family, and are there for each other in times of illness, birth, death, need and celebration.
Spirituality OUR SHABBAT WORSHIP IS RICH WITH MUSIC AND TRADITION and appeals to Jews of all backgrounds. Led by our inspiring Rabbis and talented Cantors, the congregation sings, harmonizes and is accompanied by multiple musical instruments. Our Shabbat Hallelu, accompanied by the Hallelu Klezmer band, leaves participants feeling uplifted, and Shabbat LaNeshama offers a beautiful and peaceful reprieve.
“The clergy have created a warm and diverse culture where spiritual exploration is not only welcome, but encouraged…Temple Sinai is where I can foster my spirituality and become closer to God.” MARIBETH K. Members who were not able to partake in this rite of passage growing up are able to find meaning and spirituality through the Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program.
“Participating in the Adult Bat Mitzvah program has been a wonderful experience for me. Learning to read Hebrew and understand more about Judaism has changed me as a person and given me (a convert to the religion) a sense of wholeness I did not have before. My bonds with my faith and with my fellow Adult Bat Mitzvah students have strengthened my connection with the Temple Sinai community.” KAREN F.
ENTHUSIASM AND PURPOSE Bar and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations THE LEADERSHIP OF TEMPLE SINAI LOOKS UPON THE SIMCHA OF B’NEI MITZVAH AS A TREASURED RITE OF PASSAGE. It is a
religious experience of genuine value, an important milestone on a student’s Jewish journey, and a scared gateway to our children’s Jewish future.
“When my son became a Bar Mitzvah, it was an extremely smooth process. His 7 years in Religious School had adequately prepared him for reading from the Torah and leading the congregational service. When his Bar Mitzvah day arrived, he was truly prepared and confident. The Religious School encouraged continued learning at the high school level which enabled him to have a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish and that his Jewish education doesn’t just end.” DAVID W.
FIX THE WORLD BY TURNING YOUR Social Justice/Tikkun Olam ONE OF THE HALLMARKS OF REFORM JUDAISM IS ITS TREMENDOUS WORK IN THE AREA OF TIKKUN OLAM (REPAIRING THE WORLD). Temple Sinai offers
a culture of giving back and is a voice for justice and an engine for generosity. We offer many Tikkun Olam opportunities and all ages are active participants. Our youngest Nursery students draw cards for IDF soldiers, while Religious School children collect money to plant trees in fire-ravaged forests in Israel. The teens travel the world to provide disaster relief, and young adults meet in the city to work with homeless children and organize toy drives. Our adults visit the sick and distribute gifts to Jewish hospitalized patients, make hot meals for low income families, and wrap donated books for children through the NYC Department of Homeless Services. They serve food in soup kitchens and knit blankets and baby caps for preemies. Once a year, we have an incredible Mitzvah Day, where all ages come together as a community to repair the world.
INSPIRATION INTO ACTION
BE CHERISHED AND ACCEPTED AT DIVERSITY WITHIN OUR TEMPLE FAMILY NOT ONLY EXISTS…IT FLOURISHES, and we believe that being inclusive
is central to being Jewish. We actively offer a warm welcome to Jews-by-choice, interfaith families and Jews of all races, cultures and sexual orientations. Open dialogue between and within interfaith families is encouraged, and raising awareness of the unique challenges and circumstances faced by interfaith families and their children is explored. Jewish LGBTQ individuals and families are embraced within our congregation. We raise awareness of broader LGBTQ issues by engaging in advocacy for equality. We reach out to families with special needs to ensure that they fully share in the warmth of Judaism and Temple Sinai. Our arms are open wide to those who are struggling with illness, in recovery from addictions, and to those seeking spirituality for any reason.
“Temple Sinai has helped me introduce my multicultural, interreligious family and close friends to the beautiful rituals and traditions of Reform Judaism. The Temple continues to offer a nurturing, supportive place for our family to learn and grow!” MICHAEL K.
TEMPLE SINAI OF ROSLYN WE LOOK FORWARD TO INTRODUCING YOU TO THE MANY PATHWAYS FOR JEWISH INVOLVEMENT AND GROWTH. Shabbat and Holy Day services grant time to nourish
the spirit among friends and neighbors. Our rich and varied adult learning programs will challenge and expand the mind. Our Nursery and Religious Schools create proud, engaged Jewish children, and our highly-acclaimed Teen Programs are the largest and most exciting in the area. Our ongoing social programming will introduce you to neighbors who will become lifelong friends. In times of joy and solace, you will be embraced by compassionate and learned clergy and professionals and a community that truly cares. We are here to answer any questions, introduce you to our wonderful Temple, and invite you to become an integral part of our Jewish home. I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Temple Sinai, where everyone is valued for who they are. Join us and be part of this embracing Temple family‌ours is a Temple where every heart has a home. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at 516.621.6800 x105 or alisonstamm@gmail.com. I look forward to speaking with you. L’Shalom, Alison Stamm Executive Director
Contact Us Temple Office 516.621.6800 templeoffice@mysinai.org Rabbi Michael White Senior Rabbi x106 rabbimawhite@gmail.com Rabbi Alex Kress Assistant Rabbi x107 rabbikress@mysinai.org Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor x108 cantorsergeischwartz@gmail.com
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz Director of Education x111 cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org
Lauren Lesser Assistant Director of Education x110 llesser@mysinai.org
Alison Stamm Executive Director x105 alisonstamm@gmail.com
Shelley Skolnick Adult Engagement and Marketing Manager x114 sskolnick@mysinai.org
Debbie Neuschatz Nursery School Director x120 missdebbie.sinai@gmail.com Lulu Belferder Director of Youth Engagement x116 lulutemplesinai@gmail.com
Arlene Zucker Controller x102 azucker@mysinai.org V&Z Caterers 516.484.4300 info@VAndZCaterers.com
Temple Sinai of Roslyn 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.6800 | mysinai.org Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Facebook.com/mysinai.page
@mysinairoslyn