November/December 2019 Scribe

CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5780 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Volume 76 • Number 2

May love and light fill your home and heart

it's fun for the whole family!

sunday, december 15 • 10am - noon all are welcome • FREE! The whole congregation is invited to join us for a fun-filled Chanukah Celebration!

• children’s crafts • learning sessions • mitzvah projects for all ages • holiday snacks and Jewish Drum Tales will magically bring the Chanukah story to life with a program that is interactive, hands-on, and musical!

2 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

CHANUKAH BLESSINGS Candles are added to the chanukiah (menorah) from right to left but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first. On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the Chanukah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.

Light the shamash (the helper candle) first, using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights. As you do, say or sing:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu v’imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz’man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.

FIRST NIGHT ONLY

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu laz’man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

Temple Sinai Gift Shop

CHANUKAH SUPERSTORE menorahs • candles • dreidels • gelt children’s books • toys • home goods • & more!

For store hours and more information, contact Lori Yaspan at 516.314.2141 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 3

Please join Rabbi Michael White Cantors Elena & Sergei Schwartz and Rabbi Ilana Schachter at the

Interfaith Community THANKSGIING SERVICE of Prayers & Songs of Gratitude and Peace from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Traditions

Listen. Pray. Laugh. Sing. Give.

Please bring a non-perishable food or a monetary donation for the Interfaith Nutrition Network

Tuesday, November 26 at 7:00pm Community Church of East Williston 45 East Williston Avenue

Bringing Our Congregations Together Wednesday, November 20 7:30pm at Friendship Baptist Church Please join us as we visit Pastor Victor Lewis and congregants from Friendship Baptist Church for another wide-ranging discussion about the challenges we face as a community and a society.

Having an honest and open discourse about the ways racism, prejudice, anti-Semitism and other hatreds fuel the harsh edges in our world, and how we can overcome them is sadly, more important than ever. It is always our pleasure to join our neighbors from Friendship Baptist Church to continue the conversation, and we look forward to another thought-provoking evening.

Rabbi White and Pastor Lewis, colleagues and friends, at last year’s event

All are welcome; free of charge. Kindly RSVP to Linda at lneiman@mysinai.org.

4 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

INVITES YOU TO JOIN US

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 7:00 PM TEMPLE SINAI 425 ROSLY N ROAD ROSLY N HEIGHTS $150 COUVERT PER PERSON BENEFITTING TEMPLE SINAI PROGRAMS THAT FOCUS ON HOMELESSNESS

November 13-17

artist-in-residence: MORDECHAI ROSENSTEIN

Imagine creating a beautiful work of art with a world-famous Judaica artist!

Our congregation will do just that when Mordechai Rosenstein spends five days with us as an Artist-in-Residence. In addition to becoming immersed in Temple activities, he will work with groups of all ages to produce a unique piece of art that will be displayed at Temple Sinai for years to come.

Since 1979, Mordechai Rosenstein has wanted to make sure that walls and spaces are covered with Jewish Art. There will be numerous events and opportunities to work with Mordechai and he will give the D’var Torah at Shabbat services on Friday, November 15. Please check your email or call the Temple Office for the specific schedule of events.

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 5

BIBLICAL SELECTIONS EVERYBODY SHOULD KNOW Adult Education with Rabbi Michael White

The Bible is a wellspring of fiery, passionate, ethical mandates, seedy family trauma, complicated ethical behavior, and soaring poetry. Together it is the most influential book in human history and can transform our lives.

We will grapple with some of its most challenging passages, and its most eloquent. We will examine them through the prism of Jewish history and thought and ask how they inform our lives today. No previous knowledge is necessary. Come ready to be challenged and to grow as Jews and human beings.

Mondays at 7:00pm

Tuesdays at 9:30am

November 11 • December 9 March 16 • April 20 May 18

November 12 • December 10 March 17 • April 21 May 19

All are welcome - free of charge

The Jewish Class of

WHY?

Exploring the reasons behind Jewish worship, rituals, and practices Adult Education with Rabbi Ilana Schachter Join Rabbi Schachter as we learn more about the prayers that comprise our liturgy, the rituals of our holidays, and more.

Come with your questions and curiosity!

All are welcome; free of charge.

Tuesdays at 8:00pm

November 19 • December 17 January 21 • February 25 March 24 • May 5

Wednesdays at 10:00am

November 20 • December 18 January 22 • February 26

6 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

PRAY. EAT. LOVE. Saturday Mornings - 9:00-11:30am led by Rabbi Ilana Schachter and special guests Shabbat is a time for reflection, gratitude, and enrichment. All are welcome on Saturday mornings as we blend ancient practice and modern interpretation and immerse ourselves in meaningful opportunities for reflection, worship, and engaging learning.

No previous knowledge of Hebrew, liturgy, or text required – join us as we learn from our tradition and from one another!

Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org Cheshvan as Spiritual Down Time “What makes a fire burn is space between the logs, a breathing space. ...

When we are able to build open spaces in the same way we have learned to pile on the logs, then we can come to see how it is fuel, and absence of the fuel together, that make fire possible.�

-Judy Brown Dear Friends, The Hebrew month of Tishrei is an incredibly busy time of year, with holiday after holiday in rapid succession: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah. Each one of these holidays helps to connect us to ourselves, to one another, and to the world around us. During the High Holy Days we engage in the important inner work of change and growth, reflecting on the kind of person we hope to be and the work we need to do to live up to our potential. Throughout the week of Sukkot, we remind ourselves of our abundant blessings, as well as our vulnerability and fragility. On Simchat Torah, we recommit ourselves to a cycle of sacred text, celebrating the Torah, its wisdom, and its relevance in our lives.

And, while it is an invigorating month filled with celebration, contemplation, and even construction, it can be hard to appreciate the meaning behind these holidays without any time between them.

Perhaps it is for this reason that the month that follows, Cheshvan, has no Jewish holidays. After such a rigorous and meaningful month, we find ourselves with spiritual downtime in our Jewish lives.

At this time of year, I think of the above poem with each one of us tasked with building an internal fire: a fire of goodness, compassion, and love. On Rosh Hashanah, we discover the sparks for these qualities within ourselves; sparks that we nurture throughout the ten Days of Awe. Each subsequent holiday in Tishrei is like kindling for these holy sparks, as we attempt to build our fire, log by log. And yet, if we pack the logs too closely, if we do not allow ourselves room to breathe, to process, the fire will go out, or worse - it will never even start to burn. Cheshvan, and the quiet space that it offers in our Jewish calendar, allows us to actually internalize our learnings, to grow, to ignite the spark of the new year, and nurture it into a bright flame. continued on next page

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 7

It is no surprise then, that the next holiday we celebrate is one that centers around the light of a fire: Chanukah.

With the space that we created during the month of Cheshvan, we are able to come together as a community, returning with both our internal and external flames aglow.

The Jewish calendar this month allows for us to consider the need for breathing space in our lives, as a necessary tool for our own health and growth. As we enjoy the quiet month of Cheshvan with an eye toward Chanukah, May we appreciate this breathing space and remember that, as Judy Brown so beautifully articulates, in our lives “it is fuel, and absence of the fuel together, that make fire possible.�

Rabbi Ilana Schachter

Please join us at the installation of

Rabbi Ilana Schachter Friday, November 22

6:45pm

Help us officially welcome Rabbi Schachter to the Temple Sinai Family.

Enjoy a toast in her honor at a Champagne Oneg immediately following services.

8 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

On Sunday, September 15, a group of 30

Temple Sinai members went to see Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Lower Manhattan. Led by two docents (one of whom grew up at Temple Sinai), we spent nearly two hours walking around this extremely Extended through powerful, well-curated exhibition. We could easily have spent more time looking at August 30, 2020 the over 700 objects, which comprise historical video footage, interviews with survivors, personal memorabilia, and artwork (including a small drawing by

Anne Frank). Chillingly, also on display are a piece of barbed-wire fence from

the concentration camp and a table upon which Mengele performed some of his medical experiments.

Our group is pictured in front of a freight car once used to transport Jews to Auschwitz.

KRISTALLNACHT

the night of broken glass

Friday, November 8

6:45pm

Shabbat Service

How My Family Saved Jews in Italy from the Nazis: Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso When Anthony D’Urso was just five years old he served as a lookout, calling out to his mother when German soldiers approached their home in Formia, Italy. D’Urso’s father, Giuseppe, hid a large Jewish family from the Nazis, at great risk to his own family. According to D’Urso, “He didn’t do it out of ideology.

He did it because he thought, basically, a human being in distress needs help.”

Please join us when Asseblyman D’Urso shares his family’s incredible story of courage, and describes how he was finally able to reunite with the descendants of the Jewish family they saved.

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 9

from the

PRESIDENT’S

red minivan

Michelle Golden mgolden@mysinai.org I love the questions I receive regarding my role as president and the ins and outs of the “running” of the Temple. Questions like, “What time are services?” “Whom should I speak to about life cycle events?” “Where does the fruit come from for the Oneg?” and “Do you sleep here?” are a few of the most common…another is “Why does it seem like the Temple is always asking for money? Is everything OK? It feels like we are asked to give above and beyond our dues - what’s the story here?”

Services start at 6:45 pm. Speak to Jane in the Temple Office and she will help direct you regarding life cycle events. The fruit comes from Happy Farms. And, no, I do not sleep here, but I have been caught resting on the library sofa! As for the concerns for the Temple, we are more than OK…our congregation is healthy and vibrant. Our Temple budget requires additional funding to bridge the gap between membership and the cost of running the Temple and offering programs; this allows us to provide the outstanding learning and worship opportunities for which Temple Sinai is known.

Our members give in different ways. Some will see a need, contact Alison Stamm or Rabbi White, and offer to cover the expense. Some purchase leaves for the Tree of Life in the lobby, so they can commemorate a special event while supporting the Temple. Some make donations to specific funds that support programs that are important to them. Some wait for the end of the fiscal year. Some make a gift to support Temple Sinai in their will. Some support our annual Kol Nidre Appeal. Some attend our annual Auction. Some join the Lev Society.

Some do many or ALL of these things. Thank you cannot convey the appreciation I feel to each one of you.

In our congregation, we have people of various ages, values, and abilities to give. For some, it changes over the course of their lives. New families struggle with school bills, B’nei Mitzvah fees, and the building fund, while congregants who have children who are grown and flown may be in a more comfortable place and able to give a bit more. Some of our senior congregants have a fixed income and yet still make Temple giving a priority.

Having so many different ways to contribute is our way of reaching people where they are — allowing them to give as they are able, in a way that resonates with their hearts and their values.

When these requests make their way to your mailbox or your inbox, I’d like you to remember that we appreciate you and all that you give of yourself to this community. Remember that we are trying to reach every member in ways that align with their philanthropic aspirations. Remember that we appreciate each gift given, no matter when or how it is received.

In this season of reflection and gratitude, and on behalf of your Temple Board of Trustees, wishing you opportunities to reflect on things you are grateful for, time with friends & loved ones, good health, hope, and peace. Most of all, accept our sincerest appreciation for being part of our Temple Sinai family. Thank you for giving, thank you for caring, and thank you for supporting our community.

My family and I wish you a Happy Holiday season.

Michelle 10 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

Our Growing List of Members

(as of October 24, 2019)

Anonymous Ellen & Howard Brecher Michelle & Dr. Seth Golden Esther Fortunoff Greene & Joshua Greene Dr. Janet Serle & Ira Malin

Veronica Nasary Randy & Hank Ratner Jodi & Robert Rosenthal Jana & Louis Sheinker Dr. Barbara & Alan Weinschel Lori & RIchard Yaspan

To learn more about becoming a member of The Lev Society. please contact Alison Stamm at 516.621.6800 or astamm@mysinai.org

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 11

A PEEK INTO THE PAST:

Thoughts on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy During the preparations for the renovations to the Nursery School wing, an old copy of the Gates of Prayer siddur was unearthed.

Hidden within the pages of the book was a typewritten piece of lined paper with notes prepared for presentation at a “prayer meeting” at Temple Sinai. The author is unknown, but it was most likely written by a congregant. We share this letter with you as we approach the 56th anniversary of the death of President John F.Kennedy.

We meet here today in this prayer meeting in remembrance of our lost, young, vigourous [sic] president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Each of us mourns the loss of other leaders with whom we individually identify as those who embodied and expressed our special hopes and aspirations.

What makes the loss of Preseident [sic] Kennedy so special is that many of us here today found that in losing him, we lost someone [of] optimism and with something he inspired in us - faith. Because he died so young, because he died at what appeared to us, the brink of a world made better and filled with promise, it is his “death day” rather than his “birth day” that we memorialize.

The shots which destroyed our golden heroic leader, made us lose confidence and hope for a long time [paper is torn and words are missing] has long been part of our Jewish heritage, part of our Jewish conciousness....hope for the future....it is always “for the children”....always with an eye towards thing being better for tomorrow....that we live and pray.

It is important to remeber [sic] and to be inspired by his memory and to grow. Let us contemplate the following words: pp. 668 “The astonishing thing about the human being....” and pp. 692 “The young soldiers do not speak......remeber [sic] us.”

Let us leave here today, imbued with the conviction that we CAN make a difference, that President Kennedy’s inspiation for that which is the best and brightest in each of us, will form a beacon to others, to make our world even better and brighter, too.

Sing Let There be Peace on Earth 12 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

TS AN

G R E RE TH NG NE CO R

CO

We welcome your submissions for this section of The Scribe!

Feel free to share with us any special accomplishments, trips, simchas, fun tidbits, or anything that would be of interest to your Temple Sinai community.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Enid Pinsker proudly shares the story of her husband, Dr. Richard Pinkser, who was selected as “Veteran of the Day,” by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Following the events of 9/11, 56-year old Dr. Richard Pinsker left his position as the Internal Residency Program Director at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York, to join the New York Army National Guard.

Having extensive prior experience in medicine, Pinsker was tasked with supervising medical care for over 12,000 soldiers, conducting Period Health Assessments and Fit for Duty physicals for the New York National Guard. In addition to his standard duties, he often volunteered for additional assignments and disaster readiness training programs at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.

In 2006, Pinsker began working at Camp Smith and in Staten Island, where he was responsible for ensuring the medical welfare of 12,000 National Guard soldiers. He also began tenure as a medical review officer for the Joint Substance Abuse Program. For his excellent work in this field over a sustained period of time, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the New York Army National Guard Medical Command.

In June 2006, following extensive flooding in and around Binghamton, New York, Pinsker volunteered to serve with the New York Army National Guard’s 204th Engineer Battalion in support of disaster relief operations. There, he treated civilians and soldiers suffering from Lyme disease, which became endemic to the region following the floods.

In 2007, at the age of 61, Pinsker volunteered to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was assigned to the 213th Area Support Medical Company. As the Senior Physician at Contingency Operating Base Adder Troop Medical Clinic, he provided routine and emergency medical care to over 1,600 Soldiers, local nationals and civilian contractors. In addition, Pinsker was able to train other medics. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal and his first Army Commendation Medal.

In 2010, at the age of 64, Pinsker volunteered for a second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

At Contingency Operating Base Bucca, he served as the senior medical provider and physician for the 204th Area Support Medical Company, conducting split-based operations. In addition, he served as the theater consultant for endocrinology, providing medical care for over 2000 coalition forces, civilian contractors, and third-country nationals in and around COB Bucca. In recognition of his service during this deployment, he was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and a second Army Commendation Medal.

Dr. Richard Pinsker retired at the rank of colonel.

Thank you for your service, Richard!

Article reprinted from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs VAntage Point Blog

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 13

the musings of a balabusta* by tracy zimmerman

As I am sitting in my kitchen I remember back to my last column where there was nothing cooking in my kitchen. In three days I will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah with 21 people at my house. Now, there are many foods cooking and baking in my kitchen!

When you read this article, it will be fall, and with Chanukah

around the corner, I am trying to decide on my next mission in my

challah kitchen. I find my challah baking to be an addiction, and

figuring out my next “theme challah” is my passion. After

attempting a new challah recipe I am hooked! It is just amazing!

(So, all my challah ladies - and Bob - stay tuned for another

challah bake with my new recipe!), which leads me to my next

idea of jelly-filled challah! As an eight-day holiday, Chanukah

always includes one Shabbat, so why not have a special challah in its honor?

Tracy shows off one

My sons Harris 11, and Eli 8, have of her delicious challahs become my challah makers alongside me. They can measure, knead, and braid. If you would have told me that my boys would not only be braiding challah but using YouTube for different braiding techniques, I would have laughed. Now, I am a mom of boys who are baking challah like you wouldn’t believe! They are excited by my enthusiasm or obsession or whatever you want to call it, with challah and baking the best and most different one yet!

I implore you to try something out of your comfort zone in Judaism and find a way to bring it home to your family. Just three years ago, I had no idea that challah could be baked at home. How would one even attempt that? I thought a challah was baked by Zomicks and you paid $7 for it. Now, I am the challah baker; it is a bonding experience for my boys and myself; my friends love them; I even started teaching.

Who knew challah could have such an impact on my life?

Tracy demonstrates her braiding technique at a Friend of a Friend Challah Bake

Challah is a metaphor for life! It is delicious, sweet, a labor of love, messy, a flop. It takes an unintended path, it is underdone, overdone, but always beautiful! Sending lots of love from my kitchen to yours.

*Balabusta

(pronounced ba-la-BUST-ah) is the Yiddish term for “homemaker,” generally denoting a woman who is exceptionally skilled at maintaining her home.

14 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

great books...great insights...great fun

Our next meeting: Monday, November 18 7:15pm

The title of our next book is The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone.

In 1916, a young Quaker schoolteacher and poetry scholar named Elizebeth

Smith was hired by an eccentric tycoon to find the secret messages he believed

were embedded in Shakespeare’s plays. She moved to the tycoon’s lavish estate

outside of Chicago expecting to spend her days poring through old books. But

the rich man’s close ties to the U.S. government, and the urgencies of war, quickly transformed Elizebeth’s mission. She soon learned to apply her skills to an exciting new venture: codebreaking— the solving of secret messages without knowledge of the key. Working alongside her on the estate was William Friedman, a Jewish scientist who would become her husband and lifelong codebreaking partner. Elizebeth and William were in many ways the Adam and Eve of the National Security Agency, the U.S. institution that monitors and intercepts foreign communications to glean intelligence.

In The Woman Who Smashed Codes, Jason Fagone chronicles the life of this extraordinary woman who played an integral role in our nation’s history—from the Great War to the Cold War. He traces Elizebeth’s developing career through World War I, Prohibition, and the struggle against fascism. She helped catch gangsters and smugglers, exposed a Nazi spy ring in South America, and fought a clandestine battle of wits against Hitler’s Reich, cracking multiple versions of the Enigma machine used by German operatives to conceal their communications. And through it all, she served as muse to her husband, a master of puzzles, who astonished friends and foes alike. Inside an army vault in Washington, he worked furiously to break Purple, the Japanese version of Enigma—and eventually succeeded, at a terrible cost to his personal life.

Fagone unveils for the first time America’s codebreaking history through the prism of one remarkable woman’s life, bringing into focus the unforgettable events and colorful personalities that shaped the modern intelligence community. Rich in detail, The Woman Who Smashed Codes pays tribute to an unsung hero whose story belongs alongside those of other great female technologists, like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper, and whose oft-hidden contributions altered the course of the century.

To RSVP for the November 18 meeting, please contact Leslie Lewit Milner at llmmotivate@aol.com. The meeting location will be provided after your RSVP is received.

See if you can decode this message:

Ru blf xzm ivzw gsrh nvhhztv, blf droo ivzoob vmqlb gsrh yllp! Kovzhv qlrm fh lm Mlevnyvi 18.

These three books are all part of this year’s Adult Engagement calendar, and we encourage you to read them: D-Day Girls by Sarah Rose - event date: January 7, 2020 Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom by Ariel Burger - event date: February 11, 2020 Antisemitism Here and Now by Deborah Lipstadt (this year’s Big Read selection) - event date: April 28, 2020

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 15

16 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

Help others stay warm this winter by donating clean, NEW & GENTLY WORN winter coats, gloves, and scarves in the bin just inside the Temple entrance We are especially in need of infant’s and children’s jackets.

We will also be accepting donations of gift card that will be used to purchase new coats. School supplies and boxes of tissues are also being collected.

We will be collecting items through Wednesday, November 13.

All items will be distributed to the local community during the annual

Tikkun Alliance of the North Shore (TANS) Neighbors

Helping Neighbors Community Outreach Program on Sunday, November 17. Volunteers are needed that day to

help with the set-up and distribution at the Roslyn

Community Center. To lend a hand, contact socialaction@mysinai.org.

In December, we will be collecting new, unused two-piece pajama sets (tops & bottoms) for all sizes up to 18 years of age for the LI Chapter of the Pajama Program.

Children’s books are also needed.

For information on both Chanukah at the Hospital and the mitzvah project component of Chanukah Happenings, please check the This Week at Temple Sinai emails every Wednesday.

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 17

I

TEMPLE SINAI is privileged to welcome esteemed DOROT Professor of Modern Jewish History & Holocaust Studies at Emory University

Dr. Deborah Lipstadt on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 7:30pm In her latest book, Antisemitism: Here and Now, Deborah E. Lipstadt examines the recent rise in antisemitism in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The book takes the form of a series of letters between Lipstadt and two fictional characters - a Jewish student and a non-Jewish colleague. It is a penetrating and provacative analysis of the hate that will not die, focusing on its current virulent incarnation on both the political right and left. We are thrilled to announce that Antisemitism: Here and Now is our Big Read selection; the Big Read will take place on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30pm.

Dr. Lipstadt is best known for her books Denying the Holocaust, which won the Jewish Book Award, and History on Trial. The legal battle she fought against a Holocaust denier who sued her for libel became the basis for the film Denial, which will be screened at Temple Sinai on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30pm.

We are elated to announce that performing at our Light Classical Concert on Sunday, January 26, will be none other than renowned pianist and conductor, Benjamin Hochman.

Hochman has performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, 92nd Street Y, Berlin Konzerthaus, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Louvre in Paris, Liszt Academy in Budapest, Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, and many more. Hochman has performed as soloist with the New York, Los Angeles, Israel and Prague Philharmonics, as well as numerous orchestrass around the globe.

Having Hochman perform at Temple Sinai will certainly be a once-in-a-lifeteime experience that should not be missed!

18 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

Classical music doesn’t get better than this.

-The New York Times

TEMPLE SINAI ADULT ENGAGEMENT

Adrianne Rubin arubin@mysinai.org What does the Jewish heroine Judith have to do with Chanukah when she likely lived four centuries before Judah Maccabee?

Judith was a widow living in Bethulia in sixth century BCE Judea. When her town came under siege by Holofernes, a general in Nebuchadnezzar’s Assyrian army, she devised a plan to speak to the general inside the enemy camp. Once there, Judith so charmed Holofernes that he drank too much wine and proceeded to pass out. (Judith was said to have brought salty cheese with her to make Holofernes thirsty enough to drink all that wine, which is why it is considered traditional to eat cheese during Chanukah.) Judith then used Holofernes’ own sword to behead him. Emboldened by the sight of Holofernes’ severed head, the Israelites attacked and forced the Assyrians to retreat.

Sandro Botticelli

The Book of Judith, as well as 1 and 2 Maccabees, are The Return of Judith to Bethulia,

Deuterocanonical, part of the Apocrypha, meaning they 1467 Tempera on panel

are not contained within the Jewish canon of the Hebrew

Bible. Aspects of these stories seem to have been conflated, Uffizi Gallery, Florence

particularly during the Middle Ages, when various parallels

were drawn between them. Nebuchadnezzar has been likened

to Antiochus in their shared desire to be worshipped, and

both Judith and Judah Maccabee displayed the heads of the

enemy to inspire their people. In some medieval texts,

Judith’s name appears in accounts of events from Judah

Maccabee’s day. Certainly, both Judith and the Maccabees

personify the themes of Jewish faith and courage to overcome

formidable foes. Judith’s strength and fortitude have made Francisco Goya

her popular subject within the canon of art history.

Judith and Holofernes1819-23 Oil on canvas

Prado, Madrid

Though Judith’s story may be less familiar now than in times past, like Esther, she remains a Jewish heroine for the ages.

Chag Chanukah Sameach!

Artemisia Gentileschi Judith and Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes, c. 1625 Oil on canvas Detroit Institute of Arts

Director of Adult Engagement SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 19

A musical documentary about the amazing story of a group of Jewish songwriters who wrote the soundtrack to Christmas.

Sunday, December 15

2:00pm

Free for Congregants; $10 Non-Congregants

presented by Sinai Social Sundays Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Larry Weinstein, this offbeat, irreverent documentary depicts a journey — a tale of immigrant outsiders who became irreplaceable players in pop culture’s mainstream. They were a generation of songwriters who understood the times they were writing for and who would go on to transform themselves and pop culture at the same time. They found in Christmas the perfect holiday in which to imagine a better world and, for at least one day a year, made us believe in it.

Telling this story through words and song, Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas features rarely seen archival footage, musical performances, and interviews with contemporary writers and performers, as well as connoisseurs of North American popular music.

Author’s Talk

D-DAY GIRLS Tuesday, January 7

11:30am

SARAH ROSE

$20 (includes lunch)

D-Day Girls is the dramatic, untold story of the extraordinary women recruited by Britain’s elite spy agency to help pave the way for Allied victory.

In D-Day Girls, Sarah Rose draws on recently declassified files, diaries, and oral histories to tell the story of three of these women. There’s Odette Sansom, a young mother who feels suffocated by domestic life and sees the war as her ticket out; Lise de Baissac, an unflappable aristocrat with the mind of a natural leader; and Andrée Borrel, the streetwise organizer of the Paris Resistance. Together, they derailed trains, blew up weapons caches, destroyed power and phone lines, and gathered crucial intelligence—laying the groundwork for the D-Day invasion that proved to be the turning point in the war.

Stylishly written and rigorously researched, this is an inspiring story for our own moment of resistance, in which women continue to play a vital role.

Co-sponsored by Friend of a Friend/Chaverot

Lunch will be catered by Bagel Boss.

RSVP to Adrianne Rubin by Friday, December 20.

20 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

The women of Friend of a Friend have been so busy with an exciting season. If you haven’t joined in any of our events yet, this is the time for us to welcome you and for you to enjoy participating!

Have you renewed your 2019-20 FOF membership yet?

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.

Here’s what’s coming up!

Friend of a Friend MonthlyMeetings

Fridays, November 1 and December 13 at 9:30am Come be a part of the planning stages for our events and activities.

We welcome newcomers to keep our ideas fresh and appealing to all women of Temple Sinai. This is a great way to get involved - our meetings are short and start with a joke!

Give it a try!

Brought to you by Adult Engagement

Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 pm Don’t miss Friend of a Friend’s night with Sinai’s resident artist, Mordechai Rosenstein. We’ll enjoy pinot and painting with this renowned Judaica

artist as we contribute to the work of art being created for Temple Sinai!

Space is limited, RSVP ASAP to fof@mysinai.org.

No charge.

Next date: Wednesday, January 29 @ 7:00 pm.

Join us for a relaxing night of wine, light food and lively discussion about the Torah and women in our heritage.

Space is limited; RSVPs are required: winewomenwisdom@mysinai.org

CHANUKAH EVENTS

Pinot & Painting,

Our November 6 event is FULL.

Chanukah Boutique: Dec. 9, 10, 11 & Latke Parties: Dec. 16, 17, 18 TIMES TBA Our Nursery & Religious School kids are the best noshers & shoppers ever! Come help them enjoy latkes & choose gifts for Chanukah. Contact Lori Yaspan at zipyaz@aol.com or 516-314-2141 for more info!

Friday, January 10 @ 10:30am

Join us to do a mitzvah!

We’re teaming up with the Social Action Committee to prepare & deliver a dinner of vegetable lasagna, salad, garlic bread & cookies to local families in need.

RSVP to fof@mysinai.org

Hope to see you soon at Friend of a Friend events.

Visit us at mysinai.org/fof and email us at fof@mysinai.org.

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 21

TEMPLE SINAI NURSERY SCHOOL in partnership with Bright Horizons Alana Einhorn Interim Nursery School Director aeinhorn@mysinai.org

Lindsay Dayan Assistant Nursery School Director ldayan@mysinai.org

photos from Mazel’s naming ceremony

Rabbi White and Cantor Sergei name the puppy Mazel

parenting

Dr Whitney Roban is a Family, Educational, and Corporate Sleep Specialist, as well as the author of two books about children and sleep. Dr. Roban considers sleep a necessity, not a luxury.

workshops Thursday, November 7 at 7:30pm

Sleep Master Class with Dr. Whitney Roban Parenting is a very difficult job, made even more difficult to do well and to enjoy when your whole family is sleep deprived.

Please join Dr. Roban to learn everything you need to know about raising a great sleeper and having a well-rested family.

Topics to be discussed include: why sleep is so important, how much sleep children and adults need, nap refusals, bedtime battles, night workings, and early risings, and many more.

22 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

All are welcome; free of charge

Q&A with our Infant Teachers

Get to know these four amazing teachers who are lucky enough to spend their days with our delicious infants!

Audra Groveman

Jill Feingold

Robin Gossett

Susan Lazar

Where did you grow up?

Roslyn Heights Favorite children’s movie?

Balto Favorite picture book?

Put Me in the Zoo Favorite subject in school?

Science If you weren’t a Nursery School teacher, what would you do for a living?

Work with animals.

Favorite thing about teaching Nursery School?

Every day is different and wonderful and I love being able to make a difference in the lives of children.

Favorite color?

Navy blue Favorite food?

Anything chocolate!

Favorite sport?

Volleyball Favorite Jewish holiday?

Sukkot is so festive and happy; I love eating in the sukkah with my family.

Favorite season?

Fall. I love the foliage, the cool, crisp, fresh air, and the pumpkin flavor that is everywhere!

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Java chip Secret talent or super power?

I always see the positive side of things.

What else should we know about you?

I have three amazing daughters that make me feel blessed every day!

Where did you grow up?

Queens Favorite children’s movie?

Mary Poppins Favorite picture book?

Sitting in My Box Favorite subject in school?

History If you weren’t a Nursery School teacher, what would you do for a living?

Be a reading teacher.

Favorite thing about teaching Nursery School?

The children discover new and exciting things every day.

Favorite color?

Blue Favorite food?

Italian Favorite sport?

Playing tennis Favorite Jewish holiday?

Sukkot because it reminds me how much I have to be thankful for.

Favorite season?

Fall - the colors and the freshness of the air.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Soft serve vanilla - with rainbow sprinkles, of course!

Secret talent or super power?

Making up games.

Where did you grow up?

Douglaston Favorite children’s movie?

Descendants Favorite picture book?

Where the Wild Things Are Favorite subject in school?

Science If you weren’t a Nursery School teacher, what would you do for a living?

Jewish education and programming.

Favorite thing about teaching Nursery School?

To be a support and to guide the children as they explore the world around them.

Favorite color?

Green Favorite food?

My Bubby’s kreplach!

Favorite sport?

Dance Favorite Jewish holiday?

Sukkot, because it allows me to reconnect to the world and the environment yearly.

Favorite season?

I enjoy all the seasons!

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Coffee chip Secret talent or super power?

I have a calming effect on children.

What else should we know about you?

I have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three amazing grandchildren!

Where did you grow up?

Long Island Favorite children’s movie?

Annie Favorite picture book?

A Snowy Day Favorite subject in school?

Science If you weren’t a Nursery School teacher, what would you do for a living?

Special education teacher.

Favorite thing about teaching Nursery School?

Getting to know the children as individuals and watching their growth.

Favorite color?

Orange Favorite food?

Salmon Favorite sport?

Tennis Favorite Jewish holiday?

Chanukah, because I love lighting the menorah with my family.

Favorite season?

Fall, because I love watching the leaves change colors.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Black raspberry Secret talent or super power?

I have mental telepathy with children.

Years at Temple Sinai Nursery School: 11

Years at Temple Sinai Nursery School: 3

Years at Temple Sinai Nursery School: 1st year

Years at Temple Sinai Nursery School: 11

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 23

Sharing Shabbat is a wonderful time for our family to be together to celebrate Shabbat. Esther (6) and Elliot (3) love the activities before the service. It’s so nice spending Shabbat and the holidays at Temple Sinai, building our own Jewish community. We look forward to the quality time every month and love to include grandparents and uncles in the celebration! Esther loves hearing the stories about Shabbat and the holidays and Elliot has so much fun dancing and singing with the instruments.

-Rachel Bloom 24 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

our children, our future

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org As Abba Hillel Silver taught, There is inexorable law in our history: without learning and study, Judaism cannot survive. Where ever a Jewish community failed to kindle the lamp of learning and relied solely on worship, observance and philanthropy, it ultimately disappeared. Learning is a major component of Jewish life, and there is a good reason that the Torah requires us to learn. As our people have traveled around the world, looking for a safe place to live, we have not always been allowed to take many possessions with us. But we always managed to take our Torah and traditions.

We are in a wonderful position here at Temple Sinai Religious School because we have the ability to teach our children about our heritage. Many dynamic plans have been made for this school year. The Torah Explorers Program for grades K through second, is in its sixth year and is a great success! The Torah Explorers Program incorporates stories, art, singing, dancing, yoga and Jewish cooking. This year the program will be enhanced by various family education opportunities and family holiday celebrations.

Our students in grades four through six and their families will participate in the newly developed BMitzvah program, which will include small-group Torah study with Cantor Elena, family education programs and celebrations. Our new, integrated Hebrew language curriculum, weekly reading homework assignments and T’filah program will provide a more focused experience for students in grades three through six. In addition to the Modern Hebrew curriculum, this year our Kavod class students will explore the fundamentals of the Torah and Haftarah cantillation. In our thriving Hineni program for grades four through six, our teachers and Temple Sinai volunteers continue to engage our students in mitzvah education and hands-on tikkun olam projects. Through Mitzvah Makers, seventh grade students and their families will engage in many hands-on learning experiences, participating in programs led by the clergy, educators from the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish National Fund, and more.

We look forward to a productive and memorable year for our Religious School community!

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz

Thank you, Lori Yaspan, for creating our incredible hallway bulletin boards!

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 25

Dear Temple Sinai Families, Our 7th grade students, also known as our “Mitzvah Makers�, are excited to do their part in healing the world (tikkun olam)! They are busy working with their families, friends, teachers, and community to make a difference in the world. The students are engaging in various organizations and opportunities of every imaginable cause to make a difference.

Some of the students are collecting warm clothes, toiletries, and food for those in need, and some are holding fund raisers for various causes, such as cancer, autism, and Alzheimer’s. Some are working with children with special needs, visiting the elderly in local nursing facilities, adopting a holocaust survivor, and an IDF unit.

Others are taking up collections for animals in need. More are collecting school supplies and sports equipment for those less fortunate than themselves. The passion and effort that our Mitzvah Makers are showing is inspiring and heartwarming.

If you have a specific cause or organization that is close to your heart that you would like us to present to our incredible group of students to work with or on, please do not hesitate to reach out and let us know. We are always looking for more opportunities to make a difference and make the world a better place.

Stay tuned to hear more about our students and their Mitzvah projects!

Shalom, Audra Groveman Our first Hineni session was a huge success! More than 60 students sparticipated. The children discovered how, during the festival of Sukkot, tradition encourages us to welcome seven holy guests into our sukkah, one for each of the seven nights of the festival.

The children learned how the guests represent important fundamental concepts: love, kindness, personal strength, beauty, truth, Torah, empathy, and holiness. In the end, they discovered that Sukkot is a holiday that represents the Jewish people working together to bring about world peace and that it takes all the guests together to bring this about. They thought about whom would they invite into their sukkah and how they could accomplish bringing about peace in the world today.

Afterwards the children made beautiful and meaningful decorations to be hung in our own Temple sukkah. They participated in our Sukkot service and ate pizza in the hut to conclude the celebration!

Shalom, Audra Groveman Hineni Coordinator

26 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

the urj camp experience My boys Jewish Summer: For the past couple of years my son has been coming home from camp and raving about how he is so happy to be going to Eisner and 6-Points Sci Tech Academy. Both offer unique experiences, but they both offer a sense of warmth, pride in Judaism, a supportive staff, amazing friends from across the country, a variety of activities and believe it or not, tasty food options. This summer my younger son also attended 6-Points Sci Tech for one two-week session; we’ve already signed him up for two sessions next summer. Both my boys have tried other camps, however they didn’t feel at home. Eisner and 6-Points are their summer homes.

Although I miss them greatly, I couldn’t be happier with the rich experience they are having at both of these URJ camps. Thank you Temple Sinai for the recommendation!

Inna Leipzig, proud URJ camp mom

Puppies! Not the first word one would associate with a Jewish sleepaway

camp, but that is exactly what sold my daughter Skylar on Crane Lake

Camp. Camp. Two years ago, we joined Lulu Belferder to meet a URJ

representative visiting Temple Sinai to speak about Eisner and Crane Lake

Camps. Skylar was intrigued by the idea of Crane Lake as a smaller camp

community, but when she saw the video with the puppies and heard there

was an option to win a puppy at the end of the summer, she was sold. Skylar

spent four weeks at Crane Lake the summer of 2018 and while she did not

come home with a puppy, she returned with new friends and a passion to

return in 2019 for the full summer for her Olim year.

Her enthusiasm for camp was contagious and my younger daughter, Layla,

chose to join Skylar this past summer. While the first week away from

home was challenging, Layla came home from camp with new friends; with

a newfound self-confidence, and several inches taller. One of the most

meaningful things that Crane Lake has provided our family is the bond my

girls have forged with one another over the shared experiences and “inside” camp jokes and songs. It is most entertaining watching them at Temple Sinai services, participating while trying to suppress the urge to use the associated hand motions they learned with many prayers at camp. My girls would argue that the most meaningful thing that Crane Lake provided our family is the puppy they won at the end of this past summer. (Apparently Bat Mitzvah wishes do come true!) Thank you Temple Sinai for introducing us to Crane Lake Camp.

To learn more about these incredible camps, contact Lulu Belferder at LBelferder@mysinai.org.

Gabrielle Goldberg, proud URJ camp mom

Have you read the latest edition of SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 27

DANIEL SHALAM NOVEMBER 2

Parents: Deborah & David Shalam Siblings: Ethan - 18, Sadie - 10 Grandparents: Jane & John Shalam, Mimi & Jimmy Chung School: Portledge - 9th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 1 Favorite Holiday: Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah, because both are fun holidays filled with family and great food!

Describe Yourself: I play soccer, baseball, and golf, and I am very interested in broadcasting and journalism.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? It means I am older and following the traditions of my family.

HENRY WEINSCHEL NOVEMBER 2

Parents: Leah Tobin & Adam Weinschel Siblings: Phoebe - 10 Grandparents: Dr. Barbara & Alan Weinschel, Elaine & Peter Tobin School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: Shabbat is the most meaningful to me, as it’s the only time of a busy week when my family can all be together. We also have a delicious meal and I know the weekend will arrive soon.

Describe Yourself: I’m half English, so I travel to Europe to visit, which is the best part of the summer. I also love to give myself a challenge in whatever I do, as it brings out the best in me. I play tennis and the trombone, but I’ve never tried to play them at the same time! I love to tinker and create things, however, the catapults I make hardly ever end well for my sister. I adore telling jokes, even if the groans sometimes outweight the laughs!

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? In the preparation for becoming a Bar Mitzvah, I’ve begun to learn more about myself and I’m looking forward to continuing to realize and appreciate what it means to be a Jewish person.

SKYLAR SPIER NOVEMBER 2

Parents: Kelly & Laurence Spier Siblings: Sydney - 10, Summer - 9, Sailor - 6, Saige - 4 Grandparents: Toby & Nathaniel Spier, Bernadette & John McCarthy, Janet McCarthy School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because I get to see my cousins and second cousins who live far away. My Poppy leads the seder. We all get to take part and read from the Haggadah.

Describe Yourself: I have four sisters. I love to sew and design clothes; it is my favorite activity.

One of my favorite sports is basketball. I like to play with my friends, family, or even myself. I also enjoy soccer, tennis, and swimming. During the summer I go to Timber Lake Camp, where I enjoy even more sports, cooking, and arts and crafts.

Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is significant to me because it means that I am becoming a woman with responsibilities and more independence. I am becoming more confident in Hebrew lessons and I am working hard. I am most excited because I feel strong, independent, and proud of myself.

28 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

JESSE GOLDSMITH NOVEMBER 7

Parents: Elise & Adam Goldsmith Siblings: Charlie - 16 Grandparents: Roberta Strugats, Jeanne Simon & Joel Silver, Linda & Warren Goldsmith School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because I get to spend time with my cousins and we all take turns giving speeches at the seder table.

Describe Yourself: I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy playing football and basketball. I am a creative and loving person that cares about others. I enjoy walking my dog Cali on the weekends to the park by the bagel store. I also love to cook for my family by myself.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Turning 13 in the Jewish religion means becoming a man in my own eyes. I am looking forward to making adult decisions on my own.

MAXWELL KATCHER NOVEMBER 9

Parents: Aimee & Daniel Katcher Siblings: Lila - 9 Grandparents: Robin & Gerald Safran, Roanne & Paul Katcher School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah. I love seeing my whole family and celebrating the new year.

Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is science. I love to play tennis and soccer. In the winter, I really enjoy skiing with my family. In the summer, I go to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means more adult responsibilities and obligations.

ALEXANDRA BERMAN NOVEMBER 16

Parents: Liana & Edward Berman Siblings: Michael - 15 Grandparents: Zina & Vlad Berman, Hannah Reznikova School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 2 Favorite Holiday: Chanukah, because like every kid, I like getting 7 days of presents! I love the experience of lighting the candles and saying the prayers with my mom. I also love the potato latkes that my grandma always makes for the holiday.

Describe Yourself: My favorite person in my family is my brother (but not all the time!). I love spending time with my friends. I have a Bengal Tiger cat who sleeps with me. I also love to play basketball.

Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? I am the first girl in my family to become Bat Mitzvah. Neither my mom nor my grandparents had one because in Ukraine, where they grew up, it was not acceptable. Being Jewish was not “announced,” so no one had a Bar or Bat Mizvah.

I feel very honored and proud.

AARON SAMUELS NOVEMBER 16

Parents: Sydney & Jason Samuels Siblings: Gavin - 10, Nate - 6 Grandparents: Sandy & Hal Rosenberg, Janice & Steven Samuels School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 3 Favorite Holiday: My favorite holiday is Chanukah because I get to see my family. Every year we have multiple Chanukah parties. Getting presents is nice as well.

Describe Yourself: My favorite subject is Social Studies because my teacher is very fun and I’ve always loved learning about history. My favorite sport is tennis because I find it fun and exciting to hit the ball back and forth over the net. I love basketball as well. I also enjoy going to the beach and sailing in the summer.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? It means a lot to be. I am looking forward to becoming a man. I am also very excited to show everyone what I have learned all this time. This is a very big moment in my life. I’m looking forward to reading from the Torah and learning more about my Jewish history.

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 29

NOAH JANOWITZ NOVEMBER 23

Parents: Stephanie & Sammy Janowitz Siblings: Lily - 9 Grandparents: Rosalyn & Ivan Meisner, Bernard & Sherry Janowitz, Helene & Mark Cohen School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: I love Passover. I love all the traditions that surround the seder and I still get a kick out of searching for the Afikoman.

Describe Yourself: I love playing sports, especially hockey, lacrosse, and basketball. I am also a diehard Jets fan - which has been less than rewarding. Beyond sports, I like math, coding, and science.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I am committing myself to being a Jewish man. I am most looking forward to increased independence and maturity.

ZACHARY GOLDMAN NOVEMBER 30

Parents: Stephanie & Ariel Goldman Siblings: Olivia - 10 Grandparents: Susan Ganz, Cary Ganz, Randi Goldman, Charles Goldman School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: Passover, because I love how my dad leads the seder each year and I love spending time with my family.

Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is science, because you get to do experiments and learn about interesting topics. I am an ice hockey goalie and I also love to play tennis and baseball. I love my camp, Silver Lake, hanging with my friends and family, and going to hockey and baseball games.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am excited to become a Bar Mitzvah and see all of my hard work pay off. I look forward to taking on more responsibilities as a Jewish adult.

JESSE RYBACK DECEMBER 7

Parents: Nicole & Daniel Ryback Siblings: Gavin - 10 Grandparents: Fran & Mark Sysler, Ruth & Hyman Ryback School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 8 Favorite Holiday: Chanukah, because I like lighting the menorah with my family and eating potato latkes.

Describe Yourself: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing lacrosse and hockey and listening to music. I love spending time at my lake house in Canada. My favorite subjects in school are math and social studies.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bar Mitzvah is important to me because I get to continue the traditions of my family members who have all become Bar and Bat Mitzvah in the past.

30 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

TEMPLE SINAI TEEN PROGRAMS lulu’s lulu’s

TEEN TALK TALK TEEN

Lulu Belferder Lulu Belferder lbelferder@mysinai.org lbelferder@mysinai.org The school year is underway and that brings added stress and anxiety for all children, especially teens.

The underwayhealth and that brings stress andteens anxiety all childreneach especially teens.

Teenschool stressyear is anisimportant issue that added more and more arefor experiencing year. The Teen stress is an important health issue that more and more teens are experiencing each year.

The early early teen years are marked by rapid changes — physical, cognitive, and emotional. Young people also teen years are marked by rapid changes physical, cognitive, andfamily emotional.

Young peopleissues also face face changing relationships with peers, — new demands at school, tensions, and safety in changing relationships newteens demands school, tensions, andsignificant safety issues in their their communities.

Thewith wayspeers, in which copeatwith thesefamily stressors can have short and communities.

The ways inon which copeand with these stressors short-and long-term consequences theirteens physical emotional health. can It ishave oftensignificant hard for teens to asklong-term for consequences onwords their physical and or emotional health. is oftenBelow hard for ask for help, andteens put help, and to put to the stress anxiety they are It feeling. areteens someto strategies to help words to the stress or anxiety they are feeling.

Below are some strategies to help teens get through these get through these experiences. experiences.

Strategies for coping with stress: Strategies for coping with stress:

• Talk about problems with others.

• with others. by thinking or saying aloud, “I can handle this.”

• Talk Takeabout deep problems breaths, accompanied • deep breaths, accompanied by thinking saying aloud, “I can handleand this.”

• Take Perform progressive muscle relaxation, whichorinvolves repeatedly tensing relaxing large muscles • Perform progressive muscle relaxation, which involves repeatedly tensing and relaxing large muscles of the body. thesmall body.

•ofSet goals and break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

• small goals and breakmeals. tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

• Set Exercise and eat regular • Exercise and eat regular meals.

• Get proper sleep.

• proper sleep. positive discipline.

• Get Practice consistent, • positive • Practice Visualizeconsistent, and practice feareddiscipline. situations.

• Visualize and practice feared situations.

• Focus on what you can control (your reactions, your actions) and let go of what you cannot (other • Focus on opinions what you and can expectations). control (your reactions, your actions) and let go of what you cannot (other people’s people’s opinions and expectations).

• Work through worst-case scenarios until they seem amusing or absurd.

• worst-case scenarios until they seem amusing or absurd.

• Work Lowerthrough unrealistic expectations.

• unrealistic expectations.

• Lower Schedule breaks and enjoyable activities.

• Schedule breaks and enjoyable activities.

• Accept yourself as you are; identify your unique strengths and build on them.

• as you are; identifyboth yourinunique strengths and build onyourself them. permission and • Accept Give upyourself on the idea of perfection, yourself and in others.

Give • Give up on the idea of perfection, both in yourself and in others.

Give yourself permission and cultivate the ability to learn from mistakes cultivate the ability to learn from mistakes continued on next page

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 31

The clergy and staff of the Sulam Teen Programs are always here to offer support and provide a space to take a break from the stressors in your life. The Sulam Teen Programs offer a fun and safe environment where all are accepted and included. Registration continues for all Sulam teen programs and travel programs.

Lauren “Lulu” Belferder Director of Youth Engagement LBelferder@mysinai.org 516.621.6800 x116 Be sure and register for the RAC trip (January 10-13) - it’s an incredible experience. Ask Lulu for details!

Have you seen our new promo videos on YouTube?

Search “Temple Sinai of Roslyn” to check them out!

COLLEGE CONNECTION

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

32 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

TODAH RABAH FROM TEMPLE SINAI Thank You

a thank you to

ROBIN & CHUCK WEISS

Todah R abah

Robin and Chuck Weiss have been active members of Temple Sinai since 1989. Robin has served as chairperson of the Education Committee, and had been a member of the Board of Trustees for seven years.

Recently, Robin was an active member of the Rabbinic Search Committee that recommended the hire of Rabbi Ilana Schachter. A passionate knitter, Robin is a member of Sinai Stitches. Outside of the Temple, Robin is a psychotherapist in private practice, and she loves to play golf.

Chuck, an attorney, has been active in local government, having served as the Mayor of the Village of Flower Hill from 2005-2012. A member of the Board of Trustees since 2013, Chuck has served as legal counsel in regards to real estate law. In 2013, Chuck wrote his very first Purim Spiel and has been involved in writing and producing this very popular event ever since. His love for music and his love for Temple Sinai, has led to his becoming a “Rising Star” in our Temple’s senior choir.

As Robin and Chuck so beautifully expressed; “Temple Sinai is not only our spiritual home, but a place where we’ve made, and continue to make, close connections with good friends. Where we can gather to socialize, laugh, cry, and mourn together. Temple Sinai has enriched our lives immeasurably ...”

It is with a sincere thank you and a much deserved Todah Rabah, that the Temple Sinai family expresses its appreciation for Robin and Chuck Weiss.

Most sincerely, Bert Kraus Todah Rabah Committee

KULANU all of us

If you would like more information please contact us at templeoffice@mysinai.org and put “Kulanu” in the subject line.

Kulanu strives to make all individuals feel comfortable in our congregation. We provide a welcoming atmosphere and support to LGBTQ+ congregants and to their families and friends. Kulanu reaches out to the Jewish community at large and welcomes their membership in our temple.

Reva Rothenberg and Lynn Fishkind, Co-chairs SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 33

TODAH RABAH FROM TEMPLE SINAI How Many Jews Does it Take to Build a Sukkah?

On the morning of October 5th, members of the Brotherhood of Temple Sinai converged on the Temple’s front parking lot to erect the annual sukkah. Well, maybe not converged, but gathered or maybe just met; there were only four volunteers that day. But what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in enthusiasm and spirit.

They met Jeff Krugman, the Temple’s peripatetic handyman, who had already piled the “kit of parts” of last year’s sukkah in the grass in front of the Temple. It should be noted that Jeff has the only copy of the instructions for constructing the sukkah, and so it makes sense that Jeff is the “Director of Construction” for the project.

For the last 18 or so years, Brotherhood has met annually to build the sukkah at Temple Sinai from the instruction kit purchased by the Brotherhood consisting of “erector set” metal joining parts and a “sacred” diagram that shows how to connect wood pieces originally donated by a Temple congregant. Each year the project seems to get easier, perhaps because many of the members have done this before, and maybe because Jeff does so much of it before we even arrive!

The pieces are all marked and joining board “A” into slot “A” and board “B” into slot “B” of the connector pieces meets the maximum technical ability of the team. With the aid of screw guns and some direction, the team makes short work of erecting the super-structure.

Then comes the lattice-work for the outside walls and bamboo rolls for the roof. Finally, electric cables and lights complete Brotherhood’s work on the project. Later, Friend of a Friend works with the Temple Youth to decorate the sukkah and make it presentable for meals, meetings and inspirational talks offered by the Temple clergy.

So how many Jews does it take to build a sukkah? The more the merrier!!!

Scotch and Sacred Text Tuesday, November 12 at 7:30pm with Rabbi Michael White

Be enlightened by the Torah while enjoying scotch when Brotherhood hosts this award-winning program. This series is held in members’ homes to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

RSVP to brotherhood@mysinai.org 34 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

Caring Committee

of Temple Sinai

The Caring Committee of Temple Sinai continues to enjoy contacting our wonderful congregants celebrating simchas. We make phone calls, send notes, and when notified by the clergy or staff, we connect with members in times of need, illness and during times of sadness. It has been very heartwarming to learn that our activities are truly appreciated by the members of Temple Sinai and their families.

We take pleasure in hosting our series of three Lunch and Learn events. The second of this series will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 12:00pm in the Temple Library. The third of the series is scheduled for 12:00pm on Wednesday, May 6.

Rabbi Schachter will introduce us to a Judaic text and provide us with an opportunity to participate in a lively discussion, followed by a lovely lunch.

We encourage others to join this committee and serve the Temple Sinai membership. If you would like to join us but need additional information, please call the Temple office 516.621.6800 or send us an email to templeoffice@mysinai.org. We look forward to meeting you!

L’Shalom, Burnette Groveman and Cecile Saretsky, Co-Chairs

…At long last, New York City chic and sophistication comes to Long Island…

Call the event specialists, Mary Venier-Zwirn & Vincent D’Elia to view our newly decorated space for your next special occasion

516.484.4300 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 35

mazel tov Mindy & Dr. Richard Horowitz on the birth of their granddaughter Emmie Landon Horowitz Lori Karson on the engagement of her daughter Heather to Evan Sussman Cindy & Robert Kaplan on the marriage of their son Michael to Samantha Siegal Tracy Nadelman on the marriage of her daughter Eden Greenstein to Merrick Friedman Felice & Eric Kobrick on the marriage of their daughter Lauren to Jeffrey Myers Denyse & Dr. Benjamin Dreksler on the marriage of their son Rusty to Aleen Kuperman Donna & Dan Levine on the engagement of their son Jason to Sophie Cohen Ronna & Dr. Michael Niederman on the birth of their granddaughter Bette Macy Niederman Dorothy Rapkin on the birth of her great granddaughter Ava Eliana Landi Ivy & Howard Nemetsky on the marriage of their daughter Elyssa to Evan Friedman Marian & Irving Nemetsky on the marriage of their granddaughter Elyssa to Evan Friedman Eileen & Albert Bronstein on the marriage of their grandson Daniel Rudofsky to Ariel Spirer Nancy & Allen Geller on the marriage of their daughter Laura to Adam Shinabarger Jill & William Blau on the marriage of their son Austin to Alexandra Horowitch Our temple family shares both simchas and sorrows. Please let us know if you would like to receive members’ life cycle information via email by contacting the temple office at templeoffice@mysinai.org

Karen Etra on the loss of her mother Claudia Buckner Linda Zarin on the loss of her father Aksel Thiim Lynn Levine on the loss of her husband Ted Levine Warren Schreiber on the loss of his brother Meir Aaron Schreiber Dr. Abby Greenberg on the loss of her daughter Carolyn Beth Greenberg Marjorie Yelon-Slutzky & Steven Slutzky on the loss of their stepson/son Pierce Slutzky Laurance Nagin on the loss of his mother Sylvia Nagin Mark Pnini on the loss of his mother Elaine Pnini Randi Flick on the loss of her father Larry Cohen Jill Goldberg on the loss of her mother Mollie Rogers Ronnie Chusid on the loss of her step-father John Fava The Cooper family listing (see below) was inadvertently omitted from the 2019 Book of Remembrance.

We sincerely apologize to the Cooper family.

Barbara & Steven Cooper Michael Ingber Inge Ingber Hyman Cooper Helen Cooper

42 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

with deepest sympathy

We record with sorrow the death of Temple Members

Toby Hobish Ted Levine Mollie Rogers With deepest sympathy to their families, May their memories be for a blessing.

HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES WITH PLAQUES AND LEAVES Leaves on the Tree of Life are for those special family simchas: births, marriages, B’nei Mitzvah, anniversaries, etc.

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.

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.

Are you making a donation? Paying your Temple bill?

You can do so online at mysinai.org Click on either donate or payments in the upper right hand corner, and follow the instructions.

Temple Sinai Emergency Communication System Be informed regarding weather-related building closures, security updates, and more

Temple Sinai has automatically added you to Remind - a one-way texting service. Remind keeps phone numbers anonymous, and won’t flood your phone with everyone else’s responses. We love it and think you will, too, but if you don’t, you can easily cancel at any time by emailing us at templeoffice@mysinai.org SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 43

44 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

Support Merchants Who Support Temple Sinai

Advertise your business while supporting Temple Sinai.

For information contact Kathy Diamond at kdiamond@mysinai.org

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 45

46 SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

VETERANS DAY

12

27

10:00am Adult Ed with Rabbi Schachter 11:00am Autobiography Writing Workshop 1:15pm Conversational Hebrew Class 7:30pm Bringing Our Congregations Together

20

10:00am Autobiography Writing Workshop 1:15pm Conversational Hebrew Class

13

7

Building Closed

THANKSGIVING DAY

28

21

7:30pm Friend of a Friend Pinot & Paint

14

16

9:00am Morning Minyan 10:30am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah Maxwell Katcher

Offices Closed 6:45pm Shabbat Service

10:30am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah Zachary Goldman

30

9:00am Morning Minyan 10:30am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah Noah Janowitz

23

NO NURSERY SCHOOL 9:00am Morning Minyan

29

6:45pm Shabbat Service/ Installation of Rabbi Ilana Schachter

22

9:00am Morning Minyan 4:30pm Sharing Shabbat 10:30am Shabbat Service 6:45pm Shabbat Bat Mitzvah LaNeshama/Artist-inAlexandra Berman Residence Shabbat/Birthday Bar Mitzvah & Anniversary Blessings Aaron Samuels

15

6:45pm Shabbat Service/ Kristallnacht Service Guest Speaker: Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso

9

9:00am Morning Minyan 10:30am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah Daniel Shalam Henry Weinschel 6:30pm Havdallah Service Bat Mitzvah Skylar Spier

8

2

1

Sat

9:30am FOF/Chaverot Monthly Meeting 6:45pm Shabbat Hallelu/ Birthday Blessings

Fri

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: MORDECHAI ROSENSTEIN

10:30am Bar Mitzvah Service Bar Mitzvah Jesse Goldsmith 7:00pm Sinai Stitches 7:30pm Parenting Workshop on Sleep

Thur

Religious School 516.621.8016

Nursery School 516.621.8709

Main Office 516.621.6800

If you have any questions, please call the phone numbers listed below:

Dates and times are current as of October 24, 2019 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website for all other program and event information.

7:00pm Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

26

25

24

19

7:15pm Sinai Reads (offsite) 7:30pm Community Choir 8:00pm Adult Ed with Rabbi Schachter

18

7:00pm Adult Ed with Rabbi White

Rabbi White 7:30pm Community Choir 7:30pm Scotch & Sacred Text (offsite)

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 9:30am Adult Ed with

11

6

Wed

10:00am Autobiography NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Writing Workshop 1:15pm Conversational 7:30pm Community Choir Hebrew Class 7:00pm Wine, Women & 7:45pm Brotherhood Wisdom (offsite) Monthly Meeting

5 NO NURSERY SCHOOL

7:30pm Board Meeting

Tue

4

Mon

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

17

10

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

3

1

Sun

November 2019

SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019 47

29

30

23

11

4

Wed

18

31

CHRISTMAS EVE

1:00pm Offices Closed 1:00pm Nursery School Dismissal

24

7:30pm Community Choir 8:00pm Adult Ed with Rabbi Schachter

NEW YEAR’S EVE

CHRISTMAS DAY

BUILDING CLOSED

6:45pm Shabbat Service

27

6:45pm Shabbat LaNeshama/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings

9:00am Morning Minyan

28

9:00am Morning Sukkot Minyan

21

9:00am Morning Minyan 10:00am Chazak Shabbat

9:30am FOF Monthly Meeting 6:45pm Shabbat Service

20

14

13

9:00am Morning Minyan 10:30am Shabbat Service Bar Mitzvah Jesse Ryback

7

Sat

Religious School 516.621.8016

Nursery School 516.621.8709

Main Office 516.621.6800

If you have any questions, please call the phone numbers listed below:

Dates and times are current as of October 24, 2019 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website for all other program and event information.

1:00pm Offices Closed 1:00pm Nursery School Dismissal

26

19

12

6 6:45pm Shabbat Hallelu/ Birthday Blessings

7:00pm Cocktails for a Cause

Fri

5

Thur

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK

NO NURSERY SCHOOL

25

10:00am Adult Ed with Rabbi Schachter

FOF - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL LATKE PARTIES

17

FOF - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CHANUKAH BOUTIQUE

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK

1ST CHANUKAH CANDLE

22

10:00am Chanukah Happenings 2:00pm Film - Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas

16

9:30am Adult Ed with Rabbi White 12:30pm Sinai Stitches 7:30pm Community Choir

7:00pm Adult Ed with Rabbi White

15

10

9

7:30pm Community Choir 7:45pm Brotherhood Monhly Meeting

8

3

Tue

2

7:30pm Board Meeting

Mon

1

Sun

December 2019

Temple Sinai of Roslyn

425 Roslyn Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.6800 mysinai.org Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SERVICE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

6:45pm 9:00am 10:00am 10:30am 6:30pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

10:30am

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

6:45pm 9:00am 10:30am

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

4:30pm 6:45pm

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

9:00am 10:30am

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

6:45pm

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

9:00am 10:30am

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

6:45pm 9:00am 10:30am

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

6:45pm 9:00am 10:30am

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

6:45pm 9:00am 6:45pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

9:00am 6:45pm 9:00am

Shabbat Hallelu/Birthday Blessings Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Chazak Shabbat Shabbat Service/B’nei Mitzvah Daniel Shalam and Henry Weinschel Havdallah Service/Bat Mitzvah Skylar Spier Bar Mitzvah Service/Bar Mitzvah Jesse Goldsmith Shabbat Service/Kristallnacht Service Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/Bar Mitzvah Maxwell Katcher Sharing Shabbat Shabbat LaNeshama/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings/Artist-in-Residence Shabbat Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/B’nei Mitzvah Alexandra Berman and Aaron Samuels Shabbat Service/Installation of Rabbi Ilana Schachter Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/Bar Mitzvah Noah Janowitz Shabbat Service Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/Bar Mitzvah Zachary Goldman Shabbat Hallelu/Birthday Blessings Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/Bar Mitzvah Jesse Ryback Shabbat Service Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat LaNeshama/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan Shabbat Service Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan

TEMPLE SINAI

CHESVAN/KISLEV/TIVET 5780 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Volume 76 • No. 2

Main Office: 516.621.6800 Nursery School: 516.621.8708 Religious School: 516.621.8016 Rabbi Michael White rabbiwhite@mysinai.org Cantor Sergei Schwartz cantorsergeischwartz@mysinai.org Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantoreleneaschwartz@mysinai.org

48

Interim Nursery School Director Alana Einhorn aeinhorn@mysinai.org

Director of Youth Engagement Lauren “Lulu” Belferder

President Michelle Golden

lbelferder@mysinai.org

Director of Adult Engagement Adrianne Rubin, PhD

Executive Vice President Amy Braunstein

arubin@mysinai.org

Marketing & Communications Manager Kathy Diamond kdiamond@mysinai.org

Office Manager Jane Hallberg jhallberg@mysinai.org

Secretary Seth Golden

Follow us on Twitter Temple Sinai Roslyn @MySinaiRoslyn SCRIBE Nov-Dec 2019

astamm@mysinai.org

ldayan@mysinai.org

Cantor Emeritus Cantor Andrew H. Edison

Treasurer Michael Shaffet

Follow us on Instagram @mysinairoslyn

Executive Director Alison Stamm

Assistant Nursery School Director Lindsay Dayan

Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org

Vice Presidents Robyn Corbin Andrew Kraus Philip Rabinovich

Join the Facebook group Temple Sinai of Roslyn, NY facebook.com/groups/mysinai

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: mysinai.org

Brotherhood President Steve Halpern Friend of a Friend/Chaverot President Jacqueline Covey

Member Services Manager Betty Brandel bbrandel@mysinai.org

Assistant to Rabbis White & Schachter Linda Neiman lneiman@mysinai.org

V&Z Caterers 516.484.4300