TISHREI/CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5779 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 Volume 75 • Number 2
Giving thanks for our thriving community
Adult Education with Rabbi Michael White
JUDAISM’S BIG IDEAS Mondays at 7:00pm October 8 • November 19 • December 10 • January 14 February 11 • March 11 • April 8 • May 13 OR Tuesdays at 9:30am October 9 • November 20 • December 11 • January 15 February 12 • March 12 • April 9 • May 14 Each week we will explore one of Judaism’s core values and learn how it can inspire us and deepen our connection to our faith and tradition. The topics will be: • Prayer - How Jews Pray • Prayer - What’s in It for Me? • Forgiveness in Judaism - How to Receive It and How to Offer It • Shabbat - Getting Off the Treadmill • Tikkun Olam - Jews and Justice • A Jewish View of Death and Dying • How Jews Mourn • What’s Different About Reform Judaism?
All are welcome, free of charge 2 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
a message from the
PRESIDENT
Rich Evans revans@mysinai.org Dear Temple Sinai Family: Shana Tova. As I write this article, we have just finished celebrating Rosh Hashanah, and we begin our 71st Anniversary Year as Temple Sinai. Last year, my SCRIBE articles centered on the theme of Israel, apropos of our celebration of its 70th Anniversary. This year, dovetailing off of my High Holy Day speech, my theme will be centered on Tikkun Olam-Healing of the World. When preparing for my speech, I enlisted the help of my favorite editor-my wife, Vicki. With her red pencil and her eye on the timer, several pages of my speech were removed. I would like to share with you some of what was cut. A recent experiment by the University of Zürich yielded interesting results. 50 Swiss volunteers were each given 25 Swiss Francs per week for one month. Half were told to spend the money on themselves. The other half were told to choose a new recipient each week with whom to spend the money. In other words, half were told to be Mensches and the other half were told to be Misers. At the beginning of the study, each volunteer had an MRI with a computer screen that flashed hypothetical scenarios involving monetary gifts to loved ones at a personal cost. The MRI reported their brain activity as each indicated how they would react to the specific situations. Afterwards, the scientists again asked each person about their moods, especially their happiness, and compared the results with the original survey. Those who agreed to give the money away reported feeling significantly happier than those who planned to spend the money on themselves. The MRIs of the Mensches showed greater activity in the area of the brain associated with activism. It addition, there was a higher functional connectivity with the brain’s reward center. In effect, the pledge to be generous primed people to be more giving. In the months following the MRI study, the majority of volunteers who had agreed to give the money away actually did. The study showed a linkage in the brain between doing something nice for someone and feeling better about yourself. Once again, it feels good to give. L’Shalom Rich
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Adult Education with Rabbi Alex Kress
Adult Education with Rabbi Alex Kress Reclaiming the Talmud Wednesdays at 10:00am October 24 • November 28 • December 19 January 23 • February 27 • March 27 April 17 • May 22
For centuries, Reform Judaism relegated the Talmud to the periphery of its Torah-centric practice. However, over the past few decades, Talmud study has inched its way back into the hearts of Reform Jews. During our sessions together, we will reclaim the Talmud for ourselves by reflecting on the rabbis’ most absurd ideas, learning the rationale behind many of our religious customs, and wrestling with the questions that still agitate us today.
Is Judaism God-Optional? Tuesdays at 8:00pm October 23 • November 27 • December 18 January 22 • February 26 • March 26 April 16 • May 21 Can Jews be atheists? Could Judaism survive without belief in God? Is Judaism God-Optional? We will explore these questions and survey the evolving interpretations of God throughout our history in a quest to deepen and enrich our understanding of God.
Make Your Own Haggadah Tuesdays at 8:00pm with Rabbi Kress October 9 • November 6 • December 11 January 8 • February 12 • March 12 Have you ever been at a Passover Seder and found yourself thinking, “This is so boring?” Perhaps you’re still using the same stale Haggadah you bought over a decade (or two) ago? Maybe Passover has become a chore instead of the joyous, meaningful holiday it should be? If any of these questions resonate with you, I invite you to join me as we explore the Haggadah with fresh eyes. Between our first class and Passover, you will get to know the sections of the Haggadah and create the perfect experience for your family. Make sure to bring a laptop or tablet! All are welcome, free of charge 4 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
from
RABBI KRESS’
Rabbi Alex Kress rabbikress@mysinai.org
study
“Sharing Meals, Sharing Stories” A great King once traveled through a small Jewish shtetl near dusk. He stopped at a random house that belonged to a scholar named Nehemiah. Before the King could explain himself, Nehemiah welcomed him in to join in the Sabbath meal. The King enjoyed the food so much that he asked Nehemiah for the recipes. The King has the best chefs in the land - surely they could replicate Nehemiah’s modest chicken soup, kugel, and challah. After Shabbat ended, the King began his journey home. When he arrived, he immediately assigned the royal chefs to replicate Nehemiah’s recipes exactly. The King was so excited for dinner that night, but after one bite, he knew something was wrong. The chicken soup, the kugel, the challah – it all tasted different than it had at Nehemiah’s Shabbat table. Trembling, one of the chefs suggests that the King ask Nehemiah what might be missing. The King agrees and invites Nehemiah to his palace to taste the recipes and find the problem. After a taste of challah, Nehemiah nods his head. After a slurp of chicken soup, he smiles. After a forkful of kugel, he tells the king, “Your chef had all the right ingredients and prepared it just as I told you. The food is simply missing the most important ingredient: Shabbat itself.” Anyone that has enjoyed a long, leisurely Shabbat dinner knows that special ingredient: the aroma of good conversation, the texture of old friendship and deep love, the flavor of sacred time. In a world of incessant busyness, a meal with our loved ones – sans phones and with nowhere to be except at that table – is a luxury. Growing up, I didn’t know that this luxury extended to Saturday. I thought these meals happened on Friday night and Friday night only, but I discovered another Shabbat world while living in Israel. This world of Saturday Shabbat meals had the same special ingredient as those Friday night dinners, and I fell in love. That experience, in large part, is why I am so excited about our new Shabbat AM experience. As always, we will have our morning prayers (9:00am) and our Shabbat Torah study (10:45am). New, however, is a weekly block of time to break bread together (10:30am). Zionist Ahad Ha’am famously wrote, “More than the Jewish People have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jewish People.” A big part of Shabbat being that glue for the Jewish people is sharing meals and sharing stories. I look forward to doing both with you this year! Love & Challah,
Rabbi Kress SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018 5
Can’t get to Friday night services? Live stream the entire service from your computer. Visit our website at mysinai.org and click the live streaming link on the home page.
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TEMPLE SINAI ADULT ENGAGEMENT
Light Classical Concert with Mikhail Kopelman
Sunday, October 14, 2018 3:00–5:00pm Bring your friends, enliven your spirit and immerse your senses as you listen to relaxing and uplifting classical compositions by master violinist Mikhail Kopelman. As a member of the Borodin Quartet, he has been awarded the state prize of the U.S.S.R. and he has been named People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. He received the Royal Philharmonic Society Award and the Concertgebouw Silver Medal of Honour. He was first violinist for the Tokyo String Quartet and was a professor at the Yale School of Music. Explore this special musical afternoon with Cantors Sergei and Elena Schwartz. Enjoy a wine and cheese reception following the concert.
$10 Congregants; $20 Non Congregants Temple Sinai of Roslyn 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.6800 | mysinai.org Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
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TO RUSSIA (and UKRAINE) WITH LOVE Over the summer, a group of intrepid travelers, led by Cantors Sergei & Elena Schwartz and their son, Lior, visited Russia and Ukraine. These are some of their reflections on the incredible experiences they shared.
Danny Reich We walked. We walked a lot. We sang together, we prayed together, we danced together. We talked. We talked a lot. We ate meals together, we (almost) slept on a train together, we sweated together. The sights were amazing - interesting and informational. Whenever the Sinai travelers are on the move, we know we will learn together and see some amazing things. We learned. We learned a lot. We had fun together. We had a lot of fun together. We laughed. We laughed a lot together. See you on the next adventure, together!
8 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
Lori Cohan What begain as a 15-day journey with 31 “strangers” to countries not on my bucket list, ended with 31 new friends I’d almost call family. Ukraine was very much as I expected it to be. Odessa was a mix of old buildings, quite dilapitdated, coupled with a busy beach area catering to Ukranians on vacation. Kiev was a real city with many sights to see. Interesting squares, and a very moving Shabbat service with our “sister synagogue.” Moscow was incredible; nothing like I thought, clean, with beautiful buildings as well as contemporary skyscrapers. Finally, St. Petersburg: my favorite city of the cities. I loved touring the beautiful synagogue, and the opulent cathedrals and palaces. All four tour guides were wonderful and Lior added a sense of excitement and wonderment while touring with us.
Babi Yar, in Kiev, the ravine where 100,000 Jews were killed over several days during WWII
But best of all were Cantors Elena and Sergei. They worked hard to make the trip a success. They were always available, always adding to the guides descriptions, and always there to make things go well. I have no complaints and just one question: When is the next trip? Count Seth and I in!
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They have a sense of humor ... a sign in the St. Petersburg Airport SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018 9
Join Temple Sinai of Roslyn on a tour exploring Israeli challenges & innovations in
ISRAEL
Led by Rabbi Michael White July 9-19, 2019 On our adventure together we will... Hear from leading Israel thinkers, HUC's Professor Reuven Hazan, The Jerusalem Post's Khaled Abu Toameh, the IMPJ's Rabbi Gilad Kariv and more Tour famed Machane Yehuda market led by Chef Moshe Basson, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the market, then cook our dinner together Join Women of the Wall for Rosh Hodesh services, supporting their struggle for egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall Travel through Jewish and Arab neighborhoods beyond the '67 borders with Ir Amim, a left-leaning organization focused on finding an "equitable peace" in Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Dead Sea
...and so much more! Golan Heights
See Israel as you’ve never seen it before. Together we will explore hidden gems and encounter new perspectives. We’ll face a multitude of social justice and political issues including bridging the Palestinian/Settler divide and equality for women. We’ll lend our support by volunteering at the Jaffa Institute. We’ll celebrate and enjoy, from wine tasting and hummus making in the north, to a shuk tasting tour and so much more. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
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Tel Aviv
www.ayelet.com P 800-237-1517 • F 518-783-6003 19 Aviation Rd., Albany, NY 12205
®
This amazing tour includes... • 4 nights at the Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem • 2 nights at Kibbutz Hagoshrim, Galilee • 2 nights plus late check out at the Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv • Breakfast daily • 6 dinners, including Shabbat dinner in Jerusalem • Home hospitality lunch in Rosh Pina • Arrival/departure transfers with main group • Tips to guide, driver & dining room waiters • Entrance fees & porterage per itinerary
TOUR PRICING Price per person (double occupancy)
Discounted Rate (Payment by Check)
Full Cost (Credit Card)
LAND TOUR
$4,129
$ 4,253
Additional Cost for Single Occupancy
$1,199
$1,235
TBD
TBD
AIRFARE
Group flights coming soon!
• Touring in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle • Incredible & unique touring adventures throughout Explore the full itinerary online
Full itinerary & online registration:
secure.ayelet.com/WhiteJuly2019.aspx Tour does not include: Roundtrip airfare, any border taxes or visa fees, meals not listed, travel insurance (highly recommended) or items of a personal nature. Please note, tour pricing and operation is based on a minimum group size. A small group supplement may be applicable if we do not reach the minimum requirement. Note, airfare departure taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until ticketed. CANCELLATION POLICY: $100 per person charged if cancelled once booked, plus any applicable airline penalties. $250 per person charged if cancelled 60-31 days before departure, plus any applicable airline penalties. 100% penalties apply if cancelled 30 days or less before departure. All prices in USD. Full payment is due May 8, 2019.
Sea
Disclaimer: Ayelet Tours, Rabbi Michael White & Temple Sinai of Roslyn act only as agents for the tour members in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurants or any other services in connection with the itinerary. We will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements. However, we do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person and property because of an act of default of any hotel, airline carrier, restaurant, company, or person rendering any of the services included in the tour. The right is reserved to cancel or change itineraries or to substitute comparable service without notice. Right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any tour passengers should such person’s health or genera deportment impede the operation of the tour to the detriment of the other tour passengers.
Yes! I want to join Rabbi Michael White on this challenges & innovations tour of Israel in July 2019! I am sending this form with a $500 per person deposit, payable to Ayelet Tours.
Land only
* Please include a copy of the front page of each registrant’s passport and fill out one form per person * Passport must be valid for 6 months past travel dates
Land & Group Air
Name as it appears on passport: ______________________________________________
Please contact me about hotel room category upgrades
Address: ________________________________ City: _______________________ State: ________ Zip: ___________ Passport #: ________________________________ Expiration: __________________ Date of Birth: _______________
iv
Phone: _______________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________ Sharing with another registrant (registering separately)? Please note name here: ____________________________ Departure City (if taking air): __________________________________________ Pay by credit card: __ MC __ Visa __ Disc __AmEx #__________________________________ Exp: ________ Security Code: ______ If submitting multiple forms, please check this box to apply the credit card information to cover all registration deposits in your family.
®
Mail to: Ayelet Tours, Ltd. • 19 Aviation Rd. • Albany, NY 12205 Phone: 800.237.1517 • 518.783.6001 • Fax: 518.783.6003 • Email: ayelet@ayelet.com
®
SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018 11
12 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
WHY ELECTION DAY IS A JEWISH HOLIDAY Temple Sinai is committed to be a 100% voting congregation. Here is an excerpt from a letter our friend, Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, recently in NYC, on why Election Day should be considered a Jewish holiday. In our traditional morning blessings which we call Nisim B’Chol Yom, “Daily Miracles,” we offer gratitude for being free. As American Jews, we do not take for granted the tremendous gift that we have in being free and enjoying the freedoms that every American has.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. The deadline to register is October 12.
We have been thinking about this blessing regarding our freedom to vote – a freedom that Jews have not always been afforded. What a gift we have to be Jews living in America, with the right to express our opinions and raise our voices through voting. And while Jews have not always been afforded this right, voting encompasses several Jewish values. For these reasons, we see election days as Jewish holidays. Check your registration status here: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/ Register to vote here: https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/ Adapted from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018 13
True Colors One of the Adult Engagement programs I’m most looking forward to this fall is our guided tour of the Nassau County Museum of Art exhibition True Colors. Examining the important role color has played in the visual arts, particularly from the early twentieth century through to today, the exhibition features works by such masters as Matisse, Kandinsky, Rothko, Warhol, and Hockney. The modern emphasis on color in art, and its power to convey emotion, began in the early twentieth century (c. 1905) with “les Fauves,” a group of French artists led by Henri Matisse. The Fauves were so named because of their use of bold brushstrokes and untamed bright colors, which likened them, in the eyes of certain critics, to “wild beasts.” Inspired by late nineteenth-century painters, including Vincent van Gogh, the Fauves did not seek to depict nature realistically, but rather expressionistically – in other words, they sought to communicate how a given scene made them feel. Wolf Kahn, whose landscape paintings feature prominently in the exhibition, is a contemporary proponent of the Fauves.
Henri Matisse Interior Rouge 1920 Oil on canvas
Wassily Kandinsky was another early twentieth-century artist who placed great emphasis on the supremacy of color in visual art, though his works are far more abstract than those of Matisse. Kandinsky believed that color is a key component of a universal visual language that evokes not only emotion, but spirituality. In fact, Kandinsky wrote a treatise in 1911 called Concerning the Spiritual in Art in which he argued that different art forms are interconnected, as are our different senses. Many of his paintings contain the words “Symphony,” “Improvisation,” or “Composition” in their title, indicating his desire for painting to be as abstract – and as stirring – as music. The purely abstract Color Field paintings of Mark Rothko and Robert Motherwell in the exhibition represent a further point along the continuum that began with Matisse; there are also works of neon sculpture, which take bold color to the extreme. As we walk around the museum together on the morning of Sunday, October 28, let’s see which emotions True Colors inspires in us. Deborah Kass After Louise Bourgeois 2010 Neon
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Guided Tour of True Colors at the Nassau County Museum of Art
Sunday, October 28 11:00am From Gauguin and Kandinsky to Wolf Kahn and the Color Masters of Today Join a docent from the Nassau County Art Museum and Temple Sinai’s own Adrianne Rubin, an Oxford-trained art historian, for a very special exhibition tour. Nothing in art is more powerful than color. The full range of color’s magic will be on display in this exuberant show of over 100 works from the nineteenth century to this moment’s hottest talents. Free for the first 20 congregants to register; $15 for all others. Lunch will follow at a location to be determined. The cost of lunch is not included in the registration fee.
From the Front Lines: An Evening with American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris Thursday, November 8 7:30pm We are pleased to welcome David Harris to Temple Sinai, where he will speak abaout the U.S., Israel, the Middle East, and Transatlantic relations in our present day. David Harris has led the American Jewish Committee since 1990. Described by the late Israeli President Shimon Peres as the “foreign minister of the Jewish people.” Harris has been invited to speak at some of the world’s most prestigious forums. He has been honored a total of 15 times by the governments of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine for his international efforts in defense of human rights, advancement of transatlantic partnership, and dedication to the Jewish people. Harris has been invited to serve on four official U.S. government delegations to international conferences. He has written hundreds of articles, op-eds, letters, and reviews in leading media outlets, and he is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and the Times of Israel. From 2001 to 2015, he had a weekly spot on the CBS Radio Network reaching millions of listeners across the United States. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania and the London School of Economics. David Harris has been a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins Univeristy and Oxford University.
All are welcome, free of charge.
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Immigration is a recurring theme throughout this year’s Adult Engagement programming. These two upcoming programs delve into the issues facing Jewish refugees.
Stateless: Film Screening
followed by a Q&A with Director/Producer Michael Drob Sunday, November 18 at 3:00pm In the late 1980s, Jews fled the repression and persecution of the former Soviet Union via a complicated transmigration route through Austria and Italy, assisted by the joint efforts of the United States and Israel. Once in Italy, these Soviet Jews awaited approval for refugee status by the United States. Many were denied. Having already relinquished their Soviet passports as an obligatory price for emigration, many Jews found themselves stranded, belonging to no country, stateless. This poignant documentary film follows the arduous path taken by Soviet Jews, their lives led in limbo, anxiety, and uncertainty during this long and complex transmigration process. Stateless features several families sharing their experiences and challenges each step of the way, with informative and revealing commentary by figureheads of organizations that helped make this migration possible. Michael Drob emigrated from Riga, Latvia, in 1998 at the age of 10. His family was denied refugee status and remained stranded in Italy for 10 months. Deeply affected by this experience, Michael wanted to find out the “Why?” behind the denials. His quest resulted in this deeply moving film. He hopes it will serve as a tool to educate future generations about this part of Jewish history and provide answers for the thousands of immigrants who shared his family’s fate. $5 Congregants; $10 Non Congregants
The Global Refugee Crisis and Jewish Values with Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer Thursday, December 13 at 7:30pm Over the last year, the number of refugees and displaced people across the world has grown to more than 65 million - more than any time in recorded history. Because of our history and our values, the Jewish people have a unique connection to these most vulnerable people. Join Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer, Director of Education at HIAS, the world’s oldest, and only Jewish, refugee organization to learn more about the global refugee crisis. We will explore how Jewish values and history call on us to respond - both here in the U.S. and internationally. All are welcome, free of charge 16 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
Article inspired by The Nosher @myjewishliving.com
7
es m a n g t do s e b the
inspired by jewish food
Naming your dog might even be more difficult than naming your child. You don’t want to call your pooch in the dog park and have six Bellas or Buddys run to you. “Experts” actually recommend you stay away from “human” names. They also say you should keep your dog’s name to one or two syllables, and they suggest you use a name that starts with a crisp consonant, like a “k” or a “hard c.” So, why not name your favorite pet after your favorite Jewish food? Here are seven great choices!
babka
This is a great two syllable name with a hard consonant. A chocolate lab named Babka ... what could be sweeter?
brisket
Is there a better name for something that brings you comfort other than Brisket?
pickle Having a dog named Pickle (with a half-sour expression!) might just keep you from getting into a pickle!
bagel
matzoh ball
Who wouldn’t love to wake up every morning to a warm Beagle named Bagel?
latke
Ok, so maybe it’s doesn’t meet the experts “requirements,” but this Bichon Frise actually looks like a matzoh ball!
kugel
You don’t have to wait for Chanukah to enjoy a delicious latke!
This might be the best Jewish food name for dogs. Kugel the Dog is even a character in a series of children’s books.
New York City keeps statistics on dog’s names. There are currently: 23 Pickles 16 Bagels 7 Briskets 3 Latkes 3 Babkas and sadly, no Kugels or Matzoh Balls, unless you go to the Second Ave. Deli! SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018 17
PUMPKIN SPICE with a Jewish twist! Nothing says autumn more than the arrival of pumpkin-flavored food and beverages (OK, some may argue fall actually begins once Mallomars are back on store shelves!) The pumpkin craze began back in 2002, when the experts at Starbucks research and development lab were assigned the important task of creating a seasonal beverage flavor that screamed “fall. ” After weeks of development, the Starbucks team came up with four lattes for testing: Orange Cream, Cinnamon Streusel, Chocolate Caramel, and Pumpkin Spice. Within the first week of testing the beverages at two locations, the clear winner was the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Not only did the Pumpkin Spice Latte go on to become one of Starbucks most successul beverages of all time, it spawned an international trend! There are now pumpkin spice pretzel nuggets, pumpkin spice donuts and muffins, pumpkin spice milkshakes, pumpkin spice bagels, even pumpkin spice dog treats! If you are looking to combine your love of pumpkin spice with some of your Jewish food favorites, look no further! Here are some delicious recipes to keep you happy all fall long!
PUMPKIN SPICE KUGEL
from jenessa’s kitchen
INGREDIENTS (makes a large 10”x12” kugel) 1 lb. wide egg noodles, cooked and drained 1/2 lb. butter, melted 1/3 cup sour cream 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 3 eggs, beaten 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg pinch of allspice 1 lb. cream cheese 1 lb. American cheese slices Graham Cracker Topping: 4 cups graham cracker crumbs 8 tbsp. butter, melted 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup sugar 2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. vanilla 18 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the noodles until all dente. When done, drain and set aside to cool a little. While the noodles cook, beat the eggs and stir in the sour cream, pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, and spices in a large bowl. Incorporate the milk and melted butter. In another large bowl, mix the ingredients for the graham cracker topping. It will form a loose meal. When the noodles are a bit cool and no longer watery, add them to the large bowl with the egg custard. Stir to coat the noodles.
Completely butter the surface of a large baking dish. Add 1/2 the noodle mixture and spread evenly across the bottom. Layer first with half of the cream cheese, placing small pieces evenly across the dish. Then, add a layer of American cheese slices, making sure to completely cover the surface. At this point, you can compress the noodles a bit with your hands, pushing out any air. Then, coat the surface with a thin layer of the graham cracker topping (use less than half). Repeat the process for a second layer (or more if you are using a smaller, deeper dish). The second layer of graham cracker topping should make a thick crust on top of the entire dish. It should weigh roughly 1 million pounds. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is browned and cracking. Allow to cool before attempting to cut and serve. It’s safest to refrigerate the dish for a few hours to set, and then re-heat and cut.
PUMPKIN PIE RUGELACH
from serious eats
YIELD makes about 30 cookies ACTIVE TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 3 hours 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
For the Crust:
Make Dough:
2 cups all purpose flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into large chunks (see note) 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into large chunks (see note)
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, and salt; set aside.
For Assembly: 1 cup pumpkin butter 4 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese just until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix just until mixture forms large curds and holds together when pressed between your fingers. Take dough out of mixer, divide in two pieces, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for 2 hours. Assemble: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll one piece of dough out to be 1/4inch thick, about an 9- by 13- inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/2 cup pumpkin butter then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons walnuts. Roll dough up, jelly-roll style, into a long log. Cut log into 1-inch wide pieces and transfer pieces to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover each baking sheet lightly with plastic wrap and chill cookies for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the top of each cookie with egg wash and sprinkle generously with sugar. Bake until golden and puffed, about 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
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nursery school notes from
MISS DEBBIE
Debbie Neuschatz dneuschatz@mysinai.org Our first month of school was filled with making new friends, reconnecting with “old” friends and learning so many new things. It’s going to be a great year!
Dates to Remember Monday, October 8: No School - Columbus Day “Camp Columbus” vacation day program, 9:30am-1:30pm, pre-registration required Thursday, October 11: Parenting Workshop, 7:30pm “KARMA” (Knowledge, Acceptance, Releasing the Past, Making Meaning, Authenticity) Tuesday, October 16: Parent Meeting “Bright Horizons” Discussion, 7:00pm Thursday, October 18: Dads & Donuts, 8:15-9:15am Friday, October 26: Sharing Shabbat, 4:30pm Tuesday, November 6: No School - Nursery School Staff Conference Day Monday, November 12: No School - Veteran’s Day “Veteran’s Day Adventure” vacation day program, 9:30am-1:00pm, pre-registration required Wednesday, November 14: Evening Parent Teacher Conferences (by appointment) Friday, November 16: Sharing Shabbat, 4:30pm Tuesday, November 20: Grandparents & Granola Wednesday, November 21-Friday, November 23: No School - Thanksgiving
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parenting workshops
We hope you’ll join us for our upcoming series of Parenting Workshops, led by Limor Weinstein and Associates. Whether you choose to attend one, two, or all four, we’re sure you will find the sessions to be both enlightening and engaging.
This series is intended for parents of nursery school-age children and is free of charge.
workshop number one
future workshops
KARMA Method to Parenting: Basic Skills for Becoming a Better Parent Thursday, October 11 at 7:30pm
The KARMA technique, which stands for Knowledge, Acceptance, Releasing the Past, Making Meaning, and Authenticity, works not only for life coaching and therapy, but for parenting as well. Limor Weinstein will show you how to use the KARMA method to empower yourself and truly listen to your family members for the most effective outcomes.
Consequences & Punishment vs. Reward Tuesday, January 15 at 7:30pm
Nutrition Education, Healthy Eating Habits & Picky Eaters Wednesday, March 6 at 9:30am
Sleep Fundamentals and Habits Tuesday, May 14 at 9:30am
LIMOR WEINSTEIN, MA, MHC, FAED, is the founder of LW Wellness Network. As an eating disorder specialist, parent coach, and mother of three girls, Limor helps her clients feel empowered by providing them with the skills and tools they need to become more confident parents.
Friday, October 26, 2018 • 4:30pm Beginnings Shabbat
Friday, November 16, 2018 • 4:30pm Turkey & Stuffing Shabbat
Sunday, December 9, 2018 • 10:00am Chanukah Happenings All are Welcome • FREE!
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our children, our future
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org In the last issue of the SCRIBE, I talked about the importance of commiting to give your child a Jewish Education. Now that the High Holy Days are over and all of our students are back in action, I wanted to share some pointers on how your child(ren) can make the most of their Religious School experience. In an article she wrote for Aish.com, Dr. Yvette Alt Miller has five suggestions for families to make their child’s year at Religious School a successful one: 1. Commit to attending - As parents, we know what a struggle it can be to find time in our busy schedules, especially when our children have a variety of activities that often conflict. Dr. Alt Miller suggests not thinking of religious school as an “extra” curricular activity, but a crucial part of students’ overall education. By resolving to put Religious School first when activites collide, we send a message that Jewish learning is important: that it’s central to who we are and what we stand for. 2. Demand excellence - As parents we expect our children to make great strides each year in “regular” school, but we often have lower standards when it comes to Religious School. It is important to show our kids that we value their Jewish education. 3. Make Jewish learning a family activity - Rather than just dropping your children off at Temple Sinai once or twice a week for their Jewish education, why not make Jewish learning part of family life? Speaking with our kids about Jewish topics shows them they’re not alone, that we value what they’re learning, and that growing together Jewishly is an important family goal. 4. Come up with Jewish family goals for the year - This year, come up with concrete goals for your family. Whether it’s reading a Jewish book and discussing it together, finding out the meaning behind a Jewish ritual you do, or improving your Hebrew, try brainstorming things you can learn together. 5. Integrate your kid’s curriculum into your family’s life - The most motivated, excited students are invariably the ones whose families use the tzedakah boxes they made in Religious school to set aside money for charity, who light candles in the home-made menorahs and Shabbat candlesticks their kids bring home, who talk about the ideas and concepts their kids are learning about in class. When you view Religious School as a journey, you show your kids it’s a trip you’re committed to making alongside them as they learn more and grow. We are looking for an incredible year with your children!
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz Director of Education Adapted from an article on Aish.com
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ALEX KONIGSBERG OCTOBER 6
Parents: Shari & Eric Konigsberg Siblings: Jake - 13, Brody -8 Grandparents: Doreen & Robert Eisenstadt, Susan & Fred Konigsberg School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover, because I love getting together with my whole family at my house for the Seders. I also enjoy hearing the story of how Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt. Describe Yourself: My favorite thing to do is play sports. I love to play soccer and basketball. I am a huge Knicks fan even when they are not that good. I also love spending time with my friends and family. I spend my summers at Tyler Hill Camp, which I always look forward to. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means I will be considered a man in the Jewish religion and I will take on more responsibilities. I look forward to contributing to the Jewish community.
JAKE KONIGSBERG OCTOBER 6
Parents: Shari & Eric Konigsberg Siblings: Alex - 13, Brody -8 Grandparents: Doreen & Robert Eisenstadt, Susan & Fred Konigsberg School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday because my entire family comes to my house to celebrate and my grandparents hide enough Afikomen for all the kids to find one. I also love the story of how Moses freed the Jewish people from Pharaoh. Describe Yourself: My favorite thing to do is spend time with my friends and family. I have a really big family and they all live close by so we have a lot of family celebrations. I also enjoy playing tennis and basketball. I used to be a Cavaliers fan, but since Lebron got traded, I am now a Lakers fan. I love spending my summers at Tyler Hill Camp with all my camp friends. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I believe becoming a Bar Mitzvah means I will be viewed as a man in the Jewish religion. I look forward to taking on new responsibilities.
ELLA SZERENCSY OCTOBER 8
Parents: Lori & Adam Szerencsy Siblings: Ashley - 10, Brooke -7 Grandparents: Eileen & Jerome Schneider, Anna & Jay Szerencsy, Stuart Heier School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 3 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Chanukah because I find it amazing that a tiny bit of oil lasted for eight days. Also, eating jelly donuts, making latkes, and getting presents is a lot of fun! I am very lucky because I have a lot of my cousins living close to me (all in Roslyn!), so holidays are a great time for us all to be together and celebrate. Describe Yourself: I have often been described as being very funny and quite outgoing. I’d like to think I have a good sense of humor. I love science (just like my mom and dad) and I play lacrosse (like no one else in my family!) I enjoy cooking and I’m never afraid to try something new. I also like to dance and hang out with my friends. Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is an exciting new chapter in my life. I believe this is the first step of many on the road to spiritual growth. It means I am going to become a more responsible and serious adult. I am looking forward to facing new challenges, growing stronger, and learning from any mistakes.
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DYLAN GOODMAN OCTOBER 13
Parents: Hailey & Ethan Goodman Siblings: Alix - 10 Grandparents: Dee & Jonathan Pratt, Lynn & Jeff Buro, Debbie & Jeff Goodman School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 8 Favorite Holiday: My favorite holiday is Purim. I love baking Hamentashen cookies with my grandma. Describe Yourself: I like hanging out with my friends and playing sports. My favorite sports are soccer and football. My favorite subject is math. I am looking forward to many vacations with my family this year, such as Aruba and Italy. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am proud to become a Bar Mitzvah because I completed a goal in my life. I have worked really hard and I cannot wait to show my family and friends what I have learned, followed by an awesome celebration.
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AVA WEINSTEIN OCTOBER 18
School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: Chanukah, because we get to see family and get lots of presents. Describe Yourself: My favorite subject is math. I love to play tennis and basketball. I love to ski in the winter. I also love to travel with my family. I love going to sleep away camp in the summer to Camp Vega! Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means to me that I am becoming a Jewish woman. I look forward to keeping all of the traditions that I have learned. I am honestly most looking forward to my party.
LILY WEINSTEIN OCTOBER 18
Parents: Lisa & Erik Weinstein Siblings: Ava - 13 Grandparents: Sheila & Allen Resnick, Pam & Mark Weinstein, Susan Weinstein School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: Chanukah, because I get to see my family and get lots of presents. Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is social studies. I love to hang out with my friends. Tennis is my favorite sport, as well as skiing. I also love to travel. I love going to Camp Vega in the summer - it’s my second home.
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Parents: Lisa & Erik Weinstein Siblings: Lily - 12 Grandparents: Sheila & Allen Resnick, Pam & Mark Weinstein, Susan Weinstein
Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means to me that I will be a mature Jewish woman who takes on lots of new responsibilities. I am most looking forward to celebrating with my friends and family.
LEMUEL MASHKEVICH OCTOBER 20
Parents: Ilona & Greg Mashkevich Siblings: Josie - 10 Grandparents: Grigory Grinberg & the late Liliya Grinberg , Ella & Valeriy Mashkevich School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Chanukah. I love Chanukah for several reasons. One of the reasons is lighting the candles and singing songs. Another reason I love Chanukah is eating potato latkes. The third reason is giving and receiving gifts from my family.
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Describe Yourself: I play many sports in and out of school. These sports include soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and tennis. I love to ski in the winter and bike in the summer. I also play the violin in the school orchestra and string ensemble. In school, my favorite subject is math. I love spending time with my family and friends.
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Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am looking forward to becoming a Bar Mitzvah as it is a significant milestone in my life. I understand more responsibilities will come my way as I become an adult, according to the Jewish religion. When I become a Bar Mitzvah, I would like to give back to the community by doing a Mitzvah.
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CHARLOTTE FINE OCTOBER 25
Parents: Allison & Matthew Fine Siblings: Jake - 10 Grandparents: Suzanne & David Landau, Ellen & Gerald Fine School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite holiday is Chanukah because we celebrate with my grandparents and cousins and we all get presents. Describe Yourself: I enjoy spending time with my friends and especially my summers at sleep away camp. Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? I have been going to Religious School for several years in preparation for this day. I look forward to this celebration of becoming a young Jewish adult.
SKYLAR WEITZ NOVEMBER 1
Parents: Shari & Ari Weitz Siblings: Hailey - 9 Grandparents: Great-grandmother Helen Siegel, Nadine Bower, Linda & Gary Weitz School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: Chanukah, because I get to spend time with my family and give them gifts that I know will make them smile and remember me. Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is math because I like solving complex problemss. I also like to play tennis and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also love my summers at Camp Lokanda. Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? I am excited to become a Bat Mitzvah and take on more responsibilities both at home and in my religious studies. I have worked very hard to prepare for this event and with the help and guidance of many people, I have been able to strengthen and improve my Hebrew reading and writing skills.
JENNIE FREEDMAN NOVEMBER 10
Parents: Sheryl & Robert Winston, Andrew Freedman Siblings: Aaron Winston - 20, Daniel Winston - 18, Michael Winston - 12 Grandparents: Mara Kahn, Barnet Freedman School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: Passover, because we have a beautiful seder and get to see family. We practice the traditions and it feels good to continue that. Describe Yourself: I love to hangout with friends and family. My favorite subject in school is history, because I love the past and find it very intriguing. I also love watching movies, drawing, and design/fashion. Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? What I am looking forward to most at my Bat Mitzvah is that I can’t wait to become a woman and find my Jewish identity.
JOEL FASTMAN NOVEMBER 10
Parents: Robin & Harley Fastman Siblings: Alec - 17, Eli - 15 Grandparents: Adam Munz & the late Letty Munz, Lydia Zaris, Linda & Jerry Fastman School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover which commemorates the escape of the Jews from Egypt. I love to eat good food like brisket during the holiday. I love the excitement of finding the Afikomen and getting the money afterwards! I usually celebrate the holiday with my cousins and my grandparents and we all have an amazing time together. Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is math because it comes very easily to me. I love solving hard problems and the satisfaction of getting the right answer. I have two brothers Alec and Eli - who I love very much. My favorite sport to play is hockey - I have been playing since I was 5 years old and I will continue to play until I get very old. It’s very fun and I enjoy skating with my friends on the ice rink. My favorite team is the Yankees. I watch a lot of their games and really enjoy the whole team. My favorite player is Didi Gregorius. I love going to Yankee Stadium with my dad.
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Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am very excited to become a man according to the Jewish religion. Even though I know it is hard work, I know it will pay off in the end when I become a Bar Mitzvah. It’s a very special time in my life and I look forward to sharing it with my family and friends.
NOAH FINKELSTEIN NOVEMBER 10
Parents: Laurie & David Finkelstein Siblings: Hallie - 15 Grandparents: Ricki & Ron Wershba, Susan & Alan Finkelstein School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Chanukah. Chanukah is fun because I get to spend time with my family and I like the potato latkes. Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is math because I enjoy it. I play hockey, soccer, basketball, and tennis. I enjoy playing sports with my friends. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to me that I’m entering Jewish adulthood. I am most looking forward to having my service and seeing my family and friends.
JESSE KATZ NOVEMBER 15
Parents: Bonnie & Daniel Katz Siblings: Jordie - 15, Aidan - 11 Grandparents: Iris Brown, Eve & Richard Katz School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: Rosh Hashanah because it is a fresh start of a new year. We also get to spend time with family and friends. Describe Yourself: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing basketball and soccer and listening to music. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am excited to become a man in the Jewish religion. I look forward to celebrating my Bar Mitzvah with family and friends.
AMANDA GERBER NOVEMBER 17
Parents: Andrea & Ron Gerber Siblings: Harry - 13, Sydney - 9 Grandparents: the late Ellen Lerman, Robert Lerman, the late Claire Gould, the late Harold Gerber School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: Rosh Hashanah because I spend time with my family. Describe Yourself: I like to play sports such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis. My favorite subject in school is social studies. Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? It means that I get to start a new chapter in my life.
HARRY GERBER NOVEMBER 17
Parents: Andrea & Ron Gerber Siblings: Amanda - 12, Sydney - 9 Grandparents: the late Ellen Lerman, Robert Lerman, the late Claire Gould, the late Harold Gerber School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: Rosh Hashanah because I get to spend time with family. Describe Yourself: I play basketball and lacrosse. I like hanging out with my friends and playing Xbox. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am looking forward to having more reponsibility and being a better person as I mature.
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SYDNEY ROMANO NOVEMBER 24
Parents: Randi Siegel & Wayne Romano Siblings: Cole - 21, Jesse - 18 Grandparents: Karen & Lew Siegel, Janet & Wayne Roman School: Willets Road School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because I get to read and sing with my family. Then, we get to eat my mom’s delicious homemade matzoh ball soup. I love to help make the matzoh balls, too. Describe Yourself: I love playing soccer and playing the saxophone. I also love to bake. Math is my favorite subject in school. Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? To me, becoming a Bat Mitzvah means taking on the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming a confident woman.
JESSE KAHN NOVEMBER 24
Parents: Heidi & Steven Kahn Siblings: Jordan - 16, Sammy - 14 Grandparents: Jay Lichtman & the late Deanna Lichtman, June & Irwin Kahn School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Chanukah because I spend time with my family and cousins. We all celebrate and give each other presents. Describe Yourself: I have two older brothers. I play a lot of sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and tennis. In my free time, I spend time with my family or hang out with my friends. I go to Camp Starlight over the summer. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I will become more responsible as a Jewish adult. I will be more connected to Jewish traditions in my family.
KASH BISHOP NOVEMBER 29
Parents: Wendy & Nate Bishop Siblings: Lanie - 14, Roxie - 8 Grandparents: Esther & Steve Siegel, Joyce & Greg Bishop School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because I love matzoh ball soup and hunting for the Afikomen. Describe Yourself: I enjoy sports, particularly playing roller hockey and ice hockey and watching basketball and football on TV or in-person. I also enjoy reading and playing online games with friends. My favorite pro sports teams are the Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. My favorite school subjects are math and social studies. I play the saxophone in the school band. I also like to make people laugh and I like summer camp at Camp Chen-A-Wanda in Pennsylvania. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially with my sisters, Lanie and Roxie. Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means trying to understand and take on some of the responsibilities of being an adult who contributes to my family and community. I am looking forward to reading the Torah portion that I have practiced so much for the last few months, and to flossing on the dance floor at the party afterwards.
Join the Facebook group Temple Sinai of Roslyn, NY: facebook.com/groups/mysinai
Follow us on Instagram: @mysinai Follow us on Twitter: Temple Sinai Roslyn @MySinaiRoslyn 28 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
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JEWSIN SPORTS Adam Bisnowaty Left Tackle Free Agent Brian de la Puente Center Free Agent Nate Ebner Safety/Special Teams New England Patriots Julian Edelman Wide Receiver New England Patriots Ali Marpet Guard Tampa Bay Buccaneers Taylor Mays Defensive Back Free Agent Josh Rosen Quarterback Arizona Cardinals Mitchell Schwartz Offensive Tackle Kansas City Chiefs
Omri Casspi Forward Memphis Grizzlies TJ Leaf Power Forward Indiana Pacers
In addition to these players, there are many Jewish team owners and executives. There are currently two Jewish MLB Managers: Gabe Kapler of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Bob Melvin of the Oakland A’s. Two of the four major league commissioners are also Jewish: Gary Bettman (NHL) and Adam Silver (NBA).
We’ve all heard the joke ... Jews in Sports? It’s not a book, it’s a pamphlet! Since October is the one month when all four major league sports are in action, we thought it was time to see just how many Jewish players are currently active in each league.
Richard Bleier Pitcher Baltimore Orioles Ryan Braun Left Fielder Milwaukee Brewers Alex Bregman Third Baseman Houston Astros Max Fried Relief Pitcher Atlanta Braves Ian Kinsler Second Baseman Boston Red Sox Ryan Lavarnway Catcher Pittsburgh Pirates Joc Pederson Center Fielder Los Angeles Dodgers Kevin Pillar Center Fielder Toronto Blue Jays Ryan Sherriff Pitcher St. Louis Cardinals Robert Stock Relief Pitcher San Diego Padres Rowdy Tellez First Baseman/DH Toronto Blue Jays Zack Weiss Releif Pitcher Cincinnati Reds
Michael Cammalleri WInger Free Agent Jakob Chychrun Defenseman Arizona Coyotes Jason Demers Defenseman Arizona Coyotes Joshua Ho-Sang Forward NY Islanders (Prospect) Zach Hyman Left WIng Toronto Maple Leafs Brendan Leipsic Forward Vancouver Canucks Jason Zucker Left Wing Minnesota Wild
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Friend of a Friend / Chaverot is a dynamic intergenerational group of women committed to enriching and uniting our Temple Sinai community by planning and hosting cultural, intellectual, and charitable events throughout the year. We partner with Adult Engagement, Social Action, the Caring Committee and Brotherhood to provide meaningful activities and services that enhance the lives of people within and outside our Temple community. Visit us at mysinai.org/fof and email us at fof@mysinai.org. We’ve already held an inspiring Sukkot Service & Brunch, and our upcoming Paint & Sip Party on October 4 is selling out fast. We are thrilled to have so many new members at our Friend of a Friend activities. ONGOING EVENTS Our next monthly General Meeting is on Friday, October 5 at 9:30am in the Library. Come see friends new and old, and help plan upcoming events. Future monthly meetings through wintertime are November 2, December 7, January 4 and February 1, all at 9:30am in the Library. Wine, Women & Wisdom - Wednesdays November 28, January 30, and May 22 at 7:00pm This popular series, led by Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz, features lively discussions on the wisdom of Jewish teachings. The sessions, held in members’ homes, give women the opportunity to learn, laugh and connect over a glass of wine, while gaining insights into the sacred texts. Space is limited; RSVPs are required: winewomenwisdom@mysinai.org DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, October 18, 12:30-2:30pm - Learn to Knit, Do a Mitzvah Join Sinai Stitches & Friend of a Friend to create adorable red baby hats that we’ll donate to the Little Hats, Big Hearts program of the American Heart Association. All supplies and refreshments will be provided at no charge. Space is limited; RSVPs are required: fof@mysinai.org Thursday, November 15, 7:00pm - Make a Glass Art Mezuzah Come for a fun night out and create a fused glass art mezuzah. Your stunning mezuzah will be finished just in time to be a Chanukah gift. Space is limited; RSVPs are required: fof@mysinai.org. $65 in advance for FOF members. Friday, January 4, 2019, 10:30am - Cooking for a Cause Join Friend of a Friend and the Social Action Committee to have a good time while doing a mitzvah! We’ll make and deliver vegetable lasagna, salad, garlic bread and cookies to local families in need. For these families, shopping and cooking is difficult, and delivering a meal that they can readily heat up and enjoy helps them tremendously. RSVP so that we know how many families we can help: fof@mysinai.org Visit us online at mysinai.org/fof and watch for Friend of a Friend flyers and emails for details on upcoming events. Not yet a Friend of a Friend/Chaverot member? Please join us by contacting the Temple office at 516.621.6800, or you may join online at mysinai.org/fof. Your membership donation of $36 allows us to support Temple programs and sponsor numerous FOF activities during the year. Looking forward to seeing you at our events!
Jacqueline Covey President, Friend of a Friend / Chaverot 32 SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018
Make an Art Glass Mezuzah Thursday, November 15, 7:00pm Come for a fun night out and create a fused glass art mezuzah. Our guest glass artist, Aura Shahaf Woelfle from Aura Art Studios, will provide supplies, demonstration, and instruction as well as insight into some of the meaningful ideas around mezuzot. Your stunning mezuzah will be finished just in time to be a Chanukah gift. Space is limited; RSVPs are required: fof@mysinai.org. Wine and light refreshments also included. $65 in advance for FOF members. SCRIBE Oct-Nov 2018 33
TODAH ROBAH FROM TEMPLE SINAI Thank You
a look behind the scenes of the
TEMPLE SINAI GIFT SHOP
Todah Rabah
As you enter our building, peer to the right of the entrance and you will see the glass shelves of Temple Sinai’s Gift Shop brimming with beautifully displayed items. Lori Yaspan, our dedicated and longtime member, is the shop’s creative merchandising talent. She and her husband Richard became members shortly after 1990 when their son Corey attended Temple Sinai Nursery School. For the past 15 years Lori is the hand that purchases and displays the variety of gifts that are found in this little chock full of goodies glass store. The gift market is no stranger to Lori as she is constantly searching for new and interesting items to bring to the shop. Lori’s creative ability goes beyond the gift shop. A founding member of Friend of a Friend, Lori’s artistic talents can be seen in the memory books she has compiled for special FOF occasions in addition to creating beautiful centerpieces for them.” Temple Sinai has brought me many meaningful friendships with members and the staff. It has given me a newfound love for being a Jewish woman, always learning something new about my faith and even more importantly, giving me the opportunity to reach out to others through Tikkun Olam.” Lori, along with Pam Krugman can be found each week selling snacks to our Religious School students. Lori and Pam along with volunteers, Jill Barry, Lynn Fishkind, Michelle Golden, Ginny Jordan, Barbara Klein, Cecile Saretsky and Loryn Solomon will help you choose a gift for any occasion. Our Chanukah Holiday Boutique that is held during Religious School hours is headed by Lori with volunteers that help our students select gifts for friends and family. The gift shop is a perfect place to purchase your Chanukah gifts or that new menorah with all proceeds given to Temple Sinai and the Religious School. So the next time you enter Temple Sinai, instead of peering to the right, walk to the right and go into our gift shop and you’ll be in for a treat!
Some of our wonderful Gift Shop Volunteers (left side) Lori Yaspan, Pam Krugman, and Cecile Saretsky (right side) Lynn Fishkind, Barbara Klein, and Michelle Golden
With appreciation and gratitude, we thank Lori Yaspan, Pam Krugman, Jill Barry, Lynn Fishkind, Michelle Golden, Ginny Jordan, Barbara Klein, Cecile Saretsky and Loryn Solomon for their dedication in continuing to make the Temple Sinai Gift Shop thrive and a fun place to shop. With sincere gratitude, Barbara Gleicher Todah Rabah Committee
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Why Go Anywhere Else? You know us… You trust us… We’re here where you are! Call the event specialists Mary Venier-Zwirn & Vincent D’Elia to view our newly decorated space for your next special occasion
516.484.4300 Let us turn your event into THE EVENT!
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