Shabbat Service - Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
Saturday, January 4 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Friday, January 10 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, January 11 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Friday, January 17 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, January 18 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Thursday, January 23 • 10:30am
Bat Mitzvah Service - Reese Isenstadt
Friday, January 24 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, January 25 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Thursday, January 30 • 10:30am
Bar Mitzvah Service - Max Zeitlin
Friday, January 31 • 4:15pm
Sharing Shabbat - Hug a Tree
Friday, January 31 • 6:30pm Shabbat Service
FEBRUARY
Saturday, February 1 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Thursday, February 6 • 10:30am
Bar Mitzvah Service - Mason Melnikoff
Friday, February 7 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service - Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
Saturday, February 8 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Saturday, February 8• 10:30am
B’nei Mitzvah Service - Morgan & Max Bressler
Saturday, February 8 • 7:00pm
Havdallah B’not Mitzvah Service - Juliet & Lilah Agranoff
Friday, February 14 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 15 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Friday, February 21 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 22 • 9:00am
Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan
Friday, February 28 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday Morning Minyan with Rabbi Ilana Schachter
9:00-11:00am
Rabbi Schachter invites you to a reflective experience filled with prayer and learning.
No previous knowledge of Hebrew, liturgy, or text requiredjoin us as we learn from our tradition and one another.
In-person & via livestream OR via ZOOMcheck your email for details.
Help Us Build Our Giant
MENORAH
Show your support for Temple Sinai by purchasing a block for $72
Your donation will go to the fund of your choice: Adult Engagement • ECC Religious School • Youth Engagement
In addition to having a custom plaque on one of our giant LEGO blocks, you will also receive a special prize!
Visit our website at mysinai.org/legomenorah2024 to reserve your block by December 4!
Co-Chaired by
Carol & James Rotenberg and Lauren & David Borkon
The notion of Jewish Peoplehood encompasses Judaism as a civilization with a collective story, religion, culture, language, ethical tradition, and dedication to community. Our goal in presenting this series is to strengthen the connection between Jews around the world.
our next program in the series:
Friday, December 6 • 6:30pm during our Shabbat Service
We are excited to welcome Rabbi Stas Wojciechowicz to Temple Sinai. Rabbi Wojciechowicz leads the Ec Chaim Center and Synagogue for Progressive Judaism, in Warsaw, Poland, and was the first non-Orthodox rabbi in the community. Born and raised in Uzbekistan, Rabbi Wojciechowicz immigrated to Israel at the age of 17. A graduate of Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem, he served as a congregational rabbi in Ashdod, Israel and St. Petersburg, Russia, before joining the Ec Chaim Center in 2010. Rabbi Wojciechowicz also serves as a Vice Chair of the Polish Council of Christians and Jews, and is one of the founders of the Central European Beit Din, the Jewish law court for Progressive Jews in five countries - Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. A goalkeeper for the Warsaw Maccabi football team, Rabbi Wojciechowicz is fluent in four languages: Russian, Hebrew, English and Polish.
Co-Chaired by Carol & James Rotenberg and Lauren & David Borkon
On Friday, August 2, 2024, Dr. Sheer Shabat, a specialist in rehabilitation as a result of both physical and emotional trauma at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, spoke at our Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood Shabbat service.
Rabbi Ilana Schachter, Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood Co-Chairs James and Carol Rotenberg (Carol is also Hadassah National Chair of Major Gifts and Donor Experience), Dr. Sheer Shabat, Shlomo Demma, an IDF soldier who is being treated at Hadassah Hospital and his twin brother, Samuel Demma, Suzanne Patt Benvenisti, Executive Director Hadassah Israel, Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood Co-Chairs Lauren and David Borkon, Cantors Elena and Sergei Schwartz
To learn more about the Hadassah “medical superstars” tour of the U.S. where they shared how they have provided hope and healing since October 7th, visit bit.ly/HadassahHospitalStaffersTourtheStates
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 • 7:30PM
WITH RABBI JOSH WEINBERG
Vice President of the URJ for Israel & Reform Zionism, and Executive Director of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America
Zionism is the national liberation movement of the Jewish People. It was the movement founded in the 19th century that led to the creation of the Modern State of Israel in 1948. Zionism was never a monolithic idea; it spans a diverse ideological spectrum, resulting in the term meaning many different and potentially completely contradictory things. For some, Zionism represents the fulfillment of the dream of being a free people in our Land, and for others, it may have negative connotations, including representing the policies of the current Israeli government.
We will explore a brief history and background of Zionism as an idea and reflect on how we as North American Reform Jews can think about Zionism in different ways as we explore life in a post-October 7th world.
from RABBI WHITE’S study
Rabbi Michael A. White rabbiwhite@mysinai.org
A New Year, A New Beginning: Moving Beyond Election Divides
As you might have guessed, we write these articles long before they appear. I’m at my computer on October 28th, just before our elections, with lots of uncertainty about the future.
But now it’s December and we know who will be inaugurated as our president, and God willing, we can take a collective breath. This very contentious election season has been marked by surprises, and also sharp tension, even among close friends and family. I have heard of heated arguments, accusations, and name-calling among people who otherwise love each other. And so, I’m happy to say what I imagine we’re all thinking: Thank God it’s over!
I’ve always believed that our country is much stronger than our disagreements, and certainly strong enough to survive the flaws and weaknesses in our leaders. What binds us together is gratitude for America’s promise of liberty and possibility, even though it’s a promise unfulfilled for far too many. But we keep at it; our commitment to tikkun olam, to repairing what is broken in our world, remains because the hungry need to be fed, the homeless sheltered, and the vulnerable and voiceless need our support, no matter who sits in the Oval Office, or on the Court, or in any position of power, and because
no matter our party affiliation, we all feel bound by this sacred work. No country, no moment, glimpses a perfect world. We just have to keep struggling for more compassion, more dignity, and more justice, especially in unsettling times.
That’s the challenge presented when we open the door for the prophet Elijah at every Passover seder. Jewish tradition teaches that Elijah will announce the arrival of the Messiah and an end to all evil and suffering. But then, after we sing, we close the door, because there will be no Messiah this year, and as Jews, we know we can’t wait for the Messiah to solve our problems, so we remain dedicated to bringing greater blessing into this often cold, dark world.
As 2025 begins, please join me in prayers of gratitude for the gifts of United States citizenship and our shared civic responsibilities, no matter which candidate you voted for. And please, let us pray for peace for our beloved Israel, and for all who share that holy land.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Michael A. White
From the comfort of your home, go on a Jewish journey that is sure to inspire!
During each session, Rabbi White will discuss a different topic from a Jewish perspective.
Pour your favorite cocktail, iced tea, coffee, or other drink of choice and join the conversation.
THURSDAYS AT 5:30PM VIA ZOOM DECEMBER 12 • MARCH 20 • MAY 1
The Jewish holidays are rich in meaning and inspiring wisdom for navigating through modern life. Together, we will study ancient and contemporary teachings that will elevate and deepen our celebrations of these sacred days and the peaks and valleys we experience in our lives.
Mondays at 7:00pm • in the Library
December 16 Chanukah
March 10 Purim
May 19 Shavuot
April 7 Passover
Register at mysinai.org/beyondthefood
Beyond the Matriarchs: legends about women you’ve never heard of and the rituals that will change your life
Thursdays at 7:00pm in the Library
January 16 • January 30 • March 6 April 10 • May 8 • June 12
Join Rabbi Schachter [and Sinai’s own, Amy Pepper] on a spirited and spiritual adventure, as we immerse in storytelling, history, and hands-on Jewish rituals about and for women.
Register at: mysinai.org/matriarchs
from RABBI SCHACHTER’S study
Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org
Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Three Years of Transformative Interfaith Work
After three incredible years, the work of the interfaith coalition Upholding Humanity will come to a close. What began in the fall of 2021 as a conversation between a few faith leaders about a looming refugee crisis, grew into a strong, interfaith coalition that receive national funding and accolades. Together, leaders and volunteers from Temple Sinai, the Islamic Center of Long Island, The Community Synagogue, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, and the UJA-Federation of New York, gathered resources and supported the resettlement of refugees in Queens and on Long Island. So many of you helped to support this work with your time and resources, and I am very grateful. It has been a privilege to lead this initiative and to see the ways it has inspired so many people to get involved.
Over the past three years, this coalition has accomplished so much. Temple Sinai has been awarded $190,000 in grants from the UJA-Federation of New York in partnership with the Shapiro Foundation and JFNA, and $75,000 in a grant from UUCSR. Over three years, Upholding Humanity has worked with 11 families directly in their full resettlement, providing them with housing and financial support. The funding from these grants also enabled the coalition to provide supplemental support to 42 Afghan individuals and 10 Ukrainian individuals, including large families with young children, throughout the country. The range of the coalition’s support has been broad, including temporary
housing, rent support, cash assistance, furniture, household items, and more. Volunteers worked with refugees to find permanent housing, register for ESL classes, work on their resumes, search for jobs, submit USCIS documents, and navigate life in New York in general.
Throughout it all, Temple Sinai has been instrumental in convening the coalition and overseeing all of the coalition’s work. Such leadership was recognized this year by HIAS, who bestowed upon Temple Sinai their highest honor, the “Trailblazer Award.” This award was given to the top congregations in the country who have led unique projects, volunteer efforts, and emergency response to crises, and Temple Sinai was recognized because of our capacity to build a coalition, and for the collective impact we made in the field of refugee resettlement.
Even in the past year, when interfaith relations have been strained, Temple Sinai remained committed to helping those in need and nurturing interfaith partnerships with those who believe in this shared work. While this chapter of interfaith service work is drawing to a close, Temple Sinai will continue to engage in deep and meaningful interfaith work in the future.
Rabbi Ilana Schachter
For more information, contact Social Action at socialaction@mysinai.org
The Social Action Committee continues our dedication to tikkun olam, repairing the world. Where there is need we ask, How can we help? Your generosity to our drives, causes, and fund is why we can answer that question - around the corner or around the world. Todah Rabah.
You make a difference that is felt and remembered! Temple Sinai performs mitzvot in big ways and we have a big thank you for you!! As we began the new year with reflection and meaning, your generosity gave a big response - on Yom Kippur we collected over 2700 pounds of food for Island Harvest!!! Thank you!!
HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS DECEMBER: DECEMBER COLLECTIONS
COMMUNITY NEEDS FOOD BANK
Let’s supply the JCC’s Community Needs Food Bank with the items on their Wish List! Please drop off the following foods in the bins in the temple lobby (NON-PERISHABLES ONLY; NO GLASS JARS) or use our handy Amazon link and have items sent directly to the temple: bit.ly/TSRSA-Amazon canned protein (chicken, salmon, sardines, tuna) • peanut butter or alternative nut butter • canned vegetables (carrots, corn) • canned fruit in juice • applesauce • low sodium soups • pasta • pasta sauce • hot cereal (Cream of Wheat, Farina) • pancake mix • syrup
BOOK DRIVE DECEMBER 1-10: BOOK FAIRIES MAKE MAGIC HAPPEN!
Book Fairies knows the many ways reading can change a child’s life and future. This organization partners with teachers, schools, and libraries in low-resourced areas, by donating books to encourage learning and a love of reading. Please donate new and gently used books for all ages and drop them off in the bins in the temple lobby.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS JANUARY: JANUARY COLLECTION
PAJAMAS AND CHILDREN’S BOOKS!
The Pajama Program helps thousands of children who would otherwise go to sleep in the same clothes they wore all day. Please donate NEW books and NEW pajamas for newborns through XL. Be sure to remember bigger sizes for older kids. Simply drop off your donations in the bins in the temple lobby.
FILL OUR NEIGHBOR’S FOOD PANTRY
The EJOY/Pastor Lewis Food Drive spreads community friendship down the street at the Friendship Baptist Church on Roslyn Road. Please donate the following items and drop them off in the bins in the temple lobby: drinks (non refrigerated milk and juices) • canned goods (soups, vegetables, especially corn) • cereal, pancake mix, syrup, oatmeal • staples (rice, pasta and sauce, beans) • healthy snacks • baking items (flour, cooking oil) • paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins) • Depends (size large) • reusable shopping bags
COOKING FOR A CAUSE
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, February 7 at 10:30am. Always a favorite event, Social Action will team up with Friend of a Friend for Cooking for a Cause. You don’t want to miss it! While cooking and kibitzing in the Simcha Room we each prepare a full meal, AND DELIVER to someone who is homebound. The smiles and huge appreciation for these meals will stay with you long after the deliveries are completed. Please RSVP by January 30th to socialaction@mysinai.org.
NAMI, THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS
is dedicated to providing support to the ever-growing number of people suffering from mental illness. If you, or anyone you know is suffering from anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, please contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264 or info@nami.org
GIVE TZEDAKAH!
Your contribution to the Social Action Fund allows us to help more people in more ways. To give to the Temple Sinai Social Action Fund, please visit mysinai.org and click the “Donate” tab,
The Social Action Committee’s dedication and commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, grows and deepens as the needs become greater. If you would like to join us, please reach out to socialaction@mysinai.org
Even in darkness it is possible to create light. -Elie Wiesel
Sinai Stitches is a group that knits and crochets items for charity. ALL are welcome!
If you would like to learn how to knit, please reach out to be matched with one of the ladies for one-on-one lessons.
All meetings are in person in the temple library, Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:30-2:00pm.
Our upcoming meetings will be held on: DECEMBER 2 • DECEMBER 18 • JANUARY 6 • JANUARY 22 FEBRUARY 3 • FEBRUARY 12
For more information, contact Michelle Golden at 516.650.6690 or msgolden@optonline.net
The View from the President’s Chair
Allen Geller ageller@mysinai.org
Feel the Warmth of Temple Sinai All Winter Long!
The winter season is upon us and it brings a mix of emotions. We have so much to celebrate: joyous holidays, winter break vacations, and the simple pleasure of spending time with family and close friends. It is also the perfect time for us to reflect on the year that’s ending, whether it was good or challenging, and to look forward to the new year with hope and possibility. The coming year holds the potential for many wonderful things.
I choose to be optimistic about the future, and I encourage you to do the same. The new year offers each of us the chance to shape our lives and our communities in meaningful ways. Temple Sinai is here for you, offering support, education, and a community to share in joyous occasions and meaningful moments But we can only continue offering these services with your active participation.
Perhaps one of your resolutions could be to attend Shabbat services once a month or to get involved in some of the many events and committees we offer. Temple Sinai is open seven days a week, offering a space for you to connect, learn, and enjoy.
I also encourage you to consider making Temple Sinai a bigger part of your daily life. Our Teen Programs, for example, are amazing! This year, we have two exciting trips planned, along with many other activities. If your teen isn’t yet part of the program, now’s the perfect time to get involved.
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to encourage more congregant involvement here at the temple. Together, we can make this a reality.
I look forward to seeing you soon - join us whenever you can!
Allen Geller President
If you are looking for new ways to promote and grow your business, we hope you will join us.
Temple Sinai’s amazing networking group, CONNECT, meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:00am at Diane’s Bakery Cafe Upcoming meetings will be held on December 4 • December 18
January 8 • January 22 February 4 • February 18
For more information, contact Richard Blatt at richblatt@gmail.com.
Adrianne Rubin, Ph.D. arubin@mysinai.org
The Magic of Sinai!
Our 2024-2025 programmatic year began with a fun-filled, intergenerational event on Sunday, September 15 – The Magic of Sinai. The weather was perfect as we enjoyed Brotherhood’s barbeque, a pizza truck, face painting, the Scholastic Book Fair organized by the ECC’s PFA, a show from the incredible Magic Jeff, and homemade ice cream sandwiches from Smusht! These photos offer a few highlights:
Special thanks to representatives from our Teen Department, Adult Engagement Committee, Brotherhood, Friend of a Friend, the Caring Committee, and Connect, who were on hand to answer questions and engage with attendees of all ages.
It was a day of true community engagement, no doubt the first of many this year.
Adrianne Rubin Director of Membership & Engagement
SINAI CINEMA
HELLO GIRLS THE
a documentary directed by
James Theres
Sunday, January 5 • 2:00pm at Temple Sinai
In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sent 223 women to France as telephone operators to help win the Great War. They were intrepid, united in a common cause, and like Joan of Arc before them, they wanted to save France. Told through 100-year-old letters, photos, rare archival footage, and interviews with family and historians, this documentary brings to life a story that was almost entirely unknown.
Register at mysinai.org/hellogirls
Hello Girls operating switchboards at general headquarters in Chaumont, France (November 5, 1918)
SINAI CINEMA
IT IS NO DREAM The Life of
Theodor Herzl
Narrated by Sir Ben Kingsley
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 1:00PM
AT TEMPLE SINAI
It Is No Dream: The Life of Theodor Herzl explores the life and times of Theodor Herzl, father of the modern state of Israel. Narrated by Academy Award®-winner, Sir Ben Kingsley and starring Academy Award®-winner Christoph Waltz as the voice of Theodor Herzl. The film examines how Herzl, a well-known journalist and playwright, an assimilated, Budpest-born Jew, horrified by the Dreyfus trial in Paris and the antisemitism he saw spreading across Europe, took upon himself the task of attempting to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine against all odds.
Over the span of eight years, Herzl organized and led a worldwide political movement that within fifty years led to the establishment of the state of Israel. The film follows Herzl as he meets with Kings, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, a Sultan, a Pope and government ministers from Constantinople to St. Petersburg, from Paris to Berlin, from Vienna to Vilna in his quest to build a Jewish nation.
Friend of a Friend/Chaverot
A look back at the end of our 2023-2024 program year!
Hine Matov U’ma-nayim, shevet ach-im gam ya-chad!
How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
This prayer resonated with our Friend of a Friend community as we began our 2024-2025 program year.
Our welcome brunch in September was a great success with several new members attending. Thank you to our Executive Board for always stepping up to the plate!
Catering - Leslie Lewit Milner
Centerpieces - Paula Kraus
Secretary - Diane Hirsch
Publicity - Jackie Covey
Our High Holy Days Honey Sale continues to be outstanding and sweet as always. Many thanks to Susan Moisoff for helping to make this annual event such a success!
Our celebration continued into October with our annual Sukkot brunch honoring our Ushpizin, Margie Berrent. Margie shared her family history including immigration to the United States, putting down roots, and flourishing, and she displayed family pictures going back generations. She also spoke about her and Howard’s history and service to Temple Sinai. We had over 60 people in attendance, including many of Margie’s friends and family. Our brunch concluded with beautiful songs led by Cantor Elena Schwartz. Next, we went outside to the sukkah, where meaningful prayers with the etrog and lulav were led by Rabbi Ilana Schachter.
Thank you, Margie, for accepting the invitation to be our Ushpizin, honored guest for Sukkot 2024! Kudos once again to the ladies of our Executive Board ladies who again stepped up to the plate and hit a home run!
Many thanks to the FOF members who helped decorate the sukkahLainie Krasnoff, Amy Braunstein, Donna Liebowitz, Paula Kraus, Ginny Jordan and two ECC moms, Nicole Silberstein and Lindsay Green.
We ended the month with a beautiful tour of West Point, co-sponsored with Brotherhood and initiated by Cantors Sergei and Elena Schwartz. Fifteen of us traveled to this revered institution where we learned about the significant role it played in our country’s history. Our tour guide was Colonel Glenn Goldman, a member of the board of the Jewish Chapel. He told us about some of the Jewish graduates of West Point, such as General Mickey Marcus who was the first General of the State of Israel. He also gave us a private tour of the Jewish Chapel.
Our day ended with a gourmet luncheon at the historic Thayer Hotel which overlooks the beautiful Hudson River. It was a perfect fall day!
FOF Co-presidents Leslie Wollin and Charlotte Hollander flank Ushpizin Margie Berrent.
Rabbi Schachter leading the prayers in the Sukkah following a delicious brunch.
Inside the beautiful Jewish Chapel on the campus of West Point
Our group enjoying the scenery
Our Annual Holiday Luncheon
December 5 • 12:00pm at Mim’s
We always have a fun time at this annual event. Don’t miss it!
FOF
Monthly Meetings
Fridays at 9:30am
December 6 • on ZOOM
January 10 • in the Library
February 7 • in the Library
Religious School Latke Parties
December 16, 17, & 18
A delicious Chanukah celebration for our Religious School students.
Religious School Chanukah Boutique
December 9, 10, & 11 in the Simcha Room
A great opportunity for our students to buy Chanukah gifts for their families and friends.
We look forward to seeing you at these and other exciting events. Don’t forget to pay your dues!
Watch your inbox for emails from Friend of a Friend so you don’t miss out on the fun and camaraderie!
Charlotte Hollander and Leslie Wollin Friend of a Friend Co-Presidents
Visit us at mysinai.org/fof, email us at fof@mysinai.org and
danielgale.com
If you are interested in buying or selling a home, please contact Eva for a personal and confidential home consultation as well as a free market analysis.
Eva Garfinkel Drabkin
Associate Real Estate Broker
516.626.7600 ext.27
c.516.978.1050 evadrabkin@danielgale.com
BROTHERHOOD
It’s been an outstanding beginning to the program year for Brotherhood, with so many memorable events and meaningful services. These activities truly showcase what makes being a member of Brotherhood such a rewarding experience.
The year kicked off soon after Labor Day, with Brotherhood playing a key role in the success of The Magic of Sinai event. But that was just the start! The very next weekend, we once again brought the Pro-Chef Knife Sharpening service to the temple parking lot. In addition to sharpening all types of knives and scissors, someone brought a machete, which Pro-Chef handled with impressive skill! This fundraiser was such a success that it’s sure to become an annual tradition—so be sure to take advantage of this great service in the future.
Brotherhood members also stepped up by serving as Ambassadors, assisting during regular Shabbat services as well as the High Holy Days, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and with warmth. Another highlight was our first Scotch and Sacred Text session with Rabbi White, a truly enriching evening.
In keeping with tradition, Brotherhood was responsible for building the Temple Sinai Sukkah. This was followed by a wonderful Sukkot Brunch and Learn with Rabbi Schachter in the Sukkah—a thoughtprovoking and inspiring experience, as always.
In addition to these events, Brotherhood members co-sponsored the Temple Sinai day trip to West Point—what an unforgettable experience that was! We also participated in the joyous unrolling of the Torah scroll on Simchat Torah, a special way to celebrate our heritage together.
What a fantastic way to begin the year, and we’re just getting started! Looking ahead, we have several exciting events on the calendar, including the Brotherhood Shabbat on May 9, 2025, and more Scotch and Sacred Text sessions. We’re also working on selecting a new book for our second annual book discussion group, following the great success of last year’s event.
We invite all members to join us and be part of this wonderful, caring community. Whether you’re new to Brotherhood or a long-time member, there are always meaningful ways to participate.
Norm Hollander Brotherhood President
Wednesdays at 7:30pm • in the Library December 11 • January 8 • February 12
Renee & Mel Hirsch on the birth of their great-grandson Henry Hirsch
Diane & Leonard Hirsch on the birth of their great-nephew Henry Hirsch
Erica Weisberg on the marriage of her daughter Melissa to Benjamin Rome
Allen Weisberg on the marriage of his daughter Melissa to Benjamin Rome
Joan & Howard Miller on the birth of their granddaughter Bailey Noa Bloomgarden
Lauren & Zachary Bloomgarden on the birth of their daughter Bailey Noa Bloomgarden
Jamie Reich Freedman & Dr. Howard Freedman on the marriage of their stepson/son Michael Freedman to Jessica Anastasio
Nancy & Neal Kaplan on the birth of their granddaughter Lina Bell Golden
Gerri & Michael Zetlin on the marriage of their daughter Ariana to Tripp Kaelin
Carol Wolowitz on the marriage of her granddaughter Ariana Zetlin to Tripp Kaelin
Paula & Robert Appel on the marriage of their daughter Sydney to Sam Mansberg
Leslie Lewit Milner & Lawrence Milner on the birth of their grandson Robert (Robby) Jackson Lewit
Laurel & David Nachman on the marriage of their daughter Chelsea to Jessica Phillips
Lisa Smith on the marriage of her daughter Ashleyrose DeVito to Zachary Chalup
Suzanne & Erik Jenssen on the marriage of their son/stepson Zachary Elman to Jacqulyn Teller
Leslie Lewit Milner & Lawrence Milner on the birth of their granddaughter Willa Laine Cappadocia
Karen Black & Stanley Kopchynsky on the birth of their granddaughter Willa Laine Cappadocia
Anne & Keith Niesenbaum on the birth of their grandson Noah Ross Niesenbaum
Barbara & Bruce Spiegel on the birth of their grandson Oliver Max Cohen
Jill & Richard Barry on the marriage of their daughter Stephanie to Ricky Yegelwel
Nancy & Michael Schreiber on the birth of their grandson Henry Salvatore Ferman
with deepest sympathy
Vicki Greenberg on the loss of her sister Toby Reisner
Nicole Kohut on the loss of her father Aaron Rubinstein
Mary Miller on the loss of her husband Gary Miller
Lauren Oliphant on the loss of her mother Beverly Karen Cohen
Dr. Abby Greenberg on the loss of her partner Dr. Harvey E. Finkel
Howard Miller on the loss of his mother Florence Miller
Jason Garmise on the loss of his father Alan Garmise
Michael Siegal on the loss of his mother Gail Siegal
Judy Grossberg on the loss of her husband David Grossberg
Lisbeth Licht Wolgel on the loss of her aunt Miriam “Mimi” Katz
Pamela Fries on the loss of her stepfather Steven Fishkin
Ruth Klein on the loss of her husband Douglas Klein
Joshua Klein on the loss of his father Douglas Klein
David Finkelstein on the loss of his father Alan Finkelstein
We record with sorrow the death of these temple members
David Grossberg
Douglas Klein
Gary Miller
With deepest sympathy to their families; May their memories be for a blessing.
Temple Sinai Religious School
Our children, our future
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org
Here’s What’s Happening at Temple Sinai Religious School!
family education
TEMPLE SINAI RELIGIOU S SCHO OL
Our family education programs are off to a great start!
We welcomed our K through third grade families for a meaningful and engaging Sukkot program. Families were able to learn together and fulfill the mitzvot of shaking the lulav and eating in the Sukkah.
BA Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Journey
Our BMitzvah programs started with two successful sessions with our sixth grade families, where we discussed the Symbols of the Covenant such as tzitzit, tallit, and tefillin. Soon, we will be welcoming our fifth grade families for their BMitzvah orientation as well as their Evolution of the Tanach sessions.
We have also had the opportunities to witness some wonderful wimples presented to our congregation. We are grateful to the Stumacher and Rosenblum families for sharing their stories with us.
Lia Rosenblum
Brianna Stumacher
Making this wimple and keeping this tradition alive makes me feel that I will always be wrapped in the history of the Jewish people.
My wimple includes my English name and my Hebrew name and has stars and moons on it to always remind me to dream big and to remember that when you wish upon a star your dreams can come true!
My wimple is decorated with things that represent me. It has my Hebrew name, Leiah, surrounded by the sports that I play - tennis and basketball, a paw print to represent the love I have for my dog, Milo, hearts, that show I am surrounded by love, and an Israeli flag, to represent my connection to Judaism. This makes it not just a piece of fabric, but a connection to my Jewish faith and reminds me of the people who have come before me who have passed on our traditions. They inspire me to embrace my Jewish identity and carry on our values. As I become a Bat Mitzvah today, I’m not just celebrating myself but also honoring everyone who has come before me in our rich history. The wimple reminds me that I’m part of something bigger - a whole community that loves and supports me and years of Jewish heritage and tradition.
We’re pleased to inform you that Ellen Widawsky is continuing as our Sixth Grade Holocaust & Jewish Resistance Educator. Classes begin on Monday, February 6, 2025.
Ellen Widawsky, a school librarian, and Holocaust Educator was inspired by her in-laws, who survived the atrocities of the Lodz Ghetto and Auschwitz. This sparked her interest in learning and educating others. She has traveled to Germany and Poland with the HAJRTP, studied at Yad Vashem at the Echoes and Reflections Advanced Teacher’s Seminar, participated in the Belfer Conference at the USHMM, the Charlotte and Jacques Wolf Educators Conference on Echoes and Reflections in NYC, and traveled with the Sousa Mendes Foundation on their Footsteps to Freedom trip. She has also visited Holocaust sites in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Athens, Rhodes, Corfu, France, Holland, Portugal, and Austria. She looks forward to meeting and working with the students at Temple Sinai.
Mazel tov to our B’nei Mitzvah
Ryan
Greenberg
December 7
Parents: Lauren & Dan Greenberg
Siblings: Blake-8
Grandparents: Keven Wandy
Barbara & Jack Greenberg
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade
Parsha: Vayetze
Maxwell Zeitlin
January 30
Parents: Janeen & David Zeitlin
Siblings: Ivy-14
Grandparents:
Gerald & the late Naomi Berkowitz
Leslie & Stephen Zeitlin
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Bo
Max Bressler
February 8
Parents: Ashley & Michael Bressler
Siblings: Morgan-12
Grandparents:
Riki & Harvey Slovis
School: Roslyn Middle School - 6th grade
Parsha: Beshalach
Reese Isenstadt
January 23
Parents: Lauren & Jordan Isenstadt
Siblings: Gavin-8
Grandparents: Lois Rifkin
Barbara Isenstadt
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade
Parsha: Va’era
Mason Melnikoff
February 6
Parents: Rachel & Matthew Melnikoff
Siblings: Mia-10, Miles-7
Grandparents:
Leslie & Richard Feldman
Raina Kass
Rita & Harvey Melnikoff
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Beshalach
Morgan Bressler
February 8
Parents: Ashley & Michael Bressler
Siblings: Max-13
Grandparents:
Riki & Harvey Slovis
School: Roslyn Middle School - 6th grade
Parsha: Beshalach
Juliet Agranoff
February 8
Parents: Ellyn & Daniel Agranoff
Siblings: Lilah-12
Grandparents:
Debbie & Gary Soffer
Ruth & Stuart Agranoff
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Yitro
Lilah Agranoff
February 8
Parents: Ellyn & Daniel Agranoff
Siblings: Juliet-12
Grandparents:
Debbie & Gary Soffer
Ruth & Stuart Agranoff
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Yitro
Jake Hershkowitz
November 16
Parents: Kelly & Michael Hershkowitz
Siblings: Ryan-15, Emmy-11
Grandparents: Carol & William Sokolic
Lynne & Robert Taylor
Diane & the late Thomas Hershkowitz School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th grade
Parsha: Vayera
We apologize for the error in the previous issue of the SCRIBE
Dina’s Teen Talk
Dina Kwasnicki dkwasnicki@mysinai.org
FALL in Love with TSR Teen Programs!
It’s been a busy fall in the Youth & Teen Department! We kicked off lots of amazing programs and have filled them all with our incredible Temple Sinai teens. And, there’s so much more fun coming up, too! Here’s a brief overview of our fall together and a look at what’s ahead:
REVAMPED Teen Youth Group Experience SORTY
We’ve re-imagined the SORTY experience, both for our leaders and participants! Last spring we completely revolutionized our leadership model to more closely parallel our board of trustees model and to push our teens towards a teen-driven and teen-led experience. They’re already off to an amazing start!
Co-Presidents
Anna Falcone & Sidney Steir
VP Programming
Annabel Nussbaum
VP Social Action
Riley Green
Co-VP Operations
Sarah Fernbach & Ethan Fiterstein
Co-VP Membership
Russell Plotnitzky & Danny Whitehill
VP Communications
Dani Emouna
VP Religious & Culture
Lee Levine
Director of Jr. Youth Groups
(JORTY, JCREW, ROSH HODESH)
Marli Jacobson
Director of Social Programs
Hillary Mazor
Director of Synagogue Partnerships #1(Board/ Fundraising/Social Action)
Eli Mesh
Director of Leadership
Asher Hirsch
Director of Finance
Jordan Siegel
Experience
Spencer Gerson
Director Recruitment
Jessica Siskind
Director Social Media
Olivia Jacobson
Director Marketing & Merchandise
Alexa Mesh
Director Synagogue Partnerships #2 (ECC/RS/ADULT)
Sammy Nussbaum
Director Purim
Molly Borkon
Check out some of the great SORTY events we’ve already had....
LIBERTY GAME KICKOFF kickoff experience to start off the year, attending a WNBA game at the Barclays Center to watch (the now 2024 CHAMPIONS!). The NY Liberty faced off against their biggest rivals, the 2023 Champion Las Vegas Aces. We had a
APPLES & HONEY BRUNCH
We rang in the New Year on Rosh Hashanah with our Apples & Honey Brunch, complete with unique flavor honey tasting!
SUSHI IN THE SUKKAH
We celebrated Sukkot in collaboration with our NEW Nosh Across Nations Program, learning about the Jewish connections to Japan and how to make sushi ourselves, from a real Japanese Sushi Chef!
TEEN HIGH HOLY DAYS EXPERIENCE
We saw a record number of teens during this High Holy Day Season! From helping with younger kids, and loading the Yom Kippur food collection truck, to hanging out and doing service projects in the Teen Lounge, we really brought in the New Year in true Sinai Teen Style!
Dina’s Famous Starbucks Hours are BACK with a BONUS
Hang out with Dina every Thursday afternoon at Starbucks with all your closest friends. PLUS now you can join us for our BRAND NEW Cup of Joe & 5 Books of Mo(ses) bi-monthly Starbucks Program on Wednesdays, too – join us for this crazy cool pop culture-based Jewish learning experience. OPEN TO 7th GRADE, TOO! Sign up at bit.ly/CupofJoe7thGrade
HAVDALAH FOR HUNGER AND HAND IN HAND
We recently kicked off two of our beloved signature programs! We headed into Manhattan with Havdalah for Hunger where we handed out food and toiletries to those living on the street. And, we kicked off another year of our now decade-long partnership with the Department of Homeless Services to bring children from local homeless shelters for an afternoon of fun at Temple Sinai!
JUNIOR
YOUTH GROUP IS BACK!
REMINDERS ABOUT JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP!
• We have 3 super fun Youth Groups for 4th-6th graders! Each meets 1x a month. They are:
JORTY - our co-ed group for all 4th-6th graders to have fun together, takes place one Sunday a Month
JCREW - our 4th-6th grade boys group that takes place one Monday a month.
Rosh Chodesh - our 4th-6th grade girls group that takes place one Monday a month.
• Youth Group Programs always include a pizza dinner!
• Most programs take place in our awesome REVAMPED Youth Lounge! Complete with our cool new candy cabinet!
• Plus, we have youth & teen chess!
We can’t wait to hang out with you!
Dina & Paige
DONATIONS ARE ONLY INCLUDED IN THE PRINT EDITION OF THE SCRIBE
5:30pm Happy Hour with Rabbi Michael White via ZOOM 7:00pm Adult Education with Rabbi Schachter and Amy Pepper: Beyond the Matriarchs
12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library
Dates and times are current as of NOVEMBER 15, 2024 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website at mysinai.org for all other program and event information. BUILDING CLOSED 1Pm CHRISTMAS EVE 7:30pm Board Meeting 9:30am Friend of a Friend Monthly Meeting via ZOOM 6:30pm Shabbat Service/ Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood/ Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library RS CHANUKAH BOUTIQUE
CHANUKAH BOUTIQUE
9:00am CONNECT Networking Meeting (o site) 7:30pm Brotherhood Meeting in the Library
LATKE PARTIES RS LATKE PARTIES 7:30pm Rabbi Josh WeinbergWhat Does it Mean to be a Zionist in a Post-October 7th World
LATKE PARTIES
7:00pm Adult Education with Rabbi WhiteJewish Holidays: Beyond the Food
BREAK BUILDING CLOSED CHRISTMAS CHANUKAH NIGHT #1 CHANUKAH NIGHT #2 CHANUKAH NIGHT #3 CHANUKAH NIGHT #4
NIGHT #5 CHANUKAH NIGHT #6
RS WINTER BREAK ECC WINTER BREAK BUILDING CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY CHANUKAH NIGHT #8
10:30am Bar Mitzvah ServiceMax Zeitlin 7:00pm Adult Education with Rabbi Schachter and Amy Pepper: Beyond the Matriarchs Religious school closed 4:15pm Sharing ShabbatHug a Tree Shabbat 6:30pm Shabbat Service 12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library 9:00am CONNECT Networking Meeting (o site) 12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library RS WINTER BREAK ECC WINTER BREAK RS WINTER BREAK ECC WINTER BREAK 10:30am Bat Mitzvah ServiceReese Isenstadt
Dates and times are current as of NOVEMBER 15, 2024 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website at mysinai.org for all other program and event information. 6:30pm Shabbat Service/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings 9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 9:00am CONNECT Networking Meeting (o site) 7:30pm Brotherhood Meeting in the Library 7:30pm Board Meeting Religious school closed
9:30am Friend of a Friend Monthly Meeting in the Library 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 7:00pm Adult Education with Rabbi Schachter and Amy Pepper: Beyond the Matriarchs BUILDING CLOSED MLK, JR. DAY Religious school closed ECC closed
2:00pm Sinai Cinema presents The Hello Girls
7:30pm Friend of a Friend: Speaker from Katz Women’s Hospital in the Simcha Room 7:00pm Friend of a Friend: Art Therapist Program in the Library
9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library 7:30pm Brotherhood Meeting in the Library 7:30pm Board Meeting RS FEBRUARY BREAK ECC FEBRUARY BREAK
9:00am Pray. Eat. Love. Morning Minyan 10:30am B’nei Mitzvah ServiceMorgan & Max Bressler 7:00pm Havdallah B’not Mitzvah ServiceJuliet & Lilah Agrano BUILDING CLOSED PRESIDENTS’ DAY 10:30am Bar Mitzvah ServiceMason Melniko 7:00pm Friend of a Friend: Opthalmologist Program o site 6:30pm Shabbat Service 12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library
1:00pm Sinai Cinema presents It Is No Dream 9:30am Friend of a Friend Monthly Meeting in the Library 10:30am Cooking for a Cause/ Social Action & FOF 6:30pm Shabbat Service/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
FEBRUARY BREAK ECC FEBRUARY BREAK
7:00pm Friend of a Friend: Wine, Women, & Wisdom (o site) 9:00am CONNECT Networking Meeting (o site) 9:00am CONNECT Networking Meeting (o site)
Dates and times are current as of NOVEMBER 15, 2024 and are subject to change. Online calendars will be updated on a regular basis; please visit our website at mysinai.org for all other program and event information.
Temple Sinai of Roslyn 425 Roslyn Road
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
516.621.6800 mysinai.org
TEMPLE SINAI
Main Office: 516.621.6800
Early Childhood Center: 516.621.8708
Religious School: 516.621.8016
Rabbi Michael White rabbiwhite@mysinai.org
Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org
Cantor Sergei Schwartz cantorsergeischwartz@mysinai.org
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org
Cantor Emeritus
Cantor Andrew H. Edison
President
Allen Geller
Executive Vice President/Treasurer
Jeffrey Sklar
Vice Presidents
Liz Wiener Neale
Scott Nussbaum
Amy Pepper
Adam Weinschel
Secretary Tammy Szerencsy
Legal Counsel
Charles Weiss
Executive Director
Lee Mirrer lmirrer@mysinai.org
Director of Operations & Technology
Heather Murray hmurray@mysinai.org
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kathy Diamond kdiamond@mysinai.org
Member Services Manager
Betty Brandel bbrandel@mysinai.org
Financial Manager
Mara Rosenwasser mrosenwasser@mysinai.org
Brotherhood President Norman Hollander brotherhood@mysinai.org
Friend of a Friend/Chaverot Co-Presidents
Charlotte Hollander Leslie Wollin fof@mysinai.org
Director of Membership & Engagement
Adrianne Rubin, PhD arubin@mysinai.org
Director of Youth & Teen Engagement
Dina Kwasnicki dkwasnicki@mysinai.org
Asst. Dir. of Youth & Teen Engagement
Paige Kenis pkenis@mysinai.org
Early Childhood Center Director
Lindsay Dayan ldayan@mysinai.org
Executive Assistant to the Rabbis/ B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator
