Shabbat Service - Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
Saturday, January 3 • 9:30am
Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM
Friday, January 9 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service - Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood
Saturday, January 10 • 9:30am
Shabbat Body & Soul Yoga
Saturday, January 10 • 10:30am
Bat Mitzvah Service - Kate Weiss
Thursday, January 15 • 11:00am
Bat Mitzvah Service - Amber Edelstein
Friday, January 16 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, January 17 • 9:30am
Saturday Morning Torah Study - hybrid
Saturday, January 17 • 7:00pm
Havdalah Bar Mitzvah ServiceEthan Marvin
Friday, January 23 • 4:15pm
Sharing Shabbat - Hug a Tree Shabbat
Friday, January 23 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, January 24 • 9:30am
Shabbat Body & Soul Meditation
Friday, January 30 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Shirah Service with the Choir and Special Guest Cantor Robbie Solomon
Saturday, January 31 • 9:30am
Saturday Morning Torah Study - hybrid Saturday, January 31 • 10:30am
B’nei Mitzvah Service - Scarlett Oliphant & Cole Siskin
FEBRUARY
Friday, February 6 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service - 3rd & 4th Grade
Milestone Service - Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
Saturday, February 7 • 9:30am
Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM
Saturday, February 7 • 10:30am
B’nei Mitzvah Service - Adam & Gabe Levine
Friday, February 13 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 14 • 8:30am
Saturday Morning Torah Study - hybrid
Friday, February 20 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 21 • 9:30am
Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM
Friday, February 27 • 6:30pm
Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 28 • 9:30am
Shabbat Body & Soul Yoga
Temple Sinai invites you to explore new dimensions of the Shabbat experience with expanded Shabbat offerings. Each month, in addition to our virtual minyan service and our Sanctuary Shabbat services, we will also provide opportunities for yoga, meditation, hikes and walks, and engaging, dynamic Torah study that ignites your intellect and sparks meaningful discussions.
Check the Friday Shabbat email and the Sinai Source email on Sundays for complete details.
Sinai Shabbat Saturdays
December 2025-February 2026
Temple Sinai will always hold space for you to remember your loved one and say Kaddish for them. On the calendar below, please note that Kaddish will be recited in all programs marked with *K.
December 6
December 13
December 20
December 27
January 3
January 10
January 17
January 24
January 31
February 7
February 14
February 21
February 28
ZOOM Minyan *K
Torah Study - in person and via ZOOM *K
Shabbat Body and Soul - Yoga with Sharon Epstein *K
ZOOM Minyan *K
ZOOM Minyan *K
Shabbat Body and Soul - Yoga with Sharon Epstein *K
Torah Study - in person and via ZOOM *K
Shabbat Body and Soul - Meditation via ZOOM
Torah Study - in person and via ZOOM *K
ZOOM Minyan *K
Torah Study - in person and via ZOOM *K
ZOOM Minyan *K
Shabbat Body and Soul - Yoga with Sharon Epstein *K
All of these programs start at 9:30am.
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.
Friday, December 5 • 6:30pm during our Shabbat service featuring the Community Choir & Temple Sinai Band
Guest Speaker: Marjan Keypour (Greenblatt)
This program will feature Marjan Keypour (Greenblatt), an Iranian-American human rights activist who specializes in causes of women and minorities in Iran. She is the founder of the Alliance for Rights of All Minorities (ARAM), an international network of activists dedicated to promoting equal rights for persecuted people in Iran. Marjan is also the founder of StopFemicideIran (SFI), the first interactive map and database documenting acts of femicide in Iran, memorializing the victims and raising awareness about this critical issue.
Beyond her grassroots initiatives, Marjan has contributed to the cultural landscape as a producer of HOMANITY, a compilation album featuring music from banned and underground Iranian artists. An initiative to shed light on Iran's restrictions on artists and promote cultural freedom.
Marjan holds advisory roles with the Atlantic Council's Iran Strategy Project and the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI). She is also an affiliate at the Middle East Institute (MEI).
A festive Israeli-style oneg will follow the service.
ABBAT S Shirah
the Shabbat of Song
Friday, January 30 • 6:30pm
with special guest Cantor Robbie Solomon
Cantor Robbie Solomon is internationally known as a composer of Jewish choral works and synagogue repertoire. His stirring anthem Leaving Mother Russia, written in 1979, became the rallying cry of the Soviet Jewry movement and established him as a musical interpreter of Jewish conscience. He has since authored dozens of songs of Jewish content, including World of Our Fathers, Falasha Nevermore, and Peace by Piece.
In addition to over ten original CDs with SAFAM, and three CD’s of his own, Cantor Solomon’s works have been performed and recorded by numerous cantors and choirs throughout the world.
Along with an Orthodox upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, and rabbinical study at the Hebrew Union College, Cantor Solomon received conservatory training at the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem, Berklee College of Music. and the New England Conservatory. He is certified with both the Reform and Conservative movements, the ACC and CA respectively.
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.
Friday, January 9 • 6:30pm during our Shabbat service featuring the Community Choir & Temple Sinai Band
Guest Speaker: Rabbi Stacey Blank
This program will feature Rabbi Stacey Blank, Director of Education and Leadership Development at the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and rabbi of the Reform/Progressive Kehilat Shir Chadash in Tzur Hadassah, Israel. Rabbi Bland will speak about the WUPJ and its work throughout Israel and around the world.
Previously, Rabbi Blank was the spiritual leader of Kehilat Darchei Noam for four years and worked in the Israeli Rabbinic Program of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. On her path to the rabbinate, she served Jewish communities all over the world including two years in Poland as a volunteer with the Joint Distribution Committee, as a student rabbi in California, South Africa, and Australia, two summers as the Services Coordinator of NFTY trips in Europe and Israel, and has led Pesach seders in Belarus as co-founder of Hebrew Union College’s FSU Pesach Partnership.
Having grown up in Cleveland, Ohio, she made aliyah in 2005 and lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three children.
A festive Israeli-style oneg will follow the
service.
Reflections from the President
Jeffrey Sklar jsklar@mysinai.org
What a Six Months it Has Been!
It has been six months since I stepped into the role as president of Temple Sinai, and what a whirlwind it has been! The summer was spent planning and preparing for the High Holy Days, and charting the upcoming year with the board of trustees, lay leaders, and committee chairs. The process was both humbling and energizing.
One of the privileges of this job is the opportunity to connect with so many of you during the High Holy Days. Whether we spoke briefly or had a deeper conversation, I was grateful to meet many new people, hear your thoughts on what you love about Temple Sinai, as well as what you hope for and your suggestions on how we can continue to grow as a congregation. Your feedback, whether you had compliments or complaints, was incredibly meaningful, and I am appreciative. During my Rosh Hashanah remarks, I spoke about community and asked you, our congregation, to get involved and share your voice. So, thank you.
The High Holy Days are a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration and this year they were nothing short of extraordinary.
As I look back on this past High Holy Day season, we can be assured that Temple Sinai is a thriving center of Judaism.
The sanctuary was filled to capacity on Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur morning services. As I joked with Rabbi White, our Hakafot (the procession where we celebrate by walking with the Torah) seemed to take a bit longer this year – not because of logistics but because there were so many of us wanting to celebrate the holidays with our clergy.
We gathered in record numbers and with multiple generations at Bar Beach for Tashlich, casting away the old (and simultaneously feeding flocks of birds) and embracing the new year.
Our Family Services - one for tots and the other for older children - saw rooms filled to capacity and overflowing with happy chaos and smiling faces. As a grandparent, I’m not sure there is a greater joy than seeing a room of parents and children smiling as they are singing and celebrating their Jewish customs and traditions.
Sukkot brought together our Religious School and Teen Program, kids who filled the sukkah with laughter and learning. The following week, Simchat Torah was extremely special, as it coincided with the release of the remaining living hostages in Israel. Watching children and grandchildren wrapped in Israeli flags as they were singing, dancing, and celebrating through the sanctuary, is a moment that was extremely gratifying.
And we are just getting started! Our Friday night Shabbat service honoring the parents of our ECC children was very well attended, and our Adult Engagement programming is gearing up for another exciting and interesting year!
I look forward to seeing you at services, celebrations, or programs, and celebrating Temple Sinai with you.
Jeffrey Sklar President
from RABBI SCHACHTER’S study
Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org
A Leap of Faith and a Sacred Pilgrimage
In October, I had the privilege of participating in a mission to Israel for Jewish and Christian clergy on Long Island. My travel companions were men and women who serve as faith leaders in communities of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, including an Armenian priest, a Greek Orthodox priest, pastors from the Baptist, Episcopalian, Protestant, and AME traditions, and rabbis who span the denominations.
While I have been to Israel too many times to count, and on several missions, I had never been on a multifaith trip to Israel. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as only a few of the participants knew each other prior to the trip. Nevertheless, I remained optimistic that somewhere along our pilgrimage through the Holy Land, we would build relationships. Having had a few days to reflect on our time together, I can say honestly that I have never had as powerful an experience as I did on this trip.
While I was excited for this opportunity, I also recognized that it was a risk. Since most of us didn’t know each other, we had not yet heard each other’s stories or had a chance to build trust. And candidly, after the past two years, when many relationships between Jews and people of other faiths have fallen apart, I was hesitant to open my heart again to new relationships. I quickly realized, however, that we were all taking that same risk, and we all agreed because of the shared belief that our broken world can only be restored through building relationships with one another.
As we journeyed together through the Old City of Jerusalem, to Yad Vashem (the national Holocaust Memorial Center), and the Church of Beatitudes, we learned from one another and honored the history and holiness of one another’s faiths. Each person on our trip added to our experience by sharing themselves, their customs, their stories. On our third day together, we traveled to the Gaza Envelope, to S’derot, Kibbutz Be’eri, and to the site of the Nova Music Festival. Together, we were on sacred ground, holding the testimonies of those who had survived these atrocities and taking time to grieve for all those precious innocent souls who had been taken. While just a week prior, we were strangers, in that moment we were brothers and sisters, sharing the pain alongside a shared hope for a better world.
Our pilgrimage was an unforgettable experience. It was an important reminder for me that we are not alone, and that there is always room for a new relationship and a deep conversation, if we are willing to be vulnerable and openhearted with one another.
Now that we have safely returned home, our group is already thinking about the sacred work that we can do together and with our communities. There is so much more we can do to build relationships across faiths, to learn from one another, and to lovingly challenge one another in ways that lead to growth. This year, I have been so blessed to build a relationship with Pastor Ed Palafox, the Senior Minister at the Community Church of East Williston. At the time of this writing, he and I are very excited to be reviving what, for many years, was a Temple Sinai tradition: an interfaith service on November 20. This special celebration will include a dialogue between me, the pastor, and Father Michael Bissex from Saint Aiden’s Parish. I hope that many of you were able to join us for this special evening.
I welcome you to the
Sea of Galilee
Rabbi Ilana Schachter
Our full delegation visited the Kotel.
The group in front of the Cathedral of St. James in the Armenian Quarter.
Our group offered prayers inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Beautitudes.
MAIN TRIP: MAY 24-30, 2026 | OPTIONAL JERUSALEM & DEAD
SEA EXTENSION: MAY 30 – JUNE 2, 2026 /// MAIN TRIP: $4,295
OPTIONAL JERUSALEM & DEAD SEA EXTENSION: $995
MAIN TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Engage with cutting-edge thinkers at Tel Aviv University.
Explore Jewish diversity and heritage at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People.
Tour Magen David Adom’s state-of-the-art emergency response and blood services center.
Reflect at the Nova music festival memorial.
Visit Sderot and Kibbutz Nirim to understand life along the Gaza border.
Discuss Israeli-Palestinian relations with activist Avi Dabush from Rabbis for Human Rights.
Meet educators and students at the Leo Baeck School in Haifa.
Witness northern Israel’s security realities and pioneering spirit on the Lebanese border.
Study Jewish texts with scholars linking tradition and current events.
Bake challah with a chef and learn about healing through food.
Discuss shared society with Jewish and Arab Israelis in mixed cities.
Celebrate Shabbat with Israel’s Reform community and bring the spirit home.
And much more…
OPTIONAL EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS:
Walk Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter, from the Cardo to Hurva Synagogue rooftops.
Visit the Western Wall and explore underground through the Western Wall Tunnel.
Ascend Masada by cable car and explore its ancient mountaintop fortress.
Float in the Dead Sea and unwind in nature at Ein Gedi.
And much more…
Adrianne Rubin, Ph.D. arubin@mysinai.org
Chanukah, Oh Chanukah!
As I write about most years in the winter edition of The Scribe, Chanukah is my favorite holiday. I love decorating our house, buying and wrapping presents, and watching my husband and son grate potatoes and onions for latkes (which I then love eating!). Most of all, I treasure the time spent with family and friends who light the chanukiah with us. The history and resilience of our people shine through each candle, growing brighter with each passing night. The symbolism of this light – during some of the darkest days of the year – is perennially resonant and relevant.
Oded Halamy
Hanukkah Lamp, Hanukia - Majestic Light, 1983
Nickel-bronze: Cast
Collection of The Jewish Museum
Trip to the Identity, Culture, and Community:
Stories from the Collections of the Jewish Museum
Monday, December 8 • 11:00am
This December, in the lead-up to Chanukah, we have a special opportunity to tour The Jewish Museum’s newly reinstalled permanent collection, including over 100 of the Chanukiyot in their world-renowned collection. Please join me on Monday, December 8, for this special docent tour, led by Temple Sinai’s own Ronna Niederman. I hope to see you there, and I wish you and your loved ones Chanukah Sameach!
Adrianne Rubin
Collection of The Jewish
Jacques Lipschitz Miracle II, 1948 Bronze
Museum
War and its Aftermath: An Israeli Expert’s Insight on
Today’s Middle East
A moderated conversation with Dr. Harel Chorev
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 • 7:30PM
In this timely and incisive discussion, Dr. Harel Chorev—a senior researcher at the Moshe Dayan Center, CNN and media commentator, and renowned historian of the Middle East—offers an analysis of how war shapes the social and political landscapes of the region long after the last shot is fired. Drawing on two decades of research and his deep understanding of the Palestinian society and the evolving role of cyberspace, Dr. Chorev explores the hidden forces that drive post-conflict transformation.
From the shifting alliances in Gaza and the West Bank to the ripple effects of normalization agreements and digital activism, this talk unpacks the complex aftermath of war in the Middle East. With a unique blend of historical insight and contemporary relevance, Dr. Chorev provides a nuanced Israeli perspective on the region’s most pressing challenges—and the possibilities for its future.
Dr. Harel Chorev is a Research Fellow and Head of the Middle Eastern Network Analysis Desk at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University. He is an expert on Palestinian society and politics and he has written widely on terrorism, social media influence, and other issues, including in the landmark 2019 book Networks of Power in Palestine: Family, Society, and Politics Since the Nineteenth Century. A frequent media commentator and lecturer, he is an alumnus of Tel Aviv University, having earned a PhD in 2011.
Conversational Hebrew with Morah Galia Shahin
Finding the Light: Honoring Both Loss and Growth
Temple Sinai members Caryn Hirshleifer and Jodi Efros are forming a new, very meaningful Sinai Tribe.
This intimate circle is for Temple Sinai members navigating the weight of loss—whether through the death of a loved one, a sudden life change, or the quiet griefs that go unseen. Co-facilitated by Caryn Meg Hirshleifer (Co-author, In the Face of Catastrophe), Jodi Efros, and her daughter, Sprout Society’s Danielle Efros Kastenbaum, the group offers a safe, compassionate space to share, reflect, and heal in community. Through storytelling, creative practices, and ritual-inspired moments, we will honor our losses while holding onto hope, resilience, and the sustaining power of connection.
All ages and genders welcome.
Please join them at the first session: Thursday, December 4 at 7:00pm in the Library
Our Photography Tribe Returns for its Second Year
Led by Bill Brickner
Whether you take snapshots of the family on your cell phone or travel photos on your camera, let’s take the next steps in photography together. We’ll visit local scenic spots to take images that, with editing, you will be proud to hang on your wall.
Photographers of all skill levels are invited to join us for our first meeting on ZOOM: Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30pm
Check your email for ZOOM details
Attendees should submit five (5) images to Bill prior to the meeting at brick425park@hotmail.com. New members should email Bill for instructions.
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. Thank you! Todah Rabah!
Temple Sinai performs mitzvot in a big ways and we have a big thank you for you!! As we began the new year with reflection and purpose, your generosity made a real impact — on Yom Kippur, we collected over 2,700 pounds of food for Island Harvest! Let’s aim even higher next year and reach 3,000 pounds!
HOW YOU CAN HELP IN DECEMBER
December Collection - SJJCC Food Bank!
Let’s help fill up the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center Community Needs Food Bank Wish List! These are the items they have requested: 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
Please place your donations in the bins in the temple lobby, or order through our Amazon link and have the items sent directly to the temple: bit.ly/TSRSA-Amazon
Book Drive - Book Fairies Make Magic Happen!
Book Fairies knows how many ways reading can change a child’s life and future. This organization partners with teachers, schools, and libraries in low-resourced areas on Long Island by donating books to encourage the learning and love of reading.
Please drop off your donation of NEW AND GENTLY USED BOOKS in the bins in the temple lobby. They can especially use chapter books for all ages. Please, no Judaica and no textbooks.
HOW YOU CAN HELP IN JANUARY
January Collection - Let’s Help
Those in Need!
The INN in Hempstead helps to transform lives by addressing hunger, homelessness, and profound poverty through awareness, action, and generosity. Let’s help them this month with these toiletries (in any size): shampoo • conditioner • toothpaste • toothbrushes • body wash • soap • disposable razors • combs • brushes • deodorant
Please place your donations in the bins in the temple lobby, or order through our Amazon link and have the items sent directly to the temple: bit.ly/TSRSA-Amazon.
Let’s Donate Pajamas and Children’s Books!
The Glen Cove Economic Opportunity Commission is a community action agency that helps empower income-eligible families to gain the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their quality of life. This month, we’re going to help them out by donating NEW pajamas and NEW books for newborn through XL. Be sure to remember the bigger sizes for older kids.
Please place your donations in the bins in the temple lobby, or order through our Amazon link and have the items sent directly to the temple: bit.ly/TSRSA-Amazon.
HOW YOU CAN HELP IN FEBRUARY
February Collection - Let’s Fill Our Neighbor’s Food Pantry!
Let’s help The EJOY/Pastor Lewis Food Drive spread community friendship down the street at the Friendship Baptist Church on Roslyn Road. They are in need of the following items: cereal • pasta • pancake mix • syrup • peanut butter • cooking oil • paper towels • any canned beans • canned tuna or chicken • shelf-stable juice • crackers
Please place your donations in the bins in the temple lobby, or order through our Amazon link and have the items sent directly to the temple: bit.ly/TSRSA-Amazon.
February Mitzvah - The Ronald McDonald House Needs Us!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 9:30AM-12:30PM
This mitzvah has fast become a let’s do it again Social Action event. We will be preparing brunch for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, New Hyde Park. This experience gives so much more than just a nutritious meal to these families, and it gives us so much too. Your heart will smile, and you’ll want to go back! Please RSVP to Lauren Borkon at laurenborkon@gmail.com.
DON’T FORGET!
NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness is Here to Help!
NAMI is dedicated to providing support to an increasing number of people suffering from mental illness. NAMI also provides advocacy and education on mental health. 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 donate to the Temple Sinai Social Action Fund, please visit the Temple Sinai website and click the donate button to contribute to our fund.
Even in darkness it is possible to create light. -Elie Weisel
FOOD DRIVE
Sharing Shabbat Sharing Shabbat
DECEMBER 2025
1 Cooking with Morah Paula 4:00-6:00pm 1 5th & 6th Grade Milestone Practice 4:30-5:00pm 2 Cooking with Morah Rhonda 4:00-6:00pm 3 5th Grade BMitzvah Family Education Program 6:30-7:30pm 7 Sharing Shabbat 4:15-6:00pm 7 5th Grade BMitzvah Family Education Program 4:30-5:30pm
8 FOF Chanukah Boutique 4:00-6:00pm
5th & 6th Grade Milestone Practice 4:30-5:00pm 9 FOF Chanukah Boutique 4:00-6:00pm 9 5th & 6th Grade Milestone Practice 4:30-5:00pm
5th & 6th Grade Milestone Service 6:30-7:30pm
Chanukah Candle #1 15 FOF Latke Party 4:00-6:00pm 16 FOF Latke Party 4:00-6:00pm 19 Chanukah Shabbat Service 6:30-7:30pm
JANUARY 2026
5 Religious School Classes Resume
5 3rd & 4th Grade Milestone Practice 4:30-5:00pm
5
6th Grade Yad Making (during class)
&
Fridays from 4:15-6:00pm
December 5, 2025 Challah Day!
• January 23, 2026 Hug a Tree Shabbat
• March 27, 2026 Grandparents Shabbat
FEBRUARY 2026
2 3rd & 4th Grade Milestone Practice 4:30-5:00pm
2 6th Grade Holocaust & Jewish Resistance Class
5:00-6:00pm
3 Cooking with Morah Rhonda 4:00-6:00pm
3 3rd & 4th Grade Milestone Practice 4:30-5:00pm
6 3rd & 4th Grade Milestone Service 6:30-7:30pm
9 6th Grade Holocaust & Jewish Resistance Class
5:00-6:00pm
16- School Closed - February Break 18
23 Religious School Classes Resume
23 6th Grade Holocaust & Jewish Resistance Class
5:00-6:00pm
26 4th Grade BMitzvah Family Education Program 6:30-7:30pm
DATES & PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Chanukah Boutique sponsored by Friend of a Friend
Monday, December 8 Tuesday, December 9 4:00-6:00pm
Latke Parties sponsored by Friend of a Friend
Monday, December 15 Tuesday, December 16 4:00-6:00pm
Monday, January 5 • 5:00-6:00pm
5th & 6th Grade
December 12
3rd & 4th Grade
February 6
fridays at 6:30pm
Mazel tov to our B’nei Mitzvah
Samantha Mazor
December 6
Parents: Rachel & Mark Mazor
Siblings: Hillary-16
Grandparents:
Donna and Jeffrey Kramer
Elana Mazor
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade
Parsha: Vayishlach
Jacob Radden
December 13
Parents: Jennifer & Daniel Radden
Siblings: Zoe-13
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Miketz
Addison Aloni
December 20
Parents: Elizabeth
Siblings: Jonah-16
Grandparents:
Victoria Schneps
School: Saint Anthony’s High School
Parsha: Miketz
Hudson Kurtz
December 6
Parents: Jen & Rory Kurtz
Siblings: Callum-11
Grandparents:
Glenda & the late S. Scott Schechter
Edward & Erika Kurtz
Toni Kurtz
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th Grade
Parsha: Vayeshev
Zoe Radden
December 13
Parents: Jennifer & Daniel Radden
Siblings: Jacob-13
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Miketz
Kate Weiss
January 10
Parents: Donna & Brian Weiss
Siblings: Ethan-14
Grandparents:
Josefa & Jeffrey Hirsch
Robyn & Herbert Weiss
School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th grade
Parsha: Shemot
Amber Edelstein
January 15
Parents: Shari & Jason Edelstein
Siblings: Spencer-17, Derek-14
Grandparents:
Elinor & Mark Doulman
Elaine & Stuart Edelstein
School: Willets Road School - 7th grade
Parsha: Va’era
Ethan Marvin
January 17
Parents: Ilyssa & Daniel Marvin
Siblings: Matthew-16
Grandparents:
Marcia Raiman Harris & Jerome Harris
the late Bruce Raiman
Dorothy & Elliot Marvin
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Bo
Scarlett Oliphant
January 31
Parents: Lauren & Seth Oliphant
Siblings: Sawyer-11
Grandparents:
Beverly & Howard Cohen
Meryl Oliphant
School: Willets Road School - 7th grade
Parsha: Beshalach
Gabe Levine
February 7
Parents: Shelly & Ken Levine
Siblings: Lee-16, Adam-12
Grandparents: Amy Horan
Tova & Amos Levine
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Yitro
Jackson Levy
January 24
Parents: Erica & Adam Levy
Siblings: Emersyn-10
Grandparents:
Kathy & Wayne Kaplan
Lisa & Larry Funk
Eric Levy
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Bo
Cole Siskin
January 31
Parents: Mara & Skyler Siskin
Siblings: Brendon-16, Cameron-15
Grandparents:
Joanne Edelson
Steve Edelson
Penny Siskin
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Beshalach
Jillian Garfinel
February 28
Parents: Jamie & David Garfinkel
Siblings: Paul-9
Grandparents: Ellen Forest
Rosalind Langer
Janice & Philip Garfinkel
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Tetzaveh
Adam Levine
February 7
Parents: Shelly & Ken Levine
Siblings: Lee-16, Gabe-12
Grandparents: Amy Horan
Tova & Amos Levine
School: Roslyn Middle School - 7th grade
Parsha: Yitro
Dina’s Teen Talk
Dina Kwasnicki dkwasnicki@mysinai.org
FALL in love with our Temple Sinai Teens!
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.
Our SORTY Leadership Team began the year planning for their peers and they hit the ground running with some amazing events! I AM EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE 2025-2026 SORTY TEAM!
PRESIDENTS
PROGRAMMING & RELIGIOUS CULTURE TEAM
TEAM
JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP TEAM
Check out some of the awesome programs they’ve planned so far, from our Mets Game Kickoff to Apple Basket Packing for Rosh Hashanah for the Atria Residents, Junior Youth Group events, Sushi in the Sukkah and more!
Here we are at our Mets Game kickoff –we had a blast!
Our teens planned and ran a chocolatey fun kickoff or our Junior Youth
Packing baskets and making cards for Rosh Hashanah which we delivered to Jewish residents at the Atria of Roslyn!
During the High Holy Days, we put our own spin on Tashlich with edible markers!
It was a little too cold to be out in the Sukkah for our annual Sushi in the Sukkah– but it’s always perfect to make sushi with our sushi chef, Reiko Nakamura!
... and we celebrated it all with a fall team building challenge through a corn maze at a farm, as we continue to plan for even more fun this winter & spring!
We launched our new Baking with Bubbies program...
We can’t wait to hang with you this winter & spring!
Simchat Torah with a SORTY Hakafah…
With Sinai Love, Dina & Stacy + The SORTY Leadership Team
BROTHERHOOD
We have gotten off to a great start! In September our annual pre-High Holy Days Knife Sharpening fundraising event generated $250. I want to thank all of those folks who participated.
In October, we had Brotherhood’s Sukkot Brunch with Rabbi Schachter. This event was not only to get together and share a meal and camaraderie, but also to learn deeper lessons about this wonderful holiday. Many of us look at Sukkot as a celebration of the fall harvest, but we must also recognize that we are stewards of the environment from which we derive our sustenance. That led to a wonderful presentation by both Rich Blatt and Richard Laskey from TSR’s Environment Sustainability Task Force. The task force was formed out of the belief that we have both religious and ethical obligations to future generations and to the planet we inhabit. The aim of the task force is not only to educate, but also lead by example. Specifically, the task force wants to find ways in which they can promote the use of renewable energy and teach about the science of climate change.
As of this writing, on November 5th, we will be hosting the monthly meeting of the Long Island Council of Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ) at TSR. The purpose of this gathering is to address the congregational needs of participating temples and related Brotherhoods and to find ways to continue engaging our respective members. Combining the MRJ event with our new quarterly Men’s Health Forum, a cardiologist from St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center is scheduled to speak to us about the special risks for men.
On November 11th we are planning our second quarterly Scotch and Sacred Text with Rabbi White. Next up, on the 16th, we are planning on a tour of the Transit Museum hosted by our own Todd Glickman and Larry Krasnoff. On November 21st, we continue our annual tradition of the Brotherhood Shabbat Service
In December, we are planning an axe-throwing competition. In January, we are looking forward to holding our first Jewish Jeopardy event; we are also making plans for our next quarterly Men’s Health Forum featuring a psychologist who will discuss some of the challenging mental health issues men are wrestling with today. In February we are expecting to have our third Scotch and Sacred Text with Rabbi White.
We invite you to join us!
Gabe Markiz Brotherhood President
UPCOMING BROTHERHOOD MONTHLY MEETINGS
Wednesdays at 7:30pm • in the Library December 10 • January 14 • February 11
It has been an incredible season! We’ve been having so much fun with a packed fall schedule of holiday celebrations, events, and trips!
Our season kicked off with the annual Friend of a Friend Welcome Brunch. We enjoyed a delicious brunch and introduced our year-long theme of honoring impactful and inspiring Jewish American women to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
High Holy Days Honey Sale
The High Holy Days Honey Sale was a tremendous success, thanks to Susan Moisoff, who once again chaired this annual fundraiser. This year, we introduced a new website that streamlined the ordering process. Thank you to everyone who purchased honey and contributed to making this event such a success. Wishing everyone a very sweet new year!
Celebrating Sukkot
We are grateful to Brotherhood for building our temple’s sukkah, which the ladies of Friend of a Friend gathered to decorate. Together, we created a welcoming and beautiful sukkah for all to enjoy!
The season would not be complete without Friend of a Friend’s annual Sukkot Service & Celebration, where we gathered in our sukkah for prayer and then moved inside for a very special program. This year, we were thrilled that Jacqueline Covey accepted our invitation to be honored as Ushpizin. It was an absolute joy to hear Jacqueline’s talk and learn more about her Jewish journey. Thank you to Cantor Elena for leading us in the motzi and prayers, and to Rabbi Schachter for words of Torah! It was a very meaningful morning, along with a great celebration, followed by a delicious brunch, and a wonderful morning of socializing!
Linking our theme of celebrating Jewish American Women to our Sukkot events, we celebrated the contributions of Ellen Lehman McCluskey and Iris Apfel, who have made their mark in design, and Henrietta Szold, the founder of Hadassah, who inspires us with her philanthropy. In honor of our Ushpizin, Jacqueline Covey, Friend of a Friend made a donation to Hadassah.
Exploring the Arts
The season continued with a wonderful workshop and several special events! We reflected on our Jewish identity in the Writer’s Workshop, led by FOF member Carolyn Lituchy. With prompts that had us discussing our favorite holiday foods and special childhood memories, we wrote and then shared our experiences being American Jewish women in today’s world.
We were very happy to partner with Adult Engagement for an author’s talk featuring Kitty Zeldis, author of One of Them. Many women from Friend of a Friend attended, and we all enjoyed learning about her latest book and experience as a writer.
As of this writing, we have one more event scheduled for October - a trip to the Nassau County Museum of Art. Docent and former Friend of a Friend President Charlotte Hollander will be our guide for a tour of the exhibit, At Play! Linking our theme for our trip, NCMA docent and Friend of a Friend member Maribeth Kraus, selected and researched Jewish American women in design, the arts, and supporting the arts. We will be learning about Judith Lieber, Louise Nevelson, and Peggy Guggenheim.
Join Us for Chanukah Events!
So many incredible events are planned. Review the events listed at the end of this article and join us to be part of this supportive and fun community!
Decorating the
Sukkah
Annual Chanukah Luncheon
Thursday, December 4
12:00pm at Mim’s
Service & Celebration
FOF President Francine Fabricant, Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz, Ushpizin Jacqueline Covey, and Rabbi Ilana Schachter
Religious School
Chanukah Boutique
Monday, December 8 & Tuesday, December 9
Date TBA
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz leading prayers inside our Sukkah
Religious School Latke Parties
Monday, December 15 & Tuesday, December 16
Friend of a Friend
Monthly Meetings first Fridy of every month at 9:30am
We look forward to welcoming you at these events and more. Watch your inbox for Friend of a Friend emails that share information about upcoming meetings, events, and activities. Come to our meetings to contribute to our planning and programming.
Francine Fabricant, Friend of a Friend President Visit us at mysinai.org/fof Email us at fof@mysinai.org
Sukkot
Allison & James Godman upon the marriage of their daughter, Amanda to Stephen Roll
Robyn & Warren Schreiber upon the birth of their granddaughter, Kaia Sloane Schreiber
Joan Scheckman upon the marriage of her granddaughter, Becca to Jake Bronner
Abby & Marc Heller upon the marriage of their daughter, Rory to Josh Glen
Sherri & Dr. Jay Eisenstadt upon the marriage of their son/stepson, Michael to Tessa Rabinowitz
Tina & Lawrence Cohen upon the engagement of their son, Ethan to Danielle Pestyner
Allison & Alan Luckman upon the birth of their grandson, Judah Ami Sklarin
Karen & William Brickner upon the engagement of their daughter, Erica to Darryn Solotoff
Pam Chadroff upon the marriage of her daughter, Jamie to Bryan Dieber
Leslie & Nick Kelapire upon the birth of their daughter, Sage Isla Kelapire
Cynthia & Ronald Katz upon the birth of their granddaughter, Sage Isla Kelapire
Jill & Dr. William Blau upon the birth of their granddaughter, Hailey Rae Goldstein
Karin & Richard Tanenbaum upon the birth of their grandson, Tate Logan Tanenbaum
Lori & Seth Cohan upon the birth of their granddaughter, Sadie Noa Jacobs
Richard Yaspan upon the engagement of his son, Corey to Kelsey Hanes
Cindy & Robert Brahms upon the marriage of their daughter, Alanna to Charlie Billingsley
Barbara & Dr. Sanford Klein upon the marriage of their daughter, Diane to Douglas Watson
with deepest sympathy
Richard Tanenbaum on the loss of his mother, Bernice Tanenbaum
Jason Lipetz on the loss of his father, Stanley Lipetz
Erika Schulman on the loss of her father, Edward Milstein
Neil Dyzenhaus on the loss of his mother, Helene Dyzenhaus
Amanda Alfred on the loss of her mother, Alice Bell
Daniel Reich on the loss of his sister, Wendy Reich
Lauren Kahn on the loss of her mother, Jeanette Kruglick
DONATIONSARE ONLY INCLUDED IN THE PRINT EDITION OfTHE SCRIBE
A donation to any of the clergy discretionary funds requires a separate check.
For each of these donations, please make your check payable to Temple Sinai of Roslyn with the specific dicretionary fund written in the check memo line:
Rabbi Michael White’s Discretionary Fund
Cantor Sergei Schwartz’s Discretionary Fund
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz’s Discretionary Fund
Rabbi Ilana Schachter’s Discretionary Fund
Donations to any other funds can be combined in one check made payable to Temple Sinai of Roslyn. Please remember that if you use a company or similar type check, your name should appear on the check so we can properly credit your account.
Eva Garfikel Drabkin
DECEMBER 2025
9:30am Saturday Morning Torah Study in person and on ZOOM 6:00pm Havdalah B’nei Mitzvah ServiceJacob & Zoe Radden
9:30am Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM 10:30am Bat Mitzvah ServiceSamantha Mazor 7:00pm Havdalah Bar Mitzvah ServiceHudson Kurtz 6:30pm Shabbat Service/ Chanukah Shabbat 9:30am Shabbat Body & SoulYoga with Sharon Epstein in the Simcha Room 10:30am Bat Mitzvah ServiceAddison Aloni 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:30am Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM 6:30pm Shabbat Service/ 5th & 6th Grade Milestone Service
9:30am Friend of a Friend Monthly Meeting in the Library 4:15pm Sharing Shabbat : Challah Day! 6:30pm Shabbat Service/ Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood/ Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library 7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library
7:30pm Brotherhood Monthly Meeting in the Library
7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary 7:30 Sinai Tribes: Photography via ZOOM
12:00pm FOF Chanukah Luncheon at Mim’s 7:00pm Sinai Tribes: Finding the Light in the Library 7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
CHANUKAH JUDAICA SALE CHANUKAH CANDLE #4 7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library CHANUKAH CANDLE #5 CHANUKAH CANDLE #6
CANDLE #3
7:30pm Being Jewish at Home with Rabbi Ilana Schachter in the Library 11:00am Jewish Museum Tour 7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary 12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library 7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary
JUDAICA SALE
CHANUKAH CANDLE #7 CHANUKAH CANDLE #8
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed CHRISTMAS DAY BUILDING CLOSED
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed CHRISTMAS EVE BUILDING CLOSES AT 1:00PM
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed FOF CHANUKAH
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed NEW YEAR’S EVE BUILDING CLOSES AT 1:00PM
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed
Dates and times are current as of NOVEMBER 15, 2025, 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.
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed
WINTER RECESS ECC CLOSED Religious school closed NEW YEAR’S DAY BUILDING CLOSED
Dates and times are current as of november 15, 2025, 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 9:30am Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:30am Saturday Morning Torah Studyin person and on ZOOM 7:00pm Havdalah Bar Mitzvah ServiceEthan Marvin 4:15 pm Sharing Shabbat: Hug a Tree 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:30am Shabbat Body & SoulMeditation via ZOOM 10:30am Bar Mitzvah ServiceJackson Levy 6:30pm Shabbat Service/ Celebrating Jewish Peoplehood 9:30am Shabbat Body & SoulYoga with Sharon Epstein in the Simcha Room 10:30am Bat Mitzvah ServiceKate Weiss
9:30am Saturday Morning Torah Studyin person and on ZOOM 10:30am B’nei Mitzvah ServiceCole Siskin and Scarlett Oliphant
6:30pm Shabbat Service/ Shabbat Shirah with Special Guest Cantor Robbie Solomon
7:30pm Musical Program: Sinai’s Own, Lisa Berman in the Simcha Room
7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library
7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary
12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library
7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
10:00am Brotherhood Presents: Jewish Jeopardy! 1:00pm Sinai Cinema Sundays Film Screening (TBA) 7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary 11:00am Bat Mitzvah ServiceAmber Edelstein
7:30pm Brotherhood Monthly Meeting in the Library 7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary
7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library 7:00pm Brotherhood Men’s Health Forum in the Simcha Room
7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library
7:30pm Choir Practice in the Sanctuary
12:30pm Sinai Stitches in the Library 7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library
9:30am Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM 10:30am B’nei Mitzvah ServiceAdam & Gabe Levine 6:30pm Shabbat Service
9:30am Shabbat Body & SoulYoga with Sharon Epstein in the Simcha Room 10:30am Bat Mitzvah ServiceJillian Garfinkel 6:30pm Shabbat Service 9:30am Saturday Morning Torah Studyin person and on ZOOM
9:30am Friend of a Friend Monthly Meeting in the Library 6:30pm Shabbat Service/3rd & 4th Grade Milestone Service/ Birthday & Anniversary Blessings 7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting
7:30pm Brotherhood Monthly Meeting in the Library
7:30pm Adult Engagement Program: Speaker Dr. Harel Chorev
9:00am Rise Against Hunger
FEBRUARY BREAK ECC CLOSED Religious school closed 9:30am Saturday Morning Minyan on ZOOM
6:30pm Shabbat Service
FEBRUARY BREAK ECC CLOSED Religious school closed FEBRUARY BREAK ECC CLOSED Religious school closed FEBRUARY BREAK ECC CLOSED Religious school closed
7:30pm Being Jewish at Home with Rabbi Ilana Schachter in the Library BUILDING CLOSED PRESIDENTS’ DAY ECC
7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library
7:00pm Conversational Hebrew in the Library
Dates and times are current as of NOVEMBER 15, 2025, 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
Jeffrey Sklar
Executive Vice President
Michelle Golden
Vice Presidents
Lauren Borkon
Jana Grotas
Scott Nussbaum
Amy Pepper
Adam Weinschel
Treasurer
Frank D’Ambrosio
Secretary
Ginny Jordan
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
Financial Manager Mara Rosenwasser mrosenwasser@mysinai.org
Member Services & Administrative Specialist
Judith Dito jdito@mysinai.org
Brotherhood President
Gabriel Markiz brotherhood@mysinai.org
Friend of a Friend/Chaverot Co-Presidents Francine Fabricant fof@mysinai.org
Director of Membership & Engagement
Adrianne Rubin, PhD arubin@mysinai.org
Director of Youth & Teen Engagement
Dina Kwasnicki dkwasnicki@mysinai.org
Youth & Teen Engagement
Administrative Coordinator
Stacy Rosenthal srosenthal@mysinai.org
Early Childhood Center Director
Lindsay Dayan ldayan@mysinai.org
Executive Assistant to the Rabbis/ B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator
