September/October 2019 Scribe

ELUL 5779/TISHREI/CHESHVAN 5780 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 Volume 76 • Number 1

May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year

2019

5780

High Holy Days & Festival Services

Selichot • Saturday, September 21 7:00pm 8:30pm 9:30pm

Film - Orchestra of Exiles Light Classical Concert Selichot Service*

Erev Rosh Hashanah • Sunday, September 29 8:00pm

Service*

Rosh Hashanah First Day • Monday, September 30 10:00am 3:30pm 5:00pm

Service - One Service for the Entire Congregation Community Children’s Service (geared for children up to 4th Grade)* Tashlich Service - North Hempstead Beach Park (Bar Beach)*

Rosh Hashanah Second Day • Tuesday, October 1 10:30am

Service*

Kever Avot Service of Remembrance • Sunday, October 6

By RSVP Only

New Montefiore Cemetery, Temple Sinai Section 5, Block 3*

Erev Yom Kippur • Tuesday, October 8 8:00pm

Kol Nidre Service

Yom Kippur • Wednesday, October 9 9:15am 12:00pm 1:15pm 3:00pm 4:15pm

Morning Service Healing Service Community Children’s Service (geared for children up to 4th Grade)* Afternoon Service Yizkor followed by Neilah (Concluding Service)

Erev Sukkot • Sunday, October 13 5:30pm

Family Service*

Sukkot • Saturday, October 19 9:00am

Morning Minyan Sukkot Service

Erev Simchat Torah/Consecration • Sunday, October 20 5:30pm

Family Service*

Simchat Torah • Monday, October 21

7:00pm

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Yizkor Service*

*Guests Welcome - No Tickets Required

from from

RABBI RABBIWHITE’S WHITE’S study

Rabbi Michael A. White Rabbi Michael White rabbiwhite@mysinai.org rabbiwhite@mysinai.org

study

Our Sages teach: Wherever 10 Jews live, they must set up a building where they can come together to pray.

Such a place is called a Beit K’neset: a House of Assembly, a Synagogue.

And so we learn: Wherever 10 gather together in prayer, the Divine Presence is among them.

There is holiness in community, for in community we meet the Holy One. Hinei Ma Tov—how good it is to be together.

How good to gather as one people before our God who cherishes the uniqueness of each soul.

Hinei Ma Tov—precious is the gift of community, blessed the joy of our gathering.

-Mishkan HaLev, our Reform prayer book for the season preceding the Holy Days.

The High Holy Day prayer book contains some very personal questions for us: What kind of person was I in this past year? Where have I fallen short in my relationships? To whom do I owe more compassion, patience and acceptance? What unique contributions can I make to the sacred work of healing and social justice that the world sorely needs?

Although we ask these questions privately, in conversation with ourselves and with our God, we are not alone when we ask them; we pray in our extended sanctuary, together among our community. We ask these questions seated with friends and family, and we understand that we are in good company in our need to improve our lives; that we are all flawed, all suffering some loneliness, some anxiety, some guilt for mistakes we wish we hadn’t made. Together we see that we are all trying to live lives of meaning. Yes, we each engage in our own personal soul searching, but we draw strength from each other, sharing our heritage, faith and history.

Alone, we can feel small and powerless; when we gather in sacred community, we generate power and direction from each other. In community we support each other through the good times and the hard times. We encourage each other toward kindness, toward generosity, and toward a deeper understanding of our purpose and capacity for goodness. That is why our sages teach: When we gather, the Divine Presence rests among us.

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I pray that celebrating the Days of Awe at Temple Sinai will remind you that you are part of a warm, beautiful, eclectic community, your Jewish home. Every unique soul, every one of you, is precious to us, just as each unique soul is precious to the God of Israel and of all humanity. Life is richer, more fulfilling and more meaningful when we share it together. I am grateful, beyond words, to share our sacred community with you.

As the new year begins, let us together remember: Hinei Ma Tov—precious is the gift of community, blessed the joy of our gathering.

May the new year bring you and yours blessing, personal growth, a deeper connection to the wisdom and the joy of Judaism, and to the heart of your Temple Sinai community.

L’Shalom

Rabbi Michael A. White

Kever Avot Service of Remembrance Tradition suggests that we visit the graves of our loved ones during the High Holy Days as a way of eliciting wonderful memories of times shared with them.

Kever Avot, the service held at our ancestors’ graveside, will take place on Sunday,October 6 at New Montefiore Cemetery.

To be part of this special service, a reservation is required.

To RSVP, please contact Betty Brandel at 516.621.6800 or bbrandel@mysinai.org

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L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu from the Board of Directors Officers

Michelle Golden, President Amy Braunstein, Executive Vice President Robyn Corbin, Vice President Andrew Kraus, Vice President Philip Rabinovich, Vice President Seth Golden, Secretary

Board of Trustees Richard Blatt Lawrence Cohen Jacqueline Covey Allen Geller Esther Fortunoff Greene Steve Halpern Ginny Jordan Barbara Klein Bert Kraus Jeffrey Krugman Donna Liebowitz

Cara Londin Amy Mandell Susan Moisoff Liz Wiener Neale Jonathan Rothschild Robyn Schreiber Jeffrey Sklar Gil Vilkas Charles Weiss Tracy Zimmerman

Honorary Trustees ( Past Presidents) Charles Berman Howard Berrent Irwin A. Cantor Jonathan Cheris Richard Evans Dr. Steven Goodman Barbara M. Kessler Richard C. Laskey

Martin Marlowe Daniel S. Reich David M. Schwartz Sandra M. Tankoos Carol Biener Weinstock Howard J. Weisler Toni Wiener

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2019 HIGH HOLY DAY RECIPROCAL TICKET REQUESTS The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) suggests, where space allows, that members in good standing at Union congregations who will be in another community during the High Holy Days be welcomed to worship at a Temple in that community. Temple Sinai participates in this practice. If you are planning to visit relatives in other areas and would like to worship with them at their Temple, please contact Betty in the Temple office (516.621.6800) and she will request courtesy seating for you. If you have out of town relatives visiting you, please have them contact their own Temple and have them fax (516.625.6020, attention Betty) a request and she will take care of it.

Please be aware that we can only honor requests from members in good standing (you have paid your dues for 2019/2020). Additionally, this program is intended for out of town visitors, we cannot honor requests for members of local Temples or Synagogues (i.e. Western Nassau County). We want to be as accommodating as possible, however, please do not ask us to break the rules.

HIGH HOLY DAY USHERS

Help us provide a warm welcome to fellow congregants and guests on Rosh Hashanah

and Yom Kippur by volunteering to be an usher at one or more of our High Holy Day services.

This important role helps ensure everyone has a comfortable and inspiring experience at Temple Sinai.

To sign up contact Alison Stamm at astamm@mysinai.org

IMPORTANT HIGH HOLY DAY TICKET INFORMATION REMINDER: Rosh Hashanah begins Sunday, September 29. If you have not received your tickets, please contact Arlene Zucker at 516.621.6800 x102 or azucker@mysinai.org.

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Evening Ticket Pick-Up until 7:00pm on • Wednesday, Sept. 25 • Thursday, Sept. 26

Adult Education with Rabbi Michael White Monday Evenings at 7:00 September 9 • October 28 November 11 • December 9 March 16 • April 20 May 18 or Tuesday Mornings at 9:30 September 10 • October 22 November 12 • December 10 March 17 • April 21 May 19

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

We will grapple with some of its most challenging passages, and its most eloquent. We will examine them through the prism of Jewish history and thought and ask how they inform our lives today.

No previous knowledge is necessary. Come ready to be challenged and to grow as Jews and human beings.

All are welcome; free of charge SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019 7

Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org Elul: An Opportunity for a Spiritual Warm-up “Once, on the new moon of Elul, the righteous Rabbi Levi Isaac of Berditchev was standing at his window.

A cobbler passed by and asked him, “And have you nothing to mend?” At once the rabbi sat himself down on the ground and weeping bitterly cried,” Woe is me, and alas my soul, for Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) is almost here, and I have still not mended myself!”

-Zikhron LaRishonim Dear Friends, Since my arrival to Temple Sinai in July, I have had the privilege of learning with and worshipping with many of you. As we enter the fall, I look forward to spending the upcoming High Holy Days with all of you.

The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, known as the Yamim Nora’im (lit. Days of Awe) require much of us. During this time, we are obligated to seek forgiveness from others and from the Divine presence, while also committing to better life choices for ourselves in the future.

Like the story above, these sacred days can feel like a reckoning of the places we have fallen short, or the broken parts of ourselves in need of repair. In fact, the entire ten-day period can feel like a spiritual and emotional marathon, or a final exam;, a challenge for which we would require training and discipline. But how do we prepare for such a test? What training or learning is needed in order to be successful during the Days of Awe? Our tradition provides an answer to this question with the month of Elul, the month that immediately precedes Rosh Hashanah. Over the course of these 30 days, we are instructed to engage in a spiritual warm-up, with daily exercises in reflection, contemplation, worship and action. In some communities, we even blow the Shofar every morning of Elul, in order to rouse our souls and be more aware of the world around us, and our place in it. It is the hope that through these activities, we can begin the New Year with open eyes and open hearts.

This year, the month of Elul corresponds with the month of September, and while we may not be able to take on a new daily practice, we can still use this time to check in with ourselves, with others, and with our broader community. We can ask ourselves questions about where we are and where we want to be and we can reflect on the aspects of our character of which we are proudest, and consider too the parts of us most in need of mending. We can consider our relationships with others, and what we need to do to improve them. And finally, we can think about our community, what we need from it and what we can give to it.

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I look forward to getting to know you over the next several months, and hope that we can connect soon. In the meantime, may these weeks of reflection strengthen our hearts and minds, and prepare each of us for a sweet and joyful New Year.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Ilana Schacter

The Jewish Class of

WHY?

Adult Education with Rabbi Schachter

Exploring the reasons behind Jewish worship, rituals & practices

Tuesdays at 8:00pm September 24 • October 15 • November 19 • December 17 January 21 • February 25 • March 24 • May 5 OR

Wednesdays at 10:00am September 25 • October 16 • November 20 • December 18 January 22 • February 26 • March 25 • May 6

Join Rabbi Schachter as we learn more about the prayers that comprise our liturgy, the rituals of our holidays, and more.

Come with your questions and curiosity!

Save THE

Date

Installation Service for

Rabbi Ilana Schachter Friday, November 22 SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019 9

Selichot Saturday, September 21 Film at 7:00pm Orchestra of Exiles Some stories get lost in the turmoil of their times. It is often only in retrospect that we can discover the people who truly shaped history. One such person is the prodigious Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman. Orchestra of Exiles explores this great man’s 4-year odyssey, which culminates in the founding of the orchestra that would become the Israel Philharmonic. His fascinating story touches many of the major themes of the 20th century and the unfolding drama of his life is riveting. During the darkest days of a Europe being torn apart by antisemitism and Nazi aggression, Huberman’s extraordinary efforts saved hundreds of Jewish families from the approaching holocaust and his achievements changed the landscape of cultural history. Before the Nazis came to power Huberman was focused only on building his own monumental career but witnessing Hitler’s agenda was a call to action that Huberman could not ignore. Huberman’s personal transformation and subsequent heroic struggle to get Jewish musicians out of Europe to found this orchestra is at the heart of this film.

light classical concert at 8:30pm Yuri Gandelsman (Janna Gandelsman, Accompanist) Hailed by the Jerusalem Post as “undoubtedly one of the greatest violists of our time,” Yuri Gandelsman has been entertaining audiences around the world for the last 30 years as a soloist, chamber musician and a conductor. After winning the National Viola Competition in 1980, he became one of the USSR’s most sought-after musicians. In 1990, Gandelsman became the principal violist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO); he frequently performed as a soloist with the IPO under Maestro Zubin Mehta. He is currently a professor at Michigan State University.

selichot service at 9:30pm 10 SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019

SOCIAL ACTION

Speak up, judge righteously, champion the poor and the needy.

Proverbs 31:9

@ TEMPLE SINAI

Donate on Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 9, 2019 from 8:30am-3:00pm

HIGH HOLY DAYS HUNGER PROJECT On Rosh Hashanah, you will receive a shopping bag and a coupon.

We encourage you to help the needy in our community by filling the bag with non-perishables like these suggested items: Pasta Beans Rice

Peanut Butter Jelly Tuna

Evaporated Milk Baby Formula Diapers

Toothpaste Mouthwash Soap

Please remember: NO GLASS CONTAINERS Do a mitzvah on Yom Kippur and help our Social Action Committee organize the food donations!

To volunteer, email rabbischachter@mysinai.org.

SORTY Needs Your Help!

Once again we are participating in CANstruction, a charity event that raises awareness about hunger on Long Island, and donates all cans used to build the exhibit to the food insecure.

Green Giant LeSueur Creamed Corn 14.75 oz. cans

Sweet Peas or Carrots 15 oz. cans

Our structure this year requires over 1500 cans!

You can help us reach our goal by donating the cans seen here, which can be purchased at Holiday Farms on Roslyn Road.

See the exhibit at RXR Plaza in Uniondale from October 25-November 11, 8:00am-6:00pm daily.

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from the

PRESIDENT’S

red minivan

Michelle Golden mgolden@mysinai.org

SOOOO...who can relate? You live in your house, clean regularly, entertain once in a while, and then one day you wake up and say, “what happened here?!” The paint is chipped, the furniture is dated, and you wonder how you will find the time and money to spruce things up. You decide to start in one room and find that the adjacent room now needs some work. Suddenly you are in the middle of a total refresh! HGTV, help me! This is how summer went at my home and at our home, Temple Sinai.

Men and women, all whose hearts moved them…

This quote from the Torah is followed by a listing of gifts the Israelites bring for the building of the temple… gold, silver, copper, colorful yarns, fine linen, goat skins, spices, and oils; to be honest I can’t imagine where they found it all, given that they were wandering the desert. No Amazon! No Costco! The Israelites carried what they could and when so moved, shared their possessions and their skills for the greater community, all in the hopes that God would dwell in their midst.

Today, we give very different gifts in providing for our cherished community, but there is no less significance to them. Time spent, talents shared, and generous financial contributions enable us to sustain and maintain our temple home.

Our refresh and renovation of the Nursery School became a reality as a result of a generous donation. We now have the facility we need to care for children as young as six-weeks-old. Our Nursery School is equipped with upgraded bathrooms, office space, and fabulous classrooms that are age-appropriate, safe, and just what young families are looking for when they search for a Jewish nursery program.

The addition of babies in our school provided the impetus for us to give our playground a bit of attention. A benevolent congregant made it possible for us to upgrade the outdoor play space and create a separate area within the playground for our youngest children to enjoy time outside, making it even more fun and safe for children of all ages.

Our well-loved and well-lived in pantry kitchen was transformed into a state of the art space as a result of hands-on talented temple members and a thoughtful financial contribution. Additionally, updates to what is now known as the Culinary Arts Studio allow us to use both spaces for delicious cooking demonstrations, our expanding Cooking for a Cause program, and many other incredible activities.

Remember when I said you touch one space, then realize the one adjacent could use some love? Next on the list was the Simcha Room where kindhearted members again came to our rescue! This kindness allowed us to upgrade the audio-visual equipment, refresh the floors, and spruce up the walls. Now we are ready to host everything from fabulous Adult Engagement programs to spiritual Shabbat services, to intimate B’nei Mitzvah services, and beautiful kiddushes.

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Although some changes aren’t visible yet, they are in the works! Our beloved sanctuary is the next recipient of some improvements. The extreme generosity of one of our temple families means we will be able to create a prayer space that is more inclusive, with upgrades to lighting, an improved sound system, flexible seating and alterations to the bimah which will provide greater accessibility for all.

When we say that Temple Sinai is our home, it comes with the challenges of maintaining that home. Upkeep is a costly, time consuming, and often a headache-inducing process. These families whose hearts were moved to give what they could, help keep our home in tip-top shape and reduce the financial stress and burden that home improvements bring. Gifts of the heart represent the realization that we must actively do something to bring the sacred into our world. I am sure you all join me with immense love and appreciation for their generous assistance and their help in repairing this special part of our world, our sacred home.

Michelle Golden Temple President

To learn more about becoming a member of The Lev Society. contact Alison Stamm at 516.621.6800 or astamm@mysinai.org SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019 13

a message from the

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alison Stamm astamm@mysinai.org

Introducing Temple Sinai’s Nursery School in Partnership with Bright Horizons The long awaited, much anticipated day has finally arrived! After two years of visioning, planning and building, our expanded Nursery School is ready to open its doors. We can’t wait to share the new spaces with you – Please join us on Sunday, September 8 from 10:00am to 12:00pm for our Ribbon Cutting!

Our new program allows us to care for infants starting at six weeks of age and to expand the school’s hours from 7:00am to 6:00pm. Offering longer hours of care, fills a practical need for those parents who commute into NYC. By bringing these families into our orbit, we are able to provide for their spiritual, social, and educational needs. We are also expanding our current array of Jewish family programming to include more “parent-and-me” and “grandparent-and-me” programs, Jewish learning targeted to young parents, and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Parental engagement is key to our vision’s success.

By offering childcare beginning at 6 weeks, we are able to reach parents right at the start of their new journey into family life. Families’ daily presence in our synagogue and developing relationships with our clergy and staff set the foundation for their lifelong Jewish engagement.

Multi-Purpose Room A has been transformed into a happy Infant’s room!

We are thrilled to report that we have filled our first infant room and have begun a waitlist for our second room. Registered families have expressed great relief and appreciation for such high quality Jewish option that did not previously exist in Nassau County.

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The financial resources necessary to customize our facility for infant care and to create the appropriate indoor and outdoor recreation space to support this program were significant. We could not have undertaken this project without the exceptionally generous support of: The Cooper Family UJA-Federation of New York

The Barry Family The Erica Halpern Memorial Fund

Thank you for making our dreams come true and investing in the future of Temple Sinai!

Special thanks also to Jeffrey Krugman, who tirelessly managed the construction project and ensured the success of our physical operations. Jeff, you are a blessing to Temple Sinai!

See you in September!

Alison Stamm Executive Director

nursery school ribbon cutting ceremony & fun day 10:00am-noon

september 8

clowns

bounce house cotton candy

ice cream

magician

music

face painting

ice cream truck

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KULANU all of us Kulanu, which means All Of Us, strives to make all individuals feel comfortable in our congregation. We provide a welcoming atmosphere and support to LGBTQ+ congregants and to their families and friends.

Kulanu reaches out to the Jewish community at large and welcomes their membership in our temple.

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

Reva Rothenberg and Lynn Fishkind

Co-chairs

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

Our next meeting: Wednesday, September 25 7:15pm

The title of our next book is Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, the USA Today and #1 Amazon Charts bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours.

Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager— obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior.

In an attempt to protect him, Pino’s parents force him to enlist as a German soldier—a move they think will keep him out of combat. But after Pino is injured, he is recruited at the tender age of eighteen to become the personal driver for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most mysterious and powerful commanders. Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share.

These three books are all part of this year’s Adult Engagement calendar, and we encourage you to read them: D-Day Girls by Sarah Rose - event date: January 7, 2020 Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom by Ariel Burger - event date: February 11, 2020 Antisemitism Here and Now by Deborah Lipstadt (this year’s Big Read selection) - event date: April 28, 2020 If you have any questions about Sinai Reads, please contact Leslie Lewit Milner at llmmotivate@aol.com

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

Dr. Deborah Lipstadt on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 7:30pm

SAVE-THE-DATE for this exceptional program!

Next April, Professor Lipstadt will be here to discuss her latest book, the very powerful Antisemitism: Here and Now, which examines the recent rise in Antisemitism in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. The book takes the form of a series of letters between Lipstadt and two fictional characters - a Jewish student and a non-Jewish colleague. It is a penetrating and provocative analysis of the hate that will not die, focusing on its current virulent incarnation on both the political right and left.

Dr. Lipstadt is probably best known for the libel lawsuit brought against her by David Irving, whom Lipstadt called a Holocaust denier. Lipstadt emerged victorious after the trial, which the (London) Daily Telegraph described as having “done for the new century what the Nuremberg tribunals or the Eichmann trial did for earlier generations.”

The New York Times said the trial “put an end to the pretense that Mr. Irving is anything but a self-promoting apologist for Hitler.”

After the trial, Lipstadt wrote the award-winning book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, which became the basis for the film Denial, starring Rachel Weisz. We will be screening the film next spring, leading up to Dr. Lipstadt’s appearance at Temple Sinai.

We are also thrilled to announce that Antisemitism: Here and Now will be Sinai’s Big Read selection for 2020.

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TEMPLE SINAI ADULT ENGAGEMENT

Adrianne Rubin arubin@mysinai.org I’m looking forward with great anticipation to another dynamic and meaningful year of Adult Engagement at Temple Sinai. The theme of many of this year’s programs is antisemitism. Certainly not a lighthearted topic, it is ever-important, and sadly, of immediate relevance in today’s world.

We will be starting off our program year with a trip to the Museum of Jewish Heritage to tour the exhibition Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away. This trip sold out quickly, but the exhibition is on view through January 3, 2020. In November, Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso will speak to the congregation during Kristallnacht Shabbat services about his family’s experiences helping to save the lives of Jews in Italy during the Holocaust.

In conjunction with the Jewish Book Council and the Sid Jacobson JCC, in February we will host Ariel Burger, who will discuss his book Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom. In mid-March we will host Christian Picciolini, a reformed Neo-Nazi, who will speak to us about his experiences as an extremist and how he found his way out of “America’s most violent hate movement.” This program will be co-sponsored by some of our local school districts.

Finally, we are proud and delighted to host Deborah Lipstadt, Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University. Professor Lipstadt, who is perhaps best known for the libel lawsuit brought against her in 1996 by David Irving for having called him a Holocaust denier, will discuss her current book, Antisemitism: Here and Now. We will be showing the film Denial (in which Rachel Weisz portrayed Deborah Lipstadt) and reading Antisemitism: Here and Now as a temple-wide “Big Read” in anticipation of Professor Lipstadt’s talk, which will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Mark your calendars!

Additional program highlights include: Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet Magazine – the online magazine of Jewish culture, news, and ideas – who will be speaking about her book, The 100 Most Jewish Foods. This program is sponsored by the UJA. We are also excited to welcome renowned Judaica artist Mordechai Rosenstein, who will be artist-in-residence at Temple Sinai for five days in mid-November. He will participate fully in Temple activities during his residency and will work with all age groups to create a work of art for the Temple. As always, we will also screen films during Sinai Social Sundays, hold parenting workshops, Sinai Supper Club events, and explore arts and culture. Our perennially popular musical

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programs will culminate in a cantorial concert in early June honoring the 20th anniversary of Cantor Sergei’s graduation from Hebrew Union College.

I can’t wait to learn and grow together with you!

Director of Adult Engagement

Conversational Hebrew with Clara Pomerantz

Morah Clara is offering a weekly, one-hour advanced Hebrew reading and conversational instructional class.

Must have some knowledge of reading; this is not a beginner’s course.

Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm, beginning September 18 10-week session: $100/Congregants; $150/Non-Congregants

an evening with alana newhouse Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Tablet Magazine

Thursday, October 24 at 7:30pm

Join us when Alana Newhouse comes to Temple Sinai to share insights from her highly-acclaimed book, The 100 Most Jewish Foods. The book is a list of the most significant foods, culturally and historically, to the Jewish people, explored with essays, recipes and stories. Contributors to The 100 Most Jewish Foods include Ruth Reichl, Yotam Ottolenghi, Tom Colicchio, Michael Solomonov, and several other famed chefs. Newhouse will be speaking about the process of creating the book and some of her experiences rising through the world of publishing and content creation in the Jewish world. She will sign copies of her book at the conclusion of her talk.

Prior to founding Tablet, Alana spent five years as culture editor of The Forward, where she covered books, films, dance, music, art, and ideas. She also started a line of Forward-branded books with W.W. Norton and edited its maiden publication, A Living Lens: Photographs of Jewish Life from the Pages of the Forward.

A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, Alana is a regular contributor to The New York Times, among other outlets, and serves on award juries for both the American Society of Magazine Editors and the Pulitzer Prizes.

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the musings of a balabusta* by tracy zimmerman

TASTIES

I find myself writing this column alone in my kitchen while all of my sons are off at sleep away and there is NOTHING cooking in my kitchen!

I am a busy mom with three growing boys and a husband who have brought me to the place where I spend the majority of my time. I am certainly not a chef, but I am a real Jewish Balabusta.

When my kitchen reopens around back-to-school with the High Holy Days coming, I kick it into high gear. I love getting ready to celebrate the holidays and hosting family and friends. It is my time to enjoy my hard work and pass on traditions that are now in my hands. My Mom used to play CD’s of Jewish songs and I play Israeli hit songs on my Alexa. I strategically make plans to use every piece of Judaica I have, make menus, shopping lists, and design my table. I shop at the kosher markets so I `can feeI the holidays approaching with all the Jewish matriachs. I make my matzah ball soup with passion and my huge pot that comes out three times a year is barely Tracy shows Adrianne Rubin how enough after my boys start tasting it. I laugh at the to knead perfect challah dough memory of the stuffed cabbage that I slaved over last year, only to have it land on my garage floor while my husband was transporting it. While I might not be cooking yet, my mind is cooking up ideas all about Jewish foods. So, in my next column, I will have recipes and ideas to share. In the meantime, remember to feed your family’s Jewish soul through your kitchen.

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

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S NT A G R RE

E TH NG NE CO R

CO

We welcome your submissions for this section of The Scribe!

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

The Art of Herb Meyers

by Donna Liebowitz

Temple Sinai was the beneficiary of a generous donation from long-term Temple members, Herb and Ruthe Meyers. Herb and Ruthe were members of our congregation for over 40 years and were active participants in our Brotherhood and Sisterhood.

Herb was a commercial artist and could often be seen “sketching the scene” during the Brotherhood meetings, special events at the synagogue, and sometimes even during Friday night services. A prolific artist, his subjects were many and truly captured a by-gone era. Some of the common themes of his work were scenes of New York, including riders on the NYC subway, concerts at Carnegie Hall, The Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and people, including paper boys, chess players, construction workers and policemen, to name a few.

Other subjects he painted regularly were religious services at Temple, portraits, everyday life in the Orthodox and Hasidic communities, landscapes, still life, nautical scenes, sports, and so much more.

Sadly, Herb died in 2002 (well into his 80’s), and when his wife passed in 2014 she left hundreds of pieces of his art to Temple Sinai. Several of these paintings have hung on the walls just outside the Simcha Room ever since, and the rest have been carefully stored in our basement. With our ongoing Temple renovations, we had to decide what to do with all of the remaining art. We set up a Herb Meyers Art Task Force to sort through the pieces and decide on their next journey. Of utmost importance was making sure that Herb’s art was well taken care of and placed with those who would truly appreciate it for many years to come. Cantor Elena Schwartz led this effort, along with Board Members Ginny Jordan and Donna Liebowitz, and congregants Paula Kraus and Lucy Neiderbach.

After much research by the team, the work was placed with several different non-profit organizations throughout Long Island and the Tri-State area including: The Lubavitch Youth Organization of Brooklyn, The Junior League of Long Island, The Sixth Precinct of Nassau County, The Village of East Hills, The Town of

North Hempstead, and LVIS in East Hampton. Some of these pieces will be

displayed at these organizations and some will be sold at fundraisers for their

benefit, thanks to Herb’s talent, creativity and generosity. Temple Sinai is

thrilled that Herb’s work will continue to delight so many people who will

appreciate his genius and the levity behind his work.

Temple Sinai is also appreciative of the monetary donation left to the synagogue by Herb and Ruthe’s estate. We hope that Herb and Ruthe’s generous bequest to Temple Sinai will inspire others to follow their benevolent example.

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Why I Support AIPAC ... and Why You Should, Too

by Michelle Sheinker

I must confess – I am a progressive Zionist. I am an outspoken individual. I found my voice at a young age through debate and political advocacy with Rabbi White and the Religious Action Center. Temple Sinai ignited this fire within me, and it has yet to extinguish. Hence, it was no surprise when I ran for student senate and was elected as a freshman at Northwestern. I found a platform to be vocal on the issues I am passionate about. But when I was confronted with basic questions about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, I couldn’t find the words.

In 2017, my brother boarded a flight to live 5,641 miles away; his study abroad term turned into a full enrollment at IDC in Herzliya. Despite Ethan being three years my senior, we are incredibly close and constantly mistaken as twins. Although my heart yearns for him to return, in Israel he has become his happiest self, achieving academic feats he never thought possible, such as his recent acceptance into the Argov Fellows Program. I know he has found a home in our homeland.

I don’t know if Ethan will ever come home; to be frank, I don’t think he does either. What I do know is that I want him to be safe. When hundreds of rockets were fired from Gaza, and I heard that one made it as far north as Tel Aviv, my heart stopped. My mind flooded with the worst possibilities, and I couldn’t help but feel hopeless. Helpless. Powerless. I know I am not alone in experiencing these emotions. To the core of my being, I never want to feel like that again. “Thoughts and prayers” on social media are worthless in the absence of real action.

My search for solutions led me to a summer internship with AIPAC. It has not only fueled my political advocacy

fire, but has empowered me with hope. Hope for the peace and prosperity of

a democratic Israel. Hope for a two-state solution and the alleviation of

suffering for the Palestinian people. Hope for the success and security of my

brother. No matter who you are, where you come from, or your political

ideology, through AIPAC you can shed your feelings of hopelessness too.

As a liberal student, Israel’s values align with mine. I have found the words to

say – Israel has its triumphs and its shortcomings, just like America; it is

a work in progress, but that does not mean we can walk away. While the

United States Supreme Court hears 70 cases a year, the Israeli Court hears an

astonishing 1,000. Unlike in the U.S., transgender people are more than

welcome to serve in the IDF and Israel will even pay for transition surgeries.

While the battles over abortion rights boil over on our soil, a woman’s right to choose is unquestionably upheld in Israel.

The special thing about Israel is that it builds bridges across the aisle, even in hyper-partisan times. My father and I may not agree on curfews, politics, or who belongs in the White House, but this is an issue we can work on together. Our mission is even more pressing with the rise of anti-Semitism across the country and Europe.

Today, I watch leaders on issues I care about questioning our right to make our voices heard and engage in the democratic process. We must not cower in the face of unfounded scrutiny; it is our responsibility and our

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privilege as Jewish Americans to defend the existence of the Jewish State. We must speak truth to power. Our voices are not to be muted, but to be made that much louder.

AIPAC is a bipartisan organization made up of partisan individuals; we are an organization built on meaningful relationships and a constituency eager to engage with our members of Congress to move the foreign policy needle. I am inspired by our membership every day, and you should be too.

The state of Israel needs you. Yes, you. Democrat and Republican, young and old, Israel transcends political parties; your voice counts. To my fellow student activists – I know campus politics can be challenging, but we are here for each other. This is the uphill battle to ensure that we, our children, and grandchildren will grow up in a world with Israel on the map. Look back 71 years, and it’s not difficult to see a world without it.

I am proudly registered for the next AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C. from March 1-3, 2020. I urge all of you to join me in this civic experience. To the parents reading this, bring your children. Pass the torch. Spread the love and admiration of Israel like fire.

To join our synagogue delegation at AIPAC Policy Conference register at www.AIPACPolicyConference.org.

Michelle Sheinker is a rising Sophomore and Student Senator at Northwestern University studying Social Policy and Legal Studies. Michelle graduated Roslyn High School in 2018, previously served on the SORTY Board as Social Action Vice President, and engaged in lobbying for women’s reproductive rights during Albany Advocacy Days and the Temple Sinai confirmation class trip in 2016 to Washington D.C. She can be reached at michellesheinker@icloud.com

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nursery school notes from

MISS DEBBIE

Debbie Neuschatz dneuschatz@mysinai.org

New School Year, New Jewish Year, and New Beginnings at Temple Sinai Nursery School There is a lot of “new” but also a lot that will stay the same. As the summer progressed and we watched the construction of our “new” classrooms, “new” Culinary Arts Studio, and “new” movement room, we’re reminded of what truly makes our school so special...the warm and caring teaching staff, the dedicated and involved parents and the adorable, energetic and amazing children.

As we begin our partnership with Bright Horizons, we look forward to welcoming our “new”est families with their babies as well as welcoming back our alumni children and their parents. Together we will enter this “new” adventure with enthusiasm and the promise to continue to grow, learn and laugh together.

Although the following excerpt from Robert Fulghum is from 1988 and may not be considered “new”, it is still very relevant today and never gets “old”:

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten.

Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School.

These are the things I learned: Share everything.

Play fair.

Don’t hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don’t take things that aren’t yours.

Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.

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Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all LOOK L’Shana Tova from “Miss” Debbie and the entire staff of Temple Sinai Nursery School. We are looking forward to a wonderful “New” Year.

Wednesday, September 4: First Day of School Sunday, September 8: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Fun Day 10:00am-12:00pm Monday, September 9: After School Enrichments Begin Sunday, October 13: Sharing Sukkot, 4:30-6:30pm Tuesday, October 15: Parent Breakfast in the Sukkah, 9:00am

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The Temple Sinai of Roslyn Family invites the entire community to join us for

Led by Cantors Sergei and Elena Schwartz

Toddl ers t o 3rd Gr ade

SUNDAY OCTOBER 13 4:30-5:30pm

Group 1: Toddlers - Pre-K • Group 2: K - 3rd Grade Fun, animated, and enriching program for children (drop-off) Students will participate in a fun craft!

5:30pm

Celebrate Sukkot with drums, guitar, piano, singing, laughing, and dancing!

Parents, grandparents, and siblings are all welcome!

Family Pizza in the Hut to follow the service

All Are Welcome! FREE! 26 SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019

G L E A N I N G S

Great community service!

Great fun for the whole family!

The book of Leviticus teaches us: “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest ... Leave them for the poor and the stranger.”

Join with your Temple Sinai family as we pick fruits and vegetables and fulfill the mitzvah in the Torah that teaches us to feed the hungry in our community.

All fruits and vegetables gleaned from Garden of Eve Farm will be donated to Long Island Cares.

Sunday, October 27

10:00am - 12:00pm Gleanings at Garden of Eve Farm 12:00pm - 1:00pm Picnic Lunch at the Farm (bring your own lunch to enjoy or purchase food at the farmstand)

Directions to Garden of Eve Farm 4558 Sound Avenue Riverhead, NY 11901 Take LIE East to Exit 71. Make a left turn at the stop sign onto Route 24 North/Edwards Avenue. Go past one light and continue until coming to a second light at a “T” intersection. Turn right onto Sound Avenue and continue approximately six miles until passing Briermere Farm on the left. (If you pass Northville Turnpike, you have gone too far).

For more information, visit www.GardenOfEveFarm.com.

To RSVP, please call the temple office at 516.621.6800.

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our children, our future

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org As we stand at the threshold of the New Year 5780 our tradition implores each of us to engage in cheshbon nefesh, examining our deeds during this past year and taking stock of the kind person each of us will be in the coming year. Taking one’s inventory is always hard to do. However this year, it seems particularly difficult. There are just so many distractions! It is easy to look at everything that is wrong in the world these days and focus our attention on those issues more than the shortcomings of our behavior. But let us not lose focus. The emphasis during the month of Elul and Tishrei in preparing for these Days of Awe is the realization that it is not only the world that needs change, it is also us.

In preparation for this High Holy Day season, I invite you to spend a few minutes a day considering which of your traits you like and which you would like to change; which of your actions you are proud of and which ones make you ashamed. This cheshbon nefesh, accounting of the soul, opens our hearts and our minds to the responsibility of real change in our lives.

You can also engage in these High Holy Day personal preparation exercises created by Rabbi Garry Loeb.

I promise you, doing some of them individually or together with your children before Rosh Hashanah will have a profound effect on how you experience the upcoming Days of Awe. 1. Stand facing the mirror. Who is there? What do you see? How have you changed?

2. Sitting in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take 7 deep breaths. Then take 7 more. Thank God! 3. Hold today’s paper in front of you. Ask God, “ Why can’t the world be a better place? Put down the paper. Look at your hands. God’s hands. Ask yourself, “ What am I doing to make the world a better place?”

4. Go out into the woods. Touch the leaves. Find a place to sit still and silently watch what goes on around you. For a while. A long while.

5. Extend your arm. Wrap your fingers around a door-handle. Pull the door open. Walk into your Temple for Shabbat!

6. Shake a hand. Hug a person. Make a child smile.

7. Apologize to those you’ve hurt: talk to them. Forgive those who’ve hurt you: talk to them.

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When we come together in September, once again hearing the familiar melodies and seeing our community gathered, our hearts will inevitably be stirred. However, what will really make this a moving experience is personal preparation. May we find the time to prepare ourselves in such a way that this year the holiest season will become a personally transformative opportunity for each of us. Only then can we aspire to help a world that is so desperately in need of repair. Be prepared! The Days of Awe are coming soon!

On a personal note… together with my husband Cantor Sergei and our family, we look forward to celebrating High Holy Days with our wonderful Temple Sinai community. We extend our best wishes to all for a New Year filled with blessings of health, happiness, prosperity and good deeds.

Temple Sinai’s Religious School gratefully acknowledges the support received from the Fund for Jewish Education Sponsored by the Caroline & Joseph S. Gruss Life Monument Funds, Inc. and UJA-Federation of New York

Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz

Consecration Ceremony - Sunday, October 20 Service begins at 5:30pm All new students will be honored on the bimah with a blessing from the clergy and will receive a miniature Torah following the service.

We look forward to sharing this special ceremony with you and your child.

Exciting Curricular Enhancements!

I am participating in the Qushiyot Israel Education Fellowship. It is jointly run by The Jewish Education Project and Makom, the Education Lab of The Jewish Agency. The name Qushiyot originates from the four questions asked at our Seder and the chavruta and study involved in answering them.

This is a year-long program in which we learn to approach Israel education through Makom’s Four Hatikva Questions (4HQ) Method. This method uses a phrase from Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem, L’hiyot am chofshi b’artzenu – “To Be a People Free In Our Land.” L’hiyot – (to be) asks questions in the areas of life, security, power, and hope. Am –(people) asks about tradition, family, ideals, and hope. Chofshi – (free) asks about rights, independence, creativity, responsibility, and hope. B’artzenu – (in our land) asks questions of home/homeland, holy, maps/borders, and hope.

This network program is centered around an eight-day training in Israel, several New York-based workshops together with mentoring and practical tools to develop meaningful and relevant Israel education experiences for our students.

During the upcoming Religious School year, I will be discussing with our teachers ways to infuse Israel into all their lessons and help them create new lessons for our students.

I want to thank Temple Sinai for the opportunity to learn from the educators from The Jewish Education Project and Makom and with my colleagues from Long Island, Westchester and New York.

Debra Hollander Religious School Program Coordinator Assistant to the Cantors SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019 29

KATIE FINE SEPTEMBER 7

Parents: Shari & Craig Fine Siblings: Julia - 18, Jack - 16 Grandparents: Marcia Baron, Steven Baron, Regina Evans & Irving Gruber School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover, because I like looking for the Afikoman with my cousins. It’s a time where my whole family can get together and spend time with each other.

Describe Yourself: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I especially like spending my summers between Camp Blue Ridge and in Fire Island with my family. I also enjoy traveling while spending quality time with my mom, dad, sister, and brother.

Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? I am excited to become a Bat Mitzvah because it is an important Jewish tradition. I am looking forward to taking on new responsibilities.

HAYDEN LEVY SEPTEMBER 14

Parents: Jessica & Joshua Levy Siblings: Cameron - 10 Grandparents: Susan & Frank Levy, Deborah & Ronald Levine School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School:5 Favorite Holiday: Passover. My parents have the whole family over and it is so much fun to be together. My cousins and I finally get to be all together. I love to help my mom cook as cooking is one of my favorite activities.

Describe Yourself: I love to cook and bake. I like to look up recipes and try to make them my own by adding different ingredients. I also love to hang out with my friends and family, dance, play tennis, and just have a good time.

Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is important to me because it keeps the tradition of the Jewish people. It’s exciting to become a teenager and it’s a big part of growing up. It’s so special to get to read from the Torah. I feel fortunate to have this experience and share it with my friends and family.

JADON BARISH SEPTEMBER 28

Parents: Cristina & Ross Barish Siblings: Julian - 15, Jordan - 10 Grandparents: Lewis Barish, Elizabeth Cohen, Allen Cohen, Dr. Dan Antonescu-Wolf, Dr. Erika Wolf, Susan Barish School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 2 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah because it is the new year, which is a happy time, and I get to reflect on myself on the old and new years.

Describe Yourself: My favorite subject is math. I play the violin. I play tennis. I like chess and hanging out with my friends. I go to camp in the summer .

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am looking forward to becoming a man and entering a new stage of my life.

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TYLER GREEN SEPTEMBER 28

Parents: Karin & Howard Green Siblings: Riley - 11 Grandparents: Margaret & the late Mel Gitlitz, Paul Green, Selma & Joel Cohen School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah because it is the start of a new year and a time for new beginnings.

Describe Yourself: I like to play sports, both competitively and just for fun - mostly soccer and lacrosse. My favorite school subject is math. I enjoy spending time at the beach and having fun with my family and friends.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I will take on new and more challenging responsibilities. I am looking forward to contributing to the Jewish community.

EMILY SOLOMON OCTOBER 12

Parents: Julie & Andrew Solomon Siblings: Daniel - 15 Grandparents: Marilyn & Neil Solomon, Karen & Carl Spina, Susan & Joseph Wagner School: Willets Road School - 7th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: I love Chanukah. It both honors the past of the Jews by celebrating the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights instead of one (which is why Chanukah is eight nights), and honors the present by the means of one present per night, along with prayers. It’s a perfect blend of historical events and modern ones.

Describe Yourself: I absolutely love reading and writing and I frequently enjoy this on my bean bag, or in the back of the classroom! I enjoy gym, language arts, and music (both listening and playing my clarinet). Along with this, I run track and play tennis, and I’m trying to keep up the intensity in both sports.

Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? I’m looking forward to contributing to the Jewish community, and learning more about the long, incredible history of the Jewish people.

JOSHUA LEIPZIG OCTOBER 12

Parents: Inna & David Leipzig Siblings: Gavin - 11, Hannah - 5 Grandparents: Luba & the late Damir Voloshin, the late Harriet & Jay Leipzig School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 5 Favorite Holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because we honor the freedom of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. Passover teaches us important lessons including responsibility, faith, and remembrance. Our family hosts a seder every year where we read the Haggadah, look for the Afikoman, and enjoy a big meal.

Describe Yourself: My favorite subject is science. I play the trumpet and am part of the Nassau-Suffolk Honor Band. I also enjoy playing baseball and tennis. I cheer for the New York Yankees and every year I go to Yankee Stadium with my family. My favorite vacation is going to Lake George with my family and friends.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am looking forward to my Bar Mitzvah since I’m the oldest of three kids and want to set a good example for my brother and sister. In addition, I am also looking forward to more responsibilities and making myself and my family proud.

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AIDEN FITERSTEIN OCTOBER 19

Parents: Diane & Adam Fiterstein Siblings: Ethan - 10, Jacob - 8 Grandparents: Leah Fiterstein, Gerald Fiterstein, Luisa Cruz School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 4 Favorite Holiday: My favorite holiday is Passover, because of the stories and the children partaking in the ceremony (i.e. the 4 Questions). I like searching for the Afikoman. I appreciate that there is meaning in the story, how our people refused to suffer any longer and decided to change things and stand up for ourselves as a people.

Describe Yourself: I love playing and joking around with my brothers. My favorite subjects in school are math and science. My favorite sport is soccer and I am the goalie for a travel soccer team. I also love to play guitar. My favorite hobby is Airsoft.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I have been studying all year and I am looking forward to achieving the accomplishment as well as traveling to Israel to celebrate the Jewish rite of passage.

ALEX SADOFSKY OCTOBER 26

Parents: Marcie & Matt Sadofsky Siblings: Cole - 9 Grandparents: Sharon & Alan Hyman, Shelly & Lenny Sadofsky School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 6 Favorite Holiday: Passover because I love having a seder at my grandparents and I love matzah and my grandma’s brisket.

Describe Yourself: I am an athlete and I play baseball and am a hockey goalie. My favorite subject is social studies and I like to play Xbox.

Why is Becoming a Bar Mitzvah Important? I am looking forward to being on the bimah and reading from the Torah.

SOPHIE BLOOM OCTOBER 26

Parents: Alison Bloom & Paolo Bolognese Siblings: Matthew - 19, Alex - 17 Grandparents: Judy & Phil Bloom, the late Giorgina & Antonio Bolognese School: Roslyn Middle School - 8th Grade Years in Our Religious School: 10 Favorite Holiday: I like Passover because I like to spend memorable time with my extended family and search for the Afikoman with my little cousins.

Describe Yourself: My favorite subject in school is math. I like to dance and spend time with my friends. I love to go to Camp Taconic and create amazing memories.

Why is Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Important? I am looking forward to becoming a Bat Mitzvah for many reasons, one being I am so excited to show everyone how hard I have worked on my service. I am also excited to celebrate at my party with my friends and family.

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TEMPLE SINAI TEEN PROGRAMS lulu’s

TEEN TALK

Lulu Belferder lbelferder@mysinai.org

Welcome Back! I hope you all have enjoyed the warm weather and taken advantage of this incredible time of year. This summer has been busy here at Temple Sinai with planning and coordinating our exciting year for the Sulam Teen Programs and the Youth Programs. In June, I spent two weeks in New York City, living in the dorms of Pace University and attending all-day classes at the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion with 14 other amazing female Jewish professionals. We had the opportunity to study with incredible thinkers, learn new ways of approaching the work we do and how to apply it to our institutions. I would not have had the opportunity to pursue my second masters if it wasn’t for the support of Temple Sinai.

“Thank You” Two small words, with big meaning!

Temple Sinai of Roslyn, you have become my second family. Working here with this community and my “Teens” has taught me so much about what it means to give back, what it means to work in a creative and supportive environment and most importantly, how incredible the Jewish community is. So, Temple Sinai, I thank you for welcoming me, supporting me, and allowing me to be a part of your lives.

Lauren “Lulu” Belferder Director of Youth Engagement

Have you signed up for our outstanding teen programs?Be sure and check out our cool new SULAM brochure for details!

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The women of Friend of a Friend are looking forward to another active and exciting season. If you haven’t joined in any of our events yet, this is the season for us to welcome you and for you to enjoy participating.

If you’re thinking of coming to one of our events for the first time, just email us ahead of time at fof@mysinai.org and we’ll make sure you feel at home!

Have you renewed your 2019-20 FOF membership yet?

To renew or join us, please send your check payable to Temple Sinai for $36 with “FOF” in the memo line: Temple Sinai, 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577.

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

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

Here’s what’s coming up!

Friend of a Friend Meeting & Breakfast Friday, September 6 in the Library Meeting-9:30am/Breakfast-10:30am

Catch up with everyone after summer, meet new friends, and help us plan future events and activities. We welcome newcomers to keep our ideas fresh and appealing to all women of Temple Sinai. Then join us for a buffet breakfast where we will welcome Rabbi Schachter.

RSVP to fof@mysinai.org Future meeting dates this Fall: October 4, November 1 and December 6 at 9:30am.

Friend of a Friend Shabbat Service Friday, September 13 at 6:45pm

Don’t miss this special Shabbat where we’ll celebrate friendships between women. This is a wonderful chance to meet and greet the women of Temple Sinai, as we welcome Shabbat together.

A lovely champagne oneg honoring Rabbi Ilana Schachter will follow services.

Thursday, September 19 at 10:30am Join us for this special baking event with Sinai’s own Rhonda Wolf. We look forward to a fabulous morning making delicious apricot rugelach while connecting with our Sinai friends. $18 per person - Space is limited.

For more information, see our flyer or email us at fof@mysinai.org.

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Decorate the Sukkah Friday, October 11 at 10:30am

Stop by for any amount of time and help us decorate and prepare for the joyful holiday!

Add your decorative touch and share a great morning together.

RSVP: fof@mysinai.org

SUKKOT SERVICE & BRUNCH

Friday, October 18 at 10:00am

Celebrate the wonderful autumn holiday of Sukkot with us.

Enjoy an intimate morning service in our beautiful Sukkah where we’ll learn with Rabbi Ilana Schachter, sing with Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz, and hear from our special Ushpizin, Abbie Laskey.

Then we’ll nosh and connect with friends old and new! No charge.

Kindly RSVP: fof@mysinai.org.

Crown Heights Tour

Wednesday, October 30 - time TBA

Step into another world during this walking tour of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, led by Chaya Teldon. We’ll visit a scribe, a mikvah, an art gallery, the gigantic Chabad synagogue, visit an elegant brownstone home and, meet Chaya’s mentor, who is a great-grandmother (with over 100 grandchildren!), and more. We’ll also shop and enjoy lunch together.

See our flyer for all the details!

Shavuot and The Book of Ruth On a Wednesday evening in May, 33 women met for the final Wine, Women & Wisdom of 2018-19 at the home of our gracious hostess, Samantha Rubin. We ate, drank, schmoozed, and performed the mitzvah of studying the Torah. Cantor Elena led us in an inspiring discussion on the holiday of Shavuot and its meaningful relation to the Book of Ruth which is read during this time.

Shavuot gets it meaning from Shevah - the number 7. It’s a holiday that comes seven weeks after the second day of Passover. It celebrates God’s giving the Torah to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai after the Exodus from Egypt. It is more than the harvest season that was important to our agricultural history; it also represents an important historical festival.

What is the link between Ruth and the Torah? It goes to the heart of Ruth’s book, also called the Book of Loving Kindness. It’s about Ruth’s abiding love and loyalty to her Jewish identity. Shavuot is a holiday of partnership and loyalty between God, Jewish teachings and the Jewish people.

To paraphrase Miki Raver, a Torah scholar, friendship and goodwill between women is a blessing and has the power to transform and sustain us throughout our days. This holiday is the underpinning of Friend of a Friend/ Chaverot at Temple Sinai - friendship, learning, loyalty and good deeds.

Charlotte Hollander

Co-Chair, Wine, Women, & Wisdom Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00pm at Esther Fortunoff Greene is graciously opening her store for the next Wine, Women, & Wisdom. The location is perfect as Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz leads the discussion on the history of the 12 Tribes of Israel and the 12 precious stones we associate with them. Please join us for what will be another wonderful night of wine, light food, learning, and friendship.

RSVP required: winewomenwisdom@mysinai.org

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Wednesday, September 11 at 12:30pm Thursday, October 17 at 7:00pm Thursday, November 7 at 7:00pm Tuesday, December 10 at 12:30pm Wednesday. January 8 at 12:30pm Thursday, February 6 at 12:30pm Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00pm Tuesday, April 21 at 12:30pm Thursday, May 14 at 12:30pm Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00pm For more information, contact Michelle Golden msgolden@optonline.net or 516.650.6690

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Join Temple Sinai of Roslyn on a people to people mission to

CUBA

Led by Cantors Sergei & Elena Schwartz February 14-23, 2020 On our adventure together we will...

• Enjoy a week of vibrant cultural discovery and Jewish humanitarian effort • Experience Cuba with all our senses amidst a mixed, vibrant and vital culture locked in time. Step back to 1959 and see the cars, smell the unique foods, hear incredible music and sway to the sounds of Cuba!

• Visit the communities of Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Varadero and experience their unique joie de vivre • Learn how people have managed to survive amidst Communism • Visit with Cubans and see their culture, art and Latin flair!

• Share Shabbat with locals in a land strangely absent of anti-Semitism • Meet with community leaders and hear their rich stories going back 500 years to Columbus ...and so much more

$3,875* Land only per person based on double occupancy.

For single occupancy, add $1,299.

Group flights coming soon *If paying by credit card, there is a 3% increase.

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TODAH RABAH FROM TEMPLE SINAI Softball Challenge 2019 – And No One Got Hurt!

Sunday, June 2 started like any other day – the sun rose in the east, the early bird caught the worm and alarm clocks woke the faithful all around East Hills and Roslyn. But, this day was special; it signaled the annual softball challenge between the Brotherhood of Temple Sinai and SORTY, the Temple youth group. This event, the high point on the activities calendar of both groups, is the classic challenge between the age and experience of the members of Brotherhood and the energy and enthusiasm of youth that separates the men from the boys (and girls) of SORTY at Temple Sinai. Not since the great Civil War has one conflict fractured so many families with members on opposite sides!!! Michelle Golden, president of the congregation at Temple Sinai, attended the confrontation, symbolically sitting in the bleachers between both teams, since she had family members on both sides. Rabbi White attended as well to express wishes for a safe and injury-free encounter to both teams.

The players met on the field of battle - the softball field at the Park at East Hills - arriving first in trickles of one and two players and then a flood of players. After all players were assembled, Steve “POTBOTS” Halpern (Brotherhood President) and Lulu “The Engager” Belferder delivered pep talks to their minions, as both teams warmed up while assessing each others’ aptitude and weaknesses. As the effects of the Brotherhood members’ morning medications and Advil started to show signs of wearing off, the game began with SORTY taking the field and the Brotherhood batting first.

Brotherhood showed their batting prowess early, scoring a few runs with each member of the team hitting a single or a double. SORTY had difficulty getting into the swing of things and was held hitless in the first inning. At the end of the first inning, Brotherhood held a respectable 6-0 lead.

Brotherhood continued its strong batting in the second inning. When Daniel “The Performer” Golden hit a triple he was overheard discussing the possibility of giving up his pursuit of theatre in favor of the baseball circuit. The dream of Larry “Spitball” Krasnoff pitching his first no-hitter was shattered when SORTY players Mark Edelstein and Alex Horowitz both had hits. By the end of the inning, Brotherhood had a commanding lead of 10-zip.

Despite numerous requests by Brotherhood for a rest period, the game continued. SORTY bats came alive in the third. Zach “Moose” Halpern had a home-run and RBI with a mighty slam that SORTY is still chasing in the outfield.

There was a thunderous roar from the fans when Sarah Golden had her first-ever base hit. Oh, the drama when Seth “Doc” Golden attempted to tag his own daughter out at home plate! But, she was ruled safe and the crowd in the stands went wild. At the end of the third inning, the score was 12 to 2 with Brotherhood showing signs of slowing down and SORTY hitting their stride.

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With the arrival of the picnic lunch both teams agreed to end the game after the fourth inning, with the score Brotherhood 14 and SORTY 5. All players adjourned to the picnic tables where a sumptuous feast was served. East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz, himself a former Brotherhood president, made a cameo appearance that made the festivities that much more special. This brought another softball challenge to conclusion as Lulu was heard mumbling: “Just wait til next year!”

And no one got hurt…

In June, 2019, at the Biennial Convention of the Men of Reform Judaism held in Memphis, Tennessee. the Brotherhood of Temple Sinai received the prestigious Dr. Alan Gardner Award for Outstanding Youth Programming for its annual Brotherhood/SORTY softball game.

The plaque will be on view in the hallway outside the Temple Library.

Caring Committee

of Temple Sinai

The Caring Committee serves the membership of Temple Sinai in many ways. We are especially delighted to learn about and acknowledge simchas. Additionally, if requested or when notified by the clergy or staff, we try to offer assistance to congregants and their families in times of need, illness, and loss.

During the year we hold three Lunch and Learn events with a member of the clergy who introduces us to a Judaic text. We look forward to these opportunities to meet other congregants and study with them on these illuminating occasions.

We send our appreciation to those members of the community whose efforts make Temple Sinai a warm and caring community. If you would like to learn more about the Caring Committee, please contact the temple office at 516.621.6800 or send an email to templeoffice@mysinai.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information: Contact Michelle Golden Burnette Groveman and Cecile Saretsky, Co-Chairs msgolden@optonline.net 516-650-6690 SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019 39

mazel tov Barbara & Jeff Colton on the marriage of their son Jason to Nicole Hess Jodi & Clifford Lewisohn on the marriage of their daughter Alexandra to Shawn Telvi Susan & Bruce Jacobson on the marriage of their daughter Rachel to Joshua Teitler Karen Greenbaum on the birth of her grandson Benjamin Ryder Greenbaum Temple Sinai Controller Arlene Zucker & Sunny Lewitt on the marriage of Arlene’s son Jonathan Zucker to Irina Shames Zachary Zucker on the marriage of his brother Jonathan Zucker to Irina Shames Karen & Joel Lamm on the engagement of their son Adam to Julie Ann Rosenberg Gail & Illan Silberman on the engagement of their son Matthew to Alana Gross Christine & Jonathan Greenberg on the birth of their daughter Emily Lily Betty & Bruce Radler on the marriage of their son Zachary to Maria Catapano Dr. Joyce & Steve Bloom on the birth of their granddaughter Cosette Lynn Bloom Linda & Mitch Singer on the engagement of their son Adam to Lauren Robbins Debra Schutzer-Litt & Marty Litt on the marriage of their step-son/son Alexander to Jessica Ente Marilyn & James Greebel on the birth of their grandson Mason Wade Jacobson Lisa & Alan Wasserman on the birth of their granddaughter Hailey Mackenzie Wasserman Debbie Neuschatz & Howard Glaser on the birth of his grandson Trey Nolan Cundari Linda & Scott Frishman on the birth of their granddaughter Shaye Hunter Frishman

with deepest sympathy

Liana Berman on the loss of her father Ruvin Reznikov Frances Newman on the loss of her husband Dr. Marvin Newman Arthur Saltzman on the loss of his mother Marilyn Saltzman Lisa Colwell on the loss of her mother Mindy Brown Lowell Kwiat on the loss of his mother Shirley Kwiat Howard Weisler on the loss of his wife Marilyn Weisler Barbara Unger Maron on the loss of her mother Wilhelmine Berman Jill Blau on the loss of her father Arnold Blumenthal Bruce Jacobson on the loss of his father Donald Jacobson We record with sorrow the death of Temple Members Carol Wolowitz on the loss of her husband Arnold Wolowitz Gerri Zetlin on the loss of her father Arnold Wolowitz Barry Berlin Kelly Grunther on the loss of her father Charles Saletan Marsha Klein Dr. Richard Braunstein on the loss of his father Murray Braunstein Dr. Marvin Newman Saul Klein on the loss of his wife Marsha Klein Gladys Rosenthal Jay Gilbert on the loss of his uncle Garry Oringer Jodi Markowitz on the loss of her mother Betty Schull Marilyn Weisler Barbara Berlin on the loss of her husband Barry Berlin Arnold Wolowitz Jodie Lewisohn on the loss of her mother Rose Friedberg Dr. Abby Greenberg on the loss of her daughter-in-law With deepest sympathy to their families, Bethann Greenberg May their memories be for a blessing.

Lisa Wasserman on the loss of her brother Bruce Corwin Our temple family shares both simchas and sorrows. Please let us know if Rebecca Katz-White on the loss of her mother Helen Katz you would like to receive members’ life cycle information via email by Debbie Sussman on the loss of her sister Marilyn Fineberg contacting the temple office at templeoffice@mysinai.org SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019 45

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

The cost of each leaf is $1000.

Memorial Plaques honor the memories of our loved ones who have passed away. They are in the hallway leading to the sanctuary. Cost of each plaque is $700, which includes a second version to be put up for your loved one’s yahrzeit.

Please contact Betty Brandel in the Temple office at 516.621.6800 for more information or to place an order.

Donations to Clergy Discretionary and Other Funds A donation to any of the clergy discretionary funds requires a separate check. For each of these donations, please make your check payable to Temple Sinai of Roslyn with the specific discretionary fund written in the check memo line: Rabbi Michael White’s Discretionary Fund Cantor Sergei Schwartz’s Discretionary Fund Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz’s Discretionary Fund Rabbi Ilana Schachter’s Discretionary Fund Donations to any other funds can be combined in one check made payable to Temple Sinai of Roslyn. Please remember that if you use a company or similar type check, your name should appear on the check so we can properly credit your account.

Are you making a donation? Paying your Temple bill?

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

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

Temple Sinai has automatically added you to Remind - a one-way texting service. Remind keeps phone numbers anonymous, and won’t flood your phone with everyone else’s responses. We love it and think you will, too, but if you don’t, you can easily cancel at any time by emailing us at templeoffice@mysinai.org 46 SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019

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48 SCRIBE Sept-Oct 2019

Moving? Contact the temple office at 516.621.6078 or templeoffice@mysinai.org to update your information.

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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Temple Sinai of Roslyn

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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SERVICE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

6:45pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

8:00pm 10:00am 3:30pm 5:00pm 10:30am 6:45pm 9:00am 8:00pm 9:15am 12:00pm 1:15pm 3:00pm 4:15pm 6:45pm 9:00am 10:30am 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:45pm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

9:00am 10:30am

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

5:30pm 7:00pm 6:45pm 9:00am 10:30am

Shabbat Hallelu/Birthday Blessings Morning Minyan Bat Mitzvah Service/Bat Mitzvah Katie Fine Shabbat Service/Friend of a Friend Shabbat Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/Bar Mitzvah Hayden Levy Shabbat LaNeshama/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings Morning Minyan Selichot Service Shabbat Service Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/B’nei Mitzvah Jadon Barish and Tyler Green Erev Rosh Hashanah Service Rosh Hashanah First Day Service Community Children’s Service Tashlich Service at Bar Beach Rosh Hashanah Second Day Service Shabbat Service/Birthday Blessings Morning Minyan Kol Nidre Service Yom Kippur Morning Service Healing Service Community Children’s Service Yom Kippur Afternoon Service Yizkor Service followed by Neilah (Concluding Service) Shabbat Service Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/B’nei Mitzvah Joshua Leipzig and Emily Solomon Sharing Sukkot Erev Sukkot Family Service Shabbat LeNeshama/Birthday & Anniversary Blessings Morning Minyan Sukkot Service Shabbat Service/Bar Mitzvah Aiden Fiterstein Erev Simchat Torah Family Service/Consecration Yizkor Service Shabbat Service Morning Minyan Shabbat Service/B’nei Mitzvah Sophie Bloom and Alex Sadofsky

nah Tovah Ti a h k a t e vu L’S

TEMPLE SINAI

ELUL 5779/TISHREI/CHESVAN 5780 SETPEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 Volume 76 • No. 1

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

Executive Director Alison Stamm astamm@mysinai.org

Nursery School Director Debbie Neuschatz dneuschatz@mysinai.org

Director of Youth Engagement Lauren “Lulu” Belferder

Rabbi Ilana Schachter rabbischachter@mysinai.org

lbelferder@mysinai.org

Cantor Emeritus Cantor Andrew H. Edison

Director of Adult Engagement Adrianne Rubin, PhD

President Michelle Golden

arubin@mysinai.org

Marketing & Communications Manager Kathy Diamond

Executive Vice President Amy Braunstein

kdiamond@mysinai.org

Vice Presidents Robyn Corbin Andrew Kraus Philip Rabinovich

Office Manager Jane Hallberg jhallberg@mysinai.org

Member Services Manager Betty Brandel

Treasurer Michael Shaffet

bbrandel@mysinai.org

Secretary Seth Golden Brotherhood President Steve Halpern Friend of a Friend/Chaverot President Jacqueline Covey

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE: mysinai.org

Controller Arlene Zucker azucker@mysinai.org

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

V&Z Caterers 516.484.4300