November 15-21, 2026
Sinai Cinema Presents Unorthodox Education, Today at 2:00 pm.
Rhythm, Roots & Resilience A Journey through
SOUTH AMERICA Buenos Aires * Iguazu * Rio de Janeiro Led by Cantors Sergei & Elena Schwartz
FEBRUARY 10 - 21, 2027
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY FEBRUARY 21 - 24, 2027 From the cultural elegance of Buenos Aires to the thundering power of Iguazu Falls and the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, this journey weaves together natural wonder, Jewish heritage, and South America’s unmistakable rhythm. Along the way, we explore iconic landscapes, engage with living Jewish communities, savor regional cuisine and experience the music, dance and traditions that define Argentina and Brazil—creating a richly layered adventure filled with meaning, connection, and unforgettable moments.
ON THIS TOUR, WE WILL: • Connect with South America’s vibrant Jewish communi�es, rich tradi�ons, and shared Shabbat experiences in Buenos Aires and Rio. • Enlighten your journey through iconic cultural landmarks, living history, and breathtaking wonders from Iguazu Falls to Rio’s Sugarloaf Mountain. • Inspire your spirit through tango, gaucho tradi�ons, vibrant music, and unforge�able coastal views. …and SO much more!
PRICING CHART
LAND TOUR
(BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
ADD FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY EXTENSION
CHECK/CASH PRICE
CREDIT CARD PRICE
$6,295
$6,515
$1,590
$1,645
$1,990
(ADD $480 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY)
$2,060
(ADD $499 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY)
For assistance with flights, please contact anjie@ayelet.com or 800-237-1517 x340
Learn more about this trip at https://secure.ayelet.com/SchwartzSouthAmerica2027.aspx
800.237.1517 | www.ayelet.com
table of contents 4
worship
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programs
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brotherhood/ friend of a friend
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social action
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teens
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religious school
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general temple info 3
Friday, November 20, 2026 • 6:30 pm We look forward to seeing you at our meaningful Shabbat service in the Sanctuary. Tonight, we celebrate all new Temple Sinai members! Special thanks to the Massari family for recognizing that services can feel a little long to some of our younger members (and sometimes adults, too!) The Massaris have provided our first basket of books and fidget toys to keep hands busy without disturbing others. Please feel free to borrow anything you would like to use during services. We hope these extras help make services more enjoyable for everyone!
If you would prefer to join us virtually, click here to livestream the service.
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REMINDER: to enhance security, a password is required to view our livestream. The password and instructions to log in to the livestream will be sent to you in a separate email. If you have any questions, call the temple office at 516.621.6800.
Sinai Shabbat Saturdays New Ways to Experience Shabbat at Temple Sinai*
Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 9:30 am Saturday Morning Torah Study*K with Rabbinic Intern Dina Kwasnicki in person and via ZOOM
Shabbat is a time for reflection, gratitude, and enrichment. Join us for a morning of engaging text study and conversation, centered around the weekly Torah portion. No previous knowledge of Hebrew, liturgy, or text required – join us as we learn from our tradition and from one another! *Temple Sinai will always hold space for you to remember your loved one and say Kaddish for them. Please note that Kaddish will be recited during any program marked with *K.
Click here to join the ZOOM or dial 646.558.8656 (audio only) Meeting ID: 824 5549 3238 PASSWORD: 3636
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Join us as we gather in prayer, learning, and music to connect across faiths and build community together. The service will be led by Rabbi Ilana Schachter, Cantors Sergei & Elena Schwartz, Father Michael Bissex, Pastor of the Church of St. Aidan, and Pastor Ed Palafox from the Community Church of East Williston. The Temple Sinai Community Choir will perform under the direction of Cantors Sergei & Elena Schwartz.
Thanksgiving is an Act of Faith
Join us for our
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Wednesday, November 18, 2026 7:30 PM
Please consider bringing non-perishable food items for donation to THE INN.
Community Church of East Williston 45 East Williston Ave East Williston, NY 11596 6
*Parking lot entrance on Ward St
The Torah’s Wisdom for Lingering Questions Adult Education with Rabbi Michael White As I look toward a new chapter away from the active rabbinate, I will share three Torah portions that continue to inspire me and whose insights continue to guide me. This class will begin with Torah and continue with robust conversation. This three-session class will meet on Tuesday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am November 10 November 17 December 1
Register at mysinai.org/torahswisdom
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presents
UNORTHODOXEDUCATION Directed by Joe Kolman
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 • 2:00 PM
In New York, home to 9% of the world’s Jewish population, tens of thousands of Jewish children are not receiving a basic education. Children in many of the most Orthodox Yeshivas often finish school without being able to read or write in English. Because of the extraordinary political power of ultra-Orthodox communities, their schools have never been required to comply with state law. Unorthodox Education lifts the curtain on these communities, revealing the human cost of actively depriving kids of a secular education. A moderated conversation will follow between the producer, Elana Sigall, and Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, executive director of YAFFED, an education advocacy organization
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Register at mysinai.org/unorthodoxeducation
Sinai Stitches is a group that knits and crochets items for charity. ALL are welcome! If you would like to learn how to knit, please reach out to be matched with one of the ladies for one-on-one lessons. All meetings are in person in the temple library, Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:30-2:00pm. Our next meeting will be held on:
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 For more information, contact Michelle Golden at 516.650.6690 or msgolden@optonline.net
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Mothers, Prophets, Warriors: Women of the Bible at the Dr. Bernard Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College
Thursday, December 3 • 11:00 am Tour led by Rabbi Ilana Schachter & Adrianne Rubin The Hebrew Bible is primarily a set of texts chronicling the roles of God and man in the beginnings of the world and the Israelite people. The main mortal players in this history are men, good and bad, strong and weak. But every so often a female name pops out of the narrative with an important function. This exhibition looks at these women in art works by 24 artists from the 17th through the 21st centuries, primarily from the Heller Museum collection. The depictions of biblical heroines were created in a variety of styles and mediums, ranging from the classical engravings of Jean Audran after Antoine Coypel, Giovacchino Cantini, and Robert Strange to the linoleum block prints of Joyce Ellen Weinstein and etching by Mark Podwal, from the outsider art in crayon and marker of Nathan Hilu to the Lego art of Maxwell Bauman. Works by Allison Zuckerman, Helene Aylon, Ora Lerman, Julie Dermansky, Estelle Yarinsky, and Janet Shafner offer contemporary, feminist interpretations of ancient text. All of these works remind us of the importance of women’s agency, courage, and wisdom to our heritage.
The Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College is located at One West Fourth Street, New York, NY. We will meet at the museum transportation will not be provided. The group will have lunch together after the tour.
Register by Monday, November 30 at mysinai.org/mothersprophetswarriors 10
Rabbi Ilana Schachter and Temple Sinai Vice President Amy Pepper are excited to share a great opportunity for connection and Jewish learning at the URJ Biennial — the largest gathering of Reform Jews and a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and lead together. Hosted by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), Biennial brings together lay leaders, clergy, professionals, and emerging leaders from across North America for meaningful learning, inspiration, and community-building. Biennial will be in Philadelphia, PA from December 10-13, 2026. Learn more and register at URJ.org/BIENNIAL26. Whether you are seeking fresh ideas, deeper connections, or renewed energy Biennial is a space for you! Rabbi Schachter and Amy look forward to seeing you there!
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PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE Author’s Talk: Zeeva Bukai
The Anatomy of Exile a novel Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 pm The Abadi Family saga begins when a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story between a Palestinian and a Jew ends in predictable tragedy. The family flees to America to mend, but encounters only more turmoil that threatens to tear the family apart.
co-sponsored by Adult Engagement & Friend of a Friend
Zeeva Bukai is the author of the novels, “The World Between” and “The Anatomy of Exile.” Her honors include a fellowship at the New York Center for Fiction, residencies at Hedgebrook Writers Colony, and Byrdcliff AIR program in Woodstock NY. She is the recipient of the The Master’s Review fall fiction prize, the Curt Johnson Prose Award, and the Lilith Fiction Award. She holds an MFA from Brooklyn College and lives in Brooklyn with her family.
winner of the 2025 National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction 12
Register at mysinai.org/exile
FRIEND OF A FRIEND PRESENTS A PROGRAM ON WELLNESS
Health & Healing for Life: Lifestyle Medicine
Wednesday December 9 • 6:30 pm • in the Simcha Room • FREE! Learn how an integrative, preventive approach to our wellness enhances our well-being. Join us as Dr. Penny Stern addresses the 6 Pillars (below) as an essential part of Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr Penny Stern Is the chief Preventative & Lifestyle Medicine Specialist at The Katz Institute of Women’s Health and the Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention. She is an Assistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and has over 33 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Stern is a graduate of the Albert Einstein School of Medicine.
Click here to register
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Click here to RSVP 14
Let’s Help Those in Need in November! NOVEMBER COLLECTION Hunger is Fixable! We are partnering with the Sid Jacobson JCC Community Food Bank to fill their bins and help our neighbors in need. Please donate by dropping items in the bins in the temple lobby, or click here to order on Amazon and have items delivered directly to the temple: 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 and pasta sauce • hot cereal (Cream of Wheat, Farina) • dry cereal • pancake mix • pancake syrup NOVEMBER MITZVOT Our Teens, Social Action & You = The Best Team! On Sunday, November 22, be a part of the THANKSGIVING COOKING FOR A CAUSE INTERGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE. co-sponsored by SORTY Sinai Teens & the Social Action Committee Please join us as we prepare over 300 Thanksgiving meals for families in need at local shelters. We’re inviting the whole Sinai family to help us complete this big task. STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS, INCLUDING REGISTRATION, COMING LATER THIS MONTH! I Support the Girls! isupportthegirls.org Through an international network of affiliates, I SUPPORT THE GIRLS collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity. This month, we are collecting GENTLY USED bras, NEW underwear for girls and women, and menstrual supplies. Please donate by dropping items in the bins in the temple lobby, or click here to order on Amazon and have items delivered directly to the temple.
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this week at the
Don’t ! t e g For
TSECC Spirit Day
Friday, November 20
Thanksgiving Feasts Wednesday, November 25 No Birthdays This week!
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upcoming building, office, & school closures Wednesday, November 25 Day Before Thanksgiving Offices Close at 1:00 pm ECC Dissmissal at 3:00 pm Religious School Closed Thursday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Building Closed Friday, November 27 Day After Thanksgiving Offices Closed ECC Closed Religious School Closed
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