TEMPLE SINAI OF ROSLYN
2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
425 ROSLYN ROAD, ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NY 11577 mysinai.org
516.621.6800
MISSION STATEMENT Temple Sinai is our spiritual home; a place to study, worship, and assemble. The essence of our synagogue is to welcome and convene diverse individuals to learn and pray together - to be unified as Reform Jews. Our size and diversity have become resources that contribute to our strength. In order to sustain our caring temple family and Jewish community, our professional and lay leadership have collectively recognized their responsibilities as educators and role models, to reach and teach our Temple membership. We are always defining, refining, and revising our priorities in light of our larger mission to meet the individual and collective religious, spiritual, and emotional needs of the congregation. Our obligation is to deepen the body of Jewish knowledge and religious commitment of our members of all ages by fostering the study of Jewish texts and tradition so as to help them make informed personal choices in developing and expressing their Jewish identities. We strive to provide support, loving kindness, and caring concern to our congregants. We also hope to enrich and increase participation in personal and communal worship and to enhance and broaden the Jewish content of each member's daily life. Since 1948, Temple Sinai has carried out the vision of its founders: to be a warm and caring Jewish community dedicated to perpetuating Reform Judaism and meaningful Jewish expression. At the same time, we are constantly exploring new modes of worship to enrich our spiritual and intellectual experiences. Throughout the years, young and old alike have entered the doors of our sanctuary to pray together, learn together, and share both happy and sad occasions with their temple family. Our collective social conscience mandates that we participate in, and seek to improve, the lives of our people, our community, our country, Israel and beyond. Here at Temple Sinai, we have created a thriving and meaningful Jewish "community" in the true sense of the word. We are deeply proud of who we are.
Temple Sinai, where every heart has a home.
FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, THANK YOU. A MESSAGE FROM RABBI MICHAEL A. WHITE AND MICHELLE GOLDEN, PRESIDENT Reflecting back on the yellow fever epidemic of 1878, Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, founder of the Reform Movement in America, wrote this:
Many an aching breast today bemoans the loss of what was nearest and dearest; many a heart that beat high and brave is stilled forever; many a bright eye has become glazed and dull, feet that were swift on errands of charity will move no more… This has been a year of grieving, of loneliness, of seclusion and fear for so many among us. Last spring as we closed our temple’s doors and moved all our offerings to Zoom, could we have even grasped the magnitude of loss? The reality of over 500,000 lives gone? Could we have measured the impact of a year of isolation from extended family and friends? Perhaps the author of the biblical book of Lamentations, upon exile from Jerusalem, captured it best:
By the rivers of Babylon, we laid down and wept. Time and reflection will guide how we process this year of loss, but Judaism is wise in instructing us to find embers of blessing, even now. And Temple Sinai, in the best tradition of Jewish resiliency, has remained strong, vital and active. We have learned that gathering on Zoom can offer comfort to a grieving heart, companionship to a lonely soul, learning to an inquisitive mind and opportunities for tzedakah and caring for the those in need. Even High Holy Day services can be meaningful and spiritually uplifting outside the walls of our sanctuary. Many of our friends decided to leave Temple Sinai this year, thinking without in-person services and programs, why remain a member? That placed an added burden on our resources in the face of new expenses and lost revenue related to the pandemic. We do hope, indeed pray, that they will return to us. But most of all, we are especially grateful to you for your continued membership and contributions. Without you, your temple could never have remained the spiritual and emotional lifeline it has been. Without you, so many families would have been even more disappointed, as our ability to adapt and hold ceremonies and classes would have been curtailed. Rabbi Wise ended with a stirring charge as necessary for us today as it was for his community in 1878:
May we all feel that the year has not passed in vain, that we have during its passage given some service to (our people), to our country, to humanity, and to our God. We needed you this past year, and you were there for your temple. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We now pray that you will help Temple Sinai rise out of this year of despair healthy and strong, the inspiring center of Jewish living and learning we have always been.
L'Shalom,
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER FROM BEGINNING TO FRIEND
The students at TSECC are thriving and we couldn’t be happier – our classrooms are reverberating with giggles, delight, awe, and inspiration! Throughout the challenges of this year, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to meeting and exceeding the needs of our littlest learners and their families. The heart of our exceptional Early Childhood Center is a Jewish program strengthened by valuable support from Temple Sinai. The key elements that distinguish TSECC are: Leadership from our Director Lindsay Dayan, and our talented teachers who provide a safe, supportive, and positive environment for our children A hybrid of traditional full- and part-time school hours, as well as extended hours from 7am through 6pm Rich, meaningful early childhood options for young children including Infants, Toddlers, “Dreamers & Me,” Twos, Threes, and Fours The most nurturing environment for play-based learning and academic exploration in areas including literacy, handwriting, and STEAM A welcoming and supportive community for our children and families Curriculum that is infused with and inspired by Jewish traditions and values, though we welcome children from all faiths We are proud to say that TSECC is there for children "from beginning to friend." Since January, inquiries and registrations have been coming in steadily, creating waitlists for several age groups. It is a privilege and joy to have families choose us as partners in their child’s care and education during this treasured time in their lives.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL THE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CHILDREN LOVE 960 hours of online Hebrew tutorials
165 virtual students
14 enrichment sessions with “Amazing Max the Magician"
39 in-person students
120 hours of in-person learning
100 cumulative hours of professional development for teachers
330 hours of the new “ShalomLearning” curriculum 11 Kadima students
14 sessions of Hineini Mitzvah education 60 B’Nei Mitzvah students received 720 hours of training
80 hours of preparation for “Chanukah Blessings Video” & “Four Questions Video” 28 students and 51 adults enrolled in the Jewish Resistance & Holocaust Class
115 Hineni students in 4th-6th grades
Countless good deeds done by 7th grade Mitzvah Makers
In 2020-2021, for the first time ever, families had the option to choose one of two modalities at the Religious School everyone loves: in-person or online. The goal of our program, no matter how it is delivered, is to deepen the students' Jewish experience and knowledge in order to strengthen faith in God, love of Torah, and identification with the Jewish people. Our new ShalomLearning curriculum kept our students engaged, made them feel more comfortable participating in prayer services, and instilled positive feelings about their Jewish identity. The use of small pods with a maximum of eight students per group, the introduction of weekly 15-20 minute individual Hebrew lessons, and our wide variety of classes, including the Kadima program for children with learning differences, ensured that our desired educational outcomes were achieved. Warm and nurturing teachers, led by Cantor Elena, provided ongoing support and counseling to all Religious School families. Throughout the year, we used a variety of enrichment activities including Jewish cooking, video presentations, music, and holiday celebrations to complement both in-person and remote classroom learning. It was truly a wonderful year, despite the challenges of teaching during a pandemic. We didn’t just manage, we flourished!
SULAM TEEN PROGRAMS YOU BELONG HERE
Our work in 2020-2021 centered on creating meaningful connections and safe spaces for our teens. Our programs were designed to offer interactive activities, community service opportunities, platforms for personal growth, and a deeper connection to Judaism. This year, we found innovative and creative solutions to the challenge of programming during the pandemic. We met outdoors at Temple Sinai over Zoom and in our teens' driveways. COVID-19 didn't weaken our connection to each other one bit! Over the winter months, we designed an eightweek home-based community service project, supporting organizations such as DOROT, the Islamic Center of Long Island, and The Little Shelter (animal shelter).
350
1000
50
Cat Toys Made & Donated to The Little Shelter
Hygiene Packs Created & Donated to the INN
Rainbow Crafts Donated to Winthrop Hospital
150lbs
25
500lbs
Cleaning Supplies Donated to NYC Homeless Shelter
Bags of Clothing Donated to NYC Homeless Shelter
Non-Perishable Food Donated to the Interfaith Nutrition Network
Our inaugural partnership with the Adult Engagement department allowed us to offer a three-part series of Teen/Adult Conversations on Zoom. We engaged in intentional and thoughtful dialogue centered on timely topics. Participation in this series was so inspiring that we intend to continue it next year. Additionally, we had a record number of teens interested in joining our Teen Leadership Board (SORTY). Temple Sinai is blessed to have such dedicated and enthusiastic teens. They truly were the silver lining to a difficult year.
ADULT ENGAGEMENT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Clergy Classes
Wellness Webinars
Culinary Programs
Musical Programs
Art Lectures
Shared Society in Israel
Adult / Teen Conversations
Virtual Tours
Author Talks
Discussions of Politics / Race in America
Torah Scribe Class; White Fragility Reading Group; Judaism's Holy Moments; The Sacred Book of Psalms; Happy Hour; Monday Morning Meditation
Healthy Chanukah & Tablescape Design Healthy Passover & Festive Seder Table
The Role of Art in Fighting Social Injustice "Degenerate"Art
Privilege Racism Antisemitism
Jewish Book Council Authors: Debbie Cenziper - Citizen 865 Anna Solomon - The Book of V. Max Gross - The Lost Shtetl Joshua Green - Unstoppable
Pandemic Fatigue Seasonal Affective Disorder Empathy
Summer Concert Series Lunch & Learn with the Cantors
New Israel Fund Arava Institute Hand in Hand Schools
Tenement Museum Pollock-Krasner House JNF Virtual Travel Adventure in Israel
Tracey Edwards from NAACP; Amy Spitalnick from Integrity First for America; Adam Weinschel & Ian Solomon; Nadine Strossen & David Saperstein on the Lasting Legacy of RBG, Jason Isaacson from AJC on the 2020 Presidential Election; Zev Hurwitz from AJC on BDS on College Campuses
BROTHERHOOD JOIN, PARTICIPATE, BE PART OF IT
The Temple Sinai Brotherhood is an organization of men whose mission is to serve our congregation and community in accordance with Jewish traditions and values. We welcome all men who want to participate in social, educational, social action, and religious activities that support Temple Sinai of Roslyn and our Jewish community. In addition, our wonderful tradition of “Scotch & Sacred Text" evenings with Rabbi Michael White has continued uninterrupted via Zoom. We discuss weekly parsha or matters of current events. Although this past year has been challenging due to COVID-19, we’ve created an innovative approach to staying “connected” to our members. The Brotherhood of Temple Sinai has instituted a networking group called CONNECT that is open to every member of our temple. Why is networking important? Networking offers you access to opportunities you might not be able to find on your own. Your network has the potential to provide you with insight into different fields, information on what potential clients or employers are looking for, and advice on how you can improve professionally. Join familiar and new colleagues from Temple Sinai for this exciting and powerful series of scheduled virtual networking meetings. Join us to hear from experts and exchange ideas to improve our professional careers and business contacts through our Temple family. CONNECT meets via Zoom on alternate Wednesday mornings at 8:00am. We’re looking forward to getting back in-person next year with our customary calendar of events including: Sunday morning breakfasts at Diane’s Bakery or at the diner Playing our annual early June softball challenge with the Temple youth group, SORTY Barbeques for the Teen Programs and after Friday Night Services We invite you to “Join, participate, be part of it.” It’s amazing!
FRIEND OF A FRIEND / CHAVEROT UNITING WOMEN OF ALL AGES & STAGES
Temple Sinai’s women’s group, Friend of a Friend, has over 300 members, and we remained active and connected during this year of being apart. We kicked off September by masking up and decorating the Sukkah in socially distant pods. We celebrated Sukkot and Simchat Torah with caramel apples and apple strudel at 2 virtual baking events. Over 60 women attended our 2020 Virtual Sukkot Service and Brunch, where our Ushpizin Barbara Blatte shared the story of her life, along with a wonderful slideshow. 18 women toured the Nassau County Museum of Art Sculpture Garden with docent Nancy Traeger. Over 2000+ calories were consumed as a result of our popular Babka Baking virtual event. 55 women of FOF logged on for our Chanukah Ladies’ Night of Lights & Laughter. We were happy to donate 500 bags of gelt for the Chanukah celebrations in the ECC and Religious School, in lieu of our traditional Chanukah Boutiques and Latke Parties. We prepared meals for over 20 local families in need at our virtual "Cooking for a Cause" event, and then delivered them to their homes. We kicked off 2021 with good health on our minds at our "Plant-Based Living" Zoom, and some of us enjoyed a 3-part virtual Art Talk, again with Nancy Traeger. Rabbi Schachter led over 40 of us in the first of a multi-part series on the “bad girls” of Jewish lore; 2 more to come with guest Rabbi Lenza. We shared “TLC” and Purim festivities by creating and delivering 36 Purim bags. Our Zoom "Bingo Bash" was a huge success, with 5 big winners, 3 bonus winners, cash donations to 2 charities as well as to Sinai’s Social Action Fund. FOF co-sponsored 6 Adult Engagement virtual events, and held our second Virtual Women’s Seder in March with 78 women. We look forward to 2 more popular baking Zooms: cookies and challah. 40+ women enjoyed 2 “at-capacity” Wine, Women and Wisdom nights with Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz, plus 1 more to come. We launched our first Shabbat prayer class, and in May we will lead our second FOF Shabbat Service of the year, with 18 women leading the service.1 Spring Celebration will take place in June, where we’ll share over a 1000+ laughs as we close out a year like no other.
eLEVate LIFTING OUR HEARTS FROM HOME
Many of you remember receiving an eLEVate box on your doorstep this past September, complete with resources to enhance your Elul and High Holy Day engagement, instructions for building your own sacred space in your homes, and ways to think deeply about philanthropic giving. The eLEVate box was an experiment, a foray into the world of home-based congregational Judaism, a concept that explored the various ways Temple Sinai could engage members from a distance during the pandemic. The goals of eLEVate were to remind our community that we were still there for them, even though COVID-19 had kept us apart, and to view holidays at home not in terms of what was lost, but in terms of what was possible. The more we thought about it, the more we realized that these goals were not unique to the High Holy Days, and could be harnessed to inspire and engage our community throughout the year. In the spring, Temple Sinai created two new eLEVate boxes, focused on families with children under Bar or Bat Mitzvah age. The design team was composed of teen and adult volunteers, staff, and clergy. The eLEVate boxes they created were filled with interactive activities and learning opportunities for the whole family. In years past, children and their grownups always celebrated Purim in our building. This year, the eLEVate Purim Boxes brought the festival to life at home. Similarly, we developed an eLEVate Passover Box, with special activities and opportunities to engage deeply in the festival of Passover and beyond. The feedback has been outstanding. We are so pleased that Temple Sinai families' religious observance and connection was enhanced by this project.
The "eLEVate: Lifting Our Hearts From Home" project was made possible in partnership with UJA Federation of New York and the Center for Rabbinic Innovation. Rabbi Schachter’s interview about the origins of this project can be found by scanning this QR code:
SOCIAL ACTION 365 DAYS SPENT REPAIRING THE WORLD
WITH YOUR HELP, WE DID IT! Social Action continues to be a committee that thrives, especially in stressful times like these. The support of the larger Temple Sinai community was particularly inspiring this year. When we come together, we can achieve great results for people in need. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer hours, or donation of goods, we truly made a difference. Our commitment to repairing the world is unwavering. Thank you for your continued support through good times and bad.
Three out of five congregants have volunteered or donated to a social action cause this year.
WHO WE HELPED Book Fairies Broken Not Destroyed Ejoy Food Insecure Seniors Glen Cove Hospital Hatzilu Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center Island Harvest Jewish Family Service in Houston Interfaith Nutrition Network Long Island Cares Long Island Coalition for the Homeless Meal Train Mid Island JCC NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NY Blood Center NYC Department of Homeless Services One Sandwich at a Time The Pajama Program Ronald McDonald House Ruth's Refuge St. Francis Hospital Sunrise on Wheels TANS
WORSHIP & LIFECYCLE INSPIRATION AND COMFORT DURING DIFFCULT TIMES Erev Shabbat Services
Birthday Blessings
Custom Students in Sukkah Visits Holiday Videos
52
24
32
62
High Holy Day Services
B'Nei Mitzvah
Tashlich Participants
Anniversary Blessings
12
60
128
12
Yahrzeits Observed
Auf Rufs & Weddings
Zoom Passover Seders
Funerals & Unveilings
2186
23
2
49
Sharing Shabbat Family Services
Minyan Services
7
52
Bris & eLEVate Baby Namings Holiday Boxes
14
1200
FINANCES WEATHERING THE STORM Temple Sinai experienced significant financial challenges this year. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on membership dues, High Holy Day ticket sales, and catering income, among other areas. Unexpected costs related to COVID safety upgrades also significantly affected our budget. Even with lean design, cost cutting, and salary freezes, Temple Sinai's deficit was greater this year than it has ever been. However, our steadfast commitment to our members and to the broader Jewish community compelled us to stay the course, providing the highest quality social, cultural, religious, and educational offerings. Our robust calendar of programming and worship (albeit virtual) and our "best in class" ECC, Religious School and Teen Programs enabled us to maintain crucial connections to our members. Our impact was apparent from the wonderful feedback we received all year long. To many, Temple Sinai has truly been a "lifeline" in their darkest hour. But we didn't do it alone. The financial support of our members this past year kept us going strong. It is a testament to the power of our community; you heard the call and gave when it mattered most.
INCOME COMPARISON 2019-2020 2020-2021 2,000,000
200,000
200,000
1,500,000
150,000
150,000
1,000,000
100,000
100,000
500,000
50,000
50,000
0
MEMBERSHIP
0
CATERING
0
FUNDRAISING
Why does Temple Sinai require financial support beyond membership dues? Membership dues cover approximately half of Temple Sinai’s operating budget. Additional income is necessary to maintain the quality and scope of our operations. We depend on the generosity of our members to remain the beacon of progressive Judaism on Long Island. Thank you for your continued support of our sacred mission.
Percentage of Expenses Covered by Dues
53%
2020-2021 LAY LEADERSHIP OFFICERS
BOARD MEMBERS
Michelle Golden, President** Amy Braunstein, Executive Vice President Robyn Corbin, Vice President Andrew Kraus, Vice President Philip Rabinovich, Vice President** Seth Golden, Secretary** Michael Shaffet, Treasurer**
Richard Blatt Lawrence Cohen** Jacqueline Covey Allen Geller Esther Fortunoff Greene** Jana Grotas Steven Halpern* Ginny Jordan* Bert Kraus* Donna Liebowitz Cara Londin** Amy Mandell* Susan Moisoff** Liz Wiener Neale Scott Nussbaum Jonathan Rothschild Jeffrey Sklar* Gil Vilkas Adam Weinschel Jara Weinstock Leslie Wollin Tracy Zimmerman
HONORARY TRUSTEES 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 Tankoos Carol Biener Weinstock Howard J. Weisler Toni Wiener
*Board Members up for term renewal **Thank you to our retiring Board Members for their years of devoted service.
*Interim Legal Counsel
2021-2022 NOMINEES Lauren Borkon Danielle Massari Adam Mesh Tammy Szerencsy
PROFESSIONAL STAFF Rabbi Michael A. White Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz Rabbi Ilana Schachter Alison Stamm, Executive Director Lauren Belferder, Director of Youth Engagement Lindsay Dayan, ECC Director Adrianne Rubin, Director of Adult Engagement
Honor Your Loved Ones with Leaves & Plaques 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 $1,000. Memorial Plaques honor the memories of our loved ones who have passed away. They are in the hallway leading to the sanctuary. The cost of each plaque is $700 which includes a second version to be displayed in the sanctuary during your loved one’s yahrzeit week. Please contact Betty Brandel in the temple office at 516.621.6800 for further information/ordering.