...Temple Talk...Temple Talk...

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1 Tevet-Shevat-Adar 5774 January February 2014 Temple Israel & JCC Tel: Fax: Dr. David J. Fine, Rabbi / Caitlin O. Bromberg, Cantor Sharon Litwin, Associate Rabbi / Dr. Joshua Holden, President...Temple Talk...Temple Talk... Open Mic Sunday, March 2, 3:00-5:00 pm Homeless Feeding Program Continues Through Winter & Spring See Page 28 Annual Ways and Means Gala Sat. March 8 See Back Cover Second TI: Tuesday, April 15th Save the Date!!! See Page 22 See Page 9 Sisterhood s presentation on Elder Care Sunday, Feb 9 at 10:30 am See Page 23 BMC s Game Show Night Saturday, Feb 22, 7:45 pm See Page 21 Musical Shabbatot: New Friday Night Worship Experiences See Page 29 Interfairth Spring Blood Drive Sunday, April 6 8:45 am -2 pm See Page 9 Inside this issue: Rabbi s Message 2 Associate Rabbi s Message 3 President s Message 4 Mishloach Manot 5-6 House 7 Chesed 8 Tikkun Olam 9-10 NNJJA Fundraiser 11 Green Faith Application Good Deeds Day 14 Adult Education 15 Sweet Taste of Torah 16 Goodwill. HAZAK 17 Karaoke Night Brandeis Men s Club Membership 22 Sisterhood 23 Ways and Means/ B'yachad 24 Ad Journal Form 25 Silent Auction Form 26 Ritual 27 Musical Notes Circle of Honor. B nai Mitzvah Community Announcements. Early Childhood Charitable Gift Annuity 32 Oneg /Kiddush Sponsors. 33 Donations 34 Opportunities for Giving 35 Calendars Back Cover

2 A Special Shabbat with Rabbi Noam Marans FROM THE RABBI S STUDY... For the benefit of those who could not make it, and to share with those who did, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary Shabbat that we shared with Rabbi Noam Marans on November 22nd and 23rd. I have been planning with our adult education committee a full scholarin-residence weekend for some time, and with special thanks to Peri Namerow, Jane Rosen and a generous anonymous donation, it was a great honor to have been able to welcome Rabbi Marans as the first Shabbat scholar-in-residence of my tenure here. Rabbi Marans led our congregation for the final decade or so of the last century prior to taking a position at the American Jewish Committee where he is now the Director of Interreligious Affairs. As he has become one of American Jewry s principal ambassadors to the Catholic Church and to other Christian and other religious groups worldwide, he was a perfect choice to invite to Temple Israel this year as we have been studying the history of Christianity and Judaism in my Sunday morning class. We had more than 100 people join us for services and dinner on Friday night, and more than 130 for the luncheon following services on Shabbat morning. Rabbi Marans gave two major presentations, one after dinner on Friday night and the second after lunch on Saturday. At the first talk, he spoke generally about Christian-Jewish relations and how they relate to recent trends in the American Jewish community. On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Marans spoke specifically about Pope Francis and the exciting hope that he offers in opening a new chapter in Jewish- Catholic dialogue. Sharing his personal interactions as well as several stories of the pope reported in the media, Rabbi Marans described the pope as a humble priest who is determined to place people before dogma. Teaching us the key sections of Nostrae Aetatae, the 1965 Vatican document that revolutionized the relationship between Judaism and Christiainty, Rabbi Marans made a convincing case to appreciate the importance of that watershed writing, even though it is so little known by both Jews and Catholics in the pews. Through Rabbi Marans, we were blessed to visualize ourselves on the frontline of the quickly evolving reconciliation between the Jewish people and the Church of Rome. While the weekend was extraordinary in the substance of what we learned, it was also moving because of what Rabbi Marans means to so many of us at Temple Israel. All congregational rabbis strive to build the lasting memories and relationships that Noam Marans did with so many families at Temple Israel. What a special privilege it was, then, for me to invite Rabbi Marans back to Temple Israel for Shabbat, to have him walk with me and Cantor Bromberg and President Holden during the Torah processionals, and to extend to him the pulpit for the dvar Torah in services and the podium for his presentations at the meals. It is a rare blessing to celebrate the past and the present at the same time. Continued on Page 10 Page 2

3 NNJJA ASSOCIATE RABBI S MESSAGE Last spring, I was given a great gift of a learning opportunity to be a part of a cohort of Jewish educators in a ten-week online course, No Teacher Left Behind. The class was offered by JETSIsrael, (Jerusalem Ed Tech Services), an educational technology company owned and operated by Jewish educators in Israel who teach classes all over the globe via Skype and other Internet video conferencing service providers. Every week, my class would gather on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, (8:00 pm in Israel). Our teacher, Smadar Goldstein, presented us with a new educational tool and demonstrated for us how it could be useful in teaching a Jewish topic to our students. I learned about cool free voice recording on a site called voki.com and about how to animate myself teaching a short lesson on vocaroo.com. I learned to make interactive bulletin boards so that students could post their own art, games, videos and answer specific content questions on a site called linoit.com. I became proficient in using Googledocs and posting my homework on an online learning management system called Haiku. It was a great class, and I feel like I walked away knowing so much more than I even dreamed I didn t know. But, then the question came to. How am I going to use this technology in our school? How can the students and more importantly the teachers at NNJJA benefit from my learning? Thankfully, the answer came to me in the form of my teacher, Smadar Goldstein, in the flesh. The JFNNJ sponsored a teacher in-service for all of the area Hebrew school teachers on the Sunday of NJEA teacher convention, and the NNJJA faculty participated in this in-service. At that class, all of the teachers were inspired to use one tool and to develop something that we could use for NNJJA. And we came up with a wonderful linoit.com bulletin board where every class posted something for Hanukkah. Kitah Aleph students made a video of themselves chanting the Hanukkah blessings; Kitah Bet did research on how Hanukkah is celebrated in Israel and what the differences are between an American Hanukkah celebration and an Israeli one. They posted their findings on the lino board. Kitah Gimmel learned how to make an oil burning Hanukkiah and posted about their experience on the lino. Kitah Dalet wrote a few parody songs using ten Hebrew vocabulary words about Hanukkah and videotaped themselves. And Kitah Hey created an online Jeopardy game using Hanukkah trivia and posted it as well. We were to have viewed the board together on the last night of Hanukkah, but alas, I was felled by a stomach flu, so we were forced to postpone until the following week. It was a great treat for the students, who are accustomed to using technology in their public school classrooms and are, therefore, more proficient on our SMARTboard than some of our teachers, to see their work come alive on the screen. In education, we often lament the amount of time our children spend on screens in the course of their day, and sometimes I think it s great that religious school gives them a break from their devices. However, I also believe that the tools of technology can help create excitement and buzz among students. They are used to being engaged in learning via the Internet. Using new tools to teach old concepts is turning into the way that we sometimes keep the students excited about Jewish life. Technology is relevant to the students, and I am very excited that the NNJJA faculty has come together to offer new ways of touching the souls of our students. Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy Rabbi Sharon Page 3

4 This issue of Temple Talk comes at the halfway point of my first term as president. I find that with six months experience under my belt, I ve adjusted to the rhythms of the office and can start to think about the longer-term future of our institution and community. Although my state of the synagogue report isn t due until the general membership meeting in May, the secular new year offers a good excuse to reflect on who we are and where we are going. One of the themes of Conservative Judaism that has always appealed to me, and that characterizes our community, is Tradition and Change. I hear repeatedly from prospective and new members, as well as from those who have been around a while, that what distinguishes Temple Israel for them is our traditional approach. And this firm anchor in tradition is what gives us the confidence, as a community, to extend our practices to include more modern ideals without feeling that our identity is being compromised. Our longstanding fierce egalitarianism and our more recent acceptance of interfaith families and same-sex couples integrate naturally with our traditional services, strict observance of kashrut within our communal spaces and pursuit of a more restful Shabbat. This blend of tradition and modernization can also be applied to our institutional practices that are not directly halachic. Our synagogue and our community have many strengths; in the big picture we are in good shape. But all of us have some things we do better than others. Rabbi Fine s Sunday morning history classes bring in nearly a hundred people each week, regardless of subject, yet our Friday Kabbalat Shabbat service sometimes struggles to make a minyan. (Frankly, that s embarrassing.) Our membership numbers are better than the current demographic trends, but we certainly aren t growing. We have many congregants who give generously to Goodwill and Circle of Honor and our budget depends on this generosity. We have many members who donate their time and talents, including those who produce Temple Talk, our special announcements, posters, and fliers. Yet because of our current system, these efforts are uncoordinated, and anyone reading this knows that Temple Talk has advertised events that are over before the publication lands in your mailbox. PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Page 4 And our calendar is full of fun, rewarding, wellattended, successful annual events, from Karaoke to the Ways and Means dinner, the seasonal Concert Series, and so many others. But we rarely look far into the future, to our vision of what we want our synagogue to look like in five or twenty years. Improving our institution will require innovation: Not change for the sake of change, but specific, coordinated initiatives to keep pace with the world around us and to ensure we become the shul we want to be, while maintaining our identity and the distinctiveness of Temple Israel. One such change is effective with this Issue of Temple Talk. I have asked Jane Rosen to fill the new position of director of communications. Jane will be responsible for coordinating all of our many channels, including announcements and fliers, our website and social media, and of course Temple Talk. As part of this initiative, Temple Talk has become a bi-monthly magazine highlighting all of the wonderful goings-on at TI; announcements of upcoming events will come through re-designed announcements and other channels, and actually get to you before they happen! A second innovation is the set of experiments we will be conducting this spring with instrumental music during Friday night services. These experiments are not an immediate change to our practice, but are an opportunity for our community to try on a new idea and see how it fits. Music has become a strong component of the Temple Israel experience; adding instrumental music as an occasional component of our spiritual experience is a natural step. But as with our adoption of halachic adjustments accepted by the Conservative movement, we do not make such a change quickly or lightly. Over the course of the last several months the relevant committees and the board have been working to craft the approach best suited to our community. Continued on Page 30

5 MISHLOACH MANOT Purim is coming! In celebration of the miracle of Purim, it is a customary to send small gifts of at least two different kinds of ready to eat noshes to friends and family Mishloach Manot. Once again, Temple Israel s Religious School can send these packages for you! Last year, our Mishloach Manot package was a movie theme box with a variety of concession stand treats can you guess this year s theme? Attached is a list of Temple Israel member, non-member school families, staff and NNJJA teachers. Please circle the names of each family to whom you would like to send a bag. You can also give to the entire congregation including the Rabbis, Cantor, staff and NNJJA teachers for $180. The TI Hebrew school children will deliver mishlaoch manot to the following towns: Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Fair Lawn, Franklin Lakes, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Westwood, & Wyckoff. Bags for those living outside of these towns must be picked up by you. NO BAGS CAN BE MAILED due to prohibitive mailing costs. Members of Temple Israel who reside outside of Bergen County will receive a holiday greeting and their bags will be donated. Mishloach Manot will be available for pick up on Saturday night March 15. Deliveries will be made on Sunday, March 16. Your name (as it should appear on the card): Please send my greetings to the entire Synagogue Membership $ 180_ Please send my greetings to the families circled Total # each $ Please send greetings to non-listed friends and family Total # $12 each $ (Address list for delivery to the towns listed above MUST be attached) TOTAL $ We are often asked about reciprocation please choose one of the following options: 1) Reciprocate to all that send to me and bill me 2) Do not reciprocate 3) Contact me before reciprocating (phone # or ) Mail this form and the attached list along with your check, payable to Temple Israel no later than Friday, February 28, 2014 Temple Israel, Misloach Manot, 475 Grove Street, Ridgewood, NJ Any questions, please contact Rabbi Sharon Litwin at This section intentionally left blank. Page 5

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7 HOUSE Thanks to Barry Freeman, our Grove Street curb appeal has improved exponentially. Here s why, according to Barry: Until November, I was always bothered by the fact that our original azalea plantings were badly overgrown, beginning to block a clear view of our "Temple Israel" sign along Grove Street. That s when I asked House Chair Bob Smolen for permission to do something about it. With Bob s go-ahead, one Sunday morning, Tamara and I spent a few hours removing the leggy, overgrown azalea shrubbery on the side of the sign facing the Temple s exit driveway and replacing them with appropriately sized, fresh new ones. This spring, we plan to do the same on the other side of the sign (that people see when they enter our premises). Now we feel our lovely Temple Israel sign already looks nicer, from one side at least, and will be more visible for many years to come. BEFORE AFTER Credit: Photos by Tamara Freeman Photog Barry Freeman was on hand to catch this shot of Bob Obeiter learning how to use this intimidatinglooking machine, which Bob had to rent to change the light bulbs in the Temple Israel parking lot to more energy efficient ones. Kudos to Bob for an amazing job on a project to benefit us all! And thanks to Barry for recording the moment! El Al-niks excel at candlemaking. Photo credit: Dan Unger EL AL NNJJA Dreidel-spinning at the NNJJA Hanukkah Celebration at Cong. Beth Sholom in Fair Lawn. Photo by Dan Unger Page 7

8 Bring our community together!!! Volunteer Community Helpline - The Chesed Connection Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center Looking for a way to get involved in the Temple Israel community without joining a committee? Can you spare a few hours per year? Do you have limited time but still want to participate as a one shot deal? Does your student child need community service hours? Look no further. Here is your opportunity: Volunteers may be asked to: ^ prepare a meal ^ carpool a child or drive an adult ^ shop at the supermarket ^ run an errand ^ visit a congregant ^ send a card Volunteer Form for Community Helpline - The Chesed Connection Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center Page 8

9 Fall Season Brought Many Tikkun Olam Activities ---Big Thanks to our Volunteers TIKKUN OLAM Homeless Feeding November and December On two occasions in November and December, Temple Israel volunteers and friends cooked and served full course meals to100 people at the Hackensack shelter. With Shepherd s Pie and Beef Goulash as the entrée for the two meals, we also served salad, broccoli, rolls, fruit cocktail and dessert of cookies and pound cake. In November, we were joined by three members of the Fair Lawn Israeli Scouts, whom we hope will join us again in The Cooking Crew included: Sue Hill, Les Birenbaum, Pam Cohen, Linda Paige, Tracy Zur, Elaine Silverstein, Nadine Genet, Leigh Brown, Irene Bressler and Sarah Liebson. Serving on Site were: Sue Hill, Les Birenbaum, Sue Green, Naomi Kahan, Peri Namerow, Leigh Brown, Dan Mosenkis, Paul Aronsohn, Janet Tancredi, Jo Rosen and Fairlawn Israeli Scouts --Adi Rubin, Tomer Zilberman and Ido Dotan. Food Donations from: Sharon Mosenkis (milk, coffee and salad dressing), Howard Schreiber (fruit cocktail), Evan Dobkins (apple juice) and Leigh Brown (dessert). Mark your calendar for 2014 dates: Cooking at the Shul Serving on Site (Sunday) (Tuesday) Feb 9 th Feb 11 th March 30 th April 1 st Nov 2 nd Nov 4 th If you would like to learn more or volunteer, please contact Nadine at nzgnzg@aol.com. Good Turnout for Fall Interfaith Blood Drive As part of Federation s Mitzvah Day, Temple Israel and St. Elizabeth s Episcopal Church conducted the Fall Interfaith Blood Drive on Nov. 3 rd. We collected 43 pints of whole blood, three people were double red cell donors, one person donated platelets and four people were first timers. Too many cooks? Never! The Tikkun Olam crew prepared for Homeless Shelter feeding in the TI kitchen. Many thanks to Jerry Birenz, who continues to be our master scheduler and biggest advocate. Hold the date for our Spring Drive: Sunday April 6th 8:45 am 2:00 pm David Weiss, Jerry Birenz and Debbie Butensky at the Mitzvah Day Blood Drive. Photo credit: Johanna Resnick Rosen/Candid Eye Page 9

10 TIKKUN OLAM - cont. Help Temple Israel Earn a GreenFaith Energy Shield The Energy Shield is a national environmental merit badge for faith communities awarded by GreenFaith, the New Jersey interfaith organization devoted to conservation and protection of the environment. The Shield is awarded to houses of worship that have acted to reduce their carbon footprint and equipped their members to do the same at home and have addressed environmental issues in prayers and educational programs. Many participants also advocate publicly for strong energy policies. To earn the Shield, Temple Israel held an Energy Weekend on November 16 and 17, sponsored by the Tikkun Olam Committee and the Brandeis Men s Club. On Shabbat, Rabbi Fine gave a sermon devoted to the Jewish attitudes toward nature and the environment and led us in selected prayers. On Saturday and Sunday we had educational presentations for children and adults by outside speakers and our own Bob Obeiter and Freeholder Tracy Zur. We learned about Temple Israel s efforts to preserve energy and protect the environment, including our installation of a rainwater recycling tank and using energy efficient lighting in the building and parking lot. We are also in the process of benchmarking and tracking energy improvements at Temple Israel in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. We also learned about the many rebate programs offered by the State of New Jersey to help us conserve energy in our homes, as well as environmental programs in Bergen County. Extra brochures and promotional bags are available in the office. On Sunday, TechniArt, a member of the Green New Jersey Resource Team, ran a Lighting Fair at which it displayed and sold discounted lighting products. To earn the Shield, we now need 15% of our members to complete a Home Energy Stewardship Action Plan a simple, effective step to saving energy. We have included copies of the plan in this issue of Temple Talk. Please fill out a copy of return it to the office. FROM THE RABBI S STUDY - cont. Rabbi Marans is also a special colleague to me. Besides our shared heritage in Ridgewood, we also share the experience of both being second-generation Conservative congregational rabbis. We share a particular perspective on the life of a synagogue, the role of the rabbi and a seasoned knowledge of Conservative Judaism from having lived in the Conservative rabbinate our whole lives. Finally, we travelled together in Germany four years ago on a special Germany-Close-Up / AJC tour to see the famous Passion Play at Oberarmmergau, dialogue with the director, writers and actors and with German Christian seminarians on the challenges that a passion play raises in Christian-Jewish relations, questions that are particularly acute in Germany. Rabbi Marans made reference to that passion play experience in his talk. Our congregant, Alanna Carter, was on that same group tour, and I returned later that summer with Alla. I don t think there is any other synagogue (at least outside of Germany) where four people in the room could have said that they saw the Passion Play in Oberammergau, and saw it as Jews representing the Jewish people. A suggestion was brought to me after the weekend (and credit is due to Manny Haber) that we should plan our next Temple Israel trip to Germany for the summer of 2020 so that we can see the next Passion Play together. Then we can move beyond the learning we have been doing about Judaism and Christianity and engage in the history ourselves. I am grateful to Rabbi Marans for beginning that journey for us. Page 10

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14 Temple Israel Will Participate in this Worthy Community Program We are proud to be part of the Federation's Good Deeds Day community-wide food drive to benefit local pantries. Please drop off your food donations to Temple Israel by Sunday March 9, no later than 1:00 pm For questions: Page 14

15 ADULT EDUCATION Sunday Morning Lecture Series Explores History of Christianity. This year, the Rabbi s Sunday Morning Lecture Series examines the historical interrelationship of Christianity and Judaism, beginning with the origins of Christianity and following developments up to the 21st century. It s never too late to jump in. Class meets on the following upcoming dates: Class meets on the following upcoming dates: Feb. 23; Mar. 2 & 23; April 6 & 27; May 18 Study with Rabbi Fine Tuesday Evening Talmud Continues, Join this Lively Study Group. Come study Tactate Brakhot, learning the laws of prayer along with a wealth of material on rabbinic theology, from the new user-friendly Steinsaltz edition, in an informal, interactive seminar-style class. All levels welcome; no Hebrew reading facility required! JFNJ s One Book, One Community at Temple Israel Page 15

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17 What s On Your Mind? After we introduced ourselves to you over the phone, the members of the Goodwill Committee have asked for your feedback on Temple Israel s religious, social, community and educational programs. Whether offering your comments anonymously or on-the-record, we find most of you are happy with the way things are. Some love the Temple, its clergy, Religious School, social and adult education programs. Others have a few pet peeves, but are otherwise pleased with our synagogue. I personally collect everyone s comments and report them once a month at the board of directors meetings. Some things are actionable, others are not, but everyone listens carefully to what I tell them about your feedback. Telephoning On Behalf Of Goodwill This year, it seems like more Temple Israel members made Goodwill pledges on the High Holiday Seat Request Forms than last. This got our annual Goodwill fundraising campaign off to a good start and helped reduce the number of telephone calls the committee had to make. Nonetheless, there are many members we still need to contact. While none of we volunteers mind doing this, it is complicated. The best day and time to reach out to you varies all over the place. Some eat dinner early, some late. Some of you go to bed by 9:00 or 9:30 pm. Others don t get home from work till then! We frequently get your answering machine, but would really prefer to talk to you directly. And we often are asked to call you back for an answer. Let me stress: You do not have to wait for a phone call. You can let our office manager, Maureen Nassan, know how much you want to contribute to Goodwill. Likewise, if you want to have your feedback noted, you may telephone me or any of the Goodwill Committee members to discuss your thoughts. Giving To Goodwill The Goodwill funds we raise go a long way helping our synagogue function as completely and wonderfully as it does, because it supplements the dues collected and helps keep them as low as possible. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who have donated to Goodwill so far, as well as, to those who soon will. If we haven t gotten to telephone you yet, we will soon. So, won t you please consider making a pledge now? This way, you will know what to tell us when we do call you. L Shalom, Your Goodwill Committee: Bob Dworkin: Chair (Cell #: ) Tamara Freeman; Jo Rosen; Howard Schreiber; Elyse Levene; Cindy Zirkin: Members HAZAK HAZAK will not meet in January or February. Our next get-together will be on Wednesday, March 12. Please RSVP to Sonia Albescu at (20) Have a safe and warm winter. GOODWILL Page 17

18 KARAOKE NIGHT DECEMBER 7, 2013 Photo credit: Evan Dobkins Page 18

19 SUNG BY SOME, ENJOYED BY ALL!!! Page 19

20 Brandeis Men s Club LOOKING BACK Man-of-the-Year Dinner Thirty-nine Temple Israel members, as usual, the largest by far of the local synagogue contingents, were on hand to honor our own MOY, Howard Schreiber, at the New Jersey Regional Man-of-the-Year Dinner in Springfield on Wednesday, November 6 th. Many thanks to Jo Rosen for sharing these pictures with us. Hanukah Celebration: On Sunday, November 24, the BMC participated in the Hanukah celebration for NNJA students and their families at Temple Beth Shalom (TBS) in Fair Lawn. Howard Schreiber brought two giant cans of his Ambrosia brand applesauce (yummy) and also picked up several gallons of apple juice to serve to the crowd. The latkes were heated up in the TBS kitchen. This traditional food combination made a huge hit, as usual, and I was amazed at how much everyone consumed. AND AHEAD Men s Club Shabbat: At the end of March 2014, the Brandeis Men s Club (BMC) will be leading Shabbat services, and we will finalize our celebration by honoring, toasting and roasting Howard Schreiber with the traditional Sunday MOY Breakfast. Look for further details in the weekly announcements as the date draws closer. FJMC World Wide Wrap: WANTED: Parents and Kitah Hey students, to participate in helping the youngsters learn how to lay t fillin on Sunday morning, February 2 Super Bowl Sunday. As the World Wide Wrap is an initiative of the Federation of Jewish Men s Clubs, we also need the support and participation of our BMC members. Afterward, you can all go home and enjoy the big game! BMC Annual Raffle Fundraiser & Game Night: We have hired a team of professionals to lead us in a fun-filled, participatory Family Game Night on Saturday, February 22. The cost will be $25 per person, and includes lots of deserts and a nice variety of liquid refreshments. The evening will culminate with a raffle of prizes valued from $100 to $1,000. Raffle tickets will be sold separately. This evening s activities are open to all Temple Israel members, their families and friends. We are trying to arrange for baby-sitting that night for the wee ones. Let s come together for fun, laughter and to test our luck. B Shalom, Alex Rothschild, Co-President, Brandeis Men s Club Page 20

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22 A Fond Farewell MEMBERSHIP Temple Israel bid a fond farewell to Allen and Ellen Rubin after 24 years of membership at Temple Israel, with a special Shabbat Kiddush on December 7th. The Rubins departed Ridgewood for warmer climes, moving just several days later to Oakland, California, where their daughter, Abby, lives with her family. During their long years at Temple Israel, Allen served as Temple President and was active on the Board, sharing wisdom on a variety of financial and personnel issues affecting our community. The Board will surely miss Allen's observations and counsel. And the entire Temple Israel community will miss Allen s presence on the bimah during the High Holy Days when he proved his impressive lung capacity as our shofar blower. We wish Allen and Ellen all the blessing of good health and nachas from their family. The Bay Area is indeed lucky to have the Rubins! And A Warm Welcome: Please welcome the following families as new members of Temple Israel: Rachel and Stephen Halpern and their son, Matthew, of Waldwick. Tammy Lane, of Paramus. Jessica and Baruch Toledano and their three children: Yoni (7 th -Grade), Eitan (1 st -grade) and Elianna (who will be 1-year-old in January). Recently relocated from San Diego, the Toledanos live in Glen Rock. If you know of any new neighbors or friends who might enjoy our synagogue community, please pass their contact info to me so that we can reach out to them. Stay warm! (by coming to shul for services, classes and wonderful programs). Jo Rosen, Membership Chair ; joresnickrosen@gmail.com Photo credit: Johanna Resnick Rosen/ Candid Eye Kehilla Partnership: Our synagogue continues to participate in the Kehillah Partnership with the YJCC of Washington Twp. For $720, your whole family can become members of the Y, and enjoy using its state-of-the-art gym equipment, Olympic size swimming pool and toddler pool, basketball courts, squash courts, plus take any of the terrific fitness classes available. The Y is open seven days a week, and in inclement weather, it s a wonderful place to go hang out and stay fit. As members you are also eligible to enroll your children in the Y s highly regarded Nursery School. The only criteria for eligibility for this steeply-discounted Y family membership is that you must be a member in good standing at our synagogue. Save the Date! Second Seder: Tuesday, April 15 Celebrate Passover with family and friends at Temple Israel. Rabbi Fine will lead this spirited, warm full Seder experience, with delicious catered sit-down dinner. For details, Nancy Bortinger at: nancybortinger@gmail.com. Save the Dates! Please save Friday nights, March 14tand May 30 for Shabbat dinners and musical services at shul. Our last dinner was well attended, with more than 70 people enjoying good food, company and of course, Kabbalat Shabbat services! Page 22

23 SISTERHOOD presents... Our Parents are getting older; but so are we! Presentation on Elder Care by Shana Siegel, ESQ., CELA Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM Come hear Temple Israel member, Shana Siegel speak about what we can do for our parents and ourselves. She will share her knowledge on aging in place, long term care insurance and Medicare and health systems. Shana will also answer audience questions. Shana Siegel, Esq., CELA, is a certified elder attorney whose practice focuses on representing seniors and persons with special needs and their families in connection with asset preservation, estate planning, supplemental needs trusts, planning for disability, and guardianships. Ms. Siegel has been involved in health and long-term care issues for over twenty years, with a New Jersey practice dedicated to elder law and special needs for the last seven years. Prior to her legal career, she worked as an advocate and regulatory specialist at AARP. Ms. Siegel has also served as an adjunct professor of elder law at Seton Hall Law School. Ms. Siegel is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the New Jersey State Bar Association, NJSBA Elder Law Section, and Women Lawyers in Bergen. Ms. Siegel has been accredited by the Veteran's Administration to represent veterans. She is also a certified health care compliance specialist. She earned her JD with honors from Georgetown University and her BA with honors from Barnard College. Ms. Siegel writes widely on elder law, special needs and health law topics and was a contributing author of the NYSBA, Guardianship Practice in New York State. She also has appeared on Montclair TV34, a local television channel, addressing elder law issues. Sisterhood Judaica Shop The shop is stocked with beautiful holiday items. The shelves are filling up for Passover with Seder plates, matzo covers, and serving pieces. We have jewelry, mezzuzot, candlesticks, tzedakah boxes, baby gifts and more. Think of the Sisterhood shop when you need gifts for bar/bat mitzvah, birthdays, house gift or hostess gift. When it is time for your child s bar or bat mitzvah visit us first for tallitot. The selection is great, and so are the prices. We discount everything 20%. We are open many Sundays during Hebrew School, or call for an appointment. Contact Stephanie Gottesman for purchases: (201) or sjg @aol.com. Kippot Orders Sisterhood has customized kippot for your simchas. Before buying online, check with us! We will save you money. Contact Carla Vogel at (201) or carla.buchalter@gmail.com Book Group Sisterhood Book Group meets monthly and reads books that spark lively conversation. The next book hasn t been selected as of print time. Call Risa Rohrberger at (201) for more information. Torah Fund Since 1942, Women's League has supported the Conservative movement through Torah Fund. Torah Fund supports The Jewish Theological Seminary (New York, NY), Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles, CA) and the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (Jerusalem) through scholarships and direct gifts. You can contribute to Torah Fund by making a donation and receiving an annual Torah Fund pin. Benefactor pins cost $180. To order this year's beautiful Torah Fund pin, contact Peri Namerow at pbn1@columbia.edu or (201) or (201) This year's beautiful Torah Fund pin is now available. Page 23

24 Ways and Means This year s Annual Ways and Means Fundraising-Dinner will be a very special occasion, as we honor Jose for his 25 years of tireless, dedicated service to Temple Israel. Jose has been an integral part of the Temple Israel family. He has taken part in more bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and special occasions than Rabbis Fine, Steinlauf and Marans combined. This event is a great chance for all of us to join together to celebrate Jose, with a night of Latin music and Colombian food and drink. To make the evening even more special, here are a few easy ways for you to help: 1) Contribute products and services to our Silent Auction. For example, you may offer to host a private dinner party, provide interior decorating services, set up I-Pods, serve as a Personal Shopper. Whatever skills you or your friends may have, we d be interested in auctioning. We are also seeking contributions of wine, jewelry, sports memorabilia or anything else that may command a price! Receipts for all products and services auctioned will be provided so that you may take appropriate tax deductions to the full extent of the law. 2) Sell ads in our Ad Journal. Encourage local businesses and others who would like to honor Jose or otherwise support Temple Israel to place a written tribute to Jose or advertise their own products and services. Sell $600 worth of ad space to non-members, and you will be entitled to one free ticket to the gala dinner. 3) Buy journal ads for you and your family. Visit the cardboard cutout of Jose in the lobby to take a fun picture with him, or watch for times to take a picture with Jose live and in person to include in your journal ad! This is a great way to show how much you appreciate everything that Jose means to our community. And most important of all: don t forget to save the date, March 8, 2014, to attend the party! Questions, suggestions, ads and auction ideas can all be ed to Brian at wayandmeansdinner@gmail.com or call Please help us make this a night to remember. B Yachad There is a lot of exciting news to report from B'Yachad! Our social group or young families has welcomed a number of new members and continues to have many returning folks as well. In November, we had our annual Latkefest party and this year it was a huge success! Fun at the Latkefest at the Lindenberg house! We had a number of very innovative cooks who prepared creative types of latkes, and even a special dessert in honor of this year s Thanksgivukkah! Turnout was huge and a fun time was had by all. Thank you to everyone who participated. November also showcased the return of our Friday night potluck dinners. Thank you to the Sadok Family for hosting and to everyone who attended. We are looking forward to many more fun events coming up over the next few months. Family bowling, adult night out and a picnic are on the agenda. I am always happy to hear what events other people would like to see happen! Please don't hesitate to let me know what you would like to see this group do. It's all for you and all about fun! Erin Credit: photo by Erin Lindenberg Page 24

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27 RITUAL A very special simcha took place on Shabbat morning, November 9, with six women in our community celebrating an adult b'not mitzvah. From left: Erin Lindenberg, Suzanne Holden, Linda Paige, Tricia Schreiber, Susan Landau and Alanna Carter. All coming from different points in their Jewish journeys, the six had studied intensively for two years with Rabbi Sharon Litwin and learned Torah trope from Cantor Caitlin Bromberg in preparation for the big day. Each made a moving speech about her decision to devote Monday nights to Jewish study and how they had grown close, as classmates and friends, with support and encouragement from the clergy and their families. Wearing beautiful kippot specially knitted for the occasion by our resident crocheter, Frankie Bordowitz, they all, also, described how much it meant to finally ascend the bimah as a bat mitzvah. Suzie Holden, speaking on behalf of the group, aptly noted: "No bat mitzvah speech would be complete without thanking Tina and Jose, not only for supporting the needs of our class, but also in helping us plan and in setting up the celebratory Kiddush we will all be enjoying shortly as our thanks to all of you for being with us and enhancing the meaning of this day." A Historic Thanksgivvukkah - in More Ways Than One! Photo credit: Rabbi Sharon Litwin On a stormy, freezing night that kicked off an historic Thanksgivukkah, another historic event took place: a public menorah-lighting in Ridgewood's Van Neste Square, facilitated by Temple Israel and the Village of Ridgewood's Interfaith Clergy Council. Hundreds gathered, despite the weather, for the ceremony, led by Rabbi Fine, and tasty Hanukkah treats. In the off-season, the menorah will reside at Temple Israel. Photo credit: Johanna Resnick Rosen/Candid Eye Page 27

28 MUSICAL NOTES Open Mics Continue A highlight of our first Open Mic of the season was the wonderful duo of Artie Bressler and Eitan Cohen. The next (and last) Open Mic of the year takes place on Sunday, March 2, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Open Mics are a great opportunity for the Temple Israel community to come together in a relaxed, informal atmosphere it s our own little piece of coffeehouse culture. These fun events feature the talents of many Temple members in many genres, all performed to an enthusiastic audience. At the November Open Mic, participants included Artie Bressler and Eitan Cohen, Michael Rosen, Tamara Freeman, Bob Dworkin, Iven Rothenberg, Ilana Unger, Laurence and Ariel Fine, and Sara, Debbie, and Marc Cantor. And, of course, refreshments are always provided! If you would like to participate by playing an instrument, singing, dancing, telling a story or some jokes contact Marc Cantor at mcantor@casconsulting.com. Artie Bressler on the piano, Eitan Cohen at the mic Musical Kabbalat Shabbats/Summer Music Fridays As this goes to press, plans are underway for an exciting series of experimental Kabbalat Shabbat services to include musical instrumentation. Cantor Bromberg will present the first of these evenings on Friday, February 7, with a family service featuring guitar accompaniment. Look for announcements of additional musical evenings, which will include a variety of instrumentalists and a series of congregational dinners, cosponsored by the Membership and Music Committees. To cap things off, Artie Bressler and Eitan Cohen will present our first Summer Music Friday of the year, which will segue directly into a musical Kabbalat Shabbat. This special evening will take place June 27. If you play a musical instrument and would like to play during our special musical Shabbatot, please contact Tamara Freeman at (201) or TamaraFreeman@verizon.net. Photo credit: Johanna Resnick Rosen / Candid Eye Page 28

29 MUSIC & RITUAL Mark Your Calendars! An Exciting Experiment in Kabbalat Shabbat Worship Friday, February 7, 7:00 pm: Family Service, with Cantor Bromberg on the Guitar, followed by extended Oneg Friday, March 14, 6:30 pm: Rabbi/Cantor-led Service, accompanied by Dr. Ralph Selig on Organ & Piano, followed by Shabbat Dinner Friday, April 25, 8:30 pm: Temple Israel Musicians lead B nai Jeshurun - style Service, followed by extended Oneg Friday, May 30, 6:30 pm: Service led by Mr. Amichai Margolis on Guitar & Piano, followed by Shabbat Dinner Town Hall-style discussion of different musical formats and the spiritual experience will be incorporated into Oneg or Dinner following each service. These will be wonderful opportunities to explore together the possibility of new directions for religious and educational engagement at Temple Israel. For more complete details about the four experimental services, an explanation of the halakha governing the use of musical instruments on Shabbat and the reasons behind Temple Israel s undertaking this experimental period, please see Rabbi Fine s letter, which you should have received in your mail, or call the temple office for a copy. Winter Music Saturdays MUSICAL NOTES cont. Many thanks to everyone who made this season s series of Winter Music Saturdays such a great success: the performers, the members of the Music Committee, the enthusiastic and appreciative audience and the donors who make it all possible. We are very grateful to Gila Melamed, who designed the beautiful lobby poster and flyer. The Music Committee especially thanks Richard Schnaittacher, who sponsored the January 11 concert, which featured three fabulous America-Israel Cultural Foundation artists, Moran Katz, clarinet; Shmuel Katz, violin/viola; and Anna Polonsky, piano. And a huge Bravo goes to Jon Taylor, for his fabulous all-chopin recital on February 8 th. All this is possible only if you give us your support. Please donate to the music program in any amount you can afford. We list all donors in our upcoming programs. Thank you for your continuing support! Tamara Freeman and Elaine Silverstein, Music Committee Co-Chairs Yes! I want to donate to Music at Temple Israel Name: Benefactor ($90): Patron ($72): Friend ($54): Supporter ($36): Page 29

30 Benefactor s Circle Beth & Freddie Kotek Patron s Circle Sharon & Kenneth Levitsky Tricia & Howard Schreiber Pillar s Circle Audrey Meyers & Scott Agins The Gruber Family CIRCLE OF HONOR TODAH RABBAH TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS Shari & Manny Haber Peri & David Namerow Rita & Robert Obeiter Sponsor s Circle Anonymous (4) The Fels Family Roberta & Charles Fleischman Beth & Arty Freed Tamara & Barry Freeman Hayley & Jeffrey Gluck Susie & Shelly Goldstein Suzanne & Joshua Holden Elyse Beidner Levene & Louis Levene Debbie, Wayne & Jared Miller Melony & Robert Muller Lisa Mellman & Toby Nygaard Johanna & Michael Rosen Merille & Harvey Siegel Shana & Mark Siegel Sisterhood of Temple Israel Bonita & David Weiss This section intentionally left blank. BAR MITZVAH PRESIDENT S MESSAGE cont. We have elected to sample several different styles on different nights, in order for everyone to experience the possibilities firsthand. Please participate in these experimental services with us, and please engage in the opportunities we will provide to share your reactions and help chart our path forward together. Building on our core identity with new ways to engage in our lives as Jews is a continuous process that depends on a stream of new ideas and a willingness to experiment. Many of our most cherished events and practices were innovations not long ago. I look to you as a source of the ideas that will bring us to the future; reach out at president@synagogue.org. Page 30

31 Life Beyond Temple Israel: Community Activities/Announcements A Message from the Jewish Community Relations Council of JFNNJ: The Solution to Hunger is in the Backyard: Learn about AmpleHarvest! For gardeners who are harvesting more than they can use, visit to find a food pantry nearby that s desperate for their help and they should tell their neighbors about it too. For people planning on Hanukah/Thanksgiving-Day dinners and were planning on floral centerpieces for their dinner table, use baskets of whole fruit/vegetables instead... and then donate these to a food pantry the next day learn more at For people who are involved in teaching or social action at their synagogue, a Jewish-themed study guide is available at JewishAnswer For people who d like to get gardening supplies, a monthly photo contest with a $300 Gardeners Supply Company gift certificate for the winner is taking place. People may submit a photo of the food they re donating to a food pantry, and a public vote decides the winner. Details at The Jewish Home of Rockleigh, Russ Berrie Home for Jewish Living continues its assistance to the homebound elderly in Bergen County through two initiatives: rides to Shabbat services and home-delivered kosher Shabbat dinners. For further information, to either receive services or to participate as a volunteer, please contact Temple Israel member Chuck Berkowitz, executive director of The Jewish Home, at (201) The Early Childhood Committee invites all the 5 and younger members and friends to join us for "PAJAMA HAVDALAH" on February 1, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Social Hall. Children should come in their PJs to participate in the special ceremony which marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week. In addition to participating in the Havdalah ceremony (which will be led by Cantor Bromberg), children will make their own spice bags to use in the ceremony. Pizza and ice cream will be served for the children. Please invite your friends and family to join us! RSVP to Melanie Sadok by Thursday, January 30 at earlychildhood@synagogue.org so that we have enough pizza (but you will not be turned away if you don't rsvp!). Hope to see you there! Save the Date: For A Special Tot Shabbat Purim Celebration on March 15 at 11:00 am. In addition to our Tot Shabbat program we will have special activities and treats for Purim. Children (and adults) are invited to come in costume! Page 31

32 CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Make good financial sense! A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY is a wonderful way to make a gift to Temple Israel and receive a guaranteed income stream during these uncertain economic times. Whether you manage your own funds, or a close relative s, this investment may be for you. You need not be a T.I. member to participate. Consider establishing a CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY to: Provide regular, fixed payments that offer you income for your lifetime Name up to two income beneficiaries (I.E. a husband and wife) Transfer cash or marketable securities in exchange for a guaranteed income Realize rates that are higher than CD s and money market accounts Take an immediate Charitable income tax deduction Receive a portion of each payment tax-free Enjoy favorable capital gains treatment, if funded with appreciated securities Sample rate chart for a life annuity: Age Rate Age Rate % % % % % % To enquire about specific details please contact Howard Schreiber; , 10baker@optonline.net Page 32

33 ONEG/KIDDUSH SPONSORS Jan. 3: Jan 10: Jan 17 Jan 24: Jan 31: Oneg Shabbat Sponsors OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP Caryn Goodman & Mitchell Caplan in honor of their son, Joshua Caplan, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP Jan. 4: Jan 10: Jan 18 Jan 25: Kiddush Sponsors Naomi Strachman in honor of Howard Strachman and Robert Van Grover on the occasion of their birthdays OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP-Nosh & Drash Sisterhood in honor of Sisterhood Shabbat Caryn Goodman & Mitchell Caplan in honor of their son, Joshua Caplan, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Feb 7: Feb 14: Feb 21: Feb 28: OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP Waltraud & Daniel Unger in honor of their son, Joshua Unger, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Feb 1: Feb 8: Feb 15: Feb 22: OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP Temple Israel Youth Groups & Men s Club in honor of Youth Shabbat OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP-Nosh & Drash OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP BIRTHS Aiden Harold Von Holden, grandson of Gayle & Robert Sussman Eitan Weiss, grandson of Bonita & David Weiss We wish our new borns and their families strength, good health and joy. WEDDINGS MILESTONES Robyn Kotek and Jason Turetsky, Robyn is the daughter of Beth & Freddie Kotek. We wish the newlyweds a lifetime of mazel and simchah, of celebration and happiness. DEATHS BNAI MITZVAH Sarah Butensky, daughter of Debra Butensky. Thomas Vandalovsky, son of Emily & Steve Vandalovsky We wish our B'nei Mitzvah a lifetime of Torah, Mitzvot and Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Libby Wahl, mother of Barbara Halenar Marvell Ginsberg, mother of NNJJA teacher Claire Goldstein Leonard Chesler, father of Rochelle Forstot Aaron ben David, father of Roberto Nachajon May the families be comforted among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem ENGAGEMENTS Alanna Carter and James Calister. We wish the engaged couple mazel and future happiness. REFUAH SHELEMAH Simone Adrian Rabbi Salkowitz We wish complete healing of body and spirit to all who confront illness Page 33

34 DONATIONS We thank all of our donors: Temple Israel Chai Campaign Fund Laura & Philip Brody in honor of Ellen & Allen Rubin Laura & Philip Brody in honor of Beth & Freddie Kotek on the marriage of their daughter Robyn to Jason Turetsky Temple Israel Operating Fund Laura & Philip Brody in memory of David Kaplan, husband of Jean Kaplan Linda & Abe Davis in honor of the B not Mitzvah women in appreciation for their meaningful davening, leyning and inspiring presentations. We honor them for the honor they gave our congregation. Linda & Abe Davis in honor of Thomas Vandalovsky on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Harriet & Michael Fink Susie & Shelly Goldstein in memory of Aaron ben David, father of Roberto Nachajon Susie & Shelly Goldstein in honor of Gayle & Robert Sussman on the birth of their grandson, Aiden Harold Van Holden Susie & Shelly Goldstein in honor of Beth & Freddie Kotek on the marriage of their daughter Robyn to Jason Turetsky Meredith Paige Kroot in honor of Linda Paige on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Diane & Peter Kurshan Elyse & Louis Levene in honor of Nancy & Arie Bortinger on the birth of their grandson, David Belles Bortinger Sylvia Flescher & Thomas Marcyes in memory of Aaron ben David, father of Roberto Nachajon Laurie & Jeffrey Meltzer in memory Jerry Schraub, husband of Marion Schraub Constance Novek in memory of David Kaplan, husband of Jean Kaplan Lisa Mellman & Toby Nygaard in honor of Nancy & Arie Bortinger on the birth of their grandson, David Belles Bortinger Lisa Mellman & Toby Nygaard in honor of Beth & Freddie Kotek on the marriage of their daughter Robyn to Jason Turetsky Lisa Mellman & Toby Nygaard in memory of Aaron ben David, father of Roberto Nachajon Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Rabbi Fine Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Cantor Bromberg Ruth Susnick & Peter Safirstein Rabbi Selig Salkowitz in memory of Harry Salkowitz, Kate Salkowitz, Lottie Reich Naomi & Howard Strachman in memory of Leon Engle Naomi & Howard Strachman in memory of Aaron ben David, father of Roberto Nachajon Bonita & David Weiss in honor of Laura & Philip Brody on the engagement of their daughter Dena to Eric Wimpfheimer Temple Israel General Endowment Fund Donna & Eric Lindenberg in honor of Erin Lindenberg on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Amsterdam Family Endowment Fund Susan Amsterdam in memory of Jerry Schraub, husband of Marion Schraub Susan Amsterdam in memory of David Kaplan, husband of Jean Kaplan Susan Amsterdam in honor of Howard Schreiber on being chosen Brandeis Men s Club Man of the Year Susan Reeve/TI Feed the Hungry Fund Joyce & David Apsel in memory of David Kaplan, husband of Jean Kaplan Elyse & Louis Levene Elaine Silverstein & Bruce Thaler Rem Zeller Law Group (2) Zeller Law, LLC Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays Allison Lindenberg & Robert Toll in honor of Erin Lindenberg on the occasion of her bat mitzvah (2) Mahzor Lev Shalem Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor Howard Schreiber on being chosen Brandeis Men s Club Man of the Year Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Alanna Carter on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Suzie Holden on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Susan Landau on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Erin Lindenberg on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Linda Paige on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Ellen & Allen Rubin in honor of Tricia Schreiber on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Tricia, Emily & Evan Schreiber in honor of Howard Schreiber on being chosen Brandeis Men s Club Man of the Year Tricia Schreiber in honor of my Adult B not Mitzvah Classmates: Alanna Carter, Suzie Holden, Susan Landau, Erin Lindenberg, and Linda Paige Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Anonymous Amy & Douglas Dachille in honor of their son, Daniel on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Debbie Mitzner & Wayne Miller in honor of Rabbi Fine Diana Jampol & Walter Petzinger in honor of Rabbi Fine Rabbi Gloria & Martin Rubin in loving memory of Sophie Rubin & David Rubin Cantor s Discretionary Fund Anonymous Amy & Douglas Dachille in honor of their son, Daniel on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Shari & Manny Haber in honor of Cantor Bromberg Debbie Mitzner & Wayne Miller in honor of Cantor Bromberg Associate Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Anonymous Page 34

35 Donations & Dedications While Judaism itself can thrive without reference to finances, a community of Jews who are committed to the purpose of the synagogue learning, worship, and fellowship does need financial resources to help each other and themselves. Most of us recognize our obligation to maintain membership in Temple Israel and to support it by payment of annual dues. However, dues alone do not cover all of our costs. There is a continuing need for donations to help assure the synagogue s strength and development. We encourage any and all donations to Temple Israel. The following are suggested giving opportunities in which the funds are used to support all aspects of synagogue life: Temple Israel Operating Fund any amount Tributes $5 DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES Mahzor Lev Shalem For Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur $40 Chumash Etz Hayim $118 Simcha Terrace Paver $136 OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING Memorial Plaque $540 Large Memorial Tablet $54,000 The following are suggested giving opportunities in which the funds are used to support specific areas of synagogue life: Temple Israel Chai Campaign Fund any amount Funds the major capital improvements from our synagogue building renovation Religious School Enrichment Fund any amount Funds religious school enrichment programs & materials Endowment Funds $25,000 to establish a fund; $18 donation to established funds Each Fund has a specific purpose. Consult column on the right Susan Reeve/Temple Israel Feed the Hungry Fund any amount Funds Temple Israel s Tikkun Olam Feed the Hungry Program Kiddush Club Funds the kiddush when there is no regular kiddush sponsor $144 Rabbi s Discretionary Fund any amount Funds charitable purposes, at the discretion of the Rabbi Cantor s Discretionary Fund any amount Funds charitable purposes, at the discretion of the Cantor Associate Rabbi s Discretionary Fund any amount Funds charitable purposes, at the discretion of the Associate Rabbi Contribution Form Name: Address: Enclosed is my contribution of $ to Checks for General Donations or Dedications should be made payable to Temple Israel. Checks for an Endowment or Discretionary Fund should be made payable to the specific Fund. This contribution is in honor of or in memory of Endowment Funds TEMPLE ISRAEL GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund maintenance and/or capital improvement projects to Temple Israel properties. AMSTERDAM FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To provide siddurim to Temple Israel religious school students. DONALD FELLOWS HOLOCAUST EDUCATION MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund the education program portion of the Annual Holocaust Remembrance. PHYLLIS ANN ZWEIG FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To provide scholarship to a Temple Israel high school student to attend an Israel/Eastern Europe educational program. BARRY H. GLICK CHESED ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund both the cost of a professional motivational speaker who will inspire attendees to perform acts of lovingkindness AND the Chesed forum which will follow the talk. DAVID & SARA GOODMAN ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund supplemental Jewish experiences for Jewish youth. DAVID & SALLY KIRSCH SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To provide scholarship to a religious school graduating student for continuing Jewish religious education. ALEXANDER & SOPHIE PURITZ MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund the Temple Israel Annual Hanukkah Party, which shall include the distribution of silver dollars to all students. MAX AARON STRACHMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To purchase educational materials for the library as well as fund library related educational events. WILLIAM & RHODA TOONKEL JEWISH MUSIC ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To promote Jewish musical education for the Temple Israel religious school, as well as other musical and cultural experiences for Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center. Page 35

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38 Temple Israel & JCC 475 Grove Street Ridgewood, NJ Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Paramus, NJ Permit No Temple Talk...Temple Talk...