Serving Long Island and World Jewry

Transcription

1 Serving Long Island and World Jewry VOLUME 278 ISSUE 208 DECEMBER WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICES Saturday, December 1 - Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Rabbi s Column 2-3 President s Column 4 Cantor s Column 6 Religious School 7 Funds 9 Calendar 10 TEMPLE OFFICE HOURS & PHONE NUMBERS Monday-Thursday 9 am- 5 pm Friday 9 am 3 pm Rabbi (emergency only) Cantor Temple Office Temple Fax Religious School Dr. Jay H. Rosenbaum...Rabbi Dr. Galina Makaveyev...Cantor MaryAnna Price.... President The Temple Israel Bulletin is published monthly at Temple Israel 140 Central Ave Lawrence, NY VAYESHEV Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1-40:23 Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8 Friday, December 7 Chanukah Shabbat Dinner and Service Dinner 6:30 PM - Service 7:30 PM Saturday, December 8 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM MIKETZ Torah Portion: Genesis: 41:1-44:17 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 Friday, December 14 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 15 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM VAYIGASH Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28 Friday, December 21 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 22 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM VAYECHI Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Haftarah: I Kings 2:1-12 Friday, December 28, 2018 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 29 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM SHEMOT Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1 Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13;29:22-23

2 Page 2 Volume 277, Issue 207 A WORD TO THE WISE R A B B I J AY H. R O S E N B A U M CHANUKAH LET THE LIGHT OF HOPE SHINE THROUGH There is no question in my mind, that with Chanukah coming so early this year, many of us began our quest for those perfect gifts for our children and grandchildren before the Thanksgiving holiday. The joy of giving and the reward of seeing happy children as they unwrap their gifts, is a central theme of Chanukah. That being said, let us not lose sight of the main message and lessons of Chanukah as reflected in the heroes of this most beloved of Jewish holidays, the Maccabees. In addition to transmitting a message of heroism and faith, their valiant war against tyranny against seemingly insurmountable odds, provides us with direction in addressing the challenges of our day. The first lesson transmitted to us by the Maccabees of old is resolve and commitment to cause. Our cause today, in this fractured World in which we live, reflected in the rise of right-wing extremism, xenophobia and anti- Semitism both at home and abroad, is the safety, sanctity and security of American and World Jewry. Our holiday joy this Chanukah is diminished by the memory of the 11 innocent souls murdered at the Erz Chaim Synagogue in Pittsburgh but a few weeks ago for the soul crime of being Jewish. In God s name how could this be - how could it be that in 2018 we witness the most violent, hateful and murderous acts of anti-semitism in our nation s history? Furthermore, the FBI has reported, that 58% of people targeted in hate crimes because of their religion this past year, were Jewish and anti-semitic acts according to the ADL saw an increase of 57%. These tragic statistics should not be a cause for panic but rather action on our part. We can take solace in knowing that American Jews are held in the highest esteem by any minority by our fellow Americans. Furthermore, our Temple is taking the measures needed to keep our families safe and secure as we worship and celebrate our glorious heritage. But we must do more each of us in our own way. Let us start by coming to Temple more frequently in greater numbers and there in gain strength and security from one another. We dare not give the haters a victory by staying away from our beloved house of prayer and study. Next, we must arm ourselves and arm ourselves heavily - very heavily with love - so much love for that is what the Torah commands of us to do; to love our neighbor as ourselves; and to treat the stranger who is our neighbor and fellow countrymen who is different than us with the same respect, understanding and love as we treat each other. Oh yes, these past weeks we have cried bitter tears with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh and for the 11 murdered in Pittsburgh. Now the time has come for us to wipe away those tears and act with resolve. The most effective way I know after taking all the safety and security precautions needed to fight hatred - is with love. Furthermore, we must show the nations of the World, that we are concerned with the safety and security of our fellow Jews who live in their midst. To this end, I lead a delegation of 20 Rabbis from across the United States from every branch of Judaism to Germany the other week. The purpose was not only to join with the leaders of World Jewry in performing the mitzvah of Zachor - remembering our 6 million who perished in the Holocaust at the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of Kristallnacht, but also to show the government of Germany - the people of Germany, that American Jewry is concerned with the welfare of the over 200,000 Jews who now live in Germany. In terms of the security of World Jewry there is no doubt that the State of Israel has changed the whole equation for the better. Today 80 years after the beginning of the Holocaust if God forbid Jews in any part of the World feared for their lives, they have someplace to go - they can go home - go to their spiritual home the Jewish Democratic State of Israel and be welcomed with open arms. We have a sacred obligation to strengthen, uphold and be Israel s strongest advocate in the international arena. Our commitment to Israel cannot be contingent upon which party happens to be in power at any given time.

3 Page 3 Volume 277, Issue 207 The second lesson of the Maccabees that we must take to heart is to keep faith with ourselves most especially when we encounter set-backs, obstacles and reverses in life. Let us remember that the Maccabees valiant war against the Seleucids took years. Our ancestors, in addition to their victories, had their defeats. Yet, with faith in themselves and their cause, they stayed the course and won the day. Finally, the Maccabees teach us the importance of having faith in God and expressing that faith in one s life. Remember, the Maccabees first act after winning the war was re-dedicating the Temple in Jerusalem and rekindling the Menorah symbolizing hope, life and faith in God as his eternal people - a light on to the nations of the world. Therefore, dear friends, this Chanukah as we light the menorah, let us find the joy in giving and receiving and take to heart the message of the Maccabees of old. In doing so, let us re-dedicate ourselves to our great nation, World Jewry, the State of Israel and this our beloved Temple Israel, our spiritual home and connection to the Holy. Amy, Michelle, Dylan, Ryan, Liam, Jordan and I send you and your family our love and most heartfelt wishes for a Happy Chanukah and a healthy, filling and good New Year. RABBI ROSENBAUM LEADS DELEGATION OF AMERICAN RABBIS TO BERLIN NOVEMBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 11, 2018 Rabbi Rosenbaum addressing the over 80,000 individuals gathered at the Monument for Murdered Jews of Europe 80 th Anniversary of Kristallnacht Left to Right: Our Rabbi, Amy Rosenbaum and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas with National Delegation of American Rabbis.

4 Page 4 Volume 277, Issue 207 P R E S I D E N T S M E S S A G E M A RYA N NA P R I C E It s amazing how fast the calendar appears to move once the High Holy Days have past. As I write this new monthly column, we recently celebrated our annual Kristallnacht Service, commemorating the Night of Broken Glass in Germany. We always remember the Holocaust with students reciting poems and prayers, trying to link generations to come with the past, but not let it define them. This year, with the anti-semitic act at the Tree of Life Temple in Pittsburgh, we must resolve more than ever to be prudent, vigilant, but always maintain that wonderful quality that makes us Jewish - the obligation to be a Light Unto the World, to lead by example and make the world a better place. For over 100 years, Temple Israel has held a joint Interfaith Thanksgiving Service with the Russell Sage First Presbyterian Church in Far Rockaway. By the time you are reading this, we will have hosted this wonderful service at Temple Israel. This event has always been held prior to Thanksgiving to allow better access for attending. Cantor Galina, our choir, and the members of the church, led by their new Reverend, lifted up their voices in song (to paraphrase that wonderful Protestant hymn that I m sure will have been sung again), a song especially worth listening to in this time, and at this time of year. The service was followed by a light dinner of sandwiches, letting us break bread with one another and keep our friendship alive for the next 100 years. For those of you who have not as yet signed up your college or graduate school children in our college gift program, there is still time. There is no charge, and the Chanukah packages have not yet been sent out. As my children can attest, it is a wonderful remembrance of home and family to receive these packages on special holidays, just to remind your children that we love them, miss them, and are thinking of them. Our latke bake is coming up on December 2nd and Alan Krim has already begun to assign tasks to our intrepid latke bakers, who will arrive at 6 AM to peel potatoes and cook all morning so that our Temple children and parents can celebrate the holiday in style. My son still wears his scuba diving goggles when grating the onions, and my husband will smell like potato latkes for the rest of the day. Come, you ll have an absolutely wonderful time! This year, my daughter will hopefully be bringing my granddaughter Devon to the bake, if only to sample the wonderful aromas! Speaking of Chanukah, our family Chanukah dinner is coming up shortly December 7 th -, where we have a family dinner before our annual Chanukah service. At the service, all families are encouraged to bring a menorah and light it together with our Rabbi when we light our Temple Israel menorah, to celebrate this joyous occasion. Let us bring light to illuminate the world. History always mentions how the pilgrims, fleeing religious persecution, began this nation, it never mentions that these pilgrims came with Jews, welcomed by these persecuted groups because of the large proportion of doctors and educated people needed to form a civilized society. When we hear of marches in Charlotte with American Nazis screaming, Jews will not replace us, it should remind us all that we are the originals we have replaced no one. We always have, and will continue to be, an integral and vital part of the bedrock of this country. May it always be so. MaryAnna Price, President

5 Page 5 Volume 277, Issue 207 Home guide for Chanukah celebration - By Rabbi Jay H. Rosenbaum Dear friends, on Sunday evening, December 2nd at sundown, we begin our eight-day celebration of Chanukah. Please join with your family members each night in lighting the menorah. For your convenience, I have provided you with the blessing and reflections on the meaning of each candle. HAPPY CHANUKAH! Reminder: Facing the Menorah, the candles are added each night from right to left, and kindled by the Shamash from left to right. CHANUKAH BLESSINGS Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha olam, asher kid sha-nu b mitzvotav v tzivanu le had lik ner shel Chanukah. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, who commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights. Baruch atah Atonai elohenu melech ha olam, she asah nissim la-av-otenu bayamin hahem baz-man hazeh. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors, in days of old at this season. ON THE FIRST NIGHT ONLY: Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha olam, she hecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu laz man hazeh. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season. FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: We light the first candle to remind ourselves that in the beginning there was darkness on the face of the earth. With the words, Let there be light the world was brought into existence from darkness to light. We kindle our first candle which we hope, like the earth s first light, will grow to enlighten the whole world. FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light reminds us of the brightness of our community and the community of our people in ERETZ YISRAEL, the land of Israel. Through the darkness of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope, shining forth through our tradition. And now through years of miles and lands, that beacon burns brightly in our hearts, and in the world, again. If I forget You, Oh Jerusalem, let my tongue cleave to my mouth, left my right hand forget its cunning. FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light reminds us that in every generation we need the faith of the Maccabees of old. Long ago in Jerusalem, this brave band led by Judah, drove the Syrian Greeks out of the Temple, and as their first act of faith rekindled the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, which, along with the Temple, had been desecrated. In this simple, yet meaningful act of belief, they demonstrated their faith that God, once again had redeemed God s people, for The Lord is my light and my salvation. FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The fourth light is the light of courage. It took strength for Mattathias and his sons to ignore the bribes and threats of Antiochus. It took courage to make the decision that not gold and not precious stones, but freedom to worship was the higher goal of the people. Every day we are called upon to make decisions. Some of them are easy and affect only ourselves; others are infinitely more difficult and involve many others; family, friends, community, even nations. Just as the Maccabees lived by the words of Moses to Joshua, may we also, Be strong and of good courage. FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the light of Torah, the Five Books of Moses, the source of our values. It was to be faithful to its teachings that Judah and his followers went to battle. Often we must sacrifice for an ideal. How much we are willing to lose is a mark of how much we hope to maintain. Yet we have a guide to help us. The Mitzvah is a lamp and the Law is a light. FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the light of the Synagogue. Some call it Temple; some shul, it is our symbol, that through worship, through common ideas, and through our devotion to the Jewish people, there can be o force which can ever destroy us. The Sanctuary is the sign that we, as co-workers with God, can help to bring about freedom in our world, Blessed are all who come in the name of the Lord, we bless you from out of the House of the Lord. FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh light reminds us that our beginnings are in the home, where we first learned our Judaism. The home is where we learn the warmth of love; the joys, tastes, aromas, sensations of caring families, of Jewish homes. On this Festival, as at all times, may the hearts of children be turned to the parents and parents to children, and may we understand through all their experiences the blessings of love and devotion symbolized by the home. "Let your home be open wide, and let the lost be members of your household." FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The final light is the light of our responsibility, to be a Kingdom of priests and holy people, to try to complete the work of creation; bringing love and humanity into the world. Micah said, It has been told to you what is good, and what the Lord required of you: Only to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

6 Page 6 Volume 277, Issue 207 G R E E T I N G S F R O M C A N T O R G A L I N A M A K AV E Y E V Dear Friends, I would like to congratulate Our Congregational Choir for successfully leading the Interfaith Service on Wednesday, November 14 th and Friday s Shabbat Service on November 30 th. Both evenings were filled with spirit, joy and happiness. We are thankful for your support and admiration that you show to our talented members. It means a lot to us and we are looking forward to creating many more meaningful moments together. We are always looking for more choir members who have an open-mind and love of good music. The Choir meets twice a month and leads Shabbat Service in Song on the last week of the month. We encourage anyone who would like to sing with us to contact me at CantorGalina@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at (516) My preparation for Chanukah usually starts by taking off last year s wax from the Chanukiyah and then finding the leftover candles. I am always excited about our temple celebrations that are not completed without latkes, lots of them, and sugary jelly donuts. It is my favorite time of the year. On Friday, December 7th, our Temple will hold a very special Chanukah service involving all the students of the Religious and Hebrew High School. I stand together with a group of our children and we raise our voices and we sing. The richness of this unique choir reminds me of the Jewish people and our collective past. Throughout the centuries, we celebrated our tradition in ways that sustained us and strengthened us. Music has been a part of Jewish life and remains integral to our religious and cultural experiences. I hope you will be able to share in this joyous event with your Temple family and show our children that we care deeply about them. As I look forward to the glow of our candles, I invite you to join me and the millennia-old choir of the Jewish people throughout the centuries for a great time celebrating these special eight days. Happy Chanukah! Yours in Song, Cantor Galina Makaveyev Shalom Ceramic Plaques Sponsored by the Sklar Family Kindergarten Student Dylan Ciobanu with teacher Carlee Bodner Menorah Workshop - Chelsea Weisfelner and Jessie Bodian

7 Page 7 Volume 277, Issue 207 SCHOOL CALENDAR, DECEMBER 2018 REED RELIGIOUS SCHOOL C A N T O R G A L I N A M A K AV E Y E V DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION 12/2 - SUNDAY, Latke Bake Chanukah Party, 10AM - 12PM, TIL 12/4 - Religious School, LWA - Mitzvah Trip to Atria 12/7 - FRIDAY, Chanukah Dinner 6:30PM, Service 7:30PM, TIL 12/11 - Religious School, LWA 12/18-12/25- NO Religious School, Holiday Recess Dear Families, On Friday, November 2 nd, our Hebrew High School students participated in special readings for our 80th Anniversary Kristallnacht Service of Remembrance The Night of Broken Glass, which marked the beginning of the Holocaust. We joined together and fulfilled the mitzvah of Yizkor of remembering our martyrs and took to heart the lessons of the past. I would like to thank our students for their involvement and making a difference. There is nothing more exciting for the children than to participate and share in the celebration of a Jewish Holiday in a meaningful way. Chanukah is a child-oriented holiday with warm family celebrations. There are so many activities taking place in our School during Chanukah. Our holiday celebration will start with olive oil and a menorah building workshop on November 20 th. Our Hebrew High School students will visit the Bristal Assisting Living on December 3 rd. Young adults will explain the meaning and significance of the Chanukiyah and lighting the candles. After the presentation, during dinner at the Sherwood Diner, they will bond together and discuss their feelings about the experience. On December 4 th our Religious School students will visit the residents in the Atria Assisted Living Facility on a Mitzvah Trip. Together with residents they will play Chanukah Jewpardy and sings songs. At the end of the event everyone will enjoy pizza. We will have a Latke Bake Chanukah celebration on Sunday, December 2 nd, during which time they will have crafts, make menorahs and edible dreidels, dance with DJ music, enjoy delicious latkes and be given Chanukah gelt candy. On Friday, December 7 th during the Chanukah Shabbat Service our students will sing Chanukah songs and will participate in the Human Menorah. As we move toward 2019, I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who help to improve our School by creating meaningful and memorable Jewish experiences for our children: the Sklar family, Swerdin family, Price family, Joan Brickman, our Parents and Students, our teachers, staff, Vice-President Fred Rudin and Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum. I extend my sincerest wishes to all of you for a very happy Chanukah and a healthy and prosperous New Year. B Shalom, Cantor Galina Makaveyev

8 Page 8 Volume 277, Issue 207 December Anniversaries Beth and Jon Halperin Ellen and Roger Harvey Nancy and Alan Hoffman Drs. Keisha and Mark Joseph Susan and Michael Kerr Rhonda and Marc Marinoff Maya and Dr. Boris Marshalik Cheryl and Ted May Elana and Dr. Bruce Mazor Debra and Russell Rosenthal Shelley and Dr. Fred Rudin Marlene and Roger Werner December Birthdays Randy Blaustein Jane Dai Kenneth Friedman Amir Gal Robin Goldberg Dr. William Groisser Carol Gronsbell Ellen Harris Dr. Robin Himmelstein Martin Hollander Burton Kahn Elana Mazor Brian McMahon Gerald Morganstern Blake Rivas Michael Rosenblatt Abe Rutman Aron Schnell Martha Sexter Dr. Stephen Silverstein Cathy Weiss Rhonda Zimberg SAVE THE DATE! The Jewish Sports Heritage Association Lifetime Achievement Award presented to JAY FIEDLER Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Noon Lunch/Refreshments/Dessert will be served along with the 1st NFL Wild Card Playoff Game Please join us as we honor former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler, with the Jewish Sports Heritage Association (JSHA), Lifetime Achievement Award. After a record setting career at Dartmouth College, Jay went on to play for 10 years in the NFL. Jay's stint with the Miami Dolphins featured three 10+ win seasons in four years, two 11-5 seasons, an AFC title and two postseason appearances. Jay signed with the Jets in 2005, as a backup to Chad Pennington. When JSHA was established, one of its purposes was to ensure "the deeds of the past shall inspire the achievements of the future." The First Annual Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor the Jewish sportsperson whose career in sports has greatly contributed to the enrichment of Jewish-American sports heritage. The award presentation will take place at Temple Israel of Lawrence, 140 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y., on Sunday, January 6, 2019, NFL Wild Card Sunday, and the afternoon will include the award ceremony, lunch (including dessert and refreshments), and watching the first wild card game on a big screen television. Cost: Adult - $20.00/person, children (under 13) - $ Reservations by January 2, 2019, are required. For more information, please contact Alan Freedman at Temple Israel at (516) , or via at alan.freedman@tilny.org. Please Note: we have new addresses at the Temple as follows: Ellen is: Theresa is: Alan is: ellen.gwozd@tilny.org theresa.whalen@tilny.org alan.freedman@tilny.org

9 Page 9 Volume 277, Issue 207 DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS CANTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of: Cantor Galina and Aleksandr Makaveyev s son, Antony, on his Bar Mitzvah Arlene and Richard Englander In loving memory of: Rose Barresi, beloved grandmother Lena Stolls Charles Mann, beloved son Lois and Philip Mann CHIZNER FUND In loving memory of: Jack Rosenberg, beloved father Tamar Waldhauser GENERAL FUND In loving memory of: Max Ackerman, beloved father Toby Hinderstein Philip Certilman, beloved father Morton Certilman Evelyn Kerr, mother of Carol Harrison and Michael Kerr Arlene and Richard Englander Barbara and Alan Hartstein Nancy Koopersmith Gwen and Jeffrey Scherr Phyllis Schiff Arlene Stevens Stuart Zimberg, beloved brother Rhonda Zimberg IRA HIMMELSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND In honor of: The birth of Russell Miller Shapiro, Karen and Kenny Shapiro s grandson Geri and Alan Krim In loving memory of: Regina Hahn Geri and Alan Krim and family Ira Himmelstein, beloved husband Dr. Robin Himmelstein Marta Kaplan, beloved friend Geri and Alan Krim LILLIAN & MURRAY FELDMAN FUND In loving memory of: Nathan Rothenberg Ronald Rothenberg RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND In loving memory of: Lois Mofenson, beloved sister-in-law Robert Mofenson Mildred Morganstern, beloved mother and mother-in-law Karen and Gerald Morganstern Stanley Tehel, beloved brother Lois Mann We appreciate your donations. Temple Israel provides you with a meaningful way to acknowledge a birthday, graduation, marriage or birth and all special occasions in the lives of those who are important to you or in memory of a loved one. Please call the Temple Office if you wish to make a donation

10 Page 10 Volume 277, Issue 207 DECEMBER 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 9:30AM Torah Study & Service 2 10:00AM Annual Latke Bake Chanukah Begins at Sundown Congregational Choir Rehearsal 7:30PM 8:30PM 7 Chanukah Shabbat 6:30PM Dinner 7:30PM Service 8 9:30AM Torah Study & Service 9 10 Chanukah Ends 11 7:00PM Officers Meeting :00PM Shabbat Service Congregational Choir Leads in Song 15 9:30AM Torah Study & Service :45PM Board Meeting :00PM Shabbat Service 22 9:30AM Torah Study & Service Christmas Day Building Closed :00PM Shabbat Service 29 9:30AM Torah Study & Service 30 31

11 Page 11 Volume 277, Issue 207 Temple Israel graciously acknowledges our weekly Bimah Flowers donated by: 1315 BROADWAY HEWLETT, NY Boulevard-Riverside Chapels 1450 Broadway Hewlett, New York (516) (516) Director: Stanley Misikoff z l WALL S BAKE SHOP 1336 Broadway - Hewlett Serving the finest in Quality Bakery Products

12 TEMPLE ISRAEL INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR A CHANUKAH SHABBAT DINNER & FAMILY SERVICE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, :30PM DINNER 7:30PM SERVICE The Religious School students will join in conducting the service and reciting the blessings over the Menorah with the Rabbi. Families are encouraged to bring their own personal Menorah to light during the service. ADULTS $ CHILDREN FREE (under 16 years old) Dinner Menu to include: Brisket, Roast Chicken, Fried Chicken, Latkes, Salads, Rolls, Sides and More Call the Temple Office Make check payable to Temple Israel and mail to: 140 Central Avenue Lawrence, New York Temple Israel 140 Central Avenue Lawrence, New York NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAWRENCE, N.Y. PERMIT No. 5