Larchmont Temple News

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JUNE 2014 Larchmont Temple News 5774 / 2013-14 Learning Theme FROM STATEHOOD TO SACRED HOME: Critical Questions & Sustaining Hopes in the Struggle for Covenant In this issue: Congregational Learning.

1 JUNE 2014 Larchmont Temple News 5774 / Learning Theme FROM STATEHOOD TO SACRED HOME: Critical Questions & Sustaining Hopes in the Struggle for Covenant In this issue: Congregational Learning... 1 From the Rabbi... 2 From Rabbi Nathan... 3 From the President... 4 From the Cantor...5 Our Congregational Family... 6 Thank You... 6 Monthly Worship Schedule... 8 For updated information on Temple events, visit us at

LARCHMONT TEMPLE 75 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538 914-834-6120; FAX: 914-834-6503 www.larchmonttemple.org a member of the Union for Reform Judaism JEFFREY J. SIRKMAN Rabbi MARA S.

2 LARCHMONT TEMPLE 75 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY ; FAX: a member of the Union for Reform Judaism JEFFREY J. SIRKMAN Rabbi MARA S. NATHAN Associate Rabbi/Director of Congregational Learning TRACEY SCHER Cantor RENA FRAADE Director of Religious School LEAH BRATTON Director of Early Childhood ZE EV AVIEZER Executive Director ז ל H. LEONARD POLLER Rabbi Emeritus ז ל EDWARD GRAHAM Cantor Emeritus FREDDA MENDELSON Cantor Emerita BOARD OF TRUSTEES RON HAUBEN President MEG FIENBERG Honorary President HARRI TARANTO Executive Vice President STACEY CHERVIN-SIGDA 1st Vice President LISA SAMSON 2nd Vice President ROBERT ROTHMAN Financial Vice President MICHAEL NATHAN Administrative Secretary DAVID SZABO Treasurer DAVID BECKER ELLEN BLUMSTEIN SHEILA CHERVIN STACEY CREEM YVETTE GOOREVITCH KEN GORDON JONAS HERBSMAN BARBARA LEWIS KAPLAN RICHARD SHAPIRO TOBY SKLAREW MARTHA STEINMAN STEVEN TANENBAUM KENT YALOWITZ Trustees CHARLES BIENER Brotherhood President NANCY KANTERMAN Sisterhood Representative JEFFREY WANG KAREN ZIMMERMAN Youth Education Committee Chairs MICHELE METSCH, JENN KRONICK SHAPIRO AND RANDI SPATZ LTNS Steering Committee Chairs Thank you for submitting by the 10th of each month to afagon@larchmonttemple.org Andrea Fagon, Editor/Designer Carol Scharff, Proofreader Printed on recycled paper JULIA ROTHMAN LarFTY President FROM THE RABBI The Top 10 things You Should Know about RABBI BETHIE MILLER 1. On the road to considering rabbinic school, Bethie worked for almost 4 years as a specialist on congregational engagement with Temple Israel and their innovative outreach program, The Riverway Project. 2. With a love of hiking and backpacking, Bethie was a student intern for The Adventure Rabbi, Jamie Korngold, experiencing the High Holy Days in the shadows of the Grand Canyon. 3. As an outgrowth of her undergrad degree from Williams in Environmental Studies, and a decided interest in global ecology, Bethie worked with Friends of the Earth as an Engineered Foods Intern. 4. Before entering the path towards HUC, Bethie completed a year towards her M.A. in City Planning at M.I.T. 5. The congregants at North Fork Reform Synagogue, specifically the Adult Learning Chair said, Bethie was the best teacher we ever had. 6. As the Organizing Rabbinic Intern for East End Temple in NYC, Bethie developed and led High Holy Day services for Families with young children. 7. Working as a Rabbinic Intern with Dorot and forming relationships with homebound seniors on the Upper East Side, the pastoral care Bethie provided was often exceeded by the life-wisdom she gained through the elder encounters. 8. As a spiritual leader, Bethie believes that asking the right questions is more important than knowing all of the answers. 9. Bethie is married to Matt, and they are the proud new parents of Addy, Just weeks old and very excited to meet her new LT congregational family. 10. Bethie is delightful, insightful, authentic, spiritually attuned, funny and fun-loving, And happened to grow up in the Boston burbs, thus, she is a fan of all the right teams! Don t miss the Annual Congregational Meeting on Monday, June 9, for a chance to say hello to our new Assistant Rabbi and welcome her to LT! As always, with gratitude for the covenant we share. Rabbi Sirkman 2

3 FAREWELL FROM RABBI NATHAN Sometimes I think about the fact that LT has been my home for almost half my life. It strikes me at the oddest times driving down Boston Post Road, standing in line at Bradley s or Stanz or walking down the ramp outside the Willow Avenue entrance to the Temple. It s always been a matter of fact kind of thing as in Mara Nathan this is your life. And it s been a pretty great life. Not only have I transitioned from single young woman living at home on Long Island to mature rabbi, wife and mother of three, but I have had the somewhat unique blessing of being able to do all of that with this one special place grounding it all. And without a doubt it is the relationships formed, the covenant community we work so hard to maintain, as Jeffrey has taught me so well, that have kept me here as your associate rabbi for so long. I think about my early years, even before Larry and I were married, when the parents of my religious school students and youth groupers befriended me, bought me lunch, shared their life wisdom and modeled what community commitment was all about. These relationships are ones that I cherish still to this day and are the bedrock of my connection to Temple. I think about Rita Grunbaum, may her memory be a blessing, who regularly invited me to her home for lunch, shared her stories, her generosity of spirit, and her passion for relationships and was not amused when Solomon my 2nd child was born 3 days before her birthday April 9 which had been his original due date. Spending time with her and other senior members of the community gave me access to a mature and more mutual relationship with a grandparent figure that I had lacked in my own life. I think about connections made when Isaac started nursery school and we finally discovered friends our own age. The dinners, the outings to the beach and pool, the many, many many years of birthday parties where we have entertained each other and each other s children while commiserating over the various indignities that go along with raising small children. And my family has been present through it all. My parents Hope and Dan Zimmerman, my sister Rebecca and her husband Howard, my brother Aaron who make an occasional cameo appearance from the West Coast, and it goes without saying my partner in life and love Larry. You put up with me, support me, cheer me on and make it possible to do what I do. My love for you is never ending. My gratitude and appreciation know no bounds. But of course it is the people I spend most of my time with day in and day out who have impacted my time at LT the most. There isn t enough time to adequately thank or recognize everyone, the staff, leaders and volunteers, but you are all in my hearts and have helped me make so many of my dreams and ideas come true. There is a classic story told by Reb Chaim of Tsanz, of a man who was wandering in the forest, lost and alone for several days. Finally, upon encountering another, he cried out, My brother, my friend, show me the way out! But the man in turn replied, I can only tell you this. The ways I have tried lead me nowhere; they ve led me astray. But take my hand, and we ll look for the way together. And so searching for the road home, knowing they could not get there alone, yet strengthened by their meeting, they set out on their way again If there is anything I have learned during my 19 years at Larchmont Temple, it s that no one can do anything alone. We need each other to celebrate and mourn, to laugh and cry and to make it through each day together. Each and every person in this sanctuary tonight has been part of my journey. I thank you for all the wonderful moments we have shared. Though Larry and I are moving to San Antonio, Larchmont Temple will always be our home away from home and we cannot even fully understand the depth of influence that this community has had on our lives and on my rabbinate. When you apply for rabbinic jobs one is required to write a vision statement. This is how I concluded mine: Each and every day I recognize the gift that the rabbinate has been in my life and in the life of my family. I have a great passion for the variety of work I do as a congregational rabbi. When I engage in Jewish learning, mentor younger professionals and get to share the music that I love, I know I am in the right place. The ability to help people in moments of need to navigate through pain and share in moments of joy is always gratifying and humbling. This sacred aspect of my work brings meaning and a sense of greater purpose to my life. And the ability to share in a Jewish life filled with family, friends and a connected congregation is a blessing in itself. I have the chance, not only to share my love of Judaism with others, but also to honestly reflect on the real struggles that come with attempting to balance motherhood, marriage and a healthy sense of self in a Jewish context. These opportunities keep me both grounded and grateful for such a rich and full life. As my rabbinate continues to grow and evolve I can only pray that these aspects of my life will always be present and that they will enable me to fully serve my congregation with energy, empathy, creativity and passion. Thank you all for such a beautiful celebration but more importantly for such a meaningful 19 years together. I love you very much! 3

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT SHALOM In my two years as President of Larchmont Temple, I ve written a lot about transitions people; music; security; governance; and curriculum just to name a few. This being my final column as Larchmont Temple s President, I wanted to focus on some more personal transitions. About five years ago I was asked by the Nominating Committee to succeed Meg Fienberg in this role. While I was moved by the honor I was not sure I could make the commitment I didn t see a clear path to balance the many aspects of my life and do all that was necessary to be successful in this role. Concerns aside, a phone call later from Rabbi Sirkman, the deal was clinched! (Has anyone ever turned him down?) It has been a journey for me a journey of education and a journey of inspiration. Thanks to those who came before me in this role (immeasurable thanks to Meg and her predecessor, Carolyn Kamlet, who were both unending in their support and unbelievably giving of their time) and to the Staff of Larchmont Temple (who patiently explained just how we did things here), I was able to learn a lot and muddle through. While the journey of education was pretty much what I anticipated, it is perhaps the journey of inspiration that was most rewarding. In two short years I have a lifetime of memories of intimate chats with our Rabbis and Cantors moments that I will treasure. I also was able to see in so many ways how our Rabbis and Cantors help and heal our congregants in their times of greatest need. And while I had not previously been (and still am not) a Shabbat regular, on those many Friday evenings when I could be at Larchmont Temple, I always came away with a warm and wonderful feeling about our synagogue, our community and myself. When I started as President I got a lot of advice (mostly unsolicited!) about what should be on my agenda for my term as President. Most thought it would be a wasted opportunity for me not to have a long list of projects and objectives to accomplish. But in reality my agenda was simple - to build on our past successes and ensure that, when we the many decisions on issues that were presented, we did so with a single-minded focus on what we believed was in the best interest of our many and varied constituencies. My goal was to stay the course and hopefully to end my presidency leaving Larchmont Temple at least a bit better and a bit stronger than when I arrived. While we certainly have had our myriad problems to contend with staff turnover, member engagement, budgets, fundraising, terrorism, hurricanes, snowstorms, illnesses, deaths. But I was privileged to be surrounded by Clergy and Staff, an Executive Committee and Board who took the time to examine these issues closely and make what I hope with hindsight will be viewed as solid and sustainable decisions. As I turn things over to a new group of leaders, I am confident they come into their own roles with great strengths, great commitment and a great willingness to stay the course. I also know that if I have taught our next generation of leaders even half as much as Meg, Carolyn and others have taught me, our synagogue will move ahead under great stewardship and with continuing success at achieving our covenantal ambitions. With thanks to each of our congregants, lay leaders, professionals and Clergy for all you have done to help me in so many ways over the past few years and with special thanks to my wife Vicki, and children Emily and David, who have provided their own unending love and support of me every step of the way! Shalom. Ron Hauben, President 4

5 FROM THE CANTOR Summer Services at Larchmont Temple! Dear LT Friends, This summer we will celebrate Shabbat services in the Garden Room upstairs what better way to welcome in Shabbat than seeing the beauty of nature around us! The oneg Shabbat will be held outside on the terrace or inside the Garden room, depending on the weather. We have also adjusted some of the service times this year, to give people an opportunity to enjoy dinner after the service. Listed to the right are the service times. Our summer services are lay-led by a wonderful group of dedicated individuals we hope you will come support them, worship with them and be a part LT s great summer tradition! B shira, Cantor Scher June 27-8:00 PM July 4-6:30 PM July 11-8:00 PM July 18-6:30 PM July 25-8:00 PM August 1-6:30 PM August 8-8:00 PM August 15-6:30 PM August 22-8:00 PM August 29-6:30 PM First Friday Services and Shabbat Dinner June 6 Celebrate with our 4th graders as they move up to kindergarten and Sunday School Services at 6:30 PM Optional Dinner in the Garden Room at 7:15 PM Supervised Crafts table Dinner Cost: $22 per adult, $14 per child, 4 years and over, free for kids 3 & under! Catered by PLATES - Includes buffet dinner, challah, wine, dessert, and crafts. RSVP for dinner to wendy.weinstein.karp@gmail.com 5

OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY Deepest Sympathies to the family of Doris Stampleman, mother of Jed Stampleman Robert Fried, husband of Helen Fried Elaine Margolin, mother of Amy Sommer Kim Kamlet,

6 OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY Deepest Sympathies to the family of Doris Stampleman, mother of Jed Stampleman Robert Fried, husband of Helen Fried Elaine Margolin, mother of Amy Sommer Kim Kamlet, sister-in-law of Lee Kamlet THANK YOU RABBI SIRKMAN S MITZVAH FUND In honor of our Great nephew, Cormack Roman Lapidus by Sid and Ruth Lapidus In memory of Sheila s mother Mary Halpern by Sheila and Philip Liebowitz In memory of Richard s mother Mona Levy by Richard Levy, Jr. and Carol Miller In gratitude for officiating at the funeral of my husband, Robert Fried by Helen Fried In gratitude for officiating at the funeral of my husband, Bernie Corn by Saraine Corn In memory of Bernie Corn by Irv & Claire Zuckerman In memory of Bernie Corn by Kay Karmel In memory of Lee Perlman s mother, Evelyn Perlman by Sheila & Philip Liebowitz In memory of our loved ones Fannie & Nathan Leitner & Sarah Fuchs Edelman by Maryann & Pinky Leitner RABBI NATHAN S MITZVAH FUND In celebration of Benjamin and Joshua Simon becoming B nei Mitzvah by Cindy Tanenbaum & Ezra Simon CANTOR MENDELSON S MITZVAH FUND In memory of Helen Gleekman by Barbara Coleman CANTOR SCHER S MITZVAH FUND In memory of Dr. Steven Breiter by Shir Ami and Roberta Safire. In celebration of Benjamin and Joshua Simon becoming B nei Mitzvah by Cindy Tanenbaum & Ezra Simon. In thanks for Megillah and Torah chanting coaching by Adrienne Weiss-Harrison. In celebration of William Sarkozi becoming a Bar Mitzvah by Paul and Jill Sarkozi. MEMORIAL FUND In memory of Dr. Robert Fried, a very dear friend by Bernice Allison In memory of Barbara Meyer Barish and our parents by Stuart Barish In memory of Robert Fried by David & Joan Katz In honor of Bob Fried by Edgar & Elaine Krass In memory of Robert Fried. He has been a cherished friend since he and Helen were married 32 years ago by Robert & Beverly Littauer In memory of Robert Fried by Mitch & Naomi Mayer In memory of Dr. Robert Fried by Aaron & Eileen Michel In memory of Morris Motzkin by Robert & Diane Motzkin In memory of Dr. Robert Fried by Martin & Suzi Oppenheimer In memory of Dr. Robert Fried by Morton & Sandra Porwick In memory of Richard J. Scheuer and Richard J. Scheuer, Jr. by Joan G. Scheuer In memory of Evelyn Perlman, Lee Perlman s mother by Jeffrey & Audrey Solomon In memory of Dr. Robert Fried by Roberta & Sidney Stayman In memory of Robert Fried by Yvonne Tropp Thank you for Anthony Valore s kaddish by Mona Valore In memory of our good friend Dr. Robert Fried by Mark Weisburger GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS In honor of Barbara Schiff s son, Steven s marriage to Laurie by Barbara Miller LOIS & JULIAN BRAUN/CANTOR GRAHAM ADULT EDUCATION FUND In memory of Lee Perlman s mother by Gary & Jamie Gordon GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS In memory of Doris Stampleman by Stephen & Judith Gutmann RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PROGRAMS In memory of Gail s father, Samuel Botzman by Gerald & Gail Robinson CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS In memory of Doris Stampleman by Howard & Paula Donsky In memory of Doris Stampleman and Bernie Corn by Matthew & Carol Scharff ARTHUR & ROSE WOLF ISRAEL CONNECTION FUND In memory of Yahrzeit of Irving Madoff, father of Emily Madoff-Wohl by Barry & Emily Wohl Congratulation on Alyssa Wohl s acceptance to Tufts Medical School by Barry & Emily Wohl SOCIAL ACTION TZEDAKAH FUND In memory of Bruce Bernstein by Selma Bernstein In memory of Benjamin Geller by Robert & Marion Geller In memory of Isaac Slavin by Emily & John Grotta In memory of the Yahrzeit of Shirley Haar by Michael & Lynn Reichgott In memory of Evelyn Perlman by Michael & Carol Scheffler In appreciation to Wendy Brooks for leading our Rosh Hodesh celebrations by Rosh Hodesh Group The Downstairs Minyan Saturdays, 10:30-11:30AM Please join us for a casual, intimate, and musical Shabbat observance. We are committed to harnessing the peaceful energy of Shabbat through highly participatory worship. The Downstairs Minyan is also great for anyone wishing to... Observe a yahrtzeit and say kaddish Offer a prayer for healing Connect with fellow congregants Contact Dave Cohn, Music & T filah Coordinator dcohn@larchmonttemple.org or , ext. 16 6

7 NEED A RIDE? Let the Shul Shuttle transport you to Temple. Contact Rhoda Sumberg at VIEW THE MONTHLY CALENDAR AT 7

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8 JUNE WORSHIP SCHEDULE Friday, June 6 BEHA ALOTECHA (Num. 8:1-12:16) 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat LTNS 4 s moving up to Kindergarten and Religious School NO 8:00 PM Shabbat Worship Larchmont Temple 75 Larchmont Avenue Larchmont, NY NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY PERMIT NO Saturday, June 7 9:00 AM Chevrah Torah 10:30 AM Congregational Worship Bar Mitzvah of Emmett Novick Bat Mitzvah of Evelyn Plonsker 10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan Friday, June 13 SHELACH-LECHA (Num. 13:1-15:41) 7:30 PM Circle of Healing 8:00 PM Service of Board Installation Saturday, June 14 9:00 AM Chevrah Torah 10:30 AM Congregational Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Katz Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Robbins 10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan It s not too late to get a spot in LT Nursery School s Summer Camp! Visit us to learn more about SummerFun at LT! 6 week summer program 3-5 years: 9:15 AM - 12:30 PM 2 year: 9:15-11:00 AM Creative learning and lots of music, exploration water play, stories, art activities, and more. larchmonttemple.org/learning/summer_day_camp Thursday, June 19 Bat Mitzvah of Mia Cohen celebrated in Israel Friday, June 20 KORACH (Num. 16:1-18:32) 6:30 PM Pre-Oneg Kabbalat Shabbat Saturday, June 21 9:00 AM Chevrah Torah 10:30 AM Congregational Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of Carolyn Kushel 10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan Friday, June 27 Summer Services begin

Larchmont Temple News

OCTOBER 2014 Larchmont Temple News In this issue: FALL FESTIVALS AT LARCHMONT TEMPLE Congregational News... 1 Announcements... 2 From the Rabbi... 3 Upcoming Events... 4 Upcoming Events...5 Our Congregational