Larchmont Temple News

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Larchmont Temple News"

Jeffery Robbins
5 years ago
Views:

1 Larchmont Temple News SEPTEMBER 2012 The Book Review Rabbi [Judah] said: Consider three things and you will never be overcome by transgression: Know what is above/beyond you an eye that sees, and ear that hears; and [understand] all your deeds are inscribed in a book. [Pirkei Avot, 2:1] Everyone has a favorite section of the Times; mine is the Book Review. I love to see what s worth reading, which titles are still best-sellers, and most intriguing the meshuganeh subjects about which books have been written. Who, after all, wants to read about a 3 year-old s journey to Heaven to meet Jesus, or an Olympic runner s story of WWII survival, or the tortured love story of a post-collegian in all its sexual detail? Clearly, hundreds of thousands of people across the country do! You just never know the subject matter for the next best-seller? Might even be you! These fleeting summer days, fast becoming fall, remind us that we are all under contract to create a best-seller; our newest chapter due for a High Holy Day debut. But here s the great thing about your soon-to-be-published piece: you are not alone its author, but editor as well! If you think the storyline is off, or if the characters aren t quite well-developed enough, you have the ability to change it to deepen it to transform the plot from questionable to courageous, from trashy or troubled to transcendent. Knowing that we are writing each day with our deeds, the ultimate hope is that we can craft a manuscript filled with mentschlichkeit [humane & holy living] a book that The Holy One will stamp with that Best-Seller seal for a sweet year to come. Jeffrey J. Sirkman, Rabbi In this issue: From the President... 2 Congregational Learning... 3 From the Cantor... 3 Library News... 4 Brotherhood news... 4 Sisterhood news...4 Social Action...4 Temple Youth...5 Teaching our Children...5 Events...6 Our Congregational Family... 6 Thank You... 6 Ads...7/8 Monthly Worship Schedule... 8 For updated information on Temple happenings, visit us at

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 FREDDA R. MENDELSON Cantor RENA FRAADE Director of Religious School DEBRA FRANKEL Director of Early Childhood ZE EV AVIEZER Executive Director ל ז H. LEONARD POLLER Rabbi Emeritus ל ז EDWARD GRAHAM Cantor Emeritus BOARD OF TRUSTEES RON HAUBEN President MEG FIENBERG Honorary President HARRI TARANTO Executive Vice President ROBERT GOODMAN 1st Vice President STACEY CHERVIN-SIGDA 2nd Vice President ROBERT ROTHMAN Financial Vice President LISA SAMSON Administrative Secretary DAVID SZABO Treasurer DAVID BECKER ELLEN BLUMSTEIN SHEILA CHERVIN YVETTE GOOREVITCH BARBARA LEWIS KAPLAN MICHAEL NATHAN MARK OSTER RICHARD SHAPIRO TOBY SKLAREW MARTHA STEINMAN STEVEN TANENBAUM KENT YALOWITZ Trustees SCOTT REIMER Brotherhood President MICHELE METSCH Sisterhood Representative BRIAN COUSIN KAREN ZIMMERMAN Youth Education Committee Chairs JENNIFER KISLIN TAMI MOSKOWITZ LTNS Steering Committee Chair 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 PRESIDENT Welcome back! As Larchmont Temple s newest President I am honored and thrilled to serve as the lay leader of such a vibrant and thriving congregation. A bit of background on me, and my family, for those we haven t yet met. My wife Vicki and I were both brought up in Orthodox Judaism, but we were disconnected and unaffiliated Jews for much of our adult lives. All that changed when we moved to Larchmont in After meeting Rabbi Sirkman, we came to understand and appreciate all that Larchmont Temple has to offer. Vicki got involved first, on a number of committees, and as President of our Sisterhood; my involvement was slower in coming, but I have been a Trustee for about 8 years and this is my 7th year on the Executive Committee. Our children have grown up here too; they attended Nursery School and Religious School and we proudly celebrated their b nei mitzvah with our congregation. As I assume the Presidency, I am delighted to report that as a congregation, we are in an enviable position in the Reform movement. We are blessed with a nationally prominent clergy, each of whom is in his or her own right a leader in the Reform movement. We are supported by a strong and committed professional staff of administrators, educators and support staff that are second to none. We are surrounded by congregants who are committed to embracing and enhancing all that Larchmont Temple has to offer. And thanks to the continuing generosity of many of our congregants, unlike many other synagogues throughout the country and around the world, we are financially secure - enabling us to move forward with our vision and mission. As we look forward, we are embarking on an incredibly exciting year for Larchmont Temple, with the celebration of Cantor Mendelson as she transitions at the end of this year to her continuing role as Cantor Emeritus; the commencement of the work of our Cantorial Task Force, led by Debbie Chapin and Ken Gordon; the arrival of our newest employee, Andrea Fagon - our communications coordinator who has a wealth of skills, creativity and management experience that will help drive our communication efforts; a wide range of new exciting and innovative programs for all our constituencies; and Rabbi Sirkman s Ladder of Dreams and the beginning of its implementation. In closing, a September message would be incomplete without reference to the annual Fall ritual of the High Holy Days. It is a time for reflection for each of us a time for thanks, a time for observance, a time for introspection, and a time to challenge ourselves on how we can improve our lives and the lives of those around us in the upcoming year. With best wishes to each of you for spiritually comforting and inspiring High Holy Days and a happy and healthy New Year. L shana Tova Ron Hauben President 2

3 CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING HISTORY LESSONS FOR 21ST CENTURY COVENANT-LIVING LARCHMONT TEMPLE LEARNING 5773 American Jewish history evokes a sense of pride that spurs a commitment to Jewish survival In the words of the dean of American Jewish historians, Rabbi Jacob Rader Marcus, The Jew s historic experience constitutes a spiritual lesson for the whole world Through the study of their past American Jews would become intelligently conscious of their future as Jews and as Americans By taking pride in their history, the Jewish people can be summoned to heroic achievement. The Dynamics of American Jewish History, ed. Dr. Gary P. Zola. A full listing of Adult Education Opportunities is coming soon in your mail and on the web. EXPERIENCE ELUL: MAKE READY FOR THE NEW YEAR. On August 19, we entered the Hebrew month of Elul, the month preceding the High Holidays. Once again, Larchmont Temple invites you to sign up for a daily to help guide you through your process of reflection. Each day you will receive a brief, spiritually sustaining reflecting a variety of High Holy Day Themes, including: Teshuvah - meditations and reflections for renewal and repentance; Tefilah - the meaning behind key High Holiday prayers; Tzedakah - vignettes about Jewish social justice personalities in American history; Traditions - insights into traditional Jewish practices connected to the Days of Awe; and Family - treasured family holiday recipes from fellow LT congregants. To sign up, visit and click on Sign Up for Experience Elul on the main page. If you have questions about this opportunity, please feel free to contact the Temple office at (914) MONTHLY CALENDAR? THE LARCHMONT TEMPLE FILM FESTIVAL offers, once again, a selection of movies that are interesting, entertaining and, often, provocative. The selections are organized into three groups: popular books that were adapted to films, documentaries examining aspects of the Diaspora, and recent films reflecting Israeli-Palestinian issues. The festival will begin on Sunday, October 28, 4PM, Grant Conference Room, with Otto Preminger s controversial 1960 epic Exodus. The film will be introduced with material on its production and critical reception. After the screening there will be a discussion on the changing sensibilities in depicting the unfolding story of modern-day Israel. Please join us for great movies and our renowned wine and cheese buffet. FROM THE CANTOR SHIR AMI LT s Adult Choir for anyone who loves to sing! Come join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:55 PM. Call Cantor Mendelson for information at ext. 18 SEPTEMBER REHEARSALS: September 5, 12, 19 Second Day of Rosh Hashanah Tuesday, September 18 at 9:30 AM (call is 9:00 AM in Axelrod Chapel) Yom Kippur Afternoon Service Wednesday, September 26 at 3:00 PM Thank you to the following rabbinic and cantorial lay leaders who led Summer Services: Zeev Aviezer, Joel Brill, Steve Cohen, Rena Fraade, Yvette and Mark Goorevitch, Amy Goldman, Judy and Steve Gutmann, Andy Harrison, Paul Isaac, Dan Karson, Tom Landau, Andi Marks, Marnie Marks, Neal Noble, Rabbi Charlie Rabinowitz, Andi Rosenthal, Bob Sklarew and Bob Sternbach. And big thank yous go to Jayson Rodovsky, Steve 3

4 Cohen and Dave Cohn for accompaniment! LT SINGS! Jr. choir for 3rd, 4th & 5th graders fun, parties, performances and lots of songs. SEPTEMBER REHEARSALS: September 12, 19, 3 PM, Grant Conference Center. Our First Service: Sunday, September 30, Erev Sukkot/Consecration Watch for other exciting events! Call Cantor M for info at ext. 18 LIBRARY Supporting this year s learning theme, The American Jewish Experience, the Library will be showcasing new titles on the new bookshelves near the windows. Timely books about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, including many for children, cookbooks and young adult titles, are displayed in the Library. Summaries of new titles are available on the website at If you have questions, or would like to make suggestions, please contact the Library at library@ larchmonttemple.org BROTHERHOOD 4 Larchmont Temple s Brotherhood and Sisterhood present: In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer Risk in the Jewish Population - Is it in Our Genes? Guest speaker, Dr. Susan Klugman, Director of Clinical Services and Community Outreach for the Program for Jewish Genetic Health of Yeshiva University/Albert Einstein College of Medicine will address the Program s aim to boost awareness and knowledge, and empower individuals to become active participants in ensuring their own wellbeing. Many cancers have a strong hereditary component, including those that possess a genetic predisposition found in Ashkenazi Jews. Dr. Klugman will discuss familial cancer risks in the Ashkenazi Jewish community that may involve specialized treatment plans. Sunday, October 21, 2012 Doors open at 9:30 AM for breakfast. Speaker starts at 10:00 AM Traditional Brotherhood breakfast will be served and lighter, cancer fighting foods will also be available. Cost: LT Brotherhood members - free. All others: $15 at the door. SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Opening Event: October 4, 2012 If it good enough for The Housewives of Orange County, it s good enough for us! Please join the Sisterhood for a fun night of Bunco and socializing. Appetizers, wine and dessert Thursday, October 4, 7-10:00 PM RSVP to: Susan Biener, 18 Copley Road Larchmont NY (Please enclose check for $25) SOCIAL ACTION The Social Action Committee is holding its first meeting of the year on Sunday, September 16 at 10:00 AM in the Blum Building, second floor. We will give an overview of the events and projects for the year and would love anyone interested in working with the committee to attend the first meeting to hear about the volunteer opportunities. Some of the upcoming events include: High Holiday Food Drive. September 29 - Midnight Run: drive, sort or make food for the volunteers going to NYC to serve the homeless.

5 October 13 - Opera Outing for seniors at New Roc (Donizetti s Elisir d Amore). October 13 - Bicycle Rehab Project with Millers. LARFTY FOOD SORTING BBQ Sunday, September 30, at noon. LarFTY s first Social Action event of the year sorting all donated food from the High Holy Day food drive. Free BBQ lunch! Learn more at Facebook.com/ LarFTY or To RSVP, or for any questions, Dave at dcohn@larchmonttemple.org. We look forward to seeing you! TEACHING OUR CHILDREN NURSERY SCHOOL Larchmont Temple Nursery School has a new playground. With special funding from the Leo Israel Memorial Fund, LTNS playground underwent an amazing transformation on Sunday, September 9. The playground was dedicated in Leo s memory for the next generations of LTNS students. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Welcome to the / 5773 LTRS School Year. Classes begin this week! If your child was in Religious School last year, s/he is automatically re-enrolled. Please contact Rena Fraade, Director of Religious School, if you have a new student to enroll. Sunday, September 9 K 3rd grade, Chaverim, 10 AM noon (class assignments will be ed out the week before). Monday, September 10 4th/5th grade, 3:30 5:30 PM (class assignments will be ed out the week before). Tuesday, September 11 6th/7th grade, 3:30 5:30 PM (class assignments will be available at 3:15 PM that day). 7th grade parents are invited to join us at 4:30 PM to learn about the 7th grade program. TEMPLE YOUTH Musicians Needed for the LTY High Holiday Band. All musicians entering grades 8-12 this fall are invited to join us in the LTY High Holiday Band. We ll be adding our music to the early service on erev Rosh Hashanah, Sunday, September 16 at 6:00 PM. Rehearsal will be at the Temple on Tuesday, September 11 at 5:30 PM. Tuesday, September 11 Academy, 6:30 8:30 PM (dinner will be served). Watch your mailbox for our Opening Mailing including the Religious School Handbook with important policies and events for the year, and of course, a special gift from LTRS. NEED A RIDE? Let the Shul Shuttle transport you to Temple. Contact Rhoda Sumberg at

EVENTS Drop-In-Lunch resumes!! Attention all senior members of Larchmont Temple. (Non-seniors welcome, too) Tuesday, October 16 at 12:30 PM Grant Conference Center Eat Well, Live Better!

6 EVENTS Drop-In-Lunch resumes!! Attention all senior members of Larchmont Temple. (Non-seniors welcome, too) Tuesday, October 16 at 12:30 PM Grant Conference Center Eat Well, Live Better!! Nancy Weiser, a long-time Temple member, will lead a discussion on how to make healthy food choices that will enable us to enjoy greater productivity, health and happiness. Nancy is Co-founder of Weiser Choices providing health and wellness coaching for individuals, families and businesses. Bring your lunch and the Caring Committee will provide dessert, coffee and herbal tea! Questions? Call Wendy Sandler at or Juli Karson at Westchester Jewish Basketball League Season Boys and girls in Grades 5-12 are eligible to participate. Every player will play in every game regardless of his/her ability. The season will run from late November - early March; practices begin in October. For further information, contact Jill Caslin: Westchester Jewish Center Rockland & Palmer Avenues, Mamaroneck OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY Deepest Sympathies to the family of Kathy Wolfe, mother of Sharon and Michael Arlene Schecterman, sister of Frank Altersohn Sofya Bregman, mother of Polina Yukelis Lorraine Ury, mother of Linda Ury Greenberg Donald Lewis, father of Michele Lewis Philip Green father of Judith and Carol Toby Gellerman Baum, cousin of Gloria Strauss Robert Dichter, father of Laura Strumwasser Mazel tov Mazel tov to Dave Cohn, Music & T filah Coordinator, for his marriage to Sarah Ruben on September 1, 2012 in Chicago, IL. THANK YOU RABBI SIRKMAN MITZVAH FUND In appreciation for officiating at our wedding by Anne Goldstein & Adam Gerson In gratitude for the baby naming for our daughter Abigail, by Mike & Marina Bregman In honor of my grandson becoming Bar Mitzvah by Anita Alma In honor of our son Max becoming Bar Mitzvah by Edward & Robin Plonsker In honor of our son Sam becoming Bar Mitzvah by Paul & Jill Sarkozi In honor of our son Ryan s Confirmation by Holly & Alan Wolfson In honor of Meg Fienberg by Carolyn & Lee Kamlet In honor of Doris & Bob Hirschhorn s 50th wedding anniversary by Syrette Dym & Frank Grant In memory of Kathy Wolfe by Steve & Judy Gutmann In memory of my husband Alexander Alma by Anita Alma In appreciation and in memory of Philip Green by Joel & Judy Blumberg In appreciation and in memory of my father, Sumner Willens by Joanie Silbergleit In honor of Rabbi Sirkman s 25th Anniversary as rabbi by Dr. Stephen & Cantor Lori Corrsin by Monique & Jed Stampleman by Irwin & Sheila Cohen by Irene Seff by Mary & Jerry Goldman by Linda & Joel Negrin by Florence Trent RABBI NATHAN S MITZVAH FUND In Memory of Sam Kamlet by Carolyn & Lee Kamlet In Celebration of Ryan Wolfson s confirmation by Holly Schachner In Memory of Sylvia Frankel by Karen & Robert Frankel In Memory of Lorraine Ury by Perry Ury In Celebration of Alex becoming Bar Mitzvah by Anita Alma In Memory of Alexander Alma by Anita Alma 6

CANTOR MENDELSON S MITZVAH FUND In Celebration of Sam becoming Bar Mitzvah by Jill & Paul Sarkozi In Celebration of Ryan Wolfson s confirmation by Holly Schachner In Memory of Howard Rodovsky by Judy

Alexander Alma by Anita Alma MEMORIAL FUND In memory of Doreen R.

7 CANTOR MENDELSON S MITZVAH FUND In Celebration of Sam becoming Bar Mitzvah by Jill & Paul Sarkozi In Celebration of Ryan Wolfson s confirmation by Holly Schachner In Memory of Howard Rodovsky by Judy & Steve Gutmann In Memory of Sylvia Frankel by Karen & Robert Frankel In Memory of Howard Rodovsky by Judy & Steve Gutmann In Celebration of Alex becoming Bar Mitzvah by Anita Alma In Memory of Alexander Alma by Anita Alma MEMORIAL FUND In memory of Doreen R. Holmes By Ronald & Vicki Hauben In memory of David Winoker By Ronald & Vicki Hauben In memory of my father, William Reich By Debi Reich-Litzky In memory of Laura Strumwasser s father By Steven & Melissa C. Silverman In memory of Robert Ditcher By Barry & Heidi Silverstein In memory of Bob Dichter By Larry M. & Laura S. Strumwasser In memory of Johanna Hamburger and Sophia Ungar By Lawrence & Pauline Ungar In memory of Frank Altersohn s sister By Marie Wolf By Bradford & Michele Brooker GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS In memory of Nessa Sternfeld By Judith Bernstein In honor of Rabbi Sirkman s 25 year anniversary By Sy & Hilda Demsky In memory of Phillip Demsky By Sy & Hilda Demsky In memory of Bob Dichter By Larry M. & Laura S. Strumwasser In honor of Larry Strumwasser By Andrew & Danielle Zucker By Richard Kahan LOIS & JULIAN BRAUN/CANTOR GRAHAM ADULT EDUCATION FUND In memory of Anita Lilien By Andrew & Adrienne Harrison In honor of Mark Goorevitch s and Paula Fleischer s birthday By Andrew & Adrienne Harrison ELI ISRAEL FUND In honor of Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman s 25 years By Lori & Stephen Corrsin GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS In memory of Irving M. Dichter, Zelda Bloom and Sam Bloom By Barry & Judi Dichter In memory of Sylvia Edelman By Martin & Ileen Gottesfeld In memory of Linda Greenberg s mother, Lorraine Ury By Susan Litwer CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS In memory of Linda Greenberg s mother, Lorraine Ury By Steven B. & Andrea Harris Cohen In honor of Meg Fienberg By Louis Fienberg In honor of Rabbi Ilene Haigh s ordination By Eric & Beth Hollander In memory of my husband By Priscilla Poller ARTHUR & ROSE WOLF ISRAEL CONNECTION FUND In memory of Arthur Wolf By David & Lisa Almog In honor of Rose Wolf s 91st birthday By David & Lisa Almog In honor of Rose Wolf s birthday By Robert & Marion Geller By Susan Litwer SOCIAL ACTION TZEDAKAH FUND In memory of Ethel & Henry Rand By Barry & Judi Dichter In memory of Zelda Dichter Bloom, Samuel H. Bloom and Irving M. Dichter By Barry & Judi Dichter In memory of Rose Geller and Blanche Zuckerman By Robert & Marion Geller In honor of the special birthday of Lynn Reichgott By Pincus & Maryann Leitner 7

SEPT. WORSHIP SCHEDULE Friday, September 7 KI TAVO (Deut.

Service Friday, September 14 NITZAVIM (Deut.

PM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) ROSH HASHANAH Monday, September 17 9:00 AM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) Noon, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) Noon, Tent of Meeting (A-Z) Alternative Congregational Worship 2:30 PM Tashlich

8 SEPT. WORSHIP SCHEDULE Friday, September 7 KI TAVO (Deut. 26:1-29:8) 6:30 PM, Kabbalat Shabbat 8:00 PM, Shabbat Worship SELICHOT Saturday, September 8 10:30 AM, Congregational Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of Zoe Dunford 9:00 PM, Selichot Cinema 11:00 PM, Worship Service Friday, September 14 NITZAVIM (Deut. 29:9-30:20) 8:00 PM, Service for the Soul Saturday, September 15 10:30 AM, Congregational Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of Joy Dracos EREV ROSH HASHANAH Sunday, September 16 6:00 PM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) 8:30 PM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) ROSH HASHANAH Monday, September 17 9:00 AM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) Noon, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) Noon, Tent of Meeting (A-Z) Alternative Congregational Worship 2:30 PM Tashlich The Ritual of Casting SECOND DAY ROSH HASHANAH Tuesday, September 18 9:30 AM, Main Sanctuary Friday, September 21 VAYELECH (Deut. 31:1-30) 6:30 PM, Pre-Oneg Kabbalat Shabbat Saturday, September 22 10:30 AM, Downstairs Minyan KOL NIDRE Tuesday, September 25 6:00 PM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) 8:30 PM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) YOM KIPPUR Wednesday, September 26 9:00 AM, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) Noon, Main Sanctuary (A-Z) Noon, Tent of Meeting (A-Z) Alternative Congregational Worship 3:00 PM, Congregational Worship 6:45 PM, Break the Fast, Garden Rm Friday, September 28 HAAZINU (Deut. 32:1-52) 8:00 PM Shir Chadash Shabbat Worship Saturday, September 29 9:00 AM, Opening Session Chevrah Torah 10:30 AM, Congregational Shabbat Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Gropper Bat Mitzvah of Julia Steinberg EREV SUKKOT Sunday, September 30 6:30 PM, Congregational Worship Consecration New RS Students SUKKOT Monday, October 1 8:00 AM, Festival Worship 9:15 AM, Breakfast in the Sukkah Larchmont Temple 75 Larchmont Avenue Larchmont, NY SELICHOT 5773 FIRST CLASS PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY PERMIT NO Saturday, September 8 8 PM: Film Screening. Everything is Illuminated, Liev Schreiber (2005) followed by discussion facilitated by Jewish film expert Dr. Eric Goldman. 11 PM: Selichot Worship in the Main Sanctuary On the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, we recite prayers of forgiveness called selichot as we reacquaint ourselves with the spiritual melodies of the season and put ourselves in a proper frame of mind for prayer, repentance and return.

Larchmont Temple. A Guide to The High Holy Days 5774 / 2013

Larchmont Temple. A Guide to The High Holy Days 5774 / 2013 Larchmont Temple A Guide to The High Holy Days 5774 / 2013 Spiritual teacher Thomas Moore understands where we stand this New Year moment. I have a fascination with doorways They are thresholds, and are