Serving Long Island and World Jewry VOLUME 244 ISSUE 174 JUNE 2015 5775 WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICES Friday, June 5, 2015 Service 8:00 PM The Oneg Shabbat will be hosted by Jennifer and James Klayman in honor of the B Nai Mitzvah of their children Jonathan and Julia. 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) 1-917-687-9640 Cantor 239-1140 Temple Office 239-1140 Temple Fax 239-0859 Religious School 239-9213 Jay H. Rosenbaum...Rabbi Galina Makaveyev...Cantor Kenneth Shapiro. President Saturday, June 6 Torah Study & Service 10:45 AM B NAI MITZVAH JONATHAN AND JULIA KLAYMAN BEHA ALOTECHA Torah Portion: Numbers 8:1-12:16 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 Friday, June 12 Special Shabbat Barbeque Dinner 6:30 PM Installation of Officers & Board of Trustees Shabbat Service 7:30 PM Temple Israel in honor of the Officers and Board of Trustees. Saturday, June 13 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM SHELACH Torah Portion: Numbers 13:1-15:41 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24 Friday, June 19 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, June 20 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM KORACH Torah Portion: Numbers 16:1-18:32 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22 Friday, June 26 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, June 27 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM The Temple Israel Bulletin is published monthly at Temple Israel 140 Central Ave Lawrence, NY 11559 CHUKAT Torah Portion: Numbers 19:1-22:1 Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33
Page 2 Volume 244, Issue 174 A WORD TO THE WISE R A B B I J AY H. R O S E N B A U M WHY INTERFAITH DIALOGUE IS IMPORTANT FOR THE CONGREGATIONAL RABBI On May 4 th, in commemoration of the 50 th Anniversary year of Vatican II, which transformed 2000 years of Catholic-Jewish relations and marked the beginning of constructive Jewish- Catholic dialogue, Catholic and Jewish leaders from around the World, composed of 120 Rabbis, 7 Cardinals, 25 Bishops and 50 Priests, joined together at a religious center on the shores of the Galilee, dedicated by Pope John Paul II for Jewish-Catholic dialogue. In total, 400 individuals were in attendance including Israeli politicians, renowned scholars, educators and artists from both faiths. This unprecedented inter-religious gathering in the State of Israel, which was sponsored and hosted by The Neocatechumenal Way evolved from a concert presented by The Way entitled, The Suffering of the Innocents performed at Lincoln Center composed by Kiko Arguello, founder of the movement, as an act of love and reconciliation for the suffering of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Many of us attended this concert and Temple Israel was given a special place of honor at the performance and I was asked to present the opening remarks. Because of a special relationship our Temple forged with this movement, having invited them to attend our High Holidays and many other services including our 94 th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service where they presented a beautiful rendition of the Shema Yisrael, and we provided aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, they expressed a desire to move forward in building stronger bridges of respect, understanding and dialogue with Temple Israel and the Jewish People. It is from these encounters with the members of our Congregation followed by my discussions with their leadership, that the idea and ground work for the historic May 4 th conference emerged. The four-day conference, in addition to reflecting upon the past history of Catholic-Jewish relations and the progress that has been made in the last half century, addressed the issues of the virulent anti-semitism that has gripped Europe, persecution of Christians in Africa and the Middle East, economic justice and the environment. Representing Pope Francis was Cardinal George Pell, who brought a signed personal message from the Pope and as the Rabbi of our Temple; I invited and led a group of 70 rabbis to the conference from across the United States. From the Five Towns area, the delegation included Rabbis Steven Graber, Temple Hillel and Rabbi Shalom Stern, Temple Beth-El. My delegation also included Bishop William Murphy, of Rockville Centre, who is the liaison of the Vatican to the American-Jewish community. Kenny Shapiro, as President of Temple Israel, was personally invited to attend the conference by the organizers and sponsors of the conference, however, prior commitments prohibited him from doing so. The concluding session of the conference occurred on the eve of the 70 th Anniversary marking the end of the Holocaust. On that occasion, the participants joined together in a prayer of remembrance and hope for the six million who perished in the Shoah and prayed, For the safety and well being of our Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sisters and brothers and all who suffer persecution only by reason of their faith in places where they are minorities. Though the discussions of the pressing issues of our day, addressing the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam were moving, scholarly and compelling, I found the small group sessions that dealt with issues of faith and our
Page 3 Volume 244, Issue 174 personal religious journeys of greater interest and help to me as a Congregational Rabbi. Why? Because in order to reach out effectively to interfaith couples or individuals seeking or entertaining conversion to Judaism, it is necessary to understand the foundation upon which their faith journey is built and their perception of Judaism and the Jewish people. This is indeed of profound importance for the survival of Judaism and our Temples and Institutions as the latest Pew Report revealed that the inter-marriage rate in America is 58% for all Jews and 71% among non-orthodox Jews. While I understand the history of Christianity and that its roots were based on Judaism and while recent Popes have called the Jewish People our elder brothers and sisters, before this conference, I did not realize the deep impact this has had upon Christians in our post-vatican II World. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to explain, in these small group encounters, what the misunderstood concept of Chosen People which has led to so much anti-semitism really means in Judaism, simply and in truth, Am Yisrael does not consider itself superior to anyone else, but rather have as our mission to make the World a better place for all of God s children. So, while this voyage to the Sea of Galilee in Israel began with a heart-stirring and uplifting choral rendition of Shema Yisrael, offered in our sanctuary by Leaders of the Catholic Church, presenting the closing remarks of the Conference, I was given the unique honor of expressing my understanding of the Shema, the watchword of our People, namely, that as citizens of the World, while we come from different faiths, we all share the same fate. Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum in conference with Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg, Past President, New York Board of Rabbis, Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Archbishop of Vienna and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, during the Jewish- Catholic Interfaith Conference at the Domus Galilaeae, Israel, May 4-7, 2015 It is with a great sense of pride that Temple Israel extends a most heartfelt Mazel Tov to Carol Rotenberg for being selected as Woman of the Year by the Nassau Region of Hadassah which has 18,000 members. This greatly deserved honor occdurred May 19th at a banquet attended by several hundred members of Hadassah.
Page 4 Volume 244, Issue 174 P R E S I D E N T S M E S S A G E K E N N E T H A. S H A P I RO I am amazed how quickly my first year as President has passed and is almost over. It has been quite an experience with the many challenges our Temple has faced. With the help of my officers and the board, we have thrived and look forward to the years ahead with renewed enthusiasm. I want to personally thank each Officer for all the help they have given to us all. My First Vice President, Leslie Martin, always encouraging and ready to help whenever asked. He has done most of the legal work for the Temple and has always been dedicated in every aspect of Temple life. I very much value his input. Vice President, Alan Hartstein, tells me straight, both good and bad. His experience of virtually holding every officer's position and being a past President is a value we cannot put a price on. Most of all I am proud to call him my friend. Cindy Finklestein, Vice President, has been a tireless working for our religious school and all the parents of our kids. She has worked extremely well with our Religious School Director, who is our Cantor. Our Treasurer, Ross Whitehead, has steered us to a healthier financial position. He has made very tough decisions which we all hope will ensure our financial future for years to come. His practical advice has helped me enormously. Mary Price, our Secretary, and so much more, has not only produced the most accurate minutes for every board meeting, but has done so much with Wayne and her family for this Temple that is truly astounding. She says it the way it is, and even though we may sometimes disagree, I always respect her opinion and forward-looking ideas. Our Financial Secretary, Alan Krim, the kindest bull dog I have every met, makes sure all the financial obligations are collected, but as important, has a big heart to listen and help those congregants in need, working out financial arrangements. He is always there, attending every meeting and is very active in all aspects of Temple life. A big thank you to what I call the President's Council, past Presidents of our Temple whom I have consulted with over various issues and have invited most of them to attend Officer's meetings. Our previous President, Jim Rotenberg has continued to work tirelessly for us and is ALWAYS there for anything I need. David Land, guides me on various issues, so does Jeff Scherr; I could not do this without the legal expertise of Garrett Gray, for his knowledge inside and out of the by laws, and all the contracts and other legal work he has done for us. In addition to the Temple Officers there are several others who deserve special recognition. Our Rabbi Jay, who inspires us with his interesting and informative sermons. The many programs he brings to us and all the advice he has given to us all. Cantor Galina, for her tireless work not only as our Cantor but our Religious School Director. For her wonderful musical concerts and beautiful voice that we all love. My thanks to Ellen and Tracey who have been the front line in the office for all of us. Especially Ellen who always keeps me focused and makes sure I do what I am supposed to in a timely manner. Our Maintenance Staff, Eric, Frank and Fred keep our building in tip top shape. Special Thanks to Eric who never says no, and there is no job that is impossible for him to do. Thanks to my Friend Ira, our Executive Director who under the most difficult personal circumstances is always ready to help in every way, and also never says no. He works too many hours but just shows his dedication to our Temple. Lenore our bookkeeper watches every bill, handles every donation, and even when she is not on the premises immediately reacts whenever she is needed. Finally, a huge thanks you to our Temple Congregation who has made my first year as President so rewarding; I look forward to seeing you all in good health for the holidays. I also look forward to the challenges ahead and have accepted the nomination to be your President for the year to come. B'Shalom.
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Page 6 Volume 244, Issue 174 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 on their fantastic singing and leading our Shabbat Service in Song on May 29th. It is always a pleasure to listen to our talented members and sing with them. I would like to thank their families and congregation for their continued support and admiration. I would like to invite all of you to our Summer Cantorial Concert on Friday, June 12th, which will feature the compositions written by Jewish composers Simon and Garfunkel. It will be presented by our Congregational Choir, Music Director and Organist Dr. Matthew Lewis, a music band, and me. Popular songs such as, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I Am a Rock, The Sound of Silence, are the highlights you will hear at our performance. Our choir members are working hard and enthusiastically on learning these musical selections. We hope you will join us at this fun event. The concert will be a perfect way of ending a successful year. So, come and support our talented members and musicians, enjoy the evening and experience Shabbat together with your Temple family. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Cantor for the past thirteen years. Throughout this time here at Temple Israel, I have felt great support and warmth for all my work and programs from the Temple leadership, staff and the congregation. I am looking forward to many more years of celebrating and worshipping together with my Temple family. On behalf of my family, I wish you a very happy, healthy and wonderful summer. Yours in Song, Cantor Galina Makaveyev Cantor Galina Makaveyev is proud to announce that she has received her Doctor of Ministry Degree from Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, on April 30, 2015. She is very honored to share her news of this wonderful achievement with you, her Temple Family.
Page 7 Volume 244, Issue 174 Dear Families, REED RELIGIOUS SCHOOL C A N T O R G A L I N A M A K A V E Y E V DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Our heartfelt MAZAL TOV to all of our students. We are so proud of their accomplishments for this 2014-2015 year. This is the list of the Awards they received: RABBI S LIST AWARD Jacob Igielski Chelsea Weisfelner Leah Bragin Lily Cohen Dylan Joseph Mikayla Joseph Julie Kobak Benjamin Meringoff Julia Swerdin Ian Isseks Talia Winiarsky Haydan Bloomberg Jacob Sherman Brett Zornberg Jordan Zornberg MITZVAH/ETHICS AWARD Jacob Bouskila Dylan Michael Filbert Vaynshteyn Parker Sirlin Ben Gingold Tyler Nieber Julia Klayman Zoe Mevorah Ryan May Erica Sigler Jordana Sirlin HEBREW READING AWARD Gavin Glassman Jarred Weisfelner David Bouskila Ethan Bloomberg Andrew Harris Antony Makaveyev Joshua Winiarsky Jack Ballenberg Aidan Arad David Marcus Mitchell Silverman 3 rd Grade 3 rd Grade 3 rd Grade 3 rd Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 4th Grade 4th Grade 4th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 7th Grade 7th Grade TZEDAKAH AWARD Dylan Shatz 3 rd Grade Justin Volman 3 rd Grade Reece Rosenblatt Wesley Schnell Paige Sirlin Elias Sherman Nicole Stark Sophia Scorcia Jesse Menashe Erica Mariasch Parker Schnell Fallon Zemlyansky Andrew Feldman Jonathan Klayman Rebecca Marcus Amanda Stark Ethan Shvartsshteyn HOLIDAY/HISTORY AWARD Justin Fisher 4th Grade Zoe Arad Matthew Field Hayden Millman Madison Shvatsshteyn TORAH/SACRED TEXTS AWARD Jared Glassman Abigail Sherman Madison Stolls Elisabeth Zemlyansky Ian Volman
Page 8 Volume 244, Issue 174 June Anniversaries Jodi and Guy Arad Florence and Dr. Stuart Bednoff Rae and Richard Berman Beth and Allan Brenner Jennifer and Paul Cohen Mary and Edward Cooper Roni and Richard Friedman Claire and Dr. Paul Glassman Lisa and Garrett Gray Carol and John Harrison Helen and Martin Hollander Elaine and Richard Levine Lois and Philip Mann Wendy and Victor Mevorah Neila and Paul Plesser Miriam and Russell Shvartsshteyn Linda and Stephen Sklar Dr. Andria Chizner and Dr. Michael Swerdin Randi and Stephen Wasserman June Birthdays Jodi Arad Florence Bednoff Irving Brown Icela Fischthal Dr. Steven Fischthal Janine Fisher Mindi Fogel Beatrice Franklin Lorraine Gold William Henry Helen Hollander Dr. Keisha Joseph Rhonda Marinoff Wendy Martorella Jay Meringoff John Oppenheimer Louis Perlman June Pintchik Jill Pomper Alice Reichenberg Jane Rosenblatt Dr. Barry Saul Gayle Schnell Carl Schulman Ramona Scorcia Evan Sirlin Nancy Stoll Yelena Vaynshteyn Congratulations to Jonathan Mark Klayman who will celebrate his Bnai Mitzvah on June 6, 2015 with his sister Julia. Your mom and dad, Jennifer and James Klayman and your sister Julia are very excited for this milestone in your life. You have worked extremely hard for this day and we could not be more proud of you. Jonathan is an honor student at Woodmere Middle School. He loves tennis, karate and art. He is a great kid with a kind heart and a wonderful disposition. He enjoys hanging out with friends and spending time with his family. Wishing you the best of everything for today and always!!! Mazel Tov. Mazel Tov to Julia Kate Klayman who will celebrate her Bnai Mitzvah on June 6, 2015 with her brother Jonathan. Your mom and dad, Jennifer and James Klayman and brother Jonathan couldn t be more proud of you. We are so pleased with the hard work and dedication you have put in to learning your Torah portion for this special day. Julia is an honor student at Woodmere Middle school. She loves sports and is on the soccer team, the lacrosse team and the basketball team. Julia is sweet, loving and kind. She loves hanging out with her friends and spending time with her family. We wish you a lifetime of happiness on today and for always. Congratulations!!! PLEASE JOIN US FOR TEMPLE ISRAEL BOOK CLUB Wednesday, June 24, 2015 7:30 PM May Museum The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs A heartfelt, and riveting biography of the short life of a talented young African- American man who escapes the slums of Newark for Yale University only to succumb to the dangers of the streets and of one s own nature when he returns home.
Page 9 Volume 244, Issue 174 DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS CANTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of: Rebecca & David Marcus on their B Nai Mitzvah Robin & Dr. Steven Goldberg Vadim Shaulov, beloved brother Victoria Firdman ADULT EDUCATION FUND Lillian Chaifetz, beloved mother CHIZNER FUND Don Chaifetz Edith Sherman, mother of Cheryl Gralnick GENERAL FUND In honor of: Michele & David Perlzweig Jamie Lichtman & Carey Lathrop on their upcoming marriage Arlene Stevens Edith Sherman, mother of Cheryl Gralnick Anne Marbit, mother of Gwen Scherr Manuel Finkelstein, father of Stephen Finkelstein Nancy & Dr. Arnold Koopersmith Abe Kleiner, beloved father Dr. Robin Himmelstein Lillian & Nathan Aronson, beloved parents Harry Ganz, beloved husband Steven Ganz, beloved son Norma Ganz Selma & Steven Dalsimer, beloved parents Patsy Winkler Henry Gottlieb, beloved father Edward Gottlieb David Abelson, husband of Rita Abelson Arlene Stevens DORIS KOPILOW SCHOLARSHIP FUND A donation was made by: Randy Green LIBRARY FUND Louis Press, beloved father Ira Press MAY MUSEUM FUND Edith Sherman, mother of Cheryl Gralnick Anne Marbit, mother of Gwen Scherr Bea Franklin ELAINE POKART MEMORIAL FUND Edith Sherman, mother of Cheryl Gralnick Manuel Finkelstein, father of Stephen Finkelstein Joan Brickman Sarah Dick, beloved mother Sallie Prisyon Anne Marbit, mother of Gwen Scherr The Krim Family Frances Groisser, beloved mother Aileen Yaspan Dr. William Groisser Robert Yaspan RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of: Rabbi Rosenbaum s 65 th birthday Cookie & Dr. Chuck Sarrett Joan Harrison, beloved mother Carol & John Harrison Anne Marbit, beloved mother Gwen Scherr Jack L. Mofenson, beloved father Robert Mofenson Alfred Friedman, beloved father Kenneth Friedman Elaine Katz, beloved mother TREE FUND Jeffrey Katz Erick Liebenstein, father of Jeff Liebenstein Bonnie & Bill Henry
Page 510 Volume 244, Issue 174 JUNE 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8:00 PM Service 9:30 AM Torah Study 10:45 AM B Nai Mitzvah Jonathan & Julia Klayman 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7:45 PM Officer s Meeting 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Bar-B-Que 7:30 PM Service Cantorial Concert 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7:30 PM Annual Congregational Meeting 8:00 PM Shabbat Service 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:30 PM Book Club The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace By Jeff Hobbs 8:00 PM Shabbat Service 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service 28 29 30
Page 11 Volume 244, Issue 174 Temple Israel graciously acknowledges our weekly Bimah Flowers donated by: Would you like to see your business advertised here? Please call the Temple Office 516-239-1140 1315 BROADWAY HEWLETT, NY 11557 Boulevard-Riverside Chapels 1450 Broadway Hewlett, New York 11557 (516) 295-3100 (516) 327-7100 Director: Stanley Misikoff z l WALL S BAKE SHOP 1336 Broadway - Hewlett 374-3771 Serving the finest in Quality Bakery Products
ALL ISRAEL IS RESPONSIBLE ONE FOR THE OTHER On May 12th, seventeen students from Rome Italy s Renzo Levi Yeshiva completed the second leg of Temple Israel s American-Jewish/Italian- Jewish High School Youth Exchange Program. During the February break, high school students from Temple Israel of Lawrence and the Five Towns were hosted by these students families and the Yeshiva. During that time, in addition to visiting the Jewish sights of Rome and the city s antiquity sights, the students from our community were warmly and personally greeted by Pope Francis. During the Italian adolescents one-week stay in the Five Towns, they were embraced and hosted by families from Temple Israel and families from both the boys and girls schools of the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (The DRS and SKA Yeshivas). Pictured with the 17 students from Rome, Italy s Renzo Levi Yeshiva are (left to right): Nan Shapiro, Director, International Student Relations, North American Board of Rabbis, Center front: Rabbi Amedeo Spagnoletto, Chair of Jewish Studies at Renzo Levi Yeshiva, Sofer and Spiritual Leader of Rome s Jewish Community and Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, Spiritual Leader, Temple Israel of Lawrence Temple Israel 140 Central Avenue Lawrence, New York 11559 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAWRENCE, N.Y. PERMIT No. 5