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www.templeisraelofthepoconos.org Edition 544 February 2010
Shevat/adar 5770 Drawing by Marilyn Margolies
NEW BEGINNINGS !! by Rabbi Baruch Binyamin Hakohen Melman
Tu Bishvat, falling on January 30, is the New Year for the Trees. As man is compared to a tree in the field, in a sense we get another fresh start, a new chance at rebirth. Spring is on the way, even in the depths of winter, as the sap now begins to rise.
The New Year is a time to take stock. We can ask how we have been affected by the 200 sermons given over the last two years? How have I been affected by the daily and weekly classes? How have the sermons and classes impacted me in ways subtle or less so? Philosophy, Ethics, Mishna, Parsha, Talmud, Codes, Mussar, Hebrew, Siddur and Zemirot. I ask you to take the time to ponder these questions and share your thoughts with me.
Although it has been a rough winter, and many of our regulars are either in (cold) Florida or stranded on one of the local mountains, for the most part we have maintained our Shabbat minyans all through the season. Of this I am most proud. And those who attend are richly rewarded with a delicious Kiddush luncheon generously sponsored by fellow members nearly every week.
We have had back to back months in November and December with great music and great programs. Our Coffeehouse with Oneg Shemesh was a spectacular new beginning. Our Chanukah celebration showcased Gili Houpt on guitar, and the Hebrew School Children's Chorus delighted all with their holiday medley. The mountains of latkes and donuts brought smiles aplenty. And to top it all off were the hundreds of candles glowing brightly spreading Chanukah joy, shining their light into the darkness.
This month we will again have our Scout Shabbat on February 12. Our Purim celebration will be held on Sunday, February 28. The Megillah reading and Costume Contest will take place from 9 to 10 AM, with the Purim Carnival taking place from 10 to noon, organized run by the staff of Pinemere Camp.
Lastly, our revamped and refurbished website will be officially unveiled by the time you are reading this. It is truly a gem. Of our 115 current members, 30 have joined just in the last two years! We have the momentum. We are building. We are growing. The sap is truly rising. Come join us! Add your love. Add your light. Come and grow with us! Be like Queen Esther. Step up and make a difference!
Good Purim!
Please join me at Starbucks every Monday from 11 AM to noon - just to schmooze!
Page 2 EDIT ION 544
TEMPLE ISRAEL DIRECTORY OFFICE: (570) 421-8781 www.templeisraelofthepoconos.org FAX: (570) 421-2544 Rabbi Baruch Melman [email protected]
President Marty Sagofsky 619-7290 [email protected]
1st Vice President Sandra Alfonsi 223-7062 [email protected]
2nd Vice President Mitchell Marcus 588-0991 [email protected]
Secretary Amy Moulton 646-6954 [email protected]
Treasurer Herb Rosen 424-1161 [email protected]
Asst. Treasurer
3 yr Trustee: Art Glantz 424-7876 [email protected]
2 yr Trustee: Chuck Feinstein Manny Feinberg Julie Harter
421-4423 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
1 yr Trustee: Lois LaBarca David Rosenberg
421-6103 894-4537
[email protected] [email protected]
Trustee: Barry Tremper 588-6148 [email protected]
Cemetery: 209 Eliezer Gardens
Art Jolley Charlie Cahn
421-3726 424-7955
[email protected] [email protected]
Hebrew School Debbie Smith 610-588-1879 [email protected]
Ritual Charlie Cahn 424-7955 [email protected]
Finance Herb Rosen 424-1161 [email protected]
Membership Sandra Alfonsi 223-7062 [email protected]
Kitchen Yafit Entenberg [email protected]
House Barth Rubin 421-7215 [email protected]
Chesed & Wishograms Suzanne Tremper 588-6148 [email protected]
Newsletter Barbara Rosenberg 894-4537 [email protected]
Gift Shop Debbie Smith Suzanne Tremper
610-588-1879 588-6148
[email protected] [email protected]
Programming Chuck Feinstein Barbara Rosenberg
421-4423 894-4537
[email protected] [email protected]
Rabbi Melman ‘s office hours: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 8:30—9:30 a.m. Please call the Rabbi to set up a private appointment. The Rabbi may be reached at 730-4799 or [email protected]
Please help fill in the blanks above. Send all information to:
Barbara Rosenberg [email protected]
Page 3 EDIT ION 544
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and is best known as an occasion to exchange flowers, candy, and displays of our affection to those we love. In our household it is more than dozens of roses and chocolates for my wife; we all exchange cards, and there is even reminiscing about our courtship - the stories to which our children actually pay attention. But the key word behind all the pink and red hearts, roses and candy , the secret behind giving the thousands of calories in those delicious truffles, is love, which comes from the heart. The synagogue is the heart of our Jewish community. We need to love it and each other. We need to spread that love throughout our community by sharing and caring. Tell your friends about our shul. Bring your friends to a service. And most of all, participate. Take charge of something. Volunteer to do something. Help each other. Over the last few very cold winter months, several nice things have happened for our shul. With much assistance, we have replaced our HVAC system, to bring you warm and friendly services; some of your friends and fellow congregants have hosted onegs and kiddush luncheons; we opened our doors for community candle lightings, Shabbat services, and concerts. All of the above events included one ingredient: love. Each event is planned with love and devotion. Plans are in the works for Scout Shabbat this month, where again we hope to fill our sanctuary to the brim with scouts and their families from all across the area; to teach them a little bit about Judaism and share a service with them and reward them for participation. Amazingly soon Purim arrives on Sunday February 28th, come and see what festive things we have in store for you (here’s a hint...work on a good costume!). In March we are planning to participate in Shabbat Across America, where any Jew who wants to be a part of a Shabbat meal and service is invited and welcome to join us. And Pesach arrives at the end of March, so Second seder is not too far around the corner, either. With your participation and cooperation and a little help, all of these events will be successful and well attended. Wishing you all a wonderful month of love and festivities, I remain Respectfully yours, MARTY SAGOFSKY President
Page 4 EDIT ION 544
WISE SAYINGS
While researching material for my articles in the Temple Newsletter, I have come across many wise sayings by prophets and rabbis regarding the religious and practical teachings of Judaism. I recently had a brainstorm: Why not compile a selection of these sayings, together with my own commentaries, in order to add a personal element to the text? I assure the reader that my commentaries do not reflect any personal vanity, for I have no grandiose delusions about the range of my knowledge. The wise sayings that I have selected are the result of that brainstorm. "It has been told thee, O man, what is good and what the Lord does require of thee: only to do Justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Michah) The word "humbly" has been variously interpreted, but the word probably means "faithfully" or "obediently." "To do justly" means to respect and, if necessary, protect the life and limb of your fellow human being. In short, do not harm him or her in any way, for every human being was created by the same Heavenly Father as you and should therefore be regarded as your spiritual brother or sister. "To love mercy" means to mingle pity and sympathy with any punishment that we administer. In serious situations, when we are tempted to use violence, it is prudent to let the law take over in order to avoid serious consequences. (My commentary) "Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving thy fellow creatures, and drawing them near to the Torah;" and "Judge not thy neighbor until you have come into his place." (Rabbi Hillel) The wisdom or this counsel is that it combines religious and practical teaching. If we live a peaceful life and seek to maintain it, we can enjoy a harmonious relation with our family and with others. Another important benefit is that it promotes the health of our mind and body. Furthermore, if we try to put ourselves in the situation of the other person, we tend to be more tolerant and sympathetic. (My commentary) According to a rabbinic observation, we are unable to explain the paradox that the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous seem to suffer. This contradicts our religious belief in Divine justice as the punishment for sin and a reward for righteousness. It remains one of the many moral puzzles that we mortals have to live with, for God has not given us the answer. (My commentary) "Adaptability is the secret of success and survival." The experiential truth of this observation is obvious. History has proved that empires, cultures, ideas, and animals that could not adapt to changing conditions have perished. (My commentary) "When a man no longer feels that he must be remarkable, he is more free to be himself and work according to his own wishes and talents." (Dr. Donald Levinson, "Seasons of a Man’s Life") "I expect to pass through this life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindnesses I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow beings, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (A. B. Hegeman) –Norman Gelber
In Memory of Alan Berg
As a long time member of Temple Israel, I have seen numerous rabbis come and go and fade from our thoughts.
But I shall always treasure the memory of Alan Berg (bless his soul),
who passed away on the eve of Hanukah, December 11, 2009.
Alan was our spiritual leader at Temple Israel for nearly seven years, and I bonded with him from our earliest contact.
We continued to correspond long after he had left our congregation.
He impressed me as a humble, accessible, and highly capable teacher and spiritual leader who gave us his best efforts,
even though he was not ordained and was not in the best of health.
I and a number of members of the congregation of Temple Israel hold fond memories of his religious contribution when we needed it most.
Even more, we remember the warm person who gave freely of himself to whoever needed his help.
Page 5 EDIT ION 544
Page 6 EDIT ION 544
February 2 Hebrew School 4:45—6:45
February 5 Hebrew School 6:00—8:00
February 9 Hebrew School 4:45—6:45
February 12 NO HEBREW SCHOOL
February 16 Hebrew School 4:45—6:45
February 19 Hebrew School 6:00—8:00
February 23 Hebrew School 4:45—6:45
February 26 Hebrew School 6:00—8:00
February 28
PURIM Megillah Reading, Costume Contest and Carnival
FEBRUARY
• Thank you to all the parents that donated items and helped in preparation and clean up for our very successful Tu B'shvat Seder.
• Please make a note that Sunday, Feb 28th is a morning filled with a lot of Purim activities. 9am - 10 am will be the Megillah reading and costume contest then at 10am Camp Pinemere will be hosting the Purim Carnival in our social hall followed by a presentation about their camp. Please be aware that this is a holiday event that is mandatory attendance for the Hebrew School.
• Also a reminder that there is no Hebrew School on February 12th due to President's Day Weekend.
Purim Word Search
ADAR, AHASUEROS, ALHANISM, ARCHENEMY, CARNIVAL, CELEBRATION, COSTUMES, ESTHER, FAITH,
FEAST OF LOTS, GALLOWS, GIFTS, GROGGERS, HAMAN, HAMANTASHEN, MASQUERADE, MASSACRE. MEGILLA,
MORDECAI, PERSIANS, PURIM, SHALACHMONES, SCROLL, SHUSHAN, SLAUGHTER, VASHTI, VICTORY, ZERESH
A R S O R E U S A H A A R C H
M N A H S U H S T U M F E R E
I J E W K L V I C T O R Y A N
R A D H T I A F L V C M O D E
U R A E S T H E R A I G L A M
P E R S I A N S S S M I L G Y
G T E U M F T S I H Y F O A R
R H U M E I A N K T O T R L I
O G Q N G M A Y A I R S C L A
G U S A I H T S E M U T S O C
G A A M L A V I N R A C A W E
E L M A L O Z E R E S H G S D
R S S H A L A C H M O N E S R
S T O L F O T S A E F A L J O
C E L E B R A T I O N Y S I M
Page 7 EDIT ION 544
Page 8 EDIT ION 544
HESSED FUND Hessed is a Hebrew word meaning kindness and a reaching out to other people.
It is the way you can express sympathy, warm wishes or celebrate simchas for any one within or outside the Jewish community. If you would like something included here:
Call Suzanne Tremper at 588-6148. Please leave all the information on the machine so Suzanne doesn’t need to call you back.
OR Better than telephone, is contacting Suzanne by e-mail at [email protected]. That's the best!
If you would like us to send a card to a person who is not a Temple Israel person, you must include the recipient’s address when giving Suzanne the information. Cards are usually sent within three days of the request.
To Tevis Margolies Mazel Tov on the 70th Anniversary
of your Bar Mitzvah from
Herb and Sylvia Rosen
To Estie Goldstein In loving memory of your husband Al
from Lea Katz
Caron Katz Manley
To Steve Rosen Mazel Tov on the opening of the
newest Sandella’s from
From Herb and Sylvia Rosen
To David Sullum Happy 60th Birthday
from From Herb and Sylvia Rosen
To Merle Turitz Mazel Tov on Brett being called to the
Torah on 12/13/09 for his Bar Mitzvah
from Sandy Magnes and family
To Esther Graves In memory of your husband Alexander
from Charlie Cahn
Art Glantz Lois LaBarca
Sam and Maryjane Newman Herb and Sylvia Rosen
Gesia Rosenberg and family Paul and Mindy Solomon Michelle and Dylan Star
Barry and Suzanne Tremper Merle Turitz and the Ruben Brothers
To Pearl Rothman Best wishes for a r’fua sh’leima
from Lois LaBarca
Paul and Mindy Solomon Michelle and Dylan Star
Barry and Suzanne Tremper Ken and Donna Waite
To Ross Silverman Mazel Tov on obtaining the rank of
Eagle Scout from
Gesia Rosenberg and family Paul and Mindy Solomon
Barry and Suzanne Tremper To Sara Vinik Mazel Tov on winning a State Journalism Award
from Paul and Mindy Solomon To Linda Pollack
Deepest Condolences on the loss of your mother, Rose
from Judy Brown Art Glantz
To Mel and Emily Rosenthal Mazel Tov on your marriage
from Paul and Mindy Solomon
HESSED FUND Hessed is a Hebrew word meaning kindness and a reaching out to other people.
It is the way you can express sympathy, warm wishes or celebrate simchas for any one within or outside the Jewish community. If you would like something included here:
Call Suzanne Tremper at 588-6148. Please leave all the information on the machine so Suzanne doesn’t need to call you back.
OR Better than telephone, is contacting Suzanne by e-mail at [email protected]. That's the best!
If you would like us to send a card to a person who is not a Temple Israel person, you must include the recipient’s address when giving Suzanne the information. Cards are usually sent within three days of the request.
Page 9 EDIT ION 544
To Selma Cohen In memory of Sidney
Your loving husband, father and grandfather from
Judy Brown Irv and Eda Effross
Norman and Judy Gelber Ed and Bobbie Krawitz
Sam and Maryjane Newman Howard and Ruth Popkin
Herb and Sylvia Rosen
To Shirley Berg In loving memory of your son Alan
from Charlie Cahn
Norman and Judy Gelber Helene Glucroft
Edwin Krawitz and family Herb and Sylvia Rosen
Paul and Mindy Solomon Michelle and Dylan Star
Alan, Adrienne, Jared & Sara Westheim
To Harriet Rosenstein & Family In memory of David, loving husband, father, and grandfather
from Charlie Cahn Chuck Feinstein Norman and Judy Gelber Art Glantz Myra Goldberg Lois LaBarca Herb and Sylvia Rosen Paul and Mindy Solomon Michelle and Dylan Star Barry and Suzanne Tremper Ken and Donna Waite Merle Turitz and the Ruben Boys
A MESSAGE FROM THE KITCHEN
Thank you to Steve Goldstein, Herb Rosen, and especially Lois LaBarca for helping in the kitchen during the recent 1st Night Chanukah Dinner. As those who attended will remember, the Temple lost electrical power just as dinner was being served — so we served and dined by candlelight! Thank you to the Schuchman Family for donating the paper plates, napkins, and aluminum foil trays. Thank you to two anonymous donors who paid for all the food, tablecloths, plastic utensils, and plastic cups. The dinner was completely paid for by donations which enabled this evening to be total profit for Temple Israel. In future events you will have the opportunity to be a sponsor. Thank you to all who attended this event. Yafit Entenberg
For kitchen requests during the month of February please contact: Lois LaBarca at 421-6103
Page 10 EDIT ION 544
If you are celebrating a milestone year, whether it be birthday or anniversary,
please let me know so others may celebrate with you.
Suzanne Tremper
588-6148
February Anniversaries
February 05 Stewart & Andrea Rosenblum
February 25 George & Phyllis Vogel
February Birthdays February 01 Karen Trumpaitzky
February 09 Marlene Mandel Jay Kantrowitz
February 10 Kyra Herschlag
February 19 Barbara Fredericks
February 20 Nancy Rosen
February 22 Merle Turitz
February 24 Tyler Magnes
February 25 Steven Kantrowitz
February 28 Angelique Horowitz
Note: Hessed Fund wishes are $10 each.
Birthday & Anniversary
listings from current month will be 2/$15!
TUESDAY, MARCH 30th
2nd SEDER
Watch Yahoo and your mailbox for more
information regarding this event.
Don’t miss it !!
Page 11 EDIT ION 544
FRIDAY, FEB. 12TH
ANNUAL SCOUT SHABBAT
Come to Shabbat Services at 8:00 p.m. and support our local boy and girl scouts as
they earn their Scout Shabbat patch.
SUNDAY, FEB. 28TH: PURIM
9:00 – 10:00 Megillah reading and Costume Contest
10:00 - 12:00 Purim Carnival organized and run by staff from Pinemere Camp.
On Friday, March 5, 2010 hundreds of synagogues across the continent will take part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all Jews — Shabbat! Make sure you are part of this event. It will be taking place all across America and Canada on the same date, at the same time. And you can be a part !!
PREPAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: contact Yafit Entenberg at [email protected]; Lois LaBarca at 421-6103 or the
Temple office at 421-8781
Members $18 Non-Members $25
Pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah $10 Children under 5 free
Become a sponsor of this event: A $100 sponsorship will get you two
Shabbat Across America dinners for free - and the satisfaction of knowing that you helped make this event a success.
Contact Yafit to make arrangements.
KEEP THESE DATES AVAILABLE :
February Yahrzeit List
February 2 Shevat 18 Esther Iskowitz Gertrude Sommers Kathryn Petie Cohen Rachel Forster
February 16 Adar 02 Myrna Levin Lillian Berkhof Ruth Josephs Meyer Woodnick
February 3 Shevat 19 Susan Werwa February 17 Adar 03 Lenore Gorman
February 4 Shevat 20 Barney Katon Morris Zimmerman
February 18 Adar 04 George A. Zussman Julius Kwnitz Gertrude Kimmel Theodore Cahn Ida Jolley Anne Tremper
February 6 Shevat 22 Julius Rabinowitz February 20 Adar 06 Yetta Silverman
February 7 Shevat 23 Isaac Yenofsky Mamie Farber
February 21 Adar 07 Solomon Gabin Irving Jacobs Rose Dwoskin
February 8 Shevat 24 Gertrude Bodenstein February 22 Adar 08 Jack Goliger Samuel Libfield Rose Summers Benjamin Wilkins Richard Moskovitz
February 9 Shevat 25 Sylvia Zacher Benjamim Kimmel
February 23 Adar 09 Rose Berger Harold Levin Morris Cantor Emil Hertz Milton Miller
February 10 Shevat 26 Fannier Blick David Vogel Sarah Getz Rose Beckenstein Harold Giblin
February 24 Adar 10 Lisbeth Breslauer Nathan Garfinkel Ruth Rosenthal Pearl Yark Hannah Miller
February 11 Shevat 27 Jacob Isaac Marion Bornstein
February 25 Adar 11 Mae Block
February 13 Shevat 29 Samuel Land Florence Edelstein Sarah Brown
February 26 Adar 12 Harry Kleinfeld
February 14 Shevat 30 Chaim Berlin Harold Cheslow Harry Krumper Victor Taylor
February 27 Adar 13 Dora Chamrock Frances Tremper
February 15 Adar 01 Sadie Nadelman Ruth Parish Steve Philippsberg
February 28 Adar 14 Rachel Solomon
February Yahrzeit List
Page 12 EDIT ION 544
Yahrzeit candles should be lit the evening before the date listed. If you are in need of yahrzeit candles please contact
the Temple office.
March 1 Adar 15 Melisse Rosen Shifrin
March 2 Adar 16 Ida Rood Alfred Berkhof Henry Reader Frances Isaac
March 3 Adar 17 Harry Hymowitz Morris Friedman Frederick Berkowitz
March 4 Adar 18 Marshall Feinsilber Benjamin Gelber
March 7 Adar 21 Louis Beckenstein
March 8 Adar 22 Harry Forster Jill Schulman Alexandra Starr Elise Greenburg
March 9 Adar 23 Max Effross Jeffrey Greenfield Sidney Wolfe Louis Nadelman Isidore Diamond Charles Steinberg
March 12 Adar 26 Nettie Oloff
March 13 Adar 27 Ceila Soloman Solomon Silverman
March 15 Adar 29 Charles Schuchman Erna Eisemann
March 16 Nisan 01 Joseph Cedar
March 19 Nisan 04 Benjamin Silverman
March Yahrzeit List
Page 13 EDIT ION 544
March 19 Nisan 04 Benjamin Silverman
March 20 Nisan 05 Theodore Getz Virginia Newman Wolfe Newman Marvin Steinberg Edna Koshar
March 21 Nisan 06 Samuel Feuerman Rachel Waterman Thelma Konowitz
March 24 Nisan 08 William Silverman
March 25 Nisan 09 Rachel Zdoresky Mollie Silverman Mitchel Postol
March 27 Nisan 12 Jean Schwartz Daniel Pehr
March 29 Nisan 14 Theodore Steinberg Samuel Balick Alexander August Florence Parnes
March 31 Nisan 16 Louis M. Block
Yahrzeit candles should be lit the evening before the date listed. If you are in need of yahrzeit candles please contact
the Temple office.
Page 14 EDIT ION 544
Thank you to the following for their generous donations ….
General Donations:
Aloysius Murgatroud Manny Fineberg
Nora Lambert in memory of Tom Breslauer
Memorial Plaque
Dr. Jack Howitt in memory of his mother
Siddur Dedication:
Sam and Maryjane Newman in memory of Tom Breslauer
Kiddush Luncheons were sponsored by:
Gesia Rosenberg Stacy Horowitz Rodriguez on her birthday
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:
Gesia Rosenberg Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Donald Friedman
Brightness Soglow
Rabbi Baruch Melman who won a Chanukah 50/50 lottery and donated the
proceeds
Bernie Helman in memory of Louis “Doc” Helman Mitchell Marcus in memory of Sharon Marcus
Bill and Hilda Brown in memory of Helen Friedman Bill and Hilda Brown in memory of Mary Brown Barbara Fredericks in memory of Florence Lewis
Eileen Karpe in memory of Rose Richmond Sam Newman in memory of Jonathan Newman
Rose Reader in memory of Minnie Ehrlich Donna Waite in memory of Edward Yark
Myra Kyle in memory of Birdie Steir Edith Jacobson in memory of Greta Philipsberg
Beatrice Allam in memory of Oscar Feld Howard and June Farber in memory of Julius Polinger
Aileen Goodman in memory of Frank Frankel
Two Anonymous donors who paid for all the food, tablecloths, plastic utensils and plastic cups for the
1st Night Chanukah dinner.
Job Opening at Temple Israel SYNAGOGUE TREASURER & BOARD MEMBER
Applicant will begin official duties in August 2011 when present treasurer retires. Training period will commence as soon as applicant is approved.
Skills needed: Understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles. Desire and knowledge to keep synagogue accounts in good order. Must be able to keep confidences. Learn how QuickBooks works. This is accounting system we use. Help is available from one of our members who works with this software all the time in case there are questions. Duties: Supervise part time bookkeeper who will do all the necessary data entry, filing and mailings. Bookkeeper is already trained for job. 99 percent of the entries into QuickBooks are made by our bookkeeper who also sends out all notices of Yahrzeits. These entries have to be spot checked to be sure they are done properly. All invoices paid by the synagogue should be checked before payment to see if they are correct. Treasurer must see that payments are entered under proper expense category with as many explanation memos as possible. Sign all checks. Be sure that all hard copy records are kept and filed in an orderly manner. See that all invoices from the synagogue are done and sent to proper parties. These invoices would include membership, Hebrew school, onegs and socials, fundraising events, Hesed fund, etc. Supervise all balancing of accounts with daily entries being reconciled properly with bank accounts each month. Make reports to Board on checks written each month and balance in operating account. Have regular statements sent at least 4 times a year. List has to be given to bookkeeper. Follow up to contact people about payment if necessary. Call regular meetings of the finance committee just before the board meeting so report can be made to that body. Encourage questions, participation and ideas from this committee. There are three fund raising efforts which are done through the office without any committees. These are Chanukah raffle, High holidays greeting and memorial book, and yahrzeit notifications. As much as $6,000-$10,000 a year has been raised. Treasurer must get these started. Secretary and bookkeeper do the work. Be responsible for filing quarterly withholding reports to local, state and federal government. QuickBooks soft-ware automatically generates most of these reports We now have a method of being able to look at and work on the temple computer remotely so that checking out the books can be done by the treasurer from home. This does help a great deal since it is not necessary to come directly to the shul to supervise. Estimated time for above duties 5 a week if one is efficient. Call Marty Sagofsky or Herb Rosen if you are interested in filling this position.
Page 15 EDIT ION 544
Submitted by Rabbi Melman:
The Lesson of Purim: Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach on why we should trust each others' kashruth:
You know what is so special about Purim? On Purim we don’t have time to learn. We send shalach manos, we get drunk. The revelation that G-d reveals to us on Purim is so deep. Someone wrote a sheilah (question) to the holy Ostrovitzer. He said that he got shalach manos from a person who was not so religious, and he asked if he was permitted to eat it.
The Rebbe answered something very beautiful. What is the whole idea of shalach manos, he asked? The whole story of Esther began because the Jews ate at the feast of Achashverosh. Every Jew accused every other Jew of eating treif. So, Esther said to Mordechai, “Go and gather all the Jews.” Forget what we ate yesterday. From now on, all the Jews will be together. The idea of Pu-rim is that from now on, every Jew says to every other Jew, “I trust you that you are kosher. I trust you.” By that we bring Moshiach.
PURIM: the Role of Women in Judaism; Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach on the need to give Torah aliyot to women who need them: What about giving aliyot (being called to the Torah) to women? I’ll tell you an unbelievable story. I gave a concert in Paris. After the concert, a beautiful young lady came up to me and said, “I want to tell you my story, I come from a Chassidic home in Boston. I like to paint, to draw. I man-aged to get to college, despite my father, and I got a scholarship to Paris. I left and didn’t write to my parents. I had no money, so when a non-Jew asked me to move into his house I did. I lived with him for four years, and he asked me to marry him. This non-Jew asked my to marry him, and I was overjoyed. Sunday morning, I was supposed to be baptized, and Sunday night, the wedding. For me, Shabbos didn’t exist anymore, so the Shabbos before, I went shopping. Crazily enough, I passed by the Reform Synagogue, the same Reform Synagogue that, three years ago, was bombed by the P.L.O. I passed by that synagogue and, I don’t know why, I walked in. They were just reading the Torah. Suddenly, the shammos (beadle) came to me and offered me an aliyah. I want you to know, I was religious when I was young. Nobody ever gave me an aliyah. When they called up my name to the Torah, it was clear to me that G-d was calling me. When I made the bracha (blessing) over the Torah, I swore to G-d that I’ll be a Jewish daughter again. I came out from shul, I called up my boyfriend, and I told him that I was just in shul, and I heard a voice from heaven tell me that I shouldn’t do it. And I didn’t.” It’s all very beautiful to say that we should not give women aliyot. The Satmar Rebbitzen doesn’t need an aliyah. But, there are a lot of holy women today who need an aliyah.
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I was once in a shul where, instead of using groggers (noisemakers) people stomped their feet when they heard Haman's name read during the reading of the Purim Megillah. It seemed different from what I was used to. Can you elaborate?
Sincerely, Looking for Answers
Dear Looking,
Yes, it is a rare custom. But understandable. Please let me explain. We are commanded to blot out Amalek's name. As Haman is said to be a descendant
of the wicked Amalek, who tried to wipe out Israel, or at least the weak and vulnerable Israelites, many write Haman's name on their shoes. When hearing his name, they stomp on the floor with their shoes, thus in effect erasing Amalek through erasing Haman, his wicked progeny. In addition, since we are commanded by our sages to hear every word of the Megillah, many feel that noisemakers make too much noise, especially at inappropriate times, so much so that the other words of the megillah cannot be properly heard. So they stomp their feet in lieu of groggers. Again, this is all under the purview of custom. Local customs, or minhagim, are not on the same level as law.
PURIM
IS
SUNDAY
FEB. 28TH
Page 18 EDIT ION 544
FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE….. we offer you a challenge!
We need everyone to help with this. Surely you know individuals and
families who have no affiliation with a Synagogue. Encourage them to become members of our Temple Israel Family!
If every family brings in one individual or family, think of the possibilities!
At Temple events, be they regular Shabbat Services or a social occasion, introduce yourself to anyone you don’t recognize. You’ll make new friends
and assist us in enlarging our family.
YOU CAN BE PART OF OUR SUCCESS!!
For information please contact:
Sandra Alfonsi 223-7062
or Temple Israel 421-8781
Please leave a phone number so that we may return your call.
Page 19 EDIT ION 544
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND INFORMATION 660 Wallace Street, Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-8781
(Please complete all requested information so that we may better serve your needs.)
I. MEMBER INFORMATION Today’s Date__________________ Name___________________________________________Birthday_____________________________
Spouse or significant other Name___________________________________________Birthday_____________________________
Home Address________________________________________________________________________
How long at current address?__________if less than 2 years previous address_________________________
Home Phone____________________Work Phone (hers)__________________ (his)_________________
Cell Phone(s)_______________________________ Email Address_______________________________
Marital Status Single____________ Married_________ Divorced__________ Widow(er) ______________
Wedding Anniversary __________________________ Marriage Officiated by _______________________
Occupation (hers)_______________________ Firm name & Address _____________________________
Occupation (his) ________________________Firm name & address ______________________________
II. RELIGIOUS INFORMATION
Hebrew Name (hers)_______________________________ (His) ______________________________
Hebrew Name her mother __________________________Her father ___________________________
Hebrew Name his father ____________________________ His Mother __________________________
Are both applicants Jewish? You Birth __________ Conversion ________Not Jewish_____________
Spouse Birth __________ Conversion ________Not Jewish_____________ (if by conversion please furnish details or documentation separately)
Ritual Status: Kohen _____________Levi______________Israelite________________
Applicant Spouse
Bar Mitzvah Date ________________________ Bat Mitzvah Date _______________________________ Years of religious training __________________ Years of religious training _________________________ Do you read Hebrew? ____________________ Do you read Hebrew?___________________________ Will you attend some minyans?_______________ Will you attend some minyans?_____________________ Participate in services or aliyas?_______________ Participate in services or aliyas?_____________________ Can you chant Haftorah?____________________ Can you chant Haftorah?__________________________
Page 20 EDIT ION 544
Name and address of previous congregation ____________________________________________________________________________ Was it Reform_________Reconstructionist_______Conservative_________Orthodox_________ III. FAMILY INFORMATION Children: Name___________Birthday_________ Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ Name__________ Birthday _________Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ Name__________ Birthday _________Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ Name__________ Birthday_________ Public School Grade ______ Years Religious School_____ IV. YAHRZEITS (use an additional sheet if necessary) Date of Death Hebrew Date (if known) Name Hebrew Name Before or after sundown? Relationship and to whom
____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ V. PLEASE PARTICIPATE Your input is enthusiastically encouraged in all areas of synagogue activities. Please take a moment by checking your family’s areas of interest. _____Adult Education _____Membership _____Building and Property
_____Memorial Plaques, etc _____Choir _____Newsletter
_____Finance & Budget _____Fund Raising _____Hebrew School
_____Israeli Dancing _____Kitchen _____Program Planning
Page 21 EDIT ION 544
WE ALL HAVE SIMCHAS AND NACHES IN OUR LIFE CELEBRATE AND COMMEMORATE WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING...
SEND WARM THOUGHTS Give Suzanne Tremper a call at 588-6148 or e-mail her at [email protected] and let someone know you’re thinking of them. For a small contribution to the Hessed
Fund, Suzanne will send a card wishing a Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Mazel Tov, Get Well or Condolences. A notice will appear in this bulletin, as well. When you
call, please leave all the information needed.
TREE OF LIFE AND MEMORIALS Add a leaf to the Tree of Life to celebrate births, birthdays, marriages, bar and bat
mitzvahs, or any other special event for a minimum contribution of $150. Remember loved ones with a Memorial Plaque at a minimum contribution of $600
for members, $850 for non-members. Contact Suzanne Tremper at 588-6148.
ENDOWMENT FUND Hey, it’s always a great time to make a contribution. Make your check out to
“Temple Israel.” Another thought to consider, remember Temple Israel in your will. Call Herb Rosen at 424-1161 with any questions.
(OR, SEE BELOW)
Honor or Remember Someone Special with a BookplateA bookplate can be placed in a
Siddur, the weekly prayer book we use every Friday evening and Shabbat morning, or in a machzor, the prayer book which is used on the High Holidays. Remember a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, bnei mitzvah or any other occasion you want to note for a relative or friend. You can also place a dedication in someone’s memory. A nameplate with the donor, recipient, and occasion will be inserted. The minimum donation is $50. Contact Herb Rosen, 424-1161, or at [email protected].
Do you need aMi Sheberach Recited?
When you can’t make services, but would like a prayer said on behalf of someone important to you, please don’t hesitate to call the synagogue and leave a message on the Temple answering machine for Rabbi Melman so that your prayers will be included in our services.
All submissions are subject to review by the editorial committee. Please submit all articles for consideration to:
Barbara Rosenberg
894- 4537 [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF YOUR NEWSLETTER:
MARCH NEWSLETTER— FEBRUARY 5TH
Temple Israel of the Poconos is located at 660 Wallace Street in Stroudsburg. Friday evening services begin at 8:00 p.m. and
Saturday Shabbat Services begin at 9:30 a.m. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Temple Israel of the Poconos
660 Wallace Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT ORG. PERMIT #282
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID STROUDBURG, PA
18360
