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SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
Temples Tremont and Emanu-El
SHALOM NEWSLETTER CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5778 NOVEMBER 2017
2 Ogden Road Scarsdale, NY 10583 914-725-5175
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FAMILY SHABBAT DECEMBER 1, 5:30 P.M. CHANUKAH PARTY! SUNDAY DECEMBER 17, 11:00 A.M. SHARING SHABBAT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 7:00 P.M.
MITZVAH WEEKEND NOVEMBER 17-19
TZEDEK SHABBAT
NOVEMBER 17
MITZVAH DAY NOVEMBER 19, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Highlights Include: • Drives • Cooking with Chef Cucullo from 808 Bistro and 808 Social • Yoga for a Cause • Sunday Salon with Rabbi Brown • Flash Foosball
See p. 5 for details
2
Clergy and Staff
JEFFREY C. BROWN • Rabbi [email protected] CHANIN BECKER • Cantor [email protected] ILYSE GLICKMAN • Director of Congregational Learning [email protected] ROBERTA ARONOVITCH • Executive Director [email protected] JODY GLASSMAN • Early Childhood Director [email protected] KATIE GOLDMAN • Youth Engagement [email protected] MELANIE APPELBAUM • Marketing, Communications & Public Relations Director [email protected] OFFICE STAFF • [email protected] LISA FORTUGNO • Administrative Assistant [email protected] RITA DIZENZO • Bookkeeper [email protected] JILL BERKOWITZ • Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Board of Trustees
Joel Wagman – President Joy Bertan Karen Chapro – Vice
President Steven Eigen – Treasurer Ron Katter Alison Litofsky Jeff Margolin Beverly Picker Scott Rothstein Diane Schwartz James Shifren Charles Sichel-Outcalt Tom Vogel – Assistant
Treasurer Ellen Miller-Wachtel –
Secretary Jeff Zelkowitz
SCARTY Board Members President Sam Nodiff
Committee and Program Chairs Budget & Finance Steven Eigen Tom Vogel Care2Connect Christine Ginsberg Communal Worship Gerry Cohen Victor Goodman Early Childhood Education Jules Natowitz
Family Events Alison Litofsky Funds Investment Stephen Older Jim Siegel Grounds Committee Madelaine Eppenstein Tara Tyberg Library Barbara Ginsberg Randee Horowitz Marketing & Stuart Pearlman Public Relations Eric Schoen Emily Scherer Steinberg Membership/Community Alison Litofsky Scott Rothstein PJ Library Marilyn Shebshaievitz Religious School Donna Vitale Ruskin SSTTE Seniors Aaron Plum Social Action/Tikkun Olam Karen Chapro Strategic Planning Ellen Miller-Wachtel United Interfaith Larry Eidelberg Food Bank Elinor Wharton
Women of SSTTE Co-Presidents Susan Lippmann Beth Quinn Sandy Rothstein Marilyn Shebshaievitz
Brotherhood Co-Presidents
Dan Alpert Richard Primoff David Nodiff
Professional Staff Emereti STEPHEN A. KLEIN ........ Rabbi – SSTTE ........................................... [email protected] KERRY BEN DAVID z’l .. Cantor - SSTT ALAN HOCHBERG ......... Exec. Director – SSTTE GARY KATZ .................... Exec. Director – SSTTE MARILYN SHEBSHAIEVITZ Exec. Director – TE PHILIP ARONSON z’l ..... Exec. Director – TE REBECCA SHUBERT ...... Educator – SSTTE
Shalom Newsletter DEADLINE The Shalom is partially funded by the Women of SSTTE. If you have ideas for a new article please contact Roberta Aronovitch, Executive Director at 914.725.5175.
The Shalom is published monthly (except for July & August). The Deadline for the December 2017 Shalom is Friday, December 1, 2017. In order to meet the publishing deadline, please submit information on a timely basis.
Welcome! Any questions, please contact us either by Email: [email protected] Phone: 914-725-5175 Fax: 914-725-4551
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER: Mitzvah Day p. 5
Worship p. 3 Mazel Tov p. 3 From our Rabbi p. 4 What’s Happening at Scarsdale Synagogue p. 5-9 & 12-13 Calendar for October & November p. 10-11 Arza p. 12 Director of Early Childhood p. 14 Director of Congregational Learning p. 15 Cycle of our Congregational Family p. 16-17 Youth Group Corner p. 17 Advertisements
WORSHIP
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 5:30 p.m. Family Shabbat 8:00 p.m. Shir Shabbat
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Service & Bat Mitzvah
of Ella Schneyer
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 8:00 p.m. Chavurah Service
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 8:00 p.m. Tzedek Shabbat (see p. 7 for details)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Service & Bat Mitzvah of
Maya Silverstein
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 6:15 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service
Ella Schneyer November 4
Maya Silverstein November 18
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
In this publication we try to print something for everybody. For those who like services, there is the Worship Section. For those who like to check on Mitzvahs there is the Cycle of our Congregational Family section. And for those who like to find mistakes, we have included a few of those as well. Please let us know if you have found any misspellings of names so that we may correct these typos in our records.
ARE YOU RECEIVING OUR EMAILS?
If you are not receiving our emails or are receiving duplicates, please call us at the office to let us know at 914-725-5175 or email [email protected]
Ella is a 7th grader at the Edgemont Junior High School. Her favorite activities include playing trumpet at her music school. She also really enjoys spending her summer at Camp Echo Lake where she has been going for the past four years. Her favorite subject in school is science and this year she joined the Robotics Club and the filmmakers club. She has also been in a lot of plays and really enjoys doing theater. For her Mitzvah project she is helping fundraising for the hurricane victims and collecting books for children at the Coachman Shelter.
Maya is an 8th grader at Scarsdale Middle school. She loves to play lacrosse, dance, and hang out with friends. She has been very fortunate to spend the past five summers at Camp Iroquois Springs, in upstate New York, where she loves to swim, play sports, and spend time with friends. She loves vacationing with her parents and her younger sister, Alexa in Aruba and other places in the Caribbean. She loves skiing, and racing at the mountain, Jack Frost in the Poconos. For her mitzvah project, she has been volunteering at the Schaffer Extended Care Center in New Rochelle, where she spends time with residents. From this experience she has realized how lucky she is to be healthy and have a supportive family surrounding her.
FROM OUR RABBI
4
Caring for One Another
I’m writing this in the midst of Sukkot, and so I am reminded of the symbolism that is tied to the sukkah - the temporary booths we spend time in during the holiday. The sukkah represents vulnerability. The rabbis defined a sukkah as a dwelling that could literally be blown away by a strong gust of wind. And a sukkah has to have a “faux roof” - a covering over the top that is open enough to allow for one to see the stars in the sky, and for rain to come in. When we spend time in a space like that, we can’t help but be reminded about the fragility of our lives, how the smallest thing (like a small gust of wind) can disrupt our stability and sense of direction and security. But the sukkah is also a symbol of hospitality. Part of at least one wall of the structure is supposed to be an open door, welcoming in guests who are in search of a festive meal or some shade or respite.
These two divergent interpretations on the symbolism of the sukkah also represent two poles on the spectrum of Jewish communal life. On the one hand, there is vulnerability and fragility in our Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El family. Members of our synagogue grieve the loss of loved ones, suffer because of a physical malady, navigate the challenges of mental illness, struggle with parenting or relationship questions, and grapple for hope and guidance in the face of job loss, financial insecurity, and hunger. And on the other hand, like the sukkah: our community strives to be a source of strength, support, and welcome. Cantor Becker and I regularly counsel members of our congregation who are undergoing any of the aforementioned life challenges (and lots of other kinds too). But from time to time, we hear from folks who don’t know that SSTTE provides this kind of support. As we move into this new year of 5778, of course we hope that this will be a year of prosperity, joy, and fulfillment - and that the only news you’ll need to share with us will be about an impending engagement, wedding, birth, or graduation. We always love celebrating the blessings of our members’ lives! Be in touch so we can publicize them to the congregation, and/or recognize them during our worship. But experience has shown us that it won’t only be good news in the year ahead. And so we hope you’ll reach out to us with that news too, so that we might open our doors (and our hearts) to support you or the ones you love during a difficult season. And if you have a need that we can’t support directly, we’ll refer you to other expert colleagues in our community who will. We regularly refer members to local counselors, psychotherapists, and social workers for a variety of needs. And we are particularly proud of the close partnership we enjoy with Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) in this regard. There was a time, perhaps 20 or 30 years ago, when members of a church or synagogue could presume that their clergy would automatically know about what was going on in their personal lives. Particularly in terms of hospitalizations: hospitals used to share their data with clergy, and clergy would just ‘magically’ show up for a supportive visit in the hospital. In this post-HIPAA world, though, where confidentiality is (rightly) king, we have no way of knowing whether someone in our community is in need of support. Please encourage someone you know who is in need to be in touch with the temple directly, or please call us with a name and we will reach out to them directly. We want to help, but we can only do so if you let us know of someone who is in need. While Cantor Becker and I are on the “front lines” when it comes to supporting temple members in need of support, we are joined in this effort by a remarkable group of volunteers known as Care to Connect. Care to Connect, devotedly led by Christine Ginsberg, helps to organize meals, rides, handwritten cards, occasional phone calls and other lay-led expressions of comfort and support. If you are interested in volunteering to support those efforts, please be in touch with Christine at [email protected]. (see p. 8 for more information on Care to Connect.) In the year ahead: I hope and pray that you and your families will only need to reach out to our support team with good news. But our community can draw a small measure of strength and comfort from knowing that our clergy, staff, and compassionate volunteers are standing by to support you when the news is more concerning. Please don’t hesitate to call on us. We are here for you. With blessings for happy and healthy 5778,
Rabbi Jeffrey Brown
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
5
MITZVAH WEEKEND Tzedek Shabbat
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 8:00 P.M. See p. x for all the details
Mitzvah Day SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 2017
9:00-11:00 a.m. Drives • Pre-school Children's Books - Family Services of Westchester • Children’s Clothing for Sharing Shelf or Kids Kloset • Diapers for Diaper Bank • College Dorm Supplies for Grad Bag • Food Drive • Pet Supplies • Crafts and Games to benefit Children's Hospital At Montefiore (CHAM) • Toothbrush drive for the head start children at Family Services of Westchester • My Sister’s Place Holiday Drive will continue through mid-December - toys for all ages, scarves, hats and gloves
for all ages through adult and jewelry or other modest items for the adults both men and women • Musical Instrument Drive - To be donated to students in Harlem - Great for parents who have abandoned
instruments collecting dust somewhere in their house.
9:00-9:30 a.m. Kehillah/Mitzvah Day Kickoff
for everyone in the Sanctuary
9:30-10:20 a.m. Religious School students: In classrooms doing Mitzvah Day-themed learning For teens and adults:
• Cooking – Salvatore Cucullo, Chef from 808 Bistro/808 Social, will be leading the preparation of a meal for Grace Church again this year.
• Yoga for a Cause - $18/person. Monies will be donated to the Syrian refugee family we are co-sponsoring • Sunday Social Action Salon with Rabbi Brown on Jewish values of social justice/action. • Flash Foosball Tournament - proceeds to benefit Syrian refugee family
10:20-11:00 A.M. TABLES AND ACTIVITIES
Lunch bags to-go • Bag decorating (for sandwiches) • Bagging carrots • Sandwich Making • Rice Krispie Square Making • Lunch Bag assembling
Cooking a Meal for Grace Church • Hot Food Preparation with Chef Cucullo • Salad making for adults, teens and older children
PJ library corner with mitzvah-related books UnSelfies for Giving Tuesday Cards: Thanksgiving cards for donation to BJCC and holiday cards to Victims of gun violence, sending love and support Karaoke for a Cause Making thanksgiving themed centerpieces for the Bronx Jewish Community Council (BJCC) Outdoor games i.e. three-legged race, egg on spoon, etc. Nominal Entry Fee to benefit the Syrian Refugee Family we are co-sponsoring. Poll Everywhere around theme of mitzvot and social action Mitzvah Walk with Teens
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
6
Why Do We Pray? Rosh Hashanah Reflections
By Jose Scher When Rabbi Brown and Cantor Becker gracefully asked us to share a few words about why do we pray, we gladly accepted thinking it would be an easy assignment. Of course, after days of writing and re-writing our thoughts, we actually found that there is no right or even easy answer to this question. Abraham Heschel --- GOD IN SEARCH OF MAN… Certainly, to Luciana, Uma, Micah and I praying is primarily about gratitude:
- First, for the amazing opportunity we were given to have a happy, healthy existence – one we particularly come to appreciate at times of adversity or sickness;
- Gratitude to be able choose, and in each decision - at minimum - aspire to achieve our full potential both as individuals and as members of our family and of our community
- We are also grateful – and most especially so- for the sacred gift of life. A gift we have received from our parents and were incredibly lucky to be able to preciously pass along; the sole idea of creating life, and perhaps because of our own experience, is what we cherish the most. Witnessing the growth of two healthy, smart, beautiful kids on their way to become loving friends, caring individuals and conscientious citizens is both a blessing and a unique sensation of completeness and deep accomplishment. Essentially, a comforting awareness that we have already passed the torch in the most fulfilling and gratifying manner.
Indeed, Luciana and I (as many thousands of others) immigrated to our new home in a sort of living manifesto of prayer in a quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- for ourselves and those that surround us. But we also pray for other, profound, fundamental motives that can perhaps be better illustrated by sharing a tale based on real events. The year is 1978. The scene transpires in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the worst dictatorship in the history of Latin America. At the time, thousands of people were being detained without due process, tortured and ultimately disappeared (the infamous term coined to describe unsolved murders because the bodies would be thrown into a vast river, never again to be recovered). Among those kidnapped by the dictators, was Jacob Timerman, a journalist and social justice activist whose work focused on denouncing the crimes against humanity being perpetrated by the regime. Jacobs Rabbi was Marshall Meyer, a Brooklyn-born, Argentine transplant who was a close disciple of Heschel and the founder of both the Latin American conservative movement and the synagogue where my parents got married, I was born and bar mitzvah’d and where Luciana and I also got married. The well documented chronicles described that, in the midst of those dire circumstances, Rabbi Meyer walked one day straight into the generals’ headquarters with Jacob’s son at his side. He entered the dictator’s office and, as he was looking him in the eye, calmly said: “I am a Shepherd and one of my precious sheep has been stolen from my rebano. They tell me you are the thief. And I will not leave until you return the sheep to me.” Eventually Jacob was liberated and ultimately exiled to Israel from where he tirelessly continued to denounce injustices, dictatorial regimes while defending those in need. In 1994, the equivalent of the JCC headquarters in Buenos Aires was leveled down by a massive terrorist bombing, killing 86 men, women and children. The attack, as demonstrated by the prosecution, was masterminded and executed by Hezbollah and the Iranian regime, but those responsible were never bought to justice. Some 30 years after Jacob’s release from captivity and about 15 years after the bombing, the democratic Argentinean government engineered an impunity pact with Iran in exchange for commercial business. The architect of that deal and main negotiator was the Argentinian Secretary of State. His name: Hector Timerman, no other than Jacob’s son. The story, as perplexing and shocking as it is, also embodies the complexities and paradoxes of our own behavior and existence. It is also a reminder that each one of us have our own inner Jacobs and Hector. They are both always there, waiting to be listened to. And although we have the ability to do good and help those that need us the most, we also harbor those latent low instincts that can potentially deviate us from the moral pathway, whether by action or by omission. It always begins with us. We have the responsibility to discern and act consequently. As we close another year and renovate our promise to elevate the father’s voice within us and silence or restrain the son’s worse instincts, we also pray so that when in doubt or during those difficult and challenging moments of desperation, we listen to the shepherd in us so we can stand for injustice, violence and bigotry even when it is not comfortable or at our own risk. Let us pray together so we can distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, moral from immoral.
L’Shana Tova!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
7
Why Do You Come to Pray on the High Holy Days? Erev Rosh Hashanah Reflections
Stuart Pearlman September 20, 2017
It is an honor to have been asked to address why I come to pray on the High Holy Days. This question should be prefaced by first addressing why I come to Synagogue on the High Holy Days. According to the 2013 Pew Research study, some 40% of adult American Jews seldom, if ever, attend services – including on the High Holy Days. That means there will be approximately 1.7 million American Jews wandering around over the next 10 days, unconnected to our heritage, to our faith or to the vital glue that holds our peoplehood together – namely our Synagogues, Temples and Chavurim (Chavurot?). So Reggie and I come to Synagogue – to this one almost exclusively – for every Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as to other services during the year, as we have since 1979. Why? Because, to quote the Geico commercials, it’s what you do. It’s what you do if you believe, as I do, that a Jew has an obligation to support a Synagogue in whatever ways one can – be it with money, time or some combination of the two. Without Synagogues, it wouldn’t be long before Judaism – with all its teachings, beauty, richness and, yes, contradictions – would fade away. Frankly, I worry that’s already happening, perhaps reflected, in part, by the long and cumbersome full name of our Synagogue. Now comes the hard part. Do I come to pray? Being perfectly candid, I don’t think I actually pray, assuming you agree with the glib description of praying as some combination of saying out loud or silently to God: “Please, please, please or thank you, thank you, thank you.” But during services I read the text in our machzors or siddurim, follow the Torah reading as best I can, in both Hebrew and English, listen to Rabbi Brown probing old and new ideas, enjoy Cantor Becker’s warm and lush musicianship and think about my family, my friends, myself and the world around me. I come to pray to take time out from the usual routine to focus on my unequivocal hopes for good to prevail now, or soon or someday. As an old-timer here at Scarsdale Synagogue, I want to say welcome to any of you here this Rosh Hashanah eve for the first time. My hope is that when the next 38 years go by, you’ll look back with well-earned pride at sustaining and improving this special place, however you can, for future generations of Jews to embrace and preserve. Shana tovah to all, and thank you again for the opportunity to say a few words.
Our First Tzedek Shabbat! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 8:00 P.M.
This new series of Shabbat services will be organized around combining Social Justice with prayer On November 17, we will focus our attention on preventing gun violence in America. The program will include information about current concerns as our prayers focus on how Jewish Tradition promotes peace and healing. Come and create cards for families affected by gun violence and learn about other meaningful to get involved. Questions? Please contact Karen Chapro at [email protected]
Eisner/Crane Lake and 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy Camp Presentations
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Parents and Children interested in attending sleep away camp should both attend this presentation. URJ camps offer a unique Jewish experience for children that complements their religious school education. We blend informal education with sports, arts, and cultural events to create an all-encompassing Jewish experience for children in grades 2-10. They also offer scholarship opportunities for synagogue members if they are in need. Call 201-722-0400 for more information or visit www.eisnercamp.org
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
8
WOMEN OF SSTTE To RSVP Online for Any of Our Events, Visit: bit.ly/ssttewomenevents
Board Meeting Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m.
All members are invited to attend. Our meeting will begin promptly as we have a special guest speaker. By popular demand, Richard Corn is coming back! He will speak with us on Gibraltar with a Jewish Twist. Richard’s talks are always interesting and informative. Please bring a box of cereal, or a can of tuna fish, or a can of soup when you come to our meeting, and of course, we encourage you to bring non-perishable food for the Food Pantry whenever you come to the Synagogue. Note that our December meeting will be the first Wednesday of the month, December 6 at 10:30 a.m.
Paint Night! For the Inner Artist NOVEMBER 16, 6:30 P.M. It’s almost here and we still have a few spaces available….so make your reservations now! We will gather at Pinot’s Palette in Tuckahoe for a fun-filled Paint Night. Painters may choose to make either a tote bag (and we can always use another tote bag!) or a picture. Cost is $50 per person and you can reserve your spot by sending your check to the Women of SSTTE in care of the Synagogue. When you make your reservation you must indicate if you want to paint a tote bag or a canvas. Mark your envelope Women of SSTTE – Paint Night. Reservations must be made by November 8 and are not confirmed without payment.
Untermyer Gardens and X2O Trip What a beautiful day September 27 was. Twenty seven women and men took a tour of the beautiful gardens and statuary at Untermyer Park in Yonkers. We were able to learn about the history of the gardens and the restoration work taking place. We even saw the beautiful mosaics that Haifa described to us when she spoke at our meeting last year. And of course, lunch at X2O was delicious. Our Women of SSTTE trips are always great!
You Oughta Be in Pictures (and news stories) Check the Synagogue Website (www.sstte.org) to stay up-to-date on Women of SSTTE activities and to see pictures of our events.
Friday Night Service Participation Each Friday night a member of the Women of SSTTE participates in our Shabbat Service. It could be lighting the Candles; it could be doing a reading (in English). All members are welcome to represent us and it is a very wonderful way to participate. If you are interested in sharing in this experience, please call the Synagogue office and leave a message for us or email to [email protected].
CARE2CONNECT
Our Care2Connect committee has one main goal – to reach out and support fellow congregants throughout various lifecycle events. New volunteers are always welcome! There are no meetings to attend or events to schedule on your calendar. Just let us know what you are interested in doing, how often you are available and the best way to reach you. Then, when a need arises that you are comfortable with, our committee will be in touch. Whether you can help out once a month or once a year, it all adds up to a more supportive and caring temple community! Tikkun Olam Together.
Other services our networks of member volunteers provide include: • Providing/Delivering Meals to homebound members or families during a health crisis; • Checking in via telephone with the ill, elderly and/or homebound; • Visiting an ill or homebound member; • Transportation to a doctor's appointment for an ill or non-driving member; • Hosting a single or widowed member for a holiday meal; • Transportation to services (when available) for an elderly or non-driving member.
If you know...of a Synagogue member who is ill or in the hospital, call the office and let us know. This way the Rabbi and Cantor can visit and Care2Connect can provide timely support. Don’t assume that we know---we will only know if you tell us!
For more information, to volunteer or to let us know of a Congregant who could use our support, please contact Rabbi Brown, Cantor Becker or the Temple Office.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
9
JUDAICA HAPPY CHANUKAH How Time Does Fly!
We have celebrated Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah, and so it’s not too early to think about CHANUKAH, which begins this year on December 12th. Our Gift Shop will be featuring Menorahs in all styles and price ranges, Decorative Candles, Dreidels, Games, Toys and Books for children and adults, including some marvelous Cookbooks, and of course, the obligatory…Chanukah gelt!.
In addition to these Chanukah-related articles, we will be displaying items for home use and for gift-giving: Challah Boards, Knives and Covers, Candlesticks, Kiddush Cups, Mezzuzahs, Tezdakah Boxes, Jewelry, Tallesim and Yarmulkes to suit all tastes. Our prices are discounted below retail, and proceeds help to fund important projects of the synagogue.
Get a head start on your shopping by filling your holiday needs right here. The Gift Shop will be open during Mitzvah Day on Sunday, November 19th and on Sunday, December 3rd from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. both days.
If these dates are not convenient for you, give us a call and we can plan to meet with you at another time. SEE US FIRST! Barbara Baron – 693-3131
BROTHERHOOD Eight Nights a Week Even though warm weather has followed us into October, Brotherhood has its eye on the cooler weather in December. Of course, that means Chanukah is on the horizon! As part of a celebratory weekend Brotherhood is presently putting together an evening of latkes and music for all those 18 and older folks who are in the mood to party! Join Us for Rockin’ Chanukah! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
Brotherhood welcomes you to “Eight Nights a Week”, featuring two cover bands. The first band, “The New Originals” plays a mix of music including everything from Tom Petty to Pink Floyd. Following the first band will be a five guy Beatles band which covers everything Beatles from “All My Lovin’” to “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. To compliment the music we will be serving cheese/crackers, latkes, donuts, beer, wine and vodka drinks. The dance floor will be open if you’re in the mood or you can simply sit back and kibbitz with your friends and family. The cost for the evening will be $36 per person in advance or $40 at the door. You can pay by cash, check or credit card. Doors will open at 8:00 pm and music will run through the evening until around midnight. Rabbi Brown will be conducting a Havdalah service and candle lighting to begin the festivities. Other Brotherhood events taking place starting in 2018 will be announced later on but in the mean time we encourage anyone who would still like to join Brotherhood to please send us an email or call the synagogue. Brotherhood Co-Chairs, Dan Alpert David Nodiff Richard Primoff
SSTTE Seniors
Lunch at El Dorado (on Central Avenue) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1:00 PM Coffee and Conversation TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1:00 PM Discussion with Rabbi Brown on Gun Control – How do we stop the sale of guns? See p. 12 for more information If there are any questions, please call Rosalie and Harold Citron 914-963-4093. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings and programs. Looking forward to seeing all of you!
CALENDAR
10
~ November 2017 ~ Marcheshvan – Kislev 5778
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3
Family Shabbat 5:30 p.m. Shir Shabbat 8:00 p.m.
4 Shabbat Svc. & Bat Mitzvah of Ella Schneyer 4:30 p.m.
5 Stewey (Grades 3-5) Centerpiece Pallooza 11:00 a.m.
6
7 Seniors Lunch Offsite 1:00 p.m.
8 Women of SSTTE Board Meeting 10:30 a.m.
9
10 Chavurah Service 8:00 p.m.
11
12 NO Religious School
13 WOW Meeting 11:00 a.m. Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 p.m.
14 Rabbi Klein’s Study Chavurah 10:30 a.m. Jewish Issues & Ideas 8:00 p.m.
15
16 Women of SSTTE Paint Night Offsite 6:30 p.m.
17 Tzedek Shabbat 8:00 p.m.
18 Clergy Led Torah Study 9:15 a.m. Shabbat Svc. & Bat Mitzvah of Maya Silverstein 10:30 a.m. Bi-Annual Night of Jewish Learning Offsite 7:00 p.m.
19 Mitzvah Day 9:00 a.m. Judaica Shop Open 9:00 a.m. Parent’s Circle 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Interfaith Svc. 7:00 p.m.
20 WOW Meeting 11:00 a.m. CWC Meeting 7:30 p.m.
21 Seniors Coffee & Conversation 1:00 p.m. Talmud Class 8:00 p.m.
22 NO Religious School NO Team Tikkun
23 Thanksgiving Day OFFICE CLOSED
24 Shabbat Service 6:15 p.m. OFFICE CLOSED
25
26 NO Religious School
27
28 Rabbi Klein’s Study Chavurah 10:30 a.m.
29
30
NOTE: Religious School meets Sundays 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Team Tikkun meets Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:15 p.m.
CALENDAR
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~ December 2017 ~ Kislev - Tevet 5778
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
Family Shabbat 5:30 p.m. Shir Shabbat with BOT Installation 8:00 p.m.
2 Shabbat BaBoker 10:30 a.m.
3 Judaica Shop Open 9:00 a.m. Mid-Year Annual General Mtg. 9:30 a.m.
4
5 Rabbi Klein’s Study Chavurah 10:30 a.m. Seniors Lunch Offsite 1:00 p.m.
6 URJ BIENNIAL Women of SSTTE Board Meeting 10:30 a.m.
7 URJ BIENNIAL
8 URJ BIENNIAL Chavurah Service 8:00 p.m.
9 URJ BIENNIAL
10 URJ BIENNIAL K’tanim Chanukah Event 11:00 a.m. Scarpe Diem Chanukah Event 1:30 p.m.
11 Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 p.m.
12 Chanukah – 1 Candle Rabbi Klein’s Study Chavurah 10:30 a.m.
13 Chanukah – 2 Candles
14 Chanukah – 3 Candles Stew Leonards Chanukah Candle Lighting 5:30 p.m.
15 Chanukah – 4 Candles Sermon in Song 8:00 p.m.
16 Chanukah – 5 Candles Rockin Chanukah
17 Chanukah – 6 Candles Eisner/Crane Lake Presentation 9:00 a.m. Parent’s Circle 9:30 a.m. Family Chanukah Party 11:00 a.m.
18 Chanukah – 7 Candles CWC Meeting 7:30 p.m.
19 Chanukah – 8 Candles Seniors Coffee & Conversation 1:00 p.m. Talmud Class 8:00 p.m.
20 Chanukah – 8th Day
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22 Erev Shabbat Service with Chai Notes 6:15 p.m. Sharing Shabbat 7:00 p.m.
23
24 NO Religious School
25 Winter Recess OFFICE CLOSED
26 Winter Recess OFFICE CLOSED
27 Winter Recess OFFICE CLOSED
28 Winter Recess OFFICE CLOSED
29 Winter Recess OFFICE CLOSED Erev Shabbat Service 6:15 p.m.
30
31 Winter Recess NO Religious School
1 Winter Recess OFFICE CLOSED
NOTE: Religious School meets Sundays 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Team Tikkun meets Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:15 p.m.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
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ARZA
Want to know more about Israel and the Middle East?
Here are some sources: ON THE INTERNET
dailyalert.org Daily Alert is a digest of news and commentary about Israel and the Middle East, prepared for the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
israel21c.org Upbeat, lively, colorful news about Israel covering technology, health, culture, environment, travel, social issues
ON TELEVISION Jewish Broadcasting Service Optimum Channel 138 Verizon FIOS Channel 798 JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring issues and events of Jewish importance, coverage of meetings of major Jewish organizations giving us access to the thinking of the best minds in the Jewish world, news from Israel, Jewish studies, programs from the 92nd Street Y, music, films, children’s programs, and entertainment.
For examples of quality, in depth discussion about Israeli life, history visit past programs go to the internet JBStv.org check out these programs: Under Series, Event Coverage Find Six Day War—-(14JUN) Bret Stephens and Yossi Klein Halev discuss their personal connections to Israel and how the American Jewish community’s views on Israel are evolving.
AJC’s David Harris on Israel-6 Days, 50 Years — (05JUL) David Harris looks back at the 1967 6 Day War of 50 years ago and reviews Middle East History to suggest “What’s Next” for the future of Israel. ARZA, THE ASSOCIATION OF REFORM ZIONIST OF AMERICA, IS THE OFFICIAL LINK BETWEEN THE AMERICAN REFORM MOVEMENT AND ISRAEL. ARZA CHAMPIONS ACTIVITIES THAT ENHANCE ISRAEL AS A PLURALISTIC, JUST AND DEMOCRATIC JEWISH STATE. A PORTION OF YOUR ARZA DUES SUPPORTS THE ISRAEL RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER ---IRAC.
Your synagogue needs you… Can you help us?
Are you organized, love dealing with people - become our volunteer coordinator. Work with our volunteers to make sure they understand their duties, field inquiries, and perhaps even find someone to fill in when an assigned volunteer is unable to come in. Order food for Onegs, lunches, dinners, etc. coordinate with office regarding the calendar, anticipated numbers (adhering to our dietary guidelines). Source pricing. 3 - 4 hours per month The Shalom – we need someone who can help in collecting information and articles for the Shalom, reminding our contributors (clergy, religious school, Mazel Tots, the President, Women of SSTTE, Brotherhood, Arza, etc.), collecting all of the information and placing the articles in a template. Interfacing with the temple calendar, - coordinating with office staff. 10 - 12 hours each month Full training provided.
Discussion on Gun Control with Rabbi Brown
NOVEMBER 21, 1:00 P.M.
We are inviting all members of the Congregation – Men, Women, Friend to discuss Gun Control. There are more gun clubs and gun shops in our country than McDonald’s. We need to convince our Legislators and Senators to tighten gun control. Please join us to discuss your ideas and suggestions. We need to protect our families, children and grandchildren during this crisis. No one is safe anymore. Rabbi Brown will join us in this important discussion
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SCARSDALE SYNAGOGUE
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OUR DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD
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MAZEL TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM October was a very exciting month for us! We’ve been very busy taking note of all the fall changes. We’ve been collecting leaves, tasting fall fruits and even making soups to enjoy as the weather gets colder. Of course, the children have been enjoying the seasonal changes in our playground and rain garden!!! Brisk fall weather and vibrant fall colors have given the playground and garden a magical feel.
As if that weren’t exciting enough, we have weekly visits from Rabbi Brown, Cantor Becker and Rabbi Glickman, and the children sing with Jen, exercise with Elizabeth, enjoy Yoga with Emily, and play games with Steve. Our 3’s and 4’s started sign language. Our Enrichment classes have Karate with Tara, Fitness with Jeannine, Super Soccer Stars, and “Inquiring Minds”. A naturalist brought some animals for us to learn about. A “Mad” Scientist did exciting experiments with us. We even had a number of families spend time with us as Shabbat Guests. All amazing!
Toddler Program and Separated 2’s
Beginning January 2nd we will be offering a Toddler Program for children born between September 2015 and June 2016. The program will meet Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:15-10:45 a.m. The curriculum planned includes activities designed to promote fine and gross motor development, interesting objects to feed a child’s curiosity, and of course, songs, stories, art projects, and more.
In addition to the Toddler Program we will also be offering a Separated 2’s Program that begins in January. The class will meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:15-11:15 a.m. This new program will have all the same features as our full-year 3 and 5-day 2’s programs. Call us for more information.
Nursery School for 2018-19 School Year Just a reminder- if you are interested in our program or know of friends who are looking, please call to schedule a visit to see the school. We’re so excited about our program and we’re eager to show it off!
Summer Stars This past summer at Summer Stars was outstanding and we are busy planning for summer 2018! We had all kinds of fun with ranging in age from 18 months through five of age. We had so many wonderful staff members helping to create our fun! Summer Stars features water play, sports, storytelling, cooking, art, karate, music, obstacle courses, carnival games and more! Summer 2018 will feature all of the children’s favorite activities, a few new activities and of course, our amazing playground!
Mark your Calendars in November Mitzvah Day, NOVEMBER 19, 9:00 A.M. See p. 5 for all the details. Please feel free to call me (914-723-3001) with any questions you may have. Jody Glassman, Director
OUR DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING
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On a Shabbat morning in November 1990 I celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah. The parashah (Torah portion) was called Vayera and it recounted (among other things) the tale of Sarah and Abraham, their years of infertility, Isaac’s ultimate birth, and the emotional saga of Isaac’s near-death experience at the hand of his father. And while it has been 27 years (how has it really been that long?) since that Shabbat, I remember it like it was yesterday. To be sure, I don’t only remember “the day”; rather, I hold fond memories of learning Torah trope with our beloved cantor and B’nai Mitzvah teacher, exploring the themes of the parashah with my rabbi, and feeling the
collective excitement of friends and family. And all these years later, I still know the name of the parashah for it left an indelible mark in my psyche. I, it was taught to me by my clergy, was inextricably linked to Vayera forevermore. For years I did not fully grasp the depth of this teaching and it was only when - in my 20s - I met a new friend who told me that his parashah had also been Vayera that it clicked. Since that conversation I find myself linked - spiritually? religiously? - to others who share the same Torah portion as me. The most recent example of this happening was with one of our students, Ella Schneyer. She is becoming a Bat Mitzvah on November 4th and mentioned that the parashah is Vayera...and...CLICK!...instant Torah buddies we shall be for life. You see, Torah has a way of conflating time and space. Just last month on Simchat Torah we celebrated reaching the end of the Torah and starting it over again. Why don’t we pause when we reach the end? Why immediately start with the first words of Torah in Bereishit? I think it’s because Torah is a presence in our lives each and every day, in some small way. And when I meet a new friend, a student, or a neighbor, who shares Vayera with me...I am reminded of this once again. What a blessing. Parents and teens: What is “your” Torah portion? Have you ever met anyone else who shares that parashah with you? Tell me the story the next time we see one another!
Here are some important upcoming dates that you won’t want to miss:
Family Shabbat, NOVEMBER 3, 5:30 P.M. Welcome Shabbat with songs, prayers, and blessings. BYO picnic dinner and blanket and we’ll provide dessert!
Mitzvah Day, NOVEMBER 19, 9:00 A.M. See p. 5 for all the details. Eisner/Crane Lake and 6 Points Sci-Tech Camp Presenations, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. See. ad on p. 13 for more details
CYCLE OF OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY
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Candelabra Case DAVID & MARCIA PERMAN in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz Cantor’s Discretionary Fund HAL & BARBARA BARON in appreciation of Cantor Becker’s musical contributions to the High Holy Day services PAULA KUDLOWITZ in memory of her mother, Mildred Spielman PAULA LESTER in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz; her grandmother, Pauline Glicken; her father, Monroe Lester; her uncle, Sam Glicken BERENICE MILLER in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz; her father, Anthony Carragher RITA REICH in honor of Cantor Becker’s beautiful musical High Holy Day Services General Tribute Fund DANIEL & ELLEN BROWN in memory of her father, Abraham King HAROLD & ROSALIE CITRON in memory of their sister, Susan Goldberg BARBARA FASTENBERG in honor of Sara & Andy Feinstein and their friendship IRENE FRIED in memory of her husband, Herbert Fried; her grandson, Miles Applebaum DAVID & MICHELE GORDON in memory of her mother, Roberta Baum MARILYN MALOFF in memory of Gerald Cohen, husband of Myra Cohen; Claire Simkins, mother of David Simkins; Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz; in honor of Rabbi Klein’s Chavurah, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Becker BERENICE MILLER in memory of her husband, Raymond Miller LISE MINOVITZ & ERIC FREY in memory of her mother, Anne Minovitz
GARY POLLACK & ROBIN AISENMAN in memory of his mother, Edith Pollack ARLENE POPKIN in memory of her husband, Dr. Stephen Hirschberg DR. MARCUS & JUNE REIDENBERG in memory of his sister, Mona Sutnick MITCHELL & BARBARA ROSS in memory of her father, Charles Danetz RICHARD & HELENE SHANDELL in memory of her father, Morris Hicken ALAN SISENWEIN & SUSAN OZNER in memory of their fathers, Harry Sisenwein & Marvin Ozner; their nephew, Ethan P. Cullen LYNN VERGANO in memory of her dear friend, Walter Gramble DR. PAUL & MARGERY WEINSTEIN in memory of her father, Jack Nathanson CHARLES YOCHIM in memory of his grandmother, Yetta Friedman Interfaith Food Pantry PAULA KUDLOWITZ in memory of her grandfather, Samuel Bernstein and grandmother, Rose Kudlowitz LEON & MARILYN SHEBSHAIEVITZ in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz Irving Gershon/Talmud Midrash Fund SHELDON & KATHERINE EISENMAN RUTH GERSHON in loving memory of her husband, Irving Gershon GERALD & LINDA PERETZ GARY POLLACK & ROBIN AISENMAN ALAN & RHEBA ROSENBLUTH
Nursery School Enhancement Fund ED & BEVERLY PICKER in honor of the birth of Jacob Vogel Bryan, grandson of Tom & Marcy Vogel; the marriage of Rebecca Cohen to Rob Schliessman, daughter of Gerald & Stefani Cohen; in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz
IN REMEMBRANCE The Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El recognizes with sorrow the passing of:
Eva Dreyer, mother of Vicki Fischer Edwin Leventhal, father of Miriam Widmann Norman Sherman, father of Elizabeth Graif Mildred Spierer, mother of Robert Spierer
MAZEL TOV
Noah & Debra Goldman on the birth of their granddaughter Sarah Goldman, daughter of Eric & Elisabeth Goldman
Rita Reich on the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, Benjamin Reich, son of Dr. Ashley Wilkerson & Lawrence Reich
We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
CYCLE OF OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY
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Rabbi Brown’s Discretionary Fund HAL & BARBARA BARON in appreciation of Rabbi Brown for his conducting of the High Holy Day services MARLENE BRENHOUSE in memory of Gary Brenhouse RICHARD & VICKI FISCHER in memory of her mother, Eva Dreyer PAULA KUDLOWITZ in memory of her mother, Mildred Spielman RITA REICH in honor of Rabbi Brown’s thought provoking, interesting High Holy Day Services MARC & LESLIE SCHNEIDER in memory of Eva Dreyer, mother of Vicki Fischer ALAN & MINDI STEINBERG in memory of her father, Irving Serwitz Rabbi Klein’s Youth Initiative GLENN & SONJA COOPER in honor of Marsha Williams and Paula Lester Religious School PAULA KUDLOWITZ in memory of her mother, Mildred Spielman Women of SSTTE Fund
HAL & BARBARA BARON in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz; for the speedy recovery of Barbara Ginsberg DR. HENRY & BARBARA GINSBERG in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz JOAN HAYWOOD in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Reich, grandson of Rita Reich PAULA KUDLOWITZ in memory of her mother, Mildred Spielman DAVID & MARCIA PERMAN in honor of Barbara Ginsberg for her speedy recovery from knee surgery CECILIA PFEIFFER in memory of her sister, Helen Berkowitz SHARI PRESS congratulations to Ruth Gershon on her birthday and new home; congratulations to Rita Reich on the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, Benjamin Reich; thank you to Hal & Barbara Baron for their kindness and dedication to SSTTE RITA REICH in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz MITCHELL & BARBARA ROSS with thanks to the Women of SSTTE for their prayers and kind wishes during her recent surgery PAUL & SANDRA ROTHSTEIN in memory of Mildred Spielman, mother of Paula Kudlowitz
Youth Group Corner by Katie Goldman
In the Torah, God denotes 613 mitzvot for the Jewish people to follow. These commandments were given to the Jewish people, seeking to provide them with guidance, a sense of being, and the ability to abide by the traditions of being Jewish. The act of performing mitzvot is a duty taught by rabbis, teachers, and parents. Doing good deeds for those in your community provide each of us with a sense of purpose. During our Yom Kippur teen service Sam Nodiff, the president of SCARTY, our temple’s youth group for students in Grades 9-12, spoke about the ways our teens can become involved and perform their own forms of mitzvot. Sam writes, “There are many opportunities for engagement at Scarsdale Synagogue:
• Member of the Temple Youth Group (SCARTY) Board • Attendee of Temple Youth Group Events (SCARTY) • Attending Religious School weekly - Team Tikkun on Wednesday nights • Assisting teachers on Sunday mornings and/or Wednesday afternoons through our madrichim program
We are dedicated to repairing the world through social action projects and various events. For those of you who haven’t joined yet, it would be wonderful to have you in the group. We engage in community service and volunteer at places such as homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Additionally, we help to run programs for younger children at the synagogue. Not only are we participating in meaningful projects together, but Team Tikkun is a great way to meet new people and make some new friends.”
IN NOVEMBER As we enter the month of November, I invite each of us to think about the ways we can perform mitzvot. Sunday NOVEMBER 19TH is Mitzvah Day at Scarsdale Synagogue. Together as a community we will join together and help those less fortunate than us. See p. 5 for details on Mitzvah Day. Centerpiece Palooza – Stewey (Grades 3-5, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Help create thanksgiving theme centerpieces that will be donated to Bronx Jewish Community Council (BJCC). RSVP: [email protected] Have an idea for youth group events? Want to chat? Contact me at [email protected].
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Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El 2 Ogden Road Scarsdale, NY 10583
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