16
Messenger n Thursday, February 5, 2016 (26 Shevat 5776), Temple Shaaray Tefila began the next step in its evolution by unanimously electing Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher as Senior Rabbi. “We are overjoyed to welcome Rabbi Mosbacher, his wife Elyssa and their sons Ari and Lev to Shaaray Tefila,” said President Michael Starr. “All of us who have met, studied and worshipped with Rabbi Mosbacher during the selection process know that he brings to our synagogue the depth of Jewish learning, passion and vision to lead our congregation in fulfilling its mission of meaningful Jewish engagement for all of our congregants of every age and background.” Rabbi Mosbacher joins Shaaray Tefila after 15 years as the rabbi of Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, New Jersey. Rabbi Mosbacher grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and Hebrew and Semitic studies. After spending a year as a youth worker in London, he enrolled at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), where he received rabbinic ordination in 1998. In 2006 he earned a Doctorate of Ministry from HUC-JIR with a focus on pastoral counseling. Rabbi Mosbacher began his career as the assistant rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Dunwoody, Georgia. Known throughout the country for his ability to energize synagogue life, Rabbi Mosbacher has a deep commitment to pastoral care and tikkun olam, the pursuit of social justice for all. For his innovative advocacy work on gun violence prevention and his leadership of the national Do Not Stand Idly By campaign (donotstandidlyby.org), Rabbi Mosbacher will be honored this spring by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. Rabbi Mosbacher has also served as a part of the Responsa Committee for the Central Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher Elected Seventh Senior Rabbi in Temple History By Chip Schrager Spring 2016 Ahveev 5776 n Vol. XLI No. 3 IN THIS ISSUE Purimspiel: Return of the JedChai................... 2 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Honor Roll .............................. 3 Nursery School Gala Preview........................... 3 Spring Mitzvah Week 5776................................ 4 Community Activities ....................................5-8 Sanctuary Stitchers ........................................... 9 Dorshei at Shaarei ........................................... 10 2016 Cantorial Concert ................................... 11 Communities of Character: A Conversation with David Brooks............. 12 Gone Gefilte Fishin’......................................... 13 From Our President ......................................... 14 Personally Speaking ....................................... 15 Weekday Torah Study ..................................... 15 Purim is Coming .............................................. 16 An Evening of Starrs ....................................... 16 Shaaray Tefila Continued on page 3 Known throughout the country for his ability to energize synagogue life, Rabbi Mosbacher has a deep commitment to pastoral care and tikkun olam, the pursuit of social justice for all. O We welcome Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, his wife Elyssa, and their sons Ari and Lev to our Sacred Community.

Shaaray Tefila Messenger · electing Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher as ... Messenger Spring 2016 ... Jack Cogen, Irwin Engelman, Cynthia Mann Haiken, Marlene Nadel, Melissa Saperstein, Jacqui

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Messenger

n Thursday, February 5, 2016 (26 Shevat 5776), Temple Shaaray Tefila began the

next step in its evolution by unanimously electing Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher as Senior Rabbi.

“We are overjoyed to welcome Rabbi

Mosbacher, his wife Elyssa and their

sons Ari and Lev to Shaaray Tefila,” said President Michael Starr. “All of us who have met, studied and worshipped with Rabbi Mosbacher during the selection process know that he brings to our synagogue the depth of Jewish learning, passion and vision to lead our congregation in fulfilling its mission of meaningful Jewish engagement for all of our congregants of every age and background.”

Rabbi Mosbacher joins Shaaray Tefila after 15 years as the rabbi of Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, New Jersey. Rabbi Mosbacher grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and Hebrew and Semitic studies. After spending a year as a youth

worker in London, he enrolled at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), where he received rabbinic ordination in 1998. In 2006 he earned a Doctorate of Ministry from HUC-JIR with a focus on pastoral counseling. Rabbi

Mosbacher began his career as the assistant rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Dunwoody, Georgia.

Known throughout the country for his ability to energize synagogue life, Rabbi Mosbacher has a deep commitment to pastoral care and tikkun olam, the pursuit of social justice for all. For his innovative advocacy work on gun violence prevention and his leadership of the national Do Not Stand Idly By campaign (donotstandidlyby.org), Rabbi Mosbacher will be honored this spring by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. Rabbi Mosbacher has also served as a part of the Responsa Committee for the Central

Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher Elected Seventh Senior Rabbi in Temple History

By Chip Schrager

Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776 n Vol. XLI No. 3

IN THIS ISSUEPurimspiel: Return of the JedChai ...................2

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Honor Roll ..............................3

Nursery School Gala Preview...........................3

Spring Mitzvah Week 5776................................4

Community Activities ....................................5-8

Sanctuary Stitchers ...........................................9

Dorshei at Shaarei ...........................................10

2016 Cantorial Concert ...................................11

Communities of Character:

A Conversation with David Brooks .............12

Gone Gefilte Fishin’ .........................................13

From Our President .........................................14

Personally Speaking .......................................15

Weekday Torah Study .....................................15

Purim is Coming ..............................................16

An Evening of Starrs .......................................16

Shaaray Tefila

Continued on page 3

Known throughout the country

for his ability to energize synagogue

life, Rabbi Mosbacher has a deep

commitment to pastoral care

and tikkun olam, the pursuit of

social justice for all.

O

We welcome Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, his wife Elyssa, and their sons Ari and Lev

to our Sacred Community.

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www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008

GALA PREVIEW

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Messenger

Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776

The congregation extends congratulations to

the following young members and their families

who celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvah:

March 2016 / Adar Alef - Adar Bet 5776

■ Maxie Krane, daughter of Wendy Jacobson Krane & Steven Krane

■ Ryan Rosenthal, son of Marisa & Peter Rosenthal

■ Sydney B.R. Staff, daughter of Elyse & Michael Staff

April 2016 / Adar Bet - Nisan 5776

■ Julia Rose Applebaum, daughter of Amy & David Applebaum

■ Brice Eber-Morris, son of Wendy Eber & Peter Morris

■ Benjamin Gerschwer, son of Barbara & Lawrence Gerschwer

■ Alexander M. Leidner, son of Jennifer & Mitchell Leidner

■ Madison L. Leidner, daughter of Jennifer & Mitchell Leidner

■ David E. Puckowitz, son of Sheri Cabasso & Stephen Puckowitz

■ Abigail R. Schnitzer, daughter of Cindy & Edward Schnitzer

May 2016 / Nisan - Iyar 5776

■ Cassandra Amelia Clark, daughter of Andrea Labov Clark & Timothy Clark

■ Zachary Greenberg, son of Heather René Greenberg & Joshua Greenberg

■ Jacey K. Hootstein, daughter of Michele & Seth Hootstein

■ Maya R. Kalet, daughter of Barbara Katz■ Darrah B. Parker, daughter of

Michelle & Adam Parker■ Russell L. Tendler, son of

Cindy Hambro & David Tendler

June 2016 / Iyar - Sivan 5776

■ Ryan Aizer, son of Elizabeth & Steven Aizer■ Adam Dickstein, son of Pamela & Glenn Dickstein■ Alexander Melland Strassberg, son of

Michele Melland & Richard Strassberg■ Stella Melland Strassberg, daughter of

Michele Melland & Richard Strassberg

BAR /BAT MITZVAH HONOR ROLL

Conference of American Rabbis (ccarnet.org/rabbis-speak/reform-responsa/), grounding his social advocacy in Jewish values.

“I am deeply moved to serve Shaaray Tefila, and am humbled by the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the great rabbis who have served this sacred community before me,” Rabbi Mosbacher said. “Shaaray Tefila is a leading congregation both in New York City and in the Reform Movement, and I look forward to being a part of the

next great chapter in its history.”

The election was the culmination of nearly 18 months of exhaustive work on the part of the Rabbinic Search Committee: Lois Nyren (Chair), Michael Starr (ex-officio), Michael Byowitz, Ari Cavaliero, Jack Cogen, Irwin Engelman, Cynthia Mann Haiken, Marlene Nadel, Melissa Saperstein, Jacqui Schein, Liz Sherman, Kyle Solomon, Evan Spiegel, Mindy Tindel, and Barri Waltcher. Pamela Mittman will join Kyle Solomon as chairs of the Rabbinic Transition Committee, now in formation. This committee is charged with helping both Rabbi Mosbacher and the Congregation ensure a smooth transition from strength to strength over these next few months.

This process was aided by the presence of an Interim Senior Rabbi who knows us, has known us and has been part of our congregational fabric for years. Rabbi Deborah Hirsch stepped in at a time when Shaaray Tefila needed her most and helped guide us through these troubling waters. In the coming weeks we will share details about a tribute for Rabbi Hirsch and hope you will join us.

Rabbi Mosbacher will officially begin his tenure at Temple Shaaray Tefila on July 1, 2016. n

Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher Elected Seventh Senior Rabbi

in Temple History Continued from page 1

ur annual benefit is the largest fundraiser for the Nursery School, and this year the event will take place at LAVO on March

9. Money is raised through the sale of tickets, raffle tickets, direct solicitation and a silent and live auction. All proceeds go directly to the school’s Scholarship Fund, Teacher Enrichment Fund and to playspace enhancements, as well as to supplement some of the activities of the Parents’ Association. Parent volunteers work on every aspect of the benefit, from the initial planning to the day of the event. Our live auction features art work from each one of our classrooms, and this year a professional

auctioneer will get the crowd excited and the money flowing. Our nursery school’s benefit is an exciting evening where the parents have a wonderful time supporting and raising money for our school! n

The 2016 Nursery

School Gala…

O

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Messenger

Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776

www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 5

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www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 7

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Messenger

Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776

AFFINITY GROUPS

or the past nine years, the members of Temple Shaaray Tefila’s Sanctuary Stitchers have been knitting and crocheting blankets for

traumatized teens. Originally, the group was a branch of the national Sanctuary Stitchers program affiliated with the Jewish Board of Family Services (JBFS), which distributed blankets to teens leaving residential treatment programs. When the JBFS disbanded its program, our group decided to retain the name, donating the blankets to Project Linus, a national program that provides blankets to traumatized and seriously ill children up to the age of 18.

The group began when a brief blurb appeared in the Messenger looking for “experienced knitters to teach knitting on Mitzvah Sunday and supervise the creation of blankets for teens in need.”

Devorah Zamansky and Ethel Donner responded, spending the afternoon teaching people of all ages how to knit. The group decided to meet monthly and Devorah and Ethel became co- chairs of Sanctuary Stitchers. Several years later, Joanne Jahr succeeded Devorah.

Sanctuary Stitchers meets once a month at 11:15 am -1:15 pm on a Sunday. We produce at least four or five blankets each year and some years more than ten – and they are always beautiful. Some members knit or crochet complete blankets while

Sanctuary Stitchers—Warming Body and Soul

By the Sanctuary Stitchers

F

Sanctuary Stitchers meets once a

month at 11:15 am-1:15 pm on a

Sunday. We produce at least four

or five blankets each year and some years more than ten – and

they are always beautiful.

www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 9

Continued on page 10

www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 10

Messenger

Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776

COMMUNITY

ometimes just when I say hello the right way, I’m like, ‘Whoa, I’m so cool.’”

— Robert Pattinson

Greeters are often the first faces guests and congregants see when coming through our gates of worship on a Friday evening. The simple act of having a big smile and an outstretched hand, wishing someone a “Shabbat Shalom,” is an indicator for all who join us that we are a warm and welcoming community. Some of the people who come through our doors are old friends, others are here to celebrate the Bar or Bat Mitzvah of a loved one and still others are new to our community and looking for a permanent spiritual home.

That they all feel welcome is the sacred duty of our Dorshei Shalom.

Any member of the Congregation may register as Dorshei Shalom. You can sign up for a date (or dates) by visiting our new online registration form at https://shaaraytefilanyc.org/dorshei-shalom-registration. Open dates are added on a rolling basis. Once you register, you will receive an email reminder along with the Dorshei Shalom guidelines before your scheduled date.

If you are unable to access the link, you may also sign up by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling Shaaray Tefila’s Congregational Administrative

Liaison, May-Ling Agosto, at (212) 328-9409. However, we urge you to register as soon as possible. Two to three greeters are needed each Shabbat, and we are always in need of help.

Thank you in advance for your commitment and dedication to serving Shaaray Tefila’s sacred community. n

Dorshei at Shaaray

By Chip Schrager

“S

others prefer to contribute individual squares that are then incorporated into blankets.

Like classic knitters everywhere, we sit and talk and sip tea and nibble cookies while we work. We would dearly love to increase our membership. If you knit or crochet, or would like to learn how, consider joining our group. You will enjoy the camaraderie as well as the satisfaction of creating lovely works that will comfort a child in need.

The dates of our remaining meetings this year may be found in the calendar on pages 5-8.

We look forward to welcoming you into our tightly knit group. n

Sanctuary Stitchers—Warming Body and Soul Continued from page 9

The simple act of having a big smile

and an outstretched hand, wishing

someone a “Shabbat Shalom,”

is an indicator for all who join

us that we are a warm and

welcoming community.

www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 11

From Second Avenue to Broadway: Music to Lift your Spirit and

Inspire your Imagination 2016 Cantor Concert

Presented by: Cantors Todd Kipnis, Maria Dubinsky, Claire Franco and David Katz with

Accompanist Allison Sniffin

Our program will take you on a musical journey from

Broadway standards to classical opera. Let your imagination soar as the music fills your heart and soul.

Dessert reception will follow.

www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 12

1888

The world’s largest local philanthropy, UJA-Federation of New York cares for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, connects people to their Jewish communities, and responds to crises — in New York, in Israel, and around the world. www.ujafedny.org

twitter.com/ujafedny

facebook.com/ujafedny

instagram.com/ujafedny

COMMUNITIES OF CHARACTER A CONVERSATION WITH

DAVID BROOKSUJA-Federation of New York and Manhattan synagogues

invite you to

Communities of Character: A Conversation With David Brooks

Can we build rich inner lives by looking beyond ourselves? New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks believes that “most of the time, character is not an individual accomplishment. It emerges through joined hearts and souls, and in groups.”

Join us for a communitywide conversation about the bonds that unite us in an increasingly divisive time. David Brooks will share

reflections on character, gratitude, and how we can magnify the best in ourselves and in each other. Mr. Brooks will also engage in dialogue with UJA-Federation CEO Eric S. Goldstein about finding common ground and fostering collective purpose.

MONDAY, MARCH 7, 20167:00 P.M.The Temple Emanu-El Skirball Center 10 East 66th Street, New York City

Couvert: $18* per person

Register at ujafedny.org/david-brooks or for more information, contact Amanda Sweetwood at 212.836.1258 or [email protected].

In collaboration with the following Manhattan synagogues**Ansche Chesed The Brotherhood Synagogue Central SynagogueCongregation Adereth El Congregation B’nai JeshurunCongregation Emanu-El of the City of New York Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun Congregation Or Zarua Congregation Orach Chaim Congregation Ramath Orah Congregation Rodeph Sholom Congregation Shaare Zedek Congregation Shearith Israel Darkhei Noam Edmond J. Safra Synagogue Fifth Avenue Synagogue JCP Downtown The Jewish Center Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim Lab/Shul Lincoln Square Synagogue Park Avenue Synagogue Park East Synagogue Romemu Society for the Advancement of Judaism Sutton Place SynagogueTamid: The Downtown Synagogue Temple Israel of the City of New York Temple Shaaray Tefila Town and Village SynagogueWest End Synagogue West Side Institutional SynagogueWest Side Sephardic Synagogue Young Israel of the West Side

Manhattan Division ChairsNatalie Barth Michael Lustig

Synagogue Outreach and Engagement ChairErica Schwartz

Synagogue Outreach and Engagement Committee Lowell Aptman Kim Dickstein Jill Franco Johnny GlaserMarilyn Gottlieb Kim Hartman Sally Kaplan Karen Kastenbaum Joel Kazis Naomi Kronish Elyse NewhouseJonathan Plutzik Aaron Rosen Ayelet Rosen Sara ShemiaHarriet Kaplan Suvall Barri Waltcher

UJA-Federation of New York’s CommUnity: UJA+Synagogues initiative offers educational briefings, hands-on volunteer opportunities, and scholars-in-residence at local synagogues. To learn more, contact Marissa Cinnamon at [email protected] or 212.836.1899.

*Your gift represents a charitable contribution to UJA-Federation of New York.**In formation.

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Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776

GENERAL INTEREST

here are some things in life that are completely polarizing in any setting: Republican vs. Democrat, Yankees vs. Red Sox, sinkers vs. floaters

(matzah balls!) and, of course, gefilte fish – you either like it or you hate it. I’ve never met anyone who is ambivalent about it.

I happen to like it, but I get why some people don’t. It’s not particularly pleasant to look at and it makes that awful sound when you extrude it from the jelly. It’s also not easy to describe in a way that makes it sound appealing to someone who hasn’t had it before. The first time my brother brought his (now) wife to the Seder, we described gefilte fish as a cold fish meatball that is served with horseradish. Already a vegetarian, Megan became a vegan for the night. That said, if there’s anything I’ve learned from my friends who work in restaurants, it’s that the two best ways to make a new food approachable are to wrap it in bacon or fry it. With that in mind, here is my recipe for Passover Gefilte Fish Croquettes.

What you’ll need:

• Your favorite gefilte fish• 1⁄2 cup matzah meal• 1 teaspoon baking powder• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt• 1⁄2 cup water + 1 tablespoon water• 1 egg, beaten• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil• 2 quarts of oil for frying (I like peanut but

you can also use Canola)• Horseradish (purple or white, it’s up to you)• Sour cream

Directions:

Mix horseradish with sour cream and then place in fridge.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot to 375 degrees.

If your gefilte fish are the same football-shaped ones that mine are, cut in half along the long axis, set them on a paper towel and cover with another paper towel to pull out some extra moisture.

Matzah meal looks like breadcrumbs, but we want it smaller and more fine. So put it in a food processor and crumble it until it looks like flour.

In a mixing bowl, combine the matzah meal, baking powder and salt.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the water, egg and vegetable oil. Add wet ingredients to dry and combine until mixed.

Dip fish halves in batter one at a time. When they are fully coated, gently place them in the oil – it should start boiling immediately. DO NOT DROP THE FISH IN. Hold the tip of each piece of fish in the hot oil for a few seconds and then slowly lower it to the pot. This will help with splatter control and will also prevent the fish from dropping straight to the bottom. Add a few more pieces but do not overcrowd the oil, turning the fish after a couple of minutes.

Remove fish from pot and place on a rack over some paper towels so the oil can drip. Sprinkle immediately with sea salt or Kosher salt. Serve with the horseradish cream. n

Gone Gefilte Fishin’Passover Gefilte Fish CroquettesBy Chip Schrager

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Temple Shaaray Tefila 250 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Phone: (212) 535-8008 Fax: (212) 288-3576 www.shaaraytefilanyc.org

General Email [email protected]

Religious School (212) 535-0912

Nursery School (212) 535-2146

Interim Senior Rabbi Deborah A. Hirsch Cell: (914) 715-3055 [email protected]

Senior Cantor Todd Kipnis Cell: (917) 838-9141 [email protected]

Assistant Rabbi Beni Wajnberg (310) 895-1482 [email protected]

Associate Cantor Maria Dubinsky (347) 449-1679 [email protected]

Executive Director Amy Schwach [email protected]

Early Childhood Director Bonnie Blanco [email protected]

Director of Religious School

and Educational Innovation Mindy B. Davids, RJE [email protected]

Director of Youth

and Informal Education Hope Chernak, RJE [email protected]

Interim Director of Development Joan Bronk [email protected]

Rabbinic Interns Adam Lutz Nicole Berne

President Michael Starr [email protected]

Rabbi Emeritus Jonathan A. Stein

Rabbi Emeritus Harvey M. Tattelbaum

Cantor Emeritus Bruce Ruben, Ph.D.

Have a question, comment or story suggestion? Contact Chip Schrager, Communications Coordinator at [email protected] or by phone at (212) 328-9394.

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

At the very beginning of the Book of Isaiah, we are told that he prophesized during the “reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.” Isaiah could not very well say that he prophesized 700 years before the Common Era, so he oriented his service by reference to the kings of Judah who reigned at the time.

We often orient ourselves as synagogue Jews by referencing the rabbis who served at critical times in our lives: I joined during the time of this rabbi; my children celebrated their Bnai Mitzvah or were married by that rabbi; so-and-so was the rabbi when my parent or other loved one died.

Last month, we elected Rabbi Joel M. Mosbacher to be our next senior rabbi. His service begins on July 1, 2016. That is a new reference point in the life of Shaaray Tefila. Until then, Rabbi Deborah Hirsch continues her service as our interim senior rabbi. She has served with compassion, dedication and wisdom during challenging times in the life of our synagogue.

I am delighted to announce that the next phase of our transition will be guided by two strong leaders whom I have asked to chair our Rabbinic Transition Committee: Pam Mittman and Kyle Solomon. Kyle is a member of our Board of Trustees, has served on the Rabbinic Search Committee and is a regular Latke Guy. His children, Mason and Noa, are 17 and 14. Pam Mittman has served as co-chair of our Kehilah Call initiative, was a member of our Executive Director Search Committee and is currently a member of our B’nai Mitzvah Working Group. She has 2 children, Lucas and Shane, ages 10 and 7.

We will be adding members to the Transition Committee in the next few weeks. Congregants who want to serve should contact me at [email protected]. While we cannot appoint all who may volunteer to serve, there is much to do and there are many ways to assist this process, even by those who are not on the committee itself.

The first step in welcoming Rabbi Mosbacher is to offer a fitting farewell to Rabbi Hirsch, thanking her for having guided our Congregation for those last two years. Our farewell to Rabbi Hirsch will culminate at a Shabbat Service in her honor in June. We will be providing more details soon.

We hope to see you then.

I am delighted to announce that

the next phase of our transition

will be guided by two strong

leaders whom I have asked to

chair our Rabbinic Transition

Committee: Pam Mittman and

Kyle Solomon.

Michael Starr

B’ydidut (in friendship),

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Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776

Dear Friends,

On February 4, 2016, Temple Shaaray Tefila made history with the vote to engage Rabbi Joel Mosbacher as the seventh senior rabbi in the Congregation’s 170-year history. Although the details of that future have not been written, we know that it will be filled with promise, optimism and excitement. Like embracing the next generation of one’s family, Shaaray Tefila will now prepare to envelop Rabbi Mosbacher (as well as Elyssa, Ari and Lev) with its warmth, partnership, respect and love.

William Bridges, who was a premiere consultant in organizational change and whose seminars continue to inform and guide institutions toward embracing their futures, identified change as having three component pieces: ending,

neutral zone and new beginning. The neutral zone, also called the wilderness, is perhaps the most important aspect to change. Bridges defined the neutral zone as an “in-between time, when the old is gone but the new hasn’t become fully operational.”

The Israelites, when they left Egypt, quickly realized what it meant to wander through a neutral zone – literally and figuratively – while they were in the wilderness. Their homes and routine were gone and the Promised Land was not yet visible. Their neutral zone was to last 40 years, so, in fact, the majority of Torah – four out of the five sacred books (Exodus-Deuteronomy) – takes place in the Biblical neutral zone. Our entire Biblical Jewish tradition, our ethical and religious commandments, our People’s spiritual core, were created in a neutral zone. The people literally needed the space to see and create their future through a different lens.

So, too, for Shaaray Tefila! Like the Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, Shaaray Tefila will soon be arriving at its New Beginning. On Kol Nidre, I spoke about the congregation’s resilience – its ability to stay the course and emerge greater than its parts. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who, with unflappable love for the Congregation, has worked so diligently to jettison Shaaray Tefila into its new beginning: lay leadership under Michael Starr’s guidance, who navigated us through the neutral zone; the rabbinic search committee, spearheaded by Lois Nyren, which focused on finding the best next senior rabbi; and the staff, who didn’t miss a beat and who continued to collaborate in providing worship, learning and programmatic opportunities to enrich the spiritual needs of our members. Most importantly, I want to thank Amcha, YOU, the members of Shaaray Tefila who have walked with us through the neutral zone.

“Chazak v’Ematz, Be strong and resolute” were the words spoken to Joshua as he was about to assume the mantle of leadership and walk with the Israelites into the Promised Land. So too do these words apply to Rabbi Mosbacher – may he lead with vision, compassion and strength. As my tenure at Shaaray Tefila concludes in June, I pray for the Congregation: “Chazak, Chazak V’titchazku – Be Strong, be strong, and may you always continue to strengthen one another.”

L’shalom,

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Shaaray Tefila

Shaaray Tefila

250 East 79th StreetNew York, NY 10075-1274

First Class U. S. Postage

PAID Farmingdale, NY

Permit No. 51

SPRING CELEBRATIONUPCOMING HOLIDAYS

Purim is Coming! Purim is Coming!

Purim at Shaaray Tefila is something that one has to experience. Simple words don’t do it justice. Costumes are not required, but we do judge you if you don’t wear one. Clergy, lay leaders and staff let their hair down (those who have hair) and a good time is had by all.

This year we are striving to make our Purimspiel, “Return of the JedChai,” as easy as possible for congregants of all ages to attend. To do this, we’ve changed our Purim schedule around a bit:

Wednesday, March 23:

4:00 – 5:00 pm: Tot Carnival

5:15 – 5:45 pm: Tot Purim Service (where Haman lives

out his days in Trenton, NJ)

5:15 – 6:30 pm: Purim Carnival for the not-so-tots

6:30 pm: “Return of the JedChai,” featuring music from

several movies (because Star Wars doesn’t have any

music with lyrics)

7:45 pm: Adult Megillah Reading followed by light

dinner and drinks (an RSVP to [email protected] is

required for dinner)

We certainly hope you will join us for what’s always a wonderful night—one that makes the staff wish we didn’t have the ability to livestream the things that happen in the Sanctuary. n