Upload
vonga
View
215
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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.
GALA PREVIEW
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 3
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
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 4
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008
Messenger
Shaaray Tefila Spring 2016 • Ahveev 5776
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 5
#cu
t her
e
Sun
day
Mo
nd
ayT
ues
day
Wed
nes
day
Th
ur
sday
Frid
aySa
tur
day
TaST
Y at
NFT
Y-NA
R in
Alb
any
Mar
ch 6
-79:
00 a
m:
Kind
erga
rten
Fam
ily
Prog
ram
3:30
pm
: MAS
A Tr
aditi
on!
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
6:00
pm
: Sch
ool o
f Roc
k8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
7:00
pm
: SAG
E Ev
enin
g Bo
ok
Grou
p I
7:30
pm
: Kol
Rin
nah
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k6:
00 p
m: T
een
Exch
ange
Sem
inar
7:15
pm
: Tee
n Ex
chan
ge P
aren
t M
eetin
g7:
15 p
m: T
aSTY
Lou
nge
Nigh
t
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: L’d
or V
ador
Sha
bbat
Se
rvic
e7:
30 p
m: G
rade
s 3-
5 Fa
mily
Sh
abba
t Din
ner
9:00
am
: Gra
des
6-7
Shab
bat
Mor
ning
Tor
ah S
tudy
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnai
Mitz
vah:
Max
ie K
rane
, Rya
n Ro
sent
hal
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
3:00
pm
: MAS
A Tr
aditi
on!
TaST
Y at
NFT
Y-NA
R El
ectio
ns9:
00 a
m: G
rade
2 F
amily
Pro
gram
1:30
pm
: MAS
A Is
rael
is R
eal
4:00
pm
: Can
toria
l Con
cert
4:00
pm
: Ros
h Ch
odes
h: It
’s a
Gi
rl Th
ing!
NS O
pen
for P
aren
t/Te
ache
r Co
nfer
ence
s On
ly (N
o Cl
asse
s)6:
00 p
m: S
choo
l of R
ock
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y6:
00 p
m: T
een
Tues
day
7:00
pm
: Isr
ael a
nd N
ASHI
M p
rese
nt
Disc
ussi
on F
orum
7:00
pm
: SAG
E Ev
enin
g Bo
ok
Grou
p II
7:30
pm
: Kol
Rin
nah
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
6:00
pm
: Isr
ael M
o’ad
on7:
15 p
m: G
rade
9 C
ivil
Righ
ts
Post
-Trip
Ses
sion
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: Kab
bala
t Sha
bbat
Se
rvic
e7:
30 p
m: S
habb
at U
nplu
gged
Se
rvic
e fo
r 20s
and
30s
9:30
am
: Tot
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
and
Ac
tivity
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
Build
ing
Clos
edRe
ligio
us S
choo
l Clo
sed
Mar
ch
20-A
pril
2
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
yEr
ev P
urim
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k5:
15 p
m: T
ot P
urim
Ser
vice
6:30
pm
: Con
greg
atio
nal
Purim
spie
l7:
45 p
m: L
ay-L
ed A
dult
Meg
illah
Re
adin
g
Purim
Nurs
ery
Scho
ol P
urim
Cla
ss
Part
ies
Nurs
ery
Scho
ol P
urim
Cla
ss
Part
ies
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: Kab
bala
t Sha
bbat
Se
rvic
e
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
1
2
3
4
5
3028
29
31
6 7
89
1011
12
13
1415
1617
18
19
27
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y7:
30 p
m: S
AGE
Curre
nt E
vent
s7:
30 p
m: K
ol R
inna
h
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
6:00
pm
: Isr
ael M
o’ad
on7:
15 p
m: T
aSTY
Boa
rd M
eetin
g
6:30
pm
: Kle
zmer
Jam
6:30
pm
: SAG
E Pr
ogra
m5:
15 p
m: T
ot S
habb
at S
ervi
ce6:
15 p
m: G
rade
s 6-
7 Fa
mily
Sha
bbat
Di
nner
6:15
pm
: Pat
hway
s Fa
mily
Sha
bbat
Di
nner
7:30
pm
: Ere
v Sh
abba
t Ser
vice
with
Pa
thw
ays
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
2:30
pm
: MAS
A Is
rael
is R
eal
3:00
pm
: San
dwic
h Sa
turd
ay w
ith
MAS
A Is
rael
is R
eal
20
21
2223
2425
26
MA
RC
H 2
015
■
577
6
Build
ing
Clos
ed10
:00
am: S
enio
rs8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
Ad
ar I
21Ad
ar I
22Ad
ar I
23Ad
ar I
24Ad
ar I
25
Ad
ar I
26Ad
ar I
27Ad
ar I
28Ad
ar I
29Ad
ar I
30
Adar
II 1
Adar
II 2
Ad
ar II
3Ad
ar II
4Ad
ar II
5Ad
ar II
6Ad
ar II
7Ad
ar II
8Ad
ar II
9
Ad
ar II
10
Adar
II 1
1Ad
ar II
12
Adar
II 1
3Ad
ar II
14
Adar
II 1
5Ad
ar II
16
T
emple
Shaa
ray
Te
fila
Ad
ar II
17
Adar
II 1
8Ad
ar II
19
Adar
II 2
0 Ad
ar II
21
8:0
0 am
:
N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
2:0
0 pm
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y
NS O
pen
for
Pare
nt/T
each
er C
onfe
renc
es
Only
(No
Clas
ses)
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 6
#
cut h
ere
NFTY
-NAR
JYG
Ka
llah
April
1-3
Sun
day
Mo
nd
ayT
ues
day
Wed
nes
day
Th
ur
sday
Frid
aySa
tur
day
Relig
ious
Sch
ool R
eope
ns3:
30 p
m: J
unio
r Cho
ir Co
ncer
t3:
00 p
m: M
ASA
Trad
ition
!
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
6:00
pm
: Sch
ool o
f Roc
k8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
7:30
pm
: SAG
E Cu
rrent
Eve
nts
Disc
ussi
on7:
30 p
m: K
ol R
inna
h
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k6:
00 p
m: T
een
Exch
ange
Sem
inar
7:15
pm
: TaS
TY B
oard
Mee
ting
6:30
pm
: Mah
Jon
ggAd
ult C
ivil
Righ
ts T
rip to
M
emph
is A
pril
8-10
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: Kab
bala
t Sha
bbat
Se
rvic
e/Vo
lunt
eer R
ecog
nitio
n7:
30 p
m: S
habb
at U
nplu
gged
Se
rvic
e fo
r 20s
and
30s
8:00
am
: Gra
de 6
Sha
bbat
M
orni
ng R
ehea
rsal
9:00
am
: Sha
bbat
Mor
ning
Fa
mily
Ser
vice
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bat M
itzva
h: A
biga
il Sc
hnitz
er10
:15
am: M
inya
n12
:00
pm: T
orah
Stu
dy
9:00
am
: Gra
de 5
Fam
ily P
rogr
am11
:15
am: S
anct
uary
Stit
cher
s1:
15 p
m: C
lub
45 P
rogr
am3:
00 p
m: M
ASA
Isra
el is
Rea
l5:
30 p
m: T
aSTY
Pro
gram
with
Ro
deph
Sho
lom
Isra
eli T
een
Exch
ange
Vis
it
April
11-
2010
:00
am: S
enio
rs6:
00 p
m: S
choo
l of R
ock
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y7:
00 p
m: S
AGE
Even
ing
Book
Gr
oup
17:
30 p
m: K
ol R
inna
h
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
6:00
pm
: Pat
hway
s Pr
ogra
m
with
Isra
el T
eens
6:30
pm
: SAG
E Pr
ogra
m6:
30 p
m: C
ongr
egat
iona
l Mee
t &
Gree
t with
Isra
eli T
eens
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: Sha
bbat
HaG
adol
Se
rvic
e fo
llow
ed b
y Ke
sher
Pa
ckag
ing
7:30
pm
: Tee
n Ex
chan
ge S
habb
at
Dinn
er
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnai
Mitz
vah:
Ben
jam
in G
ersc
hwer
, Al
exan
der L
eidn
er, M
adis
on L
eidn
er10
:15
am: M
inya
n12
:00
pm: T
orah
Stu
dy3:
00 p
m: S
andw
ich
Satu
rday
with
Tee
n Ex
chan
ge a
nd N
ew M
embe
rs3:
00 p
m: M
ASA
Isra
el is
Rea
l
12:3
0 pm
: Sin
gle
Boom
ers
3:30
pm
: MAS
A Tr
aditi
on!
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
6:00
pm
: Sch
ool o
f Roc
k6:
00 p
m: N
ASHI
M A
nnua
l Pot
luck
Se
der (
RSVP
Req
uire
d)
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y7:
00 p
m: S
AGE
Even
ing
Book
Gr
oup
II7:
00 p
m: T
een
Exch
ange
Far
ewel
l Ba
nque
t7:
30 p
m: K
ol R
inna
h
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k7:
15 p
m: B
roth
erho
od S
essi
on
Nurs
ery
Scho
ol C
lose
d Ap
ril
21-M
ay 1
Relig
ious
Sch
ool C
lose
d Ap
ril
21-3
0
Erev
Pes
ach/
1st S
eder
Build
ing
Clos
es a
t 1:0
0 PM
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y4:
30 p
m: K
addi
sh C
all-i
n
Pesa
ch/2
nd S
eder
10:0
0 am
: Sha
bbat
/Pes
ach
Serv
ice
follo
wed
by
Tora
h St
udy
Bar M
itzva
h: D
avid
Puc
kow
itz12
:00
pm: T
orah
Stu
dy
1
1
2
2725
26
2930
28
3 4
56
7
8
9
10
1112
1314
15
16
24
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
5:15
pm
: Tot
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
7:30
pm
: Ere
v Sh
abba
t Ser
vice
fo
llow
ed b
y M
eet t
he C
hoir
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
17
18
1920
2122
23
APR
IL 2
016
■
Build
ing
Clos
ed10
:00
am: S
enio
rs8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
6:30
pm
: Mah
Jon
ggLa
st D
ay o
f Pes
ach
– Bu
ildin
g Op
en fo
r Ser
vice
s On
ly7:
45 a
m: Y
izkor
Ser
vice
10:0
0 am
: Pes
ach
Serv
ice
(incl
udes
Yizk
or)
6:15
pm
: Kab
bala
t Sha
bbat
Se
rvic
e
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnai
Mitz
vah:
Jul
ia A
pple
baum
, Br
ice
Eber
-Mor
ris10
:15
am: M
inya
n12
:00
pm: T
orah
Stu
dy
Ad
ar II
22
Adar
II 2
3
Ad
ar II
24
Adar
II 2
5Ad
ar II
26
Adar
II 2
7Ad
ar II
28
Adar
II 2
9Ni
san
1
Ni
san
2Ni
san
3Ni
san
4Ni
san
5Ni
san
6Ni
san
7Ni
san
8
Ni
san
9Ni
san
10Ni
san
11Ni
san
12Ni
san
13Ni
san
14Ni
san
15
Ni
san
16Ni
san
17Ni
san
18Ni
san
19Ni
san
20Ni
san
21Ni
san
22
T
emple
Shaa
ray
Te
fila
5
776
9:30
am
: To
t Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
an
d Ac
tivity
TaST
Y NF
TY-N
AR
Sprin
g Ka
llah
April
15
-17
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 7
#cu
t her
e
Sun
day
Mo
nd
ayT
ues
day
Wed
nes
day
Th
ur
sday
Frid
aySa
tur
day
Mot
her’s
Day
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
6:00
pm
: Sch
ool o
f Roc
kEr
ev Y
om H
aZik
aron
5:00
pm
: TaS
TY E
lect
ions
and
Di
nner
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y7:
00 p
m: S
AGE
Even
ing
Book
Gr
oup
I7:
30 p
m: K
ol R
inna
h
Yom
HaZ
ikar
on/E
rev
Yom
Ha
Atzm
aut
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
7:00
pm
: Yom
HaA
tzm
aut
Cele
brat
ion
Yom
HaA
tzm
aut
Relig
ious
Sch
ool F
amily
Ret
reat
M
ay 1
3-15
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: Kab
bala
t Sha
bbat
Se
rvic
e7:
30 p
m: S
habb
at U
nplu
gged
Se
rvic
e fo
r 20s
and
30s
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnot
Mitz
vah:
May
a Ka
let,
Darra
h Pa
rker
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
6:00
pm
: NFT
Y-NA
R Ga
la (o
ut
of b
ldg.
)
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
6:00
pm
: Sch
ool o
f Roc
k En
d of
Ye
ar P
arty
RS C
losi
ng D
ay –
Tue
s, G
rade
s 6-
78:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
7:00
pm
: Nur
sery
Sch
ool P
aren
ts
Win
e &
Chee
se N
ight
7:00
pm
: SAG
E Ev
enin
g Bo
ok
Grou
p II
7:30
pm
: Kol
Rin
nah
RS C
losi
ng D
ay –
Mon
/Wed
, Gr
ades
3-5
; Wed
, Gra
des
8-12
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k7:
15 p
m: P
athw
ays
Loun
ge N
ight
6:30
pm
: Mah
Jon
gg8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
2:00
pm
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y6:
15 p
m: L
’dor
Vad
or S
habb
at
Serv
ice
with
Ban
d an
d Gr
ades
K-2
Pa
rtici
patio
n7:
30 p
m: G
rade
s K-
2 Fa
mily
Sh
abba
t Din
ner
9:00
am
: Gra
des
6-7
Shab
bat
Mor
ning
Tor
ah S
tudy
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnai
Mitz
vah:
Cas
sand
ra C
lark
, Za
char
y Gr
eenb
erg
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
7:00
pm
: TaS
TY S
hul-i
n
9:00
am
: TaS
TY B
reak
fast
with
Gra
de
8 St
uden
ts1:
15 p
m: A
ll Yo
uth
Grou
ps E
nd o
f Yea
r Pa
rty (o
ut o
f bld
g.)
1:30
pm
: San
ctua
ry S
titch
ers
on
Mitz
vah
Sund
ay2:
00 p
m: S
andw
ich
Satu
rday
on
Mitz
vah
Sund
ay (2
ses
sion
s)3:
00 p
m: M
ASA
Isra
el is
Rea
l
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y6:
00 p
m: S
haar
ay T
efila
Spr
ing
Even
t: An
Eve
ning
of S
tarrs
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
6:30
pm
: Ann
ual C
ongr
egat
iona
l M
eetin
g
Lag
b’Om
er8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
2:00
pm
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y6:
15 p
m: K
abba
lat S
habb
at
Serv
ice
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bar M
itzva
h: R
usse
ll Te
ndle
r10
:15
am: M
inya
n12
:00
pm: T
orah
Stu
dy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
30
8 9
1011
1213
14
15
1617
1819
20
21
29Relig
ious
Sch
ool R
eope
ns12
:30
pm: L
unch
with
TaS
TY1:
15 p
m: R
osh
Chod
esh:
It’s
a
Girl
Thin
g!3:
00 p
m: M
ASA
Isra
el is
Rea
l
Nurs
ery
Scho
ol R
eope
ns10
:00
am: S
enio
rs6:
00 p
m: S
choo
l of R
ock
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y7:
30 p
m: S
AGE
Curre
nt E
vent
s Di
scus
sion
7:30
pm
: Kol
Rin
nah
Erev
Yom
HaS
hoah
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k7:
00 p
m: Y
om H
aSho
ah S
ervi
ce
Yom
HaS
hoah
6:30
pm
: Kle
zmer
Jam
6:30
pm
: SAG
E Pr
ogra
m
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
5:15
pm
: Tot
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
6:00
pm
: Cam
p Sh
abba
t Din
ner
in H
omes
7:30
pm
: Ere
v Sh
abba
t Ser
vice
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bat M
itzva
h: J
acey
Hoo
tste
in10
:15
am: M
inya
n12
:00
pm: T
orah
Stu
dy3:
00 p
m: M
ASA
Trad
ition
!4:
30 p
m: N
urse
ry S
choo
l PJ
Havd
alah
22
23
24
2526
2728
MA
Y 2
016
■
577
6
Build
ing
Clos
edM
emor
ial D
ay –
Bui
ldin
g Cl
osed
10:0
0 am
: Altf
est W
omen
’s
Educ
atio
n Fu
nd M
useu
m T
our
and
Brun
ch5:
30 p
m: N
urse
ry S
choo
l Ann
ual
Picn
ic in
Cen
tral P
ark
7:30
pm
: Kol
Rin
nah
Ni
san
23Ni
san
24Ni
san
25Ni
san
26Ni
san
27Ni
san
28Ni
san
29
Ni
san
30Iy
ar 1
Iyar
2Iy
ar 3
Iyar
4Iy
ar 5
Iyar
6
Iy
ar 7
Iyar
8Iy
ar 9
Iyar
10
Iyar
11
Iyar
12
Iyar
13
Iy
ar 1
4Iy
ar 1
5Iy
ar 1
6Iy
ar 1
7Iy
ar 1
8Iy
ar 1
9 Iy
ar 2
0
Iy
ar 2
1Iy
ar 2
2 Iy
ar 2
3
T
emple
Shaa
ray
Te
fila
9:00
am
: Sha
bbat
M
orni
ng S
ervi
ce
with
Gra
des
3-5
9:30
am
: To
t Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
an
d Ac
tivity
Mitz
vah
Sund
ayRS
Clo
sing
Day
– S
un/T
ue,
Grad
es K
-5; S
un, G
rade
s 6-
7
31
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 8
#
cut h
ere
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008
NFTY
-NAR
JYG
Ka
llah
April
1-3
Sun
day
Mo
nd
ayT
ues
day
Wed
nes
day
Th
ur
sday
Frid
aySa
tur
day
Yom
Yer
usha
layi
mCe
lebr
ate
Isra
el P
arad
e9:
30 a
m: S
ingl
e Bo
omer
s10
:30
am: C
eleb
rate
Isra
el P
arad
e Ga
ther
ing
Brun
ch b
efor
e St
ep-o
ff
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
Nurs
ery
Scho
ol –
Las
t Day
of
Clas
ses
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y1:
00 p
m: N
urse
ry S
choo
l Gr
adua
tion
7:30
pm
: Kol
Rin
nah
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
2:00
pm
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y6:
15 p
m: K
abba
lat S
habb
at
Serv
ice
with
Ban
d/Ca
mp
Send
-of
f/Boa
rd In
stal
latio
n
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
12:0
0 pm
: Pat
hway
s Fa
mily
Lu
nche
on12
:00
pm: G
rade
s 6-
7 Fa
mily
Lu
nche
on6:
00 p
m: S
havu
ot S
ervi
ce6:
45 p
m: T
ikku
n Le
yl S
havu
ot
Shav
uot
Build
ing
open
for S
ervi
ces
Only
7:45
am
: Yizk
or S
ervi
ce10
:00
am: S
havu
ot S
ervi
ce
(incl
udes
Yizk
or)
7:00
pm: T
aSTY
Ice
Crea
m P
arty
(o
ut o
f bld
g).
10:0
0 am
: Sen
iors
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y7:
00 p
m: S
AGE
Even
ing
Book
Gr
oup
I7:
30 p
m: K
ol R
inna
h (c
onfir
m)
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
6:15
pm
: Kab
bala
t Sha
bbat
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnai
Mitz
vah:
Ale
xand
er M
ella
nd
Stra
ssbe
rg, S
tella
Mel
land
St
rass
berg
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
Fath
er’s
Day
Build
ing
Clos
ed10
:00
am: S
enio
rs8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
9:00
am
: Nur
sery
Sch
ool S
umm
er
Cam
p7:
00 p
m: S
AGE
Even
ing
Book
Gr
oup
II
12:3
0 pm
: Mid
tow
n To
rah
Stud
y12
:30
pm: T
orah
Tal
k8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
2:00
pm
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y6:
15 p
m: K
abba
lat S
habb
at
Serv
ice
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
11
2
3
4
2927
28
30
5 6
78
9
10
11
12
1314
1516
17
18
26
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
8:00
am
: Nes
ham
a@Sh
aara
y2:
00 p
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
5:15
pm
: Tot
Sha
bbat
Alfr
esco
(in
Cen
tral P
ark)
7:30
pm
: Ere
v Sh
abba
t Ser
vice
10:0
0 am
: Ser
vice
Bnai
Mitz
vah:
Rya
n Ai
zer,
Adam
Di
ckst
ein
10:1
5 am
: Min
yan
12:0
0 pm
: Tor
ah S
tudy
3:00
pm
: San
dwic
h Sa
turd
ay
19
20
2122
2324
25
JUN
E 20
16
■
Build
ing
Clos
ed10
:00
am: S
enio
rs8:
00 a
m: N
esha
ma@
Shaa
ray
12:3
0 pm
: Tor
ah T
alk
Iy
ar 2
4Iy
ar 2
5Iy
ar 2
6Iy
ar 2
7
Iy
ar 2
8Iy
ar 2
9Si
van
1Si
van
2Si
van
3Si
van
4Si
van
5
Si
van
6Si
van
7Si
van
8Si
van
9Si
van
10Si
van
11Si
van
12
Si
van
13Si
van
14Si
van
15Si
van
16Si
van
17Si
van
18Si
van
19
Si
van
20Si
van
21Si
van
22Si
van
23Si
van
24
T
emple
Shaa
ray
Te
fila
577
6
Erev
Sha
vuot
10:0
0 am
: Pat
hway
s Se
rvic
e
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.
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 13
Messenger
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
T
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 14
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),
www.shaaraytefilanyc.org n 212-535-8008 15
Messenger
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