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SHALIYAH Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore
October 2015 A Community Dedicated to Change and Committed to Tradition Tishrei/Heshvan 5776
WELCOME OUR NEWEST RSNS MEMBERS!
Please join us in welcoming the following families to the RSNS community.
Rebecca and Danny MosesAthena Perry and Josh SpeismanMindi Wapner and Gary BabadJulie and Chris ThomasThomas and Jane Hollander
Join us in welcoming ALL new members at the Family Service on
Friday, October 2, 7:30 p.m.
SHABBAT B’YAHADThe B’Yahad program is an ongoing Saturday morning family service and education experience. All members are welcome! Adult Text Study begins at 9:00 a.m. and the community Family Service begins at 10:15 a.m. Our next session will be Saturday, October 27th.
CONGREATION WIDE PROGRAMSFor all ages!! All are welcome.
SHABBAT DINNER- FRIDAYS AT 6:30 p.m.Adults $10 Children – freeOctober 16, November 20, January 22, and March 18Dinner is diary Italian. Gluten-free option only if requested in advance. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call the office.
SANDWICH MAKING – SUNDAYS AT 10 a.m.Prepare bag lunches for clients of the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network).October 18, December 6, January 10, February 28, March 13 and April 17
SAVE THESE DATES Cooperative Dinner: Saturday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP!
Mutual Support Workshop: Thursday, November 12, 7:30 p.m. "So Close and Yet So Far: Parents and Their Adult Children" led by Sandra R. Wolkoff, PHD., LCSW-R
Mitzvah Day: Sunday, November 15, 2015
NOVEMBER SHALIYAH The deadline for the November 2015 issue
is October 15th. To submit content for the NOVEMBER Shaliyah,
Email your copy as a word document to [email protected]
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Parenting Caregiving Marital Concerns Separation/Divorce Bereavement Geriatric Care Cancer Wellness Career Legal Financial
Are you raising children and struggling to cope with the loss of your spouse?
Sid Jacobson JCC is offering a Young Widows/Widowers Support Group designed to address these challenges, and will provide support and guidance
to help you cope and navigate this difficult time in your life.
Free childcare is provided for children 5 years of age and older.
For further information, please contact our Support Group Coordinator,
Audrey Bernstein, LMSW 516-484-1545 ext. 211, [email protected]
PARTNERS IN CARING STAFF Randy Hight, LCSW Margy Ringelheim, LMSW
Audrey J. Bernstein, LMSW Chana Topek Diamond, LCSW Michelle Laser, LCSW, Director of Social Services
Our Warm Line is staffed by your caring, professional social workers. CALL 516.484.1545, ext. 196
Phone calls are always free and confidential.
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RABBI LEE
I am writing this note to you on the day before Yom Kippur, so I have “reviews” only for Rosh HaShana.
Of course it’s always good to hear that people have been stimulated, inspired, entertained, especially since
by Eric, Jodie and I work so hard to make the Holidays efficacious. We know we are not alone in our
endeavors and that Mauricio, Leo, Sylvia and Sharon, Solomon and the choir, presenters and readers,
volunteers – and proof readers, ushers, ticket writers and others – all help make Rosh HaShana and Yom
Kippur what they are. But none of it would work without you who come and listen and take it in. Many
years ago, my teacher, Ira Eisenstein, used the metaphor of electricity to speak about God – a power that’s
invisible, which if used appropriately, will bring light to the world. That’s how I feel about you who come
together to experience the Holidays. Thanks for bringing yourself so openly and willingly to the experience.
Thanks for being such good conduits and receptors. And thanks for your appreciation and support. Let’s
use the energy of the High Holidays to light our way through another good year together.
With appreciation to all and best wishes for a good year,
Lee
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
PJ LIBRARY Join us for the next PJ Library Program on Wednesday October 21st at 5:30 p.m. The topic is Mitzvot. The program will feature stories, songs, craft, food and a visit to our sukkah! Not a PJ Library member yet? It’s never too late for your child to start receiving these free Jewish books each month. Visit www.pjlibrary.org and sign up.
OR HADASH For grades 4 - 6 SAVE THE DATE for our second Or Hadash program of the year - Saturday Night at the Movies on November 14th! Including Sundaes and Havdala. 7:00-9:30 p.m. at RSNS in the Blue Room . . . BYO pillows . . . To sign up for all of the events, call the RSNS office or email Sharon at [email protected]
PLEASE . . . let us know if you will be attending. Even if you registered for the year, we need a head count for each event, so we have enough snacks! You can email Sharon ([email protected]) with your RSVP.
KADIMA – seventh grade 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.October 6th - Kadima class with parents October 13, 20 and 27th - Kadima class (students only)
ADOPT A SURVIVOR Post Kadima class 2015 –Adopt a Survivor program-meeting Wednesday, October 14th 6:00–7:00 p.m. - (no dinner).
TEENS: grades 8-12
MADRICHIM grades 8-12What are madrichim? Our madrichim (plural) will be role models; be compensated for their work or can earn community service hours; help teachers get supplies, organize students and lessons, tutor students, help in the office; enhance their experience in Synagogue School through their own continued learning (in training sessions); continue to learn about Judaism, leadership, Jewish education, professional conduct and teaching techniques as part of their training. You can apply for a madrich/a position in the Synagogue School by contacting Rabbi Jodie.
KESHER HADASH Are you an RSNS teen? Then join us online! Follow us on instagram: instagram.com/rsnsteens/ Join our Facebook group: www.facebok.com/groups/kesherhadash/
Don’t forget, our Annual Sukkathon sleepover under the stars is Saturday night, 6:30 p.m. on October 3rd. Watch your email for details!
Boy’s Group – Bros’ HodeshWe'll begin another great year of fun and bonding starting on October 20th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. If you're a boy in grades 8-12, please RSVP to Cantor Eric, or join our Facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/groups/187609124592536/
Girl’s Rosh Hodesh – draws on the tradition of Rosh Hodesh celebrations to build self-esteem, leadership skills, and satisfying Jewish identities for adolescent girls. We intend the program to demonstrate to teenage girls Judaism’s commitment to their growth and well-being. 8-10th grade girls may join this special “girls only” group. Our first meeting will be on October 13th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE - MITZVAH DAY TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
ON NOVEMBER 15th.
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SYNAGOGUE SCHOOL NEWS
The 2015-2016 School Calendar is posted on the RSNS website.
SPECIAL DATES – ALL STUDENTS ATTEND WITH PARENTS October 4 Simhat Torah Celebration – 7:30 p.m.November 15 Mitzvah Day 9:00 a.m.December 11 Hanukah Family Service 7:30 p.m.January 24, 2016 Tu B’Shevat Seder 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.March 6 Heritage TripMarch 23 Purim Megillah reading, 6:00 p.m. – Play 6:30 p.m.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS HELD DURING REGULAR CLASS TIME – ALL DATES ARE TUESDAYS December 8 Hanukah May 3 Yom HaShoahFebruary 23 Shabbat Day May 17 Zimria & Slide ShowApril 19 Pesah Day
Shabbat Services: Family services are held one Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. There are many different ways for families to participate. We work with each class to enable parents to provide Jewish role models for their children as well as expand their knowledge of Jewish liturgy and texts. You may sign up to help with a Family Service oneg. The B’Yahad Saturday morning family service and education program act as reinforcement for our tefilla program.
FRIDAY EVENING FAMILY SERVICE STUDENT PARTICIPATION All families are encouraged to join us at all family services regardless of your student’s grade.October 2 Bet consecration and welcoming new membersNovember 6 VavDecember 11 Shabbat School (Hanukah)January 8, 2016 HayFebruary 26 DaledMarch 11 GimmelApril 11 Kindergarten/AlefMay 6 Shabbat School
ASHOKAN TRIP Friday thru Sunday, February 5 – 7, for students in grades 3 thru 6.
Camp JRF will be at RSNS on October 27!Kids: Experience the fun of Camp during synagogue school time.
Parents: Join your kids and Camp staff for dinner at 6:15 p.m.
877-CAMP-JRF (877-226-7573)
Time and again, parents tell us that they send their children to Camp JRF because we have a shared set of values, we create a safe space for exploration and growth, and
we are deeply committed to diversity and to building community. Simply put, we are helping to nurture youngsters who embody � how we be.�
And it wouldn�t be camp without all the fun of summer -- swimming, sports, arts, music, friends, and so much more! In a commitment to making Camp accessible to all,
generous scholarships and travel subsidies are available. Join us!
One, two, three, and four week sessions, plus a five day Family Camp program,all in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania!
Camp JRF will be at RSNS on October 27!Kids: Experience the fun of Camp during synagogue school time.
Parents: Join your kids and Camp staff for dinner at 6:15 pm.
All these smiling faces can�t be wrong.Get in on the fun of Camp!
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Nursery School classes began on September 8th and are off to a great start. Most of the children have successfully separated, and each day eager children enter their classrooms ready to work and play. New friendships are forming as we explore the different areas of our room and share snack, stories, and song. Our 3's Lunch Bunch and 4's Afterschool Program started on September 10th.
Super Soccer Stars classes for 2-3 year olds and their Kick and Play class for children 1-2 years old begin Thursday morning October 1st. Our own Yoga Jen will offer a Waddler Yoga and Me Class for children 1-2 years old and grownup, beginning Tuesday October 6th. Call the nursery school office for more information.
All of the classes enjoyed getting ready for Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. How delicious apples dipped in honey taste. What a loud sound the Shofar makes! And the round challah with raisins was so yummy! The three and four year old classes met in the sanctuary with Rabbi Lee, Rabbi Jodie and Cantor Eric to see all the Torahs and sing songs for the holidays.
We are decorated and ate snack in the Sukkah last week. We are looking forward to marching with our flags for Simchat Torah. Our three and four year old classes are excited to take their first trips to the pumpkin farm this month.
Our PJ Library Sukkot Event on Sept. 30th was a great hit. Join us for the next PJ Library Program on Wednesday, October 21st at 5:30 p.m. The theme is Mitzvot. The program will feature stories, songs, craft and food! Not a PJ Library member yet? It’s never too late for your child to start receiving these free Jewish books each month. Visit www.pjlibrary.org and sign up.
The Port Washington Early Childhood Partnership, in conjunction with Child Care Council of Nassau, is proud to present: How To Help Young Children Succeed in a Challenging World, featuring Nancy Carlsson-Paige. Join us for this free program which will take place on Thursday, October 22nd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington.
The fall is the time when we begin to make plans for the next school year. Registration for the 2016-17 school year will begin in October. Synagogue members and current enrollees and their siblings will have priority registration. Families that are new to Gan Shalom will begin registering on October 26th. Please call Laura Reich at 627-0257 to visit a classroom or obtain an application for the 2016-17 school year.
Registration continues for our fall classes for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s.
Don’t delay - call the nursery school at 627-0257 to register your child.
Laura
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ADULT STUDIES AND SEMINARS
EAT, READ, TALK Rabbi Lee will resume his Thursday afternoon programs in this series at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15th. He will again, present an article “ripped from the headlines” of Jewish relevance. Feel free to bring a dairy lunch and we’ll supply the hot drinks and the article to be discussed.
Rabbi Jodie Siff will resume her Thursday afternoon programs on Thursday, October 22nd at 12:30 p.m.The focus will be the study of Mishnah, the next sacred text written after the Hebrew Bible. You need no previous knowledge to attend her “lunch and learn.” Feel free to bring a dairy lunch and we’ll supply the hot drinks and the article to be discussed.
BIBLE STUDY This group has been and continues to be committed to reading every word of the Hebrew Bible (in English translation). After more than a decade and a half, the group has reached the last third of the Bible. We will pick up the reading with the Book of Psalms, which will occupy us for most of the year. This seminar meets biweekly on Thursday nights from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. We will begin again on Thursday, October 8th
with an additional class on October 22nd.
SHABBAT SEMINAR The History of Israel: A Documentary Approach.We began our examination of Zionism seven years ago through the lens of the writings of Zionist and anti-Zionist ideologues. Last year we arrived at the end of the Six Day War and concluded with the Yom Kippur War. We will continue to critically review the development of the State through original political and sociological documents. This seminar meets biweekly on Shabbat afternoons from noon to 1:30 p.m. We will resume on Saturday, October 10th with an additional class on October 24th.
ENGAGING WITH AGING There is so much for us to talk about as we start this new year together. Our first meeting this year, facilitated by Audrey Bernstein, is set for Thursday, October 8th from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. We'll meet in the Blue Room, as usual. Note the following meeting dates, all Thursdays at 11:30: Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 3, April 14, May 5, June 2. Please encourage other members who may be interested to join us.
WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP Traditional religious ritual was designed, and continues, to meet a variety of needs that relate to life passages: The need for the individual to be acknowledged by community, the need for the community/tribe to read itself into the passages of each member, the need for bonding, which serves both individual and community, the need to (re-)enact dramatically the great stories and messages of the tradition, for the sake of individuals and of the tradition. Through rituals, we create structures that provide an element of predictability and, therefore, safety, around times of insecurity, transition, and/or loss. All women of our congregation are welcome to join us as we continue to study, and learn from each other. We will resume on October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
MENS GROUP The Men's Group meets the second Wednesday of each month to discuss topics of interest selected by members. While the discussion starts off with a selected topic the meetings move in many directions and are a wonderful way for members to get to know one another. All men in the congregation are invited to attend. The next meeting is on Wednesday,October 14th at 7:30 p.m. Coffee and some snacks will be available.
Discuss disputes that you have had with an establishment entity (e.g., bank, credit card company, government agency such as IRS, school, large corporation, etc.) that have resulted in a favorable outcome. Provide tips for battling the establishment.
CANTOR’S DINNERFriday, October 9th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Join Cantor Eric for a wonderful discussion and dinner as we explore the topic of the year “JEWS ON THE FRINGES - EXPLORE THE UNIQUE SMALLER JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN EXOTIC PLACES AROUND THE WORLD.” $12 for dairy dinner, or come for FREE just for the discussion at 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Cantor Eric ([email protected]) (whether you’re coming to the dinner OR just the discussion!) by Monday, October 5th. AND WHY NOT BRING A FRIEND
YIDDISH READING CIRCLE We meet on average, every other week on a Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the RSNS Library. For more information and a schedule contact Jerry Bloom at 516-466-2519.
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Community Corner This new column is an outshoot of the Engaging with Aging meetings Carol Blumenthal has been running for the past year, which itself is an outgrowth of our community’s CBCO efforts that Carol, Alice, Harriet and others spearheaded over the past several years. We found that so much valuable information and so many powerful personal stories bubbled up during the meetings that we needed a way to share what we’ve learned with the larger RSNS community. Over time, we hope that this column will grow into a place for members from every pocket of the RSNS community to share their stories.
What is Mutual Support? – By Rachel Mankowitz My interest in Mutual Support sprang from the Engaging with Aging meetings that have been taking place at the synagogue over the past year. My mother and I went because, well, she’s getting older (though we have a deal that she will live, in good health, at least as long as her Aunt, who is now 99 years old), and we wanted to be prepared. Whenever anyone at the meetings had questions, about ethical wills, health proxy forms, long term care insurance, etc., the Mutual Support committee was brought up as a resource, and I was curious to know more.
First, I looked up the Mutual Support page on the RSNS website (listed under “Community” on the home page) and read through the many different files and links, and the descriptions of the philosophy of mutual support. Then, Harriet Feiner graciously sent me two articles she’d written about the creation of Mutual Support for the Reconstructionist magazine in 1985. I read, and underlined, and outlined, as if I were studying for a test, and realized that I still had more questions. So I went to Harriet herself, with my list of questions, and this article is the result.
When the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore was first founded, 56 years ago, there were twelve families, and because the group was so small, and everyone knew each other so well, it was a naturally occurring support system. As the congregation grew, the sense of extended family was part of the ethos of the synagogue and functioned in an informal way, but by 1980 there were eighty families, and it was becoming a challenge to know every member of the congregation, let alone to know what they needed or had to offer. The Mutual Support committee was created to address those needs.
Mutual support, as a concept, came from Gerald Caplan’s research showing that social support systems help people maintain better physical and psychological health, even and especially in the midst of crisis. The support in a social network flows in both directions, and people often
find it easier to accept help when they know that they will be able to offer help in their turn. They can offer each other guidance, information, emotional support and concrete services to fill the spaces not covered by the professional support of doctors, therapists, and social workers.
Ilse Sander is the chairman of the Mutual Support committee, and twelve volunteers are each on call for two months of the year, with two volunteers available at all times to coordinate everything that may be needed, like: making sure you have a minyan for shiva at your house, if you want it; helping to organize rides to the synagogue; driving a member to a doctor’s appointment; emergency child care; helping kids fill out college applications; and when a member of the synagogue can no longer leave the house, a rotation of visitors can be set up so that the member can have company often, but no one has to do more than they are able to do.
Various workshops have been run over the years, led by experts from within the RSNS community, or experts who were found through RSNS members’ contacts. Topics have included health, aging, parenting, college applications, unemployment, gender roles, and on and on. Keep an eye out for a workshop coming up on Thursday evening November 13th, called So Close and Yet So Far: Parents, Adult Children and Shifting Relationships, led by Sandy Wolkoff, PhD, LCSW-R.
The Mutual Support committee is now in the process of trying to map out a support circle for every person in the congregation, so that a member of their circle can be alerted in an emergency and activated to reach out for help from the rest of the congregation. It turns out that Mutual Support is all of us, together.
The annual cooperative dinner in November, with food and a silent auction at RSNS and then dinners in small groups at peoples’ houses, started as a Mutual Support effort to bring congregants together. It’s a great way to put faces to names, so that more and more of us feel like a part of this extended family.
The Mutual Support committee meets four to five times a year, and the meetings are open to anyone in the congregation who would like to come and find out more. You can also reach out directly to Ilse Sander, Pearl Weinstein, or Harriet Feiner with questions. If you prefer a more confidential discussion of your needs, you can speak to a member of the clergy and have them act as a bridge to Mutual Support for you.
If you have a story you would like to share with the RSNS community, contact Rachel Mankowitz at [email protected].
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ART SHOWS AT RSNS So many RSNS members are involved with the arts. It’s time to continue our ongoing art shows in the Social Hall. All works are for sale and 25% of the sale is a tax deductible contribution to the synagogue.
We schedule a few months in advance of a show and can accommodate paintings, photographs and another media that can be mounted on walls. Artists can be members, family and friends of members and/or those whose works contain Jewish themes. No nudes as we want all ages to be comfortable.
To chat about a show call or Email Dave Eckert at 516-456-1507 or Email [email protected] Emily Klass at 516-484-9154 or Email [email protected]
DONATE OR MAKE A PAYMENT ON OUR WEBSITE
There is an easy and convenient way for you to give a donation to RSNS or to pay your dues. Visit our website at RSNS.org and use the “DONATE/PAYMENTS” link near the top of the right side of the home page. All credit cards are accepted. Both donation and payment amounts will be entered into a box marked “donations.”
Complete all information and then click review your donation. On the next page click “Special Instructions to Seller” to indicate the purpose of your donation or payment. Call the office if you have any questions, 516-627-7274.
USING GOODSEARCH FOR YOUR ONLINE SERCHES HELPS RSNS
Every time an RSNS member uses a GoodSearch service, money is donated to the synagogue. If you haven't yet participated, you can view our dedicated profile below: http://www.goodsearch.com/nonprofit/rsns-reconstructionist-synagogue-of-the-north-shore.aspx
GoodSearch Services:
GoodSearch.com - The search engine with a unique social mission. It's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great search results, and each time you search, GoodSearch donates about a penny to your cause!
GoodShop.com- The online marketplace that donates a percentage of each purchase to your organization. You can choose from more than 2,500 popular merchants, find more than 100,000 coupons and deals, and the experience of shopping through GoodShop is exactly the same as going to the retailer's websites directly.
GoodDining.com - The first 365 day a year Dine for Charity program. Dine in or take out at over 10,000 participating restaurants nationwide. Up to 6% of your total check including tax and tip will be donated to RSNS.
We have been advised that it is important to have and use up-to-date anti-virus software
before using GoodSearch.
CONGREATION WIDE PROGRAMSFor all ages!! All are welcome.
SHABBAT DINNER- FRIDAYS AT 6:30 p.m.Adults $10 Children – freeOctober 16, November 20, January 22, and March 18Dinner is diary Italian. Gluten-free option only if requested in advance. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call the office.
SANDWICH MAKING – SUNDAYS AT 10 a.m.Prepare bag lunches for clients of the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network).October 18, December 6, January 10, February 28, March 13 and April 17
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Todah . . . RSNS’ Way of Saying Thanks
In honor of Doris Grunwald’s birthdayTina Pomeranz Terry and Bob Wolff Harriet Feiner Judith and John Miodownik
Mazel tov to Robyn and Len Fruchter on the marriage of Lynsey Fruchter and Warren Wolfson Barbara and Marvin Schaffer
Mazel Tov to Dinah and Marc Kramer on the marriage of Morgan Kramer and Chet Huey Barbara and Marvin Schaffer
Mazel tov to Rhoda and Neil Rothberg on the marriage of Jesse Rothberg and Lara Hauck Barbara and Marvin Schaffer
Mazel tov to the Sigman family on the marriage of Mimi Short and Lauren Sigman Barbara and Marvin Schaffer
Mazel Tov to Michele and Michael Weiden on the marriage of Nicole DeLuca and Philip Weiden Barbara and Marvin Schaffer
In honor of the marriage of Morgan Kramer and Chet Huey Tammy Smiley and Alan Ederer Jennifer and David Rimmer
In memory of Irene Kolodny, mother of Zari Ginzburg Tammy Smiley and Alan Ederer Marlene and Ken Ruskin Barbara and Marvin Schaffer
In memory of Arthur Levine, husband of Judith LevineDoris and Hans Grunwald
Thank you to RSNS from the Yiddish Group
YARTZEIT In observance of the yarzeit of Jaques Pomeranz Tina Pomeranz
In observance of the yarzeit of Morris Strominger Tina Pomeranz
In observance of the yarzeit of her father, Joseph Altman Dorothy Stracher
MAZEL TOV Mazel Tov to Lee Chait and Michael Chartan on the engagement of their son, Steven Adam Chartan and Alison Beth Marcus
Mazel tov to Gladys & Bill Barr and Tracy & Mark Grossman on the birth of great grandchild/grandchild Elliot Grossman, born to Alyssa and Nick Grossman
Mazel Tov to Laurie Kramer and Seth Starr on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Rada and Paul Giordano on the birth of their daughter, Milena
CONDOLENCES Condolences to Judy Levine on the death of her husband, Arthur Levine.
Condolences to the Gustafson family on the death of Hedi Astor Gustafson.
Consider making a donation in honor or in memory of someone,
or to celebrate a simcha!
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