Temple Emanu-El Bulletin

Transcription

Temple Emanu-El
Bulletin
Volume 88, No. 1
FRIDAY EVENING
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary
Organ Recital—5:45 PM
Service Begins—6 PM
SATURDAY MORNING
Sixth Floor Lounge
(One East 65th Street)
Torah Study—9:15 AM
Organ Recital—10:15 AM
Service Begins—10:30 AM
Services may be heard live
or downloaded as a podcast at
www.emanuelnyc.org/broadcast.
A hearing loop is installed in the
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary and the
Beth-El Chapel; switch aid
to T-coil. Headsets or neck
loops also are available.
Two Pockets: Spiritual Preparation
for the Days of Awe
By Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson
RABBI SIMCHA BUNAM TAUGHT we should carry with
us two statements: one from Genesis, V’anochi afar
va’eifer, “I am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27);
and the other from Mishnah Sanhedrin, Bishvili nivra
ha’olam, “For my sake the world was created.”1
One goes in our left pocket to impress upon us our
smallness; the other in our right pocket to remind us
of our greatness. This tension “between vulnerability
and action,”2 as Rabbi Milton Steinberg called it,
confronts us throughout the High Holy Days.
Photo by Will Star, Shooting Stars Pro
WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY — THURSDAY
5:30 PM • Marvin & Elisabeth
Cassell Community House
(One East 65th Street)
September 2015
“I Am But Dust and Ashes”
One Kol Nidrei Eve, a rabbi decides to model repentance for his congregation.
Humbly he approaches the ark. Beseeching the Almighty for forgiveness, he beats his
breast, proclaiming, “Before You, God, I am nothing. I am nothing.” The cantor sees him
and joins in. “I am nothing. I am nothing,” she cries. The temple president, sensing that
he too must get in on the act, now comes up. “I am nothing. I am nothing,” he sobs.
In the silence that follows, the rabbi turns to the cantor and whispers,
“Look who thinks he’s nothing.”
For 10 days a year, the Yamim Noraim challenge us to adopt a posture that says,
“Before You, God, we are nothing.” We recite the words Avinu Malkeinu, zkhor ki
afar anachnu, “Our Father, Our King, remember that we are but dust.” But as the joke
suggests, saying the words is one thing; meaning them is quite another.
Yet, unless we allow the reality of our insignificance before God to penetrate on some
level, the spiritual rebirth that should come with the Days of Awe won’t come for us.
(continued on page 2)
TWO POCKETS (continued from page 1)
TORAH AT A GLANCE...
Following are synopses of this month’s
Torah readings. View the monthly preaching
schedule at www.emanuelnyc.org/
preaching.
Ki Tavo
(Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)
Read Saturday, September 5
Moses instructs the People of Israel,
upon entering the Land, to declare
their gratitude for all that God has
done; reminds them that they are the
chosen people; includes laws of tithes
to the poor, blessings as reward for
following the laws of the Torah and
punishments if they fail to follow
God’s commandments.
Nitzavim
Fundamental principles of the Jewish
faith, including unity of Israel and the
importance of following the Torah.
2
Vayeilech
Recounts the last days of Moses’ life;
includes transfer of leadership to
Joshua, the writing of the Torah in a
scroll to be kept in the Ark and the
commandment to gather during
Sukkot; concludes with God saying
that he will hide His face from the
Children of Israel because they will
break their covenant with God.
So we must consider the words, “I am but dust and ashes.” What do they mean?
First, that each of us is terribly small—as we read, “a particle of dust floating on the
wind.”3 Relative to God we are inconsequential. Second, our power over our lives is
limited. “Who shall be tranquil and who shall be troubled”4 remains beyond our control.
Third, each of us is mortal…dust.
Kol Nidrei confronts us with our mortality. With its scrolls removed, the ark is but
an empty box, an aron, a casket. The kittel, the traditional garment worn by men on
Yom Kippur, is white like a funeral shroud. Kol Nidrei brings us face to face with the end.
Each of us will die. None can escape.
Not even Moses, who was furious with God for his fate that he would not enter the
Promised Land despite 40 trying years of leadership. According to the Midrash, Moses
resists. He draws a small circle around himself, stands defiantly inside it and threatens,
“Master of the universe, I will not budge from here until You void your decree.”5
No circle can protect him. His death may be terribly unfair, but life is not fair. We don’t
need the slip of paper or the story of Moses to teach us what we’ve already learned from
the pain of our own misfortune or the illness and loss of loved ones.
However, the note and the Midrash do teach us something: While there will be places
we will not go, goals we will not reach, questions we will never answer, these do not
represent our failures or signal God’s disfavor. They are simply the limits of our lives.
We do not live forever. Those we love do not live forever. Bad things do happen to good
people. This is the way of the world. We do not understand it, and we cannot control it.
Moses himself had to exit the circle of life, and so must we.
This is Yom Kippur’s message to us…but only part of Yom Kippur’s message. There is
more. “Everyone has two pockets,” Simcha Bunam taught,“to use as the occasion
demands”: one if we become haughty and forget our place in God’s universe and
another if we despair and lose our way.
“For My Sake the World Was Created”
So now the other slip: “For my sake the world was created.” How different an outlook
this is! It does not deny the inevitability or the unfairness of death. Rather, it affirms the
potential of life! If the High Holy Days remind us of the limits; they also teach us that
we have the power to live lives of extraordinary meaning.
And we are not inconsequential. We are taught that “man stamps many coins with one
die and they are all alike; but the Holy One stamps all humanity with the mold of the
first human being and every one of us is different! Therefore each of us is duty-bound
to say, ‘For my sake the world was created.’” 6
Worship & Spirituality
SABBATH GUEST SPEAKER
Combating Anti-Semitism in France
Friday, September 18 • 6 PM • Fifth Avenue Sanctuary
ON DECEMBER 31, 2014, in his New Year speech to the
French people, President François Hollande of France
declared combating racism and anti-Semitism a “Major
National Cause for 2015.” Temple Emanu-El is pleased to
welcome as a guest speaker at Sabbath services Prefect
Gilles Clavreulis, France’s inter-ministerial delegate
against racism and anti-Semitism, who will discuss France’s
efforts to address these issues. Mr. Clavreulis comes to us
through our partnership with the American Jewish Committee.
Shir Chadash (“A New Song”)
AS PART OF THE HIGH HOLY DAYS, we once
again will be adding a Shir Chadash service
at 8 PM on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah
(September 13) and one at 5:30 PM on the
Eve of Yom Kippur (September 22), both in
the Lowenstein Sanctuary. Shir Chadash
services feature a contemporary liturgy
interspersed with Chasidic tales and other
teachings. The music, led by a vocalist and
instrumentalists, is less formal that than of
our traditional services. Shir Chadash
services also are somewhat shorter.
All are invited to attend, and seating is open.
Tickets for temple members and their guests
are available by request at no additional
charge. Bring friends! (Simply let us know
how many additional seats you will need.)
After the High Holy Days, Shir Chadash will be held on five Fridays during the
2015-2016 program year: November 6, January 8, March 4, May 6 and June 3.
These services will begin at 6 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!
To request tickets for the High Holy Days, complete our
Service Request Form at www.emanuelnyc.org/hhdguide.
Haazinu
(Deuteronomy 32:1-52)
Moses delivers a tone poem about
the last days of his earthly life;
encourages the Children of Israel to
remember days past and how God
granted them a bountiful land; also
warns against the pitfalls of plenty
and the calamities that will result;
ends with God instructing Moses
to climb to Mount Nebo, from
which he will see the Promised
Land before dying.
GET MORE OUT OF
THE TORAH!
Read the weekly commentary on
the temple website written by our
clergy, temple staff and members of
our weekly Torah study group:
www.emanuelnyc.org/torah.php.
View the archive of commentaries,
and sign up to have the digital version
delivered weekly to your email.
WEEKLY TORAH STUDY
Sabbath morning Torah Study resumes
September 12 and will be led by
Rabbinic Intern Toba Strauss
Schaller. Join in exploring the
weekly parashah from a variety of
perspectives. Sessions meet from
9:15 AM to 10:15 AM. All may attend.
Coffee and bagels are served.
LET US KNOW…
Through good times and bad, our
clergy very much want to know about
the important events happening in the
lives of our community. Contact the
Rabbinic Office at (212) 744-1400
or rabbis@emanuelnyc.org.
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TEMPLE SPOTLIGHT: READERS PANEL
What members of the
Readers Panel say about
participating in this experience:
“Whenever I lead the Sunset Service,
I pray beforehand; I pray to God to
help me lead in such a way that it will,
indeed, be a service: to those who are
present, to those who are mourning,
to God. I pray that the service be for
the highest good, for each and for all.
I pray again during the silent prayer.
This is a way to keep me focused and
to take the pressure off—for it helps
me remember that I am but a conduit.
I find being a member of the
Readers Panel a great privilege.”
— Rita Sherman
4
On October 1, 2015,Temple Emanu-El’s
Readers Panel will celebrate its 70th anniversary.
AT THE END OF EVERY WORSHIP SERVICE AT TEMPLE EMANU-EL, the officiating rabbi
states, “Worship is conducted every day of the year.” This prized tradition began in
1945 when members of the Men’s Club committed themselves to lead worship on
all days except those of Shabbat, holidays and festivals. Since then, a countless
number of volunteers—known as the Readers Panel—have sustained our
Sunset Service with remarkable fidelity and devotion.
Supervised by Senior Rabbi Joshua Davidson,
today’s Readers Panel is comprised of a diverse group
of women and men from throughout the congregation.
While the panel remains under the auspices of the
Men’s Club, participation is open to all congregational
families—including teenagers who have completed
their bar or bat mitzvah studies.
Temple Emanu-El
Sunset Service:
Sunday — Thursday
5:30 PM
Greenwald Hall
(One East 65th St.)
Your participation is needed if this magnificent tradition is to continue.
Each reader leads the service about once a month. Familiarity in Hebrew and
an ability in public speaking are helpful, but rabbinic assistance and substantial training
aids are available. A willingness to learn will count more than linguistic skill.
If you are interested in becoming a reader, then send an email
to readerspanel@emanuelnyc.org, or call (212) 744-1400, ext. 251.
Community
The Magical World of Yiddish Song
Sunday, October 18 • 10 AM to 12 PM • One East 65th Street
MEN’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP
As part of temple life at Emanu-El for
more than 90 years, the Men’s Club
encourages attendance at all temple
religious events. It promotes interest
in social, humanitarian, educational
and civic affairs. It engages in cultural
andreligious discussions and activities,
and it participates in activities that
support good citizenship and
interfaith dialogue. Learn more at
www.emanuelnyc.org/mensclub.
IN CELEBRATION OF the 100th anniversary of the world’s longest continuously
performing Jewish theatrical organization, the Men’s Club cordially invites all temple
members and their guests to a spectacular event this fall featuring Zalmen Mlotek,
artistic director of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF).
An internationally renowned musical director and Yiddish music authority, Mr. Mlotek
will tell and sing the story of the Yiddish song as it migrated from Eastern European
Jewish towns (shtetl) and cities to the bustling immigrant neighborhoods of
North America...and ultimately to the broader popular culture of Broadway and the
film and recording industries. With translations and colorful historical images projected
onto a large screen, Mr. Mlotek will explore the emotionally evocative message and
effect of Yiddish music on Jewish identity and culture.
Charge: $30 for Men’s Club and Women’s Auxiliary members, $35 for
all other temple members and guests; includes brunch. QUESTIONS?
Call (212) 744-1400, ext. 250, or email mensclub@emanuelnyc.org.
Club 65: A Group for Seniors
CLUB 65 IS A MONTHLY social group/educational program open to all senior members
of the congregation. The name is a reference to our street location and the age of
membership eligibility. We look forward to meeting many new members!
Sessions meet on the second Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions.
Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch. Participation is free of charge.
MEN’S CLUB BOOK GROUP
Attendance is free and open to all
temple members. Sessions meet at
8:30 AM in the Cassell Community
House (One East 65th Street).
• Wednesday, October 7
An Officer and a Spy
by Robert Harris
• Wednesday, November 4
Missing Person
by Patrick Modiano
CLUB 65...OPENING EVENTS
Sessions meet at 11 AM.
Enter at One East 65th Street.
• Tuesday, October 13
Bernard Museum Curator
Warren Klein (See page 7.)
• Tuesday, November 10
Barbara Sontz, Association of
Professional Genealogists
(Speaking on Jewish genealogy)
QUESTIONS?
Call (212) 744-1400.
5
SPECIAL GUEST: RENÉE FLEMING
Emanu-El Community
Sabbath Dinner
Friday, October 23 • 7:15 PM • One East 65th Street • $50 per person
FOLLOWING THE 6 PM WORSHIP SERVICE, all temple members are invited to
Sabbath dinner, organized by the Women’s Auxiliary. The evening concludes
with an after-dinner talk by one of the most acclaimed singers of our time,
Renée Fleming. The beloved American soprano and arts advocate will speak
about the role of the arts in our society. This event is being held in association with
the Richard Tucker Music Foundation and in cooperation with the Men’s Club.
QUESTIONS? Call the Women’s Auxiliary at (212) 744-1400, ext. 235,
or send an email to womaux@emanuelnyc.org.
Lama Lo (Why Not?):
Sisterhoods Coming Together!
Thursday, October 1 • 11 AM
Members of the Women’s Auxiliary
are invited to gather with our
“sisters” from several area synagogues
for a tour of Visualizing the Bible:
Works by David Wander, currently
on display at the Bernard Museum
(see page 7). Museum Curator
Warren Klein will lead the tour.
Lunch and then a guided tour of the
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary will follow.
There is no charge for this event,
but reservations are needed by
September 25. Call (212) 7441400, ext. 235. This event is for
Women’s Auxiliary members only.
WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
MEMBERSHIP APPEAL
Interested in becoming a part of this
vibrant organization? Learn more at
www.emanuelnyc.org/womaux.
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Photo: Decca/Andrew Eccles
EMANU-EL CARES
Bereavement Group
Wednesdays, October 7 – November 18 • 6 PM to 7 PM • One East 65th Street
ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE COPING with the recent loss (within the last year or so) of a
family member or close friend? Temple Emanu-El appreciates the return of Carla
Daichman, a licensed clinical social worker with more than 40 years of experience,
who will lead a group on bereavement open to temple families, as well as partners and
friends. There is no charge for this program, but registration is essential, as space is limited.
For more information or to register, contact Rabbi Amy Ehrlich at
(212) 507-9606 or aehrlich@emanuelnyc.org.
Helping Hands...Yours!
TEMPLE EMANU-EL IS DEVELOPING a new congregational
effort to help fellow congregants through difficult moments
in their lives. Are you willing to help someone get to a doctor’s appointment
or pick up some groceries? Can you accompany someone to Shabbat services?
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a volunteer at Emanu-El, then please join us.
To learn more, send an email to HelpingHands@emanuelnyc.org,
or call Rabbi Amy Ehrlich at (212) 507-9606.
Our Emanu-El Staff...
EXPANDED WiFi ACCESS
Temple Emanu-El is pleased to report
the expansion of its WiFi signal for
use by temple members, students and
guests who make use of our facilities.
Wireless access now can be reached
in the Women’s Auxiliary Lounge
(Room 602); the Temple Library;
the Leventritt Room (Room 402);
Room 405, Room 302 and Room 303
(65th Street); the 65th Street lobby;
Greenwald Hall; I. M. Wise Hall;
Blumenthal Hall; the 66th Street lobby;
and all classrooms on the sixth floor
of the Religious School building.
Passwords can be provided
upon request.
TEMPLE EMANU-EL IS PLEASED TO WELCOME
Tony Shkreli, our new director of facilities.
Mr. Shkreli assumed this role in May 2015 and is
responsible for building maintenance, engineering,
capital projects, and safety and security.
Most recently, he was the director of engineering of
the Methodist Home in Riverdale and was previously
a general contractor.
Originally from Montenegro, Mr. Shkreli spent his
teenage years helping his parents at the Community
Center of Israel Congregation on Pelham Parkway in
the Bronx, where they were the superintendents.
We are very excited to have him on the team!
Museum Programs
Visualizing the Bible:
Works by David Wander
(On view at the Herbert & Eileen Bernard
Museum of Judaica through October 18)
EXPLORING THEMES OF Jewish myth, history and biblical narrative,
New York-based artist David Wander creates books that meld the
traditions of biblical pictorial cycles, medieval Hebrew manuscript
illumination and contemporary graphic illustration.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday • 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed to the public on Jewish holidays.
Admission is FREE.
Note: On Tuesday, October 13 at 11 AM,
Museum Curator Warren Klein will lead a guided tour
of the exhibition for members of Club 65, which is open
to all senior men and women of the congregation.
To participate, contact Club 65 at (212) 744-1400
or mensclub@emanuelnyc.org.
The Golem of Prague, 2013
Acrylic on paper
7
HIGH HOLY DAYS 5776
All temple members in good standing with seating reservations should receive their
High Holy Days tickets in the mail the week of August 31. If tickets have not been
received by Friday, September 4, then please call the Temple Office at (212) 744-1400.
Selichot
Saturday, September 5
12:30 PM
Guest Speaker:
Ambassador Ido Aharoni,
Consul General of Israel
Lowenstein Sanctuary
Discussion of the critical issues
facing Israel today. No tickets required.
8 PM
Selichot Service
Beth-El Chapel (Fifth Avenue)
Music, poems and penitential prayers
for the New Year. No tickets required.
Eve of Rosh Hashanah
Sunday, September 13
5:30 PM
Rosh Hashanah Evening Service
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary*
Sermon: Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson
Lowenstein Sanctuary (66th Street)
Sermon: Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich
Reserved seating, both locations.
8 PM
Shir Chadash: A New Song
Sermon: Rabbi Allison H.Tick
Prayer service featuring less formal
music and contemporary language.
For adults; children welcome.
Tickets upon request; open seating.
9:15 PM
Saviv Rosh Hashanah Reception
Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum
of Judaica (One East 65th Street)
Special event for temple members and
nonmembers in their 20s and 30s.
Charge: $18 per person at saviv.org.
8
HEAR THE SHOFAR
Unable to attend Rosh Hashanah
services? One of our rabbis, shofar
in hand, will be happy to pay a home
visit on Rosh Hashanah afternoon
to any of our temple members.
Call (212) 744-1400, ext. 303.
Rosh Hashanah Day
Monday, September 14
9 AM
Pre-Readers Service
Greenwald Chapel (One East 65th)
A brief, introductory service for
toddlers through kindergarten students
and their parents. Tickets upon request.
10 AM
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service
Reserved seating, both locations
12:30 PM
Teen Worship Service
Beth-El Chapel
A service for our teens; teen
friends and parents welcome.
No tickets required.
2:30 PM
Family Worship Service
A service for Religious School-age
families and their guests, followed
by a reception and Tashlich.
4:15 PM
Tashlich
Fifth Avenue Lobby/Central Park
Symbolic ritual in which we “cast
away” our sins, acknowledging
the importance and complexity of
repentance in a tangible way.
All are welcome. We will gather in
the Fifth Avenue Lobby and proceed
to The Pond in Central Park.
* Audio from the Fifth Avenue Sanctuary will be piped to I.M. Wise Hall for our Community Worship Service. Seating is open to the public; no reservations needed.
Eve of Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 22
5:30 PM
Shir Chadash: A New Song
For adults; children welcome.
8 PM
Kol Nidrei Evening Service
Yom Kippur Day
Wednesday, September 23
9 AM
Pre-Readers Service
Greenwald Chapel
Service for toddlers to kindergarteners
and parents. Tickets upon request.
9:45 AM
Yom Kippur Morning Service
12:30 PM
Yom Kippur Study Sessions
Various locations
No reservations required.
12:30 PM
Teen Worship Service
Beth-El Chapel
Teen friends and parents welcome.
No tickets required.
LOOKING TO
UNLOAD YOUR SINS?
In Bible times, Israelites atoned
with sacrifices. Once a year, on
what we now call Yom Kippur,
the High Priest placed all the
Israelites’ sins on a goat and
set it loose in the wilderness.
Clean your slate on our “virtual
goat” at www.emanuelnyc.org/
eScapegoat.
2 PM
Family Worship Service
A service for Religious School-age
families and guests, followed by a visit
to the Bernard Museum of Judaica.
2:15 PM
Avodah Service
No tickets required. Service to be led by
Rabbi Stephen Franklin and Steven Fox.
3:30 PM
Afternoon/Memorial/N’ilah Services
Sukkot/Sh’mini Atzeret/**
Simchat Torah
Sunday, September 27 —
Monday, October 5**
All are welcome to attend these services;
no tickets are required. **Sh’mini
Atzeret is one of the four times during
the year when we mourn together at
Yizkor (the memorial service).
Save These Dates...
(Enter at 10 East 66th Street.)
Young Families Holiday Parties
Preschoolers and their parents are
invited to our annual Rooftop Party
on Sunday, September 20 at 10 AM
—where we will enjoy apples and honey
for the new year—and Snack Under
the Sukkah with Shira on Wednesday,
September 30 from 2 PM to 3 PM.
Sukkot Family Celebration
Sunday, September 27 • 12 PM
Sukkot is a holiday made for
celebrating! All Emanu-El families
are invited to enjoy some lunch,
help decorate our rooftop sukkah,
and participate in other exciting
holiday crafts and activities. RSVP to
www.emanuelnyc.org/SukkotLunch.
Sushi in the Sukkah—For Teens!+
Sunday, September 27 • 5 PM
All seventh through 12th graders are
invited to start the new year off right
at our annual Sukkot celebration.
Enjoy dinner with your friends, and
show your creativity with our edible
sukkah-building contest.
Sake in the Sukkah—
For Parents of Teens!+
Wednesday, September 30 • 6 PM
Are all the parents wondering why
teens get to have all the fun? Parents
of middle and high school students are
invited to our first annual Sake in the
Sukkah! Sake, sangria and appetizers
will be served. Enjoy an evening with
friends, get to know parents of your
children’s friends, and meet some of
the staff who will be working with the
teen community this year.
+RSVP to mbell@emanuelnyc.org.
Learn more at www.emanuelnyc.org/hhdguide.
9
Volunteering
Tikkun Olam Preview
TIKKUN OLAM LITERALLY MEANS “TO FIX THE WORLD” and is considered a core value
among Jews. At Temple Emanu-El, the Tikkun Olam Committee identifies ways in
which we, as a synagogue, can “lend a helping hand,” particularly through social-action
projects that are intended to make life better for others in the community. We invite all
temple members to join our efforts and to experience the feeling of gratification that
comes from helping others.
Simchat Torah Family Service
and Consecration
Monday, October 5 • 5 PM
• Fifth Avenue Sanctuary
Join us in welcoming the new students
in our school into our Emanu-El
community. All of our youngest
congregants will be blessed by our
clergy and will receive their own
“mini-Torah” to take home.
A festive family dinner will follow.
Charge: $45 per family (up to two
adults, any number of children)
by September 29; $65 after
September 29. Teens (eighth12th graders), if unaccompanied
by an adult: $15 each.
Additional adults: $18 each.
RSVP to www.emanuelnyc.org/
SimchatTorahDinner.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
The High Holy Days are a time for
families to come together in celebration
and thought. View the temple website
(www.emanuelnyc.org/holidays)
for activities that offer a starting point
for discussion with your children on
the significance of each holiday and
the lessons we can learn.
10
SUKKOT HARVEST APPLE DRIVE (September 21 through 27)
In celebration of the harvest festival and to help alleviate hunger in New York City,
we will be collecting fresh apples, which will be donated to the Metropolitan Council
on Jewish Poverty. Donations may be left in the baskets at One East 65th Street
and 10 East 66th Street.
WINTER COAT DRIVE (September 27 through December 18)
As the cold weather approaches, many families in New York City soon may have to
choose between buying coats for their children and themselves or paying the rent.
Donations of gently used coats, jackets, hats, scarves and gloves (no other clothing,
please) will help to make the decision an easier one. Collected items will benefit the
Bowery Mission and New York Cares. Donations may be dropped off at either
One East 65th Street or 10 East 66th Street.
MITZVAH DAY (Sunday, November 8)
This annual event continues to be one of our most popular! Please join as we come
together in a variety of hands-on projects designed to help others.
Parent Volunteer Happy Hour
Thursday, September 17 • 6:30 PM to 8 PM • One East 65th Street
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PARENTS are invited to a fun and relaxing evening where they
can meet other parents, enjoy a glass of wine, and learn about ways to become involved
with the school community this year. Volunteer opportunities range from short term
(as little as one hour!) to long term. There’s something for everyone!
QUESTIONS? Call (212) 507-9546, or email school@emanuelnyc.org.
NOTE: Start of Religious School/Registration
REGISTRATION FOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL IS STILL OPEN! Our program provides children and
their families a fun way to learn, celebrate and worship together. Download registration
forms at www.emanuelnyc.org/school, or call the office at (212) 507-9546. The
first sessions of school for 2015-2016 are Sunday, September 20 (Pre-K to Grade 8
and High School Confirmation) and Monday, September 21 (Pre-K to Grade 7).
DECEMBER 22, 2016 – JANUARY 1, 2017
Family Trip to Israel
OUR NEXT FAMILY TRIP TO ISRAEL—just over a year from now—will be lead by
Rabbi Joshua Davidson and Lifelong Learning Director Saul Kaiserman.
We will be in Israel for Chanukah and New Year’s Eve! As in previous years, the trip
will be equally appropriate for children of Religious School age, teens, parents and
grandparents. Log on to www.emanuelnyc.org/familytrip to learn more about
the itinerary. If you have questions or would like to be part of the planning committee,
then email skaiserman@emanuelnyc.org or call (212) 507-9528.
Charitable Giving
Donating to Emanu-El
EVERY CONTRIBUTION TO Temple Emanu-El builds on a proud legacy of leadership,
supporting the preservation of core values and the innovation of new opportunities for
Jewish engagement. Following are two ways to support our endeavors:
ANNUAL FUND—Membership dues never can be expected to cover in full
Temple Emanu-El’s operating budget. Contributions to the Annual Fund provide
essential supplemental support for all aspects of temple life—worship, education,
lectures, music and cultural offerings. Every program, activity and life-cycle event is
funded partially through the Annual Fund.
PHILANTHROPIC FUND—These contributions, most of which are raised on
Yom Kippur, are not retained to defray the temple’s operating expenses. They are
distributed to a wide variety of organizations in New York City, across the United States,
in Israel and throughout the world. This past year, grants were made to many worthy
efforts, including a new initiative at Project Ezra to provide meals for senior citizens,
scholarships for children to attend Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) summer camps,
construction of a new Reform synagogue in Israel, and American Jewish World Service
relief efforts following the Nepal earthquake.
Donations may be made by credit card at www.emanuelnyc.org/annualfund
or www.emanuelnyc.org/philanthropicfund. Donation forms also may be
downloaded from the website and faxed to (212) 570-0826. Or, send the
completed forms by mail, with your check, to: Office of Development and
Philanthropy, Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York, One East
65th Street, NY, NY 10065. If you prefer to make a credit card donation
over the phone, then please call Norma Balass at (212) 507-9523.
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL 2015
Calling all Temple Emanu-El college
students! We will be going to Israel
with Birthright during winter break,
along with college students who grew
up at Central Synagogue, Temple
Shaaray Tefila and Temple Israel.
We depart for Israel on
December 28 and return on
January 8. All Emanu-El members
ages 18 to 22 are eligible for this
amazing FREE trip. Registration
opens on September 8
at www.gokesher.org.
A $250 deposit—refundable if you
go on the trip or cancel before
the deadline—is required.
NURSERY SCHOOL
REGISTRATION FORMS
Applications for the 2016-2017
school year will be available after
Labor Day and through
November 15. Parents should
call the Nursery School at
(212) 507-9531.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
PROGRAMS
Temple Emanu-El is pleased to offer a
wide variety of programs for families
with small children: Parenting with
Dr. Juliet Cooper, Tot Shabbat,
Baby Shabbat, Mommy and Me.
And new this year...Tot Yoga and
Monday Mini-Mitzvah Makers.
Learn more at www.emanuelnyc.
org/earlychildhood.
11
TWO POCKETS (continued from page 2)
CLERGY
Joshua M. Davidson, Senior Rabbi
Amy B. Ehrlich, Rabbi
Allison H.Tick, Assistant Rabbi
Lance D. Rhodes, Interim Cantor
Dr. Ronald B. Sobel, Senior Rabbi Emeritus
Dr. David M. Posner, Senior Rabbi Emeritus
Lori A. Corrsin, Cantor Emerita
Toba Strauss Schaller, Rabbinic Intern
Stephanie Crawley, Rabbinic Intern
Richard Newman, Cantorial Intern
OFFICERS
John H. Streicker, President
Hon. Susan S. Danoff, Vice President
Marne Obernauer Jr., Vice President
Brian Pessin, Secretary
Stephen T. Shapiro, Treasurer
STAFF
Cara L. Glickman, Vice President,
Finance and Administration
Mark H. Heutlinger, Administrator
Robyn W. Cimbol, Senior Director,
Development and Philanthropy
Sherry Nehmer, Assistant Administrator
Christine Manomat, Membership
Saul Kaiserman, Director,
Lifelong Learning
Rachel Brumberg, Associate Director,
Lifelong Learning
Dr. Gady Levy, Executive Director,
Temple Emanu-El Skirball Center
Ellen Davis, Director, Nursery School
Warren Klein, Curator, Herbert &
Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica
Charles S. Salomon, Funeral Director
K. Scott Warren, Organist/Choir Director
Dr. Andrew Henderson,
Associate Organist
Daniel Beckwith, Assistant Organist
12
Kathryn M. Roberts, Bulletin Editor
Each of us is precious. Each of us brings a gift to this world that no one else can, without
which God’s creation would be incomplete. And our uniqueness bears witness to God’s
greatness. The historian Harry Elmer Barnes argued, “Astronomically speaking, man is
almost totally insignificant,” to which the theologian George Albert Coe rejoined,
“Astronomically speaking, man is an astronomer.”7 “For my sake the world was created”
teaches us to look at ourselves and the joys of our lives, great and small, as gifts to be
treasured, nurtured and explored.
And “For my sake the world was created” teaches us that we are not powerless.
When Abraham utters the words, “I am but dust and ashes,” he is in the midst of
arguing with God to save Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of the righteous.
He defies God: “Shall not the judge of all the earth deal justly?” (Genesis 18:25)
Each of us is precious. Each of us brings a gift to this
world that no one else can, without which God’s creation
would be incomplete.
“How can dust become the one whose thought is more than dust?” 8 We can make
our lives stand for something. We can rail with Abraham against the world’s injustice.
We become more than dust when we fight for our ideals and aspirations and remind
ourselves of their enduring value and give our lives transcendent meaning. Indeed the
High Holy Days summon us to repair the broken places of this world. That is why so
many of us wrestle with the global challenges of poverty and hunger and homelessness.
And the High Holy Days beckon us to repair the fractured relationships in our own
lives, to bridge whatever divides us from those we yearn to be near again, be they
spouses, siblings, parents, children, colleagues or friends. If we insist on waiting for
them to reach out to us, we risk getting snared in the trap of smug self-righteousness.
And the chance for healing may be lost forever.
Each of us will die; the decree cannot be averted. But Un’taneh Tokef promises,
Ut’shuvah, ut’filah, utz’dakah ma’avirin et ro’a hag’zeirah, “And repentance, prayer, and
charity help the hardship of the decree pass.” And now we understand what that means.
We cannot prevent death. But we can make certain that, when death does come, we will
not look back with regret—because we have reached out to repair relationships, because
we have attempted to right some wrong, because we have linked our lives to enduring
values, and by doing so given our lives lasting worth.
During N’ilah we read, “In woman and man, children of dust and offspring of heaven,
You have blended two worlds: perishable earth and immortal soul; finite matter, locked
into time and space, and infinite spirit, which endures through all eternity.” 9
Each of us will die. But the meaning of our lives need not die. According to the
Midrash, Moses was desperate to live. So on the day of his death, he busied himself
writing the Torah, the scroll of God’s teachings he had come to embody for his people.
The Torah—the text of Moses’s life, a life linked to divine purpose—would be his
immortality! So can the message of our lives live forever.10
That is why Bachya taught, “[Our] days are scrolls. Write upon them what you wish to
be remembered.”11 Write upon them acts of kindness and fairness toward your fellow
human beings, expressions of love toward those most precious to you. The High Holy
Days impel us to consider the texts of our lives, the stories we will leave behind. And
they assure us that if the values of Torah infuse them with gentleness and justice, then
our lives, too, will have transcendent meaning.
Keep One Slip in Each Pocket: You’ll Know When You Need Them
“I am but dust and ashes.”
“For my sake the world was created.”
Keep one slip in each pocket. You’ll know when you need them.
Rabbi Simcha Bunam, who gave us those two slips, taught that we always are moving
back and forth through two doors.12 During N’ilah, at the close of the High Holy Days,
we return to those doors, to the ark, the aron, and blast the shofar one final time.
That sound has been compared to the wail of a woman in labor and to a newborn’s cry.
If we are willing to consider the truths in our pockets, then N’ilah can be our rebirth
into a new year of reconciliation and repair, humility and wonder. ❏
Excerpted from “Two Pockets” by Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson, recently
published in Naming God: Avinu Malkeinu—Our Father, Our King, ed. by
Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, Ph.D. (Jewish Lights Publishing),V. 6 in the
Prayers of Awe series, where you will find many wonderful essays to
prepare for the High Holy Days.
1
2
3
Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5.
Rabbi Milton Steinberg in “Rosh Hashanah
5765—First Day,” Rabbi Dr. Analia Bortz.
Un’taneh Tokef, translated by Rabbi Chaim
Stern, in Gates of Repentance: The New Union
Prayerbook for the Days of Awe (New York:
Central Conference of American Rabbis,
4
5
6
7
1978, rev. 1996), 315.
Ibid., 313.
Deuteronomy Rabbah 11:10.
Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5.
Rabbi Jerome Malino in “To Look at the Sky,”
Rabbi Jerome K. Davidson, Rosh Hashanah Eve
1987, unpublished manuscript.
8
9
Gates of Repentance, 410.
Ibid., 521.
10 Rabbi Dr. Norman J. Cohen,
Moses and the Journey to Leadership:
Timeless Lessons of Effective Management from
the Bible and Today’s Leaders (Woodstock,VT:
Jewish Lights, 2007), 171.
11 Bachya ibn Paquda, Chovot Ha-l’vavot.
12 Rabbi Allen S. Maller, “Hassidic Wisdom:
Sayings and Stories.”
WEEKLY TALMUD STUDY
Temple Emanu-El’s weekly seminar on
Talmud examines the text in English
translation, with informal yet spirited
discussion. No background in Talmud
or Hebrew is required. Sessions are
led by Rabbi Philip Hiat, and study
this year continues with tractate
Mo-eid Katan, which examines
behavior on the intermediate days
of our festivals, the sanctity of human
life, and all kinds of questions of
human behavior.
All are welcome to join at any time
during the year...both newcomers to
Judaic studies and those who have
long been studying. Classes meet
Wednesdays from 6:15 PM to
7:15 PM, starting September 2
and continuing through June 29,
2016. Come when you can and when
you wish. Enter at One East 65th
Street. QUESTIONS? Call (212)
744-1400.
HAVE AN ALIYAH
An aliyah (Torah blessing) can be
done to honor a special moment in
your life or simply for the delight of
being involved in Saturday morning
Shabbat services. To get more involved
in the Torah service by reciting the
blessings, or even through taking on
the fulfilling challenge of reading
Torah on Shabbat morning,
please email Rabbi Allison Tick
(atick@emanuelnyc.org) or
call (212) 507-9604.
13
Life-Cycle Events
FROM BIRTH TO DEATH, the act of consciously marking the major milestones
in one’s life is an important element of both personal and religious development.
Similarly important are the rituals associated with these life-cycle events.
The following students of our Religious School
will become B’NEI MITZVAH:
BAR/BAT MITZVAH
PREPARATION
Children must be enrolled in
Religious School in order to celebrate
bar or bat mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El.
A date can be scheduled when a child
is in fourth grade. To register your
child for Religious School, call
(212) 507-9546. To schedule a
date, call Mark Heutlinger at
(212) 744-1400.
CELEBRATE
DURING SERVICES
Celebrating a special event in your
life? To have an aufruf (wedding
blessing) or to celebrate a baby
naming as part of a worship service,
please call Rabbi Joshua Davidson’s
assistant, Elizabeth Fevrin, at
(212) 507-9609. Be sure to specify
what you are celebrating!
A REMINDER
ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS
Please be aware that we need at
least one month’s notice for Pulpit
Flower dedications and Oneg Shabbat
sponsorships in the Temple Bulletin.
Call Mark Heutlinger at
(212) 744-1400.
14
• Sydney Ryan Ross Zgodny, daughter of Robin and EJ Zgodny
• Dylan Kane, son of Stefanie and Bob Kane
• Julia Malpass, daughter of Adele and David Malpass
• Charles Michael Herrman, son of Dana and Bill Herrman
We are grateful for their sponsorship of each Friday evening’s Oneg Shabbat.
PULPIT FLOWERS at worship services
have been donated by the following congregants:
For the Sabbath of July 17 and 18
• In loving remembrance of the wedding of Vivian and Arthur Schulte
• Mrs. Sandy Pessin in loving memory of her father, Leon L. Ploss
For the Sabbath of July 31 and August 1
• Dr. Marilyn Schiller in loving memory of Margaret and Harry Schiller
For the Sabbath of August 7 and 8
• In loving memory of Hattie and John Greenburgh
• Susan and David Rahm in loving memory of Susan’s mother, Selma Wiener Berkman
• Robert and Richard Menschel Families in loving memory of
Bettie W. Goldsmith and Benjamin and Helen G. Menschel
Charles S. Salomon
The Cemeteries of Congregation Emanu-El
1076 Madison Avenue • (212) 753-5300
Our service is available in the
temple, home or our chapel.
A limited number of above-ground crypts are available in
our community mausoleum. For information, please call
Cara Glickman at the Temple Office, (212) 744-1400.
The Universal Funeral Chapel
Salem Fields and Beth-El
• Michael and Lida Exstein in loving memory of
Lorraine Greenberg, Blanche Exstein, Yetta Greenberg and Miriam Kobacker
For the Sabbath of September 4 and 5
• Patricia, Elizabeth, John and Jack in loving memory of Barry Michael Berkule
• Gilbert, Linda and Jennifer Snyder in loving memory of Stephanie Lynn Snyder
• Mrs. Arthur Schulte in loving memory of Arthur Schulte’s birthday
For Rosh Hashanah (September 13 and 14)
• Rabbi and Mrs. Ronald B. Sobel in loving memory of Ethel B. and Peter P. Sobel
• In loving memory of Frances and Ralph DeJur and Sandra DeJur Berkley, from the family
• In memory of Lawrence Lachman from his loving family
• Jeanine P. Plottel and Roland Plottel in loving memory of
Lea and Maurice Parisier and Frances and Charles Plottel
• Nancy B. Rubinger in loving memory of
Jessie C. Brilliant and Susan Ellen Rubinger
• Edith R. Scheurer in loving memory of my husband,
Edwin Charles Scheurer; Norma and Lewis Raabin; and Harry Scheurer
• Sunny Schneiderman in loving memory of Seymour Schneiderman
• Alexandra Bloch Jeydel, Lawrence Jeydel and Daniel Bloch Jeydel
in loving memory of Deborah and Robert Bloch, Maurice and Madeline Bloch
For Yom Kippur (September 22 and 23)
• Carol, Ellie and Laura Grossman in loving memory of Charles Grossman
• Mr. Bruce Holman in loving memory of Mildred and Morris Holman
• Ellen M. Iseman and Alex O’Neill in loving memory of Trevor
• Rosalind Jacobs in loving memory of her husband, Melvin Jacobs
• Richard H. M. and Gail Lowe Maidman in loving memory of
Gail’s mother, Jeanette Marmott Lowe
• Joan A. Mayer, in loving memory of Harold C. Mayer Jr.,
and Margaret and Alexander Arnstein
• Eileen Milloy in loving memory of Ida Broz
• In loving memory of Carol and Carl H. Pforzheimer Jr., from their family
• Jane and Arthur Rosenbloom in loving memory of our daughter,
Jordana Ivy Rosenbloom; Arthur’s parents, Flo and Sol Rosenbloom;
and Jane’s father, Mortimer S. Edelstein
• Patricia Weiss in memory of my dearest husband, Howard, and
of our parents, Betty and Louis Menken and Cecelia and Samuel Weiss
For Sukkot (September 27 and 28)
• Virginia and Benjamin Sadock in loving memory of Fred Alcott
NECROLOGY REQUESTS
It is our tradition at the Yom Kippur
Yizkor Memorial Service to read a list
of names of the recently deceased
from our temple family. Only the
names of those who have passed
away since October 4, 2014, will
be read. Temple members who
would like to have a name added to
the list should complete our form at
www.emanuelnyc.org/necrology
or return the postcard from their
High Holy Days Guide. Forms must be
submitted by September 18, 2015.
REMEMBERING
OUR LOVED ONES
As a service to our members,
Temple Emanu-El has begun tracking
yahrzeits—the anniversaries of
members’ deaths and those of their
family members. Reminder notices will
be sent out so that the anniversary
may be marked at the temple’s daily
Sunset or Shabbat services.
In order to track this information in
our membership system, the following
information is needed: name of
deceased, date of death, whether the
death occurred before or after sunset,
and the deceased’s relationship to
the member making the request.
Complete our form at
www.emanuelnyc.org/yahrzeit,
or call (212) 507-9519.
15
TEMPLE EMANU-EL
BULLETIN
Vol. 88, No. 1
September 2015
CONGREGATION EMANU-EL
of the City of New York
One East 65th Street,
New York, NY 10065
(212) 744-1400 • www.emanuelnyc.org
Emanu-El is now on Facebook!
Visit us at www.facebook.com/emanuelnyc
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
• Combating Anti-Semitism in France...page 3
• Temple Spotlight: Readers Panel...page 4
• Emanu-El Community Sabbath Dinner
(with special guest Renée Fleming!)...page 6
• Bereavement Group...page 6
• High Holy Days Schedule of Services...pages 8 and 9
• Tikkun Olam Preview...page 10
HERBERT & EILEEN BERNARD MUSEUM
Object of the Month...
“All this has come upon us”
By Rhoda Altman
Intaglio Etching
In loving memory of my son Jonathan Mitchell Altman
(CEE 14-33)
This is the first piece of art in the museum’s collection made by a member
of our own congregation. We are grateful to the artist, Rhoda Altman,
for her donation, which will enrich our ever-expanding collection of fine art.
16
The title and the text are drawn from Psalms 44:8 and 44:23 and etched into a shofar on
the right, accompanied by a photo-transfer of the Western Wall in Jerusalem to the left.
On view in the Women’s Auxiliary Lounge (Room 602)

Temple Emanu-El Bulletin

Transcription

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