Congregation Sons of Israel DECEMBER 2014 Thurs., Dec. 4 6:30

Transcription

Congregation Sons of Israel
CONTINUING THE VISION — BUILDING OUR FUTURE
DECEMBER 2014
9 Kislev 5775—9 Tevet 5775
DECEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec. 4:
Dec. 12-13:
Dec. 16:
Dec. 16, 17:
Dec. 21-Jan. 4:
Dec. 25:
Jan. 1:
Holiday Boutique, sponsored by
The Nursery School PTA
Scholar-in-Residence
First Chanukah Candle
Community Candlelighting
(RS students should dress to be
outdoors at the Menorah and
should also bring flashlights)
NO NURSERY OR RELIGIOUS
SCHOOL—WINTER RECESS
CSI OFFICE CLOSED
CSI OFFICE CLOSED
In the CSI Social Hall
Todah Rabbah from CSI
From The Rabbi
Chanukah Blessings
Cantorial Notes
Religious School News
Scholar-in-Residence
News from the NS P.T.A.
Babysitter List
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 7
page 8
page 9
page 10
Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler
Bible Scholar, Author and Professor of
Biblical Studies at Brandeis University.
December 12 and 13, 2014
See the flyer
on page 8.
For more information,
please contact Jolie
Levy at 762-2700 or
jolie@csibriarcliff.org.
Have you seen our new website yet? It
has a whole new design and feel!
Visit us at www.csibriarcliff.org.
Thurs., Dec. 4
6:30-9:30 PM
(See page 18)
- Scholar-In-Residence -
Our “Adult Learning, Family and Youth
Programs” booklet is available on our
website, as is each month’s Bulletin.
Check out our facebook page too!
It is also new and improved. “Like us!”
From the President
This Month’s B’nai Mitzvah
Mazal Tov and Condolences
Recent Donations
Calendar
Kol Nidre 5775
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Sisterhood News
page 11
page 11
page 12
page 13
page 16
page 19
page 20
page 21
Nursery School pictures
From our Rabbinic Fellow
Donation Form
Advertisements
page 22
page 23
page 31
page 32
PLEASE SUPPORT
OUR ADVERTISERS
Page 2
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Phone: (914) 762-2700
Fax:
(914) 941-3465
www.csibriarcliff.org
info@csibriarcliff.org
December 2014
MANY THANKS TO OUR SUKKAH DESTRUCTORS:
L-R: Michael Palefsky, John Palefsky, Sarah Teitelbaum, Laura
Teitelbaum, Michael Teitelbaum and (in back) Segundo Ayabaca.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
(adopted 1999, revised 2007):
Congregation Sons of Israel is
an egalitarian, Conservative
synagogue
dedicated
to
imparting Jewish values and
traditions from generation to
generation in a welcoming
participatory
environment.
We are a caring community
committed to lifelong Jewish
learning, the observance of
mitzvot, meaningful prayer
and charitable deeds. We
promote spiritual, cultural and
social connections within our
community, to the State of
Israel, and to Jews worldwide.
Rabbi Steven C. Kane
rabcsi@aol.com
Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz
jshiovitz@aol.com
Educational Director:
Roni Shapiro Ben-David
ronishapiro@csibriarcliff.org
Synagogue Director:
Ellen Green Johnson
ellen@csibriarcliff.org
School Admin./Office Mgr.:
Doreen Gioio
education@csibriarcliff.org
OPERATION ISAIAH FOOD DRIVE:
MANY THANKS to Jack and Ian Zinn for stapling the food drive
flyers to the paper bags.
MANY THANKS to all of the “schleppers” who loaded up cars at
CSI and drove to the Ossining Food Pantry: Judy Boehr; Susan
Diamond; Alan Fox & Resa Mestel; Laura & Jacob Gold; Jennifer &
Abby Hentel; Carol, Jason & David Levitt; Andy & Ryan Morris;
Stuart Rosen; Michael, Laura & Sarah Teitelbaum
OFFICERS:
Jack Zinn, President
president@csibriarcliff.org
Steven Bender, VP
Aaron Gershowitz, VP
Lisa Goodkin, VP
Roberta Kay, VP
Bob Margolies, Treasurer
treasurer@csibriarcliff.org
Eric Nadler, VP, Secretary
Andrew Kagan, Past President
Bulletin Editor:
Jolie Levy
jolie@csibriarcliff.org
Bulletin Printer:
MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO GENEROUSLY DONATED
FOOD and TO ALL OF THE RELIGIOUS STUDENTS (and RONI)
WHO HELPED LOAD CARS.
December 2014
Page 3
FROM THE RABBI
Steven C. Kane
The Bible is often called "the best selling book in history." Indeed the Bible has probably been read by
more people than any other book. Yet I would suggest that while people know of the Bible, they can't
tell you all that much about the Bible. Everyone
knows it is the foundational book of both Judaism
and Christianity, but what is its background and history? Is it meant to be history along with religious
instruction? More importantly, what exactly do
Jews, both modern and ancient, believe about the
composition of the Bible? Did God write it? If God
did not, who did? If humans wrote it, is there still
revelation from God in it? How does any of this
affect each of our lives?
In the 19th century, scholars began to question the
authorship of the Torah. Different theories were put
forward, the most well-known one being that the
Torah was actually a composition of four different
documents woven together over time, with the authors identified by the initials JEPD. What this meant
was that our relationship to the Torah was being
questioned. Was our faith dependent on Divine authorship of this document? Could one be an observant Jew without believing in revelation? Could one
believe in revelation without believing that the entire
Torah was the word of God?
Our relationship to the Torah and the rest of the Bible is an ongoing dialogue. That is why we read and
Many people use Bible and Torah interchangeably,
study it over and over again, each time gaining new
though the Torah is only the first part of the Bible.
insights and sometimes new criticism. We are fortuThe other two parts are the Prophets and the
nate this year to have as our Scholar-in-Residence
Writings. For most Christians, God's "word" is found (December 12/13) Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler, one of the
equally throughout the Bible (which of course for
new generation of Bible scholars who seek to adthem includes the "New Testament"). Jews though dress these questions. Dr. Brettler describes himself
differentiate between the three parts of the Bible,
as both an Orthodox Jew and an academic scholar of
with each descending in holiness. Thus, traditionally the Bible. While I don't know that he will answer
the Torah was considered to be authored by God,
every question you have about your relationship to
the Prophets contained dialogue between God and
the Bible, his talks will certainly be a good place to
the prophet, although the prophet was the writer of begin or continue your own personal search.
the text, and the Writings contain religious literature, The Talmud teaches concerning the study of the Bibut contain much less dialogue between God and
ble, "study it over and over; you will find everything
human beings. Perhaps the best examples of this are in it" (Avot 5.24). Please join us for what I am certain
the Book of Esther and Song of Songs which do not
will be very interesting and stimulating sessions on
even mention God, and the Book of Psalms, which
"the best selling book in history."
are ancient prayers and are according to the text itL'hitraot,
self written by human beings (for example, many
begin with the words "A psalm of David”).
TO OUR WONDERFUL HAFTARAH CHANTERS DURING THE HIGH HOLIDAYS:
ANNLEAH BERGER
●
JUDY KANE
RONI SHAPIRO
●
MARTY WEINBERG
Yasher Koach!
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December 2014
CHANUKAH
Chanukah commemorates the victory of the Jewish forces, led
by Judah Maccabee, over the Syrian forces (often called SyrianGreeks because they had come under the influence of Greek
culture) lead by Antiochus Epiphanes in the year 167 BCE. Antiochus had outlawed circumcision, Shabbat observance and other
customs basic to Judaism. He then desecrated the Holy Temple
in Jerusalem by placing the statue of a Greek god in the Holy of
Holies, and conducting sacrifices of unclean animals.
Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe whose
mitzvot add holiness to our life and who gave us the mitzvah to
light the lights of Chanukah.
This year the first Chanukah candle is lit on Tuesday, December
16, before dark. One candle is lit on the first night, two the second night and so on, adding a candle each subsequent night.
The “Shamash” candle is lit first and used to light the others.
On the first night the candle is placed on the far right of the menorah (as it faces you ). Each night a candle is added to the left
and candles are lit left to right, so that the newest candle is always lit first, the second newest second, and so on.
Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, for granting
us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this day.
Baruch attah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam she-asah nissim
After three years of fighting, the forces led by Judah recaptured la-avoteinu by-yamim ha—heim u-va-z’man hazeh.
the Temple on the 25th of Kislev. They found it in ruins. As they Praised are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe who acbegan to repair and rebuild it, crowds of Jews congregated to complished miracles for our ancestors in ancient days, and in our
celebrate and bring proper sacrifices to God. One version of the time.
story tells us that the Jews celebrated the rededication of the
Temple for eight days since they had been denied access to the On the first night only add the following benediction:
Temple for the eight days of Sukkot. Of course, we are all familiar with the legend in the Talmud that recounts one cruse of oil
found with the seal of the Cohen Gadol (High Priest). It was
sufficient for one day, but a great miracle happened and the oil
burned for eight days.
Baruch attah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam shehecheyanu
vekiamanu vehigianu lazman hazeh.
KINDLING THE LIGHTS
People often use larger candles on Friday night because these
candles must burn for a period of time after complete darkness
sets in. Matanah, the gift shop at CSI, has a wonderful selection
of candles, menorahs and gifts for Chanukah and all year. Please
be sure to stop in on Sundays during Religious School hours or
make an appointment by emailing giftshop@csibriarcliff.org.
After lighting the candles:
These lights we kindle to recall the wondrous triumphs and the
miraculous victories wrought through Your holy kohanim for our
ancestors in ancient days at this season. These lights are sacred
through all the eight days of Chanukah. We may not put them to
ordinary use, but are to look upon them and thus be reminded
to thank You and praise You for the wondrous miracle of our
deliverance.
Ma’oz tsur yeshu’ati lecha na’eh leshabeakh.
Tikon beit tefilati vesham todah nezaveakh.
Le’et tachin matbeakh mistar hamnabeakh,
‘az ‘egmore beshir mizmor khanuat hamizbeakh.
On Friday night, December 19, candles are lit before Shabbat Rock of Ages, let our song praise Your saving power. You amid
candles, and Saturday night, December 20, candles are lit before the raging throng were our sheltering tower. Furious they assailed us, but Your help availed us. And Your word broke their
Havdalah, so as not to delay the performance of the mitzvah.
sword when our own strength failed us.
While kindling the lights, say the following blessings:
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kid shanu
b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’haldlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Full Chanukah guides
are available on the
CSI lobby tables.
December 2014
Page 5
CANTORIAL NOTES
Hazzan Jeffrey Shiovitz
EIGHT INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT
“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”
called “The Fiddler.” The sets used in
the movie, designed by Boris
Aronson, were also based on
In honor of this auspicious birthday (it’s
Chagall’s work.
Fiddler’s 50th Anniversary), I bring to
you a trove of obscure fun facts about 6. Norman Jewison, who directed the
movie, isn’t actually Jewish (with a
this Jewish classic. If nothing else, you
name and credentials like that, he
can try it out at the Shabbat dinner
might as well just go ahead and
table to one-up the family. What else is
convert!)
useless knowledge for?
7. When “Fiddler” is performed in
1. Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Reiner and
Israel, “If I Were A Rich Man” is often
John Ritter all auditioned for the part
sung as “If I Were A Rothschild,” after
of the tailor Motel Kamzoil in the
the prominent Jewish family.
1971 film version of “Fiddler on the 8. Bea Arthur was the original Yenta the
Roof.” The role eventually went to
Matchmaker on Broadway. Rosie
Leonard Frey.
O’Donnell played Tevye’s feisty wife,
2. The role of Perchik has an interesting
Golde in the 2005 revival.
cast history. The 1971 movie
adaptation cast Paul Michael Glaser
in the role. This is the very same
HaMishpacha
Paul Michael Glaser who then went
With Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz
on to be the Starsky in “Starsky and
Hutch.” In the original Broadway
Tuesday, December 9, 12:30 p.m.
production, Perchik was played by
(LUNCH WILL BE SERVED)
Bert Convy—future “Tattletales”
Movie: The Sturgeon Queens
game show host.
HaMishpacha means “the fam3. Paul Lipson holds the record for
ily.” This is a group for couples
Tevye appearances, having played
and singles over 65. Each
the character more than 2,000 times.
month, a different musical,
But Theodore Bikel says he was the
cultural, social or educational
only one born into the role.
program will be presented.
4. Bette Midler played the role of
Tzeitel on Broadway from 1966THERE WILL BE NO HaMISHPACHA
1969.
LUNCHEONS IN JANUARY OR FEBRUARY.
5. The title for “Fiddler on the Roof”
More info: call Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz at 923-0175.
comes from a Marc Chagall painting
GREET OLD FRIENDS & MEET NEW ONES!
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December 2014
MAZAL TOV TO JACOB AFRAMIAN ON HIS BAR MITZVAH
Shalom, my name is Jacob Aframian. I live in Briarcliff Manor with my parents Kelly and Isaac
and my sister Sarah. Words cannot describe how excited I am for my Bar Mitzvah which [was] on
November 22. I currently attend Briarcliff Middle School. At school I participate in modified sports,
in the fall I run cross country and in the spring I play baseball. I also play the cello in the Briarcliff
Middle School orchestra. These activities have taught me how to interact with my friends and help
me make new friends.
When I am not in school, I do many different activities. I have been playing baseball in my
town since I was eight years old, and for the past few years I have been playing for the CSI basketball
team. Being part of these activities is so much fun. I also enjoy spending lots of time with my friends
and family. During the summer I travel to Israel to see my Dad’s family. My Dad is one of nine children so you can imagine how many first cousins I have. My Jewish roots run deep and I am proud to
say that Israel feels like home to me. It means a lot to me that my Saba (grandfather), my aunt Tikva, and uncle Hertzel are traveling from Israel to be here for my Bar Mitzvah.
For my Bar Mitzvah project I chose 13 different mitzvot. One mitzvah was visiting Mr. Ben
Levin at Bethel Nursing Home in Ossining. When I was there Ben told me great stories about his life
experiences. The most important part was when he talked about the Holocaust and how he survived
it. I also wrote a letter to an Israeli soldier and visited the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital where I
replaced all the batteries in the toys that kids play with.
For me becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to become a man in the Jewish religion/community
and take responsibility for my actions. I have been attending Hebrew school at CSI since I was in kindergarten and it helped me understand what it means to be Jewish and taught me about the wonderful traditions that we observe throughout the year. I look forward to continuing those traditions
as an adult in the Jewish community.
I would like to thank Roni Shapiro, Cantor Shiovitz, Rabbi Kane, and all my Hebrew School
teachers for teaching me and helping me prepare for this moment. I would like to thank my mom,
dad, sister, and all my friends for their support and helping me reach this amazing moment. I am
definitely looking forward to my Bar Mitzvah.
(This was inadvertently omitted from the November Bulletin.
Our sincerest apologies to Jacob for the omission).
JUNIOR CONGREGATION
KADIMA SERVICE
A special learning service for Alef, Bet and Gimel
A special learning service for 6th and 7th graders
Saturday, December 6
11:00-12:00
YES! SERVICE CREDIT IS GIVEN!
Saturday, December 6
10:30-12:00 (Upstairs)
YES! SERVICE CREDIT IS GIVEN!
(put your service card in front of the box)
Service is led by Tami Drucker
(put your service card behind the tab that says
“Shabbat Morning Attendance behind here”)
Service is led by Sheera Zuckerman
Future Junior Congregation Dates: Dec. 13; Jan. 10, 24,
31; Feb. 7, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 18, 25; May 2, 16
Future Kadima Service Dates: Dec. 13; Jan. 10, 31; Feb.
28; Mar. 21; Apr. 18
PLEASE REMEMBER that both Junior Congregation and Kadima Services take place on Shabbat. Children, as well
as anyone else coming inside the building on Shabbat, should be dressed appropriately. Shabbat is a “special”
and holy time, and children should wear “special” clothing. No sweatpants, jeans, sports uniforms, etc.
December 2014
Page 7
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS
Roni Shapiro, Educational Director
I can’t believe it is already December. So much fun and learning has happened!
NAME THE
MYSTERY
 Our Nursery students have been busy baking challah and Thanksgiving treats for their feast.
READER!
 They enjoyed listening to a “mystery reader” and spending time with our “Nature lady” and
her reptiles.
 Our
programs were a big hit! I don’t know which was more fun, Noah’s Ark Day
or Sukkot?
 Hope you will join us for Dreidel Mania December 16.
 Our first ever free babysitting night was a huge success. Thank you to all the wonderful teens
that came out to help and for all of the parents who trusted us by letting us play with your kids.
 Our older religious school students watched a documentary and met the producer
of Kinderblock 66, Brad Rothchild. It was wonderful to have so many parents join us.
 Our first “Cookie Club “ met and baked cookies for the family emergency waiting rooms at
Maria Fareri Hospital. CSI teens have been very busy.
 Our Midnight run was an incredible success. Thank you to David Saias, our Midnight Run coordinator, and all the many CSI families for contributing.
 Kadima and USY went to Grand Prix and enjoyed go-karts, bowling and arcade.
 Thank you to all of our CSI families who participated and contributed to our Nursery School turkey collection for the Star of Bethlehem Church in Ossining and to the Teen Thanksgiving Day Neighbors Link food
collection.
 In December, all of our students will be very busy, making latkes & sufganiot (traditional jelly donuts) to
celebrate Chanukah.
 Please join us on Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 5:40 for Chanukah singing and lighting of the outside chanukiyah.
It’s not too late to join Hebrew High school!! Even if your teen has not yet signed up for one of our programs – he/she is always welcome and encouraged. We live in a big world, with many opportunities for our
teenagers to get involved in activities. Being involved in some aspect of our teen programs will make a
difference in your teenager’s life, now, in college and when they have families. Please encourage, cajole and
bribe to get them here!
Join Us For Hebrew High School – Try It You’ll Like It!
Second Trimester starts December 14
Israel Today - Adam Zagoria-Moffet. What is life really like in Israel today, debate the Arab/Israeli conflict
after learning about the issues.
OR
Topical Bible - Roni Shapiro. What if Dr. Phil wrote the Torah? How would he answer life’s issues?
Everyone with a child in one of our programs should have received a parent handbook or Youth/Teen
manual through e-mail. If you have not, call or e-mail the school office.
Solomon Schechter children: We want you to join us for any and all student/youth programs and services.
Please contact the school office to make sure that we have your correct e-mail and that you are receiving
the age appropriate information.
Help Our Youth Programs: Please help support our youth programs by donating to the Samantha Silverman
Youth Fund. All moneys are used towards our teens.
BABYSITTING: CHECK OUT OUR CSI BABYSITTING LIST IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE. Names will be added each
month, so also keep checking this bulletin!
Hebrew Ulpan Mondays at CSI for kids. It’s not too late to join the class! Call 762-2700 or send an email to
education@csibriarcliff.org.
Page 8
December 2014
December 2014
Page 9
NEWS FROM THE NURSERY SCHOOL P.T.A.
The November holidays were great fun for the kids, who loved baking
for the Thanksgiving feast and then enjoyed songs, dances, and snacking
with their families. The parents enjoyed some pre-holiday festivities at
the annual Cocktail Party, where adorable artwork created by the kids was
auctioned. Everyone is now looking forward to the next round of holiday
celebrations - who doesn't love Chanukah and all its related fun?
You can still enjoy a delicious Zomick's challah by picking up an order form in the office and
selecting your delivery option. As always, the PTA appreciates your support!
Lastly, we invite everyone to join us on Thursday, December 4th, from 6:30-9:30 pm for a
Holiday Boutique. Come shop, enjoy some wine and snacks, and take a chance at winning one
of our fabulous raffle prizes. Feel free to bring a friend with you!
Adults to work with students on Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday: These volunteers help in
classrooms or work one-on-one with our children. You do not have to be fluent in Hebrew,
but a basic knowledge of reading Hebrew is necessary. Drop-in volunteers are welcome too.
Teenagers interested in a paying job or community service working with children in our Lev
program on Sundays from 9-11 AM: These volunteers help in classrooms or work one-on-one
with our special needs children. Working with these special needs students is a wonderful mitzvah and looks great on
your college application. Work opportunities for our teens are also available on Wednesdays, and community service
is available on Tuesdays. Please contact Roni Shapiro.
PLEASE JOIN THE CSI WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB!
MEETING DATES: DEC. 14
JAN. 25
MAR. 1
APR. 19
The meetings are all at 7:00 PM at Roni Shapiro’s home: 26 Pocantico Road, Ossining
Books include: Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner, The Nazi Officer’s Wife by Edith Hahn Beer, The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich, The Other Half of My Soul by Bahia Abrams, The Fruit of Her Hands: The
Story of Shira of Ashkenaz by Michele Cameron, The Girl in the Green Sweater by Krytyna Chiger, and
Women’s Minyan by Naomi Ragen.
OUR MEETINGS ARE FUN AND ENLIGHTENING! MAKE NEW FRIENDS!
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
By Judy Boehr
CSI is once again sponsoring a HOLIDAY DINNER at the First Presbyterian
Church in Ossining. We will be cooking and serving dinner, and WE
NEED YOUR HELP. If you can help out or donate food, please contact
Judy Boehr at 762-1984 or email her at tangelwoodtoots@uno.com.
FOODS NEEDED: cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, desserts and
more!
Page 10
December 2014
Have a friend or neighbor interested in synagogue life?
Ask them to contact one of the following:
Roberta Bar-Levav, Membership Chair, at rbarlevav@gmail.com
or Ellen Johnson, Synagogue Director, at ellen@csibriarcliff.org.
We welcome inter-faith families!
Interfaith parents are full participants in all life cycle
events, programs, and classes and are welcome
to serve on CSI's committees.
CARING COMMITTEE
By Merrie Daitch
Some of the many jobs we undertake are contacting members
who are sick and helping them with rides to the doctor, or
providing meals, if necessary; providing bereavement Shabbat
dinners or baskets for those who have lost family members;
funding HaMishpacha; and bringing holiday gifts to our shutins. If YOU know of a member who needs some special caring,
please let the office know. We will promptly swing into action!
Our next meeting is December 2 at 7 PM. Come on down to
what has been called “the nicest meeting you can come to at
CSI.” We need your expertise, knowledge of our community
and your caring! Hope to see you December 2!
The Gift Shop of CSI, Matanah, is always
open during Sunday Religious School hours.
Come take a look at the wonderful gifts
available, some of which are imported
from Israel. Chanukah will be here before
you know it!! For assistance outside of
Matanah hours, please send an email to
giftshop@csibriarcliff.org.
SAVE THE DATE:
HONORING THIS YEAR:
Saturday, March 7 is CSI’s Annual
Dinner/Dance Fundraiser.
DANIEL and MARIAN LEVINE
NEIL and LEONA SCHLUGER
WALTER HOLZBERG
ZOE SCHEIER
KATYA DIDONATO
SARAH DOLGIN
KATIE KATZ
DANIEL BIRNBAUM
MARISSA LEWIS
LILY WOOLF
BABYSITTERS 2014-15
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
9TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
373-4186
703-1183
787-0465
267-7079
406-3913
845-418-0684
886-5871
874-7352
December 2014
Page 11
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Jack H. Zinn
It’s just starting to turn cold, so our thoughts are
naturally turning toward…summer camp! Amazingly,
it is time to start thinking about camp already. In
between meeting with the Rabbi and Cantor regarding Ian’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah (foreshadowing for
next month’s bulletin article), I am knee deep in
camp applications. If you have children and are considering a camp program for the coming summer, I
want to appeal to you to consider Camp Ramah,
either the day camp in Nyack or the sleep-away
camp in Berkshires. I spent eight summers between
the two local Ramah camps as a camper and three
summers on staff at Nyack. Darlene, Ian, Rebecca,
and I attended the Ramah Poconos Tikvah Family
Camp (5 days/4 nights) for special needs campers
and their families for two summers. Ian spent six
weeks at Camp Ramah in New England last summer.
Rebecca went to Ramah Nyack for a few summers
and has now graduated to sleep-away at Berkshires.
The first thing she wanted me to do when she got
home from Berkshires was to sign her up for next
year. She didn’t get homesick at camp – she got
campsick at home!
There are many Jewish camps, but I can only speak
to Ramah from my own experience. I’m sure they
all have similar stories. Ramah taught me that being
Jewish is special, rich in spirit, and fun. There were
plenty of sports of all kinds, a lake with boating and
swimming at Berkshires (and three pools in Nyack),
rock climbing and ropes courses, theater productions, pottery, camping, and everything else you
would expect at camp. We sang songs and had special names for everything. It barely mattered that
Hebrew was used for the names, or that we sang
songs in Hebrew, too. Everyone did it together –
almost a thousand kids and staff, and no one felt out
of place or in the minority being Jewish. Being
Jewish was just natural at camp.
Camp instilled a love of Judaism that I could not get
anywhere else. I learned to appreciate the beauty of
Judaism and the joy of being with so many fellow
Jews. From the endless singing after Friday night
dinner to learning how to be a soccer goalie, from
the leisure of Shabbat afternoon to learning how to
build a fire at a campout, Camp Ramah made it easy
to be a Jewish kid. Ramah made it fun and made it
important to me. My parents recognized this; my
mother worked as a nursery school teacher at the
former JCC-Spring Valley, and my father sold encyclopedias so they could afford to send us to camp.
It’s a gift for which I am forever grateful to them.
Every Child Deserves A Jewish Education!
Please Support our Lev Program!
Donations are needed to pay for our Lev program for the
2014-2015 school year. Lev means “heart.”
CSI believes that all children, regardless of their developmental, emotional or cognitive challenges, should receive
a Jewish education. These special children are mainstreamed into our classes, or, if necessary, are placed in a
self-contained special Lev class.
Many people in the past few years have given generously
to support our Lev program. Without their support, we
could not have given children with varying emotional,
behavioral and learning needs the opportunity to join our
Religious School program. We help children who range
from developmentally delayed to autistic. Thanks to your
generous donations, they, too, can have a Jewish education. Please make donations to the Mitzner Family
Tuition Assistance Fund indicating they are to be used for
the Lev Program.
2014-15 Board of Trustees
Jack Zinn, President
Trustees 3 years:
Steven Bender, V.P.
Robin Ginsberg
Aaron Gershowitz, V.P.
Daniel Levine
Lisa Goodkin, V.P.
Barbara Palefsky
Roberta Kay, V.P.
Neil Schluger
Robert Margolies,
Fred Schulman
Treasurer
Mara Weissmann
Eric Nadler, V.P. Secretary
Andrew Kagan, Immediate Past President
Trustees 2 years:
Antony Anisman
Doron Bar-Levav
Ira Eisenstein
Pamela Schumacher
Lawrence Smoler
Mark Wancier
Trustees 1 Year:
Lauren Benjamin
Annleah Berger
Michael Casper
Josh Diamond
Jonathan Gellman
Daniel Silvershein
Page 12
December 2014
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Co-chairs: Ellen Weiser & Debra Young
“Welcome to Saturday Night at CSI”. That is what 70+ attendees heard on November 8 th at 8pm as they
sipped their wine and nibbled on cheese and crackers as the Queen of Comedy, Robin Fox, held court. We
laughed and chortled as this rising female comedian, Grand Champion of the 2012 Ladies of Laughter Competition of Gotham Comedy Club, NYC, regaled us with stories about her life in New Jersey, her husband, her
kids, and even her parents. After the set was done, we mixed and mingled over cake and pie and tea and
coffee and more wine. Robin stayed to pose for pictures and to chat with all of us. As the saying goes “a
good time was had by all.”
Look for our next event sometime in the spring so that you too can join in the fun and delight of one of our
“Social Occasions.”
TO DECEMBER’S B’NAI MITZVAH
My name is Max Hertz, and I will have my Bar
Mitzvah on December 6th. I live in Briarcliff Manor
with my parents, sister, 2 dogs and 2 ferrets. I am in
8th grade and I am the last to have a Bat/ Bar Mitzvah
in my grade. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I will be
doing a collection of food for Thanksgiving and will
help deliver and serve for the less fortunate in our
community. It’s important for me to give back,
especially at this time, to families that are in need
when I have so much to be thankful for. For the past
year and a half, I’ve gotten to watch my peers go
through the same journey that I am about to take, in
becoming a young man. Attending all of the Bar and
Bat Mitzvah services has really helped me to prepare
for this moment, knowing the prayers, the songs and
just feeling comfortable with how the service will go.
I know when I start to sing Ein Kelohenu that I did
what I came out to do and that all my hard work with
Mazal Tov to:
Cantor Shiovitz and attending Hebrew school paid
off. A special thank you to all the teachers throughout my years at CSI, Roni Shapiro, Cantor Shiovitz,
Rabbi Kane and especially my parents who love me
unconditionally!!
* * * *
Hi. My name is Aidan Wohl. I am becoming a bar
mitzvah on December 6. I live in Millwood with my
father Ron, mom Hillary and younger brothers Ryan
and Jesse. I am currently in 7th grade at Seven
Bridges Middle School. My favorite subject is English
because I like to read and write. I love sports. I play
football for Seven Bridges and am on the Jr. Quakers
Travel Basketball Team. I volunteered for my bar
mitzvah project at Backyard Sports. I helped developmentally disabled athletes participate in soccer,
baseball and basketball. It was such a rewarding
experience and something I will continue to volunteer my time doing.
Harvey Grosberg on the marriage of his daughter, Michelle, to
David Smith.
Susan Wattenberg on the marriage of her daughter, Dana, to Kevin
Khani.
Robert & Francine Goldstein on the marriage of the daughter,
Mallory, to Dustin Lea.
Condolences to:
Jamie Cotel on the loss of her father, David.
Paul Horowitz on the loss of his mother, Gertrude.
Get Well Wishes to: Ann Studen
December 2014
CONTRIBUTIONS
Page 13
(received by November 10, 2014)
CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In appreciation of the programs Cantor Shiovitz
provides to the community
In memory of Robin Karp
Thank you to Cantor Shiovitz
CARING COMMUNITY
In memory of Joseph Daitch
Mazal Tov to Nathan Holzberg making
All-State Wind Ensemble on percussion
In memory of Hyman Katz
In memory of T. Rae Lyons
In memory of David Cotel
In honor of Sharon Richter's 80th Birthday
In memory of Estelle Solomon
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Elinore Thaler
In memory of Iris Shapiro
Iris & Joel Kazin
Etti & Ludwig Cziment
Susan & Howard Code
Daniel & Laura Gold
ETZ CHAIM - TREE OF LIFE FUND
In memory of Elinore Thaler
In memory of Laura Kay
In honor of Elliot Barish receiving P'seichas Neilah Award
Mazal Tov on the birth of Norman &
Barbara Block's grandson, Noah Daniel
Iyla's 2nd Birthday
Mazal Tov to Ruth & Mel Speier on the marriage
of their son Jonathan to Maya Arison
Mazal Tov to Malvina & Bruce Browne
on the birth of their grandson, Justin Silver
Thank you to Dr. Leona Kim Schluger
Mazal Tov to Diane & David Kahn on the marriage
of their daughter, Ali
Sol Krongelb
Larry Karp, Liz Susman Karp, Robert & Eli
Robert & Francine Goldstein
Merrie Daitch
Merrie Daitch
Sonia & Paul Kleinman
Etti & Ludwig Cziment
Mimi & Steve Stambler
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Eleanor & Michael Frey
Roberta Freilich
Barbara Weiss
The Semler Family
Debbie & Richard Yoken
Debbie & Richard Yoken
Helene & Adam Rude
David & Jewel Weiss
Helene & Adam Rude
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Arthur & Susan Johannes
Roberta & Rick Kay
Ali & Phil Edelstein
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Cheryl Kestenbaum
Cheryl Kestenbaum
JEFFREY DITTELMAN/ROBINOV CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of T.Rae Lyons
Deborah Rosenberg
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
Speedy Recovery to Bob Margolies
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
Thank you to Ellen Johnson
Arnold Thaler
In memory of Jeffrey Alan Dittelman
Sharon Dittelman
(Continued on page 14)
Page 14
December 2014
(Continued from page 13)
KIDDUSH FUND
In memory of Estelle Solomon
In memory of Robin Karp
In memory of Elaine Karp
The Semler Family
MEMORIAL GARDEN FUND
CSI Families: Bagliebter, Ben-Zvi, Bronson, Burkhardt, Falah, Fijman,
Girao, Gluck, Graham, Hawson, Holt, Korner, Linett,
Payes, Polenberg, Roth, Sanders, Satran, Scheir,
Schulman, Schwartz, Sofer, Thompson & Venezia
Thank you for the great bulletin
Katherine Koltai
In memory of Majer Latowicki
Bella & Bernie Jacobson
In loving memory of Eva Eisenberger
Suzanne & Neal Haber & family
MINYAN BREAKFAST FUND
In memory of David Mortman
MITZNER FAMILY SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FUND
Mazal Tov on the Bar Mitzvah of Ian Joseph Fairman Zinn
Gregory & Mara Mortman & family
In memory of Ruth Jame
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Pamela Sherman
Eric & Lisa Nadler
Mara & Richard Weissmann
The Sternschein Family
Ruth & Mel Speier
Esther Schwartz
ONEG
In memory of Mel Mitzner
Meryl & Jeffrey Mitzner
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Thank you to the Rabbi
In memory of Elaine Karp
In memory of Hyman Katz
Mazal Tov to Jill Greenstein being honored as Kalat Bereshit
Mazal Tov to Bob Davis being honored as Hatan Hatorah
Carol & Marc Levitt
Neal & Jane Rechtman
Robert & Francine Goldstein
Jodi, Steve, Dylan & Zachary Segalewitz
Seth & Marian Natter
Faye Dittelman & David Perelman
Marcy Gray
Barbara & Norman Block
Sylvia & Susan Eisenstein
Sylvia & Susan Eisenstein
RACHEL GREENSTEIN CHILDREN'S RESOURCE LIBRARY FUND
Mazal Tov to Jill Greenstein being honored as Kalat Bereshit
Joel Greenstein
RHODA & MEL MILLER TUITION ASSISTANCE FUND
In memory of Jerome Shapiro
In honor of Sharon Richter's 80th Birthday
Barry Shapiro, Judith Jay & family
Ruth & Mel Speier
STUDY IN ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of Joseph Jay
Judith Jay, Barry Shapiro & family
In honor of Lois Gottlieb's Birthday
In memory of T. Rae Lyons
ZUCKERMAN/CHARLOTTE HERING MEMORIAL FUND FOR RAMAH DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS
Eliana Zuckerman's graduation from cosmetology school
Rabbi Lester & Doris Hering
December 2014
Page 15
Page 16
Sun
COLOR KEY:
NURSERY SCHOOL
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
is open every
YOUTH
Sunday during
IMPORTANT NOTE
Religious
School hours.
7
Mon
Tue
1
8 Kislev
7:15am-Minyan
NS-Red Apple Day
11:00am-Women’s Torah
Study
7:30pm-Sisterhood Executive
Board
2
9 Kislev
NS-Sign Language
12:30pm-Yiddush Club
7:00pm-Caring Committee
7:30pm-Education Committee
7:30pm-Men’s Club
15 Kislev 8
9:00am-Group A Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
9:15am-Minyan
11:00am-Cookie Club
10:30am-Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
11:00am-High School
December 2014
16 Kislev 9
7:15am-Minyan
NS-Lockdown Drill
11:00am-Women’s Torah
Study
7:30pm-Five Things You
Always Wanted to Know…:
Rabbi Stephen S. Wise
8:45pm-Talmud
17 Kislev
NS-Sign Language
11:15am-Jews In The News
12:30pm-HaMishpacha
Luncheon
Heh class trip to Sammy’s
Kosher Deli
6:00pm-Kadima Manhunt
14
22 Kislev
9:15am-Minyan
RS Latke making (Shorashim, Prozdor 1, Prozdor
2 & Lev)
10:30am-Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
11:00am-USY @ Jawanio Carnival
7:00pm-Women’s Book Club at Roni’s
21
9:15am-Minyan
15
23 Kislev 16
24 Kislev
7:15am-Minyan
10:15am-NS Candlelighting
8:00am-NS Teacher Meeting 11:15am-Jews In The News
7:30pm-Sisterhood Mah Jongg 12:30pm-Yiddush Club
RS Chanukah Cooking
8:45pm-Talmud
4:30pm-PJ Library Chanukah
Program (Dreidel Mania)
5:45-Community Candlelighting (outdoors)
7:30pm-Exec.
Committee
29 Kislev 22
30 Kislev 23
1 Tevet
7:15am-Minyan
8:45pm-Talmud
7:30pm-Board of Trustees
NO SCHOOL—WINTER RECESS
28
9:15am-Minyan
6 Tevet 29
7:15am-Minyan
7 Tevet 30
8 Tevet
December 2014
Wed
Thu
Page 17
Fri
Sat
13 Kislev
3
10 Kislev 4
11 Kislev 5 CL 4:09 12 Kislev 6
Vayishlach
7:15am-Minyan
7:00pm--Shabbat
NS-Music
9:10am-Shabbat service
NS-Nature of Things
Rocks/Family Night
BAR MITZVAH of MAX HERTZ
9:15am-Playgroup
10:30am-Adult Learner’s Service
10:30am-Kadima
11:00am-Junior Congregation
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
11:00am-Bereshit & Bagels
6:30-9:30pm
4:00pm-MINCHA/HAVDALLAH
BAR MITZVAH of AIDAN WOHL
8:00pm-Jewish Music Through the Ages
21 Kislev
10
18 Kislev 11
19 Kislev 12 CL 4:09 20 Kislev 13
Vayeshev
6:00pm-Kabbalat
NS-Mad Science
7:15am-Minyan
Shabbat
6:00pm-RS Teachers’ NS-Challah Making
6:45pm-S-I-R Dinner S-I-R D’var Torah: Joseph’s Dysfunctional
Family
Meeting
RESERVATIONS
9:15am-Playgroup
During Kiddush: The Zohar
REQUIRED
10:30am-Kadima
10:30am-HaMishpacha
8:00pm-S-I-R
Talk:
11:00am-Junior Congregation
Discussion Group
Genesis and History 1:15pm: S-I-R Talk: Song of Songs—Love
and Sex in the Bible
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE: DR. MARC ZVI BRETTLER
(see page 8)
17
25 Kislev
NS-Latke making
RS Chanukah Cooking
5:45-Community
Candlelighting
(outdoors)
24
18
26 Kislev
7:15am-Minyan
9:15am-Playgroup
7:00pm-USY Chanukah
Party/Latke Making
19 CL 4:11 27 Kislev 20
Miketz
NS-Chanukah candle9:10am-Shabbat service
lighting
6:00pm-Kabbalat
Shabbat
28 Kislev
2 Tevet 25
3 Tevet 26 CL 4:15 4 Tevet 27
Vayigash
9:15am-Minyan
6:00pm-Kabbalat
Shabbat
OFFICE CLOSED
31
9 Tevet
5 Tevet
SHABBAT ends
one hour after
candle lighting
time.
Page 18
December 2014
Make Your Move steps in
when you're feeling overwhelmed by a move to a
more manageable space.
Allow us to guide you or a
family member through
this difficult process.
Visit our website or call
for more information.
December 2014
Page 19
KOL NIDRE 5775
Help us reach our goal of 100% participation!
Every contribution helps us to meet our annual operating budget.
Thank you to those whose donations were received in time to include them in the
December bulletin. We will publish more names in the January bulletin.
Percent participation below: 19% of our membership.
(*) denotes a donation of $500 or more.
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Ackerman
D. Altman & R. Rosenbaum
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Banks
Mrs. Annleah Berger*
Dr. Andrew & Mrs. Elaine Bloom
Dean Brown
Leonard & Deborah Chubinsky
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Cohen
Ms. Deborah Cohen
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Cohn
Mrs. Sharon Dittelman
Philip & Ali Edelstein
Ira & Ellen Eisenstein*
Belle Feldman
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Freeman
Mrs. Roberta Freilich
Dr. Michael & Mrs. Eleanor Frey
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Friedman
D. Ginsberg & S. Ziskin
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goldstein*
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Goldstein
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gottlieb*
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Gottlieb
Ms. Marcy Gray
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Halper
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hannan
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hodara
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Jablansky
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Jacobson
L. Karp & E. Susman Karp*
Mr. & Mrs. Irwin Kavy
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kaye*
Dr. Richard & Mrs. Roberta Kay*
Mr. & Mrs. David Keidan*
Dr. & Mrs. Paul Kleinman
Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Kobren
Peter Kretzmer
Mr. & Mrs. John Le Var
Mr. & Mrs. David Levitt
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Levine
Mathew & Carolyn Linett
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Margolies
David & Elizabeth Metzger
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Nadel
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Nadler*
Seth & Marian Natter
Ms. Arleen Neustein*
Mr. & Mrs. Jay Neveloff*
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Olin
Mr. Aaron Ovedia*
Mr. & Mrs. David Perlman
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Peskoe
Mr. Steve Rappaport & Ms. Janice
Nelson Rappaport
Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Richter*
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Rosenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Rosen
Ms. Judith Rosof
Dr. Nechama Ross
Mr. & Mrs. David Rothfeld
Mr. Murray Rottenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Sader
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Sankin*
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Saperstein
Steven Saper & Shelley Glick
Mr. & Mrs. Fredrick Schulman
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Semler
Dr. Barry Shapiro & Dr. Judith Jay
Louis Sherman & Marci Dressler
Mr. Robert Adler-Sole
Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Speier*
Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Stern*
Mr. & Mrs. David Stiffman
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Taffet*
Ms. Diane Trilling
Gary & Nancy Turer
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Wachtel
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Watt
Jay & Gayle Waxenberg
Drs. David & Jewel Weiss
Dr. & Mrs. Evan Wetzler*
Leon White
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Yoken*
Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Zeitlin
Mr. & Mrs. George Zimmerman*
Page 20
December 2014
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
December 2014
The following children are celebrating birthdays during the month of December
and will be called to the bimah to receive a blessing on Friday, December 5,
during our 7:00 PM Family Night/Shabbat Rocks service. Only the names of
those present will be called. Please take your name card out of the “birthday
box” in the front lobby and present it to a Ritual Committee usher.
Julieta Antman
Max Haberman
Laura Horowitz
Matthew Kessler
Emma Merker
Ryder Neave
Alexis Packer
Penelope Schneider
Sabrina Venezia
Olivia Wrubel
MAZAL TOV to our members who are celebrating
anniversaries during the month of December:
Date
1
2
6
7
10
13
15
16
17
18
19
22
24
26
27
30
31
Robert & Lisa Josephberg
Melvin & Ruth Speier
Seth & Deena Kornblau
Scott & Robyn Berman
Stuart & Stacy Halper
David & Beth Lachtman
Eric & Lisa Nadler
Ira & Lisa Schwartz
Jeffrey & Ilene Calderon
Giora & Karen Payes
David & Jewel Weiss
Adam & Jacqueline Moskow
David & Lisa Zimmerman
Jeffrey & Robyn Shiovitz
Jonathan & Erica Kolbrener
Joshua & Zhanna Glazenberg
Gary & Bette Slutsky
I. Sid & Joan Schneider
Vivian Anschel-Weiss &
Matthew Weiss
Richard & Betsy Rosenblum
Eric & Elizabeth Dworkin
Gary & Lisa Lehman
Thomas & Donna Hannan
No. of Yrs.
24
42
17
29
23
18
19
14
22
13
25
19
20
31
20
21
52
46
36
43
22
36
20
December 2014
Page 21
SISTERHOOD NEWS
By Marion Jablansky, Secretary
The Membership Dinner was a great evening. Almost 50 women gathered at CSI for a tasty Chinese dinner and an informative
talk by Marion Sader about Tehilla Lichtenstein, a co-founder
and leader of Jewish Science. Thanks, Marion, for educating us
about a topic that few people know about.
Mah jongg nights continue to be well attended. As always,
there is a beginners’ table. If you have always wanted to learn
how to play, now’s the time! The next Mah jongg game will be
Monday, December 15, at 7:30 at CSI. The only requirements
are Sisterhood membership and the willingness to have fun. If
you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Katz at cabkatz@
hotmail.com.
The CSI bulletin and the CSI website are great sources of information. Continue to read future bulletins, as well as check the
website for future Sisterhood programs.
Also, we are always looking for new ideas, so if you have any
suggestions or wish to lead or help with an activity, please let
us know. Our officers/chairpersons are always open to new
ideas.
Our officers/chairpersons are always open to new ideas.
President:
Robin Ginsberg
Treasurer/ Financial Secretary:
Sharon Richter
Recording Secretary:
Beth Levine
The gift shop is open and has many new items. Chanukah will
Corresponding Secretary/ Bulletin:
Marion Jablansky
be here before you know it. There are lots of wonderful gifts,
Membership:
Annleah Berger
as well as candles and menorahs to make your holiday brighter.
Mah
Jongg
Chair:
Cheryl Katz
For example, this year for Chanukah we are carrying Maccabee
Gift
Shop:
Annleah
Berger/
Robin Ginsberg
on the Mantel, a plush soldier doll who teaches the story of
Jill Greenstein/Marion Jablansky
Chanukah. Please stop by on Sundays when Religious School is
in session, or if you can’t make it on a Sunday, send an email to
Sharon Orenstein
giftshop@csibriarcliff.org to make an appointment. And, as you
know by now, many products are from Israel.
There is a lot more to look forward to for Sisterhood. There’s
Mishloach Manot, Sisterhood Shabbat, an author’s visit and a
movie night. There’s Rosh Chodesh with Roni and the monthly
Mah jongg games. And there are always surprises ahead.
As you can see, there is a lot going on at CSI Sisterhood. Please
don’t forget to pay your dues. Membership continues to grow,
and you don’t want to miss any of these or future activities.
Remember to join Sisterhood!
We started our new fiscal year on July 1.
Sisterhood Membership 2014-2015
Please send your $36.00 check for dues
payable to: CSI Sisterhood
and return it with this form to:
CSI Sisterhood
Name_____________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________
For questions concerning membership or to sign up for
a Sisterhood committee, please call Annleah Berger,
762-5312, or email Annberger@optonline.net.
www.WLCJ.org = the website for Women’s
League for Conservative Judaism, the organization to which your Sisterhood belongs.
Log in and check it out today!
Gift tip: Colorful candles to brighten your chanukiah. The gift
shop has lots to choose from!
The second program of this year’s Jewish Music
Through The Ages will take place on Saturday evening, December 6th at the home of Stacey and Richard
Charney. The topic for this year will be a three-part
series titled The CSI Top 100 Jewish Songs (according
to the Cantor!). If you are interested in attending,
please contact Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz at 923-0175 or
jshiovitz@gmail.com. The program, which begins at
8:00, will include dessert, too. This is the 27th year
for this program. You will be surprised at some of the
selections!
In case you missed the first evening, Number 1
was............Over the Rainbow, a song written by two
nice Jewish Boys who believed there is no place like
home. Synagogue? Israel? Perhaps! (I bet you
thought Hava Nagila!) Ok, number 2...Bob Dylan's
Havava Nagila is pretty great. If you come, we will
hear it again. It is worth the price of admission.
Hope to see you on the 6th!
Page 22
December 2014
What’s going on in the CSI Nursery School:
Shabbat in PJ’s with the Rabbi and
Cantor…
Simchat Torah...
Mystery
Reader...
BUBBLE FUN!
INDOOR FUN!
OUTDOOR FUN!
December 2014
Page 23
FROM OUR RABBINIC FELLOW & YOUTH DIRECTOR
Adam Zagoria-Moffet
Eyes to Yourself: Bikram Yoga and Being a Rabbi
I've practiced Bikram Yoga now, on and off, for a few years. Originally I went to support
my wife Mikayla, who got turned on to the therapeutic power of Bikram for her back.
Eventually, I gained an appreciation of it as well - although any appreciation I had was in
spite of the practice itself. You see, Bikram yoga is done in a hot room - a really hot
room, usually close to 105 degrees with 60-80% humidity. It feels like you're trapped in
the worst day of a Florida August with 50 other people.
Despite this, it can actually be a very satisfying practice - and I came to realize that it actually parallels quite a bit of my own experience of Judaism, and specifically of being a
rabbi. In a Bikram class, there's one teacher, who usually stands in front of the class, but doesn't actually do
the postures. Instead, they simply speak all the instructions - each movement, each adjustment. The only
way to figure out what's happening is to listen. Partially that's also because one of the rules is that you must
look at yourself in the mirror for the entire 90 minutes. The entire room is designed so that every person
can see themselves. This is a lot harder to do than it sounds - as we rarely want to look at ourselves for an
extended time in a moment where we look like crap - sweaty, stumbling, probably bright red - nobody looks
good like that. And that's part of the point.
What does this have to do with Judaism? A few things: 1) in order to practice Judaism well, you only need to
listen - in fact it's better, just as in Bikram, if you don't look at what those around you are doing. It's better if
you just focus on the instructions and on yourself, which brings us to 2) your religious journey (like your
physical well being) is about you and no one else. Too often we Jews define ourselves and our religious life
by those around us - that person is frum-er than I am, that guy is texting on shabbos, etc. This kind of approach is unproductive and distracting.
Just as Bikram has shown me some incredible techniques for finding ways to work on my body in a healthy,
productive way - the same ideas translate well to Judaism for the work I need to do on my soul. Next time
the opportunity presents itself - challenge yourself to the workout in the hot room, whether in body or soul just listen, and keep your eyes on yourself.
BULLETIN ADVERTISING
CSI has recently made some changes to its bulletin advertising
procedures:
 All CSI Bulletin advertisers will be able to place COLOR ads.
This will give our sponsors the opportunity to publish eyecatching ads that will pop off the pages.
 One-month advertising options are available.
 The on-line bulletin posted on CSI’s website will now include
advertisements!
CSI’s monthly bulletins reach over 600 homes. If you shop at an
advertiser from our bulletin, please remember to tell them that
you saw their ad in our bulletin!
Are you interested in placing an ad of your own? Do you know of
a local business you frequent or new store in town which you
think would benefit from placing an ad with us? Jolie Levy, Bulletin Editor, will be glad to answer any questions and send you the
new ad rates. Jolie may be reached at 762-2700 or by emailing
jolie@csibriarcliff.org. Our local businesses need our support.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS.
Page 24
December 2014
THE CSI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL P.T.A. NEEDS YOUR HELP
Please contact Roni Shapiro if you can help out and volunteer.
The Religious students and teachers need your help. The following programs happen for your children and
teachers through your dues and by you supporting our PTA fundraisers. When you register your children
for Religious school, please send in an additional check for $36 payable to RS PTA dues.
PTA sponsored activities:

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First day of school snack for all students
First day of school breakfast for teachers
Open house informational meeting and coffee
High Holiday Volunteers
Apples and honey for students for Rosh Hashanah
Sukkot snacks to eat in Sukkah
Family Bingo afternoon
Chanukah Zimriyah, Tzedakah Fair, Latke making, Sufganiot making, Chanukah treats for Dreydel, Lego
Kristallnacht Holocaust Speaker
Israeli soldier visits, Israeli soldier Gadna program
Breakfast for family Sunday morning learning programs, Shorashim, Prozdor 1, Prozdor 2, Lev, Alef, Bet and Gimel
Special art projects for Shorashim, Prozdor 1, Prozdor 2 and Lev
Bar Mitzvah workshop
Tu-Bishvat snacks
Purim Carnival food, Hamentachen baking
Israeli dancing
Alef Siddur cover workshop
Israel Independence Day snacks
Yom Hashoah Holocaust speaker
High school graduates gifts
Last day of school snacks
End of year teacher gifts and celebration
Staff development training
Computer games
Subsidize class trips to Lower east Side, Tolerance Center
When we have extra funds, big programs like the Israeli scout’s concert and Israel Defense force choir are
able to come to CSI.
In past years, we have had story tellers, authors and special educational shows.
In addition to your dues, we need volunteers to help at programs. You should have received a PTA volunteer form. Please let us know if you need one. Please help; it is only through your support that we can
create an experience for your children that encourages a love of Jewish learning, Israel and culture.
Thank you to Jenean Eichenholtz and Ivy Lewis for all
that they do for our PTA. In Addition, thank you to Beth
Roth and Sonia Matthison, our Education Committee
chair people, for all that they do to make our school
great.
We are only getting better!
WANT TO JOIN THE CSI CHOIR?
If you sing tenor or bass and
would like to sing with the CSI
Choir, please call either Judy
Boehr (762-1984) or Cantor
Shiovitz (923-0175).
December 2014
C
Page 25
kies
for Kid’s Club (C.K.C.)
Families of children join the C.K.C. at CSI as we do a
mitzvah. Come bake cookies for families that have
children who are sick and draw pictures for the children
in the hospital.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
11:00-12:00am
At Congregation Sons of Israel
1666 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor
(914) 762 – 2700
RSVP to Education@csibriarcliff.org
Cookies & pictures will be brought to the Maria Fareri
Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY
PLEASE BRING ONE SMALL COOKIE DECORATION ITEM
(i.e., SPRINKLES)
OPEN TO CHILDREN/FAMILIES OF 2 YEAR OLDS – 7
YEAR OLDS – Bring your friends.
Looking for volunteers to deliver.
Page 26
December 2014
CSI NURSERY SCHOOL
MOMMY AND ME PLAYGROUP
2014-2015
For infants to children up to 23 months
Come with your little one and make new friends while we:
 Sing songs
 Play parachute games
 Create projects and listen to stories
Or be more active and help your child:
 Climb through tunnels
 Slide down slides
 Jump on the trampoline
 Play on the mats
 Or Bounce in the Jumpy castle
Thursday mornings from 9:15-10:15
October 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20
December 4, 11, 18
Minimum enrollment is 5.
Cost is $152.00 Checks are made payable to CSI Playgroup. Sign up now! If you have any
questions, please call 762-2700 email:education@csibriarcliff.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of child ________________________ Birthday ________________
Address ________________________________ Parent name _____________
Phone number ______________________ Email ________________________
December 2014
Page 27
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December 2014
December 2014
Page 29
Page 30
December 2014
December 2014
Page 31
www.csibriarcliff.org
Current Resident Or:
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
White Plains, NY
Permit No. 10086

Congregation Sons of Israel DECEMBER 2014 Thurs., Dec. 4 6:30

Transcription

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