Bulletin - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Temple Israel of Riverhead
May 2010
Volume #1 6
Bulletin
490 Northville Tpke., P.O. Box 1531, Riverhead, New York 11901-0954
Email: TempleIsraelRH@optonline.net
www.TempleisraelRiverhead.org
Iyar/Sivan 5770
Issue #4
Temple Office: (631) 727-3191
Rabbi’s Study: (631) 369-5997
Rabbi William Siemers
A Message From Our Rabbi
Dear Friends,
In This Issue
Rabbi’s Message
1, 2
Bat Mitzvah of Hailey
Tilton
3
No’ar (Youth) Program
3
Tot Shabbat
4
New Shabbat Services
Start Time
5
Alumni Weekend
6
The period of sefirah, the
interval between Pesach and
Shavuot, is a time of great
anticipation. Having tasted
redemption and experienced
the intense effort of the week
of Passover, we look ahead
to our celebration of the
event which defines us forRabbi William Siemers
ever as Jews – the revelation
at Sinai and the gift of Torah.
In fifty short days we go from the lowest depths to the
loftiest heights, from the disgrace of slavery to the
glory of mitzvot.
We prepare to receive Torah by studying Torah, and
the classic text of sefirah is Pirke Avot. Pirke Avot is a
compilation of sayings from the Rabbis who lived in
(Continued on page 2)
New Starting Time for Shabbat
Services.
Details on page 5
Temple Israel of Riverhead
1
May 2010
(Rabbi—continued from page 1)
the early centuries of the Common Era, a
time which saw the destruction of the
Temple and the early literary flowering
of Rabbinic Judaism. The work is divided into weekly and daily schedules to
be read on each day and Shabbat of sefirah. As I write this letter, we are studying a set of sayings from Hillel, who is
perhaps the best known of our earliest
sages. One of Hillel’s pithy dicta goes to
the heart of the season: Do not separate
yourself from the community.
We are required to be Jews for all seasons
and take the sorrow with the joy. There is
no Shavuot without Pesach.
Of course our problem today is not the one
described in the commentaries. It is almost
the opposite. In liberal Jewish movements
we do not skimp on the somber holidays.
We may not do justice to the Ninth of Av,
but our synagogues are full for the High
Holidays - our season of solemn convocation. It is Sukkot, the most joyful holiday
on the calendar, which is the orphan. Likewise, we faithfully begin the journey of
Pesach with all its efforts and restrictions,
but Shavuot is for too many an undiscovered country. We understand obligation
but we deprive ourselves (and our children) of the most exhilarating aspects of
Jewish life. We separate ourselves from
the community on its most joyful occasions.
Our ears perk up at these words because
we have recently heard them in the rebuke of the wicked son at our sederim.
The wicked son’s teeth are ―set on
edge‖ (i.e., knocked out) not for asking a
pointed question but for the manner in
which he formulates it – ―What do these
rituals mean to you?‖ Even when all
questions are permitted, setting oneself
apart from the people Israel is unforgivable. The journey from shame to redemption to revelation is mandatory, and
Hillel’s saying ―Do not separate‖ is at
the center of our worldview.
This does not have to be. As is always the
case, the future is waiting to be defined by
those who show up for it. We have the
space and the opportunity for festivals
which will leave a lasting imprint on our
community and on our children. There is
no greater gift we can give our children
than our example in observing shabbatot
and festivals with joy, to demonstrate in
our own lives the journey from rescue to
redemption, from Yom Kippur to the
Sukka, from Pesach to Shavuot. It is in our
hands. If we will it, it is not a dream.
The traditional commentaries understand
the injunction against separation in terms
of our seasonal journey. Whenever the
community is suffering persecution or
disgrace, we are obligated to stand up as
Jews. One should not be a ―Sunshine
Jew‖; just as the joy of revelation was
for those who endured servitude, according to this point of view, someone who
wants to dance on Simchat Torah should
also be in shul crying on the Ninth of Av.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
B’Shalom
Rabbi Bill Siemers
2
May 2010
Dear Temple Family,
Please share in our joy as Hailey becomes a Bat Mitzvah on
Saturday, May 8, 2010. Services will begin at 9:00 followed by
a Kiddush luncheon in the social hall.
The Tiltons
No’ar (Youth) Program
Our remaining meeting date is May 12th. For more information, contact Rabbi Siemers (whsiemers@hotmail.com, or 631-369-5997).
Temple Israel Community Seder
Temple Israel's Community Seder was well attended by a friendly crowd of members,
their guests, and newcomers. Rabbi Bill led the singing of the traditional songs. He encouraged everyone to join in reading the ancient story and perform all the rituals, from
hand washing to drinking four cups of truly excellent wine. Becky helped open the door
for Elijah. The meal was amazing for its variety and quantity: there were both ashkenaz
and sefardic haroset, great servings of turkey and brisket, as well as vegetarian and vegan
alternatives. All the children sang the Four Questions along with Becky. Later in the evening, a wonderful new melodious singing voice could be heard: the rabbi's infant son
Daniel clearly understood the event, and decided to participate! It was truly beautiful to
hear the tiny child joining the congregation in song.
Best Wishes From
Segal and Siegel
Temple Israel of Riverhead
3
May 2010
Tot Shabbat
This year, we began a monthly Tot Shabbat program, for children ages six and under, starting at 11 AM. We learn prayers through song, dance, and play, and read a
story or two. Kiddush lunch afterwards gives the parents an opportunity to visit, and
the children time to play some more. It’s been a lot of fun so far, and members of all
ages have commented how nice it is to have the synagogue filled with children!
Our next dates for Tot Shabbat are Saturday, May 15th, and June 19th at 11 AM,
downstairs.
Book Club
Our next meeting is at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, June 29th, at Florence Abrams’ house.
Our book choice is The Day After Night, by Anita Diamant.
Call Cynthia Schulman at 727-3568 for information, future book choices, and
dates.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
4
May 2010
Revised Schedule for Shabbat Services
Please note: as of May 15, 2010, our starting time for Shabbat services will change from
9 AM to 9:30 AM.
The Torah service will begin promptly at 10:30 AM
As always, services will conclude between 11:30 AM and 11:45 AM.
NEW!
Donate an Old Car to Temple Israel for a Tax Deduction
It’s easy; you just need to call (866) 392-4483 or go to the internet at:
www.donateforcharity.com/form.html. You will need specific information about your
vehicle. Just remember to tell them that the donation is for Temple Israel of Riverhead.
If you use the web, you can select it from a drop down menu. The link will be added to
our website very soon.
Ongoing Silent Fundraisers for Temple Israel
Vojvoda's Cleaners in Riverhead, located at 712 E. Main St, will donate 5% of the
cost of any dry cleaning dropped off there. This money comes as a check directly to
Temple Israel each month.
Peninsula Wines and Liquors, sponsors of our March wine-tasting night, is offering
wine at discounted prices, delivered directly to the temple. A percentage of the cost is
donated back to the temple each time you buy. Anyone needing wines or liquors can
contact Jaime Siegel, or call Peninsula Wines directly at 516-374-0900. Ask for Jim
Cari, and be sure to mention TIR.
We now have Stop and Shop gift cards available for purchase, in addition to Waldbaum's, A&P, Food Emporium, Super Fresh, Food Basics, and King Kullen. This
is an easy way to help raise money for the temple. Contact Lorraine Richter at 6539028 for the cards.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
5
May 2010
Temple Israel of Riverhead
6
May 2010
Golden Book Cards
Sponsors Needed
A thoughtful Golden Book card is a great
way to say ―Mazel Tov!," ―Thinking of
you," ―Get well soon," or ―You have our
sympathy." It’s a special way to give
your congratulations on a special event,
or to convey sympathy and support.
Wishes are inscribed each month in the
Book of Remembrances. Minimum
donation is $5 each.
We need sponsors for our Shabbat
speaker program. Please contact
Jaime Siegel or Lorraine Richter
for details.
You can also purchase Golden Book
cards for self-mailing, 5 for $18, not
listed in the Bulletin.
Contact Florence Abrams at 3905
Amen Corner, Riverhead, NY 11901,
727-3929. All checks should be made
payable to Temple Israel of Riverhead.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
gratefully acknowledges a
contribution to its Golden Book
Nella Hahn, LCSW
PSYCHOTHERAPY
GROUPS
212-888-2888
Temple Israel of Riverhead
7
INDIVIDUALS
COUPLES
NELHAHN@AOL.COM
May 2010
Leaves on the Tree of Life
An engraved leaf on the lovely Tree of
Life which graces our Social Hall is a
joyous reminder of a Bat or Bar Mitzvah, an anniversary, a wedding, or a
special birthday, and also a fitting tribute to the memory of a loved one. The
cost of a leaf is $180. For further information, please contact Phyllis
VanDyne at 734-7511.
Kosher Food For Our Events
Beach Bakery in Westhampton Beach is a kosher, dairy bakery all
year, except during the summer when pareve items are offered, also.
Bagel Patch, in Patchogue, frequently provides the food for our special events. The Best Yet Market on Route 58 carries pareve cookies
and cakes. BJ’s and Costco also have pareve cookies in their bakeries, and the Riverhead Waldbaum’s bakery is kosher.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
8
May 2010
TODAH RABAH!
Contributions to Golden Book Of Remembrances
Congratulations to Lisa and Richard Israel on their anniversary—Eva and Arthur
Sanders, Florence Abrahms.
Get well wishes to Ken Cohen—Congregation of Temple Israel, Lisa and Richard
Israel, Eva and Arthur Sanders, Florence Abrahms, Fran and Herb Dresher, Corky
and Mickey Segal.
Condolences to Caroline Albert and family on the loss of her husband, Gene—Fran
and Herb Dresher, Corky and Mickey Segal, Renee Chizever.
Congratulations and best wishes to Mercedes Diamond (Lisa Israel’s mom) for a
special lady on a special birthday—Phyllis and Martin VanDyne.
In loving memory of Abraham Brander, father of Dotty Karlin—Dotty Karlin.
In loving memory of Anna Brander, mother of Dotty Karlin—Dotty Karlin.
Get well wishes to VeraJean Brown—Lisa and Richard Israel.
Happy anniversary to Eva and Arthur Sanders—Lisa and Richard Israel.
Get well soon to Ken Cohen, currently in rehabilitation after a recent car accident.
He is at Smithtown Rehab Center, 391 Middle County Road, in Smithtown. The
phone number is 361-2020. He would love phone calls and visits; please call first.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brown family. VJ Brown is currently in
Bellevue Hospital.
Note: You may have made a donation, but your name does not appear. This is probably because
your donation was received after the Bulletin went to press. Your contribution will be acknowledged in the next issue.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
9
May 2010
TODAH RABAH!
Donations to Temple Israel of Riverhead
Yahrzeit for Essie Levine—grandmother of Elaine Kimpel.
Yahrzeit for Malvine Knopfler—grandmother of Charles Raffe.
Yahrzeit for Israel Louis Shinder—husband of Theresa Shinder.
Yahrzeit for Shirley Elphand—mother of Phyllis Van Dyne.
Shalom Teens
May 2 is the annual Unity in the
Community Day, when we join
other local teen youth groups in Tikun Olam.
Please contact Barbara Sheryll for
more information—
bsheryll@optonline.net or 7345242.
Note: You may have made a donation, but your name does not appear. This is probably because
your donation was received after the Bulletin went to press. Your contribution will be acknowledged in the next issue.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
10
May 2010
YAHRZEITS
We remember these lives on the approaching anniversary of their passing.
May their memories be a blessing.
May 2010
Iyar/Sivan 5770
5/1
5/1
5/1
5/2
5/2
5/3
5/4
5/4
5/5
5/5
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/7
5/7
5/9
5/9
5/10
5/10
5/10
5/10
5/11
5/11
5/13
5/13
5/13
Benjamin Jaeger
Irving Kallman
Murray Sanders
Conrad Frank
Nathan Weiss
Lawrence Beil
Lillian Feiler
Kate Gerber
Sara Ettinger
Miriam Laxmeter
Irving Brander
Sophie Leon
Arthur Warner
Jacob White
Louis Roitman
Irwin Thompson
Mildred Bartick
Fannie Korus
Robert Cohen
J. Jacob Hahn
Irving Siegel
Herman Zipser
Ruth Cohen
Julia Spitzer
Barbara Beil
Benjamin Dresher
Harold Hochheiser
Iyar 17
Iyar 17
Iyar 17
Iyar 18
Iyar 18
Iyar 19
Iyar 20
Iyar 20
Iyar 21
Iyar 21
Iyar 22
Iyar 22
Iyar 22
Iyar 22
Iyar 23
Iyar 23
Iyar 25
Iyar 25
Iyar 26
Iyar 26
Iyar 26
Iyar 26
Iyar 27
Iyar 27
Iyar 29
Iyar 29
Iyar 29
5/15
5/16
5/16
5/17
5/17
5/18
5/19
5/20
5/20
5/20
5/21
5/21
5/22
5/22
5/23
5/23
5/25
5/26
5/30
5/30
5/30
5/31
6/2
6/4
6/4
6/5
6/5
6/5
Joseph Cohen
Samuel Cohen
Sam Goldman
Herbert Diamond
David Faine
Louis Frank
Avi Seth Laxmeter
Abraham Lightdale
Harry Lubetsky
Irving Newman
Chaim Gerlitz
Nancy Heller
Lewis Anker
Henry Chizever
Esther Goldstein
Sophia Goldstein
Rae Davis
Benjamin Nisenbaum
Louis Elphand
Conrad Gaster
Sidney Klein
Bella Kagan
Ida Crowitz
Max Korus
Etta Sonkin
Morris Itkin
Bella Kaplan
Max Weiner
Sivan 2
Sivan 3
Sivan 3
Sivan 4
Sivan 4
Sivan 5
Sivan 6
Sivan 7
Sivan 7
Sivan 7
Sivan 8
Sivan 8
Sivan 9
Sivan 9
Sivan 10
Sivan 10
Sivan 12
Sivan 13
Sivan 17
Sivan 17
Sivan 17
Sivan 18
Sivan 20
Sivan 22
Sivan 22
Sivan 23
Sivan 23
Sivan 23
Editor’s note: Kaddish is recited in Temple on Shabbat for Yahrzeits occurring on
a Saturday and the coming week.
Temple Israel of Riverhead
11
May 2010
SABBATH SERVICES
Friday Evenings at 7:00 PM Saturday Mornings at 9:30 AM starting May 15
May
Candle
Lighting
Friday Oneg Shabbat Hosts
and Saturday Kiddushes
Friday Evening
4/30
Saturday Morning 5/1
7:27 PM
Shabbat Dinner Friday night
Friday Evening
5/7
Saturday Morning 5/8
7:34 PM
Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Tilton in
honor of Hailey's Bat Mitzvah
Friday Evening
5/14
Saturday Morning 5/15
7:42 PM
Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Schulman
Note: New time for Saturday
services—9:30 AM
Friday Evening
5/21
Saturday Morning 5/22
7:48 PM
Mr. Ken Cohen
Friday Evening
5/28
Saturday Morning 5/29
7:54 PM
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Levine
Friday Evening
6/4
Saturday Morning 6/5
8:00 PM
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ganz
Day
Date
Temple Israel of Riverhead
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May 2010
Temple Israel of Riverhead
13
May 2010
24
23 9 AM-1 PM
Hebrew School
31
17
16 9 AM-1 PM
Hebrew School
30 No Hebrew
School-Memorial
Day
10
3
9 No Hebrew
School-Mother’s
Day
2 9 AM-1 PM
Hebrew School
Sun
Mon
26
19 8:30-10:30 AM
Shavuot Services
18 8 PM Shavout
Study Session
25
12 6:00-7:30 PM
NO’AR Youth
Program
5
Wed
11 7:15 PM Board
Meeting; June
Bulletin Submissions deadline
4
Tue
May 2010
27
20 8:30-10:30
AM Shavuot Services & Yizkor
13
6
Thu
22 9:30 AM
Services
29 9:30 AM
Services
28 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
15 (New Time)
9:30 AM
Services; 11 AM
Tot Shabbat
8 9 AM
Services; Bat
Mitzvah of Hailey
Tilton
1 9 AM
Services
Sat
21 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
14 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
vice & Oneg
Shabbat; Bat Mitzvah of Hailey Tilton
7 7 PM Family Ser-
Fri
Temple Israel of Riverhead
14
May 2010
14
21
28
13 Deli Night
20
27
6 9 AM-1 PM
7
Hebrew School—
Last day brunch
& ceremony
Sun
Mon
29
22
30
23
16
9
8 7:15 PM Board
Meeting
15 July/August
Bulletin submissions deadline
2
1
Tue
June 2010
Wed
24
17 7:45 PM
Annual Meeting
Temple Israel
10
3
Thu
19 9:30 AM
Services;
11 AM Tot Shabbat
26 9:30 AM
Services
18 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
25 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
12 9:30 AM
Services
5 9:30 AM
Services;
Annual Hebrew
School Sleepover
4 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
11 7 PM Services
& Oneg Shabbat
Sat
Fri
For Information:
Advertising and
Public Relations
Barbara Smith
653-6584
Bulletin
Allen Silver
asilver9@optonline.net
744-7551
Capital Campaign
Richard Israel
727-5500 x11
President
Cemetery
Lisa Israel
727-5500 x10
1st Vice President Barbara Smith
Custodian Contact
Mona Warner
Sheila Muller
722-5320
722-4711
Education
Barbara Smith
653-6584
Fundraising
Jaime Siegel
653-3985
Golden Book
Florence Abrams
727-3929
High Holy Days
Annette Grubman
765-2351
House Manager
Rob Brown
298-2608
Judaica Shop
Annette Grubman
Phyllis Van Dyne
765-2351
734-7511
Membership
Jaime Siegel
653-3985
Oneg Shabbat
Barbara Smith
653-6584
President
Richard Israel
727-5500 x11
Ritual Committee
Lisa Israel
727-5500 x10
Shalom Teens
Sheila Muller
722-4711
Social Hall
Barbara Bekermus
996-4058
Special Gifts
Howard Collins
779-3042
Trees in Israel
Sheila Muller
722-4711
Tree of Life
Phyllis Van Dyne
734-7511
Waldbaum’s Certificates
Carole Jones (Office)
Lorraine Richter
Corky Segal
Sue Lustig
727-3191
653-9028
727-2542
744-8373
Yahrzeits
Manana Boter
594-1042
Programs and Events
Temple Israel of Riverhead
15
Officers:
Richard Israel
2nd Vice President Lorraine Richter
Treasurer
Victor Seitles
Secretary
Elaine Lissauer
Trustees:
Robert Brown
Lee Ann Silver
Lisa Israel
Mona Warner
Sheila Muller
Jaime Siegel
Bulletin Committee:
Elaine Lissauer
Lee Ann Silver
Allen Silver
May 2010
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Temple Israel of Riverhead
490 Northville Turnpike
P.O. Box 1531
Riverhead, NY 11901
Riverhead, NY 11901
Permit No. 26
TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
PLEASE DO NOT DELAY
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF RIVERHEAD is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
May 8—Bat Mitzvah of Hailey Tilton
May 15—Start time for Shabbat Services moves to 9:30 AM
Temple Israel of Riverhead
16
May 2010