Temple Israel of Great Neck Where tradition meets change
Voice a Conservative egalitarian synagogue New President: ‘Bright Future for Congregation’ by Marc Katz, Editor for himself and the congregation. “It is a If you had asked Burton Weston if he’d wonderful way to contribute your time and become a synagogue president ten years efforts and besides, I have a good feeling ago, five years ago—even last year—he about the future for Temple Israel. would have said “no way, not me!” “There is one constant about our He said he never anticipated or congregation: it is an incredible expected to be Temple Israel’s community of people who come president—but the affable and together to share simchas and sorrows. seemingly always smiling Great Neck- The Temple is comprised of a lot of based attorney who has been a good folk, people with good hearts and member of the congregation along with souls. And,” he added, “there are a lot his wife, Joyce, for the past 40 years— of very smart people here.” was unanimously elected to lead the congregation in June and took office at Mr. Weston had served on the the start of last month. Executive Committee during the past administration as a vice president, and “It is an interesting challenge,” he said previously on the Board of Trustees recently while reflecting on what lies ahead New Temple Israel President Burton Weston —Continued on page 6 Cast of Netflix Hit ‘Shtisel’ Coming to Temple Israel by Marc Katz, Editor “Shtisel,” the Israeli-produced television drama series thrilling Jews around the world, is coming to Temple Israel. Members of the cast and the writer- co-creator will be discussing the show in the Grand Ballroom on Thursday, September 12.
The program will feature the cast and writer in conversation, show clips of the show, answer audience questions, and preview “surprise cuts” from the program that did not make it to the final shows.
The series, streamed online by Netflix, is about a fictional Jewish family living in Geula, Jerusalem. It is set in a religious and internet-free neighborhood which follows strict haredi customs. Violating the norms can cause chaos within families. A sensitive, loving portrayal of —Continued on page 6 The cast of the popular Israeli TV series “Shtisel” will discuss the show on September 12. Vol. LXII, No. 1 August 2019 Tammuz/Av 5779 Men’s Club Planning a Busy Year Shabbat Out-of-the Box
A Voice Guest Column by Marc Langsner From the President by Burton Weston
EDITOR’S NOTE: Marc Langsner is key to the many activities planned by the There is certainly no law that says Men’s Club during the year. The past president of the congregation arm has prayer must be within four walls with a served as the group’s program chair for the past eight years. He outlines the club’s roof over our heads. Indeed, there is no planned activities in this Voice Guest Column. more sacred prayer site than the Kotel. The Temple Israel Men’s Club is one The Men’s Club meetings include a Prayer outdoors, with the sun up or of the arms of our synagogue, serving dinner, a business meeting, a guest setting, with a gentle breeze hitting your our congregation for more than 60 speaker and activities including our face, can be the best reminder of God’s years. We are a diverse group of men popular “Scotch and Seder Night” led greatest natural gifts, and provide a of all ages and our mission is to serve by Rabbi Stecker, “Vodka and Latkes” direct spiritual connection. our members, our congregation, led by Cantor Frieder, and a Texas and our community through social Hold’em/Backgammon tournament. One of the best prayer experiences I can remember was part of a ...our mission is to serve The events that the Men’s Club Shabbaton that Rabbi Adelson our members, sponsors for our congregation include conducted with the EmpTI Nesters our congregation an Opening Breakfast and the Word affinity group several years ago with and our community. Wide Wrap, where our members assist a Shabbat outdoor service under a congregants with the mitzvah of putting events, avodah (service and prayer), on tefillin, lead the Sunday morning There is…no law that says kehillah (community participation), service and serve a breakfast. Rabbi prayer must be and tzedakah (charity). Beginning this Roth brings Religious School students within four walls September and through June of next to the World Wide Wrap to both learn with a roof over our heads. year, 25 meetings, programs and and participate. We also label and place events have been scheduled including pledge cards on the seats for the High beautiful blue sky. Simply experiencing nine for Men’s Club members, nine for Holy Days, sponsor the Yom Kippur the setting, enjoying a sense of our congregation, and seven for the Break-the-Fast, a Friday Night Service informality but spiritual connection, and Great Neck community. —Continued on page 11 being part of a prayerful but communal experience left an impression on many This Land Is Also Your Land of us who still comment about it today. Many of you have enjoyed the Kabbalat From the Rabbi by Rabbi Howard Stecker Shabbat services we did last year and Deanna and I recently spent a week one form or another. “You come from this year at Steppingstone and Saddle up in Vermont with our son and his somewhere else. You have dual loyalty. You Rock Parks, respectively, in each case girlfriend. During the time we were there, are not one of us.” Even in places where under picture perfect skies. We intend our son, who works in a vineyard, was we have achieved a degree of success and to do more, starting with the Bar’chu supervising a group of workers who comfort, we have been made to feel that and BBQ—a halachically approved came to the United States from Bhutan. Friday night outdoor service and We must oppose cookout combining the spiritual and In speaking with some of them and doing the racism and xenophobia the communal. We have worked out some of his own research, he discovered that seek to prioritize the details of a Shabbat hike, which will that a sizable group of people left Bhutan one group’s belonging allow participants to enjoy the outdoors, due to persecution. They were persecuted over another. meditative moments and shared ritual. because they came to Bhutan from Nepal And, we would really like to develop a several generations ago and were never we are less “at home” than others. Shabbaton weekend taking us offsite and fully accepted as Bhutanese. So, they left allowing for an immersive experience. Bhutan and came to the United States, Our tradition teaches us, repeatedly settling primarily in Vermont and Ohio. and unabashedly, that our experience These are but a few of what I am sure of having someone else malign our are many ways to enjoy Shabbat a little “You’re not one of us. You don’t belong. legitimacy of belonging calls for us to bit differently. We would love to hear any Get out of here. Go back to where you speak out when others are so maligned. other ideas and thoughts you might have, came from.” So, in response to recent events, we other suggestions as to how we can share must not keep quiet when four members Shabbat together—a little bit outside our These are familiar sentiments and Jews of Congress, all citizens, three born traditional box. Of course, you can reach have heard them time and again in —Continued on page 8 me at [email protected]. 2 In Memoriam Upcoming Events at Temple Israel Temple Israel extends condolences to the families of: August 11 September 15 FRANCINE WURMAN Tish’ah Be’av Men’s Club Opening Breakfast stepmother of Ellen Birnbaum August 13 Septembet 19 Sisterhood “Lunch and Read” Noon Board of Trustees Meeting 8:15 P.M. DAVID KLINGER August 15 September 20 father of Alan Klinger Board of Trustees Meeting 8:15 P.M. Pre-School Shabbat 4:00 P.M. August 17 Sing-A-Long at Grace Avenue EBRAHIM MAYOURIAN Shabbat Walk/Hike 4:00 P.M. Jonathan Ielpi Park father of Flora Lalezarian in Kings Point Park September 21 and husband of Mohtaram Mayourian September 8 Selichot Welcome Back BBQ Noon September 22 SHLOMO SAMEYAH First Day of Religious School EmpTI Nesters 11:00 A.M. husband of Marcelle Sameyah, September 11 Trip to the Museum of father of Jeanette Ohebshalom 9/11 Memorial Service 7:00 P.M. Jewish Heritage and esteemed member of Temple Israel at Saddle Rock Bridge September 26 sponsored by the Men’s Club Men’s Club Meeting 7:30 P.M. SEYMOUR DEMBER September 12 September 29 esteemed member of Temple Israel “Shtisel” Program 5:00 P.M. Erev Rosh Hashanah
May their memories be for a blessing. Daily Minyan Times Observe Tish’ah Be’av Fridays, August 9, 16, 23 & 30 & September 6 7:00 A.M. 6:30 P.M. A Sunday Commemorating the Destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE 8:15 A.M. 8:00 P.M. and the Second Temple (in 70 CE) in Jerusalem, as well as the Monday, August 5, 12, 19 & 26 Exile of the Jewish People. & September 9 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M. This solemn day reflects the greatest tragedies of Jewish Monday, September 2 history—including the Holocaust—but also serves as a reminder 8:15 A.M. 8:00 P.M. that the Jewish tradition of renewal is alive in Israel and in Tuesday & Wednesday 7:00 A.M. 8:00 P.M. America. Thursday Saturday, August 10 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M. Se’udah Shelishit (light meal) 7:00 P.M. Minhah in the Chapel 7:45 P.M. Candle Lighting Times Fast begins at 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 9 Ma’ariv and the reading of Eikhah 8:30 P.M. 7:45 P.M. ( t h e B o o k o f L a m e n t a t i o n s ) i n t h e C r y s t a l B a l l r o o m Friday, August 16 Rabbis Stecker and Schweber and Cantor Frieder, along with 7:35 P.M. members of the congregation will chant Eikhah and other selections. Friday, August 23 Come prepared to sit on the floor and sing mournful melodies. 7:25 P.M. Chairs will be available if needed. Friday, August 30 7:14 P.M. SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Friday, September 6 S h a h a r i t - w i t h o u t t a l l i t a n d t e fi l l i n 8 : 1 5 A . M . 7:03 P.M. including Torah reading and kinot (poems of lament)
Mazal Tov To... Minhah & Ma’ariv 7:45 P.M. • Merrill and Mel Schneiderman on the including Torah and Haftarah appropriate for Tish’ah Be’av birth of their grandson, Wyatt Max Harris. with tallit and tefillin • Arlene and Jack Levine on the birth of Fast ends 8:36 P.M. their granddaughter, Audrey Grace Levine. 3 B’nai/B’not Mitzvah In Beth HaGan Summer Fun at Temple Israel O u r Te m p l e I s r a e l F a m i l y Beth HaGan’s summer program is running through August 16. Students are enjoying a variety of activities including art, music, water activities, animal play, soccer, and cooking. This year basketball, baseball and lacrosse have been added. The three and four year olds enjoy Mad Science visits, where they learn about the sense of touch and how to identify objects without looking. They are anticipating the next visit, when they will learn about magnetic attraction. Every Friday campers celebrate Shabbat with challah making, music, movement, and a huge drum circle!
Take advantage of a nice savings and register your child for next summer! Registration for 2020 is now available. Contact Gina Giuffre for more information at [email protected].
Sophia Hendizadeh Sophia Rosett Hendizadeh will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah on August 31. She is the daughter of Bita and Pedram Hendizadeh and has a sister, Mikayla, 15, and a brother, Max, 9. Sophia is an eighth grade student at Great Neck North Middle School. She is a member of her school track and field hockey teams. Sophia plans to Beth HaGan attend the Waxman High School and students have fun Youth House and Rosh Hodesh group. at Temple Israel’s She recently read from the Torah in Jerusalem for her Bat Mitzvah. Summer program exploring art, Recent Kiddush Sponsors science, sports, A contribution towards the kiddush on June 8 was made by Sanaz and Robin water activities, Damaghi in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of and music—plus their son, Skyler. challah making
A contribution towards the kiddush on on Fridays. June 15 was made by Ossie Mogilnik and Douglas Spector in honor of the Auf Ruf of their son, Eric, and Amanda Blumstein.
A contribution towards the kiddush on June 22 was made by the Kol Ishah group to thank Cantor Raphael Frieder for his guidance and leadership for their preparation for the Shabbat Kol Ishah services.
A contribution towards the kiddush on June 29 was made by Sofia and David Sohayegh in honor of the birth of their grandson, Ari Aaron Sohayegh.
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A Temple Israel Scrapbook Record Number of Religious School Students Are Attending Camp Ramah A record number of Religious School campers, ages 9-16, are attending Camp Ramah in the Berkshires this year. School Director Rabbi Amy Roth visited the campers recently, bringing greetings from the congregation. She reports that Temple Israel children are having fun in sports, swimming, cooking and radio, among other activities—all with a Jewish flavor and all in a positive environment of Jewish living.
Two of the other campers, who also serve as CIT’s (counselors in training) for young campers, also work in the religious school during the year as madrichim (counselors or assistants in the classrooms). One of them told Rabbi Roth: “My e x p e r i e n c e a s a m a d r i c h h a s b e e n s o h e l p f u l in figuring out my role as a CIT.” In addition to these campers, three Temple Israel children attended Taam Ramah (a one-week taste) and a Temple Israel camper is at Ramah Sports Academy in Connecticut.
At top right, Rabbi Roth greeted camper Sigal Weitzman.
Temple Israel Ramah campers enjoying the outdoors, at right, include Daniella Ostrow, Elizabeth Lev, Ethan Bloom, Matthew Bloom, Mitchell Bloom, Elliot Kassin, Elie Weitzman, Gabriel Weitzman, Ella Covitt, Max Covitt, Mason Ostrow, Harrison Albin, and Cecilia Albin. Not pictured is Sarah Ostrow. Temple Israel Men’s Club Is Named a ‘Quality Club’ For Eighth Year In a Row At Federation Convention Temple Israel’s Men’s Club was recognized with a Quality Club Award for the eighth straight year. The award was presented in recognition of the Men’s Club’s many outstanding programs at a recent convention of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.
Accepting the honor at the convention were Men’s Club Past Presidents David Scherr, center, and Marc Langsner, right, the group’s current program chair.
5 New President: ‘Bright Future for Congregation’ —Continued from front page many years. We must raise the funds to “I am used to resolving disputes and and on numerous congregational rehabilitate our physical plant which has issues, and coordinating efforts on a committees. He has negotiated not been done in recent years. I would large scale. contracts with Temple Israel’s hope to enlist the involvement of a large administrative staff and clergy, as well portion of the synagogue community in “You can’t do this job without a as the caterer. this project. It should not fall on a small supportive spouse,” he said. His wife, group of people; we need widespread Joyce, has also been involved in many “I have seen changes in my lifestyle involvement and commitment.” Temple Israel activities, having served during the past few years,” he said. “I on the Board of Trustees, Religious have gotten interested in new areas and He suggested that a study be done to look School PTA, led the Temple Israel EmpTI I have certainly gotten more involved into how to make Temple Israel’s existing Nesters group, and is an active member with the operation of Temple Israel.“ space “more relevant.” He said, “We can of Shireinu, the Jewish choir which has and should reallocate existing space to performed throughout the New York area. He brings to the congregation’s make better use of what we have.” More than 15-years ago she enrolled in leadership a clear vision of goals for his Temple Israel’s adult Bat Mitzvah group. term as president. “I would like to focus He said members of his new Executive Mr. Weston said he attended the classes on three areas,” he explained. “The first is Committee will have specific portfolios to give his wife moral support. “I started membership outreach to the community, designed to be the best fit for out bringing coffee to the participants in both inside and outside of Great Neck. their backgrounds. “The Executive the class. Before I knew it, I became a We have a wealth of programs and talent Committee is a great group of people,” participant in the class, too.” to share with our region. We just have to he said. “They are smart, insightful, make ourselves known. willing to speak up, and certainly have The couple’s two children, Ian and Pia, the synagogue’s interest at heart.” are both graduates of the Temple Israel “We can also serve as the catalyst schools. Ian and his wife, Lisa, have to bring together people who share Mr. Weston’s extensive `background as two young children, Mia and Ryan, common interests and form affinity a corporate attorney will give him the and live in Maryland. Pia, a school groups for them. We can be the agent ability to bring people together, he said. psychologist, lives in Manhattan. that brings together millennials, college students, seniors, and many other Cast of the Netflix Hit TV Show ‘Shtisel’ groups. In so doing, we can expand the footprint of Temple Israel. This is a function of making the synagogue Coming to Temple Israel In September relevant in the lives of the membership —Continued from front page in a way other than spiritual. a multi-generational family, the break-out Israeli hit television show lifts the veil on family life in the Orthodox community. “We also need to implement a capital campaign, which hasn’t been done in The program, first held in June at Temple Emanuel in Manhattan and Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, New Jersey, attracted more than 6,000 fans of the show to three sold-out presentations. Another program will be held in Westchester Join Temple Israel’s in September. Green Team as they construct new “There is such a thing as Shtisel-mania,” said Thea Wieseltier, the director of strategic projects at the Jewish Week, who conceived of the series of synagogue garden beds. presentations. The Jewish Week Media Group brings important topics to the They will use these Jewish community through their many public forums with authors, journalists, thought-leaders, politicians, and cultural programs. An avid fan of the show, Ms. beds to grow organic Weiseltier said: “Bringing the cast of Shtisel to our community is the best way to vegetables for the highlight the creativity and talent coming out of Israel.” weekly kiddush. Sources are reporting that a third season of Shtisel is in the works. Stay tuned! SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 • 10 A.M. All our welcome! Doors open to the Temple Israel presentation at 5:30 P.M. and the program For more information contact will begin at 7 P.M. General admission is $50, preferred seating is $118, and Green Team Chair Morgan Kurpiel VIP seating, which includes a reception-cast photo, is $200. To register for the at [email protected]. program, go to ujafedny.org/shtisel-LI. 6
Living with Life’s Great Unanswered Questions
by Rabbi Daniel Schweber our behavior toward illness. It causes Judaism embraces science and Throughout history, nature throws us to pray for miracles. It leads some nature. God’s creation and miracles diseases at us: bubonic plague, like those in the Christian Science are manifest in nature’s grandeur. God smallpox, cancer, HIV, Ebola. Even in the community to leave healing solely to does not actively intervene in nature age of advanced medicine, it feels like we God. As comfortable as it may be to on a daily basis. We must live within its are playing wack-a-mole trying to heal attribute illness to an active God, it is confines, including accepting the idea people and get rid of disease. also incomplete and disconcerting. Does of disease along with our body’s great The literal reading of the Torah presents God really actively bring about childhood abilities to heal. disease and healing as solely in disease? I cannot fathom such a God. God’s purview. God sends disease as So, how should we read the Torah’s punishment for sin. In God’s great mercy, We need a different theology and theology about illness? The ancient rabbis God heals and forgives. outlook on illness and life. The purpose solve the challenge through interpretation. This theology still permeates our culture of the Torah and religion in general is to The Israelites in the wilderness were and thinking. Assigning God as the help us live with life’s great questions subject to unrepeatable miracles. They source of disease helps us make sense unanswered. In my opinion, religion is are the exception to the rules of life. of questions that would otherwise be about the questions and not simple Judaism is about the rule of law where senseless. This theology influences answers. punishments are adjudicated by people and plagues are not seen as divine punishments. Illness is a reality, and we Jews have an obligation to celebrate and
If God is the source of healing, we are God’s partners in this endeavor.
preserve life. Sanctifying life is indeed the goal of all Jewish ritual. Therefore, we have an obligation to visit the sick, to care for them and help them heal.
When it comes to illness we have to do what we can to ease suffering and if possible bring healing. Shabbat, kashrut and other ritual laws are relaxed when caring for the sick. If God is the source of healing, we are God’s partners in this endeavor. We need to preserve and continue to observe the great mitzvah of healing.
Every Shabbat, as a community, we pray to God for healing. It is a powerful and important prayer. Yet it is not a prayer for miracles. It is instead a prayer to give us the strength to accept that disease is part of our lives. It allows us to wonder at the body’s ability to heal and be grateful for so many people # of orders ______@ $12 each who devote their lives to the healing and caring arts. Refah’einu Adonai Please make check payable to Sisterhood of Temple Israel and mail to: Helene Schachter V’nei’rafei, Heal us God, and we shall Sisterhood of Temple Israel of Great Neck, 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 be healed. (516) 482-7800
And let us say Amen.
Order form on the reverse side 7 This Land Is Also Your Land —Continued from page 2 here, are told by the President of the United States that they can go “back to where they came from” if they don’t like things here.
In this country, we express our disapproval with the opinions and actions of others by opposing those opinions and actions through rational argument and political advocacy. As a case in point, Congress recently overwhelmingly opposed BDS (Boy- cott/Divestment/Sanction) that unfairly targets Israel.
Argument and advocacy are crucial tools of the democratic The Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of Temple Israel process. If we disagree with the opinions and proposals of would like to invite all Temple Israel members and their families and friends to a welcome back barbecue to help us all transition from summer and other Americans, then we should protest and use our influ- as a way to simply say hello to old friends and new. ence to try to effect just outcomes. But we shouldn’t say or Please join us on imply that these Americans belong here any less than we do. Sunday, September 8 at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM in the Temple Israel Courtyard As Jewish American citizens, we must think carefully as we for a nosh, face painting, art projects, navigate the complexities of identity and affiliation, of belonging inflatables and lots of friendly chatter and not belonging. When we are angry or frustrated with peo- So that we may order the right amount of food, please RSVP by Friday, September 6 by Noon to Jennifer at [email protected]. ple, even with good reason, it may be tempting to undercut their Vegetarian options available. legitimacy of belonging or to sit quietly as a third party, even one We look forward to seeing you all on September 8. as powerful as the President of the United States, lashes out. And by the way, this is our gift to you – there is NO CHARGE for this event!
Burton Weston, Adam Covitt, David Eshaghoff, Rachel Geula, Brent Greenspan, Samuel Husney, Gary Sazer, Lynn Weitzman. But we who have had our legitimacy of belonging questioned again Michael Becker, Lila Bernstein-Schoen, Susan Brustein, Harold Citron, Jeffrey Fleit, Mitchell Friedman, and again must not succumb to that temptation. Given our history Laura Gal, Lisa Goodwin, Jacqueline Harounian, Marjorie Hoffman, Ezra Kassin, Andrea Katz, Toby Katz, Barbara Levy, Susan Lopatkin, Natali Matalon, Ofra Panzer, Neal Picker, Moji Pourmoradi, and our sense of what is right, we must oppose the racism and xe- Mark Putter, Desiree Rastegar, Neda Sedgh, Sima Taeid, Deborah Volk. nophobia that seek to prioritize one group’s belonging over another.
Whether we agree or disagree with each other, regardless of the ethnic and racial background of the other, we must defend and champion the notion that “this land was made for you and me.”
Saturday, August 17 Invite you to share a memorable event at Saturday,4:00 PM ͲAugust 5:30 PM 17 The Museum of Jewish Heritage— 4:00Kings PM Point Ͳ 5:30 Park PM (SteamboatKings Point Road entrance)Park A Living Memorial to the Holocaust "How great(Steamboat are Your works, Road O entrance) God!" (Psalm 92) for a ground breaking exhibit: “Your walking on the Sabbath shall not be like your walking on weekdays.” (Talmud) "How great are Your works, O God!" (Psalm 92) “Your walking on the Sabbath shall not be like your walking on weekdays.” (Talmud) Auschwitz Not long ago. Not far away.
Sunday, September 22, 2019 11:00 AM Docent Led Tour Free to Paid-Up EmpTI Nester members $18 non-members
RSVP to Jodi Engel by Thursday, September 5 at [email protected] or Join us for a mindful, interactive and social walk/hike call the synagogue office 516-482-7800. with Rabbis Stecker, Schweber and Cantor Frieder. (approximately 1.5 to 2 miles) Questions? Please email Nancy Greengrass at We canJoin enjoy us for some a mindful, informal interactive time, reflect, and social converse, walk/hike laugh and appreciatewith Rabbis God’s Stecker, creations Schweber and our and beautiful Cantor Frieder.surroundings. [email protected] (approximately 1.5 to 2 miles) We can enjoy some informal time, reflect, converse, laugh and 108 Old Mill Road . Great Neck, NY 11023 . 516.482.7800. www.tign.org Note: appreciateIf weather is bad, God a decision’s creations to postpone and will our be madebeautiful in synagogue surroundings. that morning.
Note: If weather is bad, a decision to postpone will be made in synagogue that morning. 8
From Generation to Generation Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions
TEMPLE ISRAEL FUND Evelyn Horowitz Morris Cohen SHOAH In honor of: Milton Shapiro Janice Epstein REMEMBRANCE FUND Ofra and Rob Panzer Mark Berkman Yaffa Kaye In memory of: Leon Silverberg Nancy Alani Joelle and Geoff Serota Marcia Solomon Bonnie Mamiye and Susanne Enderson Chana Silverman Susan Jarolem and the family Horowitz Yaakov Silverman LeRea family The daily minyan and Mania Markowitz Suzanne Cohen Berel Segal welcoming non-members Alice Rubinstein Jack Weissbluth Jackie Einstein Astrof with yahrzeits to observe Nochem Zwierankin Jay Weissbluth and Josh Astrof Joe Wekselblatt Raine Silverstein Simone Wolf Daryl Schulman Ronni Fink Rita Ortner Eva Yarett In memory of: Abraham Fink Isaac Gittleman Vivian and Yuval Brash Stuart Sylvan Simon Fink Maryann Harris Margot Solomon James Sylvan Emery Lauber Sam Goodman Joyce and Burton Morris Danzig Victor Mandon George Abrahams Weston Arthur Anderman Mark Reisfeld Miriam Kirschner Marcy and David Albert Samuel Kiperman Carmella Reisfeld Mandon Molly Blum Anne and Jerry Hirsh Harry Chaityn Fritzie Fink Brenda and Lance Linda Kiperman David Mandel LIBRARY FUND Greiff and family Babette Traub Helen Gabbayian In memory of: Alice Greene Marjorie Hoffman Amir Gabbay Sally Litner Judy Vine Edwin Raab Robert Schechter Paul Litner Nanette Raab Joni Shames Hakimen Moallem RABBI STECKER’S Patty Schneider Max Lattner Jack Moallem DISCRETIONARY FUND Nadab Melamed Saul Lattner In appreciation of: Isabelle Nazarian Trudy Schwartz SAMUEL BARON MEMORIAL Na’aleh Women’s Menashah Rokhsar Madelyn Gould MUSIC FUND Ensemble as it comes Joseph Rokhsar Beth Denberg In memory of: to an end Florence Damast Susan Yellin Sonia Tillem Renee Altman Fleischer Adrienne Wilson Leonard Seskin Elise and Richard Vivienne Kugler Nancy and Sid Freedman Kestenbaum In memory of: Andrea Krimko Roselyn Miller Robert Pergament Harvey Schefren Ira Miller RABBI SCHWEBER’S Brenda and Lance Fradelle Schefren Robert Miller DISCRETIONARY FUND Greiff and family Louis Siegal Blanche Moskowitz On the occasion of: George Rudin Suanne Scherr Leonard Klein Marvin Tepper’s unveiling Sandra and David Mack Herman Scherr Yousef Ohebshalom Elise Tepper David Scherr Abner Ohebshalom Contributions: Edward Belitz Fay Leff In memory of: Anonymous Sandra Paley Beverly Katzenberg Lillian Brucker Renata Farahnik Michael Lustig Irving Pearlstein Mitchell Brucker Eugene Gillman Audrey Levine Karen Covitt SHALOM CLUB LIBRARY Liba Shagalov Betty Rosenbaum J. Leonard Samansky SHELF FUND Chaia Rivkin Eli Rosenbaum Shirley Samansky In memory of: Boris Guten Marica Depinna Berel Segal Murray Cohen Valentina Shagalov Jane Blum Jeffrey Fleit Shirley Kobliner Shirley Kobliner Evelyn Blum Harold Kobliner Kenneth Kobliner Stanley Blum Contribution: Rose Goldberg Paul Ohebshalom Efrom Blank Manijeh and Jack Moallem Allan Goldberg Ebby Ohebshalom Leonard Seskin Jamileh Nazarian Joyce and Burton USHERS FUND SAMUEL BARON Rachelle Ohebshalom Weston In honor of: MUSEUM FUND Claire Pleskow Beverly Weston Leon Silverberg In honor of: Marlene Handelman Burton Weston Manijeh and Jack Lauren Atlas Katie Goodman Andrew Scheiner Moallem Elise and Richard George Abrahams Joyce Weston Kestenbaum Katalin Wolf Edwina Levin In memory of: Harry Wolf David Levin Berel Segal ISRAEL SOLIDARITY FUND Sonia Tillem Elaine Schwartz Sonia Tillem In memory of: Robert B. Brodrick Paul Schwartz Leonard Seskin Leonard Seskin Ana and Andrew Tunick Rose Fried Manijeh and Jack Rita and Stanley Phillips Nizer LLP Allan Fried Moallem Mardersein 9 D’var Torah
—Continued from back page will enjoy the produce of the land, but supported by the people through taxes. response to God’s commands and it is God who gives it to them. Moses The prophets will not be sorcerers, diviners promises. The original command to then returns to history and recalls to the or soothsayers or practice any kind of proceed to the Promised Land was Israelites all their acts of defiance: the magic. They will be, like Moses, men disobeyed when the Israelites took the making of the Golden Calf, the complaints who truly and accurately transmit God’s negative advice of the ten scouts. This about lack of food and water, and the message to the Israelites. The portion led to the wilderness wandering. The incident of spies. He points out that it is concludes with laws concerning crime and second command to proceed to the only because he interceded for them with welfare. They assure that personal rights Promised Land is about to be obeyed. God that they are able to enter Canaan. are respected and human kindness is displayed, even during wartime. Va’ethannan Saturday, August 17 Re’eh Saturday, August 31 This portion opens with Moses concluding In this portion we conclude the section Shabbat Services his historical review by recounting how of Moses’ second discourse in which —Continued from back page he entreated God to relent and allow he sets forth the religious foundations Saturday, August 31 him to go into the land with his people. of the covenant at Sinai. He lays before Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. God’s response is that Moses will be the Israelites two possibilities: obedience First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. permitted to see the land, but only from to God, which would bring blessing, afar. Moses now ends his first discourse or disobedience, which would bring a Weekly Portion: Re’eh with an exhortation to obey God’s laws. In curse. The choice is theirs to make, but Deuteronomy 11:26 – 16:17 his second discourse, which constitutes it is clear that in order to possess the Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1 – 24 the bulk of the Book of Deuteronomy, land they must choose to follow God’s Moses communicated a body of laws laws. The next section of the discourse Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: to the Israelites in preparation for their comprises a detailed listing of the Jeff Fleit, Rachel Geula, Gail Zahler, entry into the Promised Land. Some of laws that are to govern the lives of the Irene Tannenholtz, and Deanna Stecker these laws repeat laws given earlier in the Israelites in the Promised Land. The first Torah, but many of them are found only area dealt with its religious institutions Bat Mitzvah: Sophia Hendizadeh, here. Before presenting the laws, Moses and worship, including, among other daughter of Bita and Pedram Hendizadeh delivers a prologue describing the historical things, directions for the establishment of circumstances under which God gave a central sanctuary, rules for maintaining Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. them to him for transmission to the people. distinctiveness in worship, warnings Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. This section includes a repetition of the against the heathen rites and religious Ten Commandments, with some notable seducers, and regulations concerning Afternoon Service 6:55 P.M. differences from the Exodus version. permitted and forbidden foods, tithes and Evening Service 7:57 P.M. In addition, Moses offers a preamble, the year of the release. The portion ends Havdalah 8:13 P.M. presenting the ideological basis for the with laws detailing the observance of laws and appealing for their observance. Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, indicating Friday, September 6 This section includes one of the most that time also is to be sanctified. Evening Service 6:30 P.M. famous passages of the Torah: “Shema Yisrael, Adonai elohenu Adonai ehad.” Shofetim Saturday, September 7 Saturday, September 7 We continue the listing of the laws by Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Ekev Saturday, August 24 which the Israelites are to live in the First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. We continue the section of Moses’ Promised Land in this portion. The second discourse, in which he sets forth focus here is on social organization, and Weekly Portion: Shofetim the religious foundations of the covenant consideration is given to defining the Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9 at Mt. Sinai, in this portion. He reminds status and responsibilities of four different Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12 – 52:12 the Israelites that during the entire period types of leaders: judges, the king, priest, of the wilderness wandering they enjoyed and prophets. Judges are admonished Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: God’s care, as witnessed by the fact that that justice must be free, accessible and Moji Pourmoradi, David Eshaghoff, Patty their clothing did not wear out or their feet absolutely impartial. If there is to be a Schneider, Joyce Weston, Debra Bykoff swell and they were provided with manna king, he must be a native Israelite and for food. Moses cautions the people a constitutional monarch who governs Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. about what is likely to happen to them in accordance with the Torah. He is Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. when they come into the good fruitful land forbidden to have standing cavalry or a Afternoon Service 6:45 P.M. that they are about to enter. He reminds harem, and he must himself study and them that they must never assume that it obey the law. The priests are not to have Evening Service 7:45 P.M. is by virtue of their own hands that they any allotment of land, but they are to be Havdalah 8:01 P.M. 10 Men’s Club Planning a Busy Year —Continued from page 2 led by our members followed by dinner, and a Lag B’Omer Celebration led by Rabbi Schweber. We distribute Yom Hashoah Yellow Yahrzeit Candles, and attend the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs’ annual luncheon, where we honor our outgoing president and two Waxman High School leaders.
For the community, the Men’s Club sponsors an annual 9/11 Memorial Service on the Saddle Rock Bridge, two annual blood drives, a Second Night Seder led by Rabbi Schweber, the Rabbinic Dialogue with Rabbi Stecker and other Great Neck rabbis, and conduct a direct mail fundraising effort to support the Hatzilu Rescue Organization to help the Jewish poor and elderly in Great Neck. We are also hosting our fourth trip to Giants Stadium to see the New York Jets play the New York Giants. Included is round trip transportation, Section 249B tickets, and a Glatt Kosher tailgate barbecue.
At our Men’s Club Executive Board meeting this past June, we elected Ezra Kassin and Michael Becker as our co- presidents, Dan Weinstein as treasurer, Steve Smolinsky and myself as co-program chairs, Harold Citron as corresponding secretary, Ken Kobliner as recording secretary and David Scherr as our liaison to the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. We thank them and all of our past presidents and members for chairing and planning our programs and events.
Also, the Men’s Club would like to sincerely thank our synagogue office staff and maintenance staff for the outstanding job they do in promoting, organizing and executing all of our meetings and events.
Watch for details about all of the Men’s Club meetings and events on the Temple Israel website calendar, in the Shabbat flyers, emails and, of course, in The Voice. We look forward to seeing you! Proceeds from all purchases will go to the Temple Israel Green Fund. Advertise In The Temple Israel Voice! 108 Old Mill Road . Great Neck, NY 11023 . (516) 482-7800 . www.tign.org Plan your fall advertising now. For deadlines and rates call 482-7800. Honoring Memories. Celebrating Lives. Shireinu Choir Riverside-Nassau Abraham Kanfer, CBR of Long Island Associate Real Estate Broker Great Neck Office North Chapel NEW MEMBER AUDITIONS 516.466.4036, c.917.797.9466 • Funerals • Advance Funeral Planning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 [email protected] • Monuments & Inscription Services Temple Israel • Multipurpose Room www.riversidenassaunorthchapels.com 7:00 - 9:30 P.M. For appointments email 516.487.9600 [email protected] Each Office Is Individually Owned And Operated. 55 North Station Plaza, Great Neck www.shireinuchoirli.org
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Periodicals Postage Paid D’var Torah at Great Neck, NY By Rabbi Marim D. Charry Devarim Saturday, Saturday, AugustJanuary 10 13 We begin the Book of Deuteronomy in this portion. The entire book takes place while the Israelites are camped in the plains of Moab, on the banks of the Jordan River, ready to cross over into the Land of Canaan. At this point For Additonal Passover Information Visit: www.tign.org Moses is reaching the last weeks of his life and his ministry. He takes this Temple Israel of Great Neck TEMPLE ISRAEL STAFF Howard Stecker, Senior Rabbi opportunity to deliver three farewell Raphael Frieder, Cantor discourses and two poems before he Daniel Schweber, Associate Rabbi Voice Mordecai Waxman*, Rabbi Emeritus takes leave of his people. Since these Marc Katz, Editor Jamey Kohn, Executive Director people are not, for the most part, the Associate Editors: Rabbi Amy Roth, Director of Congregational Schools Paula Charry, Angela Jones, Ronnie Katz, Rachel Mathless, Director, Beth HaGan ones who left Egypt, Moses begins Marion Stein, Rabbi Daniel Schweber Avi Siegel, Director, Waxman High School his first discourse with a review of the Photographers: Robert Lopatkin, Ofra Panzer events from the time of leaving Sinai OFFICERS to the present and the lessons to be TEMPLE ISRAEL OF GREAT NECK Burton Weston, President 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Adam Covitt, Vice President learned from them. Thus, he does not P: 516.482.7800 | F: 516.482.7352 David Eshaghoff, Vice President merely recount history, he interprets [email protected] | www.tign.org Rachel Geula, Vice President Temple Israel Voice (USPS # 078-740) is published monthly by Brent Greenspan, Vice President it. Specifically, he emphasized that Temple Israel of Great Neck at 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023. Periodicals postage paid at Great Neck, NY 11021. Samuel Husney, Vice President the people’s fate depends on their Postmaster: Send address changes to: Gary Sazer, Vice President Temple Israel Voice, 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Lynn Weitzman, Vice President —Continued on page 10 Subscription $5.00 per annum Irving H. Lurie*, Honorary President *Deceased Shabbat Services
Friday, August 9 Saturday, August 17 Saturday, August 24 Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Shabbat Morning Group Aliyah First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. Saturday, August 10 First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. Weekly Portion: Ekev Erev Tish’ah Be’Av Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25 Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Weekly Portion: Va’ethannan Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14 – 51:3 First Mourners’ Kaddish 9:25 A.M. Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1 – 26 Havurah Service 10:00 A.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Weekly Portion: Devarim Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22 Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1 – 27 Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Afternoon Service 7:05 P.M. Se’udah Shelishit 7:35 P.M. Havurah Service 10:00 A.M. Afternoon Service 7:15 P.M. Evening Service 8:08 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Se’udah Shelishit 7:45 P.M. Havdalah 8:24 P.M. Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Evening Service 8:18 P.M. Havdalah 8:34 P.M. Friday, August 30 Se’udah Shelishit 7:00 P.M. Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Afternoon Service 7:45 P.M. Friday, August 23
Evening Service 6:30 P.M. —Continued on page 10 Fast begins 8:00 P.M. Ma’ariv/Eikhah 8:30 P.M. Worship With Your Family Friday, August 16 Evening Service 6:30 P.M. At Temple Israel This Week!
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