September 2017 Elul 5777/Tishrei 5778 From Rabbi Eugene A. Wernick --
Dear Friends,
In days gone by, our great grandparents greeted the approaching “Days of Awe” with trepidation. The words of the beautiful “U-NeTaneh Tokef” prayer list the possibilities for the New Year. “Who will live and who will die!” For the Jew of gone by days the reality of not only sickness and death by disease, but also by pogrom, was very stark. The Jew of old was no stranger to the horrors of persecution.
As we approach these “Days of Awe,” we can easily replicate our ancestors’ trepidation. We are confronted with the possibility of nuclear holocaust, as the United States squares off against North Korea. The rhetoric from both sides of the Pacific Ocean does not calm our fears.
Close to home, the rise of hate groups gives cause to consternation because, from the very heights of political influence, words are spoken that encourage the serpents to come out from under the rocks. Whether he is aware of it or not, whether in his heart of hearts he believes as they do, President Trump, by his words, is like some Indian snake charmer who, by the utterance of his pronouncements, causes the evil serpents of hate to arise and dance in broad daylight, delighted by the tunes they hear from the man who is entrusted to be the guardian of our freedom and safety.
This year, we pray, therefore, for calmer voices to prevail and for peace to become a reality for all who live on this biosphere, home of all living creatures.
We pray that these United States may be truly united in the common will of us all-- from President to common citizen-- to work for the achievement of the words of the founder of our country, George Washington: “that we give to bigotry no sanction.”
May we all be blessed with health and happiness and realize in our own lives that our blessings cannot be achieved unless they are shared by all.
For Irene and me L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu V’Teyhateymu L’Altar U’L”Hayyim Affectionately, Rabbi Eugene A/ Wernick
High Holy Days Sukkot Special Kiddushim
October 5th - 1st Day of Sukkot Kiddush & flowers sponsored by Natalie Katz in loving memory of her husband, Murray S. Katz October 14th Kiddush & flowers sponsored by Natalie Katz in loving memory of her husband, Murray S. Katz and her father, Sol Lipshitz
Houston Disaster Relief
We regret the misfortune that has affected Houston, Texas. We would like to support all residents, but we are asking specifically if you could direct your funding to the Houston Jewish Federation. Rabbi Wernick already sent a check of $1,000 from the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, which is meant to support Jewish charities. If you are able to send a contribution to this organization, here is the link: https://www.houstonjewish.org
Message from the Rabbi If you or anyone you know is ill or incapacitated and you would like a home or hospital visit, please notify the office or call Rabbi Wernick at the office, his home (212)679-1837 or cell (215)990-1545.
Morning Minyan One of my goals is to ensure a full minyan every morning so we can support those among us who are saying Kaddish and conduct a full service. Morning Minyan is 8:00 am on most weekdays, 9:00 am on national holidays. The service runs approximately 30 minutes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 40 minutes on Mondays and Thursdays when we read Torah.
Can you try to attend one morning a week? One morning a month? Can we contact you when we have a special need for a Minyan? Please contact the rabbi at 212.752.1200 or [email protected] to discuss. Save the Date!
Dedication of the Main Sanctuary Tuesday, September 5th, 6:00pm
Save the Date! Please make sure that you reply to the invitation, with the name of any additional guest. Only those who are listed will be allowed entry to the reception. Edith Claman, Sheila Kresch, Meryl Levy, Charlotte Plotnick, Lisa Siegal, and Lynn Silverman have already volunteered as ushers, for which we thank them. We will be honoring all donors to the Capital Campaign, who enabled us to renovate the sanctuary, refurbish the social hall, and improve other areas of the synagogue. We also have a special dedication of the Bimah by Mark Shapiro and Judy Lewent, in memory of Rabbi Reuven Siegel, z'l, who presided as our first permanent Conservative rabbi from 1967-2007. A special booklet that includes the program and the names of all donors will be distributed on that day. Following the program, we will have a reception. Hors d'oeuvre, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.
OPEN HOUSE September 7th at 7:30pm
We are hosting an Open House for prospective members or those seeking a synagogue for the High Holy Days. Rabbi Wernick and Cantor Kidron will be participating. We would like some of our members to greet and converse with newcomers. If you know people interested in becoming members or attending our High Holy Day services, please suggest that they attend. High Holy Days begin with Musical Selichot Service Saturday, September 16th, 9:00pm
Our High Holy Day schedule begins with a Musical Selichot Service on the evening of Saturday, September 16th, at 9 p.m. Cantor Shiree Kidron will be accompanied by noted pianist Shira Sheked.
Free and open to the public, but we’d appreciate an RSVP to Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/musical-selichot-service-tickets-37207999127 so we’ll know how many people to expect.
High Holy Days - 5778/2017
ROSH HASHANAH Erev, Wednesday, September 20th Evening Services - 6:00 pm
Thursday, September 21st * Morning Services - 9:00 am Tot Services - 11:30 am Tashlikh (with Central Synagogue @ 55th Street and the East River) 5:15pm Evening Services - 6:15 pm
Friday, September 22nd * Morning Services - 9:00 am
YOM KIPPUR Friday, September 29th * Kol Nidre - 6:15 pm
Saturday, September 30th * Morning Services - 9:30 am Tot Service - 11:30 am Yizkor Service - 12:00 am Public Yizkor – 3:00 pm Study with the Rabbi - 3:30 pm Ark open for private prayers - 4:30 pm Afternoon Services/Neilah - 5:00 pm Shofar Blowing and Havdalah - 7:20 pm
*Ticket required
Happy Birthday to all our September Birthdays! Philip Bauman, Brian Berke, Laurie Berke-Weiss, Bonnie Cooperman, Florence Diller, Eva Shamah, Alan Weinstein, Anna Wolinsky
Michelle Zitwer Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Off: 212.702.4045 Cell: 917.690.6666 Fax: 917.266.4932 [email protected] www.elliman.com/micz
TODAH RABBAH We thank the following individuals for supporting our community: GENERAL FUND Marlene Gussin, in thanks for an aliyah Barbara Feingold, in loving memory of Hariette Gluckow Barbara J. Wolfe YAHRZEIT CONTRIBUTIONS Edith Claman, in loving memory of Gertrude Claman Edith Claman, in loving memory of Lynette Claman-Mandel Edith Claman, in loving memory of Charlotte Lewittes Edith Claman, in loving memory of David Lewittes Rhonda De Fabritus, in loving memory of Florence Bertan Parker Arlene Fein, in loving memory of Mollie Paticoff Rita Greenstein, in loving memory of Willie Greenstein Rita Greenstein, in loving memory of Clara Rappoport Heiman Gross, in loving memory of Rose Gross Arnold & Harriet Gussin, in loving memory of Joel Gussin Harriet Gussin, in loving memory of Beatrice Gordon Barbara Haar, in loving memory of Allan Karpman Florence Kavaler, in loving memory of Samuel Kavaler Barbara Levine, in loving memory of Lawrence Levine Barbara Levine, in loving memory of Martha Levine Peter Levine, in loving memory of Samuel Levine Jeffrey Lowitt, in loving memory of Marvin Lowitt Ellice Matsil, in loving memory of Hermione Matsil Madeline Mohr, in loving memory of Patricia Hall Madeline Mohr, in loving memory of Mildred Hall Madeline Mohr, in loving memory of Joseph Weinberg Evelyn Morgenstern, in loving memory of Louis Sperling Robert Neidorff, in loving memory of Shirley R. Neidorff Charlotte Plotnick, in loving memory of Stanley Plotnick Charlotte Plotnick, in loving memory of Harvey Plotnick Gerald Pomper, in loving memory of Celia Pomper Alan Resnick, in loving memory of Sarah Resnick Sophie Ross, in loving memory of Herman Poplausky Marshal Salant, in loving memory of Benjamin Salant Richard Sharken, in loving memory of Abraham Sharken Presidents’ Message from Barbara Gerber-Krasner
We ushered in the month of Elul on August 23rd, when we began preparing ourselves for the coming High Holy Days. The morning Shofar blowing as of the 1st of Elul reminds us of the sin of the golden calf, which indicated how fickle the Israelites were about their devotion to Adonai, so soon after Moses received the first set of the Ten Commandments and was waiting on Mt. Sinai to receive the second set. Even today we are told to consider ourselves as the recipients of the tablets as if we, ourselves, had been at Mt. Sinai. The recitation of Psalm 27 throughout the month of Elul reinforces our faith in God: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
For the seven Shabbatot leading to Rosh Hashanah, we read special Haftarot of Consolation. These seven counterbalance the three Haftarot of Admonition that preceded them. The prophets offer an optimistic contrast to the dire predictions of destruction, portraying Israel as a light unto the nations of the world.
Selichot, marked by a special evening service on September 16th, the 25th of Elul, at 9 p.m., will bring our community together for a musical rendering of the liturgy of prayers asking for forgiveness. The central prayer is that of the thirteen attributes of God, taken from Exodus 34:6-7.
Seymour and I will be in Israel during the week of September 9-17, celebrating the wedding of our granddaughter Anat, who made Aliyah in 2010. Therefore, we will be observing Selichot at a Masorti-affiliated synagogue in Tel Aviv. However, I am certain that with Cantor Shiree Kidron, accompanied by a pianist, Shira Sheked and Rabbi Wernick delivering a meaningful drashah at services, you are certain to have a wonderful, spiritual experience, enjoying fully our newly completed main sanctuary space. The new Torah table is already in place, and new white Torah covers, signifying purity, will adorn the Torah scrolls, creating an appropriate ambiance for the celebration of our Holy Days.
Seymour and I will be at Or Olam for the duration of the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, that begin on September 20th, when we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, ending with Yom Kippur, September 29th-30th. We all intensify our prayers of repentance during this period, asking to be inscribed in the Book of Life.
I wish you a healthy, happy, and successful New Year. May you all be written in the Book of Life.
L’Shanah Tovah.
Barbara Capital Campaign Update
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have so generously given to Or Olam's capital campaign. The renovation is mostly complete. Our Sanctuary is beautiful. In addition to the columns, ark, fused glass window, and ner tamid (the eternal light), additional furnishings have been added to the Bimah--a Torah table, designed by Alex Gruss; four new Bimah chairs, made by Sauder Furniture Company; and a refurbished Torah stand. Also commissioned from Studio Gruss are two Menorot for the front wall. Much work has been done on our social hall as well. This has been a congregational effort that has been a huge success, and I owe many thanks to all of you have given. It is hard to continually ask for contributions, but this was a much needed endeavor that had not been done in over twenty (20) years. We still have much to do to complete the project. I hope you are proud of our new look. Looking forward to seeing you all at our dedication, or on the high holidays. Thank you again, Marcia Kerr Capital Campaign Chairperson
Renovation Update In preparation for the dedication ceremony on Tuesday, September 5th, we are moving to finish all the work in the Main Sanctuary. We are sure everyone will appreciate the completion of this work in time for the High Holy Days. I feel comfortable in saying we now have one of the most beautiful, comfortable and inspiring worship spaces of any congregation of our size in Manhattan. Most notably, our Bimah now has a new cherry-stained Torah table, created by Alex Gruss, beautifully decorated with a gold band in the front, complementing the ornamentation of the ark. We are grateful to member Stephen Meringoff, who sponsored its construction in memory of his parents Leo and Evelyn Meringoff. The dedicatory plaque is inserted in a space that Alex Gruss created for it, at the back of the table, where we stand. Two small lecterns, stored on the top shelf of the table, will be used to hold a Siddur or the book of Haftarot, permitting a less cluttered space. A special step was inserted at the bottom of the table for anyone who needs it during the service. Between September 8th and 15th, we plan to install two Menorot, one on either side of the Bimah area, on the wall next to the exit doors. Handcrafted by Lorelei Gruss, who also made the eternal flame, they will be backlit by an L.E.D. panel, and illuminated via a switch inside the ark. We will also have a renovated Torah stand, which will secure one or more Torah scrolls by brass holders. The same blue fabric used for the four new chairs will upholster the stand, to create a unified image. In the Social Hall, we’ll also have a renovated Torah stand on top of a new cabinet for the amplifier for the sound system. We are also working on reframing three of the stained glass rondels removed from the Main Sanctuary for the wall to the left of the ark in the Social Hall, to be illuminated by an L.E.D. panel. These will be done after the holidays. By September 5th, new floor tiles will be installed in the area beyond the Social Hall, leading to the Rabbi’s office. We will be cleaning the carpeting in all areas before the September 5th dedication, and we will not sponsor a Kiddush on the preceding Shabbat, so that the carpets remain clean for the celebration. -- Barbara Gerber-Krasner President Capital Campaign Contributors
Kenneth Adelsberg & Laurie Newitz Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, a refuah Lloyd Altman & Sara Markel Altman shlema for Meryl Levy Anonymous Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, in honor Aaron & Barbara Ast of Jerry Politzer’s birthday Rhonda Barnat Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, in honor Brian Berke & Laurie Berke-Weiss David Rosenberg Mordecai & Shiela Braunstein Daniel Krasner, in honor of Barbara Gerber-Krasner Richard & Eleanor Brilliant Linda Krasner, in honor of Barbara Gerber-Krasner Charles Chanon, in memory of Dr. Edward Shamoun Robert & Sheila Kresch Murray Charash Bernadette Kriftcher Michael Cherbini & Marcia Kerr-Cherbini Barbara Levine Edith Claman Peter & Leslie Levine Audrey Cohen Jeffrey Lowitt Joel Cohen John Mackar, in honor of Barbara Krasner’s 75th Robert & Bonnie Cooperman Birthday Stephen Cooperman Sol Matsil Anthony & Georgette Dankner Nancy Melton Erwin Dankner Stephen Meringoff Rosalind Devon Lois Moss Florence Diller & William Pollack Melvin & Elaine Nadell Mr. & Mrs. Sandford Edelman Harvey & Linda Newman Ira & Myrna Epstein Ruth Oppenheimer Barbara Feingold Glenn & Stacey Ostrager Myrna Felder Stanley & Charlotte Plotnick Burton & Brenda Fine Jerald Politzer & Jamie Barry Arlene Flohr Gladys Pruzansky Sheldon Fried Murray Rehner Susan Friedman David Reitner Sherry Fyman & Rossella Mocerino Juliana & Rusty Reno Sherry Fyman & Rossella Mocerino, in honor of Alan Resnick Barbara Gerber-Krasner Lori Richter Anne Glauber & David Cummins Faanya Rose Barbara & Oliver Goldstein & Family David Rosenberg & Eleanor Bucko David & Karin Goss Eric & Sophie Ross Harold Griffel Marshal Salant Heiman & Marilyn Gross Arthur Sellner Arnold & Harriet Gussin Judy Shamoun-Baranes, Alan Shamoun & Anita Guttman Simon Shamoun, in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Alan Honig Dr. Edward Shamoun Norma Hurwitz Mark & Judy Shapiro Claudia Justy Gerard Silverman Natalie Katz Eric Simon & Lisa Baumwell Richard Kaufman & Carole Parnes David Sokol Richard Kaufman & Carole Parnes, in honor of Barbara Charlene Soltz-Etkes Gerber-Krasner’s Birthday Stuart Stahl Florence Kavaler Heris Stenzel Martin P. & Barbara Klein Mr. & Mrs. Steven Strauss Irene Kopley Jacob Sutton Leo & Sandy Koppell Henny Weiss Sandy Koppell, in memory of Leo Rabbi Eugene & Irene Wernick Barbara Gerber-Krasner Jaime Widder Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, in honor of Barbara Wolfe Jerry Politzer’s Birthday Anna Wolinsky Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, for the June & Women’s League July Members’ Birthdays Eva Young Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Sid Zukerman Sandy & Leo Koppell’s son-in-law, David Rubenstein Barbara Zulick, in honor of Barbara Gerber-Krasner Barbara Gerber-Krasner & Seymour Krasner, in honor of the birth of Eva Young’s great granddaughter Synagogue Book Club
Our next meeting is scheduled for October 23rd when we will discuss The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish.
We are looking for both a host and a volunteer to lead the discussion. We are always grateful for those who volunteer to host and lead discussions and are eager for new hosts and additional presenters of the books.
Women’s League Future Events
Thursday, November 9 Women’s League will co-sponsor with the Or Olam Program Committee a Challah Baking class led by Shiree Kidron. Tuesday, March 13 Annual Women’s Seder with chaverot from Habonim and Sutton Place Synagogue Thursday, May 10 MetroNorth Region will hold the annual Torah Fund Dinner.
Two Opportunities for New Experiences
Tour Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue & Greek Kosher Lunch - Sunday Ocober 29th For more information call the office. Reservations must be made by October 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~ Trip to Philadelphia - Sunday April 22, 2018 Private Coach • Tour - National Museum of American Jewish History & Barnes Collection Box Lunch at Barnes Foundation Let the office know your interest by October 15- Need 15 People
Social Justice Opportunity: Feeding the Needy with Central Synagogue Or Olam member Geoffrey Skolnik, on behalf of our Social Justice committee, has coordinated with Central Synagogue to welcome Or Olam members to their large-scale, long-standing weekly program that feeds more than 100 people in our neighborhood each week. A monthly email is sent to volunteers who can then sign up for the days they would like to help. If you are interested in participating in this program - or have any questions - please email Geoffrey Skolnik at [email protected]. If you prefer to speak to him by phone, please call him at 212-421-6831 after the first of January, as he will be away until then. Women’s League Corner
As 5778 approaches, may it usher in a time of peace for all. We live in very turbulent times, and my wish to all of us is for a good and healthy New Year. May we enjoy the wonderful community we are blessed with and come together to share in the many events that have been planned for us at Or Olam. Let’s accentuate the positive.
Sunday, September 10 we will participate in the “Walk for the Cure”, with Sharsheret, a not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. Their mission is to offer a community of support to women, of all Jewish backgrounds, diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk. We will be marching for MetroNorth Women’s League. Sutton Place Synagogue will be joining us. For those of you who wish to walk or support this walk with a donation the link is: https://sharsheret.donorpages.com/RaceForTheCure2017FR/MetroNorthWomensLeague Contact me at [email protected], 212-758-7445 if you have any questions.
Thursday, September 14 at 10:30 AM: There will be a docent tour of the 9/11 museum led by Women’s League International President, Margie Miller, who lost her husband there. Reservations can be made on line or through the Women’s League office. Men are invited. There are flyers in the Synagogue lobby. Let me know if you are coming, and perhaps we can go down together. The tour of approximately 2 ½ hours costs $24.00, but for seniors, $18.00.
Supper in the Sukkah: Tuesday, October 10th: This has always been a favorite. We will have musical entertainment, as well as the video that was created to celebrate 100 years of Women’s League, with interviews from all living past Women’s League Presidents. We will see Audrey Citak reflect on her four years as International President. I will be coordinating this event. We need volunteers to help set up, contribute or prepare dairy foods. RSVP to [email protected], 212-758-7445
Women's League Institute: The fall semester of the NY Institute will begin in September, with meetings on ten Mondays at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rachel Rosenthal will teach “Why Doesn’t the Baby Fall Out? And other Rabbinic Answers to Life’s Big Questions, and Rabbi Dr. David Fine will teach Conservative Judaism, Women’s Issues and Halakhah. Several members have attended these institutes over the years, and found them very stimulating. If you are interested in attending, contact me at [email protected] or 212-758-7445 and I will get you all the details as they are announced. TORAH FUND: Harriet Gussin has the new Torah Fund pins available. They are absolutely beautiful. You will receive one as a thank you with your donation of $180.00 to Torah Fund. You can contact Harriet at [email protected] or 212-682-4714. Torah Fund helps support the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, the Schechter Institute in Israel and Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Argentina and their students, who are our future leaders.
Many of you have already renewed your membership. Todah Rabah. If you haven’t yet renewed, please do so now. Bills have been sent out, but if you haven’t received a bill, all you need to do is leave a check for $25.00 payable to Women’s League at the office.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu! May you be inscribed for a Good Year! B’Shalom, Sandy Koppell