Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 | 5774-5775

26 Old Mill Road | Great Neck, NY 11023 | (516) 487-6100 | www.gns.org The exciting events and programs in this brochure reflect our vision for Great Neck Synagogue as the vibrant, dynamic center of a community that learns and grows together. We thank those sponsors who made last year’s program such a success.

SHABBAT DINNER & GUEST SPEAKERS SERIES 2013-2014 SERIES DEDICATIONS Diane & David Rein in memory of Diane’s mother, Helene M. Fink, z”l Haifa & Dan Shavolian

2013-2014 SERIES SPONSORSHIPS Anonymous Debbie & Hal Chadow Carol & Jeffrey Kaufman Manelli & Ben Rabizadeh

2013-2014 DINNER SPONSORS 2013-2014 DINNER SUPPORTERS Anonymous Sharon & Mordechai Ahdut Alisa & Michael Hoenig Helene & Lloyd Bayme Susan & David Sedgh Lillian & Gary Chubak Florin & Howard Silberstein Debbie & Tom Furst Desiree & Robert Hakim Joan & Henry Katz Dahlia & David Khalili Cindy & Jeff Leibmann

SPONSORSHIPS Rona & Myles Mittleman Inbal & Avraham Noy Brenda & Ed Parver Orly & Alan Steinberg Melissa & Sam Toledano Judy & Jerry Weinstein Yehoshua Family Thank You.... For more information about sponsorships and dedication opportunities for any of our programs or events, please contact Rabbi Bronstein or the synagogue office

2 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 MESSAGE FROM RABBI DALE POLAKOFF Contents Dear Friends,

I am pleased to present you with the Great Neck Synagogue SCHOLARS & STUDY 2014-2015/5774-5775 Brochure. The diversity and vibrancy of Shabbat Dinner & Guest Speaker Series - 4 our community is reflected by the breadth and quality of our Ongoing Classes - 10 programming, as well as the dedication of the many people Yoeztet Halacha Programs - 12 involved in planning and coordination. I encourage you to take Chevra Kaddisha Class - 13 advantage of the many opportunities over the course of the year College and High School Learning - 13 for us to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

This year, you will notice a particular emphasis on -related SHABBAT HIGHLIGHTS speakers and events. Since the fraught days of this past summer, Special Shabbatot - 14 our community has responded in thought, prayer, and action to Shabbos Project - 15 even more closely bond ourselves with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Over the course of this coming year, we will be updated on the latest political and diplomatic situations, as well as many CENTERFOLD CALENDAR - 16 of the critical internal discussions now facing the State of Israel. EVENTS & PROGRAMS Overall, this year’s lineup is stronger than ever, highlighting the Community Highlights - 18 tremendous work done by our leadership and all of our affiliates High Holy Days - 19 to enrich and deepen both our own community as well as our Chanukah Concert - 20 commitment and connection to the larger Jewish world. Pesach - 21 I am most grateful to Gloria & Harvey Kaylie for their leadership in Yom HaShoah - 21 helping us realize our vision for Great Neck Synagogue, along with Yom HaZikaron/Yom Ha’atzmaut - 21 the many sponsors who enable us to grow and develop. Please join us in our efforts to continue to improve Great Neck Synagogue as SYNAGOGUE AFFILIATES a dynamic center of Jewish life in our community. Men’s Club - 22 Sisterhood - 24 With my best wishes for a Shanah Tovah, Yiddishe Vort - 25 a healthy and joyous new year, Women’s Tefilah - 25 Chesed - 25

Rabbi Dale Polakoff ANNUAL DINNER - 26

GNS YOUTH Shabbat Programs - 27 Special Events - 30

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 3 SHABBAT DINNER & GUEST SPEAKER SERIES Join your neighbors and friends at Great Neck Synagogue for a beautiful Family Shabbat Dinner or Luncheon with internationally-acclaimed leaders and much sought-after speakers.

Reservations Required • Limited Seating • RSVP: 516.487.6100 or [email protected] $36/adult • $25/teen • $15/child • $125 family maximum

Our Dinners are for everyone, because at Great Neck Synagogue — We Celebrate Shabbat Together!

• SINGLES: Worried about the walk home alone in the dark? Walking Escorts are available upon request. PARENTS: Presented by: • What to do with the kids? Bring them along – they will love the special children’s menus and exciting program coordinated by GNS YOUTH.

Support Our Shabbat Dinners Dedication and Sponsorship Opportunities are Available – Contact the Synagogue Office!

$5,000 Series Dedication (Limit 6) Personalized dedication to be featured on all dinner programs and synagogue announcements, family reservations for all 2014-2015 dinners, including 2 seats at the speaker’s table, and the opportunity to host guest speakers for Shabbat or for Shabbat meals. VIP reserved seating for all guest speakers.

$1,800 Series Sponsor Family reservations for all 2014-2015 dinners, VIP reserved seating for all guest speakers.

$1,000 Single Dinner Dedication Personalized dedication to be featured on dinner program and synagogue announcements, family reservation, including 2 seats at the speaker’s table.

$500 Dinner Sponsor | $360 Dinner Supporter Includes family reservations.

4 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 November 21-22, 2014 YOSSI KLEIN HALEVI

Fellow, The Shalom Hartman Institute Israel Correspondent and Contributing Editor, The New Republic

Yossi Klein Halevi was born and raised in Borough Park, Brooklyn in New York in a Jewish family. His father was a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor. He completed a BA in Jewish Studies in Brooklyn College in 1978, and completed his MA in Journalism at Northwestern University. In 1982, he moved to Israel with his wife Sarah.

He worked as a senior writer for the bi-weekly magazine The Jerusalem Report from its founding until 2002. Halevi also wrote a column for , and writes regularly on Israeli issues for the op- ed page of the Los Angeles Times, New York Times and Washington Post. His first book, Memoirs of a Jewish Extremist, was published in 1995. In it, he tells of his youthful attraction to, and subsequent break with, the militant Rabbi Meir Kahane. In 2001 he published At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew’s Search for God with Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land. The book tells of his spiritual journey as a religious Jew into the worlds of Christianity and Islam in Israel. Halevi joined the prayers and meditations in mosques and monasteries, in an attempt to experience the devotional lives of his non-Jewish neighbors and to create a religious language of reconciliation among the three monotheistic faiths.

Halevi is a Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, a Jerusalem-based research institute and educational center, and Israel correspondent and contributing editor of The New Republic. He is a lecturer on American and Canadian campuses, focusing on politics and culture in Israel. In the fall of 2013, he began teaching at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Halevi’s latest book, Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided A Nation was released in October 2013 to international acclaim. Halevi has been active in Middle East reconciliation efforts, and serves as chairman of Open House, an Arab-Jewish educational project in the working class town of Ramle. He was a founder and board member of the now-defunct Israeli-Palestinian Media Forum, which brought together Israeli and Palestinian journalists.

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 5 January 30-31, 2015 Commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27, 2015 – the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger Noted Author, Lecturer, and Physician

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger is a board-certified family physician in private practice who lives and works in Aventura, FL. He received his medical education in Germany and Israel and completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. He received additional training in addiction medicine and is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Wollschlaeger’s father was a highly decorated World War II German tank commander and fought in Poland, France, and Russia. After sustaining several injuries, he was presented with the Iron Cross, which was personally awarded to him by Adolf Hitler. Driven by curiosity and interest in finding the truth about his past and the Holocaust, Dr. Wollschlaeger began to explore Judaism, a journey that culminated with his emigration to Israel and conversion to Judaism. He documents his story, and the complex relationship with his family and his past, in a series of acclaimed books, A German Life, Samson’s Shadow, Stauffenberg and My Life in the Shadow of a Hero.

6 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 March 27-28, 2015 CAROLINE GLICK Senior Contributing Editor, Jerusalem Post Director of Israel Security Project, David Horowitz Freedom Center

Caroline Glick made to Israel in 1991, two weeks after earning her BA in Political Science from Columbia University. She served as officer in IDF for five and a half years, including as Coordinator of Negotiations with the PLO in the office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. In this capacity she was a core member of Israel’s negotiating team with the Palestinians.

In 1997-1998 she served as assistant foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Binyamin Netayahu and then returned to the US for graduate school, receiving a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Glick began writing at Makor Rishon newspaper, serving as chief diplomatic commentator and edited magazine supplements on strategic issues. Since 2002, she has also been with the Jerusalem Post, where she writes two weekly columns that are widely syndicated and currently holds the title of Senior Contributing Editor.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, she covered the US-led war in Iraq as an embedded journalist with the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. Reporting for the Post, Maariv, Israel TV’s Channel 2 and the Chicago Sun Times, she was one of the only female journalists on the front lines with the US forces and the first Israeli journalist to report from liberated Baghdad.

From 2004-2012 she served as senior fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs at the Center for Security Policy in Washington, DC, leaving to join the David Horowitz Freedom Center in Los Angeles as the Director of the Center’s Israel Security Project, where she remains the Center for Security Policy’s adjunct senior fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs. She travels regularly to Washington to brief senior officials and members of Congress on issues of joint Israeli-American concern.

In 2003, Ma’ariv named her the most prominent woman in Israel, and she has received many more awards for writing and journalism. Her newest book, The Israeli Solution: A One State Plan for Peace in the Middle East, was released by Crown Forum, in March, 2014.

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 7 June 5-6, 2015 DR. YORAM HAZONY Founder and President, Herzl Institute

Yoram Hazony earned his doctorate from Rutgers in 1993, while serving as an aide to then Prime Minister Binyamin Neyanyahu. He left politics to found the Shalem Center, a Jerusalem research institute that went on to do two decades of pioneering work in the fields of philosophy, political theory, Bible, Talmud, Jewish and Zionist history, Middle East Studies and archaeology. The Center’s publishing arm, Shalem Press, is Israel’s leading publisher of works of Western philosophy translated into Hebrew, and also published Azure Magazine. This year, Shalem received accreditation to begin granting Israel’s first Liberal Arts B.A., and formally became Shalem College. Hazony served as President of Shalem from 1994-2002, and as Provost (academic head) from 2005-2012.

In 2012, Hazony left Shalem together with a group of long-time colleages to establish the Herzl Institute / Machon Herzl in Jerusalem. He is also Director of the John Templeton Foundation‘s project in Jewish Philosophical Theology, and a member of the Modern Orthodox public policy and leadership organization Beit Hillel.

A prolific and celebrated writer, Hazony writes on the intersection between Western history and philosophy and Jewish wisdom and tradition. His recent books include The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture, The Jewish State: The Struggle for Israel’s Soul and The Dawn: Political Teachings of the Book of Esther. His articles and essays have appeared in publications such as The Wall St. Journal, The New York Times, The New Republic, and Commentary, among others. He is currently working on two books, Newton and Hume: On Science, the Mind, and the Nature of Reality; and a follow-up to his last book on the Bible called God of an Imperfect World.

An internationally sought-after teacher and lectuerer, Hazony is acclaimed as one of the great minds in contemporary Jewish thought, with critical insights into the direction and foundations of the modern State of Israel.

8 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 Date to be announced MK RABBI DOV LIPMAN Member of the 19th ()

Rabbi Dov Lipman was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, the son of a US Federal judge. He completed his rabbinical studies at in while in a concurrent program with the Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a master’s degree in education. He immigrated to Israel in 2004, where he taught at several institutions for post-high school Torah learning, such as Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah, Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim, Machon Maayan, and Tiferet. Lipman has also authored several books on Jewish topics. Lipman, who lives in with his wife and four children, became active in politics in response to local extremism. He joined the slate of candidates of the fledgling Yesh Atid Party, and was elected to the 19th Knesset in January, 2013.

As a member of Yesh Atid, Lipman advocates basic secular education for all schools in Israel wanting to receive government funding, increased employment opportunities for those among the Orthodox population who want to join the work force and some form of national service, be it military or social, for every citizen. He believes his task is to be “a conduit of tolerance and acceptance” between the Haredi and secular world.

Since joining the Knesset, Lipman has given a keynote address at the 2013 Rabbinical Council of America Convention and the 2013 Limmud Conference in the United Kingdom. Lipman was also part of the official Israeli delegation to Nelson Mandela’s funeral in South Africa.

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 9 ONGOING TORAH STUDY Unless otherwise noted, all classes take place at Great Neck Synagogue

Mondays: Scholar’s Kollel Rabbi Yudi Jeger 8:30 – 10:00 am Book of Proverbs (Mishlei) Rabbi Ian Lichter Rabbi Dale Polakoff 8:30 – 9:30 pm (Begins 9/30) Topics in Aggadata Rabbi Dale Polakoff 9:00 – 10:00 pm at the home of Pamela & Jeffrey Bilfeld 1 Magnolia Drive, Great Neck (Begins 9/30)

Tuesdays

Community Scholar’s Kollel Rabbi Yudi Jeger 8:30 – 10:00 am, Great Neck Synagogue

Rabbi Ian Lichter Wednesdays Community Scholar’s Kollel Laws of Berakhot & Contemporary Applications Rabbi Ian Lichter 8:30 – 9:30 am Gemorah Shiur Rabbi Yossi Singer 8:30 -9:30 pm Contemporary Topic Chabura Rabbi Ian Lichter 9:00 – 10:00 pm at rotating homes in the community (Begins 10/2) Rabbi Ari Lipsky

10 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 Rabbi Yudi Jeger Thursdays Community Scholar’s Kollel Rabbi Yudi Jeger 8:30 – 10:00 am Women’s Chumash Class: Sefer Bamidbar Rabbi Dale Polakoff 9:15 – 10:30 am (Begins 10/3) Power Chumash: Sefer Shemot Rabbi Dale Polakoff 8:30 – 9:30 pm (Begins 10/3)

Fridays Rabbi Yisroel Reisman Parshat Hashavua Shiur Rabbi Yissocher Frand 8:30 – 9:30 am (video)

Shabbat Parshat Hashavua Shiur GNS Rabbinic Team 8:30 – 9:00 am Gemorah: Masechet Brachot GNS Rabbinic Team 1 hour before Mincha Pathway to the Prophets Rabbi Yissocher Frand Rabbi Yisroel Reisman 1 hour and a half after Shabbat (live broadcast)

Sundays Midrash on the Parsha Rabbi Dale Polakoff 9:20 – 10:00 am

COMMUNITY SCHOLAR’S KOLLEL Rabbi Yudi Jeger, Rosh Kollel Steve Zuckerman, Kollel Chair Join our Scholar’s Kollel each morning for breakfast, stimulating Torah conversation, and special lectures and presentations from the GNS Rabbinic Team and visiting scholars. The Scholar’s Kollel produces a weekly parsha sheet and an annual journal of original Torah scholarship. Sponsorships and dedications are available. Please speak to Steve Zuckerman or Rabbi Lichter for details. Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 11 GREAT NECK SYNAGOGUE YOETZET HALACHA PROGRAM Harriet Schimel, Chair

Dena Block was appointed Yoetzet Halacha (Woman Consultant in Jewish Law) at Great Neck Synagogue in September, 2013. She teaches Talmud and U.S. History at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School in Teaneck, where she is also Director of Student Programming. A graduate of the inaugural class of the U.S. Yoetzet Halacha Fellowship Program of Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center, Yoetzet Block joins over 80 Yoatzot Halacha, who were educated and certified at Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women. Yoatzot Halacha counsel women, lecture and teach in the U.S., Israel, Great Britain and around the world. Yoetzet Block studied at the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz, Israel, before earning a B.A. in History from Barnard College and an M.A. in Biblical and Talmudic Interpretation from Yeshiva University’s Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies. She lives in Washington Heights with her husband, Avi, and son, Zvi. Feel free to contact her privately by phone (516.320.9818) or email ([email protected]).

Yoetzet Halacha Events & Classes

Sunday, September 14 Sunday, November 2 “Mikve Myths with Yoetzet Halacha Community-Wide Unity Breakfast sponsored by: Dena Block.” Great Neck Synagogue, Young Israel of Great Neck, Ladies Brunch at the home of Cherry Lane Minyan & North Shore Mikve Davida Yehaskel, 9 Willow Lane Ilana Wallenstein and Davida Yehaskel, Chairs

Tuesday, February 3 Watch for upcoming schedule of Dinner Conversation Spring learning opportunities with Location TBA Dena Block.

12 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Jerry Weinstein, Head of the Chevra Kadisha of Great Neck Presented by the GNS Men’s Club October 28 | November 4 | November 11 | November 18 Everything You NEVER wanted to know, But NEED to know. The fear of death is the fear of the unknown. How do we practically and spiritually deal with death? In this four part discussion series, you will gain practical knowledge of how to deal with losing a loved one, and deepen your understanding of the rituals that take place at one of the most difficult times of life. Among the topics we will discuss: * End of Life wishes; Dealings with Hospitals and/or Hospice; Sudden unforeseen passing; * Period of Aninus (Time between death and burial); Removal of deceased to the funeral home; Shmira (Watching of the body and reciting of Tehillim); Tahara (Ritual Purification of the deceased); Deeper meaning of the various prayers that are recited during this time period; What to expect at the cemetery; Comforting the mourners.

It is our hope that at the end of these classes there will be less fear of death, and more understanding of the practical and spiritual that accompanies life’s final journey.

College and High School Senior Learning with Rabbi Barak Levy

We are thrilled to welcome one of Great Neck’s most dynamic educators, Rabbi Barak Levy, to Great Neck Synagogue to launch an exciting initiative for for college students in our community. High School seniors welcome!! Wednesday, September 10 “The Bridge Between Marble Notebooks and Hashem’s Notes”

Saturday Night, September 20 An inspiring lecture followed by college/teen Selichot

Saturday, September 27 College and High School Seuda Sh’lishit & Shabbat Shuvah Drashah

Stay tuned for upcoming College events and classes.

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 13 SPECIAL SHABBATOT

Over the course of the year, we celebrate several Shabbatot with special friends and neighbors, exciting programming, and extra spirit.

SHABBATON WITH OHEL - December 5-6 2o14 We welcome our friends from OHEL Bais Ezra back for another inspirational Shabbat in celebration of our community’s close relationship and leadership in this critical organization. To participate in what is always a much-anticipated and uplifting experience, please contact Rabbi Ian Licther or the synagogue office.

YOM HAATZMAUT SHABBAT - April 17-18, 2015 Celebrate the State of Israel with a dynamic couple at the forefront of healing Israel’s religious-secular divide, and creating a new generation of engaged and committed Religious Zionism. Rabbi Ronen and P’nina Neuwirth are spiritual leaders of Ohel Ari Synagogue in Ra’nana and of the influential Beit Hillel think tank and social movement.

FAMILY SHABBAT LUNCHEON - June 6, 2015 In memory of Sharon Sokol Heisler, z”l Begin the summer season with this most meaningful and enjoyable community gathering. While your children attend the End Of Year Bash, take some time to socialize and reconnect with friends and neighbors, and enjoy a special guest speaker.

SHABBAT WITH AIPAC - Date TBA Find out about the latest issues that define the America-Israel relationship, learn how to get involved and put your committment to Israel to effective use. GNS is proud of our deep relationship with AIPAC - including our annual delegation to the Washington, D.C. Policy summit. For more information, please contact the synagogue office.

14 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 INTERNATIONAL SHABBOS PROJECT October 23-25

We join hundreds of communities around the world in observing Shabbat together, in solidarity, with the larger Jewish world. This project, a brainchild of South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, will remind us to warmly share the special spirit that marks our Jewish experience with all Jews, regardless of background or level of affiliation.

Our steering committee has been working diligently and actively to coordinate and plan exciting weekend events for the entire community

In addition, we have joined forces with many other synagogues on the Great Neck Peninsula in an effort to plan exciting and educational events for the entire Great Neck community. Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

From a Thursday Night Community-Wide Challah Baking to a Saturday Night Havdalah Concert, there is something for everyone, young and old, from every and any walk of life.

The Shabbos Project is a unique and exciting opportunity to join with Jews from around the world, as well as our very own community, uniting those with different customs, religious and educational backgrounds of all ages to ‘Keep it together.’

For an up-to-date listing of events, participating synagogues and institutions, The festive scene in South Africa last year. and how to get involved, visit www.gns.org Be part as we join in, Great Neck style! or contact the synagogue office.

Prepare For The Shabbos Project - Two Important Classes:

Thursday, September 4, 7:45 pm “Kibud and Oneg Shabbat: “Appreciating the uniqueness of this special day” with Rabbi Dale Polakoff

Thursday, Sept 11, 7:30 pm Kiddush and Havdallah: “Distinguishing between the holy and the mundane” with Rabbi Ian Lichter Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 15 October Wednesday, October 1 Men’s Club Books & Bagels | Rabbi Marvin Tokayer Sunday, October 5 Sukkah Decorating | Morah Zehava Atlas Wednesday, October 8 Centerfold Calendar Youth Trip to BOUNCE Friday, October 10 September Annual Sukkah Hop Sunday, October 12 • Mystery Bus Ride to High School Sukkah Party Shabbat, September 12 - 13 Youth Leadership Training Shabbaton Tuesday, October 14 • Hoshannah Rabba Sukkah Program Sunday, September 14 • Sukkah Sleepover | 5th-8th grades • Ladies Brunch - Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block • Men’s Club Books & Bagels | Dr. Barry Libin Wednesday, October 15 Youth Trip to FUNZONE Tuesday, September 16 High School Shemini Atzeret Oneg Sisterhood Hat Show and Yoga Thursday, October 16 Thursday, September 18 Preschool Afternoon Hakafot - NEW PROGRAM! High Holy Days Evening of Learning Simchat Torah Celebration Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Rabbi Ian Lichter Tuesday, October 21 Saturday, September 20 Sisterhood Israeli Dance First Night Selichot Basketball Sign-up | 6th- 8th grades Rabbi Marc Penner & Rabbi Barak Levy Thursday, October 23 Sunday, September 21 Shabbos Project Challah Baking Rosh Hashanah Arts & Crafts Morah Zehava Atlas Shabbat, October 24-25 International Shabbos Project Friday, September 26 Collegiate Shabbat Oneg Sunday, October 26 Men’s Club Medical Forum | Dr. J. Salamon Shabbat, September 27 Tuesday, October 28 • Main Sanctuary Youth Shabbat Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical • College & High School Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Jerry Weinstein Shabbat Shuva Drasha | Rabbi Barak Levy

16 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 Friday, October 31 • Mini Shabbaton | 1st-2nd grade boys 11th-12th grade Oneg • High School Master Chef Competition Sunday, November 23 November Men’s Club Books & Bagels Dr. William Helmreich Shabbat, November 1 Friday, November 28 Mini-Shabbaton | 5th-7th grade girls Loaves of Love Sunday, November 2 Morah Zehava Atlas • Community-Wide Unity Breakfast Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block • Men’s Club Blood Drive December Tuesday, November 4 Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Jerry Weinstein Shabbat, December 5-6 • High School Oneg Shabbat, November 8 • OHEL Shabbaton • Group Leaders Kiddush • Mini Shabbaton | 3rd-4th grade girls • Mini Shabbaton | 5th-7th grade boys Sunday, December 7 Saturday Night, November 8 Men’s Club Presents Hank Scheinkopf • Men’s Cub & Sisterhood Murder Mystery Dinner @ Colbeh Tuesday, December 9 Sisterhood Chanukah Boutique • Soccer Sign-up / 1st-5th grades • Saturday Night Soccer begins • High School After (Soccer) begins Shabbat, December 13 • Mini Shabbaton | 3rd-4th grade boys Sunday, November 9 • Preschool Leaders Kiddush Pianist Elena Klionsky Sponsored by Lorraine & Harold Domnitch Sunday, December 14 Preschool Arts & Crafts Tuesday, November 11 Morah Zehava Atlas Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Jerry Weinstein Shabbat, December 19-20 • Chanukah Youth Bash Shabbat, November 15 • Concert with NISSIM Mini Shabbaton / 1st-2nd grade girls Tuesday, November 18 • Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical For updates and latest Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Jerry Weinstein information, please see • Sisterhood Chai Dinner | Carole Basri www.gns.org or the weekly Shabbat, November 21-22 Shabbat Announcements. • Shabbat Dinner and Guest Speaker Series Yossi Klein Halevi Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 17 COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

An Afternoon Of The Classics With Internationally Acclaimed Pianist Elena Klionsky Sunday, November 9, 2014 Sponsored by Lorraine & Harold Domnitch in memory of Lorraine’s sister, Rosalind Mordkofsky

Annual Membership Meeting & Yom Yerushalayim Celebration Sunday, May 17, 2015 Show your support for our synagogue and its leadership by participating in the election of officers, tributes to our departed members, and the presentation of the Jack Shaw Community Service Award. As has become traditional, the program will include a celebration of Yom Yerushalayim.

Dr. Scott Danoff, Jack Shaw Awardees David Rein and Steven Blumner, Rabbi Ian Lichter SHAVUOT TORAH STUDY Great Neck Tikkun Leil Shavuot Saturday Night, May 23, 2015

This annual event returns to Great Neck Synagogue. An exciting all-night series of classes, lectures, and panel discussions unite Great Neck Synagogue and Young Israel of Great Neck. A festive series of refreshments helps you through the night, which culminates with a sunrise Shacharit.

NEILAT HACHAG CELEBRATION Monday, May 25, 2015

Leave Shavuot on a high note, as we come together for good food, spirited Torah discussion, and holiday cheer.

18 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 MAXIMIZE YOUR HIGH HOLY DAYS EXPERIENCE

HIGH HOLY DAYS EVENING OF STUDY An evening of intellectual and spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days Thursday, September 18, 7:45 pm

“Insights of the Machzor” with Rabbi Dale Polakoff

“Using Chana in our Rosh Hashana Prayers” with Rabbi Ian Lichter

SELICHOT 5774 Saturday Evening, September 20, 10:00 pm

Uplifting Selichot led by Chazan Ze’ev Kron

“The Key to a Successful High Holy Days” by Rabbi Marc Penner Dean, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University

College & Teens Selichot and Discussion led by Rabbi Barak Levy

HOSHANNAH RABBA Tuesday Evening, October 14

Sukkah BBQ featuring the internationally acclaimed speaker RABBI ELI MANSOUR

Children’s Program featuring the return of Yeladudes Theater

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 19 SHABBAT CHANUKAH December 19-20, 2014

CELEBRATE THE “NES” WITH MUSICAL GUEST NISSIM • Special Friday Night Chanukah Tisch • Inspirational Presentation at the Teen Minyan & Cholent Kiddush • Exciting, Can’t-Miss Saturday Night Concert

Nissim is a Seattle based recording artist/producer, who made his first impression nationally in 2008 as D.Black, on producer Jake One’s label, White Van Music, with the song “God Like”. While his earlier recordings were filled with tales of guns, drugs and violence, it was in 2009, with the release of “Ali’ Yah” that he quickly grabbed eardrums. The album was showered with accolades, such as landing the #12 spot on Amazon’s “Outstanding Album’s You Might Have Missed” list, it entered the CMJ Hip Hop Charts at #16, peaked at #4 for five weeks, and remained in the top 20 for nine weeks. The album’s first music video “Yesterday” made its debut on XXL.com and shortly after entered rotation on multiple MTV networks. He performed at some of the countries most esteemed music festivals including; CMJ, SXSW, Capitol Hill Block Party, and Bumbershoot as well as sharing the stage with NaS, Mos Def, Macklemore, Freeway, Rhymefest, Boot Camp Click and Bun B to name a few. As D.Black he teetered on the verge of becoming a household name in the underground, but something was missing, and the man who would become Nissim found himself in the midst of a spiritual crisis. After a two year hiatus and converting to Orthodox Judaism, Nissim dropped his former moniker, and adopted a new name, he began a new journey, and in his own words “to make music that inspires and elevates this world, to the world of spirituality and divine purpose.” Not your average MC, Nissim’s work is multidimensional, combining energy and passion, with a deep focus on personal growth through times of struggle.

20 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 PREPARE FOR PESACH KASHER-IN March 26, 2015 From silver to silverware, make sure your best is ready.

PRE-PESACH EVENING OF LEARNING Tuesday, March 24, 2015 With Rabbi Dale Plakoff and Rabbi Ian Lichter Learn what to do, and have something to say at the seder.

YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Our community comes together to honor our survivors and remember the six million.

Program includes candle-lighting, reflections by Rabbi Dale Polakoff, memorial prayers by Cantor Zeev Kron, and a personal recollection or testimony from a survivor.

YOM HAZIKARON & YOM HAATZMA’UT Wednesday-Thursday, April 22-23, 2015

A somber memorial service for the fallen heroes of the State of Israel gives way to a festive ma’ariv and reception in celebration of the reborn Jewish State. An exciting after-school event for the children rounds out the Yom Haatzma’ut program.

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 21 MEN’S CLUB Hilly Milun, President Our Men’s Club is known for creative programming, community events, and informative lectures.

Sunday, September 14 Books & Bagels Dr. Barry Libin “The Mystery of the Milton Manuscript” Special commentary by Dr. Lawrence Schiffman, Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Education, Yeshiva Univesity

Wednesday, October 1 Book Launch Event Rabbi marvin Tokayer “Pepper, Silk, and Ivory”

Sunday, October 26 Medical Forum - back by popular demand! “Addiction: How it harms, and how to help” with Dr. J. Salamon and other informative guests.

Sunday, November 2 Semi Annual Blood Drive

Saturday Night, November 8 Murder Mystery Dinner at Colbeh Restaurant in cooperation with the Sisterhood

22 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 MEN’S CLUB Hilly Milun, President Our Men’s Club is known for creative programming, community events, and informative lectures.

Sunday, November 23 Books & Bagels Dr. William Helmreich “The New York Nobody Knows: Walking 6,000 Miles in the City”

Sunday, December 7 Hebrew Free Burial Society Presents Hank Scheinkopf Acclaimed Political Strategist & community leader & Amy Koplow, Executive Director, HFBS

January 2015 “The History of Great Neck Synagogue” In conjunction with the Great Neck Historical Society with Rebbetzin Elaine Wolf and Sharon Goldwyn

STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS • Old Mill Road Rabbinic Dialogue at Temple Beth El of Great Neck • Semi-Annual Blood Drive • Defensive Driving Course • June Fishing Trip

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 23 SISTERHOOD Farla Frumkin, President

The Great Neck Synagogue Sisterhood raises funds to support the Shul through a multifaceted series of programs and events.

Pre-Holidays Night Out Tuesday, September 16

Look Good: Hat Show and Sale featuring Bella’s Hats Feel Good: Yoga Class, with Pia Shlomo er 1 er ory” Israeli Dance Class Tuesday, October 21 Learn all the latest moves with Michal Richardson Michal Richardson has taught Israeli folk dancing at camps, schools, and community events for over a decade. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology and Dance at Barnard College, and her M.A. in Educational Media at NYU.

Annual Chai Dinner Tuesday, November 18 Guest Speaker Carole Basri Professor, Fordham University Law School and Peking University Law School A much-sought after expert on the history and customs of the Iraqi Jewish community!

Chanukah Boutique Tuesday, December 9 Featuring ALL your Chanukah and year-round gifts and luxuries!

Stay Tuned for 2015 Sisterhood events by visiting www.gns.org. 24 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 DOS YIDDISHE VORT Roz Wagner, President For those who love Yiddish and appreciate Yiddish Culture. Join us in November as we visit the National Yiddish Theatre with the Men’s Club. For schedule of monthly Wednesday afternoon programs, please see the GNS Weekly Announcements

WOMEN’S TEFILAH Come together to share special events through tefilah. From Bat Mitzvah celebrations to our annual Women’s Megillah Reading, be part of a unique venue in our community for spiritual expression.

GNS MONTHLY CHESSED COLLECTIONS Sharon Goldwyn, Coordinator

Our community is marked by the calling to “pay it forward” and assist those who are less fortunate. Our monthly collections and distributions benefit so many worthy organizations and are a sparkling tribute to our community. Sign up as a coordinator to help insure that each collection will run smoothly. To volunteer to be a Chesed Coordinator for one month please call Mark Twersky at (516) 487- 6100 ([email protected]) or Sharon Goldwyn at (917) 287-7334 ([email protected])

Thank you for your help! Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 25 26 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 GNS Youth is directed by Rabbi Sholom Jensen and Zahava & Dr. Michael Atlas. Under their dynamic leadership, children of all ages come from far and wide because the fun and learning never end!

TheSHABBAT core of GNS Youth MORNING is our engaging andGROUPS varied Shabbat morning program. Please refer to the listings inside the synagogue for weekly room assignments.

Pregroups from 9:00-10:00 am for all youth. SHABBAT AFTERNOON All groups conclude at 12:00 noon Youth Seudah Shlishit 5th-7th grade and 8th-12th grade boys and girls Preschool 10:00 am Mincha in the Beit Midrash followed by foosball, ping-pong, • Mommy & Me and Seudah Shlishit in the Braun Youth Center. Our innovative • Me Without Mommy (Toddlers) Ba’al Peh Program, focusing on the memorization of key and • Kindergarten common blessings and prayers, and study of Mishnayot round out the afternoon. We rejoin the adults in the Beit Midrash for Grades 1-2 and 3-5 Ma’ariv and Havdalah. 10:00 am – Groups begin 10:30 am – Youth Minyan and Parsha Supervised play provided for children ages Nursery-4th grade 11:15 am - Groups/Activities & Kiddush from Mincha through Havdalah.

Grades 6-8 | grades 1-5 | 6:00 pm-8:15 pm 10:30 am – Parsha Club Saturday Night Soccer 11:15 am – Groups/Activities & Kiddush Night After (Soccer) Program | grades 6-12 | 8:30 pm-11:00 pm

Grades 9-12 GNS is the place to be for a fun, exciting Saturday night! 8:30 am – Teen / Youth Minyan 11:15 am – Cholent Kiddush Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 27 MINI SHABBATON & ICE CREAM KIDDUSH SERIES Children of all ages look forward to their special Shabbatot, featuring an enhanced Shabbat program featuring our signature Ice Cream Kiddush and culminating with a spectacular Saturday night activity.

Shabbat, November 1 Shabbat, January 10 5th-7th grade boys and girls 1st-2nd grade girls

Shabbat, November 8 Shabbat, January 31 5th-7th grade boys 1st-2nd grade boys

Shabbat, November 15 Shabbat, February 7 1st-2nd grade girls 3rd - 4th grade girls

Shabbat, November 22 Shabbat, February 21 1st-2nd grade boys 3rd-4th grade boys

Shabbat, December 6 Shabbat, February 28 3rd-4th grade girls 5th-7th grade girls

Shabbat, December 13 Shabbat, March 7 3rd-4th grade boys 5th - 7th grade boys YOUTH LEADERS KIDDUSH SERIES Specialized Leadership Training and Shabbat Spirit at the home of Aksana & YOUTH ONEG SERIES Rabbi Sholom Jensen (7 Brook Lane). Rousing singing, inspiring divei torah, meaningful camaraderie, and good food make for the perfect teen Shabbat, November 8 Shabbat experience Unless otherwise noted, Onegs are at Group Leaders the home of Zehava & Dr. Mike Atlas (9 Brook Lane). Shabbat, December 13 Friday, September 12 Friday, December 12 Preschool Leaders Leadership Training Oneg 11th-12th grades with Menachem Menchel Shabbat, January 10 Friday, January 9 Kiddush Staff Friday, September 26 9th-10th grades Shabbat Shuva Collegiate Oneg Shabbat, February 7 Friday, February 20 Group Leaders Wednesday, October 15 7th-8th grades Shemini Atzeret H.S Oneg home of Ellen & Rabbi Dale Polakoff Friday, March 20 Shabbat, March 21 11th-12th grades Preschool Leaders Friday, October 31 11th-12th grade Friday, May 1 Shabbat, May 9 9th-10th grades Kiddush Staff Friday, December 5 Oneg with OHEL Friday, May 29 8th-12th grades 7th-8th grades 28 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 Ongoing Youth Classes Your children will enjoy learning as they SUNDAY MORNING develop lasting friendships and love of ARTS & CRAFTS community and their Jewish heritage. With Morah Zehava Atlas Grades K-4, 10:00am Sundays: Middle School Minyan & Breakfast Sunday, October 5 8:30–10:00pm Decorating GNS’ Sukkah Boys, grades 6-8 Sunday, December 14 Tuesdays: Chanukah Crafts! Chesed Club 6:00–6:45pm Sunday, February 1 Rabbi Ian Lichter Tu B’Shevat Celebration 7th-8th Grade Girls Sunday, March 22 Wednesdays: Pesach Preparation Parsha & Pizza 7:00–7:30pm Rabbi Ian Lichter Grades 2-5

Thursdays: High School Torah Hangout INTRAMURAL SPORTS LEAGUES 6:30–7:30pm GNS Youth is the place to be for competitive, Rabbi Ian Lichter active sports leagues all year round! 9th-12th Grade Boys & Girls BASKETBALL 6th - 8th grade Fall Sign-up: Tuesday, October 21 Spring Sign-up: Tuesday, January 27

SOCCER 1st - 5th grade Sign-up: Saturday night, November 8

BASEBALL 3rd - 8th grade

Sign-up: Friday, January 9th

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 29 SPECIAL EVENTS Youth Leaders Training Shabbaton Shabbat, September 12-13

With Menachem Menchel Director of Youth Education & Activities, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale

HIGH HOLIDAYS EVENTS YOUTH SELICHOT HIGH SCHOOL SUKKAH PARTY Saturday Night, September 20 Sunday, October 12 An inspiring beginning to the High Holiday season SUKKAH SLEEPOVER FIELD TRIP TO BOUNCE Tuesday, October 14 Wednesday, October 8 All-night fun in the gym, succah, and Youth Center. Building camaraderie and spirit before 5th - 8th grade Sukkot. FIELD TRIP TO FUN ZONE ANNUAL SUKKAH HOP Wednesday, October 15 Friday, October 10 (Rain date: October 11) Prepare for Simchat Torah in style! The much-anticipated event returns! March through the streets of Great Neck, SIMCHAT TORAH CELEBRATION bringing joy and song from home to home – Thursday, October 16 not to mention the food! Spirited Youth Hakafot! Seforim for all Youth! Flags, Fun, and the Annual Candy Kiddush!

NEW PROGRAM: Afternoon Preschool Hakafot!

30 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 SPECIAL EVENTS HIGH SCHOOL MASTER CHEF COMPETITION Saturday Night, November 22 Put your creativity and daring to the GNS test! Following Saturday Night Soccer

ANNUAL CHANUKAH BASH LOAVES OF LOVE Shabbat, December 20 CHALLAH Luncheon Ticket Hunt! BAKING Dreidel Competition Friday, November 28 GRAND Raffle! with Morah Zehavah Atlas

PURIM EXTRAVAGANZA Wednesday Evening, March 4

Mishloach Manot and SUPER BOWL Ice Cream Sundaes PARTY Youth-Friendly Megillah Readings and Sunday, February 1 incredible celebration The hottest Purim ticket in town! Watch the big game on the big screen, games, prizes, and much, much more! PURIM CARNIVAL Thursday, March 5

END OF YEAR BASH Shabbat, June 6 Awards Luncheon GRAND Raffle Enjoy Your Summer!! Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 31 Great Neck Synagogue

Rabbi Dale Polakoff Rabbi Ian Lichter, Assistant Rabbi Zeev Kron, Chazan Rabbi Ari Lipsky, Rabbinic Intern

Rabbi Sholom Jensen, Youth Director Zehava & Dr. Michael Atlas, Youth Directors

Rabbi Avraham Bronstein, Program Director [email protected] Dena Block, Yoetzet Halacha |

Dr. Hal Chadow, President Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board Mark Twersky, Executve Director

Rabbi Dr. Ephraim R. Wolf z”l, Rabbi Emeritus Cantor Eleazer Schulman z”l, Cantor Emeritus Graphic Design and Layout and Layout Design Graphic