Bulletin

Vassar T emple Where you belong Bulletinin Founded 1848 Volume 159 No. 2 February 2012 אחים ישראל Congregation Brethren of Israel

Shabbat Services “Bread and Circuses: at 6:00 p.m. The Race for Upcoming Events During the winter the White House in 2012” Feb 5 Lunch Box, page 8 months of January and Vassar College political science pro- Feb 11 Visioning the future, p4 February we continue fessor, and Vassar Temple member, Sidney to hold Friday evening Feb 14 Reading the Primaries, p1 Plotkin will discuss the implications of the Feb 17 Shabbat Dinner, p4 Shabbat services at 6:00 Republican primaries at two adult educa- p.m. An hour later you Feb 4 & 18 Meditation Group, p9 tion sessions on Tuesday evenings, Janu- Feb 22 Book Club, p6 can enjoy crackers, cheese and nuts, as well as ary 31st and February 14th, at 7:00 p.m. at sweets, at an Oneg in the East Chapel. Feb 26, Hamantaschen baking, p6 the temple. Everyone is welcome to attend Tiny Temple, p4 This timing enables you to come to one or both classes, taught by an outstand- Mar 2,3 Joint Shabbaton w Beth Shabbat services straight from work on winter ing teacher, to learn about and discuss a El, p3 evenings and arrive home in time for Shabbat subject which will affect us all. dinner – or meet old and new friends at the Mar 10 Purim dinner, Megilla Read services and then go out for supper. ing, and Spiel, p 10 “Vision the future of ” on Feb 11; see page 4

In Memory of Seth Erlebacher On December wasn’t sure at first how it would go, but lived within the community, observing 16, 2011 Vassar ended up staying the whole time, enjoying God’s laws, fulfilling his obligations, and Temple lost its the interaction with the public and talking connecting…with his children, his family, president, Seth A. about Vassar Temple. friends and the community…Seth was that Erlebacher. Seth special person whose passion for Judaism died suddenly Richard Jacobs, the new presi- and love of his family and friends made while attending the dent of the URJ, spoke at Seth’s funeral, our community a better place.” Biennial conven- pointing out that “over and over again tion of the Union throughout his life Seth Erlebacher said On our temple blog Rabbi Golomb for Reform Juda- Hineni (here I am) to those around him… wrote about “Seth’s innate integrity: a ism in Washington, This is the response Jewish leaders have sense of internal oneness; the ability to DC, about which he had been enthusiasti- spoken throughout our history; Seth gave meld together the distinct and diverse cally blogging for the benefit of all our freely of his time and wisdom as he served elements of one’s life into a consistent members. These facts are emblematic his congregation and people.” and reinforcing whole.” Because of his of two of the many ways in which Seth integrity, Rabbi continued, “Seth was truly strengthened our congregation: through his Seth’s colleagues at IBM described a tzaddik…[His] presence in our lives, devotion to Reform Judaism and by bring- him as a master of technology who could however brief in the greater scheme of ing us the advantages of online social net- explain the most complex things in an un- things, has made a profound impression. working. Another of his special interests derstandable way. They valued his warm Each one of us is better off for the blessing was our programs for children and youth, friendship and his willingness to help and his life bestowed upon us.” including URJ summer camps. mentor them, as well as his integrity and sense of joy. His love for and pride in his As our past president Sandra Mamis In the wider community, he served wife Melissa and daughters Rachel and said at Seth’s funeral, “when each of us on the board of the Community Hebrew Brianna were as obvious to his co-workers chooses to walk in his footsteps, Seth will School and was a supporter of the Jewish as they were to everyone at Vassar Temple. remain as a living and influential presence Community Center. Seth manned the among us.” Vassar Temple booth at the Shalom on Our member Susan Budson Fink Grand Festival both years it was held. He described Seth as “a man of God, who 1 Rabbi’s Message: 60% of ISRAEL THANKS YOU

Extraordinary ARZA is the Reform Judaism’s wholly secular nor Orthodox. They have demands are made on formal representative in the world Zionist no political voice, and it would be impos- our time and money. movement. For the past twenty years, it sible to create one, but they are not without Unless you are part of has been the dominant voice for religious influence. Much of it comes from ARZA, that vaunted 1% of the non-Orthodox Jewish life in the State of which in coalition with other institutions – nation that has enjoyed Israel. Politically, Israel is divided among such as Hebrew Union College, the World true economic security secular and Orthodox religious parties. Union for Progressive Judaism, and the over the past few de- Given the state of coalition politics in the – have created syna- cades, we have had to be quite careful and formation of a ruling government, the gogues, trained liberal and educa- intentional with our allocations, especially Orthodox parties have enjoyed outsized tors, and underwritten the Israel Religious to items that are not considered fundamental influence. The result has been the promo- Action Center (IRAC). necessities. It is in this context that I want tion of economic and social policies that Israel needs this voice, and we especially to acknowledge and thank more greatly favor a relatively small and not who care for the well-being of the Jewish than 125 Vassar Temple members who made very popular segment of the population. State need ARZA. The contribution is the extra contribution in order to be mem- Religiously, however, the major- only $36, a small portion of Vassar Temple bers of ARZA as well. ity of Israel’s Jewish population – con- dues. It is, however, a very big and sistently over 60% in polls – are neither important statement. I value your support for progressive Jewish life in Israel, and personally thank all of you who made this commitment.

Rabbi Paul Golomb President’s Message As I write this informed, and ensuring that I wasn’t alone The Enduring Legacy of Seth Erlebacher, at the beginning in the subsequent hours. I extend my par- reflects the way Seth embodied the best of of January, what a ticular thanks to Rabbi Marcus Burstein, Reform Judaism. month we’ve had who accompanied me before and after we “His devotion to his family and … a virtual roller were notified of Seth’s death, and Rabbi his faith was constant and unwavering. coaster of emo- Rex Perlmeter, who went to the hospital Each week he looked forward to sharing tions – Seth’s and with Seth. Seth’s passing was announced the joy of Shabbat with his community. my anticipation of by the rabbi leading the Friday night Seth’s commitment was infectious…Seth and attendance at the service at the Biennial (with 4500+ people understood the serious challenges facing URJ Biennial; the shocking and untimely in the room). Several attendees expressed our congregations and our movement, but passing of our beloved Temple president, their shock and sympathy to me – people as a true leader he was always focused Seth Erlebacher, z”l; the congregation’s who did not know Seth, as well as some on turning challenges into opportuni- joyous celebration of Hanukkah; the hopes who had just met him over the prior couple ties. It couldn’t be clearer that great for a new year. days. congregations come in all sizes and are I would like to start by thanking all In mentally reviewing these events, found throughout our Union. Nurtured by of those who were instrumental in helping I realize that what I had known for a long dedicated lay leaders like Seth Erlebacher, during the hours, days and weeks after Seth time became so vividly true as to appear our congregations make a difference in the passed away. It was an extremely difficult in 3D. Vassar Temple is truly a family lives of our members every day.” and emotional time for all of us, and it was for many of us, especially those who have If you have not yet read Rabbi Jacobs’ heartening to experience the support. In very small or geographically scattered message, you can locate the link at the particular, but certainly not exclusively, families. While belonging to Vassar upper right of the Temple web site home I would like to thank Susan Hecht who Temple brings different experiences and page. provided a liaison between the Erlebacher benefits for various members and families, I have assumed the position of Vassar household and the many temple mem- one benefit shines brilliantly: support from Temple President earlier and under very bers who wanted to help, orchestrating a the congregation. Vassar Temple is a mac- different circumstances than any of us phenomenal coordination of food and other rocosm of regular families, with different could have expected. Regardless, we now assistance; Sandra Mamis, David Lampell, factions, cliques and even irritations at need to move forward, keeping in mind Brian Silverman, and Tamara Gruszko for times, but when there is a crisis, everyone Seth’s vision, all doing our part to ensure ensuring that Temple business was taken jumps in to provide assistance. that some of his strongest visions – such care of while I was away; my wife Mari- Rabbi Richard Jacobs, the incoming as Temple youth education, attendance anne and daughter Danielle for meeting president of the Union for Reform Juda- at URJ camps, finding ways to leverage me at the conference center, and all of the ism (URJ), honored Seth and all of us by technology to improve Temple life – are people who expressed their support for speaking at Seth’s funeral. He was moved fulfilled. The business of Vassar Temple and confidence in me. I cannot thank you by the service and later wrote a wonder- will continue to be run smoothly with the enough. ful essay to allow all 900 congregations tireless support of Temple officers, board The rabbinical support staff at the of the URJ to share our pride in Seth and members and committee chairs, as well as Biennial was wonderful, keeping me our loss. His message, Hineni Biennial: with the help of all our members. Bob Abrams

2 Note: All Board and Committee Meetings, except Executive Sessions, are open to all Temple members. Community Hebrew School of Dutchess County is the Hebrew Education Division of Vassar Temple. From Our Religious School Director:

December 21, 2011 to meet someone, and this was no excep- students were. He was polite enough to tion. By the time the process was conclud- say “thank you,” but his eyes replied, “yes, ed, I knew where Seth stood on everything I know.” we’d discussed --- he preferred to lock the Today I buried a door before arming the alarm, for example, Brianna, too, who was both a student friend. and he was adamant that e-mail addresses on Wednesdays and soon a student teacher should be part of the Temple’s branding --- on Sunday mornings, was particularly In attendance at the but I didn’t know who he was. helpful to me, especially in my first few funeral with me weeks, before I knew how the teachers and was the president Seth was always around the Temple, students expected things to run. I remem- of the largest movement of the world though, giving us lots of informal oppor- ber I said something to Seth about how has seen; other clergy; representatives of tunities to talk in addition to our formal wonderful Brianna was, and, again, cour- neighboring communities; members of meetings. We discussed mundane matters tesy won out in his polite reply, but I could various intersecting business, social, and like budget lines and teacher salaries, practically hear his body language: “You religious circles; friends; and numerous and lofty goals like how to foster Jewish don’t have to tell me. I already know.” acquaintances. Toward the front were his commitment. I remember one particular grieving parents, wife, and two teenage day I came to Seth when I discovered Seth and I talked about the school, daughters. what could have been a huge problem. He of course, and the Temple, about sum- responded with a cheery if ironic one-word mer camps and the future of the Jewish I met Seth Erlebacher only a few answer: “excellent!” His simple reply was people. We celebrated Shabbat together. months ago, in his role of Temple Presi- laden with complex implications: We’ll We mocked the ineptitude in the world dent, at a meeting of three people con- fix this together. We won’t let it stand in (sometimes, sadly, our own), chatted about cerning the religious school and whether I our way as we build for the future. And current events, and planned for a better would run it. We talked about vision and for sure, we won’t let it stop us from hav- tomorrow. salary, education and culture, supervision ing fun now. techniques and attendance policies, work Six months ago I met the Temple hours and commuting distances. Follow- When September came, Seth wasn’t President. Today I buried a friend. up discussions were devoted to health the only Erlebacher to hang out around the insurance, keys, voice mail, computers, Temple. I saw Rachel each week because e-mail, security codes, and myriad other she was one of the 3rd-grade teachers and Dr Joel Hoffman, details related to a new job. part of my job was to supervise her. It Religious School Director didn’t take me long to see how talented she A job interview is always an odd way is. At one point, at a congregational din- ner, I think, I told Seth how lucky Rachel’s

Vassar Temple and Temple Beth-El to Hold Joint Shabbaton, March 2-3 This year the annual Joint Shab- The 10:00 a.m. joint Shabbat and Judaism called Seek Her Out, baton sponsored by Vassar Temple and morning service at Temple Beth-El on published by the URJ Press. She Temple Beth-El will take place during Saturday, March 3rd will be followed at is currently creating a new Reform the weekend of March 2-3. The guest noon by a Kiddush Luncheon and a talk congregation in downtown Toronto speaker for the Shabbaton will be Rabbi by Rabbi Goldstein called “Women are which will be up and running by the High Elyse Goldstein who has been the Rab- from Genesis, Men are from Leviticus: Holy Days of 2012. binic Director of the Kolel Adult Centre Do Men and Women Read the Torah Dif- The Joint Shabbaton is being under- for Liberal Jewish Learning in Toronto ferently?” Please RSVP for the luncheon written by the Lipschutz Fund of Vassar for the past 20 years. An accomplished by February 27th by calling 845-454-0570 Temple and by the Sherman Fund of academic, Rabbi Goldstein is an ar- or emailing [email protected]. Temple Beth-El. All members of the com- ticulate and passionate teacher with a The author of ReVisions: Seeing munity are warmly invited to attend any or nation-wide reputation. During the five Torah through a Feminist Lens and The all of the events. years she served as Rabbi of Temple Women’s Torah Commentary, The Beth David in Canton, Massachusetts, Women’s Haftarah Commentary and New the congregation grew from 80 families Jewish Feminism (chosen as finalist for to over 200 families. the National Jewish Book Award), Rabbi The Shabbaton will begin with a Goldstein is the recipient of numerous joint Shabbat service at Vassar Temple awards, including the most prestigious on Friday, March 2nd at 7:30 p.m. during award in Jewish education, the inter- which Rabbi Goldstein will speak about nationally recognized Covenant Award “Growing the 21st Century : for Exceptional Jewish Educators in Lessons from Success.” An oneg Shab- 2005. She is also the author of a self- bat will follow the service. guided adult study textbook on Women 3 Worship Services Scriptural Readings Friday, February 3 February 3 & 4 B’shalah (Shabbat Shirah) 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service Exodus 14:15-16:10 Saturday, February 4 Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31 10:00 a.m. New Paths Service February 10 & 11 Yitro Friday, February 10 Exodus 19:1-25 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6 Saturday, February 11 February 17 & 18 Mishpatim (Shabbat Shekalim) 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Exodus 22:4-23:19 (30:11-16) 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Haftarah: II Kings 12:1-17 Friday, February 17 February 24 & 25 T’ruma 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service & Birthday Blessings with Exodus 26:1-30 Rabbi Golomb and cantorial soloist, Elisa Haftarah: I Kings 5:26-6:13 Dugatkin March 3 & 4 T’tzaveh (Shabbat Zakhor) Saturday, February 18 Exodus 28:31-29:18; (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Haftarah: I Samuel 15:2-34 10:00 a.m. New Paths Service Friday, February 24 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service with Rabbi Golomb and cantorial soloist, Elisa Dugatkin Saturday. February 25 Tiny Temple Learns about Purim 9:00 a.m. Torah Study All preschoolers (age infant-5) and those who are Friday, March 2 raising them are invited to join in on the fun at Tiny 7:30 p.m. Joint Shabbaton with Temple Beth-El Temple on Sunday, February 26th, from 10:30 to noon, Saturday, March 3 while learning about the joyous holiday of Purim through 10:00 a.m. Joint Shabbaton at Temple Beth-El crafts, story and song in a relaxed and friendly setting. The children are encouraged to come in costume, and as part of our snack we’ll nosh New Paths Services some hamantaschen which the children can help to Please join us in the sun-lit East Chapel on Saturdays, make. The adults will have an opportunity to meet February 4th and 18th at 10:00 a.m. Each New Paths service, others raising young Jewish children. whether rabbi-led or lay-led, provides a unique and thought- All are welcome to this free program regardless of ful Shabbat morning experience. We focus on letting the ser- Temple affiliation. Tiny Temple is held once a month vice get through us, rather than getting through the service. A during the school year, is always free of charge, and is brief informal light kiddush follows. For more information, sponsored by the Sisterhood. To assist in our planning please contact Marian Schwartz at [email protected] or and have your questions answered, please RSVP to tiny- Rabbi Golomb at [email protected] or 845-454-2570. [email protected]

Vision the Future of Reform Judaism on February 11th Vassar Temple has been a Reform Jewish congregation at least since 1920 so the future of our congregation is closely tied Shabbat Dinner on February 17th to the future of Reform Judaism. After the Shabbat morning At 7:15 p.m. on Friday, February 17th your whole fam- Torah service at 10:00 on Saturday, February 11th, Rabbi Go- ily can enjoy an Italian dinner in our social hall after the lomb will guide a discussion visioning the Reform Movement 6:00 Shabbat service. All the food will be provided at a cost and our own future as part of it. Your participation is important of $10 per adult and $5 per child age 5-12, with children and your point of view, ideas and opinions are essential as we under 5 eating free. Challah, salad and beverages will be look ahead. provided by the Sisterhood. Bring a bottle of wine to share if you would like to. Whether you are attracted by a moving Torah service, an in- To help us determine the right amount of food to buy, teresting discussion, or a chance to socialize over kiddush, you you must make your reservation for the dinner by Monday, th are sure to get into the spirit of Shabbat at temple that Saturday. February 13 through Laura Brundage at lbrundage@fron- The dress code is casual and you are welcome during all or any tiernet.net or 227-4312. Checks made out to Vassar Temple Sisterhood with “February 17th Dinner” on the memo line part of the morning. should be mailed to 140 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY th We will begin at 9:00 a.m. with our usual interactive study 12601 by February 13 . Come and share the warmth of a cozy evening with your temple family! of the Torah portion of the week with Rabbi Golomb. A family- friendly Torah service will begin at 10:00 in the sanctuary, providing the perfect opportunity for parents to attend with their children and for adults who prefer daytime services to hear the Torah read. At 11:15 we will hold our interactive visioning program, and at noon we will enjoy a kiddush together. Plan to join us! 4 In Remembrance Mazal Tov to… Rides to Services and Temple Vassar Temple mourns the loss of our Paula Landau who attended Events Available Temple President the wedding of her grandson One of the services offered by our Seth Erlebacher Scott and Megan Landau in Reyut (Friendship) Committee is transpor- Husband of Melissa Erlebacher December. tation to worship services and other events Father of Rachel & Brianna and programs at the temple. If you would Erlebacher like a ride to temple, please call Sandi Ru- gar in the temple office (454-2570), giving Vassar Temple shares in the grief suf- Vassar Temple Sisterhood 4 days notice if possible. She will contact fered by the families of: Friendship Calendar Susan Hecht, our Reyut Committee chair, The 2012 Sisterhood calendar has who will arrange a ride for you. • Leonard Moody, brother of Liz been mailed or hand-delivered to every- On the other hand, if you are willing one who bought an ad or listed a special to occasionally give a ride to a fellow Freedman date in it. You will note that it is bigger congregant, please leave your name and and better than ever! We have added an phone number with Sandi Rugar. With • Eileen Dermody, mother of Carol extra page to accommodate pictures of the your help, Vassar Temple can truly be a Menken past year – and what fond memories they caring community. bring to us! You will also see more ads; • Philip Friedland, brother of Esther remember to thank our supporters and Reisman offer them your patronage. We appreciate the participation of our congregational families for their list- ings, giving Rabbi Golomb the opportu- Refuah Shelemah nity to wish you a happy birthday and/ …to our Temple members, Lewis or anniversary from the bimah on Friday New Vassar Temple Blog Krevolin and Naomi Goldberg who were night. Be sure to check out the Vassar recently hospitalized. May 2012 be a year of peace, good Temple blog regularly at http://vas- health and prosperity for all! sartemple.wordpress.com/. Keep Vassar Temple Sisterhood Calendar up with the latest reflections and Committee join the conversation! We Need Your Help! Perla Kaufman, Chair It’s awful to be the last to know that someone has been hospitalized, needs a visit or Pulpit Flowers needs some other kind of help. February 3 In memory of Ronah Gordon Posner from We are, once again, asking David & Joan Posner. that you be the eyes and ears in the lives February 10 In memory of Evelyn Kahn from Muriel & of our congregational family. Federal Matt Lampell. patient privacy regulations limit the in- February 17 Vassar Temple Sisterhood formation that hospitals make available to February 24 Vassar Temple Sisterhood clergy and volunteers. We are encouraging you to contact Anyone who wishes to honor the memory of a loved one or to commemorate the Temple office when a congregant a special occasion can do so by sponsoring the Sanctuary flowers with a dona- is admitted to a hospital and wishes to tion to the Shrub Fund. Just call Sandi Rugar at 454-2570. The donation to the have Rabbi visit during the hospital stay. Shrub Fund is $55. Our goal is to meet the needs of all our congregants and we can only do this with your help. Dear Vassar Temple Family: One is not to say ‘thank you’ for helping a family during shiva, but Al and I want you to know that your acts of kindness were very much appreci- Vassar Temple Bulletin, published monthly ated. You came to the house with food, offered us words of condolence, told Publisher: Marianne Abrams Al and me heart-warming stories about Seth, or merely sat with us in silence. Editor: Doi Cohen Technical Support: Bob Abrams Never have we seen such an outpouring of help from a community. When we left Seth and Melissa’s home on Thursday to continue sitting shiva Articles for the March bulletin must be submit- at Seth’s childhood home, we were confident that Melissa, Brianna and ted to the temple office by Feb 1.. Sorry, we Rachel would be well taken care of by the Vassar Temple community. We cannot take Bulletin articles over the phone! realize now how much the Erlebacher family is loved by the Vassar family. Articles may be sent to Sandi Rugar via e- mail , at [email protected] or faxed to I wish that I could personally thank each and every one of you but that is (845)452-5161. just impossible. Just know that we will never forget what you did for us. We The editor reserves the right to edit articles know that we will always be a part of the Vassar Temple Family. With much for style, accuracy and length. gratitude and appreciation for all you are and all you did,... Dolores and Al Erlebacher 5 BAKERS NEEDED

Please join us for Sisterhood’s annual Hamantaschen BAKING DAY

Make friends while making Hamantaschen for our Purim service and for delivery to homebound congregants and out of town college students

Sunday, February 26th 9:00am to 1:00pm in the Temple kitchen

RSVP to Judy Rosenfeld 635-2414 or [email protected]

Please bring one batch of dough-recipe available from Judy or through the “What’s New at Vassar Temple” link at www.vassartemple.org- and a rolling pin. Remaining ingredients, as well as fun and laughter will be provided

Book Club to Discuss “The Glass Castle” on February 22nd Holidays Through a Jewish The Vassar Temple Sister- and writing to caring for her four children. Lens: LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY hood Book Club’s discussion of Jeannette Walls describes her parents with In his time, Abraham Lincoln was “The Glass Castle: A Memoir” deep affection in spite of the dysfunction known as the Great Emancipator and by Jeannette Walls has been of their family. This moving tale of un- moved to open paths toward racial equal- conditional love is available in paperback ity in the United States. Since the Civil rescheduled for Wednesday th afternoon, February 22nd at 2:00 p.m. in the and from the local library system. Rights Era of the mid-20 century, Jewish Community Room of Collegeview Tower, Diane Sterdt will lead the discus- leaders throughout North America have 141 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie. sion, to which everyone is welcome, and worked with others to end discrimina- The ideals and stubborn non-con- light refreshments will be available. To tion and to speak about issues of inequity formity of the author’s parents were both RSVP or get more information, contact and prejudice that affected both the Black their curse and their salvation. Her father Doi Cohen at 462-6193 or dcohen1230@ and White communities. In the words of was a charismatic, brilliant man who, gmail.com. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, “To act when sober, captured his children’s imagi- in the spirit of religion is to unite what nations and taught them how to embrace lies apart, to remember that humanity as a life fearlessly. Her mother was addicted whole is God’s beloved child.” to excitement and much preferred painting

Wind Chill Fund Interfaith Story Concert on Hudson River Housing would like to other reason, Hudson River Housing’s Co- th celebrate its 30th Anniversary by raising alition for the Homeless will do its utmost February 5 The annual Peace Story Concert $30,000 for the Wind Chill Fund. The cost to ensure that everyone of every age has a sponsored by the Dutchess County to house a homeless guest at the Hillcrest safe, dignified place to call home. Interfaith Council will be held this year shelter is approximately $36 per night. And they don’t stop at providing on Sunday, February 5th at 2:00 p.m. at This number has special significance in shelter—their services to the homeless the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 67 the Jewish religion: Double Chai (Double include help and referrals for healthcare, South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie. Life) – sustaining the life that night, and counseling, education, and other services, Story tellers Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi, providing new opportunities for living in while advocating for safer, more inclusive, Muriel Horowitz, Jack Maguire, Karen the day to come. more livable communities. Pillsworth and Mary Rachel Platt will fo- If you can see your way to do so, Cash donations may be placed any cus on the subject of Peace and music will please consider donating $36 to the fund, time in the Temple tzedakah box located be part of the program. All are welcome but be assured that any amount you near the staircase, and donations by check and proceeds raised from the $10 free-will can donate will be put to excellent use. may be made out to Vassar Temple with donation will be donated to Grace Smith Whether people are in need because they “Wind Chill Fund” on the memo line. House to benefit victims of domestic lost a job, had their home devastated by a violence. natural disaster, are the victims of abuse, Social Action Committee are veterans returning from war, or for any 6 From the Finance Committee We want to express our sincere thanks and acknowledge the contributions of all of those members and their guests who so generously supported our High Holy Day Appeal for 2011. In these difficult times, with so many financial burdens on all, we are grateful for this support. This listing is as of December 31,2011 and will be updated as addi- tional donations are received.

Robert & Marianne Abrams David & Susan Hecht Eleanor Pupko Joanne Abraskin Howard & Emily Himelstein Kurt & Lisa-Sue Quackenbush Daniel & Susan Albinder Irma Jacobs Rose Reid William & Susan Barbash Joel & Claudia Kelson Martin & Marilyn Revitz Charles & Joan Blanksteen Allen & Barbara Kram Robert & Mary Ritter Gabe & Catherine Bokor Benjamin Krevolin Ron Rosen Thomas & Laura Brundage David & Marilyn Lampell Dr. Loren & Charlene Rosenthal Joseph & Deborah Carbo Matthew & Muriel Lampell Elinor Rothenberg Martin & Eleanor Charwat Steven & Linda Lant Dr. Justin & Deborah Scheer Paul & Andi Ciminello Anne Lescher Kenneth & Bonnie Scheer Doris Cohen Louis & Candace Lewis Gilbert & Arlene Seligman Robert & Joanne Dyson Elaine Lipschutz Brian & Helen Silverman Dawn Effron Richard & Marsha Lowry Drs. Howard & Shirl Susser Seth & Melissa Erlebacher Dr. Harry & Sandra Mamis Gloria Turk Edward & Vivian Garber Stanley & Wendy Marcus Drs. Jed & Stella Turk Dr. Jeff & Nan Genshaft Lila Matlin Steven & Shelley Turk Dr. Arthur & Margery Groten Mark & Kathleen Metzger Lillian Weigert Dr. Adrian & Tamara Joan Ollendorf Lewis & Hilary Wrobel Gruszko David & Joan Posner

Yahrzeits

February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 Pauline Gross Dr. M. Alden Weingart Jacob Greenberg George Laks Leonard H. Arnold Evelyn Slote Kahn Mary R. Scheer Stanton Lipschutz Virginia Newman Livingston Leo Livingston Freda Reifler Stuart Alpers Irving Wrobel Leona Lowry Engel Goldie Abraskin Esther Frances Goldberg Pedro Gitler Hon. Henry Morgenthau, Jr. Rosanne Weber Jack Frankel Nancy Levinson Lillian Geber Shirley Freedman Paul S. Goldberg Herbert Schiffman Dr. Lawrence Schuyler Jacob Erdreich, DMD Irving M. Bloch Jack Freedman Dr. Samuel Levitch Henrietta Greenberg Ruth Levitt Alan Pack Greller Sabina Jacobs Louise S. Rosen Mildred Gould Russell B. Oppenheimer, DVM Mary Hyman Louis Kovacs Hugh Weston Ronah Gordon Posner Evelyn Brown Isadore Weisman Shirley Kaskowitz Susan Matlin Gary M. Zimmer Ida Scope Harry Lewis Sara Rosenberg Samuel Warshaw David Charles Albert Fannie Kagan Gertrud Rothstein Herman Kraut Dr. Irma Koltai Irving Fink George Schoenbrun Leon Alpers Bernard Miller Gloria Fischman Alice Davidson Lillian Feldman Vladmir M. Konheim, MD Ethel Haber Kohan Paul M. Schwartz, MD Reuben Wieseman Sylvia Cantor Ida Klein Harold Devorsetz Evelyn Bersak Robert Toroker Milton Kramer Morris Worona Timothy Creedon Anne Alpers Edward Freedman Jacqueline Sydney Colodner William Hyman Alec Stall Shirley E. Reifler Michael Sommerfield Harold Robinowitz Lewis Schwartz Matilda Banchek Augusta Wurtzel Jules H. Lippmann Walter L. Mock Stanley Soirefman Reba Gold Armand H. Newman Wendy E. Newman Harry Lashinsky Jane Kramer Lawrence Edell David Haber Celia Frank Jeanette Bergman Owen J. Sacks Milton Rauh Arlene Mates Sidney I. Love Robert Joseph Martha Held Joseph Drobner Ida Baskin Schwartz Dorothy Parish Jarrod Harrington David Stephen Satz Davida Krevolin Benjamn Uttal Augusta Steinman Sylvia Mednick Rabbi Marcus Kramer Joseph Moselle Abraham Ginsberg Aaron Estrin Elizabeth Satz Rose Plotkin 7 March 4th Lunch Box Plans Request from our Youth for Social Action Looking ahead, on Sunday, March Lunch Box Help on Thanks to everyone in the con- th 4 the Sisterhood will be cooking and February 5th gregation for the generosity that made serving a meal featuring chili con carne On Sunday, February 5th our Youth Trim-a-Thanksgiving, the Chanukah at the Lunch Box at the Family Partner- Group and Confirmation Class will be Joy fund, and the annual Souper Sale, a ship Center from 11:30 to 2:30. You can cooking and serving a meal featuring chain of successful projects that resulted help by donating 3 lbs. of ground beef franks and beans at the Lunch Box at the in full bellies and full hearts, plus lots of browned with diced onions or 12 pieces Family Partnership Center from 11:30 fun and camaraderie for everyone on the of fruit (bananas are a favorite; grapes to 2:30. You can help feed our hungry project teams. should be in small bags). Food may be neighbors by donating 3 lbs. of beef We have many ongoing oppor- dropped off at the Temple before that franks or 12 pieces of fruit (bananas are tunities to keep the good times rolling: Sunday, clearly marked for Lunch Box. a favorite; grapes should be in small (Be sure to leave meat in the refrigera- bags). Food may be dropped off at • Volunteer to help with an up- tor.) We also welcome anyone who wants the Temple before that Sunday, clearly to have fun while helping to cook and coming Lunch Box (see related marked for Lunch Box. (Be sure to articles), serve the meal. leave hot dogs in the refrigerator.) • Provide part of the suppertime Volunteers and food donors should Volunteers and food donors should contact Lisa-Sue Quackenbush, Sister- meal for those at the homeless contact Judy Rosenfeld, Lunch Box shelter (contact Linda Doherty hood President, at sisterhood@vassar- Co-Captain for February 5th, at therosen- temple.org or 876-5859 soon to aid in at [email protected] or [email protected] or 635-2414 as soon 914-474-0038 planning. as possible. • With family, friends or on your own, record a talking book for Talking Books a needy child (contact Susan Karnes Hecht through socialac- these individual requests and match them TALKING BOOKS, [email protected]), a social action project at to volunteer readers, including desires for specific books. Vassar Temple, creates a • Sign on to pack your car with a library of books with ac- load of our CanJam foods just companying recordings for TALKING BOOKS has now come of once and deliver it to a local the use of local organiza- age. We have acquired a digital voice tions. Over the past three years we have recorder, and all recordings are saved to food pantry (contact Nancy completed 62 children’s books. Our past computer and burned to CD. This enables Samson, [email protected] beneficiaries include the Vassar Brothers me to make additional copies without or 462-4828), or pediatrics unit and the Center for Preven- loss of recording quality, in case I receive tion of Child Abuse. Most recently, I had extra copies of the books. Recording and • Join with others at the JCC to the pleasure of delivering a set of books to packaging materials for this project are knit or crochet warm clothing the Catherine Street Community Center. generously provided by the Groten Fund. and blankets for clients of area agencies (contact Perla Kauf- Participants donate and record them- Individual and group efforts are welcome man at membership@vassar- - the more creative the better! To create a selves reading books, which are then temple.org or 914-456-7309). packaged and delivered as a gift from “double mitzvah”, please consider making book purchases at Barnes & Noble using Don’t knit? This friendly Vassar Temple. Recent readers include interfaith group will be happy Jori Breite, Ilana Wolf, Natalie Rohr, and Vassar Temple SCRIP. The temple will re- to show you how. Nancy Samson. I am thrilled that we ceive a substantial benefit at no additional have had participation from outside of the cost to you. congregation. For further information or to sign up, And if there is some other social Readers usually select their own please contact me at socialaction@vassar- books, and until now they have all been temple.org. Thank you for your interest! action project you’d like to see hap- donated to the above children’s agencies. pen, just contact Marian Schwartz However, if you know someone – of any Susan Karnes Hecht at [email protected] or age – who is incapacitated in some way 845-849-0025. and would benefit from the gift of a re- corded book, we would be happy to accept

Comparative Religion at Temple Beth-El “Comparative Religion: Diversity and Commonality” is the title of a series of discussions to be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth-El, 118 South Grand Avenue, Poughkeepsie. You are welcome to join faith leaders from around the Hudson Valley in conversation with Rabbi Neal Loevinger. th 8 On February 7 the special guest will be Richard Lamorte, Chaplain and Campus Minister at Marist College. Advance registration through Susan Canning at 454-0570 or [email protected] is encouraged. Contributions RABBI’S FUND Maurice Horn Suzi & Herb Stoller REIFLER LIBRARY FUND Jo Ann & Stephen Greller Alma Barbash Bill & Sue Barbash IN HONOR OF Lisa Lemberger Doi Cohen’s 70th Birthday IN MEMORY OF Barbara & Alan Lemberger Lila Matlin Seth Erlebacher Kent & Kathy Mardon Greta Blaine Erica Robbins Marion Present Debbie & Kevin Tierney GROTEN FUND SUSTAINING FUND Marion Tierney IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Ruth Stein Doi Cohen’s 70th Birthday Aaron Slote Muriel & Matt Lampell Charles, Roni & Joseph Stein Caroline Temlock-Teichman & Selma Kahn Richard H. Satz Deborah & Justin Scheer Marc Teichman Goldie Bleich Philip Friedland Bill & Sue Barbash Joseph Kahn Thelma Fival Lewis & Hilary Wrobel TREES IN ISRAEL Belle Baum Fein Dick & Harriet Fein Eileen Dermody Marty & Lynn Revitz IN MEMORY OF Michael Goldfinger Leonard Moody Lunch & Learn at JCC Anna Cairo Marty & Lynn Revitz IN LOVING MEMORY OF Marcia & Jeffrey Fishman Jerry Fa’gut Pola Fa’gut Ruth Bagun Nan & Jeff Genshaft Charlene & Loren Rosenthal Paul Douglas Fa’gut Beatrice Snyder Seth Erlebacher Lunch & Learn at JCC Henry Solomonson Ronald Rosen Marcia & Jeffrey Fishman Louis Rosen IN HONOR OF Maurice Troeger Jonathan Moselle Doi Cohen’s 70th Birthday COMMUNITY TZEDAKAH FUND Meyer Miller Rich Partridge Gabe & Cathy Bokor IN MEMORY OF Seth Erlebacher Jeff & Nan Genshaft Thomas & Ann Wade Philip Friedland His friends at Stofa’s Seth Erlebacher Sandra & Harry Mamis & Family ROBERT H. LIPSCHUTZ SCHOLARS’ Judy Harkavy & Stan Israel Irma Jacobs FUND Brian & Helen Silverman IN MEMORY OF Meditation Group Meets Dick & Harriet Fein Shirley Lipschutz Elaine Lipschutz Linda & Joel Babas in February The meditation group facilitated by Bernice & Peter Edman MUSIC FUND Linda Cantor and Ed Rosenberg will meet Sue & Hal Lesser IN MEMORY OF on February 7th and 21st. At each session Mark & Elaine Plansky Seth Erlebacher Jay & Irene Frank there will be a short reading and a bit of Marty & Lynn Revitz music followed by a 30-minute sitting meditation and an optional walking medi- Get out of those winter doldrums..... tation. There will also be time for sharing And exercise! and for questions related to the practice. Both experienced meditators and those It lifts the spirits and is a healthy way to start 2012! new to the practice are welcome, whether or not you were part of the group before. Need some equipment? In case of bad driving weather, the class will be canceled. Please let of- Whether you are looking for gear to start fice manager Sandi Rugar know if you a rock climbing adventure or are planning to attend some or all of the just for some videos to use while exercising in your own home, sessions by contacting the temple office, pick up your SCRIP before shopping at any of the 454-2570 or [email protected].

fine stores listed below.

Jewish War Veterans Schedule Meeting The Jewish War Veterans, Post 625, will hold its monthly meeting on February AMAZON.COM [5%] - BASS PRO SHOPS [9%] - - BEST BUY 5, 2012 at the Jewish Community Cen- [6%] - BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS [8%] - CABELA’S [13%] - ter, 110 S. Grand Avenue, Poughkeepsie CHAMPS SPORT [9%] - DICK’S SPORTING GOODS [8%] - NY. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. GOLFSMITH [8%] - L.L. BEAN [17%] - NIKE [12%] - (Breakfast is no longer provided). A nomi- nating committee will be appointed. In the event of inclement weather, an- OVERSTOCK.COM [10%] - SPORT’S AUTHORITY [8%] - nouncements will be on Cumulus Radio: TANGER OUTLET [8%] - TARGET [2%] 101.5 WPDH, 1490 WKNY, 92.7/76.9 WRRV, 94.3/97.3 The WOLF, 1390/1340 Shopping with gift cards from Vassar Temple OLDIES, 97.7 The Mix Mark Bolger. will help keep you and the temple in good shape! For further information contact Post Commander Ralph Schwartz at

[email protected] or (845) 849-

0025. For more information, contact our SCRIP Coordinator, 9 Sandra Mamis [[email protected]; 463-2678] Be Part of our Spiel: “Purim in Bring Purim Pasta Again This Year a Galaxy Far, Far Away” Purim traditionally provides a noise that night will be loud and spirited. Remember the terrific Purim spiel wonderful opportunity to give Shalach based on Peter Pan that we put on last Manot, edible treats, to friends. Purim Please bring in your boxes of pasta year under the creative direction of Art Pasta, a simple food-raising drive we for the Megillah reading at Vassar Tem- Menken? This year our spiel will be th have held at Vassar Temple each Purim ple on March 10 at 7:00 p.m. Macaro- based on Star Wars Episode 4 and will be for the past several years, is an extension ni, ziti, bowties - any will do! Get ready just as much fun. of this great tradition, helping people in to shake them in the spirit of Shalach Manot. The opportunity to fight hunger Actors, costumers, stage hands, our wider community. with our Jewish brothers and sisters is makeup artists, special effects creators Once again on Purim this year you just boxes away! – people of all ages and interests will are invited to bring in boxes of pasta to enjoy being part of this production on shake when the Megillah is read (the Nancy Samson the evening of Saturday, March 10th after boxes are the groggers!) and drown out the hilarious reading of the Megillah the name of Haman with the noise of Social Action Committee of Esther. We will need a diverse cast, victory. After the March 10th service the including children as young as 4-5 years boxes will be collected and delivered to a of age. local food pantry. Pasta Dinner for Purim As it did for the last two years with great To sign up for any aspect of this Vassar Temple has reached out to success, the Men’s Club will prepare and delightful project, adults and children other congregations in Dutchess County, serve a pasta dinner on Saturday, March should contact Art Menken at 914-456- th inviting them to consider using Purim 10 at 5:45, before our Purim service and 1090 or 845-452-9726 or purim@vassar- spiel. Mark your calendar now for a com- rd Pasta during their services too, so the temple.org by Friday, February 3 . Your plete evening of fun for the whole family! involvement is sure to help you chase away the winter blahs. Rehearsals will be minimal and fun will be maximal!

Taking the Food Stamp Challenge The Fighting Poverty with Faith ini- unlike those in food-insecure families, he tiative aims to focus people on issues of had the security of knowing that his fam- economic justice and the need to sustain ily was eating right, he had a good job to Restroom Renovations vital social safety net programs. They go to every day and a warm, safe home Completed devised the Food Stamp Challenge to to go back to at night, and that at week’s The Temple restrooms are now outfit- help us all gain a deeper understanding end he would be able to indulge in the ted with brand new sinks and vanities, of the challenges faced every day by the foods of his choice in whatever quantity mirrors and lighting. The ceiling tiles 49 million Americans (half of them chil- he desired. have all been replaced. There are new dren) living in food-insecure households. window dressings: valences and coor- Having survived the Food Stamp dinated vertical blinds. The new soap Participants accept the challenge Challenge, Rabbi Jacobs observed that dispensers are clean and dispense a mea- to live for seven days on the standard “The real test is what we do afterwards... sured amount of gentle hand cleanser. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance There is no question in my mind that The towel dispensers are motion ac- Program (food stamp) allotment of while the [Federal] budget is a moral tivated. And … there is art work to $31.50 per adult per week. Many URJ document, neither political party can complement the new fixtures and add a rabbis, including the new head of the claim moral authority in setting forth bit of panache to the atmosphere!! Hope URJ, Rabbi Richard Jacobs, have taken its priorities. And they must not make you like it! the Challenge. Rabbi Jacobs noted that these crucial decisions without all of us while he did get through the week, he speaking up for the most vulnerable... I’d like to extend a big “Thank you” had a car and was able to drive around May we never stop working for a society to the Sisterhood for their financial sup- to a variety of stores to get the best where the only hunger we know will be port to cover all remodeling costs. bargains. He spent every cent and was the hunger for righteousness.” left with no reserves for hunger emergen- Sandra Mamis cies that came up and was unable to buy Vassar Temple Social Action Committee the healthiest foods on that budget. But The congregation extends a big Thank You to you, Sandra, for making it all happen! 10 The Hanukkah Dinner and the Candle-lighting service on December 23rd were Wonderful! Hands-on Learning in our Religious School

More pictures can be The third grade baked challah. seen on our website, www.vassartemple.org via the link to Photo Gallery on the left.

Fall Rummage Sale Thanks Well, another Rummage sale has come day night religious school students and our The fourth grade made edible menorot and gone! We were very busy and sold versatile religious school Director Dr. Joel before Hanukkah. lots of things to benefit Vassar Temple Hoffman. It was fun and really helped Sisterhood and, of course, Vassar Temple. us prepare for the sale day. Thanks again Being busy at the sale is a good thing to the following people for their help and Thanks to Doi Cohen for publicity as- for us, but it also means times are a little hard work: sistance and to the whole congregation for tough for people right now and they wel- Emily Himelstein, Ann Harmuth and donations and spreading the word about come the ability to buy things they need her mom Jean, Wendy Giangrasso, Perla our rummage sale. As always, thanks to at a very reasonable price. The Rummage Kaufman, Melissa Erlebacher, Bonnie George, Shane, and Sandi Rugar for doing crew does enjoy watching people find that Scheer, Brianna Erlebacher, Kiley Quack- a great job in office, set-up, and general coat, blouse, or knick knack that is just enbush, Rachel Marcus, Ally Brundage, logistical support. We look forward to see- right for them; our encouragement is free Danah Moore, Rachel Mamis, Judy Rosen- ing everyone again in April for our Spring of charge! feld, Tamara Gruszko, Susan Needelman, sale. During Rummage week, we also are Sue Barbash, Linda Babas, and Brian Sil- there on Wednesday evening for those who verman. If Emily Himelstein helped any Roni Stein, Lisa-Sue Quackenbush, & can help set up in the evening. To make more, we would have had to set up a cot; Ann Lerman it more fun, this time we had a pizza and thanks again Emily! If we inadvertently salad party for everyone who helped with left out your name, please forgive us and Fall Rummage Sale Co-Chairs the setup. Some new volunteers came and know we appreciate your help. 11 pitched in, as well as some of our Wednes- Vassar Temple Bulletin 140 Hooker Avenue PRSTD STD Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601 U.S. Postage 845-454-2570 Paid www.vassartemple.org Permit # 11 Newburgh, N.Y.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Rabbi: Paul Golomb Rabbi Emeritus: Stephen A. Arnold Religious School Director: Dr. Joel M. Hoffman Cantorial Soloist: Elisa Dugatkin DATED MAIL Organist: Joseph Bertolozzi PLEASE RUSH President: Robert Abrams Vice President: David Lampell Secretary: Tamara Gruszko Treasurer: Brian Silverman Sisterhood President: Lisa-Sue Quackenbush Men’s Club Co-Presidents: Jeff Brenner & David Wolf Youth Group President: Rachel Erlebacher Immediate Past President: Sandra Mamis

February 2012 Calendar

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 March Bulletin 2 3 4

6:30-8:30pm RS 8-10 10am SEP CAN JAM Weekend 9am Torah Study Pizza 6pm Shabbat Service 10am New Paths

5 6 7 8 TU B’SHEVAT 9 10 11

9am-12pm RS K-7 7:15pm Ritual 10am SEP Flyers Deadline 10am SEP 6pm Shabbat Service 9am Torah Study

11:30am Lunch Box 12pm Talmud 6:30-8:30pm RS 8-10 10am Shabbat Morn- ing Service 7:30pm Meditation Group 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9am-12pm RS K-7 10am SEP 6:30-8:30pm RS 8-10 10am SEP 6pm Shabbat Service 9am Torah Study

12pm Talmud Birthday Blessings 10am New Paths

7pm Bread & Circuses: 7:15 pm Shabbat The Race for the White Dinner House in 2012 19 20 PRESIDENT’S DAY 21 22 23 24 25

NO RS 10am SEP 2pm VTS Book Club 10am SEP 6pm Shabbat Service 9am Torah Study

12pm Talmud 6:30-8:30pm RS 8-10

7:30pm Meditation Group

26 27 28 29

9am-12pm RS K-7 7pm Board 10am SEP 6:30-8:30pm RS 8-10

9am Hamantaschen 12pm Talmud Baking 12

10:30am Tiny Temple