OCTOBER 2019 | TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 VOLUME 86 NO.2

RABBI’S NOTES INSIDE: by Rabbi Michael Mishkin ◾◾ Tot Schedule ◾◾ Kristallnacht Program ◾◾ President’s Rosh Hashanah : Being Joyous and Message Celebrating Community

This issue of the TBI Tablet Shalom Friends. is sponsored by The great holiday of Sukkot begins Sunday night, October 13th. Why is Sukkot so great? It is called z’man JULIE & ROBERT simchateinu—the holiday and time in which we should SCHACHTER experience joy. Why is it so joyous? First, we have just in honor of the Bar Mitzvah come through the High Holidays, hopefully having of their son reflected on our lives and feeling motivated to live better in the New Year. Secondly, Sukkot reminds us of the JAKE fleeting nature of life. The and its covering can only stay up for so long. The fruits and gourds, which decorate the sukkah, eventu- ally will spoil. The leaves are falling off the trees and the nights are getting colder. Sukkot teaches us one of the most important lessons in life –we need to make sure This issue of the TBI Tablet is sponsored by Rabbi continued on page 2 ROBYN & ALAN DOUBERT in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son AARON

Sisterhood Sukkot Dinner Friday, October 18

Capturing the essence of Family Fun Day.

Visit us online at www.tbiport.org Contact us at 516-767-1708 Rabbi continued from page 1 that we carve out time in our schedules to enjoy our family, friends, the other bless- ings in our lives. On Sukkot, we sit in the sukkah and celebrate our blessings while Temple Drive, Port Washington NY 11050-3915 we have them, precisely because we won’t have them forever. Sitting in the sukkah T: 516-767-1708 F: 516-944-6461 is a wonderful experience. While sitting in the sukkah, we can feel a connection www.tbiport.org to nature, a connection to , and a connection to the people who are in the sukkah with us. If you don’t set up your own sukkah (and even if you do), please Rabbi come to TBI and enjoy our beautiful sukkah, which we set up on the back patio. Michael Mishkin The second major ritual of Sukkot is the arba’ah minim—the . They Cantor Sharon Grainer consist of the , which contains three separate parts, and the . We shake Cantor Emeritus the lulav and etrog in all four directions, up and down. This is an ancient ritual, Baruch Blum in which we thank God for rain and all of the blessings it brings, and ask God President for appropriate rainfall in the new year. In order to shake the Four Species, we Rita Shumsky must bring them all together, so that they are touching: the lulav (), Vice President, Ritual David Volpe the hadass (myrtle), the (willow), and the etrog. Why do they have to be Vice President, Fundraising brought together? One answer is that they each represent a different type of per- Steve Castar son in the community. According to this teaching, taste represents learning, and Vice President, Administration smell represents good deeds. The etrog has both taste and smell. Thelulav has taste, Louis Silfin but no fragrance. The myrtle has smell, but no taste. And the willow has neither. Vice President, Education Adina Kay-Gross and Eden Kasle Accordingly, there are different types of people in every community. Some people Vice President, Membership are learned, but don’t do good deeds. Others don’t have a lot of learning, but have Jen Latner and abundance of good deeds. Some people have both, while others have neither. Vice President, Communications Eric Letuchy Real community is created when these four types of people (which means everyone) Treasurer are brought together. Regardless of one’s learning or good deeds, each member of Andrew Silver the community is important. By being in community and coming together, we Financial Secretary enrich each other’s lives, by supporting each other, celebrating with each other, John Teeger inspiring each other, and lifting each other’s spirits. Corresponding Secretary David Cooper Let us celebrate the similarities among the members of our community, and let Recording Secretary us respectfully acknowledge our differences. We don’t all think the same way and Susan Levbin we don’t all share the same views. However, if we listen to each other and disagree Trustees in respectful ways, we can sharpen our views and find important points of com- Alan Doubert Jack Mishan Mark Fridman Lane Palmer promise. When we come together in a caring and thoughtful way, we create a holy Sheryl Gordon Adam Smith community, in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Let us all stay Halona Jaffe Mike Smolow Helene Hechtkopf Andrew Sollinger involved and/or become more involved in our wonderful TBI community. Let Laura Landau Scott Tashlik also make an effort to include others—including those with whom we disagree. In Jenny Markman Alison White Jill Mellow this way, we will help make TBI even more meaningful and vital, for ourselves and Trustees Emeritus everyone else. Elkan Abramowitz Joel Greenblatt Chag Sameach, Saul Muchnick Sisterhood Presidents Rabbi Mishkin Alisa Schindler and Michelle Mondschein [email protected] Men’s Club Presidents Jon Brooks and Michael Nerenberg Immediate Past President Matthew Engel Synagogue Director Cathy Seldin Director of Education and Engagement Anya Morgulis Preschool Director Diana Snaider

TBI Tablet is published monthly by TBI. Submissions must be received by the tenth of the month prior to the issue in which they will appear.

On September 9, TBI held its first Family Fun Day with games, music and food. What a way to kick off the year!

PAGE 2 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 Construction Update High Holiday September 24, 2019 Preparations Dear TBI member, Thank You As Rosh Hashana approaches, we are excited to share some exciting TBI news to begin a sweet New Year: Completion of our beautiful Multipurpose Space just reached an important milestone on Friday, September 20, The Silver Polishing when TBI’s final construction permit was approved by the Town of North Jessica Braginsky Hempstead! Bob Epstein But the REAL Yasher Koach goes to Nancy Feldman YOU and the entire TBI family for your Joan Hulkower enthusiastic generous and unwavering Susan Levin inspiration, suggestions and support for Marilyn Oser this much needed Capital Improvement Ronnie Peshkin campaign. Special thanks to all our do- Sherrie Pollack nors who gave from their heart to allow Irene Silver TBI to renovate and move forward. Barbara Taffet The process has been long and the Sondra Winder journey challenging, but our final destination is in sight. Keep your eyes Tallit and Tzitzit Checking and ears peeled, for soon you will see and hear the sights and sounds of carpenters, Nancy Feldman electricians, back hoe operators, fire alarm technicians, and carpet installers racing Ben Gordon to completion. Dan Gordon We know the big question on everyone’s mind is when will the Multipurpose Joan Hulkower Space be finished? Richard Levin We anticipate another 3 months – we’re targeting the end of December – for the Susan Levin new facilities to be ready for full usage. The Multipurpose Space will be a versatile, Ronnie Peshkin flexible and functional, offering our congregation an alternative worship area; room Irene Silver for additional programming events, from Tot to speakers and movies; to a Barbara Taffet welcoming place for celebrations such as the cocktail hour for our annual Gala, or Bert Taffet quiet contemplation and learning in the Library. Sondra Winder Importantly, as many congregants have requested, the new Multipurpose Space also will be available to rent for family celebrations, B’nai Mitzvah private parties and other special events. As the month of Elul comes to a close and we begin the Year 5780 with the Days of Awe, please join us in wishing our TBI family a happy and healthy New TBI Office Hours Year, and a special blessing to all who work to turn our multipurpose renovation Monday–Thursday: 9 am–4 pm dreams into reality. Friday: 9 am–3 pm L’Shanah Tovah Rita Shumsky, TBI President Please call to schedule an Jon White, Chair Capital Campaign appointment with the Synagogue Director. TBI Office Emails Cathy Seldin, Synagogue Director [email protected] Julie Cheevers, Office Manager [email protected] [email protected]

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 3 BAR MITZVAH OF Aaron Robert Doubert

Mazal Tov Aaron Robert Doubert was born on September 4, 2006 October Birthdays which happened to be Labor Day. He was a cute, active Jack Kasle baby, who always seemed to make his presence known. Scarlet Pokrassa Aaron spoke at an early age, well and often. People would Chloe Brod marvel at his vocabulary and ability to carry on conversa- Myles Pokrassa tions and constantly question his age. He loved to talk and Jacob Kaufman we would worry that his mouth would be tired when he Samson Nerenberg finally fell asleep each night. Olivia Kraus Aaron has always had a bit of what we like to call intel- Amanda Greber-Raines ligent mischief in him. A twinkle in his eyes and his strong grin would constantly Solenne Lefkowitz have us questioning whether he was using his powers for good or shall we say not Eden Coren good. Thankfully for us most of the time it was for good. He has always been a Leo Silver kind, inclusive child who would maybe not be the star of the game but definitely the loudest to cheer on his team. October Anniversaries From a very young age Aaron has been able to size up a situation, understand Lou and Aviva Pinto what was going on and know if he was being manipulated in any way. In his two’s Marc and Debra Ausfresser program children were rewarded with stickers for good behavior. Unfortunately Shaike and Mary Gordon Aaron was the youngest in the class and sometimes his behavior was lacking. I Adam Gould and Stacey Delich-Gould would show up to pick him up every day and my heart would sink because he was Michael and Rochelle Block without a sticker on his shirt. My anguish was obvious to the teachers who loved Adam and Jenny Smith him so much they would make excuses for him. By the middle of the year his Richard and Susan Levin behavior had improved but still no stickers were on his shirt. The teachers told me Mark and Dorie Fridman that he refused them saying he didn’t need them because he knew he had behaved. Christopher and Sheryl Albanese Thus began the world according to Aaron. Edward and Jessica Friedman Aaron is very smart and beyond well read about the things that he wants to read Steven and Dale Gindi about. He will enter into discussions with adults on topics that are way beyond our Robert and Naomi Jackman heads on things that we could not even fathom him knowing about. Be it science, Sanford and Joan Weintraub computers, cooking or politics he is our go to guy. At times his knowledge has Eric and Deborah Gewirtz seemed somewhat off or just impossible for him to know but once we have tried to Robert Klugman and Felicia Rosen learn about it ourselves it turns out he is correct. Aaron has truly shined the last five summers which he has spent at Camp Echo We list all children’s birthdays up until the Lake. At camp he is simply known as Doubie. Many of the kids at camp have no age of ten. We make every effort to include idea who Aaron Doubert is but Doubie they all know. His wit and humor have everyone, but if we miss your child’s birthday gone along with him to camp and have allowed him to thrive. or your anniversary we do apologize and ask Aaron’s greatest quality is his compassion. He cares deeply for his family and that you let us know as soon as possible so we friends and is the most empathetic child we know. He is very connected to his can be sure to correct it. grandparents and extended family and was beyond moved by his involvement with the UJA Thanksgiving basket program he participated in for his mitzvah project. That along with the TBI program of cooking for the homebound and elderly lead to many meaningful discussions of realizing how fortunate he is and a strong desire to continue volunteering and giving back. We are beyond proud of the relationships he has with his older sister Leah and his younger brother Sam. He is in many ways the unifier and we hope that their closeness continues to flourish. We are beyond happy to celebrate this milestone with our TBI family. We wish to thank Rabbi Mishkin and Cantor Grainer for their guidance and patience, Eden Kasle for helping with his D’Var Torah, Aaron’s Hebrew school teachers along with Cathy and Julie for all of their hard work and a special thank you to Alice who convinced us many years ago that TBI was the right fit for us. Alice, you were right!!!!

PAGE 4 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 BAR MITZVAH OF Jake Schachter The Port Washington Jake was born a day late but we really thought he was going to be born early since his older siste—Leah—arrived three weeks early. And the minute he was born, he was active. During the pregnancy, Jake kicked all night—keeping his Group 5780 mom up. When Jake was born, his nurse looked into his Thursday, October 31 blue eyes and said he is going to be an active one. His 9:30–11:00 am grandpa Ira said prophetically he is going to challenge everything, including his parents. In the end, Jake was born The Community Synagogue on a Thursday in late September—the same day as his Aunt 160 Middle Neck Road Bonnie. Jake walked before he talked and at 10 months he was out of the crib. As a little boy, he had beautiful blonde curls but a penchant to challenge conventional wisdom, which his teachers loved. And from an early age, Jake always had compas- Join us as we discuss sion, showing concern for others, sensing when others were feeling down. To this Demons, Dybbuks, day, he will always ask us how are day was, how we are. Jake is named after his Ghosts and Golems grandfather Jerome who unfortunately passed 6 months before he was born. Jake is in many ways an old soul—he knows right from wrong, yet follows a different path With Rabbi Irwin Zeplowitz from many of his peers, which is often not the most popular one or the easiest one , A Jewish look at the supernatural but it is the path he wants to follow and and he will not be easily deterred. He is also a fiercely loyal friend who will stand up for others. As Jake embarks on his Bar and consulting the dead, closing Mitzvah, we see him more and more coming into his own and his confidence with a discussion about whether building. He excels at school and challenges himself with cross country and track. should embrace, tolerate or His knack for challenging and questioning authority is still there and we wouldn’t oppose Halloween? want it any other way. Rabbi Zeplowitz, affectionately called “Rabbi Z,” studied in Toronto, Jerusalem, Los Angeles and Cincinnati, where he was ordained in 1984. He became Biblical Texts Senior Rabbi at the Community Synagogue in 2003.

Behind the Rabbi Z is prominent in medical ethics and founder of several Jewish Holidays social action and social groups. Along with his wife, Anne, he With Annette Kasle is the recipient of the 2012 Humanitarian Award by the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

1ST OF 4 CLASSES Next Meeting: November 21, 2019 Monday, October 14 • 1 PM Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf LUNCH & LEARN AFTER SUKKOT SERVICES Once a Month… Who is and why is he so bummed out about life? Just for Yourself… RSVP [email protected] Just for Your Soul

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 5 Preschool News By Diana Snaider, Preschool Director

We are so excited to be back to school and in the swing of things! September came and went so fast. The toddler classes did a great job separating and are truly enjoying themselves making new friends and learning the routine of school. All preschool children are in their groove seeing old friends and making new friends too! We have also had great weather to enjoy the outside playground. The Pre-k class even went into the sprinklers! It was a pleasure meeting all of our new parents at parent orientation. Our Parents Association did a great job plan- ning our Back to School Cocktail party and we had a great turnout! Thank you to Katy Kasle for putting it together. We also had our Back to School Picnic at Pine Street Park. The kids had a great time on the playground and enjoyed some snacks too. As we get ready to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and try some apples and honey, the PA is getting ready for our fall festival during Sukkot. All parents are welcomed to PA meetings and volunteers are always needed! It is almost time to register for school for the 2020-2021! Watch for information coming out soon. For more information about any of the great events or classes, please call the preschool office or send an email to Diana Snaider preschool@ tbiport.org. Check out our website: tbiport.org for more information on First Friends classes and preschool. tot shabbat please join temple beth israel’s tot shabbat programming on the following dates: october 26 • november 9 • december 7 • january 4 january 25 • february 8 • march 7 • march 21 • april 18 may 2 • may 16 • june 13 • june 27

PAGE 6 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 Religious School Reflections by Anya Morgulis, Director of Education and Engagement Library Notes: TBI Authors Moving into the holidays, I am reflecting on the tremendous support from this beautiful community, By Bob Epstein and the successes in our short journey together so far. We welcomed the school year together with a Congratulations to Library beautiful assembly, where we had the opportunity to Committee member Marilyn learn about each other through ‘human bingo.’ The Oser on the publication of shorashim and kitah aleph class met at Pine Street her fourth novel, November to Park for a parent meet up, and we look forward to July. Set in Paris at the close of more of these to come in the fall. Kitah Bet is set to WWI, November to July, tells the explore Torah through theater with their madricha, story of Eleanor Simons, a young Hannah Siskin. Kitah gimmel had a mock Rosh Canadian who has spent the war Hashanah Seder, examining the symbolic foods and serving near the front as a nurse. what they represent. Kitahs dalet and hei combined Now, with the armistice, she faces to learn with our shinshin, Ben Levi, about the Israeli a long, unexpected and featureless government and try to answer the challenging ques- future-when all she was prepared tion of “What’s the deal with this election?” Our sixth for was a quick death, like that grade has jumped into their engaging Etgar curricu- of her fiancée, an American pilot. lum by making movies and performing skits. The Meanwhile, diplomats from the seventh grade has met guest educators Dale Gindi for world over, converge on Paris for a screening of Paperclips, and Rabbi Mishkin to reflect peace talks that will shape the on apologies. Each grade participated in our first world’s future. Eleanor finds a job school wide Shabbat by leading a prayer, and followed as a clerk at the conference, taking by participating in programming during the oneg. particular interest in issues related We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate to Palestine. With the best of Shabbat together as we move through the calendar. intentions, the delegates fail miser- The halls have been filled with curiosity, a variety of modalities of Jewish learning, ably in their efforts at forging a and the sounds of the shofar as we prepare to enter 5780 together. better, more peaceful international The shofar can represent so much for us: the call to attention, the sound of destiny. As to Eleanor’s future… weeping, an alarm siren. I find that I hear it differently each year, each day, with read it and judge that outlook for each sound. I find that these sounds bring me back to a sense of equilibrium, a yourself. By the way, if you’ve read balance of reflection, and hopes for the future. What do you need the sounds of the Rivka’s War, you’ll find some of its shofar to mean for you this year? Wishing you and your family a sweet new year, minor characters in this book too. and I look forward to wishing you a shanah tovah in person next time I see you! TBI’s own Susan Isaacs, best- selling and award-winning author will discuss her new novel, Takes One To Know One, at a special Friends of the Library program on Sunday, October 6th at 2:30pm at the PWPL in the Lapham meet- ing room. This is Susan’s 14th novel. The plot involves a whip- smart suburban mystery revolving around a retired FBI agent turned into a Long Island housewife who suspects that her neighbor is harboring criminal secrets. A re- ception will follow the discussion.

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 7 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Sukkot, Shimini Atzeret & Erev Sukkot Sunday, October 13 No Service Sukkot 1 Monday, October 14 9:30am Sukkot Service Sukkot 2 Tuesday, October 15 9:30am Sukkot Service Shimini Atzeret Monday, October 21 9:30am Service 11:00am Yizkor (time approx.) Simchat Torah 6:30pm Simchat Torah Service Simchat Torah Tuesday, October 22 9:15am Simchat Torah with Hatan Torah and Kallat Bereishet: Scott and Jenny Markman

October 2018 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5780

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Tishri 2 3 Tishri 3 4 Tishri 4 5 Tishri 5 6 Tishri

6:45pm Service Rosh Hashanah Day 2 CL:6:14pm 9:30am Service 6 7 Tishri 7 8 Tishri 8 9 Tishri 9 10 Tishri 10 11 Tishri 11 12 Tishri 12 13 Tishri

11:30am PS Early Dismissal RS Open 5:45pm Erev Yom 7:30pm UJA Planning 6:45pm Service 9am Minyan 8pm Exec. Bd. Mtg Kippur 8:30am Meeting CL:6:03pm 9:30am Service 13 14 Tishri 14 15 Tishri 15 16 Tishri 16 17 Tishri 17 18 Tishri 18 19 Tishri 19 20 Tishri

6:30pm FNL w/ PS Closed Naomi Less RS Closed 9:30am Sukkot Service 9:30am Sukkot Service 7:30pm Sisterhood 9am Minyan 1pm Lunch and learn 7:30pm Sports Bar in 10am PS Fall Festival 7:00pm Hadassah Sukkot Dinner 10am Sukkah Raising w/Annette Kasle Sukkah 8:15pm BOT Mtg Sukkot Dinner CL:5:52pm 9:30am Service 20 21 Tishri 21 22 Tishri 22 23 Tishri 23 24 Tishri 24 25 Tishri 25 26 Tishri 26 27 Tishri

9:00am Minyan 9:00am RS PS Closed 6:45pm Service 12 Noon Mostly 9:30am Shimini Atzeret 7:30pm Oneg Jake 9:30am Service Mitzvahs 11am Yiskor PS & RS Closed Schachter Bar Mitzvah Jake 3pm Sukkah Hop 6:30pm Sinchat Torah 9:30am Simchat Torah 4:00pm RS CL: 5:42pm Schachter 27 28 Tishri 28 29 Tishri 29 30 Tishri 30 1 Cheshvan 31 2 Cheshvan 1 3 Cheshvan 2 4 Cheshvan

6:45pm Service 7:30pm Writing as 4pm RS 7:30pm Immigration CL:6:26pm Reflection 6:10pm TBI High Navigator Training

PAGE 8 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 To the Moon 3-2-1: Blasting Off On a Jewish Space Odyssey With One Giant Leap For Mankind By Mark A. Schneider, TBI Tablet Editor-at-Large

Thanks Dad. I know you helped make English from Israel’s President Zalman including spending Chanukah in space. Neil Armstrong look great. Shazar. The message was a quotation He brought a Menorah on that flight Fifty years after our family gathered from the book of Psalms: “Abundance but couldn’t light candles because of to watch our black and white televi- of peace so long as the moon endureth.” the serious risk it would has posed. sion coverage of Apollo 11 astronaut As huge as the 1969 moon launch news But he did take advantage of the zero Neil Armstrong step onto the moon, coverage was in the United States, the gravity saying, “I probably have the I thought of the one small step my news was covered in Israel as well, with record dreidel spin; it went for about father took, when he worked in nearby reports that crowds of Israelis gathered an hour and a half until I lost it. It Lake Success for Sperry Gyroscope and around the United States Embassy in showed up a few weeks later in an air earlier in New York City for Reeves Tel Aviv to listen to a description of filter. I figure it went 25,000 miles.” Instruments. Both companies were ma- the launching broadcast by the U.S. Astronaut Mark Polansky took a Teddy jor contractors at the time for NASA’s Information Service. In fact, a day later Bear from the United States Holocaust Apollo and Mercury space projects, at Air Force Day ceremonies in Israel, Memorial Museum into space. He specifically developing computerized commander Moshe Dayan paid special also helped assemble the International command and control systems that tribute to the Apollo 11 astronauts. Space Station. Brooklyn-born Jeffrey helped propel Atlas rockets. In his own Hoffman took four Mezuzahs with him small way, I learned that my Dad played on the Discovery II Shuttle mission. a part on the team that helped America In 1993, two Jewish astronauts were successfully build its space program. on the Columbia Shuttle flight. David I thought back a half a century this Wolf and Martin Fettman took along a past summer as the world paused and Shofar and some Mezuzahs. David Wolf reminisced about man’s first steps on lived on the Mir Space Station for four the moon in July, 1969. And coinciden- months including Yom Kippur when he tally, how interesting it was that as we fasted. He has said that he didn’t quite in the United States celebrated our five know what to do since he was experi- decade moon mission, Israel attempted encing a new sunrise every 90 minutes. its first moon landing. Unfortunately, Israel, by the way, their Beresheet unmanned spacecraft has released com- crashed into the moon a few months memorative stamps ago during its first landing attempt, honoring space coming up just short of success. Prime travel. In 2001, a Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, watched stamp showing an astronauts helmet Beresheet’s landing attempt from the was issued. It shows the Columbia space Space IL control center in Yuhud, Israel shuttle with the American and Israeli and said, “If at first you don’t succeed, flags reflected on its visor. What’s more, you try again.” Jewish astronauts who have blasted in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Interesting to also note that 50 off into space could collectively make a America’s moon landing, Israel and the years ago, Israel’s Ambassador to the few more than a minyan. Ilan Ramon United States were two of the countries United States, who would later become was the first and only Israeli astronaut. that issued commemorative stamps Israel’s Prime Minister, was invited to He was the first astronaut to request this summer. I would say that sounds watch the launch of Apollo 11 from kosher food in space. Sadly, he and six like one small step for people who still Cape Kennedy. Yitzhak Rabin watched other crew members were killed dur- mail letters, one giant leap for Jewish- the rocket carrying three American ing the Columbia re-entry accident in American philatelists. astronauts blast off on their way to 2003. Judith Resnik was the first Jewish 3-2-1: feel free to blast off any com- what would be a successful first ever American in space who unfortunately ments or questions to me at copymark@ American moon landing. Also on the also died during the launch in 1986 of gmail.com. Apollo 11 on its way to the moon was the Space Shuttle Challenger. Astronaut a personal message in Hebrew and David Wolf flew on three shuttle flights

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 9 PRESIDENT’S NOTES Rosh Hashanah Message By Rita Shumsky

L’Shana Tova a creative and productive year. Thank It’s wonderful to see you all here for the High Holidays. you Adina Kay-Gross, Dale Gindi and Not too long ago, while sitting here at a memorial service Sheryl Gordon. for one of our dear congregants, I looked out the window at What’s coming up for life long learn- the lush vibrancy of those trees. Almost a little forest, whose ing? It’s wonderful when you have so large trees seem to guard our temple silently and patiently, many people who want to share their and not just when they stand full and green—but when knowledge with you. There are many their leaves were gone and replaced with a blanket of snow, terrific offerings from Rabbi Mishkin, a time difference of half a year that shows two completely Dr. Annette KasIe, Rabbi Sharyn different landscapes. Perlman, and Dr. Pam Cobrin. Reflecting on these cycles of change library/multipurpose room for some I don’t know about you but I’m go- those trees go through the browning time. Some of you may be wondering ing to everything. of leaves in the fall and the budding what’s happening with the construc- We will also be having wonderful of color on them in the spring—are tion of the space. I only have this to programs from the Library Committee, changes that are so crucial to how we say—TBI planned and the Building the Social Action Committee, view our journey through time, I was Department of the Town of North Sisterhood and the Men’s Club. reminded how much change those trees Hempstead—laughed. We submit- Of course we will be celebrating witness as they gaze through the other ted the application in March! We have many holidays and activities throughout side of the window. This room exists for finally got the permit to start construc- the year for all ages. change! This is OUR sanctuary where tion. I want to thank those of you And don’t forget about the Gala, in we celebrate the cycles of life from birth who contributed to make this project June! I’m pleased to announce that our to death. a reality. What excites me most about honorees this year are Judy and Mort In a few weeks, as we move through the renovations is all the occasions we’ll Sloan and Gail and Mark Mancher. Yom Kippur and into Sukkot we will be able to use it for as a multipurpose Mazel Tov! celebrate Simchat Torah, the very last space. I look forward to celebrating GEMILUT CHASADIM, acts of fall holiday. What’s so special about with all of you in the new space. Special loving-kindness are the active represen- Simchat Torah is that it’s both the end thanks to Cathy Seldin, who is now on tation of our Brit—our covenant with and the beginning. We finish reading a first name basis with everyone at the God and our fellow Jews and with all the Torah, and we immediately begin Building Department, Jon White, Matt people. When we become engaged with reading it again. But it’s not really a new Engel and David Cooper. real people and communities in need— beginning it’s the continuation of the Diana Snaider, Director of our by giving to them of our time and Torah, a continuation of the story of Preschool has introduced new program- resources, we realize the SIMPLE ACTS our people. ming to the curriculum to attract more OF KINDNESS. That’s what this sanctuary, with all children to the school. Her efforts are At TBI we are engaged in many acts its life cycle events, feels like to me. paying off and our preschool is strong. of chesed. Our teens participated in It represents the continuity of our Our kids are so smart and so prepared the Midnight Run Program bringing community. they could skip K–12 and go right to personal items and food to the homeless As Jews we love to celebrate the college. Thank you Diana, Eden Kasle in NYC. All of our religious school stu- change and growth in our own lives. and Katy Kasle. dents participated in making sandwiches Change happens whether we are ready I am very happy to announce that to take to our neighbors at Our Lady of for it or not. the Religious School is now under the Fatima here in Port Washington. How do we nurture and grow our direction of Anya Morgulis. Anya is a Debbie Mishan and Gail Seiden community now when there is ongoing recent graduate of the Davidson School spearheaded the collection of food for change? We reconfigure and reconstruct of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Hatzilu, TANS and for the clients of our spaces to meet our needs, we grow has attended the Pardes School Institute Our Lady of Fatima. Louise Cooper and our schools, we help provide nourish- of in Jerusalem. She has- Ilyse Wafse continue Mostly Mitzvahs ment for our souls, we care for people had wonderful experiences throughout cooking lots of food with our Religious and we learn and have fun. her career and brings that richness to School 6th and 7th graders to deliver to We have been planning the new our Religious School. I look forward to families in need. This year Susan Levin

PAGE 10 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 and Louise made quarts of chicken soup thank you to Helene Hechtkopf and goodness, the library/multipurpose for the Rabbi and the Cantor to bring Debi Golub Gewirtz for writing the room. It would have been nice if every- when they visit the sick. grant. thing could have been done at one time, Allison White and the Social Action We have established the Strategic but it was more fiscally prudent to do it Committee continue their wonderful Planning Steering Committee, under in stages. advocacy efforts in support of immigra- the leadership of Adam Smith and My father, Jimmy Shumsky, used to tion, gun control and other social justice Helene Hechtkopf. Members include say rich or poor it’s good to have money. issues affecting our community. Rabbi Mishkin, Dan Kasle, Michael Going into the new decade we have to Many of our congregants visit the Fishbin, Sherrie Suzzan, Leslie Naschek, plan for financial viability. sick, support the bereaved, attend Shiva Cathy Seldin and myself. The purpose We are mature synagogue that still Minyans and run the Sunday morning of the strategic planning process is to has a mortgage. It is a burden on our minyan. To all—thank you!!! determine where TBI is currently and daily fiscal operations as well as a bur- These are instances of how we nur- where we want to go in the next 3-5 den on the next generation. Since we are ture and grow our community now. The years. To do that, we have initiated the a tax-exempt organization we get none next question is what do we have to do process by sending out a survey to the of the tax benefits you do as a business to propel us into the next decade? owner or a homeowner. Here are three things that will I am announcing that our next help — Safety, Strategic Planning and capital campaign will be to pay off our Financial stability. The next question is mortgage before we are due to refinance Anti-Semitism has become rampant what do we have to do to in 2022. Some of our congregants have throughout the world. It reared its been strong advocates of this and we ugly head in Pittsburgh less than a year propel us into the next have received several generous dona- ago where eleven of our brothers and tions to start the campaign to burn our sisters were murdered. Our top priority decade? Here are three mortgage. at TBI is to provide a secure place for TBI has been fortunate to maintain you, our children and our staff. After things that will help— it’s membership while other temples Pittsburgh we immediately established Safety, Strategic Planning are being forced to merge or even close. the Emergency Preparedness Committee Now is the time to embark on this to evaluate our needs and establish and Financial Stability. journey and to insure the long-term policy and procedures. We had visits by viability of Temple Beth Israel. This is representatives of the Department of an important goal and when completed Homeland Security, a security con- it will help launch us into our next sultant assigned through the Jewish entire congregation. We received 131 chapter. One that will be filled with acts Community Relations Council and the responses­—an outstanding result, and of loving kindness, meaningful con- Port Washington Police Department. we are delighted that so many people nections and God willing, wonderful We have security guards on a regular responded to the survey. As for next celebrations. basis. steps, soon after the holidays we will Thank you Cantor Grainer for Of course now on the High Holidays be scheduling a series of “commu- leading us in services and teaching our we have more security as we have always nity conversations”—meetings with kids. Thank you Rabbi Mishkin for had in the past. various segments of the community to your words of Torah and for being there In January we were awarded a talk about what TBI does right, and for our community in good times and $100,000 grant from Homeland what TBI can do better, for that seg- trying times. Your words and deeds of Security and FEMA to help fund ment of the community. We invite the caring are a comfort and mean so much increased protection for our property. entire TBI family to join us in these to us. It does not include money to fund the conversations. Thanks to all of you. You are a warm, security guards. The capital campaign for the renova- welcoming and generous congregation. Thank you to Adam Smith, Mark tions to the synagogue have now been I wish you and your family a healthy, Fridman, Steve Castar and Cathy Seldin completed, this included the bathrooms, happy, sweet, New Year. for all of your efforts. A very special the administrative suite and now, thank

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 11 In Commemoration of Lifelong Learning Never Stops KRISTALLNACHT TBI’S Library Committee BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Presents Holocaust Survivor Writing As Reflection: Make meaningful connections between RUTH MERMELSTEIN Torah & our lives today WITH PAM COBRIN 9 Sessions Meets once a Month (Sept thru May), 7:30pm–9:30pm Mondays: 9/23, 10/28, 11/18, 12/9, 1/27/20, 2/24, 3/30, 4/27, 5/18 Cost: $30 per session

Professor Pam Cobrin Director of the Speaking and Writing Programs at Barnard College as she leads a 9 sessions once a month from September-May where we will use writing (ours and others) to explore our relationship with various texts and ourselves. ◾◾ How does the act of writing help us connect to our conscious and unconscious thoughts? ◾◾ How does writing raise questions that challenge our thinking and our sense of the world? Answer these questions and more... Space is limited RSVP: [email protected] November 7, 2019, 7:30pm Thoughtful Debates Matter: How to Disagree Constructively Ruth was born in Romania, one of six WITH RABBI MISHKIN siblings. In 1940 the area in which Sunday mornings: 10:30am–12noon she and her family lived was given November 3, 17, & 24, December 8 over to Hungary, an ally of Germany. Racial laws were imposed, stripping One fact people across political divides today may still agree upon is that civil Jews of their rights. Ruth’s father discourse between the political divides is turning less and less civil. Indeed, the was sent to a forced labor camp on sheer lack of desire to try to understand those with opposing political opinions the Russian border. He managed to (or political identities) and disagree constructively over critical questions is posing escape and was able to return to his an existential threat to democracies around the world. By dipping into the well of home town in Romania. However, , and seeing how our sages used machlokets (disagreements) to Ruth and her family continued to further their understanding of the truth, we will increase our ability to understand suffer the many horrors of Auschwitz and engage more constructively. and Bergen-Belsen, until British lib- ◾◾ Meet or Refuse to Meet? From Korach and Moses to eration in April 1945. Political Adversaries Today ◾ Please join us as we hear Ruth’s har- ◾ Xenophobia or National Security? From Pharaoh rowing story of bravery, persever- and the Israelites through Japanese Internment ance and survival. to Today ◾◾ Coexist or Separate? From Isaac & Ishmael to Temple Beth Israel Israelis and Palestinians Today Temple Drive, Port Washington, NY ◾◾ “Fake News” or Uncovering the Truth? 516-767-1708 From Joseph and his brothers through Jefferson and Hamilton to Today Dairy refreshments Each class is a standalone topic, come to one or more than one!

PAGE 12 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 Donations

THE BAM FUND (BE A MENSCH) Joan Hulkkower in loving memory of Leslie and Andrew Abramowitz and In loving memory of David Naiburg, Pearl Zyniewski, her beloved sister. family wish condolences to Susie beloved father of Lisa Naiburg. Maurice and Judith Zilberstein Orenstein and family on the loss Lisa Naiburg and Dan Kisch wish wish mazel tov to Martin and Rae of her beloved mother Martha condolences to Susie Orenstein and Smolowitz on the B’nai Mitzvah of Orenstein. the Sollinger family on the loss of their grandsons Ashton and Hunter. Leslie and Andrew Abramowitz and Martha Orenstein. Shula and Henry Mustacchi wish family wish condolences to the Lisa Naiburg and Dan Kisch wish mazel tov to Hilton Silver on his bar Steinberg family on the loss of Sue condolences to Beth Ain and the Mitzvah Sheni. Steinberg. Ain family on the loss of Gail Seidel Susan and Sheldon Greenbaum in Jay Silverman and Robyn Serinsky wish Levine. loving memory of Emil Greenbaum, their sincere condolences to Bart Condolences to the Rynston and Lobel beloved father of Sheldon. Steinberg and family on the loss of families on the loss of Estelle Rynston, Beverly Taubel in loving memory of her Sue. special friend to TBI, Jay and Nancy beloved husband Gene Taubel. Leslie and Andrew Abramowitz and Feldman. Beverly Taubel in loving memory of her family wish condolences to the Yasher Koach and thank you to TBI’s beloved father Adolph Huppert. Rynston and Lobel families on the special and talented congregants who Beverly Taubel in honor of Hilton loss of Estelle Rynston, beloved wife, volunteered and kept our services Silver...mazel tov on your Bar Mitzvah mother and grandmother. going thoughout the summer Kol Sheni! Steven Emmett in loving memory of Hakod. Jay and Nancy Feldman Jules Green. Beverly Taubel wishes her condolences THE BUILDING FUND Allison and Jon White in loving to Susie Orenstein and family on the Dorothy Muchnick in loving memory memory Susan Steinberg. loss of Martha Orenstein. of her beloved husband Saul Allison and Jon White in loving Beverly Taubel wishes mazel tov to Muchnick. memory of Estelle Rynston. Shula and Henry Mustacchi on their Joan Hulkower wishes condolences Allison and Jon White wish condolences 65 wedding anniversary. to the Blumstein family on the loss Susie Orenstein on the loss of her The Konas family in loving memory of of long time TBI member, Neil beloved mother Martha Orenstein. Muriel Hyman, beloved mother of Blumstein. Allison and Jon White wish mazel tov to Joan Konas. Joan Hulkower wishes condolences to the Greenblatt family on the marriage Dori, Michael, Brett and Eric Fishbin the Orenstein and Sollinger families of their son Matthew to Brooklyn wish their sincerest condolences to the on the loss of Martha Orenstein, Snow. Steinberg family on the loss of Sue beloved mother of Susie. Steinberg. Joan Hulkower wishes the Steinberg THE CANTOR’S The Popper family wishes sincerest family condolences for the loss of Sue DISCRETIONARY FUND condolences to Susie Orenstein and Steinberg, beloved daughter, wife and Susan and Richard Levin in loving family on the loss of Susie’s beloved mother. memory of Estelle Rynston, beloved mother, Martha Orenstein. Susie Orenstein and Andrew Sollinger wife, mother and grandmother. The Popper family wishes sincerest and family wish the Steinberg family Susan and Richard Levin wishing Refua condolences to Leslie Abramowitz and condolences for the loss of Sue Shlema to Merle Colchamiro. Steinberg, beloved daughter, wife and family on the loss of Leslie’s beloved THE KIDDUSH FUND father, Alvin Stern. mother. Ronnie Peshkin wishes Jay Feldman Debbie and Jack Mishan wish mazel tov Leslie and Andrew Abramowitz and continued good health. to Julie and Joel and the Greenblatt family wish condolences to Felicia family on the marriage of Matthew Rosen and family on the loss of her THE LIBRARY FUND beloved father Sheldon Rosen. Greenblatt to Brooklyn Snow. Diane and Steve Grenlick wish Rae Leslie and Andrew Abramowitz and Dori, Michael, Brett and Eric Fishbin and Marty Smolowitz mazel tov on family wish condolences to the Ain wish mazel tov to the Greenblatt their grandsons Ashton and Hunter family on the loss of Gail Seidel family on the marriage of Matthew Smolowitz’s B’nai Mitzvah Levine, beloved mother of Beth Ain. Greenblatt and Brooklyn Snow! Diane and Steve Greenlick wish Jay Mazel tov to Linda Galler and Joan and Daniel Konas in loving Feldman continued good health. Murray Singer on the birth of their memory of Stella Hyman, beloved Bob Epstein and Beth Hisler wish granddaughter Rose Evelyn...Leslie grandmother of Joan. condolences to the Rynston/Lobel and Andrew Abramowitz and family. families on the loss of Estelle Rynston.

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 13 Bob Epstein and Beth Hisler wish mazel Mazel tov to Hilton Silver on his Bar Judy and Dan Golub in loving memory tov to Gail Mancher on becoming a Mitzvah Sheni...Nancy and Jay of Morris Vatsky, beloved father of Bat Mitzvah! Feldman. Judy Golub. Susan and Richard Levin wish mazel All the best wishes to Marilyn Oser on Allison and Jon White in loving tov to Shula and Henry Mustacchi on the publication of her new book... memory of Arthur Breidbart, beloved their 65 wedding anniversary. Nancy and Jay Feldman. grandfather of Allison. Susan and Richard Levin in honor of The Gindi family in loving memory of Hilton Silver’s second bar Mitzvah... THE MAHZOR BOOK PLATE Eileen Saperstein, beloved mother of mazel tov! FUND Dale Gindi. Mazel tov to Henry and Shula Ellen Doft and Alexander katz in loving Steven Emmett in loving memory of his Mustacchi on their 65th wedding memory of Aubrey Sverdlik dear father Samuel Emmett. anniversary...Bob Epstein and Beth The Faltischek family in honor of the Susan and Richard Levin wish Hisler. bat Mitzvah of Ava Faltischek. condolences to the Orensein and Deepest condolences to Bart Steinberg The Greenblatt family in loving memory Sollinger family on the loss of Martha and family on Sue’s passing...Bob of Cecile Teebor, beloved mother of Orenstein, beloved mother of Susie. Epstein and Beth Hisler. Julie Greenblatt. Susan and Richard Levin in memory of Sandra and Stephen Marcus wish Carole Kaplan in loving memory of her Lorraine Esrick, beloved mother of condolences to the Grauer family on husband Edward Kaplan. Karen Grauer. the loss of Lorraine Esrick, beloved The Shapiro family in loving memory Hilton and Irene Silver in honor of mother of Karen Grauer. of Edward Shapiro beloved father of Rabbi Mishkin. Sandra and Stephen Marcus wish Deborah. Mindy and Sean Mintz wish Mazel tov condolences to the Rynston and Nancy and Jay Feldman wish mazel tov to Matthew and Brooklyn Greenblatt Lobel families on the loss of Estelle to Hilton Silver on his Bar Mitzvah on their recent marriage! Rynston, beloved wife, mother and Sheni! Susan and Gerald Horn in loving grandmother. The Jackman family in loving memory memory of Harry Jaslow, beloved Sandra and Stephen Marcus wish of Talma Schechter. father of Susan. The Ritual Committee: condolences to the Steinberg family THE PRESCHOOL FUND on the loss of Sue Steinberg. Sondra Winder in honor of David Jack and Susan Genicoff in loving Sandra and Stephen Marcus wish Volpe. memory of Abraham Diamond, condolences to the Blumstein family beloved grandfather of Jack. on the loss of Neil Blumstein. THE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Jack and Susan Genicoff in loving Sondra Winder wishes mazel tov to The Palmer family wishes mazel memory of Clare Genicoff, beloved Hilton Silver on his Bar Mitzvah tov to the Garbiner family on the mother of Jack. Sheni. engagement of Sela Grabiner and Mikael Redmond. The Mindlan/Konoff family wish THE RABBI’S Odette and Barry Rosen in honor of mazel tov to Hilton Silver on his Bar DISCRETIONARY FUND: Mitzvah Sheini! their son Mitch Rosen, his wife Jodi, Diane and Steve Greenlick wish Bob and children Maya, Kira, and Gabriel. A hearty mazel tov to Nicole and Phil Farkas continued good health. Smolowitz on the b’nai mitzvah in Sisterhood: Gene Taubel Amazing dad and awesome Deepest condolences to Bart Steinberg Jerusalem of our twin grandsons, grand-dad. Mindy and Sean Mintz. Ashton & Hunter....Rae and Marty and family on the loss of Sue Susan and Richard Levin wish Steinberg...Fran Dalessandro. Smolowitz. condolences to Susie Orenstein Ronnie Peshkin wishes mazel tov to and family on the loss of Martha Hilton Silver on his Bar Mitzvah Orenstein. Sheni. Mindy Mintz in loving memory of her Ronnie Peshkin wishes continued good dear grandfather Adolph Huppert. health to Bob Farkas Lisa Naiburg and Dan Kisch wish Ronnie Peshkin wishes continued good deepest condolences to the Steinberg health to Scott Miller. family on the loss of Susan Steinberg. William and Collette Siegel wish Lisa Naiberg and Dan Kisch wish TO PLACE AN AD mazel tov to Hilton Silver on his Bar continued good health to Merle Mitzvah Sheni. Colchamiro. Contact the TBI office at Richard and Susan Levin wish mazel tov The Mustacchi family in loving memory [email protected] or call to Hilton Silver on his Bar Mitzvah of George Leisner, beloved uncle of 516-767-1708 x9 Sheni! Shula Mustacchi.

PAGE 14 | TBI TABLET OCTOBER 2019 Sisterhood Contributions

Honor someone’s simcha, express sympathy, or wish someone refuah shlema by making a contribution to Sisterhood, and a card will be sent on your behalf. For a minimum contribution of $10.00, you can choose from the Building Beautification Fund (BBF), Flower Fund (FF), School Equipment Fund (SEF), Torah Repair Fund (TRF), or the Women’s League Torah Fund Campaign (WLTF). JNF Tree certificates are available for a minimum contribution of $18.00. Please e-mail Deborah Brooks at [email protected] and send your contribution (payable to TBI Sisterhood) to TBI, c/o Deborah Brooks.

Sincere condolences to Bart, Jacob, Mazal tov to Robyn and Alan Doubert Naomi, and Mia Steinberg on the on their son Aaron becoming a Bar passing of their beloved wife and Mitzvah mother Sue Steinberg Board and Officers WLTF Board and Officers WLTF Eleanor and Victor Himel FF Sisterhood WLTF Joan Hulkower BBF Sisterhood WLTF Mazal tov to Julie and Rob Schachter on their son Jake becoming a Bar Mitzvah Board and Officers WLTF Eleanor and Victor Himel FF Joan Hulkower BBF Sisterhood WLTF

Alex Himel Old World Craftsmanship With New Age Technology Certified Dog Trainer/Sitter Veterinarian recommended SANDS POINT All training aspects covered Will come to your residence AUTO BODY, ltd. State of the Art Facility Excellent references 516-767-0747 516-633-3384 Phone (516)767-0471 • Fax (516)767-0978 92 S. Bayles Ave www.alexhimel.info Web: www.sandspointautobody.com Port Washington, NY 11050

TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5780 TBI TABLET | PAGE 15 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Flushing, NY Permit No. 1812 Temple Drive Port Washington, NY 11050-3915

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Multipurpose Room Construction Update

Celebrate a Special Shabbat with Temple Beth Israel FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 @ 6:30 PM with

SISTERHOOD SUKKOT DINNER Pray, sing & celebrate!