The Temple Beth Times Volume LV No. 15 Tevet / Shevat 5780 January 2020 raffles and prizes,songsledby Cantor Chesler and the returnof the Our annualChanukah Celebration was held on Sunday, December 15. The event featured breakfast served bymembers ofthe Men’s Club, “Are You Smarter Than The quiz ?” show. Off the Bimah

Searching for a Rabbi Table for Two? by Rabbi Michael Katz by Cantor Carol Chesler

A good friend of mine I have lived in Hunting- belongs to a that ton for over 20 years. A few is looking for a Rabbi. Think- years after moving here, a ko- ing that I might know a thing sher restaurant opened up in or two about the subject, he the heart of town. It boasted asked for my advice. Here’s a diverse menu and a spa- what I told him: cious interior with plenty of The title itself (“Rah- tables. Some years later, a BEE” in Hebrew) means “my kosher Chinese restaurant master.” The primary job of opened in Commack, one the Rabbi was teacher. So a town away. One other very Rabbi needs to be a “master” of Bible, Rabbinics, and charming place opened in Huntington Village that Jewish law, , and history. was a bit pricey, but very good. All three restaurants In the observant Jewish world, the Rabbi must served delicious kosher food, and we supported them. also be a “posek ” – a decider of Jewish law: All three restaurants had very short lifespans. Now, in whether certain things are permitted or forbidden. 2019, the Bagel Boss in East Northport and the Ben’s In America, because of the influence of Christiani- Deli in Woodbury are the only kosher restaurants we ty, we expect a Rabbi to take on tasks that we’ve seen frequent that are within a short drive of where we live, done by priests or ministers. and serve delicious kosher food. Many kosher estab- Today, a Rabbi is a religious functionary – serving lishments have closed – restaurants, butcher shops, as a Master of Ceremonies at religious services and bakeries. Kosher restaurants clearly don’t last when life cycle events. they are not patronized. (In the Orthodox world, laypeople do these roles; I thought about this reality, and the fact that there you don’t need an ordained clergyperson to lead a are still many, many kosher establishments in Nas- service, name, Bar , marry, or bury someone. sau County and the five boroughs. There are a vari- In a shul, don’t need to be told what page ety of kosher restaurants as close by as Great Neck Aleynu is on or that they need to rise.) and Roslyn that serve Chinese, Persian, dairy, burg- We expect a Rabbi to also be a pastor – com- ers, grilled meats, Mediterranean style, kebobs, pizza, forting and counseling his or her flock. ( have sandwiches, and more. There are restaurants I have taken courses in pastoral counseling, but they are never tried, and would love the opportunity to do so. generally not licensed therapists; nevertheless, many Introducing: Cantor Carol’s Kosher Cuisine Col- people still turn to them in a crisis because they want lective, or the TBT-KDC (Kosher Dining Club). The a spiritual component to their therapy or because they goal is to discover kosher eating establishments in the can’t afford a psychologist or social worker.) New York area, and have a delightful dining experi- And in smaller congregations, Rabbis also serve ence with friends from Temple Beth Torah. as “Executive Directors” – overseeing the staff and A small committee of dedicated congregants has the day-to-day functioning of the office and the build- assembled to help with the logistics, choose restau- ing. (Do we need to order soda and gefilte fish? How rants (one per month), figure out pricing and transpor- many tables do we need to set up in the social hall? tation, and more. Who do we call to fix the broken toilet in the ladies Our first dining is scheduled for Sun- room?) day, January 12 at 5 p.m. (Price to be determined.) And it couldn’t hurt if the Rabbi was a “master” of Additional dates (all Sundays at 5 p.m. – a kind of New social media and public relations, as well as adept in York “Early Bird Special”) are: February 9, March 15, fundraising. April 19, and May 17. If you would like to participate, I wished my friend – and his synagogue – good please RSVP to the Temple office by the Wednesday luck in their search. There are a lot of good Rabbis out prior (for example, RSVP by January 8 for the first din- there; I’m sure they will find just the right for ner) to make your reservations. them. Hope you can join us! B’te-avon! Press from Our Leaders

Page 137. Please Rise. Religious School Update by Rich Rothstein, Co-President by Orna Sheena, Education Director

“Page 137. Please rise.” November has been a If you have ever been busy and rewarding month to our evening , you at Temple Beth Torah. The would hear those words com- newsletter below, written by ing from the back corner. It our Hay class teacher, Mr. didn’t matter if it was snowing Marc Aronin, will provide you or raining or even if there was with an insight into the recent a hurricane. You’d hear Joel activities that were held at our Glantz announce the page Temple Beth Torah Religious and the minyan would start. School. If you come now, you The students and I con- hear the same words, but not the same voice. Joel tinued to reinforce the features in each letter and vow- and Dana have moved to Florida. One thing is for el in the , and, as always, we aim for sure: Joel’s presence at TBT will be missed. increased fluency. In addition, we worked on the sec- Announcing the page was a small part of Joel’s ond prayer of the , G’vurot. The students are presence. Joel met everyone who came into TBT with very excited to be learning new prayers as we move a smile, a warm welcome and a hearty handshake. along in the year. As was the case last month, we took No matter who was davening or when, once services a “side trip” to the sanctuary to practice our reading. were completed, Joel would call out yasher koach The kids always enjoy reading the prayers inside this young ___ (insert name). That was just a part of Joel’s holy space. warmth and how welcome he made everyone feel. We also covered the Israel portion of the curricu- While weekday evening are six days a lum, with an emphasis on what the country looks like week, that was just a part of Joel’s presence and all today. We have continued this journey through our he did for Temple Beth Torah. There are over 250 Israeli friends that we have met in our textbook. Ev- honors given out over the High Holidays. But assign- eryone has enjoyed reading this book and comparing ing the honors is just a part of the puzzle. There are their lives to the lives that the kids have in Israel. It’s changes to accommodate when people will be at shul always interesting for the students to see how similar or if people attend the tent service as well as regular we are to them, and of course, how different we can services. There are the logistics of finding the people be as well! amongst the crowd, getting them to the bimah for their The children had various opportunities to work honor and keeping the service flowing. If you were with Mrs. Levine on special projects. In commemora- ever looking for someone during Yom Tov services, tion of Kristallnacht, the “ of Broken Glass,” the you know how difficult that can be. kids read a book about children’s during And even with that challenge, Joel still greeted ev- . We then met with our special guest, eryone warmly as they came and would give them a Marion Blumenthal Lazan. Hay and Vav students sat hearty yasher koach after their honor. silently in the sanctuary, and together, we got to hear You might think that between evening minyans and Mrs. Lazan’s moving and inspirational story. Her story High Holiday honors that would be all anyone could of tragedy, survival and success resonated with our handle, but at most services, Joel would be kids. I was very impressed and touched with the re- seen giving out aliyas, manning the doors, or helping spectful and mature questions our kids asked her. the Torah carriers off the bimah – not to mention as- We wrap up each Wednesday in the school com- signing Haftorah portions to some of the regulars. puter lab, where the students had an opportunity to Joel, thank you so much for all you have done for learn more about Kristallnacht and the effects it had Temple Beth Torah for so long. I cannot express how on the Jewish community in Germany. much we all appreciate all you have done for Temple In bible study, we had a session devoted to the Beth Torah. While you may not physically be in the parashat Chayei Sarah, which involves the of building, with each “Page 137, please rise” we still hear your voice and feel your presence. Continued on Page 5 Around the Congregation

The Next Step

B’nai Mitzvah: Cooper and Harrison Goldberg (December 14) Sons of Risa and Steven Our names are Coo- For our Bar Mitz- per and Harrison vah project, we sold Goldberg. We are 7th hats to our friends grade students at Jer- and raised $1,200 icho Middle School. for Cycle For Survial We are twin brothers – a charity for cancer and we celebrated research in honor of our B’nai Mitzvah on our grandfather. The December 14, 2019 – team that we were a the last Bar Mitzvah of part of raised close the decade. We have to $30k. a 16 year old sister Cantor Chesler named Hallie. Our helped us to pre- parents are Risa and pare for our B’nai Steven. We love them Mitzvah. She was so much. helpful, patient, and We love to play all sports and we play soc- a great teacher. She always challenged us to do cer on the Middle School team and the 8th grade more. We learned a lot about our Torah portions travel team. In our spare time, we enjoy spending and Haftorah portions from Rabbi Katz and and time with our friends and family. Over the sum- we thank him for giving us a solid foundation in mer, we spend seven weeks at Camp Pontiac. our .

Remaining Temple Beth Torah Book Club Picks for 2019-2020

Tuesday – January 14, 2020 7 p.m. Sunday – April 26, 2020 10 a.m. Inheritance, by Dani Shapiro Promised Land, by Martin Fletcher Cantor Chesler will discuss this book.

Tuesday – May 19, 2020 Sunday – February 9, 2020 7 p.m. 10 a.m. The Last Watchman of Old Cairo, .com, by Nathan Englander by Michael David Lukas

Tuesday – March 17, 2020 Tuesday – June 16, 2020 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

The Liar, by Ayelet Gundar- Goshen Odessa, Odessa, by Barbara Artson Around the Congregation

A Very Successful Coat Drive by Jane Berliner

I wanted to thank all of the congregants that were kind enough to donate to our coat drive and make Our condolences to Sheryl Glovin on the it an extremely successful effort! Working together passing of her sister, Karen Aronson. with Jericho Jewish Center, we were able to donate over 200 coats to those in need through the Interfaith Our condolences to Debbie Wanderman on Nutrition Network (INN) the passing of her sister, Elayne Altman. in Hempstead. A special thanks to Andrew Howard, Our condolences to Ilene Kuppersmith and of Andrew Howard Clean- Randy Portnoy on the passing of their father, ers in Syosset, who was Howard Portnoy. kind enough to have dona- tions dry cleaned with no cost incurred. Finally, yasher Our condolences to Jewel Prince on the koach to Linda Guber, Doreen Leibowitz, Rocey Les- passing of her mother, Lillian Grodin. ter and Lisa Merkrebs for helping to the School (Continued from Page 3) coats ready for distribu- Sarah, and ’s meeting of his wife . We tion and transport. also discussed the qualities she possessed which Thanks again to our showed that she was worthy to be a wife to Temple Beth Torah fam- Isaac. ily for making it possible for other families on Long Island to have a warmer winter this year! Temple Beth Torah’s Sisterhood Cookbook Explanation of Jewish : Friday Night Shabbat Services Recipes to Remember is a great gift for any simcha. It is Friday night Shabbat services used to start with available for $18 in the (the evening service). But in the 16th century, Temple office. If you have Jewish kabbalists (mystics) centered in Safed in north- any questions, please ern Israel instituted a new tradition: Kabbalat Shabbat feel free to reach out (“Welcoming the Sabbath”). This was first per- to our Sisterhood Co- formed by the men dressing in white and heading out to the fields as the sun set. One of the mystics, Rab- Presidents, Linda Guber bi Shlomo Alkabetz, wrote a song called L’kha Dodi and Randie Mishan. (“Come, my beloved”). It said: “Come let us go out to greet Shabbat, who is like a Queen.” Remember You’ve Got a Temple Friend that these Jews, or their parents, had been expelled from Spain in 1492. They had lost everything. They Temple Beth Torah has a support were looking to God to send the Messiah and to bring base of members who are available to about the redemption of the Jewish people. Jerusa- help fellow congregants when a time lem, which had lay in ruins for centuries, was a sym- of need occurs. If you are in a posi- bol of their wretched state. Shabbat was, to them, a tion where you could use assistance day of rest and a time to dream of the Messiah – and - such as friendly phone calls or visits, peace and restoration. Today, we continue to recite shopping, prescription pick-ups, meal that same song. And at its conclusion, we rise, turn prep and delivery, and so on - please around, and face the doors to “welcome the Sabbath.” contact the Temple Office or Rabbi We bow twice – to the left and to the right. This is also Katz. All information is confidential the time we welcome mourners from their home, back into the community. and will be shared only as necessary. Recent Events

Temple Beth Torah hosted our first Navigating Through Social Mdeia workshop on Sunday, No- vember 24 at 10 a.m. following morning minyan. Congregants learned about terrific websites that focus on Israel and , all of which exist on Facebook. Congregants did not have to join Facebook (or even bring a laptop!) to participate. Yasher koach to Sandy Wasserman for coordinating this event. Congregants also joined together on Thanksgiving day (Thursday, November 28) at 9 a.m. for a morning minyan. Because it was (the new month of Kislev), we added and to the service. This gave our congregants – specifically Arnie Steinberg, Mel Wasserman, and Wendy Marx – a chance to read from the Torah in front of our congregation. This beautiful service was followed by a light breakfast. Yasher koach to Cantor Chesler for organizing this event and for helping our congregants read from the Torah so beautifully. During Hebrew School, our students participated in many fun projects, including the Gimel and Daled project and the creation of stone menorahs, both of which are pictured here. Last but not least, our annual Chanukah Celebration was held on Sunday, December 15. The event featured breakfast served by members of the Men’s Club, raffles and prizes, songs led by Cantor Chesler and the return of the “Are You Smarter Than The Rabbi?” quiz show. Follow Temple Beth Torah on Facebook to see additional pictures. Recent Events Upcoming Events for January 2020

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday No School 1 New Year’s Day

5 6 Fast of Tevet 7 8

Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. Executive Board Morning Minyan, Torah Trope Class, Meeting, 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:45 p.m.

12 13 14 15

Morning Minyan, Torah Trope Class, Book Club, Adult Education, 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

19 No School 20 21 22 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Morning Minyan, Meeting, 9:00 a.m. 8:45 p.m.

26 Rosh 27 28 29 Chodesh Shevat

Morning Minyan, Torah Trope Class, Adult Education, 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Upcoming Events for January 2020

Thursday Friday Saturday Upcoming No School 2 No School 3 4 Event Spotlight In addition to Candle Lighting, Adult Education 4:22 p.m. Shabbat Services, on Wednesday Shabbat Services, 9:45 a.m. evenings, you are 6:30 p.m. Minha, 4:20 p.m. invited to join us each 9 10 11 Tuesday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Candle Lighting, beginning 4:29 p.m. Shabbat Services, Tuesday, Family Service, 9:45 a.m. January 7 for 6:30 p.m. Minha, 4:30 p.m. Torah on Tuesdays. We 16 17 18 will learn Pirkay Avot (“Ethics of the Fathers”). All are welcome. Candle Lighting, Please feel 4:37 p.m. Shabbat Services, free to Shabbat Services, 9:45 a.m. contact the Minha, 4:35 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Temple office or Rabbi Katz 23 24 25 with questions.

Shabbat Services, Save Candle Lighting, 9:45 a.m. 4:45 p.m. Minha, 4:45 p.m. the Date Shabbat Services, Gimel and Daled 6:30 p.m. Service Join Our Book Club 30 31 Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. Inheritance, by Dani Shapiro Cantor Chesler will discuss this book. A Guide to Temple Beth Torah Orna Katz Carol Kalman Sheena Chesler Michael Fliegelman

Rabbi Cantor Cantor Emeritus Education Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Temple Beth Torah Executive Board Rich Frank Randi David Marcy Damon Lesnick Rothstein

Co-President Co-President Executive VP VP Education [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ed Gillian Hazen Katzin Stuart Heather Leibowitz Grishman

VP Fundraising VP House & Buildings VP House & Buildings VP Membership [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Art Joel Neal Guber Pesner Glantz Michael Glickman

VP Publicity VP Ritual Treasurer Financial Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Marc Allison Balizer Robert Andrew Shapiro Marshall Rothstein

Secretary Immediate Past Pres Presidents’ Council Men’s Club President [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Temple Beth Torah Office

Denise Lindenfeld Linda Guber Randie Mishan Administrator [email protected] (516) 334-7979 Sisterhood Co-Pres Sisterhood Co-Pres [email protected] [email protected] A Guide to Temple Beth Torah

Schedule of Religious Services Temple Office: (516) 334-7979 Daily Services Evening Minyans (Sun - Thurs), 8:30 p.m. Who Should I Contact To...? Sunday Morning Services, 9:00 a.m. Arrange for or Honors Shabbat Services Contact our Vice President of Ritual Friday Evening, 6:30 p.m. Saturday Morning, 9:45 a.m. Schedule a Baby Naming or Aufruf Saturday Minhah/Havdalah, Sundown Contact Cantor Carol Chesler (same time as candle lighting) Sponsor a or Oneg Shabbat Support Temple Beth Torah Contact the Temple Office

Make a Donation Add a Name to the Checks should be made out to the “Mi-Shehbayrach” (Get Well) List “Temple Beth Torah Rabbi’s Fund” Contact Rabbi Michael Katz and then a card “in memory of” or “in honor of” will be distributed. Notify the Congregation of a Funeral or a Shiva Make a Purchase at Amazon Contact Rabbi Michael Katz Use the link below to purchase items at Amazon. When the link is used, Temple Check a Yahrzeit Date Beth Torah earns a referral fee. Contact the Temple Office goo.gl/uEFcG8 Discuss Bar or Bat Mitzvah Dates We provide many opportunities to Contact Cantor Carol Chesler remember a loved one or a special occassion, or commemorate your Discuss Dues or Financial Questions years at Temple Beth Torah. Contact the Temple Office or our Treasurer Dedicate a Leaf on Our Purchase Torah Cards Tree of Life or a Prayer Book Contact Linda Pochtar, 933-0963 Contact the Temple Office or Betty Weiss, 931-6046 Buy a Brick Purchase Kippot and Head Coverings www.bricksrus.com/order/tbtli Contact Linda Guber, 297-3721 or Contact the Temple Office or Gillian Grishman, 938-6790

Share Your Simchah With Us! Add a Name to the Distribution List for Our Jewish Singles Events At Temple Beth Torah, we strive to know If you know of any Jewish singles each other not just as fellow congregants, (members and non-members) who would but as members of our extended family. like to be included on our email list for Contact the Publisher of the Temple Beth future events, please have them send Torah Times to be featured in the next their name and email address to issue of the newsletter. [email protected]. Advertisements and Classifieds

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