BUILDING COMMUNITY

Great Neck Synagogue Fall Brochure 2016 - 2017

Plans for Future Growth at GNS

26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 1 tabLe of Letter from contents the

Section: Page # Torah - Our Blueprint - Ongoing Torah Study 4 Laying the Foundations - Shabbat Speaker Series 6 Construct your Holidays with GNS 12 Build up Your Video Library 15 Men’s Club / Sisterhood / Women's Learning 16 Youth Programs 17 Sponsorship Opportunities 20 GNS Dinner Save the Date 21 “the torah as our bLueprint” DaiLy Learning scheDuLe ongoing Mondays Tuesdays Community Scholars’ Kollel Community Scholars’ Kollel torah stuDy Rabbi Yudi Jeger Rabbi Yudi Jeger 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 .am. Tanach Rabbi Dale Polakoff Rabbi Ian Lichter 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Wednesdays Thursdays Shabbat Community Scholars’ Kollel Community Scholars’ Kollel Parshat Hashavua Topics in Aggadata Rabbi Ian Lichter Rabbi Yudi Jeger GNS Rabbinic Team Rabbi Dale Polakoff 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Bilfeld home) 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m.– 9:00 a.m. Gemorah Women’s Chumash Class Gemorah (Beitzah) Rabbi Yossi Singer Rabbi Dale Polakoff GNS Rabbinic Team 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 1 hour before Mincha Community Scholars’ Kollel: Contemporary Topic Chabura Power Chumash Join our Scholars’ Kollel each Rabbi Ian Lichter Rabbi Yisroel Reisman Rabbi Yudi Jeger Rabbi Yisroel Reisman Rabbi Dale Polakoff morning for breakfast, stimulating 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 1 and a half hours after Shabbat 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Torah conversation, and special (rotating homes) lectures and presentations from the GNS Rabbinic team and Fridays Sundays visiting scholars. The Scholars’ Parsha Video Midrash Kollel produces a weekly parsha Rabbi Yissocher Frand Rabbi Dale Polakoff sheet and an annual journal of "Our Primary 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. original Torah scholarship. Obligation Please speak to Steve Zuckerman or is to Study Torah" Rabbi Lichter for details. Peah 1:1 Rabbi Ian Lichter Rabbi Yissocher Frand

4 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 5 “Laying the founDations” With shabbat speaker series

shabbat November 5, 2016 speakers OHEL Shabbaton at Great Neck Synagogue November 12, 2016 Our close relationship continues with OHEL as we host the annual Shabbaton with OHEL clients and Great Neck Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Synagogue families. Enjoy Friday night dinner and Oneg together in shul in addition to the Shabbat lunches hosted by the GNS families. The Ohel Shabbaton is one of the most memorable Shabbatot of the year. Rabbi Shlomo Riskin’s contributions to and world Jewry over the course of the past five decades have been instrumental in shaping today’s Modern Orthodox society. November 12, 2016 Noted teacher, author and visionary, Rabbi Riskin originally hails from NY. Rabbi Riskin graduated Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf valedictorian, summa cum laude from University in 1960, where he majored in Greek, Latin and English Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf LL.B M.Ed.Psych. D.Div. Dean Spiritgrow – Josef Kryss Holistic Center, Australia literatures. He went on to receive semicha (rabbinical ordination) from the eminent Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”l, a Laibl's teachings focus on personal growth and emotional mastery. He uses the wisdom contained in the Kabalistic texts to reveal Master’s Degree in Jewish History and a Ph.D from University’s department of Near Eastern Languages and the inner workings of the mind-emotion balance. While spiritually based, Laibl's teachings are highly pragmatic. Laibl has translated Literature. the complicated Kabbalistic insights into a practical system of application to the minutiae of everyday life. He is able to help people As the founding rabbi of the Lincoln Square Synagogue in Manhattan, Rabbi Riskin created a focal point for an exciting discover the motivation behind their thoughts and emotions, which enables them to understand their behavioral patterns. To this approach to Orthodoxy, attracting many young intellectuals and professionals. He served as a role model for religious end, Laibl has developed the original system of "Behavioral Kabbalah", which transmutes the ancient mystical teachings into a social action through his involvement in civil rights and the plight of Soviet Jewry, and he developed into a major pathway of personal fulfillment. His teachings bring his audience to deeper levels of spiritual enlightenment. He has called his spokesperson for Modern Orthodoxy by pioneering the first women’s Advanced Study program and the first synagogue service conducted for approach MindYoga®. women by women in the early 70’s. Addressing groups as divergent as the American Psychological Association, the Fortune 500 convention, and Buddhist Yet, in 1983, Rabbi Riskin left his thriving career in Manhattan to pioneer the settlement of Efrat. Upon arrival in Israel, Rabbi Riskin founded a monks, he is often the keynote speaker at worldwide conferences such as the recent "Argentinean Economy and boys’ High School in Efrat, the first in what would eventually become Ohr Torah Stone (OTS): a network of groundbreaking educational Psycho/Spiritual Solutions" in Argentina. As Laibl is attuned to the similarities between Eastern spirituality institutions, women’s empowerment programs, innovative leadership training, bridge-building outreach initiatives, and proactive and Kabbalist teachings, he has met with many leaders of other spiritual communities including an extensive two hour private social action projects that today encompasses 3,000 students from Israel and the Diaspora, ranging from elementary school session with the Dalai Lama. Melbourne University has appointed Rabbi Wolf as its founding lecturer in Jewish Mysticism and to post-graduate programs for men and women. Despite the scope of ages, programs and geographical locales, OTS Spirituality. institutions are all united in espousing the vision and philosophy of their founder: a deep love for Israel, tolerance of Rabbi Wolf will be presenting three times throughout Shabbat: one’s fellow man, knowledge and pride in , and high level secular studies. The Ohr Torah Stone network is 8:30 a.m. - Main Sanctuary: The Art of Jewish Meditation training a knowledgeable, caring and relevant leadership for the future. 3:30 p.m. - Beit Midrash: Love Is A One Way Street Rabbi Riskin will be giving the Shabbat Drasha in the Main Sanctuary: 11:00 a.m. 4:45 p.m. - Seudah Shlishit: Tales and Songs of Restless Souls

6 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 7 November 18-19, 2016 Communal Friday Night Dinner featuring Caroline Gli c k shabbat shabbat Caroline's writings have been published in numerous newspapers and online journals. In addition to her speakers speakers work at the Post, she resumed writing for Makor Rishon as December 10, 2016 & April 29, 2017 the paper’s lead commentator Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus December 17, 2016 in 2004. Caroline is the senior December 3, 2016 Lisa Septimus serves as Yoetzet Halacha AIPAC Shabbaton and fellow for Middle Eastern of Great Neck Synagogue and Young Israel Shabbat Lunch featuring Dr. Sharon Goldman Rabbi Jeffrey Kobrin Affairs at the Center for of Great Neck and also serves as a Yoetzet Dr. Sharon Goldman currently serves as Rabbi Jeffrey Kobrin is the Rosh HaYeshi- Security Policy in Washington, Halacha of the Five Towns. She teaches at the AIPAC Northeast Region Political vah and Head of School of the North Shore DC and travels several times North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, Director. In this capacity, she is Hebrew Academy. In addition to Ordination a year to Washington where where she coordinates informal education responsible for developing an overall from RIETS, he has a BA and MA in English she routinely briefs senior administration officials and members of programs and serves as Dean of the Class strategy for political engagement Literature from Columbia University, where Congress on issues of joint Israeli-American concern. In its Israeli of 2016. In her active role as at throughout the Northeast region, as he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. Rabbi Kobrin Independence Day supplement in 2003, Maariv named Caroline "The the Young Israel of North Woodmere, she is integrally involved with adult well as educating activists on relevant lives in Riverdale, NY with his wife and four daughters. Most Prominent in Israel." she Caroline has been awarded education and youth programming. She has taught at The Jewish Center policy concerns. Sharon recruits and the Ben Hecht award for Middle East reporting from the Zionist Rabbi Kobrin will give the Shabbat Drasha in Manhattan, Riverdale Jewish Center, Drisha, and Yeshiva University’s trains AIPAC members on how to build Organization of America as well as the Abramowitz Prize for Media in the Main Sanctuary: 11:00 am Summer Learning Program. Lisa welcomes your questions about mikvah, effective relationships with their elected Criticism by Israel Media Watch. In 2008, her first solo book, Shackled observance of taharat mishpacha (halacha relating to married life) and officials; manages AIPAC’s legislative Warrior: Israel and the Global Jihad was published by Gefen Publishers. women’s health as it connects to Jewish law. mobilizations; conducts educational briefings with candidates for federal office; Caroline will present three times over Shabbat: Lisa Septimus will be presenting three times over Shabbat: and tracks and analyzes local campaign activity. Prior to accepting the Friday Night Dinner: 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Drasha, a shiur at the Kiddush Class Political Director position, Sharon served for 2 years as AIPAC’s Area and an afternoon shiur. Shabbat Drasha in the Main Sanctuary: 11:00 a.m. Director for Northern NJ, Rockland County and Riverdale. Seudah Shlishit: 4:30 p.m. Dr. Goldman will speak at the end of services in the Main Sanctuary.

The AIPAC Policy Conference is March 26-28 2017.

8 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 9 May 13, 2017 Ronnie Halibard - February 11, 2017 J e w i s h H i s t o r y i n a F l a s h ! Dr. Scott Goldberg shabbat shabbat Scott J. Goldberg, Ph.D., is Vice speakers Ronnie Halibard is a dynamic English-born May 6, 2017 speakers Provost for Teaching and Learning educator with many years of experience Mrs. Jackie Bitton at Yeshiva University. Scott works teaching students of all ages and administrating at Jewish schools. He holds a Bachelor's degree Mrs. Jackie Bitton, a shining star on the motivational speaker's circuit, hails closely with the provost, deans, March 11, 2017 in Jewish Studies from the University of London, from New York and has been involved in Jewish women's education and faculty, and staff to advance YU’s Rabbi Dovid Fohrman undergraduate and graduate schools a Master's in Education from Johns Hopkins Jewish outreach activities for over a decade. After Rabbi David Fohrman is the founder and CEO at Aleph Beta through contemporary methods and University and is a licensed school teacher in Israel, where has lived for over a spending most of that time inspiring individuals Academy. He is author of "The Beast that Crouches at the Door," media, including online and blended decade. and communities in San Diego, California and finalist for the 2007 National Jewish Book Award, "The Queen You learning, as well as to develop new Seattle, Washington, she moved back to the Thought You Knew," and The Exodus educational programs locally and Over the past 6 years, Ronnie has created 'Jewish History in a Flash' - a series New York area where she and her family now That Might Have Been.” Rabbi globally. He is also Associate Professor at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of of fast-paced and exciting, interactive multimedia presentations summarizing live. Jackie is currently Dean of Students at YDE Fohrman seeks to open layers of Jewish Education. Jewish history, each with a different subject focus. He has traveled extensively, Girls Yeshivah in Brooklyn and teaches a popular meaning of Biblical text and to help Scott has served on several national panels and committees that address enlightening communities in the USA, Israel, England, Scotland, Ireland, weekly Torah class for women in her community. the reader develop a relationship the most challenging issues in Jewish education today, including the Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Gibraltar, South Africa, Panama, Australia and An alumna of SKA HALB High School for girls, with the texts that make us who we shortage of qualified leaders for our schools, the economic challenges New Zealand. Designed in response to a gap in knowledge of Jewish history, she is a frequent lecturer to women of all are. For more of his work, see www. facing Jewish education, and the spiritual development of our children Ronnie’s presentation enables participants to attain and retain basic and vital backgrounds and ages throughout the United States, Canada and Israel, and alephbeta.org. and youth. He is the Chairman of the Koren Publishers Educational historical facts. We turn blurred and confusing dates into a fascinating narrative her passionate and humorous presentations have made her a highly popular Editorial Board for a new series of developmentally appropriate siddurim of lineal descent, achievement and Divine Providence. The session includes speaker on a wide variety of topics. for children and youth, including the just-released Koren Children’s Siddur humor, images, sound bites, popular memory cues, review prompts, interactive Jackie will host a Friday night dinner with college aged girls and Koren Ani Tefilla Weekday Siddur. maps and lots of additional entertaining features, making this a presentation and give an afternoon shiur for all women. Rabbi Fohrman will present three times over Shabbat: you won’t forget! Dr. Goldberg will speak three times over Shabbat: Shabbat Drasha in the Main Sanctuary: 11:00 a.m. Ronnie will speak three times over Shabbat: June 10, 2017 Shabbat Darsha in the Main Sanctuary: 11:00 a.m. Afternoon Shiur in the Beit Midrash: 4:35 p.m. Shabbat Drasha in the Main Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Sharon Sokol-Heisler Annual Memorial Luncheon Kiddush Class in the Beit Midrash: 12:30 p.m. Seudah Shlishit: 6:00 p.m. Suedah Shlishit: 5:30 pm Kiddush Class in the Beit Midrash 12:30 p.m. Seudah Shlishit 8:00 p.m. Look for our supplement to this brochure for more information.

10 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 11 "construct" your hoLiDays With great neck synagogue simchat torah, october 24-25, 2016 construct Kiddush Class on Shmini Atzeret your Slichot Night, Saturday Night September 24, 2016 Shira Hecht-Koller: Creativity v. Obedience Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen at 10:00 pm: "Crying from the Depths" followed by as Competing Values in Jewish Thought hoLiDays Slichot at 11:00 pm with Chazzan Kron Shmini Atzeret Night before Hakafot Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen is a contemporary rabbi with a pragmatic approach to helping people find their way through the Aaron Koller: Letters Floating in the Air: trials and joys of everyday life. His new book “We’re Almost There” has received rave reviews from orthodox and secular The Torah Beyond the Text critics alike. His talks and speeches bring a faith-based perspective to today’s real world problems—globally and on an individual basis. He is also a masterful advisor and counselor for individuals and couples who want to tap into his Women’s Class on Simchat Torah morning wisdom, insight and experience. Shira Koller: Identity Complexes: He is the Director of New York synagogues and in this capacity serves as the Ambassador of the Orthodox Characters and Characterization in Biblical Narratives Union to the New York Jewish community. He previously served as Rabbi of the Young Israel of the West Side from 2006 until 2015. He is a Dayan for the Beis Din of America and also maintains a private Post Mincha on Simchat Torah counseling practice guiding people with relationship issues. He also was twice selected for prestigious Aaron Koller: Biblical Creation in an Age of Science: seminars offered by the Tikvah Fund in NYC. The Garden of Eden in the Modern Age

Shira Hecht-Koller teaches Talmud at SAR High School in Riverdale, NY. She received her BA in Biology from Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women and was a Golding Scholar at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where she received her J.D. summa cum laude and was an Associate Editor of the Cardozo Law Review. Leil Hoshana Rabba, Saturday Night, October 22, 2016 She has studied at Michlala College for Women and in the Scholars Program at Midreshet Rabbi Peysach Krohn - 9:00 pm Lindenbaum. She is a founding member of the Orthodox Leadership Project, and a former member of the Board of Directors of Uri L’Tzedek. Prior to embarking on a career in Jewish Education, she was an associate RabbiPaysach Krohn is a Rav, mohel, author, and lecturer on topics related to ethics and spiritual growth. He is the in the Intellectual Property department at the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP. She writes, speaks and educates author of the bestselling “Maggid” series of books for , inspired by the stories of Rabbi , who was throughout the United States on the topics of Jewish Law and Education, as well as on topics of creative living and family life. known as the “Maggid of Jerusalem”. He also authored a seminal work on , also published by ArtScroll. Aaron Koller is an associate professor of Near Eastern and Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University, where he studies the ancient world of the eastern Mediterranean and Near East, especially material culture, language, and intellectual history. His most recent book is Esther in Ancient Jewish Thought (Cambridge University Press, 2014).

12 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 13 Purim Extravaganza Saturday Night March 11 - Sunday March 12, 2017 "buiLD up" Celebrate Purim with the mitzvot of the day including construct Seudah, Mishloach Manot and Matanot L’evyonim and your ViDeo Library saturDay join us for Megillah Reading, Children’s Program, Purim your Tisch and our famous Purim Shpiel performed by the Great Neck hoLiDays night - fiLms Synagogue Rabbinic Team. January 14, 2017 - 8:00 p.m. Yom Hashoah Commemoration "In Search of Peace" Sunday Evening April 23, 2017 Shavuot Late Night Learning In Search of Peace narrated by Michael Douglas, chronicles the first two decades of Israel’s Each year we have the opportunity to fulfill our May 30-31, 2017 existence, offering new insights into the origins of the Middle East conflict. Combining a rich responsibility to never forget and hear the experiences Celebrate Matan Torah with a slate of inspiring from a survivor of the Holocaust. Join for a special tapestry of rare archival film and photos, the film not only examines events in Israel, but their classes as we probe the depths of Torah overall context. From the Arab refugee camps, to the General Assembly of the United Nations evening of commemoration for the entire family to well past midnight. This year’s program attend. Speaker to be published in the Spring. to the world capitals of Moscow, Paris, London, Buenos Aires, Cairo and Washington D.C., the will be held at Great Neck Synagogue in film offers a unique global perspective on one of the most important events in the 3,500-year conjunction with Young Israel of Great history of the Jewish people. Approx. 74 min. Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha’atzamut Neck. Monday Evening, May 1, 2017 Join us for an evening of tribute to our fallen soldiers and inspiration to those who work February 25, 2017 - 8:00 p.m. diligently to make our Homeland what it is today. Speaker to be published in the Spring. "I Have Never Forgotten You" Simon Wiesenthal, a Holocaust Survivor who lost 89 family members, Lag Ba’omer Family Bonfire helped track down over 1,100 Nazi war criminals and spent six decades Sunday Evening, May 14, 2017 fighting anti-Semitism and prejudice against all people. Watching the early Join us in the backyard for a bbq as we share efforts of the US government to prosecute Nazi war criminals he realized songs and Divrei Torah on the magical holiday of “There is no freedom without justice,” and initially decided to dedicate a Lag Ba’omer. few years to that quest. A few years turned into the rest of his life. I Have Never Forgotten You recounts Wiesenthal’s quest through rare archival footage, stills and interviews with family, friends and associates. Approx. 105 min.

14 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 15 men’s cLub eVents: Sunday, November 6, 2016: Semi Annual Blood Drive Sunday, November 6, 2016 - 2:00 pm: mens cLub, youth Yiddish Theater, Gilbert & Sullivan “The Mikado”, sisterhooD at Temple Beth-El, with Temple Israel and Beth-El & Women's eVents Saturday, November 19, 2016 - 7:00 pm: Learning youth Directors: at gns Rabbi Shalom Jensen Comedy night at Colbeh Restaurant, together with the Sisterhood Dr. Michael and Zehava Atlas Sunday December 4, 2016: With ZOA: Discussion on “Anti-Israel Media Bias” with Lee Bender and Jerry Verlin sisterhooD eVents: Y arts 'n' crafts series Tuesday Evening November 15, 2016: With morah ZehaVa! Sisterhood Dinner (Pre-school-2nd grade) Sunday December 11, 2016: Spa Day O October: October 2- Rosh Hashana Arts 'n' Crafts Sunday December 18, 2016: October 16 - Erev Sukkot Arts 'n' Crafts Chanukah Boutique December: Women's Learning U ongoing youth cLasses December 18 -Chanuka Arts 'n' Crafts With rabbi ian Lichter: Monday September 26 Mrs. Michal Horowitz Tuesdays: February: Junior High Class 7:00 - 7:45 pm February 5-Tu B'shvat Arts 'n' Crafts Thursday November 17 T Lisa Septimus Wednesdays: Children’s Parsha & Pizza 7:00 - 7:30 pm April: April 2- Pesach Arts 'n' Crafts Tuesday February 7 H Thursdays: GNS / YIGN Joint Shiur High School Class 6:30 - 7:30 pm Lisa Septimus

16 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 17 gns youth - youth caLenDar 2016 - 2017 September "buiLDing bLocks" of our future September 1 - Annual GNS Kickoff Carnival September 24 - Youth Leadership Training Shabbaton October youth October 2- Erev Rosh of Fun program (1st-4th grade) October 7 - Youth Shabbat eVents October 16 - Erev Sukkot Youth Trip youth speciaL eVents October 18 - Sukkah Hop at gns October 22 - Sukkah Sleepover master chef competition October 23 - Erev Shmini Atzeret Trip Put your creativity and daring to the GNS test! October 23 - High School Oneg teen mystery bus riDe ...... sports Leagues & actiVities ...... at the home of Rabbi and Ellen Polakoff Join your friends and youth directors October 24 - Pre-school Hakafot for a night of great surprises! November LoaVes of LoVe chaLLah baking November 5 - OHEL Shabbaton November 19 - Saturday Night High School Event Bake Challah in the spirit of giving! saturDay night soccer - after soccer program November 25 - Annual Loaves of Love Challah Baking Event super boWL party December Watch the big game on the big screen, December 17- Annual Chanuka Bash! games, prizes, and much, much more! February arts 'n' crafts tuesDay basketbaLL League - mini shabbatons February 5 - Super Bowl Event Prepare for the Holidays a nd make a creative craft! March March 3 - Young Family Friday Night basketbaLL skiLLs competition March 17 - Purim Program on Brook Lane Take your talents to GNS and ...... youth LeaDer kiDDush Luncheons...... enjoy a night of challenge and fun! April April 2 - Youth Pre-Pesach Event purim extraVaganZa Mishloach Manot and Ice Cream Sundaes, May May 6 - Women’s Shabbaton / Youth Friendly Megilah Reading and Incredible celebration...... friDay night Dinners anD onegs...... Mother Daughter Seudat Shlishit The hottest ticket in town! June enD of year bash June 7 - Shavuot Sundaes on Wednesday Awards luncheon, ticket hunt and GRAND raffle!

18 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 19 gns All reservations and payments shabbat can be made online at gns.org Dinner & Dinner RSVP: 516.487.6100 or [email protected] • Limited Seating guest series saVe-the-Date $36/Adult • $25/Teen • $15/Child • $125/Family Maximum

support our shabbat Dinners Dedication and Sponsorship Opportunities are Available • Contact the Synagogue Office

$5000 series DeDication Personalized dedication to be featured on all dinner programs and synagogue announcements, as well as family reservations for all 2016-2017dinners. $3600 haLf series DeDication Personalized dedication and family reservations for any 2 programs. $1800 Dinner DeDication Personalized dinner dedication and family reservation for one program. $1000 Dinner supporter Includes 2 dinner reservations for a single program. $500 Dinner Sponsor $360 Dinner Donor $180 Dinner Friend

20 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd. | 516.487.6100 21 Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd Great Neck, NY 11023 516-487-6100