May/June 2020

A Traditional, Egalitarian and Participatory Conservative Synagogue

IYAR/SIVAN/TAMMUZ 5780 NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 32:5 MAY/JUNE 2020 Tikkun Leyl Shavuot The Messiah’s Lineage: Megillat Ruth, Jewish Identity, and Chosenness Zoom in on Wednesday, May 27, 7:30 pm Given by Marc Ashley in Memory of Sharon R. Seiler, z”l t is customary to confronts her kinsman Boaz and secures study Torah all their marriage, and entrenches her children night long on the among the people of Israel. SHAVUOT SCHEDULE eve of Shavuot. But, perhaps most astonishingly, Ruth’s I Wednesday, May 27 Dating back at least to the medieval Messiah, the world’s eventual redeemer. 5:30 pm: Shavuot Story Time period, and perhaps Zoom ID: 878 5556 3706 with roots deeper establishes that Ruth, a convert to Judaism, Zoom Password: 613 in Jewish history, is the great-grandmother of King David, 7:30 pm: Tikkun Leyl Shavuot given by this longstanding who is viewed in classical Judaism as Marc Ashley: The Messiah’s Lineage: tradition celebrates the study of the Torah the ancestor of the Messiah. For some Megillat Ruth, Jewish Identity, that was the embodiment of the revelation prominent Jewish thinkers, the fact that and Chosenness at Mount Sinai, which in the classical view the Messiah’s lineage (or yichus) directly Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomTikkun20 occurred on Shavuot. Our Tikkun Leyl implicates a convert was problematic, Zoom ID: 892 7256 4684 Shavuot each year helps us recreate, on raising thorny issues relating to the essence Zoom Password: 613 a recurring basis, the singular Sinaitic of Jewishness and our self-understanding as experience of divine revelation that is the a chosen people. Erev Shavuot, Thursday, May 28 epitome of Jewish history. Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, the great medieval 11:00 am: Yizkor This year, in our extraordinary Jewish philosopher and poet, believed that Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomShavuot20Yis circumstances, we will be holding our Tikkun Jews had a distinctive innate propensity Zoom ID: 824 8513 5045 Leyl Shavuot on the weekday evening before for closeness with God and that Jewish Zoom Password: 613 Shavuot eve, so that we can join together chosenness therefore hinged at least in through a Zoom session. In this year’s part on genetic differentiation from all other 5:00 pm: OZ Cooks: Dairy Dinner Tikkun lecture – given by Marc Ashley in people. HaLevi’s controversial claim must Zoom ID: 872 3001 2058 blessed memory of Sharon Seiler, z”l, and confront the surprising fact that our Messiah Zoom Password: 613 sponsored by Charlie and Talia Spielholz in will derive from Ruth, a woman of non- 6:30 pm: Zoom into Shavuot loving memory of Sharon – we will explore Jewish origin. How does HaLevi’s genetic with a reading of the theory of Jewish identity account for the Ten Commandments and Hallel overlooked, in Megillat Ruth, traditionally Messiah’s unconventional lineage? That is Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomInShavuot20 read on the morning of the second day of precisely the incisive question that Sharon Zoom ID: 883 2551 0438 the holiday. Seiler, z”l, asked at Marc’s adult education Zoom Password: 613 Megillat Ruth is the wonderful story class several years ago. of powerful bonds developed in ancient At this year’s Tikkun, we will seek to 8:00 pm: Candlelighting for Shavuot Israel among Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. address Sharon’s perceptive inquiry, giving There are various explanations of the honor to her devoted love of Torah study Shavuot I, Friday, May 29 thematic connection between Megillat and logical mind. Please join Marc as he 8:01 pm: Candlelighting for Shabbat Ruth and Shavuot, but Ruth’s powerful discusses Megillat Ruth as a prism through Shavuot II, Saturday, May 30 story is compelling beyond any seasonal which to evaluate and appreciate pivotal 9:01 pm: Shabbat & Festival End association. Ruth is a Moabite woman who, conceptions of Jewish identity, chosenness after her husband dies, follows her Israelite and messianism. Through our annual study 9:10 pm: Zoom Out of Shabbat and mother-in-law, Naomi, into the Jewish people session in advance of Shavuot, we will Shavuot Havdalah with the famous words “wherever you go, I continue even in this unprecedented period Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomOutOfShabbat will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your of isolation to create the sense of genuine Zoom ID: 775 962 249 people shall be my people, and your God will communal learning that is the essence of Zoom Password: 613 be my God.” Ruth asserts the right of the the Or Zarua experience. poor to glean harvest leftovers, ambitiously 1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2020 President’s Message by Diane Okrent n preparation for time when we need each other more than writing this article, ever. The Or Zarua community is strong. I re-read my last What’s upcoming at Or Zarua via Zoom? A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE newsletter article, We will hold our Annual Meeting Thursday, FOUNDED 1989 I wondering how what I May 21 via Zoom — alas without our usual 127 East 82nd Street wrote in late February Tar Beach picnic! Please look for the email New York, NY 10028 appeared, given with your proxy. And, return your proxy as phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 where we are now — soon as possible. We need a quorum for the in the midst of this meeting. www.orzarua.org pandemic. I had written Shavuot begins on the evening of SCOTT N. BOLTON, Rabbi of gathering in our individual homes and in May 28. Shavuot commemorates the time DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi Emeritus our communal home — the Or Zarua building DIANE OKRENT, President — during Purim and Pesah. Of course, brought to the Temple (Hag ha-Bikkurim — ISAAC NAGIEL, Treasurer before mid-March, we gathered in the OZ the Festival of the First Fruits). Shavuot also building each day of the week and especially celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount KAREN KAPLAN, Secretary on Shabbat. While we celebrated Purim Sinai (Hag Matan Torateinu — the Festival HELENE SANTO, Executive Director together, we closed the building at the end of of the Giving of Our Torah). We celebrate SIGAL HIRSCH, Director of Youth Education that week, March 13. this holiday with a rededication to learning. and Programming Thinking about Ha Lachma Anya with While we won’t be learning in our building, CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor which we begin the Pesah Seder, I had Marc Ashley will teach The Messiah’s written about welcoming to our communal Lineage: Megillat Ruth, Jewish Identity, and home all who are hungry – for community, Chosenness on Wednesday evening, OZ Committee Chairs for connection, for religious services, and for May 27, of course, via Zoom. ADMINISTRATION Pamela E. Gold education for themselves and their children. Rabbi Bolton will lead a Pre-Shavuot So, what do we do now when we can’t Yizkor service at 11 AM on Thursday, AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden leave our individual homes and gather in our May 28. And, we will ZOOM INTO ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller communal home? We ZOOM! We’re Shavuot with Hallel and chanting of the BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider Or Zoom-arua! Ten Commandments. Nora Yood Or Zarua continues to be open for We don’t know when our building will community and connection, for minyan, and re-open nor do we know what rules we BUILDING Gerry Solomon education for adults and children – serving will be required to follow at that time. In HESED Susan Lorin our community with vitality and warmth. the meantime, the OZ Staff and Board HEVRA KADISHA Roberta Hufnagel Rabbi Bolton, Sigal Hirsch, and Helene of Trustees are preparing for a variety of Gerry Solomon Santo and many members have been contingencies. Please be assured that we resourceful and creative, producing are looking at several scenarios for the KESHER ISRAEL Laura Fisher opportunities for all of us to learn, pray, summer and the High Holy Days. Stay tuned! LIBRARY Barry Feldman participate, and connect — via Zoom. Look Until we are in the building, I urge you to through this newsletter and read our weekly learn, pray, participate and connect with us MARKETING Dana Gross e-blasts to see the wide-ranging programs via Zoom. MEMBERSHIP Raanan Korinow and services we are providing – virtually. Wishing you continued good health, MINYAN Sheldon Adler We have gathered – and will continue to B’Shalom! gather — via Zoom for strong daily morning NOMINATING Jay Palmer minyans, Torah study, Pirke Avot study, AND LEADERSHIP Talmud class, and Siddur class. We are ORAL HISTORY Mimi Alperin Zooming into and out of Shabbat. And, when PROGRAMMING Marc D. Ashley needed, we are participating in Zoom Shivas and Shiva minyanim. PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden Our Hebrew School has been open and READERS Marc D. Ashley will remain open through the end of June AND LEADERS Jay Palmer offering 6 different levels of Hebrew classes. Family Learning opportunities are in the STRATEGIC Arthur H. Rosenbloom DEVELOPMENT works including challah baking every Friday. And, our early childhood offerings WEBMASTER Jay Palmer continue online with Shalom Sing-A-Long and YOUTH EDUCATION Eric Schmutter Sing Song Shabbat. These programs will continue online until If you are interested in serving on a synagogue we are back in our building. committee chair’s email address. By participating in our Zoom programs, members have been able to stay connected by seeing, hearing, and interacting with one another. This has been comforting in this 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2020 ZOOMING Minyan with Kaddish During the Pandemic Rabbi Scott Bolton uring this hold minyan with Kaddish during the week. time of the Worshippers who have added their amens ZOOM Into Minyan DCoronavirus to mourners’ kaddishes have lent support to Pandemic, at this those in the time of their greatest need. We Weekdays (Monday-Friday), 7:15 am sha’at h’dhak have gained kavannah—inspiration—in being Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomDaily (hour of pressing together through windows in virtual space. Zoom ID: 518 639 181 need) we have I would love for you to read this article Zoom Password: 613 been holding weekday ZOOM minyanim with (https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomMinyanMay2020) Kaddish. These inspiring, prayerful services that describes both my halakhic analysis Sundays, 8:45 am are permitted during this time when we are of the matter and my online experience. It Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomSunday obligated to pray from home and not allowed explains how halakha is a living system that Zoom ID: 283 908 873 in our sanctuary. Based on my reading of comes to meet our needs in the hour of our Zoom Password: 613 Talmudic and Jewish legal sources there is need. Engaging in praying in this way does room to permit a minyan to be constituted in not set a new precedent for all time nor a virtual space. does it open the door to disrupt the sanctity ZOOM Into & Out of This did not arise due to alignment with of Shabbat or Yom Tov. any Jewish movement, committee’s opinions Deep inspiration at daily ZOOM minyan Shabbat or legal authority outside of our Or Zarua has been sustaining and I must say Friday Nights community. Actually, before any Movement somewhat surprising to me. As we each See Calendar for times stated it would be allowed we were already seek spiritual sustenance during this time Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomIntoShabbat gathering for services with Kaddish in the as much as any other kind of nourishment morning and at virtual shiva minyanim. As Zoom ID: 854 630 476 a Mar D’atra, I took responsibility to decide Zoom Password: 613 for our kehillah (community) what sources comfort and a touch of holiness. Join us Saturday Nights would inform our answer as to whether to at minyan. See Calendar for times Sinai to New York City: Study of the Weekly Torah Portion Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomOutOfShabbat with Rabbi Bolton, Mondays in June, 12:00 pm via Zoom Zoom ID: 775 962 249 Zoom Password: 613 If you live with the weekly Torah portion you live on Jewish time! Explore the weekly parsha with Rabbi Bolton at his Monday lunch & ZOOM. Pirke Avot Study Classic commentaries and conversation. with Rabbi Bolton Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomMondayNoon Via Zoom, May 18 and 25 Zoom ID: 747 808 254 Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomMondayNoon Zoom Password: 613 Zoom ID: 747 808 254 Zoom Password: 613 Pirke Avot contains teachings that move us Talmud & Siddur Classes with Rabbi Bolton Talmud Class, Wednesdays, 7:30–9:00 pm history and our relationships—to each other, Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomTalmud the government and to Torah. Tracking Zoom ID: 720 508 990 with Jews around the world who study this tractate of Mishnah between Passover Zoom Password: 613 and Shavuot, we use these six weeks to Who Can Be Judged? Who Can Bear Witness? Kings, Judges, and the Great Men and learn this important section of one of our Women of Israel. Chapter 2 of Masekhet Sanhedrin most foundational texts. Noting twists of Siddur Class, Wednesdays, 8:40–9:40 am language and Jewish hypertexts to well Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomSiddur Zoom ID: 832 425 240 We discover the contradictions between the Zoom Password: 613 teachings, too; why does it say pray for the Recently I have heard from many people that they don't even know what day it is! The siddur, government in one place and steer clear our Jewish prayerbook, has a way of keeping us on track. At the end of morning services in another? “Don't work for a prize...” but we say a Psalm of the Day. Join us for studies of these important Psalms that come around consider the reward of a big mitzvah just the week to week to inspire us and present powerful ideas through poetry. After the Psalms we same as a minor one. Are there really any will examine other readings that made their way into the siddur, at the end of daily morning minor mitzvot? And what are the character prayers. The Rambam's 13 Principles and the Ten Commandments were inserted to provide traits that may help us acquire more access to our divine soul and develop a heart of our Jewish character. Join us at 8:40 am on Thursday mornings. gold? Noon on Mondays is a great time for Either class may be joined at any time. learning Mishnah. Bring your lunch or come with a cup of coffee; the texts are shared on For additional information contact Rabbi Bolton ([email protected]) the screen so no book is required. 3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2020 Or Zarua’s Young Professionals Or Zarua Book Can Robots Be Jewish? Discussions Fly Already by Etgar Keret Is it Kosher? Sunday, May 17, 10:00 am Led by Karen Kaplan A Class with Rabbi Bolton via Zoom: Thursday, June 4, 7:30 pm Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomFlyAway ID: 875 1241 7671 Registration required; use this link: Password: 613 https://tinyurl.com/OZYoungProsZoomJune2020 Dial In: 646 558 8656 You will receive an email with Zoom information upon registration. he Or Zarua Book Group has scheduled a Zoom Tmeeting for Sunday, May 17, 2020 , following the morning minyan to discuss Fly Already by Israeli writer Etgar Keret. This collection of quirky, yet compassion stories portrays an absurdist universe and provides an engaging antidote for the cabin fever of our coronavirus quarantine.

Our next title will be How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss and will be led by Artie Seltzer on a date to be announced. OZ Trivia Night Fun for the Whole Community! Two Events Live from Mt. Sinai: It’s Trivia Night! Featuring Sigal and Rabbi Bolton as your prime time Kahoot co-hosts Photos from the Young Professionals walking tour of Jewish gangsters of the Lower East Side Sunday, May 24, 7:00 pm Come chime in about what you need Annual Meeting and Proxy for a wilderness adventure, top dairy desserts, famous Jewish places, and Please submit your Annual Meeting Proxy by May 18 even the strangest animals in the Annual Meeting (Zoom) Thursday, May 21, 8:00 pm Torah. Bring your ice cream sundae days before Shavuot and add whipped The agenda for Congregation Or Zarua’s 31st Annual Meeting will include: The cream while we play a trivia game that gets us in the holiday spirit! the President, Rabbi, and Director of Youth Education and Programming. Register at the link below.

Jewish Trivia Night According to the By-Laws, we need a quorum to conduct synagogue business at our with Isaac Nagiel, Take 2 Annual Meeting. This means we need approximately 170 members to attend or to Thursday, June 11, 7:00 pm provide a proxy. A link to the electronic proxy is below. All adult members and their Back by popular demand, it’s our next children between the ages of 18 and 22 are eligible to vote. OZ trivia showdown with an exciting new format but the same boring host. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please submit your proxy, using this Hopefully Trivia Night can be a fun link: https://orzarua.shulcloud.com/form/2020AMproxy, by May 18 respite for us to gather as a community (via ShulCloud). You must be logged into your ShulCloud account to access and have some non-trivial amounts of the proxy form. fun. Register using the link below. Links for registering for trivia night: Zoom into the Annual Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/MtSinaiLive Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomAnnualMeeting2020 https://tinyurl.com/TriviaWithIsaac Zoom Meeting ID: 822 7549 7430 You will receive an email with Zoom Zoom Password: 613 information upon registration. 4 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2020 OZ Cooks Shavuot Dairy Dinner Thursday, May 28, 5:00 pm Zoom Meeting ID: 872 3001 2058; Password: 613 Join Sigal and Rabbi Amy Bolton as we prepare a Shavuot Dairy Dinner together! and then make cheesecake with Rabbi Amy as we gear up for the holiday, which begins later that night. Check the OZ website for a list of ingredients and supplies that you’ll need, so that you can be prepared to cook! https://www.orzarua.org/connect/upcoming-events/ Challah Baking with Sigal Fridays, 1:00 pm Zoom Meeting ID: 647 798 214; Password: 613 Join Sigal on Fridays as we make Challah together for Shabbat. Make dough for 2 small challahs that you can enjoy with your family for Shabbat dinner. Check the OZ website for a list of ingredients and supplies. https://www.orzarua.org/events/

Cooking with Or Zarua Written By: Callie Gardner and Family

Participating in Congregation Or Zarua's Jewish cooking classes has been a fantastic experience. It has given us the opportunity to try new foods and branch out into cooking things we have never made before. It is a fabulous way to spend family time together and it creates a wonderful bonding experience. Engaging in this activity as a family makes it so much more meaningful and special. There has not been one meal we have not enjoyed. We love exploring dishes from other countries because it enables us to have a taste from so many unique and exquisite cultures. Some of the amazing things we have made include shakshuka with fresh pita and Israeli salad, Persian stew with rice, and so much more. We have truly enjoyed all of these very special foods.

For the longest time we would buy challahs from the store each week. Thanks to Sigal, we now make our very own water challahs every week from scratch which are the most perfect touch to our Shabbat dinner. We had even experimented by adding raisins, cinnamon, and even chocolate. Each challah we made was scrumptious. Sigal patiently guided us through the steps of the recipes and thanks to her we have been able to expand our horizons with so many different foods.

In addition to Sigal’s great cooking lessons, we also had the opportunity to hear fascinating lectures from Rabbi Bolton who explains the interesting Jewish history behind the different cultures and the foods we eat. Not only do I come out of these Zoom lessons with a delicious dish, I also obtain a We are blessed with the privilege to learn so much more about the history of all these dishes. We cannot wait for the next cooking class! Yum! Yum! Photos: OZ-ers of all ages have been loving our cooking classes! Many have made Matzah Bourekas for Passover, Persian Chick Pea Stew and Rice, Shakshuka, Pita and Israeli Salad, and of course, Challah! Join us for more cooking and baking coming up!

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2020

Tastes & Traditions with Rabbi Bolton Wednesdays, May 20 and June 10, 6:00 pm Middle Schoolers are invited to join Rabbi Bolton in May for Jews of Australia, and in June for Jews of Argentina as we continue our study of Jewish communities around the world. OZ congregant Naomi Bornas whose family is from All are welcome, even if you’ve never participated before! RSVP to Sigal, [email protected] Join Sigal at 5:00 pm for cooking before the class! Stay tuned for a list of Early Childhood ingredients and supplies needed if you plan to cook! Geared towards pre-school age and younger. Zoom meeting information is the same for both the cooking program and the class. May 20: Zoom Meeting ID: 834 7688 0192; Password: 613 Shavuot Story Time June 10: Zoom Meeting ID: 872 6721 9411; Password: 613 Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 pm Meeting ID: 878 5556 3706 Password: 613

Little ones are invited to get ready for Shavuot (and for bed!) with a Shavuot Story Time with Rabbi Bolton and Sigal. Hear Shavuot stories, sing Torah songs and enjoy being together (virtually) before we begin Shavuot the following evening. RSVP to Sigal, [email protected]

Shalom Sing-A-Long Mondays, 11:00 am Start your little one’s day the happy & healthy way with song, dance, stories, bubbles, puppets, instruments, & more! Join Hannah on Facebook LIVE: https://www.Facebook.com/OrZarua Parents, grandparents and caregivers join us as we learn simple Hebrew, Jewish values, and favorite tunes!

Sing Song Shabbat Fridays, 4:00 pm Join Hannah, our Torah Tots and Shalom Sing-A-Long leader, via Facebook LIVE: https://www.Facebook.com/OrZarua for Sing Song Shabbat. Get ready for Shabbat together with Shabbat songs, stories and more!

Shalom Sing-A-Long and Photos, pages 6 and 7: Online Hebrew learning has been going great! Students have been Sing Song Shabbat are in partnership with PJ Library and Tkiya. actually!

6 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2020

Hebrew School

https://www.orzarua.org/connect/oz-calendar/ for times and Zoom links. Beginning on May 14 Thursdays, 4:30–5:00 pm the weekly parashah together. OZ Cooks Zoom Meeting ID: 839 9353 7639 Zoom Password: 613 Shavuot Dairy Dinner Thursday, May 28, 5:00 pm

Shabbat HaYeled Or L’Atid Summer Sun and Fun Challah Baking with Sigal To Celebrate the Children Though camps may be closed, Fridays, 1:00 pm and Our Or L’Atid Teachers Or L'Atid will be offering fun and Friday, June 5, 6:00 pm interactive summer programs for kids, See Page 5 for details with a Jewish twist, of course! Meeting ID: 854 630 476 Password: 613 Stay tuned for Or L’Atid summer Schedule a time to talk about what We are forever celebrating our children programming you'd like to see during this who are the guarantors of a bright Jewish Contact Sigal with any time from Or L’Atid. Share feedback about past programs, and share suggestions or future. Those at Hebrew School had suggestions about programming teachers at Or L’Atid who inspired them. ideas for the future. We know how hard children worked this Contact Sigal; [email protected] year at public schools, private schools and at Jewish day schools. We're celebrating them all with a special program to honor our children and our educators.

Families, join Sigal and Rabbi Bolton for a special program before Shabbat. Then, we’ll Zoom Into Shabbat with the entire OZ community. Hear a dvar Torah from Sigal in honor of our children and educators. We'll usher in Shabbat together in celebration our children and families as part of our weekly pre-Shabbat programming.

Honor your children by sponsoring our special Shabbat HaYeled Zoom into Shabbat. Contact Helene ([email protected]) if you’d like to be a sponsor.

7 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2020 OZ Building May Be On “Pause” But OZ Gallery Team Isn’t hile in-person activity at the large, unadorned, utilitarian meeting room shul building has been shut (the Social Hall) gradually was transformed down during the past months, Wactivity surrounding the OZ Gallery. The book will feature highlights Gallery has been anything but quiet. of past exhibits and reminiscences by Scenes from Production continues at a steady pace on contributors and Gallery Committee Purim at OZ. the new commemorative volume tracing members. It is meant to be a celebration of This spiel the history of the luminous space that is the Gallery’s place in our synagogue’s past, featured now the OZ Gallery. Under the direction of present and, despite these gloomy times, parodies of music from Gallery Committee Chair and curator Bobbi its optimistic future. It is hoped this volume Porgy & Bess, Coller, art director, artist and OZ Congregant will be treasured as a keepsake honoring Carmen Jones, Caroline Golden Ilberman and artist/graphic the OZ Gallery itself and its importance to Hairspray, and designer Rudi Wolff, this anniversary our synagogue community. The Greatest catalog will illustrate how what began as a -Gerry Solomon Showman. ZOOMING with Or Zarua A Minyan Poem A Brief “How To” Please help to make Click on this link for a simple video (less than one minute) on how to “join a meeting” Our minyan strong Forty minutes Using Zoom on various devices Is not that long You can use Zoom on your computer, iPhone, Android phone, or Mac. Once a month You can use it on your desktop or tablet; download an app on your computer or phone. Or once a week You can listen in by landline phone as well. Will keep our minyan These appraoches are explianed below. At its peak Video and Microphone Those saying kaddish If you have a camera on your computer you can participate by video (or turn it off). Will be so glad If you want to talk you must have a microphone or call in on the phone. During a time Please make sure you are in a relatively quiet place. If you talk to someone else when you When mostly they’re sad are unmuted we can hear you. After we daven Here are some good basic requirements and directions There’s breakfast to eat Directions: If you want to use desktop on Windows (PC) or Mac, click this link to get started: With lots of babka https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomGettingStarted As a breakfast treat So please give Shelly Software: To download the necessary software for your computer, clink on this link: Adler a shout https://zoom.us/download And let him know On your phone That you’ll help us out To listen on your landline phone dial (646) 558-8656 and, when prompted, enter the unique Meeting ID that is listed with each event throughout the OZ Newsletter. On your iphone or android you will need to download the app from the Apple app store or Help Keep Our from Google Play. Search for Zoom Cloud Meeting and download the app; the Zoom logo is shown above. Daily Minyan Strong Even on Zoom Still have questions? If you need assistance with the Zoom platform, please be in touch with Helene Santo at Please donate [email protected]. ONE HOUR Sponsor a Zoom program: ONE MORNING a minyan, class, or other function per month in memory of a loved one, to our Shaharit minyan. or for a birthady, anniversary, graduation, or other moment. Contact Sheldon Adler: Contact Helene Santo ([email protected]) for information. [email protected]

8 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2020 Commit to Kindness: Volunteer with Or Zarua “The reward for charity depends entirely upon the extent of the kindness in it.”—Talmud Bavli How you can help OZ Members and Others during Covid-19 Keep in touch Support the Or Zarua Hesed Fund or the Support Food Programs Social isolation can have serious Demand at community based food consequences for mental and physical Contributions will be used to support programs is increasing rapidly as a result health. Reach out to others in our community those in need in our communities. Click: of unemployment and closed community who live alone. Volunteer to help Met Council https://orzarua.shulcloud.com/payment.php facilities. Please consider making a donation create connections with New York City's most or a grant to one of the following (click the vulnerable residents. organization for their website): Click: https://www.metcouncil.org/creating- http://nycommonpantry.org/ connections to learn more https://www.metcouncil.org/ https://www.foodbanknyc.org/ For more information about Hesed https://tinyurl.com/ProjectOre programs, contact Susan J. Lorin, Hesed Support UJA Federation of New York as Committee Chair, at [email protected]. Please let us know if you need anything critical services in our communities. Click: or would like to receive calls by emailing https://www.ujafedny.org/coronavirus/?utm_ content=uja_hero. Maintenance on the Or Zarua Synagogue Building Continues While New York is “Paused” During the Covid-19 Pandemic

lthough our synagogue building is not occupied while we are quarantined at Ahome during New York State’s Pause mode, essential work and maintenance on team, visit the building each day in order to check that the building is operating The two photos on the left in the top row were taken by Benjamin Marcus during platform with railings, but a man in a harness, some nylon rope and a few very The street level photos (top row, right two photos) show that the sidewalk bridge In addition, work on the new Moise Safra Center, across the street from

9 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028•212-452-2310 May 2020•Iyar/Sivan 5780 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 •7 Iyar 2 •8 Iyar 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Aharei Mot/Kedoshim Zoom 8:34p Shabbat Ends 1:00p OZ Cooks: Challah 8:40p Zoom Out of Shabbat Baking with Sigal Count Omer 24 tonight 4:00p Sing Song Shabbat 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 7:34p Candlelighting Count Omer 23 tonight

3 •9 Iyar 4 •10 Iyar 5 •11 Iyar 6 •12 Iyar 7 •13 Iyar 8•14 Iyar 9 •15 Iyar 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Emor Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom 8:40p Shabbat Ends 11:00a Shalom Sing-A- 1:00p OZ Cooks: Challah 7:30p Bir'nana Rehearsal Long via Facebook Live 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 7:30p Talmud Class via 8:40a Siddur Class via 8:45p Zoom Out of Shabbat Count Omer 25 tonight 12:00p Pirke Avot Study 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 Zoom Zoom Baking with Sigal Count Omer 31 tonight with Rabbi Bolton Count Omer 27 tonight Count Omer 28 tonight 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 4:00p Sing Song Shabbat 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 Count Omer 29 tonight 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 7:42p Candlelighting 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3 Count Omer 30 tonight Count Omer 26 tonight 10 •16 Iyar 11•17 Iyar 12•18 Iyar 13•19 Iyar 14•20 Iyar 15•21 Iyar 16•22 Iyar 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Behar/Behukotai Zoom Zoom 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Zoom Zoom Zoom 8:47p Shabbat Ends 11:00a Shalom Sing-A- 7:30p Bir'nana Rehearsal Zoom 7:30p Talmud Class via 8:40a Siddur Class via 1:00p OZ Cooks: Challah 8:55p Zoom Out of Shabbat Long via Facebook Live Zoom Baking with Sigal Count Omer 32 tonight 12:00p Pirke Avot Study 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 Zoom Count Omer 38 tonight with Rabbi Bolton 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 Count Omer 35 tonight 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 4:00p Sing Song Shabbat 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 Count Omer 34 tonight 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 6:00p B’nei Mitzvah Cohort 7:49p Candlelighting 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3 End-of-Year via Zoom Count Omer 37 tonight Count Omer 33 tonight Count Omer 36 tonight

17•23 Iyar 18•24 Iyar 19•25 Iyar 20•26 Iyar 21•27 Iyar 22•28 Iyar 23•29 Iyar 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Erev Yom Yerushalayim Yom Yerushalayim Bemidbar Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 8:55p Shabbat Ends 11:00a Shalom Sing-A- 5:00p Tastes & Traditions Zoom Zoom 10:00a Book Discussion Long via Facebook Live 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 9:00p Zoom Out of Shabbat with Karen Kaplan via 12:00p Pirke Avot Study 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 Cooking Class with Sigal 8:40a Siddur Class via 1:00p OZ Cooks: Challah Count Omer 45 tonight Zoom: Fly Already by Etgar with Rabbi Bolton Count Omer 41 tonight 6:00p Tastes & Traditions Zoom Baking with Sigal Keret 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 with Rabbi Bolton 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 4:00p Sing Song Shabbat 7:30p Talmud Class via 7:30p Bir'nana Rehearsal 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3 Zoom Count Omer 43 tonight 7:55p Candlelighting Count Omer 39 tonight Count Omer 40 tonight Count Omer 42 tonight 8:00p Annual Meeting Count Omer 44 tonight 24•1 Sivan 25•2 Sivan 26•3 Sivan 27•4 Sivan 28•5 Sivan 29•6 Sivan 30•7 Sivan Rosh Hodesh 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan Erev Shavuot Shavuot I Shavuot II 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via Zoom Zoom 5:30p Shavuot Story Time 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 8:01p Candlelighting 9:01p Shabbat & Festival 11:00a Shalom Sing-A- 7:30p Tikkun Leyl Shavuot Zoom Zoom Long via Facebook Live 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 8:40a Siddur Class via End 7:00p Live from Mt. Sinai: 12:00p Pirke Avot Study 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 with Marc Ashley by Zoom: Zoom 9:10p Zoom Out of Shabbat It’s Trivia Night! via Zoom with Rabbi Bolton Count Omer 48 tonight “The Messiah’s Lineage: 11:00a Yizkor via Zoom & Shavuot 7:30p Bir'nana Rehearsal 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 Megillat Ruth, Jewish 5:00p OZ Cooks: Shavuot Identity, and Chosenness” Count Omer 46 tonight 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 Dairy Dinner 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3 IMO Sharon R. Seiler, z"l 6:30p Zoom into Shavuot Count Omer 47 tonight Count Omer 49 tonight 8:00p Candlelighting Be sure to check the Or Zarua Website (www.orzarua.org) and the weekly eblasts for updates to the calendar. 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028•212-452-2310 June 2020•Sivan/Tammuz 5780 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 31 May•8 Sivan 1•9 Sivan 2•10 Sivan 3•11 Sivan 4•12 Sivan 5•13 Sivan 6•14 Sivan 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Naso Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom 8:40a Siddur Class via Zoom 9:07p Shabbat Ends 7:30p Bir'nana Rehearsal 11:00a Shalom Sing-A-Long 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 7:30p Talmud Class via Zoom 5:00p Shabbat HaYeled via 9:15p Zoom Out of Shabbat via Facebook Live 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 Zoom 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 Zoom 12:00p Parsha Study Zoom 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 7:30p OZYP: Can Robots be 8:06p Candlelighting 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 Jewish? 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3

7•15 Sivan 8•16 Sivan 9•17 Sivan 10•18 Sivan 11•19 Sivan 12•20 Sivan 13•21 Sivan 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom 9:11p Shabbat Ends 7:30p Bir'nana Rehearsal 11:00a Shalom Sing-A-Long 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 5:00p Tastes & Traditions 8:40a Siddur Class via 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 9:20p Zoom Out of Shabbat via Facebook Live 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 Cooking Class with Sigal Zoom 8:10p Candlelighting 6:00p Tastes & Traditions 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 12:00p Parsha Study Zoom with Rabbi Bolton 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 7:30p Talmud Class via 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 Zoom 7:00p Jewish Trivia with 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3 Issac Nagiel via Zoom

14•22 Sivan 15•23 Sivan 16•24 Sivan 17•25 Sivan 18•26 Sivan 19•27 Sivan 20•28 Sivan 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Shelah Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom 9:14p Shabbat Ends 11:00a Shalom Sing-A-Long 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 7:30p Talmud Class via 8:40a Siddur Class via 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 9:20p Zoom Out of Shabbat via Facebook Live 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 Zoom Zoom 8:12p Candlelighting 12:00p Parsha Study Zoom 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3

21•29 Sivan 22•30 Sivan 23•1 Tammuz 24•2 Tammuz 25•3 Tammuz 26•4 Tammuz 27•5 Tammuz 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via Rosh Hodesh Rosh Hodesh 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Korah Zoom 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Zoom Zoom Zoom 9:15p Shabbat Ends Zoom Zoom 7:30p Talmud Class via 8:40a Siddur Class via 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 9:20p Zoom Out of Shabbat 11:00a Shalom Sing-A-Long 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 Zoom Zoom 8:13p Candlelighting via Facebook Live 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 12:00p Parsha Study Zoom 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3 28•6 Tammuz 29•7 Tammuz 30•8 Tammuz 1 July•9 Tammuz 2 July•10 Tammuz 3 July•11 Tammuz 4 July•12 Tammuz 8:45a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via 7:15a Shaharit Minyan via Hukkat/Balak Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom 9:14p Shabbat Ends 11:00a Shalom Sing-A-Long 3:00p Hebrew School Grp4 3:45p Hebrew School Grp6 6:30p Zoom into Shabbat 9:20p Zoom Out of Shabbat via Facebook Live 3:50p Hebrew School Grp5 8:12p Candlelighting 12:00p Parsha Study Zoom 3:45p Hebrew School Grp1 4:35p Hebrew School Grp2 5:20p Hebrew School Grp3

Be sure to check the Or Zarua Website (www.orzarua.org) and the weekly eblasts for updates to the calendar. CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2020 The Or Zarua Community Fund contributions received between February 1, 2020 and April 15, 2020

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12 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2020 The Or Zarua Community Continued from previous page

Or Zarua’s Visit OZ on the Web! Memorial Wall Go to Helping Or Zarua For information about plaques for our Memorial Wall, please contact r Zarua is a vibrant community, Helene Santo at [email protected] or Celebrate a Birthday or and all communities need their 212-452-2310, ext 14. Anniversary with OZ: We will place another order when we have Omembers. Here are some quick Be a Virtual Sponsor and easy ways to help: Choose to pay via ACH when using Order forms are available online at Sponsor a Zoom program or paying online. This is a direct debit from http://tinyurl.com/OZMemorialPlaque minyan at Or Zarua to celebrate your checking account. It saves OZ the Deborah Wenger at a birthday or anniversary with higher credit card transaction fees. 212-452-2310, ext 12. fellow Congregants or as a Still want to pay via credit card? Choose to include the transaction meaningful way fee in your payment! It covers that to remember a loved one. transaction fee so the entire payment Contact Deborah Wenger comes to OZ. ([email protected]) for details. Start your shopping at Amazon Smile! Go to when you shop on Amazon and choose Or Help Keep Our Daily Minyan Strong usual. OZ earns a percentage of every even on Zoom eligible purchase. Sponsor a lecture! Our T’shuvah The Or Zarua Social Hall and Lucy Dawidowicz Lectures are will be available to rent ONE HOUR ONE MORNING important features of OZ programming. You can sponsor a portion, one, or both! once NYC ONCE A MONTH is no longer paused Sponsorship defrays the costs of these wonderful events. Please contact Rabbi Contact Helene Santo, Contact Sheldon Adler at: 212-452-2310, ext 14, for information. Bolton or Helene Santo for information. [email protected] Stuff envelopes! We send out mailings. You can come in and stuff envelopes or fold newsletters. It gets Get Social Follow us on social media to learn, participate, and connect. And get the times to pray. manner and requires only a few minutes Find us on Facebook as Congregation Or Zarua, of dedication. Contact Helene Santo for on Instagram as @or_zarua and on Twitter as @Or_Zarua. more information.

13 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028-0807

Join Rabbi Bolton at 12 noon on Mondays - during the month of May learn life wisdom from Pirke Avot, and in June explore the weekly Torah Portion.

To Zoom in on Rabbi Bolton's Monday classes at noon: Link: https://tinyurl.com/OZZoomMondayNoon Zoom ID: 747 808 254 Zoom Password: 613

See page 3 for additional information.

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2020 Kesher Israel Connect with Israel The Kesher Israel Committee celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut on ZOOM back on Heh Iyar, and we joined programming through the American Zionist Movement for the secular anniversary of the birth of the State of Israel on May 14, 2020—72 years strong!

Yom Yerushalayim is coming soon. Watch for a special EBLAST that contains links all about our Holy City - the capital of the Jewish People on Friday May 22nd, 28 Iyar.

And, there's a virtual way to join the Salute to Israel Parade this year and “be on 5th Avenue together in the Israel Day Parade!” Additional information will be provided in EBLASTS.