Temple of Great Neck Where tradition meets change

Voice a Conservative egalitarian synagogue It’s a Unique Year, So Celebrating Shavuot— Temple Israel’s Schools From a Distance! End School Year Uniquely By Marc Katz, Editor This year will be remembered for many atypical events. One of them is the way Temple Israel’s three schools—The Waxman High School, Religious School and Beth HaGan Nursery School—will be wrapping up their school year.

Waxman High School Director Avi Siegel said he is preparing a personalized, private send-off to graduating seniors. “Temple Israel will always be their home, and regardless of where they end up this fall, they are welcome at the Youth House.” He said even in this time of distancing he is committed to giving this year’s graduates the recognition and blessings they deserve.

This year the Waxman High School honors graduate Emma Sassouni, the daughter of Rebecca and Sassan Sassouni, “for her incredible achievements, dedication and character,” Mr. Siegel said. “She graduated from all three Temple Israel schools and plays a key role in her life. Being a regular at Shabbat services, she finds comfort in both the prayer space and the action.” She is an active member of the Youth House teen leadership and has guided her peers in programming and leadership. She served her high school’s student government as class representative for the past three years. She is an active member of the Youth House girls Rosh Hodesh Program. She is a varsity athlete in tennis, cross-country, basketball, and softball and has been a sports columnist for her school newspaper, The Guide Post, for the past four years. Everyone celebrates Shavuot with dairy foods, but the When not at school she Covid pandemic brought some strategic difficulties to takes on volunteer projects. the observance at the Temple Israel Religious School. She has gone on Midnight School Director Rabbi Amy Roth did not let the unique Runs with the Youth House situation stop the festivities, however. She organized an and volunteers at homeless ice cream drive-by, where students in cars driven by their shelters and hospitals. parents formed a caravan in the Temple Israel parking lot. Emma is passionate about They were greeted by Rabbi Howard Stecker, and Rabbi playing the trumpet and has Daniel Schweber in lower photo, as well as Rabbi Roth, performed at Carnegie Hall. and then given ice cream—at the end of a pole—by the She is a member of the All- congregation’s executive director, Jamey Kohn. County Concert Band, Long Photos by Karel Tannenbaum Island Music Hall of Fame, Waxman High School —Continued on page 6 graduate Emma Sassouni

Vol. LXII, No. 11 June 2020 Sivan/Tammuz 5780 Life With Coronavirus New Opportunities

A Voice Guest Column By Van J. Frankel From the President by Burton Weston

Editor’s Note: This Voice Guest Column contains excerpts of a message by Temple As we get deeper into the pandemic Israel member Van Frankel, who serves as the chaplain for Zucker Hillside Hospital experience, and are more apt to get and is a member of Northwell’s Long Island Hospice Care Volunteer Angel Team. mired in “quarantine fatigue,” there are ways and means to “change the Our entire world is currently gripped Nevertheless, there is a message energy” and actually take advantage of by the global pandemic Corona, which of spiritual uplift if we adopt a new opportunities we might otherwise not has wrought destruction on many perspective. We may project on this be able to enjoy. While the time and levels. Not only are thousands sick or crisis that life can always begin anew. obligations of some are consumed by No matter where you may be holding work and other responsibilities, many ...cherish the gift of life up, no matter how dark or dangerous of us have at least a little, and in some every single day. the road ahead may seem, there’s cases a lot more time to tackle those always room for hope and optimism. projects we have long put off or never dead or confined to quarantine, but We stumble, but we rise and go on. We had time to invest in. Reach out to old global economies are in turmoil. Millions suffer, but we grit our teeth and refuse have lost their jobs as companies shut to succumb to the pain. down or contract; family celebrations …what you invest in and gatherings have been canceled; This quality of faith is vividly and visibly should put a smile on your face. grandparents are scared of hugging, conveyed to us through the medium of You are entitled! kissing, even sitting together with their own the moon. It has its period of decline, grandchildren. Fear is driving the proverbial to be sure, but it always will return in friends and relatives even in faraway bus as we ponder “what will come next?” ascendance, symbolizing our eternal places which virtuality allows you to “When will it end?” “How will we—how can rise from tragedy to triumph. And the visit with; undertake a challenge or we—ever return to life as normal?” —Continued on page 4 learn something new that you long thought about doing; organize, clean out, and bring some more order to your Dedication, Day After Day life; take life down a notch, breathe and be grateful where you can. My From the Rabbi By Rabbi Howard Stecker suggestion is to be driven by one overriding factor—what you invest in A few summers ago, Deanna and during the summer. I can’t quite explain should put a smile on your face. You I were living in while I it, but as I greeted them on our last are entitled! participated in a rabbinic program at morning in Israel that summer, I got a the Shalom Hartman institute. That little emotional. On some level I thought While “virtuality” is no replacement for summer, I brought an envelope filled to myself, soon I’ll be at the Kotel, “physicality,” the platforms we have with prayers written by our Religious which is powerful and important. But come to rely on offer some workable School children to be placed in the the reality of these people waking up advantages—many of which the Kotel. On the very last morning I took synagogue has exploited well. Shabbat the folder, left the apartment, and ...our tradition values work services “from the convenience of your walked briskly to the Kotel. and sanctifies own home” consistently attract more daily commitment. than 125 persons and families weekly. The Kotel was fairly quiet at that We continue to tend to the needs of hour. Some people were praying, some each day and running their store is also those requiring a daily minyan. We have were chatting. I inserted the notes powerful and important. programs to feed the soul, the mind with the prayers into the cracks of the and the belly (a cooking class here Kotel, took a few moments to offer my We speak a lot about special places and there). Access them, enjoy them, own prayer, and walked back to our and festive days, but we should also learn something you haven’t had time apartment. recognize the importance of regular to enjoy before, study poetry, sing, and places and ongoing dedication day after share stories and experiences. But, I left out part of the story. On my day. We celebrate places like the Kotel way to the Kotel I passed the small and occasions like the holidays and Organize your life and your home. You grocery story on our corner and saw the milestones in our lives, but we also will undoubtedly find things you haven’t the people who own and work in the need to celebrate opening the store, seen in years, evoke memories and store setting up for the day. I got to showing up at school and meeting our perhaps turn up a hidden valuable or chat with these people a fair amount —Continued on page 4 —Continued on page 4 2 In Memoriam Temple Israel extends condolences to the families of:

Dorothy Goldstein GERTRUDE KESTENBAUM LAURIE ELLEN FRANKEL mother of Steven Goldstein mother of Richard Kestenbaum wife of Van Frankel mother of Daniel Frankel CHARLES SEROTA HARRY KING and esteemed member of Temple Israel brother of Geoffrey Serota father of Richard King, Kenneth King and Nanette Chern JANICE EPSTEIN LUCY GERSTEIN and esteemed member of Temple Israel wife of David Epstein esteemed member of Temple Israel mother of Ellen Kottler, MARCIA GOLD Jay Epstein and Paul Epstein HAROLD KOBLINER wife of Stuart Gold and esteemed member of Temple Israel father of Kenneth Kobliner, and mother of William Gold Perry Kobliner and Beth Shaw and esteemed member of Temple Israel and esteemed member of Temple Israel May their memories be for a blessing.

Join the gt Temple Israel Men’s Club virtual

Monday, June 22

7:00 PM  beer Do you have a talent that you want to share on TIGN ZOOM for 1-2 minutes? Tasting June 16 • 8:30 P.M. singing a song Alex Silberstein of Citifield’s playing an instrument Mikkeller Brewery will discuss some showing artwork of their most distinctive ales, performing a monologue how beers are brewed comedy routine magic trick and the history of Mikkeller Brewery. etc. Includes six unique 16 ounce beers,  great for sharing with others in Everyone is invited to watch your household. regardless of talent! Cost $24 per person

If yes, please contact RSVP before Noon on June 12 Jodi Engel at [email protected] to [email protected] or call 482-7800. by Friday, June 19 and let her know about your talent! Beer pick-up at Temple Israel on June 15. Details to follow.

3 B’nai/B’not Mitzvah In Guest Column: Life With Coronavirus —Continued from page 2 global flood? What to do? How should Our Temple Israel Family same is true of spirituality. It is not finite one spend these last 72-hours? or fossilized, but a miraculous, living, Some said they would intensify their wellspring of wisdom that continually relationship with their families, others brings forth new ideas and viewpoints, said they would indulge in every in every generation. conceivable pleasure. But spiritualists had a very different approach: “We have We, as people, have the unique ability just three days,” they declared, “to learn to recreate ourselves, to shed the skin how to live underwater!” of yesterday’s disappointments and create a bright new day. Like the spring On a personal note, I am learning season, we know that hopes and to “live underwater” as I mourn my dreams, like flowers, may lie dormant beloved bride of 34-years, Laurie for a time. But, ultimately, they will burst Gingold Frankel, who died of cancer into bloom. Life in its fullest will not be on May 27. I am doing my best to denied or suppressed for long. “practice what I preach,” and I am Ethan Shirazi grateful to all of the family, friends and Ethan Shirazi will be called to the Torah There is the story of scientists who told fellow congregants who have reached as a Bar Mitzvah on June 13. He is the the world that in just three days the out to offer comfort and to help me son of Michelle and Michael Shirazi and Earth would be engulfed by a massive, get up and continue life inspired by has a brother, Jacob, 14, and a sister, Laurie’s memory. In conclusion, I urge Eva, 6. Ethan is a seventh-grade honor all of us to cherish the gift of life every student at Great Neck North Middle New Opportunities single day. School. He enjoys sports, especially —Continued from page 2 basketball, and is interested in software treasure. Husbands, dig deep and engineering. Ethan plans to visit Israel do the one thing your wife is likely to From the Rabbi: for the third time in the near future. crave—color her hair. She’ll feel better and I guaranty you you’ll share some Dedication, Day After Day Mazal Tov To... laughs in the process. Read that book —Continued from page 2 that has been sitting on the night table, obligations day after day. • Ellen and Samuel Gottlieb, whose and perhaps suggest it to others and daughter, Deena Joy Gottlieb, has been start a book club. Share a training The Torah commanded the ancient ordained as a rabbi. session and work out with a group Israelites to let their land rest every • Karen Lewkowitz-Miller, Monte virtually. Plant the organic garden you seven years. No less important a Miller and Robert Shpuntoff on the always wanted to start and derive the mitzvah, however, was the injunction to birth of their granddaughter, Elisheva benefit of eating healthy. Experiment till the land for the first six years. Along Rachel Ruben. in the kitchen, and if you don’t cook, with the sacred rest of land and people, • Jacqueline and Hilbert maybe start. That’s one way to our tradition values work and sanctifies Eshaghpour and Shohreh and immediate gratification. daily commitment. Hillel Waxman on the birth of their granddaughter, Michal Shayna One of the richest things in life is to As we continue to face this challenging Waxman. learn. Without the distractions we time for our community, nation and • Angela Jones and Jared Vazquez might otherwise have day-to-day, take planet, I want us to take the time to on the birth of their granddaughter, the opportunity to delve deeper into celebrate the ongoing dedication that Miley Rose DeAngelo. something you have long wanted to we, our friends and our loved ones bring explore. It doesn’t have to be altogether to each day. Especially when so much Daily Minyan Times serious; it can just be fun. of our day-to-day has been disrupted, Friday, June 5, 12, 19 & 26 it’s important for us to recognize the & July 10 The point is, although cursed by challenges we face and the resourceful 7:30 A.M. 6:30 P.M. the restrictions and confines of this efforts we bring to those challenges. Friday, July 3 pandemic, we are also blessed with 8:15 a.m. 6:30 p.m. opportunities for other freedoms. There is indeed holiness in special Sunday Breath, step back, try to embrace places and festive days. But let’s not 8:15 A.M. 8:00 P.M. positivity, and most importantly, smile forget to recognize, and celebrate, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and laugh. Those two things are among the holiness that emerges from the & Thursday the healthiest things you can do for dedication we demonstrate each and 7:30 A.M. 8:00 P.M. yourself—proven by science. every day. 4 Beth HaGan Classes Hold Annual Torah Science Fair Learning Lessons That Combine Science and Torah Just before Beth HaGan Nursery School classes ended abruptly due to the pandemic, Beth HaGan classes held their annual Torah Science Fair, combining lessons of the Torah with lessons in science. This page displays some classes and their projects.

5 It’s a Unique Year, So Schools End School Year Uniquely —Continued from front page During this week’s Zoom ceremony students participated Pit Orchestra, and the Long Island Youth Orchestra. in a “Ten Commandments Scavenger Hunt” at their home, teachers performed a skit for their students, Morah Sara let She will be entering the Macaulay Honors Program at Baruch students in song, a slide show was presented highlighting College in September. Emma is the recipient of the North activities during the school year, and Rabbis Howard Stecker High School Andrew Stergiopoulos Memorial Scholarship and Daniel Schweber spoke to the students and their for being a scholar-athlete and mentor to others. She was parents. Rabbi Roth congratulated the students on their named the Temple Israel “Men’s Club Youth of the Year” and accomplishments. was scheduled to be honored at the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs annual dinner, which was not held this year due Members of the Chai Club are Noah Becker, Lily Becker, Abby to the Covid-19 pandemic. Bernstein, Adriel Berookhim, Daniel Berookhim, Ian Bloom, Ari Bloom, Jacob Bloom, Penina Charry, Alexis Gelb, David High School Activities Continuing Goldberg, Daniel Goldberg, Shoshana Goody, Ezra Juceam, The Waxman High School had a prolific programming Sarah Juceam, Kassin, Elliot Kassin, Jacob Kassin, portfolio this past spring. They held twice-weekly Zoom Sarah Khoda, Shira Khoda, Josh Phillips, Ethan Phillips, meetings since mid-March, including a Lag B’Omer Brandon Reed, Julia Reed, Sara Reed, and Nathan Tashkisi. presentation on Israel and its historical relationship to the holiday. Also held was a community-wide antisemitism Students recognized for participating in the 13 Mitzvot seminar with educators from the Anti-Defamation League Club were Sam Bagon, Max Covitt, Ella Covitt, Zach Dorf. discussing what can be done to better Emily Forst, Molly Forst, Elliot Ganjian, understand and combat antisemitism. This year will be remembered Ganjian, Jacob Goldstein, A a panel of speakers from the Great for many atypical events. Phoebe Hoffman, Lily Kase, Liana Neck Chinese Association presented Kase, Grant Koza, Benson Kurpiel, an evening of cultural exchange One of them is the way Riley Kurpiel, Jackie Matalon, Simon and storytelling. The Youth House Temple Israel’s three schools... Matalon, Matthew Nysenbaum, culminated programming with a will be wrapping up Brandon Nogreh, and Nathan Sarraf. Shavuot cheesecake bake-off. their school year. Torah Troupe participants include Daniel During the summer the Youth House will continue to present Berookhim, Adriel Berookhim, Sam Bagon, Isaac Bakhchi, programs and opportunities for teens. Both Rosh Brodesh Abby Bernstein, Ian Bloom, Ella Covitt, Max Covitt, Zach and Rosh Hodesh groups are meeting virtually with Moji Dorf, Elliot Ganjian, Jonathan Ganjian, Ezra Juceam, Lily Pourmoradi and Avi Siegel, respectively. Also continuing are Kase, Liana Kase, Aaron Kassin, Elliot Kassin, Riley Kurpiel, movie nights, game nights and chill sessions. In addition, Raquel Kurpiel, Jackie Matalon, Simon Matalon, Matthew when state restrictions change, there will be small, safe Nysenbaum, Jacob Ohebshalom, Brandon Reed, Julia Reed, gatherings of teens on the Temple Israel grounds. All teens Sean Shamooil, Nathan Tashkisi, and Gabe Weitzman. are invited to these programs. For more information and to keep informed about upcoming events, send a message to Beth HaGan Nursery School Avi Siegel at [email protected]. The congregation’s youngest students, in the Beth HaGan Nursery School, will participate in a “drive-by graduation” in Religious School Temple Israel’s parking lot in late June. Religious School students participated in a school-wide zoom ceremony earlier this week because “we wanted The four-year old Dolphin Class students will receive a students to end the year with a lasting good feeling,” said diploma and gifts from their teachers during the ceremony. School Director Rabbi Amy Roth. More than 140 students “By having the presentation in the parking lot, students will were recognized for completing religious studies from be able to wave to each other,” explained school Director pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Rachel Mathless. They have not been together in person since classes were suspended in mid-March. In addition, on Friday evening during Shabbat services, the school’s 13 Mitzvot Club, Chai Club, and Torah Troupe Students completing their school studies are Liez Alvandi, will be recognized. On another Friday evening, recognition Abigail Assaraf, Brandon Barzidah, Amelia Behnam, will be given to the school’s vav class students who will be Sara Ben-Josef, Rachel Cohen, Benjamin Hakimian, moving on to the Waxman High School. Avi Siegel, Waxman Blair Hakimian, Ella Hakimian, Sofia Katz, Jacob Khalili, school director, will attend to “model” the Youth House t-shirt Liam Nassimiha, Joshua Rahimi, Shay Shamooil, Gabriel students will receive and welcome them to this new phase Shaoulpour, and Jacob Yerushalmi. of their Jewish education. During a previous Friday evening service students in the gimmel grade participated in a siddur The class mother is Maxine Yerushalmi and the class ceremony. teachers are morah Chaya Kaplowitz and Ruti Uzan. 6 From Generation to Generation Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions

TEMPLE ISRAEL FUND Pearl Sperber Sheila Zucker Ronnie Katz In appreciation of: Robert Geoffrey Linda Kepke Jackie Einstein and Temple Israel for all the Sperber R. Harlow Hermanson Josh Astrof good work and beyond Saul Eisberg Emily Levin Rita and Mel Ortner that is done for our Cheryl Eisberg Moin Sam Freiman Miriam and Kenneth community Ezra Alyeshmerni Susan Cwern Kobliner Christina Fullam and Bahram Alyeshmerni Isidore Fagin Carol Braksmajer and Patrick Wiles Sylvia Rieders Martin Fagin family Susan Kahn Beila Gentin Lisa Glassman and In memory of: Louis Schreiber Benjamin Gentin family Harry Greif Walter Schreiber Sarah Bolanos The Brash family Anna Greif Carol Schreiber Carlos Bolanos Beverly Horowitz Diane Kanefsky Merrill Ann Hadassah Lifshitz Susan and Jonathan Martin Hoffman Schneiderman David L. Zielenziger Tillem Jonathan Hoffman Tessie Benjamin Harry Eisenstein Mickey Putterman Irwin Reich Thelma Benjamin Melvin Eisenstein Eileen Putterman and Helene Wasserman Gertrude Yares Frank W. White family Laura Reich Joan Schussheim Nanci Roth Vera Eden Helen Menies Robert Blum Morris Rochman Carmella and Victor Diane Lichtenstein Stanley Blum Toby Gorelick Mandon Morton Leibowitz Elizabeth Rosenfeld Jeffrey M. Weston The Brash family Helen Nager Hansi Fruchtman Estelle Iscowitz George Abrahams Annette Nager Melvin Gessin Joyce and Burton Jackie Einstein Astrof Lillian Dallal Harvey Gessin Weston and Josh Astrof Stephen Dallal Malcolm Rossman Maria Bleiweiss Karen and Donald Herman Epstein Susan Rossman William Blye Ashkenase David Epstein Bruce Allen Levine Mae Anderman Feizullah Nejathaim Howard Krimko Lawrence Levine Arthur Anderman Hooshang Nejathaim Stacee and Jeff Solomon Gemorah Doris Katz Seymour Cohn Bernstein Miriam Gemorah Nancy Highiet Morse Natalie and Paul Cohn Anna Lillian Marsha Levin and family Ashraf Oheb Mel Lillian Solomon Fried Goldie Schwartz Kombiz Kahen William Oliver Samuel Fried Lewis Schwartz Rachel Roth Carol Achenbaum Allan Fried Deborah Harris Larry Roth Lillian Siegal Yehuda Soleymani Matthew Harris Aryeh Leib Pollack Suanne Scherr David Soleymani Murray Silverstein Pollack Gerda Todtenkopf Ronna Telsey Israel Zwierankin Blanche Dubofsky Bela Schoenfeld Bernard Telsey Sonia Sarah Silverstein Berman Irene Schefren Ruth Weiner Raine Silverstein Simmy-Lou Atkins Hyman E. Katz Ronald Weiner Sigmund Iscowitz Irving Estrin Fradelle Schefren Magda Hirsh Linda Stark Renee Kimelman William Turetzky Jerry Hirsh Emma Scheiner William Bernard Marcus Stephen Schweber Ayoub Farhadian Joyce Weston Irene Tannenholtz- Robert Dubofsky Sofia Sohayegh Sonia Becker Marcus Simmy-Lou Atkins Martin Fainblatt Eugene Becker Esther Schuchman Florine Vosburgh Charlotte Fainblatt Robert Kahn Morris Schuchman Beverly Horowitz Lila Obornik Fried Cyrus Kahn Paul Schwartz Sarah Trachtman Laurel A. Fried Edith Chernoff Bela Rosenthal Steven Trachtman Gertie Sherman The Brash family Jane Salzberg Rebecca B. Tepper Peter Sherman Helen Tune Bessie De Lott Elise Tepper William Dorman Marilyn Gessin Stuart De Lott Ruth Scherr Howard Dorman Helene Kalnick Jonas Dymond David Scherr Rabbi Stanley Sheila R. Kalnick Nancy Rose Frank Yehuda Soleymani Greenstein William R. Fleischer Abraham Vogel Yosef Soleymani Judith Greenstein Steven D. Fleischer Allen Vogel 7 From Generation to Generation Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions

TEMPLE ISRAEL FUND WAXMAN HIGH SCHOOL PRAYER BOOK FUND BETH HAGAN NURSERY In memory of: AND YOUTH HOUSE FUND In honor of: SCHOOL FUND Doris Katz In memory of: The engagement of In memory of: Karen and Donald Aaron Feder Daniel Frankel, son of Edith Chernoff Ashkenase Carol Glatstein Laurie and Van Frankel, Joelle and Geoff Robert Greenspan Miriam Harooni Shirazi to Nicole Adhami, Serota Brent Greenspan Parvaneh and Parviz daughter of Mitra Mirjani Ronnie Katz Asher Nejat Khodadadian Barbara and Merrill and Mel Iraj Nejat Leonard Schultz Schneiderman Philip Feld KELLER FAMILY Joann Storms and Dove Spector EDUCATION FUND In memory of: Gary Blumberg Anna Kozulezyk Rubin In memory of: Howard Krimko Judy Rubin Michael Fishman Milton Rosen RELIGIOUS Nachama Benjamin Shirley Keller and Ed Goldfeder SCHOOL FUND Sarah Rothstein family Rita and Mel Ortner In memory of: Samuel Greener Anna Choit Ronnie Katz Barbara Mazur TEMPLE ISRAEL Harvey Choit Elise and Richard Eliyahou John PLAYERS FUND Morris Gingold Kestenbaum and Gabayzadeh In honor of: George Gingold family Yahya Gabayzadeh Ron Klempner Minnie Gingold Marilyn Schneider Caroline Gorelick The Goldfeder family Sol Gingold Michael Gorelick Jack Gingold BEN ZION ALTMAN Robert Fainblatt In memory of: Laurie Frankel SENIOR MITSVA FUND Charlott Fainblatt Mickey Putterman Arnold Meyer In memory of: Frank Schneiderman Elise Tepper Sheidlower Benjamin Fleischer Mel Howard Leon Silverberg Edmond Ray Cohen Elliot Fleischer Schneiderman Miriam and Kenneth Ellyn Sheidlower Gedale Horowitz Kobliner Ronnie Katz RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Elise and Richard Simmy-Lou and Shahnaz and Neil EDUCATIONAL Kestenbaum and Bob Atkins Goldman RESOURCE FUND family Patty Katz Pia Weston In honor of: Andy Katz Their daughter, Kayla Contributions: Marjorie and For the recovery of: Hoori Kahen, becoming Shaina Pollack Jonathan Hoffman Laurie Frankel a bat mitzvah Beth and Lewis Nancy and Sid Barbara and Cherie and Jon Schwartz Freedman Leonard Schultz Kahen Jacqueline and Hilbert Suanne and David Eshaghpour Scherr BUILDING FUND ADULT EDUCATION FUND Bela and Mel In memory of: In memory of: JEWISH IDENTITY FUND Schoenfeld Gedale Horowitz Edith Chernoff In memory of: Beth and Allen Miriam and Kenneth Cheryl Eisberg Moin Milton Rosen Vogel Kobliner and Seth Moin Eva Yarett Wendy and Lori and Peter Bernard RABBI SCHWEBER’S TORAH Oppenheimer Gold and family DISCRETIONARY FUND RESTORATION FUND Joan Schussheim Joyce and Burton In appreciation of: In memory of: and family Weston and family Rabbi Schweber Miriam Harooni Shirazi Maxine Vogel Elise and Richard Jamey Kohn Cheryl Eisberg Moin Renee and Elliot Kestenbaum and and Seth Moin Fleischer family JEAN WALTON Bela and Melvin Marylin and Allan SCHOLARSHIP FUND ABRAHAM ROSENFELD Schoenfeld Goldberg In memory of: MEMORIAL FUND Gedale Horowitz Jean Walton In memory of: Fran and Richard Contribution: Susan Tomback Moussa Harounian Taney Anonymous Janice Genser David Harounian

8 From Generation to Generation Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions

EDWARD Jeffrey Fleit Doris Katz Michael Fishman “THE CANDYMAN” Joyce and Burton Joyce and Burton Stacee and Jeff GOLDFEDER Weston Weston Bernstein MEMORIAL FUND Marla and Harold Jeffrey Fleit Ed Goldfeder In honor of: Scheinman Manijeh and Jack Ashraf Kahen Mitchell Bloom, son Anita Mosten Moallem Arden Smith of Michelle and Linda and Daniel Edward Horowitz Sylvia Goldman Jonathan Bloom, Finer Kenneth Horowitz Sylvia Schneider becoming a Beat the Streets Los Gedale Horowitz Gad Goldman bar.mitzvah Angeles Ronnie Katz Ira J. Schneider Anne and Matt Sabrina Goldfeder Jeffrey Fleit Marilyn Schneider Kaufman The Diller and Kovler Manijeh and Jack Mickey Putterman family Moallem Arlene and Jack In memory of: Jaymee Nusbaum Lillian Solomon Levine Ed Goldfeder Amy-Beth and Monika and Paul The Cohen family Norman Hanover Bloom RABBI STECKER’S Margaret and Liz and Chuck Mickey Putterman DISCRETIONARY FUND Melvin Scheinman Burak Ashraf Kahen On the occasion of: C. J. McCollum The Arbeiter family Manijeh and Jack Wishing Rabbi Stecker The Segal family The Gertler family Moallem and his family a healthy Elena and David Sheila Weisler and and happy Passover and Wohl Jack Weinberger ESTHER AND SAMUEL Hag Sameah Ellen Morris Farber Marieka and Taylor BROCHSTEIN MEMORIAL Nazy and Babak and Joseph Farber Griffin FUND Damaghi Cheryl Eisberg Moin Rebecca and In memory of: Holly and Kambiz and Seth Moin Sassan Sassouni Esther Brochstein Damaghi Erica Krisztal and Lori and Peter Lois B. Illman Mitra and Nader Leland Felsenthal Oppenheimer Damaghi The Stein Avery and Andy ROSALIE AND DANIEL P. Shahnaz and McNamara family Barth KATZ MEMORIAL FUND Nasser Damaghi The Haroni family Jim and Emily In memory of: Susan and Fred Scheinman (and Louis G. Goldenberg In appreciation of: Nicolas the Vegas and Gary Katz Rabbi Stecker for his Miriam and Rory Virginia City friendship and support Gross Scheinman Crew) USHERS FUND and officiating at the Carol and Jeffrey The Constantinides In memory of: funeral of Mickey Menachem family Sarah Doustan Putterman Carol and Mark Cindy and Harold Manijeh Schlegel Eileen Putterman Dunetz Soshnick Moallem and family Marjorie Ovadia Pam Scheinman Rabbi Stecker’s for his Rachelle and Ebby and family DAILY MINYAN FUND friendship and support Ohebshalom Robin Leonard In honor of: and officiating at the Marjory Appel and Theresa and Alex Rabbi Schweber, funeral of Estelle Iscowitz Jeff Dunetz Dini Howard Spun, Rob The Stark and David L. Zielenziger Ronni Birnbaum and Panzer, and Lori Sorkowitz families Monika and Paul Wally Kopelowitz Oppenheimer for Bloom William Cavanagh leading the minyan at In memory of: Joe Godwin and Susan Feldman shiva for Estelle Iscowitz Rose Sanders Team Murray Zahler The Stark and Marylin Goldberg Marcia and Sol Annette Fischer Sorkowitz families Ronnie Katz Karsch Louis Fischer The Lurvey family Marilyn Torodash Ruth Silverstein In memory of: Roberta and David and Leon Flax Jeffrey Y. Zahler Ashraf Kahen Harounian Elan D. Scheinman Charles Citron Alise Kreditor and David Pernick Cody Zeller Harold Citron Jeffrey Englander Jill Friedman 9

D’var Torah

—Continued from back page and His promise, they will be able to purify anyone who comes in contact blessing the people. The portion ends overcome the inhabitants. The people with a corpse. Most of the events of with a detailed account of the gifts accept the majority report, thus incurring the wilderness wandering are skipped brought by the princes of the tribes on God’s wrath. He decrees that they will over without comment. In the land the occasion of the dedication of the spend 40 years in the wilderness, until of Moab, Moses produces water for Mishkan. The gifts were identical, yet an entire generation dies out and a free his complaining people by striking a they had different symbolic meanings generation grows up. rock with his staff. God, however, has for each tribe. The offering of identical instructed him to speak to the rock, gifts by the tribes, regardless of their Korah Saturday, June 27 and because of this lack of faith neither size, emphasized the equality of each In this portion we find a major challenge Moses nor Aaron will be permitted to tribe and each person before God. to the leadership of Moses and Aaron. enter the Promised Land. In the second The reading details the rebellion lead portion, Balak, King of Moab, is afraid Beha’alotekha Saturday, June 13 by Korah, a Levite, and two members that the Israelites will attack and defeat In this portion the march to the of the tribe of Reuben, Dathan and him. He summons the renowned Promised Land finally begins. Among Abiram. They accuse Moses and Aaron prophet Balaam from Mesopotamia to the last details dealt with at Sinai of unduly raising themselves above the curse the Israelites. God intervenes, are preparation of the lamps of the community of Israelites, all of whom and Balaam goes to Moab, but once menorah, dedication of the Levites to are holy. Moses tells the people that there blesses the Israelites three their duties, observance of Passover God will resolve the issue by accepting different times as well as prophesying on the 14th day of the first month in or rejecting an incense offering. He the destruction of Moab and the the second year after the Exodus and further declares that if the rebels die neighboring countries. The future of the making of two silver trumpets to an unnatural death it will be a sign of Israel now seems bright indeed, but the be sounded as a signal to assemble, vindication for him and Aaron. Following promise is immediately dashed when to break camp or to take note of other the test, Korah and his associates are the people are enticed to participate special occasions. As soon as the swallowed up by the earth and fire in the idolatrous cult of Baal-peor. The people began their march, they began destroys 250 of the rebels. Aaron is unique relationship with God is still not to complain. In response to Moses’ cry further vindicated in a test involving his firmly enough established. for help, God instructs him to gather staff which sprouts almond blossoms 70 elders to assist him in leading overnight. With the roles of Aaron, his Pinehas Saturday, July 11 the people. Miriam and Aaron then sons and the Levites in connection with In this portion we read that Pinehas, challenge Moses’ role as prophet. God the Mishkan firmly established, a list of the grandson of Aaron, is rewarded vindicates Moses by punishing Miriam. emoluments is granted to them in return for his zeal in dealing summarily with These incidents of selfishness, even in for their work. Thus, the leadership of the idolatry of Baal-peor by having the the faith of God’s miracles, set a pattern the Israelites is made secure at a time priesthood become the possession that becomes a prominent theme of when the people are still struggling to of his descendants for all time. We Scripture—the struggle to raise man define and determine its destiny. now turn to the preparations for the above himself. conquest of the Promised Land. Moses Hukkat-Balak Saturday, July 4 takes a census of the generation born Shelah Saturday, June 20 In this double potion the 38 years of in the wilderness to determine the The Israelites approach the border of wilderness wandering are covered. number of fighting men and the number Canaan, and Moses sends 12 princes The reading opens with instructions of families who would share in the of the tribes to scout the land, in this for preparing a mixture of water and division of the land. God gives Moses portion. Among them are Caleb and ashes of a slaughtered red cow to instructions for apportioning the land, Joshua. The scouts’ mission is to and we learn of a decision affirming the investigate the natural properties of the Shabbat Services and right of daughters to inherit property land and evaluate the strength of its Candle Lighting Times when there are no sons. Moses is told people. After 40 days, the scouts return —Continued from back page to ascend the mountain to prepare to bearing a single cluster of grapes so Saturday, July 11 die and to designate Joshua as his heavy that it takes two men to carry it Shaharit Morning Service 9:30 A.M. successor. The reading concludes with on a pole between them. They report a calendar of the festivals of the year that the land is indeed bountiful, but it Weekly Portion: Pinehas and the public sacrifices that are to be is inhabited by powerful people living in Numbers 25:10 – 30:1 offered daily and on every Shabbat and fortified cities. The scouts maintain that Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1 – 2:3 festival after the Israelites have entered the Israelites are too weak to conquer the land. Maintaining this calendar is to the land, but Caleb and Joshua argue Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. be a means of tying together God, the that, if the people have faith in God Ma’ariv/Havdalah 9:15 P.M. land and the People of Israel.

10

Congregation Says Thanks To Recent Kiddush Sponsors A Temple Israel Appreciation is expressed by the Temple officers and Board of Trustees Scrapbook to members who have generously sponsored and enhanced the Sabbath kiddush.

The congregational kiddush on December 7 was sponsored by Daniela and Eli Pollack in honor of the auf ruf of their daughter, Eliana, and Nate Satin. A contribution towards the kiddush was made by Dalya and Omid Haghani in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Jonah.

The congregational kiddush on December 14 was sponsored by Judit Szigeti Smulovics and Peter Smulovics in honor of the b’nei mitzvah of their sons, Adam and Tamas. A contribution towards the kiddush was made by Sue Smith and Mitchel Zaretsky in honor of the auf ruf of their son, Sam, and Nicole Gray.

A contribution towards the kiddush on January 4 was made by Arden Smith Raina Kohn, a nurse at North Shore University Hospital and wife of Temple in honor of chanting the haftorah in Israel Executive Director Jamey Kohn, shows cards made by the congregation’s commemoration of the 55th anniversary of Religious School students for the staff treating Covid patients at the hospital. his bar mitzvah and in memory of his wife, Mrs. Kohn brought the cards to the hospital, where they were put on display at Susan. the hospital’s 5 Monti floor, where Coronavirus patients are being treated.

Honoring Memories. Celebrating Lives. Your ad here will reach all Riverside-Nassau Abraham Kanfer, CBR Temple Israel members Associate Real Estate Broker North Chapel Great Neck Office • by MAIL 516.466.4036, c.917.797.9466 • Funerals • Advance Funeral Planning • by EMAIL [email protected] • Monuments & Inscription Services www.riversidenassaunorthchapels.com • by WEBSITE 516.487.9600 Call NOW for details 55 North Station Plaza, Great Neck 482-7800 Each Office Is Individually Owned And Operated. Bar & Bat Mitzvah Invitations Shastone~ MORE THAN A CENTURY Memorials OF SERVICE ~ See the great selection at... MEMORIALS OF DISTINCTION ERECTED AT ALL CEMETERIES 112 Northern Boulevard • Great Neck, New York 11021 KC GRAPHICS 516-487-4600 • 1-877-677-6736 (Toll free outside NY) Personalized Service www.ShastoneMemorials.com Calligraphy, too! Marvin Rosen - Laurel S. Rosen - Russell J. Rosen 25 Cutter Mill Plaza, Great Neck Custom Design and shop at home services 516-466-2434 monuments - footstones - plaques - mausoleums - cleaning - repairs 11 Temple IsraelTemple ofIsrael Great of Great Neck Neck Where Where tradition tradition meets changemeets change

Periodicals Postage Paid D’var Torah at Great Neck, NY by Rabbi Marim D. Charry

Naso Saturday, Saturday, January June 136 We continue the final preparations at Sinai for the resumption of the journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land in this portion. The numbering of the Levitical families and assignment of porterage duties for the Mishkan is For Additonal Passover Information Visit: www.tign.org concluded. Several laws dealing with Temple Israel of Great Neck TEMPLE ISRAEL STAFF the purity of the camp and the family Howard Stecker, Senior Rabbi Raphael Frieder, Cantor are then promulgated, including a trial Daniel Schweber, Associate Rabbi by ordeal for a woman suspected Voice Mordecai Waxman*, Rabbi Emeritus Marc Katz, Editor of adultery. These are followed by a Jamey Kohn, Executive Director Associate Editors: Rabbi Amy Roth, Director of Congregational Schools Paula Charry, Angela Jones, Ronnie Katz, description of the restrictions incumbent Rachel Mathless, Director, Beth HaGan Marion Stein, Rabbi Daniel Schweber Avi Siegel, Director, Waxman High School upon any person who takes a Nazarite Photographers: vow as an act of special piety. Nazarites Robert Lopatkin, Ofra Panzer OFFICERS must refrain from drinking wine or TEMPLE ISRAEL OF GREAT NECK Burton Weston, President alcohol, from cutting hair and coming 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Adam Covitt, Vice President P: 516.482.7800 | F: 516.482.7352 David Eshaghoff, Vice President into contact with the dead for a [email protected] | www.tign.org Rachel Geula, Vice President specified period of time. Moses is then Temple Israel Voice (USPS # 078-740) is published monthly by Brent Greenspan, Vice President Temple Israel of Great Neck at 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, instructed to teach Aaron a special NY 11023. Periodicals postage paid at Great Neck, NY 11021. Samuel Husney, Vice President Postmaster: Send address changes to: Gary Sazer, Vice President three-fold blessing which he is to use in Temple Israel Voice, 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Lynn Weitzman, Vice President —Continued on page 10 Subscription $5.00 per annum Irving H. Lurie*, Honorary President *Deceased Shabbat Services and Candle Lighting Times

Saturday, June 6 Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Weekly Portion: Korah Shaharit Morning Service 9:30 A.M. Ma’ariv/Havdalah 9:10 P.M. Numbers 16:1 - 18:32 Haftarah: I Samuel 11:14 – 12:22 Weekly Portion: Naso Friday, June 19 Numbers 4:21 – 7:89 Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Haftarah: Judges 13:2 – 25 Candle Lighting 8:11 P.M. Ma’ariv/Havdalah 9:15 P.M.

Bar Mitzvah: Noah Ahdoot Saturday, June 20 Friday, July 3 son of Michelle and Allen Ahdoot Shaharit Morning Service 9:30 A.M. Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Candle Lighting 8:12 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Weekly Portion: Shelah Ma’ariv/Havdalah 9:05 P.M. Numbers 13:1 – 15:41 Saturday, July 4 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1 – 24 Shaharit Morning Service 9:30 A.M. Friday, June 12 Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Weekly Portion: Hukkat-Balak Candle Lighting 8:09 P.M. Ma’ariv/Havdalah 9:15 P.M. Numbers 19:1 - 25:9 Haftarah: Micah 5:6 – 6:8 Saturday, June 13 Friday, June 26 Shaharit Morning Service 9:30 A.M. Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Candle Lighting 8:12 P.M. Ma’ariv/Havdalah 9:15 P.M. Weekly Portion: Beha’alotekha Numbers 8:1 – 12:16 Saturday, June 27 Friday, July 10 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 – 4:7 Shaharit Morning Service 9:30 A.M. Evening Service 6:30 P.M. Candle Lighting 8:10 P.M. Bar Mitzvah: Ethan Shirazi —Continued on page 10 son of Michelle and Michael Shirazi

www.tign.org /TempleIsraelOfGreatNeck @templeisraelgn www.tign.orgwww.tign.orgwww.tign.org /TempleIsraelOfGreatNeck /TempleIsraelOfGreatNeck /TempleIsraelOfGreatNeck @templeisraelgn @templeisraelgn @templeisraelgn

www.tign.org /TempleIsraelOfGreatNeck @templeisraelgn