Temple Israel of Great Neck Where tradition meets change

Voice a Conservative egalitarian synagogue Temple Israel Players Staging ‘My Fair Lady’ over 40 years of Temple Israel Players’ performances we have staged many classic musicals, but for some reason, amazingly, ‘My Fair Lady’ was never done.” He said Temple Israel Players producers recently went to see a performance at New York’s Lincoln Center, and were convinced that the show would be a hit at Temple Israel, as well.

Once the longest running Broadway musical of all time, “My Fair Lady” was adapted by the musical team of Lerner and Loewe from the George Bernard Shaw comedy “Pygmalion.” In the musical, flower girl Eliza Doolittle, played by Kim Kaiman, meets linguistic expert Henry Higgins, performed by Mark Cwern, who bets his companion, Colonel Pickering, played by Jon Kaiman, that within six months he could transform Eliza into a “proper lady,” teaching her proper English.

Julie Andrews originated the role of Eliza on Broadway in 1956. The movie version of the tale, featuring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, won Oscars for best picture, best director, best actor, and five others, and is considered by many critics to be one of the all-time best movie musicals.

The Temple Israel Players cast includes George Abrahams, Robert Aizer, Debra Bykoff, Shoshana Cellers, Mark Cwern, Amy David, Barbara Eisenman, Judi Geizhals, Joan by Marc Katz, Editor Greenspan, Marylin Goldberg, Edith Goody, Jon Kaiman, Kim Temple Israel’s theater troupe, the Temple Israel Players, Kaiman, Abe Kanfer, Amy Kase and her daughter, Lily, Ron is in rehearsals for its next production, “My Fair Lady,” to Klempner, Dara Koza, Judy Kugel, Kenneth M. Leff, Elizabeth be staged on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, in the Matalon, Nelly Mizrahi, Toby Nemiroff, Gary Noren, Ofra Crystal Ballroom. Panzer, Mark Putter, Eileen Putterman, Mickey Putterman, Diana Stein, Maxine Vogel, Debbie Volk, Dan Weinstein, and More than 30 congregants are participating on stage in the Melanie Weinreich. show, including 11 newcomers to the group. Producers of the show are Ron Klempner, Mark Putter, Eileen The show features many well-known songs, including Putterman, Lois Sazer, and Debbie Volk. JoJo Conley is the “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain stage director and Debbie Tartell is the music director and in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street vocal coach Alex Schoen is the set production manager, Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church On Time,” and “I’ve and Gary Cellers, Lisa Mattaway and Steve Tasch make Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” up the backstage crew, with Bob Lopatkin overseeing set construction. Chris McKee is the piano accompanist, and “We always look for shows which contain lots of group Temple Israel members in the orchestra include Sharon numbers and songs that everyone in the audience will know,” Bernstein, Barbara Dicker, Dan Dicker, and Deanna Stecker. said Mark Putter, one of the show’s team of producers. “In Sherry Modlin is in charge of scenery.

Vol. LXI, No. 7 February 2019 Adar I 5779 restore justice and make a difference in More Choice Than We Realize people’s lives. It could involve choosing how we will From the Rabbi by Rabbi Howard Stecker make meaningful in our own lives, even if our choices differ from the The middle-schooler claims that he Of course, we can all claim that we choices of those around us. acted disrespectfully to a teacher are beset by professional and personal because of peer pressure. The young constraints that limit our ability to It could involve speaking up about an adult alleges she avoided acting choose to act with conviction. Despite injustice we see in our own families or transparently in a professional setting that, I urge us to think carefully about choosing to articulate our views on how because she believed it would increase family matters should transpire. her chances of promotion. I urge us to think carefully about the issues There are certainly times when we are Often when we look back at decisions that matter to us… victims of circumstance, when we have we have made, we justify cutting no choice regarding a situation. But corners by saying some version of: the issues that matter to us and to find our tradition teaches us that, generally “What choice did I have?” the courage to act on them. speaking, we have more choice than we realize. Several sources from our tradition affirm This could involve political activism that we generally have more choice regarding national issues or advocacy Let’s do our best to assess each than we realize. The Torah commands on the local level. Our Temple Israel situation and ask ourselves, “What can the children of Israel to choose justice Repair the World committee offers we choose to do?” This is a profound irrespective of convenience. From multiple opportunities throughout the and authentically Jewish question that Abraham’s choice to argue with God year to participate in activities that can take us to great heights. over the ethics of collective punishment to Jewish leaders currently willing to risk political capital to advocate for what they believe to be right, there Trying New Things are multiple examples throughout our history of people choosing the ethical From the President by Rob Panzer over the expedient. With Tu B’Shevat imminent, as of Planning for the future or to make I read recently of an ultra-Orthodox this writing, it’s time to look forward change takes effort, as difficult as that (Haredi) woman who is campaigning to spring, with its promise of renewal may be, but is imperative. Of great in Israel to represent the Labor party as well as new growth. Purim will be importance is an understanding that it is as a member of the Knesset. Michal following soon enough, and we will okay to try something new, not knowing Zernowitski, who grew up in Bnei be having our usual array of events what the result may be. So a willingness Brak and identifies as Haredi, received plus an addition this year: a murder a B.A. in Computer Science as part mystery dinner for adults. Please check We need to be mindful of the inaugural class of a college your email or our website for further of our traditions established to serve the needs of the information. This promises to be a fun and yet brave enough event for all who attend, and another ultra-Orthodox community. Her current to be innovative. political and economic views align example of new and creative events with Labor ideology and she claims that are being held by Temple Israel. to represent hundreds of thousands to try and not be afraid to fail is of of ultra-Orthodox Jews “who want We approach all chagim with a healthy paramount importance. Holidays will change and who believe in equality, respect for our traditions, but more come around next year—we can social justice and peace.” (Haaretz, recently we’ve also come to view them always try something different. January 9, 2019) as opportunities to try something new. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to find ways to Thanks to those who have suggested I imagine that it takes courage for Ms. engage more people in different ways ideas for new events or ways to Zernowitski to depart from the views that would make Temple Israel more of improve existing programs. Thanks for of the majority of members of her a destination? We need to be mindful of the creativity and willingness to try. community. She could easily exclaim, our traditions and yet brave enough to “What choice do I have?” about a be innovative. I can be reached at [email protected]. variety of issues, professional and political. And yet she has made choices that reflect her moral compass, even if The Voice Guest Column is now located on page 6 they diverge from communal norms.

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In Memoriam Upcoming Events at Temple Israel Temple Israel extends condolences to the families of: February 2 March 3 RALPH LEVIN Temple Israel Film Series 7:00 P.M. Temple Israel Film Series 3:00 P.M. father of David Levin Presents “Eyes Wide Open” Presents “Above the Drowning Sea” February 3 March 4 VIVIAN SHERMAN Men’s Club World Wide Wrap 8:15 A.M. Sisterhood Board Meeting 10:00 A.M. mother of Nancy Sherman February 4 March 6 Sisterhood Board Meeting 10:00 A.M. Sisterhood Luncheon and Noon EVELYN PHILLIPS February 6 Discussion: “Climate Change” mother of Malcolm Phillips Beth HaGan Torah Science Fair 5:30 P.M. Book Discussion 7:30 P.M. February 11-14 Featuring author Dalia Sofer and BENJAMIN NAZEM YEHUDA Beth HaGan Book Fair Temple Member Yas Rokhsar father of Orly Yehuda Hollander February 24 March 8 grandfather of Men’s Club Blood Drive Pre-Purim Adult Murder 8:00 P.M. Liel, Meran and Ori Hollander February 26 Mystery Dinner Board of Trustees Meeting 8:15 P.M. March 10 May their memories be for a blessing. February 28 Family B’nei Mitzvah 10:30 A.M. Men’s Club Meeting 7:30 P.M. Workshop Daily Minyan Times March 2 March 11 “Jewish and Female in 8:45 A.M. Shoah Committee Meeting 7:00 P.M. Friday, February 1 2019: What’s Next” Featuring March 18 7:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M. Susan Weidman Schneider Board of Trustees Meeting 8:15 P.M. Friday, February 8 7:00 A.M. 5:10 P.M. Friday, February 15 Men’s Club To Conduct Services on April 5th, 7:00 A.M. 5:15 P.M. Fri., Feb. 22 & March 1 Dinner Speaker Talk: The Cosmos and Torah 7:00 A.M. 5:30 P.M. Sunday Members of the Men’s Club will lead stars; not to Hollywood stars, but to 8:15 A.M. 8:00 P.M. Friday evening services on April 5, the real stars in the sky,” Mr. Husney Mon., Feb. 4, 11 & 25 & March 4 Shabbat HaChodesh. said. Dr. Gersch combines his love of 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M. the cosmos and Torah by teaching Monday, February 18 “We would like to offer you an how they relate. He has a Ph.D. in 8:15 A.M. 8:00 P.M. opportunity to again participate in astronomy from the University of Tuesday, February 5 what promises to be an enjoyable and Maryland and many years of 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M. fun evening for all of us,” said Sam study and teaching experience. Tues., Feb. 12, 19 & 26 & March 5 Husney, an organizer of the event. 7:00 A.M. 8:00 P.M. “I know that many of you have had To participate in the service, contact Wednesday, February 6 a part in a previous Friday evening Mr. Husney at [email protected], 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M. Shabbat HaChodesh program or a Ezra Kassin at Kassin.Ezra@gmail. Wed., Feb. 13, 20 & 27 & March 6 Shabbat HaGever service, so I’m sure com, or Harold Citron at HaroldCitron@ 7:00 A.M. 8:00 P.M. this should be something you would optonline.net. Thursday definitely like to do again. You can try 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M. a new part, which we encourage, or Mazal Tov To... do the same part again. Your kids or • Eva and Carlos Bolanos Candle Lighting Times grandkids can join you as you do your on their engagement of their daughter, part. There is plenty of time to practice Michelle, to Samuel Fuchs. Friday, February 1 and learn. We will shortly schedule • Monika and Paul Bloom 4:53 P.M. a few practice sessions with Cantor on the birth of their grandson, Friday, February 8 Frieder or you can learn your part on Joshua Isaac Bloom. 5:02 P.M. your own.” Friday, February 15 Temple Lites… 5:10 P.M. Following the service the Men’s Club Friday, February 22 • Rebecca Yousefzadeh Sassouni will host a traditional Shabbat dinner was awarded the George M. Estabrook 5:19 P.M. with an interesting and informative Friday, March 1 Alumni Distinguished Service Award speaker. The featured dinner speaker from Hofstra University last month. 5:27 P.M. will be Alan Gersch, “a scholar to the

3 B’nai/B’not Mitzvah In Temple Israel Hosts Kadima Shabbaton

Our Temple Israel Family From the Waxman High School and Youth House by Avi Siegel, Director Last month, Temple Israel played host The weekend started by getting to to 85 tweens from throughout New know one another through games York for the METNY Region’s Kadima and ice breakers. Then we welcomed Shabbaton. It was a weekend filled with in Shabbat with a Kabbalat Shabbat learning, laughing, and connecting to service that were led by USY teen Judaism, Shabbat and each other. It leaders who gave up their weekend to was amazing having our halls filled with be here and make the event the best middle schoolers that would now begin it could be for the tweens. We ate, to associate the synagogue to more than sang, and played the night away, as just a place for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. the large focus of the weekend is to socialize with other Jewish teens and Kadima means forward in Hebrew be in an environment that promotes and offers pre-teens grades 6-8 the disconnecting from the world— Coby Rastegar opportunity to meet new people, have connecting with the people around you. Coby Samuel Rastegar will be called to fun, stay engaged in Jewish life and the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February learning, experience the joy of Judaism, After an incredible 25-hours of Shabbat 9. He is the son of Desiree and Rodney and develop leadership and social together, we had our own “Bar Mitzvah” Rastegar and has two sisters, Isabella, skills. It has programs offered on the party, turning the Crystal Ballroom into a 14, and Sasha, 10, and a brother, Rex, international (USY on Wheels), regional laser tag arena, the Blue Room into an 8. Coby is a seventh grade student at (METNY), divisional (Long Island), and inflatable fun zone, and the Pine Room Great Neck North Middle School where chapter (Great Neck) levels. Some of into an arts and crafts bazaar. Some he is president of the Student Council the programs include bowling or craft of our own teens were amazed to see and is on the honor roll. He enjoys nights, Jewish holiday celebrations, their own synagogue transformed playing basketball and tennis. Coby community service projects, weekend into something so incredible. We said plans to visit Israel this summer and conventions, and Encampment (an goodbye to the sixth and seventh continue to attend the Waxman High end of summer sleep-away camp graders Saturday night, and kept the School and Youth House. experience). eighth graders for a unique overnight experience. They had their own dance party, scavenger hunt and didactic Religious School Torah Troupe Readers encounters. We ended with a ceremony that welcomed them into the USY world. Some of our USYers spoke about their eighth-grade experience and the role it had on starting them down the path to become the leaders that they are today in USY.

The coming together of old friends and the opportunity to make new ones is what allows our community to grow. METNY Regional Director Daniel Koas was extremely appreciative of Temple Israel for hosting this event, as well as other events.

Religious School children in third through sixth grades (and sometimes second We will continue to build our USY grade) are encouraged to read from the Torah once a month at a Shabbat Ha and Kadima groups. Our teen board Mishpacha program or at Junior Congregation. They practice at home and is developing programs including during school hours, and many sign up for several Torah reading opportunities bowling, rock climbing, movie nights, during the year. Interested? Contact Rabbi Amy Roth at [email protected] to and retreats. We hope that more teens find out which dates are available. will come and see for themselves the power that Judaism and the Waxman Recent Torah Troupe participants, shown with Rabbi Roth were, left to right, Youth House brings! If you would like Abby Bernstein, Asher Ahdoot, Max Covitt, Harrison Albin, Sam Bagon, Elliot more information about USY/Kadima, Ganjian, Zach Dorf, and Liana Kase. contact me at [email protected]. 4 A Temple Israel Scrapbook

Great Neck Teens Come Together At Waxman Youth House to Learn Lessons About Bias and Identity Temple Israel’s Waxman Youth House was packed with area teens on Martin Luther King Day, when the congregation teamed with the First Baptist Church of Great Neck, Temple Beth-El, and SHAI for ADL discussions on bias and then to pack more than 300 lunches to be distributed to the needy through the Interfaith Nutrition Network. Presenting a united front on the topic were area clergy, at right, including, left to right, Minister Jermaine Rucker Poole of the First Baptist Church, Temple Israel’s Rabbi Howard Stecker, Rabbi Meir Feldman of Temple Beth-El, and Rabbi Yamin Levy of Beth Hadassah Synagogue.

The event organizers, left to right, Bari Ziegel of UJA, SHAI President Rebecca Yousefzadeh Sassouni, Temple Israel Vice President Veronica Bisek Lurvey, Adrienne Vaultz of First Baptist Great Neck teens listened intently to ADL speakers Church of Great Neck, Jordana Levine of Temple Beth-El, and discussing anti-semitism, identity and bias. Tiffanie Gentles of First Baptist Church.

5 What do we have planned for the near future to try and enhance Learn, Volunteer, Mingle with Men’s Club avodah, kehillah and tzedakah in our community? It’s almost too numerous A Voice Guest Column by Ezra Kassin to list, but here are some highlights: Editor’s Note: Men’s Club Co-President Ezra Kassin invites you to take part in the long list of activities the group sponsors in this Voice Guest Column. A Tu B’Shevat seder/celebration of environmentalism with Cantor Frieder; The Temple Israel Men’s Club is much • Enhance Jewish observance at the Several dinner meetings with guest more than just a social organization. synagogue and at home, speakers; a blood drive (February We are committed to working together • Increase involvement in the Jewish 24); and a World Wide Wrap event with the entire congregation and the community, where we mentor synagogue youth in clergy to benefit the community, our • Provide social and recreational the wrapping of tefillin and a Shachrit synagogue and each other’s lives. service. We do this through avodah (service ...come and experience and prayer), kehillah (community the value the Men’s Club Regional Men’s Club luncheon honoring participation) and tzedakah (charity). holds for you. an adult and a youth member of We strongly encourage you to join us! our congregation; a “Scotch and activities that create camaraderie and Seder” event run by Rabbi Stecker; What does the Men’s Club actually do? , a community second night seder • Work on and expand projects to • Enhance an understanding of world hosted by Rabbi Schweber; and a Yom support the congregation, Jewry and its problems, and Hashoah Yahrzeit Candle packing/ • Offer programming (not just for men), • Support the development of our youth. distribution event.

A Great Neck Rabbinic dialogue and Women in Judaism Program March 2, breakfast featuring clergy from Temple Israel, Great Neck Synagogue and Discussion Topic: ‘Jewish and Female’ Temple Beth-El; a Lag B’Omer event hosted by Rabbi Schweber; and a Susan Weidman Schneider, editor-in- and in our personal and professional Texas hold’em and backgammon night. chief of Magazine, will explore lives,” said Toby Katz, an organizer of some of the ways the modern women’s the program. “Each generation must A September 11th memorial service; movement has changed the expectations find its own relevant responses.” High Holy Day seat labeling event; and cultural behaviors of both Jewish annual football game trip and tailgate women and Jewish men at a special two- In part one of the program, during party; and a “Vodka and Latke” event. part Shabbat program on March 2. the morning service, Ms. Weidman Schneider will speak on “Some Feminist The Men’s Club also works throughout “Each generation of Jewish Women face Insights from a Jewish Perspective.” the year with the Hatzilu Rescue new challenges—in the world at large Organization, a group dedicated to and within our own Jewish community, In the second part of the presentation, helping the Jewish poor and elderly in at a Shabbat Talk following kiddush, she Nassau County. Hatzilu was founded will focus on “New Challenges Facing by our own Temple Israel Men’s Club Jewish Women and Men in 2019.” The in 1974 and now maintains the largest question and answer session following kosher food warehouse on Long Island. her talk will allow the congregation an opportunity to share thoughts. If you have not been to our meetings or events, come and experience the value Ms. Schneider is the author of three the Men’s Club holds for you. You will books, including “Jewish and Female: feel the camaraderie with new friends, Choices and Changes in Our Lives have a structured way of giving back Today.” She was a member of Temple to your community, learn something Israel from 1983-1997. new from our esteemed speakers, and celebrate Jewish customs and values The presentation is sponsored by with our clergy in a new and refreshing Jonathan and Veronica Bisek Lurvey, way that you can bring back to your Sassan and Rebecca Sassouni, Martin own friends and family. and Bracha Werber, the Sisterhood of Temple Israel and the Stanley and Lillian Please come see what the Men’s Club Lilith Editor Susan Weidman Schneider Schiowitz Fund. is all about. 6 One Week in March: Thinking of Ourselves and Others by Rabbi Daniel Schweber agenda of the Jewish community, with Hadassah Synagogue: “What can the At the very beginning of our prayer books, a view to giving women—who are more history of the Tell Us About during the early morning service, is a than 50 percent of the world’s Jews— the Future of Persian Jews in America?” short, poignant and important declaration greater choice in Jewish life.” Drawing on - We are pleased that SHAI has asked and meditation: “I hereby accept the more than 40 years as a leading Jewish Temple Israel to be a co-sponsor in (daily) obligation of fulfilling my Creator’s feminist, Ms. Weidman Schneider will bringing Professor Saba Soomekh to mitzvah: Love your neighbor as yourself.” discuss the issues and challenges men share her expertise in Persian Jewry, both past and present. Dr. Saba Soomekh is Even as we remove the sleep from our Self care and compassion the assistant director of interreligious and eyes and care to our own daily physical, for others go hand-in-hand. intercommunity affairs at AJC-LA and a mental and spiritual needs, we are lecturer at UCLA. Dr. Soomekh teaches commanded to turn our focus toward and women face with regard to allowing and writes extensively on world religions, others. Self care and compassion for women a voice and hearing them. women and religion, and the geo-politics others go hand-in-hand. of the . Professor Soomekh is • Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. - Screening the editor of the book Sephardi and Mizrahi Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is a of ‘Above the Drowning Sea’ with the Jews in America (Purdue University Press, great sage and humanist. He has devoted Great Neck Chinese Association - 2016) and the author of the book From the great energies teaching about self care During World War II, Ho Feng Shan was Shahs to : Three Generations and compassion. One publication of his is the Chinese consul in Vienna. As Jews of Iranian Jewish Women between Religion called “The Compassionate Life.” (Excerpts desperately tried to find sanctuary in any and Culture (SUNY Press, 2012). can be found at https://www.lionsroar. country, Ho Feng Shan defied the Nazis com/living-the-compassionate-life/) and his own government and issued • Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. travel visas to Shanghai. The film tells at a private home: Author Dalia Sofer The Dalai Lama teaches that it should the story from the point of view of the discusses “Septembers of Shiraz.” be our goal to cultivate a universal idea refugees and the Chinese people who Dalia Sofer was born in 1972 in . of compassion. All living people, all sheltered them. We are screening this Her family couldn’t flee until 1982, living beings, he writes, can feel pain inspiring poetic tale about two peoples which meant she experienced a few and happiness. If we work toward this who found common cause and dignity years of post-revolutionary Iran. Though goal of universal compassion we can in a world in chaos with our Chinese ‘Septembers of Shiraz’ is a work of overlook and transcend the minor and brothers and sisters from the Great fiction, it provides vivid details of what external differences that distract us. Neck Chinese Association. life was like for Jews and others after the revolution. Ms. Sofer will also tell us about We are proud of the many program • Monday, March 4 at 7pm at Beth a new novel she is about to publish. and initiatives offered at Temple Israel. Our calendar is full of opportunities to Sisterhood Discussing Climate Change engage with ourselves, others and our sacred wisdom and textual tradition. At Membership Luncheon on March 6th Through coincidence mostly, Temple Climate change is real and is already happening, according to many authorities. What Israel and partnering organizations have will our community, our country and our planet look like in five years or ten—or in our filled up the first week of March with children’s lifetime? Most damage is man-made, authorities have said, but is there still several great opportunities. What follows time to slow it down or possibly reverse the damage? What can individuals do? is a brief summary of the offerings in chronological order. We hope you will A Sisterhood luncheon on March 6 at Noon will address the subject in a program join us for as many as possible. titled “Report on Climate Change.” Guest speaker J. Bret Bennington, chair of the Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability at Hofstra University, • Saturday, March 2 during and after will analyze the impact of climate change on weather systems, looking at hotter services: “Jewish and Female in 2019: summers, warmer winters, and less snowfall, as well as the oceans, with fewer What’s Next?” For our third annual fish and disappearing coastlines. He will discuss agriculture and the food supply, Women in Judaism program we are including drought and shifting growing seasons, the shrinking supply of fresh pleased to have Susan Weidman water, and the impact on the world economy, migration patterns, and even the Schneider, founder and editor-in-chief of ability to maintain current lifestyles. Lilith Magazine. Ms. Weidman Schneider founded Lilith Magazine in 1976 with the The luncheon, which begins at Noon is free for paid-up Sisterhood members and mission of “fostering discussion of Jewish $18 for guests. Advance reservation is required by February 29. Reservations can women’s issues and putting them on the be made by contacting Karen at 487-3048 or Laura at [email protected]. 7

From Generation to Generation Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions

YAD B’YAD FUND Helen Miller Sandra Schames Benjamin Glatstein In memory of: Richard Hecht Irwin (Marshall) Loretta Klein Eva Englander Milton Levenson Schames Daniel Bernstein Carol and Steve Gilda Hecht Augusta L. Orenstein Jeffrey Carl Smolinsky Thelma Sahn Michael Orenstein Bernstein Sylvia Hymes Stephanie Seiler and George Torodash Arlene Wigler Stein Kenneth Hymes Cyndy Albert Marilyn Torodash Lori Freudman Lillian Silverberg Marshall Bloomfield Norbert Todtenkopf Sophie Arlene Freudman Sisterhood of Temple Jane and Barry Bela and Melvin Lori and Paul Israel of Great Neck Salzberg Schoenfeld Freudman Simon Ortner Stuart Joseph Lieberman Harry Gorelick TEMPLE ISRAEL FUND Mildred Ortner Molly Lieberman Michael Gorelick In honor of: Melvin Ortner Edward Scheiner Beatrice Baynash Maxine Vogel’s 90th Morris Handelman Joyce Weston Adele Gentin birthday Marlene Handelman Samuel Kimelman David Rogers Sue and Mike Schnur Alice M. Brustein Kate Friedland Kimelman Barbara Schultz Dennis Brustein Martin Kimelman Max Denburg In memory of: Leah Divack Morris Sosnow Susan Yellin Benjamin Paul Daniel Divack Mindy Horowitz Norman Goldfarb Arlene Paul Caitung Dora Babsky Ruth Zielenziger Louis Schreiber Moses Rubin Adolfo Reiner David Leo Zielenziger Carol Schreiber Judy Rubin Ana Maria Salit Jules Edward Orenstein Mary Balkoff Myrna Abrahams Nathan Adler Harriet Orenstein Mark Glowatz Herbert Abrahams Abraham Adler William Salzberg Daniel Fink George Abrahams Clara Adler Nancy Blorian Simon Fink Barbara Forst Ruth Rader George DePinna Charles S. Goltman The Czynski family Judy Vine Jane Blum Adele Warren Milton Schneider Eva Englander Clara Kahn Ruth Iteld Leona Schneider Dora Scheiner Cyrus Kahn Melissa Jurin Patty Schneider Joyce and Burton Herbert B. Rosenthal Natalia Wundheiler Muriel Moin Weston Jane Salzberg Fran Langsner Seth Moin Mamie King Lillian Schachter Theresa Lynn Siegel Ronni Cintron May Lieberman Purnima Schachter Robin Joan Bours Lester Phillips Harry King Stanley Levine Louis Schreiber Karen Ashkenase Abraham Damast Marilyn Sackstein Norman Goldfarb Leona Fasman Gary Damast Warren Glasner Merrill Ann Helen Davis Irving H. Lurie Diane Glasner Schneiderman Victoria Khakshouri David Lurie Sylvia Ashkenase Sylvia Salzberg Shawn Luther Mildred Katz Don Ashkenase Barry Salzberg Samuel Goldfarb Dotty Katz Max Gerson Nasar (James) Husney Merrill Ann Toby Katz Matthew Gerson Samuel Husney Schneiderman Joseph Schwartz Morton Jay Jacobson Jack Lehman Carol Schreiber Francine Spilke- Arlene Lurie Leslie Schweber Khanom Hana Sarraf Epstein Sydell Sobel Diane Weisman Sandy Rosen Alexander Hyman Edward Sobel Herbert Weisman Murray Zahler Joan Konas Rae Gordon Robin Hope Weisman Jeffrey Young Zahler Leonard Pickard Carol Goldberg Ellen Gottlieb Seymour Klein Janet Pickard Kathryn Bloomfield Sanford Weinberg Leonard Klein Kremenitzer Matthew Bloomfield Clara Weinberg Eva Englander Lillian Siegal Abraham Marx Bertha Klein Rob Sedgewick and Suanne Scherr Roberta Marx Leonard Klein Helen Torelli Ruth Scherr Belson Florence Becker Evan and Royce Maron David Scherr Moussa Ohebshalom Robert Rutkin-Becker Mary Carr Patten Bessie Glatstein Ebby Ohebshalom Lillian Silverberg Sheila and Ira Lobel Loretta Klein Farideh Beroukhim Larry Ottinger and Leonard Ram Oscar Albert Elyahou Beroukhim Cinthia Schuman Ruth Rand Ram David Albert Jacklin Youdim Ottinger Carol R. Bourne Magda Reisfeld Mendel Weisel Jacob Telsey Carmella Reisfeld Barbara Meyers Contributions: Bernard Telsey Mandon Anna Rubin Judith and Martin Naomi Pross Sonia Sarah Silverstein Judy Rubin and Garth Edelstein Cindy Eve Pross Raine Silverstein Hayden Elaine Laurence 8

From Generation to Generation Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions

RABBI STECKER’S LIBRARY FUND ISRAEL SOLIDARITY FUND HARRIET SCHIFF EXECUTIVE DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of: On the occasion of: DIRECTOR’S FUND In appreciation of: Thelma Sahn Helping Netzach Yisrael Sali Rothschild Rabbi Stecker and all of the Rose Rudich build a secure shelter for Leopold Schiff Temple Israel clergy Eva Yarett their preschool Jacob Schiff Joan and David Mickey and Allan Leslie and Arnold Mandel Greenblatt Gussin SCHOLARSHIP FUND Harry Berman Susan and Joel Poretsky In memory of: In honor of: Fanny Berman Renee and Martin Martin Bauman Mickey and Eileen Judith Litner Kimelman Elizabeth Bauman Putterman’s extraordinary Hannah Berman Michelle Louzoun and Lillian Silverberg efforts on behalf of the Judith Litner Ethan Heisler Arden Smith Shalom Club Lawrence Berman Madelyn and Jack The Shalom Club of Albert Warren Guberman JEAN WALTON Temple Israel Mickey and Allan Jackie Einstein Astrof SCHOLARSHIP FUND Selma Richer’s unveiling Greenblatt and Joshua Astrof In memory of: Alan Richer Ann and Robert Fromer Sam Walton RABBI SCHWEBER’S Helene and Kenneth Janice Genser In memory of: DISCRETIONARY FUND Horowitz Susan Tomback Winter family yahrzeits In appreciation of: Louis Rosen Rabbi Marim and Rabbi Schweber’s In honor of: Susan Tomback Paula Charry support and leading The birth of Mitra and Evelyn Braunschweig minyan for her sister, Eva Parviz Souferian’s twin SHOAH Judith Sykes and Fred Bella Stein grandchildren REMEMBRANCE FUND Seid Rebecca and Sassan In memory of: Deborah In memory of: Sassouni Ilonka Blair Braunschweig Alex Einhorn Norman Todtenkopf Martin Bergstein Ellie Schweber In memory of: Lori and Peter Harriet and Gene Thelma Sahn Victoria Khakshouri Oppenheimer Becker Billy Sahn and the Cheryl Eisberg Moin Sahn family and Seth Moin RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Contribution: In honor of: Ellen and Roger Roisman BEN ZION ALTMAN SENIOR WAXMAN HIGH SCHOOL Nehemia Naim’s well- MITSVA FUND AND YOUTH HOUSE FUND deserved honor SAMUEL BARON In honor of: In honor of: Neda and Farid Sedgh MUSIC FUND Their 64th wedding Rena Geula, daughter of Elsa Friedman’s special In memory of: anniversary Rachel and Kiumarz Geula, birthday Norbert Todtenkopf Renee and Elliot becoming a Bat Mitzvah Rena Geula, daughter of Cheryl Eisberg Moin Fleischer Monika and Paul Bloom Rachel and Kiumarz Geula, and Seth Moin Parvaneh and Parviz becoming a Bat Mitzvah Eva Englander In memory of: Khodadadian Irene and Fred Einstein Arden Smith Norbert Todtenkopf The engagement of Nancy and Sid Renee and Elliot Matthew Greenblatt, In memory of: Freedman Fleischer grandson of Mickey and Lillian Silverberg Susan and Bob Allan Greenblatt, Jilbert and Fred Nili Lopatkin PRAYER BOOK FUND to Brooklyn Snow Saeed Sedgh Cheryl Eisberg Moin In memory of: Beverly Steinlieb Farid Sedgh and Seth Moin Eva Englander Alex Victory, son of Orly Lawrence Kreditor Lillian Silverberg and Ebi Victory, becoming DAILY MINYAN FUND Benjamin Kreditor Shahnaz and Neil a Bar Mitzvah In memory of: Charles Kreditor Goldman Parvaneh and Parviz Eva Englander Marlene Kreditor Henry Sheidlower Khodadadian Marilyn Torodash Ellyn Sheidlower BETH HAGAN NURSERY Jeffrey Schine In memory of: ROSALIE AND SCHOOL FUND Osnass Shein and Victoria Khakshouri DANIEL P. KATZ In honor of: family Parvaneh and Parviz MEMORIAL FUND The birth of Eden Batya Anna Choit Khodadadian In honor of: Horwitz, granddaughter of Harvey Choit Albert Kent Catherine Gewanter Rena and Jonathan Horwitz Aghdas Monasebian Jackie Einstein Astrof Meredith Gantcher, Rena and Jonathan Shahnaz Goldman and Josh Astrof Wendy Waxman Horwitz The Ratner family and Gary Katz

9 D’var Torah —Continued from back page and institutionalized in law. The next step designated as the shaliach tzibur, the for the purpose of writing down the will be to create a physical institution representative of the congregation. specific details. Thus, the freedom gained that will serve as the embodiment and at the Exodus has now been confirmed reminder of the experience at Sinai. Ki Tissa Saturday, February 23 We find the final details of the instructions Service Schedule Terumah Saturday, February 9 for building the Mishkan, the portable —Continued from back page We find a description of the Mishkan, wilderness sanctuary, in this portion. The Saturday, February 23 the portable sanctuary which was built in reading actually begins with directions for Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. the wilderness to house the ark with the conducting a census of those of military age First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. tablets of the Ten Commandments in this by collecting a poll tax of half a shekel. The portion. The purpose of the Mishkan was money was to be used for the maintenance Weekly Portion: Ki Tissa to serve as a sign that God dwelt among of the Mishkan. A reminder to keep the Exodus 30:11 – 34:35 His people. Moses is directed to gather Sabbath serves as an indication that the Haftarah: I Kings 18:1 – 39 from the Israelites a free will offering of sanctification of time is more important even all manner of precious metals, jewels, than building a sanctuary. At this point, we Sabbath Service Officers and fine wood, fine materials, and spices to read that the Israelites panic over Moses’ Greeters: Lynn Weitzman, Daniel use in constructing the Mishkan and its protracted absence on Mt. Sinai and Goldberger, Sima Taeid, Ofra appurtenances. Specific instructions are demand that Aaron make a god they can Panzer, and Ellen Birnbaum then given for building the furnishings see. The outcome is the golden calf. When of the Mishkan and the special tent that Moses sees this egregious breach of the Havurah Service 10:00 A.M. housed them. The Mishkan, as a whole, covenant, he breaks the tablets of the Ten Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. was meant to be a symbol, a portable Commandments. God, for His part, wants Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Sinai, reminding the Israelites on their to destroy the people. Moses punishes the Afternoon Service 5:00 P.M. journey through the wilderness of their people and manages to assuage God’s Se’udah Shelishit 5:30 P.M. unique experience at the mountain. The anger. Moses then returns to Sinai to rewrite Evening Service 6:04 P.M. Mishkan evolved by way of the Temple the tablets. With the covenant renewed, the Havdalah 6:20 P.M. in Jerusalem into the synagogue, but the construction on the Mishkan can proceed. purpose remained the same. To this day, Friday, March 1 whenever we open the ark and look upon Vayakhel Saturday, March 2 Evening Service 5:30 P.M. the Torah scrolls, we stand again at Sinai. In this portion we return to the account of the building of the Mishkan. It is significant Saturday, March 2 Shabbat Shekalim Tetzavveh Saturday, February 16 that the original instructions call for building Shaharit Morning Service In this portion we move from the furnishings before the structure, Guest Speaker: Susan Weidman instructions for the creation of the and the list begins with the Ark. This is Schneider 8:45 A.M. physical Mishkan to details concerning meant to highlight the symbolic nature First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. the officiants. At the outset, Moses of the Mishkan: its purpose is to focus is directed to see to it that a light is the people’s attention constantly on the Weekly Portion: Vayakhel kept burning in the Mishkan, a task covenant with God. Here, however, we Exodus 35:1 – 38:20; that is to be performed by priests. He are told that Bezalel and the artisans built Exodus 30:11 - 16 is then directed to appoint Aaron and the structure before the furnishings in the Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 – 17 his sons to the priestly office. There proper practical order. Accordingly, we follows a detailed description of the find that the tent, itself, was constructed Sabbath Service Officers and vestments of the High Priest and the with two chambers—the inner Holy of Greeters: Lisa Goodwin, Burton ordinary priests. Finally, the rituals of Holies and the outer Holy Place. Outside Weston, Joyce Weston, Diana installation for the priests are laid out. the tent was a courtyard constituting the Stein, and Deanna Stecker The Mishkan, as sacred space, is third area of the Mishkan. The building of differentiated from profane space by the furnishings is described in descending Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. its design. In like manner, its officiants order of holiness. First came the Ark, to Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. are to be distinguishable from the laity be put in the Holy of Holies. Next came “Shabbat Talk” 12:45 P.M. by their attire and insignia of office. In the table, the menorah and the altar of “New Challenges Facing Jewish particular, the High Priest is to wear incense, to be put in the Holy Place. Finally, Women and Men in 2019” vestments which symbolize his role as the altar of burnt offering and the laver are Afternoon Service 5:05 P.M. representative of the entire community built, to be placed in the outer court. The Se’udah Shelishit 5:35 P.M. before God. The High Priest, who descriptions of the actual building repeat Evening Service 6:12 P.M. presided over sacrificial rites, evolved exactly the instructions given in previous Havdalah 6:28 P.M. into the prayer leader of today’s portions to indicate that the final product synagogue. That individual is still emerged precisely as God had designed it. 10

Save the Date Saturday, February 9th, 2019

Musical Pajama Havdalah 6:00 PM Then stay for: the Movie

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019 SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN, POCONOS, PA

Temple Israel Religious School presents KIDS UNDER 18 YRS. OF AGE MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT Musical Pajama Havdalah 6 P.M. Bring blanketThen stayor favorite for: stuffedThe Movie animal. For further information contact RSVPBring by Wednesday blanket February or favorite 6th at the Religious stuffed School animal office or [email protected] Seth Kurpiel at 718-578-7363 Snacks will be available for purchase Questions? or [email protected] RSVP bySnacks Feb. will be6 toavailable ktanenbaum@tign for purchase Contact Seth Kurpiel at TILL Film Series presents [email protected] or (Cell) 718-578-7363

108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 

Sunday, February 24 8:30 A.M.-1 P.M. Saturday, February 2 Crystal Ballroom 7:00 PM For an appointment or further information Crystal Ballroom call Charles Adler: 482-4421

Honoring Memories. CelebratingAaron, a respectedLives. butcher and a family man in Ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem, undergoes a series of emotional changes following the Riverside-Nassauarrival of a young apprenticeAdvertise to his shop. Abraham Kanfer, CBR Enjoy an evening movie with Consumed with lust, the handsomein the studentTemple Israel Voice Associate Real Estate Broker your friends at Temple Israel. irreversibly transforms the intricate beliefs in Great Neck Office View thisNorth outstanding film Chapel & the once-devoted butcher's life leading 516.466.4036, c.917.797.9466 participate in a discussion. Aaron to question his relationshipsHave withyour his message seen [email protected] The film• Funerals is FREE to •Temple Advance Israel Funeral wife Rivka, Planning his children, community, and God. members,• Monuments family & friends. & Inscription Services by the entire congregation! Theater snacks will be served. www.riversidenassaunorthchapels.com 516.487.9600 For details, deadlines & rates 55 North Station Plaza, Great Neck call 482-7800 now. Each Office Is Individually Owned And Operated.

Shastone~ MORE THAN A CENTURY Memorials OF SERVICE ~ MEMORIALS OF DISTINCTION ERECTED AT ALL CEMETERIES 112 Northern Boulevard • Great Neck, New York 11021 516-487-4600 • 1-877-677-6736 (Toll free outside NY) www.ShastoneMemorials.com Marvin Rosen - Laurel S. Rosen - Russell J. Rosen Custom Design and shop at home services 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

Mishpatim Saturday, Saturday, FebruaryJanuary 13 2 In this portion we find details of the covenant entered into between God and Israel. Since the relationship is all-inclusive, we find rules pertaining to social conduct, morality, ethics, civil and criminal law, and ritual concerns. For Additonal Passover Information Visit: www.tign.org Like the Ten Commandments, the source of these rules is divine. The Temple Israel of Great Neck TEMPLE ISRAEL STAFF legal material set forth here is not a Howard Stecker, Senior Rabbi Raphael Frieder, Cantor code in the strict sense, since there Voice Daniel Schweber, Associate Rabbi are significant subjects not touched Mordecai Waxman*, Rabbi Emeritus upon. (These subjects are, however, Marc Katz, Editor Leon Silverberg, Executive Director Associate Editors: Rabbi Amy Roth, Director of Congregational Schools dealt with elsewhere in the Torah.) On Paula Charry, Angela Jones, Ronnie Katz, Rachel Mathless, Director, Beth HaGan the other hand, the material does make Marion Stein, Rabbi Daniel Schweber Avi Siegel, Director, Waxman High School clear that God’s demands of His people Photographers: Robert Lopatkin, Ofra Panzer OFFICERS cover matters of conscience as well Robert Panzer, President TEMPLE ISRAEL OF GREAT NECK Rachel Geula, Vice President as matters usually subject to juridical 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Daniel Goldberger, Vice President P: 516.482.7800 | F: 516.482.7352 control. The portion concludes with Brent Greenspan, Vice President [email protected] | www.tign.org Samuel Husney, Vice President an account of the ratification of the Temple Israel Voice (USPS # 078-740) is published monthly by Temple Israel of Great Neck at 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, Veronica Lurvey, Vice President covenant, and Moses ascends Mt. Sinai NY 11023. Periodicals postage paid at Great Neck, NY 11021. Lynn Weitzman, Vice President to remain there for 40 days and nights Postmaster: Send address changes to: Burton Weston, Vice President Temple Israel Voice, 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Irving H. Lurie*, Honorary President —Continued on page 10 Subscription $5.00 per annum *Deceased Sabbath Services

Friday, February 1 Friday, February 8 Friday, February 15 Evening Service 5:00 P.M. Evening Service 5:10 P.M. Evening Service 5:15 P.M.

Saturday, February 2 Saturday, February 9 Saturday, February 16 Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Shaharit Morning Service/ 8:45 A.M. First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. Shabbat Morning Group Aliyah First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. Weekly Portion: Mishpatim Weekly Portion: Terumah Exodus 21:1 – 24:18; 30:11-16 Exodus 25:1 - 27:19 Weekly Portion: Tetzavveh Haftarah: II Kings 11:17 – 12:17 Haftarah: I Kings 5:26 – 6:13 Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 Haftarah: Ezekiel 43:10 – 27 Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: Lila Bernstein-Schoen, Rachel Geula, Jacqueline Harounian, Sima Taeid, Andi Katz, Edith Robbins, Ezra Kassin, Rebecca Friedman-Charry, and Gail Zahler, and Jeffrey Fleit Deanna Stecker, Diana Stein, Deanna Stecker and Robert Lopatkin Bar Mitzvah: Coby Samuel Rastegar Bar Mitzvah: Jacob Shirazi son of Desiree and Rodney Rastegar Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. son of Michelle and Michael Shirazi Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Havurah Service 10:00 A.M. Afternoon Services 4:50 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Se’udah Shelishit 5:20 P.M. Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Shabbat Evening Service 5:55 P.M. Afternoon Service 4:35 P.M. Niggun Circle following kiddush Havdalah 6:11 P.M. Se’udah Shelishit 5:05 P.M. Afternoon Service 4:40 P.M. Evening Service 5:38 P.M. Se’udah Shelishit 5:10 P.M. Friday, February 22 Havdalah 5:54 P.M. Evening Service 5:47 P.M. Evening Service 5:30 P.M. Havdalah 6:03 P.M. —Continued on page 10

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