Congregation Kol Ami 252 Soundview Ave. White Plains, NY www.nykolami.org The Connection Published Monthly except July & August

Volume 64, No. 1 O Elul 5773 O September 2012

LL’’SShhaannaa TToovvaa WWee wwiisshh yyoouu aa yyeeaarr ooff sswweeeettnneessss iinn aa mmoorree hhooppeeffuull wwoorrlldd.. High Holy Day Schedule

Rosh Hashanah Eve Yom Kippur Day Sunday Evening, September 16 Wednesday, September 26 First Service — 6:00pm to 8:00pm First Service — 9:00am to 11:15am Second Service — 9:00pm to 11:00pm Grades 1-6 First Service — 9:00am to 11:15am Second Service — 12:15pm to 2:30pm Rosh Hashanah — Day 1 Grades 1-6 Second Service — 12:15pm to 2:30pm Monday, September 17 Afternoon Service (Chapel) — 2:45pm to 4:30pm First Service — 9:00am to 11:15am Family Service — 3:15pm to 4:00pm Grades 1-6 First Service — 9:00am to 11:15am Memorial (Yizkor) & Neilah Service — 5:00pm to 7:00pm Second Service — 12:15pm to 2:30pm Grades 1-6 Second Service — 12:15pm to 2:30pm Erev Sukkot Family Service — 3:15pm to 4:00pm Sunday, September 30 Family Reception — 4:00pm to 5:00pm Sukkot Service — 7:00pm Community Tashlich — 5:30pm Sukkot Rosh Hashanah — Day 2 Monday, October 1 Tuesday, September 18 Sukkot Service in Chapel — 10:00am Service — 10:00am Reception following Erev Simchat Torah Service Consecration of New Religious School Students Yom Kippur Eve (Kol Nidre) Sunday, October 7 Tuesday, September 25 Time to be announced First Service — 6:00pm to 8:00pm Second Service — 9:00pm to 11:00pm Simchat Torah Please Note: For the Kol Nidre Services, Monday, October 8 the sanctuary doors will be closed promptly at 6:00pm Service and Yizkor — 10:00am in Chapel and at 9:00pm and will not re-open until the cello solo is completed . Worship SSEERRVVIICCEESS Selichot Study and Services Saturday, September 1 SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel Saturday, September 8, 2012 beginning at 9:30 pm 9:00 am Coffee and community 9:30 am Study 11:00 am SERVICE The High Holy Days really begin on Selichot Friday, September 7 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN THE WOODS in Gallery Prepare for the High Holidays with music, art, talk, 6:15 pm SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE in Main Sanctuary desserts and reflection Saturday, September 8 We will meet in the Petschek Gallery for Havdalah SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel 9:00 am Coffee and community and continue until close to midnight 9:30 am Study 11:00 am SERVICE 10:30 am SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE : Bat Mitzvah of Julia Golden in Chapel Screening of the film “God in the Box”, an exploration 9:30 pm SELICHOT SERVICE in Petschek Gallery of how we might imagine, reflect and talk Friday, September 14 about the ineffable Presence. 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN THE WOODS in Gallery 6:15 pm SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE in Appropriate for all ages.. Main Sanctuary

Saturday, September 15 SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel The evening closes with the prayerful and inspiring music 9:00 am Coffee and community 9:30 am Study of the High Holidays. 11:00 am SERVICE

Sunday, September 16 EREV ROSH HASHANAH Please see cover for a detailed schedule

Monday, September 17 Weekly Torah Portions for September ROSH HASHANAH DAY 1 Please see cover for a detailed schedule Week ending September 1, 2012 Tuesday, September 18 Parashat Ki Tetze Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 ROSH HASHANAH DAY 2 Parashat Ki Tetze contains the greatest number of mitzvot of any single Torah por - Please see cover for a detailed schedule tion, 72 in all, dealing with diverse subjects. The portion concludes with a warn - Friday, September 21 ing to remember how the Amalekites attacked the weary Israelites in the desert. 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN THE WOODS in Gallery 6:15 pm SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE in Week ending September 8, 2012 Main Sanctuary Parashat Ki Tavo Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 Saturday, September 22 This parashah comprises the range of blessings the children of Israel will receive SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel if they follow God’s commandments, and a longer list of curses they will face if 9:00 am Coffee and community they do not keep the mitzvot . 9:30 am Study 11:00 am SERVICE Week ending September 15, 2012 Tuesday, September 25 Parashat Nitzavim Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 KOL NIDRE In this parasha , Moses continues his oration to the people of Israel before they Please see cover for a detailed schedule enter the Promised Land. He tells them that God is making a covenant with Wednesday, September 26 them and, through them, all future generations. YOM KIPPUR Please see cover for a detailed schedule Week ending September 22, 2012 (Shabbat Shuvah) Friday, September 28 Parashat Vayeilech Deuteronomy 31:1-30 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN THE WOODS in Gallery As a result of God prohibiting Moses from entering the “promised land”, Moses 6:15 pm SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE in Main Sanctuary passes the baton of leadership to Joshua. This parasha continues by assuring the Israelites that they will be successful in re-conquering the Land of Israel and that Saturday, September 29 God “will not fail you or forsake you.” SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel 9:00 am Coffee and community 9:30 am Study Week ending September 29, 2012 11:00 am SERVICE Parashat Ha’azinu Deuteronomy 32:1-52 10:30 am SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE: Bʼnai Mitzvah Ha’azinu is known as a shir - a song or poem. This parasha reiterates the agree - of Daniel Hostetter & Samuel Jeske ments made between the Children of Israel and God. It reminds the people of Sunday, September 30 the things God gave them in the wilderness, of the things that happened to EREV SUKKOT SERVICE them when they disobeyed God, and most importantly that God wants to pro - Monday, October 1 tect them even though they do transgress. The message warns and instructs, SUKKOT while at the same time it gives hope as they are about to enter into “The Land” 10:00 am SUKKOT SERVICE in the Chapel under the new leadership of Joshua.

The Connection 2 September, 2012 Clergy Fragile Dwellings – the ones to celebrate and the ones to fix very year, under the full harvest by holiday candlelight, the only sounds of whose “perma - moon, Jews gather with friends and entertainment are the voices of friends and nent” home is Efamily in the most unusual of family in conversation—and maybe the nothing more than places—in the most fragile and exquisite of cicadas, if it’s still warm outside. a temporary shack. spaces, the Sukkah. I remember decades ago, when our children were very young, This year, Sukkot begins on Sunday The holiday of going to an exhibit of dollhouses at the evening, September 30th. That Sunday Sukkot comes with Museum of the City of New York in morning, the religious school community the injunction to celebrate all the goodness Manhattan. Most of them were beautiful, invites ALL of us to a Sukkot Harvest that God has given us—together with the but predictable—small replicas of beautiful Festival. You will have the opportunity to helpless, the lonely, the poor and the homes we have all seen. Only one was pure shop at a farmers’ market, to cook for the stranger. I deeply hope that this season of fantasy. It looked as if it were woven from homeless in our community, to make dec - Sukkot finds us celebrating the perishable cobwebs, twigs and leaves, an ethereal orations for the Kol Ami Sukkah (or your gifts of life: the leaves that will soon fall off dream spun from the marvels of the natu - own), to learn, to dance, to sing. the trees, the fruit that is ripe now, the ral world. friendships and loves that need to be This year’s Sukkot celebration also features acknowledged and celebrated in this We lead a life protected from this natural an art installation about Homelessness. It is moment—all the gifts that God has given world. We keep our homes at a relatively a fabric sukkah created by the fiber artist us. At the same time, I hope that it even temperature, irrespective of blizzards Heather Stoltz. You will have the chance to strengthens our resolve to help replace the or tropical storms that might rage outside. see the exhibit, meet the artist, learn about shacks that some people have to live in Even our cars keep us cooler in the summer the people whose work is part of this year-round with a shelter built by our love, and warmer in the winter than the “sukkah”—and even add your own art - our resources and our sense of profound dwellings of many people on our planet. work to the project. human connectedness and Jewish obliga - The festival of Sukkot offers us the rare tion. opportunity to step outside the familiar and For as long as we can remember, we have solid walls of our homes into a different asked all those coming to the sukkah to With wishes for a chag sameyach – experience of life. Telephones, TV’s, iPods bring a can of food for the hungry. Being in a happy holiday, and computers stay inside. Under the stars, our temporary Sukkah, we remember those Shira Journey to Israel

August 2013 with Rabbi Tom Kol Ami Trip for All Ages! 11 Days in Israel! * Hold The Dates: August 21 – September 1, 2013 * Details Coming During the High Holidays! Call Rabbi Weiner’s Office for info: X114

The Connection 3 September, 2012 Clergy Celebrate!

recently had an impromptu lunch date spiritual accounting, I found myself memorial service but Iwith a friend who I have not seen in reflecting on the incredible energy and feel little desire to over a year. Our conversation began with spirit of our High Holiday services and march in the Israel small talk, evolved into family updates then found myself perplexed about Day Parade? Are we and quickly ascended to my friend shar - Simchat Torah: theoretically, it is to be afraid to have fun? ing how fortunate he felt to be living the our unbridled celebration of the comple - life he lives. As a private investigator spe - tion of the Torah reading cycle…..except As you may have cializing in domestic abuse, he bears wit - in recent years, our celebration has been guessed this is ness to many horrific situations and a very tame version of what it could be. intended to be impassioned plea to find finds solace in the morals and values he This is not just true for our community; those elements of life that bring you joy shares with friends, family and his it is a trend I have discussed with the and to encourage you to let your cup Christian faith. When I asked him clergy of several local synagogues. overflow with that joy. Simchat Torah is how/if he expresses his gratitude, he our time to celebrate the gift of Torah, shared with me that, in addition to los - Why is it that the synagogue is overflow - the gift of Judaism and the gift of people - ing 50 pounds which was immediately ing with attendance for a memorial serv - hood. On the evening of Sunday, evident, he was throwing a party for his ice that is heavy hearted and poignant October 7th we will come together to friends and family to which my family while arguably the most joyous service celebrate. We will sing and dance with was invited. In his words: “There is no in our holiday cycle draws only a few the Torah scrolls, we will envelope our - particular life cycle to celebrate, no hundred people? Could it be that we are selves within the embrace of a complete - birthday or graduation, just a celebration better at lamenting then we are at cele - ly unrolled Torah and we will share in for the gift of life.” brating? the intergenerational party that affirms the gift of life. Bring a friend, bring your Our encounter was timely, as recently I How many of us feel obligated to attend dancing shoes and be prepared for a fun have been thinking about the upcoming a baby naming/bris vs. a funeral? How surprise that you will not want to miss!! high holidays. I have been taking an many of us make it our business to visit inventory of the elements of my life that a friend in the hospital but have little Shana tova umetuka, a sweet and JOYOUS I am dissatisfied with and those that remorse for missing a birthday party? new year to you and your families! bring me ear-to-ear smiling joy. In my How many of us will attend a Holocaust Mo

The White Plains Synagogues’ Annual Elul Series “From Brain to Spirit: The Power to Choose”

Tues., 9/11 at Bet Am Shalom One night of study with the Rabbis of the White Plains Synagogues: 7:30 pm: Gathering & refreshments 8:00-9:45 pm: Study

Or Chadash, our children's choir, begins on Wed.,10/24 from 6:00-6:30 pm. Our adult choir, the Congregational Choir, begins on Thurs., 10/25 from 7:45 -9:30 pm. Please contact Valerie Heim, 949-4717 x 103, if you are interested in joining either group.

The Connection 4 September, 2012 People From Our Co-Presidents d e

ary will appear upon final completion of term solution to m IMPORTANT UPDATE: a l e M

all work. Our top priority remains get - our chronic park - a Sanctuary and Infrastructure l e i r a

ting the job done right the first time. ing lot issues. M

Building Improvements y b

o

The tougher t o h e hope that our entire Congre- We are blessed to be sharing with our news is that the P Wgation had a relaxing and enjoy - congregants and guests how far we have required drainage able summer. With Rosh Hashana rapid - come in creating our renovated sanctu - (coupled with the high price of petrole - ly approaching, it is time for renewal and ary. It is very exciting to be nearing com - um in pavement) caused the cost of the establishing of goals and aspirations for pletion and to know what a joy it will be, project to significantly increase and out - the upcoming New Year. each and every week, for many genera - pace our fund raising efforts. Therefore, tions to come, to be together in our new until we raise additional funds for the It was been a very busy summer for Kol sacred space. capital campaign, we are not in a finan - Ami. While not exactly relaxing, our cial position to implement the parking facilities have been full of activity: mak - Thank you for your understanding and lot improvements. However, we have ing an investment in our building and patience as the hard work of all involved undertaken temporary improvements to grounds which will return dividends for in the beautification continues. the deteriorated areas and also expect to generations of Kol Ami congregants and enhance site lighting for the safety and guests. We want to take this opportuni - Improved Classroom Space the security of our congregants and ty to apprise the Congregation of the We are structurally and aesthetically guests. In addition, we will install a progress and status of our La Dor Va Dor improving seven of our classrooms used beautiful new landscaping plan intend - campaign as well as our other facility by the religious school and early child - ed to complement and accent our newly and campus improvement initiatives. hood program, as well as by our tenant, renovated sanctuary. the Kodomono Kuni (Japanese) School. Newly Renovated and These rooms will be outfitted with new As you can see, it has been quite a busy Re-Conceptualized Sanctuary floors, new lighting and ceilings, and, summer. None of these improvements Thanks to the generosity of over 225 most importantly, repairs and improve - would have been possible without the members, our dream of improving and ments to their structural backbone (con - generosity and efforts of so many. We enhancing our 60 year old sanctuary to crete and reinforcing steel). The struc - owe a huge debt of gratitude to the accommodate both twenty-first century tural improvements to the existing infra - scores of members who volunteered worship practices and a diversity of uses structure are almost completed and we time, expertise and necessary financial is becoming a reality. The new sanctuary will then promptly address the aesthetic support to help ensure that the Kol Ami will be beautiful, functional, warm and enhancements. community remains strong, diverse and inviting. vibrant for many future generations of Parking Lot and Grounds Kol Ami Congregants. We have come a Our construction and design teams have As part of the L’Dor Va’Dor campaign, long way, but are by no means finished. encountered numerous challenges dur - we have obtained all state and municipal Your continued support remains neces - ing the limited and tight construction approvals necessary to improve site sary to carry out the balance of the cam - period. Nevertheless, although our new drainage and reconstruct our parking paign and to leave a legacy for which we sacred space will remain a work in lot. As a result of these efforts, including will all be truly proud. progress for the fast approaching High drilling borings and civil engineering Holy Day services, we fully expect to be analysis of subsurface water conditions, La Shana Tova – May you all have a year of able to occupy our space using a differ - it became clear that simply reconstruct - happiness and fulfillment! ent seating arrangement. In the unlikely ing the parking lot without addressing event that we need to use an alternate the underlying subsurface water condi - Mark and Ronnie location, back-up plans are in place. tions would only be a bandaid that Wherever we are, we will pray, sing and would not address the underlying cause celebrate together in the spiritual, mov - of the parking lot deterioration. ing and meaningful way that we always Accordingly, our civil engineer, as a con - do. dition of obtaining municipal approvals, designed an extensive subsurface During High Holy Days services, we drainage and piping system. The good intend to display updated design render - news is that, once implemented, this ings, which will reflect how the sanctu - drainage system should provide a long The Connection 5 September, 2012 People / Schools From the Director of Membership and Development s I begin my third year as “Director of we have excellent clergy, staff, and worship of you give to help make Kol A Membership”, I continue to struggle with opportunities and programs. A larger member - Ami the place that is vibrant the fact that so many friends and neighbors ship and increased affiliation in our communi - and vital and makes a differ - who are Jewish and committed Jews choose ty would broaden the base of support for all of ence in the world. not to affiliate with a synagogue. It seems that these important needs. As Rabbi Jack Riemer they believe that their presence physically, spir - says, the community needs to avoid viewing a As the Jewish New Year itually, or monetarily doesn’t make a difference, synagogue as if it were a gas station. When you approaches, I want to take and that it is somehow not important if they need it you make use of it; when you don’t this opportunity to wish you a year of health check out or never check in. your drive past it. Synagogues cannot operate and personal satisfaction and most important - on this model. ly to say “thank you” for your support, for In truth, when someone chooses not to affili - understanding, for giving us the opportunity to ate or decides to terminate their membership, We are a small people, and although here in work together to ensure that we continue to be it really hurts all of us. Everyone has different New York it feels like we are a very large peo - a vital Jewish presence in our world. And I gifts to bring to the synagogue. We need our ple, we all know the reality—we’re not. And, encourage you to invite any friends and neigh - lay leaders to help us run the business of the so I find myself feeling very grateful to all of bors who may not be a part of synagogue life synagogue; we need our congregants to share you—who understand that we are in this to join us in creating a sacred community. their passions and interest whether it is run - together and that we cannot live a Jewish life ning a workshop, a class, a committee, or a without building connections within our com - Janet program. And, of course, we need financial munity. And, so I thank you for your support, support to maintain the facility and to ensure your willingness to engage, the hours so many

From the Religious School Principal

s the summer winds schedule in September, our first Wednesday over as our new Religious School Chairperson A down and we begin gear - of Religious School is not until October 3rd. and I know she welcomes your input. ing up for school, there is the For our full school calendar and other school familiar mix of excitement information, please visit our website. Please be in touch with us. We all hope you and anxiety. As many of you will look for ways to become involved in your enjoy end of summer vaca - Again this year we will be hosting a communi - child’s education at Kol Ami. Please consider tions, we’re busy here at Kol ty Sukkot Festival on Sunday, September volunteering to help in a class or on a special Ami preparing for the begin - 30th. The celebration and learning will take project. We have plans for a year full of excite - ning of a New Year. 5773 is upon us! place during our regular Religious School ses - ment and learning. A child’s Jewish identity sion (9-11am) and we hope parents and other needs to be nurtured. Researcher Robert We’re changing a few things about back to members of the Congregation will join us. We Epstein (Scientific American Mind 11/10) school this year. Instead of mailing home a will have a variety of Sukkot activities, crafts asserts that supporting spiritual or religious large envelope full of important information, and community learning. There will be a farm - development and participating in spiritual or we’ll be emailing you your child’s Religious ers market. Together we’ll learn about this fes - religious activities predicts a strong parent- School class assignment. You will then receive tival that places a focus on the issues of shelter child bond and children’s happiness, health all the important info (calendar, handbook, and housing, the environment and nature and and success. Allow your engagement with and flyers for all the upcoming programs and how we use the food we gather from the land Judaism to connect you with a stronger inner activities) at the beginning of school. If you to feed ourselves and others. There will be life, values, community and special family have not completed our online registration cooking for the hungry and an opportunity to time. We want to provide opportunities for you form, you will not receive a class assignment! donate food purchased from the farmers mar - to participate in your family’s religious and It’s super easy… just go to our website at ket. There will be some great new things hap - spiritual growth. Become an intentional part of www.nykolami.org and click on the link for pening this year… so don’t miss it! our vibrant community and share what you registration. have with each other! As we continue to search for ways to connect The first day of Religious School is Sunday our families and get parents involved, we hope Looking forward to a joyful year filled with learn - is September 23rd. We hope you will join us you will take the initiative and come in to tell ing and growth! immediately after school for our Kol Ami us how we can make your Jewish learning Felice Welcome Back Picnic. Because of the holiday more meaningful! Susan Arovas will be taking

The First Day of Religious School is Sunday, September 23 Welcome Coffees for Kindergarten (9:20 am) and First Grade (10:10 am) Parents Retreat Information Meeting for 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Parents (11:00 am)

It’s not too late . . . Register now for Religious School — www.nykolami.org

The Connection 6 September, 2012 School The Early Childhood Program Welcomes You Back!

hat a pleasure it is for me to welcome gram and hope our families will be too. EVERYONE IN OUR COM - W our entire ECP community back from MUNITY IS WELCOME TO what I hope was a wonderful and relaxing As always, we will begin our year with our PARTICIPATE. Please look for summer. Our Temple staff under the direction Parent Orientation evening, Thursday our ad in this month’s of Jane Friedberg and Paul Mauro have worked September 6th at 7:30 pm. Classroom visiting Connection and on the Early tirelessly over the summer months with me and our Ice Cream Social is slated for Friday Childhood Program page on and my assistant Rachel Edelson to get our morning, September 7th at 11:30 am. the Temple’s web site. school ready for our September opening and everything is sparkling. We are thrilled to On Thursday evening, October 4th at 6:00 For Kol Ami families with young children not announce two new programs starting in the pm, the ECP will be sponsoring a dinner in the presently enrolled in our Early Childhood ECP this September. The first, Mommy Talk Congregation’s Sukkah for families with Program, please know that you are welcome to with Susan Davis, CSW, is a program for moms young children. Please look for our flyer in this join us at every program the ECP sponsors. and infants ranging in age from 2-9 months. month’s Connection and think about joining Please refer to the Temple’s website and the Mommy Talk , a drop-in group, will run every us for this wonderful experience. Connection for updates on all of our activities. second and fourth Thursday beginning on September 27th and the entire community is ECP Family Photo Day s are back, too! Mariela My family joins me in wishing everyone in our invited to take part. Please refer to our ad in Melamed (marielamelamedphotography.com), Kol Ami family L’Shana Tova, may you enjoy a this month’s Connection . The second, Stay Till an extremely talented photographer, congre - year of sweetness and good health and may 4 for More! , is an extended day option to stay gant, and past Temple Board member, will join you be inscribed in the book of life. until 4:00pm on 3 afternoons a week for our us again as our resident photographer on 4’s and Pre-K students. We’re excited about Sunday, October 14th and again on Sunday, Nan these two new additions to our school pro - October 21st. Pre-registration is required and

Congregation Kol Ami Early Childhood Program

Drop in and be part of our new group… Mommy Talk! Designed for moms and infants 2 –9 months Our discussions will be led by Susan Davis, CSW Topics will be related to parenting babies at this stage

We will meet in the Gallery every other Thursday morning (coinciding with the ECP calendar year) Beginning Thursday, September 27th — 9:00-10:00 am and meeting the 2nd and 4th Thursday thereafter

Come and see what we’re all about… everyone is welcome – Friends too! Questions? Please call Nan Blank in the ECP office at 949-4717 x107.

The Connection 7 September, 2012 School

First Friends is an ECP program for Toddlers 13-22 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver)

Take a look and see what it’s all about! We begin with a welcome circle and explore our day by cooking our snack , practicing fine motor play with puzzles and toys, oatmeal and water table play, and music and movement fun. Besides the regular ECP teacher, a social worker visits each month to stay and play so that any shared concerns or questions parents may have can be discussed.

This program runs from mid-October to June and provides a wonderful segue to our Early Childhood Program and to our Temple. Membership to the Temple is included with this registration*

If you have a toddler and you’re looking to make some new friends what are you waiting for? Maybe the time is right to think about joining us! *For more information and membership details, please call Nan Blank, ECP Director at 949-4717x107 .

Congregation Kol Ami Early Childhood Program Welcomes all Families with Young Children to Join Us for a Dairy Dinner in our Sukkah!

Thursday evening, October 4th Dinner begins promptly at 6:00 pm

Everyone is Welcome Please reserve your space by Friday, September 28 Please call Nan Blank, ECP Director at 949-4717x107 .

The Connection 8 September, 2012 People

Greet old friends . . . make new ones . . . play games . . . have fun . . . before the start of Religious School The Kol Ami Welcome Back Picnic Sunday September 23 11:30 am

• Join us on the back lawn (in the Gym if it rains) • Bring a picnic lunch and blanket • We’ll supply the drinks, snacks, dessert and games for the whole family

Family Photo Days are Back! All members are welcome!

Sunday, October 14th OR Sunday, October 21st 9:30-4:30 , Rain or Shine • $100.00 Sitting Fee

Mariela Dujovne Melamed an extremely talented photographer and member of Congregation Kol Ami returns as our photographer.

You must have internet access to view your photos, to create the packages that suit you best and to order your prints! Reserve your spot today. Sign-up in our school lobby, the ECP office or at our Parent Orientation evening

You can view Mariela’s work on her website at marielamelamedphotography.com

The first $100 of the sitting fee goes to the Early Childhood Program to help with our 4's Community Garden and our Lending Library.

The Connection 9 September, 2012 Worship From the Executive Director’s Desk By Jane S. Friedberg

s the High Holy Days rapidly approach, USHERS —Please keep in mind that the CHILD CARE —Professional child care Awe are looking forward to welcoming ushers are Kol Ami members who give will be available at Early Evening Rosh everyone to celebrate the New Year. As always, their time to ensure that our services pro - Hashanah and Yom Kippur Early Services our office staff is busy filling ticket orders, ceed smoothly. Do treat them with cour - and at both Morning Services. answering questions and welcoming our new tesy and respect. I am available during Reservations must be made in advance by members. Led by Paul Mauro, our every service. If a problem arises, please calling the office. Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, ask for my assistance. our custodial staff is hard at work cleaning MEMORIAL AND NEILAH SERVICES classrooms and hallways to get ready for the PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED MEM - —Because the Family Service takes place opening of Religious School and of our Early BERS —In considering your needs, we in the main sanctuary immediately prior Childhood Program. Once again, our temple encourage you to attend the early services. to the Memorial and Neilah Services, we calendar is full of wonderful opportunities to Since there is no preceding service, you need at least one half hour to reset the worship, study and celebrate as a community. may arrive earlier and face less congestion sanctuary for these concluding services. If and easier access to handicapped parking you are planning to attend the Memorial My children and grandchildren join me in spaces. All entry to the sanctuary will be and Neilah Services, please do not plan to wishing you L'Shana Tova Tikatavu. May this through the front door. No one will be arrive before 4:30 pm. The ushers have New Year be one of health and happiness for admitted through the Religious School been instructed not to open the doors all of you. entrance. until then.

TICKETS —Please show your tickets for GUEST TICKETS —Guest tickets are CELL PHONES —All cell phones should each service to an usher. Tickets are color- available for immediate family members be left at home or in your car. If you are coded and not transferable. We ask your (parent, sibling, child) visiting from out of required to carry a phone or pager, please cooperation in attending the service that town. See Reciprocity sidebar for guest set it on vibrate mode. corresponds with your tickets. arrangements.

Sponsored by the Women of Kol Ami Phone Reform Judaism and Date Book

High Holy Days You may notice an extra ticket Food Drive when you receive your High Holy Day tickets. This WHITE ticket Guests who belong to other Bags will be handed with NAVY lettering entitles your Reform congregations and want out Rosh Hashanah. family to one Kol Ami Phone and to attend our High Holy Day services must request that forms Return them filled Date Book. Please present this be sent to us from their temple on Yom Kippur. ticket, and in return, you will be office. If Kol Ami members would given, absolutely free, this year’s like to attend other Reform Non-perishable congregations’ services, please food items only. Phone and Date Book. If you would like to purchase an extra request courtesy forms at our office. We cannot accommodate Please — no glass book, they are available at $5 visitors without these forms. containers. per copy. Forms from other temples may be faxed to us, 2 weeks in advance , at (914) 946-8143. Remember the hungry PLEASE NOTE : No books will be distributed without the WHITE at this time of year. This reciprocity is made under ticket with NAVY lettering. the auspices of URJ.

The Connection 10 September, 2012 Worship Information About High Holy Day Services 2012/5773

1. All High Holy Day services will be family for all services for which 10. Regular tickets or guest tickets will held at the temple. Two services will babysitting is available ($25 per be required for Memorial Services. be held on the evening and the child/$70 per family at the door). Those without tickets will be wel - morning of each holiday. We are This service will be provided during comed on a space-available basis. asking, therefore, that you select Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur This policy will ensure adequate one of four combinations of servic - Early Evening Services and at both seating for our Kol Ami members es. They are described in detail on Morning Services. Please call the while allowing members of the com - your Request for Tickets form. temple office to make arrange - munity an opportunity to attend ments. In order that we may provide Memorial Services. 2. Please return your ticket request sufficient sitters and the best expe - promptly. Orders will be processed rience for your children, we ask that 11. Please note: Those members or by mail only. Your choice of services reservations be made before guests who are hearing impaired will be honored within the limits of September 16th. and require an INFRARED LISTENING the seating capacity. Requests will DEVICE may pick them up at the be filled in order of receipt. 7. Services for students grades 1-6 will door prior to the service. You must be led by our rabbis and youth leave a form of ID with us. 3. A Morning Service will be held on director concurrent with both morn - the second day of Rosh Hashanah at ing services on the first day of Rosh 12. Tickets will be mailed once your 10:00 am. Hashanah and Yom Kippur. request is processed and all finan - cial obligations are satisfied, 4. Payment of at least half of current 8. FAMILY SERVICE (3:15 to 4:00 PM) approximately on September 5th. dues, FIM Fund, all religious school offers parents and children an fees, and full payment of outstand - opportunity to participate in High 13. Those who attend the first service ing prior balances (or an up-to-date Holy Day worship together. We on Yom Kippur and who wish to arrangement on file) are required to keep the service short enough so remain throughout the day may use obtain High Holy Day tickets. that it does not become too long Room 20 by the office for medita - for the children’s attention spans. tion prayer during the second serv - 5. We encourage and welcome children At the same time, we include ice. Those who wish may continue to worship with their families. enough of the traditional liturgy their worship after the second serv - Children must have a ticket to be and observance to provide a ice at the Afternoon Service in the admitted to any service except the meaningful Jewish spiritual expe - Schulman Chapel from 2:45-4:30 Family Service. This will ensure that rience for adults and their chil - pm. there is adequate seating for all. dren. Please see the enclosed schedule PLEASE NOTE: Mem orial and Neilah and description of services to pick 9. Guest tickets for services are avail - Services will begin at 5:00 PM. Entry to the most appropriate service for able for members of your immediate the sanctuary will not be permitted your children to attend. Please family not residing in your home at until 4:30 PM to allow the staff time to remember that children should not a cost of $175 for each guest. prepare the sanctuary for these con - be allowed to wander unaccompa - Tickets for out-of-town guests are cluding services. nied through the building. Please be available on a limited basis at $175 sensitive to the needs of your fellow each. Kol Ami does honor the URJ We look forward to celebrating a sweet congregants when bringing very reciprocal guest policy. Due to space New Year with all of you. young children to services. limitations, no other ticket requests can be honored. Checks payable to 6. Professional child care will be avail - Congre gation Kol Ami must accom - able at the Temple at a fee of $18 pany your request for guest tickets. per service per child or $60 per

The Connection 11 September, 2012 People Meet Our Members ith the high holidays around the corner, a Ben – “I graduated from the University of Why did you join Kol Ami? Wtime when almost all our members get Wisconsin in 2002 and received an MBA Mandy – “We both were familiar with together, it’s nice to find out a little more about from Fordham University. I am the president Westchester synagogues. My family attended our fellow congregants. Here, we offer a bit of of Zoffness SAT Prep (ZoffnessSAT Larchmont Temple and Ben’s family attend - background on members both old, new and in prep.com). We help students from all over ed the JCC of Harrison. Ben’s grandparents, between. Westchester maximize their academic poten - Marjorie and Norman Alexander, had been tial on their college entrance exams. We offer long time members of Kol Ami and Ben SAT prep classes at Kol Ami and Larchmont attended high holiday services with them on Temple beginning in November, and also a regular basis.” offer private tutoring for the PSAT, SAT I, SAT II and ACT.” Ben – “Norman was an incredible man who was always involved with many Jewish phi - Ben, tell us more about your business. lanthropies. He was a founding member of “My father, Richard, who was a college the Jewish Week newspaper and made other mathematics professor, started the business significant contributions to the Jewish com - over 23 years ago. I have worked with him munity on a regular basis. Before he passed for over a decade, learning how to teach away on December 26th, 2006, he had the incredibly effective strategies and test-taking chance to see the ‘Norman and Marjorie methods. After successfully running my own Alexander Atrium’ built at Kol Ami.” private tutoring business, my father passed the torch to me and asked me to run the Ben is appreciative of Rabbi Shira visiting business. Our students have enjoyed Marjorie regularly and fondly remembers extraordinary success from the instructional Shira and David visiting Norman in the hos - sessions and practice tests that we offer each pital for Shabbat songs before he passed. year and we look forward to the new faces we will see in our program this year.” What do you think sets Kol Ami apart from other places? You are both quite athletic. Tell us Ben – “The warmth of the services is very about that. unique. Shira has a gift of painting pictures Ben – “I grew up playing a lot of different with words and is able to connect to my MANDY & B EN ZOFFNESS sports, but had a great experience playing beliefs and thoughts on Judaism. The con - basketball in the WJBL (Westchester Jewish nection we have to Kol Ami is what I think a About the Couple Basketball League) when I was in high spiritual experience should encompass.” This is Mandy and Ben’s first year as mem - school. After finding out that Kol Ami did bers of Congregation Kol Ami. They have not have a basketball team, I organized and Mandy – “The warm and welcoming com - been married for over 3 years and currently put together a 5th and 6th grade team with munity spirit comes to mind. It’s a very live in Ossining. Mandy and Ben are expect - the help of parents and faculty. Andy comfortable place to connect.” ing their first child at the end of September. Feldman and I coached the team and it was a great experience. Some of Kol Ami’s 9th How did you meet? and 10th graders were on another WJBL “We met each other when we both attended team that I also helped coach with Mark If you’d like to be a part of our “Meet the Mamaroneck High School.” Mandy needed Glucksman. I have always enjoyed compet - Members,” section and tell your story, please help in math when she was a freshman and ing in various sports over the years and, contact Janet Hershey, the Director of Ben, who was a junior and volunteer math most recently, decided to enter the Atlantic Membership and Development at 914-949- tutor, got the job. Mandy got an A! City International Triathlon. The one mile 4717, x115. Mandy – “We ran into each other again soon ocean swim took place three days after a after college at a gym where I was exercising hurricane and was a great challenge.” and Ben was working as a personal trainer.” Mandy – “I try to work out regularly, but am Tell us about your professional lives. learning that it’s getting tougher as this belly Mandy – “I graduated from the University of gets bigger! I do yoga and love tennis. Two Maryland and received an MSW from years ago I ran a half marathon and was able Adelphi University. I am a CSW social work - to raise over $3,000 for the Leukemia and er at the Mental Health Association of Lymphoma Society in honor of Ben’s grand - Westchester and do outpatient mental father, Norman Alexander. We both enjoy health in White Plains. I also work with spe - taking long walks with our two dogs, Shie cial needs children in Nyack. Before that, I and Hudson.” worked for the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services at a residential treatment center.”

The Connection 12 September, 2012 Worship / People Ritual Riches — Imagining Our Sanctuary ow do you re-imagine a sanctuary? That’s From open congregational meetings to Emeritus Ray Smolover, Maura has given us Hthe question the Kol Ami Building fundraising activities to design questions, an ark design that is not only beautiful but Committee has been working on for more dozens and dozens of people have been multilayered in its meaning. than 2 years. Our congregation has a won - closely involved in re-designing our 50 year derful and unusual space in which to pray. old sacred space. Many people contributed When you walk into the sanctuary for the We wanted to keep the openness and with monetary pledges to help bring about a first time, and hopefully each time thereafter, majesty of the space while trying to create a sanctuary that reflects how our congregation we believe you will find something to engage place of warmth and calmness for communi - worships in the 21st century. your eyes and speak to your heart. Keep ty and individual worship, a place for joy and looking for the many layers of meaning in laughter as well as a space for sadness and The committee worked for months with the the doors of the ark, the sparkle of the eter - comfort. architect, clergy and temple leadership to nal light, the world seen through the win - design a unique space that reflected our dows and the faces of our community. When we began the project, there were actu - community’s needs and aspirations. It was ally many questions: do we keep or reuse not until we engaged the artistic services of PS: Fund raising is ongoing to facilitate the anything from the old sanctuary, do we want Maura Smolover to design our ark that our parking lot completion and begin on the a “modern” or “classical” look, how much sense of the space had an exciting focus. multipurpose space/youth lounge portion of rehab does the basic structure need, how Maura’s artistic view of the ark as a holy the L’dor Va’dor campaign. Anyone interest - will the sound be changed, how do we make space, not just a cabinet for the Torahs, ed in pledging or increasing a pledge may it accessible for all congregants, what’s the helped us bring the design to completion. contact Janet Hershey at ext 115. budget? The Board started by engaging the Through her conversations with the clergy, congregation in a dialogue around these her knowledge of the ancient art of glass Ritual Riches is a monthly column written by questions. The congregation and clergy were making with its modern possibilities, and members of the Worship Committee. We hope asked for input on needs, for new ideas, as her 40 years of personal relationship with you will find these articles interesting and well as opinions, on overall design direction. the space as the daughter of our Cantor informative.

WELCOME BACK TO SYNAPLEX!!!! SAVE THE DATES FOR 2012-13 SYNAPLEX EVENTS

• November 2, 2012 - Keynote speaker - Alan Morinis We are all Spiritual Orphans -- what the Jewish tradition of Mussar offers to make life fulfilling

• December 14 - Hanukkah Synaplex A spectacular family art project with Avi Zuckerman (our own “Art with Avi”). The dedication of the ark—a Hanukkah miracle Speaker: Ark designer and glass artist, Maura Smolover

• January 11 - Dog Saves Man – 12 Minutes you will never forget! Screening of David and Goliath , a short film written and directed by George Azverdas.

• February 8 - Deborah Feldman Author of the New York Times Bestselling memoir, UNORTHODOX: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.

• March 15 - My Journey to Freedom: One Girl’s Survivor Story An Uncommon Bond Through WCC’s “Conversation Partners,” two lives came together to embark on a journey of discovery. The evening’s presenters: Sanford S. Zevon and Tsering Keyzom

• April 12 - Deaf Jam: Muslim, Jewish, Hearing, Deaf Deaf Jam, A Film by Judy Lieff

The Connection 13 September, 2012 Learning Experiences Adult Education

You will receive your new phone & date book Parenting Workshops Hebrew Classes for Adults* during the High Holy Days. More programs for with Susan Davis, LCSW: the year are explained in the front of the book. Pending sufficient enrollment $150 per semester (scholarships available) Mommy Talk! $180 per semester for non-members Designed for moms and infants Featured in September age 2 - 9 months. Wednesday Evenings Topics at this drop in group will be related to with Emily Fields “Temporary Shelter, An Art parenting babies at this stage We will meet in beginning October 3 Installation about Homeless New the Gallery (coinciding with the ECP Calendar Advanced Beginners Alef Isn’t Tough Yorkers. year). Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday 6:30 – 7:30 pm Fiber Artist Heather G. Stoltz tells stories Beginning September 27th Biblical Hebrew - Level 3 of homeless men, women and children 9:00-10:00 am 7:30 – 8:30 pm through her installation piece Temporary Please call Nan Blank in the ECP office Sunday Mornings at 949-4717 x107 Shelter . The art piece, which takes the with Emily Fields shape of a sukkah, will be installed at Kol beginning October 14 Ami Sept. 25th and will remain through Alef Bet – Beginners Oct. 3rd. Ms. Stoltz will also be our guest The Blessings of a Skinned Knee – 10:00 – 11:00 am at Spiritual Lift Services on Saturday, Parenting 5 to 11 Year Old Children Intermediate September 29th. Raising resilient, self-reliant children— 11:15 am – 12:15 noon A morning discussion group for parents of elementary school aged children; focusing on a Sunday Mornings variety of parenting issues and stresses. with Alice Seidman Sukkot Harvest Celebration Intermediate/Advanced Sunday, Oct. 4 2nd Monday of the month (except for the first date) Conversational Hebrew, grammar, vocabulary, There will be crafts and activities as well reading, and translating current Israeli publica - Beginning Oct 15 as a Farmers’ Market, food, cooking for tions. An informal learning environment. the homeless, and LOTS OF FUN. Hands 9:30 - 11:30 am with Alice Seidman on Fiber Workshop with Heather Stoltz. 9:00 – 10:00 am Adolescent Parenting Workshops (Contact Alice Seidman at 953-8455 Discussion of a range of parenting issues for further information) related to adolescence, including physical and emotional development, trust and control issues, and staying connected in the Continuing Groups: Spiritual Journeying Groups: midst of the turmoil. Facilitated by Rabbi Pamela Wax, First & third Thursdays of the month Kol Ami Reads/Book Club Spiritual Care Coordinator First Thursday: 9:45 – 11:45 am Westchester Jewish Community Services Meets the first Wednesday of every month Third Thursday: 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm throughout the year. 9:15 am Shema: Jewish Group Spiritual Direction Beginning Oct 4 Schulman Chapel in the Woods Designed for those on a serious journey to For more information call Doris Dingott enhance their prayer lives, these sessions will Grandparenting Workshops at 289-0869 combine God-talk, chanting, prayer, silence, Exploring intergenerational experience and and deep listening, as means to access Jewis With wisdom as we share the challenges Mah Jongg spiritual wholeness and connection. and opportunities of grandparenting. Open To All: Experienced and Novice 4 Mondays, 10:30 am -12 noon First Monday of the month Wednesdays 11:30 am Sept 10, Oct 22, Nov 12, Dec 3 (except for the first date). Kol Ami Atrium Schulman Chapel in the Woods 9:15 - 10:45 am Resumes Wednesday, Oct. 3 Beginning Monday, Sept. 24 Email Wendy Roos to be added Writing Our Lives: to the email distribution A Spiritual Memoir Group [email protected] Writing about life events can imbue them with new meaning and clarity. Through structured Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Bridge exercises eliciting spiritual memories and con - Led by Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, Open To All: Experienced and Novice nections, we will create a body of work that The new WJCS Partners-in-Caring clinician Wednesdays 11:30 am reveals the sacred in our lives. for Kol Ami Resumes Wednesday, Oct. 3 No writing experience necessary. Thursday mornings, 9:15 - 10:30 am 4 Mondays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm Jewish contemplative practices for clearing the mind, Sept 10, Oct 22, Nov 12, Dec 3 softening the heart and opening to the One. All Schulman Chapel in the Woods Welcome. No meditation experience necessary. Beginning Thurs, Sept. 6 Schulman Chapel in the Woods

The Connection 14 September, 2012 Learning Experiences Adult Education Coming in October

Women’s Roundtable Breakfast Current Events Women in Transition Join Kol Ami’s remarkable, multi-generational with Beth and Gene Kava Are you attempting an adjustment women for learning & friendship Each session will provide the participants an to a major life change? With Rabbi Shira Milgrom opportunity to examine Please join us in an Interactive Discussion Wednesdays, 7:45-9:00 am a current issue of the day in depth. Group. Topics to be discussed include, but are 10/3, 11/7, 12/5 Mondays, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm in Room 20 not limited to: retirement, widowhood, aging, Jan. 2, 2013, 2/6, 3/6, 4/3, 5/1 Oct 15 & 29; Nov 29 & 26; changing relationships with adult children, and Dec 10; Feb 11 & 25; Mar 18; other life transitions (as desired). Wisdom of the Sages Apr 8 & 22; May 6 & 20 The goal of the group is to offer mutual aid in at Kol Ami & in New York City personal adjustment to life transitions, includ - with Rabbi Tom Weiner Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah ing discussion of: Positive & negative aspects of Lively discussions of the world and our lives Make New Friends and Ask Great Questions individual life transitions; individual grief reac - based on fascinating texts of Jewish learning. Tuesdays 8:00 - 10:00 pm tions to life change, and options that can aid Oct 2 & 16, Nov 13 & 27, personal adjustment. At Kol Ami: Wisdom of the Sages: Lunch and Dec 11, Jan 15 & 29, Feb 12 & 26, Tuesdays, 11:30 am -1:30 pm Learn. Tuesdays, 12:00 noon Mar 12, Apr 9 Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27. beginning Oct 16. Bring your lunch. Rabbi Shira Milgrom Space is limited and original group members Second year of a two year course have priority. If you are interested in In NYC: Wisdom of the Sages: Lunch & Learn. joining the group, please contact Harriet at Begins Friday, Oct. 19th. Lunch provided. Israeli Folk Dance [email protected] Other dates TBA with Shmulik Gov-Ari* In the Conference Room Connect with the heart and soul of the Led by Harriet Shenkman, Ph. D. Jewish story through dance. and Ursula Strauss, Ph. D . Wednesdays, beginning Oct 3 7:30 – 8:15 pm Beginners 8:15 – 10:00 pm Open Dance Individual sessions - $10 members, $13 non-members

You Are Invited To Attend Westchester Jewish History and Heritage Month Honoring the Jewish Armed Services Men and Women of Westchester Commemorating the 11th Anniversary of September 11th Hosted by The Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins and the Westchester Jewish Council 148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plain, NY Monday, September 10, 2012 / 23 Elul 5773 6:00-6:30 pm Wine and Cheese Reception “Meet and Greet” with the County Board of Legislators 6:30-7:00 pm Proclamation Presentation 7:15 pm Dessert Reception

For more information call the Westchester Jewish Council (914) 328-7001 [email protected] visit us at www.wjcouncil.org A proud beneficiary of UJA-Federation of New York

The Connection 15 September, 2012 ______I am available to help with setup.

Affiliates The Kol Ami Brotherhood — KABRO The Kol Ami Brotherhood (“KABRO”)—traditionally known as Some of our activities are mainly social and recreational, like our Men’s Council—holds its first meeting of the fall at 8 p.m. recent Second Annual Camping Trip. Other activities connect more September 13 at the Temple. We look forward to connecting with directly with Kol Ami’s central mission as a Reform Jewish congrega - old and new friends and planning an exciting slate of activities for the tion, like the Hannukah Party we held last December for the children year. All are welcome to attend, whether or not you’ve been involved of the Religious School. But even a camping trip can build a stronger in Men’s Council in the past. The agenda for September 13 will Jewish community. Besides strengthening bonds among the families include planning for the High Holy Days; Kol Ami’s celebration of that attended, there was a special sense of spirituality in the the Man and Woman of the Year; a possible trip to see the Brooklyn Havdalah Service that Cantor Mo led under the stars, amid pine trees Nets; and other upcoming events. To learn more about KABRO, read and mountain air. on! Examples of old and new KABRO activities include: KABRO is reinventing the traditional role of a temple men’s club. We • A New York Mets game at Citi Field. have two main goals: to foster friendships among the men of Kol Ami • Pot luck Shabbat dinners at the temple. and to serve the congregation in its spiritual, educational, and char - • Our spectacular and well-attended community Passover Second itable missions. The emphasis is on good times, new friendships, Night Seder. and a meaningful connection to the Kol Ami community. We invite • A Hannukah party and candle lighting for the Religious School. you to join us, even if—especially if—you have never been involved • A dance with the rock band Kickstart Charlie. in a temple men’s group before. • Welcoming congregants and guests at High Holy Day services. • Distributing Yom HaShoah candles. Background • Honoring the Man and Woman of the Year (co-sponsored by KABRO is the successor to the Kol Ami Men’s Council. The name WRJ). change is part of a broader shift in emphasis and reflects the influx • Contributing financial support to special projects at Kol Ami. of a new wave of younger members in 2011. We are carrying on the Men’s Council’s important tradition of service to the community, If you’re interested in suggesting or organizing an event – or a soft - but we are also developing new social and recreational events that ball team or klezmer band – we’d love to hear your ideas! will appeal to more congregants than ever before. We are also work - ing closely with the Religious School, Women of Reform Judaism and Cost other groups throughout Kol Ami to plan programming and activi - Membership in KABRO costs $40 a year. Members receive discounts ties for the year ahead. at many KABRO events, so membership pays for itself. We encour - age all congregants to pay the membership fee, even if they have not Activities been actively involved. We pay our own way for camping trips, We have asked all congregants – whether or not they’ve been active - dances, ballgames, and pot luck suppers. Dues make it possible for ly involved in KABRO – to suggest events and activities that we can us to sponsor activities that benefit the Temple and Religious School. sponsor. You don’t need to attend our monthly meetings or serve in an official capacity; you just need to be inspired to participate in Michael Berg and Scott Pollak events that you think will be meaningful to the congregation. Co-Presidents

WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM — “Sisterhood”

“Sisterhood” is many things, but above all it is strength in friendship • High Holiday Food Drive with bag distribution on Rosh and membership. It is an opportunity to learn and to celebrate our Hashanah and collection on Yom Kippur. lives as women- for one another, our family, our larger community. • Fiddler on the Roof at the Westchester Broadway Theatre on Sisterhood is sharing good times and achieving goals together. It is Sunday, October 21. See the flyer in this issue for more details. counting on others and being counted upon. Sisterhood is about life • Annual Tag Sale on Sunday, October 28. Spaces cost $75 with long learning as we study and worship and build relationships. It can an additional $10 table fee if needed. More details will follow be as simple as a hug from someone you know very well or a greet - in the October Connection. ing from someone who is a new friend. A bond of sisterhood means • Man and Woman of the Year on Sunday, November 4. you are respected and included in experiences worth sharing. Yes, On behalf of our Kol Ami Sisterhood Executive Board and our entire Sisterhood is many things at once- reflecting on the past, planning Sisterhood membership, I send wishes for a healthy, joyful and most for our future, but above all – it is cherishing the present--our New meaningful new year. L’Shana Tova Year.

As we welcome the New Year, we invite you to participate in our Ellen Kurtz, President upcoming activities: Women of Reform Judaism Sisterhood [email protected] • Our monthly meetings held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. The Connection 18 September, 2012 Affiliates Kol Ami Reads FOOD BANK Book Club FOR WESTCHESTER MITZVAH Make Your Yom Kippur In the Beginning by Chaim Potak Fast Even More Meaningful KNITZ September 5, 2012 We abstain from food on Yom Kippur The Hare with to focus on the day—teshuva— We will be meeting on the Amber Eyes repentance. For the past 20 years, by Edmund De Waal Westchester congregations have made this fast experience even more Tuesday October 3, 2012 significant by donating approximately September 20 $30,000 and 22,000 pounds of Poetry Session food each Yom Kippur to the Food Amy Winkler will lead Bank for Westchester. from noon to 2:00 pm. November 7, 2012 Join us. Please consider making a contribution to Catherine the Great the Food Bank as part of your Yom Knitters of all skill levels by Robert Massie Kippur tradition. December 5, 2012 are welcome. If you wish to donate food it is best to All meetings are on the first Wednesday donate staples such as cereal, peanut For further information, of the month at 9:15am in Room 20. butter, tuna fish, rice, canned fruit and Come whether you’ve read the book or not; vegetables. Please, no glass contain - call Elaine Cohen, the discussion is always lively. ers or perishables . 725-0248 or For further information, contact Doris Dingott, 289-0869, If you wish to make a monetary dona - elwilco@verizon. [email protected] or tion please go to: www.foodbankfor - Elaine Cohen, 725-0248, westchester.org. Be sure to enter your [email protected]. synagogue's name when making your donation.

The Kol Ami Virtual Cemetery

This fall, the Congregation will offer a new resource for all members with the launch of the Congregation Kol Ami Virtual Cemetery. What is a virtual ceme - tery? It is a location on the internet where memorial pages for deceased individuals can be gathered, regardless of where the person is interred. The memo - rial pages include, as a minimum, the name of the deceased, where he or she is interred and a photograph of the gravestone. There are provisions for cre - ating memorial pages for those who have been cremated or have not had a traditional burial.

As a first step, all of the interments at the Congregational plots in Mount Hope and Mount Pleasant cemeteries will be available for viewing. As the proj - ect proceeds, burials of Kol Ami members in other cemeteries will be added. Look for more information in the October issue of the Connection .

The Connection 19 September, 2012

Social Action

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE Repairing the World — Tikkun Olam

Help Wanted for Two Social Action Programs

After 10 years of running the monthly Monday Cooking for the Homeless program with her husband Steve, Laura Green will be stepping down from this responsibility. While it will be difficult to replace Laura and Steve, we are grateful for their many years of service.If you are interested in running this long-standing program please con - tact Elizabeth Ward, Social Action Co-Chair at [email protected]. We have a group of hearty volunteers who enjoy working with Laura and Steve, but none are available to lead this important and worthwhile program.

Ellie Fleisch is also ready to turn over her position as administrator and coordinator of the Mitzvah Corps. The Mitzvah Corps is our group of merry singing congregants who spread cheer by singing in area nursing homes on a monthly basis. Ellie has also been the point person for the Mitzvah Corps for many years (too many to remember) and she is ready to let someone else take over this job. This is a very manageable role coordinating and scheduling with the nursing homes and organizing our volunteers. For more information, please contact, Elizabeth Ward at [email protected]

Please help us continue to be a positive presence in our community!

SAVE THE DATE - DOING GOOD IN THE NEW YEAR - Monday October 15th Join our “Done in A Day” initiative….

Please join us in starting a new way to welcome the New Year with an adult mitzvah project! On Monday, October 15, a group of Kol Ami adults will be going to the Hebrew Union College (HUC) soup kitchen to prepare a meal for the hungry. We will plan to meet at HUC (which is located in the West Village) at 3:15 PM. We will work setting up the dining room and preparing and serving the food. Our work will finish around 6:30 PM and it will be followed by dinner together and an educational wrap-up.

The soup kitchen also distributes adult clothing and toiletries and has requested we bring these items with us on the 16th. If you cannot join us but would like to make a donation, please deliver items to Janet Hershey in the temple office. Space is limited so please contact Elizabeth Ward [email protected] or Janet Hershey at the temple office (949-4717 ext. 115).

Elizabeth Ward, [email protected]

COOKING FOR THE HOMELESS Meets in the Kol Ami Kitchen MITZVAH CORPS For Sunday Information: Nancy Marcus - 725-7231 Join us as we sing songs accompanied by Paul Schwarz. For Monday Information: Laura Green - 949-6113 Bring a little sunshine to the residents and make Sundays at 11:00 am: 10/21, 11/18,12/2, 1/13, 2/10, a difference in their lives. 3/3, 4/14, 5/5, 6/2 Mondays at noon: 10/22, 11/19, 12/10, 1/14, 2/4, Dates and locations to be announced. 3/11, 4/15, 5/6, 6/3. If you are interested in chairing Monday Cooking for the Homeless in 2011, please contact Laura Green at 949-6113.

The Connection 22 September, 2012 Calendar is subject to change. To check listings, call the temple’s voice mail. September 2012 " Elul 5773 For temple events, service schedule, and office hours, call ext. 137. For weather info, call ext. 145. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1

SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel 9:00 am Coffee & Community 9:30 am Study 11:00 am SERVICE

2345678 LABOR DAY 7:30 pm Sisterhood 9:15 am Kol Ami Reads 9:15 am Jewish 11:30 am ECP Ice SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel OFFICE CLOSED (WRJ) Meeting Book Club Meditation Cream Social 9:00 am Coffee & 7:30 pm ECP Parent 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN Community Orientation THE WOODS in 9:30 am Study Gallery 11:00 am SERVICE 6:15 pm Shabbat 10:30 am SHABBAT Evening Service in MORNING SERVICE : Sanctuary Bat Mitzvah of Julia Golden 9:30 pm SELICHOT SERVICE in Gallery

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9:00 am ECP begins for 7:30 pm Elul Study at 9:00 am ECP begins for 9:15 am ECP begins for 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel 5s Bet Am Shalom 3s & 4s 2s THE WOODS in 9:00 am Coffee & 7:30 pm 7th Grade 9:15 am Jewish Gallery Community Mesorah orientation Meditation 6:15 pm Shabbat 9:30 am Study for students & parents 8:00 pm KABRO Evening Service in 11:00 am SERVICE Monthly Meeting Sanctuary

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 EREV ROSH HASHANAH ROSH HASHANAH DAY 1 ROSH HASHANAH DAY 2 9:15 am Jewish 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN SPIRITUAL LIFT in Chapel Please see cover for a Please see cover for a Please see cover for a Meditation THE WOODS in 9:00 am Coffee & detailed schedule detailed schedule detailed schedule 12:00 pm Mitzvah Gallery Community ECP CLOSED ECP CLOSED Knitz 6:15 pm Shabbat 9:30 am Study OFFICE CLOSED OFFICE CLOSED Evening Service in 11:00 am SERVICE Sanctuary 10:30 am SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE

SPIRITUAL LIFT 23 24 25 26 27 28 in Chapel 29 ECP SPECIAL DEDICATION 9:00 am Coffee & FIRST DAY OF EPC CLOSES AT NOON YOM KIPPUR 9:00 am ECP Mommy 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN Community RELIGIOUS SCHOOL KOL NIDRE Please see cover for a Talk Class for 2-9 mo. THE WOODS in 9:30 am Study WELCOME BACK PICNIC Please see cover for a detailed schedule olds Gallery 11:00 am SERVICE 10:30 am SHABBAT detailed schedule ECP CLOSED 9:15 am Jewish 6:15 pm Shabbat OFFICE CLOSED Meditation MORNING SERVICE: Evening Service in B’nai Mitzvah of Daniel Sanctuary Hostetter & Samuel Jeske SPIRIT UAL LIFT in Chapel 30 Oct. 1 234567:30 am Women’s 9:15 am Jewish 9:00 am Coffee & Roundtable Breakfast Meditation 5:30 pm SHABBAT IN Community RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SUKKOT ECP CLOSED 9:15 am Kol Ami Reads 6:00 pm ECP SUKKOT THE WOODS in 9:30 am Study SUKKOT FESTIVAL & ECP & OFFICE CLOSED 7:30 pm Sisterhood Book Club DINNER Gallery 11:00 am SERVICE FARMERS MARKET 10:00 am SUKKOT Meeting 4:00 pm FIRST 7:30 pm SHABBAT 6:15 pm Shabbat 10:30 am SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE in the 8:00 pm Adult B’nai WEDNESDAY OF OASIS AT HOME Evening Service in SERVICE: B’nai Mitzvah of Aaron Lehr & Dylan Libman Chapel Mitzvah Class RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CLASS Sanctuary OCTOBER Connection Deadline

September 15, 2012

Congregation Kol Ami A Reform Synagogue (914) 949-4717 A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism Rabbis Shira Milgrom Tom Weiner 328-4549 684-6991

Cantor: Mo Glazman Exec. Director: Jane S. Friedberg Religious School Principal: Felice Miller Baritz ECP Director: Nan Blank Program Manager: Ilene Miller Director of Membership & Development Janet H. Hershey Co-Presidents: Ronnie Cohn Farley Mark Seiden

Rabbis Lawrence W. Schwartz* Emeriti: Maurice Davis* Mark L. Winer Cantor Emeritus: Raymond Smolover

*of blessed memory

Junior Youth Group SAVE THE DATES! DRAMA CLUB: 5th/6th Grades Now in its 20th season, the Drama Club is one of the most cherished activities at Kol Ami for children and Dive into the New Year with a Pool Party! parents alike. The club provides children 7 and older with Saturday, September 15th from 3:30-5:30 pm. an opportunity to create long-lasting friendships, learn At the White Plains YMCA. theater skills and have lots of fun working together to put Details to follow… on a fantastic show! Contact Nadia at [email protected] This year's show is the charming Carole King/Maurice Sendak collaboration, "REALLY ROSIE" (for more info, 7th /8th Grades check it out on YouTube!). SAVE THE DATE for a Youth Group event on Saturday September 22! Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm in our Social Hall beginning on October 29. Drama "Mamas" and "Papas" are required to participate behind the scenes in Teen Madrichim Upcoming Events areas of their choosing. A sneak preview performance of September 9: Madrichim orientation, 11-1pm the production will be held for the Religious School on September 29-30: Madrichim Shul-In. Sunday 4/21. Public performance will be on Sunday, 4/28 Details to follow. at 2:00 pm. The fee per child is $175 for participation. An interest meeting, registration and auditions will Parents and teens, please note that you were recently emailed this be held Monday, October 22nd from 6:00-8:00pm. year’s application to be a Madrich. Please return it to me no later than September 1. Please check your email. If you do not receive Everyone who auditions will get a part! For more it please email Nadia at [email protected]. information please contact our Director, Ellen Flaks at ellenfl[email protected].