Temple Israel Players Performing 'Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' - Temple Israel of Great Neck
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Temple Israel of Great Neck
Voice Where tradition meets change
a Conservative egalitarian synagogue
Temple Israel Players Performing ‘Joseph
And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
by Marc Katz, Editor more than 40-year history—includes wide as Calypso and Country-Western,
Award-winning Broadway musical “Joseph five Temple Israel members. among many others.
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
has been selected as the next production by The musical was the first collaboration The producers of the Temple Israel
the Temple Israel Players, to be staged on between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber show, along with Ms. Volk, are Amy
Saturday evening, March 28, and Sunday and lyricist Tim Rice. It is based on the David, Ron Klempner and Mark Putter.
afternoon, March 29 in the Crystal Ballroom. “coat of many colors” story of Joseph The stage director is JoJo Conley and
from the Book of Genesis. The musical the musical director is Chris McKee.
“This is a feel-good show,” said Debbie was first mounted on Broadway in 1982,
Volk, one of the producers of the show. followed by several major revivals, national Ms. Conley, who is returning to direct a
“Most people know the story of Joseph tours, and a 1999 film starring Donny Temple Israel Players’ production for a
from the Book of Genesis,” she said, Osmond. It is reported that more than fourth consecutive year, “has a clear vision
“but this show brings it to life and 20,000 schools and amateur theatre of where she wants to take our group,”
puts a smile on your face. It is upbeat, groups have staged the production. Ms. Volk said. “She knows the types of
catchy and fun—a musical comedy told skills we have and how to best use them.”
completely through song.” “Joseph” has been nominated for
numerous recognitions, including six Ms. Volk continued, “This show
More than 30 congregants appear Tonys and three Drama Desk Awards. is perfectly suited for us for a few
in the show, including 11 children The show has received Tony nominations reasons. The Players have been
ages 7-16, and a number of parent- for Best Musical, Best Original Score, building their repertoire of skills and
child performers. A nine-piece live and Best Book of a Musical, and features now are ready for a new
orchestra—the largest in The Players’ many diverse styles of music ranging as —Continued on page 8
A large cast and crew is now at work preparing to stage “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on March 28 and 29.
Vol. LXII, No. 7 February 2020 Shevat/Adar 5780
Planning a Temple Israel Bar or Bat Mitzvah Conservative Judaism
A Voice Guest Column by Marc Langsner From the President by Burton Weston
Editor’s Note: The Bar and Bat Mitzvah program at Temple Israel offers a During the first week of December,
multi-level curriculum of training, as detailed in this Voice Guest Column by Bar/Bat I, together with our rabbis, executive
Mitzvah Committee Chair Marc Langsner. director, members of our lay leadership,
and congregants—12 strong from
As I have just completed my 25th year to living as a Jew. Temple Israel’s clergy,
Temple Israel—participated in United
as the chairperson of Temple Israel’s educational directors, administrative
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Committee, I thought staff, and lay leadership take great pride
biannual convention captioned “2020
it would be an appropriate time to in preparing our children for their Bar
Judaism.” Done for the first time
or Bat Mitzvah. Once your child has
in conjunction with the Rabbinical
...the B’nei Mitzvah Program become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the next
Assembly’s annual meeting, the
step in the life-long process of learning
at our synagogue and living Jewishly is to continue his or
conference brought together over 1,200
is quite comprehensive conservative Jews, including more
her Jewish education at our Waxman
than 200 rabbis and representatives
and taken very seriously. High School and Youth House.
of more than 250 synagogues across
summarize our B’nei Mitzvah Program. Families will receive their B’nei Mitzvah The most important takeaway
Hopefully, this column will prove helpful, dates two to three years prior to the ...is that the movement
especially to those families who haven’t ceremony at the annual Parent’s
yet had the experience. B’nei Mitzvah Orientation. Rabbis
is alive, thriving, and willing
Stecker, Roth, and Schweber, Cantor to work through its challenges.
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a Frieder, Waxman High School Director
the country to explore the issues
spiritual rite of passage. It is not a Avi Siegel, congregation President
confronting the movement today,
single event, but a milestone in a child’s Burton Weston, and I will speak at the
the joys of our faith, and innovative
ongoing religious education and life- orientation. The B’nei Mitzvah
approaches to some of the challenges
long engagement with a commitment —Continued on page 8
we collectively face. The Conference
brought together an extraordinary array
Difficult Conversations of thought leaders, committed learners,
and a solid core of next generation
From the Rabbi by Rabbi Howard Stecker youth who together demonstrated
that Conservative Judaism is alive,
Without much effort, you can probably advice about how to have the kinds responsive, innovating, and rich.
think of a conversation that you are of conversations that we often prefer Praying together, singing together,
having, or should be having, that’s a to avoid. The authors identify that exploring together, and dreaming
difficult conversation. every difficult conversation has three together, the Conference lifted spirits
dynamics going on for both parties. and minds and provided a forum to
Perhaps you have been, or should be, The first dynamic is “what happened/ make new, and build on, existing
talking to your child about a challenge relationships.
he or she is having socially in school. Most of what’s really going on
Perhaps you have been, or should be, remains hidden... There were a number of takeaways
talking to your aging parent around issues from the Conference. One thought
of independence. Perhaps you have what should happen.” Both parties in provoking one is that Judaism is
been, or should be, talking with a partner the conversation have their own version counter-cultural in the context of
about emotional or physical intimacy of what’s going on and what should be America’s focus on competition,
in your relationship. Perhaps you have going on. “I think I am a great driver and individualism, personal success and
been, or should be, talking with someone should continue to drive;” “You think achievement. Judaism, in turn, is
you supervise at work about how their my reflexes aren’t what they used to be community-based—collective success,
performance has been problematic or and I should hand over the keys.” a feeling of belonging, and community
you have been, or should be, talking to responsibility for economic and social
your supervisor about receiving greater The second dynamic has to do with the improvement—all hallmarks of Jewish
responsibility and compensation. feelings each person has around the thought. Another counter-cultural trait
conversation. “I feel frustrated that I’m of Judaism is our focus on compassion,
“Difficult Conversations,” an insightful losing control over my life.” “You feel our collective obligation to help those in
book by Douglas Stone, Bruce sad that I’m growing older.” need. This contrasts with the
Patton and Sheila Heen, offers helpful —Continued on page 11 —Continued on page 10
2
In Memoriam Upcoming Events at Temple Israel
Temple Israel extends condolences
to the families of: February 26 March 19
“Coffee and Conversation” 7:15 P.M. Board of Trustees Meeting 8:15 P.M.
MAXINE FELDMAN with Rabbi Schweber at March 20
sister of Berle Berger Crawford Coffee Café Men’s Club Shabbat 6:30 P.M.
February 27 Hahodesh Service followed
FERESHTEH Men’s Club Meeting 7:30 P.M. by dinner featuring
AND PARVIZ SHENASSA February 29 Cantor Frieder and Avi Siegel
parents of Philip Shenassa, Shabbat Talk 12:45 P.M. March 21
David Shenassa, Nazila Rastegar Guest speaker: Shabbat Talk 12:45 P.M.
and Dalia Naim Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso March 22
March 1 B’nei Mitzvah 10:30 A.M.
DIANA DOLGIN Hamantashen Workshop Noon Family Workshop
mother of Neil Dolgin, Kalmon Dolgin, Temple Israel Film Series 7:00 P.M. March 23
and the late Gail Dolgin presents “The Wedding Plan” Gentle Yoga 9:00 P.M.
and Stuart Dolgin March 3 Baby and Me Yoga 10:15 A.M.
and member of Temple Israel Sisterhood Luncheon Noon March 26
March 6 Men’s Club Meeting 7:30 P.M.
Howard Krimko Congregational Dinner 6:30 P.M. March 28
husband of Andrea Krimko March 7 Temple Israel Players 8:30 P.M.
and father of Stuart Krimko Shabbat Talk: 12:45 P.M. present: “Joseph and the
Women in Judaism” Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Adele Zimmerman March 8 March 29
mother of Michael Zimmerman, Waxman Youth House 10:00 A.M. B’nei Mitzvah 10:30 A.M.
Robert Zimmerman and Susan Hirsch Purim Carnival Family Workshop
March 9 Temple Israel Players 2:00 P.M.
Michael Fishman Purim Celebrations 6:15 P.M. Present: “Joseph and the
husband of Marilyn Schneider March 10 Technicolor Dreamcoat”
father of Melanie, Dominick Purim Temple Israel Players 5:00 P.M.
and Brett Schneider March 15 Cast Party
B’nei Mitzvah 10:30 A.M. March 30
ABI KALIMIAN Family Workshop Gentle Yoga 9:00 P.M.
brother of Minu Ohebshalom Baby and Me Yoga 10:15 A.M.
and Elias Kalimian
MILTON ROSEN
husband of Ellen Rosen UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF THE SIDDUR
father of Leslie Levy, David Rosen Led by Rabbi Amy Roth
and Craig Rosen
and member of Temple Israel Wednesdays
February 26
EDWARD GOLDFEDER
husband of Shirley Goldfeder
March 4, 11, 18 & 25
father of Debra Goldfeder Nusbaum April 1 & 22
and Allan, Perry and Samuel Goldfeder 11:00 AM
and member of Temple Israel
MOUSSA DAYAN
father of Marjan Taied Together we will navigate the siddur (prayer book),
figure out its geography, the details and themes of our
ASHRAF KAHEN prayers, while practicing Hebrew reading and identifying
root words and concepts.
mother of Robert Kahen, Roya Delshad,
Nazy Cohen, and Romina Pour We will also learn the choreography of the service and
gain a familiarity with the siddur that we use here at
Temple Israel.
May their memories be for a blessing.
3
B’nai/B’not Mitzvah In A B’nai/B’not Mitzvah for the Grown Ups!
Our Temple Israel Family
Elizabeth Matalon
Elizabeth Matalon will be celebrating her Bat
Mitzvah on February 29. She is the daughter
of Natali and David Matalon and has two A new class of congregants celebrated their adult B’nai Mitzvah at Temple Israel
sisters, Jacqueline, 11, and Danielle, 3, last month, culminating 18 months of intense study of Hebrew reading, ritual
and a brother, Solomon, 9. Elizabeth is a chanting and Jewish texts. Mahvash Abitbol, David Eshaghoff, Nahid Mashihi, and
seventh grade honor student at Great Neck Nellie Mizrachi were called to the Torah on January 25. They were taught by Rabbis
North Middle School. She performs with Vav 6th Grade
Howard Stecker and Daniel Schweber, Cantor Raphael Frieder, and Rahel Musleah.
Vav 6th Family
Grade Retreat
the Temple Israel Players and enjoys playing
tennis. Elizabeth’s Bat Mitzvah project
involved stroke awareness. She currently
Family Retreat
attends the Waxman High School.
May 15Ͳ17, 2020
Family Bonding!
Join fellow 6th Grade Families
Mazal Tov To... (including siblings of all ages)
for group bonding, great food, • Camp Fire with
• Elissa and Dr. Joel Schiff on the birth along with the great outdoors - Smores and
of their granddaughter, Olivia Jade Schiff. all in the serenity of the camp • “Sing - Along”
• Alise Kreditor and Jeffrey experience! Sports and
Relaxation!
•
Englander on the birth of their
• Outdoor Activities
grandson, Lorenzo Cole Davis.
• Helene Schachter on the birth of her • Stargazing
twin great-grandsons, Damian Shay
Under two hours away!
• Joyous Shabbat
and Gavin Noah Lozada and her great- • Celebration
granddaughter, Ella Stagliano. • Outdoor Amidah
• Linda and Brent Greenspan on the
• Child Care if needed
engagement of their daughter, Amanda,
to Matthew Ackerman.
• Vivian and Yuval Brash on the
engagement of their son, Andrew, to
Samantha Netkin.
• Sarah and Bruce Rothstein on Location: Camp Ramah in the Berkshires
the birth of their grandson, Jay Darius www.ramahberkshires.org
Wingdale, New York
Riesenberg.
• Mitra Mirjani on the engagement of Accommodations: Private Rooms with Private
Bathrooms for Each Family, in the
her son, David, to Shereen Rashidi. Camp’s “Guest Accommodations”
• Laurie and Van Frankel on the Cost for 2 Nights: $195/Adult
engagement of their son, Daniel to $140/Child (5-13 year olds)
Free for children under 5
Nicole Adhami.
• Mitra Mirjani on the engagement of
her daughter, Nicole, to Daniel Frankel.
• Farnaz and Shahram Delafraz on SPACE IS LIMITED!
*Space is limited!Reserve
Reserveyour
your spot nolater
spot no laterthan
than March
March 27th!
27th!
the marriage of their daughter, Shauna, Call 482-7800 or Email
(516) 482-7800 ktanenbaum@tign.org
KTanenbaum@tign.org
to Daniel Gabay. Organized
Organized andand
Run Byby:
run Rabbi Amy
Rabbi RothRoth
and &Avi
AviSiegel
Siegel
4
Waxman Youth House Brings Generations Together
Through Midnight Run to Help New York’s Homeless
by Marc Katz, Editor
Midnight Run—one of the long running pillar chesed projects
of Temple Israel’s Waxman Youth House—brings together
children, teens, parents, and grandparents in service to
“make the world a better place.” They organize clothing,
prepare meals and create hygiene kits to take with them as
they set out to better understand the homeless population of
New York City.
More than 35 participants formed a caravan in eight cars,
making three midtown stops to distribute coats, hats, gloves,
scarves, sweaters, sweatshirts, shoes and boots, socks,
blankets, and toiletries they had collected for the upcoming
winter. In addition, they gave out meal kits, coffee, tea, hot
chocolate, hot soup, and water bottles.
“The engagement connects people on a humane level
which fosters trust, sharing, understanding and affection,”
said Waxman Youth House Director Avi Siegel. “It is a real
human exchange, not just an exchange of goods.”
In advance of the trip to New York, Mr. Siegel talks with
the teen participants to discuss what they might see
and encounter. “We talk about what people could be
going through and what privilege we hold when meeting
them, which play into how they might receive us and
react,” he said, “I also share stories of past Midnight Run
trips. It is amazing the legacy that this has created and
how it has the real power to change the lives of people.”
This year Midnight Run welcomed former Youth House
members Zach Leventhal and Eric Delafraz to join them,
along with their colleagues at the Donation Initiative.
This brought another layer of connection to both the
community and Youth House members.
Midnight Run also brings families together, with some
spanning three generations. Teens who participated include
Alexandra Ahdoot, Juliette Ahdoot, Noah Ahdoot, Jared
Astrof, Zach Astrof, Ethan Bloom, Matthew Bloom, Alexis
Dorf, Joey Eshaghoff, Sophia Gal, Sophia Hendizadeh,
Mikayla Hendizadeh, Julia Hyman, Margalit Jacobi, Gabby
Kashani, Jared Kimiabakhsh, Zak Kimiabakhsh, Chloe
Mizrahi, Aaron Ohebshalom, Josh Ohebshalom, Maya
Ohebshalom, Amanda Putter, Amanda Roth, Garrett
Roth, Amanda Volk, Liam Weinberger, Julia Weinreich, Elie
Weitzman, Sigal Weitzman, and Eric Yachbes.
Supplies were packed by the Astrof, Bloom, Gal, Delafraz,
Doustan, Ohebshalom, Volk, and Weitzman families.
“At the end of the night we held a meeting in the heart of
Times Square to discuss what we just experienced,” Mr.
—Continued on page 11
5
Temple Lites...
• Rabbi Myron Fenster and his wife,
Ricki, will receive the Keter Shem Tov
award from the Schechter School of
Long Island at their annual gala, to be
held on March 19. For further information
MONDAY, MARCH 9 about the event call 935-1441.
Purim Pre-School & Kindergarten Service Candle Lighting Times
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Friday, February 21
A service will be held for Pre-Schoolers, Kindergartners and
their families in the Crystal Ballroom led by Morah Mojdeh 5:17 P.M.
and Morah Yve. There will be singing and stories followed
by refreshments.
Friday, February 28
5:25 P.M.
Communal Megillah Reading Friday, March 6
7:00 PM 5:33 P.M.
There will be a Megillah Reading in the Sanctuary led by
Daily Minyan Times
Rabbi Stecker and Rabbi Schweber, which will include
participation by students of the Waxman Youth House, a
sing-a-long, a video presentation, costume parade for
children and costume contest for adults. Friday, February 21 & 28
7:00 A.M. 5:30 P.M.
Minhah, Ma’ariv & the Whole Megillah
Friday, March 6
6:15 PM
Minhah, Ma’ariv and a Full Megillah Reading will be 7:00 A.M. 5:45 P.M.
held in the Blue Room. Cantor Frieder will lead the service, Sunday
with participation of students from the Waxman Youth House.
8:15 A.M. 8:00 P.M.
Following the Blue Room and Sanctuary services, there will be refreshments and music. Monday, February 24 & March 2
6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Monday, March 9
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 6:45 A.M. 6:15 P.M.
Purim Carnival for children led by
Waxman Youth House teens.
Tuesday, March 3
Join us for fun, games and karaoke. and Wednesday, March 4 & 11
7:00 A.M. 8:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 Tuesday, February 25
6:30 AM & Wednesday, February 26
Morning Service &
Full Megillah Reading in the Chapel. 6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M.
Tuesday, March 10 (Purim)
Adult Purim Party 6:30 A.M.
Thursday
8:00 P.M.
6:45 A.M. 8:00 P.M.
A Congregation Says Thanks
To Recent Kiddush Sponsors
NIGHT Appreciation is expressed by the
Temple officers and Board of Trustees
Saturday, March 7 8:00 PM to members who have sponsored the
Sabbath kiddush.
Hosted by Rob Panzer & Leon Silverberg
A contribution towards the kiddush
on November 2 was made by Joni
and Peter Scheidt in honor of the Bar
Mitzvah of their son, Noah.
The congregational kiddush on
November 9 was sponsored by
Sharona and Alan Lipp in honor of the
Bar Mitzvah of their son, Zachary. A
contribution towards the kiddush was
made by Roberta and Eric Delson
in honor of the Auf Ruf of their son,
William, and Lisa Levy.
6
A Temple Israel Scrapbook
Rabbi Roth Receives Honorary
Doctor of Divinity Degree From
Jewish Theological Seminary
T emple Israel Director of Congregational Schools Rabbi
Amy Roth was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of
Divinity degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary, above,
from Seminary Chancellor Arnold Eisen, left.
Below, celebrating with the new “rabbi-doctor” are members
of her extended family, including her husband, Rabbi Noam
H
Marans, fo her right, and their parents, seated.
anukkah at Temple Israel was celebrated
in grand style at a party in the Crystal
Ballroom led by Rabbi Daniel Schweber.
It featured the lighting of menorahs, top,
lots of dancing, singing, and—of course—
mounds of latkes!
7
Temple Israel Players Performing ‘Joseph’ Weekend of March 28-29
—Continued from front page and Van Frankel will perform with his son, Dan. Working
challenge. Joseph is an operetta, a type of musical which we backstage will be Alex Schoen and his daughter, Nancy.
have never done before. We are also singing in multiple-part
harmonies throughout the entire show, which has been fun Musical Director Chris McKee leads the orchestra, which
to learn, expands our abilities and will be a real treat for the includes Sharon Bernstein, Barbara Dicker, Dan Dicker,
audience.” Laura Ferrandina, Alicia Lev, Connor Martin, Teddy Motz, and
Deanna Stecker.
The cast includes George Abrahams, Robert Aizer, Amy
Cantos, Shoshana Cellers, Harold Citron, Mark Cwern, Amy The set production manager is Alex Schoen. The set/
David, Daniel Frankel, Van Frankel, Edith Goody, Jon Kaiman, backstage crew includes Robert Lopatkin, Gary Cellers, Lisa
Kim Kaiman, Jennifer Khoda, Ron Klempner, Kenneth M. Mattaway, Gary Noren, Nancy Schoen, and Steve Tasch.
Leff, Nelly Mizrahi, Toby Nemiroff, Rob Panzer, Ofra Panzer,
Mark Putter, Lillian Rokhsar-Cohen, Diana Stein-Smolen, and Tickets for the show range from $20-$50 for the Saturday
Debbie Volk. performance, which begins at 8:30 P.M. Tickets purchased at
the $36 and $50 tier on Saturday include a dessert reception
Children and teens in the show are Isaac Bakhchi, David with the cast following the show. Tickets to the Sunday show
Goldberg, Jacob Goldstein, Phoebe Hoffman, Iyana Kaiman, at 2 P.M. are priced at $10-$36. Children 12 and younger will
Lily Kase, Shira Khoda, Elizabeth Matalon, Amanda Putter, be admitted at half price for most seatings during the Sunday
Amanda Volk, and Melanie Weinreich. The cast, which show. Tickets can be purchased from the Temple Israel Box
considers itself one big family, also features many real family Office by calling Kathy at 482-7800 or by visiting the all new
combos: Kim and Jon Kaiman will be performing with online ticketing site, templeisraelplayers.tix.com.
their daughter, Iyana; Debbie Volk will be on stage with her
daughter, Amanda; Mark Putter will be joined by his daughter, Why come to the show? Stage Director Conley simply said:
Amanda; Jennifer Khoda will be with her daughter, Shira; “because it will be the best two hours of your week!”
Guest Column: Planning a Temple Israel Bar or Bat Mitzvah
—Continued from page 2 About three months before the ceremony, with either Rabbi
chairperson assigns the dates, in consultation with the rabbis, Schweber or Avi Siegel, students begin preparing their D’var
cantor, and the director of congregational schools. Every effort Torah, a short speech in which he or she will tell the lessons of
is made to schedule a Bar and Bat Mitzvah on or very near their Torah portion. Parents are encouraged to participate, but
your child’s 13th birthday, according to the Hebrew Calendar. the work should reflect the student’s own thinking and ideas.
The B’nei Mitzvah Program Parent’s Handbook is handed Information relating to the ceremony including a Voice article
out at the orientation. It serves as an easy-to-read guide, and photograph, scheduling photography in the Sanctuary, final
detailing the entire program, from obtaining the Bar or rehearsal with the Cantor, meeting with Rabbi Stecker, aliyot
Bat Mitzvah date through the ceremony. Included in the (honors), kippot, flowers, and kiddush may all be obtained from
handbook are summaries of the various B’nei Mitzvah the synagogue office. Executive Director Jamey Kohn and his
programs of study: trope classes, family workshops, tefillah staff work very hard in helping families prepare for their child’s
sessions, and the Tefillah Enrichment Program. These Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Please feel free to contact me with any
programs are designed to help prepare the students before questions or issues you may have through the synagogue office.
they start their individual training and to continue to develop
the children’s language and Bible knowledge. During the vav As you can see, the B’nei Mitzvah Program at our synagogue is
year, students also engage in mitzvah and tzedakah projects, quite comprehensive and is taken very seriously. Many people
paving the way for them to be committed to a lifetime of are involved in making the experience educational as well as
gemilut hasadim (deeds of loving kindness). rewarding for our children and their families. Personally, I would
like to sincerely thank our clergy, educators, administrators, and
About eight months before the ceremony students begin our Board of Trustees for their continually strongly support of this
being tutored by one of our instructors, learning the Hebrew program. And, I also want to sincerely thank our maintenance
chanting of their Haftorah, the Blessings, and the Maftir. staff for the wonderful job they do in preparing the Shabbat
The synagogue encourages students to learn to read as kiddush, during which our congregation has the opportunity to
much Torah as they are capable of reading. If any family celebrate with our Bar/Bat Mitzvah and his or her family.
members would like to participate in the service by reading
from the Torah, they may contact the Cantor. Students who For those who will be having this experience, I want to
participate in the Tefillah Enrichment Program will be offered wish you a mazel tov on your forthcoming simcha. We are
the opportunity to lead the Kabbalat Shabbat Service on the delighted to share with you the excitement of your child
Friday night preceding their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. attaining the status of Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
8
From Generation to Generation
Temple Israel Gratefully Acknowledges The Following Contributions
TEMPLE ISRAEL FUND Rhea Poserow RABBI STECKER’S DAILY MINYAN FUND
In honor of: Sam Poserow DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of:
The marriage of Alizah Harriet Becker In appreciation of: The birth of their first
Scherr, daughter of Suanne Aaron Schwartz Rabbi Stecker’s support in granddaughter, Ileana Zahav
and Dave Scherr, to Greg Lewis Schwartz connection with the passing Talavera
Demczak Lee Mestel of David Klinger Janet Esagoff Goldfarb
Joyce and Burton Beth Schwartz The Klinger family and Zachary Goldfarb
Weston Beatrice Feder Simhat Torah honorees
Jane Dellsy ABRAHAM ROSENFELD Ronnie and Marc Katz,
IIn appreciation of: Sydney Benamy Shalita MEMORIAL FUND Parvaneh and Parviz
Howard Spun, Robert Gloria Markfield In memory of: Khodadadian and Ofra
Lopatkin and Seth Horowitz Joseph Katz Madlen Kimiabakhsh and Rob Panzer
for leading the shiva minyan Vivian Brash Roberta and David Kate and Keith Sazer
The Klinger family Roslyn Lynn Harounian Alise Kreditor and
AG Media Solutions, Inc.’s Leslie Giglio Jeffrey Englander
filming of Fanny Narotzky’s Albert Hirsh ISRAEL SOLIDARITY FUND Ed Goldfeder’s 92nd
Shoah Remembrance talk Jerry Hirsh In memory of: birthday
Fanny and Al Narotzky Joe Tune Isaac Taitz Renita Horowitz
Marilyn Gessin Rosalind Silk Marilyn Torodash and
In memory of: Esther Adler Leon Flax
Isaac Taitz Clara Adler WAXMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Gloria and Leo Slawin Jeffrey White AND YOUTH HOUSE FUND In memory of:
Brenda and Lance Nanci Roth In honor of: Meyer Hammer
Greiff and family Rebecca Jungreis Alexis Dorf, daughter Pearl Hammer Hymes
Simmy-Lou and Bob Jacob Jungreis of Andrew and Amy Dorf, Walter Hodes
Atkins Sara Weiner becoming a Bat Mitzvah Pearl Hammer Hymes
Mickey and Allan Maurice Goldberg Ed Goldfeder’s 92nd and Debbie Hodes
Greenblatt Rabbi Geoffrey birthday Prevor
Liz and Eric Alderman Goldberg The birth of Miles Henry Esther Mandel
and family Judith Greenstein Katz, grandson of Ronnie David Mandel
Ann Bernstein Lou Becker and Marc Katz Isaac Taitz
Harriet Lubin Robert Rutkin-Becker The engagement of Jacob Fanny and Alfie
Beatrice Bloom Mendel Green Englander, son of Alise Narotzky
Beverly Horowitz Gloria Nachmanoff Kreditor and Jeffrey Linda and Bill
Moosa Neydavood Alois Stark Englander, to Alexandra Ackerman
Maneijeh Gabbay Garry Stark Tawfik Paul Liebowitz
Belle Arkin Bertha Kopelowitz Levy The birth of Brody Max Carol and Arthur
Andrea Bloomfield Natie Kopelowitz Kestenbaum, grandson Anderman
Shaul Marcus Ida Sharkey of Elise and Richard Ruthe and Ronald
Jack Mellin Burton Weston Kestenbaum Golden
Yuri and Segal Moshell Jennie Leibowitz Parvaneh and Parviz Brenda and Natie
Harold Denner Annette Nager Khodadadian Kopelowitz
Sharon Horowitz Hanni Rosenbaum Madelaine Senter
Eric Zielenziger Susan Mayer In memory of: and Mitchell Koeppel
David Zielenziger Daniel L. Lieberfarb Madlen Kimiabakhsh Pamela and Ben
Alfred Davis Warren Lieberfarb Jackie Einstein Astrof Boal
Fay Zelin and Josh Astrof
Helen Davis Contribution:
Alvin Harris Martin Edelstein PRAYER BOOK FUND MUSEUM FUND
Maryann Harris In memory of: In memory of:
Joe Paul Schindler SAMUEL BARON MEMORIAL Irving Block Gertrude Gross
Deborah Schindler MUSIC FUND Charles Gingold Elise Tepper
Herbert Rieders In memory of: Joseph R. Block Greta Melnick
Susan Kahn Beatrice Herskovitz Laurie Frankel Edward Melnick
Arnold Schussheim Marlene Kreditor Nadine Feingold
Joan Schussheim JEAN WALTON
David H. Cohen SHALOM CLUB SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Sally Cohen LIBRARY SHELF FUND In memory of: LIBRARY FUND
Harold Adler In memory of: Harry Wolsky In memory of:
Stacee Jayne Meyer Kobliner Janice Genser Irwin Rudich
Bernstein Harold Kobliner Susan Tomback Rose Rudich
9
PLEASE JOIN US FOR D’var Torah
—Continued from back page
to remain there for 40 days and nights for the purpose of writing
down the specific details. Thus, the freedom gained at the
Exodus has now been confirmed and institutionalized in law. The
next step will be to create a physical institution that will serve as
the embodiment and reminder of the experience at Sinai.
Terumah Saturday, February 29
We find a description of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary
with Rabbi Schweber which was built in the wilderness to house the ark with the
tablets of the Ten Commandments in this portion. The purpose
of the Mishkan was to serve as a sign that God dwelt among
Wednesday, February 26 His people. Moses is directed to gather from the Israelites a
7:15 pm free will offering of all manner of precious metals, jewels, fine
wood, fine materials, and spices to use in constructing the
Crawford’s Coffee Café Mishkan and its appurtenances. Specific instructions are then
2 S. Station Plaza, Great Neck given for building the furnishings of the Mishkan and the special
tent that housed them. The Mishkan, as a whole, was meant
An opportunity to reflect on current events to be a symbol, a portable Sinai, reminding the Israelites on
with a Jewish lens and connect with others in their journey through the wilderness of their unique experience
fellowship, all over a cup of coffee. at the mountain. The Mishkan evolved by way of the Temple in
Jerusalem into the synagogue, but the purpose remained the
*No charge for the event. same. To this day, whenever we open the ark and look upon
Attendees may purchase what they wish. the Torah scrolls, we stand again at Sinai.
Tetzavveh Saturday, March 7
In this portion we move from instructions for the creation of
From the President:
the physical Mishkan to details concerning the officiants. At
the outset, Moses is directed to see to it that a light is kept
Conservative Judaism burning in the Mishkan, a task that is to be performed by
priests. He is then directed to appoint Aaron and his sons
—Continued from page 2 to the priestly office. There follows a detailed description of
unfortunate tendency in American culture to demonize those not the vestments of the High Priest and the ordinary priests.
like us or who think or worship differently. The argument was Finally, the rituals of installation for the priests are laid out.
made—I think meaningfully—that as Conservative Jews we need The Mishkan, as sacred space, is differentiated from profane
to work to preserve the counter-cultural aspects of our faith. space by its design. In like manner, its officiants are to be
distinguishable from the laity by their attire and insignia of
Another thought provoking discussion was what our purpose office. In particular, the High Priest is to wear vestments
is as a movement and Conservative community? Who would which symbolize his role as representative of the entire
miss us if we were gone, who do we want to serve and community before God. The High Priest, who presided over
what is the measure of our success? Obviously, none of sacrificial rites, evolved into the prayer leader of today’s
these have easy answers. Perhaps it is our urgent need to synagogue. That individual is still designated as the shaliach
preserve faith and spirituality in a modern changing world, the tzibur, the representative of the congregation.
importance of providing a community for people to remain
connected, a platform to advocate for change as social Sabbath Services
norms evolve, while at the same time affording a set of legal —Continued from back page
and philosophical precepts to live a rich and meaningful life.
Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M.
Toddler Service 11:00 A.M.
The most important takeaway, however, is that the movement
Shabbat Talk 12:45 P.M.
is alive, thriving, and willing to work through its challenges.
Featuring Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu
The best evidence was the 1,200 committed folks attending
the Conference, who are representative of the thousands
Afternoon Service 5:15 P.M.
who populate our synagogues across the country and live
Se’udah Shelishit 5:45 P.M.
the counter-cultural ways advocated by Conservative Jewry.
Evening Service 6:18 P.M.
It is evidenced by the committed youth who populate our
Havdalah 6:34 P.M.
camps, USYs and Hillels. It is evidenced by our rabbis and
Religious School Pajama Havdalah Movie Night 6:45 P.M.
professional leaders who breathe life into our religion and
Waxman High School and Youth House Party 10:00 P.M.
institutions every day. We are blessed.
10From the Rabbi: Difficult Conversations
—Continued from page 2 The essential message of the book is that we need to prepare
The third dynamic has to do with our sense of identity, ourselves before we start, or continue, difficult conversations. We
how we each perceive ourselves. “I see myself as a strong prepare ourselves through self-reflection, by asking ourselves
supporter and protector.” “You see yourself as kindhearted probing questions. What feelings in me are aroused by this
and well-meaning.” conversation? What does this conversation suggest about my identity,
about how I perceive myself? Sometimes we need to go deeper than
The problem is that often when we have difficult the obvious feelings like anger and frustration to recognize that we are
conversations with one another, most of what’s really also feeling sadness or regret. Sometimes the conversation threatens
going on remains hidden beneath the surface. We don’t the way we perceive ourselves. We think of ourselves as generous
often reveal our feelings to one another during difficult and the conversation makes us feel selfish. We think of ourselves as
conversations and we often aren’t even aware of the aspects strong and the conversation makes us feel helpless.
of the conversations that touch on our identities.
When our ancestor Jacob was about to meet up with his
brother, Esau, 20-years after they parted on bad terms, he
Midnight Run Bringing Chesed wrestled all night with a mysterious individual. Commentators
disagree regarding who this individual was. Was he Jacob’s
To New York City’s Homeless guardian angel sent to strengthen him? Esau’s guardian
—Continued from page 5 angel sent to weaken him? Some other figure?
Siegel said. “Standing in the middle of one of the most
electrifying places in the world, surrounded by scores of In keeping with the insights of numerous ancient and modern
tourists and well-off shoppers, it is easy to overlook the scholars, I maintain that Jacob’s iconic nightlong encounter
people sleeping on cardboard boxes and under awnings.” can be viewed as a manifestation of his internal struggle.
Before he meets his brother, he needs to have a clearer sense
One first-time participant said: “I never realized that homeless of himself. What is he feeling? Who is he meant to be in the
people are just like us. They just experienced some bad world? What steps and missteps has he taken? Ultimately, Jacob
breaks. I am fortunate that I don’t need help like this, and is pleasantly surprised by the encounter he has with Esau.
even luckier that I can help someone who does.”
Before we begin, or continue, a difficult conversation with
Another teen called the Midnight Run “a no-brainer. All I am someone else, we might want to consider having a difficult
giving up is three hours of my life that I would not be using conversation with ourselves. As we ultimately proceed to
productively. What are the homeless getting from us? Things speak with the other person, we will hopefully discover, as
that will change their lives for the better.” Jacob did, that we are pleasantly surprised with the results.
Bar & Bat Mitzvah
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11Temple of
Temple Israel Israel of Great
Great Neck Where
Neck Wheretradition meets change
tradition meets change
Periodicals
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D’var Torah at
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by Rabbi Marim D. Charry
Mishpatim Saturday,
Saturday, January22
February 13
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 TEMPLE ISRAEL STAFF
source of these rules is divine. The Temple Israel of Great Neck
Howard Stecker, Senior Rabbi
legal material set forth here is not a
code in the strict sense, since there
Voice
Marc Katz, Editor
Raphael Frieder, Cantor
Daniel Schweber, Associate Rabbi
Mordecai Waxman*, Rabbi Emeritus
are significant subjects not touched Associate Editors:
Jamey Kohn, Executive Director
Rabbi Amy Roth, Director of Congregational Schools
upon. (These subjects are, however, Paula Charry, Angela Jones, Ronnie Katz,
Rachel Mathless, Director, Beth HaGan
Marion Stein, Rabbi Daniel Schweber
dealt with elsewhere in the Torah.) On Photographers:
Avi Siegel, Director, Waxman High School
the other hand, the material does make Robert Lopatkin, Ofra Panzer
clear that God’s demands of His people OFFICERS
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF GREAT NECK Burton Weston, President
cover matters of conscience as well 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 Adam Covitt, Vice President
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control. The portion concludes with Temple Israel Voice (USPS # 078-740) is published monthly by Brent Greenspan, Vice President
Temple Israel of Great Neck at 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck,
an account of the ratification of the NY 11023. Periodicals postage paid at Great Neck, NY 11021. Samuel Husney, Vice President
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covenant, and Moses ascends Mt. Sinai Postmaster: Send address changes to:
Lynn Weitzman, Vice President
Temple Israel Voice, 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023
—Continued on page 10 Subscription $5.00 per annum Irving H. Lurie*, Honorary President
*Deceased
Shabbat Services
Friday, February 21 Friday, February 28 Afternoon Service 5:05 P.M.
Evening Service 5:30 P.M. Evening Service 5:30 P.M. Se’udah Shelishit 5:35 P.M.
Evening Service 6:10 P.M.
Saturday, February 22 Saturday, February 29 Havdalah 6:26 P.M.
Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M. Shaharit Morning Service 8:45 A.M.
First Mourners’ Kaddish 9:25 A.M. First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M. Friday, March 6
Evening Service 5:45 P.M.
Weekly Portion: Mishpatim Weekly Portion: Terumah Congregational Dinner 6:30 P.M.
Exodus 21:1–24:18; 30:11-16 Exodus 25:1–27:19
Haftarah: II Kings 12:1–17 Haftarah: I Kings 5:26–6:13 Saturday, March 7
Shaharit Morning Service/ 8:45 A.M.
Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters: Women in Judaism Shabbat
Lynn Weitzman, Brent Greenspan, Lisa Goodwin, Barbara Levy, Featuring Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu
Neal Picker, Deanna Stecker, and Joyce Weston, Diana Stein-Smolen, First Mourner’s Kaddish 9:25 A.M.
Ellen Birnbaum and Jeffrey Fleit
Weekly Portion: Tetzaveh
Havurah Service 10:00 A.M. Bat Mitzvah: Exodus 27:20–30:10;
Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Elizabeth Matalon Deuteronomy 25:17 - 19
Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. daughter of Natali and David Matalon Haftarah: I Samuel 15:2 – 34
Afternoon Service 4:55 P.M. Junior Congregation 10:30 A.M. Sabbath Service Officers and Greeters:
Se’udah Shelishit 5:25 P.M. Toddler Service 11:00 A.M. Andy Katz, Neda Sedgh, Gail Zahler,
Evening Service 6:02 P.M. Shabbat Talk 12:45 P.M. Seth Horowitz, and Ellen Birnbaum
Havdalah 6:18 P.M. Featuring Assemblyman
Anthony D’Urso
—Continued on page 10
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