Bigger and better than ever, the Virtual Journal is underway, and you’ll be happy to know that our own Sara Bloom is this year’s honoree. The 2021 installment of the Virtual Journal, a major fundraising undertaking for our shul, represents more than a third of our operating budget, and is expected to top last year’s mega-successful debut. The Virtual Journal invites members, friends and local vendors to celebrate our synagogue’s now 120th year, recognize one among us who has contributed to the betterment of the shul, and produce an all-in-one directory of the businesses and services that enliven commerce here on the North Fork.

The Virtual Journal Committee has set July 15 as the launch date. Many members and local businesses and services already have purchased ads in order to be represented in the journal, a full color publication that is live online 24 hours a day for an entire year, providing enormous reach and visibility for our shul and for each individual message.

Place your ad in the Virtual Journal

Act now to be represented in the Virtual Journal. Keep in mind, our members are key to the success of this fundraiser that supports our shul and the programs that keep us connected, especially during the Covid crisis.

Please complete the ad insertion form emailed with this issue of The Shofar. Send your check as indicated on the form, or pay by credit card: visit www.tiferethisraelgreenport.org, click on the “Journal” tab.

The 2021 honoree

The Virtual Journal Committee has chosen Sara Bloom as the 2021 honoree. Sara is a 21-year member of our shul, who is best known, perhaps, as editor of The Shofar, an award-winning publication she has shepherded every month since November 2009. Rabbis, shul presidents, committee chairs, news writers and contributors have been subject to the exacting standards of Sara’s red editing pen.

When our shul building closed to protect members and visitors from the ravages of the Covid pandemic, Sara worked with Rabbi Gadi on a Lunch and Learn program to keep our membership together while apart. “Zoom at noon” became the byword that has characterized every Monday and Thursday since April 20, 2020 — more than a year ago — when Ron Rothman inaugurated Lunch and Learn with the story of a serendipitous friendship between his grandfather and the renowned mathematician Albert Einstein

Over her tenure at CTI, Sara has served as president, treasurer, recording secretary, and now vice president of our shul. She is also publicist for shul observances and events, and buyer and manager of our Gift Shop. Working with North Fork architect Meryl Kramer, Sara completed the application for our shul’s inclusion on the National and New York State lists of historic places.

In choosing Sara Bloom as the 2021 honoree, shul president Judith Weiner cited her vice president’s wise counsel and follow-through that help turn ideas into programs. “When I refer to my friend Sara as ‘extraordinary,’ she turns as red as her notorious red editing pen,” the president said. “She is truly the ideal choice for this tribute.”

Accepting the honor with appreciation, Sara Bloom thanked the committee for “the opportunity to serve the shul I love with joy and satisfaction.”