Shul News & Notes

Book Circle Finds Inspiration From A Well-Known Young Adult Book

Tifereth Israel Greenport2026-06-25T13:56:28-04:00June 25th, 2026|

The Book Circle will meet on Thursday, July 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Andrew Levin Park garden at the synagogue, weather permitting. The July selection is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. In this story, it is 1939, Nazi Germany. People disappear. Death is everywhere.

Enter Liesel Meminger, a foster child living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence by stealing something she can’t resist — books. With the help of her foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

This beloved novel illustrates the ability of books to feed the soul, even in the darkest times. For more information about the Book Circle, contact Susan Rosenstreich, coordinator of the group, at ctigreenport@gmail.com/.

Sisterhood And Men’s Club Honor GHS Grads For Community Service

Tifereth Israel Greenport2026-06-25T13:54:38-04:00June 25th, 2026|

Sisterhood President Adrianne Greenberg represented the shul’s women’s group and the Men’s Club on Friday, June 5, at Greenport High School’s Senior Awards Breakfast. The Sisterhood President, in cooperation with the high school’s Guidance Department, selected two graduating seniors for awards for multicultural efforts, community involvement, and improvement.

Kelin Esquite Gatica has excelled academically and contributed meaningfully to the school community. She played an integral role in the schoolwide multicultural celebration, helping to bring together and honor the many cultures represented within the student body. “Her determination and positive spirit make her a wonderful role model, and she has a bright future ahead,” the school said.
“Nicholas Dowling is an impressive and well-rounded young man with a strong passion for both marine biology and music. He excels academically and artistically, demonstrating dedication and talent in each area,” the school said. During his junior year of high school, he attended the prestigious Island School in the Bahamas, an experience that further solidified his passion and career aspirations in Marine biology.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Nicholas is a member of the school’s Honor Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band.

Tikkun Olam Initiative’s Charitable Gardening Overflows

Tifereth Israel Greenport2026-06-25T13:56:52-04:00June 25th, 2026|

The proof is in the photo by Tom Byrne, who documented the overflowing results of the gardening efforts by the Tikkun Olam Initiative, the shul organization that maintains garden beds at Common Ground. All herbs and produce are contributed to the CAST food bank.

Letter from Butterfly Effect Project Founder and Director

Tifereth Israel Greenport2026-06-25T13:57:14-04:00June 25th, 2026|

Dear Members of Congregation Tifereth Israel,

On behalf of the Butterfly Effect Project and our Butterfly Action Group, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Congregation and the synagogue’s Tikkun Olam Initiative for the generous donation in support of our work.

One of the core missions of the BEP is to create courageous conversations that empower young people to think critically, lead compassionately, and move through the world with understanding and respect for the histories, cultural identities and lived experiences of others. We believe deeply in teaching our youth the power of community, respectful dialogue, and the importance of coming together across differences.

Thank you for your belief in the power of young people.

—Tijuana Fulford

Founder & Executive Director