Last fall, our shul became aware of a program offered by the Anti-Defamation League to help synagogues combat antisemitism. We applied and were accepted into the 5786/2026 Cohort. This program, called Kulanu (meaning “all of us”), is a new congregational engagement program from ADL that empowers congregations to address antisemitism and hate in their communities. By taking advantage of webinars and the resources of the Kulanu network, congregations are encouraged to implement initiatives appropriate to [...]

It was snowing all day, and then it wasn’t. But it was cold.   We didn’t care. We gathered in Mitchell Park at 5 p.m., on Dec. 14, and Rabbi Howard Diamond led the prayers before we welcomed Hanukkah by lighting the “candle” on the first of the eight nights of the holiday. An ecumenical spirit filled the park as Christmas lights glowed in the background. Back at the shul, latkes were heating in the [...]

New Vender Joins Gift Shop Artisans Just In Time For The Holiday As the chief buyer for the Gift Shop (actually the single display case in the lobby), I’m always on the lookout for something special to offer our members. With Hanukkah coming, these notecards caught my eye. Hand-drawn and painted by David Tamarkin, an artist I recently discovered at Peconic Landing, I learned that his drawings, with their simple lines and sweet subject [...]

Careful readers of the Page 1 Calendar in this issue will have noticed two unusual entries under the listings for “Guest Rabbis and Shabbat Events.” Shabbat services will adhere to the expected order of prayer with appropriate spiritual teaching. But in addition... On Dec. 6, Rabbi Jaymee Alpert will lead the regular service, then invite participants to the community room to introduce NBS, Neshama Body and Soul, “a workout that combines exercise, Jewish prayer and [...]