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 [...]
Thank you for supporting our Toy Drive. Your generosity brings so much joy and peace to families in our community this Christmas. Because of you, children will have beautiful gifts to unwrap this holiday season. We are so grateful.
Recently, I received a number of phone calls and email messages wanting to know the status of our shul, given the challenges to our leadership and disruptions within the shul family. All inquiries that were presented with thoughtfulness and insight were considered carefully, others dismissed. As president, I brought congregant concerns to the Board of Directors and to the Ritual Committee. Following protracted discussions, a letter was prepared and emailed on December 11 to all [...]
On Friday, Jan. 2, the Shabbat service will begin at 7 p.m., a half-hour earlier than usual, to allow for the reading of a one-act comedy titled “I’ve Got This,” written by Chuck Simon, immediately following the service. In the starring roles — our own shul members and guest actors. Enjoy the play, the Oneg Shabbat, fun for all, many laughs, good food, and good company. I’ve Got This by Chuck Simon Friday, Jan [...]
A new session of Strength Trifecta Begins Monday, January 5 and ends Thursday, February 26 Classes are at 5:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday at the synagogue except Jan 19, Feb 16 and Feb 19, when there is no class. 13 classes for $130, cash or a check made out to Laura Short due the first night of class. Equipment required: three pairs of dumbbells 8lbs-5lbs-2lbs OR 7lbs-5lbs-3lbs A Mat and a water bottle Use a carry-on bag with [...]
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 [...]
As we reflect on the past year and look to the coming year, we acknowledge this is a time for renewal and commitment to our community and to our traditions. As our New Year 5786 develops, let’s build a stronger tomorrow together. This is also a time to remember our shared responsibilities to our shul community. Your presence at services and programs and simchas helps to sustain our sacred community. Your gift now will ensure [...]
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 [...]
Inspired by history and a trove of love letters, The Rabbi’s Suitcase, by Robert Kehlmann, recounts how, in the early 1880s, a battered steamship, overcrowded with Orthodox Jewish travelers makes a treacherous journey from Lithuania to Jerusalem. On board, a 12-year-old mystic named Yosef is entranced with wild-haired Chana. Their story is told against a backdrop of Ottoman rule, the privations of WWI, and British Mandate uprisings. The Book Circle meets monthly to discuss [...]
Art historian and writer Joyce Beckenstein headed the program at the shul on Sunday, Nov. 9, when an overflow crowd of about 75 artists, collectors and patrons gathered in the community room for brunch and an Art Talk with the intriguing title — “What Makes A Work Of Art Work?” With a curated slide show, moving from the classics forward, the speaker showed how we can look at a work of art, but not truly [...]
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