Last month, I mused about how we should draw the line between welcoming strangers into our midst and the need to be safe and secure. But now, as I look around and consider the threatening signs and symbols that appear almost daily, the picture beyond our shul doors appears more ominous. The signs are blatant and unmistakable, although at times they seem so subtle they might be overlooked, ignored. That is, until the news splashes [...]
Vaccination mandates for entering shul effective March 22, 2022 You must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, including the booster shot, by March 22, in order to attend services or programs in the synagogue. At the same time, we continue to have services available on Zoom. Please email proof of your vaccination and booster to ctigreenport@gmail.com. If you have already sent us your vaccination documentation, just update your record with the booster file. In establishing this mandate, [...]
The Shehecheyanu Curtain, a mural art project initiated by the shul’s Judaism and the Arts group, has posted the first group of submissions. The curtain encourages all shul folks and friends to illustrate in painting, photography, poetry, storytelling, quilting, sewing, collage, etc., personal thoughts about the effects of Covid. Creative work was submitted by, from left, Saul Rosenstreich, Susan Bloom, Roberta Garris, Hedy Campeas, Sara Bloom, Susan Rosenstreich, and Cookie Slade. What are your thoughts [...]
The Tikkun Olam Initiative continues its outreach throughout the year. Here are first quarter plans: Due to Covid, the citizenship course scheduled to be held at our shul in January was postponed. The group is hoping to provide the course in the spring. Those starting indoor seedlings now for spring/summer gardens are asked to plant a few extras for CAST clients. Tomatoes are particularly welcome contributions. The group provides directions for plant maintenance in English [...]
It is rooted in our tradition as Jews to argue with God and to argue with each other. We talk about it, and we laugh about it. We see that every page of the Talmud supports dispute and discussion, conflicting points of view that, over time, become the foundation for a greater truth. It is this tradition from which the rules of law are established when it seems apparent that two values or beliefs have [...]
Two days after the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, the congregation conducted a healing service at a nearby church. The place was full. I watched it live. One of the compelling themes offered by Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, spiritual leader of the congregation, was this: “We are not helpless! No one would be saying the Mourner’s Kaddish, thank God, thank God.” There will always be tests, he said, but the answer is always the [...]
Our shul’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club are co-sponsoring the Yellow Candle Project to commemorate Yom HaShoah. Each family in our congregation will receive a yellow candle to light at home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Knowing that Jews worldwide are lighting candles at the same time can be a moving experience of remembrance. The Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Project was initiated in North America in 1980 by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs in cooperation [...]
We are encouraged that the Covid pandemic has lessened. As we reflect on the challenges of the past year, we are reminded of the Shehecheyanu blessing (who has sustained us), the traditional prayer of thanks for bringing us to this moment. In that spirit comes the Shehecheyanu Curtain, a Judaism and the Arts group project to encourage each of us to reflect on our Covid experience and, perhaps, our reordered priorities. All shul members — [...]
As we approach the end of 2021, is it too soon to consider the legacy of Covid? I think not, because when we look back, we can savor our astute flexibility — our creative impulses and speedy responses to the restrictions, isolation and, even now, the lingering fears of Covid. Kol Hakavod. Look at us. Look at who we are, what we have become. We are transformed in so many ways as a synagogue and [...]
Cookie Slade, one of four women leading the shul’s Tikkun Olam group, has been delivering squash from her garden to CAST (Community Action Southold Town) for the organization’s pantry. Depending on how it’s prepared, squash can feed a whole family. Also donated from Cookie’s garden are tomatoes, squash, peppers, and herbs (sage, rosemary, oregano, chives, basil and thyme). The women have planted cool-weather veggies at Common Ground, ready for harvest and delivery in November, including [...]
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