Why does that resonate? Let go and let God — what does it even mean? And why does it offer solace and comfort at this time? I first heard that phrase from Rabbi Gadi during a Lunch and Learn about the Covenant of Abraham. As it replays in my head, the phrase becomes more and more relevant as we approach the high holidays. During this time of the great pandemic, when we know and accept [...]
The period of seven weeks, from Tisha B’Av to Rosh Hashanah, is the time allotted to us to rebuild and start anew. This year is different. Even the rock bottom of Tisha B’Av is still wobbling and not stable enough on which to build. Perhaps this is the meaning of the opening of Psalm 24: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that it holds, the world and its inhabitants. For He founded it upon [...]
We’ve all heard of Amazon.com, and probably most of us, at one time or another, have shopped its thousands of products and connected with the conglomerate’s many hundreds of affiliate members. But buried inside all those big numbers is a small idea that can make a difference — yes, a little difference — but remember: Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. Here’s how it works: Congregation Tifereth Israel is now registered as a charity with [...]
Shul members responded generously to the CAST (Community Action Southold Town) request a few months ago for personal items, including infant and child necessities. Many thanks to all who participated. Now, the need is for school supplies, especially backpacks for our local kids. And to fill those backpacks, CAST is suggesting donations of calculators, colored pencils, composition books, crayons, dividers, dry erase markers, erasers, folders, glue/glue sticks, graph paper, highlighters, index cards, loose leaf binders/paper, [...]
When the idea of a virtual journal was first proposed by the shul’s Fundraising Committee, lively debate gave the committee pause. Should we? Shouldn’t we? Would members and friends and our cadre of commercial advertisers support it? The committee needn’t have worried. The 2020 Virtual Journal is a resounding success, as all will see when it is posted online early in August. The Shofar has learned that advertisers were enthusiastic about the benefits package that [...]
Shul members Tom Byrne, Adrianne Greenberg and Veronica Kaliski have been carrying on Sy Brittman’s work at Andrew Levin Park, and the results are stunning, as a meandering stroll through the park will attest. In fact, as we seek out ways to lift our spirits during the Covid crisis, you might consider a visit to the park a mental health break. Now comes this request from the green thumbers: ground cover. Perhaps you have some [...]
The idea for a Lunch and Learn program was an initiative inspired by the shuttering of our synagogue in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The organizers of the program were concerned about helping members maintain a connection to the shul and each other while the doors were locked and everyone was sheltered in place at home. Enter Lunch and Learn. Every Monday, Lunch and Learners zoom in (via Zoom, a videoconferencing antidote to [...]
Shul Member Survives As Others Die Around Him On April 2, shul member Harold Neimark was admitted to Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, critically ill with coronavirus. The Shofar talked with Hal Neimark and Nina Neimark, his wife, about the onset of the disease, his treatment, seemingly miraculous survival, and the after-effects some four months later. Make no mistake, as Hal Neimark’s experience will attest, Covid-19 is not the common cold, and not the flu. [...]
U.S. Congressman John Robert Lewis, died Friday, July 17, after serving 33 years in the House. He was 80 years old. I was privileged to hear him speak, to be forever touched by his towering presence and humility, and to be inspired by his words: “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” On many occasions, he spoke alongside us — community organizers and arts advocates from all [...]
On May 31, the media announced the passing of Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm. Rabbi Lamm was the iconic president of Yeshiva University, beginning in 1976, and he went on to become chancellor in 2003, serving in that capacity for the next 10 years. In an incredible bit of timing, the very next day, on June 1, the Jewish Theological Seminary announced its pick for a new chancellor to succeed Dr. Arnold Eisen, who had served [...]
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