With the selection of Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, and in light of the film “Conclave,” which I happened to watch by chance on a flight back from Florida, I’ve been reflecting on the difference between perception and reality in religious institutions. The film was hard to watch. According to friends in the clergy, Hollywood took too many liberties and included a number of inaccuracies. But the hardest concept to explain to secular audiences, and even [...]
Two years ago, I was nominated and elected president of our shul — again, having served in the position about 15-or-so years earlier. Friends from my other lives around the country responded to the news with condolences, commiserations, and various forms of body language to suggest tough luck, misfortune and mercy. They would be so wrong. Oh, of course I understood that, like life itself, the administration of a synagogue could be messy from time [...]
Dear Friend of Congregation Tifereth Israel, We are publishing our Virtual/Online Journal, once again, this year and hope that you will choose to advertise in it. Whether this may be your first time advertising with us or if you have participated in the past, it is an excellent marketing opportunity along with a way to support the work we do supporting our local community. Our Virtual Journal is live online 24/7/365, which is seen locally [...]
The Yellow Candle Project is a moving tribute to the six million. Each participating family will receive a yellow candle to be lighted at home, when all will join together on Zoom to share this solemn experience. Attached to each candle is the name of a child who died in the Holocaust. Please remember this child in your prayers. Your yellow candle’s flame can serve as a moving reminder of the evil effects of hatered [...]
Please join the East End Jewish Community Council (EEJCC) and march in the Israel Day Parade in New York City Sunday, May 18, 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM Participation is free.
Veronica Kaliski, chair of the shul’s Tikkun Olam Group, told The Shofar that the annual donation of funds to provide chickens to CAST clients took place this year in time for Easter. In acknowledging the $300 contribution, Sarina Harley, CAST’s interim food relief program manager, thanked the group and the shul for generosity in time for Easter. “We are elated to have so much chicken to distribute to the CAST clients,” she wrote. “Chicken [...]
The following letter to the editors was sent to the members of GEM (Greenport Ecumenical Ministries), and is reprinted here, with permission: Dear GEMs, On behalf of Congregation Tifereth Israel and myself, I extend our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic brothers and sisters on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. His papacy has accompanied me through most of my rabbinic journey, and when I think of the role of the pope through a [...]
The period between Purim and Passover, two festivals that are deeply intertwined, is a journey of connection to our innermost identity. Both tell stories of danger, courage, and redemption. On Purim, we wear masks; on Passover, we remove them. We deflate not only our bread but our egos. We strip away the disguises we wear in exile. Between the two holidays, I’ve been immersed in reading Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove’s recent and compelling book, For Such a Time as [...]
From the north-facing windows of my apartment here at Peconic Landing, I look out at the daffodils that have pushed up through brown earth — earth still frozen hard from a cold winter inserting itself into spring with arduous reluctance to let go. Has it been ever thus, or am I just feeling the chill so much more this year? And yet, there they are — persistent, determined little bunches that add a burst of [...]
Please join us for a special hybrid service to usher in the Passover holiday. Sunday morning, April 13, at 9:30. Those registered for the Passover Seder at our shul will gather Sunday evening at 6 p.m. in the community room. Zissen Pesach to all.
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