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 members, conveying that our shul, I am happy to report, is strong and healthy. For those who may have overlooked the letter, or did not receive it as a member in good standing, I am reprinting it here. I hope this letter will reassure you that our shul is moving forward with energy and enthusiasm, and that all who love this shul will join us as together we embrace new and positive directions.
May you continue to bask in the many joys and blessings of Hanukkah throughout the weeks and months ahead
—Sara Bloom
(December 11 letter reprinted)
Dear members,
Our shul is emerging from a distressing time. But like Jews throughout history, we are strong. We are rooted in spiritual traditions that respect our history, our role in the larger community, and the beliefs and rituals of Conservative Judaism.
Although issues are still to be resolved and anger dispelled, we are reaching for Shalom Bayit. Recognizing the importance of the full participation of our members, we will mend the fractures in our shul community with effective communication. The Board of Directors has empowered an expanded Ritual Committee, comprised of Board and non-Board members, to take decisive steps to meet the spiritual needs of our community. The Committee is also developing new programming and activities to engage our members and enhance the religious components of our shul services and observances.
Of critical importance is to offer a meaningful Shabbat service — a place of peace and spirituality. And we have made good on that promise: Rabbi Debra Cantor, who presided over the largest turnout for High Holiday services in recent memory, has returned several times for Shabbat weekends filled with devotions and learning; Rabbi Kaya Stern-Kaufman showed us the power of calm; Cantor Roseanne Benjamin brought her stirring soprano voice to a Shabbat weekend, and Rabbi Jaymee Alpert showed us that movement can enrich prayer. In addition, we have scheduled Rabbi Howard Diamond, a dear friend of our shul, and Rabbi Eytan Hammerman, a new voice, to join the others throughout December, January and February as a Rabbi Search Committee begins its important work to chart our course for the years ahead.
Activities in our shul abound:
The Art Talk and Brunch on Nov. 9 filled our community room with 70-some members and guests, an extraordinary turnout.
Our Menorah lighting on Dec. 14, led by Rabbi Howard Diamond, will be followed by a Latke-Vodka Party in our community room.
Following the Shabbat service on Jan. 2, we will enjoy a reading of Chuck Simon’s one-act comedy, “I’ve Got This.”
Once again, Rabbi Suzan Lipson will lead a Women’s Tu B’Shevat Seder on Feb. 1.
Our Purim Party in March is already being planned.
We hope all members and friends, who love this shul as we do, will join us for our spiritual, educational and social events and observances. We seek the participation of all our members to maintain an active Conservative Jewish presence here on the North Fork of Long Island, where we are continuing the vision of our founders for this generation of Jews and those that will follow.
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