Shul News & Notes
For Some High Holiday Fun…
As You Seek Enlightenment Through Introspection During The High Holy Days This Year, Consider Also The Wisdom Of The Zen Master
It has been said — by whom is not clear — that Yom Kippur, a time of introspection and reflection, might be a shirttail relative of the ancient beliefs associated with Zen Buddhism which teaches enlightenment through meditation. So on Yom Kippur, as you follow the teachings of the ancient rabbis who ask that you meditate on your conduct during the past year, you might also seek enlightenment from the wisdom of the “Jewish Zen master,” who asks that you let your mind be as a floating cloud, your stillness be as the wooded glen — and that you sit up straight; you’ll never meet the Buddha with round shoulders. Consider also the following:
• Accept misfortune as a blessing. Do not wish for perfect health or a life without problems. What would you talk about?
• The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single “Oy.”
• Be aware of your body. Be aware of your perceptions. Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness.
• Drink tea and nourish life. With the first sip, joy; with the second, satisfaction; with the third, peace; with the fourth, a danish.
• Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster.
• Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkes.
• And finally, remember this: The Tao does not speak. The Tao does not blame. The Tao does not take sides. The Tao has no expectations. The Tao demands nothing of others. The Tao is not Jewish.
Book Circle Chooses Portrait Of Father-Son Relationship In Palestine
The Book Circle will meet on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. in Andrew Levin Park to explore a father-son relationship as each looks differently at the battle for human rights in Palestine. In his personal memoir, We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I, Raja Shehadeh reveals the complexities of their relationship. It is, in essence, not only the story of the battle against various oppressors in the region, but also a moving portrait of a particular father and son relationship.
The Book Circle meets monthly to explore books by Jewish authors and Jewish themes. For more information about the group, email ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for Susan Rosenstreich, coordinator of the group.
Shul’s Tikkun Olam Initiative Continues Support To Local Community
The shul’s Tikkun Olam Initiative thanks the many congregants who donated to the School Supplies Drive for the children of CAST clients. We filled the red barrel three times, helping to give these students a great start to the new school year.
The Common Ground garden continues to produce organic vegetables and herbs. Each weekday, crates of zucchini, beets, peppers, basil, beans, tomatoes, carrots, etc. are harvested and brought to the CAST food pantry and other North Fork food banks. Volunteer gardeners from our synagogue as well as others from the community and local churches make this possible.
Congregation Tifereth Israel was publicly thanked at the CAST Parent-Child-Plus graduation for our donation of age-appropriate bilingual books to the 3- and 4-year-olds.
The TOI plans to continue supporting our local community.
Pictured, from left, Veronica Kaliski, Suzan Lipson and Madelyn Rothman harvest veggies at Common Ground.
Tom Byrne photo
Selichot
Saturday, September 13, 7-7:30 p.m., hybrid
Shul member and Judaic scholar Chuck Simon will step onto the bimah
for an inspiring Selichot Service on Saturday, September 13, from 7-7:30 p.m.
Chuck’s talks are always insightful, providing listeners with
a thoughtful takeaway.
Join Chuck and our members and friends for his perspective on the
Selichot observance.
The Selichot service is offered traditionally during the Jewish month of Elul
as a transition between the current year and the upcoming
High Holidays
Included in the service are songs, stories, and prayers composed by the ancient poets
appropriate to the season and to events here and around the world.
Let us join together in communal good will, good faith
and a good start to the New Year.
High Holidays Calendar For This Year: 5785-5786
Download High Holiday Calendar here.
Leading services this year are Rabbi Debra Cantor, and Cantor William Weinstein.
(Not to be confused: Debra Cantor is a rabbi; William Weinstein is a cantor.)
Shul members and friends joined Rabbi Cantor in the sanctuary on the Shabbat weekend of August 22 and 23, where she provided inspirational services and learning. She is the spiritual leader of Congregation B’Nai Tikvoh-Sholom in Bloomfield, CT, having previously served as rabbi of the historic Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn, and Congregation Tifereth Israel in Andover, Mass. She has an extensive background in Jewish education, with expertise in adult learning, leadership development, and Jewish outreach.
Rabbi Cantor was a member of the first JTS class to include women, and was ordained in 1988. She is a cum laude graduate of Brandeis University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. She holds a master’s from JTS.
Cantor Weinstein has offered cantorial services at Torat Emet, Columbus, Ohio; Etz Chaim Synagogue, Jacksonville, FL; Congregation Dor Tikvah, Charleston, SC; Shaarei Orah in Bala Cynwyd, PA; and at our shul last year for a Selichot service. Previously, he led Masorti/Conservative services for Hillel at Arizona State University.
Cantor Weinstein, a classi8cally trained musician, attended the Settlement Music School in Willow Grove, PA, and Arizona State University; he was tutored by professional and lay leaders in Jewish music.
Members and friends are invited to join us in our historic building at 519 Fourth Street, Greenport, NY, for an exceptional experience in Judaic tradition and communal worship.
Reservations are not required. No entrance fee is charged. But in the spirit of the holiday tradition of giving, you may, of course, mail a contribution to Congregation Tifereth Israel, P.O. Box 659, Greenport, NY 11944. We thank you for helping us maintain an active Jewish presence here on the North Fork of Long Island.
For additional information, please call Elaine Goldman at 631-765-3504.
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