Shul News & Notes
An Update On The High Holidays Matching Gift Campaign
As promised, The Shofar has been monitoring the flow of funds in response to the High Holidays Matching Gift Campaign, which kicked off with a challenge to members and friends to meet the match. This is the first time that our shul has appealed for funds in this way, and families have been contributing generously in order to take advantage of the dollar-for-dollar match, some of them contributing additional funds for the match when sending in annual synagogue membership dues and Sisterhood/Men’s Club dues.
Keep in mind that each day’s mail brings additions to the match. However, the most recent tabulation by shul treasurer Alan Garmise is that, so far, an impressive 83 separate contributions have been added to the match.
As we look to the future of a Jewish presence here in Greenport, to our historic building, and to the spiritual, educational and social programs that keep us connected to our past as well as our future, we must act in the present. If you have not yet contributed, we hope you will participate with a gift to our shul at P.O. Box 659, Greenport, NY, 11944.
Rabbi Gadi Leads Menorah Lighting, Rubin Unveiling On Zoom
Hanukkah arrived on Dec. 10, and what a festival of lights it was. Rabbi Gadi led prayers and songs from the sanctuary, while more than 60 members and friends joined on Zoom with their menorahs, ready to light them in unison with Rabbi Gadi. Prior to lighting the menorahs in the sanctuary and in homes across the North Fork, Rabbi Gadi unveiled the memorial plaque for Stanley Rubin, our long-time gabbai and a beloved member of our shul.
Zoom events throughout the coronavirus pandemic, including High Holiday services, Shabbat services, Hanukkah events, membership events, board and congregation meetings, and Lunch and Learn presentations have maintained Jewish life for our members and guests.
—Zoom screen shots by SMBloom
Shul Members Respond Generously To CAST Request For Personal Items
When an announcement was circulated to shul members that CAST (Community Action Southold Town) was soliciting personal care items for clients in need during the Christmas season, the congregation responded with dental supplies, lotions, baby items, and other necessities important to the health and well-being of the organization’s clients.
Four shul members — Veronica Kaliski, Suzi Rosenstreich, Madelyn Rothman and Cookie Slade — spearheaded the request for donations, announcing that a box would be left by the shul’s kitchen door, where items could be deposited and then delivered to CAST by the women. The box soon was overflowing with supplies, as the photo showing the first delivery clearly attests. To date, 15 bags of items have been donated. With cash contributions, the women purchased items.
The Christmas drive concluded successfully, with grateful thanks from CAST to our shul members and the four holiday elves who made it a happy Christmas for neighbors in need.
—MRothman photo
Our Membership Miracle
Even in a pandemic, our shul has added to its membership roll. The Shofar joins the congregation in welcoming Emanuel Bloom and Elizabeth Levi Senigaglia of New York City; Linda Feigelson of Orient and New York City; Nathan Graf and Marisa Ryan of Shelter Island, Jerry Ronkin of Florida, Ken and Nancy Stein of East Marion, Jurgen Riehle and Margo Perman of Greenport, Rob Brown and Suri Lan-Brown of Plainview, Richard and Dania Schwartz of East Marion and West Palm Beach, and Rabbi Charles Simon of New York City.
In addition, we are thrilled to welcome back Leah Friedman (with one n), who left us for New York City and now has returned to Shelter Island, a brief ferry ride from our shul; and also Marian Friedmann (with two n’s), who joins us on Zoom from her East End Avenue aerie, where she gardens and enjoys the New York City views.
We got to know our new and returning members at a Happy Hour event on Dec. 14. Great turnout. Thanks to all for making it memorable.
An Update On The High Holidays Matching Gift Campaign
As promised, the Shofar has been monitoring the flow of funds in response to the High Holidays Matching Gift Campaign, which kicked off with a challenge to members and friends to meet the match. This is the first time that our shul has appealed for funds in this way, and families have been contributing generously in order to take advantage of the dollar-for-dollar match.
Keep in mind that each day’s mail brings additions to the match. However, the most recent tabulation by shul treasurer Alan Garmise is that, so far, an impressive 70 individuals and/or families of members and friends have responded to the challenge.
As we look to the future of a Jewish presence here in Greenport, to our historic building, and to the spiritual, educational and social programs that keep us connected to our past as well as our future, we must act in the present. If you have not yet contributed, we hope you will participate with a gift to our shul at P.O. Box 659, Greenport, NY, 11944.
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