Shul News & Notes

Fifty years ago, Leo Rosten captured the fun and spirit of Yiddish in his classic work, The Joys of Yiddish. That spirit was well represented at our shul on Sunday afternoon, July 14, when Yiddish speakers and wannabe Yiddish speakers got together in the community room of the shul to share words and phrases that were common in our childhood households.

Some of the participants had learned the language from their parents and grandparents, who had brought it with them from the shtels in Europe. Others said their parents had used Yiddish to keep their children from knowing what they were saying to each other. How quickly those children learned and were privy to conversations not meant for them.

While few use the language exclusively now, key words and phrases have become part of the lexicon in many Jewish families. Sharing made for a delightful afternoon, so much so that the group is planning to meet again on Sunday, Sept. 15. Those interested in participating can call Sisterhood president Adrianne Greenberg at 631-477-0813 for more information.

The membership is commending Sisterhood president Adrianne Greenberg for arranging Friday evening Onegs and Saturday Kiddush lunches. To that end, many thanks to July preparers Deborah Pittorino/The Greenporter Hotel & Spa, Miriam Gabriel, Phil and Elaine Goldman, and the Sisterhood president herself.

The tasks are simple to perform, and volunteers are needed. Won’t you step up, and sign up? Visit the shul’s website, click on the “oneg and kiddish volunteers” link, and enter your name in any available date. First-timers can download the instructions. Questions? Call the shul at 631-477-0232 and leave a message for Adrianne.

The popular Journal Dinner-Dance event, to be held this year on Sunday, Sept. 8, puts the fun in fundraiser. The festivities will start at 5 p.m., at The Halyard restaurant, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, music and dancing, a lavish silent auction of goods and services, and official recognition of this year’s honorees, cited for their contributions to the North Fork communities and to the synagogue.

From the community, the Journal Dinner-Dance committee has chosen to honor the Greenport Fire Department on the 175th anniversary of its founding and its continuing commitment to the health and safety of villagers and their properties. Cited from the synagogue are shul members Alice Nadel, MD, and Paul Nadel for their support of the spiritual, educational and social activities and events that contribute to the success of the synagogue’s program.

Invitations to the event are being prepared, and will be in your mailboxes soon. In the meantime, mark your calendars now so you won’t miss a minute of this most enjoyable evening.

Keep in mind, also, that the Journal Dinner-Dance is a fundraiser. Ads in the journal, dinner tickets, and silent auction purchases account for a third of the shul’s operating budget. The committee asks that you be generous when purchasing ads that convey your messages of congratulations and good wishes. Remember also that merchants and service people you patronize would like to be included in the journal that provides the funding for events and activities open to all North Fork residents and visitors. Call Elaine Goldman for ad forms.

The Journal Dinner-Dance has been a shul tradition for more than 25 years. With your help, this year’s event could be the biggest and best of them all.