Shul News & Notes
Community Text Study On the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah
Dear Tifereth Israel Friends –
On the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah, I will be leading a Community Text Study following the Torah service and the sounding of the shofar. That morning, the Torah reading is about the Akedah – the Binding of Isaac. During our text study, we’ll explore some powerful new Israeli poetry related to the Akedah. Then we’ll blow shofar (again) and conclude the service.
Printed handouts will be provided at the shul. But if you’re planning to join us on Zoom, you may want to print out the attached source sheet in advance so you can follow along with our discussion.
Take care. Looking forward to being with you very soon!
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Cantor
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.
Get Social