Shul News & Notes
Book Circle Chooses A Shocking True Story With Roots In History
The Book Circle has chosen to read an account of a shocking true story as its November selection. The group will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 3:30 p.m., on CTI’s Zoom to talk about Allegra Goodman’s story, Isola.
In this thriller, Marguerite is destined for a life of prosperity and privilege. Suddenly orphaned, her guardian spends her inheritance, then takes her on a trip where she is accused of betrayal, punished and abandoned on a small island. Here she discovers a faith she never before needed. It is a timeless story of a woman fighting for survival.
The Book Circle meets monthly to explore books by Jewish writers exploring Jewish topics. For more information about the group, email ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for Susan Rosenstreich, coordinator of the group.
A Hanukkah Idea: Delightfully-Drawn Notecards By David Tamarkin
New Vender Joins Gift Shop Artisans Just In Time For The Holiday
As the chief buyer for the Gift Shop (actually the single display case in the lobby), I’m always on the lookout for something special to offer our members. With Hanukkah coming, these notecards caught my eye.
Hand-drawn and painted by David Tamarkin, an artist I recently discovered at Peconic Landing, I learned that his drawings, with their simple lines and sweet subject matter are enormously popular, and I’m pleased to offer them to shul members and friends. Pictured here are David’s most popular themes: florals, sports, and that adorable child sitting on the beach. He designs under the banner of King David Art. Each “package” contains two cards for $8. For other Hanukkah essentials — dreidels, choco coins, candles, menorahs, plus gift-giving — visit the Gift Shop. Or email sarabloom4@gmail.com
How Many Shofar Blowers Does It Take To End Yom Kippur Services?
Apparently More Than One…
Adrianne Greenberg is our chief shofar blower, and her skills are amazing. What a sound she produces from that small ram’s horn. And for the final blast before the break-the-fast meal, she shakes the rafters.
Nevertheless, Rabbi Debra Cantor had a different idea: If one shofar blower can make that kind of music, what would 10 or more shofar blowers sound like?
To test, she brought a whole basket of shofars to our Yom Kippur service, and invited folks to join the shofar choir. No lack of volunteers.
And it was a WOW! A great idea, great sound, great fun. A memorable close to our Yom Kippur services with Rabbi Debra Cantor and Cantor William Weinstein.
Photo submitted by Gordon Henry
It Was Just A Bunch Of Poles And Fabric…And Then It Was A Sukkah
Hardly a breath had elapsed between the last bite of bagel at the break-the-fast meal on Thursday, Oct. 2, when came a shout-out for volunteers: “Hey, everybody, we’re having a Build-the-Sukkah Party on Sunday. Come on down.”
Really? Sukkot already?
Yup. So a bunch of us hauled up all the pieces from the basement — long poles, short poles, rolled-up slats for roofing, various unidentifiable bits and pieces, and a gigantic blue and white canvas that somehow all together would create a room. We laid all of it on the grass in Andrew Levin Park — and we stared at the array for a long while.
Adrianne Greenberg, chief architect and engineer for the project, had thoughtfully emailed the major workers a how-to video, which was supposed to make assembly clear.
It seemed to work because before the morning was over, a bunch of poles and fabric miraculously turned into a decorated Sukkah with a door, windows, interior lighting, and tables and chairs ready for the first Sukkah event on Monday evening, when members of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Southold were invited to join shul members in welcoming the holiday of Sukkot with Rabbi Debra Cantor leading the service.
We continued to celebrate the holiday with still-delicious leftover lunches in the Sukkah with Rabbi Debra sharing observances, lulav and etrog, songs and stories. Wonderful holiday. SMB photo
Handy Granddaughter Lends A Hand At Shul’s Common Ground Beds
When Alana Weiss visited her gramma, Susan Rosenstreich, she was all-in when the fun activity for the two of them was weeding, planting and harvesting veggies and herbs at Common Ground. There, in exchange for gardening space at Treiber Farm, organizations can raise crops and donate to local food pantries.
Susan Rosenstreich is a founding member of the Tikkun Olam Initiative group at our shul, which donates to CAST the carrots and squash, lettuce and parsley, and baskets of herbs the group raises. Maintaining the garden beds is a summer project for the TOI — and visiting grandchildren.
Throughout the year, the group organizes drives for school supplies, coats for kids, and personal hygiene items, among others. In addition, the TOI purchases chickens for CAST clients at holiday times.
For more information about the TOI and its charitable work, or to volunteer your help, email ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for Veronica Kaliski, chair of the group.
SRosenstreich photo
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